Dr. Joan Parker Frizzell
Associate Professor
"The BSN enables to nurses to develop a broader perspective of patient care. It encourages nurses to examine research and evidenced-based practice on a higher level."
Degrees Held:
- PhD – University of Pennsylvania, 1997
- MSN – University of Pennsylvania, 1983
- BSN – Temple University, 1978
- BA in Biology – Eastern Baptist College, 1969
Career Highlights:
- Extensive Experience a Clinical Nurse Specialist/Manager in Critical Care Units
- Extensive Experience as a Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner
- Kappa Delta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau Recognition for Outstanding Educator and Mentor
- Inducted into the Court of Honor of the Philadelphia High School for Girls as an Outstanding Nursing Leader
- Capriotti, T., & Frizzell, J.P. (2016). Human Pathophysiology: Introductory Concepts and Clinical Perspectives. Philadelphia, PA F. A. Davis.
- Multiple presentations on Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics for at both Regional and National Conferences
Which online degree program(s) do you teach?
Which classes do you teach online?
Nursing 318 Issues in Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
Why did you start teaching?
I have always enjoyed studying the sciences. Through working with fellow nurses, I learned that I was able to explain information in both pathophysiology and pharmacology in a way that was clinically applicable. I initially was teaching in hospital based continuing education courses. However, I was invited to teach portions of graduate level courses, which ultimately lead to my current position at La Salle University.
What advice would you give to those considering the online RN to BSN program?
Students need to take their coursework seriously and set aside sufficient time for coursework. Although students can bring a lot of good personal clinical experience to the courses, they need to remember that this work is in greater depth than prior coursework. It will take time to do the work, but it is worth it. Their clinical practice will have a different dimension, but they will know they can make a difference in patient care.
Why are you interested in nursing? What drew you to this field?
Nursing is both an art and a science. It is both a profession and a vocation. It is unique since the essence of nursing can be viewed as the special use of self. By assessing patient needs, nursing care can be delivered to each person based on their particular needs.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in nursing?
An important aspect of the LaSallian approach to education is for faculty to reach out and touch the student where they are to enhance their learning. Therefore, I ask my students to reach and touch their patients to enable health promotion and disease prevention.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that nurses face today?
I feel that many nurses feel overwhelmed by taking care of patients with complex needs. Therefore, it is important for them to have a good knowledge base to support that level of care.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
Colgan, R (2013) Advice to the Healer: On the Art of Caring. Springer Publishing Company
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students may not know.
I enjoy music, playing the piano and knitting. I have four grandchildren and a KittyKat who makes me laugh.