Online NP Schools in Washington

Dr. Jennifer Sonney is the Joanne Montgomery Endowed Professor and associate dean for student and academic affairs at the University of Washington School of Nursing. Her nearly two decades of experience as a primary care pediatric nurse practitioner have profoundly impacted her career as a clinician, scientist, educator, and advocate. 

Dr. Sonney’s research focuses on improving health outcomes for children with chronic conditions, particularly asthma. She is passionate about preparing the next generation of pediatric advanced practice nurses and delights in drawing upon her years of primary care to bring pediatrics alive in the classroom. She has mentored over 100 graduate students, advocated for NPs across many national forums, served as president of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners from 2022-2023, and is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in Washington?

Dr. Sonney: Nurse practitioners (NPs) are essential to the health of individuals and communities. They complete extensive education and training to provide high-quality, patient- and family-centered care. Washington is a full practice authority state for nurse practitioners, meaning we enjoy an unrestricted scope of practice. We can independently examine, diagnose, order labs, prescribe medications, and otherwise manage patients and bill for our services. 

There are many stellar NP programs within Washington, spanning the full range of APRN roles and population foci. A tremendous benefit to completing an NP program in Washington is that you will be trained at the top of the NP scope of practice.

NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?

Dr. Sonney: My advice is to carefully consider which program and population focus you are most passionate about. NP programs are rigorous and require a significant financial and time investment, so be sure about your career goals and how they align with your chosen program. There is often confusion about distinguishing between acute and primary care practice. 

Acute care NPs (e.g., adult-gerontology, neonatal, pediatrics) focus on stabilizing and restoring medically unstable conditions, acute, critical, and complex conditions, or injuries. Primary care NPs (e.g., adult-gerontology, family, pediatrics) provide comprehensive, holistic care focused on health promotion and diagnosis and management of individuals with stable acute and chronic conditions. Psychiatric mental health NPs may span acute or primary care and focus on holistic, trauma-informed treatment of individuals across the lifespan and their families, including individual and group psychotherapy and psychopharmacological management. 

Overall, the nurse practitioner profession is tremendously rewarding and impactful as we strive to advance the health of individuals, families, and communities!