Walsh University Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing Patricia Donaldson, MSN, RN was recently honored as the 2015 Outstanding Educator of the Year. Sponsored by the Walsh University Student Government (WUSG), the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award is voted on by the Walsh students and given annually to a professor who is a prime example of a true, all-around educator.
During the nomination process, students were quoted as saying the following about Donaldson’s influence beyond the classroom:
- "Her office door is always open, whatever the situation."
- "She is always available to talk if you need to and is a truly upbeat and empowering educator."
- "She has shown me countless times how to calmly and maturely manage the variety of disaster situations which pop up often in the field, all while keeping her cool."
Patricia Donaldson joined Walsh University in 2010 as Clinical Assistant Professor in Nursing. In this role, she manages and coordinates course development and enhancement initiatives for the Promotion of Mental Health Nursing course, instructs classroom and clinical site management for senior-level Leadership and Capstone courses, and acts as a liaison with clinical site managers and educators. In addition, she is responsible for the management of the adjunct instructor team and providing clinical instruction for students in off-site healthcare organizations.
Prior to joining Walsh, Donaldson served as Assistant Professor at the Akron Institute of Herzing University and Nurse Educator for Affinity Medical Center. Her more than 18 years of clinical experience includes positions with Affinity Medical Center, six years with Akron General Medical Center, Massillon Community Hospital and Portage Path Behavioral Health Services.
During her tenure at Walsh, Donaldson has served on various committees within the Walsh Byers School of Nursing including Primary Investigator and Thesis Director for Honors Nursing Student Research Projects and Thesis Presentations, Assessment Technology Institute Liaison, Evaluation Committee Member, Nursing Global Learning Task Force Committee member, Nursing Honor Scholars Support Group and the planning committee of the Walsh Nursing Research Day. Her involvement in the Tanzania, Africa, nursing program included curriculum development for the global learning experience in June 2010, faculty coordinator/student instructor and facilitator of student fundraising efforts for the May 2011 trip and faculty member leading the first group of Walsh nursing students to Tanzania.
She is a member of several professional organizations including the Ohio Psychiatric Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, Inc., University of Phoenix Ethics Committee, and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Her volunteer services also include APNA Mentor Match Program and Heartland Behavioral Health in Massillon, Ohio.
Donaldson earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Malone University and her Master in the Science of Nursing-Healthcare Education from the University of Phoenix. Her education includes Summa-St. Thomas School of Nursing, Diploma Registered Nurse Program. She received her RN Licensure from the State of Ohio in July 1997.
Photo Caption (L to R): Walsh University President Richard Jusseaume, 2015 Outstanding Educator Patricia Donaldson, and Provost/Academic Vice President Dr. Laurence Bove.