Kristina Karin Skalski, NP-C, RNFA

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.

I have always felt that my purpose in life is to help others. I know how challenging life can be and the toll it can take on your physical and mental health. My family faced ongoing poverty and frequent health problems when I was growing up here in Eastern North Carolina. I feel great compassion for people and so wanted a career that focused on caring for others. That, combined with my fascination with science and the incredible human body, made nursing and becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner a fitting path for me. As simple as it sounds, I believe in treating others the way I would want to be treated and the way I would want my loved ones treated. That means that I aim to make my patients feel heard and cared about, that I am thorough and provide evidence-based treatment in a plan that will work for them, and that I respect my patients as my partners in managing their health. Primary care has my heart, and I enjoy working with patients of all ages. Prevention at all levels, including aiming to prevent health problems from developing but also managing chronic health conditions so that negative outcomes can be prevented or lessened, is important to me. I also have a special interest in behavioral health, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)/trauma and the increased risk for long-term health effects. I am married and have three kids. We have a mini-farm with goats, chickens, ducks and two spoiled dogs. Outside of work, I enjoy time with my family and being outdoors. I also love a spontaneous road-trip with my good music playing. The beach beckons to me often, and Outer Banks sunsets are my favorite.