Cynthia E. Summerlin, DNP, MSN, RN, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner with Affinis Hospice / Albany State University

Get to know Family Nurse Practitioner Cynthia E. Summerlin, who serves patients in Albany, Georgia. 

Cynthia is a certified family nurse practitioner who is affiliated with Affinis Hospice in Albany, Georgia. Affinis Hospice provides a comprehensive approach to the care and well-being of patients facing a terminal illness. Individualized care provided by a collaborative team of medical personnel, chaplains, and local volunteers is designed to meet the varied needs of both the patient and their family members. At Affinis Hospice, Cynthia focuses on end-of-life care, grief counseling, medication management, symptom management, as well as meeting the psychological and spiritual needs of patients.

Cynthia also teaches nurses in the Department of Nursing at Albany State University in Albany, Georgia. Albany State University, a proud member institution of the University System of Georgia, elevates its community and region by offering a broad array of graduate, baccalaureate, associate, and certificate programs at its main campuses in Albany, as well as at strategically-placed branch sites and online. Committed to excellence in teaching and learning, the University prepares students to be effective contributors to a globally diverse society, where knowledge and technology create opportunities for personal and professional success. 

With over 30 years of experience in her field, Cynthia has accrued extensive expertise in hospice care and nurse education. Hospice care is a type of care and philosophy of care that focuses on the palliation of a chronically ill, terminally ill or seriously ill patient’s pain and symptoms, and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs. Nurse education consists of the theoretical and practical training provided to nurses with the purpose to prepare them for their duties as nursing care professionals.

Cynthia earned her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Darton State College in 1988 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Albany State University in 2016. She also earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Albany State University and her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Georgia College & State University. 

Cynthia attributes her success to her strong faith, support from her family, and her commitment to quality care. She is a member of the Georgia Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association. Cynthia does volunteer work for community-based fundraising events such as Relay for Life, college committees, and community health fairs. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga. 

A family nurse practitioner (FNP), like Cynthia, is an advanced practice registered nurse who works autonomously or in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to deliver family-focused care. Given the rather broad nature of the “family” patient population focus, FNPs offer a wide range of healthcare services that revolve around the family unit; from health promotion and disease prevention to direct care and counseling across the lifespan.

Learn More about Cynthia E. Summerlin:

Through her online profile, https://todaysnurse.org/network/index.php?do=/4140503/info/

Karen Johnson

Karen Johnson is an Associate Content manager for FindaTopDoc and responsible for working with distinguished physicians in documenting their significant accomplishments in their field. Karen is a CPR instructor and is a member of her local theater group.