2026 Doctor of Nursing Practice Preceptors of the Year

Behind every successful DNP student stands a dedicated clinical preceptor, an unsung hero in nursing education.

Clinical preceptors bring deep expertise, compassion, and mentorship to our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students, who gain invaluable experience and professional identity through extensive time spent learning directly from these exceptional professionals.

These mentors don’t just excel in clinical practice and community service; they guide, inspire, and shape the future of advanced practice nursing and leadership in systems and population health.

We’re proud to celebrate our 2026 Clinical Preceptors of the Year, exceptional nurse leaders whose impact reaches far beyond the clinic. Their dedication strengthens our program and elevates the future of healthcare.

Kristina Ramilo, AG-ACNP-BC, DNP, ARNP – Multicare Health Systems: Tacoma General Allenmore Hospitals
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

I strongly believe in the mission of University of Washington in their endeavor to educate and mentor future providers. Having worked and learned in the UW system myself, I now look forward to educating in the community setting. Learning is a lifelong journey. Stay curious.

Lena Oliveros, MSN, ARNP, CPNP-AC – Seattle Children’s Hospital
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care

I precept because it’s the best and most fun form of teaching and learning. It forces me to informed and I always learn from my students. Influencing the next generations of nurses and nurse practitioners is a powerful way to impact patient care for years to come. Your time as a student is now! Take advantage, ask questions, jump in and take advantage of this time you have to learn deeply. No one expects you to know everything, but your enthusiasm will leave an impression.

Dana Brandt, MSN, ARNP, AGNP-C – Kaiser Permanente
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

I know firsthand how challenging it can be to secure clinical placements, particularly within a specialty like cardiology. Once I became an ARNP, I felt a strong responsibility to give back by supporting and mentoring future ARNPs. Serving as a preceptor not only helps students develop confidence, clinical judgment, and professional identity, but it also strengthens us as clinicians. Students ask thoughtful and challenging questions that encourage reflection, lifelong learning, and staying current with evidence-based practice. Precepting has been very rewarding for me, and I find great fulfillment in helping shape the next generation of ARNPs while fostering a collaborative and curious learning environment. Always continue to ask questions. No one graduates fully prepared to be an independent provider, so it’s important to stay humble, keep learning, and seek clarification or help when needed. You are never expected to be perfect, especially early on, and growth comes from curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to ask questions.

YunYun Lu MSN, ARNP, RN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC – Washington Corrections Center For Women
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

YunYun Lu is passionate about supporting the next generation of nurses and creating meaningful learning opportunities that help students grow as clinicians and future leaders. Her advice to nursing students is to find a mentor early in their program. A strong mentor can help students connect their academic experiences to their professional goals, navigate challenges and build confidence along the way.