Six Questions with Chris Werner, CNP
Chris Werner likes caring for whole families in and around Kenyon. She’s also a farmer. (And a grandma.)
Chris talks about caring for families in a small town, being inspired by her father and grandfather, and “making up fun” with her grandkids.
Appointments: 507-623-0123
First job? Babysitting. I started when I was 10. I come from a big family with seven sisters, and we did a lot of babysitting. In a big family, you’re always caring for the little kids. That aspect of caring for others is an important part of my work now.
Free time? I like to read, walk country roads, work on the farm, and play with my grandkids. We like to read together, play school, play cards, and play on the farm. We make up fun. I also like to travel, to experience new places and see different cultures.
Best part of your work? I love everything about it. I like taking care of the whole family, asking “How’s Grandma?” who I may have seen the week before. I like the variety, and also the continuity of care. I like listening to people’s stories. Everyone wants to tell their story. Oh, and our clinic staff is amazing. I love working with them.
Best advice you ever got? The importance of education. My father got his GED rather than a high school diploma, and it was very important to him that we appreciate the value of education.
Why healthcare? My grandfather was a doctor, so I was exposed to the medical world that way. I’ve been drawn to it all while I was growing up, caring for animals. My grandfather thought I’d be a vet. But my path led to human medicine: When I was in my twenties, I took care of my father as he was dying, and that was a big part of my inspiration.
If not healthcare, what would you be doing? Playing with my grandchildren. And I’d keep doing farm chores every morning and night.