Dean Alexa Stuifbergen giving Rising Star Alumni Award to Janice Hernandez, DNP, RN, FNP-C
Janice Hernandez, DNP, RN, FNP-C
Recipient of The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing’s 2022 Rising Star Alumni Award
Janice Hernandez is a clinical assistant professor at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing and serves as division chair of the Holistic Adult Health Division. A proud Longhorn, she earned her BSN, MSN and DNP from UT Austin and currently teaches at the graduate level.
Driven by a vision to inspire and motivate both faculty and students, Hernandez is committed to leading transformative change that paves the way for success.
As division chair for the Holistic Adult Health Division, Hernandez prioritizes strategic initiatives focused on faculty recruitment, development, coaching, and retention. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of support, growth and success within the nursing faculty. Her leadership emphasizes creating an environment rooted in diversity, respect, and trust—core values that strengthen both faculty and student experiences.
She also serves as the facilitator for the Leadership in Diverse Settings Advanced Nursing Capstone Practicum, where she collaborates with graduate students and community networks to implement Nursing Introduction Day Camps for middle school students. She believes that exposing students to nursing at an early age—while also educating their parents about the college admissions process, financial aid and nursing school—can significantly enhance their success in the profession.
As the academic sponsor for the Hispanic Nursing Student Association, Hernandez has empowered students to excel academically and take on leadership roles within the Hispanic community. She has developed innovative mentorship programs, including pairing junior- and senior-level nursing students with high school students in local health care classes to guide them toward nursing careers. Through nursing transfer workshops and formal coaching programs, she actively works to increase minority representation in baccalaureate nursing programs and address cultural health disparities.
In her role as president-elect of the Hispanic Nurses Association Austin Chapter, Hernandez remains committed to advancing health care within Hispanic communities. She actively connects nursing students with practicing nurses, fostering mentorship and professional growth.
Before joining the UT Austin School of Nursing, Hernandez worked as a family nurse practitioner and founded Ability Care Austin, a home-health agency dedicated to providing in-home care for individuals in need. With a deep understanding of the challenges caregivers face, she has dedicated much of her work to supporting informal caregivers in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Currently, she is developing a caregiver concept/model, which includes an Emergency Guide designed to help caregivers recognize when their loved one’s health—or their own—is at risk. This initiative equips caregivers with essential tools to ensure safety and well-being while navigating the complexities of home care.
Hernandez’s unwavering passion for supporting, educating and increasing the number of culturally competent nurses continues to drive her work. She credits her success to the mentors, leaders and educators who have shaped her journey, fueling her determination to uplift and guide others toward achieving their highest potential.
Her leadership, advocacy and commitment to education are making a lasting impact—not only on the students she teaches but also on the broader nursing community.