Rachael Henderson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Rachael’s motivation to pursue a career in nursing was a combination of deeply personal experiences with a desire to make meaningful differences in other people’s lives. Growing up in a dysfunctional nuclear family, Rachael was always drawn to her Aunt Judi who practiced as a Registered Nurse in a community hospital. Read More
Rachael spent every summer in Pennsylvania with her Aunt Judi and the care she received by her special aunt left a profound impact on Rachael, especially how Judi always remained calm, kind, and steadfast. Judi’s continual love and nurturing inspired Rachael to become a nurse, a career decision that was chosen in elementary school and never wavered.
Rachael began her first steps into the world of nursing in 2001 when she became a certified nurse’s aide and worked in a nursing home. Here she worked full time while taking classes at a community college for nursing. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 2004 and while practicing full time as an LPN she continued to take college classes to become a Registered Nurse (RN). She passed her RN boards in January of 2006. At this time, she decided to transition to working in an Emergency Room, earning additional board certifications including becoming a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).
During her many years working as an ER nurse, several of the physicians took a special interest in both her skills as a nurse and her soothing bedside manner. They encouraged her to become a Nurse Practitioner. Thus, she returned to school (again!) to pursue her Masters in Nursing while working full time in the ER. She graduated with honors in December of 2014 from Maryville University and passed her Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Boards in February of 2015. As a FNP she practiced in the ER and at an Urgent Care. She then was offered a position at a local Ketamine infusion center where she treated patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. At this clinic she was able to form connections with each of the patients she treated and found fulfillment in building lasting relationships with them as well as being a consistent presence throughout their care and struggle with their personal mental health. After three years of providing care to these patients suffering with depression and anxiety, she made the decision to return to Maryville University for a Post Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.
Rachael’s passion for Nursing served as a driving force through the most difficult moments—whether during exams, clinical rotations, or times of burnout. Rachael has always known that nursing is far more than just a profession—it is a calling. To her, nursing means advocating for others, offering support during their most vulnerable moments, being a cheerleader, and being a source of stability in times of uncertainty. This sense of purpose and the opportunity to build genuine human connections continue to motivate her every day.
In her free time, you can expect Rachael to either be spending time with her devoted and wonderful husband Ian, snuggling with her German shepherd Yara (who most likely will be present with you during your virtual visit), reading a fantasy novel series, watching Game of Thrones and/or House of the Dragon, or nurturing her vast collection of houseplants!
