Eric Conz, LPN

Eric has worked as a nurse at Northampton Area Pediatrics for almost 16 years.  He is a self-described "Jack of all Trades" within the office and loves the unique experience of working with children.

An interview with Eric... 

What was it like when you started working here?

It was a lot smaller and a lot slower pace. We had 4 full-time docs and one part-time doctor. The building was smaller and everything was on paper.  Things have definitely improved over the years. Using computers have made things a lot easier. 

What is your role at NAP and what are your special interests within the office? 

I am a Jack of all Trades here, I do a little bit of everything. I work on the floor (putting patients in the rooms, performing treatments and immunizations, breathing treatments, drawing blood), and I also work as a scribe, I answer the phones, and sometimes I am  in charge of the flow of the office. I also perform PFTs. I go where I am needed and do what is asked of me.

Of all of your job requirements, which do you enjoy most?

My favorite part of working here is that it is nice to talk with the parents on the phone and get thanked for good advice.   I am also glad when I recommend that a child be seen when I have a hunch about an ear infection or pneumonia, for example, and it turns out that my hunch was correct.  There is gratification in knowing that I can help kids directly.

What involvement do you have with the youth of Northampton outside of the office?

I have coached in Northampton for 23 years, and people probably recognize me from this.  I used to be the varsity high school lacrosse coach for ten years before working at NAP, which was before going to nursing school.  I also coached youth football and the youth lacrosse program for the last 6 years.  I refereed for high school lacrosse this year and will also referee high school football this coming year.

What are your interests outside the office?

 I try to keep in shape.  If you want to be able to officiate, you have to be able to run. I just bought an acoustic guitar and am trying to teach myself how to play. I like to read about history and I like to cook. I love going to the movies, all kinds. A special interest of mine is that I like to follow organized crime. I read books on this and  have seen many movies.  I am trying to broaden my interests since there are other things in life besides sports.

What are your favorite things about working in pediatrics?

I chose to go into pediatrics because I prefer the beginning of life rather than the end of life. I enjoy smiling parents with newborns and helping keep toddlers and youngsters healthy. Every day there is a joke or a smile or something that a kid will do that will put things into perspective. What keeps me here despite some harder times, are the docs and the nurses.  I work with amazing people that I admire and am proud to call my friends.