Nikki Love
Program Director Assistant Director DNP, FNP-BCPrograms and Courses Taught
N606 (Synthesis) also lead of this course
N619 (Advanced Pathophysiology)
N670 (Family Centered Care)
N671/N671L (Physical assessment and lab)
N672 (Role Advocacy) also lead of this course
N677 (Advanced Pharmacology)
N675/N675 L (Care of Acute and Episodic Conditions and lab)
N676 (Chronic Conditions)
N678L (Clinical Practicum I)
N679L (Clinical Practicum II)
N680L (Clinical Practicum III)
N702 (Health Policy for DNP)
N705 (Leadership for DNP) also lead of this course
N720 (Project Conceptualization and design for DNP)
N721 (Advance nursing Practice Residency I for DNP)
N731 (Advanced nursing practice residency II for DNP)
N732 (Advanced Nursing Residency III for DNP)
N770/N770L (DNP-FNP Advanced Health Assessment for DNP-FNP)
N773 (Ethics for DNP-FNP) also lead of this course
N778L (FNP Clinical I for DNP-FNP)
N779L (FNP Clinical II for DNP-FNP)
N781L (FNP clinical III for DNP-FNP)
About Me
During my time at Samuel Merritt University (SMU), I have taught across the majority of the FNP and DNP curriculum and currently serve as a DNP project chair, mentoring students throughout the development, implementation, and dissemination of their scholarly projects. I remain actively involved in university service as a member of the Faculty Affairs (FA) Committee and University Curriculum Committee (UCC). I have also held several faculty leadership positions, including Vice President of Faculty Organization, Chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee, and Co-Chair of the University Curriculum Committee.
I also contribute to the university through service on the Commencement Planning Committee and Career Fair Committee. Additionally, I review DNP student manuscripts being prepared for scholarly publication and provide feedback to support students in disseminating their DNP project findings. Clinically, I continue to precept students at Capital Nephrology, helping connect academic learning with advanced nursing practice.
Education
I graduated from Samuel Merritt University (SMU) with my RN in 2009 and with my MSN-FNP in 2011. I completed my Doctoral of Nursing Practice (DNP) at SMU in 2019.
Teaching Interests
I truly enjoy teaching across the FNP and DNP curriculum at SMU, but I especially value opportunities to teach and engage with students in person. One of my greatest passions is teaching physical assessment, where I can work directly with students as they develop their clinical skills, confidence, and critical thinking. I particularly enjoy participating in the in-person intensives offered each semester, as these experiences allow me to connect with students and provide hands-on instruction and immediate feedback. I also have a strong passion for precepting FNP students in the clinical setting and supporting their growth as they transition from the classroom into advanced practice.
Scholarly Interests
I enjoy anything related to the kidneys and improving outcomes in the CKD/dialysis population
Publications
-START-CKD: Strategies Using Darbepoetin alpha to Avoid Transfusion in Chronic
Kidney Disease
-Assess the Efficacy and Safety of AMG 416 in the Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in Subjects with Chronic Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis
-A Phase 2 Study of KRX-0502 (Ferric Citrate) in Managing Serum Phosphorus and Iron Deficiency in Anemic Subjects with Stage III to V Chronic Kidney Disease Not on Dialysis
-A Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of CTAP101 Capsules to Treat Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Subjects with Stage 3 or 4 Chronic Kidney Disease and Vitamin D Insufficiency
-A Two-Part, Single-Blind, Phase 3 Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Patiromer for the Treatment of Hyperkalemia
-A Randomized, Double-blind, parallel-group, multi-center study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XXX epoetin alfa vs. US licensed eopetin alfa in the treatment of anemia associated with Chronic Kidney Disease: SANDOZ
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
AANP
ANNA
Community Service
I am actively involved in community service through several volunteer roles. I volunteer multiple times each month with the children’s ministry at my local church and assist with larger community and family events, frequently serving as the volunteer medical support person when needed. I also volunteer as the designated medical support person at my son’s football games and participate in other community outreach activities through the church.
For the past two years, I have served as a room parent at my son’s school, supporting classroom activities, special events, and communication between families and the classroom. Professionally, I volunteer my time each year to speak at the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), sharing my clinical knowledge and experience in nephrology with nurses and other healthcare professionals. These opportunities allow me to contribute to my community through education, healthcare expertise, and support of children and families.
Honors & Awards
Sigma Theta Tau
100% patient satisfaction score at Capital Nephrology every quarter for the past several years