BY KARIN DAVIS-THOMPSON, Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG — Residents in St. Pete now have a new option when searching for a place that can meet their healthcare needs. Nurse Practitioners of Pinellas (NPP), LLC, recently opened for business, providing a variety of services for residents ages 14 and older.
The new business, located at 3551 42nd Ave. S, Suite B107, was the vision of Ronsha Brown, owner and senior nurse practitioner. She said the goal at NPP is to give patients information on how to prevent certain illnesses along with treating what ails them.
“We hope that all of our patients walk away having a pleasant experience with us and that they feel they have a healthier outlook on their lives,” Brown said.
Patients can come in to see one of four nurse practitioners for a variety of health care services, including immunizations, primary health, women’s health exams, IV-Hydration and onsite laboratory services.
Brown, a graduate of Florida A&M University and the University of South Florida, began her career right after college, joining the staff at St. Anthony’s Hospital where she served for 10 years. After expanding her medical career to specialize in gastroenterology, she worked for three years at Gastro of Florida. Then, Brown began searching and researching what she needed to do to start a practice of her own, a life long dream she’s held since childhood. After a year of planning, she opened NPP last month.
During a recent ribbon cutting with about 170 guests in attendance, she introduced her business to the community with the goal of providing quality primary healthcare and education to the community, focusing on overall health and well-being.
“I wanted to make a bigger impact in our community as well as a fresh view on health care,” she said.
Also at the practice is Janita Ward, a family nurse practitioner with specialties in primary and women’s health. Her scope of practice includes assessments in hypertension, cardiac disease, viral and bacterial illness, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis and thyroid disease.
Another practitioner at NPP is Sharee Rogers, who is also a family nurse practitioner. She is currently licensed to practice in the State of Florida and is qualified to diagnose and treat a wide array of medical conditions. Finally, Marilyn Bellamy, board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, believes in a holistic and preventative approach to medicine along with a traditional evidence-based method. Bellamy is a graduate of South University with a degree in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care.
The staff also includes an office manager, registered medical assistant, licensed practical nurse and an office receptionist.
Nurse practitioners can provide a variety of services and can diagnose and treat acute, episodic and chronic illnesses independently or as a part of a healthcare team. They can order and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays.
Ronsha Brown, owner and senior nurse practitioner, Nurse Practitioners of Pinellas
Brown said she hopes to eventually expand the practice and offer franchising in the the near future.
At NPP, patients can also request a free gerontology consultation and soon, patients will also be able to access their appointments, health records, lab results and prescription refills online.
For more information on NPP or to schedule an appointment, visit www.nppofpinellas.com.
To reach Karin Davis-Thompson, email kdavis-thompson@theweeklychallenger.com
