Kristen Childress

I have been a nurse practitioner since 2004 and am currently certified by the ANCC as a Family Nurse Practitioner and by the AANP as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. I initially graduated as an Adult/Older Adult Nurse Practitioner from the University of Washington, aligning with my passion for geriatric care. However, in 2007, I returned to UW to earn my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree as part of the second DNP cohort. At that time, I also completed a post-master’s certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner, which has expanded my global health work and increased my marketability as a nurse practitioner. Additionally, I am board-certified as an Advanced Practice Certified Wound Care Nurse.

I have practiced in a variety of settings, including geriatrics/internal medicine, community-based primary care, wound care, dialysis rounding, and urgent care. Since 2010, I have owned my own wound care consultation business and participate in global health opportunities whenever possible.

My clinical and scholarly interests focus on aging, particularly issues affecting the most vulnerable elderly populations. This includes access to person-centered care for individuals with dementia, those who are homebound, rural-dwelling, or have complex health conditions such as chronic wounds, and those requiring 24-hour care. I am also passionate about the role of palliative care in improving the quality of life for patients with chronic diseases and life-limiting conditions.

I began working as a clinical instructor at the University of Washington in 2010 and have been teaching in the DNP-FNP program since 2014.