Patricia Sheetz ’16, ’19 chose Shenandoah because it offered her the opportunity to learn in person. As an older student pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing, Sheetz didn’t want to do an online program. The university is close to her home, so she was able to continue working while completing her education.
“ĻӰ served as an excellent place for me to advance my education in order to excel in my profession,” said Sheetz. “The faculty and staff were very helpful and were readily available to assist in any way possible.”
Even though Sheetz was only on campus one day a week, she made lasting friendships and had the chance to network and gain valuable professional relationships. Her fondest memory of Shenandoah was attending and participating in Research Day.
Sheetz is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified, National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (DNP, FNP-BC, NRCME).
In August 2021, she opened up her own family medicine practice, Hometown Family Healthcare, in Cumberland, Maryland. “I provide primary care including treatment of acute and chronic illness; annual well exams; school and employment physicals as well as same day sick visits to patients age 10 and above,” said Sheetz.
In addition to her practice, Sheetz also serves as the ordering provider for PharmaCare and AEON Technologies in her area. In this role, she orders COVID-19 tests and reports results to the patients as well as the state and local health department. Sheetz is also the ordering provider for the travel and immunization program at PharmaCare.
Outside of work, Sheetz has volunteered her time as a preceptor for physician’s assistant and nurse practitioner students for the past five years. She enjoys giving back to the students and their education, finding it very rewarding.
The part of Sheetz’s career that she believes is most rewarding is having earned the respect and trust of her patients and colleagues. “I fought hard every step of the way from starting out at age 15 to being a female business owner,” said Sheetz. “The one constant for me has been the support of my patients. I realize that every person has the choice of which provider they want by their side and I am fortunate to have so many that have placed their trust and their healthcare in my hands.”
Sheetz’s Shenandoah education provided her with the knowledge and skills to be a successful DNP. “I learned that perseverance pays off in the end and that if you really want something you have to be willing to make sacrifices along the way to reach your goals,” said Sheetz.
Sheetz’s advice to students is: “The most important thing I can say to students in the profession is to please do it because you truly want to help people and not because it is a good paying profession. Always treat patients the way you would want to be treated and most importantly, always remember where you started.”