Introduction
Cherish Van Schaik is a nurse practitioner with more than a decade of experience in a rural healthcare setting. She began her career as a registered nurse, caring for patients in the emergency room, critical care unit, and following major surgeries.
Cherish was inspired by her stepmother, who was also a nurse, and developed an interest in medicine at a young age. She is passionate about holistic care for those who seek treatment at critical access hospitals.
“These patients need us,” she says. “Sometimes by the time they see you it’s a last resort. There is nothing else to be done at home.”
Cherish also has experience connecting her patients with valuable resources before they leave her care. She strives to educate those she treats, providing honest and clear instructions before they go home.
“It starts from the minute they walk in — knowing them and what challenges they are going to meet when they leave your office,” she explains.
Outside of work, Cherish enjoys crafting — ribbon wreaths are her specialty. She also loves to cook and spend time with her four German shepherds.
Education
Duke University, Master of Science, Nursing
Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Science, Nursing
