Jacqueline Phillips, a seasoned nurse with 28 years of experience, has embarked on a new chapter in her medical career by opening her own clinic.
Phillips is an advanced practice registered nurse and family nurse practitioner. With a passion for healthcare and a desire to work independently, she started Phillips Medical Clinic in Fort Smith.
“I really just wanted to work for myself,” Phillips explained, reflecting on her decision to venture into entrepreneurship.
Her extensive background in nursing, coupled with her APRN and FNP-BC credentials, provided her with the necessary foundation to establish her own practice.
An Arkansas law passed in late 2022 granted nurse practitioners full practice authority. Now able to diagnose patients, prescribe medications, and conduct wellness exams, Phillips seized the opportunity.
“It’s about meeting the immediate healthcare needs of our community,” she said.
The significance of this legislation touches rural areas as well as urban centers like Fort Smith, where patients often face lengthy wait times for primary care appointments, prompting the proliferation of urgent care facilities.
“Not only can we accommodate most patients on the same day they call, but they also enjoy the consistency of seeing the same healthcare professional with access to their complete medical history,” Phillips highlighted.
The clinic is located in the medical district of Fort Smith on Lexington Avenue.
During the planning phase, Phillips turned to Bill Sabo, regional director for the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center serving Sebastian, Scott, and Crawford counties.
“The ASBTDC was instrumental, providing invaluable market research, including insights on local health insurance providers and patient demographics,” Phillips noted.
Armed with this data, Phillips strategically selected which insurance plans to accept. ensuring accessibility for a wide range of patients, including those covered by Aetna, BCBC, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, Centene, UMR, and United Healthcare.
Transitioning from nurse to nurse-and-business owner presented its share of obstacles. Finding suitable office space topped the list.
“We needed the right layout with exam rooms and plumbing in every room,” Phillips said.
Reflecting on her new role as a business owner, Phillips expressed gratitude for her dedicated team.
“I like it, but I have good people working for me. Without them, it would be a lot different,” she acknowledged.
Alongside Phillips stands a committed team comprising a full-time nurse and two part-time receptionists. They embody the collaborative spirit driving Phillips Medical Services forward.
Visit the clinic’s website, phillipsmedicalclinic.com, to learn more.