Maria Douthett

Maria Douthett serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Nebraska Methodist College while maintaining active clinical practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Methodist Community Health Clinic and Fred Leroy Health & Wellness Center, leveraging over 15 years of experience in acute/cardiac care, primary care, and geropalliative settings.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Nebraska Methodist College (2014-2017)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Nebraska Methodist College (2009-2010)
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Research from California State University, San Marcos (1997-2002)

Dr. Douthett's research centers on optimizing advanced care planning in primary care and enhancing geropalliative competencies for aging populations. Her principal investigator role in the 2015-2017 scholarly project directly improved clinical protocols for end-of-life discussions, while participation in the national AgeWISE Geropalliative Care Nurse Residency Program (2011-2012) advanced geriatric care standards. She addresses health disparities through work targeting minority populations in organ donation initiatives.

Her distinguished contributions to nursing practice are recognized through:

• AANP State Award for Excellence (2024)
• NNA Positive Image of Nursing Award (2021)
• Carolyn Scott “Spirit of Excellence” Recipient (2016)
• Foundation Graduate Recipient (2014/2015)
• Nebraska Nurse Association scholarship (2010)
• March of Dimes Student Nurse Excellence Award (2010)

As principal investigator for the advance care planning scholarly project and contributor to the AgeWISE national program, her grant-funded work bridges clinical practice and education. Current roles integrate teaching at Nebraska Methodist College with direct patient care, focusing on family practice and geriatric populations through Methodist Community Health Clinic and Fred Leroy Health & Wellness Center.

Professional engagement spans American Association of Nurse Practitioners (2016-present), American Nurses Association (2019-present), National Association of Hispanic Nurses (2015-2020), and Sigma Theta Tau (2009-2011), driving initiatives in nursing excellence and health equity.