Laawna Proudlock — Faculty ; Assistant Teaching Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences ; College of Nursing & Health Sciences ; Areas of Expertise: Neonatal Intensive Care | Leadership .

Laawna Proudlock brings 30 years of nursing experience spanning clinical practice, healthcare leadership, and nursing education. Her clinical career began in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where she cared for critically ill newborns and their families.

Throughout her career, Laawna has served in numerous leadership roles, including charge nurse, clinical supervisor, nurse manager, and service line director. Her leadership experience encompasses obstetrics, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, lactation services, maternal fetal medicine, breast health, and outpatient pediatric services.

Laawna earned her ADN and BSN from Brigham Young University–Idaho, her Master of Nursing in Administrative Leadership from the University of Washington Bothell, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Seattle University. Her doctoral work focused on trauma-informed care in the NICU, particularly improving communication and reducing stigma in interactions between nurses and families affected by substance use disorders.

After transitioning into nursing education four years ago, Laawna discovered what she considers the most rewarding chapter of her nursing career. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop clinical judgment, and discover their professional identities. She believes nursing education is about more than developing clinical competence; it is about helping students discover who they are as nurses and understand the responsibility, privilege, and impact of caring for others.

Outside of nursing, Laawna enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and exploring cultures around the world. These experiences enrich her perspective and reinforce her commitment to cultural humility, meaningful relationships, and lifelong learning.