I graduated from the BSN program at The Ohio State University in 1996 and began working at OSU Wexner Medical Center. I worked as a staff nurse on the trauma unit for six years. During that time, I served as one of the primary charge nurses and precepted numerous new nurses. Precepting was my initial experience with clinical teaching. It was very rewarding to be part of shepherding a new nurse from their initial days of novice practice to that of a confident, competent practitioner. In 2001, I became the Assistant Nurse Manager of the trauma unit. In that role, I was the coordinator of the orientation process for new nurses and was able to view it from a larger vantage point than precepting a single nurse. In 2003, I became the Nurse Manager of the burn unit at OSUMC. I was a nurse manager for 12 years on various units. An aspect of the job that I found very rewarding was the opportunity to coach staff and support them with their own professional development. IN 2015, I moved into my current position as the Director of Nursing Professional Practice and Regulatory Affairs. In this role, I coordinate the health system’s Magnet activities, shared governance and staff engagement. I also have numerous opportunities to teach in leadership development classes, professional development activities and the nurse residency program. I had my first experience with formal teaching in 2017 when I taught Nursing 8402 Leadership for the Doctorally Prepared Nurse at OSU. This is my second year teaching that class. I have enjoyed this opportunity to interact with students and have learned from them just as they have learned from me. I am excited about participating in the Nursing Educator Certificate program as I want to be as effective as possible in this new role so that I can provide the best possible learning experience for my students.
On a personal note, I have two nieces that I am very close to, 13 and 15. I am very involved in my church and serve as chair of the Children’s Ministry team. Below is a picture of me with Brutus Buckeye at a wagon building event at Mid Ohio Foodbank.
