My name is Tess Walde, and I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with an extensive background in mental health and substance use, primary care, ADHD management, Indigenous health, and Corrections. I have been practicing as an NP since 2018, following nearly a decade of Emergency Department nursing. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep appreciation for the resilience of patients and the importance of accessible, compassionate, and coordinated care.
My career has taken me into diverse and often challenging practice environments, including outreach primary care for street-entrenched populations and correctional healthcare, where the intersection of mental health, substance use, and systemic barriers is particularly evident. These experiences have shaped my professional values and inspired a commitment to advancing equitable, person-centered care through innovation and collaboration.
My DNP project focuses on supporting Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) nurse prescribers working within correctional centres, with the goal of strengthening practice supports, enhancing continuity of care, and improving treatment outcomes for individuals living with opioid use disorder.
I am continuously seeking ways to improve existing processes and systems, applying evidence-based approaches and quality improvement principles to optimize care delivery and support provider confidence. This portfolio highlights my ongoing pursuit of excellence in nursing practice, leadership, and health system transformation.