Dr. Kako and Dr. Wesp Named 2025 Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Nursing is proud to announce that Dr. Penninah Kako and Dr. Linda Wesp have been selected as , one of the most prestigious honors in the nursing profession. This recognition places them among an elite group of nurse leaders whose work has significantly impacted health care, policy, and patient outcomes.
The American Academy of Nursing will officially induct its newest cohort during the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, to be held October 16–18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This year’s class includes exceptional leaders from 42 states, the District of Columbia, and 12 countries, further strengthening the Academy’s mission to improve health and achieve health equity through nursing leadership, innovation, and science.
Dr. Kako and Dr. Wesp’s selection from a historically high number of applicants underscores their outstanding contributions to the nursing field and their commitment to evidence-informed solutions that advance health in communities locally and globally. Their induction brings distinction not only to their individual careers but also to the continued excellence and influence of 51ÁÔĆć’s School of Nursing.
51ÁÔĆć School of Nursing Earns Prestigious INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Nursing is proud to announce that it has been awarded the INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement™, a recognition that highlights excellence in healthcare simulation practices. Organizations who receive the endorsement demonstrate a commitment to pursue and sustain excellence in the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice®, designated as the “Cornerstone” Health Simulation Standards.
“This endorsement is the result of a true team effort and a labor of love,” said Jessica Rotier, Director of the James and Yvonne Ziemer Clinical Simulation Center. “Our goal has always been to create high quality simulation-based learning experiences that provide students with psychological safety and the opportunity to practice, reflect, and grow. It takes every member of our team, including faculty, staff, and simulation specialists, working together with a shared commitment to preparing students to become safe, thoughtful, and confident nurses and healthcare professionals.”
INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement™ validates the School of Nursing’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in Prebriefing, Facilitation, Professional Integrity, and Debriefing. It serves as a testament to the organization’s dedication to advancing education, enhancing professional development, and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.
Programs that have received this endorsement recognize all varieties of simulation-based experiences, are working to improve healthcare education and patient safety through the practice of high-quality simulation and possess a commitment to innovation.
For more information about the INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement ™, visit .
DNP vs. MSN: A Value-Based ChoiceĚý
As the landscape of health care rapidly evolves, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are increasingly seeking the highest levels of preparation to meet the demands of clinical practice, leadership, and health care innovation. While the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) has long been the traditional route for APRN education, all licensure, accreditation, certifying and educational bodies for advanced practice nursing endorse the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as the entry to advanced practice. Ěý
Why? The DNP offers not just advanced clinical skills that impact real patient outcomes but also significant financial benefits and leadership opportunities to graduates.Ěý
Higher Earning Potential
DNP-prepared APRNs consistently earn more than their MSN-prepared counterparts. According to data from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the American Organization of Nursing Leadership (AONL) and industry salary reports, the median career salary for nurse practitioners increases substantially with doctoral preparation. Depending on specialty and location, DNP-prepared APRNs can expect to earn $8,000 to $20,000 more annually over the course of their careers than MSN-prepared peers. This translates to an additional $240,000 to $600,000—a substantial return on the initial investment in education. ()Ěý
Career Longevity and StabilityĚý
The health care market increasingly favors providers with doctoral-level preparation. As entry-to-practice expectations for APRNs move toward doctoral education (mirroring similar shifts in pharmacy, physical therapy, and other fields), DNP-prepared nurses position themselves for greater job security and long-term career viability.Ěý
Expanded Revenue StreamsĚý
DNPs are better positioned to capitalize on non-clinical revenue opportunities, such as:Ěý
Consulting roles in health care systems and policy development.Ěý
Teaching positions at universities and colleges (often with higher pay scales for doctoral-prepared faculty).Ěý
Health care entrepreneurship, including private practice ownership or health care innovation ventures.Ěý
System-Level InfluenceĚý
The DNP curriculum integrates health care policy, organizational leadership, informatics, and quality improvement. Graduates are equipped to lead system-wide change, influence health care delivery models, and improve patient outcomes at both the bedside and the boardroom. MSN-prepared nurses may excel in clinical care, but DNPs are often the ones designing and leading initiatives that drive health care innovation.Ěý
Administrative and Executive OpportunitiesĚý
DNP-prepared APRNs are qualified to assume leadership roles such as:Ěý
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)Ěý
Directorof Advanced PracticeĚý
Quality Improvement LeaderĚý
Health Policy AdvisorĚý
Many of these positions require or strongly prefer doctoral-level education, opening doors that an MSN alone may not.ĚýToday’s health care environment emphasizes team-based care. DNPs are trained to lead interdisciplinary teams, ensuring evidence-based practice is implemented across clinical settings and improving both care quality and organizational efficiency.Ěý
Making The Leap
Health care continues to shift toward value-based care, complex chronic disease management, and technological innovation. DNP-prepared APRNs are at the forefront of these changes, possessing not only advanced clinical skills but also the leadership and business acumen necessary to adapt and thrive. Pursuing a DNP today is an investment not just in your current role but in the next generation of health care.Ěý
Choosing between an MSN and a DNP isn’t just about degree titles; it’s about aligning your career with where health care is headed. If you seek higher lifetime earnings, leadership opportunities, and the ability to shape the future of health care, the DNP is not just an option; it’s the value-based choice!
