Rachel A Burgess, MSN, RN, NP-C

As someone who’s experienced childhood sexual assault, PTSD has prevented me from ever getting a pap as a now 22-year-old woman. I was aware of the importance, but so afraid of the process. To pair with my PTSD, I’ve never felt comfortable around any health professionals. But Rachel changed my perspective. When I told her I was years behind for my pap, I was expecting harsh words about how I’ve been neglecting my health (as I have received in the past), but when I told Rachel I had PTSD, she told me she understood how hard that would be. I never expected those words to be as meaningful and important as they were. I decided there I'd be getting a pap. Rachel took her time to learn about me and talk about what to expect at every turn, and was extremely careful and gentle. Rachel is an outstanding example of what a nurse practitioner should be - caring, gentle, and respectful. She is a person who takes the time to understand why, not just what, and I think she is an exemplary nurse practitioner.