Nicole Buatala, FNP, PMHNP
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
"Mental health is connected to every aspect of the whole persons health. Being more aware of our own mental health, as well as having insight into others mental health, is what brings family and communities closer together."
Nicole Szudy started her nursing career as a nursing assistant working for Good Samaritan and attending college to further her education. She discovered that she had compassion and empathy to do the right thing and promote better quality of life. Nicole completed a diploma program as an LPN at a community college and worked in homecare, hospice, and a clinic while continuing college. She completed her ADN program, then BSN, with the College of Saint Scholastica.
Nicole has worked in a variety of specialties including urgent care, urology, podiatry, and triage. She took a position with an assertive community treatment team and that is where she became passionate about not only mental health, but integrative health. Nicole completed her MSN with a specialty track in family practice from Simmons College. She worked as a nurse practitioner in a psychiatric clinic while completing her psychiatric certification with the University of Cincinnati. Nicole is excited to be part of Western Wisconsin Health and to continue motivating others to live their best quality of life. She takes a special interest in integrative health and treating the whole person.
Nicole has a wide range of professional interests from underlying mental health difficulties from substance use, to sleep disorders, and chronic physical health conditions. She works with persons of all ages interested in improving their mental health, quality of life, and wellbeing.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys DIY and crafting, community activities like fun runs, and spending time with family and fur babies.