Dr. Frances Kinder
Associate Professor
"To be successful in nursing you need empathy, compassion and caring attitudes. Nurses need to be quick thinkers and be able to work in stressful, demanding environments."
Degrees Held:
- PhD in Nursing – Widener University, 2012
- MSN, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Track – Gwynedd-Mercy College, 1997
- BSN – La Salle University, 1993
- ASN – Felician College, 1980
Career Highlights:
Employment
La Salle University: 2005-present, Associate Professor, Tenure track
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Tenure Track: 2012
Awards/Honors Bestowed
- Independence Blue Cross Faculty Doctoral Fellow-Fall 2007, Spring 2008, Fall 2008, Spring 2009
- Independence Blue Cross Nurse Scholars Program award–Spring 2008, Fall 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2011, Widener University
- Research Award- Sigma Theta Tau- Kappa Delta Chapter–Spring 2015
Professional Certifications:
National Board Certified Primary Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-National Association of Pediatric -1997-present
Which online degree program(s) do you teach?
Which classes do you teach online?
NUR 408- Nursing Research
Why did you start teaching?
I experienced many roles in my over 30 years of nursing. I was a manager, preceptor and transport nurse. I am presently a pediatric nurse practitioner along with a faculty member. During this part of my career, I want to leave a legacy with the nursing students and share my expertise and knowledge. I want to impress upon the students to be patient advocates. I also combine my practice with research and I love to share this knowledge in the courses I teach.
What advice would you give to those considering the online RN to BSN program?
I attended La Salle University for my RN to BSN. I believe the program is very flexible and was very high quality. Even though I didn't attend when the program was online, the program is conducive to the working nurse and the instructor is very accessible. The instructors will help you become successful in this program and you will receive an excellent education.
Why are you interested in nursing? What drew you to this field?
I always wanted to care for people in the hospital setting. My mother worked in the hospital and I volunteered as a candy striper when I was in high school. I loved the interaction with people and I had a sense of compassion for the sick.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in nursing?
To be successful in nursing you need empathy, compassion, and caring attitudes. Nurses need to be quick thinkers and be able to work in stressful, demanding environments.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that nurses face today?
The biggest challenge is that the patients are sicker that stay in the hospital. There are ever changing evidence based practice guidelines which nurses need to stay updated. Technology is always challenging as well. Insurance companies are also making hospital economics stressful.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
The Notebook.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students may not know.
I am a Nonna of 4 grandchildren, a Eucharist minister at my church and I have a very special Labrador, Sandy. I love to travel and learn about other cultures.