Meet Stefani Ostrowski!

When it was time to obtain my Master of Nursing Degree the University of Bothell was my first choice…my time in the program was invaluable, and even more so has been the community of fellow nursing professionals that it allowed me to build.

Stefani Ostrowski

Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Nursing at UW Bothell?
When I made the transition from bedside nursing to leadership, I knew I needed additional support and knowledge different than that from my clinical expertise to be successful in my new role. The University of Washington Bothell’s Master of Nursing program with a focus in Administrative Leadership was the perfect fit for me. The program was a balanced combination of nursing focused curriculum that expanded into both administrative and business skill sets.

What do you feel this program most prepared you for post-graduation?
One of the biggest takeaways for me from the program was the community I was fortunate to establish. This program brings together incredibly skilled nurses from various specialties and organizations who I am privileged to have had the opportunity to get to know, and still collaborate with today. Additionally, after completion of the program I was equipped to better navigate the policy and financial aspects of my role which has been crucial in our evolving healthcare environment.

Please tell us what you are doing now that you’ve graduated:
Currently I am working as a Nurse Manager in the Perianesthesia Care Unit at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where I use my degree daily. I am passionate about helping mentor and support new nurse leaders, and eliminating barriers in the everyday work of our frontline clinical teams. I am also currently enrolled in the UW Advanced Training in Healthcare Ethics program, which I hope in the coming months to utilize to better integrate ethical expertise into the repertoire of skills of our nursing leaders.

What is one piece of advice you would give incoming MN students?
One piece of advice I would give incoming students is that there isn’t a challenge too big to tackle, and there is no better time than now. The nursing community is a diverse and skilled group of incredible individuals, and we are all there to support one another. Engage your fellow nursing community, it makes the journey all that much better!