In the new Netflix hospital drama “Pulse,” the character Nia Washington is a paramedic. In real life, Nia Washington, B.S.N. ’21, M.S.N. ’25, is a registered nurse and newly awarded graduate of the Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies. The real Nia Washington also played NCAA Division I basketball for four years at Iowa State University while studying biology. Despite being just 5’7”, Washington, #10, was a guard on the Academic All-Rookie Team her first year, followed by three years on the Academic All-Big 12 First Team. In 2021, she went from being a Cyclone to a Hurricane, completing what else but an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree while making the Dean’s List.
After three years of nursing experience in trauma, stroke, and transplant units in Broward County, Washington returned to the U. During the master’s program, she completed nearly 900 clinical practicum hours on her way to becoming a family nurse practitioner. In the final days of her program, Washington shared her thoughts on the experience. A few days later, August 1, she was named the school’s 2025 recipient of the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Excellence in Academic and Clinical Performance Award.
Washington is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the Iowa State University Student Athlete Advisory Committee, the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Beta Tau Chapter), and the Society of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners.
Nia, please share a little about your background.
My hometown is Stafford, Virginia. I grew up playing basketball, soccer, and tennis. My first degree is in biology, which I obtained at Iowa State University. I also was a part of the Women's Basketball team while at Iowa State University all four years.
Why did you choose to obtain your nursing degrees at the University of Miami?
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Miami, a place that truly feels like a second home to me. The campus atmosphere is unmatched, and the faculty at the School of Nursing and Health Studies are incredibly supportive; they welcome students as their own. Once you become a 'Cane, you're part of a lifelong community.
I chose to pursue the family nurse practitioner role because, after working in the ICU, I witnessed firsthand the critical importance of preventative care. My experience in the hospital setting emphasized how impactful early intervention and comprehensive outpatient care can be in improving long-term patient outcomes.
Why did you choose nursing as your profession?
Nursing is more than a profession for me; it is a pivotal stepping stone that has altered my outlook on life, my character, and apprehension of human resilience and compassion. Throughout my practice, I have made a difference in many people’s lives. It has been a privilege to work with patients when they are the most vulnerable. It has been a privilege to hold the hands of scared or grieving family members in times of distress. It is a privilege to be in this field, and I don’t take a second of it for granted.
I got drawn into this field from an early age. I noticed the empathy and compassion from all of the nursing staff at the hospital when my grandmother passed away. I also saw the resilience of a medical team as I watched my late cousin have a respiratory arrest and die from an anaphylactic reaction at the age of 26. From these moments on, I knew health care was destined for me, and I knew I wanted to make a difference. I knew this would not be an easy journey, but I was eager to embrace the responsibilities and opportunities ahead of me.
What are your most memorable Miami experiences, and how did they change you?
One of my most memorable and life-changing experiences at the University of Miami was meeting my now fiancé during my time in the BSN program. He was completing his master’s degree in Health Administration while I was finishing my studies. He was also a member of the University of Miami Football team, which made our time on campus even more special.
These are a few of my career highlights to date:
- Delivered comprehensive critical care to trauma, neurological, surgical, and medically complex patients in a high-acuity intensive care unit.
- Expertly managed mechanically ventilated patients, administering and titrating sedation, analgesia, and paralytics in accordance with clinical protocols.
- Collaborated with intensivists and interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans, while engaging patients and families in the decision-making process.
- Proficiently operated advanced life-support technologies, including Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), Massive Transfusion Protocol (MTP), prone positioning, Venous-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV ECMO), and hemodynamic monitoring with FloTrac.
What do you love doing in your spare time?
My favorite activities/hobbies are Pilates and tennis! I also love to shop.
What are your post-graduation goals?
My goal is to become a dermatology nurse practitioner. During my time at the University of Miami, I've had the opportunity to shadow multiple dermatologists in the area, which has solidified my passion for this specialty. As a person of color, I recognize the disparities in dermatologic care within my community; many individuals do not seek skin checks or dermatologic treatment, often due to a lack of representation in the field. Unfortunately, melanoma and other serious skin conditions can go undetected as a result. I hope to serve as both a provider and advocate, increasing awareness, access, and trust in dermatologic care; especially for patients who have historically been underserved.
Any advice for current Miami nursing students?
Stay true to yourself and trust the journey. This program is challenging but remember: tough times don't last, and if it were easy everyone would do it! Don't take your time at the University of Miami for granted; it goes by faster than you think. Make the most out of every opportunity: utilize the resources available to you, attend office hours, and learn from the wealth of knowledge your professors offer. Everything you invest now will shape you into a stronger, more confident, and compassionate provider in the end.
