River Valley Family Care is Growing, Meet Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Vickers

Coplin Health Systems is excited to welcome Ohio-native Stephanie Vickers, RN, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, FNP-C to its healthcare team. Stephanie will provide primary care to Coplin patients of all ages.

We chatted with Stephanie about her nursing career and what she’s looking forward to as a nurse practitioner with Coplin.

Tell us about yourself.

I am originally from Wellston, Ohio, but I currently live in Little Hocking, Ohio. I am married to Joe Vickers, my husband of almost 15 years. We have two children, Taylor (22) and Hayden (19), in college at Ohio University. I have two dachshunds, Zoey and Phoebe June. I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs. We all love traveling, watching movies, attending sporting events, being outdoors, and hunting together.

What types of services will you offer at Coplin?

The types of services I will provide include primary care for all ages, which includes managing acute and chronic conditions, preventative exams, and women’s health.

What drove you to choose this career path?

As a nurse practitioner working in a rural community, I will have the ability to have a significant impact not just on the lives of my patients, but also on the community as a whole. I want to build a deep connection with my patients and the community I serve.

What activities do you do beyond what most people see?

Behind the scenes, I spend a lot of time documenting, reviewing patients’ charts, reviewing and ordering labs, collaborating with other medical staff, and completing administrative tasks. I also spend a lot of time studying and keeping up to date with current evidence-based practices and any practice changes.

If you could give one piece of health advice, what would it be?

Prevention is key to a healthy life. My advice would be to encourage my patients to get regular checks-ups as it can identify risk factors and illnesses before they start to cause problems.

Misconceptions people often have about your job.

To become an NP, you must complete a Master’s degree or Doctoral degree program, which includes advanced clinical training and specialized courses, pass a national board certification exam, and obtain state licensure and prescriptive authority.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

The most enjoyable part of my job is connecting with patients and gaining their trust in the care I provide.

When not at Coplin, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, hunting, traveling, and being outdoors.

What might surprise people to know about you?

I am an avid hunter and love to hunt any kind of big game — antelope, mule deer, elk, deer, turkey, and alligators. Also, I love anything and everything about dachshunds.

What community or volunteer activities do you participate in?

Given that I have been in school, I have not had the opportunity to be a part of any community or volunteer activities. I look forward to participating in different community activities as I transition into my new role with Coplin Health Systems.

Professional Interests? (ie, immunizations, diabetes, healthy eating, etc)

I have a professional interest in immunizations, preventative healthcare, educating, and breaking the stigma of mental health.

One fun fact about yourself?

I have a twin sister, Michelle. I am five minutes younger than her.

What do you love (or look forward to) the most about your job?

I love working with patients and helping patients have a voice in their treatment, as well as giving them a better understanding of their health.

To schedule an appointment with Stephanie Vickers, RN, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, FNP-C, please call 304-275-3301.