Wesley nurse aids Smithville
By Sarah Acosta
Staff Writer
The Smithville Times
In August, Smithville was presented with their first “Wesley Nurse” – Sharlene Scheler, who says she is fully committed to the health and well-being of this community.
Scheler moved to Smithville to retire with her husband Nelson last June, but when presented with the opportunity by Methodist Health Care Ministries to be Smithville’s first ever Wesley Nurse, she felt a calling.
“When I was first presented with the opportunity to be a Wesley Nurse, I had no idea what it was, but after a lot of research and much deliberation, I knew it was the right path for me,” Scheler said. “I feel blessed every day that I am able to offer this care to those in need.”
The Wesley Nurse Health Ministries program is a faith-based, holistic program committed to serving the community through the promotion of good health and education.
As a returning member of Smithville First United Methodist Church, she was thrilled to not only be a part of the ministry again, but also help others in the process.
Originally from San Antonio, she moved to Smithville 35 years ago when her husband was offered a position to manage Marrs-Jones Funeral Home.
She began working for the Smithville Clinic with Dr. James Thomas, while also commuting to Austin to attend nursing school.
As a mother of two children with aging parents herself, she felt the need to move closer to her family back in San Antonio.
Scheler continued to practice nursing there while also obtaining her second nursing degree, with a focus on infection prevention, from the University of Texas in 1991.
As a Wesley Nurse, Scheler provides free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, along with diabetes and nutrition programs. She also focuses on cardiac care, medication safety and home safety.
“I am so excited to offer these services to those who really need it,” she said.
Scheler can be found at First United Methodist Church on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
She provides screening services at Smithville Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels at the rec center and two days a week at Hart’s Chapel.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she also provides exercise classes at the education building at her church.
In the future, she will also offer blood pressure screenings at Smithville’s Brookshire Brothers.
If you are interested in her services, contact Scheler at 512-237-2632.
“My main goal is to help people help themselves,” she said.