SCHOLAR DIRECTORY

My current program at USD is preparing me for a Doctorate of Nursing Practice- Nurse Practioner. Clinical practice interest include adult gerontology, cardiology, and diabetes. I have worked as a bachelor prepared Registered Nurse for 3 years. Throughout my time working at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) on a medical-surgical unit, I have grown, and taken initiative in the scope of my nursing practice. Learning how to strategize and improve the functioning of the health care delivery system influenced my decision to further my education to a terminal Doctoral degree. I will learn how to assess health care initiatives using advanced practice skills including implementation analysis, and development of policies and procedures to encourage and ensure future health care resources. In my current workplace at VAMC, I function as charge nurse on off tours. I also participate regularly in quality improvement activities that result in improved outcomes. I participate in quality improvement activities by performing peer reviews and am an active member on the hospital wide restraint committee. I function as restraint audit nurse on my home base unit. The peer reviews I participate in help maintain standards of quality, improve quality outcome measures, and provide credibility. Annually, I spend time serving on international medical mission trips. My passion is servant leadership. This year I was the recipient of the 2014 Penny Schoenmehl award. This is an award for caring, given to outstanding RN’s who demonstrate exceptional levels of care, compassion and leadership within the VA medical center.