Since 2007, Dr. Nielsen has been a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). She has been a Registered Nurse (RN) since 1995, where she received her Bachelor of Science (BSN) from Indiana Wesleyan University. In 2006, she received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Valparaiso University and her FNP certification in May 2007. She has an earned Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Valparaiso University in 2010. Her DNP project was on Stroke Protocol and Patient Outcomes. Dr. Nielsen has worked in various settings as a RN both at the bedside and as a case manager/social worker. She currently works as an FNP at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in the Emergency Room.
Dr. Nielsen started her academia teaching career as an assistant professor in the undergraduate program at Olivet in 2006. In 2010, she was approached to lead and develop the FNP Program for the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. She left in 2014 to pursue full-time work as an FNP. However, she still maintained her adjunct faculty position with Olivet, working with practicum students, preceptors and graduate students.
Dr. Nielsen is married to her husband, Andy, of 39 years. They have 3 children, Jon (Emily), Doug (Katie) and Andy (Laura). Dr. Nielsen was born and raised in Wisconsin and grew up on her family’s dairy farm. She has eight brothers and one sister. When she is not busy working, she enjoys working out with her husband and watching old movies.
