Meet our Neurocritical Care APP Program Fellows
Dean Nash, NP
APP degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Baptist Health Sciences University
About Dean
I like spending time outdoors hiking and camping. Time with family is most important to me. I like reading, cooking, campfires and talking to my dog.
Why did you choose Baptist?
It's the best game in town! We provide great care, which makes me proud and as employees we are offered opportunities to grow and try new things.
Describe a day in the life of an APP Fellow?
Humbling to say the least. Every day is an opportunity to learn. I'm most pleased with the warm reception I have received in all the departments. Everyone has been encouraging and eager to teach. Dr. Nobleza has been great at keeping us focused and has been an amazing resource.
What do you like about Memphis?
My family is spread out. Access to I-40 and I-55 makes seeing everyone much easier. It's also inexpensive to live here and easy to find good music.
Why did you choose advanced practice as your career?
While I enjoyed bedside nursing in the various roles I have worked in, I wanted something different. When I learned what NPs know and what they were capable of doing, I knew I wanted to become one. It's the best of both worlds in medicine and nursing.
Why did you choose to do a fellowship?
Simple—it just makes sense. It's an opportunity to become a provider with a greater knowledge base and skill set. It's a guaranteed amazing preceptorship. The path is by no means easy as homework is expected and didactic reviews are frequent. However, the additional stress on the front-end will likely payoff with a successful launch into practice.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
As I stated earlier, it’s a place you can be proud to say you are affiliated with. Additionally, it affords employees opportunities to grow in their respective fields or completely change their careers.
Kiara Felix, DNP, AGACNP-BC
APP degree and school
Doctor of Nurse Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis
About Kiara
Although I was born in Memphis, I claim that DeSoto County, Mississippi, adopted me. Overall, I'm a southern girl true and true. I've been a registered nurse for seven years, and I've had my DNP for more than a year. I am a wife and mother and I have a six-month-old American bulldog named Thor. On my days off from the fellowship, I make an effort to help at the DeSoto County Dream Center or volunteer at local events throughout DeSoto County. In addition, I like to travel, read and spend time with my family and church family.
Why did you choose Baptist?
I chose Baptist because I believed that there were some novel steps being taken to advance the advance practice provider role. I wanted to contribute to Baptist's history as the first hospital in the Mid-South to establish an APP fellowship.
Describe a day in the life of an APP Fellow.
Every day, I learn something new. I am challenged by my peers and providers, and amazed at how well I retain and convey information. This fellowship is helping me gain confidence as a provider.
What do you like about Memphis?
The cultural melting pot and southern charm cannot be found anyplace else.
Why did you choose advanced practice as your career?
I was a registered nurse for four years before deciding it was time to challenge myself for the benefit of the people I served. I desired to make a broader impact on people's health by having a stronger voice in patient care decisions, help manage complex cases and assist patients and families with being proactive in their health journey. I chose to serve the sick because I believe that the greatest gift is the opportunity to bless others, and help optimize their health and assist them and their families through that journey, with the knowledge that God bestows on me.
Why did you choose to do a fellowship?
During my clinical rotations, I had the opportunity to rotate in the neuro intensive care unit at another facility. I sought to challenge myself and study a specialty outside of my comfort zone, which piqued my interest and made me want to learn more. When I realized that Baptist offered a neuro ICU fellowship, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to learn more as an APP.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
When you enter through the doors, the culture envelops you. Everyone is friendly, eager to assistand willing to teach. Everyone, from nurses to clinicians, is interested and intrigued by the neuro ICU APP fellowship program, which makes me feel welcome and important. I feel like everyone is rooting for my success in this fellowship.