STRONG—Nichole
Yeaton, FNP will be joining Strong Area Health Center in May. She completed the
Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Walden University in 2018. Previously, she
obtained a BA in Psychology at the University of Maine at Farmington, an
associate’s degree in Nursing at Central Maine Medical Center School of
Nursing, and a MBA at the University of Utah. She brings 16 years of registered
nurse experience.
Niki
recently shared: “Having grown up in the Western Foothills of Maine, returning
to my local community as a healthcare provider brings me full circle. I met Dr.
Schwink many years ago as she was caring for a family member. What struck me
the most was her compassion and approach to healthcare. In deciding on a region
to practice my profession, the Strong Area Health Center came to mind. I wanted
to join a group of providers who value high quality affordable healthcare where
the patient is the center of that care.”
She
continued, “Having some of the best hiking and skiing in my backyard is also a
strong draw to the region. I spent many years on the Titcomb Mountain Ski
Patrol before retiring to spend more time pursuing my career as a FNP. Raising
a family in rural Maine offers many different opportunities for improving our
outdoor quality of life. I look forward to reacquainting myself and my family
to the Mountains of Maine.”
Regrading
her philosophy of care, Niki stated, “I believe in providing patients with the
education they need to make their individual healthcare decisions. I do not
believe that healthcare is a “one size fits all or else” modality. By ensuring
patients have an understanding as to why we want to improve their health, we
are arming them with the power to affect their lives for the better. Franklin
County and the Strong area are well known for having hardworking residents who
value their independence and freedom to choose. By actively listening and
hearing what our patients are telling us, I hope to create a collaborative
relationship with the patients and families of Strong and the local
communities.”
Niki
will be joining physician Ann Schwink and physician assistant Madelyn Besse who
provide healthcare, Kelly Bell Bragg who offers psychiatric medication
management, and Katherine Kemp who works with patients on behavioral health
needs. In addition, the health center houses a dental center where Dr. George
Ditomassi, as well as hygienists Sharon Smith-Bouchard and Briana Beedy, offer
oral health services.
Strong Area Health Center is part of HealthReach Community Health
Centers, a system of eleven Federally Qualified Health Centers in Central and
Western Maine. Dedicated providers deliver high-quality medical and behavioral
healthcare to citizens in over 80 rural communities. To ensure access to
everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare and major insurances. In
addition, an Affordable Care Program is available to uninsured and underinsured
residents as well as assistance with applications for programs that help with
the cost of healthcare and medications, including the Health Insurance
Marketplace.
A
private non-profit with a 44-year history, HealthReach is funded by patient
fees, grants and by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRS) of
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award
totaling $4,053,390 with 82.5 percent financed with non-governmental sources.
The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the
official views of, nor are an endorsement by, the HRSA, HHS or the U.S.
Government.