Dr. Joseph de Veyra is a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines whose journey reflects resilience and innovation in nursing leadership. As Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Harborview Medical Center—the only Level 1 trauma center serving Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho—he guided the organization through COVID-19, achieving Magnet designation while leading a transition from Cerner to Epic.
Currently, he serves as Chief Nursing Officer of NPHub, shaping the future of the nurse practitioner workforce at the intersection of technology, regulation, and clinical practice. He launched NPHire, the first NP-specific job board, now trusted by leading universities and employers to strengthen primary care pipelines.
Dr. de Veyra holds an MIT MBA, a Harvard MPH, and a DNP from CSU Fullerton. A co-author of the ANA Nursing Leadership Scope and Standards of Practice, 3rd Edition, he also serves as a founding executive board member of the Philippine Nurses Association–Emerald City (Seattle).
Do you have any particular areas of interest/specialization related to nursing leadership, nursing education, or informatics?
- Informatics
- Leadership
What motivated your interest in serving on the advisory board for the MSN-NL program? What are you hoping to contribute?
I’m driven by the belief that leadership in nursing is both an art and a responsibility, one that grows stronger through collaboration and shared purpose. Serving on USD’s advisory board allows me to help shape a program that empowers nurses to lead change with empathy, innovation, and courage. I hope to bridge academic insight with frontline experience, ensuring future leaders are prepared for the realities and possibilities of modern healthcare. Together, we’re not just advising, we’re building the next generation of nurse leaders.
What advice do you have for anyone interested in advancing their nursing career?
Stay curious and say yes to growth, even when it feels uncertain. Every challenge, whether in patient care or leadership, is a chance to learn something that expands who you are as a nurse and as a person. Surround yourself with mentors and colleagues who inspire your best thinking and remind you of your purpose. Most of all, lead with heart; your compassion is your greatest credential.
In your view, what is unique and exciting about USD’s online MSN-NL program? How does the advisory board help shape the future of the program to best meet the goals of both students and their potential employers?
What excites me most about USD’s online MSN-NL program is its ability to blend academic rigor with real-world relevance — preparing nurses to lead confidently in any setting. The advisory board serves as a living bridge between education and practice, ensuring the curriculum evolves with the healthcare landscape. We collaborate closely with faculty and employers to keep learning meaningful, current, and actionable. The goal isn’t just to graduate leaders — it’s to ignite changemakers who elevate the profession.