NPO’s new Education Committee Chair Nancy Ronan, DNP, MSN, BSN, BA, FNP, RN, has been involved in nursing education and professional development for her entire career.

As Staff Development Officer, then Chief of Nursing of Portland’s Air Force Reserves, Ronan became passionate about identifying areas of educational need and using a team-based approach to address them.

This passion is reflected in her approach to her new work on the education committee.

“In preparing for our next conference, we may focus on having additional panel discussions, which can involve more NPs or a variety of qualified health care professionals in order to achieve a team-oriented approach to our topics,” Ronan said.

“What’s so much fun about working on this committee is that we have a large, active group and everyone has a separate network. Each member brings 10 times the resources to our discussions. We’re very well-attuned to meeting all NP’s needs.”

Ronan’s current work includes caring for her own panel of approximately 2,000 birth-to-geriatric patients at Adventist Medical Group in Portland. She also works part-time providing care for acute, chronic and urgent needs at Adventist Urgent Care.

In addition, Ronan provides weekly on-site assessments and care for minimum to maximum security prisoners at Columbia County Jail in St. Helens, Oregon.

“It’s a really interesting, different section of society. I have an opportunity to follow people through a continuum of needs,” Ronan said. “Because there is only one RN and a number of LPNs on staff, there is a lot I can offer the patients that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.”

When she’s not working, Ronan reads, takes bike rides, pursues her love of gardening, enjoys her cat Penny or meets with her wine group.

“I wish I had more time,” Ronan laughed. “I have grown kids in LA and Chicago. I’d love to see them more.”

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