Dr. Ross enjoys a career as an educator and clinician. As a retired University Professor, Dr. Ross excels as an educator and student advocate. He taught in BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs and is highly respected by students and faculty. He currently holds certification as a nurse educator and an advanced practice nurse. Inducted into the American Association of Nurse Practitioner Fellows. His specialties go beyond his clinical work into being an expert in test-taking and study skills.
Dr Ross has spent the last 40+ years teaching nursing with many of his years teaching nurse practitioner students. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he also practices as a family nurse practitioner. He has the innate ability to connect with students and communicate with them that fosters trust, motivation and learning. Students refer to him as “Doc” and know that his level of commitment to their becoming nurse practitioners is unmatched. He has been instrumental from the recruitment of many students over the years, encouraging and instructing them through their undergraduate and graduate journeys, to their graduation from their nursing/NP programs. He has mentored students as they become new practicing nurse practitioners and is an exemplary role model for students in the clinical setting, as well as the classroom. Dr. Ross’s commitment to international opportunities for students is one of the highlights of his work and he has led over 100 medical mission trips that involved both graduate and undergraduate students. Under Dr. Ross’s direction, nurse practitioner students not only learn clinical skills, but how to be sensitive, strong and ethical advocates of all patients, families, and communities that they serve.
Dr. Ross’s PhD work highlighted his interest in working with vulnerable populations. He conducted research in Nicaragua regarding men’s health. My dissertation has led to the development of the first men’s health clinic in the country of Nicaragua.
Post-MSN Duquesne University School Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner, 2004
Post-MSN Duquesne University School of Nursing: Transcultural/International Healthcare, 2002
MSN Duquesne University School of Nursing area of specialization, Nursing Education with a concentration in Critical Care Nursing, 1994
PhD Duquesne University School of Nursing: PhD in Nursing, 2002
BSN University of Pittsburgh: Major Nursing, 1985
BSAS Pennsylvania State University: Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, 1979
Providing cultural congruent care
Underserved populations
Student success (Undergraduate and graduate students)
Nurse Practitioners transition to practice (Residency Programs)
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
American Nurses Association
National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty
Distinguished Awards: Mona Counts Award: Pennsylvania Collation of Nurse Practitioners. The recipient of the Dr. Mona Counts award demonstrates a passion for caring for an underserved population, clinical education and nurse practitioner leadership. (2023) Fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Fellows (FAANP) (2017) UPOLI Highest Honor of Distinction, Orden Rv. Dr. Rolando Gutierrez Cortes,-Patronato Fundador (October 2017) Most Popular RMU Professor, Student Selected (2015) RMU Student Government Association Distinguished Teaching Award (2013-2014), Catalyst for Change Award-Delaware (2011) Pennsylvania State Nurses Association-Nurse Educator Award (2010) Inaugural Presidential Teaching Excellence Award Robert Morris University (2010) Student Faculty Excellence Award-Second-degree students (2005) Rita Carty Faculty Excellence Award (2005) Student Faculty Excellence Award – BSN students (2005) Omicron Delta Kappa: One of the top ten teachers on campus. (2005). Ora Taylor de Diaz: Outstanding Nicaraguan Nursing Award (September, 2003). Omicron Delta Kappa: Nominated for “Teacher of the Year” (March, 1996 & March, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2004). Duquesne University, Dean’s Award, School of Nursing, For Teaching Excellence. (April 1996) B. Awards related to service Nurse of the Year Award: Pennsylvania State Nurses Association District #6 (May 2006) Nurse as Global Leader Award: Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (October, 2005) University Award: Beard Leadership in Ethics Award (recipient May, 2001) Dean’s Award: Duquesne University School of Nursing