Sentara Provider Works Closely with Patients and Surgeons

Nurse practitioner Stacey Tadlock cared for patients as a registered nurse (RN) for more than 20 years before getting her Master of Nursing degree. "I enjoy caring for the whole person, mind and body," says Tadlock. "But I wanted to have a long-term relationship with patients. As a nurse practitioner, I have ongoing interactions with people in our office, which lets me offer them an elevated level of care."

Tadlock worked in surgical services for eight years before joining Sentara Medical Group. She uses her experience as an RN in the surgery unit to now care for people at Sentara Surgery Specialists in Hampton.

Educates and Cares for Patients Having Surgery at Sentara CarePlex Hospital
Tadlock supports people before, during and after surgery. "A big part of my role is educating patients, so they understand what they may experience and what steps they need to take to have good results," she says. "When people understand why and how things are done, they are more likely to follow instructions and have better outcomes. It also means they are more comfortable after their surgery."

Before surgery, Tadlock sees patients with their surgeon. She then works closely with them until the procedure, answering questions and providing support. "After surgery, I visit patients in the hospital and work with the staff to get them discharged. I coordinate their follow-up visits and see them in our office to ensure they are recovering well."

Uses the "Golden Rule" to Care for Patients in Hampton
"It sounds cliché, but I strive to treat patients the way I'd want to be treated," says Tadlock. "They aren't a diagnosis or a room number. I keep it personal and remember that I got into this profession to care for patients, to put them at ease."

Tadlock keeps in mind what patients are going through and how it affects not only them but their families as well. She tries to make the experience as smooth as possible for patients and their loved ones.

"It's rewarding to see a patient outside of the hospital, healthy and thriving," says Tadlock. "People may not remember the specifics of their surgery, but they will remember how they were treated. I like knowing I had a direct impact on someone having a good experience."

Tadlock's family is a source of support. She and her husband have a 5-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. They love to spend time with nearby relatives and enjoy the outdoors together.

Tadlock is board-certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center and is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She received her Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Miami. She sees patients at Sentara Surgery Specialists located at 3000 Coliseum Drive, Suite 200, Hampton, Va.

Learn more about the important role nurse practitioners play in patient care.