Professional Summary
Dynamic nursing educator and advanced practice provider with over 13 years of expertise in adult chronic illness, cardiac electrophysiology, and innovative clinical program development. Proven track record of mentoring graduate students, designing evidence-based curricula, and integrating cutting-edge research into nursing education and clinical practice. Dedicated to enhancing healthcare outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration and student-centered teaching.
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
Doctor of Nursing Practice May 2022
Master of Science in Nursing, Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, May 2010
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French, August 1991
Licensure
Registered Nurse: TX 761487 | WA 6146313 | New Zealand 336029
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse: TX AP119368 | WA AP61436476
Teaching Experience
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX | September 2022 – August 2023
-Supported undergraduate nursing students under the mentorship of Dr. Julin Lin in a hospital setting
Professional Experience
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner – Clinical Nurse Specialist License
Evergreen Health Heart Care, Kirkland, WA | August 2023 – Present
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Ascension Texas Cardiovascular, Austin, TX | March 2020 – August 2023
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Team Health Hospital Medicine, Austin, TX | October 2017 – March 2020
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia, PC, Austin, TX | April 2015 – October 2017
Seton Heart Institute, Austin, TX | December 2013 – April 2015
Texas Cardiovascular Specialists | May 2011 – December 2013
International Clinical Experience
Director of Nursing
InterVol, Rochester, NY | May 2009 – Present
-Established and led a volunteer coalition that operated self-funded medical aid trips, directly supporting healthcare facilities in Haiti, Brazil at the Venezuelan border, and Honduras with 500+ hours of on-ground service over 14 years
-Authored training manuals outlining essential standards and best practices, which supplied vital knowledge resources to over 50 volunteers annually participating in high-stakes humanitarian efforts internationally
-Implemented a college scholarship initiative for Haitian students, awarding scholarships to 5 recipients annually; enhanced access to higher education and empowered underprivileged youth in the community through financial support
-Launched a mission supplying urgent medical kits to remote educational facilities in Nepal; addressed immediate health needs for thousands of students while establishing partnerships with local NGOs for ongoing support
Publications
Watkins, A.K, Champion, J.D. & Hendriks, J.M (2023) AFS 2023-41Telemedicine for atrial fibrillation - can this be applied to all ages? Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.34 (4), 1043-1091. https://doi.org/10.1111/jce.15870
Watkins, A. K., & Champion, J. D. (2022) Characteristics of an allied health led telemedicine clinic for atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm Case Reports, 8(10),724-725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.07.016
Watkins, A. K., Clark, A. P., & Champion, J. D. (2022). Telemedicine practices in adult patients with atrial fibrillation. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 34 (8), 957-962. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000000743
Watkins, A. K., Heinzman, K. M., Kurian, T. K., Hong, M., Clark, A. P., & Champion, J. D. (2022). Acute blood loss anemia after COVID-19 nasopharyngeal sampling in an assisted living patient with atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulation. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 22 (34), 8-11. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000000589
Watkins, A. K., Clark, A. P., & Champion, J. D. (2021). B-AB05-04 Telemedicine atrial fibrillation care: An Integrative review. Heart Rhythm, 18(8). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrthm.2021.06.033
Scholarly Activity
American Heart Association Annual Meeting Philadelphia | November 12, 2023
Poster Presentation: GLP-1 RA Weight Loss Results from an APRN-led AF Clinic
Heart Rhythm Society Annual Meeting New Orleans | May 19, 2023
Invited Speaker: Characteristics of an Allied Health-Led AF Telemedicine Clinic
Biosense Webster Cardiovascular Advisory Board Meeting, Atlanta, GA | May 4, 2023
Invited Speaker: Creating a Nurse-Led AF Clinic
AF Symposium Boston.MA | May 4, 2023
Poster Presentation: Telemedicine for Atrial Fibrillation Can Be Applied to All Ages
Venice Arrhythmias, Venice, Italy GA | October 13, 2022
Oral Communication: Patient Characteristics of a Newly Created Allied Health-Led Telemedicine Atrial Fibrillation Clinic
Texas DNP Conference, Lubbock, TX | June 9, 2022
Poster Presentation: Clinical Characteristics of Adult Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in a Clinical Nurse Specialist-Led Cardiac Electrophysiology Telemedicine Clinic
Heart Rhythm Society Annual Meeting Boston, MA | July 28, 2021
Oral Panel Presentation: Atrial Fibrillation Telemedicine Care
Sigma Theta Tau International Research Conference, Virtual | July 21, 2021
Moderator for oral presentations
Sigma Theta Tau International Research Conference, Virtual | July 21, 2021
Poster Presentation: Applying the Socio-Ecological Model to Hypertension Management in Haiti
University of Texas at Austin Interprofessional Showcase | April 30, 2021
Poster Presentation: Atrial Fibrillation
Texas DNP Conference, Austin, TX | May 18, 2019
Poster Presentation: Nursing as Social Justice - Applying Nursing Core Disciplinary Knowledge to Practice
University of Texas at Austin Interprofessional Showcase | May 3, 2019
Poster Presentation: Barriers and Facilitators to Hypertension Management in Haiti
Invited Speaker by University Rotary Club of Austin | December 12, 2017
Topic: Humanitarian Work in Haiti
Professional Memberships
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
American Heart Association
American Nurses Association
Heart Rhythm Society
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
Sigma Theta Tau International
Texas Nurses Association
Community Activities
Novo Nordisk National Presenter on Cardiovascular Disease and Obesity 2024
American Heart Association Spotlight Speaker on Atrial Fibrillation, 2022
University of Texas School of Nursing Clinical Preceptor for APRN students
University of Texas Intellectual Entrepreneurship Graduate Mentor, Spring 2019
Awards
University of Texas at Austin Nursing School Alumni Rising Star Award 2022
Dell Seton Medical Center Health Heroes Nomination 2020
University of Texas at Austin Nursing Scholar and Provost Fellowship Award 2018
HCA Healthcare Frist Humanitarian Award Physician Services Group 2017
Dynamic nursing educator and advanced practice provider with over 13 years of expertise in adult chronic illness, cardiac electrophysiology, and innovative clinical program development. Proven track record of mentoring graduate students, designing evidence-based curricula, and integrating cutting-edge research into nursing education and clinical practice. Dedicated to enhancing healthcare outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration and student-centered teaching.
