Meet Deborah Smith, FNP

Specialty: Family Nurse Practitioner
Now living in: Spokane
How long on the board: Prior to the inception of ARNPs United (when it was a fledgling interest group in WSNA), and new member of the transitional board, Fall, 2006.

Current work place and position: I have practiced in a small family practice office with a physician colleague for the past 21 years. I also teach in the Department of Nursing at Gonzaga University in all areas of our program – pre-licensure RN, RN to MNS, and in the graduate school, in the advanced nurse practice pathway. I am engaged in DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) studies at Case Western Reserve University.

Brief work history: I became a Family Nurse Practitioner in 1981 (University of Washington) and began practice in Sumner with the Urban Health Initiative in Pierce County. Upon returning to Spokane in 1986, I have worked in my practice as an FNP. Given my longevity I have worked with families through all growth stages, and now care for three generations. I love continuity! In 2001 also I began work part-time at Gonzaga University, as an Assistant Professor. I very much enjoy my work with students. My practice informs my teaching, and teaching informs my practice.

Why you chose your specialty: I wanted to “finish” my work with patients, rather than referring them for continuance nursing/health care. I also wanted to “make a difference” in a substantive way. Working as an FNP has exceeded my expectations, has challenged me to the hilt, and has been a delight and a surprise on a daily basis. It is indeed a privilege and an honor to work with remarkable people and the incredible human body on a daily basis.

Why you volunteered for the BOD: I strongly believe in this organization. The statewide organization of ARNPs United has the ability to empower NPs and their clients. I would be completely satisfied with ARNPs United if their work was solely within the legislative arena, representing ARNPs and their clients. ARNPs United fills a legislative gap with savvy. It is of utmost importance to practice and to patients to have an articulate and informed legislative presence. Legislative involvement is a part of practice that cannot be left untended.

What you most care about regarding NPs: I believe ARNPs and their clients can continue to work together to explore and individualize options which provide the best “fit” for improved health. ARNPS can work together to provide fair access, unparalleled health care, and to challenge the best ways to react to the present, as well as to shape the future.

Your hopes for AUWS: I hope that AUWS can grow and expand its political influence. In the present and the future, I hope that we can continue to react defensively to challenges lobbed at our scope of practice. I also hope that we can expend our energy to react more proactively in a way to maximize and legislatively build on our unique contributions to our clients, our healthcare system and to nursing. I would like to see ARNPs throughout the state support AUWS financially, and to be available to provide expert testimony to further our legislative goals. Our true strength can be realized by supporting AUWS in numbers. If we do so we will fulfill our contract to our patients regarding accessible, safe, fair, and individualized health care.