Michelle Killian, MSN, AGACNP-BC
Michelle Killian, MSN, AGACNP-BC, is a dedicated Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in long-term care, skilled rehabilitation, memory care, and palliative and hospice services. Her career in healthcare began in 2010 as a certified nursing assistant in long-term care, later transitioning into hospital-based roles. Motivated by significant life events and a deepening commitment to patient care, she advanced her education and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Lafayette, IN, in 2015.
Michelle went on to practice as a registered nurse in a critical access emergency department, where she experienced a unique blend of autonomy, clinical impact, and meaningful connection with a rural, underserved community. She later earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2020 with a focus on acute, adult, and geriatric care, expanding her scope of practice and clinical leadership.
Throughout her career as a nurse practitioner, Michelle has served in both long-term care facilities and community-based palliative care. She finds deep purpose in reaching underserved rural populations who face barriers to healthcare access. She currently serves as a Nurse Practitioner at Waterford Place Healthcare in Kokomo, IN, where she has dedicated four years to providing comprehensive care across long-term care, skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care units.
Michelle emphasizes early identification of acute changes in residents’ conditions to prevent complications, reduce suffering, and enhance quality of life. She is committed to evidence-based, patient-centered care—ensuring timely, appropriate interventions and supporting patients through the management of acute and chronic illnesses. Her practice includes advanced care planning, goals-of-care discussions, and a strong focus on optimizing well-being for older adults.
In addition to her clinical role, Michelle is an active contributor to the nursing profession. She routinely provides ongoing education to nursing staff and advances her knowledge in gerontology, palliative, and hospice care, applying current evidence to guide her practice. She is also seeking preceptorship opportunities to mentor the next generation of nurse practitioners while continuing to develop her expertise and support improved outcomes for the aging population. Her perseverance and advocacy for her patients and colleagues encourages her to keep striving for excellence and to remain a strong, supportive presence in her clinical community.
• St. Elizabeth School of Nursing - BSN
• Walden Univeristy - MSN
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• American Nurses Association
• Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Long-term Care
- Skilled Nursing
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Palliative Care
- Hospice Care
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
As a nurse practitioner, what I enjoy most about practicing medicine is the ability to make a meaningful difference in someone's life, often during their most vulnerable moments. Being a steady, compassionate presence and helping patients maintain dignity, comfort, and quality of life is profoundly rewarding. I value the opportunity to truly know my patients, understand their goals, and guide them through complex health challenges with empathy and clarity.
I enjoy building long-term relationships and earning the trust of patients, families, and colleagues. In long-term and palliative settings, those relationships become the foundation for better care and better outcomes. The constant learning that medicine demands present new challenges and opportunities for growth and I appreciate the collaboration with all members of the interdisciplinary team to create coordinated, thoughtful care plans.
Working in long-term care also means walking with patients and families through the hardest parts of life. I take great pride in ensuring that every patient and their loved ones are supported with comfort, dignity, and compassion during this transition. While end-of-life care is inherently difficult, it remains the most meaningful part of my practice and being able to guide patients and family during the most difficult part of life is an honor I truly cherish.
By taking the time to listen, advocate, and treat patients and their families as a whole, addressing both physical and mental health needs, can make an even greater impact and ultimately support better outcomes.
Locations
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Kokomo, IN 46917