CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2019 - 22

ALUMNI

3 Questions for
Kim Pierce, DNP
INTERVIEW BETWEEN KIM PIERCE, THE FIRST AFRICANAMERICAN GRADUATE FROM THE CU COLLEGE OF
NURSING'S DNP PROGRAM IN 2009, AND DANA
BRANDORFF, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATION.

Q: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR CAREER TODAY.
A: My current position is as a Senior Instructor, School
of Medicine, Department of Infectious Disease, at the
CHIP Clinic (Children's Immunodeficiency Program).
I'm a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner caring for children
and youth living with HIV. The CHIP Clinic is housed at
Children's and I've been with this program for 6 years.

Q: HAVE YOU ALWAYS HAD AN INTEREST
IN CHILDREN WITH HIV?
A: I've always enjoyed working with adolescents, especially marginalized youth (LGTBQ, youth of color).
I started my career working as a PNP in primary care,
which I loved. But I always especially enjoyed working
with youth. Over time, I found that I had a knack for
creating a safe, non-judgmental space for youth to share
their lives with me. I am humbled that I can be a part of
their growth and development as they navigate a very
complex world. It feels good to know that I can be a part
of their journey as they mature. So many marginalized
youth feel alone and invisible. I work hard to help them
see that they are not alone and that they have a voice
and a story that is valuable and uniquely their own. I
want them to understand the value of self-acceptance
and overall wellness.

CU College of Nursing

Q: HOW DID THE SKILLS YOU LEARNED AT CU
COLLEGE OF NURSING HELP YOU WITH YOUR CHOSEN
PROFESSION?
A: Looking back, I link many of my current skills to my education at CU Nursing. I had a very well rounded experience.
Not only did I receive an excellent clinical education but the
curriculum also included an education in non-Western medicine and healing practices, alternative and complimentary
therapies, Caring Science and an emphasis on cultural
competency. All of this has served me well in my work with
marginalized youth. Also my own life experience as a woman
of color. I spent much of my early life being the only person
of color in the room. Over time you tend to see yourself as
not belonging and it can feel lonely. I think many people in
these situations tend to internalize their sense of "otherness"
as they navigate the world. As I work with youth living with
HIV, all these experiences and skills come together and it
is tremendously satisfying to know that I may be making a
small difference in the lives of the youth I serve. There is still
so much stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV. My
work at CHIP has been very rewarding. I work with so many
incredible people who are committed to the full spectrum
of HIV care; education, research, prevention, mental health,
wellness, advocacy and clinical care. We all take pride in
knowing we are making a difference in the lives of others.

CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2019

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