We're excited to shed light on one of our team members, Jeanna Nicoson, Fern Ridge Clinic’s dedicated Registered Nurse (RN). In this spotlight, get to know Jeanna personally as she shares her journey, experiences, and the profound impact she's had on the lives of families in our community.
1. What inspired you to become a nurse?
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse. I began pursuing nursing courses as early as 7th grade, earning my CPR and first aid certifications, and taking Anatomy courses in high school. I was also inspired to become a nurse when my little brother was born with a major heart defect that required open-heart surgery at six months old. As a teenager, watching what my parents and brother went through, I knew I wanted to help people during these difficult times. I wanted to provide support, education, advocacy, and compassion to those facing health challenges. It took a while to achieve my goal. I got my first caregiving job at 18, my CNA license at 22, and finally my RN license at 32.
2. How did you find your way to Orchid Health in Fern Ridge?
I moved my family to Eugene in 2016 and worked as Director of Health Services for a small company for two years. I then transferred to PeaceHealth, where I worked in a family practice and internal medicine clinic, and later as a Home Health Triage Nurse for five years. During a restructuring at PeaceHealth in 2023, my department in home health was making cuts to prepare for the closure of the University District Hospital. I felt it was a good time for a change and began exploring my next steps.
I grew up in a rural coastal community and experienced the lack of resources in those areas. At the same time, I met some amazing care providers at school and public health clinics. I remember how vital the care they provided was to our community. I wanted the opportunity to connect with patients face-to-face in a small community and use my skills and services to best serve their needs.
During my search, I found Orchid on Google Maps and explored the website, where I loved the mission statement. Orchid demonstrated a passion for their communities, and it really showed. I submitted an application and, after a few weeks, was contacted for an interview and accepted a position as Clinic Registered Nurse and Care Manager.
I am so glad I joined this team of incredible providers and assistant staff. I feel this is the best company I have ever worked with in my 30 years of work experience. I plan on staying here long term and growing with this team and our community of patients.
3. Can you share a memorable experience or success story from your time working with families in Fern Ridge?
As a Triage Nurse, I have developed strong skills in providing assessments over the phone. There have been situations where patients could not physically tolerate a clinic visit, and I have been able to be flexible by coordinating telephone visits for those cases. This flexibility ensures that patients receive care. Whether the patient needs an ambulance, an ED visit, or just some education and home care recommendations, meeting their needs is incredibly rewarding.
Finding creative ways to get vital information to the providers can be both fun and challenging. I enjoy assisting providers in making the best decisions for our patients and seeing the positive outcomes and feedback. It makes me proud to be a part of this team.
4. In your role, you engage with various aspects of patient care, from Annual Wellness Visits to Chronic Care Management. How do you approach building relationships with patients in a small-town setting like Elmira?
Honesty, kindness, and approachability are essential. Understanding that we are all part of this community and supporting the unique ways things are done here compared to larger communities is important. Mostly, I try to be a good listener to understand what people need and want to live at their highest level of wellness.
5. What do you find most rewarding about being a Small Town Registered Nurse in Elmira?
Getting to know our community and our patients is incredibly rewarding. I feel proud to spend time focusing on the needs of this particular population and finding ways to meet those needs. Educating and observing the outcomes of our involvement in the community is fulfilling, especially when hearing success stories from patients and families related to their care at Fern Ridge and Orchid.
I adore the team I work with; they are so caring and work tirelessly for our patients. I feel supported and welcomed as the new employee in the clinic. My boss is amazing, providing tremendous support for my role and always being available to help with any questions or concerns. They have something very special here, and I am excited to be a part of it.
6. How do you collaborate with the Orchid Health team and other local resources to provide comprehensive care for families in Fern Ridge?
I actively work with our Community Health Worker, medical assistants, and providers to offer holistic, individualized patient-centered care. I volunteer with our Produce Plus program to bring fresh food to our patients and community monthly. I look forward to participating in community events for outreach and education opportunities.
7. For patients considering an Annual Wellness Visit or other services, what would you like them to know about the care they can expect from you and the Orchid Health team?
I will provide an individualized patient-centered care approach to each patient. I will offer education and support in many areas of their health, addressing their needs and advocating for the best possible care through comprehensive assessment and evaluation. I will create a care plan to help patients update their charts with accurate histories, address their needs, and provide a guide for the upcoming year, outlining what to expect from your team at Orchid.