Katie O’Connell is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner in the general and thoracic surgery department at Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital.

At Inova, Katie strives to provide high quality care for her patients in the hospital as well as in the clinic. Her vast pediatric knowledge provides more comprehensive care within the surgical team, creating a bridge between the surgeons and patients’ families.

Katie completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha prior to working as a pediatric nurse. She then obtained her master’s degree from Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX, and transitioned roles to practice as a pediatric nurse practitioner. She found great love treating underserved communities in the emergency department. Katie transitioned her practice to pediatric surgery in 2021. She continues to serve the same underserved populations and make lasting connections with her patients. Seeing patients through from pre-operative planning to the final post-operative visit is something Katie values in her role.

Katie has spent several years serving children both locally and abroad as a health outreach advisor for several nonprofit organizations. She finds joy in traveling and teaching her family about other cultures. Katie grew up in Washington state, then Nebraska, before moving to Texas and finally settling in Washington, DC. She has two young daughters and a rough collie named Lhotse (after the mountain just to the south of Mt. Everest). She is an avid runner, and during her free time, she likes to pursue any number of creative endeavors.

Awards/Associations

• Sigma Honor Society of Nursing
• National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
• Association of Pediatric Surgical Nurses