Which class(es) do you teach online?
DNP 800: Theory and Research for EBP; DNP 801: Epidemiology for Population Health; DNP 803: Leadership in Organizations and Systems; DNP 808: Health Care Policy; DNP 896: Practicum/Project; MSN 601: Health Care Policy and Economics in Population Health; MSN 602: Advanced Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice and Research
What do you want students in your courses to learn? What is the learning outcome or objective?
As an instructor, we provide course and learning objectives to develop students’ knowledge while strengthening their engagement. However, the most significant measurable learning outcome is what the student does with their new knowledge and engagement in their nursing practice once their formal studies are complete. I hope to give DNP and MSN students the tools necessary to advance the nation’s health in a positive direction once they are more autonomous.
Why did you start teaching?
Deciding to become a college professor was a difficult decision for me. I love interacting with patients, families, and other healthcare providers in both the primary and administrative nurse roles, but … the scope of practice is still limited. Becoming a college professor allows me to cast a vision of population health much greater than imaginable. I can shape the minds and abilities of future and current nurses! To me, it is exciting to help nurses make a difference in the lives of others through disparity reduction, health equity, illness prevention, etc.
What advice would you give to those considering an online nursing program?
When considering obtaining a terminal degree in the field of nursing, individuals should research to decide between the DNP and Ph.D.
DNP = patient level and system level
Ph.D. = academic and research-focused
The Doctor of Nursing Practice should be considered by individuals who want to make a significant impact on the healthcare delivery system by improving provider-to-patient care practices.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in nursing?
Over the years, there has been plenty of dialogue about what characteristics contribute to one’s success in the field of nursing. Some researchers tried to obtain empirical data to support one trait over another. Personally, I don’t think there is one set or grouping of finite skills. I do believe having compassion toward patients with a strong desire to improve patient outcome is essential.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that nurses face today?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is the terminal degree for nurses in clinical practice. Obtaining a DNP demonstrates the highest level of nursing expertise in either a clinical or administrative setting. The biggest challenge facing DNP graduates is the healthcare community’s understanding of their scope of practice. The DNP is a degree that opens the door to various roles. Therefore, there are so many opportunities and ways DNP-prepared nurses can influence health outcomes, organization, systems leadership structures, and health policy.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know about you.
I manufacture dried spices, seasoning mixes, and herbal blends for residential food preparation from my urban farm, Sowful Blessings. As an herbalist, I spend a lot of time growing products and creating seasoning flavor combinations in a test kitchen.
