Persephone Vargas DNP, APN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC

Dr. Persephone Vargas is the specialty director for the FNP Program. She is an experienced and dynamic educator and clinician who is a passionate advocate of elevating the nursing profession through leadership in nursing education, patient care, and research.

Prior to joining Rutgers School of Nursing, Dr. Vargas was appointed to an academic position at William Paterson University in 2015. During her tenure, she was the coordinator of the UDC 4 level in the undergraduate program and the Lead NP coordinator for the Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, and Post-Masters Certificate Programs. She was the chair of the Assessment and Evaluation committee and was actively involved during the successful CCNE accreditation 2019. For the newly established WP Online Program, Dr. Vargas developed and coordinated several online courses including Advanced Health Assessment, Advance Practice 1 and 2 – Diagnosis and Management and Advance Practice Practicum courses.

Dr. Vargas’ role as an educator and clinician has allowed her to meld her interests and guide her research focus. She has conducted research studies and programs that focus on Filipino American immigrant health. Her clinical background in cardiovascular health stimulated her interest in acculturation, diet, and obesity among Filipino American immigrants. Her goal is to help eliminate health disparity and promote culturally appropriate interventions to improve the health status of the Filipino American immigrant population. These research activities have resulted in multiple publications and national and international presentations. In addition, she has also implemented and published research in nursing education.

Dr. Vargas is an active member of the Philippine Nurses Association of America in New Jersey and multiple other Filipino community organizations. In 2018, she was recognized nationally and awarded the Nurse Practitioner of the Year award by the Philippine Nurses Association of America. Dr. Vargas was also a March of Dimes Nurse Educator of the Year finalist. Dr. Vargas received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at William Paterson University. She has dual certification as an Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner and continues to practice as a nurse practitioner at Morristown Medical Center.