Debra Sullivan
Full time Faculty
Walden University
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I had a passion for nursing and was accepted into nursing school after high school graduation.
At the time you could not be married and attend nursing school, so I chose instead to get married.
Family happened and a divorce in my 30s. The divorce allowed me to finish undergrad nursing degree.
While being a nurse, I loved nursing education, so I worked full time and finished my degrees.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Vermilion High School
Vermilion High School
Career
Full time Faculty
I teach graduate nursing students.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Medicine
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
I work remotely, so the first thing I do is have my morning coffee while looking out at the countryside. Then, I move to my home office where I organize my day, check emails, complete daily tasks, and put an effort in on bigger projects for Walden University, publishing, research, and volunteer nursing organization work. I like to find time to complete a 30 minute walk each day.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
To be full time faculty in nursing, you must have education in nursing and the education. Nursing is not for everyone and it is important for a high school student or first year college student to know what a nurse does. It would be enlightening to volunteer at a hospital or clinic and observe a nurse, also interviewing a nurse to ask questions about the job. Staying on track in acquiring education while also gaining nursing experience can offer a rewarding career.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"You need to get married and have a family, You are a woman and can't afford an education."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
First-Generation College Student
