Department Chair/Associate Professor, MSOE School of Nursing
Major: Nursing
Prescription for Success
Dr. Debra Jenks is not one to sit around and wait for opportunity to knock. She obtained a Ph.D. in nursing (after more than 20 years in the field) from UW-Milwaukee and decided she wanted to pursue a teaching career. Says Jenks, "I cold-called the deans of various universities throughout Wisconsin. I received three interviews and from there, three job offers." Jenks started at MSOE as a part-time faculty member and, after serving as the interim department chair for a year, she applied to and was picked for the permanent position. She initially chose MSOE because she "loves the small class sizes. Nothing is more intimidating than standing in front of 200+ students to give a lecture. Plus, I love downtown Milwaukee and enjoy relaxing by Lake Michigan."
According to Jenks, there are two things that set MSOE nursing students apart from all the rest: MSOE is a direct-entry nursing program, meaning the students begin to take nursing classes freshman year, and all MSOE students are required to take a Critical Care course their senior year. The course provides an additional level of theory not offered at most other universities and, according to Jenks, "positively impacts the students' practice in any setting. Graduates with an MSOE nursing degree have a very good reputation in the community. I hear that quite often. Our graduates have really made an impact and are well-respected." Nursing graduates enjoy a 100 percent placement rate, in large part because of the curriculum's unique emphasis on technology in the classroom. Students utilize three advanced labs on campus and practice real-world training on highly responsive and lifelike mannequins.
The nursing program at MSOE is growing steadily and adding more students every year. While Jenks is thrilled with the response, she has lots of ideas for further improving the nursing department. "I would like to do an out-of-state program with our students, either nationally or internationally. We hope to add another master's degree program in the near future and will continue our groundbreaking work with high-fidelity mannequins."
One on One
What is your favorite medical drama on TV?
I enjoy watching Grey's Anatomy and discussing it with students. It's pretty amusing when the actors get something wrong, like putting the blood pressure cuffs on upside-down.
What is the best way for your students to get on your good side?
Come to class prepared! I can tell immediately who has read the assignment before I give a lecture.
What is the best advice you've ever gotten?
During my doctoral program, I hit a point where I didn't want to be in school anymore-I was almost ready to give up. One of my classmates said, "Deb, it's just an endurance test. If you are asked to jump three feet, jump three feet. Just hang in there and you will get through it!"
Have you accomplished any of your 2007 new year's resolutions?
I don't believe in resolutions. Life is too short to be doing something you're not happy with. As a nurse, I'm reminded of that all too often. Just take a leap and make a change!
Twenty-five year nursing veteran and chair of MSOE's Nursing Department, Dr. Debra Jenks shares her top three tips for staying healthy this cold and flu season:
1. Wash your hands frequently!
2. Find a way to balance your life. Imbalance can lead to stress, and stress contributes to illness.
3. I'm not a big believer in Vitamin C being the magic cure-all. It's important to eat a well-balanced diet, exercise and get plenty of rest.