We are so very pleased to welcome three wonderful nurse practitioners to our staff! These compassionate caregivers have a wealth of experience and are dedicated to helping our patients become their healthiest selves. Anna, Vicki and Farren (from left to right in the photo) share their stories below!
Anna McCary
What brought you to nursing?
I am an adult learner and when my youngest son was getting ready to start kindergarten, I had a decision to make. What did I want to be when I grow up? I could continue to home-school or I could pursue a career. After long discussions with my husband, prayer, and weighing pros and cons, I decided to enter nursing school.
Where have you worked previously?
I started my nursing career as an RN for Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in 2004. It was a fantastic place to learn and grow as a nurse. I knew I wanted to continue my education and worked while completing my NP education. I graduated from Old Dominion University with an MSN in 2008, and was certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner early 2009. Since then, I’ve worked as an NP in hospitals, doctor’s offices, skilled nursing homes, and urgent care facilities. I feel I’ve experienced a wide variety of NP roles, from working with children to helping those coming to the end of their lives.
What do you like best about being at the Free Clinic?
Becca!
No, but really, I absolutely love being able to give some time to the Culpeper Free Clinic. I get to help people and not be so concerned about the ‘bottom’ line.
Could you share a personal tidbit related to family, hobbies or interests?
Tidbit–” don’t look for zebras in a field full of horses”
I have been an Alabama Football fan since childhood. ROLL TIDE!!!
I sincerely want to help others. This isn’t always as a medical provider. If someone needs an ear, I want to listen. If someone needs help cleaning their home, I want to help. If someone needs a hug, I give them a hug. There is more to health than doctor’s offices, medications, and laboratory tests. We need to know we’re needed, wanted, useful, and loved.
Vicki Jenkins
What brought you to nursing?
I feel that nursing allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives while providing a challenge to me personally that I thrive on. I love that you learn something new or see something new every day!
Where have you worked previously?
I started my career in healthcare at what used to be Culpeper Memorial Hospital. I started as a Unit Secretary in 1995 and worked there through college. I became an RN at Germanna Community College, earned my BSN and then my Masters in Nursing/FNP at UVA. I worked at Culpeper Hospital for 21 years and then went to work as an NP at Orange Free Clinic. I also worked at Wellspring while working at OFC and eventually went there full time before taking a break to care for my grandson when he was born.
What do you like best about working at the Free Clinic?
I feel like I am contributing to the health of my community and that is very rewarding to me.
Could you share a personal tidbit related to family, hobbies or interests?
I am married to my husband of 31 years, Marvin. We have two adult daughters, one grandson and another on the way :-). I love gardening, fishing and spending time outdoors.
Farren deToll
What brought you to nursing?
I became a nurse over 8 years ago because I have a desire to help others. I love going to work and having the opportunity to have a positive impact on someone’s life and to make a difference.
Where have you worked previously?
I started my nursing career in the PCU-telemetry/step down unit at Fauquier Health and continued in the area of telemetry for approximately four years including medical/surgical telemetry. I then transitioned to the Endoscopy department, rotating through pre/post and intra procedure areas. After graduating from UVA as a nurse practitioner, I spent a year working closely with the same digestive health team in their outpatient clinic as a provider. During my NP program I completed my clinical practicum hours at local clinics in Culpeper as well as in Charlottesville, VA, mostly in the primary care setting.
What do you like best about working at the Free Clinic?
I have loved working at the Free Clinic since day one, the staff have gone above and beyond to make the new providers feel so welcomed. I look forward to serving the community that I grew up in through preventative care, disease management and patient education.
Could you share a personal tidbit related to family, hobbies or interests?
In my spare time you will most likely find me spending time with my husband and our 4-month-old. We love to be outdoors, including walking our dog Tucker. I also enjoy staying active through exercise and hiking.
