"My educational philosophy has evolved from my education and observation as a nurse educator, in addition to my own experiences as an adult learner. After several years in medical-surgical nursing, I went back to school to complete my BSN degree. The process was challenging! With two young children, my hours in nursing, and the return to the structure of academic learning, I was busy. It took several years and two "moves" from Massachusetts to Georgia to Texas, but I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. The next year I completed my MSN degree at the University, and later I completed my PhD at Widener University in Pennsylvania. Expanding my nursing practice to nursing education has been a significant milestone in my career, and I have found my work with students to be most challenging and satisfying. I have also earned national certification as a nurse educator from the National League for Nursing.

I believe that every person learns differently, and there is no "one size fits all" when considering strategies for success. I also believe that material that is learned and understood is far superior to facts that are memorized. The process of tutoring can aid the students in maximizing the success of their efforts by identifying their way of learning and providing appropriate learning strategies. In my experience with students I have also observed that a non-threatening environment is essential to learning.

The unique structure of the nursing program demands that students first acquire and then apply that information in the clinical setting. Therefore, there are two parts to the tutoring process; initially helping students to learn the content, and then to use that knowledge to make valid decisions in clinical practice. The successful tutor is able to assist students' success in making this transfer of knowledge. Nursing students also must successfully complete the NCLEX examination in order to practice professional nursing. The tutoring process can assist student" less...