Nursing Profiles

Kathleen U.

Stony Brook, NY
Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, RNC MS CPNP NNP-BC

I entered nursing as a second career and can say without a hesitation it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I found a profession that remains challenging and satisfying to me more than 20 years later. My interest in the profession began with a desire to understand disease processes, promote health and wellness, as well as helping and caring for pediatric patients and their families.

My first position was in the NICU where I worked as a staff nurse. It was there after a few years of experience I had the opportunity to take a research position working on a pharmaceutical trial. Having caught the “research bug” I was inspired by a physician mentor to enter graduate school, received a Master’s degree and became a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Subsequently I received additional training to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Working in an academic medical center my current position offers me the versatility of a clinical and research based practice that encompasses both inpatient and outpatient pediatric patients with gastroenterology disorders.

As a nurse practitioner, I’ve found the challenges are many, the possibilities are endless.