What do you want students in your courses to learn? What is the learning outcome or objective?
I want my students to learn how to be the best advanced practice nurses (Nurse Practitioners) out there! I want them to look at their patients with gentle, yet thorough eyes, ears, and hands while using their heart and their brain to lead them to be the BEST diagnosticians ever!
What advice would you give to those considering this online program?
I have been teaching for over 15 years. I have seen the brightest advanced practice nurses come out of this program and excel in their profession. This program is not easy. It takes a major commitment of time and requires a lot of energy and studying. NKU does not just give out degrees; you have to earn them. Obviously if you have the drive and the yearning to be the best advanced practice nurse, and you are able to commit the time and energy that is required, then you will no doubt be successful with this program.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in nursing?
Qualities to be successful in the field of advance practice nursing a truly caring heart and desire a to pursue all the education possible to be the best diagnostician. One needs to be professional, intelligent, and once again, have a gentleness that shows compassion and a genuineness about them. That person has to also know that the learning does not stop once they graduate. It will be a life-long process that never ends.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that MSN – NP students face?
It would be finding a preceptor for your clinical rotations that would be the right fit for you. I would recommend asking your closest colleagues for recommendations if you have had difficulties on your own pursuing this task. Try to think ahead and get a commitment from the preceptor a semester ahead. Send a reminder mid-semester to the future preceptor.
Why did you start teaching?
I have always loved teaching and I have had such great mentors in my previous teachers. I have always had such great mentors. I realize the difference in mediocre and superior. It can make or break a student, so I strive to be the best I can and to instill knowledge that is purposeful and useful to students.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
Book – not sure? But I would recommend reading the medical journals: The Clinical Advisor and The Nurse Practitioner.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students may not know about you.
I love my two children and husband more than life itself. I like to garden. I collect Victorian Angels. My one claim to fame is a 155-yard par 3 hole in one!
