Dal Nursing wishes current NP (Nurse Practitioner) students, past graduates and members of the NP practice community who generously support our NP students a very happy National NP Week (Nov. 13-19)! We’ll be celebrating by featuring some of graduates!

Please note: We are now accepting applications for the Nurse Practitioner (NP) program for September 2023 admission. Applicants must be Registered Nurses with an active (or eligible for) NS license, and have completed a minimum of two (2) years (~ 3,750 hours) of full-time, relevant clinical practice at the time of application. Application deadline is February 1, 2023. More information on admission requirements available here.

Carly Bata
Dal BScN (‘17) RN MN NP (‘22)

1.  Where are you providing care now?

The Pauline Potter Health Centre, a primary care clinic in the North End of Halifax

2.  What do you enjoy most about your job? 

Working with patients and families to provide quality, timely access to primary care in a time where primary care is difficult to access for many Nova Scotians.

3.  Why did you decide to become an NP?

I always knew I wanted to expand my scope of practice and become more autonomous as a health care provider. Becoming a nurse practitioner was a natural way to advance further in my career while staying true to my nursing roots.

4.  Anything you want to say to your fellow NP’s during NP    week?

I feel so honoured to be a part of this profession. As this is my first NP week as a practicing NP, I would love to thank all of the wonderful nurse practitioners who mentored and trained me to be the NP I am today. 

Laura Conrad
Dalhousie University - Bachelor of Science: May 2012
CBU - Bachelor of Science in Nursing: May 2016
Dalhousie University - Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner Stream: May 2021

1.  Where are you providing care now?

I have been an RN for 5 years, and a Nurse Practitioner for the past 1.5 years (that flew by!)  I currently work out of Amherst and Springhill Primary Care.  I was born and raised in Amherst and am so thankful to be able to give back to my community that has helped support me throughout my nursing journey.

2.  What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love advocating for my clients’ best interests and focusing on holistic care. I also enjoy learning and take additional education courses as often as I can.  Each day is a new, rewarding challenge that keeps you on your toes!

3.  Why did you decide to become a NP?

I have always loved helping others, and becoming an RN was the best decision I could have made. Transitioning further to become an NP seemed like a natural progression, and although it has been a whirlwind so far, it is amazing to look back and reflect on how far I have grown within the nursing field.

4.  Anything you want to say to your fellow NPs during National NP week?

I admire all your hard work and dedication to our wonderful profession – you are all rockstars! 😊

In my free time, I can be found golfing, skiing, or snuggled up with my cats reading crime novels.

Kayla Carey
BN RN (MUN ’13) MN NP (DAL ’22) CNCCP(C)  

1.  Where are you providing care now?

I am currently one of two Nurse Practitioners working in the Pediatric Emergency Department at IWK Health.  

2.  What do you enjoy most about your job?

There are so many things that I love about my job, it’s hard to choose one thing I enjoy the most! When children are ill and their families seek care in the Emergency Department it can be a scary and stressful time.  Being able to ease worries through providing holistic family-centered care while making the visit as positive and painless as I can, is one of the most rewarding parts of my job!  I also love how my role in the emergency department allows me to work to the full scope of the NP.  While I enjoy providing care to patients and families, I also love playing an active role in quality improvement initiatives, research, education, and leadership activities!  I feel so privileged to be an NP in the Emergency Department and to be part of such a fantastic collaborative team! 

3.  Why did you decide to become a NP?

I chose to advance my education and become an NP because it combines my love of nursing and learning while allowing me to have expanded autonomy over my practice. NPs have the unique ability to assess, diagnose, and holistically treat patients and families while maintaining the art of nursing in their practice.  After being inspired by NPs I have had the privilege to work alongside, I felt this advanced practice nursing role was a great fit for me!  

4.  Anything you want to say to your fellow NPs during National NP week?

I’d like to say thank you to all the NPs who have been advocating for NP roles, pushing for the advancement of our scope of practice, and educating others about the incredible value of NPs in our healthcare system.  Happy Nurse Practitioner Week Everyone! 

Aebin Paul, RN, NP (MN NP’19)
Ann Rose Jacob, RN, NP (MN NP’21)

1. Where are you providing care now?

We are working in primary care and long term care facilities in the Cape Breton region. Aebin is working at the Sydney primary care clinic and covering two Long term Care facilities in Sydney. Ann is working at the Glace Bay primary care clinic and covering two long term care facilities in Glace Bay.

2. What do you enjoy most about your job?

It is a privilege to be a Nurse Practitioner and to be an advocate for our clients. What we love most about being an NP is the relationship that we build with our clients. We learn so much every day. For a nurse practitioner every day is different, so we can use a variety of our skills and knowledge to help clients in the best possible way.

3. Why did you decide to become an NP?

We became nurse practitioners to provide greater access for quality health care to our community. We always advocate for more Nurse Practitioner roles in nursing homes and in the community and to increase the access for health care to meet the growing demands of the population.

4. Anything you want to say to your fellow NPs during National NP week?

We would like to thank all the wonderful nurse practitioners who are providing amazing care in our community.