Q and A: Heather Welch, AGPCNP in Ear, Nose & Throat

Heather Welch is an Adult-Gero Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, which allows her to manage care for patients 13 and older. She specializes in difficult airway management for the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) program at UC Health. We asked Welch about why she chose to become an Adult-Gero Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, her current role and what she likes about it.

I started as a licensed vocational nurse and worked my way up through each degree. I worked mostly in the emergency department and surgical intensive care unit. I also did some medical malpractice defense work as an RN.

I'm comfortable with adults; children scare me. I have worked my entire career with adults, so that is where I'm comfortable.

I was very well prepared. The classes are thorough and the professors are very knowledgeable. They are also very approachable. I felt supported.

I am the airway nurse practitioner for Ear, Nose and Throat at UC Health/UC Physicians for Otolaryngology. I see complex airway patients — stenosis, tracheomalacia, etc. — in clinic and in inpatient settings. I do trach changes, flexible tracheobronchoscopy and video laryngoscopy, and manage medications related to the patient's condition. I also perform a few minor procedures, such as chemical cautery.

The biggest challenge I faced was switching from nurse mode to provider mode. Although you're still focusing on total patient care, you're placing the orders instead of performing the orders. At first, this was a challenging balance. I would have to say one of the most rewarding aspects is the relationships I develop with my patients. As a nurse, you see them either in clinic or in the hospital. As a provider, I am with them through all aspects of care for their disease process.