Be the change that you want to see in the world. —Mahatma Gandhi
I believe that my purpose is to help others transition through change. I have always said, “the only thing constant in the OR (operating room) is change.” It was that comfort with “change” that brought me to education. I have been a Registered Nurse since 1996, and have spent the majority of my career as an OR nurse, with specialties of vascular and general surgery. Surgery patients are usually scared, and I can offer my knowledge to give comfort and support as they experience a life-altering event. I felt that I could apply this same principle to teaching, and I have found great satisfaction in supporting students and their aspirations. I have been teaching at Mercyhurst since 2012, and I have truly enjoyed every minute of it.
My many years in acute healthcare has given me a wide perspective of the needs of our community. Health policies and health disparities are of particular interest to me, as is our impact on our environment. I feel that it is vital for our future health professionals to understand the needs of our people—our families, friends, and neighbors—and make a positive impact on our world. Teaching in public health gives me a great opportunity to work with these future health professionals and trigger their positive impact.
Education:
Diploma, Saint Vincent School of Nursing
B.S.N., The Pennsylvania State University
M.S.N., Clarion and Edinboro Universities
Ph.D. in progress, Nova Southeastern University
Research and Interests:
Online nursing education and instructional design
Innovative teaching methods
Motivation theories
Intraoperative nursing care
