Kelly Preston, MSN, RN, RNC-MNN, RNC-IAP, RNC-OB, GERO-BC, CNE
Kelly Preston, MSN, RN, RNC-MNN, RNC-IAP, RNC-OB, GERO-BC, CNE, is an Advanced Educator at UPMC Washington with over 18 years of diverse nursing experience and more than four years in academic leadership. She specializes in maternal-newborn nursing and nursing education, while also contributing expertise in medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, mental health, and geriatric care. In her current role, she leads faculty development, curriculum coordination, and interprofessional collaboration across multiple campuses, supporting excellence in nursing education and clinical preparation. She is actively involved in institutional committees focused on executive leadership, simulation, curriculum development, and evidence-based practice, where she promotes innovation, quality improvement, and student success.
Throughout her career, Kelly has built a strong foundation in both clinical practice and healthcare education. She began her nursing journey through a diploma program after high school and gained early experience in med-surg nursing, long-term care, and supervisory roles as a charge nurse and RN Assessment Coordinator working with Medicare and Medicaid systems. Her transition into education was shaped by her passion for mentorship and lifelong learning, leading her to earn a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Waynesburg University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at Capella University, further strengthening her commitment to quality improvement, healthcare policy advocacy, and advancing nursing leadership.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Kelly is deeply engaged in maternal health advocacy and community service. She serves as a patient-family partner with MoMMAs Voices Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Advocates and collaborates with organizations such as the March of Dimes to support maternal and infant health initiatives. She is also a certified CPR instructor and active mentor, dedicated to preparing the next generation of nurses through evidence-based teaching and compassionate guidance. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, attending musicals, dining out, and traveling whenever possible.
• Mommas Voices Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Advocates-Patient Family Partner Certification
• Essential Stroke Life Support (ESLS) Provider
• Infant safe sleep subject matter expert
• ATI Champion
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS)-Instructor
• Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
• RNC-IAP
• Gerontological Nurse (GERO-BC)
• Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC)
• Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN)
• Waynesburg University - MSN
• National ATI Champion Award
• Daisy Award Nomination-Washington Health System SON
• High Honors
• Highest Honors
• Highest Honors-Sigma Theta Tau National Honors Society
• Nomination for Clinical Performance Award
• ATI
• American Heart Association
• Nurse Achieve
• Nurse Educators United
• Program Effectiveness-Lead member Criterion 1-WHSSN
• Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society
• Unbound Medicine
• Vizient Advisory Board Member-WHS
• Washington Health System
• Washington and Jefferson College
• Outreached Arms
• Global Links
• March of Dimes
• Parent to Parent USA
• National League for Nursing
• Foster Love Project
• The National Certification Corporation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong passion for caring for others—a calling that led me straight from high school into nursing. Every role I’ve held has helped me grow, and I’ve always embraced opportunities to learn and evolve. I believe that with hard work, curiosity, and dedication, it’s possible to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering nursing is to never stop learning and always be open to evolving. I began in long-term care and never imagined I’d work in education or maternal-newborn nursing, but every role taught me something valuable. Hard work, curiosity, and dedication allow you to make a real difference. Equally important is finding your voice—nurses can’t just stay behind a desk. Engaging in policy advocacy and outreach is essential for shaping the future of healthcare.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in nursing today include workforce shortages, safety concerns, and limited faculty and clinical sites. I see opportunities in policy advocacy, workforce development, and improving mental health support for nurses. Addressing these areas is key to building a safe, sustainable, and empowered workforce.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Taking care of people has always been at the core of who I am—it’s a calling rooted in my family and personal experiences. My daughter, who has autism, inspired my advocacy work and my master’s capstone project on autism education, which I’m incredibly proud of.
In my personal life, I cherish time with my family, traveling, attending musicals like Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton, going to movies and concerts, and being active in my church. I also believe strongly in community service—whether gathering medical supplies or creating snack bags for foster children, making a difference in someone’s life is deeply rewarding.