Artesian Valley Health System Welcomes New Provider – Merrill Hoover, FNP-BC

Artesian Valley Health System is pleased to welcome Merrill Hoover, MSN, FNP-BC, to our team of full-time providers. Merrill is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) with a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN). She chose the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty because of her passion in caring for all ages, from newborns to the elderly.

Merrill comes to AVHS directly from Truman Medical Center in Kansas City where she worked for the last six years. At Truman, Merrill worked in their Emergency Department which is a level 1 trauma center. Merrill shares, “A level 1 trauma center can accept anything, it’s the highest-level center available for emergencies. I’ve worked with all levels of needs, from sniffles to gunshots, heart attacks, strokes and even baby deliveries. With trauma care, it’s all a team effort. Having a good system in place where everyone has a role makes a huge difference.” Merrill has several certifications, one being the ENPC certification for emergency nursing pediatric care.

Merrill’s passion for healthcare has been part of her since she was young. As soon as she could, she became a candy striper at Baptist Medical Center in Brookside, she was 12. She enjoyed spending time with patients and transporting them around the hospital. She even loved wearing the candy striper uniform with pink stripes.

Prior to Truman Medical Center, Merrill worked in transplant care at the St. Lukes and KU hospitals in Kansas City for eight years. “Working in transplant care was a very meaningful part of my life, especially my years as a Transplant Coordinator.”

Merrill and her family are excited to be in Meade. “This is our dream, to have land and be part of a small community. We love animals, we have four dogs, three miniature ponies, two kittens and have plans to expand.” Merrill’s husband, Jon, is retired from a medical equipment company where he worked over 25 years being their very first employee. Their son, George, is four and just started pre-K in Meade, and he is head over heels about Mrs. Kroth. “Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. When I called the school about enrolling George, they said “Oh do you need help moving, we’ll help you move.” We’re just overwhelmed and so thankful with the kindness people have shown to us.”

Merrill was looking for exactly what AVHS has to offer, “I love the variety of care I’ll get to provide here, seeing all ages at the clinic, ER and inpatient. As a provider, what matters most to me is making a connection with the patient and building a relationship with them. I’m looking forward to being part of their continuation of care as well as knowing and caring for their families.”

Merrill is currently seeing patients at Meade Rural Health Clinic and beginning in March she’ll also start seeing patients at the Plains Rural Health Clinic. To schedule an appointment with her, please call the Meade Clinic at (620) 873-2112 or the Plains Clinic at (620) 563-9313.