Associate Professor, RN-BSN Program & MCCN Alumna
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I have been a nurse for 28 years, and I can truly say I have never once regretted choosing this profession. Inspired by my mother, I became the first in my family to earn a college degree—a milestone that shaped both my career and my commitment to education. After several years of bedside nursing, I discovered that my true passion lies in teaching. For the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of serving as a professor, continually inspired by the dedication of my students and the collaboration of my remarkable colleagues.
What do you love about teaching?
I am deeply passionate about supporting students in achieving their professional goals while also advancing the quality and safety of patient care. One of the courses I teach, Healthcare Quality Improvement, allows students to identify a quality or safety concern within their clinical setting and develop a comprehensive quality improvement plan throughout the course. It has been incredibly rewarding to hear from students who have shared that their projects were not only implemented but also led to meaningful improvements in their practice environments.
What is the best thing about Mount Carmel College of Nursing?
The MCCN RN-BSN program is designed with flexibility in mind, recognizing that many of our students are practicing nurses balancing full-time careers and family responsibilities. When unexpected challenges arise, we work closely with students to adjust deadlines and provide the support they need to stay on track and succeed.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The most meaningful advice I have ever received is to put God first, family, friends, and community second, and myself last. This perspective has been reinforced through my experiences on mission trips to remote, impoverished villages in the Dominican Republic. Despite having so little, the people I met radiated joy and gratitude. When I asked them why, they explained that this way of living—faith first, others second, self last—was the source of their happiness.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in nursing?
The nursing profession needs compassionate, dedicated individuals like you! As you begin this journey, be patient with yourself and with others—you will be challenged, and you will make mistakes, but each one is an opportunity to grow. Commit to being a lifelong learner, because nursing is an ever-evolving field that requires curiosity and adaptability. Remember that nursing is as much about listening and empathy as it is about clinical skills. Treat every patient with dignity, advocate fiercely for those in your care, and never underestimate the impact of kindness. Lean on your colleagues, value teamwork, and don’t be afraid to ask questions—no one succeeds in nursing alone. Most importantly, take care of yourself along the way. A well-balanced, healthy nurse can give the very best to their patients. Nursing is not just a career; it is a calling that will challenge, inspire, and reward you in ways you cannot imagine.