DUSON Student Spotlight highlights the diverse background of our nursing students and their personal stories of dedication, leadership, perseverance and academic or community achievements.

DUSON shines a spotlight on DNP student Carmen Shaw from Charlotte, NC. Carmen graduated this May.

Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?

A: I was valedictorian in high school. Also that I played basketball for four years in high school as a point guard with the highest scoring points in a game of 36. In addition, I was the women's basketball team manager for four years in college.

Q: What is a cause you're passionate about?

A: I have a passion for health literacy and health care technology. I advocate for children with learning disabilities and women who have suffered pregnancy loss.

Q: Tell us about a project, service group or organization that you are involved with at DUSON, Duke University or in the community.

A: I participate in Heart of a Champion day, which is an annual screening for high school athletes to screen for unnoticed heart conditions. I am also involved in community CPR instruction.

Q: What have you learned (or are learning) that's made a difference to you?

A: I have learned the importance of advocacy of health policies which has ignited an interest in being more involved in local and state organizations. This has allowed me to be more vocal about issues in my own practice. I have also been prepared to function as the an evidence-based practice clinical expert.

Q: How does your nursing degree fit into your life's plans?

A: I really would love to teach in academia while working in the clinical setting, my DNP speciality course plan included nursing education. This will prepare me with fundamental concepts in nursing education. As a DNP, I will have the ability to remain as a leader in evidence-based practice innovation across the the health care system while mentoring and teaching future nurses in the academia setting.