Jennifer Kearney, ARNP, FNP-C

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Getting to know Jennifer Kearney, 

Why did you choose to become a Nurse Practitioner?

I don’t really recall a time that I didn’t know I wanted to be a nurse. My mother was a nurse administrator at the former Providence Hospital, and as a very young child on occasion, I would get the honor of going to “work” with her. This actually entailed going to the Nursing Home Floor and helping with the residents. I would help with feeding and social activities. There was one resident in particular that I got very close with and she responded well to me. This particular resident refused to eat one day and she had already received her insulin, the concern was her blood sugar would drop dangerously low. I was at home with my Grandmother when my mom called and told her Hospital Security is on the way to get Jennifer we need her. I remember being told as I walked into the room, we don’t care how you do it just get her to eat. Well, I coaxed her to eat her entire lunch tray, I remember walking out of her room to my mom and other staff members patting me on the back and telling me what a great job I did. I guess it could have been at this moment that nursing became my passion. 

I’ve worked in many areas of nursing throughout my 26 years in nursing. I truly have enjoyed each and every area I’ve worked in but, I’ve always wanted to be able to do more in nursing. Being a Nurse Practitioner allows me the ability to use my experience in nursing and advanced education to not only diagnose but develop treatment plans to help patients. One of my greatest joys is getting to know patients on a personal level and guiding them through the process of Total Joint Replacement Surgery is very rewarding.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy anything outside. My family camps and goes boating. I also recently have started golfing again after taking a hiatus while continuing my education. I volunteer my time as a 4-H advisor with the Outlaws Horse Club in Erie County. My children keep me very busy as well. My son is a sophomore at the University of Toledo and serves in the Army National Guard.  My daughter is a Freshman at Perkins High School, where she plays soccer and basketball. She also participates in 4-H and showing horses.