Kristina Karin Skalski, NP-C, RNFA

I chose to become a nurse practitioner because I have a passion for caring for people. This career path gives me additional knowledge and expertise to care for patients at an advanced level. My approach to patient care is to be dedicated to holistic care and care for the patient as a whole. Upholding a commitment to respect, dignify and empathize for patients and their families is also a priority. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.

I chose to become an advanced practice provider (APP) to be able to offer my patients more comprehensive care. I have been a nurse for over 40 years providing direct, clinical nursing care, which encouraged me to complete a long-time goal of mine to become an adult gerontological nurse practitioner (AGNP) in 2018. I have seen many changes in healthcare over the years, often resulting in fragmented care. As an APP, I can deliver an advanced level of care, which gives me the opportunity to play an active role in my patients' overall well-being. I do feel we all have been given special talents by God, and we should use them to the best of our abilities to help others. My clinical areas of special interest include wound, ostomy and continence nursing as well as pre- and post-operative care. My philosophy of care is a holistic approach to patient care. This is especially important in taking the time to listen to my patients and being empathetic with the situation they are facing. Often, my patients may face many obstacles dealing with chronic, non-healing wounds or bowel/ bladder diversions as the result of a necessary surgical procedure. Many times, they are faced with life altering events in order to, hopefully, return to productive life styles. With these situations, it is imperative to develop a strong, supportive patient/provider relationship in order to achieve positive outcomes. I encourage my patients to be proactive in their own healthcare prevention as well as maintenance of chronic issues. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially being a Mimi, as well as time with my friends. I am very active in my church on various committees and participating in the children programs. I love cooking, gardening and spending time at the beach.