Our clinician spotlight at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital Westborough is NaDarron Fort, NP, a licensed Nurse Practitioner who has been working under the guidance of Dr. Deborah Markowitz of Pulmonary Associates of Metro West. For over 5 years now, NaDarron has been part of Dr Markowitz’s clinical team caring for the patients at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital-Westborough.
Since the start of his nursing career, NaDarron has had the opportunity to work in many clinical specialty areas on critical care, telemetry, Long-term acute care (LTAC) and inpatient rehab units. He has also functioned in specific roles as a wound care RN, a staff educator and as a nursing supervisor. But when it comes down to it for NaDarron, his heart and preference is in practicing long-term acute care (LTAC) and rehabilitation medicine as a Nurse Practitioner. “I like to see people go home” states NaDarron, when asked why he likes rehab medicine.
Like many who work in this field, NaDarron finds it very rewarding to witness his patients’ progression through their recovery.
He sees the results when Whittier’s interdisciplinary team, comprised of nursing, respiratory, PT, OT, speech therapy, social work and case management work together and develop a plan for each patient. He states “It’s all about creating patient specific plans with incremental, measurable outcomes all leading to the ultimate goal of going home.” It is no doubt that being a part of this Whittier family energizes NaDarron and drives him to be the best clinician that HE can be for his patients.
As a nurse practitioner who has worked in many facilities in his career, NaDarron was asked what he feels sets Whittier apart from other LTAC/Rehab hospitals. NaDarron identified his rehabilitation colleagues as that distinguishing factor.
He explained that the therapists at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital Westborough always seems to “think outside the box” and come up with fresh ideas for each patient. They see each patient as an individual, with different challenges, barriers, and goals. He sees them continually ask “What do we need to do to help THIS patient achieve their goals? What is it that will get THIS patient home?” NaDarron describes the rehab team as “energetic and invested” in each patient’s outcomes.
NaDarron loves his job. Those are his exact words, and it is no secret to anyone who is fortunate enough to work with him.
His good nature and enthusiasm puts everyone in a positive mood. He certainly has had an impact on his patients and their families, as evidenced by the numerous accolades they have shared over the past few years. “NaDarron Fort was the best, on top of everything (10 stars)!”, “NaDarron explained everything, well versed, prompt, professional and very thorough,” “NaDarron…had a great bedside manner!”, “NaDarron is a treasure!”
When asked about his thoughts on the patients’ compliments, NaDarron states that he strives to be “relatable” to his patients.
He works diligently to communicate with his patients in a manner that is easy to understand. Equally as important is his training in customer service. NaDarron is ever cognizant of not only providing the best treatment for his patients but delivering it in the best possible manner. NaDarron puts himself in his patients’ shoes. “Always treat your patients as you would want to be treated. It’s just as easy as that.”
