11/14/2025
When Danielle Shifflett, APRN, walks into Mosaic’s walk-in clinic in Maryville, she’s not just stepping into a workplace — she’s stepping into her community. For Danielle, being a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in a rural setting is about purpose, connection and a promise she made long ago.
A calling born from family
Danielle’s journey into medicine began with love – and loss. “I originally chose to go into the field of medicine because of my grandparents,” she recalls. Growing up close to them, she witnessed the devastating consequences of missed preventive care. “They passed away due to conditions that could’ve been detected with early screenings. After taking care of them, I knew I wanted to become a nurse practitioner to increase access to rural communities.”
Danielle envisioned a future where families like hers wouldn’t have to suffer because of limited health care access. And she knew exactly where she wanted to make that difference.
Why Maryville – because it’s home
While many health care professionals gravitate toward metropolitan areas, Danielle chose to stay rooted. “I’ve grown up and lived here my entire life,” she says with pride. “Practicing in a rural community isn’t just a career choice – it’s a way to give back to the people who shaped me.”
Her deep ties to Maryville fuel her commitment to ensuring that everyone in “our corner of the world” has access to quality care. It’s a sentiment that resonates in every patient interaction.
The rural reality: challenges and solutions
Health care in rural America faces unique hurdles, and Danielle sees them daily. “The biggest challenge is access to providers,” she explains. “Many rural areas rely heavily on a small number of providers, which limits appointment availability.”
To combat this, Danielle works in Mosaic’s walk-in clinic, offering timely care for acute issues. “It’s about meeting people where they are,” she says. “When you can’t get in to see your primary care provider, we’re here.”
Bridging gaps with Mosaic
Specialist access and advanced technology can be scarce in rural settings, but Danielle credits Mosaic for closing those gaps. “They build collaborative partnerships with regional hospitals and specialist networks,” she explains. “That means referrals and consultations happen more efficiently. Patients still get comprehensive care – even if certain services aren’t offered locally.”
This teamwork ensures that rural patients don’t have to sacrifice quality for proximity.
Trust: the heartbeat of rural care
In small communities, trust isn’t just important, it’s everything. “Relationships and reputation often influence whether people seek care at all,” Danielle notes. “Trust helps patients follow treatment plans, share sensitive information and return when needed. It directly improves health outcomes.”
For Danielle, building trust starts with listening. “People want to feel heard and understood. That’s where real care begins.”
Turning every visit into an opportunity
Working in an urgent care setting means most patients come in for acute issues, but Danielle uses those moments wisely. “I try to discuss preventive topics like blood pressure checks, diabetes screening or smoking cessation,” she says. “In rural areas, every contact counts.”
Flexibility and readiness are also key in rural health care. “You never know what’s coming through the door,” Danielle emphasizes. “From recognizing life-threatening situations like strokes or heart attacks to performing procedures like laceration repairs, you have to be prepared for anything.”
Her advice for new FNPs? “Be ready to learn continuously, use resources creatively and trust your judgment.”
The reward of rural care
As Danielle reflects on her work, her words capture the heart and reward of rural health care. “Every patient who walks through our doors is someone’s family. If I can make sure they get the care they need – right here at home – that’s success.”
