VADNP Past President Dr. Laurie Dohnalek

Laurie Dohnalek, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, CENP is the Nursing Director of Medicine, Oncology and Emergency Services at a large academic medical center in Washington, DC.  This role provides leadership to 300+ FTE’s and includes the nursing care delivered to patients on a hematology, oncology, medicine, medicine/tele, intermediate care, dialysis, apheresis units; vascular access team, emergency department and stroke program. Dr. Dohnalek provides executive administrative authority and responsibility for leadership, strategic planning, finance, quality, safety and programmatic outcomes in this Service Line, acute care hospital environment that includes a management team of several Nurse Clinical Managers.  She has been in a nursing leadership role for over 30 years, serving in many different roles and clinical specialties. 

Dr. Dohnalek has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Master’s Degree in Business Administration; a Post Master’s Certification in Nursing Administration and has attended Wharton’s Nursing Leadership programs.  She recently graduated with a DNP- Nurse Executive, from Old Dominion University. In addition, she completed a 3 year commitment on the National Nominating Committee for Oncology Nursing Society.  Dr. Dohnalek has received several nursing leadership awards and accolades throughout her career.  Some of these include the Nurse in Washington Internship and DNP student scholarship and is currently a member of the “Capitol Gang” a healthcare advocacy group.  She has participated in lobbying activities such as One Voice Against Cancer, Senate Hearings and meetings with government representatives.  Due to her efforts in healthcare advocacy she received the Excellence in Oncology Nursing Health Policy and Advocacy Award.   She has presented nationally and published many nursing journal articles.  She currently is serving as a founder and Past President of the Virginia Association of Doctor’s of Nursing Practice (VADNP).