The health care team at Coast Community Health Center welcomed a new nurse practitioner in January. Family Nurse Practitioner Randell Smith joins a primary care team dedicated to preventative care in support of each patient’s needs.
“It’s rewarding, especially in rural health clinics, to be a resource and point person for primary health care. Developing relationships with patients is really important to me– empathizing, helping people feel safe and comfortable coming in for any reason,” said Smith.
Originally from New Jersey, Smith has spent many years traveling the country, completing undergraduate studies in Washington, D.C., and nursing degrees in New York. She moved to the Oregon Coast from San Diego, California in 2016. Smith developed her passion for holistic and preventative care working with patients in hospital settings, as well as walk-in and primary care clinics.
NP Smith says it’s fulfilling to serve patients in community health centers, where health care teams can make a difference working with entire families.
Coast Community Health Center is recognized by the Oregon Health Authority as a Patient-Centered Primary Care Home for a model of care that fosters strong relationships with patients to treat the whole person.
Setting health goals that are meaningful to each individual and family situation is a priority, according to Clinical Nurse Case Manager Rosemary Bean.
“The individual is encouraged and supported as the most valuable member on the team and is given an active role to the best of their ability,” said Bean.
The care team considers all the factors that impact a person’s health, including physical and mental health, along with home and social environments. Patients can make the most of personal strengths and find help accessing a variety of health tools, even non-medical community resources.
“Sometimes this nonclinical help can make the most profound improvement in the individual’s wellbeing,” said Bean.
Recruiting additional health professionals has been an exciting process for Executive Director Linda Maxon. In the last year, Coast Community Health Center has welcomed two pediatric specialists, two additional family nurse practitioners, a physician assistant and in-house pharmacy staff. With their shared knowledge and expertise, the care team is expanding the health center’s capacity to meet the needs of patients in Southern Coos and North Curry counties.
New patients of all ages are welcome. For information about our services, visit our Your Health page, call 541-347-2529, or stop by the health center at 1010 First St. SE, Suite 110, in Bandon.
Visit our Health Team page to learn more about our providers.
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