A nursing career isn’t for everyone. Rigorous education and training can push endurance limits, test career commitment, and cast doubts about the career road chosen. Still, many hear the unmistakable call of a life meant to nurture, heal and care for another in medical or emotional need.
Many of those called-to-action sign up and scrub up for Carrington College’s nursing programs. And that is where they will find Professor Patti Crepps, ready to give them every opportunity to stretch and strengthen themselves into competent, confident, and conscientious providers of quality nursing care.
What is your role in Carrington College’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program?
For almost 13 years I have been an adjunct professor and clinical instructor for Carrington College’s ADN program students on site at Renown Regional Medical Center. Each group under my instruction is comprised of no more than 8 nursing students, so that they get more individualized attention.
I enjoy teaching in the clinical environment. It’s great to see a student master a new skill or concept – a little light goes on when they get it, a concept, a new skill. Seeing students doing something that excites them – that’s what makes teaching worthwhile.
What is your primary objective as an instructor?
The curriculum is ever evolving, but what I teach students is patient care, critical care equipment and nursing processes; that doesn’t change. What they must know about patient care and the nursing process is threefold: patient assessment, plan of care (what do we need to do for this patient today; determine interventions to reach that goal) and measure progress. Patient assessment, plan of care, intervention and evaluation.
A lot can happen that’s not part of the plan; for example, suddenly a patient stops breathing or their heart stops. Students have to learn to anticipate instability and know what to watch for to be able to respond appropriately.
What excites you about teaching?
I have been a nurse for a long time and was looking for other ways to contribute and stay in the nursing field. Bedside nursing is hard — working 12 hours shifts is physically and emotionally exhausting. Teaching changes that dynamic.
I really enjoy the hands-on aspect of nursing and want to be in a clinical environment where it’s easier to keep students engaged. I tell my students that I want someone like me to take care of me! I tell them, “The more I teach you, the more you will be like me – a great nurse!”
How would you describe your teaching style?
I treat my students with respect. A majority of them have life experience – not just out of high school. We have combat veterans; some were medics. We have police officers who were exposed to an injury or who have performed a lifesaving response or CPR. Some have spouses who are nurses and once they get their degree they can travel together as a nursing team.
Our students have very diverse backgrounds: different ages, races, experiences. They are at different stages of their lives, but I try to meet them where they are. We have to challenge them, as well as be supportive in order to help them be successful.
What do nursing students often struggle with?
The ADN program is very stressful. Medical terminology is a foreign language to them, starting out. They are under stress to do well on exams. Taking care of patients and concern for making a mistake is paramount in their minds. We try to balance out the intensity by supporting them, encouraging them.
I remind them to follow the policies, do not cut corners and always put patient safety first. Their skills will improve as they advance; they will become wonderful nurses, and we will help them be successful.
When do you know a student is ready to move forward?
Each student is paired with a nurse during a clinical day, and I get feedback from those nurses – good and bad. I lay out expectations the first day and if they aren’t meeting those, they already know that. It’s our responsibility to make sure that we’re passing students on that are safe to take care of patients.
Patient safety is the goal. A student will not progress until that goal is met.
What inspires you to continue to teach?
I enjoy teaching students, so it’s not hard for me to keep going. We want people who will be taking care of us to be conscientious nurses.
It’s also ‘paying it forward.’ We want to have nurses who don’t cut corners and who want to be there.
Are there non-textbook tools you use to connect with students?
Humor is important. Students are always under stress to do well on exams and perform unfamiliar tasks in the hospital setting. What if I give the wrong meds or too much and maybe hurt somebody?” There’s always a shadow over them, so there has to be levity to balance out the intensity of process.
If they’re criticized too much, they will be too intimidated to learn. A little humor helps alleviate stress. High expectations, performance under pressure and a fast-paced learning environment are all stressful for the students. Helping them realize that we can find humor in these situations helps them relax and be more receptive to learning.
What can a well-trained, enthusiastic nurse expect in a career?
Being a nurse is always a great career since there are so many avenues you can explore (some with additional education and training): clinics, teaching, school nurse, hospital, research – once you become a nurse, you can go so many different ways. You can go on to become an advanced practice nurse, nurse anesthetist, flight nurse.
There are so many variables during the day of a nurse; you can’t predict what the day will be like. It’s not like going to an office and sitting at your computer.
Do you still hear from some of your medical/nursing graduates?
Some of our students and graduates work here (Renown Regional Medical Center). I see graduates all the time – we work together. A lot of them still call me “professor” and I say, ‘No, now you can call me Patti! I want them to still be comfortable to ask me for help on the job.
You are a recent recipient of the DAISY (Educator) Award for educational excellence. Please indulge a few comments from some of your nursing program students:
“Professor Crepps guided me through clinical problems, helping me gain invaluable experience in the hospital setting. She focused on hands-on experience, teaching us the actual realities of nursing”.
“She always finds a way to make us laugh, which is something we desperately need as students navigating the challenges of nursing school. She is not only a caring and loving person, but she is also a role model for me.”
“Professor Crepps is so deserving of this award. She creates an environment where students feel safe to learn and grow.”
“Professor Crepps, your unwavering dedication to your students, your ability to make complex concepts accessible, your kindness and your humor make a profound difference in the lives of everyone you teach.
