While I have sincerely enjoyed the invaluable experience I have gained as a floor nurse and adjunct instructor, I am eager to start a career as a Nursing Professional Development Specialist. I am highly motivated by opportunities to teach and learn and, given my extensive teaching experience, I am prepared to take on this role. I am a passionate educator and am driven to meet the educational needs of nurses at Lee Memorial, the hospital that I feel so deeply connected to.
I am proud to have started my nursing career on 5N and feel I have gained a wide range of nursing skills and nursing knowledge from taking care of a variety of different patients and diagnoses. I served as the go-to trainer for new nurses and found my calling as a nurse educator through this experience. I also served as a charge nurse which contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient experience and the inner workings of daily operations of the floor.
As an instructor at Rasmussen University, I have had the opportunity to teach simulation lab. I have set up and managed simulation experiences from start to finish and over the years I have developed skills in effective pre and post experience briefing. I have also been a clinical instructor at several facilities including Skilled Nursing Facilities, a long term acute care facility and also at Lee Memorial Hospital. I have overseen the safe and evidence-based delivery of care of students while providing supportive feedback and coaching.
Working on a Progressive Care Observation Unit has broadened my knowledge of different diagnoses and disease states. I have especially gained valuable experience in working with cardiac patients. The workflow is fast-paced and I have learned valuable time management skills. I have also gained critical thinking skills and how to anticipate the development of problems before they become more acute. I have also served as charge nurse and have gained a more comprehensive understanding of Emergency department and observation unit workflow.
Teaching Health Assessment lab has allowed me to hone in on physical assessment skills and learn effective ways to teach the various components of an assessment.
As a teacher, I learned critical components of a lesson and how to present information effectively. I learned the importance of student assessment and how to create remediation plans for students needing additional help. I have learned how to engage and motivate students and how to be flexible and think on my feet. I know the importance of conveying a love of life-long learning and passion for the material. All of these skills have given me a strong basis of knowledge as an educator.