Dr. Kathryn Vander Veen serves as professor of nursing at Dordt University.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), she worked as a Registered Nurse in a variety of medical, surgical, orthopedic, and psychiatric units. Dr. Vander Veen served nearly 22 years on active duty with the United States Air Force, where she held several nursing roles, including nurse manager, flight nurse, and nursing quality assurance officer. Upon completing her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), she worked as a family nurse practitioner and medical information systems consultant, contributing to the development of an electronic health record for the Department of Defense.
In addition to teaching an array of courses at Dordt University, Dr. Vander Veen also assists with course coordination and clinical preceptorships. She has also served as a preceptor for Master of Science in Nursing and Doctorate in Nursing Practice students. Additionally, she provides advanced practice registered nurse evaluations and prescriptions in the Student Health and Counseling department and mentors students in their academic and spiritual growth.
Her faith is at the heart of her work. “Romans 12 stands out as guiding words for me,” says Dr. Vander Veen. “I hope to demonstrate my thankfulness for God’s mercy and grace by endeavoring to live a life serving, teaching, and encouraging with sincerity and perseverance.”
Dr. Vander Veen’s research interests focus on patient activation, and she has shared her findings through various presentations and publications:
- "Hope for Harmony: A Review of Women in the Mission of the Church," In All Things, Dordt University, August 2021.
- "It’s Up to You," In All Things, Dordt University, February 2016.
- "A Nurse’s Pledge," In All Things, Dordt University, September 2015.
- "Utilizing the Clinician Support – Patient Activation Measure to Ascertain Registered Nurse Support for Patient Self-care," Sigma Theta Tau International’s 25th Annual Research Day, April 2015.
- "Utilization of the Clinician Support-Patient Activation Measure to Ascertain RN Support for Patient Activation," South Dakota State Nurses Association Regional Meeting, September 2014.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Nursing, South Dakota State University.
- MSN, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
- BSN, University of Utah.