by Joan R. Shepherd, NP | Mar 26, 2018
I started a new patient, Jimmy, for his Accelerated Opioid Detox today. He thought he was coming off heroin, but his urine also revealed fentanyl…almost a daily occurrence now at the Coleman Institute. He was here with his father, Bob, who didn’t really...
by Joan R. Shepherd, NP | Dec 21, 2017
When I write blog articles, my inspiration is drawn from the courageous patients who are re-writing the stories of their lives. Usually when I ask for permission to tell someone’s story, changing a few details to keep it confidential, people are willing to...
by Joan Shepherd, FNP | Nov 13, 2017
I recently attended a conference where participants were challenged to surrender their electronics, tobacco products, alcohol, sugar, caffeine, gum, any medications or supplements not prescribed by a medical provider, and between-meal snacks for the duration of the...
by Joan Shepherd, FNP | Sep 28, 2017
Claire (not her real name) juggles a lot in her life. She is a full time college student. She works part-time. She is getting married over Thanksgiving. She has an opioid addiction. Her first attempt to complete college failed when she started using pills at age 20....
by Joan R. Shepherd, FNP | Oct 13, 2016
I’ve been a nurse practitioner for about 16 years, almost nine of those at The Coleman Institute. When I interviewed with Dr. Coleman, I understood he needed a family nurse practitioner. It was a nice setting–close enough that I could walk or bike if I...
