In today’s complex health care system, it takes a variety of healthcare professionals from different disciplines to meet the healthcare needs of patients. All Nurse Practitioners complete a master’s or doctoral degree program and have advanced clinical training beyond their bachelor’s degree and RN licensure. More than 80 percent of NPs are educated and trained to provide primary care, thereby expanding patient access to well trained, high quality providers and freeing physicians to address more complex specialty issues. As primary care providers, NPs evaluate patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose, plan and implement treatments, including writing prescriptions and collaborating with all types of healthcare specialists.
Nurse Practitioners provide high-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered health care and are quickly becoming the heath partner of choice for millions of Americans. They are licensed in all 50 states and practice under the regulations of their licensing state. In Arizona and a growing number of states, NPs have full practice authority, which translates into greater access to primary care for patients. NPs work closely with physician colleagues and other healthcare providers, but do not require direct supervision of a physician. FBN
By Mary Pasternacki, FNP-BC BC
Mary Pasternacki Family Healthcare, PLLC recently opened in Flagstaff. Pasternacki is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) with more than 19 years of experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner providing primary health care to Flagstaff residents. She aims to deliver personalized high quality, compassionate primary care to her patients in a time when health care is becoming increasingly fragmented and impersonal.
After earning her BSN, Pasternacki worked as an RN in critical care and emergency flight transport for 17 years. She earned her master’s degree in nursing and her Family Nurse Practitioner certification through NAU in 1997. In addition to her primary care skills in treating conditions like hypertension, cholesterol, diabete, and providing well exams, she is certified by the North American Menopause Society as a Menopause Practitioner. Furthermore, in dedication to her profession, she is president of Northern Arizona Provider Group, which hosts over 100 healthcare providers and whose mission is to advance excellence in primary care among all providers through educational programs.
Mary Pasternacki, FNP-BC BC is highly qualified, experienced and ready to serve your healthcare needs. For more information about her services or to schedule an appointment, contact Mary Pasternacki Family Healthcare, PLLC, 1016 W University Ave, Suite 206, Flagstaff, Arizona, 928- 266-1530.