A letter of appreciation from a grateful student . . .

Anderson Free Clinic
414 North Fant Street
Anderson, SC 29621

August 27, 2012

Dear Directors, Board, and Staff,

When I was assigned to this location for a clinical rotation by Georgetown University, I’ll admit, I did not know what to expect.  My professional experiences had always been hospital based. After spending 100 hours as a student Nurse Practitioner, learning firsthand about the clinic and delivering primary care to this underserved population, I want you to know that my experiences with the staff and Rita Williams were outstanding.

Everyone: front desk staff, physicians, managers and grant writer were kind, knowledgeable and sincere in offering guidance.  From the moment I walked in the door, I was greeted and offered assistance.  Their warmth and friendliness made it easy to jump right in.

The forte to my experience was the clinical instruction offered by Rita Williams.  It takes a lot of knowledge and a comfort level that not all practitioners possess to provide the student a level of autonomy that enables growth.  While I tried to emulate Rita’s charismatic delivery of care, I was allowed to fumble, make mistakes and finally come to an appropriate conclusion. She was patient, shared many pearls of clinical wisdom, guided me on laws and licensure and offered tips on acclimating to a new position.  I now feel confident that I could go anywhere and continue to grow.

The quality of care that I witnessed being delivered at the clinic was beyond my expectation. It was exciting to be a part of the team dedicated to providing care to those who have fallen on hard times. This experience has opened my eyes to a rewarding career option as a primary care provider.

You all are doing an amazing job providing these services and I cannot thank you enough for the educational opportunity that you have given me in allowing me to shadow your Nurse Practitioner, Rita Williams.  The experience is invaluable.

Sincerely,

Tina Coffey, RN, BSN