SCHOLAR DIRECTORY

My nursing career began in 1986 as I pursued an LPN degree. I graduated in 1988 and briefly worked as a charge nurse in a nursing home. I knew there was more for me and desired to continue my education. I moved to Oklahoma and returned to school. I completed my BSN in 1991 and began working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I had incredible medical and nursing mentors and soon learned that neonatal nursing was my passion. In 1995 I joined the USAF. My 19 year career has all been spent in the neonatal specialty between three military treatment facilities: Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX-7 ½ years, US Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan-10 ½ years, and Langley AF Hospital, Langley, VA since July 2103. During my AD career, I served as an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) specialist and nurse coordinator for the only DoD program. I served as transport coordinator, grief counselor, out reach educator, preceptor and charge nurse. I taught a myriad of neonatal courses, contributed to orientation programs and spoke at local and national neonatal conferences. I served as Nurse Manager, Department Head and Clinical Nurse Expert. My MSN, NNP and now my DNP studies are as a civilian student as I continue my active duty responsibilities. I am eligible and plan to retire November 2016. I am a single mother of three boys: Martel 29 years old, Tavarus, 28 years old and Dennis 13 years old. I have a 4 year old grandson, Hudson.