Meridian Health Care Clinic Set to Open in September

The Nurse Practitioner faculty of Idaho State University, alongside student nurse practitioners, will operate the new Meridian Health Care Clinic, set to open officially after a ribbon cutting on Sept. 29.

The clinic will utilize doctorally-prepared and skilled nurse practitioner providers, new equipment, sound nurse practitioner training, and referrals as necessary to nearby health care facilities in order to maximize the care of each patient. Patients and nurse practitioners work in partnership, something more and more patients are looking for in a medical provider.

Additionally, ISU doctorate of nursing practice students will have a role in the clinic. 

“Research has found that when nurse practitioner students are provided high quality and supportive clinical teaching and learning experiences, they develop into competent practitioners,” said Michelle Anderson, DNP, FNP-BC, clinical assistant professor and lead faculty of the new clinic. “We offer preventative healthcare for all ages and our practice model allows us to spend time with each patient to ensure their needs are addressed.”

The new clinic adds another option in primary health care to the quickly growing Treasure Valley area. The campus location will offer quick and easy access to healthcare for staff, faculty, and students as well as the community at large. The clinic will utilize a collaborative approach with other professions in the clinic area, providing a well-founded health care experience.

“I feel that this is an exciting time to be a faculty member in the School of Nursing at ISU,” Anderson said. “We are able to implement what we teach directly and give back to our community. The added benefit of working alongside other professions and disciplines only enhances what we have to offer.”

Anderson says students will benefit from this collaboration in attaining skills they will learn and take into their own practice.

“The practice of health care has seen a lot of changes over the last 10 years, with a low focus change towards value and prevention,” Anderson said. “Prevention and wellness are just as important as treatment and require an education component to the visit to enhance learning and care. Nurse practitioners are trained at meeting these needs and this clinic will afford us the time to do so.”

ISU-Meridian and the Meridian Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting and clinic dedication on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 12:30 p.m. Clinic tours will follow and all are welcome to attend. To make an appointment with the clinic, visit isu.edu/clinics or call 208-373-1734.