A Perfect Fit
“I grew up in the foothills of Western North Carolina and attended Louise Harkey School of Nursing in Concord where I earned my associate degree. I have always been naturally empathetic and knew I wanted a career that would allow me to help others, so nursing felt like the perfect fit. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Winston-Salem State University, followed by my master’s degree from South University.”
Inspiration Comes In Many Forms
“My daughter inspires me with her intelligence, work ethic, and love of learning; my husband encourages me to stay disciplined, whether that means going to the gym, tackling a new project, or learning something new. My mother inspires me with the love she has poured into our family, and my patients continually inspire me through their determination to improve their health. I am especially inspired by those who keep moving forward despite challenges. My own experiences with pregnancy, weight struggles, and menopause have also shaped the way I care for others. After three miscarriages, my daughter was conceived through IVF and born nine weeks early by emergency C-section after becoming wrapped in her umbilical cord. It was a terrifying time, but it was also a joyous time. I learned what truly loving someone unconditionally means.”
Loves of My Life
“My greatest joys in life are my family and the people I am fortunate enough to share it with. I have a daughter who graduated from Western Carolina University and plans to pursue a career in medicine, as well as two stepsons, both of whom have full-time careers in maintenance management. I am incredibly proud of all three of them and love watching each of them pursue their own path. Another great blessing in my life has been my marriage to my husband of 14 years. In him, I gained not only a husband who loves me with all his heart but also a best friend and a wonderful stepdad to my daughter. In our family, we affectionately call him “Diva Dad,” a title that says a lot about the special relationship they share.”
Gratitude, Growth, and Grace
“One of my favorite quotes is by Maya Angelou: ‘The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself.’ This really resonates with me. As we go through the stages of life, our perception of ourselves changes many times. When we are young, we are trying to figure out who we are; as we grow, we may feel like we have a pretty good handle on things; and as we age, our perception of ourselves can change yet again. At every stage, it can be easy to see our imperfections and dwell on them. Instead, let us step back and appreciate where we have been, where we are headed, and all that we have accomplished along the way.”
Jennifer Berube, AGNP-C, is an Adult Nurse Practitioner with Physician’s Plan where she works with patients in the practice’s weight-loss, wellness, and aesthetic programs. Physician’s Plan has seven locations throughout the Carolinas. Learn more at www.physiciansplan.com.
