Gretchen Wiersma

Gretchen Wiersma is an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia School of Nursing, specializing in RN-to-BSN education and military nursing student success. She has taught since 2001 across diverse nursing levels, expanding to Northern Virginia in 2021. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes learner-centered support, critical thinking, and respect for individual needs.

• Education: DNP-prepared nurse educator with Army Nurse Corps service (1987).

Research focuses on military nursing students, clinical transition, and pediatrics. She has authored/co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles on topics like veteran BSN programs, pandemic clinical solutions, and mentorship strategies.

Grants include a Library System grant for IT-driven clinical decision-making and participation in an Open Educational Resource textbook project. Certifications: Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) and Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).

• Service roles: School of Nursing BSN committee (2022-present), nominations committee (2021-present), and Virginia Medical Reserve Corps volunteer (2020-present).

Presentations address peer mentoring, clinical faculty development, and academic transition strategies for nurses. She actively contributes to nursing workforce initiatives through academic-clinical partnerships.