National Nurse Practitioner Week highlights importance of local providers

By Reader Staff

The U.S. Congress recognized National Nurse Practitioner Week in 2004, establishing an observance in November that pays homage to the work of the health care providers who can be found in clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, nursing homes and private practices.

This year, the week runs from Sunday, Nov. 9-Saturday, Nov. 15, with local NPs reminding the community of their 431,000 licensed colleagues nationwide, and more than 4,788 in Idaho, where they provide almost 50% of primary care. What’s more, there are 13 counties in Idaho where NPs are the only medical providers. 

“In our current legislative environment, where Idaho is losing obstetricians/gynecologists, NPs are stepping in and providing OB-GYN services or referring patients to appropriate providers,” stated longtime local NP Cynthia Dalsing. “Idaho has the distinction of being the first state — there are now 27 states — to authorize full practice authority, this allows for more health care access in rural areas where no physician practices.”

In honor of their service, here are profiles of handful of local NPs, written in their own words:

Leanne Elisha, DNP, PMHNP, PMH-C

“I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner working full-time through the Kootenai Clinic OB-GYN clinic and providing care across Idaho and Washington. I am passionate about working with women across the reproductive lifespan — especially preconception, during pregnancy and postpartum. Being a mom is hard, and there is still a lot of stigma around mental health conditions in pregnancy and beyond. I work to create a safe environment and to provide my patients with evidence-based treatment recommendations to help them feel their best.” 

Maggie Waugaman

“I am a psychiatric mental health (PMHNP) nurse student who has completed my clinical training throughout Bonner and Boundary counties. I will be graduating in December and am eager to continue serving the people of our community after graduation. What stands out about practicing in North Idaho is the strong sense of community and collaboration. There’s a genuine spirit of support among patients, providers and neighbors that makes health care here feel impactful and unique.”

Tammy Undiemi, FNP-BC

“I’m currently practicing at Kaniksu Community Health, pediatrics. Additional titles currently: CNO, director of Risk and Safety. I also serve LillyBrooke Family Justice Center as director of the Bonner County MAST team (child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and elder abuse). Each of these titles contributes to the community in a different way, but directly impacts our local community by mentoring other health care providers at many different levels.”

Whitney Whitaker MSN, FNP-c

“I work for Mezacare and am the primary provider at both of our local skilled nursing facilities — Valley Vista and Life Care — where we specialize in post-acute and long-term care. What makes practicing as a nurse practitioner in North Idaho unique is the strong sense of community and teamwork that can turn challenges into meaningful connections.”