We continue our series of highlighting members of YKHC’s committed and dedicated nurse practitioners and acknowledge the invaluable contributions they make to the delivery of quality health care in the communities we serve.

This week we feature Rachael Youngblood as she shares her story and journey as an NP with us.

I was born in Maryland but grew up in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.  In 2017, my husband and two boys moved to Emmonak. I go back and forth between Aniak and Chugiak as we own houses in both places. Two years ago, my husband and boys moved to Chugiak full-time during the school year for the educational and sports opportunities. My boys are currently 15 and 11. My youngest would have a zoo at our house if allowed. However, my husband and I have been able to contain him with two dogs, a cat, and a gecko (although he asks about new pets frequently).

I always knew I wanted to be a nurse and pursue my nurse practitioner (NP) degree. I began my career as a CNA and advanced thru to be an LPN and RN. At my LPN graduation, my mom pinned me as she graduated from the same program, as a result we were interviewed for the local paper. I told the reporter my goal was to become an NP and work on Native lands. It took 6 years to obtain my NP degree and I have been practicing for 14 years. However, I have been in the healthcare field for a total of 26 years.

 The most rewarding aspect of my career is the way I am able to impact and empower others. As a provider, my role in healthcare is to help our patients feel empowered over their own healthcare. It is very difficult for some of our patients to trust outsiders due to past experiences. Therefore, when they come to me for help and guidance, I understand the importance and honor their trust in me.

 In the spring I hope to complete my Doctor of Nursing Practice, and use the knowledge to better our patient’s healthcare. My recommendation for anyone who wants to become a NP is to first figure out why you want to be an NP. Being a provider in healthcare can be difficult and overwhelming at times, burnout is an all too real consequence. However, if you continue to remember why you got into the field, and work in a supportive team environment, then you will be able to get through those difficult times.