KATE ROBERTS DNP, FNP-C, BSN, RN
Journey to DNP
My journey to becoming a doctoral-prepared family nurse practitioner was wonderfully challenging. Advancing my education in the midst of a pandemic may seem less ideal; however, it has shown me that regardless of the challenge placed in front of me, I can overcome it with grace and success. Despite the tribulations of the last three years, I was fortunate enough to work with amazing and knowledgeable faculty and practitioners on extraordinary projects, that have allowed me to grow and establish myself in both the role of a nurse leader and practitioner. This portfolio allows a glimpse into my journey including academic and professional work.
Please explore, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to learn more.
NURSE KATE
About Me
I am a recent DNP graduate from the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon. Although new to the DNP role, I have an extensive background as a bachelor-prepared registered nurse. Since graduating from Linfield College in 2004, I have practiced in various settings, including the Childhood Development and Rehabilitation Center at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Randell’s Children’s hospital both in Portland, Oregon. More recently and for most of my career, I have worked with Northwest Primary Care Group, a family and internal medicine practice in Southeast Portland. My experience with patients expands through all ages and stages of life and various levels of care. Beginning as a nursing assistant, working with developmentally and physically disabled children, to a bedside registered nurse, working with well and ill newborn and preterm infants. Eventually, I found my passion in family medicine, working with patients of all ages. Family medicine is where I shine and it is because of the patients. I believe each and every patient and encounter gives me a new gift. whether it is a new learning opportunity, a chance to care for them, or something as simple as a kiddo smiling at me, when at first they were afraid when I walked into the room.
MENTAL HEALTH
“One small crack does not mean that you are broken, it means that you were put to the test and you didn't fall apart.”
— Linda Poindexter.
Mental health is a passion of mine and one of the most important aspects of a person's overall wellbeing. It is important for a nurse practitioner to take into account all aspects of a patient's health including feelings of depression, anxiety, and in their worst moments suicidality. Thus I have continued education in advanced suicide assessment and am able to assist patients in finding what they need to establish mental wellbeing.
"LET US NEVER CONSIDER OURSELVES FINISHED NURSES … WE MUST BE LEARNING ALL OF OUR LIVES."
~Florence Nightingale
I am committed to being a lifelong learner, as my education does not stop after completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, this is just the beginning.
On my first day of class, I was asked why I chose to go back to school after 15 years of being a registered nurse and become a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner. My answer was quite simple, “I want to change the world.” What I truly meant with this statement is I wanted to be a part of significant change. See, I believe in the good of humanity, in providing safe and equitable healthcare, and in the great profession of nursing. I wanted to have the knowledge and skillset to help in ways I may not have had the opportunity to as an RN. At this point in my career and education, I have been given the information and tools to care for patients at various ages and stages of their lives as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Additionally, being a DNP-prepared nurse practitioner, I also have the knowledge to lead others and the process of change, provide education and mentorship, and become a strong advocate for my patients and the profession of nursing. I believe I now have a professional obligation to use my knowledge and expertise in a positive way to lead change. Whether it be policy change at a facility/local level or the national level, I will have the ability to be more influential than ever before. Above this, I now have the comprehension to continuously assess processes, policies, and patient needs to determine if change should be considered. These are all powerful tools, and I promise to use them to change the world.
Lastly, I would like to thank all my professors, clinical instructors, and clinical preceptors. You have all made an incredible impact on me and my journey. I love and appreciate you all and plan to pay it forward with future graduate student nurse practitioners.