Christopher Monk, ARNP, Returns to Heartlinks, Accepts New Palliative Care Patients

Heartlinks is pleased to announce that Christopher Monk, ARNP, returned to Heartlinks on November 6, 2023, and is accepting new palliative care patients.

Monk provided exceptional, compassionate care to Heartlinks patients from October 2020 to December 2022. He joins Charlotte Davis, ARNP; Christa Miller, RN; Tana Church, RN; and several medical social workers serving adult and pediatric palliative care patients in Benton and Yakima counties.

“Christopher’s return marks a significant milestone for us, reinforcing our dedication to delivering quality palliative care that truly makes a difference in the lives of those we serve,” says Shelby Moore, executive director.

This addition of a second full-time palliative care ARNP enhances Heartlinks’ capacity to provide comprehensive and personalized care to a greater number of individuals facing serious illnesses.

Palliative care, sometimes called supportive care, is distinct from hospice care. Palliative care should be initiated when a child or adult diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness begins to experience pain or symptoms related to their disease and is choosing to pursue treatment.

“Palliative care is working alongside the patient, ensuring you can live your best quality of life,” says Monk.

Monk and the palliative care team will work with patients to help manage difficult symptoms such as pain and nausea with the goal of keeping healthcare in their home, not in the emergency room.

“Heartlinks is a great company that practices medicine like medicine should be practiced – based on the individual’s needs,” says Monk.   

Monk holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Clarkson College as well as a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in nursing from the University of Nebraska. Monk’s wide range of medical experience includes running the Nebraska State Tuberculosis Program for three years, working in vascular surgery as well as helping patients with allergies and asthma. When not meeting with patients, Monk enjoys hiking with his two dogs and significant other.

Those who think palliative care would be helpful should discuss it with their primary care doctor who will remain fully involved in their care. Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, HMO plans and veteran’s benefits reimburse some palliative care services.

Refer a Palliative Care Patient

Anyone can refer a patient to Heartlinks’ palliative care. Call 509-837-1676 or complete the referral form here.