Education

• DNP (In Progress), American University of Health Sciences 
• MSN Nurse Educator, American University of Health Sciences
• MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, American University of Health Sciences
• BSN, American University of Health Sciences
• AA Emphasis in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Los Angeles Harbor College

Bio

Maria Shearing, MSN-Ed, FNP(c), RN, PHN, MICN, ENPC is the Assistant Dean of Affiliation and Clinical and an Associate Professor at American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) School of Nursing. She holds dual Master of Science in Nursing degrees in Nurse Education and Family Nurse Practitioner and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Ms. Shearing teaches in both BSN and MSN programs, including courses such as Fundamentals, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Community Health, Leadership, and Nursing Education. She oversees all clinical instructors and coordinates with the clinical r over 250 student clinical placements annually, maintaining strong partnerships with healthcare institutions across LA County.

In addition to her academic leadership, she practices as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at a Level I Trauma Center. Her clinical focus includes high-acuity emergency/trauma care, MICN, mentorship, and bilingual patient support.

Dedicated to serving underserved communities, she participates in street medicine programs providing care for homeless populations. Ms. Shearing is a member of the American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

She has completed over 300 volunteer hours and continues to lead community outreach and student ministry efforts through AUHS and the AUHS Foundation.

Published Work / Educational Contributions

Currently developing a scholarly project focused on healthcare delivery to underserved and homeless populations, including the integration of street medicine programs. This work explores evidence-based strategies and resource development aimed at improving access to care and health outcomes for vulnerable groups. The project emphasizes community engagement, cultural competency, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address social determinants of health.

Subject Matter Expertise

Clinical Affiliation Coordination, Nursing Leadership, Emergency Nursing Care,Medical-Surgical Nursing, Community/Public Health, Fundamentals, Leadership, and Nursing Education, Clinical Site Development, Regulatory Compliance for Nursing Programs, Bilingual Patient Education (English/Spanish), Skills Lab, Training & Mentoring for Clinical Faculty 

Research Interests

Health equity, Community-Based Care, improving access to healthcare for underserved and homeless populations, Integration of street medicine and mobile health outreach models within nursing practice and education, Culturally Competent Care Delivery, Social Determinants of Health, Development of Sustainable Resources: improving clinical outcomes for vulnerable groups,