Dr. Jane Simanovski’s expertise on lung transplants and sleep quality has helped her secure funding from the WE-SPARK IDEA Grant and the WE-SPARK Igniting Discovery Grant. (Courtesy of Jane Simanovski/ University of Windsor)
By Vanessa Bumanlag
For Dr. Jane Simanovski, becoming a nurse practitioner meant more than advancing her career.
It meant taking a greater role in the decisions that shape patient care.
A four-time University of Windsor graduate and now a professor in the Faculty of Nursing, Simanovski began that journey while working as a critical care registered nurse in the Cardiac ICU at Henry Ford Hospital.
"The connections I made being a registered nurse inspired me to continue my education to see how I can make a difference in treatment," says Simanovski.
As National Nurse Practitioner Week recognizes the contributions of these health-care professionals, Simanovski's experience highlights how advanced nursing education prepares nurses to take on expanded clinical responsibilities and make a difference for patients.
"I wanted to have a little bit more freedom to make my own medical decisions and impact patient care in that realm." says Simanovski.
The University of Windsor's nurse practitioner program equipped Simanovski with advanced clinical skills and the knowledge to make decisions about patient diagnoses and treatment.
"I really love how the nurse practitioner sits in the intersection of both nursing and medicine. We learn to use advanced skills in assessing patients and making clinical decisions for diagnosing and providing treatment options." she says.
After graduating, Simanovski became a nurse practitioner in the Cancer Program in Windsor. She later transitioned to the Lung Transplant Program at Henry Ford Hospital where she was able to use her previous nursing experience and training as an advanced practice nurse.
The diagnostic skills and clinical management skills she learned guided patients and their families through the journey of transplantation.
"It was an exciting role that came with a lot of learning, but I loved to see how the gift of transplant can be so life-changing," says Simanovski.
"I was also enrolled in the PhD program here at the University of Windsor, I was inspired to learn more about how I can develop my research further to help patients and show an impact on the care that we deliver."
After completing her PhD in 2023, Simanovski joined the University of Windsor's Faculty of Nursing, bringing her clinical experience and passion for research into the classroom.
Having experienced the demands of advanced nursing education firsthand, she understands the challenges students face as they balance their studies with professional and personal responsibilities.
"So many of the faculty members have been through the program; we understand what it's like to balance school and life," she says.
"It's very personalized, and the faculty members are here to support you. We have been through it ourselves, which is what students really appreciate while being in the program."
For registered nurses looking to advance their careers, the program offers opportunities to develop expertise in areas ranging from primary to acute care.
"We have so many community clinics and specialized hospital settings for students to complete their clinical hours. From primary care to acute care, students really get a taste of what they want to do before they graduate." she says.
Students also strengthen their diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making skills, with opportunities to participate in faculty research.
Simanovski's own research draws on her clinical experience treating patients with severe lung damage associated with vaping. Her work explores potential interventions and strategies to prevent vaping among teenagers.
"You really get to learn about your passion for patient care, and how you can make a difference in the care you provide. You get to choose the nurse practitioner you want to become." she says.
For Simanovski, the value of advanced nursing education extends beyond developing new clinical skills. It gives nurses the opportunity to shape their careers and expand the care they provide to patients.
"At the end of the day, it's really going to contribute to nurses becoming amazing providers, so embrace the challenge." says Simanovski.
Learn more about the University of Windsor's nurse practitioner program on the Faculty of Nursing website.