Learn from the Best: The Importance of Faculty Mentorship in Sacred Heart’s DNP/FNP Program
Clinical expertise and individualized support prepare students for leadership in advanced nursing practice.
Key Highlights
- Sacred Heart University's DNP/FNP program is ranked No. 1 in New England by U.S. News & World Report and combines academic excellence with personalized faculty mentorship
- DNP/FNP students learn from experienced nurse leaders and practicing clinicians with backgrounds in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community health care settings
- Small class sizes and individualized support help doctoral nursing students develop leadership skills, apply evidence-based practice, and improve patient outcomes
Earning a doctoral nursing degree is a significant commitment, and having the right support can make all the difference. At Sacred Heart University, students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program are mentored by accomplished faculty members who are deeply invested in their success and bring extensive experience from hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and community-based settings. Their diverse clinical backgrounds and commitment to excellence provide students with valuable insight into the evolving health care landscape.
Learn from experienced nurse leaders. Start your DNP journey. Transform patient care with a DNP/FNP degree.
Learn More!The faculty who teach in the DNP/FNP program have dedicated their careers to improving patient outcomes, advancing evidence-based practice, and shaping the future of nursing. Through personalized mentorship, small class sizes, and a curriculum grounded in real-world application, they prepare students to become compassionate clinicians and confident leaders. Combined with Sacred Heart's strong reputation in nursing education and emphasis on hands-on learning, the program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to make a lasting impact in their communities and the health care profession.
Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 DNP program in New England, Sacred Heart's DNP/FNP program combines academic excellence with individualized support and extensive clinical experiences.
Dorothea A. Esposito, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Assistant Clinical Professor and Program Director of Family Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice
Dorothea A. Esposito is assistant clinical professor and program director of the FNP/DNP and post-master’s DNP programs at Sacred Heart’s Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Since joining SHU as an adjunct faculty member in 2010 and becoming a full-time faculty member in 2017, she has played a key role in preparing advanced practice nurses to lead in today’s complex health care environment. An experienced family nurse practitioner, Esposito combines academic leadership with active clinical practice serving underserved populations in Bridgeport. Her teaching and scholarship focus on developing resilient nurse leaders and advancing trauma-informed approaches to nursing education. Known for her commitment to student success, she is passionate about mentoring doctoral nursing students and helping them translate evidence-based practice into meaningful improvements in patient care.
Susan Penque, Ph.D., ANP-BC, NE-BC, NC-C
Associate Clinical Professor and Chair of Graduate Programs
Susan Penque is an accomplished nurse leader, educator, researcher, and health care executive who serves as chair of graduate programs and associate clinical professor at Sacred Heart University. Over a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, she has held executive leadership positions at major health care organizations, including serving as chief nursing officer and senior vice president of patient care at Mount Sinai South Nassau, North Memorial Health Care, and United Hospital Center. Her experience ranges from leading systemwide nursing strategy, quality initiatives, and professional development programs to managing specialized cardiac and critical care services. A recognized expert in nursing leadership, she has advanced evidence-based practice, supported Magnet Recognition efforts, and mentored generations of nursing professionals. Her scholarly work emphasizes health promotion and mindfulness, and she is committed to preparing compassionate, practice-ready nurses who can lead and innovate in today's evolving health care environment.
Interested in learning more about the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program?
Join New England’s No. 1 DNP program and prepare to make a lasting impact in health care. For more information, schedule an appointment with Lea DiStasio or reach out at distasiol2@sacredheart.edu.