St Agnes Hospital Welcomes Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Agnesian HealthCare is pleased to welcome Crystal Bales, APNP, as its new pediatric nurse practitioner with its Women & Infants Unit at St. Agnes Hospital, 430 E. Division Street, Fond du Lac.

After delivery, Bales works collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to help care for newborns, monitoring them throughout their hospital stay. Nurse practitioners have excellent relationships with primary care providers and communicate with them daily about their patients.

“A baby’s birth is an exciting time,” according to Bales. “Parents want the best possible care for their newborn. I strive to provide the best individualized care for every baby. I am proud to work with a supportive team in providing the quality of care that I would want my own baby to receive.” 

In her role, Bales promotes family-centered care by encouraging families to participate in baby’s care and helping them learn how to care for and integrate their baby into their lives.

“I believe that when provided with education and support, parents can be empowered to make the best choices for their baby and family,” Bales explains. “It is my goal to provide the information and support necessary so that families transition home with their newborn feeling confident and empowered.”

            Bales earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

            “With my background in neonatal care and pediatric care, I am prepared to manage the care of healthy newborns and newborns who need extra support shortly after birth,” according to Bales. “I am happy to serve as a practitioner at Agnesian HealthCare where babies and their families can receive the care they need and stay close to home. I look forward to providing family-centered care while utilizing recent evidence-based information to guide my practice.”

            Bales’ experience at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin will be an asset to patients being served at St. Agnes Hospital.

            “I look forward to sharing my knowledge with others so that babies and their families receive the best care,” she explains. “And, my work as a lactation consultant is integrated into my role as a nurse practitioner. I look forward to working with mothers to support their breastfeeding needs and helping them get off to a great start. My philosophy is to support, promote and protect breastfeeding.”