Sharon Ravenelle, W.H.N.P.

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Why did you choose your profession?

Even as a child, I had a deep sense of social responsibility. In college, I wanted to become a trial lawyer to help people in need obtain justice. After I really thought about it, I realized I wanted to affect the lives of individuals on one-on-one basis, using a more humanistic approach: I switched my major to nursing. It's a decision I am glad I made.

For a patient, how is a visit with a nurse practitioner different from a visit with a doctor?

A nurse practitioner practices from a philosophy based in nursing theory. Therefore, we are not only treating the patient's medical problem, but also managing her responses to the problem (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual). A visit with a nurse practitioner feels less rushed. I can attest to this experience, as I have seen nurse practitioners for my own care as well as my children's care.

What is your philosophy of treating or helping patients?

A patient comes to me with more than her physical complaints. I aim to listen respectfully and to be non-judgmental. Building trust is vital to helping women make changes. My goal is to teach each woman how to live and how to attain a higher level of wellness.

What is the most enjoyable part of your day with patients?

I most enjoy the personal interaction and communication with each patient, and furthermore, knowing that I made a difference at that point in her life.

How is being a nurse practitioner been different from being a nurse?

I have greater interaction with my patients and I provide direct care to them. A nurse practitioner has significantly more autonomy and a broader scope of practice. I assess, evaluate and manage the patient independently, with a collaborating doctor available for consultation, as necessary.

What do you do in your spare time?

In addition to functioning as a full-time nurse practitioner, I am an adjunct faculty member of Cedar Crest College's School of Nursing. Thus, like many women, I have very little spare time, which I deeply value spending at home with my family!

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Nurse Since

1986

Education

M.S., Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, 1998, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
B.S. in Nursing, 1986, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

Internships and Training

Crittenton Hastings House, General Gynecology/family planning, Brighton, MA

About Women by Women, outpatient Obstetrics and Gynecology, Newton, MA

Roxbury Comprehensive Community Health Center, outpatient Community Clinic/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Roxbury, MA

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, outpatient HMO/obstetrics and gynecology, Burlington, MA