Meet Kristi Farrell, FNP

Specialty:  Family Health.
Now Living in: Kirkland, WA

How long on the Board: Since January 1, 2008.

Current work place and position: Lake Serene Clinic — an urgent care/primary care clinic in Lynwood, WA.

Brief work history: I have worked at the Lake Serene Clinic since April 2007. I thoroughly enjoy working there because I see patients of all ages with a wide range of issues. I perform adult and child well exams, provide acute and chronic care and perform minor surgical procedures. I have also worked at Northwest Endocrinology. While at NW Endocrinology I helped many elderly patients manage their diabetes, thyroid disorders, and osteoporosis.

Why specialty was chosen: I love children, adults and the elderly. The developmental and clinical issues facing each group are so different and so fascinating.

Why you volunteered for the Board: When I moved to Washington from Pennsylvania I was amazed at how progressive the laws are for nurse practitioners in this state. I am thankful for the ability to prescribe narcotics, to sign L&I forms and to have the privilege to work at a nurse practitioner run clinic. None of these things would have been possible without organizations such as AUWS. I firmly believe that nurse practitioners are ideally suited to provide the health care our state and country desperately need. I would like to increase the visibility of the profession, strengthen relationships between nurse practitioners in Washington State and continue to make legislative strides to increase the scope of practice for NPs. I am thankful for all the obstacles nurse practitioners overcame before my time, now I am ready to make my contributions to the profession. It is a privilege for me to serve as a member of the AUWS Board of Directors.

Care most about regarding ARNPs: It is very important to me for nurse practitioners to have the legal rights in our scope of practice to provide comprehensive care to all of our patients.

Hopes for AUWS: My hope is that AUWS will gain even more momentum in advancing the NP profession in the state of Washington. Specifically, I hope AUWS continues to promote awareness of pressing issues in the profession, to provide NPs with up to date information about licensing and networking opportunities and to support legislative efforts to support NP services.