Jaime Navetta, DNP, RN, CNE, who began her one-year appointment as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at the College of Nursing on August 1, 2023, is a graduate of both its Doctor of Nursing Practice, '21, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing, '03, programs. She also has an established track record with the undergraduate nursing program having served as both a faculty academic advisor and assistant clinical professor.

“I am grateful that Dr. Navetta will bring her experience, insights, and talents to our College of Nursing leadership team.” — Dean Butch de Castro

Dr. Navetta is a Seattle native who grew up in the Fremont neighborhood. An animal lover, she and her husband have been fostering cats for MEOW Cat Rescue for over 10 years. She says her hobbies include “any kind” of art, gardening, travel, photography, cheering on the Seahawks, reading, and cooking. Among her newer interests are learning to become a beekeeper, reporting that this is her second year with a beehive of her own.

Get to know Dr. Jaime Navetta and her passion for nursing education.

What made you decide to become a nurse?

"Nursing is a profession where you can apply your skills and personal talents to so many varied roles. I love nursing because you can work in a hospital, in a clinic, in a school, in the community, in policy, in research, and in higher education—all in one career. I chose nursing because it provided me with the flexibility to try different roles and facilitate continued growth throughout my career. Being a nurse is a privilege and I recognize the responsibility that comes with that. We are often with people on their best days, on their worst days, and every day in between.

As someone who loves puzzles, I see nurses as expert puzzle solvers in the way they collect and interpret data, create and collaborate on interventions, and evaluate the outcomes with an eye to continuous quality improvement."

Why did you pursue a career as a nurse educator?

"I am an educator at heart and appreciate being in the classroom with students. I love opportunities to teach students about all the different ways they can engage with the nursing profession and help it to continue to evolve.

I really like being able to help others realize their passion – if I can make that a little easier, or have helped someone find their nursing specialty, or help translate some of the complexities of the nursing curriculum, then I feel like I have made a difference!"

As a graduate of both the BSN and DNP program, can you say a little about what drew to SU, first as a student, and then again to pursue your career?

"I really appreciate the component of the SU mission that focuses on educating the whole person. This concept blends so nicely with nursing and translates to caring for the whole patient, whether that is a whole community, whole school, whole person, whole clinic, or whole family. As a student, that concept just made sense to me. I chose to work here because of the focus on teaching and the relationships between faculty, staff and students. It is important to me that faculty know their students, engage with them and welcome their feedback."

What’s your favorite part of teaching and mentoring SU nursing students?

"One of my favorite things is when students have an “ah ha” moment—when a concept starts to make sense or once explained in a different way, the idea takes root. I also love using humor in learning. Whether it is finding the perfect meme, image, or simply sharing a great story to make a point."

Is there any advice you would like to share with your students as they prepare for their careers in nursing?

"Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Find those critical friends and make an agreement that you will tell each other the truth—then agree to take their advice to heart. If they say you are doing a great job, believe them! If they say you are overthinking, believe them! If they say that you need to study more, believe them! Be a critical friend to someone else and seek out ways to support one another in positive ways.

It doesn’t matter what paths others take in nursing—find a path that excites you and makes you happy!"

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

"Go Hawks!"