For many nurses pursuing doctoral education, the goal is not only to deepen clinical expertise but to create meaningful change across healthcare systems. For one Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student, that mission is already taking shape on a national stage.
Andrew Walker, BSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI, is pursuing his DNP degree, specializing in the Clinical Nurse Specialist Adult Gerontology (CNS-AG) track. This spring, he will present at the in Louisville, Kentucky, alongside colleagues from the UnityPoint Health system. Their presentation, 鈥淎 System Journey to Electronic Medical Record and IV Pump Interoperability,鈥� highlights a large-scale initiative to standardize IV pumps and drug libraries across 18 hospitals. The work laid the foundation for full electronic medication administration record (eMAR) and pump interoperability, an advancement that improves bedside workflow, strengthens safety practices, and reduces infusion errors.
Projects like this reflect the core of the Clinical Nurse Specialist role: improving systems of care to achieve better outcomes for patients, families, and healthcare teams.
Leadership Beyond the Bedside
In addition to presenting nationally, he serves in a as Secretary-Treasurer on the organization鈥檚 board of directors. In this capacity, he contributes to organizational governance and financial oversight, maintains board records, and supports budgeting, reporting, and strategic initiatives that advance infusion therapy practice across the profession.
His commitment to professional development and knowledge sharing extends to other areas as well. Last September, he was featured on the in an episode titled 鈥淓quipping Nurses with Ultrasound Training: Beyond the Vascular Access Nurse,鈥� where he discussed the development and implementation of an ultrasound-guided peripheral IV catheter insertion training program. He also serves as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Infusion Nursing, helping evaluate emerging research and ensure the quality of evidence that informs clinical practice.
Together, these experiences demonstrate the multifaceted role of a Clinical Nurse Specialist: clinician, educator, leader, and advocate for system-level improvement.
Preparing Nurses to Lead System-Level Change
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Adult Gerontology track within the DNP program prepares Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to become experts in improving outcomes for adults and older adults across diverse healthcare settings. Students develop advanced clinical knowledge while also learning how to lead quality improvement initiatives, implement evidence-based practice, and mentor healthcare teams.
As the Wisconsin hub for Clinical Nurse Specialist practice and innovation, the program plays a central role in advancing CNS leadership across the state. Faculty and students collaborate with healthcare systems to implement evidence-based solutions, strengthen patient safety initiatives, and prepare nurses to lead meaningful change in complex clinical environments.
鈥淚 chose the DNP-CNS Adult-Gerontology track at the University of Wisconsin鈥揗ilwaukee because of its strong focus on translating evidence into practice and improving systems of care. The program aligns with my goals of leading quality improvement initiatives and advancing patient safety at a systems level. The support and encouragement from professors and faculty in this program have made it a valuable impact in my professional development. I recommend this DNP-CNS program to nurses seeking advanced practice degrees with an interest in improving patient outcomes at a system level.”聽
Graduates of the CNS-AG track are uniquely equipped to:
- Perform advanced clinical assessment and management of adult and geriatric populations
- Implement evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes
- Lead clinical and systems-level improvement initiatives
- Mentor and educate nursing staff
- Design and evaluate quality improvement and patient safety strategies
These competencies are essential for caring for complex and vulnerable populations and for strengthening healthcare systems at every level.
Making an Impact Across Healthcare Settings
Clinical Nurse Specialists trained in the Adult Gerontology track practice in a wide range of environments, including:
- Acute care hospitals
- Specialty and transitional care settings
- Primary care and outpatient clinics
- Community health systems
Whether leading safety initiatives, developing clinical education programs, or implementing new technologies, CNS-prepared nurses play a critical role in shaping the future of patient care.
For Andrew, national presentations, professional leadership, and scholarly contributions are not just achievements, they are part of a broader commitment to advancing nursing practice and improving patient outcomes. His work exemplifies the impact Clinical Nurse Specialists can have when clinical expertise is paired with system-level leadership and a dedication to continuous improvement, all of which are values at the heart of our program as a leader in CNS education across Wisconsin.
Interested in learning more about the DNP program and the four specialty tracks, including CNS-AG? Check out the DNP program page, sign up for an upcoming DNP information session, or contact Jennifer Carrera, Graduate Program Manager.