“Working for HealthPoint is an opportunity to serve that same population that changed me so many years ago” Tahana proudly states. Tahana Salvadalena, Nurse Practitioner (NP) at Kent Urgent Care finds working in the health care system can oftentimes be disappointing. To watch patients struggle to navigate health care with little to no support is disheartening but that’s what makes HealthPoint different. For Tahana, she loves being part of an organization that prioritizes and values the patient.
Tahana also mentioned, “At HealthPoint, our CSR can help them obtain health insurance and they can establish care with a primary care clinic. I love being a part of an organization that was at the front of testing and vaccinating for COVID19. I especially love being part of an organization that offers suboxone for opiate addiction.” Her passion for helping the community started after college when she volunteered for a homeless outreach program with her husband. Seeing Seattle’s houseless youth, hearing their stories, and connecting them with essential services changed her outlook on life forever. “I am a different person because of them. I see the world around me differently. I cannot imagine not wanting to continue to serve the homeless and at-risk populations.”
Tahana was drawn to nursing shortly thereafter, leaving the biotech industry for nursing because of its holistic nature. Health care isn’t just about physical health, it involves the mind and soul too. According to Tahana, “Considering the limitations of science, providing care that includes education and options is important for everyone. Providing compassionate care is more complete than medicine alone.” That’s why programs like HealthPoint’s Nurse Practitioner Residency are important. Tahana comments, “In my first job as a nurse practitioner, I did not have a clear transition to practice. So, a nurse practitioner residency program is such an amazing opportunity for any new NP. The program can give a new NP the support needed during that transition time to help gain confidence in decision making.”
