Celebrating primary care givers during National Nurse Practitioners Week

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During National Nurse Practitioner Week (Nov. 13-19, 2022), Dal Health caught up with two of their alumni to ask them questions about their experiences thus far in the profession.

Laura Conrad (BSc ’12, MN NP ’21)

Q: Why did you decide to become a NP? 
A: I have always loved helping others, and becoming an RN was the best decision I could have made. Transitioning further to become an NP seemed like a natural progression, and although it has been a whirlwind so far, it is amazing to look back and reflect on how far I have grown within the nursing field.
Q: Where are you providing care now?
A: I have been an RN for five years, and an NP for the past 1.5 years (that flew by!). I currently work out of Amherst and Springhill Primary Care in Nova Scotia. I was born and raised in Amherst and am so thankful to be able to give back to my community that has helped support me throughout my nursing journey.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I love advocating for my clients’ best interests and focusing on holistic care. I also enjoy learning and take additional education courses as often as I can. Each day is a new, rewarding challenge that keeps me on my toes!
Q: Anything you want to say to your fellow NPs during National NP week?
A: I admire all your hard work and dedication to our wonderful profession – you are all rock stars!

 

Carly Bata (BScN ‘17, RN MN NP ‘22)

Q: Why did you decide to become an NP? 

A: I always knew I wanted to expand my scope of practice and become more autonomous as a health care provider. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner was a natural way to advance further in my career while staying true to my nursing roots.

Q: Where are you providing care now?

A: The Pauline Potter Health Centre, a primary care clinic in the North End of Halifax.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: Working with patients and families to provide quality, timely access to primary care in a time where primary care is difficult to access for many Nova Scotians.

Q: Anything you want to say to your fellow NP’s during NP week?

A: I feel so honoured to be a part of this profession. As this is my first NP week as a practicing NP, I would love to thank all of the wonderful nurse practitioners who mentored and trained me to be the NP I am today.

Dal Health wishes Nurse Practitioner (NP) students, past graduates and members of the NP practice community who generously support the NP students a very happy National Nurse Practitioner Week!