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 Monika Duitch from Rochester, MN. Duitch will graduate in May 2016.

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

A: I originally started out in my undergrad as a religious studies major. 

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

A: Improving patient care with implementation research. Focused on shared patient decision making. 

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 was awarded academic rank as instructor with Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. I'm completing my DNP capstone feasibility study with Duke and I was awarded a grant from Mayo Clinic to apply my capstone idea at Mayo Clinic's Main Campus and evaluate its impact on patient outcomes - a change in practice that is anticipated to go system-wide! 

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

A: Patient satisfaction, patient outcomes, and patient care are each separate domains that intertwine in order to create the clinician patient relationship. This relationship is dynamic and evolves over time. In order for the delivery of excellent care, a provider must understand how to implement minimally disruptive medicine. 

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

A: My nursing degree has transitioned me to not only be a provider of care, but also to work with a multidisciplinary team to change the face of how we deliver patient care nationally, and even internationally.