Jeannette Lawrence, LPN

Jeannette has been working at Northampton Area Pediatrics for 10 years. She is known for always having a spring in her step and a smile on her face while humming a tune. Thanks to Jeannette for always working hard to help serve the families of NAP! 

An interview with Jeannette...

When did you begin working at NAP?

I started in 1999 when scribing was brand new. I was hired as the first medical scribe. I applied to the practice looking to be a medical transcriptionist, but was offered the positions of telephone operator and appointment desk, which I turned down.  I wanted to be more hands on.  That same day I was offered the job of medical scribe.

What was it like when you started working here?

The front desk area was much smaller since the paper charts were kept there and created a much smaller workspace. The nurse receptionist was also at the front desk which was very noisy and didn’t work well.

What is your role at NAP and what are your special interests within the office?  How has your role changed over the years?

I worked here for three years as a medical scribe before deciding to go to school to get my nursing license.  I was able to do this primarily due to the encouragement from Tom [Morin] and my other coworkers who said that I could do it.  I am also grateful to Dr. Kenny and the partners who made it possible for me to complete the nursing program while working here.  I was the first employee to do that.  They allowed me the flexibility to earn a salary by working weekends while attending school during the week.  At the time I was a single mom and there was no way I could have afforded to do this without the support of the practice.

What are your favorite things about working here?

Mostly I love seeing the kids.  I love my coworkers. And I love that this job in particular is very, very, diverse.  I never do the same thing.  Although there are so many things to do here, I will always love scribing because it feels like home to me.  I don’t get to do this as often as I’d like anymore.

I love my job and I hope it shows because I really enjoy being here.  I never thought I would be a nurse when I was younger.  My first impression of being a nurse was dealing with trauma and blood, but as a scribe I was able to see that this is not what this job is like.  I had never even thought about the well care aspect of nursing.

What are your interests outside the office?

My husband (Paul) and I use our hot tub almost every day. We also try to exercise together every day. We bike and walk and hike Mt Sugarloaf. Most recently we started canoeing.  Once so far this summer we went to the river, but we normally go to Ashfield Lake.  It is beautiful and so peaceful to get out on the lake.

I also have four grown children. My son, Adam, is 22 years old today (July 24^th) and he is a Marine stationed in North Carolina.  My daughter Jeni just moved out into her own apartment.   She will be a sophomore at Westfield State College.  I have 2 step-daughters: Amanda will be a senior at UMass and Kelsey will be a freshman at Cornell.