Coleen E O'Brien

As a DNP-prepared nurse scientist, Clinical Assistant Professor, and Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) in acute and primary care, Dr. O’Brien’s professional and scholarly work is dedicated to advancing pediatric healthcare through evidence-based practice (EBP), and clinical education.
A significant focus of her clinical and leadership work has been in pediatric cardiac surgery, where she has collaborated with surgical and critical care teams to optimize perioperative care pathways, reduce complications, and improve outcomes for children with complex congenital heart disease. In her leadership roles as an Advanced Practice Team Leader and Director of Advanced Practice, she has successfully led teams to implement quality improvement initiatives and drive strategic innovations in pediatric care delivery. Her clinical and leadership expertise as a CPNP informs her academic role, where she teaches and mentors future nurse leaders, emphasizing the integration of research into practice. Her current research focuses on improving diagnostic accuracy in pediatric populations, with the goal of reducing diagnostic errors and enhancing patient outcomes. She is particularly interested in the application of EBP methodologies to strengthen clinical decision-making and foster a culture of safety and quality in pediatric care.

Education

B.A. in Nursing, Ryerson University
Master of Science in Nursing, University of Toronto
Post Master's Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Duke University
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Minnesota State University