Debbie (Debra) VanKuiken, PhD, RN, AHN-BC
Associate Professor, College of Nursing
Dr. VanKuiken has been at Xavier’s College of Nursing since 2010. She has taught a variety of courses at all levels including: Pathophysiology and Adv. Pathophysiology, Community Nursing, Healthcare policy, Nursing Research and has mentored DNP projects. Dr. VanKuiken has served in several leadership roles within the College and the University. Before coming to Xavier Dr. VanKuiken practiced nursing in critical care, hospice, and school nursing. She is certified in advanced holistic nursing and twice led the application for renewal of the holistic nurse endorsement for the College of Nursing. She also served as Executive Director of a shelter for families who were homeless in the 1990s and continues to be involved in community and diversity initiatives. Dr. VanKuiken's publications include articles on guided imagery, nurse work environment, quality of life, and research methodology. Her areas of interest are in presence, self-compassion, and Holistic approaches to pain assessment and management. She is currently a member of Sigma Theta Tau and the American Holistic Nurses Association.