The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) group in the Washington University School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine is a dynamic, talented, and diverse team of board-certified acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) and physician assistants (PAs) dedicated to providing high quality, person-centered, compassionate care.

Our APPs work in collaboration with Goldfarb School of Nursing’s Adult Gerontology ACNP Program to provide clinical education and real-world experiences for students in surgical critical care.

Our Team

Comprised of more than 80 APPs, our team provides comprehensive critical care in collaboration with Washington University School of Medicine intensivists within diverse, skilled, multidisciplinary critical care teams. Our team of APPs staff in the surgical/burn/trauma, surgical-oncology, and cardiothoracic ICUs at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, ICUs in our affiliated community hospitals, and our telemedicine ICU.

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Latest Happenings

Community outreach is a priority for our APP team. Our services have focused on planting trees, trash pick up with Trash Bash & Great Rivers Greenway. We have also served hot lunch for a local church, participated in a winter clothing drive, and collected money for Heat Up STL and Stray Rescue.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our program and department strive to reflect the rich diversity of the world around us and recognize the need for continuous growth. We are proactive in creating a welcoming environment inclusive of individual views, gender identity, ethnicity, and racial background.

We recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in fostering a thriving community. Our aim is to create and foster an environment that values and recognizes everyone’s unique attributes, and one in which all members of our department and institution feel welcomed, included, and treated with respect.

As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we continuously work toward expanding our efforts. We encourage you to learn more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and how we are putting them into action to build a stronger and more equitable community for everyone involved.

Surgical Critical Care APPs

At a Glance, 2023

APP of the Quarter

The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) group is a dynamic, talented, and diverse team of board-certified acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) and physician assistants (PAs) dedicated to providing high-quality, person-centered, compassionate care.

Each quarter, we recognize one of our APPs who has gone above and beyond for their team and patients.

Congratulations to our APP of the Quarter, Sean Miller!

Sean Miller, PA-C
Physician Assistant

Sean Miller has been working in medicine for the past 18 years. He began working as a Paramedic for both rural and suburban EMS districts. He spent two years of his EMS career with a focus on critical care pediatric transport with Children’s Hospital. He later entered St. Louis University Physician Assistant Program where he earned his Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree in 2014. He first gained experience as a PA in primary care outpatient medicine but later transitioned to the ER. He completed an ER fellowship and remained with the ER for additional training. After completing his ER training, he entered Urgent Care medicine where he has spent the bulk of his career. Most recently, Sean’s drive for professional growth afforded him the opportunity to begin work at Washington University in the Cardiothoracic ICU. When not working at WashU he returns to SLU as an Adjunct Faculty member providing lectures in EKG analysis while co-managing the orthopedic, cardiac, and GU/Renal modules. In 2023, he began operating Rapid Med Ed, LLC, which is a St. Louis based training organization for all AHA courses and much more. He and his wife have 3 growing boys ages 10, 8 and 6. They all enjoy playing UNO and traveling to the beach for much needed relaxation. Fun fact, he has enjoyed the Martial Arts for over 25 years and currently holds a 4th degree black belt.

Sean was named Q4 2023 APP of the Quarter!

His nominator says, “Sean undeniably deserves the APP of the quarter award for his relentless commitment to personal growth and improvement. He consistently strives to enhance his skills and knowledge, demonstrating a remarkable dedication to self-betterment. Sean’s infectious smile has become a symbol of positivity within the group, uplifting everyone around him. Beyond his professional achievements, it’s his warm and approachable demeanor that sets him apart. In any situation, Sean brings a genuine sense of warmth that fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. His ability to radiate positivity and create a welcoming atmosphere is truly commendable, making him not only an exceptional friend but also a source of inspiration for others.”

View previous awardees

APP of the Quarter Archive
Sean Miller, PA-C

Sean Miller, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Sean Miller has been working in medicine for the past 18 years. He began working as a Paramedic for both rural and suburban EMS districts. He spent two years of his EMS career with a focus on critical care pediatric transport with St. Louis Children’s Hospital. He later entered St. Louis University’s Physician Assistant Program where he earned his Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree in 2014.

He first gained experience as a PA in primary care outpatient medicine but later transitioned to the ER. He completed an ER fellowship and remained with the ER for additional training. After completing his ER training, he entered Urgent Care medicine where he has spent the bulk of his career. Most recently, Sean’s drive for professional growth allowed him to begin work at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in the Cardiothoracic ICU. When not working at WashU he returns to SLU as an Adjunct Faculty member providing lectures in EKG analysis while co-managing the orthopedic, cardiac, and GU/Renal modules. In 2023, he began operating Rapid Med Ed, LLC, which is a St. Louis-based training organization for all AHA courses and much more. He and his wife have 3 growing boys ages 10, 8, and 6. They all enjoy playing UNO and traveling to the beach for much-needed relaxation. Fun fact, he has enjoyed Martial Arts for over 25 years and currently holds a 4th degree black belt!

