Stephanie VanOstrand, APRN CNP

In high school, I became a certified nursing assistant and loved the connection I made with the elderly. These individuals had already lived a whole life and had so much knowledge to offer. This experience encouraged me to become an RN, where I had the privilege of taking care of the critically ill in the ICU. This experience made me realize how important it is to have strong primary care available to all, as well as the importance of discussing goals and wishes for the end of life. I became a nurse practitioner to have the opportunity to work with patients at the front line and hold these intimate conversations with patients and their families.