From a young age, Vernedia wanted to take care of people, sparking her desire to become a nurse. Early in her career she realized she wanted to be able to do more for her patients, so she returned to graduate school to obtain her Masters in Nursing and completed her certification for Family Nurse Practitioner.
After working as a Family Nurse Practitioner at both a community clinic in an underserved area and a corporate clinic, she realized most of the patients she was treating medically were also suffering from undiagnosed and untreated mental conditions. The realization of the disparities in healthcare, especially in mental health, led her to the pursue certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Chicago State University, Chicago, IL
Master of Science in Nursing, University of Saint Francis, Joliet, IL
Board Certification
American Nurses Credentialing Center