Sean was named Q4 2023 APP of the Quarter!

His nominator says, “Sean undeniably deserves the APP of the quarter award for his relentless commitment to personal growth and improvement. He consistently strives to enhance his skills and knowledge, demonstrating a remarkable dedication to self-betterment. Sean’s infectious smile has become a symbol of positivity within the group, uplifting everyone around him. Beyond his professional achievements, it’s his warm and approachable demeanor that sets him apart. In any situation, Sean brings a genuine sense of warmth that fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. His ability to radiate positivity and create a welcoming atmosphere is truly commendable, making him not only an exceptional friend but also a source of inspiration for others.”

Nicky Schweiss, ACNP

Nicky Schweiss, ACNP

Nurse Practitioner

Nicky is one of the APP Leads for the 56/82 CTICUs. She graduated from Goldfarb School of Nursing AGACNP program in 2017. Before becoming an NP, Nicky worked the previous 12 years as a bedside nurse in 56ICU at BJH. Her passion is heart failure and mechanical life support. Outside of work, Nicky loves spending time with her husband and three children at the lake and family farm in Ste Genevieve.

Nicky was named the Q3 2023 APP of the Quarter!

Her nominator says, “Nicky’s dedication, commitment, and positive influence set a high standard for our group. She’s always there to support her colleagues and works tirelessly to improve our CTICU.”

Michelle Bloom, MSN, ACNP-BC

Michelle Bloom, MSN, ACNP-BC

Memorial Site Lead, Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Group

Michelle joined the Department of Anesthesiology in 2015 as a nurse practitioner (NP) with critical care medicine. Her NP career initially began in 4400 Surgical/Burn/Trauma ICU but with the growth of the division, her career also expanded to 7800 SICU, eICU, Memorial Hospital Belleville, 8200 COVID ECMO, and a small amount of time at Christian Hospital Northeast to provide additional support during the COVID pandemic. Additionally, in 2019 she accepted an APP Leadership position at Memorial Hospital, Belleville.

Michelle says she is “grateful for the opportunity to take care of patients and families during some of the darkest days of their lives”, citing this as “a constant reminder that both humbles and inspires me to be grateful for everything I have each day.”

Within our department, she finds great joy in the expansion of our critical care APP group, citing these new opportunities to learn and work alongside such a diverse group of highly intelligent, culturally diverse, and engaged colleagues as a personal motivator to continue to improve her practice each day.

Michelle was named the Q2 2023 APP of the Quarter! Her nominator says, “Michelle is a great teammate, leader, patient advocate, and friend. She truly cares about our ICU as one that not only delivers quality care to our patients, but that’s great to work in as well.”

Outside of work, Michelle is engaged with her spouse, young family (children ages 8, 5, 2), and dog.  She has newly adopted yoga as a daily practice both to challenge her body physically and to release some of the emotional stress brought on by caring for critically ill patients.

Fun fact, Michelle grew up in a small town in southern Illinois – so small that the entire town’s population is less than half that of the BJH patient bed capacity.

Maureen Flanagan, RN, MSN

Maureen Flanagan, RN, MSN

Surgical ICU Nurse Practitioner

Maureen Flanagan (She/Her) is a nurse practitioner from Dallas, Texas. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 2014 and went on to earn her RN and MSN from Yale University in 2017. She has been practicing in the Surgical ICUs here at BJH since her graduation in 2017. In her free time, she loves exploring new places around the world, cooking new pasta recipes, and spending time with her dog, Luka.

Maureen was named the Q4 2022 APP of the Quarter! Her nominator says, “Maureen works hard in difficult situations and goes above & beyond to provide great care for her patients. She’s smart and is a true team player.”

Josh Fender, MSN, AGACNP-BC, CCRN, CNL, NREMT-P

Josh Fender, MSN, AGACNP-BC, CCRN, CNL, NREMT-P

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified

Joshua Fender (He/Him) has been an APP with the department since 2021. He has a BS in Fire Paramedicine from Lindenwood University. He obtained his MSN with an emphasis on quality improvement informatics, education, and leadership from Sant Louis University. Josh recently graduated with his AGACNP post-master’s certificate from Goldfarb School of Nursing. He has been a recipient of St. Louis Magazine’s Excellence in Nursing and March of Dimes Nurse of the Year. In his free time, you can find him mushroom hunting, cooking, and spending time with his partner Eric and their two golden doodles Riley and Zion.

Josh was named the Q3 2022 APP of the Quarter!

