Experience

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  Corewell Health

  • West Michigan

  • Hospice and Palliative Nurse

    • Dec 2021 - Present
    • West Michigan

    Inpatient Hospice RN who communicates, educates, and advocates for patients and family members considering hospice care

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  Self-employed

  • Grand Rapids, Michigan

  • Independent Consultant

    • Jan 2016 - Present
    • Grand Rapids, Michigan

    Independent consultant focused on strengthening professional practice so that patients, family members, interdisciplinary colleagues, faculty members, students, and the community flourish. Recent projects include: 1) curating a library of 200+ electronic resources and creating associated learning activities to promote competency development for health care professionals in the roles of leader, decision-maker, scientist, communicator, and practitioner; 2) program and curriculum review and development for online and hybrid education programs; 3) design, development, and demonstration of a community initiative to educate, equip, and empower members of faith communities to offer support as people navigate health care decision-making during times of serious illness/injury and chronic conditions.

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  Grace Hospice

  • Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

  • Administrator

    • Feb 2020 - Nov 2021
    • Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

    Administrator for dynamic team of hospice professionals serving patients and family members in West Michigan

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  Spectrum Health

  • Grand Rapids, Michigan

  • Senior Nurse Researcher

    • Jun 2008 - Nov 2015
    • Grand Rapids, Michigan

    Developed and directed the nursing research program, which was recognized as outstanding by Magnet(R) (2014) and AAHRPP (2010) appraisers. Provided expert consultation to nurses and interdisciplinary colleagues engaging in research, improvement, and evidence-based practice projects. Mentored colleagues and students to develop knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate in inquiry activities. Conducted research as principal, co-investigator, or team mentor. Scientific reviewer for Human Research Protection Program. Training in Process Improvement. Member of Ethics Committee and Ethics Consult Team; chairperson of Ethics Education Committee. Nominated for Steketee Family Award for Nursing Leadership; received Synergy awards for publishing; received Practice Paper Award (2012) and Excellence in Research Award (2011). Author of 5 peer-reviewed journal articles; 64 peer-reviewed or invited presentations for national/international or regional audiences and 26 presentations for professional peers.

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  Calvin College

  • Grand Rapids, MI

  • Assistant Professor

    • Aug 2001 - Jul 2008
    • Grand Rapids, MI

    Designed or revised curriculum for theory, lab, practicum, and capstone courses. Faculty for adult medical/surgical theory, lab, and practicum; nursing leadership practicum; capstone course. Full-time professor duties included teaching, scholarship, advising, service, and clinical practice. Grant-funded for scholarly activity. Received scholarships for full-time doctoral study and completed PhD in Nursing in 2007. Authored doctoral dissertation, 12 peer-reviewed presentations for national/international or regional audiences, 13 invited presentations for professional peers, 7 invited community presentations.

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  Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW)

  • Fort Wayne, IN

  • Assistant Professor

    • Aug 1998 - Jul 2001
    • Fort Wayne, IN

    Faculty for Communication in the Healthcare Setting, Medical-Surgical Care of the Adult I (Theory & Practicum), Medical-Surgical Care of the Adult II (Theory & Practicum), Critical Care Nursing (Theory). Full-time professor duties included teaching, scholarship, advising, and service. IPFW representative to the 1999-2000 Academy for Instructional Excellence with recognition as a Master Teacher. Grant-funded for scholarly activity. Authored 4 peer-reviewed presentations for national/international or regional audiences and 1 invited presentation for professional peers.

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  Parkview Health

  • Fort Wayne, IN

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist

    • Aug 1995 - Aug 1999
    • Fort Wayne, IN

    Responsible for advanced clinical practice for neuroscience, surgical, and orthopedic patients including critical care, acute care, and rehabilitation services; staff, patient, and community education; consultation for staff, patients & families, departments and organization; research activities. Grant-funded for scholarly activity. Authored 5 peer-reviewed presentations for national/international or regional audiences and 1 invited presentation for professional peers.

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  Detroit Receiving Hospital and University Health Center

  • Detroit, MI

  • Nurse Manager

    • Aug 1990 - Jun 1995
    • Detroit, MI

    Managed critical care (6 bed), stepdown and rehabilitation (12 bed) units in a Level 1 Trauma hospital; direct responsibility for 30 FTE's nursing personnel. Developed revenue-generating nursing consultation service for wound care. Developed and implemented outpatient ambulatory burn services to continue holistic patient care. Member of Ethics Committee. Completed MSN from Wayne State University with training as Clinical Nurse Specialist. Received Outstanding Burn Professional Award. Authored masters degree field study, contributing author to textbook chapter, 3 peer-reviewed presentations for national/international or regional audiences and 3 invited presentations for professional peers.

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  Bon Secours Hospital

  • Grosse Pointe, MI

  • Nurse Educator

    • Apr 1989 - Aug 1990
    • Grosse Pointe, MI

    Managed educational programs, preceptor program, nurse technician program, nursing care assistant program, committee work, and special projects for medical-surgical and surgical services areas. Developed and implemented preceptor program.

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  Harper Hospital

  • Detroit, MI

  • Staff Nurse/Assistant Preceptor

    • Sep 1986 - Mar 1989
    • Detroit, MI

    Provided total patient care for 1-2 critical care patients; preceptor for new orientees, nursing students, non-critical care staff; charge nurse.

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  Butterworth Hospital

  • Grand Rapids, MI

  • Staff Nurse

    • Jun 1985 - Aug 1986
    • Grand Rapids, MI

    Provided total patient care for 1-4 critical care stepdown patients; preceptor for new orientees; charge nurse.