Beginning with my Diploma in Nursing, the role of the nurse being the patient advocate was instilled in my professional identity. Since then I've gained considerable knowledge and experience about advocacy by working in both healthcare and higher education. Yet, it was while pursuing my PhD at Fielding Graduate University in Human & Organization Systems when I practiced and refined my skills in shared advocacy. My experience as a patient helped solidify the need to have a partner in advocacy. The role needs to be negotiated between myself (as a seasoned health care provider and fellow patient) along with the patient seeking healthcare along with their support group. My 34 years experience as an adult educator provides me with a foundation to educate adult patients with skills needed for self-advocacy. And also to recognize when outside assistance is needed, that of a patient advocate. Together we'll establish health goals and a plan to reach these goals within an acceptable time frame. With authorization from the patient, I'll proceed with implementing the agreed upon plan of care. Transitioning self-advocacy back to the patient will occur at the earliest time possible. Advocacy skills will be taught to the support group of the patient as desired.

Utilizes the nursing process to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care. Assesses signs and symptoms indicating physiological changes in the patient’s condition. Uses clinical judgment in evaluation activities to meet patient care needs. -Documents the patient’s plan of care using identified nursing diagnoses, expected patient outcomes, and selected nursing interventions.-Performs medical interventions according to plans of care and physician’s orders. Administers medications and uses equipment to assist patients. Demonstrates safety and infection control measures per policies and procedures and documents nursing interventions via the Electronic Medical Record. Educates patients and families on at-home care.

Designed and delivered interactive learning to freshman and sophomore high school students in the Career and Technical Education Program to promote career readiness and academic advancement. Facilitated the transfer of knowledge and skills in a productive learning environment. Mentored students individually and as a class to gain skills in health science and implemented a variety of methods to assist students in meeting their goals.

Formed an organization called the Society of Certified Adjunct Faculty Educators (SoCAFE) with the mission of equipping college adjunct educators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively facilitate college courses. Founded upon learner-centered principles, designed a rigorous certification system, including a process, program, learning materials and assessment instruments for Adjunct Professors to develop mastery of university-level teaching competencies.

Using the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) standards, created and revised items for NCLEX-RN® test preparation. -Designed and developed 400 practice test questions for readiness for individuals taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) nursing exam. -Categorized questions and detailed rationales based on writing guidelines and current test blueprints for the national licensure examination. Provided face validity for another 400 questions and ensured content accuracy and clarity.

Educator, Various Universities Designed, developed, and implemented curriculum and educational programs for adult college students. Facilitated the delivery of content to students so that learning occurred, skills were developed, and students were motivated to learn and achieve their educational objectives. Worked creatively to encourage student participation and achievement. Taught the scope of class materials in the syllabus and related the instruction to student career objectives to maximize learning. Prepared and graded examinations based upon course objectives, implemented assessments and evaluations to assess outcomes, and achieved successful results while maintaining college standards of student satisfaction. Also served as the Assistant Director of Instructional Quality Assurance responsible for designing a method for assessing quality measurements of online course delivery which resulted in marked performance improvements.

Beginning a career in healthcare as a RN, was continually recognized for performance by a series of promotions and advancements to become a Director of Nursing. Using the clinical competencies gained, expanded expertise to become Vice President of an inpatient physical rehabilitation program evaluation consulting firm that tracked and reported on the performance and regulatory compliance of healthcare facilities. Provided primary accountability for assuring the integrity of a national assessment tool used by inpatient rehabilitation providers.