“I listen carefully to what the patient
is saying and use that information to
reinforce our treatment plan.”
Tara Preston is a family nurse practitioner in Gastroenterology, where she sees patients for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and other intestinal tract conditions.
“I’m able to see my own patient population, under a doctor’s supervision, and write prescriptions for routine medications,” she said. The availability of nurse practitioners translates to more continuity of care for patients and less waiting time to see a health care professional.
“I would hope my patients would say I’m a good listener and that I take time to explain things in ways they can understand,” she said. Digestive tract diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are life-altering diseases that depend on patients to be compliant with their treatment plan, Preston said. “It’s nice when you can connect with the patient and build a trusting relationship.”
Preston earned her master’s degree as a family health practitioner from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Originally from Iowa, she moved to Marshfield several years ago when her husband, Todd, took a job in Marshfield Clinic Health System’s Information technology. She previously was a staff nurse at the former Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield.
She enjoys being involved in her three children’s activities, gardening, reading, walking and outdoor activities.