SCHOLAR DIRECTORY

While completing my undergraduate degree in Nursing from the University of South Florida, I discovered that serving our nation’s veterans would become one of my life’s missions and purposes. I started my career in Veterans Healthcare 14 years ago and am grateful to continue that service to veterans today. I was selected in 2011 as one of four Veterans Health Administration (VHA) nurses nationwide to receive a full sponsorship to attend Northeastern University in the United States Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing. I was also honored to receive the Dr. Maureen Reilly Association of VA Nurse Anesthetists Scholarship Award for two consecutive years. In this special program, I was privileged to receive my clinical training at both Army and VHA facilities. This preparation has provided an understanding of the unique needs of veterans and has assisted me in providing the best care possible to our nations finest heroes. Following completion of my graduate degree in anesthesia nursing, I have continued my career as a CRNA in central Texas at the Olin E. Teague Veterans Medical Center. I am excited to begin the University of Alabama’s Doctorate in Nursing Practice program Fall of 2018. My scholarly practice improvement project will be focused on the geriatric veteran patient population and how we can better meet their specific needs. My goal is to facilitate the advancement of VHA nursing care, honoring the men and women who are America’s Veterans.