Faculty Advisor - Rene' DePew MSN, APRN

Assistant Professor of Nursing, University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne Indiana. First job in nursing was while I was still in high school as a nursing assistant in a home for the mentally challenged. Loved it! Actual nurse roles began in 1987 when I graduated from Ivy Tech and became an LPN --- a variety of nursing experieces followed that accomplishment. I have spent a great deal of time in Long Term Care and management positions … worked every shift and a variety of units including Sub-acute, skilled, alzheimer's, Medicaid, assisted living, etc. I also worked in orthopedics/rehabilitation in an acute care setting. Graduated in 1998 with my BSN from Saint Francis College and with my MSN FNP in 2000 from University of Saint Francis. I started teaching nursing clinicals while still in my MSN program and hired on full time at the University of Saint Francis when I graduated from that program. Teaching has been very rewarding and continues to bless me every day. I have been the faculty advisor for the USF SNA for the last five years and seen tremendous growth in both the university and those involved individuals. I co-authored a nursing transitions book in 2005, am currently working on contributing chapters to another textbook and continue to explore the world of academic scholarship. As nursing and technology is in constant change and growth, I believe the notion of life learning is more important than ever. I believe we as nurses have a great deal to offer those we serve, but I also never take for granted the things those we serve give back. What an awesome profession!