Lexington, KY – Appalachian Regional Healthcare is proud to announce Kristen Jones, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner at ARH Orthopedic Associates – Highlands, has achieved the Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner-Certified (ONP-C) certification. This remarkable accomplishment places Jones among only nine Nurse Practitioners in all of Kentucky to hold this prestigious credential, reflecting a commitment to excellence in orthopedic care.

“At ARH, we are committed to a culture of continuous growth and excellence. We are so proud of Kristen and her commitment to continue to learn and improve so that she can better care for patients,” comments Stephanie Wooten, Vice President of Ambulatory.

The ONP-C certification focuses on a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, enabling Jones to provide exceptional care for patients of all ages, from children to seniors. “Preparing for this exam was no easy task,” Jones shared. “It took over two thousand hours of hands-on experience and countless hours of studying current practices. It was a challenging but rewarding journey.”

What inspired Jones to begin this challenging journey? A commitment to delivering the best care possible to patients. “I’m always looking for ways to improve. This certification was not only a personal challenge but also a way to ensure I’m giving my patients the most effective and up-to-date care,” she explained.

Support played a vital role in Jone’s success. “My husband, Dustin, was my biggest motivation, always cheering me on and helping me stay focused during those long study sessions after work,” she said. Additionally, the encouraging feedback from coworkers and the office manager, Betsy Jarnecke, after passing the exam highlighted the supportive work community in her workplace.

Earning the ONP-C certification enhances the quality of care that Jones can provide. “With this certification, I can make more informed decisions and create better treatment plans, which ultimately leads to improved outcomes for my patients,” she commented. 

This accomplishment aligns perfectly with ARH’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve. “ARH inspires me to continue growing professionally and personally to make a real difference in patient care,” Jones said.

Jones encourages fellow nurses who are considering pursuing specialty certifications, “It takes time and dedication, but it’s incredibly rewarding. My biggest advice would be to stay consistent and trust what you’ve learned through your experience.”

Looking ahead, Jones plans to continue growing in the orthopedic field, staying up to date on best practices to ensure continued excellence in patient care. “Earning this certification is a reflection of my dedication to doing things the right way and helping our patients get back to their everyday lives.”