Title:Nurse executives pay it forward to the next generation

In 2025, Georgetown University School of Nursing launched the Nurse Executives in Residence program as part of its growing focus on leadership development, enhancing the Post-Master’s Executive Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Health Systems Leadership and Policy degree program.

“We are proud to welcome national thought leaders in nursing executive leadership and governance as Georgetown Nurse Executives in Residence,” says School of Nursing Dean Roberta Waite.

“Our unique program gives Executive DNP students exclusive access to some of the foremost nursing leaders,” explains Waite. “We have created an opportunity for them to learn directly from executives who have made significant contributions to the nursing profession and to health care delivery.”

The seven inaugural Nurse Executives in Residence provide their expertise through lectures for Executive DNP courses, exclusive talks for the broader DNP learning community (including faculty, preceptors, and alumni), and focused mentoring for exceptional Executive DNP students.

“The Nurse Executives in Residence serve in a special faculty capacity, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Executive DNP program,” says Stephan Davis, executive director of leadership, policy, and DNP education at the School of Nursing. “Along with our core DNP expert faculty, Nurse Executives in Residence will enhance Executive DNP education through the integration of theory and practice, preparing our graduates to contribute to the future of nursing leadership and health care transformation.”

The Executive DNP program is designed for nurses who hold a relevant graduate degree, are currently practicing in an advanced nursing role, and aim to advance their careers in nursing leadership, policy, and advocacy. Additionally, the program features executive coaching to enhance leadership development and interpersonal effectiveness.

“Nurse Executives in Residence help us reach a broader audience to share the transformative power of a Georgetown education,” Davis says.

Recently, Georgetown School of Nursing held a breakfast at the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Conference in Boston with four Nurse Executives in Residence, launching the DNP program’s collaboration with the organization.

“Executive DNP students can now participate in the AONL Advocacy Academy in DC where they learn and network with nurse leaders, and interact with congressional staffers, and legislators,” says Davis. “It is my vision that Georgetown’s Executive Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health Systems Leadership and Policy will be the program of choice for nurses who aspire to lead transformational change in practice and health care systems and through shaping health policy.”