Get to Know Kenna L. Wagner, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Coplin Health Systems is pleased to welcome Kenna L. Wagner, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC to its healthcare team. Kenna will utilize her skills in a multitude of ways, including working within school-based healthcare, acute care, preventative medicine, and chronic disease management for all ages.

We chatted with Kenna about her healthcare experience and what she’s looking forward to in her role at Coplin.

What drove you to choose this career path?
Since childhood, I’ve always enjoyed science – particularly anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and biology. I always had a strong desire to know why something occurred and I genuinely loved learning new things. After some early life obstacles, I entered the healthcare field, and my desire to learn propelled me through my healthcare and educational journeys until I became a nurse practitioner.

Activities you do beyond what most people see.
I am continuously obtaining knowledge and education for certifications and skills that provide my patients with more services closer to home.

If you could give one piece of health advice, what would it be?
Disease prevention reduces the burden of disease management.

Misconceptions people often have about your job?
Nurse practitioners have advanced training beyond their initial nursing school training. We pass a national board certification exam and then obtain state licensure and prescriptive authority.

Family nurse practitioners can diagnose, treat, and manage both acute and chronic health conditions for patients of all ages in many different types of healthcare settings.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job?
I enjoy helping patients fully understand their medical conditions, take charge of them, and reduce their need for pharmaceutical intervention.

What might surprise people to know about you?
I started in healthcare as a nurse’s aide while I attended a local technical school for medical office assistant, billing, and coding. After obtaining employment as a medical receptionist, I craved more hands-on patient care and returned to school and became a certified medical assistant and phlebotomist. I worked as a CMA for several years and with the encouragement of a mentor, I returned to school for my associate degree in nursing. While working as an RN in the ER and ICU, I continued my nursing education and completed a bachelor’s degree and finally a master’s degree in nursing to finally become a family nurse practitioner. All of these things were accomplished while working and having a family.

What community or volunteer activities do you participate in?
Sufficient Grace Ministries, PTO, and 4-H.

Professional Interests? (ie, immunizations, diabetes, healthy eating, etc.)
Preventative healthcare, hormonal imbalances, and obesity management.

Fun facts about yourself?
My favorite color is purple. My favorite foods are fresh garden veggies. I drive a bright red motorcycle. My cat’s name is Jubilee.

What do you love (or look forward to) the most about your job?
Caring for entire families throughout their lifespan.

Tell us about you personally.
I’m originally from Elizabeth, WV, but I currently live in Lowell, Ohio with my husband Kevin and three sons Logan (18), Levi (11), and Lucas (19). I enjoy attending my children’s baseball, wrestling, band, 4-H, and FFA activities. I also enjoy reading, gardening, photography, and traveling in my spare time.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Kenna L. Wagner, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, please call 304-275-3117. Wirt County Schools Wellness Center is located in Elizabeth, West Virginia.