2021 Spring GAPNA Newsletter Volume 40 Number 1

Megan Pratt, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, GS-C

  • Assistant Professor
  • FNP and AGPCNP Track Leader and Advisor
  • University of Nevada Reno Orvis School of Nursing
  • Specialty Health-Nurse Practitioner, Renown Health-Nurse Practitioner
  • DNP-Frontier Nursing University
  • MSN-University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  • BSN-University of Nevada Reno

Describe a day in your life.

Very busy! I am always wearing more than one hat and am an excellent multitasker (which is not always a good thing). My amazing husband is also a nurse and we stay very busy with work, our two young children, and our new puppy. I balance being a full-time educator and maintaining my clinical practices.

What inspired you to work in geriatrics?

Initially, I was drawn to geriatrics because of the complexity of the disease state and patient care. Also, I have always been interested in wellness and feel that it is under-represented in the care of older adults. Again and again, I witnessed older adults receiving choppy, fragmented care and really wanted to be a leader in fixing that. I continue to strive to educate individuals and provide high-quality patient-centered care.

What is the favorite part of your job?

Hands down, getting to work with students! As the track leader of the Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care programs at the University of Nevada, Reno, and a practicing APRN in my community, I strive to be a role model to my students and the new practitioners I precept. I am passionate about ensuring that my students are supported in their journey and are educated to be quality providers and leaders in their communities. Their motivation and drive invigorate me. I am so hopeful in the future of our profession.

What do you value most about your GAPNA membership?

The relationships I have made! It is amazing to be surrounded by compassionate and brilliant advance practice leaders. I also love the conferences, especially the pharmacology conference!

Where do you hope to be in your career in 5 years?

I hope to continue to advance as a leader both in education and practice. I look forward to many more years continuing to improve care in our community, especially to those at highest risk.

How and why did you get involved with GAPNA?

Expert clinicians know that it takes a village to provide high-quality care to our patients. I found this with GAPNA. Throughout my career, I have been committed to ensuring evidence-based care for geriatric patients in our community. I was honored to be in the first group of nurse practitioners to be certified as a gerontological specialist (GS-C).

Share a fun fact about yourself.

Pre-COVID I loved to travel, whether it was a spontaneous weekend getaway somewhere new or a long well-planned vacation. With COVID, I have enjoyed finding new adventures in my backyard. I also love crafting and home decorating!