Tuesday, May 27, 2014

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.

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