Photo by Chester Morris
Contributed by Judy Blazek
Van Horn, Texas (November 8, 2016) – Kathleen Christian, CNM, WHNP, began seeing patients at the Van Horn Rural Health Clinic, November 7, announced Jonathan Voelkel, Culberson Hospital administrator.
“Certified as a women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP), Kathleen brings a wealth of experience in women’s health, family care and some emergency medical services to Culberson Hospital,” said Voelkel, “and is a welcome addition to our clinic and our community.”
A native of Tyler, Texas, Christian relocated to Van Horn from Austin where she worked for Hill Country OB/GYN. Other positions have taken her to small and large cities throughout Texas.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to practice in Van Horn,” said Christian. “This position offers everything I love about practicing medicine.”
Christian is also enthusiastic about the growth of telemedicine at Culberson Hospital. “Availability of consulting specialists through real-time video and audio enhances the quality and level of care we can provide in the emergency room and in the hospital,” she noted.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas A&M, Corpus Christie, Texas, her Masters of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University, Hyden, Kentucky, and her certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner from South University, Savanah, Georgia.
A long list of specialty certifications complement Christian’s academic credentials including: Certified Nurse Midwife, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic, STABLE Certification for sick infants, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Forensic Nursing.
Christian has three adult children and a 2-year-old grandchild living in the Houston area. Her husband is a retired aerospace engineer, and emergency room nurse. He plans to work some shifts in the emergency room at Culberson Hospital on an as-needed basis.
The couple is currently searching for a home in Van Horn. “I am looking forward to settling down,” said Christian, “with a home in Van Horn, and many patients at the Van Horn Rural Health Clinic.”
Anyone who would like to schedule an appointment with Christian should call the Van Horn Rural Health Clinic at 432/283-1020.
