Dr. Meryle Gurmankin
Assistant Professor
"I started teaching as a way to share my love for my profession. I love seeing the light bulb go on as students discover new ways to care for clients and themselves."
Degrees Held:
- PhD in Holistic Nutrition – Clayton College of Natural Health, 2009
- MSN in Adult Health – La Salle University
- BSN – La Salle University
- RN Diploma – Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia
- Advanced Holistic Nurse Certification – AHNCC, 2009
- Certified School Nurse – La Salle University, 1998
Career Highlights:
- Worked in various areas such as maternity, pediatrics, med-surg, ER and critical care
- Teaching experience in various nursing programs: LPN, RN , BSN and MSN
- Certified Holistic Nurse, Healing Touch and Therapeutic Touch
- Certified stress management instructor
- Gurmankin, M. (2005). Teaching new nurses: Looking back, looking forward. The Pennsylvania Nurse, 60:5 p.15.
- Gurmankin, M. (2006). School Nursing: Advancing the well-being and academic success of children. The Pennsylvania Nurse, 61:1 p 13.
- Gurmankin, M. (2006). Conflicts in school nursing practice. The Pennsylvania Nurse, 61:3 p 17.
- Gurmankin, M. (2008). Meditation as a tool for helping the elderly decrease stress. PADONA Journal, 21: 3 p 10.
Research:
"The Lived Experience of Being the Parent or Caregiver of an Overweight Child. A Phenomenological Study"
Which online degree program(s) do you teach?
Which classes do you teach in the online RN to BSN program?
HSC 493: Holistic Health Approaches
What do you want students to take away from your classes?
Hopefully, students will develop a greater understanding of the various complementary modalities that are available for their clients to work within the current health care system. Recognizing the impact of stress on health will enable nurses to assist clients toward health and wellness.
An important area to address is the needs of nurses in self-care and health. Hopefully, students will identify some self-care modalities to help prevent burnout resulting in better care for their clients. Students will also have fun exploring the various holistic modalities presented in this course.
What is the value of a BSN?
A BSN enables nurses to provide more for their clients and for the nursing profession. It helps you grow as a professional and opens many doors for you in your career path.
Why did you start teaching?
I started teaching as a way to share my love for my profession. I love seeing the light bulb go on as students discover new ways to care for clients and themselves. I hope to share my love of holistic nursing and to help nurses discover the important contribution they make to health care.
What advice would you give to those considering the online RN to BSN program?
My advice to RN to BSN students is to be persistent. Take it slow and steady, and it will pay off. I returned to school while working full time and caring for a family; so I did it slow and steady. The things you will learn will expand your knowledge and your heart.
Why are you interested in nursing? What drew you to this field?
Nursing was always my passion from when I was a young girl. I love helping people incorporate wellness into their lifestyle.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in nursing?
Compassion, care, empathy and love.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that nurses face today?
I believe that technology has increased nurses’ responsibility for more education. I also feel that costs related to health care have put a strain on nursing. Client/nurse ratios need to be adjusted as well. Another challenge is the hours that nurses work leave very little time for self-care.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students may not know.
I love musical theater and have become someone who helps design and sew costumes for a children's theater program in the area.