Baker Brings Passion for Teaching and Holistic Approach to School of Nursing

Christopher Baker, DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP joined Duquesne University School of Nursing in August 2023 as a clinical assistant professor. While Baker always had a passion for the sciences, particularly biology, he never really thought about becoming a nurse when he was younger. He dreamed of becoming an astronaut or biologist. It wasn’t until college, while pursuing a degree in biology, that Baker decided to transfer into a PA program. After that, the rest was history. Baker reflects, “I fell in love with the holistic approach of nursing and changed my trajectory to move into the nursing field. I am convinced that the nursing field is where I am supposed to be.”

The next few years would see Baker delve deeper into the health care field, pursuing a Diploma in Nursing from UPMC Mercy Hospital, the BSN at Waynesburg, and his MSN, FNP and DNP right here at Duquesne. He worked at UPMC Mercy Hospital for 3.5 years on a medical/surgical unit then spent 1.5 years as a float nurse at UPMC Passavant Hospital. Since January 2020, he has worked as an NP in a primary care setting at a Rural Health Center.

As Baker gained critical experience as a nurse, he began to think about how he could harness another passion he held, which was teaching. Over the years, he had taught in various capacities and always enjoyed sharing knowledge with others. As a nurse, this translated into teaching patients about their health and precepting nursing students. In his MSN program, Baker worked with undergraduate students here at Duquesne as a clinical instructor and then as clinical adjunct faculty for NP students during his DNP program. Ultimately, he decided, after several years of experience as an NP, he would try to move into teaching full-time.

Looking back, Baker remembers the challenges he would face shifting to a role as teaching faculty: “It was quite a shift in gears for me. Seeing patients in my primary care office has its own set of challenges. Teaching students the knowledge on how to be an effective nurse, nurse practitioner and organizational leader in a constantly changing health care environment has a different set of challenges. It has felt daunting to say the least. However, having been through my MSN and DNP programs here at Duquesne and getting to know many of the faculty, I was confident that I would have all the support I needed. I have not been disappointed. The support here has been tremendous.”

Fortunately for Baker, he was already familiar with Duquesne and many of the faculty at the School of Nursing. He had originally come to pursue an advanced nursing practice degree, recognizing that the nursing programs at Duquesne were robust and he would receive a quality education. He was immediately attracted to Duquesne’s mission and values and jumped at the chance to expand into a scholarly role and apply for the position of clinical assistant professor.

Baker plans to continue to explore his bigger goals here at Duquesne. He says, “Ideally, I want to raise the next generation of NPs and nurse leaders to provide the care and leadership needed to keep patients healthy and provide for them when they are ill. I would also like to immerse students in global experiences by expanding clinical opportunities both domestically and internationally. I hope to engage in scholarly work that translates evidence into practice for those in rural areas without health care access.” As for his students, Baker mentioned, “I care just as much about their education as they do. I want them to succeed. But I do not want them to stay stagnant after they graduate. Just as much as they want a quality education from me, I expect them to innovate, change and lead after they graduate.”

Teaching the future of nursing is no easy feat in this time of change and disruption. COVID catapulted telehealth and telemonitoring to the forefront of the nursing profession. Baker believes these innovations “will be very important as we learn how a smaller generation can care for a larger aging population. Nurse Practitioners have the opportunity to lead the primary care arena as well as grow in much needed specialty areas.”

For anyone currently entering the nursing field, Baker points out that “The world NEEDS good nurses, now more than ever.” He encourages his students to “study hard, work hard and continuously learn. Most importantly, be confident in your work. Know that you can help change health care for the better. Think of patient care holistically and do not forget about the margins.” Finally, to those entering the nursing field he advises, “Nursing is a prolific profession and one with so much potential for good. This is a busy time for nursing, but the opportunities are numerous. The amount of work can seem monumental at times. Be sure to take time to keep yourself healthy to avoid burnout!”

The School of Nursing welcomes Dr. Baker to the School. We cannot wait to see what he will accomplish here!