Jennifer Pfannes, DNP, RN, CPN
Traditional BSN Program Director and Co-Director of the SON Nurse Camp
Biography
Dr. Jennifer Pfannes is a nationally certified Pediatric Certified Nurse and joined the School of Nursing in 2013. She began her work with the school as the Nursing Student Success Facilitator for the BSN program and built the foundation for the student success and student mentoring programs. She has held multiple administrative roles within the SON for the last 5 years, including the Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) Coordinator, where she oversaw the implementation of 11 units and maintenance of all 13 DEUs in collaboration with clinical education academic-practice partners. She currently serves as the Traditional BSN Program Track lead and Co-Director of the SON Nurse Camp. In these roles, Dr. Pfannes has developed new program curricula, processes for program evaluation, and overall mechanisms to enhance student support.
Expertise
Dr. Pfannes is a leader and educator in nursing education. Her experience includes multiple aspects of clinical innovation at the pre-licensure level, including utilization of the DEU model for undergraduate clinical education. In addition, her experience with student success strategies drives her leadership and teaching roles.
Classes Taught
Dr. Pfannes has experience teaching in classroom, online, clinical, and simulation settings in the fields of nutrition and human development across the lifespan, medical terminology, population health in the community, pediatric nursing, fundamentals, and complex care.
Education Background
Dr. Pfannes graduated from the UNLV School of Nursing with her bachelor of science in nursing in 2002 and her DNP in 2019. Her graduate studies focused on the evaluation and sustainability of a DEU model for undergraduate nursing clinical education.
Research or Scholarship
Dr. Pfannes’ scholarship is focused on clinical innovation and trends in nursing education.
Awards, recognitions, or group affiliations
Dr. Pfannes was named the March of Dimes Pediatric Nurse of the Year in 2007, and received the 1st Place Award for UMC Research Empowerment Day in the Poster Presentation category. In 2021, she was also recognized by the Nevada Nurses Foundation with the Shining Stars of Nursing in Nevada 50 under 50 Award.
Dr. Pfannes is currently a member of the American Nurses Association and Nevada Nurses Association, as well as Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. She also serves on the University Student Conduct Hearing Board.