Whitney Van De Graaff, MSN, RN, CPN

Assistant Professor

Contact

whitneyvandegraaff@creighton.edu
Faculty - Nursing
College of Nursing
CRISS II - Criss 2 - 223B

Whitney Van De Graaff, MSN, RN, CPN

Assistant Professor

Whitney N. Van De Graaff, MSN, RN, CPN, is an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing at Creighton University. Her research focuses on implicit bias and empathy simulation in nursing students, palliative care, and pediatric hypertension. She holds an MSN in Nursing Education from Nebraska Methodist College and a BSN from Creighton University. Her scholarly work includes studies on pediatric resuscitation, social determinants of health in pediatric care, and nursing education innovations. She has been published in Nursing Education Perspectives and the International Journal of Nursing & Health Care Science. She has received the Nebraska Nurses Association 40 under 40 Award, the Daisy Award for Faculty, and the Teaching Excellence Award for Classroom Instruction. Through her research and teaching, she aims to enhance pediatric nursing education and promote equitable, compassionate healthcare for children.

Teaching Interests

  • Pediatrics

Research Focus

Anxiety and Depression in Pediatrics with Chronic Illnesses
General Pediatrics
Oncology
Empathy in Nursing
Palliative Care

Position

Assistant Professor

General

  • International Journal of Nursing and Health Care Research
    Laughlin, Ann, Schwartz M, Graaff WVD, Hanks, J., Synowiecki, B & Connelly, S Prehypertension, Hypertension and the Risk Factors in School-Age Children: An Exploratory Study
    02(06), p. 2022-122 -0001
  • Nursing Education Perspectives
    Hanks, J. , Van De Graaff, W., Williams, J., Koziol, D. & Hamzhie, C. Implicit Bias in Nursing: Student Reflections.
    45(1), p. 43-44 -0001

Presentations

  • Abbott, A., Van De Graaff, W., Oliver, T., Taylor, J., Ball, S., & Harvey, K. (2023, June). Effects of a Summer Nursing Pharmacology Course on Learner Success. [Poster presentation]. 2023 Innovation Summit for Health Professions Education, June 22-23, 2023. 2023
  • Schwartz, M., Van De Graaff, W., Laughlin, A., Hanks, J., Synowiecki, B. & S Connelly, S. (2022, May). Prehypertension, Hypertension, and the Risk Factors in School-Age Children: An Exploratory Study. [Poster presentation]. 2023 MNRS Annual Research Conference, March 29 April 1, 2023, in Des Moines, IA. 2023
  • Hamzhie, C., Hanks, J., Woodward, T., & Van De Graaff, W. (2022, December). Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Themes from Nursing Student Reflections. [Poster presentation]. American Association of Colleges of Nursings Transform 2022 Conference 2022
  • Van De Graaff, W., Laughlin, A., Schwartz, M., Hanks, J., Synowiecki, B. & S Connelly, S. (2022, May). Prehypertension, Hypertension, and the Risk Factors in School-Age Children: An Exploratory Study. [Poster presentation]. Child Health Research Institute's (CHRI) 20th Annual Pediatric Research Forum. 2022
  • Selig, C., Van De Graaff, W., Kirkpatrick, A., & Aufdenkamp, M. Evaluation of Palliative Care Competency Among Undergraduate Students Following Completion of ELNEC Undergraduate Course. University Research Week/St. Alberts Day, Creighton University, April 19th, 2022. 2022
  • Hanks, J., Van De Graaff, W., Williams, J. & Koziol, D. (2021, November) Implicit bias: Recognition, contemplation, and reflection in undergraduate nursing students [Poster presentation]. AACN Diversity Symposium. 2021
  • Van De Graaff, W. (2021). Positive Pandemic Experiences: Unfolding Case Studies. Creighton College of Nursing Faculty Development Presentation, February 8, 2021. 2021
  • Hanks, J., Williams, J., Van De Graaff, W., Koziol, D., Young, C., Hirsch, K. & Hamzhie, C. (2020, December) Educating nurses virtually: Clinical during the COVID-19 pandemic [Poster presentation]. AACN Fall Faculty Forum. 2020
  • Williams, J., Van De Graaff, W., Koziol, D., Young, C., Hanks, J., Hamzhie, C., Hirsch, K. Educating Nurses Virtually: Clinical during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Podium Presentation at the 24th Annual Midwest Regional Nursing Educators Conference, University of Missouri, November 18, 2020. 2020
  • Williams, J., Van De Graaff, W., Koziol, D., & Young, C. (2020, November) Educating nurses virtually: Clinical during the COVID-19 pandemic [Poster presentation]. 24th Annual Midwest Regional Nursing Educators Conference.https://extensionmissouri.instructure.com/courses/755/pages/poster-12-educating-nurses-virtually-clinical-during-the-covid-19-pandemic 2020
  • Ratekin, R., Rhoades, K., & Van De Graaff, W. (Producer). (2016). Anxiety and depression in pediatric patients with chronic illness [Video webinar]. Retrieved from https://my.methodistcollege.edu/ICS/Academics/PD/OLN014/PD-OLN014-1/ 2016

Awards

  • 40 under 40 Award
    Nebraska Nurses Association
  • Faculty Excellence Award - Classroom Instruction
    Class of 2022
  • Faculty Daisy Award
  • Positive Image in Nursing Award
    Nebraska Nurses Association

Consulting

  • “Creighton studying Omaha students’ health habits while providing screenings.”
    Harris, J. (2024, November 19). “Creighton studying Omaha students’ health habits while providing screenings.” WOWT. https://www.wowt.com/2024/11/19/creighton-studying-omaha-students-health-habits-while-providing-screenings/
    WOWT
    2024 - 2024
  • CURAS SURF Proposals
    expert reviewer

    Creighton University
    2024 - 2024
  • Journal of School Health
    expert reviewer
    2023 - 2023