Karen Lake

Dedicated and compassionate professional with over 12 years’ experience providing high-quality primary and tertiary healthcare services to diverse client populations in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. Expertise in managing acute and chronic conditions across the lifespan, with a focus on preventive care, acute and chronic health management, mental health assessment, treatment and advocacy, and health promotion of marginalized populations. Practice is structured by a philosophy of meeting the client where they are and prioritizing trust and compassion while walking alongside as they navigate their health journey.

Skilled in conducting comprehensive assessments and developing evidence-based treatment plans focused on client-led goals of care. Passionate about providing accessible education on practices and principles to optimize well-being. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to deliver client-centered care in challenging circumstances.

NURSE PRACTITIONER – PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINE, VETERANS’ HEALTH & WELLNESS at NuVista Mental Health & Psychedelic Medicine (2025-09 – Present)

Independent Contractor

• Lead-NP at New Minas, NS clinic responsible for developing and adjusting clinical practices based on current evidence, provide leadership and advocacy for off-label approaches to veteran, RCMP, and civilian health.
• Practice to full scope with an interdisciplinary team to manage physiologic and psychologic needs of clients.
• Responsible for comprehensive medical assessment and determination of fitness to undergo psychedelic-assisted therapy, specifically with ketamine (IV/IN/SL).
• Most responsible provider on site during ketamine-assisted therapy.
• Assessment, specialized consideration, and care plan development for management of complex medically comorbid clients seeking psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental illness complicated by complex regional pain syndrome.
• Complete comprehensive assessments and evidence informed reports for clients seeking compensation with Veteran’s Affairs Canada, including re-assessment, advocacy, and collaboration with the Bureau of Pension Advocates for re-evaluation of denied claims.
• Counseled clients and families on disease management strategies, lifestyle modifications, and treatment adherence in the context of client-led priorities.
• Utilized electronic charting systems (e.g., Telus Med Access Electronic Medical Record, Jane App) and Microsoft 365 Suite to communicate within the client’s circle of care while prioritizing privacy and confidentiality.

NURSE PRACTITIONER – ACUTE SURGICAL CARE, OUTPATIENT HEPATOLOGY at Nova Scotia Health Authority (2024-03 – Present)

• Worked autonomously to full scope with an interdisciplinary team to manage medical/surgical needs of clients.
• Collaborated with healthcare administration to streamline workflow processes, reduce EHS offload wait times, enhance overall unit efficiency and client outcomes.
• Educated and counseled clients and families on disease management strategies, lifestyle modifications, and treatment adherence in the context of client-led priorities.
• Mentored and supervised healthcare staff, nursing students, and medical residents to foster professional growth while ensuring continuity of high-quality care delivery.
• Developed educational seminars for healthcare staff, clients, and community stakeholders with proven satisfaction among attendees. Topics included acute and chronic disease management, recognition and management of opioid-induced emergencies, emergency preparedness planning with anesthesiology team as nursing partner for critical induction and airway management during Covid-19 pandemic.

NURSE PRACTITIONER – PRIMARY CARE, FAMILY WELLNESS, MENTAL HEALTH at Nova Scotia Health Authority (2023-04 – 2024-03)

• Managed a caseload of 300+ clients, ensuring timely assessments, treatment adjustments, and follow-up care.
• Expertly assessed and managed health conditions across the lifespan.
• Providing comprehensive care for those living with chronic mental health and addictions struggles, particularly in the context of low socioeconomic status and limited access to government/community funded programs.
• Advocated for and developed client-focused care plans including return to work, work-place accommodations, and long-term disability for physiologic and psychologic health diagnoses with various employers, insurance companies, and government organizations.
• Further increased caseload with onboarding specifically for clients in underserved or marginalized populations.
• Developed client-provider contracts to ensure comprehensive care with clear expectations and boundaries to assist individuals experiencing challenging life circumstances including controlled substance and alternative therapies programs, respectful behaviours and interactions, and client access to care in safe spaces for the unhoused.

REGISTERED NURSE – PERIOPERATIVE, CRITICAL, PALLIATIVE CARE, MENTAL HEALTH at Nova Scotia Health Authority (2012-10 – 2023-04)

• Developed expert skills for rapid assessment, triage, and emergency care management for clients experiencing health-related crises including physical and psychological trauma, medical decompensation, obstetric emergencies, physiologic substance dependence, and end-of-life.
• Worked to full scope with collaborative, interdisciplinary team to develop comprehensive assessments, accurate diagnoses, and effective treatment plans focused on client-led goals of care.
• Prioritized compassionate client care and clear communication with clients and team members to ensure efficacy in care provision while maintaining team efficiency.

Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Practitioner – Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (2023)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Dalhousie University (2012)

Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology – Acadia University (2010)