Fran Nelson, C-FNP, Ph.D. Owner, Director and FNP Care Provider Nelson Family Clinic, LLC , Hilbert, WI

What population do you serve?

Population: I serve both rural and urban clients in a county with a population of 32,000 which is served by 5 Family Practice MD’s and one internist. My urban clients come from nearby (30 minutes). This county is a HPSA and I also serve uninsured, underinsured, immigrant Hispanic clients and teens in a reproductive health program.

Community Assessment: I sought information about about the mix of insurers, public and private, as well as the HMO population as I would not have access to those clients. I borrowed a community health survey done by a local HMO which identified the deficits in health care, community health needs and resources. The survey indicated that there was a lot of room for service to the elderly, women, prevention, reproductive health, mental health and pediatrics. I talked with the village board and the local business people and community leaders. I read the local papers. I spoke with the hospital leaders and tried to talk with the medical and dental providers who were the only ones who were not responsive. I served on the county Board of Health to establish an ongoing link to the health needs of the area. I talked to clients in my practice living in the area I wanted to enter.