Covid-19 (Coronavirus): For information related to COVID-19, visit vcuhealth.org/covid-19. For information specific to children and families, visit Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
Covid-19 (Coronavirus): For information related to COVID-19, visit vcuhealth.org/covid-19. For information specific to children and families, visit Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
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Specialty
Locations
Ambulatory Care Center
417 N. 11th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Department
Orthopaedic Surgery
VCU School of Nursing
Helping all people ‘return to action’
Charlene Wheeler is a board-certified Advanced Practice Provider (APP) nurse who treats patients with urgent orthopaedic conditions (such as sprains or breaks) or people living with chronic bone, joint or muscular issues. “It can be hard for someone to overcome an obstacle that prevents them from reaching their full potential,” she says, “but it’s our job to help them through the experience so that they never feel lost or hopeless. It is so rewarding to see someone return back to full function.”
Like our experienced orthopaedic nurse practitioners at VCU Health, Wheeler has special experience in splinting and casting, physical therapy, steroid injections and an understanding of oral medication prescriptions and safety. She and her team walk each patient through the treatment process and will manage each individual’s expectations for therapy based on the severity of the condition. She preps patients for the possibility of surgery, if required, and helps them gain a good understanding of what the experience is like. “We are truly a team. We have a great team of surgeons, APPs, nurses and staff who work so well together to support each patient,” Wheeler says. “Even on the hardest days, we jump in to support one another. And as a patient, you’ll feel that support when you’re here.”
Outside of her clinical rounds, the VCU School of Nursing graduate has always been involved with sports and enjoys time with her family…and doing both of those things in her favorite place: the beach. Her advice for those in physical therapy or looking at a long road to recovery? “Keep your body moving – never be still,” she says. “And when you are faced with medical challenges, be your own best advocate.”
Board certification and licensure
Board certification, American Nurses Credentialing Center
Adult Nurse Practitioner, ANCC
Licensure, Virginia Board of Nursing
Professional achievements
Annual Musculoskeletal Lecture, Advance Practice Program, VCU
Preceptor Advance Practice Program, VCU
417 N. 11th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
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