Sydney Fryer, FNP-C

I’m Sydney Fryer, FNP-C, and I joined the Phelps Health Walk-In Clinics in June 2023 as a certified family nurse practitioner. I see patients of all ages on a walk-in basis. My collaborating physician is Phelps Health Family Medicine Physician Rachelle Gorrell, DO. I am not new to the organization, having worked as a nurse in the float pool and with cardiac and neurology patients at Phelps Health for 7 years before assuming this role.

Common procedures that I perform include suturing and splinting, and incision and drainage of wounds. I also see patients for common ailments, such as colds, flu, back and joint pain and more. I love the variety of the Walk-In Clinic; no two days are alike.

You could say I grew up at Phelps Health, with my mom working as a nurse in the OB (Obstetrics) Unit and now as a pediatric nurse practitioner with Phelps Health. Without a doubt, she is my inspiration for choosing the healthcare field. I remember my mom coming home from long shifts in scrubs and reflecting on her days. I’ve always looked up to her and admired her drive and how, even after a long, 12-hour shift, she was always so positive and willing to go the extra mile for her patients. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to be a nurse.

As a high school student in Rolla, I attended the Health Science Academy through Rolla Technical Institute/Center to become a CNA (certified nursing assistant). I then worked as a CNA at a local nursing home and at Phelps Health with cardiac and neurology patients.

After high school, I furthered my education to become an LPN (licensed practical nurse), an RN (registered nurse) and eventually an FNP (family nurse practitioner), where I am today. At every step of my journey, Phelps Health Telemetry Director Barb McNamara encouraged me to keep going and to reach for the stars.

As a provider, I strive to treat each patient as if they were my mom, dad or child, etc. I consider myself nonjudgmental and want patients to know they can safely open up to me. Education also is important to me. I want patients to clearly understand their care and know there is no such thing as a dumb question.

Rolla continues to be home for me, my husband, our two young children and our beagle. My family all lives in Rolla, and we love the Rolla school system. Outside of work, we treasure family time and love the outdoors and going floating on the beautiful area rivers.

Every year, I look forward to fall. I love everything about the season, including the weather, pumpkin spice, Halloween and hunting. You can usually catch me hunting in the woods with my husband, enjoying the sunset and listening to nature during this time of year. I love watching sports, whether it be watching them on TV or attending games in person. Basketball is my favorite, but I love to watch football, hockey and baseball, too. Go Cardinals and Blues!

For me, Phelps Health feels like home, having started as a CNA and worked my way up to where I am today. In this role, I look forward to meeting new patients from all walks of life.