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!
Helena Jenkins, DNP, RN, CNE, is a Cohen Scholar from the University of Maryland School of Nursing.
In addition to being a Cohen Scholar, Dr. Jenkins has made several other achievements through Nurse Support Program II-funded initiatives, including the MCSRC SEL IV (Maryland Clinical Simulation Resource Consortium Advancing Simulation Education Leaders program), NNFF (New Nurse Faculty Fellowship), Advanced FAMI-MD (Faculty Academy and Mentorship of Maryland), and becoming a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).
Dr. Jenkins currently teaches as an Assistant Professor at Stevenson University.
What drew you to a career in teaching?
"From my first day of Nursing School I was in awe of my professor and knew then I wanted to get my doctorate and teach!
I love nursing and teaching and feel blessed to teach nursing students."
What are the two most important things you’ve learned as you've prepared for a career as an educator?
"Remind myself and my students, 'novice to expert.'
Secondly, be kind to yourself and do something nice each day!"
What has your experience as a Cohen Scholar been like? How has this program impacted your career path?
"I have been so fortunate to have gotten the Hal and Jo Cohen and the Cohen scholarships for my Masters and my DNP.
I have been so grateful and fulfilled that I have had this opportunity to fulfill my dreams and passion to teach full-time!"
Tell us about the steps/processes that helped you acquire your first teaching position?
"I was adjunct during my Masters and applied to all teaching positions. With my DNP, the Cohen grant was more structured and I was able to be mentored and supported. FAMI-MD folks presented at one of our meetings and I was delighted to learn about it and Lead Nursing Forward.
These have been helpful to network, find resources and faculty positions."
Thank you to Dr. Jenkins 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!