For GW Nursing BSN alumna and current graduate student Tabitha Northrup, nursing is not just a career—it’s a mission to advocate for those too often overlooked. Now pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Northrup is focused on expanding her impact through clinical care, research, and policy change, particularly in support of women veterans.
“I chose the DNP path because of its versatility,” Northrup explains. “As a nurse practitioner, I can work in a wide range of settings, which gives me the flexibility to grow as my interests evolve. But more importantly, I want to serve populations where care is lacking—and women veterans are one of those groups.”
Northrup currently serves as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at the VA, where she has found both purpose and inspiration. “It’s a privilege to care for veterans,” she says. “But I’ve noticed how women veterans are underrepresented in care models. That realization is what’s pushing me forward.”
This year, Northrup became the inaugural recipient of the Dion Family Scholarship through Sigma Theta Tau International, an honor she did not expect but deeply values. “It’s incredibly meaningful,” she says. “Like the namesake, Mrs. Nancy Dion, I consider myself a lifelong learner and nursing advocate. This scholarship is not just financial support—it’s a call to keep making a difference.”
Her long-term goal is to combine her clinical expertise with research by furthering her education and pursuing a PhD focused on cardiovascular disease in women veterans. “This population has unique comorbidities that are often overlooked,” Northrup explains. “With both a DNP and PhD, I hope to bridge the gap between bedside care and research, advocating for this community on every front.”
Through her education, practice, and commitment, Northrup exemplifies the values of GW Nursing: leadership, service, and a deep dedication to health equity.