Series: CVFP Stories
Stories are fact sharing, knowledge transfer, lived experience and a way to understand what matters most to patients and providers.
Every story matters -- whether it is a patient sharing their experience and perspective, or a health provider describing their personal approach for care delivery. Not as an anecdote with a neat start and end. But as something dynamic that we can learn from. Stories are fact sharing, knowledge transfer, lived experience and a way to understand what matters most to patients and providers. The knowledge gained can be an effective tool to inform and evolve health care.
“As a fairly active person in my mid 50s, and previously a high-level athlete, I am now experiencing some challenges that come with age as well as injuries from participating in sports like mountain biking, road cycling and running. Regular contact with Wendi, my Nurse Practitioner (NP), helps me to stay on top of things with respect to my overall health care and well-being. This includes adjustments to medications, support in monitoring my sleep, and help with an exercise and healthy eating plan to support weight management. As patients we can sometimes feel vulnerable or unsure about personal matters and it can get awkward. Wendi is knowledgeable and extremely approachable, and I feel comfortable talking to her about the little things.” -- Kathy, CVFP Patient
“I will often ask my patients, ‘what is something that you really enjoy doing’? For Kathy it was outdoor sports. Our goals included finding strategies to reduce her stress, treating her blood pressure and referring her to sports medicine. I strive to develop a personal connection and mutual trust with my patients”, says Wendi Keller, NP at CVFP. Wendi manages the primary health care of a panel of patients. Her expertise is in the area of women’s health. In addition to her own panel, Wendi also sees other CVFP doctors’ patients for concerns such as breast health, IUDs, menopause, pelvic pain and contraception.
An NP is an advanced practice registered nurse (RN) with extensive clinical experience and a Master’s degree or PhD. NPs are ‘mid-level practitioners’, meaning they handle less complex health care situations as compared to physicians. In 2019 there were 600 NPs practicing in Alberta and just over 6000 in Canada. NPs are licensed to conduct advanced health assessments, make medical diagnoses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, perform medical procedures, and make referrals to specialists. They often work closely with physicians and other health professionals as part of a team.