Meet Sharon: accomplished nurse leader & DNP graduate

Meet Sharon Heaton, DNP, MA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, a graduate of The Ohio State University’s online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. With over 40 years of experience in nursing, Sharon currently serves as a Service Line Administrator at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of nurses, she plans to apply everything she learned in the DNP Nurse Executive track to support, encourage, and lead by example, demonstrating what’s possible through commitment to leadership and lifelong learning.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Sharon to learn more about her journey, her experience in the program, and her plans for the future. 

With over four decades in nursing, I’ve taken on a variety of roles. I earned my associate degree in 1985, bachelor’s in 1995, master’s in 2005, and my doctorate in 2025. I spent 31 years as a flight nurse with Grant LifeFlight and MedFlight of Ohio. In 2008, I transitioned into leadership at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, collaborating with Dr. Ernie Mazzaferri to launch the STEMI program. Now, as Service Line Administrator, I oversee strategic operations for the Neurological Institute and Trauma and Burn Programs, championing team collaboration, quality, and innovation—all informed by years of frontline experience.

To be honest, the faculty drew me in. I had previously worked with Dr. Tussing and Dr. Buck at Wexner, and their dedication and expertise left a lasting impression. Witnessing their dedication, depth of knowledge, and commitment to elevating nursing leadership made it clear that I wanted to be part of a program where they played a role. So, I began my DNP journey as a non-degree student in autumn 2021 and was officially admitted into the DNP Nurse Executive track in autumn 2022.

Initially, I was uncertain about joining a program that included both seasoned nurse leaders and those fresh out of their undergraduate studies, as I had hoped to primarily network with fellow executives. However, the mix of experience levels sparked fresh ideas and broadened my perspective on the challenges new nurses face. I found fulfillment in offering guidance and support, and in return, I gained valuable insights from [fellow nurses in the program]. This reciprocal relationship sets the Ohio State program apart, creating a truly inclusive leadership community.

Adapting to online learning felt natural after adjusting to remote work during COVID-19. I was already familiar with virtual platforms professionally, so moving to an academic environment was seamless, especially with Carmen, Ohio State’s platform. While I’m a bit old–school and feel in-person interaction can’t be fully replaced, I appreciate its benefits. The program’s national reach let me connect with peers from diverse healthcare systems, and its flexibility allowed me to attend classes when traveling for conferences. Support from faculty was exceptional — they saw me as both a student and a professional balancing many responsibilities. Their compassion and willingness to accommodate challenges, especially when I became my mother’s caregiver, created a nurturing environment where I could thrive.

Absolutely — I felt a genuine connection to the DNP program, the faculty, and fellow students. Starting with Medical Center colleagues provided me with immediate support, and the program promoted inclusivity, helping me build strong relationships even from a distance. Faculty were approachable and invested in our growth, always offering opportunities for engagement that sparked conversations with classmates and introduced new perspectives. Meeting my classmates in person at convocation and sharing the genuine joy we all experienced made those bonds even more meaningful, proving that our virtual connections were real.

Rather than open doors to new roles, this will deepen the impact I make in my current position. It has strengthened my ability to lead with evidence, mentor with purpose, and advocate for both patients and professionals. 

“I intend to use everything I’ve learned to lift up the next generation of nurses—supporting them, encouraging them, and showing by example what’s possible when you commit to leadership through learning.”

If you’re considering Ohio State’s DNP program, know that balancing work and school is no small feat, especially for professionals already navigating demanding careers. So, my biggest advice? Give yourself grace. Life doesn’t pause just because you’re in a program. Take breaks when you need them, and don’t hesitate to lean on the support system built into this experience. The faculty and advisors truly care, and they’ll walk beside you at your own pace.

Ready to create your own success story, just like Sharon? Take charge of your future and contact an enrollment advisor about the online Post-Master’s DNP – Nurse Executive track to learn more. We can’t wait to support you in your journey at Ohio State.