The Rush Women Mentoring Program fosters professional development and a sense of community and collaboration among women faculty at Rush University. In this series, we highlight program mentors and mentees and learn more about how mentoring has impacted them.
Amber Kujath, PhD, RN, ONC, associate professor in the Department of Adult Health and Gerontological Nursing, College of Nursing, joined Rush University in 2012.
I have been a nurse since 1997 and have worked in mostly adult medical surgical and intensive care units. My most recent clinical experience (and where I maintain my certification) is in orthopedics. I have been an assistant professor in the College of Nursing since 2012 and teach in both the DNP and the MSN programs. I have served as a director on the Orthopaedic Certification Board since 2011 and have been an active member of my local chapter and at the national level with the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses. I also serve locally on the camp committee for the American Diabetes Association and have been volunteering as medical staff for the week-long residential camp for children ages 9 to 13 with Type 1 diabetes since 2006. My research interests include both diabetes and bone.
I knew I wanted to be a nurse when I was in high school and had several experiences in hospitals with ill family members. I knew nurses had to have both a scientific background and a caring touch. The unique combination of knowledge and skills drew me to this very personal career.
I have maintained my speciality in orthopedics for many years. The reputation of the ortho nursing unit and physicians was very exciting as I interviewed at the College of Nursing.
I feel that being mentored (and/or sponsored) is really about finding someone to help you network and to be your advocate.
The journey is long and winding. Teaching takes a lot of patience, and research is difficult. The balancing act is difficult but worth it!
At the moment, my free time belongs to my amazing family. I have a very supportive husband and three children.
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