Interview with Sherry Sweeney (NP)

1. How much schooling did you take to become an NP?

First she did her prerequisites, then clinical training. Most Nurse practitioners can
become certified with out on the job experience but it’s scary when you don’t, because
you can’t differentiate what is normal and what is not.

2. What is the most fun part about being an NP?

Kids don’t pretend to be sick, they are honest and also super cute.

3. How do you assess the patients?

She comes in, greets them. Washes her hands, and asks the patients what’s wrong and
following questions to properly assess them. Then types the information up for charting.

4. When did you find out you wanted to be a pediatric NP?

During clinical training she found out very quickly what she does like and what she
doesn’t like, which led her to finding her passion of wanting to work with kids.

5. What symptoms do most patients visit you with?

They visit her with pretty mild symptoms.

6. How do you know what questions to ask patients to chart information?

She said it’s all based on what they come in for.

7. When having to give a child a vaccine or performing an uncomfortable test how do you
prepare them?
You can’t tell them too much because then they become anxious and are more prone to
Crying.

8. How do patients communicate with you, even if they aren’t scheduled?

They can speak to anyone at the front desk and they get scheduled or email through
the patient portal so they can email back and forth.

9. Do you insert the birth control in patients yourself?

She does nexplanon, oral contraceptives, except she doesn’t do IUDs.

10. When do you find time to chart all patients history?

Sometimes during downtown, but mostly happens at home.
 Interview with Sherry Sweeney (NP)

11. How come it is super easy for you to come up with a patient's diagnosis?
She connects the dots between what the parents are describing and patterns, along with
Experience.

12. When doing ear cleanings what is the craziest thing you have found in someone's ear?
A roach and an eraser tips. But also a lot of crazy things.

13. When certain patients have symptoms that sound concerning before you go and see them?
Most patients sound alarming when they have something that might seem contagious. Or
When they are more prone to certain

14. What indicators do you look at on their chart to give you clues as to what they might have?
By looking at immunization history, complaints, reasons for patients for patients wanting to
Brings their kids in.

15. How much experience do you need to become a certified NP?

Now they offer six year programs without having to do clinical training but she
recommends
That anyone trying to be an NP takes 1 to 2 years of work training.