Sheridan Memorial Hospital is excited to welcome Laura Fischer, a board-certified adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, to our healthcare team.
Laura grew up on her family’s farm about 30 minutes outside Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her passion for healthcare began in high school when she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. There, she developed a deep love for geriatric medicine and nursing, inspiring her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Davenport University.
For nine years, Laura worked in the ICU at Mercy Health St. Mary’s in Grand Rapids. While she loved her work, the COVID-19 pandemic led to burnout, prompting her to return to school for a Master of Science in Nursing from Spring Arbor University.
Though Michigan had always been home, the call of the West was strong. Laura and her husband, Austin, frequently visited Wyoming for hunting and outdoor adventures. After a trip last summer, they decided to make the move.
“There’s a slower pace of living, a focus on enjoying the little things,” Laura said. “Everyone waves to each other. People are just sweet. They’re nice to each other, which we really appreciate.”
With her passion and expertise in geriatric and palliative care, Laura is eager to serve Sheridan’s older population.
“Not a lot of people are drawn to geriatrics, but when I worked in the ICU, we cared for patients from ages 18 to 118, and I always felt drawn to the older ones,” she shared. “That’s a gift I try to use to care even more for them because I feel like they’re a vulnerable population.”
When choosing where to work, Sheridan Memorial Hospital stood out for its strong reputation and resources.
“Almost everyone I’ve met has good things to say about Sheridan Memorial Hospital,” Laura said. “There are also resources here to help me use my degrees and expand my scope of practice, like access to the lab and other specialties.”
In her role with Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Laura will support palliative care and Sheridan Green House in collaboration with Internal Medicine’s Dr. Allison Dawson.
Outside of work, Laura and her family enjoy hunting—she successfully bagged two elk in the last two years—hiking, fishing and spending time outdoors with Austin and their 3-year-old son, Cason. Their faith and family connections remain central in their lives, and they plan to get horses soon—especially since Cason, who already loves riding, dreams of becoming a “wopin’ cowboy.”
With a strong background in geriatric and palliative care, Laura is eager to make a meaningful impact in Sheridan. For her, this move isn’t just about a change in scenery—it’s about providing excellent, patient-centered care to the community she now calls home.
Please join us in welcoming Laura Fischer to Sheridan Memorial Hospital and the Sheridan community!