Faculty with Heart: Dr. Anne Simmons, PhD, RN

Please tell me about yourself. 

My name is Dr. Anne Marie Simmons. I have been a nursing educator for the past 25 years. I have taught in undergraduate, RN-BS and graduate programs both on the ground and online. I enjoy teaching and advising new students as they enter a new program. Making a student comfortable and helping them manage while advancing their career has been a goal of mine since my first clinical rotation. Sharing the educational experience with students to reach their potential is important since they are the future of our profession. 

What brought you to CUNY SPS Nursing? 

I came to CUNY SPS in January 2017. I was drawn to the school because of the RN-BS student population, online environment for education, and the opportunity to teach graduate nursing courses. I wanted to further explore the online education learning environment. We have terrific leadership, faculty, students, and staff who bring abilities and viewpoints that enrich our community. I wanted to feel challenged and increase my skills with this approach of education and learning. 

Tell me about your research interests and why you are passionate about this topic? 

My research interests include work environment and engagement of first line nurse managers. Nurse managers have a pivotal role and affect every aspect of patient care and creating work environments in which clinical nurses are able to provide high-quality and patient-centered care.   

My present research involves assessing different teaching-learning strategies to enhance clinical reasoning and judgment of pre-licensure nursing students. For nurses, protecting patients by correctly interpreting patient problems hinges on clinical judgment. 

What is your favorite part of your job? 

My favorite part of my position is working with students and learning from them. Nursing care delivery is changing and our students are at the forefront of evidenced-based care and technology.  

What do you like most about mentoring students? 

Mentoring students is part of being an educator and developing the critical reasoning skills. I want students to see the many facets of the nursing profession and get involved in policy development for the profession. Being available to students to share their concerns, build their confidence, and see the change that occurs from the start of the program until they graduate is part of being a good mentor.  

How do you like to spend your free time? 

My limited free time is spent watching football, reading, sewing and walking along the Long Island beaches. 

What is the most helpful advice you’ve received? 

Listen to the story and help students grow in their roles. 

Growing up, what did you want to be? 

A pediatric nurse to work with children and families 

Who has influenced you the most in life?  

Dr. Carol Vicino, who I worked with for 16 years. She mentored me throughout my career and helped me identify new roles and to develop the needed skills for success. She was the reason I returned to school for my doctorate. She saw my potential and provided the support needed to accomplish my goals. 

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what one band or musician would help keep your sanity?  

Bruce Springsteen. 

If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be?   

My mother.  She was an inspiration to me.  

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?  

Chile, to experience the beauty of its national parks. 

 Thank you to Dr. Anne Simmons, CUNY SPS Nursing faculty, for sharing some of your story with us here at the CUNY SPS Nursing Pulse!