Assistant Professor
Department of Women, Children, and Family Nursing, College of Nursing
Role: Faculty, Associate Chairperson
Joined Rush in January 2009
I am an assistant professor and associate chairperson of the Department of Women Children Family Nursing in the Rush College of Nursing. I received my PhD in Nursing Science from Rush University, a Master’s of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Kansas, a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from South Dakota State University and a diploma in Nursing from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Iowa. I have over 30 years of clinical, pediatric experience, including General Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU), Adult Intensive Care (ICU), Ambulatory Care and Pediatric/Neonatal Transport. I have also served in roles as staff, management, consultant and, most recently, as a clinical nurse specialist.
I have also served as the national President of the Society of Pediatric Nursing (SPN), and Co-Chair of the 2008 ANA Pediatric Nursing Scope and Standards of Pediatric Nursing Practice writing group. My research is focused on pediatric and neonatal wound, ostomy and continence issues, with my most recent work focusing on the needs of adolescents and how they process the experience of having an ostomy. I have both published and lectured on these topics and a variety of other pediatric topics.
In high school, I wanted to become a veterinarian (I grew up on a farm, worked with the local veterinarian and provided care for all of the animals.), but I was denied admission to the university of my choice because, at that time, the university did not accept women. Because of my love for music, I was offered a full-ride scholarship to a local university to pursue voice training; however, I was torn because I loved working with people and animals. It was then that a close family friend suggested nursing. The rest is history!
I came to Rush because of the College of Nursing’s reputation and the potential for pursuing nursing research.
I think of a mentor as a wise and trusted counselor who can provide guidance and counseling in one’s field. I think of a sponsor as a person who is committed to supporting an individual as they further their career. Such a person vouches for you by putting you forward for an opportunity.
Talk to nurses in the field, volunteer at a local hospital or shadow a nurse.
I enjoy attending sporting events, sewing and singing.