Which classes do you teach online?
NRP 471: Concept of Professional Nursing; NRP 473: Quality Care; NRP 474: Models of Care Delivery; NRP 476: Genetics; MSN 600: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice and Research; MSN 613: Pathopharmacology for Nurse Educators
What do you want students in your courses to learn? What is the learning outcome or objective?
The most important outcome for my students is applying their knowledge in their own practices to improve the health and safety of their clients.
What advice would you give to those considering an online nursing program?
Remember the 5 Ps: "Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance."
Students need to work smarter, not harder. Consider using issues in the workplace as examples for classroom work. The outcome will not only meet course requirements but may improve patient care and the workplace environment.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in nursing?
Students who are successful in nursing have learned home/workplace balance. Focus on work and school is very important but life doesn't stop. Planning for assignments and fun time help to keep stress levels down and provide time to focus on the job at hand.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that people in nursing face today?
Healthcare is very challenging today due to healthcare reforms. Many sick people do not seek care until absolutely necessary due to lack of insurance and financial restraints.
Why did you start teaching?
I was lucky enough to have instructors that were fair, compassionate, and patient. These attributes are what I hope to pass to my students. I wanted to be able to help the next generation of nurses become the nurses that I want to care for me as I age.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students may not know.
I earned all three degrees going to school, working full-time nights while raising seven children. I know how difficult time management and home/work life balance can be. I went to school online when online education was new. I remember sitting outside of Panera Bread and the Marriott Hotel to access internet when mine went down to be sure to submit my assignments by the deadline.
