In 2021, double alumna Kristina Banks (MSN ’08, DNP ’16) joined the faculty at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University as an instructor.
Banks previously served as a preceptor for the school. Nursing students are teamed with preceptors, working professional registered nurses, as they navigate clinical hours. They provide feedback to students, and serve as mentors for the next generation of nurses.
In celebration of National Nurse Practitioner Week 2021, Banks shared what motivates her as a pediatric nurse practitioner.
What inspired you to become a nurse practitioner?
I have been interested in health promotion and wanted to practice medicine since childhood. I have also been passionate about the wellbeing of children for as long as I can remember. When it was time to choose a career, it was clear that being a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner would allow me the perfect opportunity to restore children to wellness and to equip and empower parents to raise the healthiest children possible.
Where is the best place to spend a day in Cleveland?
I love to spend time with my family and friends at our community pool in Lyndhurst, but I’m also happy any time I’m near the water, enjoying cuisine in Little Italy, or catching a show at Playhouse Square.
What does being a nurse practitioner mean to you?
Being a nurse practitioner is being a power player on a multidisciplinary team. We are experts at communication, collaboration, and compassion.
What is the best advice you ever received?
Don’t doubt your “spidey sense.” When your intuition tells you to dig deeper, listen to it.
What is your favorite thing about Case Western Reserve University?
We are academically excellent but culturally relevant. While cutting edge with research and innovation, we are also committed to improving our local, domestic, and international community.