This month, we celebrate Jennifer Coddington’s twelfth year at the Family Health Clinic! Get to know her better by seeing her previous education and work experience and reading our interview with her below.

Jenny’s Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Francis College of Nursing
• Master of Science in Nursing and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from Duke University
• Doctor of Nursing Practice from Purdue University
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner experience at Glendale Healthcare, Family Health Clinic, and Arnett Clinic
• Medical Director at the North Central Nursing Clinics
• Clinical Associate Professor and Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at the Purdue University School of Nurse

A Conversations with Jenny

What drew you to the FHC originally?

I started at the Family Health Clinic in 1997.  I think the thought of being able to work to the highest scope of my practice as a pediatric nurse practitioner in order to care for children and their families drew me to the clinic. I didn’t have any organizational policies restricting the care I could provide.

How has the FHC changed since?

The FHC has changed enormously since I started. We were in a small office on the square and then moved to an old bank. The growth of our clinics has soared. Nurse practitioners were not embraced when I started. It is great to see how nurse practitioners are now considered a part of the health care team and can lead medical homes. We now offer a range of healthcare services and are leaders in our communities.

What is one of your proudest moments at the Family Health Clinic?

There have been so many moments, but the generosity of my coworkers and their commitment to our patients is what I am proudest of. The biggest example I can offer is the families that we care for at Christmas. Everyone goes out of their way to buy gifts and support families so that they and their children have a happy holiday. Some co-workers do this at the expense of their own families. It just fills my heart with so much pride every year.

What do you like about working in the local community?

I love getting to know the families and being able to contribute to the welfare of the community. I have had the opportunity to positively impact children and families. It is such a great feeling to know you are helping the community, but they are giving you so much more back. Also, my co-workers always inspire me with their commitment to the community.

As a Nurse Practitioner, what is your focus?

My focus is on health promotion and improving the health of children and families. It is also acting as a resource and advocate for those that need the most help.

What or who inspired you to become a nurse?  

No one really inspired me to become a nurse. I always wanted to be a nurse from a young age and I always wanted to care for children and help improve families. I have the privilege of directing the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Master’s Program at Purdue and acting as the Medical Director for our clinics.  I am able to practice and see patients along with educating future pediatric nurse practitioners. I have the best of both worlds and I am living my dream.

Why do you think having health services like the ones the FHC provides is important in the local community?

Accessible health care is essential to the “health” of the community. It also helps to build the economic viability of the area. Sometimes the services we provide are the only healthcare for residents in the area and without our clinics, they would go without healthcare.

Tell us about your family and home life!

I am married to my best friend and have 4 wonderful children, my daughter is 23 years old and is the youngest, then my son who is 25 years old and my 2 stepsons age 30 and 32 years old  I have a Border Collie named Ellie who is crazy and a very sweet Sheltie name Oliver. I also have a very loud bird named Halo and she is 17 yo. I love working in my yard and gardening. My husband and I also love to travel.

Jenny, thank you for all of your work for the Family Health Clinic and local community! We are so happy to have you as part of the Family. 

To make an appointment and see Jenny or one of our other exceptional staff members, call (800) 321-5043.