We could not be more thrilled to announce the return of our Beloved FNP, Barbara Hayes

After an extensive medical leave, Barbara Hayes, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), is pleased to be back serving patients at Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District (SHCHD).

With over 40 years of experience, Barbara’s aim as a clinician is to take care of the whole person and to help all patients realize their full potential. She recently stated, “I am glad to be back to work and look forward to seeing patients I previously took care of and meeting new patients’ needs.”

Barbara Hayes has been serving patients at the Southern Humboldt Community Clinic since November 2010. She is passionate about getting to know each patient and providing the highest quality of healthcare services. Her strong connection to patients stems from careers in nursing and midwifery, “I grew up wanting to be a nurse and have always wanted to help people.” As a midwife, she became intimately involved with women and their families, making heartfelt connections: “To be at a birth is like witnessing heaven on earth, and it’s so empowering to support women.” Now as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Barbara meets the needs of patients of all ages, including those with complicated medical conditions. She believes her role is not only to be the expert but also to be a strong listener who takes the time to understand her patients. She maintains certifications in both advanced life support and pediatric advanced life support, so she is better able and prepared for all patients’ needs.

Having grown up in New Jersey, Barbara earned a nursing degree from St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, New Jersey in 1969. She then worked from 1969-1977 as the Head Nurse of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at St. Peters Medical Center, New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1978 she moved to Arcata, California and worked at Redwood Memorial from 1984-1995. In 1990 she became a midwife and then in 1999 Barbara got her certification as a family nurse practitioner from the University of California at Davis.

Most recently, Barbara was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She describes it as a “very scary experience”. She went through chemotherapy; however, her scans are now clear and she “feels good.” She thinks her cancer experience has helped her to relate better to patients with chronic and life threatening illnesses.

Barbara stated that she settled in rural America because she has always enjoyed a rural lifestyle that is “quieter, less harried, slower, and where there is time to enjoy one another.” She chose Southern Humboldt because she appreciates its mild weather, easy access to the ocean, and year-round opportunities to be outside and to garden. She has a life-partner and three grown children: two daughters and a son, one of whom lives in Arcata.

To learn more about the SHCHD go to www.shchd.org or email inquire@shchd.org. For an appointment call (707) 923-3921. To stay on top of local health events and news, like us on Facebook!

SHCHD, Staff writer