His nominator says, “Josh is an incredible team player. He is always helping with schedule changes and picking up extra moonlighting. He is always positive and easy to work with. He will lend a helping hand without being asked and he provides compassionate care to his patients.”

Clair Visconti, PA-C

Clair Visconti, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Clair Visconti is a Physician Assistant from Alton, Illinois. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of Missouri in 2016, and then earned a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri in December of 2019. Clair has been with the Department of Anesthesiology at WashU for two years.

From the first time she stepped foot in an ICU as a student, Clair has been passionate about critical care. She is committed to providing thoughtful and compassionate care for her patients, and is dedicated to her continued education. She loves being able to work together with her colleagues as a team.

Clair was named the Q2 2022 APP of the Quarter!

Her nominators say:

“Clair is exceptional. She consistently shows genuine dedication to caring for patients, being a team member, picking up/changing her schedule to fill staffing gaps, and being an overall exceptional APP! Clair consistently seeks to advance her knowledge and has been instrumental in advocating for the patients at CH. I can always count on Clair and proud to have her as a colleague!”

“Clair is always willing to help the group. She is passionate about making changes at CHNE, and offers solutions. It is exciting to watch her confidence grow in such a challenging environment. I am very proud of her growth as a member of the APP group at CHNE!”

Kevin Stuckey, MMS PA-C

Kevin Stuckey, MMS PA-C

Physician Assistant, Critical Care

Kevin began his career in healthcare in 2005 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist, followed by Physician Assistant school at Saint Louis University—graduating in 2015. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my APP career with full-time work in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and now Critical Care Medicine,” says Kevin. “Each area has helped me to grow my knowledge of medicine. I truly love my career and hope to share this passion with my surrounding peers and the community we serve.” In his free time, he enjoys camping, hiking, reading, watching re-runs of old TV shows and movies, and most of all: spending time with his family. He has a wonderful family including a beautiful wife, three daughters, three cats, and a wonderfully talented Australian Shepherd.

Kevin was named the Q1 2022 APP of the Quarter! “Kevin has been an excellent addition to our critical care team. Despite having previous experience, he does not hesitate to ask for advice on topics he is not familiar with. He is always willing to help out when needed and provides exemplary bedside manner with not only patients but their family members as well. He somehow manages to stay calm despite any type of situation and has been wonderful to work with.” Congratulations, Kevin!

 

Shawn Reynolds, MSPA PA-C

Shawn Reynolds, MSPA PA-C

Physician Assistant, Critical Care

Shawn is one of the APP Leads for the 44/78 ICUs as well as ACT/Codes for North Tower. He graduated from DeSales University and has been a Physician Assistant for 13.5 years. Shawn has worked in the Emergency Room, Neuro ICU, and is currently in the Trauma/Surgical ICU. Shawn is happily married and has two beautiful daughters. He is currently in the Army National Guard. Outside of work Shawn loves spending time with his wife and children, working out, and renovating their lake house.

Shawn was named the Q4 2021 APP of the Quarter! “Shawn consistently works to improve our APP group, advocate for our group, and enhance our knowledge base. Recently he has been putting in a tremendous amount of effort with the APP US courses and deserves special recognition for his steadfast daily efforts and also this large project he has taken on.” Congratulations, Shawn!

Nicole Cassell, ANCP

Nicole Cassell, ANCP

APP of the Quarter, SICU

Nicole joined the department in 2013 after graduating from Goldfarb School of Nursing as an Acute Care Nurse practitioner. Nicole is currently the lead APP at Christian Hospital Northeast ICU. Outside of work, she enjoys home improvement projects, gardening, hiking, and spending time with her son, Blake, and daughter, Taylor.

Nicole was named the Q3 2021 APP of the Quarter for her dedication, resourcefulness, and support of her fellow colleagues. Congratulations, Nicole!

Melissa Prewitt, AGACNP-BC

Melissa Prewitt, AGACNP-BC

Melissa graduated with a BSN from the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith, in 2011 and obtained her MSN, Adult Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) from the University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, in 2020. She has practiced as an RN in the SICU at Northwest Medical Center, Springdale, Arkansas, from 2011-2013 and the CVICU at Washington Regional Medical Center, Fayetteville, from 2013-2020. While at Washington Regional, Melissa served as Nurse Residency Facilitator and Critical Care Coordinator. Melissa joined the APP group in September 2020 and staff in the CTICUs.

Melissa was named the Q2 2021 APP of the Quarter! Her nominator says, “She is highly motivated and took initiative by looking up patients before her shifts and studying at home with any procedures or devices she wasn’t familiar with. You can tell she cares about her patients and is always advocating for them. She also is a great team player, and I know I can always count on her if I need help.”