Nikki Miller ’03, M.S.N. ’13, has a passion for nursing and for helping people in other countries to receive needed care. Her varied educational and practice experiences have led her to being one of the first nurse practitioners in the Middle East.
In 2003, Miller graduated from Illinois State University’s political science program and spent 12 years as an international flight attendant.
“During this time, I had the opportunity to travel to many countries,” said Miller. “My flights involved moving military troops, transporting people to the vacation of a lifetime, as well as doing refugee movements assisting in transporting people from unstable countries.”
Through this profession, Miller saw some horrific conditions, and knew she wanted to overcome her fears and work with people from areas of the world most have forgotten about.
“I wanted to help those who didn’t have access to medicine no matter how little I could do. I was hoping that I could obtain the knowledge and skills as a nurse to eventually travel the world and apply my skills in areas of need,” Miller said.
A new career
That is when Miller decided to pursue a nursing career. She completed her B.S.N. from Methodist College of Nursing.
Miller’s career as a RN was spent entirely as a trauma nurse at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center.
“Emergency medicine is another passion of mine. I love the diversity of the patients. You never know what may present next. Your skills stay sharp as you may have a patient with cardiac issues in one room, abdominal pain in another, as well as a trauma occurring at the same time. I feel that ER nurses stay sharp and efficient!”
While working at Advocate BroMenn, several of Miller’s co-workers had attended the Family Nurse Practitioner program (FNP) at Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing.
“They spoke highly of the curriculum and instructors. After looking at several programs, I felt that it fit my lifestyle the best,” Miller said.
Miller graduated from the FNP program herself in 2013.
“As an advanced practice nurse, I spent the first three years working for Methodist Medical Center in Peoria in the Express Care walk-in acute care clinic.”
Miller’s husband is an airline pilot, and in 2014 was relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). At that time, the country did not recognize nurse practitioners.
“I had a very hard decision to make, relocate with him or stay behind and gain some experience. At the time I chose to stay behind,” Miller said.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
In 2015, the UAE health authority, working in conjunction with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD), agreed to recognize and allow the use of Nurse Practitioners only at the CCAD campus.
“Just by luck I saw the job listing for an emergency room nurse practitioner and promptly applied. The entire hiring process took about 10 months.”
Pioneer in the Middle East
This was Miller’s opportunity—and passion—to help a developing country obtain quality healthcare as well as learn more about diverse populations and the diseases that affect other parts of the world.
“I accepted the position with CCAD and was one of the first nurse practitioners (NP) to practice in the country. When I arrived in the country I was the fourth NP licensed and the first to practice in the emergency room (ER).”
Since that time, the clinic has gained one more NP in cardiology and will have one more NP working in the ER later this year. In August, Miller assisted in the opening of the Fast Track area of the ER.
“In time, we hope to staff this area completely with NPs,” Miller said.
The physician group is mostly Western trained, and the nursing staff is very diverse from countries all over the world.
“I love when the physicians from the hospital clinics come to the ER to consult on a patient. They immediately get jealous that the ER has a NP and they either mention that they are waiting to get one or ask me if I want to come work for them. This makes me feel appreciated in my role by all departments!”
Adjusting to a new life
Adjusting to life in another country wasn’t that difficult for Miller.
“Living in Abu Dhabi is amazing. It is very safe and the people are extremely friendly.”
It is very common to see camels on the side of the roads in Abu Dhabi.
There are a variety of activities in the area, such as boating, renting jet skis, festivals, and camel races … after all, this is the desert! Sand storms are common in the area. The temperature averages 110 degrees each day with humidity at least 50 percent.
Miller also raves about the food.
“One of my favorite things about the area is the fresh dates. There are palm trees everywhere and dates are plentiful. You are free to stop along the road and pick them as you like,” Miller said.
Living in another country has not stopped Miller from continuing her education. She is currently enrolled in the D.N.P. program at Vanderbilt University. She feels that continuing one’s education is key to being a successful caregiver.
“For those who are looking to apply to a NP or D.N.P. program my best recommendation would be to research each institution’s program that you are interested in. Find a program that fits your lifestyle best.”
Miller’s husband will retire from Etihad Airways in 2023, but they haven’t decided what their next adventure will be.
Miller presenting to the Pathophysiology class in the Nursing Simulation Lab.
“With my training and license as a NP the options are endless. I would like to continue my work in introducing the NP role into other countries and helping communities around the world who are in need.”
In August, Miller returned to the states and contacted Professor Denise Wilson to see if she could visit with some of the FNP classes. She gave presentations to two classes, and talked about her journey.
“There are many misconceptions about this part of the world. Don’t let the media dictate how you feel about the culture. It is a beautiful place with wonderful people.”