The DNP Advantage: Financing Your Doctoral DegreeĚý
Pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is a significant investment in your future, offering advanced clinical skills and leadership opportunities. The demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 54% over the next decade, adding over 110,000 new jobs nationwide with an average salary of $120,680. However, financing this degree can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several state and federal financial aid options available to help you achieve your educational and professional goals!
State and Federal Financial Aid for Your DNP
(HEAB) Funding
Wisconsin Grant: Provides need-based grants to Wisconsin residents enrolled at least half-time in degree programs. Awards range from $250 to $3,150 per year.Ěý
Nursing Student Loan Program: Offers loans to nursing students, with up to 50% of the loan forgivable if the recipient practices in Wisconsin during the forgiveness period.
This federal program provides loans to students pursuing advanced nursing degrees who plan to become nurse faculty after graduation. Up to 85% of the loan can be forgiven if the recipient works as a full-time faculty member at an accredited nursing school for four years.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
The forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, such as a government or non-profit organization.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Many area employers offer tuition assistance or forgiveness as a benefit of your employment. The amount of assistance and associated terms vary by employer.
Graduate School Scholarships and Fellowships
51ÁÔĆć graduate students are eligible to apply for several scholarships through the graduate school. Award amounts vary.
The Value of a DNP Degree at 51ÁÔĆć
Investing in the DNP degree is a strategic move that can lead to a long and rewarding career. With various state and federal financial aid options, including grants, loans, and loan forgiveness programs, financing your education is more manageable. The strong job growth and high earning potential for nurse practitioners further justify the investment in a DNP degree. If you’re considering advancing your nursing career, now is an excellent time to explore these opportunities and take the next step towards your professional goals.
The DAISY Foundation, as part of its service to the nursing profession’s role in patient care, established The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty (includes clinical teaching staff as well). The purpose of this program is to provide to colleges/schools of nursing a national recognition program they may use to demonstrate appreciation to teachers for their commitment and inspirational influence on their students. The Foundation hopes that, in some way, this program will contribute to a positive work environment for faculty in schools.
The following faculty and staff members are receiving this year’s DAISY Award.
Christopher Peters UW-Milwaukee School of Nursing Milwaukee, WI United States
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee School of Nursing proudly celebrates Dr. Christopher Peters, Assistant Professor, as one of the recipients of the 2024–2025 DAISY Award.
Dr. Peters was nominated by multiple students and colleagues who commended his tireless dedication to fostering student growth, building inclusive learning environments, and advancing nursing research. From guiding PhD students through rigorous research projects to mentoring future nurse leaders, Dr. Peters has demonstrated unwavering support for academic development and professional integrity. His impactful work on nursing malpractice, licensure discipline, and ethics not only drives scholarly inquiry but also shapes future nursing curricula. His students praise his ability to provide clear, thoughtful feedback and create an authentic, respectful atmosphere where learning is both challenging and meaningful.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Peters serves as Vice President of the Eta Nu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau and actively leads interdisciplinary research teams. His leadership, innovation in educational technology, and contributions to teaching development have earned recognition across the university system. Whether mentoring first-year PhD students or leading faculty workshops, Dr. Peters exemplifies the core values of the DAISY Award. We are proud to honor him for his sustained excellence and inspirational influence on the next generation of nurses.
Justin Ojala UW-Milwaukee School of Nursing Milwaukee, WI United States
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee School of Nursing proudly congratulates Justin Ojala, Clinical Instructor, on being named a 2024–2025 DAISY Award recipient. Known for his extraordinary commitment to student learning and compassionate instruction, Justin has made a lasting impact in the Emergency Room clinical setting—one of the most fast-paced and challenging environments in healthcare.
