January Employee of the Month

How did to come to work at NAP?

I have been at Northampton Area Pediatrics for ten years.  I had been working at Cozy Corner Nursing Home for 26 years (a family run business) when I decided that it was time to move on from being a charge nurse. I saw the ad in the newspaper for a position at NAP, and wanted to get into an office situation. I met with Cindy (Mayo) who interviewed me, and she pointed out that this was a huge change for me in that it was nothing like what I had done before. I told her that I was willing to learn what to do.  I was scared and hesitant about making the change, and it was one of the best things that I've ever done. 

I find the atmosphere here very nurturing. I love the people that I work with. Having health issues, it is nice having a job where I can have my job modified so that I can continue to work here. I've never been at a place before where you like everyone that you work for.  When there is a need, they are there. When I am asked to work, I am happy to, because everyone is there for me. I am looking to stay at NAP until I retire. 

What do you do you like to do outside of the office? 

I love to cook. I love to knit, I am learning how to quilt from Mimi [Patten].  She is so exhuberant and fun about it that it is turing out to be a great experience. I love to read.  I am trying to get back in to taking a walk every day and getting my diet healthier.  I should reflect these things since I am working with children. 

What are your areas of expertise at Northampton Area Pediatrics? 

For the last 2 years I have been nurse receptionist, which means that I deal with phone calls from moms and dads and other doctor's offices. As a nurse, if it is something that we can answer, we take care of it. If not, the message goes back to the doctor. There are a few children for whom I am the primary nurse. This helps the flow if the child needs anything (for continuity of care). I work 40 hours a week and three of those days I work with Claire [Paquette]. The other nurses fill in as needed. 

It can be very high-paced. During the flu outbreak, it was very very busy. I love it. I love that kind of contact with families. I don't mind being a chit-chatter. At the end of the day, I feel that I have made someone feel better or helped solve something that was bothering them or the child. I also feel like I have helped the doctor because I have handled things that I am able to handle. I can help keep the office flowing smoothly. 

Before working as nurse receptionist, I scribed. I still do that on weekends sometimes. This means that I take down information as the doctor is examining the patient.  As a nurse, we are taught to do everything:  lab, working up physicals, and immunizations. Now, due to my physical limitations, I just work on the phones, since that is what I am capable of.