Weatherby Healthcare honors NP as Locum Tenens of the Year

Locum tenens NPs play a key role in healthcare delivery, and they’re needed more than ever to help fill the care gap — especially in rural and underserved areas where it’s more difficult to maintain adequate coverage.

To help recognize locum NP contributions, Weatherby Healthcare is awarding its 2023 NP Locum Tenens of the Year award to an NP who exemplifies these qualities:

• Passionate about locum tenens

• Provides the highest quality of care

• Dedicated to serving the communities where they work and live

When announcing this year’s NP winner of Locum Tenens of the Year, Weatherby Healthcare President, Luke Woodyard, said, “Nurse practitioners deserve acknowledgment as an essential component of the healthcare team, and it’s my honor to recognize Desiree for her exceptional dedication to serving patients.”

2023 NP locum tenens of the year winner

Desiree Cihelka, NP – Stroke and Vascular Neurology

Dr. Desiree Cihelka

Desiree Cihelka has been a nurse practitioner for nearly 20 years, specializing in stroke and vascular neurology. With a diverse background in emergency care and public health, her interests led her to pursue a PhD with a focus on neuroscience research at the University of Tennessee.

Additionally, Desiree serves on the board of directors for the Association of Neurovascular Clinicians and is dedicated to driving excellence in clinical stroke care, as well as all aspects of acute neurologic care. She loves to teach and empower new clinicians with knowledge and skills that support the holistic needs of patients and their families.

Desiree started working with Weatherby in 2019 after working PRN in her home state of North Carolina. Her first assignment was a full-time, year-long assignment in Oregon. Since then, she has enjoyed serving patients in many different community settings. She’s committed to partnering with Weatherby to bring the very best care to every patient — no matter what hospital she works with.

Her supportive family includes her husband, Marc; her 19-year-old daughter, who is pursuing a degree in psychiatry at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada; and her 21-year-old son Maddox, who is studying economics and finance at UNC-Chapel Hill, NC. In her free time, Desiree enjoys travel and running. She has even pursued running a marathon on all seven continents.

About Weatherby Healthcare

Weatherby Healthcare is a leader in locum tenens staffing for physicians and advanced practice providers. Established in 1995, the company is the recipient of numerous industry and workplace awards and is part of the CHG Healthcare family of brands, which is frequently ranked as a best place to work.

Interested in learning more about locum tenens opportunities for NPs? Give us a call at 954.343.3050 or view our open NP jobs.