From the very first day, Justin’s students describe him as a supportive and patient mentor who brings professionalism, clarity, and warmth to high-pressure situations. His hands-on approach, consistent encouragement, and ability to break down complex clinical concepts have helped nursing students develop the critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills needed to thrive in any specialty. Students praise Justin not just for teaching technical skills, but for modeling what it means to be a truly great nurse. His leadership and mentorship extend far beyond the ER, shaping the confidence and competence of future nurses across disciplines.
5 Reasons Nurse Practitioners Should Consider an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP CertificateĚý
As healthcare evolves to meet the needs of an aging population and increasingly complex patient care, nurse practitioners (NPs) are looking for ways to expand their skills and stay at the forefront of clinical excellence. For those with a passion for acute care and hospital-based practice, adding an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certificate to your existing NP degree is a powerful next step.Ěý
Here are five reasons why nurse practitioners should consider earning an AGACNP post-master’s certificate—and how 51ÁÔĆć’s School of NursingĚýis supporting NPs in making this impactful move. Also hear from two alumni of the certificate program: Lindsay Acheson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner for Neuro Critical Care & Neurohospitalist at Froedtert & MCW and Locum Provider as a Nurse Practitioner for Midwest Critical Care; and Ryan Freund, DNP, APNP, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC, Hospitalist Lead APP for Greater Milwaukee and Milwaukee South Region.Ěý
1. Meet the Growing Demand for Acute Care NPsĚý
America’s aging population means there’s a rising need for providers trained to manage complex, high-acuity conditions in hospitalized adults and older adults. According to the , by 2034, there will be more adults over 65 than children for the first time in U.S. history. This demographic shift is increasing demand for AGACNPs in hospitals, intensive care units, and specialty clinics.
“I chose to complete my AGACNP degree because I love working in critical care… I became a nurse practitioner because I wanted to provide more and do better for my patients. Obtaining the AGACNP certification really helped me to fill in the gaps I felt like I was lacking.“
– Lindsay Acheson
2. Position Yourself for Hospital-Based Roles
Unlike primary care-focused NP roles, AGACNPs are specifically trained for inpatient and acute care environments, giving you the credentials required by many hospitals and health systems. In fact, professional organizations such as the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) emphasize the importance of specialty certification to match scope of practice to patient population and setting ().
“I chose this certificate because it is the direction that the professional organizations are headed and the preferred education to practice inpatient.”
– Ryan Freund
3. Expand Your Scope, Confidence, and Clinical Expertise
Even for NPs with experience in acute settings, a formal AGACNP education deepens your clinical judgment, enhances diagnostic reasoning, and gives you more autonomy. Through targeted coursework and high-quality practicum experiences, you’ll refine the advanced skills needed for high-acuity care.
“Even though I had been working as a critical care provider for two years prior to starting my AGACNP course, I learned a wealth of information… This helped me have a better understanding and passion for broadening my scope so I can better serve patients.”
– Lindsay Acheson
4. Flexible Format for Working Professionals
51ÁÔĆć’s 12-month, 18-credit AGACNP certificate is designed with the working nurse practitioner in mind. The mostly online structure, with limited in-person sessions, makes balancing work, life, and school achievable. 51ÁÔĆć also helps identify practicum placements, taking the stress out of finding clinical sites.
“I specifically chose to complete my AGACNP certification at 51ÁÔĆć because of the program style. It allowed for flexibility while working full time… The professors throughout this program were incredible! They truly understand what you are going through.”
– Lindsay Acheson
5. Build on a Trusted Foundation
If you’re already a 51ÁÔĆć alum—or looking for a supportive and high-impact educational environment—the AGACNP program builds on a legacy of excellence in nursing education. 51ÁÔĆć’s focus on evidence-based practice, interprofessional learning, and real-world readiness sets graduates up for long-term success.
“I am also a graduate of 51ÁÔĆć’s FNP program back in 2018 and I can say first hand that the AGACNP program sets you up for success… I liked 51ÁÔĆć so much I went back twice and would a third time!”
– Ryan Freund
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Take the next step in advancing your career and expanding your impact in acute care.
51ÁÔĆć Nursing Students Shine with NCLEX Success in 2024
The 51ÁÔĆć School of Nursing is proud to announce another year of outstanding success on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. In 2024, 270 students from our undergraduate nursing programs, including those at 51ÁÔĆć’s Milwaukee campus, UW-Parkside, Waukesha, and the Direct Entry MN program, took the NCLEX in Wisconsin and achieved an impressive 95.93% pass rate. When we look at those numbers broken down by each location/program, this is what they look like:
51ÁÔĆć Main Campus: 98.4%
51ÁÔĆć at Waukesha: 100%
UW-Parkside: 93.9%
Direct Entry MN program: 90.9%
This builds on our strong 2023 performance, where 302 students took the exam and passed at a rate of 95.03%. These exceptional outcomes are more than numbers, they’re a reflection of the rigor, consistency, and care that define our nursing education.
