First cohort of Doctor of Nursing Practice in public health nursing graduates ready to lead in advancing community health
In a couple of weeks, University of Cincinnati (UC) students will celebrate a meaningful achievement as they graduate across various fields, ready to make significant contributions in their respective professions. Among them is the UC College of Nursing’s first cohort of Doctor of Nursing Practice-prepared public health nurses, who will begin a new professional chapter leading efforts to improve health outcomes, reduce disparities and advocate for healthier communities.
“I’m incredibly proud of this first graduating class,” says Tasha Turner-Bicknell, DNP, RN, CPH, associate professor and director of the public health nursing programs at the UC College of Nursing. “These students possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed to make a lasting impact on community health. They are ready to advance their careers and shape the future of public health nursing.”
Public health focuses on preventing diseases, promoting healthy lifestyles and ensuring access to healthcare services for entire communities. It encompasses addressing social, environmental and economic factors that influence health outcomes through initiatives such as vaccination programs, health education campaigns, disease surveillance and policy development.
They [students graduating with the DNP degree] help bridge the gap between research, policy and practice, ensuring that communities receive the highest standard of care and protection.
Tasha Turner-Bicknell, DNP, RN, CPH Director, Public Health Nursing Programs
“The COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid epidemic, climate change and natural disasters are just a few examples of current crises requiring coordinated public health interventions, policy changes and community-based efforts to address their immediate and long-term effects on health and well-being,” Turner-Bicknell explains. “Public health nurses are at the forefront of emergency preparedness, bridging the gap between healthcare systems and the communities they serve.”
Doctorally-prepared public health nurses influence healthcare systems and public health initiatives at both local and national levels. Instrumental in achieving both short-term and long-term public health goals, they are positioned for leadership roles in health administration, disaster response and global health initiatives.
Tasha Turner-Bicknell, DNP, RN, CPH
“Students graduating with the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree are ready to apply evidence-based solutions to the complex and evolving health challenges faced by communities,” Turner-Bicknell adds. “They help bridge the gap between research, policy and practice, ensuring that communities receive the highest standard of care and protection.”
Their first experience delivering on that takes place during the required DNP project, when students collaborate with faculty advisors on projects that directly relate to their specialty and aim to improve healthcare outcomes. Notably, projects from all students in the first graduating cohort have been accepted for presentation at the 2025 Association of Public Health Nurses annual conference, showcasing the real-world impact of their work:
- Optimization of Emergency Department Discharge Processes for Trauma Patients by Rachael Collman, BSN, RN
- Integration of a Social Determinant of Health (SDOH) Dashboard into Care Delivery at a Community Mental Health Center by Amy Jacobs, MSN, RN
- Youth Tobacco Product Control/Mitigation Training: Evidence-Based Practice by Tara Jimison, BSN, RN
- Language Barriers: A Quality Improvement Project to Increase the Use of Interpretive Services by Valeria Alvarez, BSN, RN
- Diabetes Self-Management in Non-Traditional Settings: A Quality Improvement Project by Janay Wright-Parks, BSN, RN
As students in the first cohort of UC’s Public Health Nursing DNP program graduate, they stand ready to make an impact on the health and well-being of communities across the nation, shaping the future of public health and ensuring their expertise and dedication contribute to lasting improvements in the lives of individuals and entire populations.
Want to learn more about the Doctor of Nursing Practice in Public Health Nursing program? Request information here.
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