Annually the DNP program presents a Community Partner Award to a clinical facility instrumental in providing crucial learning experiences for the DNP students. At the program's May 30 "Willow Ceremony," the 2014 award was presented to Platte River Family Practice, LLC, a nurse-owned and -managed clinic in Casper.
Since opening their doors in 2009, Platte River Family Practice has provided outstanding
patient-centered primary care to Casper-area residents. In 2012, the Wyoming District
Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration acknowledged the excellence of this
clinical facility with the "Women in Business Champion of the Year" award. According
to the UW DNP Program Coordinator Ann Marie Hart, Platte River Family Practice has
gone above and beyond to provide individualized precepting experiences to family nurse
practitioner students in both the former Master’s and the current DNP programs at
the University of Wyoming Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing.
The nurse practitioners at Platte River Family Practice routinely serve as preceptors
to the UW DNP students and take this responsibility seriously, notes Hart. "They begin
by sitting down with each student to develop an individualized learning plan based
upon the student’s experience, strengths, weaknesses and goals. In addition to receiving
an individually tailored precepting experience, students who are precepted at Platte
River Family Practice also benefit from experiencing a nurse-managed organization
and an electronic, patient-friendly health records system."
Casper area DNP student Temberly Long, BSN, RN, who recently completed a clinical
rotation at Platte River Family Practice, shared these words: “Comprised of an extraordinary
staff, Platte River Family Practice provides incomparable care to residents of rural
Wyoming. Led by Amy Gruwell, MS, FNP-C and business partner Paula Coates, RN, the
providers care for a wide variety of patients and disease processes. The three nurse
practitioners on staff competently treat their patients medically, but also take pride
in their ability to relate with the patients and maintain strong relationships. The
staff eagerly accepts students and fosters exceptional learning experiences. With
varying experience, backgrounds and views, the providers offer multidimensional instruction
during each moment spent with students. The development of an individualized, yet
equally adroit approach to healthcare is encouraged and cultivated. The combination
of exceptional patient care, community involvement and student support makes Platte
River Family Practice deserving of the University of Wyoming 2014 Community Partners
Award."
