<p>strong>Professional Background<strong> <p> < <p> <ul>li>Critical care educator staff development<li> <li>Leader on nursing and interprofessional committees and projects<li> <li>Mentor for novice and experienced nurses with special attention to new graduates<li> <li>Champion for evidence-based practice<li> <ul>p> <p> < <p> < <p>strong>Educational Background<strong> <p> < <p> <ul>li>Diploma from Lutheran Medical Center School of Nursing in Cleveland, Ohio<li> <li>BSN from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona<li> <li>MSN in Nursing Education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona<li> <li>DNP in Leadershifrom Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania<li> <ul>p> <p> < <p>strong>Personal Insight<strong> <p> < <p>I became a nurse because I enjoy helping people regain and maintain their health and wellness. I started out in coronary care and moved to medical-surgical intensive care. In these areas I interacted with patients and families at their most vulnerable times. I felt honored to be part of their recover and, for those unable to heal, humbled during their transition from this life. I look at education as a sharing of one’s knowledge, and this can be a two-way street with my fellow nurses. <p> < <p>“Rejoice in your work; never lose sight of the nursing leader you are now and the nursing leader you will become.” Sue Fitzsimons, PhD, RN, senior vice-president of patient services and CNO at Yale-NewHaven<