Annemarie Dowling-Castronovo, PhD, RN, GNP-BC, AHPCN, CNE FNAP
Dr. Annemarie Dowling-Castronovo is a distinguished nursing professional and academic leader, currently serving as Professor of Nursing, Dean, and Director of Graduate Programs at Roberts Wesleyan University. With a career spanning over two decades, she has cultivated expertise in gerontological and palliative care, academic-clinical partnerships, and evidence-based nursing education. Her work emphasizes the importance of fundamental care and relationship-centered practice, reflecting her commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing the nursing profession.
Throughout her career, Dr. Dowling-Castronovo has held key faculty and leadership positions at Monmouth University, Wagner College, and Northwell Health, contributing significantly to nursing education and clinical practice. She is recognized for her ability to integrate research, teaching, and practice, fostering environments where students and healthcare professionals thrive. Her dedication to service is exemplified through her active involvement in Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, where she promotes community engagement and professional mentorship.
Dr. Dowling-Castronovo earned her nursing degrees from CUNY – College of Staten Island and completed her Master of Arts in Gerontological Nurse Practitioner studies at New York University. She holds numerous certifications, including GNP-BC and AHPCN, and has been honored as a Fellow of the National Academies of Practice. Passionate about transforming healthcare through education, research, and advocacy, she continues to inspire colleagues, students, and healthcare professionals to prioritize compassionate, high-quality care.
• Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research Course 1.
• Rutgers University–Newark - PhD
• New York University - MA
• CUNY - College of Staten Island - AAS
What do you attribute your success to?
She found her calling as a nurse when she was walking with her grandmother to church and she fell and broke her hip, which led her right into becoming a nurse. She attributes her success to God and for her spiritual guidance for ensuring that healthcare is and will always ensure that patients receive the best of care, which goes with her primary focus on selecting and helping nurses achieve greater success and eliminate burnout in the field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that I can achieve anything I set my mind to and truly make a difference in healthcare. This guidance has inspired me to approach every opportunity with confidence, pursue excellence in my practice, and focus on creating meaningful impacts for patients, colleagues, and the broader healthcare community. It reminds me that dedication, compassion, and perseverance are the keys to driving positive change and advancing the profession.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the nursing and healthcare industry is to stay true to what you know and trust in your abilities. Believe that you can live out your dreams, pursue your goals with confidence, and let your passion for patient care and leadership guide your journey. Staying authentic and committed to your values will empower you to make a meaningful impact in the field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in healthcare today stem from the rapid changes shaping the industry. Navigating these shifts requires adaptability and innovation to ensure that high-quality, compassionate care remains accessible. For me, the key focus is maintaining excellence in patient care while embracing new technologies, policies, and practices that can enhance outcomes and strengthen the healthcare system overall.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life center on empowerment, dedication, and self-care. I am committed to ensuring that nurses have the guidance and support they need to achieve their dreams and become outstanding professionals. At the same time, I prioritize caring for myself through activities like skiing, hiking, and kayaking, so that I can be fully present, energized, and effective in mentoring and supporting the nurses who rely on my guidance.