Fulfilling a Dream

It did not take Joan Manzella long to discover the friendliness of her new hometown. Manzella is a Certified Nurse Practitioner with Boundary Community Clinic and started in her new position on January 1.

“When I came to interview, a server at Under the Sun asked me why I was in town. I told her I was here for a job interview,” shared Manzella. “A month later when I came back to Bonners Ferry to visit the town again, I again went into Under the Sun to eat lunch. The same server came up to me and she asked me if I got the job I interviewed for and was I moving to Bonners Ferry. She was very welcoming when I said that yes I got the job and yes we were moving here.”

Manzella brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for her work. She was a Registered Nurse for 33 years and went back to school seven years ago where she obtained a Masters in Nursing Education and a Family Nurse Practitioner degree.

“Prior to returning to school to become a NP, I worked in various areas of nursing,” said Manzella. “Throughout my lengthy nursing career, I have worked in most every area within the hospital setting. “

She has taught nursing in a clinical setting and also worked in management throughout her extensive career. But even while working in management, Manzella was often out doing patient care and nursing education. “(I did) whatever I could do to make things the best that they could be for the people I served,” she said.

Manzella said her mother played a significant role in Manzella’s decision to enter the medical field.

“When I was a child in grade school, my mother decided to return to school and become an LPN. I watched the study group she had at our home most every evening and would listen to what they were studying. It was all so interesting to me,” said Manzella.

And when her mother went to work for a local hospital, Manzella visited often delivering donuts and other treats to the nurses. It provided her with insight into how the hospital floor functioned.

“Hearing the nurses and doctors talk about diagnoses, I was fascinated just to listen. There were no HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws at that time. I don’t ever remember hearing patients names mentioned, but sure remember some of the stories and surgeries that I heard. Now moving into the role as a provider has satisfied and fulfilled the dream that I had.”

Manzella’s recent move to Bonners Ferry from Montana fulfilled another dream. “I came to the Bonners Ferry area several years before because we had visited the area and loved it here,” said Manzella who is married with two children and three grandchildren.

She has been warmly received in her new role and is looking forward to making a difference in the lives of many people in the community.

“The people working in Boundary Community Clinic and the hospital are here because they truly care for this community and the people that we serve,” said Manzella. “This has been one of the warmest and most welcoming places I have ever worked. I am happy to call this my home.”

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