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Meet Jessica Romeo, a nurse practitioner in CHEO’s orthopedic surgery division.
When Jessica Romeo was 13, she was diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), a condition that causes an abnormal curve in the spine. Left untreated, it can lead to posture changes, muscle weakness, and, eventually, heart and breathing problems requiring surgery.
Following her diagnosis, Jessica’s family was referred to CHEO’s orthopedic surgery clinic, where she met Dr. James Jarvis, an orthopedic spine surgeon. After assessing her condition, Dr. Jarvis recommended a Charleston night-time brace. Worn around the torso, these custom-fit braces help prevent the curve from worsening as children grow.
Jessica wore the brace for nearly two years until her condition stabilized.
“I remember walking through the front doors of CHEO, holding my mom’s hand. I never felt nervous because Dr. Jarvis always normalized my diagnosis and helped us both feel comfortable,” she said. “This allowed me to appreciate the curve in my spine, own it and be proud of it.”
Jessica’s experience at CHEO left a lasting impact. Determined to become a pediatric nurse, she volunteered in CHEO’s playrooms during high school, and in 2003, she started nursing school at the University of Ottawa.
After completing her studies, Jessica began working at CHEO as a registered nurse in the inpatient surgery unit and with encouragement from her peers, she pursued a master’s in nursing and became a nurse practitioner (NP) in 2012.
Jessica then worked at a family health practice for a few years before returning to CHEO in 2015 as the first nurse practitioner in the orthopedic surgery division.
“NPs are different because we marry medicine with nursing,” she said. “We focus on the whole person with a holistic approach to health prevention and promotion while incorporating medical knowledge.”
As an NP, Jessica diagnoses, treats and manages patients on her own. Her work includes everything from performing assessments to guiding treatment plans, medications and referrals.
A typical day for Jessica is busy. She starts around 7 a.m. with meetings and emails, moves into clinic appointments by 9 a.m., and continues with inpatient rounds, charting and committee work. She is also the professional practice lead for all NP and advanced practice nurses.
But at the heart of it all is her commitment to her patients.
“I tell all of my brace patients that I have scoliosis,” said Jessica. “I also discuss their future with scoliosis—what it means to have a different aesthetic appearance or the potential of passing it on to their children. These are real discussions I’m proud to have because of my lived experience.”
Jessica’s favourite part of her work at CHEO is seeing patients and families leave with a smile.
“When they understand their diagnosis and feel empowered, that’s when I know I’ve done my job,” she said.
CHEO is proud to celebrate Nurse Practitioner Week, Nov. 10 to 16, 2024. Jessica exemplifies the essential role nurse practitioners play in delivering patient-centered care—and for her, there's no place she'd rather be.
“CHEO has always felt right,” she said. “I’m proud to be here. It’s where I belong.”
CHEO is made up of inspiring people like Jessica. Join us.