Gary Laustsen

Gary Laustsen is a Professor at the University of Portland’s School of Nursing & Health Innovations. With a career spanning high school biology teaching, environmental education, EMT work, and nursing practice in ICUs, rural clinics, and university health centers, he emphasizes education and healthcare accessibility. His clinical experience includes medical missions in Mexico and Vietnam.

• Education: BSN from Regis University, MSN and PhD in Nursing
• Current roles: Teaching graduate-level courses and Health Assessment at UP
• Retirement plans: Continued volunteer work as a Family Nurse Practitioner

His research interests bridge nursing, rural healthcare, and environmental education, reflecting his multifaceted career. Laustsen’s work focuses on practical skill development in entry-level nursing education and community health partnerships.

Scientific awards include fellowships from the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP). He holds certifications as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Registered Nurse (RN).

Laustsen plans to remain active in healthcare volunteering post-retirement and collaborates with his wife as a citizen scientist, while managing a farm with horses, goats, and chickens.