Advanced Practice Providers: Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants

At Arthritis Center of Nebraska, our Advanced Practice Providers play a unique role in helping patients live a better life with arthritis. Providing the best care is front and center for our Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants.

Our goal is to have the best team members at each position to ensure that our patients have the best experience. Our NPs and PAs play a vital role in that overall effort.

Your healthcare professionals

NPs and PAs are highly trained and fully qualified advanced practice providers with a focus on patient care.

All Nurse Practitioners are required to earn a Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) and may also complete a Post-Master’s certificate or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. They are required to carry licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and maintain national certification in their specialty.

“I became a Nurse Practitioner so I could help people when they need it most,” said William Saalfeld, DNP, APRN-NP, who works with Dr. Melvin Churchill. “Rest assured that our well-qualified team can give you the care you need.”

All Physician Assistants are required to earn a Master Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) and may also complete additional education with board certified CAQs (certification of advanced qualification). They are required to carry licensure as a Physician Assistant and maintain national certification in their specialty.

“I became a Physician Assistant because working closely with patients, sharing in their joys and caring for their needs, is what I love doing,” said Kristin Twidwell, PA-C, who works alongside Dr. Rick Chatwell.

All our Advanced Practice Providers have completed the Advanced Rheumatology course through the American College of Rheumatology and participate in annual continuing education programs.

Providing the care you need

Advanced Practice Providers are able to meet all your health care needs. The scope of practice for NPs and PAs include:

• Examinations and diagnoses
• Ordering tests and analyzing results
• Prescribing medications
• Providing education
• Lifestyle management

Collaborative Practice

At the Arthritis Center, we use a team approach. Our Advanced Practice Providers work both independently and in collaboration with our rheumatologists — Dr. Melvin Churchill, and Dr. Rick Chatwell.