Pierce DiMauro

Nursing remains the backbone of our health care system, and nurses will continue to be called upon to develop and implement solutions to the many challenges our health care system faces.

Please tell us a bit about yourself; where are you from, and what do you like to do in your spare time? 

I was raised on Mount Desert Island, Maine, and completed my undergraduate studies in Los Angeles, at Occidental College. I have recently picked up inline skating and try to do it as much as I can in Riverside Park. Aside from that, I love traveling, returning to my home in Maine in the summer, and spending time with my Persian cat.  

Why did you decide to pursue nursing, and why did you choose Columbia? 

My mom was a nurse at the critical access hospital in the community I was raised in, allowing both locals and visitors alike to receive exceptional health care in their backyard, and she is my biggest inspiration for entering a career in nursing. I chose Columbia because it is a leader in advanced practice nursing education at the doctoral level, and for the opportunity to learn from our preeminent health care institutions here in New York City. Nursing remains the backbone of our health care system, and nurses will continue to be called upon to develop and implement solutions to the many challenges our health care system faces. I felt strongly that Columbia’s curriculum prepares nurses to serve not only as clinicians, but as innovators and leaders. 

What are you passionate about, and how has being a student at Columbia Nursing allowed you to follow that passion? 

I came to Columbia Nursing with experience working in palliative care nursing research at City of Hope Cancer Center and through the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium, mentored under Dr. Betty Ferrell, a pioneer and esteemed scholar in the field of palliative nursing. This experience not only gave me an interest in developing a career as a clinician, but also as an academic and educator. I feel strongly that nurse practitioners are uniquely poised to deliver exceptional palliative care. NPs are well equipped to address the needs of patients beyond just the physical, but to compassionately and competently provide care for the psyche, family, and spirit. I had the honor of working as the Palliative Care DNP fellow for the past year, which offered me training within inpatient, outpatient, and community palliative care settings here at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. In addition, I received personalized mentorship, instruction, and guidance from the fellowship faculty, Professors Buschman, McHugh, and Tresgallo. In addition, my training as an acute care NP has prepared me to practice palliative care across all acuity settings.  

Do you have a favorite memory of your time at Columbia Nursing? 

My clinical mentor in my palliative fellowship, Nicolas Burry, DNP ’17, is a Columbia Nursing graduate and palliative fellowship alum who now practices palliative care here full time. It was such a pleasure to learn from him and gain his expertise in growing a Columbia education into practice. I remain so grateful for his mentorship and that we get to continue to work together as colleagues. 

What are your next steps after graduation? 

I have started full-time as a nurse practitioner in the Palliative Care Service here at CUIMC and will soon be taking my certification as an advanced practice hospice and palliative care nurse. I have additionally received the opportunity to teach undergraduate nursing students as an adjunct professor.  

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

All of my experiences as a nurse in cardiothoracic and general surgery, in addition to oncology, have given me invaluable knowledge for a career in advanced practice. As nurses, we carry the unique gift to apply and refine our skills at every step of our journey.  I’d also like to thank the many nurses, preceptors, and professors who have helped train and support me as I’ve pursued this next step in my education.  

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