Jessica Howell, NP, has joined the staff at the Barger Clinic and will focus on geriatric primary care.

She earned her doctor of nursing practice, focusing on family practice, and post masters nursing education certificate from Johns Hopkins University; her master of science in nursing from Western Governors University; and her bachelor of science, majoring in nursing, from Oregon Health & Science University.

She most recently worked at Bushnell University, where she was an assistant professor in nursing.

She describes her philosophy of care as “every person has inherent worth and dignity, which should be valued by all at all times.”

“I love the geriatric population,” she added. Her grandfather was volunteer chaplain at the Veterans Administration in Roseburg, and she attended services with him, getting to know many of the people who regularly attended.

“I’ve been around that population my whole life,” Howell said. “I adore them. They are old now, but they were somebody’s baby one day, and if their parents were still here, I think to myself, Am I making your mom or dad happy with how I’m caring for you?”

When not working, Howell enjoys spending time with her family, reading, running, being active and in the outdoors and birdwatching.