Michelle Harris

Programs and Courses Taught

Family Nurse Practitioner

N619/719 Advanced Pathophysiology, N671 Advanced Physical Assessment, N674 Health Protection, Promotion, and Screening for Individuals, Families and Communities, N626 Theoretical Foundations

About Me

My name is Michelle Harris, and I have dedicated more than 25 years to the nursing profession. I have practiced as a Nurse Practitioner for over 20 years and have specialized as a certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence provider for more than 15 years. My clinical background includes extensive experience in primary care, chronic disease management, and wound care, with a strong focus on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice and compassionate care.

I currently serve as a Family Nurse Practitioner with Sutter Health in Family Medicine and as a nursing instructor with Samuel Merritt University. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is mentoring future nurses and nurse practitioners. I am deeply passionate about education, clinical excellence, and helping students build confidence and competence in the clinical setting. I especially enjoy precepting students and creating supportive learning environments that encourage critical thinking and professional growth.

Outside of my professional life, I am happily married to my husband, Michael. Together, we have a blended family of five sons and six wonderful grandchildren—three boys and three girls. In our free time, we enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and relaxing together with low-budget shark and disaster movies, which have become one of our favorite traditions.

Education

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Chico in 1999, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in 2005. In 2019, I completed my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at California State University, Fresno, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Teaching Interests

I especially enjoy teaching students early in their nursing program as they begin their professional journey and develop their foundational clinical knowledge and confidence. I am also passionate about nursing research and enjoy teaching research courses that help students strengthen their critical thinking and evidence-based practice skills. Another area I find especially rewarding is precepting students in the clinical setting within Family Practice, where I can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world patient care.

Publications

Harris, M (2025). Implementing a New Graduate Nurse Residency Program for Home Health in California. Sept/Oct 2025, Home Healthcare Now. DOI:10.1097/NHH.0000000000001372

Harris, Michelle S.; Kelly, Katherine; Parise, Carol. Does Preoperative Ostomy Education Decrease Anxiety in the New Ostomy Patient? A Quantitative Comparison Cohort Study. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing 47(2):p 137-139, March/April 2020. | DOI: 10.1097/WON.0000000000000623

Harris, M. (2011). The SNMH HAPU initiative: our goal in eliminating hospital acquired pressure ulcers.  SNMH Newletter.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

AANP, CANP, CAHAN, WOCNCB

Community Service

Make a Wish Foundation, Hospitality House, Loaves and Fishes