Jennie Orlando, FNP-C

I’m Jennie Orlando, FNP-C, and I joined the Phelps Health Walk-In Clinics in February 2023 as a family nurse practitioner (FNP). I see patients of all ages on a walk-in basis. My collaborating physician is Jeffery Kerr, DO, medical director of Walk-In Clinic services. I am not new to Phelps Health, having worked as an ED (Emergency Department) nurse for 7 years before stepping into this role.

Common procedures that I perform include EKGs (electrocardiograms), suturing and splintering, and incision and drainage of wounds. I also see patients for common ailments, including colds, flu, back and joint pain, UTIs (urinary tract infections), STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and more.

I grew up on a farm with horses in New Jersey and initially wanted to be a vet. A personal family tragedy, however, shifted my course, and I decided I wanted to care for people instead. Chemistry and microbiology were favorite classes of mine in school, so healthcare seemed like a natural fit.

I began my healthcare career as a CNA (certified nursing assistant), advanced to an LPN (licensed practical nurse) and RN (registered nurse), to an FNP where I am today. Education is important to me; I never want to stop learning.

As a provider, my golden rule is to listen to my patients. I have a hard and fast rule to never talk over my patients. They know themselves best, and I want to be their advocate. Having been a nurse since 2004, I bring a good deal of patient experience to the Walk-In Clinics.

As a teenager, my family moved from New Jersey to Houston, Missouri. Today, St. James is home for my husband and me. We are empty nesters with adult children. It’s not quiet, however, with three dogs, one cat, two horses and an African Grey parrot. In my spare time, I love riding horses, gardening and reading.

I like that Phelps Health is patient-centered and education-oriented. I’ve been able to use the tuition reimbursement to grow professionally. For these reasons, I chose – and continue to – choose Phelps Health.