Clinical Assistant Professor
Department
Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership
Undergraduate Studies Program
Contact
University of Michigan School of Nursing
400 North Ingalls Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482
Interests
Pediatric primary care
Vaccine preventable illness
Undergraduate nursing education
Dr. Natalie McHugh, DNP, CPNP-PC, brings more than a decade of pediatric nursing experience across hospital-based and primary care settings. Her clinical expertise includes caring for medically complex children, with experience in a wide variety of chronic disease management. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, she has provided evidence-based, family-centered care to children from infancy through young adulthood, emphasizing shared decision-making, care coordination, and family education. Her practice is grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural humility, and advocacy for children with complex acute and chronic health needs. Drawing from both inpatient and outpatient pediatric practice, Dr. McHugh is committed to preparing future nurses to deliver compassionate, clinically sound, and developmentally appropriate care.
Teaching
Dr. Natalie McHugh’s teaching philosophy centers on connecting classroom learning with real-world clinical practice. Previously, Dr. McHugh has taught didactic and clinical courses in pediatrics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, obstetrics and women’s health, health assessment, pediatrics clinical, and mental health clinical at the Concordia University School of Nursing. Her approach emphasizes clinical judgment, patient safety, evidence-based practice, and professional development. She strives to create inclusive, supportive learning environments where students feel challenged, valued, and prepared to care for diverse patient populations. Dr. McHugh's ongoing clinical practice strengthens her teaching by allowing her to bring current, practical examples into the classroom and clinical setting. She is especially committed to mentoring students as they develop confidence, critical thinking, and compassionate presence in nursing practice.
Affiliations/Service
Member, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
Notable Awards/Honors
Graduate Fellow, US Health Resources & Services Association, 2018
APNA Janssen Student Scholarship, 2011
Education
DNP, Rush University, Chicago, IL 2019
BSN, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 2012