Family Nurse Practitioners are Vital to Rural Healthcare: Pam Davis, FNP

The first advanced education program for nursing in the United States began in the 1960s as the demand for primary care began to grow beyond the number of physicians available to provide it. Today the need for primary care remains greater than ever due to an aging population and many new individuals with healthcare coverage as a result of Accountable Care Act.

In Atchison and Holt Counties, mid-level providers have been a mainstay of the healthcare team for many years. In Missouri, family nurse practitioners can meet many primary care needs and each FNP has a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. Mid level providers extend the reach of physicians, provide emergency care and fulfill specialized roles like pediatric care. The relationship Family Nurse Practitioners have with CH-F physicians also ensures patients have a quick and efficient avenue to the physician when needed.

Pam Davis FNP

Pam Davis FNP has been taking care of patients in Atchison County since she graduated from nursing school in 1978. When she is not camping with her husband, Jim, or doting on her adorable grandson, MJ, she is undoubtedly trying to make someone feel better at the Tarkio Family Practice Center or Rock Port Family Medical Center where she has been serving as a Family Nurse Practitioner for nearly 20 years.

“In 1993, Dr. Hrabik convinced me to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner. Advanced practice nursing was beginning to play an important role in healthcare in underserved rural areas at that time. I have always wanted to see that our county has healthcare available so I felt it was a good career move for me and good for our patients” explained Pam.

“I truly enjoy working alongside our physicians in striving to be available for the residents of our county and those surrounding counties. My goal is to stay current in health care issues and provide the best possible care to our patients. I love working with all stages of life and being a family nurse practitioner allows me to do so” explains Pam.

Meet our Providers: Connie Anderson, FNP

Our Family Nurse Practitioners: Vital to Rural Healthcare

The first advanced education program for nursing in the United States began in the 1960s as the demand for primary care began to grow beyond the number of physicians available to provide it. Today the need for primary care remains greater than ever due to an aging population and many new individuals with healthcare coverage as a result of Accountable Care Act.

In Atchison and Holt Counties, mid-level providers have been a mainstay of the healthcare team for many years. In Missouri, family nurse practitioners can meet many primary care needs and each FNP has a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. Mid level providers extend the reach of physicians, provide emergency care and fulfill specialized roles like pediatric care. The relationship Family Nurse Practitioners have with CH-F physicians also ensures patients have a quick and efficient avenue to the physician when needed.

Meet Connie Anderson, FNP

Connie Anderson, FNP brings a unique perspective to the CH-F team after running her own clinic while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq during 2007 and 2008. While in Iraq, she provided primary care for both military and contract workers.

“Because I ran a clinic there, I have become more assertive and confident as a nurse practitioner, but at the same time, I have become more compassionate, because I experienced so much in Iraq,” she said.

Connie has been a nurse since 1970 and a FNP since 2004. She enjoys working at the CH-F Emergency Room because of the relationship among providers.

“There is a great connection between nurse practitioners and physicians. We are a great team,” explained Connie.

Connie is also a mom and grandma and makes her home in Maryville, Mo.

Meet Our Providers: Becky Heits FNP

During the first two weeks of May, hospitals all over the United States celebrate Nursing Week and Hospital Week. We love the opportunity to celebrate our hardworking staff. We also feel it is a great time to tell you more about some of our fantastic providers, our nurse practitioners.

Our Family Nurse Practitioners: Vital to Rural Healthcare

The first advanced education program for nursing in the United States began in the 1960s as the demand for primary care began to grow beyond the number of physicians available to provide it. Today the need for primary care remains greater than ever due to an aging population and many new individuals with healthcare coverage as a result of Accountable Care Act.

In Atchison and Holt Counties, mid-level providers have been a mainstay of the healthcare team for many years. In Missouri, family nurse practitioners can meet many primary care needs and each FNP has a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. Mid level providers extend the reach of physicians, provide emergency care and fulfill specialized roles like pediatric care. The relationship Family Nurse Practitioners have with CH-F physicians also ensures patients have a quick and efficient avenue to the physician when needed.

Meet Becky Heits, FNP

Becky Heits began her career thirty years ago as a nurse’s aide at Community Hospital-Fairfax. She went on to become a RN. Through the years, she continued her education and in August of 2013, she celebrated her graduation from a nurse practitioner program. Shortly after her graduation, she began seeing patients in the CH-F Emergency Room.

When asked why she felt called to be a nurse practitioner she explained, “A nurse practitioner is a unique blend of nursing and medical. I wanted to partner with patients to assist them in attaining their optimal health. With the lack of primary care doctors in rural areas, nurse practitioners play an important role in providing healthcare.”

Becky thrives on the challenges provided by her work. She believes strongly in treating her patients with respect and compassion just like her own family.

Becky is a lifelong Northwest Missouri native. She currently lives in Tarkio, but was raised in Mound City. She is married to Todd and they have a son, Kyle.

Community Hospital-Fairfax is so proud of Becky and all that she has accomplished. We are so grateful to her and to all of our staff for choosing rural healthcare! Stay tuned to meet more of nurse practitioners through the coming weeks!