Donna Lynch-Smith

Donna Lynch-Smith is an Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Nursing, serving as the Concentration Coordinator for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program. She teaches core courses such as Acute Diagnostic Reasoning, Advanced Acute Care, and Synthesis Practicum.

Education:

• Diploma in Nursing, MacQueen Gibbs Willis School of Nursing (1976)
• Bachelor of Science, University of Memphis (1989)
• Master of Science in Nursing (Clinical Nurse Specialist), UTHSC (1995)
• Doctorate in Nursing Practice (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner), UTHSC (2009)

Research Interests focus on dyspnea and patient-ventilator synchrony, with broader implications in critical care, pulmonary health, and nursing science. Her work aligns with healthcare quality improvement initiatives in intensive care units.

Professional Memberships include Sigma Theta Tau, Society of Critical Care Medicine, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Association of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and American Association for Respiratory Care.