In what ways do you connect with online students?
I love teaching online, and find with today's technologies I can stay connected with students in a variety of ways. I use the Northwest Missouri State University's email and Canvas LMS most often. We also use the Remind App and conventional phone/text to communicate with our students.
What do you want your students to take away from class?
My goal is for students to enhance their nursing knowledge and practice by learning professional nursing concepts presented through baccalaureate and graduate-level learning.
Why did you start teaching?
I love teaching and learning! Teaching is the favorite part of my nursing career. I enjoy working with students, and sharing knowledge through the educational journey. Being able to present nursing concepts in a relevant, understandable format is so important. I strive to provide knowledge in a way that my students can use it.
What advice would you give to your online students?
As a nurse who has worked and had a family while going to school through multiple degrees, my best advice would be to stay organized and self-motivated. Organization will help you stay on task while offering balance between the demands of your life. Being self-motivated is needed in an online program because you have to pace yourself and meet deadlines. Some students may find this harder to do when they are not in the traditional classroom setting. We are here for you and certainly encourage you along the way, but ultimately you have to motivate yourself for success.
What is the value of a BSN for a working nurse?
Nurses holding a two-year degree come into our program with great practice knowledge. The BSN affords nurses increased education in leadership and professional nursing concepts. With the BSN nurses are better equipped to work in our complex healthcare environment. The BSN allows access to promotion and leadership positions, and enhances their professional nursing practice.
Links to share?
Here is the link to "Mental Health Simulation: Effects on Students' Anxiety and Examination Scores": https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876139919300222
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
"David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens
What do you do when you need a laugh?
Watch funny movies and hang out with my daughters and husband.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know about you.
I was born and raised in Louisiana and love Cajun food. You may hear my Southern accent on video lectures, and it gets stronger when I visit my family.
