04/07/2026
Sometimes, one patient’s story captures exactly what it means to be a nurse practitioner. For Jennifer Kremer, this is one of those stories.
"Many of us entered our NP role with years of hospital nurse experience. For me, that was caring for complex children in the pediatric intensive care unit. I enjoyed the challenge of dialysis care and after graduation, pursued a PNP position in pediatric nephrology working with minor to end-stage renal disease patients.
Years later, I decided it was time for a change and entered the world of primary care at a federally qualified health center. There, I met John. Diagnosed with end-stage renal disease and needing dialysis, John was also navigating high school, his disease, and his rapidly approaching 18th birthday. In the world of transplant, time is of the essence and if you are “listed" before the age of 18 years old, you are placed towards the top of the list, when active. With my background, I was asked to work together with his primary care team, school-based health, dialysis, and the transplant hospital to help him and his overwhelmed family navigate the road to transplant. With just weeks to go, John was successfully listed.
As nurse practitioners, we wear numerous hats, but our focus remains on the patient, and not just the disease. Our biggest strengths are our communication skills and abilities to navigate complex healthcare systems. John’s story is one of many that reminds me why I chose this career. While clinical knowledge is essential, it is our ability to guide, advocate, and connect that often makes the greatest difference."
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing a story that speaks to the heart of what nurse practitioners do every day.
🔗Share Your Story: https://mcnp.enpnetwork.com/page/38759-wearemassnps
