Get to know one of the newest providers at Keystone Urgent Care, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Sherri Smuda!
How did you decide to become a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)?
I decided to become a CRNP after ten years of employment as a Trauma Nurse in the Emergency Department. I have now been a Nurse Practitioner for ten years. I wanted more independent practice and autonomy to advocate for my patients. Advancing my career provided the opportunity to expand my knowledge further and increase the access of healthcare to my patient population so I can offer quality, compassionate care that is patient centered. I want to inspire my patients to be proactive about their healthcare so they can live their best life, do the activities that they enjoy most, and spend time with family and friends.
Where did you go to college?
Pennsylvania State University.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I really enjoy developing a relationship with my patients, listening to their concerns, sharing my knowledge, and being trusted with their care when they are not feeling well. Urgent Care is an acute care setting that is fast paced, challenging, and rewarding. It offers a great variety of medical concerns, requiring critical thinking skills across the lifespan. I like connecting with my patients and developing a relationship to identify medical concerns and provide treatment options.
Why did you choose to work at Keystone?
I have chosen to work at Keystone Health because the organization represents quality care that is patient focused. Keystone Health has an environment that upholds the core values and integrity that I have been searching for in an organization. I support and appreciate the relationships between leadership, providers, and medical staff working as a team for the patient. I love how this organization places the patient first.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
When I am not at work, I love to spend time with my family and friends. I also love to travel. My family and I have been all over the United States and love to visit Florida’s Gulf Coast, National Parks, and embrace new experiences. We have the goal to purchase a Campervan and travel to visit all 50 states. We have an upcoming trip to Turks and Caicos that I am really looking forward to. I like to go to lunch with my friends as often as I can on my days off, and really enjoy their company. I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, and riding four wheelers. I also like to get lost reading a great book when I have time, and recently just started to learn how to crochet.
Where is your hometown, and if you are new to the area, what do you like about Franklin County so far?
I was raised in central Pennsylvania, just a few miles away from Raystown Lake. I like the sense of community and the hometown feeling that Franklin County has provided. I have met some truly amazing friends here. There are many activities, festivals, and events in the community, and it is a centralized location to neighboring cities, parks, and airports.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself or something people might be surprised to know about you?
People may be surprised to know that I like firearms, and I am not a completely terrible shot. My father taught me from a young age the safety of firearms and we have good-hearted family target competitions.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?
I am very happy and blessed to be part of the Keystone Health family.
Welcome to Keystone, Sherri!
