Mennonite College of Nursing alum Aubrie Hubbert (APRN, CNP, CANS, CPSN) provides medical spa services at Springfield Clinic’s Center for Plastic Surgery. She collaborates with Dr. Joel Wietfeldt as a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Hubbert is also a certified aesthetic nurse specialist and a certified plastic surgical nurse.
Hubbert ranks in the top-1% nationally in patient experience, based on scores from the “Care Provider Overall” question on surveys completed with Press Ganey. She has been awarded Best Nurse Practitioner in 2022 and 2023 by the State Journal-Register Readers Choice Awards.
Hubbert graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from MCN.
Why did you decide on Mennonite College of Nursing for both your undergraduate and graduate education?
My oldest brother attended Illinois State University. His passion for ISU and the community inspired me to tour the campus as a prospective student. I was very impressed by the culture and instantly knew ISU was going to be my home. Academically, Mennonite College of Nursing was significantly outperforming the state and national pass rates on the NCLEX. I was confident I was going to be in good hands.
After graduation, I excelled as a nurse in the intensive care unit and emergency room. I knew I wanted to do more and pursued a master’s program.
What was your experience like in the FNP program?
Mennonite College of Nursing’s Family Nurse Practitioner program offered a part-time mixed format curriculum with face-to-face elements to provide deepened learning and online elements to facilitate flexibility and life balance. I was able to continue working as a nurse while enrolled in the program. I conveniently arranged clinicals in Springfield, where I lived at the time. An unexpected bonus was that financial grants from MCN were received and helped offset some of the graduate tuition.
What advice would you give a nurse considering pursuing a Family Nurse Practitioner degree?
If you’re on the fence, enroll in classes to work towards a MSN. The hospital I worked at provided financial assistance toward academic advancement. This helped lighten the academic and financial load once accepted into the program.
Can you describe what a typical week looks like as a plastic and reconstructive FNP?
I currently work four 10-hour shifts. I am in clinic 2 1/2 days and first assist in surgery 1 1/2 days. I see on average 20 to 30 cosmetic patients a day in-clinic. The majority of my practice is injectables, peels, and laser treatments.
Did you know you wanted to specialize in med spa and plastic and reconstructive surgery?
I have always had a passion for art and medicine. I am in the perfect role that blends these two worlds.
What is your favorite aspect of your career?
I love helping women (and men) feel and look their best. I am in a career where I get to do that. It might be as simple as tox between the eyes or as complex as breast reconstruction following a breast cancer diagnosis. From small to big, I get to be there to help.
Congratulations on ranking in the top 1% nationally in patient experience and Best Nurse Practitioner. What does it mean to you to provide exceptional patient care?
Thank you. It’s simple. Treat others how you would like to be treated. Work hard. Stay honest and humble.
It seems like you and your collaborating physician, Dr. Joel Wietfeldt, have a great working relationship. What do you look for in a collaborative relationship?
Respect. Dr. Wietfeldt and I have an excellent collaborative relationship. We respect and trust one another. That is the foundation for a successful collaboration.
What do you see yourself doing in 5-10 years?
I am in an occupation I love and tend to be a workaholic. So in the next decade, I want to try to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.
Anything you would like to add?
Never be stagnant. Seek professional advancement. Always try to better yourself. I have set goals throughout my career. I successfully built and branded The Medical Spa for Springfield Clinic. I am one of three dual-certified aesthetic and plastic surgical nurses in Illinois. Recently, I became a national trainer for injectables. I’m looking forward to that role in elevating the aesthetic industry and promoting safety while achieving cosmetic results.
