Fitzgerald Community Clinic
Fitzgerald’s collection of learning resources has helped countless nurse practitioners strengthen their skill set and become astute clinicians. Meet three NPs making a difference in their communities.
Kaitlyn Smith MSN, APRN, NP-C
Kaitlyn Smith, MSN, APRN, NP-C, is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with 16+ years of experience in infectious disease, oncology, and clinical education. She’s passionate about mentoring new providers, building scalable onboarding systems, and translating complex clinical knowledge into practical tools. Kaitlyn has been recognized for her leadership in provider mentorship and her ability to improve patient care through thoughtful systems design.
How Kaitlyn makes a positive impact on the lives of patients As a nurse practitioner, I’ve always believed that great care starts behind the scenes — in the systems, workflows, and training that equip providers to serve with confidence. Whether mentoring new clinicians, simplifying complex protocols, or improving documentation tools, I’ve seen how the right guidance can transform not just patient outcomes, but provider experiences too. My goal has always been to build strong, informed teams that deliver compassionate, high-quality care every time.
Shannon Shanks DNP, APRN, NRP | Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Supervisor
Dr. Shanks has over twenty-six years of healthcare experience, with autonomous practice in the state of Florida. Dr. Shanks has vast healthcare experience ranging from prehospital emergency medicine as a paramedic, Level I, II and community emergency medicine, primary care, and education. For the last two years, Dr Shanks has led the medical team at Community Health, a mobile integrated health program in Manatee County Fl, addressing the needs of underserved populations. She and her collaborative team are recipients of the 2023 18th Congressional District Fire Rescue/EMS awarded by Vern Buchannan for work in the community, as well as the 2024 Florida Department of Health Mobile Integrated Healthcare program of the year.
Bethany Gaultney AGNP-C, GS-C
Bethany Gaultney, AGNP-C, GS-C graduated cum laude from Jacksonville State University School of Nursing and earned a master’s degree (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care) from Florida Southern College. She later worked in a cardiac progressive care unit at Orlando Health. She then moved to Bluffton, SC in 2018 and saw patients in long-term care facilities and assisted living. Once eligible, Bethany obtained a geriatric certification from the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC). Bethany opened her own practice in 2021 that focuses on ages 50+. This has allowed her to serve the community, give back to the profession and show others that nurse practitioners are capable and competent providers.
How Shannon makes a positive impact on the lives of patients Practicing this type of medicine is truly rewarding. I meet the patients quiet literally where they are. Whether it's in the street, a shelter or even their homes. If the patients cannot get to us, we must go to them. It reduces access to care by providing accessibility, breaks down barriers of fear and mistrust of healthcare providers. It allows you a glimpse into your patients' lives to see if there are other issues that need addressed beyond health care needs and help attach them to other available services. It is so rewarding to see patients improve simply by helping them with healthcare that might otherwise be unattainable.
How Bethany makes a positive impact on the lives of patients My life motto is to be the solution and not the problem. I meet my patients where they are, so they feel comfortable discussing their health issues. I do house calls for those that cannot leave their house. I do my best to advocate for them and give the care they need/deserve. No concern is too great or small.
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