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
Doctor of Nursing Practice May 2022
Master of Science in Nursing, Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, May 2010
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French, August 1991
Licensure
Registered Nurse: TX 761487 | WA 6146313 | New Zealand 336029
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse: TX AP119368 | WA AP61436476
Teaching Experience
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX | September 2022 – August 2023
- Developed and delivered detailed lectures on adult chronic illness for graduate-level courses, impacting over 40 students across psychiatric mental health, family nurse practitioner, and clinical nursing programs in one academic year
- Coordinated clinical placements for ten graduate nursing students in a nationally ranked MSN program, ensuring student readiness for real-world healthcare environments
- Mentored a diverse group of 10 graduate nursing students, facilitating successful placements at leading institutions such as MD Anderson and Emory Hospital System, creating long-term career pathways in healthcare
- Assessed and reviewed clinical practicum performance for graduate nursing students within five distinct clinical environments, identifying key areas for improvement that directly contributed to increased competency levels among learners preparing for professional roles post-graduation
- Conducted interviews for diverse applicants seeking entry into an advanced registered nursing program, providing valuable insights that shaped future recruitment strategies aimed at attracting top-tier talent from underrepresented backgrounds
- Mentored Doctor of Nursing Practice students focusing on successful clinical projects and dissemination of work at academic conferences and professional organizational meetings such as Sigma Theta Tau and Texas Association of Nurse Practitioners
-Supported undergraduate nursing students under the mentorship of Dr. Julin Lin in a hospital setting
Professional Experience
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner – Clinical Nurse Specialist License
Evergreen Health Heart Care, Kirkland, WA | August 2023 – Present
- Diagnosis and management of adult patients with complex atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias in the hospital and outpatient setting with a weekly caseload of 60 patients, achieving a patient satisfaction score of 4.9/5.0
- Mentor nursing staff and junior advanced practice providers by sharing insights from evidence base research; findings directly addressed major causes of emergency department visits related to heart rhythm disorders among adult patients
- Disseminated clinical research on obesity and atrial fibrillation at the American Heart Association meeting in Philadelphia, PA, in 2023
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Ascension Texas Cardiovascular, Austin, TX | March 2020 – August 2023
- Implemented a streamlined care pathway at an academic institution connecting the emergency department and three hospitals to the electrophysiology clinic, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations of atrial fibrillation patients by 30% and expediating patient flow to ablation procedures
- Executed a successful institutional review board submission and comprehensive administration of an atrial fibrillation patient registry, facilitating the tracking of over 135 patients to enhance clinical outcomes of the atrial fibrillation clinic
- Developed a pioneering GLP-1 weight loss program tailored for patients with obesity and atrial fibrillation, achieving enrollment of over 120 participants in just one year while enhancing overall patient health outcomes
- Presented critical insights derived from clinical research focused on nursing interventions for managing atrial fibrillation at top-tier medical gatherings attended by thousands of health practitioners spanning regions like Europe, Australia, and North America
- Led multi-disciplinary collaboration to streamline and enhance clinical note documentation
- Spearheaded the creation of an innovative nurse-led atrial fibrillation telemedicine clinic, facilitating expedited evaluations for over 100 new patients monthly while enhancing acute exacerbation management protocols
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Team Health Hospital Medicine, Austin, TX | October 2017 – March 2020
- Managed personal caseload averaging ten complex admissions daily under tight time constraints as part of hospitalist coverage; ensured efficient handoff communication between incoming staff members throughout all operational hours
- Responded to 15+ rapid response and code calls monthly, providing critical interventions that stabilized patients in acute distress while enhancing team communication during high-pressure medical emergencies
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia, PC, Austin, TX | April 2015 – October 2017
Seton Heart Institute, Austin, TX | December 2013 – April 2015
Texas Cardiovascular Specialists | May 2011 – December 2013
International Clinical Experience
