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Kara Shannon is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner (NP) whose journey in healthcare began during a clinical rotation in her undergraduate studies. It was there that Kara discovered the transformative role of a nurse practitioner—one that combines the underpinnings of a registered nurse, with an extended scope of practice to assess, diagnosis and treat patients. Inspired, she eagerly reached out to her university to learn about the requirements needed to pursue this fulfilling career path after gaining valuable nursing experience.
After years of working as a nurse in intensive care, Kara realized that many patients could have experienced better healthcare outcomes had there been better access to health promotion and disease prevention.
“I believe in the power of a healthy, active lifestyle,” she said. This conviction drove her to specialize in primary care, where she could make a significant difference in people’s lives before they reached a crisis point. “I was fortunate that my graduation coincided with the expansion of the VirtualCareNS program, allowing me to jump right in.”
Through her work with VirtualCareNS, Kara connects with patients from all corners of the province, offering holistic, episodic care. Her typical day involves assessing both physical and mental health, providing minor and complex care, engaging patients in health screening, ordering diagnostics as appropriate, referring to specialists and managing chronic conditions.
“I love that we can provide comprehensive care virtually while creating the rapport with our patients that allows us address multiple issues without necessarily being seen in a traditional health care setting,” she explained. “This flexibility leads to better patient outcomes and a more convenient healthcare experience.”
Unlike traditional in-person care, where physical examinations can guide treatment, Kara relies heavily on technology to gather necessary information. “It’s about being adaptable,” she said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with her team. “I never feel alone; there’s an amazing support network primary care providers including nurse practitioners and physicians, administrative support and educators ready to assist.”
Building rapport and trust in a virtual environment is crucial. Kara finds that active listening and clear communication are key. “Many patients feel overwhelmed or scared when seeking virtual care. By taking the time to answer their questions and clearly outline their plan of care, I can help alleviate some of that anxiety.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of her role came when she assisted a patient with a bone fracture. “Instead of waiting in the emergency department, we were able to connect them directly with an orthopedic specialist quickly,” she recalled. “That’s the advantage of virtual care—it can provide timely access to services for patients and reduces the burden on healthcare resource allocation.”
Kara values the technology that supports her practice, particularly the provincial medical record databases. “These tools allow us to access comprehensive medical histories, which reduces the requirement on patients to remember every detail about their health.”
She also appreciates resources like Canadian guidelines and clinical support tools that help ensure care remains evidence-based to support a continuous approach to care, even when patients interact with different providers.
Her hybrid work model with 3 days a week in-person and 2 days online, balancing virtual care with in-person visits, allows her to maintain essential physical assessment skills while reaching a broader patient base. “I can advocate for improvements in care delivery, while serving my local community and patients across the province.”
As Kara continues her journey, she is committed to professional growth, leadership development, and contributing to sub-committees at VirtualCareNS. “This program is always evolving, and patient engagement is at its heart,” she noted.
Her vision for the future of VirtualCareNS includes a stronger focus on health promotion and screening, as well as better access to appropriate healthcare. “We want to be a resource for our patients and to help facilitate patients to meet their health care goals.
In her own words, “If you have the chance to work with VirtualCareNS as a provider, or seek care as a patient, I strongly encourage it.” Kara believes that by working together with patients and providers, they can create a healthcare model that truly serves the community.
Through her passion and dedication, Kara Shannon is not just a nurse practitioner; she’s a vital part of a team striving to improve healthcare access and outcomes for all Nova Scotians.