Kristina Valerie Snyder, APRN-CNP

Working in GI allows me to do a little bit of everything, from practicing preventive medicine to treating long-term disease. I'm most passionate about educating myself and my patients on the latest information in the field to provide better care. I like making a difference in people's lives and helping them live their best.

I've always been very passionate about health care, ever since I started working. I feel like I found my purpose. Everybody has a purpose on earth, and mine is to serve in the best way I can. I am very compassionate and a good listener. Communication plays a big role. If patients can talk to me and let me know all the details, I can treat them better. Mercy's values are foundational, and they've always spoken to me. I had my kids here and this is where my family comes for health care. I feel like Mercy isn't only where I have to be, but where I want to be.

I liked that nursing embodies the entire person from a wholistic approach when treating a patient. I decided to go into gastroenterology because we have a lot of GI issues in our family. Being diagnosed with celiac disease myself, I want to help patients with this issue help to feel better. The most gratifying part of healthcare is seeing patients that come back in with a smile on their face and you know you have made a difference in their lives. I treat all my patients with compassion and dignity.