Stacy Dean, ANP-BC, vice president of clinical operations at Neighborhood Health Center, shares her experience of being both a medical provider and part of Neighborhood's leadership team.

Q: What inspired you to become a nurse practitioner?

A: As a nurse practitioner, we can independently manage a patient from taking a history, to making a diagnosis, to putting together a treatment plan, even monitoring a patient's response and progress. I found this to be a rewarding experience with the ability to make a difference in a patient's life and build a professional relationship.

Q: Why are NPs important to the healthcare ecosystem?

A: A nurse practitioner is initially a registered nurse so we are trained with the foundation of direct patient care. Nurse practitioners have many areas of specialties allowing us to manage patients across the age continuum and be a key player in a patient's health care team.

Q: When did you join Neighborhood Health Center and how did your journey lead you to here?

A: I joined just over four years ago. I completed my MBA about a year before joining Neighborhood and wanted my next career opportunity to be one that allowed me to use my strong clinical foundation and incorporate my administrative knowledge. Neighborhood has a mission and vision that is near to me and aligns with my personal values of providing impactful healthcare.

Q: How does your nursing experience shape the way you make decisions?

A: My nursing experience as both a licensed nurse and advanced practice provider allows me to provide supportive and compassionate care to all patients.

Q: How likely is it that employees can advance their careers at Neighborhood?

A: Healthcare is an ever changing field that is evolving over time and professional growth is always an opportunity. I encourage all staff who have interest in progressing their career at Neighborhood Health Center to have an individual conversation with any of us in leadership to hear more about our personal journeys.