D'Arcy Kaaua, ARNP

Born and raised in Hawaii, D'Arcy Kaaua (pronounced Kah-ow-ah) moved to Seattle in 1993 then to Shelton in 2005. She was a registered nurse for 22 years, the last 13 as a hospice nurse in Mason County, before deciding to attend Gonzaga University’s Family Nurse Practitioner program. After traveling to all corners of the county to care for its residents, Kaaua feels she has a unique perspective in identifying what is important to patients and what challenges they may be facing. She enjoys connecting on a personal level, finding ways to incorporate health into how one spends their daily life, and problem-solving with the patient and family.

She is certified as a palliative care provider, which provides support to patients and their families living with serious illnesses. Her focus is on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of this illness and improving quality of life.

She is also a licensed private pilot and scuba diver. She finds peace on a paddle board and while hiking, but also loves curling up with a good book or watching a show on TV.

Adult chronic diseases, palliative care, postmenopausal woman’s health, collaborative healthcare and education

Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN), Gonzaga University, 2022

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Family Practice