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!
Kelley Robinson, PHD, MSN, CNM, CNE, is a Cohen Scholar from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. She is now a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.
Dr. Robinson has already distinguished herself while completing her PhD. During the predoctoral program, she was a Nurse Faculty for the Future Fellow. She was also inducted into the Edward Bouchet Graduate Honor Society and prior to graduation, she passed the CNE exam.
What drew you to a career in teaching?
"I enjoy helping people across the lifespan process concepts that lead to their acquisition of new knowledge and accomplishment.
As I am writing this, a midwifery parallel came to mind. Teaching for me is like helping women and birthing people realize their strength and potential by getting through the labor process.
The journey is different for each one and my role is to facilitate. I love that."
What are the two most important things you’ve learned as you've prepared for a career as an educator?
"1. Learning styles are as varied as teaching styles...and they're constantly evolving.
2. Listening is the most important skill needed."
What has your experience as a Cohen Scholar been like? How has this program impacted your career path?
"I learned much from being a Scholar... what I enjoyed about teaching was confirmed but also what I wasn't so fond of became clear.
My mentor was phenomenal which made it more rewarding.
This program offered further insight into the graduate faculty space and the culture of academia which has been useful in my current position.
I am thankful for the opportunity and the experience."
Tell us about the steps/processes that helped you acquire your first teaching position?
"Regular and frequent conversations with my mentor consisted of her encouraging me to make a list of everything I wanted in a position (even the things that seemed superficial). She also directed me to the LNF website to set up a profile and look for positions.
My predoctoral advisor connected me with someone at Maryland who was interested and after conversations with my advisor and mentor and a thorough review of my list, I decided to accept the offer."
Thank you to Dr. Robinson 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!