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.
