Faculty and Staff Directory

2014 - 2017: Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing Science, Idaho State University: Pocatello, Idaho

2013 - 2014: Course work towards Masters of Science in Nursing Educational, Idaho State University: Pocatello, Idaho

2007- current: Advanced Registered Nursing Certification (RNC) in high risk neonatal care nursing

1997 - 2001: Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, Brigham Young University: Provo, Utah

2001:  Registered Nursing (RN) license awarded

My studies include qualitative and quantitative research, principles and applications of scholarly writing, evidence based researching and evaluation of research literature, and four semesters of research seminars learning techniques and strategies for conducting research and writing scientific papers.  Health policy classes have increased my knowledge of global and national perspectives and priorities of health policies and research in all areas of nursing.  Rural nursing classes expanded my understanding of the challenges unique to rural populations, specifically in the area of nursing education.  Three nursing theory classes have provided a grounded ability to apply a theoretical framework to research studies. Nursing education classes included evaluation and testing strategies, learner centered teaching, and courses aimed at rethinking current nursing education strategies.  I increased my global perspective while studying abroad for my undergraduate nursing school training in Tucumán, Argentina, where I worked and learned in a large maternity hospital for a semester.  My research expertise areas include nursing education, rural nursing students, and associate degree registered nursing preparation. 

I have knowledge and expertise in nursing practice acquired over 19 years of bedside nursing in Pediatric ICU and Newborn ICU.  I grew up in a rural farming community in Idaho, working with my father, a plant pathologist research scientist.  The experiences I had working with him fostered in me, from a young age, a love of the scientific process as well an inquisitive mind that craves evidenced based solutions to problems.  I have lived and worked in Idaho for the majority of my life and nursing career and am currently raising my family in Kimberly, Idaho which is near Twin Falls.  I am the mother of three beautiful babies: one angel and two devils and I am married to a tall, handsome airplane mechanic who manages a large trucking company in North Dakota. In my time away from work and school I love to do yoga, run, golf, long board, ride my dirt bike, ski, and hang out at my parent’s ranch near Featherville, ID.  My other loves include Diet Coke, crème brulee, and McDonald’s chicken nuggets and I wind down at night with HGTV and Pinterest.           

• NURR 215 Maternal Pediatric Nursing