Whitney Shanley

Dr. Whitney Shanley is a nurturing and innovative problem-solver dedicated to helping others thrive and inspiring a new generation of nurses to remain curious and think outside the box. Combining emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and a passion for learning, she empowers others, encouraging them to grow and reach their full potential. Rooted in authenticity, faith, family, and fulfillment in joy and laughter, she aims to create meaningful impact by blending my skills as an inherent helper, advanced practice nurse, educator, and confident communicator to inspire positive change.

Dr. Shanley is a founding faculty member of the School of Nursing and has been teaching in the Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program since the first cohort Fall 2009. Her experience as a Registered Nurse spans all ages at the hospital bedside and outside of the hospital as a Home Infusion, Camp Nursing, Travel Nursing, Agency Nursing, and Nurse Manager. As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Dr. Shanley has enjoyed the challenges of caring for the acutely ill in a variety of urgent care clinics. 

The energy of students thirsting for knowledge and challenging themselves to personally and professionally grow drives Dr. Shanley’s passion for teaching. Knowing that the foundation of nursing practice resides in excellent assessment skills, she instills these skills in future nurses in Health Assessment class and lab. Dr. Shanley also shares her enthusiasm in teaching application of the nursing process in Adult and Gerontological Nursing Care. She has also enjoyed teaching a variety of courses in Quality Healthcare, Patient Safety, Pediatric Nursing Care, Leadership and Management, and a variety of clinicals including Adult Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics, and Community Health.  

Receiving the Virginia Nursing Foundation Excellence in Leadership in Nursing Education award has been a career highlight for Dr. Shanley. However, her most cherished role is that of a devoted wife and mother to three loving, curious, tenacious, and hilarious children. Making memories with her family brings immense joy and richness to her life. Whether relaxing on a warm sandy beach, gliding on her paddle boarding, or exploring historical landmarks and national parks, you can find her researching the next big family adventure!