Nathan Stefanovsky

Nathan Stefanovsky is the proud recipient of the Jane Eleanor Knox Scholarship. He holds a BSN from Michigan State University and is currently working towards a DNP-FNP at the University of Michigan. In addition to his doctoral studies, he is working to obtain a concentration in Occupational Health Nursing. His choice for the University of Michigan stemmed from a large focus in experiential learning, and in-person inter-professional collaboration among fellow nurses and other professionals. During his education, he has had various global health experiences in Thailand, Uganda, and Ghana, focusing on various social determinants of health, occupational health, and exploring inter-professional collaboration in other health systems.

To enhance his education and experience as well as contribute to the nursing profession, Nathan has extensively participated in a number of university groups and committees during both his undergraduate and graduate studies. He is currently a member of the School of Nursing Curriculum Committee and a student committee that seeks to gather student perspective aimed at creating positive and innovative changes within the School of Nursing.

Nathan is inspired to learn about how to care for individuals, so they have the best quality of life that keeps them healthy and active while also encompassing a holistic approach to their care. He has spent much of his nursing career working as an emergency nurse in both a low-income intercity community hospital and a large urban hospital.

Most recently, he is working for a local health department in the communicable disease unit working on COVID 19 response. As a future nurse practitioner, he wants to contribute his skills as a healthcare provider, and health educator to advocate for the diverse communities he serves. He believes that when we take a step back and listen to people within the community, we can work together to create a more empathetic and empowering relationship with patients and community members.

As a doctorate-prepared nurse practitioner, his goal is to learn the leadership skills to turn corner cutting and workplace challenges into opportunities for quality improvement and better patient health outcomes. As his career unfolds, he will strive to become a leader for change while inspiring, empowering, and supporting other nurses. He wants to focus on building the bridge between his fellow nurses and the policies and regulations that impact the quality of our work

Nathan’s research is focused in occupational health, specifically around farmers and hearing health. Early prevention can prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) if proper safety measures are taken. His project will focus on assessing whether motivational interviewing with farmers will result in a positive behavior change regarding noise exposure and hearing health. This educational process will help him achieve his future goals of advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in leadership and quality improvement, which will translate into many areas of health and occupational health.