Where are you originally from?
I have lived in Omaha my entire life.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Methodist College; a Master’s degree in Nursing Education from Clarkson College; and a Post-Master’s certificate in Psychiatric Nursing from UNMC.
How long have you worked at Clarkson College?
Since December 2003. I started right before Christmas after leaving my first teaching job at Kaplan University.
What are your essential job functions?
I do all of the advising for the RN–BSN and RN–MSN programs and have taught at least one class or clinical in the PN, BSN and MSN programs. Currently, I teach nurse transition courses for the RN-BSN/MSN program and a graduate course in the Adult Nurse Practitioner track that has both a theory component and a clinical component in psychiatry.
For the first several years, I taught clinical and theory for mental health nursing in the BSN program. That will always be my favorite area to teach in. I have so many fond memories of all of the students I got to know during their clinical rotations, many of whom maintain contact with me today. Some of them are nurse practitioners now, and we have collaborated on cases at different times. It has been an honor to see them become successful professionals and leaders in the field.
I am Chair of the Student Support Team, which not only encompasses the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Committee but also Title IX education and the newly organized efforts to introduce resiliency and mental wellness education to students. We also serve as a resource to help faculty connect us with students who are suffering with mental illness or other psychosocial issues. I am blessed to have a strong, devoted committee and must credit them for doing a lot of the hard work to implement these ideas and programs. I also serve as a member of the Behavioral Intervention Team and have done so since its inception.
What have you enjoyed most about working at Clarkson College?
The family atmosphere. The College is a place of inclusion that emphasizes the importance of each person’s contribution to its overall success.
If you could switch your role at the College for one week, which department/position would you choose?
I would enjoy teaching undergraduate mental health nursing clinical again at the Open Door Mission. I enjoyed my time there helping the homeless men and women access resources that could begin or further their recovery from addiction and mental illness. I used to tell students that the homeless saw them as extremely knowledgeable, competent professionals and angels. This helped them to overcome their fears and begin interacting with the residents. Our post-clinical conferences were always so lively and passionate as they began to work with and help the men and women.
How do you enjoy spending your leisure time?
Camping with family at many of the local state parks, riding my motorcycle and attending the Sturgis rally.
What is something others may not know about you but you wouldn’t mind sharing?
My first major in college was Aviation, and I had plans to be an airline pilot. Around that time, the airlines began downsizing, and without military training I would have had to work as a flight instructor for years at a very low wage to be considered for employment. Between accruing a lot of student loan debt and the low wage as a flight instructor I would have had to most likely return home to live with parents upon graduation. I decided at that time to pursue nursing—something I had been interested in since meeting a resident years before at a Lutheran nursing home. I visited her weekly throughout college until Alzheimer’s took her away from us. She told the greatest stories and always looked forward to my visits, as she had no family left.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Probably a cliché answer but, quite honestly, I have it now. I teach at the College a few days each week and provide care and hope for patients at Lutheran Family Services the other couple of days. About 80 percent of the population I care for is uninsured and indigent. It is gratifying to provide care to persons who otherwise would not have access to care. Being able to provide care especially in psychiatry is a great honor and a privilege. I remind each person I meet how brave they are before they leave that first appointment. It makes my heart glad at the end of the day when I can reflect on those who have found hope and happiness. I celebrate recovery with each of my patients. When someone has been resistant to treatment or suffering for a long time and they get well, I wait for the streamers to fall from the ceiling in celebration. I often get a chuckle when I share the part about the streamers.
Teaching students and seeing that “ah-ha” moments occur is similar to the streamers dropping from the ceiling. I recently was able to combine both teaching and practice when a Clarkson College graduate student shadowed me at Lutheran Family Services this spring. She was a bright, conscientious, caring professional and even nominated me for the Apple Award. I and the patients I care for benefited from her knowledge and life experiences.
What would be your ideal vacation?
I would love to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Road to the Sun on the motorcycle.
What is something you cannot live without?
My family.
In what ways do you feel you support the College Mission?
I believe that my work here as an instructor and the time I have spent chairing and being a part of different prevention initiatives and improving resources available to students in crisis has been very beneficial to the students and communicates the Clarkson College Value of Caring.