What Is the NCLEX, and Why Does It Matter?
The is the standardized exam that every aspiring registered nurse must pass to obtain licensure and begin professional practice in the U.S. Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the NCLEX assesses a graduate’s ability to apply knowledge and make safe clinical judgments in real-world healthcare settings.
A high pass rate not only reflects individual student preparedness, it also serves as a national benchmark for nursing program quality. Employers and accrediting bodies look to NCLEX outcomes as a key indicator of whether a school is equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver safe, effective care.
What Drives Our Success?
We believe our consistently high NCLEX pass rates are the result of a strategic, student-centered approach that includes:
Dedicated Faculty and Staff Our educators bring a depth of clinical experience and a shared commitment to student success. They support, challenge, and guide future nurses at every step.
Consistency Across Campuses and Courses We maintain uniform academic standards across all undergraduate program sites, from Milwaukee to Waukesha to UW-Parkside. Whether students are in clinical groups or theory-based lectures, they benefit from a cohesive and well-aligned curriculum.
Evidence-Based Student Support Tools like the ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) platform and our NCLEX Success Coordinator role have been fully integrated into the BS and MN programs. These resources help students build test-taking strategies, reinforce knowledge, and reduce anxiety—contributing directly to stronger performance on the licensure exam.
As we celebrate the achievements of our students and faculty, we remain focused on continual improvement. The NCLEX pass rate is a milestone, but it’s also a motivator, pushing us to keep innovating and investing in our students’ futures.
To all the future nurses considering 51ÁÔĆć: If you’re looking for a program with proven results, dedicated faculty, and a strong reputation, we’d love to support you on your journey.
5 Reasons Nurse Practitioners Should Consider a Psychiatric Mental Health Certificate
In today’s complex healthcare landscape, mental health is no longer optional—it’s essential. With increasing demand for behavioral health services and a growing awareness of mental wellness, more and more nurse practitioners (NPs) are turning to psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) certificates to expand their scope of practice and deepen their impact.
Whether you’re a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology NP, or in another specialty, here are five compelling reasons to consider adding a PMHNP certificate to your credentials:
1. Address the Growing Mental Health Crisis
Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults () experiences mental illness each year, yet many areas—especially rural and underserved communities—lack adequate psychiatric providers. By becoming dually certified, you’ll be equipped to fill this critical gap, offering comprehensive care that integrates physical and mental health.
Olivia Muhlenbeck, a current PMHNP certificate student, commented on this being one of the reasons why she chose to pursue this certificate:
“As an adult nurse practitioner, I commonly saw patients with mental health illnesses in my practice. I chose to pursue UW-Milwaukee’s Psychiatric Mental Health Graduate Certificate because I am passionate about more effectively caring for patients with mental health illnesses. I also developed a love for psychiatry in my adult practice and would like to focus the rest of my career to psychiatric advanced practice nursing.”
– Olivia Muhlenbeck
2. Enhance Your Career Flexibility
Adding psychiatric expertise gives you the freedom to pivot or expand your career across a variety of settings:
Primary care
Community mental health centers
Hospitals and emergency departments
Substance use recovery programs
Private practice
This added flexibility can help prevent burnout, support work-life balance, and open doors to leadership roles in integrative or behavioral health care models.
3. Build Stronger Patient Relationships
Patients often come to NPs as trusted, holistic care providers. With a PMHNP certificate, you’ll be able to address both the physical and emotional aspects of health, resulting in more meaningful relationships and better patient outcomes.
You’ll also be better equipped to recognize and treat conditions that often go undiagnosed, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or substance use disorders—especially in patients managing chronic illnesses.
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4. Boost Your Earning Potential
Specializing in psychiatric mental health can lead to a significant increase in salary and job opportunities. PMHNPs are among the highest-paid nurse practitioner specialties, and many employers offer incentives or tuition assistance to help you earn the certification.
According to the 2023 AANP Salary Survey, PMHNPs earn an average of $139,000 annually, among the highest of NP roles. ()
5. Make a Tangible Impact
Mental health care is deeply personal, and having the knowledge and confidence to support someone in their most vulnerable moments is incredibly powerful. As a PMHNP, you have the ability to change lives, reduce stigma, and advocate for accessible, compassionate psychiatric care.
