Barbara J Theisen, NP

​Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner Barbara Theisen knew she wanted to be a nurse early on in life. Her mother and grandmother were involved in the medical field, so it was a natural choice for Barb.
“Even our family friends had careers in health care like nurses, paramedics and fire fighters,” she said. “I was surrounded by people helping people for most of my life.”


After several years as a registered nurse, Barb knew she wanted to do more for her patients. She wanted to be involved in care management, and help patients understand their health journey.


“When I started working in home health that was the turning point for me,” Barb said. “Many times, I witnessed disconnect with patients when they would leave the hospital and go home. I knew something needed to change in health care because people were falling through the cracks.”

At Wisconsin Rapids Center, Barb has a special interest in geriatric patients. After caring for adult …patients in home care, she learned how important it is to listen and work with patients.


“Sometimes, simple basic needs are overlooked because it’s masked by multiple diagnoses,” Barb said. “I try to look for barriers and ask questions to get to know my patients.”

She appreciates when her patients are involved in their health care decisions. “I can only give you advice and recommend what I think you should do, but I can’t make you do it.”