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Karen Sunshine
Program : Master of Science, Nursing Educator
Hometown : Media, PA
Undergraduate Degree : Temple University, BS Nursing
Muhlenberg College, BS Biology and Natural Sciences
"Nursing is never boring," says Karen Sunshine, a graduate
student in the masters of science in nursing (MSN) program at Neumann
College. She's a career nurse whose experience teaching at a local
community college ignited a desire in her to pursue clinical instruction
on a full-time basis. "I really enjoy the clinical aspects
of nursing and feel I would now like to share my knowledge and experiences
with the next generation of nursing students," she says.
Currently a staff nurse at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
in Philadelphia, PA, Karen has broad work experiences worth sharing.
She has practiced her skills in a variety of settings from an acute-care
hospital (Temple University Hospital) and a community hospital (Mercy/Haverford
Hospital) to rehab facilities (Bryn Mawr Rehab) and schools (Southeast
Delco and Ridley school districts).
After deciding to earn her master's degree, Karen investigated all
the schools with nurse educator programs in the Philadelphia area.
Having two children and intending to continue to work part time,
she knew cost and a convenient location were two primary considerations.
A friend told her about Neumann College. After meeting with Cathy
Wollman, assistant professor of nursing, she felt Neumann's program
met her academic requirements and financial criteria.
Karen took a course to determine if Neumann's program was what
she wanted. "I discovered I really liked the convenience of
the attractive campus. I found the college to be a very nurturing
environment with caring staff who take a personal interest in students."
Now only several months away from completing the program, she says
she believes Neumann's nursing program standards are "very
fair." She's found continuity in the curriculum which she feels
was developed with solid reasoning behind the course requirements.
Sunshine says the whole experience of returning to college has
been "overwhelmingly positive." Since there has been 20
years since her last college experience and this one, she felt she
had to adjust to the computer world and to getting up to speed writing
papers again. "Little by little I've done what was needed,
and everyone here has been so helpful and supportive, especially
the faculty," she says. "I've found Neumann's instructors
to be very flexible with my personal needs and always willing to
work with me. This personal touch really makes a difference. I feel
a sense of commitment from the faculty to educate its students and
assist them in achieving their goals."
With graduation in sight, Karen says, "My knowledge base has
increased, and I've gained many more educational and instructional
skills. I've also gained a level of confidence to get up and teach.
I've learned a lot about 'how' to teach which is extremely valuable.
I feel I'm getting exactly what I need to get to my next career
objective of nursing instructor."
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