Kristen Ziegler-Horwath

Kristen Ziegler-Horwath is a Clinical Instructor of Nursing at Pacific Lutheran University’s School of Nursing, part of the College of Health Professions. She is a practicing Certified Nurse-Midwife with over 10 years of experience in rural and urban communities across Washington State since 2013. Her clinical practice emphasizes patient-centered, evidence-based care, prioritizing individual preferences and safe birth experiences. She also serves as a surgical assistant in obstetric and gynecologic surgeries.

Education:

• MSN in Nursing (Nurse-Midwifery), Seattle University (2013)
• BS in Psychology, Pacific Lutheran University (2009)

Research & Practice Focus: Kristen integrates nursing theory and research into clinical practice to drive improved patient outcomes. Her expertise spans midwifery care, evidence-based methodologies, and surgical assistance in obstetrics/gynecology. Currently, she practices at Vancouver Clinic (PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center) while teaching fetal monitoring courses through the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN).

Teaching & Professional Development: At PLU, her courses emphasize nursing theory’s role in shaping clinical practice. She also contributes to professional education via AWHONN, training nurses and providers in fetal monitoring techniques.

Collaborations: Active in clinical education and practice through PLU’s School of Nursing and AWHONN partnerships.