SON Grad Accepts Leadership Role

Megan Piotrowski, MS, BSN, BS, RN, 2019 graduate of the School of Nursing’s Accelerated Second Degree (ASD) Program, was elected as the Newly Licensed Director for American Nurses Association – Michigan (ANA-MI). Piotrowski previously served as President of the Michigan Nursing Students Association which has over 3,000 members across the state. While in that role, Piotrowski worked closely with ANA-MI and Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) to provide nursing information and leadership development opportunities for nursing students in Michigan. As her term came to a close, the previous President of ANA-MI asked Piotrowski if she would consider running for the Newly Licensed Director position. Piotrowski ran and was elected in February 2020.

Piotrowski had earned degrees in Nutrition and Dietetic Sciences (BS) and Health Promotion (MS) prior to completing her BSN degree. She worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator for a pediatric obesity and weight management trial at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and as an Evidence Analyst for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She currently works as a pediatric nurse at Ascension St. John Hospital and as a Lead Research Analyst for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In July, she started a position as a pediatric nurse at Shriners Hospital for Children in Cincinnati, OH. When asked about the impact her education has had on her career, she replied, “I am a firm believer in continued education. It is one of the best investments you can make. It opens many doors and the field of nursing offers so many opportunities.”

Piotrowski was drawn to OU’s ASD program because of the condensed timeline the program offers. She also enjoyed many of the features and personalities within the program. “I loved my peers. Everyone brought unique skills and perspective to the table and that made my experience so rich,” said Piotrowski. Additionally, she enjoyed how affordable the program was and how the structure of the program was convenient for nursing school.

Piotrowski has also been involved in the COVID-19 task force to help relay critical information regarding COVID and assist the organization with promoting nurse member resilience and mental health amidst the pandemic. Her work was recently highlighted by Senator Gary Peters for the proposed COVID-19 Heroes Fund. She serves as a great example of the work and sacrifices essential workers provide. In the future, Piotrowski plans to pursue a dual Pediatric Acute Care/Primary Care DNP and pursue her passion of providing holistic care for pediatric patients and families. She also fully intends to continue to be an advocate for nurses.

Please visit American Nurses Association - Michigan Chapter for more information.