National Nurse Practitioner Week is November 8-14
“National Nurse Practitioner Week is held annually to celebrate these exceptional health care providers and to remind lawmakers of the importance of removing outdated barriers to practice so that nurse practitioners (NPs) will be allowed to practice to the full extent of their experience and education.” (aanp.org)
As we celebrate all nurse practitioners this week, some of our alumni shared an update on where they are now and gave advice to current NP students.
Katie Peterson, DNP, FNP-C
Katie Peterson graduated with her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2017. She currently works at a rural primary care clinic, Compass Health, in Marceline, MO.
“I love being a nurse practitioner because I get to help care for patients, making a difference in the lives of people and the small community I serve,” Peterson said.
Peterson’s advice to current NP students, “School is stressful and a lot at times, but try to soak it up and learn all that you can while given the opportunity. Your teachers and preceptors will be some of your best resources.”
Seth Jenks, DNP, FNP-C
Seth Jenks graduated in 2017 with his Doctor of Nursing Practice. He currently works at Elite Pain Management and Recovery Centers.
“I love the provider role, to be able to help my patients work towards their goals in pain management. I take care of patients with chronic pain. We are also a recovery center to help patients with Opioid Use Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder,” Jenks said.
Jenk’s advice to current NP students, “Take it one day at a time. NP school was never meant to be easy. Don’t let one bad grade on a test or assignment derail you. Hang in there and learn all that you can while you are a student so that you will be the best NP for your patients!”
Molly Aasby Allen, DNP, FNP-C
Molly Aasby Allen graduated in 2017 with her Doctor of Nursing Practice. She currently works at Mercy Head & Neck Surgery in Springfield, MO.
“I love building relationships with patients and their families. I primarily work with those who have cancer of the head and neck. Helping guide patients through such a challenging time is very rewarding and certainly makes you appreciate the little things. Being able to work closely with my collaborating physician is also a blessing and allows us to provide a higher level of care for our patients!”
Aasby’s advice to current NP studnets, “Jump in and get all the experiences you can! Your hard work will be worth it!”
Melissa Reynolds, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Melissa Reynolds graduated in 2019 with her Doctor of Nursing Practice. She currently works at Mercy St. Robert Family Medicine.
“I love hearing patients tell me I’ve made a positive impact in their life and health. Empowering patients to take their health in their own hands with the guidance of NPs is what it’s all about.” Reynolds said.
Reynolds’ advice to current NP students, “Keep on. Don’t give up. Ask for help. It’s all worth it in the end.”
Laura Barnett, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Laura Barnett graduated in 2020 with her Doctor of Nursing Practice. She currently works at Mercy’s Emergency Department in Cassville.
Barnett enjoys the, “flexibility the career provides and the constant challenge of continued learning and knowledge development.”
Barnett’s advice to current NP students, “Don’t think you have to settle on a new NP position because it’s a job and it’s what is available… If that position is not what you know you’re going to love, it’s not the position for you. Sometimes time is all you need for the perfect opportunity to find you.”
Morgan Trokey III, DNP, FNP-C
Morgan Trokey graduated with his Doctor of Nursing Practice in May, 2020. He currently works with Vascular Surgery Mercy Springfield.
“As a recent graduate and new vascular surgery NP working closely with my collaborating physician/surgeon, I have been able to be a part of all areas of care in our clinic. From assisting in the operating room, rounding on patients in the hospital, and being on call for the vascular group. The great education I received at MSU has helped prepare me for the demanding role and gave me the tools to adapt to this role,” Trokey said.
Trokey’s advice to current NP students, “stay the course and fall in love with the process of learning. The long days and nights staying up reading guidelines/research, writing papers, studying, and clinical time is helping to prepare you to handle the many demands of the advanced practice RN. Be adaptable to any situation you are placed in and stay professional at all times.”
Thank you and happy Nurse Practitioner Week Dr. Peterson, Dr. Jenks, Dr. Reynolds, Dr. Barnett, Dr. Trokey and to all the hard working NPs out there. We appreciate you all!
Missouri State School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing with option in Family Nurse Practitioner as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice program.