Jamie Kilpatrick, DNP, RN, CENP
Faculty member at the Oklahoma City University Kramer School of Nursing
Jamie Kilpatrick, a recent graduate of Duquesne University with a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Executive Leadership (through a partnership with the Duquesne Palumbo-Donahue School of Business), says accomplishing her DNP satisfies her desire to obtain the educational opportunities so beneficial for the nursing profession.
Kilpatrick is utilizing those credentials as a new faculty member at the Oklahoma City University Kramer School of Nursing. (story continues below)
“I am new to the faculty at OCU Kramer School of Nursing, after over 30 years of clinical experience through Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, most notably within the Neonatal ICU, Women’s and Pediatric ICU, and supportive roles,” she said. “My last 20 years have been in leadership or system roles, affording me the opportunity to experience various aspects of patient and family care, and the collaboration with the teams required to address those patient goals and needs.”
Kilpatrick earned her bachelor’s and master’s in nursing through the University of Oklahoma, Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing.
“I began my nursing career with an associate degree of nursing from what was known at the time as Oklahoma State University Technical Institute,” she said. “Nursing is at the epicenter of patient care. I discovered the benefit of additional academic experiences would complement my clinical skills. The incredible individualized service to students and commitment to academic excellence I experienced at Duquesne, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, university established in 1878, led me to Oklahoma City University in pursuing my dream as a nursing instructor.”
Kilpatrick said the more you know, the more prepared you are to address the healthcare needs of the population.
“Pursuing the doctorate for myself afforded the opportunity to better support the nursing profession through education,” she said. “The doctoral degree in nursing enhances care delivery with additional tools for optimal outcomes. Healthcare is becoming increasingly complex; education and experience work hand in hand for improved care.”
Kilpatrick said she has long admired the graduates that she has worked with in the clinical setting from OCU. She also said her background in clinical and leadership positions enables her to give students awareness of a variety of educational advantages.
“Overall, they have demonstrated a very developed understanding of nursing practice and nursing care,” she said. “Combining my background working strictly in the clinical setting for so many years and sharing this experience with those in pursuit of educational goals should generate a positive experience for both the undergraduate and the graduate nurses. “I am currently serving as faculty for nurses pursuing their bachelor’s degree and then also graduate students who, like me, have been practicing and want to continue in their educational journey,” she said.
“I’ve been in leadership positions, focused on the delivery and availability of care through support of the nurse and healthcare environment. One of the greatest challenges for the newer nurse is the transition from school to practice” she said. “After graduation, that transition period can be difficult. But understanding what that clinical piece looks like will provide me the opportunity to help support the nursing student into a smoother transition within the clinical setting.”
Kilpatrick said she is embracing the learning side of her new role.
“The academic world is very different, but the university has offered a great deal of support” she said. “They have a great program of online learning perspectives. I took a full week of training classes on how to teach online, the various learner needs and that’s been great. I appreciate all the support that they’ve offered and continue to offer. Teaching is just a different world, but it’s an amazing world. I am very happy driving to work.”
Kilpatrick is married and the mother of three adult children and five grandchildren. She is a board member of Cavett Kids Foundation, whose purpose is to make available the opportunity for kids with limited abilities to pursue goals and thrive.
Kilpatrick is also a marathon runner.
“I am attempting to run a marathon in all 50 states; to date, I have accomplished 44 states (and 50 marathons), and hoping my body holds out to see the finish,” she said.
Kilpatrick said running is a way for her to balance the stress of the world.
“You are more in tune with nature, with God, and most of those marathons have been without earphones; just you and nature! Also, you often meet other people with similar goals,” she said. “I think it’s beneficial in sharing with others the value of exercise. It is good to balance your work world with a release and fitness is always important. There is so much to appreciate in this crazy little hobby of mine.”
Learn more about Kramer School of Nursing here: https://www.okcu.edu/nursing/home
For more information visit: https://www.okcu.edu/nursing