Olivia encourages others to consider the certificate:
“I believe that other nurse practitioners should consider adding a psychiatric certificate to their degree as it will allow them to provide more effective psychiatric care for patients in their current practices. It will also give nurse practitioners passionate about psychiatry the opportunity to pursue a career focused on psychiatric care. There is such a need for psychiatric advanced practice providers, and this program will allow nurse practitioners to address this need in our local communities.”
– Olivia Muhlenbeck
Ready to Expand Your Practice?
If you’re looking to enhance your clinical skills, improve patient care, and expand your career options, a Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certificate might be your next best step.
Student Spotlight: Psych Mental Health NP Student Accepted to Prestigious Psychiatry Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin
The School of Nursing is proud to announce that one of our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate students, Olivia Muhlenbeck, has been accepted into the highly competitive APP Psychiatry and Mental Health Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW).
This prestigious 12-month fellowship is designed to support new graduates or advanced practice providers transitioning into psychiatric and mental health care. With a strong focus on clinical immersion, Olivia will have the opportunity to rotate through a wide range of care settings, gaining critical, hands-on experience in:
General psychiatric ambulatory clinics
Inpatient psychiatric units
Geriatric psychiatry
Toxicology
Child and adolescent psychiatry
Child development
MCW’s APP fellows are also placed in embedded psychiatry ambulatory clinics, with some focused on specialized populations such as:
HIV care
LGBTQ+ health
Integrated behavioral health within internal medicine
Substance use disorders
Perinatal mental health
These rotations offer a truly comprehensive and interdisciplinary view of psychiatric care—an ideal launchpad for a future mental health leader like Olivia.
“I have decided to pursue Medical College of Wisconsin’s APP Psychiatry and Mental Health Fellowship as I am confident that it will help me to grow in my knowledge and expertise as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and to gain experiences in different areas of psychiatry that I have not had experience in. I believe this fellowship will help to shape me into a more well-rounded nurse practitioner and will open doors for me as I embark on a career in psychiatry. I am also looking forward to a year of mentorship that I would not have if I were to start practicing as a psychiatric nurse practitioner upon graduation, which will strengthen my confidence as a mental health provider.”
– Olivia Muhlenbeck
Fellowships like the one at MCW represent a valuable bridge between education and clinical practice, offering a structured, supportive environment where new PMHNPs can refine their skills, deepen their clinical insight, and gain exposure to diverse patient populations.
We are thrilled for Olivia and confident she will thrive in this next chapter of her journey—and we can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make in the mental health field. Congratulations!
Dr. Kibicho awarded second Carnegie Diaspora Fellowship
Dr. Jennifer Kibicho, Associate Professor in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of Nursing in the College of Health Professions Sciences (CHPS), was awarded a fellowship by the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program to travel to Kenya to work on a collaboration project with Kenyatta University (KU) faculty Dr. Jacob Omolo, Dr. Josephine Gitome and Dr. Priscilla Ndegwa. This is Dr. Kibicho’s second Carnegie Fellowship, having previously worked with Cooperative University of Kenya faculty Professor Isaac Nyamongo and Dr. Monica Nderitu on Curriculum development of the Master of Science in Economics and PhD in Economics programs, graduate student and junior faculty mentoring and research support. The KU project involves curriculum development of a dissertation seminar course for graduate student teaching, mentoring and support of both doctoral students and their supervisors on successful dissertation process. This work is in alignment to KU’s vision as a dynamic, inclusive and competitive center of excellence in teaching, learning, research and service to humanity. UW-Milwaukee is a globally engaged university, and this project supports KU’s mission to provide high-quality education and training, promote scholarship service, innovation and creativity for sustainable individual and societal development. The Carnegie Fellowship Project also aligns with KU’s strategic plan of promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and international partnerships and collaborations, in order to provide solutions to pressing local and global challenges.
Dr. Jennifer Kibicho
The Kenyatta University project is one of 43 newly funded projects that pair African Diaspora scholars with higher education institutions and collaborators in Africa to work together on curriculum co-development, collaborative research, graduate training and mentoring activities in 2025.
The Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program, now in its twelfth year, is designed to strengthen capacity at the host institutions and develop long-term, mutually beneficial collaborations between universities in Africa and the United States and Canada. It is funded by and managed by the in collaboration with the . Nearly 750 African Diaspora Fellowships have now been awarded for scholars to travel to Africa since the program’s inception in 2013.
