Vonnie Demaster

Quote

I hold a basic assumption of all students. I believe that learners are intelligent, motivated to learn, care about doing their best, desire to improve, and want to be successful. I believe the educational process is a partnership that requires a commitment where all involved are both individually accountable and positively interdependent. I believe my role as an educator is a privilege where I am able to share my passion and love for caring with others who desire the same. As this is done corporately, learning is transferred to everyone involved, me included.

I believe that education is a powerful and enduring gift—“the one thing that no one can take away from you” (Elin Nordegren). It is a dynamic partnership in which both instructor and student share individual responsibility and mutual accountability. Education empowers learners to ask questions, seek answers, think critically, reflect deeply, and create meaningful change. Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and diligence” (Abigail Adams). It is both a privilege and a responsibility to contribute to the education of future nurses—individuals who will care for our communities with compassion, skill, and integrity.

Experience:

As a Registered Nurse (RN), I bring a diverse background in nursing practice, including experience in pediatric clinic settings, long-term care facilities, acute care units (pediatrics, medical-surgical, and oncology), and inpatient hospice care. Throughout my nursing career, I have served in multiple leadership and educational roles, including EPIC super-user, Unit-Based Practice Council Chair, hospital nurse preceptor, BLS instructor, and Clinical Unit Nurse Educator. I hold certifications as a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE), which support my current role as the simulation lead for all nursing programs.

My nursing education has progressed in stages: I began by earning my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate from Lakeshore Technical Institute (LTI), followed by an Associate Degree in Nursing from Cardinal Stritch University. I later earned both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN) from Concordia University. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing at Marquette University.