Ya’ll will recognize right away the southern drawl wrapped up in the smile when talking to Amber Conners, Family Nurse Practitioner. She’s currently assigned to the FHW Hospital, hospitalist office – which means she assists in caring for all the in-patient hospital patients (along with the
daily assigned physician).
Amber found her way to Western Colorado via Louisiana looking to be closer to family in Arizona, escape hurricane season, and explore more outdoor adventures. It’s hard to explain Amber’s story about becoming a nurse without telling you about her service in the Louisiana Air National Guard.
Rewind to 1993, Amber found herself signed up with the Louisiana Air National Guard, following in the proud footsteps of her grandfathers and father. I come from a long line of veterans, she proudly says.
“My service filled me with a sense of pride,” Amber said.
During her six years with the Air Guard, one significant project she was part of was going to Belize in 1997 for hurricane recovery relief. She was a weather technician for the Guard, and she was willing to sign on for more years of service but the Guard was requiring her to study forecasting in college and the problem was – she was already in nursing school. Turns out, Amber has a passion for helping people that extends beyond the National Guard uniform.
She chose to continue her nursing school and exited the Guard in 1999. Amber was a registered nurse for a decade before she returned to school to get her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of South Alabama.
“I have a great sense of satisfaction in seeing patients go home healthier and with increased independence. I enjoy seeing patients meet their health goals,” she said.
However, she said she does miss the continuity of care that occurs in treating patients in the FHW Primary Care Clinic. However, she has had new opportunities to assist in teaching, and that brings gratitude and satisfaction.
“In the hospital, every day is different, I never know what the day will bring. I also get the opportunity to teach new Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants, helping them complete their clinical hours.”
Together we flourish!
For more information about the FHW Hospital visit https://fhw.org
