| Wilson
pursues doctorate
Megan Wilson, FNP, PNP, has completed six semesters towards a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree and will graduate 
in the spring from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The
clinically oriented doctoral program requires a research project which
Wilson plans on completing locally prior to graduation.
She has been a member of the St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics staff since 2005 after receiving her Masters as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from Idaho State University and her Family Nurse Practitioner Degree from the University of Missouri. Prior to joining the SMHC staff she worked in pediatric nursingfive years; in an ER eight years and as a flight nurse for 12 years. “After completing my Masters of Science I wanted to pursue my doctorate, but didn’t feel a PhD was the right direction for me since I didn’t want to go into academics or research, but wanted a clinical focus,” said Wilson. “The DNP is a relatively new doctoral program developed within the past ten years. Obtaining the degree will not change my current role or the types of patients I see, but it will enhance my ability to provide patient care and, hopefully, improve my interactions with employees, peers and administration in a more synergistic manner.” Dr. Jack Secrest, SMHC Family Practice physician, is serving as her advisor. She currently helps staff the five satellite SMHC clinics and is one of the three health care providers staffing the Grangeville Medical Clinic. She sees pediatric, adult and geriatric patients on Mondays and Thursdays in Cottonwood, on Wednesdays in Grangeville and on Tuesdays and Fridays in Kamiah. She also rotates to the other clinics when necessary. According to Wilson, she plans on working with local farmers to educate them about deep vein thrombosis for her project. “Over the past several years I have seen several farmers who were diagnosed with lower extremity DVT or a blood clot after sitting in tractors or combines for an extended period of time. These DVTs are potentially preventable. I hope to attend several local grower meetings to talk with agricultural workers on risks and prevention strategies.” Wilson spent a week in Pittsburgh at the doctoral program’s onset and will return this spring for another week. She attends classes via a web cam, interactive videos and fulfills the clinical requirements, locally. “The classes and interactions with the instructors are exceptional and a great learning experience. I couldn’t do the technical part of the online work if it weren’t for the help and expertise of my family and friends. In fact, my mother said ‘it may take a village to raise a child, but it is taking an entire family to get Megan through school,’ laughed Wilson who moved to Nezperce to be closer to family. Wilson is interested in scheduling educational forums for agricultural workers. She invites suggestions for venues. She can be reached at the Cottonwood Medical Clinic, 962-3267. |
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