Katherine Pieper
Katherine Pieper is an accomplished nursing professional and educator with a decade of experience in bedside and emergency nursing. Motivated by a deeply personal experience as a patient, she pursued a career in nursing to improve patient care and outcomes. Over the years, her clinical expertise expanded into leadership and education, culminating in her current role as an Assistant Professor at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, where she focuses on curriculum development, student mentorship, and faculty guidance.
Kate holds an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Wenatchee Valley College of Omak, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Washington State University, and a Master of Nursing in Leadership & Management from Aspen University. She is currently pursuing her PhD, centering her research on resiliency training in nursing education to address burnout among practicing nurses. She is a certified emergency nurse with multiple professional certifications including ACLS, ASLS, PALS, TNCC, CEN, and CPR/BLS Instructor, reflecting her commitment to excellence in clinical practice and education.
Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Katherine has developed innovative programs such as a resiliency course, a mentorship program for nursing students, and an annual mock mass casualty simulation involving multiple community agencies. She is an active member of Sigma, the Association of Organizational Nurse Leadership (AONL), and the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN), and contributes to initiatives like the Helena Health Science Alliance. Her professional philosophy emphasizes mentorship, resiliency, and preparing the next generation of nurses to thrive in dynamic healthcare environments.
• ACLS
• ASLS
• PALS
• TNCC
• CEN
• CPR/BLS Instructor
• Aspen University - M.N.
• Sigma International Nursing Association
• Association of Organizational Nurse Leadership (AONL)
• American Association of the College of Nursing (AACN)
• Helena Health Science Alliance
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my colleagues, my patients, and really just a drive to do better. It's a loaded question because at different points in my life, it's been different things, but really, honestly, since high school, it's been to make a difference. To make that lasting impact - that's what I've wanted to do my whole life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from my mentor from a while ago. She told me to do what I loved, and to keep doing that. I really appreciated that from her. It was when I decided to step away from the emergency department and move into administration, and that was big for me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering nursing that they are more than capable—they are smart enough to succeed. The hard work is challenging, but it is absolutely worth it. Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career, and the impact you can make on patients, families, and the profession is truly meaningful.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Burnout is one of the biggest challenges in nursing today, with roughly 23% of nurses leaving the profession within the first two years—a situation I witnessed firsthand as a bedside nurse during COVID, when staff were stretched thin and mental health resources were scarce. At the same time, the ongoing nursing shortage creates opportunities for leadership and innovation, though the shortage of nurse educators highlights a tough reality: while administrative roles often pay more, teaching requires a true passion for mentoring and shaping the next generation of nurses—it’s truly a labor of love.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my personal and professional life are honesty - that's definitely number one. Honesty, hard work, and passion. Having a passion for what you do. I don't know if that's quite a value, but we're gonna put it as one.