Previous experience/background?

Community-engaged research, population health, gerontology, and diabetes self-management among underserved populations.

What inspired you to become a nurse educator? 

Teaching is a skill that evolves over time, and for me, it began with the invaluable lessons imparted by my grandmother, a public health nurse. Her dedication inspired my journey into nursing, and with the guidance of supportive colleagues and mentors, I've developed teaching proficiency that I aim to pass on to my current and future students. My decision to become a nurse educator stemmed from a deep-seated passion for advancing the nursing profession through education, research, and advocacy. With a diverse background in teaching across various academic levels, I've remained committed to nurturing leadership and clinical excellence among nursing students, drawing from my clinical experiences to emphasize the transformative impact of compassionate nursing care.

My involvement in research, particularly in gerontology, diabetes management, and healthcare disparities, has underscored the importance of equipping future nurses with the necessary skills to address complex health challenges effectively. As an educator, my goal is to empower students to critically evaluate evidence, embrace lifelong learning, and advocate for equitable and patient-centered care. Through cultivating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, I endeavor to inspire the next generation of nurses to become leaders, innovators, and catalysts for positive change in healthcare. 

How do you incorporate real-world experiences into your teaching? 

Incorporating real-world experiences into my teaching lies at the core of my pedagogical philosophy. Leveraging my extensive background in clinical practice, research, and leadership roles, I seamlessly weave authentic case studies, clinical scenarios, and anecdotes from my professional journey into the classroom environment. This approach serves to contextualize theoretical concepts, bridging the divide between academic knowledge and practical application. By grounding course material in real-life situations, I strive to deepen students' comprehension and retention, fostering a more robust understanding of the subject matter.

I actively seek to enrich the learning experience by inviting guest speakers from diverse healthcare backgrounds to share their perspectives with students. These frontline practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders offer invaluable insights, broadening students' horizons and enhancing their understanding of healthcare complexities. Additionally, I advocate for experiential learning opportunities, such as clinical rotations, community projects, and research endeavors, where students can apply their skills in authentic settings under supervision. Through these immersive experiences, I aim to nurture critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and professional competence, empowering students to excel as empathetic and adept healthcare professionals poised to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Can you share a memorable teaching moment that significantly impacted your students?

One memorable teaching moment that significantly impacted my students occurred during two study abroad experiences in Costa Rica and Ecuador, where I led prelicensure nursing students in providing care for underserved older adults.

In both Costa Rica and Ecuador, students were immersed in unfamiliar healthcare settings, challenged to adapt to different cultural norms and healthcare practices. These experiences provided a unique opportunity for students to broaden their perspectives, develop cultural humility, and enhance their clinical skills in caring for diverse populations.

What made these experiences particularly impactful was witnessing the transformation of my students as they navigated unfamiliar environments and engaged with patients from underserved communities. Despite facing language barriers and resource limitations, students demonstrated remarkable resilience, compassion, and adaptability in delivering patient-centered care.

These study abroad experiences underscored the importance of experiential learning in nursing education and reinforced my belief in the value of global health experiences in cultivating compassionate, culturally competent nurses. They served as powerful reminders of the profound impact that cross-cultural exchange and service-learning can have on shaping the attitudes, values, and professional identities of future healthcare leaders.

In your opinion, what qualities make a successful nurse, and how do you instill these qualities in your students?

In my view, the qualities that define a successful nurse extend beyond technical proficiency to encompass a profound commitment to empathy, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and resilience. Empathy forms the bedrock of nursing practice, enabling caregivers to establish meaningful connections with patients, empathize with their experiences, and provide compassionate care tailored to individual needs. By integrating experiential learning opportunities into the curriculum, such as role-playing exercises and simulation scenarios, I strive to instill empathy in students, fostering a deep understanding of patients' perspectives and cultivating a genuine desire to alleviate suffering.

Moreover, effective communication lies at the heart of nursing, facilitating the exchange of information, fostering therapeutic relationships, and promoting collaboration within interdisciplinary teams. Through interactive lectures, group discussions, and reflective assignments, I emphasize the importance of clear and respectful communication in all aspects of nursing practice. By honing their communication skills, students learn to convey information effectively, advocate for their patients, and navigate challenging conversations with sensitivity and empathy, laying the groundwork for compassionate and patient-centered care.

What makes you the most excited about UNI’s new Nursing program?

As UNI launches its new prelicensure BSN program, several aspects excite me profoundly. Firstly, the opportunity to shape the next generation of nurses from the ground up is incredibly rewarding. Being involved in the development of a program allows for the integration of innovative teaching methods, cutting-edge curriculum design, and a focus on preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of healthcare. This fresh start enables us to implement the latest evidence-based practices, incorporate emerging technologies, and cultivate a learning environment that fosters critical thinking, clinical judgment, and professional growth.

Additionally, the prospect of contributing to the establishment of a nursing program deeply rooted in UNI's values of excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement is exhilarating. By collaborating with colleagues, community partners, and stakeholders, we can design a program that not only meets accreditation standards but also reflects the unique needs of the local and global healthcare landscape. Furthermore, the opportunity to recruit and mentor a diverse cohort of students who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others fills me with enthusiasm. Together, we can build a nursing program that not only equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to excel in their careers but also empowers them to be compassionate advocates for health equity and social justice.

Anything else you'd like to share?

During the summer months, I actively participate in duathlons and mud races. Beyond that, I find great pleasure in hiking and exploring destinations worldwide.