University Level
My servant leader and Benedictine experience at the University of Mary have shaped both my professional growth and my personal values. Guided by the Benedictine principles of hospitality, respect for persons, community, prayer, and service, I learned that leadership is not about authority but about lifting others up. Through collaborative projects, clinical practice, and academic study, I embraced the call to serve first, placing the needs of patients, students, and colleagues at the center of my work. The University’s Benedictine heritage challenged me to practice humility, moral courage, and balance in daily life, reminding me that true leadership requires both competence and compassion. This experience not only prepared me to lead with excellence in nursing and informatics but also instilled a lifelong commitment to serving with integrity, empathy, and a sense of community.
Benedictine Values and Professional Development
Two Benedictine values that had the greatest impact on my graduate education were Hospitality and Respect for Persons.
HOSPITALITY
Reminded me that nursing is not simply about treating illness but about welcoming each patient, student, and colleague with openness and dignity. In my coursework and clinical experiences, I practiced creating inclusive environments where others felt heard and valued. This perspective will continue to guide me as a nurse leader, fostering collaborative teams and patient-centered care.
RESPECT FOR PERSONS
Reinforced the importance of honoring the inherent worth of every individual. Whether in academic discussions, precepting students, or engaging in interprofessional collaboration, I learned to approach others with empathy and fairness. This value has strengthened my ability to lead with integrity, ensuring that decision-making is grounded in ethical principles and respect for human dignity.
Graduate Level Benedictine Values
The University of Mary Graduate Competencies are Communication, Scholarship, Professional Distinction, and Moral Courage.
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Communication: The ability to interact effectively through multiple modalities, fostering understanding, collaboration, and clarity.
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Scholarship: The commitment to integrating research, evidence-based practice, and lifelong learning into professional practice.
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Professional Distinction: Demonstrating leadership, excellence, and accountability in nursing and healthcare.
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Moral Courage: Acting with integrity and ethical conviction, even in the face of adversity.
Scholarsip
Through projects such as my Evidence-Based Practice initiative on automated medication reordering, I demonstrated Scholarship by applying research to practical challenges.
Professional Distinction
My leadership in Epic optimization proposals exemplified Professional Distinction, showing initiative and expertise in clinical informatics.
Communication
Communication was strengthened through presentations to executive leadership and interdisciplinary teams, ensuring clarity and buy-in for change initiatives.
Moral Courage
Moral Courage was exercised when advocating for workflow changes that improved patient safety despite resource constraints.