At Nemours Children’s Health, our nursing staff is integral to our mission of providing exceptional care to our patients and families. Jenny Pfieffer, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in our Pediatric Diabetes Center, embodies the dedication, compassion, and innovation that defines our nursing team. With over 20 years of experience, Jenny has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and families.
Inspired by her mother’s belief that “the sky is the limit,” Jenny began her nursing journey in pediatric emergency care. Her work was driven by a deep love for helping others and making a difference. After relocating to Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville from Delaware, she transitioned into nursing administration and eventually found her calling to return to the bedside as a Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Diabetes Center. In this role, Jenny helped create a transition program that supports adolescents moving from pediatric to adult diabetes care.
One of Jenny’s most significant contributions to Nemours Children’s is the development of the Assisted Dog & Pony Therapy (ADAPT) program, an initiative that integrates animal-assisted therapy into pediatric care. Here, Jenny serves as the Director and Senior Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. By incorporating therapy dogs and mini horses into her work, Jenny has created a unique and supportive environment for teens with diabetes. As the only one of its kind in the country, the ADAPT program recently expanded its reach through a partnership with the North Florida School of Special Education.
Jenny is passionate about what Nemours stands for and believes in the idea that “if you dream it, anything is possible.” She never imagined that after extensive training and education, she would become the founder of a nationally unique program and work alongside her therapy dogs, Charlie and Asher, helping teens with diabetes.
As a leader in pediatric diabetes care, Jenny has developed and implemented numerous programs, including the “BUILT” transition clinic, which supports adolescents moving from pediatric to adult diabetes care. She has received prestigious honors such as the Daisy Award, National Distinguished CPEN Award, Emergency Department Pain Champion Award, and the “Top 12 Who Care” award from First Coast News. Jenny has also made significant contributions to the field through her research, publishing four articles in international and national peer-reviewed journals, and presenting at conferences like ISPAD and ADA.
Jenny is actively engaged in professional service and community involvement, serving on boards and committees for organizations like the American Diabetes Association, mentoring future health professionals, and orchestrating lecture series and partnerships with local school districts. Through her multifaceted work, Jenny continues to be a driving force in advancing pediatric diabetes care, nursing education, and community wellness.
Jenny has two standout memories from her time at Nemours. The first was a groundbreaking moment when she introduced her miniature horse, Gypsy, to the hospital for the first time. This event marked the first instance of a horse being allowed inside Nemours—and any Jacksonville-area hospital—drawing significant media attention and creating a “red carpet” moment for Jenny and the ADAPT program. Her second memorable experience was being selected as one of only 15 individuals worldwide to attend the prestigious International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) International Science School. This recognition not only highlighted Jenny’s professional achievements but also underscored the pride she takes in her work.
Outside of her clinical role, Jenny is dedicated to community wellness and service. She volunteers for SAFE Pet Rescue and Animal Shelter, where she has established a Teen Program in partnership with local high schools. Jenny’s love for animals is also evident in her home, where she cares for three horses, three dogs, four red-foot tortoises, and one cat. Jenny treasures her family life with her two children and her husband. Her interests reflect a blend of mentorship, animal-assisted therapy, and holistic care, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact both inside and outside of Nemours.
Jenny’s innovative approaches, leadership, and commitment to mentorship have made a lasting impact on the Nemours organization and the families we serve. As we celebrate Jenny’s achievements, we honor the tireless efforts of our nursing team, who work to provide compassionate, high-quality care to our patients.
