Cheryl Oetjen, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Dr. Oetjen is a distinguished Professor in the School of Nursing, where she brings her wealth of experience and expertise to shape the future of nursing professionals. With a passion for leadership, she is committed to advancing the role of nurses in healthcare and ensuring quality care for children and adolescents.

Her educational journey has equipped her with valuable insights, and she holds a special interest in translating research into practical solutions. Dr. Oetjen's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project focused on enhancing the quality of care for children with asthma, showcasing her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes.

Dr. Oetjen's impact extends beyond the academic realm into hospital and community positions. At Mason, she has served as the Assistant Dean for graduate programs and, notably, as the interim Director for the School of Nursing. Her leadership practices and clinical excellence have left a lasting influence.

Mentoring nurses is a central focus of Dr. Oetjen's career, and academia has provided her with a rewarding platform to shape the future of nursing professionals. Her expertise in pediatric care spans acute, emergent, urgent, and primary care, with a strong emphasis on enhancing quality and eliminating barriers to access for vulnerable and uninsured children.

In addition to her academic responsibilities, Dr. Oetjen remains actively engaged in nurse practitioner practice at the Mason and Partners (MAP) clinic. Here, she serves as the pediatric lead, contributing to delivering comprehensive and compassionate care.

Dr. Oetjen's dedication to leadership, education, and pediatric care makes her a valuable asset to the School of Nursing and the broader healthcare community. Her unwavering commitment to mentorship and quality improvement continues to shape the next generation of nurses and contribute to the well-being of children.

Research

Research Interests

• Leadership & Mentoring
• Vulnerable populations
• DNP Education & Practice
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Pediatric/Adolescent Health
• Quality Improvement
• Holistic care

Select Publications

• Soylu, T.G.*, Roess, A., Boolani, A., Wilson, A.N., Huddleston, K.C., Lawrence, G.N., Oetjen, C.A. (2023). Depression, anxiety, energy, and fatigue among nurses who cared for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Holistic Nursing.
• Oh, K.M., Oetjen, C.A., Beran,K.*, Harvey, M. S., Zamilus-Osabu, M.*(2023). Medication-assisted treatment 24-hour waiver training for opioid use disorder:  Lessons learned.  Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
• Cieslowski, B. & Haas, T., Kyeung M.O., Chang, K., Oetjen, C. (2023). The development and pilot testing of immersive virtual reality simulation training for prelicensure nursing students: A quasi-experimental Study. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 77, 6-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2023.02. 001.
• Thapa, G*., Nair, S., Oetjen, C.A. (2019).  Implementing an evidence-based, asthma decision support tool for children younger than 5 years old.  Journal of Pediatric Health Care.
• Narayan, M*., Zare, M., Lasway, A., Kitsantas, P., Wojtusiak, J., Oetjen, C.A. (2018) Influence of adverse childhood experiences on anxiety and depression in children 6-11 years old.  Pediatric Nursing. 
• Brewster, R., Oetjen, C.A. (2017).  Student Excel! Program: Applying Structure and Vision to Clinical Learning Excellence.  Journal of Healthcare Communications.
• Hurt, T., Lee, T., Oetjen, C. & Shaw, J. (2010) Confronting challenges, seeking solutions. Children's Hospitals Today.

Honors and Awards

• 2007      Outstanding Family Nurse Practitioner Award, George Mason University
• 2011      Visionary in Leadership Award, Inova Fairfax Medical Center
• 2014     DNP Scholarship Award, Old Dominion University
• 2016      Unsung Hero Award; School of Nursing Faculty Award
• 2017      CFTE Master Teaching Award Nomination, George Mason University
• 2018      CFTE Master Teaching Award Nomination, George Mason University
• 2020     CFTE Master Teaching Award Nomination, George Mason University
• 2021      Innovation in Teaching Nomination, CHHS, George Mason University
• 2022     Evelyn Cohalen Leadership Award, CHHS, School of Nursing, George Mason University

Affiliations

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
• American Association of Nurse Leaders (VONL)
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP):  Region 3 Leader
• American Nurses Association/ Virginia Nurses Association (ANA/VNA)
• National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPF):  DNP Project Taskforce
• Sigma-Epsilon Zeta Chapter Former President/ Treasurer/ Served on International By-Laws Committee
• Virginia Association of Colleges of Nursing (VACN); Treasurer

Degrees

• DNP, Old Dominion University, 2014
• MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, George Mason University, 2007
• ADN, Nursing, Northern Virginia Community College, 1993