Patrick Luna MSN, RN, CEN

Patrick Luna is a Senior Instructor of Clinical Teaching at the University of Colorado College of Nursing on the Anschutz campus, where he teaches and mentors undergraduate nursing students in clinical practice, health assessment, and professional development. His teaching is grounded in patient-centered care, clinical judgment, cultural awareness, and reflective learning, with the goal of preparing students for the complexity and realities of professional nursing practice.

Patrick’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and education. He brings a diverse clinical background to his academic role, with experience as a firefighter, paramedic, emergency room nurse, and ICU nurse. These roles shaped his approach to teaching by emphasizing teamwork, adaptability, and compassionate care, and continue to inform how he bridges theory and practice for students entering the profession.

A central focus of Patrick’s work is the development of future nurse educators. He serves as an academic preceptor for master’s students pursuing careers in nursing education, supporting their transition into faculty roles and contributing to efforts that strengthen the nursing faculty pipeline. Through mentorship and modeling of academic leadership, he helps prepare the next generation of nurse educators to meet the evolving needs of healthcare and education.

Patrick is also a national leader and advocate for the nursing profession. He serves as a Board Director for the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) and is Chair of the NAHN Membership Committee, where he advocates for meaningful membership benefits, student support, and the formation of new NAHN chapters. His advocacy work centers on workforce sustainability, professional advancement, and ensuring that nurses’ voices are represented in policy and leadership spaces.

In partnership with community organizations, Patrick is engaged in outreach and service initiatives that address local health needs and promote health equity, while also creating meaningful learning opportunities for students. He further supports inclusive nursing cultures through advising student organizations focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Patrick’s impact as an educator has been recognized with the CU System’s 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award. He holds a Master of Science in Nursing Education from the University of Texas and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education and Human Development with an emphasis on Leadership for Educational Organizations at the University of Colorado Denver.