I began my nursing career as an ADN graduate from Tallahassee Community College. In 2007 I graduated from the University of South Florida with a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) because I wanted to complete my terminal degree in our shared field.  I was a member of the first cohort for this degree.  In addition to courses in the "3 P's" I enjoyed epidemiology, biostatistics, informatics, evidence-based practice, public policy, and ethics.  I also completed a cognate of doctoral courses in education and curriculum.    My work experience includes a prior decade of teaching in the SPJC ADN program, a 25 year career in medical-legal consulting, and most recently Director of Education, Clinical Practice and Research at a 319 bed hospital. I have a special interest in error reduction, enhancing patient safety, and innovative teaching methods - such as incorporating the use of human patient simulators.  My doctoral project included drawing upon the evidence base in these three areas, in order to design simulation scenarios that could assist new graduates with initiating and managing communication with physicians to report significant patient changes.  I'm certain you all remember your first telephone call to a physician in the middle of the night - my goal was to make this event less frightening for new nurses!

My son completes his law degree at FSU this year. I live in south St. Petersburg and enjoy all the benefits of this wonderful waterfront area including scuba, kayaking, and beach-combing.  We are avid snow skiers, music-fest attendees, 'Nole  & Rays die-hard fans, and St. Pete High School IB/football supporters.