Why did you start teaching?
I started teaching to help grow a positive presence of nurse practitioners. I want our profession to be valued and respected in the work force. We have a unique skill that adds value to healthcare. We are both caring nurses that understand the bedside as well as providers and I believe this is invaluable.
What advice would you give to those considering this online program?
It is hard work. It takes time and dedication. But the reward is providing for patients and making that difficult diagnosis. There is no greater feeling.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in the field in which you teach?
Dedication to learning. Not just doing the assignment to get it done but understanding the assignment. Dedication to understanding the why.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that people in the profession face today?
Nurse practitioner is a growing field. We are faced with multiple challenges in the workplace due to lack of understanding of our role. It is important to educate yourself so you can educate others on the benefits NPs can provide.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know about you:
I am a former gymnast and cheerleader for the University of Louisville. I currently enjoy Crossfit and weightlifting. I enjoy an athletic challenge and am often reluctantly persuaded into running events such as the Flying Pig, Bourbon Chase, etc.
What do you want students in your courses to learn? What is the learning outcome or objective?
It is important to understand WHY we are doing what we do to take care of our patients. Why do we order tests? Why are we diagnosing them with this? It is not enough to know what to do. We need to know why we do it. This makes us better practitioners for our patients.
