Linda Delaporta

Linda Delaporta has built a career defined by leadership, mentorship and a commitment to improving patient outcomes. As senior nurse director of critical care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, she decided to earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to learn how to improve patient care on a broader scale.

“Earning my DNP enhances my capacity to mentor and coach colleagues, analyze current practices and implement improvements that advance patient safety and outcomes,” says Delaporta, who chose UMass Lowell’s DNP program after a trusted mentor recommended it.

“The DNP program is rigorous and incredibly practical,” she says. “It challenges students to produce work that can be directly applied in leadership roles. The focus isn’t just academic; it’s about creating sustainable change in real health care settings.”

For example, Delaporta’s DNP quality improvement project, “What’s Hanging at the Bedside? Improving IV Medication Safety Through Bedside Handoff,” has allowed her to expand evidence-based practices across critical care units and directly translate scholarship into practice.

“The coursework and projects are immediately applicable to my leadership role,” she says. “I use what I learn every day to strengthen team performance and enhance patient safety.”

Delaporta credits the Solomont School of Nursing faculty with setting high expectations while providing unwavering support.

“The professors equip students with the skills to lead innovation and improve patient care in measurable ways,” she says.