SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Althaus and history was made !
Both Sue and Jinny developed the knowledge base and clinical skills in preparation to work collaboratively with physicians , delivering health care that offered a broader focus on pediatric well care . At ELP , they provided well checks , developmental screenings and nursing support ( with certification in lactation counseling ), and through their entrepreneurial spirt , offered a variety of parenting classes and workshops for children , as well as taught parent-daughter puberty classes . In addition , Jinny and Sue provided newsletters to ELP parents and followed by hosting a prenatal pediatric visit / class / open house for prospective parents .
As my former partner Dr . Larry Jones shared , “ I think their focus on education and development was unique and quite the niche . I think one of the keys to their success was that they were assigned a defined role , a very different role than the physicians . They were really physician extenders , not just another provider with less training . Jinny and Sue provided a type of service that offered more comprehensive care , under a physician ’ s clear supervision : a different focus on development , behavior and psychosocial support . This represented a true complementary practice style .”
I also remember many times that we all went to Jinny and Sue for their advice . Because we had learned to trust their expertise and judgement , especially about behavioral issues or family dynamics , we actively sought their input and support . As Larry so eloquently reminded me , we engaged in a “ reverse ” consult : asking them to help us in a true peer-to-peer consult collaboration . And , through the years , Sue and Jinny shared their insights as they provided invaluable services to the families at ELP .
Working together , the physicians and NPs offered a shining example of the care that can be provided to patients and their families . Jinny said , “ Crucial to working as a team is trust . I often sought the physician ’ s judgement on physical findings and care . Over time , I earned their confidence and their comfort in knowing I would always seek medical advice when I was unsure .” Sue shared , “ I was very happy to get to work at ELP , and felt I was able to do the role as an NP with great freedom and trust by all of our physicians .”
As a pediatrician , I have had such a positive experience collaborating with Jinny and Sue . I truly valued their expertise and always trusted their judgment . The physicians and nurse practitioners at East Louisville Pediatrics were able to work together toward a common goal : leveraging each other ’ s strengths and expertise while sharing responsibilities , risks and the delightful rewards . We all shared the same objective , which was caring for our patients and their parents .
I close my story as I began , Jinny and Sue allowed me to experience so many rewards with my patients and their parents , fulfilling their role as highly skilled NPs . We extend a special thank you to Dr . Dan Garcia and the late Dr . Jake Althaus for their vision of NPs in the Louisville pediatric community .
Dr . Purcell currently serves as the District IV Chair for the American Academy of Pediatrics .
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