Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalesa Jules.
Hi Jalesa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started off working as a bedside registered nurse on a cardiac interventional unit and eventually worked in intensive care settings. I decided to go back to school and pursue a Nurse Practitioner degree in Adult and Gerontology Primary Care services, and thereafter worked in a Level I Trauma Center within the hospitalist service. During the Pandemic, I provided inpatient consultations on the Suboxone Bridge Program for patient struggling with opiate use disorder. It was during this time that I became more aware of the challenges of addiction and the mental health component that accompanied substance abuse and misuse. This led me to obtain a post-master’s certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, so that I could help better serve my community. I decided to open my own practice to improve access to care, have greater practice autonomy, and improve my work-life balance. That’s when Jewels Integrative Psychiatry was started!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road certainly was not smooth, and it still isn’t, but that’s okay.
Finding a way to streamline services and make access to care easier for clients, has been the most difficult task. I utilize several different platforms, each which have their own benefit. Currently, I am in the process of finding a business structure that allows me to perform all of my duties through one, inclusive, operational system. I’m also learning to establish better professional boundaries so that I can maintain my own mental well being while still providing exceptional care and services to vulnerable populations. There is a high rate of burnout in psychiatry. I love what I do and I want to ensure longevity of my practice.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in depression, and anxiety-related disorders. I also see a fair share of individuals who have trauma-related conditions. I am most proud of my ability to connect with my patients. Something that I feel sets me apart from other psychiatric providers, is my background in internal medicine. I treat the patient as a whole. Together, we explore options that incorporate physical and mental health optimization, to promote overall well-being. It’s not just about prescribing medications. It’s about identifying all potential causes for symptoms, while also supporting stabilization and recovery through care coordination.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
No risk, no reward. I wouldn’t say that I am a big risk-taker. I like certainty. However, beginning my own psychiatry practice has broadened my perspective. I bet on myself and I’m so glad that I did. A colleague of mine once told me: “if you can dream it, you can do it.” At the time, we were talking about construction, but it applies to life. At one point, every great invention started with an idea and someone who bet on themself. I’m so glad I bet on myself. Of course, things take time and I think it is important to make moves tactfully, but I know I can do all things through Christ Jesus. My faith keeps me going even on days where I’m tired or overwhelmed. I know I can, and will make it.
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