Let's meet another Nurse Support Program (NSP) II Cohen Scholar!
Who are the Cohen Scholars? From the Nurse Support website:
The Cohen Scholars are recognized as the next generation of nurse educators to fill the positions needed now and in the future.
This NSP II program provides funding for Cohen Scholars to complete the necessary graduate degrees and coursework to prepare to become a nurse educator or faculty in the state of Maryland.
Join us in meeting some of the Cohen Scholars across the state of Maryland!
Elizabeth Zittle, ADN, BSN, MSN, is a Cohen Scholar from the Notre Dame of Maryland University MSN Program, Leadership in Nursing Education concentration. She serves as an RN at LifeBridge Health and is also teaching as Adjunct Faculty at NDMU.
Professor Zittle is dedicated to life-long learning and providing her community positive healthcare experiences.
What drew you to a career in teaching?
"I have always liked people and science. The nurses I have worked with in my personal life have always made a high stress situation into a positive experience.
I wanted to be able to have that ability for my community."
What are the two most important things you’ve learned as you've prepared for a career as an educator?
"The two things that stand out are 1) that no two students learn the same and that 2) it is important to continue to learn even as an educator."
What has your experience as a Cohen Scholar been like? How has this program impacted your career path?
"The opportunity to solely focus on education and learning rather than the stress of the financial burden was a blessing I will be forever grateful for.
The support that I had from the program was wonderful and positively shaped my career."
Tell us about the steps/processes that helped you acquire your first teaching position?
"I worked with Dr. Barley with NDMU and a Cohen graduate as a mentor. She helped me acquire my first teaching position."
Thank you to Professor Zittle for taking the time to share your story with us and for pursuing a career that leads the nursing profession forward!
Stay tuned for our next Cohen Scholar Spotlight.
Are you a Cohen Scholar who would like to share your story? Reach out to us at leadnursingforward@gmail.com!