Consults with hospitals through a four-phase process to help them become more efficient & effective using the Magnet Standards – which are the American Nurses Association’s standards of excellence for nursing.
Why did you choose CSM?
Because my resources were limited, I wasn’t able to do a bachelor’s program at that time…so it was a real plus for me to be able to go to College of Saint Mary for two years, get my degree and then practice as a nurse and have that source of income…which was really good for me because I was the third oldest of 12 children and my parents didn’t have a lot of resources to send me to college…I was basically footing the bill for myself.
How did your education at CSM prepare you for the future?
It started my nursing career…it was a challenging program to finish in two years. It taught me that I really need to study hard and focus. It also taught me that I could be a leader – I was on the student council, so my leadership skills were first honed there. I also had the opportunity to be one of the first to do a lot of things because I would always volunteer when they were looking for someone to try something new in the program.
Any ‘words of wisdom’ for someone interested in a career in nursing or health care?
Certainly, I’m an advocate for nurses getting advanced/professional degrees…Nursing is a fabulous career and I encourage everyone to find their passion and keep trying things until you find what suits you - don’t let anyone talk you out of it. I also advise people to find their voice and don’t be afraid to use it – it’s often one small voice that starts the discussion that leads to change.
