Carol Flaten, DNP, MS, RN, PHN

Carol Flaten, DNP, RN, PHN, is a distinguished Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.  Dr. Flaten's commitment to innovative education is evidenced by her participation in the Faculty Leads program, designed to enhance leadership skills among emerging faculty leaders. Her expertise extends to curriculum development, as demonstrated by her award-winning work integrating LGBTQ content into BSN programs, recognized by the International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses. Dr. Flaten has been on the forefront of integrating simulation into the pre-licensure curricula. In 2018, she received the Award for Innovative International Initiatives for her part in developing a groundbreaking study abroad program in partnership with the University of Limerick in Ireland. This program, the first of its kind in Minnesota, allows nursing students to study abroad for a full semester while completing clinical practicums. Throughout her career, Dr Flaten has consistently shown dedication to advancing nursing education and preparing students for global healthcare challenges. Currently, Dr. Flaten is a team member on an American Nurses Foundation, Big Ten Nurse Readiness grant that introduces Virtual Reality into nursing curriculum.

• Diversity and Inclusivity Award, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 2019
• C. Eugene Allen Award for Innovative International Studies, GPS Alliance, University of Minnesota, 2018
• E. Louise Grant Award, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 2015
• Daisy Faculty Award, Daisy Foundation, Indianapolis, IN, 2012
• E. Louise Grant Award, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 2011

Bliss, D. Z., Steffes, M., Wilson, N., Olson, E. T., Sherraden Bradley, C., Flaten, C., Gurvich, O. V., Bastian, L., Laine Dyreson, J., Weinberger, A., Conway, M., & Becker, A. (2025). An augmented reality system for enhancing a didactic baccalaureate nursing course. Journal of Nursing Education, 64(2), 81-89. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20240925-01

Bliss, D. Z., Timko Olson, E., Flaten, C., Bradley, C. S., Gurvich, O. V., Jantraporn, R., Conway, M., Weinberger, A., Kirchschlager, C., Hayden, A., Sund, L., Garcia, A., Mullen, N., Condon, J., & Becker, A. (2024). Development and evaluation of a bariatric mannequin simulation system. Computers, Informatics, Nursing. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1097/CIN.0000000000001231

Kirk, L., Eull, D., Flaten, C., & Paun, O. (2023). Combating social isolation in older adults: An intergenerational nursing communication project. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(10), 7-11. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20230915-02

Ness, M., Bradley, C. S., Flaten, C. B. (2023). Gender Affirming Post-Op Care Simulation for Pre-Licensure Nursing Students: A Pilot Project. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 81(101432). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2023.101432

Flaten, C. B., Pechacek, J. M., Potter, T. M., & Mueller, C. (2023). Planetary health in nursing curricula: How one school transformed nursing curricula as they integrated planetary health concepts with the 2021 AACN essentials. Journal of Professional Nursing, 49, 52-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.08.010

Bradley, C. S., Bliss, D. Z., Becker, A., Olson, E. T., Flaten, C., Gurvich, O. V., Muehlbauer, M., Condon, J., & Bauer, J. (2023). Development and evaluation of a wearable simulator system. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 81, Article 101428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2023.101428

Benike, L., Darst, E., Witwer, S., Enos, M., Flaten, C., Bartley, L. H., Kubat, B., & Foote, J. (2023). The ambulatory dedicated education unit (DEU): An important example of academic practice partnership in ambulatory care. Journal of Professional Nursing, 45, 64-70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.01.009

O'Donnell, C., O'Brien, B., Markey, K., McCarthy, J., Flaten, C., Mueller, C., Leinen, E., Martin, K., & Graham, M. M. (2022). Transatlantic collaborations: Baccalaureate nursing students' experiences of participating in a semester-long study abroad program. Nursing Education Perspectives, 43(6), 357-362. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001000

Bliss, D. Z., Becker, A. J., Gurvich, O. V., Bradley, C. S., Olson, E. T., Steffes, M. T., Flaten, C., Jameson, S., & Condon, J. P. (2022). Projected augmented reality (P-AR) for enhancing nursing education about pressure injury: A pilot evaluation study. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 49(2), 128-136. https://doi.org/10.1097/WON.0000000000000858

Kerr, M. J., Flaten, C., Honey, M. L., Gargantua-Aguila, S. del R., Nahcivan, N. O., Martin, K. S., & Monsen, K. A. (2016). Feasibility of using the Omaha System for community-level observations. Public Health Nursing, 33(3), 256-263. https://doi.org/10.1111/phn.12231