Garcia Named IPN Emerging Leader Fellow

Unique Fellowship for Rising Pediatric Leaders
November 7, 2022

Julia Garcia named Institute of Pediatric Nursing Emerging Leader Fellow

Photo of Julia Garcia

The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board is pleased to announce that nursing Julia Garcia, BSN, RN, CPN has been selected as the Institute of Pediatric Nursing (IPN) Emerging Leader Fellow. Julia was selected among applicants in MSN, DNP, and PhD programs whose research focuses on pediatric nursing or nursing leadership. As a committee member, she will support the IPN's important work on strategic issues affecting the profession. This unique one-year fellowship exposes rising leaders to the IPN’s work, high level decision-making, and trends that affect pediatric nursing. 

Julia is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track at the Medical University of South Carolina. In 2017, she earned her BSN along with a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of New Mexico and a certificate in international healthcare systems from Universidad La Salle in Mexico City. Julia has experience in pediatric oncology at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, the pediatric emergency department, and in pediatric home healthcare. She is currently working on a research project entitled: Improving Obesity Follow-Up Monitoring at a Pediatric Primary Care Clinic.

Julia plans for her future research to focus on preventative care in a primary care setting with a focus on LGBTQ+ healthcare, and adolescent female health. She is passionate about pediatric mental health as well as rural medicine and has served as a phone counselor at the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. 

"As a future pediatric nursing leader immersed in research and practice, Julia will offer a distinct perspective to the IPN’s important work," said IPN Chair Dr. Amanda B. Brown, PhD, RN, CPN, CNL, FAB. "In turn, the IPN will support her further development as a thought leader impacting care for children, teens, and young adults."

The IPN Committee exists to make the pediatric specialty stronger and optimize the health and well-being of children, youth, and their families through the development of a sustainable, highly qualified pediatric nursing workforce. Launched in 2009, the IPN provides a variety of resources to inform stakeholders including the public about pediatric nursing. Explore IPN resources in this infographic. From students to nursing professionals, families to educators, the IPN:

•    Encourages students to choose pediatric nursing careers
•    Helps fill pediatric curricula gaps in RN undergraduate education
•    Shares workforce demographics
•    Advocates for more diversity in the specialty
•    Supports families and caregivers with access to information