Michelle L. Widecan, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC/AC, CPEN

I am a pediatric nurse practitioner certified in both primary care and acute care. I’m the advanced practice provider (APP) clinical manager in the Division of Emergency Medicine, which includes the Emergency Department, Urgent Care and CincyKids Health Connect Virtual Urgent Care, where we see patients with minor illnesses and injuries. Twenty-five nurse practitioners report to me in this division.

Early on in my nursing career, I knew that I wanted to work with children. I began at Cincinnati Children's as a nursing assistant in 1991, while still in nursing school, and absolutely loved the patients and families. I worked for several years as a registered nurse (RN) on an inpatient unit then transferred to the Emergency Department in 1995.

After receiving my Master’s of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Cincinnati, with the focus as a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP), I was hired as the first PNP for the Division of Emergency Medicine. I completed my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2015 from the University of Cincinnati and have worked at Cincinnati Children's for more than 30 years.

In my practice, I believe it is very important to partner with the patient and family during every encounter. We have some of the most caring providers on our emergency services staff, and all of us are here because we love our patients and families. We are pursuing our potential together so kids can pursue theirs.

I have been married for over 30 years and I have three kids, and my oldest daughter is also a nurse practitioner at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. I’m a huge University of Cincinnati Bearcat fan — my middle son was part of the football team there for four years. You may run into me at UC football or basketball events. My family and I also love to go to Reds games.

As a family, we enjoy the arts, the zoo, country concerts at Riverbend, going to Kings Island and many other Cincinnati family-friendly venues. I also enjoy playing board games and doing puzzles with my youngest son and reading in my free time.