May 9 2024 6:45 PM

Cesalee Hamilton, APRN, FNP-C, an alumna of the WCHS Class of 2009, has become a Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned state registered nurse assistant certification in 2015 from Bluegrass Community & Technical College, and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University in 2018. She then earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2021 from Northern Kentucky University. Last year, she received a Master of Science in Nursing from NKU, earning the titles of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and Family Nurse Practitioner Certified (FNP-C).

Hamilton began her career in the nursing field as a registered nurse assistant in long term care at The Willows at Citation, where she worked with elderly. After becoming a registered nurse, she began working in the Neonatal ICU of Kentucky Children’s Hospital, where she stayed for four years. She then transferred to the Markey Cancer Center in 2022, where she worked as a hematology/oncology nurse. After becoming a family nurse practitioner, she joined the University of Kentucky Child Neurology Clinic.

As a family nurse practitioner, Hamilton specializes in child neurology, and focuses on conditions that affect the brain, nerves and spinal cord. “I see children who have conditions including developmental disorders, cerebral palsy, seizures, neuromuscular disorders, headaches, concussions, and brain injuries.” Hamilton says she decided to go into nursing because she aspired to make a difference in the lives of people in the community and because of the diverse opportunities available in the nursing field. “I’ve had the opportunity to explore different areas of healthcare and work in various settings, from hospitals to community clinics,” she says. “I also enjoy that healthcare promotes lifelong learning, which is consistent with my commitment to personal and professional growth. I decided to become a nurse practitioner because I have a drive to do more for my patients by being even more involved in their experience and care. I am invested in the care and treatment of the patients I serve. Now practicing independently and having my own patients, I can further support them and deliver personalized care to improve their experience and overall quality of life.”

Hamilton says what she loves most about her job are the patients. “I work primarily with pediatric patients, who are very special to me,” she says. “The children that come to see me always put a smile on my face and brighten any day. It is an honor to be trusted by not only them, but their parents as well. I also love that I am able to put my knowledge into real life practice. It is so rewarding to provide exceptional care, build strong, trusting relationships with families, and have the health of others in my hands, all based on knowledge I worked so hard to learn. It is truly amazing."

Looking back at her time at Washington County High School, Hamilton says former WCHS family and consumer science teacher Sarah Raikes was a teacher who inspired her. “I learned so much from her – from child and human development to life skills and cooking! I still love that monkey bread recipe! She was truly one of the best and one I will always remember.”

Looking ahead, Hamilton says her nine-year journey to becoming a family nurse practitioner was long but rewarding. She plans to continue her education to earn a doctorate degree, and in retirement, she plans to become a college professor to teach and help other students on their journey to become a nurse practitioner.