Episode #4 - Dr. Kimberly Dunker

Podcast Episode Summary Dr. Kimberly Dunker shares her journey from bedside nurse to nationally respected nursing educator and scholar. She reflects on how her family’s legacy in nursing inspired her early career, her deep passion for acute and critical care practice, and the pivotal moments that drew her into education and research. Dr. Dunker highlights the role of mentorship, collaboration, and perseverance in building a scholarly career, offering practical encouragement for nurses at every stage to embrace evidence-based practice and remain engaged, empowered leaders in the profession. Guest Bio Kimberly Dunker, PhD, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE, CNEcl, is a full professor and certified nurse educator and clinical nurse educator with more than 25 years of experience serving patients, students, and faculty. She currently serves as Director of the MSN/DNP Program at Loma Linda University and has practiced across multiple critical care specialties, including surgical oncology, neurology, and cardiac care. A published Sigma author, Dr. Dunker’s doctoral work centers on faculty empowerment and student–preceptor relationships, and her leadership is grounded in authentic transformational leadership, faculty development, and advancing nursing scholarship.