Monica Aguilar, M.S.N., R.N., N.P.D.A.-B.C.

Aguilar began her nursing career at UC Davis Health as a new graduate nurse on November 23, 2005, on East 4, the Accelerated Access Unit. During her time there, she advanced through the roles of Clinical Nurse I, II, and III where she served as relief charge nurse, preceptor, and active member of the unit and system-wide councils.

In 2013, Monica joined the Center for Professional Practice of Nursing (CPPN), where she has continued to foster excellence in nursing practice. As a Professional Development Specialist, Monica is dedicated to supporting the growth of both new and experienced nurses. She designs and facilitates fun, engaging, and meaningful educational experiences that promote professional development and lifelong learning, and the importance of high-quality, safe, and compassionate care.

Monica has coordinated and co-led several key programs, including the New Graduate Nurse Residency Program, Rising Nurse Leaders, the Preceptor Program, Bridges to Excellence, and the Rehab-to–Acute Care/Tele Transition to Practice Program. She currently teaches and coordinates a variety of courses, such as Practice Council: Tools to Success, Recognize, Respond, and Rescue; the Blended Introduction to Precepting class; the Bridges to Excellence program, QR codes for microlearning, and multiple nursing orientation sessions.

Her scholarly and professional contributions include presenting posters at the 2019 Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) Conference and the 2022/2023 UC Davis Health Professional Governance Conference. She has also delivered oral presentations at the 2021 ANPD Conference and the 6th International Conference on Nursing Science & Practice in 2023. Additionally, Monica co authored two preceptor-focused columns published in the Journal for Nurses in Professional Development (JNPD).

Email: miaguilar@health.ucdavis.edu