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For Rasheed Davis, a physician assistant (PA-C) based in Suffolk County, New York, the medical field has always been about making a difference. But after working in the fast-paced world of emergency medicine, she sought a new path — one that allowed her to truly connect with people.

Meeting people where they are can mean traveling in different environments — on crowded highway overpasses, unpaved backroads or, in the case of Dr. Georgia Braimakis, traveling on foot amid the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Nurses are some of the health care workers with the most direct patient interactions, and it’s no exaggeration to say many care journeys would stall without them. If it weren’t for nurses, a huge portion of the health care system, from hospital admissions to recovery at home, simply wouldn’t function the same way — perhaps even at all. Nurses play an essential role across the health care continuum. From hospital admissions to recovery at home and the preventive journey in between, their direct interactions with patients, registered nurses are often known as the backbone of the health care system – and for good reason. Nurse practitioners (NPs), in particular, play a vital role in making care more accessible. Their ability to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications allows them to manage a wide range of conditions, often serving as a primary point of care for individuals and families. The career paths available to NPs are incredibly varied as well, mirroring the diverse communities and settings they serve.

When nurse practitioner Gay Ann Ost, MSN, FNP-C, reflects on her work, she doesn’t talk about titles or milestones, she talks about people. Every home she visits, every story she hears and every conversation she has is why she still enjoys what she does. “I do it because I love it,” she says. “Every door is different. Every person is different. And there’s always a chance to make something better.”

When nurse practitioner (NP) Bebe Payton walks into a health plan member’s home, her goal isn’t just to complete a visit; it’s to leave that person feeling informed, supported and empowered.