Brooke Robinson

In which online program(s) do you teach?

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor--MSN, Ed.

Why did you select a career in nursing?

Honestly, nursing was not my first choice. I started as an education major who wanted to teach high school math, but I felt called to pursue a different role. I stepped away from my education studies and changed schools to become a nurse. I enjoyed learning about how the body works, and I got to care for people when at their most vulnerable. I felt fulfilled by my experiences in school, and that feeling continued as a practicing nurse. There is not a job that has more flexibility or versatility than nursing. There are not many careers where you can work at the bedside, or in a clinic, or as a researcher, or in a school, or in a day spa, or on a cruise ship.... you get the picture. Nursing is the best job in the world!

In what ways do you connect with online students?

I have not had the opportunity to teach students online, but I have been an online student myself. I plan to borrow some of the strategies that I made me feel most connected to my online faculty as a way to connect with my online students. I think using video-conferencing software and being responsive to emails and texts from online students is a significant way that makes online students feel connected and like the professor cares about them and their success.

What do you want your students to take away from class?

I want my students to learn practical information that they will find useful in their career. It is important that students can readily identify how what they are learning about is relevant to their future. I want students' passion for nursing continue to grow while they are in the program and for them to have the desire to spread that passion to others.

Why did you start teaching?

I pursued a role as a nurse educator because I wanted to give aspiring nurses a solid foundation on which to build their nursing knowledge. I set out to be an educator who brings real stories to the classroom and gives students experiences that they can use to understand how to give excellent care to patients. I want to inspire students to become exceptional nurses!

What advice would you give your online students?

I am here for you! Please reach out when you have questions or need clarification. Be diligent in your preparation, and schedule adequate time to submit quality work. You will get out of this what you put into it, but I am willing to meet you halfway. Stay focused on your goal, and early communication if you are struggling or have issues is imperative.

What qualities make someone particularly successful in the field in which you teach?

Strong assessment skills are crucial in nursing. During assessment is when those subtle changes can be identified and interventions can be made to prevent a the patient from suffering negative consequences. Having a passion for continued learning and always pursuing optimal outcomes is important in nursing as well. And certainly, being organized and having good time management skills are a must.

What is the one book you think everyone should read?

"Mark of the Lion" series by Francine Rivers

What do you do when you need a laugh?

Talk to my kids or my husband. One of them always has something funny to share!

Tell us a story.

I was born and raised in the midwest in a very small community (pop. 800). Shortly after graduating from high school, I moved almost 1000 miles south. I got married and started school as an education major but soon changed to a nursing major. I started a family, graduated with my associate's degree in nursing, and worked as a nurse for about a decade. I had a thirst for deeper knowledge, so I pursued my bachelor's degree and then my master's degree in nursing education. Several years later, I decided to get my doctorate in nursing education. As a young girl in the middle of a tiny town in the midwest, I never would have guessed I would be where I am now. If I can do it, so can you!