Director of Nursing
InterVol, Rochester, NY | May 2009 – Present
-Established and led a volunteer coalition that operated self-funded medical aid trips, directly supporting healthcare facilities in Haiti, Brazil at the Venezuelan border, and Honduras with 500+ hours of on-ground service over 14 years
-Authored training manuals outlining essential standards and best practices, which supplied vital knowledge resources to over 50 volunteers annually participating in high-stakes humanitarian efforts internationally
-Implemented a college scholarship initiative for Haitian students, awarding scholarships to 5 recipients annually; enhanced access to higher education and empowered underprivileged youth in the community through financial support
-Launched a mission supplying urgent medical kits to remote educational facilities in Nepal; addressed immediate health needs for thousands of students while establishing partnerships with local NGOs for ongoing support
Publications
Watkins, A.K, Champion, J.D. & Hendriks, J.M (2023) AFS 2023-41Telemedicine for atrial fibrillation - can this be applied to all ages? Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology.34 (4), 1043-1091. https://doi.org/10.1111/jce.15870
Watkins, A. K., & Champion, J. D. (2022) Characteristics of an allied health led telemedicine clinic for atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm Case Reports, 8(10),724-725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.07.016
Watkins, A. K., Clark, A. P., & Champion, J. D. (2022). Telemedicine practices in adult patients with atrial fibrillation. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 34 (8), 957-962. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000000743
Watkins, A. K., Heinzman, K. M., Kurian, T. K., Hong, M., Clark, A. P., & Champion, J. D. (2022). Acute blood loss anemia after COVID-19 nasopharyngeal sampling in an assisted living patient with atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulation. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 22 (34), 8-11. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000000589
Watkins, A. K., Clark, A. P., & Champion, J. D. (2021). B-AB05-04 Telemedicine atrial fibrillation care: An Integrative review. Heart Rhythm, 18(8). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrthm.2021.06.033
Scholarly Activity
American Heart Association Annual Meeting Philadelphia | November 12, 2023
Poster Presentation: GLP-1 RA Weight Loss Results from an APRN-led AF Clinic
Heart Rhythm Society Annual Meeting New Orleans | May 19, 2023
Invited Speaker: Characteristics of an Allied Health-Led AF Telemedicine Clinic
Biosense Webster Cardiovascular Advisory Board Meeting, Atlanta, GA | May 4, 2023
Invited Speaker: Creating a Nurse-Led AF Clinic
AF Symposium Boston.MA | May 4, 2023
Poster Presentation: Telemedicine for Atrial Fibrillation Can Be Applied to All Ages
Venice Arrhythmias, Venice, Italy GA | October 13, 2022
Oral Communication: Patient Characteristics of a Newly Created Allied Health-Led Telemedicine Atrial Fibrillation Clinic
Texas DNP Conference, Lubbock, TX | June 9, 2022
Poster Presentation: Clinical Characteristics of Adult Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in a Clinical Nurse Specialist-Led Cardiac Electrophysiology Telemedicine Clinic
Heart Rhythm Society Annual Meeting Boston, MA | July 28, 2021
Oral Panel Presentation: Atrial Fibrillation Telemedicine Care
Sigma Theta Tau International Research Conference, Virtual | July 21, 2021
Moderator for oral presentations
Sigma Theta Tau International Research Conference, Virtual | July 21, 2021
Poster Presentation: Applying the Socio-Ecological Model to Hypertension Management in Haiti
University of Texas at Austin Interprofessional Showcase | April 30, 2021
Poster Presentation: Atrial Fibrillation
Texas DNP Conference, Austin, TX | May 18, 2019
Poster Presentation: Nursing as Social Justice - Applying Nursing Core Disciplinary Knowledge to Practice
University of Texas at Austin Interprofessional Showcase | May 3, 2019
Poster Presentation: Barriers and Facilitators to Hypertension Management in Haiti
Invited Speaker by University Rotary Club of Austin | December 12, 2017
Topic: Humanitarian Work in Haiti
Professional Memberships
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
American Heart Association
American Nurses Association
Heart Rhythm Society
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
Sigma Theta Tau International
Texas Nurses Association
Community Activities
Novo Nordisk National Presenter on Cardiovascular Disease and Obesity 2024
American Heart Association Spotlight Speaker on Atrial Fibrillation, 2022
University of Texas School of Nursing Clinical Preceptor for APRN students
University of Texas Intellectual Entrepreneurship Graduate Mentor, Spring 2019
Awards
University of Texas at Austin Nursing School Alumni Rising Star Award 2022
Dell Seton Medical Center Health Heroes Nomination 2020
University of Texas at Austin Nursing Scholar and Provost Fellowship Award 2018
HCA Healthcare Frist Humanitarian Award Physician Services Group 2017