Welcome to the professional e-portfolio of Dr. Katherine Skurski, DNP, APRN-FPA, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC. 

Dr. Skurski, DNP, APRN-FPA, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, is an accomplished nursing professional who has made significant contributions to the field of healthcare. With her extensive credentials and professional affiliations with esteemed institutions such as Town of Cicero, Oak Point University, Morton College, and Elemental Care Health and Wellness Center, she has emerged as a trailblazer in nursing leadership. Katherine Skurski's educational journey showcases her relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence in the nursing field. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Resurrection University in 2015, laying the foundation for her future success as a healthcare professional. Soon thereafter she obtained her Master's of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, degree from Resurrection University in 2018. Recognizing the importance of specialization, she pursued a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Resurrection University in 2021, further solidifying her expertise and setting her apart as a leader in the field. Most recently she completed her Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certification from Oak Point University in 2022. 

With her exceptional educational background, Dr. Skurski has translated her knowledge into remarkable achievements throughout her career. As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with Full Practice Authority (FPA), she has demonstrated her proficiency in delivering comprehensive primary care to patients across the lifespan. Her expertise extends to the role of a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), where she has exhibited a holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing preventive healthcare and health promotion. Additionally, Dr. Skurski has established herself as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), specializing in mental health and psychiatric care. Her commitment to addressing the complex needs of individuals struggling with mental health disorders has earned her recognition and respect within the healthcare community.

One of Katherine Skurski's notable accomplishments is her nationally-recognized and award-winning research on the facilitation of the 12-step program into primary care practice for preventing relapse in polydrug addiction. Her groundbreaking study aimed to integrate the principles and practices of the well-established 12-step program, commonly associated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), into primary care settings. By implementing this program, she sought to improve the treatment outcomes for individuals battling polydrug addiction, a complex and challenging condition.

Through an extensive research design, Dr. Skurski collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and primary care providers to develop and implement a comprehensive framework for incorporating the 12-step program into routine primary care practice. This involved training healthcare professionals in the principles and techniques of the program, as well as providing support and resources to patients within the primary care setting.

The results of Dr. Skurski's research were groundbreaking and transformative. Her study demonstrated that the integration of the 12-step program into primary care practice led to significantly reduced rates of relapse among individuals with polydrug addiction. By leveraging the accessibility and continuity of primary care, patients received ongoing support, guidance, and evidence-based interventions, which proved instrumental in their recovery journey.

The impact of Dr. Skurski's research extended beyond her study participants. Her findings have garnered widespread recognition within the healthcare community and have influenced practice guidelines and treatment approaches for polydrug addiction. Her research has also inspired further exploration into integrating evidence-based programs into primary care settings for improved patient outcomes across various substance use disorders.