“Be that person for that patient, that day.” This is the practice philosophy of Nurse Practitioner Crystal Neal. “I want to be what patients need, whether that’s a comforter, an educator or even a family member.”
Crystal’s belief in lifelong learning is what inspired her career in nursing. “Health care is intriguing to me as it is an ever-evolving field.” She earned her master’s degree in nursing at the University of Saint Francis.
Crystal’s work as a cardiovascular critical care nurse prepared her well for nurse practitioner duties in vascular medicine. In her critical care role, she led a team of nurses and nurse assistants to provide high-quality, compassionate clinical care. Her additional experience in the medical intensive care unit further contributed to this preparation. She assessed patients, performed diagnostic tests and began treatments with assistance from physicians.
But while her clinical skills are vital, she understands that her people skills are crucial, too. “Patients and family members look to health care providers to not only fix medical problems, but also to show compassion and treat them as they would their own family members,” she says. Crystal and Beacon share this value of compassion, which led to her joining the team.
“It gives me great joy when a patient knows that they are not just a medical diagnosis or a room number, but so much more.”
In her own words
What is something most people don’t know about you? I have six children, including two sets of twins.
Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My mom was the most influential role model in my life.
What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job growing up was at Arby’s. I remember how excited I was to have money to help my mom.
Primary Specialty
ER Doctor
GenderFemale
CertificationAmerican Academy of Nurse Practitioners - 2020, University of St. Francis - 2020, University of St. Francis - 2017