Kimberly, Nurse Practitioner

Kimberly has been with The Jewish Board for 7 years as a Nurse Practitioner at clinical programs and as a preceptor for our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Residency Program, which provides a structured and nurturing environment for newly graduated and early career Psychiatric Nurses. As part of the Psychiatric Services team, she empowers, coaches, and collaborates with clients, programs, and the community to facilitate action, growth, and change. Keep reading to learn how she helps staff and clients reach their goals while ensuring quality care.

What is your average day like at The Jewish Board?

I am a member of the Brooklyn Community ACT team and work closely with this interdisciplinary team to promote independence and crisis prevention for high-risk clients. In this role, I attend a morning team meeting to discuss each client. Then, I take public transportation to visit clients in their immediate environments across Brooklyn. I collaborate with their support systems, like family members and supportive housing case managers. I monitor and adjust their medications. I assist with overdose prevention and ensure access to Narcan kits. Like other ACT team members, I engage clients in ways that meet them where they are. I communicate extensively with my ACT team members to ensure we’re coordinating care.

In addition to this work, I am also part of the Grand Concourse Clinic, where I predominantly serve Spanish-speaking clients. I check in with clients about whether their medications are working and if they need to be adjusted, and address other concerns. To ensure client stability, it is essential to get the insight of therapists who more regularly see clients and thus more readily observe their needs. My long-term relationships with clients facilitate this work, as I have worked with some people since I was an intern at The Jewish Board.

Finally, I am a preceptor for the PNP Residency program once a week. In meetings with residents, I discuss clinical questions. Supporting newly licensed NPs is very gratifying because I get to contribute to the field and learn a lot.

What is your favorite part about the work you do?

I was born and raised in the Bronx and always wanted to give back to my community. I also enjoy working closely with my colleagues to get our clients to a higher quality of life.

Why do you think the value “Engage Individuals and Families as our Partners” is so important?

Client care doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Clients live, improve, and deteriorate within their communities – some of which I grew up in and around. If we engage with the protective factors and vulnerabilities these communities present, we have a much better chance of getting clients to a more stable place and presenting them with realistic avenues to health.

What song or album do you listen to when you need a burst of energy?

I step outside during my lunch break for a quick stretch and some fresh air. It’s hard to select a favorite, rejuvenating song; I listen to a range of salsa, pop, hip-hop, and reggae (Bob Marley fan!), and I’m always open to recommendations!