Why Choose a Nurse Practitioner as a Primary Care Provider

In the world of healthcare, Nurse Practitioners play a vital role in delivering quality patient care, especially in community settings in rural West Virginia. During National Nurse Practitioner Week, we had the privilege of speaking with Heather Ritchie, FNP, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner at Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA), to better understand the impact and responsibilities NPs have in the community. Heather also shares her inspiration for becoming a Nurse Practitioner and more in this Q&A.

Can you briefly describe your role and responsibilities as a Nurse Practitioner at BCHA?

Yes, my role and responsibilities at BCHA are primarily focused on patient care. I work at the Belington and Myers Quick Care clinics, where I see and treat sick or injured patients. We encounter a wide range of conditions, from colds, flu, strep, and COVID to sprains and lacerations. My responsibilities include assessing patients, interpreting lab results and X-rays, and providing appropriate treatment within my scope of practice.

What inspired you to become a Nurse Practitioner, and what led you to work at BCHA?

I’ve been a nurse since 2009 and loved working at the bedside in the ED, ICU and tele floors. However, I wanted to be more involved in the community while taking a more active role in the health promotion and prevention of my patients, more than bedside nursing could offer. This drove me to pursue a Master’s in Science and become a Nurse Practitioner. I was led to BCHA because they were opening a new walk-in clinic, and my previous clinic was closing around the same time. It just felt like it was meant to be.

How do Nurse Practitioners contribute to the well-being of the community, and what unique aspects do they bring to patient care?

Nurse Practitioners are a great asset to any community because of our unique skill set. Many of us have worked at the bedside in hospitals, and we understand what it means to treat the whole person, not just the disease or diagnosis. I believe that experience is one of the most unique aspects of being an NP. We know how important it is to treat the body, mind and spirit. This sometimes means carving the extra time needed to incorporate their religious and cultural perspectives within their care and this also helps to improve patient compliance.

Can you share a memorable patient success story that highlights the impact of Nurse Practitioners in our community?

When it comes to success in healthcare, it does not always mean reversal or complete healing of a disease or condition. Sometimes it simply means understanding and caring. This involves listening and involving the patient in the care they receive. I have multiple stories, but one in  particular was with a patient who was terminal. We stumbled upon his diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer with mets – that is a death sentence, and he knew it! But, this was someone who never went to the doctor and was just a tough country boy, until now. He was scared and didn’t know what to do. So, I listened, and I counseled him and I prayed with him, and he decided to take an active part in his treatment. He went to specialists, chemo, and radiation to the point that he did not think he could go anymore, and he would just come into the office to talk and tell me about his day. He made it 11 months after his diagnosis, but a couple of his visits before he passed, he looked so happy and ready. He spent time with his family, turned to God, and felt better than he had in years…despite his diagnosis. He thanked me for listening and caring enough to counsel, pray, and just talk with him. This resonated with his family and friends, many of which decided to establish care within the clinic. What we do matters whether we know it or not, and as Nurse Practitioners, we bring a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and a desire to treat the whole patient to the practice of medicine for our communities.

Nurse Practitioners often work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals. How do you coordinate care with doctors, nurses, and other team members to provide comprehensive patient care?

Working in a quick care environment, we often need to send patients to the emergency room for further evaluation. I always make sure to call the receiving hospital and give a report to the ED provider or to a nurse. Another example is when we need psych evaluations when a patient is in an acute crisis. Thankfully BCHA has a wonderful behavioral health department that is willing to talk to patients the same day if needed. I have had to utilize the therapist in our office to help patients through their tough times and to help get them scheduled quickly for follow up appointments with behavioral health. What helps us here at BCHA is that everyone has a desire to provide efficient care for our patients and that makes collaboration even more effective.

Nurse Practitioners are known for their patient-centered approach. How do you build strong relationships with your patients, and what sets Nurse Practitioners apart in this regard?

When a nurse is taking care of a patient in the hospital, they spend a lot of time with each patient. They are with them for 12 hours a day or night, sometimes for multiple days in a row. Nurses take time to talk and get to know each patient and it helps them learn more about how to care for them. When nurses become NPs, we carry that care over into our practice. We take the time needed to figure out what the patient needs and how we can help them. Sometimes it’s just about sitting and listening without judging or interrupting.

In what ways have you seen Nurse Practitioners evolve and expand their scope of practice in recent years, and how has this benefited our community?

The biggest change I have seen in the evolution of NP practice is the ability for NPs to work independently. In the state of West Virginia, we need a collaborating physician for 3 years, and then we can apply for independent practice, meaning we don’t have to have a collaborating physician anymore. This has benefited communities by bringing healthcare to even the most rural and remote areas. There are not enough physicians to treat the whole county and allowing nurses to further their education to become independent Nurse Practitioners has really helped make healthcare more accessible for everyone.

What message would you like to convey to the community, patients, and colleagues during Nurse Practitioner Week about the essential role of Nurse Practitioners in healthcare?

That we are here to help and to make healthcare more accessible to more people. We care about our patients as a whole and focus on their needs as a part of our care, and we want their input and ideas to overcome barriers to healing and compliance.

Can you offer advice or encouragement to aspiring Nurse Practitioners who may be considering a career in healthcare, especially in a community setting like ours?

Just go for it, it’s worth it. School is hard, but the reward of caring for your community is worth it. As Nurse Practitioners, we bring our nursing experience to the field of practicing medicine and that makes all the difference in the care we provide.

What are some ongoing initiatives or goals for the future that you and your team have to further improve patient care and community health?

I am not quite sure what the team has in mind, but I believe that through community outreach programs and accessible care, we will continue to provide and improve care throughout our communities. Having access to family practice, behavioral health, lab, radiology, and quick care services provided by BCHA, our communities are able to obtain all of their healthcare needs within one organization. This provides continuity of care that was not possible many years ago.

This week, we are feeling extra grateful for our four Nurse Practitioners within BCHA – Heather Ritchie, FNP; Joyce Wilson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C; Amy Rollins, APRN-FNP, and Rhonda Parker, DNP. Thank you for all you do to provide the compassionate and quality care that our communities deserve.

Call BCHA today to make an appointment with one of our caring Nurse Practitioners!