Networking as a DNP Outside of the Clinical Role
Webinar Details
This session explores how nurses can expand the Doctor of Nursing Practice’s (DNP) impact in non-clinical roles by building authentic, human-centered networks in academia, professional associations, and the community. Participants will learn concrete methods for developing these interdisciplinary partnerships, managing organizational dynamics, and using conferences, social events, publications, and presentations to amplify their influence and create new professional opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the role of the DNP in non-clinical settings and high-impact networking opportunities within community organizations, academic institutions, and interdisciplinary teams.
- Develop a personal professional networking plan that incorporates strategies for visibility and fostering partnerships through genuine connections.
- Evaluate the implications of the "always on" nature of the DNP in community leadership and the importance of professional etiquette and consistency across both formal and informal environments.
Note: Recording of the webinar will be available soon after the webinar airs. Visit AACN's On-Demand Webinars to watch.
Speaker
Melissa E. Lyapustina, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
Assistant Clinical Professor
Northern Arizona University
Dr. Melissa Lyapustina grew up in Columbia, MD, shaped by dance, the oboe, and a punk phase. After meeting her husband in a college acrobatics troupe and earning her BSN at University of Maryland - Baltimore where she tutored students in Pathopharmacology, she traded East Coast winters for a life in Seattle where she could commute by tandem bicycle.
While working as an RN at UW Medical Center, she studied to become a FNP with a DNP from the University of Washington. Her doctoral research focused on health equity for trans youth and women in sex work, which transitioned into a career as an FNP in sexual and reproductive health.
Now in Tucson, she serves as an assistant clinical professor for Northern Arizona University's BSN and DNP programs and an adjunct professor for Purdue Global’s MSN NP program. Her clinical expertise spans OB/GYN and SANE nursing, with her most recent work at SAAFHealth where she provided primary care, Hepatitis C treatment, and PrEP/PEP for LGBTQIA2S+ and Spanish-speaking communities. She and her NAU public health students have also recently developed a close partnership with the Southern Arizona Chapter of the Red Cross.
In her free time, Dr. Lyapustina enjoys hiking Tucson’s mountains, gardening, fancy board game nights, and cross-country mountain biking.
Pricing and CE Credit
This webinar is free to deans, faculty, staff and students from AACN member schools of nursing. All non-member audiences will be required to pay a $59 webinar fee.
Continuing Nursing Education
One nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) credit is associated with this webinar; attendees must be present for the entire webinar and complete the evaluation to receive a certificate of completion.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.