SheriDawn Neilson’s career in nursing has come full circle as she now teaches at the university that started her on the path to become a respected nurse and educator.Neilson says that education for nurses is important throughout their careers.
“I don't think you can ever go wrong by gaining more knowledge,” said Neilson. “I tell my students all the time that the tests never stop after school. They will all be required to do ongoing education and maintain certifications. The healthcare field changes so fast that education will always be a part of any nurse's life.”
Neilson understands the struggle students go through to earn their degrees and thrive in their chosen fields. She tries to use real life stories and her experiences to help connect the dots between theory and application. For Neilson, success as an educator is measured in the success of her students.
“I enjoy meeting with students, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, coming up with a plan and seeing that plan in action, said Neilson. “I love it when a student experiences success and sees the improvements they’ve made.”
“My first year teaching I had a student that just didn't seem excited about any of the fields of nursing she had been exposed to thus far,” said Neilson. “She was a great student and did really well, but just hadn't found her passion yet. In my second year of teaching this same student got to ride in a medical helicopter as part of a disaster drill. When she got out of the helicopter, she was on fire. She had found something in nursing that she loved.”
Neilson has eight years of experience in clinical nursing including critical care & trauma air transport, intensive care, emergency department and administration. Neilson has certifications in basic life support, advanced life support, pediatric advanced life support, neonatal resuscitation, advanced trauma course for nurses as well as certifications as a certified emergency nurse (CEN) and certified flight RN (CFRN).
