Submitted by Cabinet Peaks Medical Center
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center is pleased to welcome new hospitalist, Laura L. Wharton, R.N., MSN, CEN, CFRN, FNP-C to the clinical staff.
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center began using hospitalists on the patient floor in 2016. A hospitalist is a provider who specializes in the care of acutely ill patients or those who have been admitted to the hospital. Hospitalists focus only on patients admitted to the hospital inpatient unit and do not see patients in an outpatient setting. The hospitalist on staff leads the care team, and may consult with a patient’s primary care physician from time to time.
Wharton received her RN in Vancouver, B.C. in 1987, her associate degree in critical care nursing in 1993, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Specialty Nurse (Critical Care/Emergency) in 2002, both also in Vancouver, B.C. She has since then continued her education, receiving Masters of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University in Baltimore, MD in 2015.
Additionally, Wharton holds certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Pre-Hospital Neonatal Resuscitation Provider, Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum, Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, Emergency Nursing, and Advanced Trauma Life Support, to name a few.
Before beginning her work at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, Wharton worked as a Nurse Practitioner in the Emergency Department at Schumacher Clinical Partners in Lafayette, LA and at Abilene Regional Medical Center in Abilene, TX.
Wharton believes in preventative medicine. “My approach to patient care provides a holistic model to maximize positive outcomes. I believe that patient education is a key component to prevention and wellness.”
Wharton’s husband is a helicopter pilot who often works overseas, and together they have a 9 ½ year old son. When asked what drew her to the area, Wharton replied, “I like the small town feel, friendly people and staff, and the challenge of rural medicine. We wanted to raise our son like we were raised – with all 4 seasons and the opportunities that gives – and be closer to our family on Vancouver Island.”
Bruce Whitfield, CEO at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center welcomes Wharton. “We are excited that Laura has decided to join our team of outstanding hospitalists. She is a welcome addition to our Acute Care Floor.”