Health Care Setting: Clinic/Doctor's Office

Cissa Schneider

Health care setting: Clinic/Doctor's Office - Nominee’s role: Nurse Practitioner -

1. Describe how your nominee has shown concern for humanity.

Cissa Schneider, PNP, is an exceptional nurse who exemplifies the qualities of great nursing in the State of Iowa. Throughout her thirty years in nursing, her professional journey has focused on providing care for individuals who have little to no access to healthcare. As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) she consistently looks for opportunities to share her expertise in clinics for the underserved. In our busy world where many providers are looking to provide care only during “day” hours, Cissa remains constant in her willingness to be available when the patient may need her skill. Whether it is a free clinic in the evening hours or offering late afternoon appointments for teens in the Adolescent Clinic she is there. Cissa volunteers for a free clinic in one of the local churches, providing vaccines and health guidance to children of families who are uninsured. In her practice, Cissa creates an open, honest and safe environment for the adolescents in her practice. Her ability to create trusting relationships with the high risk teens and young adults, parents and peers is based on her professionalism and non-judgmental attitude and the desire for all individuals to be the best they can be.

2. What do you consider your nominee’s most significant contribution to the nursing profession?

I believe Cissa’s most significant contribution to the nursing profession is her consistent practice to maintain professional boundaries while treating each person with genuine care and compassion. For the past 20 years I have had the privilege to witness her interactions with physicians, staff, families, and patients. In her current role as a PNP in the Blank Children’s Adolescent Clinic she provides primary health care to teens and young adults. With the challenges of complex family dynamics and the “risk taking” of adolescence, Cissa works to help each adolescent to successfully navigate the health care environment. With a focus on prevention and she often consults with school nurses and teachers to help them problem solve difficult situations. Cissa is persistent in her review of the literature and seeks for the most pertinent research and available data to implement changes in nursing practice, with a strong foundation, commitment to excellence, and willingness to be a life long learner she is a role model for excellence. Her work ethic is remarkable. Cissa performed gynecological care for a teen at one the school clinics and received a thank you note from the family who had a family history of cervical cancer. Her services were confidential yet compassionate to the high risk teen. She assisted in the development of free clinics in a church and a community building without hesitation or the thought that it may be impossible.

3. Give an example of how your nominee has shown leadership through mentoring, or served as a role model for others.

Cissa works in a collaborative practice setting with nurses, physicians, and learners at all levels. Cissa has excellent communication skills, listens well and her opinion is valued by her peers and co-workers. One of her many strengths is her education for staff, she is often asked to lecture on a variety of teen issues including tattoos, piercing, and high risk behaviors. Cissa offers thoughtful insight for problem solving and often helps others to define an issue, she helps her peers to understand the essence of issues and to look at problems for alternate points of view. No matter the group, Cissa consistently role models a nonjudgmental and professional attitude, she influences all of us to understand the importance the difference one caring person can make. Cissa quietly sees numerous teens and gives confidential care without complaining. She gladly takes on students from various disciplines and adds to their experience base.

4. Was there a specific event that prompted you to nominate this nurse? If so, please tell your story.

Cissa is an exceptional Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP). I have watched her navigate the changes in her role with ease and success. Specifically, there was a change in the model of care which impacted her role as a PNP in the school system. The model changed from a centralized School Health Clinic to a process where the PNP) made daily rounds to six high schools in the Des Moines area toting her health care tools in a black case. Cissa was instrumental in achieving a collaborative model with the School Nurse in each High School. Cissa demonstrated flexibility to coordinate her visits with each school nurse and as a result the model was successful for the students who without access to a primary care provider would never have been eligible for sports. Cissa called each school nurse every day to be able to provide care to any student in each of the six high schools. As a result, the school nurses had an efficient and collaborative model. I have no doubt other PNP’s could have managed this change, Cissa made it seem effortless for everyone. More importantly, what I have come to admire is her consistency, her positive attitude that change can result in an improvement, and her willingness to keep learning. I consider it an honor to work with her and I am grateful for what I have learned and will learn from her in the future.