General Info

Dr. Ann Sheehan is currently the Asst. Dean for Practice in the Kirkhof College of Nursing at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI. In her current role, her position includes administrative duties in the College of Nursing, directing the GVSU academic nurse managed health center and teaching in the doctoral nursing program. Dr. Sheehan's primary teaching responsibilities include health policy and pediatric nurse practitioner role courses. Prior to joining the administrative team at GVSU's Kirkhof College of Nursing, Ann worked in a private pediatric practice in western Michigan as a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) for 18 years. Ann was a pioneer in this practice where she created the role of the PNP who served all of the pediatric clientele's needs, including hospitalization. Throughout her career, Sheehan has served on the board in various positions of several professional nursing organizations, both at the state and national levels. The main role Sheehan has filled on professional boards is in the area of health policy. Sheehan served as the NAPNAP Health Policy Chair for 6 years. In this role she was instrumental in expanding and moving the organization's Health Policy Agenda forward. She continues as an active member of several health policy committees at the state and national levels. Sheehan is currently serving as the President-elect for the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners and will transition to the role of President in 2015. Dr. Sheehan was named the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner of the Year for Michigan in 2000 and 2011. Ann received a National Health Service Scholarship to complete her master's degree in nursing which included her PNP training. Sheehan has published several articles and given many presentations related to policy and advocacy. Dr. Sheehan earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of Iowa in 2012.