Teaching Philosophy

Knowledge is the curiosity to find the connections between truth, belief, and validation. Knowledge is achieved through theories of life and understanding of basic philosophical issues.

Nursing is defined by the American Nurses Association as the “protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations”.

The nurse educator purpose is to facilitate learning to aspiring nursing students. We are responsible for creating an environment in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical setting that facilitates student learning and the achievement of desired cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes. Nurse educators also need to recognize their responsibility for helping students develop as nurses and integrate the values and behaviors expected of those who fulfill that role. Educators need to implement evidence-based assessments and evaluation strategies that are appropriate to the learner and to learning goals. We, as educators, need to function as change agents and leaders to create a preferred future for nursing education and nursing practice.

Education is an ongoing process that does not stop with the completion of a degree. I believe that as an educator I must be a role model to my students by recognizing that my role is multidimensional and an ongoing commitment to develop and maintain competence. Scholarship is an integral component of the faculty role, and that teaching itself is a scholarly activity. An educator demonstrates skill in proposal writing for initiatives in research, resource acquisition, program development, and policy development. Nurse educators are knowledgeable about the educational environment within which they practice and recognize how political, institutional, social and economic forces impact their role.

When teaching a diverse group of students it is important to acknowledge that many students learn differently. There are several learning styles that exists and educators need to cater to needs of the learner. I prefer to teach students using a hybrid of technology lead presentations with discussion following the lecture. Being in a face-to-face classroom setting is preferable because it allows for clarification of material in numerous ways than written material being presented in an online setting due to diverse language comprehension that can differentiate between generational levels and cultures.

Educational Background

Associates Degree in Nursting from St. Petersburg College in May 2011
Bachelors of Science in Nursing from South University in November 2013
Masters of Science in Nursing specializing in Nursing Education from South University in May 2015

Certifications

Progressive Care Certified Nurse- Adult Care
American Heart Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Provider

Work Experience

I have been active in the health care system for nearly a decade, primarily in the acute care setting. I have spent 8 years in the Stroke/Neuro Unit at Mease Countryside Hospital. I have about 2 years experience in the Progressive Care setting. My passion is the cardiovascular system; I absolutely love how the heart functions! As a nurse, my clinical experience varies from post-surgical GI/GU, telemetry, and medical-surgical acute care areas. Prior to being a nurse I started out as a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked in various rehabilitation centers and skilled nursing facilities in the Tampa Bay Area.

Professional Organization Affiliation

American Association for Critical-Care Nurses since Janurary 2013
Pinellas Area Nurse Educators since August 2015