Nicole M. West, DNP, MSN, RN

Special Instructor  
Human Health Building, Room 1019
[email protected]

Nicole M. West, DNP, MSN, RN is a full-time Special Instructor in the School of Nursing. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Oakland University, a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Ferris State University and completed the Accelerated Second Degree (ASD) nursing program at University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. West brings more than 15 years of nursing experience to the classroom, including extensive acute care nursing practice and a passion for preparing the next generation of nurses.

Dr. West teaches across didactic, clinical, laboratory, and simulation settings, including courses in Pharmacology, Introduction to Professional Nursing, Health Assessment, Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice, and Capstone Clinical. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in student-centered learning, the development of clinical judgment and critical-thinking skills, and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students are empowered to succeed. She is passionate about helping students connect classroom concepts to real-world nursing practice through active learning, clinical application, and evidence-based teaching strategies.

Clinical Expertise

• Cardiac Progressive Care Nursing

Education:

• DNP- Oakland University
• MSN in Nursing Education- Ferris State University
• BSN- University of Detroit Mercy
• BBA in Management- Davenport University

Research Area Interests:

• Quality Improvement and Evidence-Based Practice
• Clinical Judgment Development and Nursing Education
• Autism Spectrum Disorder, Epilepsy, and Neurological Factors Affecting Learning and Development

Selected Research/Publications: 

• Publications

  • West, N. M., Calderon, T. J., & Buch, C. L. (2026). Enhancing Nursing Knowledge and Practice in a Rehabilitation Assisted Living Facility Through an Evidence-Based Pressure Injury Prevention Education Model. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 52(9), 13–21. https://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20260630-01 (Original work published September 1, 2026)

• Presentations (oral-invited)
  • West, N. W. (April, 2025). Pressure Injury Prevention Nursing Education within a Rehabilitation Assisted Living Facility. Poster presentation at Sigma Theta Tau International Research Day at Oakland University, Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Professional Affiliations:

• American Association of Critical Care Nurses
• American Nurses Association
• Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing