Kari Scinski

Becoming a Nurse Practitioner in early 2026 has been one of the most rewarding and humbling transitions of my career. After many years working as a Registered Nurse, particularly in Labour and Delivery, where I supported women and families through some of the most important and vulnerable moments of their lives, I felt ready to expand my role and provide more comprehensive, continuous care in primary care.

What I didn’t fully anticipate was just how complex the transition into practice would be.

In my first few weeks as a Nurse Practitioner, I quickly realized that stepping into this role wasn’t only about clinical knowledge or decision making. It also meant learning to navigate healthcare systems that don’t always recognize or adapt easily to change. Processes that seemed straightforward on paper, such as ordering laboratory investigations, initiating referrals, or becoming properly recognized across various provincial systems, often became unexpectedly challenging. There were moments where I was told I was “just an RN,” even while actively practicing as a Nurse Practitioner. Behind the scenes, this meant many emails, follow ups, and advocacy from both myself and my clinic to ensure patients could access timely care.

While these experiences were frustrating at times, they also gave me a deeper appreciation for the barriers that exist within healthcare, not only for providers, but for patients every single day.

This has strengthened my commitment to working with vulnerable and underserved populations. Many of my patients face challenges that extend far beyond their medical diagnoses. Navigating appointments, understanding treatment plans, accessing timely investigations, or even feeling comfortable asking questions can be significant obstacles. I believe part of my role as a Nurse Practitioner is to help reduce these barriers, to create a space where patients feel supported, and to help them move through the healthcare system with greater confidence.

On a personal level, this transition has also involved significant growth.

Imposter syndrome is real. There have been moments of self doubt and concern about getting things wrong, particularly when stepping into a new level of responsibility. Over time, I am starting to see that these feelings may reflect how much I care about providing safe, thoughtful, and effective care, although I am certainly not fully there yet. They continue to encourage me to be reflective in my practice, to seek collaboration, and to remain committed to lifelong learning.

My early experiences working in long term care shaped my understanding of dignity, compassion, and the importance of truly listening to patients. Those lessons have remained central throughout my career and continue to guide how I approach my work today. As I continue to grow in my Nurse Practitioner role, my goal is to provide care that is not only evidence informed, but also human, care that recognizes the complexity of people’s lives and supports them in meaningful ways.

This is still the beginning of my journey in primary care, and I am learning every day. What remains constant is my motivation to contribute positively to the health of individuals and communities, and to help make healthcare feel more accessible, respectful, and responsive for the people I serve.