From Shenandoah University to 25 Years as a Nurse Practitioner serving this community: Anne Weiss’s Story
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A visit to Shenandoah University started Anne Weiss’s 25-year career as a nurse practitioner. Today, with Valley Health, she reflects on her path in the Valley.
What inspired you to pursue a career as an NP and why did you choose Shenandoah University?
First, I would like to thank Valley Health for allowing me this opportunity to share my experiences as a nurse practitioner over these last 25 years. It’s been a privilege to join the Valley Health team in early 2021, continuing my career in internal medicine and primary care.
Looking back at that time in my life, I was a new graduate from George Mason University with a biology degree and newly married to a man who was a cattle farmer. I wanted a career in medicine, but running off to medical school was not an option when the farm was now my home. On a lark, I walked into the John Kerr building in downtown Winchester, where Shenandoah University held their nursing classes at that time. The first person I ran into was nursing instructor Pam Webber and she said they were starting their first Family Nurse Practitioner classes within the week. I couldn’t believe my luck, but looking back it wasn’t luck at all; it was my true path. I immediately enrolled, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled.
Can you share any memorable experiences or stories from your time at Shenandoah University?
The very first class I took in Shenandoah University’s nursing program was taught by Kay Ely-Pierce. She was a fabulous nurse attorney, and the course was called Nursing and the Law. She said that nurses must be educated about the law and ethics to be armed with the tools necessary for professional survival. Her class was so foundational and transformative that I’m not sure I could be the nurse practitioner I am today without her teachings. I think all nursing schools should start with a class like this one.
What were your first roles at Valley health and how has your career evolved over the past 25 years?
My first role was with Winchester Medical Center before it became Valley Health. I was an oncology nurse on the fourth floor at the hospital. Cancer patients and their families are incredibly special. These early years of nursing showed me the importance of working as a team towards a common goal. It was incredibly hard and challenging work. It was an honor to be with my patients as they fought their battles with cancer. I left the oncology floor when I graduated from the Family Nurse Practitioner school in 2000. I was hired by the private practice in Winchester called Winchester Pulmonary and Internal Medicine owned by physicians Dr. Tom Murphy, Dr. Frank Lewis, Dr. Keith Wolfe, Dr. Preston Childress, Dr. Rick Catlett and a few years later, Dr. Jeff Lessar. Winchester had very little first-hand experience with nurse practitioners at that time. These incredible physicians were integral in advancing this new field of advanced care providers known as nurse practitioners. I felt like we were all pioneers, and they made the very best mentors and colleagues.
How has the career field of nurse practitioner changed since you started and how have you adapted to these changes?
There have been a lot of changes since I first started, from removing legal barriers and expanding professional recognition to this community’s openness and acceptance of family nurse practitioners as their primary care providers. I’ve found that I don’t have to be as much of an advocate for nurse practitioners because my dedicated patients have proven to be a force of nature and the very best advocates on our behalf.
What advice would you give to new graduates entering the nurse practitioner field today?
I will share the advice that Dr. Frank Lewis gave me on my very first day at his office. He said, “Treat all patients like family.” This may seem simplistic, but I’ve never forgotten his words and their impact. It’s a contract of trust, support, empathy, honesty and compassion. It has been one of my strongest frameworks and it guides and inspires my interactions with all patients.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
I have a very supportive husband and a beautiful farm to return home to every night once patient care is done, and I’ve left the office. It’s important to spend time with your loved ones and in nature where you can be nourished, energized, and supported.
How do you see the field of health care and nurse practitioner evolving and what role do you hope to play in it?
The future of health care in this community is most certainly evolving. Twenty-five years ago, there was never even a thought that nurse practitioners would be primary care providers, but now look at us! I believe the future role of family nurse practitioners is in providing more access to primary care by utilizing autonomously licensed family nurse practitioners. The commonwealth of Virginia has recognized autonomously licensed nurse practitioners since April 2019. Our role as primary care providers will continue to expand as the community and its population grows.
How do you feel about reaching this 25-year milestone, and what does it mean to you both personally and professionally?
My first response is that it makes me feel old! But seriously, it is humbling. It’s been such a very deep honor to care for so many people in this great community. This community has far-reaching borders. It’s not just the Winchester, Frederick County, and Clarke County regions. My patient community extends deep into West Virginia, and I even have some patients come as far as Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. Nearly every day, I have individuals who come to meet me, to establish themselves as a new patient, while others visit who I’ve known for 25 years and every bit of time in between. There’s even one family whom I’ve known for years and am now providing care for the fourth generation! I believe that making a difference in one person’s life is the highest calling with the greatest reward, and in that regard the personal and professional lines are the very same thing. 
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or acknowledge for their support throughout your career journey?
My husband, David Weiss. My career has had some professional challenges and personal losses, and he has been a guiding light through those times. As nurses and nurse practitioners, we don’t always recognize our successes, and I think that’s because at heart we are caregivers and not care receivers. David is not only my biggest fan but a huge supporter of all nurse practitioners.
What is it about this region that made you call it home and stay here long term?
This is a great question to finish on because it ties into the first one. This is my home because this was my husband’s home. We live on his family farm in Clarke County, and we will always remain here in this special community that has given us so much.