November 13, 2014
Jennifer Hartford RN(EC), MScN
Jennifer currently works as a Nurse Practitioner at the North Simcoe Family Health Team in Midland & The Village Clinic in Penetanguishene, both located in Ontario.
As a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, I have the privilege to work with clients of all ages and stages. The acuity of the issues presented vary from routine screening to acute illness. The diversity and complexity of my day changes, keeping my job exciting and very rewarding.
Two mornings a week, I see patients during a walk-in clinic. This service assists in caring for clients with acute illness and injuries. This time allows for advanced access to care when other Primary Care Providers (PCP) are unavailable and diverts unnecessary visits to our local Emergency Department (ED).
Two half days a week are dedicated to our cardio-respiratory program. Along with a Registered Nurse, clients with Asthma or COPD are assessed and a plan of care is established. This program is in its early stages and will evolve to include pulmonary rehabilitation and cardiac conditions. This programming serves a great need in our community for spirometry and education. As the advanced practice nurse consultant for the program, I make clinical decisions for referrals, prescriptions and follow-up.
During Primary Care clinic days, I have appointments available for clients who request Nurse Practitioner care or may not be able to access their PCP. This clinic is also for clients who have more complex concerns than what is appropriate for the walk-in clinic. This type of clinic allows me to develop longer term relationships with clients, providing follow-up and more elaborate health teaching. This clinic also encompasses our Follow-Up program. This program ensures that Family Health Team clients receive either a phone call from a nurse or clinic visit within 7 days of discharge from the local hospital. These visits often sort out issues of polypharmacy and necessary referrals after an acute illness that required hospitalization.
I work one day a week privately with a Family Physician (FP). During that time, I work with clients rostered to that FP, giving broader access to care and giving clients the choice of provider.
All of the clinics and programs I work with provide me with a high level of satisfaction and joy. I can’t think of another profession I’d rather be in. In any given day, my duties may include; snuggling new babies, soothing sore throats, calming the anxieties of a new mom, sorting through complex health concerns, counselling mental health clients and assisting families when a loved one is approaching end of life. There are abundant blessings at the end of busy days.
