Starting a Rural Health Clinic: DNP Graduate Develops Website to Help NPs
Elliot Myers is using his Doctor of Nursing Practice Synthesis Project to support nurse practitioners opening primary care clinics. 
In his project he created a website template to provide nurse practitioners with information to assist them in establishing rural health clinics СAPP including resources, tools, and strategies.
Elliot currently practices in a rural clinic and understands the demands of rural care. His project is poised to have far-reaching impacts.
СAPPNationally, there is a shortage of primary care providers, with an even greater shortage of primary care providers in rural areas,СAPP Elliot explains. СAPPHealth outcomes for rural residents are worse in rural areas when compared to urban areas.СAPP
СAPPRural residents have a higher incidence of chronic diseases, mental health issues, suicide rates when compared to urban areas. Therefore, there is a higher healthcare cost for rural residents, and a higher morbidity and mortality rate for these residents.СAPP
. However, with the potential to improve healthcare for rural communities come the challenges of owning and operating NP-led clinics.
As part of the project, Elliot interviewed NPs who had opened such clinics, and found that their process of learning on how to open a clinic was often through trial and error, and there was key information they wished they had access to.
СAPPEven after opening their clinics, NPs are still searching for answers in the operation of their clinics,СAPP he says. СAPPAnother surprise is that clinics have closed because NPs are not equipped to operate a business.СAPP
Elliot, who , entered the DNP program with an eye on supporting healthcare in rural communities.
СAPPI feel that with my doctorate, I can develop the tools needed to be an advocate for rural care and make positive contributions to NPs and rural care,СAPP he says.
Pursuing his terminal degree at UL Lafayette was an easy decision. The DNP program is ranked No. 143 in the U.S. News & World ReportСAPPs 2020 edition of СAPPBest CollegesСAPP in the Doctor of Nursing Practice category.
СAPPMy degree has shaped my career to who I am today,СAPP Elliot asserts. СAPPMy experience with several campus organizations in my time here have developed relationships and experiences I could not get anywhere else.СAPP
Elliot isnСAPPt planning on slowing down anytime soon. With his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, he will continue to fully develop and make the website available while continuing to work in patient care, and also plans to explore options in academics and health policy advocacy.
