She received her BSN degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, and her MS and PhD degrees from the University of Washington, School of Nursing in Seattle, WA. She has extensive experience as a nurse scientist and mentor. Dr. Loan has completed 48 sponsored research studies with grant funds totaling over $6,000,000, and has 33 data-based, peer-reviewed published papers. Her research efforts led to improved policies, staffing models, training programs, and other practice and health services enhancements.