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This story is one of a series in celebration of the University of New Brunswick’s nurse practitioner program’s 25th anniversary. Experience the first story in the series.

Corinna Power's journey as a nurse practitioner exemplifies the profound impact of the University of New Brunswick's (UNB) nurse practitioner (NP) program on healthcare delivery in New Brunswick.

After graduating from nursing school in Calgary, Power’s career took her to Saudi Arabia, where she worked for nearly seven years. It was during this time that she pursued her bachelor of nursing degree through distance education, preparing for her return to Canada.

Upon moving to New Brunswick, Power’s dedication to healthcare led her to the Port Elgin Health Centre. With limited physician services available, she saw an opportunity to make a significant difference.

Powers enrolled in UNB's NP program. The flexibility of part-time, distance learning allowed her to balance her education with her full-time job and personal life, even during her pregnancy.

"UNB gave me everything I needed to succeed," Power said. "The ability to integrate my education into my work and personal life was invaluable."

Power's determination paid off when she successfully advocated for the creation of a full-time NP position at the Port Elgin Health Centre. She transformed the clinic into a fully functional health centre, providing comprehensive care to over 900 patients.

With the support of physicians in Sackville when needed, her role as a nurse practitioner allowed her to work independently.

"It really grew into something that the community needed. It was great," she said. "We became a place people could come to for health-care concerns— a health centre with myself as the NP, a nurse and a secretary—all working full time.”

One of the most impactful moments in Power's career was when she diagnosed a patient with early-stage cancer after convincing her to undergo a pap test.

"I was so glad I was there to help that person," she said. "All those moments when you spend a few extra minutes with a patient can make a huge difference in someone’s life."

The clinic also ran a successful smoking cessation program, helping many patients quit smoking, including one woman, who while on vacation in the Dominican, went to light a cigarette and heard Power’s voice in her head.

"She told me she thought of the nurse and myself asking about her smoking and she never smoked again," Power shared. "Being able to build those relationships—that trust—means a lot.”

Leaving the Port Elgin Health Centre in May 2024 wasn't an easy decision.

Over her 15 years as the community’s NP, Power built deep connections with her patients and staff, watching babies grow into young adults and forming lasting relationships.

"Leaving was the hardest decision of my career”.

"You’re providing care for all of these people you know so well. I had fantastic support staff, and to leave my patients and the staff was beyond difficult."

Power’s recent move to the Tantramar Health Clinic in Sackville allowed her to maintain a better work-life balance while continuing to offer preceptorship to UNB students enrolled in the NP program.

"If I’m here in Sackville, it gives me flexibility," she explained. "I’m home in five minutes, which allows me to offer more of myself to patients, to the staff and to NP students."

Power has been a UNB preceptor for many years, guiding NP students through their clinical training.

"It’s important that NP students work with a practising NP at some point in their education to understand the nurse practitioner perspective in practice," she said.

"All of the students have had an impact on me. They teach me as much as I teach them.

“One student I had was able to spend time with a teen who was struggling with family issues and anxiety. She really spent the time discussing her history, listening to the student and offering suggestions for management. In further appointments this teen had improved and was not struggling as she had in the past.

“I love seeing the power of students taking time with patients and being able to research and offer excellent suggestions,” Power said.

Power's story exemplifies the transformative power of UNB's nurse practitioner program, not just on the lives of individual patients, but on entire communities.

The program equips graduates with the skills needed to provide exceptional care and fosters within them a deep connection to the communities they serve.

"You love them," Power reflected on her patients, underscoring the heartfelt dedication that defines her career.

"Really, we’re just here to help people."

Learn more about UNB's Nurse Practitioner Program and how it continues to shape healthcare in New Brunswick.