Nursing welcomes first- and second-year DNP cohorts

Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Program students speak with Founding Dean and Distinguished Professor Adey Nyamathi at a welcome event at the Arnold & Mabel Beckman Center.

Welcome Week 2021 was a great success as the UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing opened its doors to in-person instruction for the first time since March 2020.

The school welcomed its first- and second-year doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program students at a reception at the Arnold & Mabel Beckman Center. The original welcome for the first cohort had been delayed by the pandemic, so faculty and students were especially excited to be able to gather and meet, some for the first time.

Founding Dean and Distinguished Professor Adey Nyamathi promised the DNP students a rewarding educational experience that will prepare them to address the needs of their communities and solve complex problems in healthcare. 

Nyamathi also introduced Associate Dean for Student Affairs Miriam Bender, DNP Program Director Nicole Martinez and Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs Susanne Phillips.

“Each and every one of you is a leader,” Nyamathi told the group. “You will be a part of the transformation of healthcare delivery. I am excited that you have chosen UCI.”

Doctor of Nursing Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) Program student Christina Palmer is pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree because she wants to create change.

“I want to redesign how we avail care to our community and bring primary care services to the individual via in-home visits, telehealth, and the implementation of remote monitoring systems.”

Student Angela McAlpine agrees. “As a Doctor of Nursing Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP), my goal is to reduce health disparities and promote health equity in the community.”