Jessica McGillis, NP
Jessica McGillis, NP, has spent her career in health care, but was always looking for ways she could progress her career that would allow her to advocate for her patients.
Starting in high school, her career would take from a certified nursing assistant to advancing her education to earn her degree as a family nurse practitioner and able to provide direct care to the people of her home community.
Meet Jessica.
Why did you choose a role in health care as your profession?
I grew up in a family of health care professionals. My mom is a nurse, my aunt is a nurse, my oldest sister has her DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), and my middle sister worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
I started working as a CNA while I was in high school through our health occupations class, and I did that for four years. I then worked as a certified clinical hemodialysis technician in Mount Pleasant for nine years.
I decided I wanted to be able to advocate more effectively for my patients and became a registered nurse. I have been working as an RN for almost six years now, starting out in dialysis and the last two-and-a-half years on the critical care floor. Helping people and being able to advocate for them when they can't advocate for themselves has really been a driving factor for me in pursuing my health care profession.
What aspects of urgent care interest you?
I like the idea of being able to reach and treat people from every walk of life. There is a draw here that will allow me to see and help many different people.
Why did you choose to practice here in central Michigan?
I was born and raised in the Alma area. The majority of my family is in this area, and it really is a great community.
What do you want your patients to know about you?
I would like my patients to know that I have worked with some very ill people, patients that have been working through mental health issues, alcohol and drug dependence issues, respiratory and cardiac issues just to name a few. I am an open-minded person and will offer a judgement-free practice for their safety and ease of mind.
Do you have specific interests in health care?
I have really enjoyed my time in the critical care setting these last few years. Prior to working in the hospital, I was in the outpatient dialysis setting. I really enjoyed working in nephrology.
What personal interests and hobbies do you have?
I love to read, fiction mostly. I love the summers because I love being outside: kayaking, swimming, bonfires, and BBQs are some of my favorite things. I would like to travel more in the future and see more of the world.
Anything else you’d like to include?
I have two children — 18 and 15 years old — three dogs and three cats. During nursing school, I was able to attend a medical mission trip through Flying Doctors of America. We went to Asuncion, Paraguay, and did a three-day dental and medical mission to help the people. I made friends while I was there, and we still keep in touch today.
McLaren Central Michigan – ReadyCare Walk-In Clinic is located at 1523 South Mission Street. Patients can view wait times and check-in online here.