Nurse Practitioner Spotlight: Lidija Dosen and Jillian Runke

Each day during Nurse Practitioner Week (November 13-19), we are spotlighting Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to highlight some (but not all!) of the important roles they fulfill at our Hospital and in our community. Today, we’d like to introduce you to Lidija Dosen and Jillian Runke.

Meet Lidija Dosen

Why did you decide to become a Nurse Practitioner?

Wanting to take on a bigger role in patient care, I decided to become a Nurse Practitioner. In this role, I have more autonomy which enables me to provide an increased level of care.

Tell us about your role.

I’ve worked in the hemodialysis unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) for about three years now. I round on patients, provide advanced assessments, diagnose, and carry through treatment plans in conjunction with patient goals. As an NP here, I am fortunate enough to work with a wonderful, all-encompassing team that is able to provide excellent holistic care. Hemodialysis is a workplace like no other. Our patients come to us three days a week, so I have the privilege to get to know them well and it’s important to me to build good, trusting relationships with them. I think knowing our patients more, gives us an opportunity to adjust treatments to their needs which, hopefully, provides better outcomes and satisfaction of care.

What is the most challenging part of your profession?

Hemodialysis can be complex in and of itself. When adding on multiple chronic diseases with occasional acute issues, the learning curve can be steep. Luckily, I have a wonderful team that I’ve been able to learn a lot from and management that supports my ongoing learning.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession?

I feel fulfilled in my original goal of taking on a bigger role in patient care. I also love that I can always come to work and learn something new. Whether it’s learning a new skill or learning more about my patient, I find my work very rewarding.

Do you have any advice for those considering a career as a Nurse Practitioner?

The path won’t be easy. The learning never ends. The work is hard…but it is worth it!

Meet Jillian Runke

Education /Training

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Nursing Degree & Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner. Pallium Palliative Core Course as an additional course pertinent to my role.

Why did you decide to become a Nurse Practitioner?

Once I gained knowledge and experience working in the Emergency Department as an RN, the idea of being autonomous to make decisions for your patients independently was the most appealing factor into deciding to become an NP.

Tell us about your role with the Nurse Led Outreach Team.

We are an outreach team of NPs that are located throughout the community within the long term care, retirement living and assisted living buildings. Our main goal is to assess and treat patients living in these settings, in their homes, at an attempt to reduce the number of emergency department visits.

What is the most challenging part of your profession?

Day to day challenges with assessment and treatment include the complexity of patients due to chronic illnesses and comorbidities. Although, there are many other factors that affect treatment such as mobility, transportation and finances, which we also must take into account.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession?

The most rewarding aspect is when we are truly able to help someone, in any type of way, whether it prevents an ED visit or if it simply makes their day to day life easier being able to be assessed and treated in their home.

Do you have any advice for those considering a career as a Nurse Practitioner?

Take the leap – it’s never too late for more education, the profession is growing and there are endless opportunities!