Vania Carter-Strauss

Vania Carter-Strauss serves as Lecturer II at the Orvis School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Reno, where she has been faculty since 2020. A proud UNR alumna, she earned both her BSN (2004) and MSN (2011) from the institution and integrates extensive clinical expertise as a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner into her teaching.

Her educational background includes:

• Master of Science in Nursing, Family Practice, University of Nevada, Reno (2011)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Nevada, Reno (2004)

Dr. Carter-Strauss specializes in geriatric care for dementia syndromes, pulmonary and vascular medicine, and wound care, with clinical practice centered at the Sanford Center for Aging in partnership with the UNR School of Medicine. As a dedicated Latina faculty member, she champions diversity initiatives to advance Latinx representation in nursing through curriculum development, community outreach, and institutional advocacy.

Her distinguished recognitions include:

• Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, American Nurses Credentialing Center (2011-2027)
• Certificate in Sleep Medicine, American College of Chest Physicians (2015)
• Nevada Nurses of Achievement Nominee in Advanced Practice (2017, 2018)
• Shining Stars of Nursing 50 Under 50, Nevada Nurses Foundation (2018, 2020)
• Certificate in Interprofessional Geriatrics Care, ICECAP Nevada Program (2022)

She actively shapes nursing education through leadership on the Orvis School of Nursing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (2020-present) and the Hispanic Serving Institute Taskforce (2024-present), while mentoring future nurses in evidence-based clinical practice. Her interdisciplinary approach extends to gerontology committees where she develops integrated care models for aging populations.

Dr. Carter-Strauss leads clinical teams at the Sanford Center for Aging, implementing collaborative care frameworks for geriatric and dementia patients that bridge medical, social, and cultural support systems.