Student Spotlight: Wendy DeGraffenried 鈥� on following your passion and practicing self care
by Alison Miller |
As she prepares to graduate from the School of Nursing's with a master's degree in nursing leadership with a concentration in nursing education (NLDR-EDU), Wendy DeGraffenried reflects on her educational and professional journey in nursing. A non-traditional student, Wendy recalls juggling her education and her responsibilities as a single mother as an undergraduate and discusses the importance of self care and celebrating small joys. As a school nurse and adjunct instructor, Wendy found her passion in mentoring other nursing professionals 鈥� something that she hopes to carry forward with her as she starts a new chapter.
Name: Wendy DeGraffenried
Major: Master of Nursing Education and Leadership
Anticipated graduation date: December 2025
Unit: School of Nursing
Hometown: Homer, 熊猫在线视频
What brought you to the UAA College of Health?:
I have been an adjunct instructor since Spring 2020 and was looking for a shift in
my nursing practice. When I was invited to consider the Nursing Education and Leadership
track, it felt like a natural next step. With the tuition waiver available to me,
I spent the past five years completing a master's degree. This opportunity aligned
with my passion for advancing nursing education and leadership, making UAA the perfect
choice for this chapter in my career.
Why did you choose the degree you are pursuing? What would your dream job be?:
As a former school nurse leader in the Mat-Su Borough School District and a State
of 熊猫在线视频 School Health Consultant, I have dedicated my career to supporting and developing
emerging nurse leaders. Helping other nurses grow into leadership roles became a passion,
and I realized that teaching is something I want to do long-term. I love working with
adult learners and guiding them through their professional journeys. My dream job
is one where I can continue to bridge nursing practice and education, empowering the
next generation of nurses and leaders while also advancing holistic, trauma-informed
care.
What are you involved in on campus?:
Since I have been a distance learner from the Mat-Su Valley, I have not participated
in on-campus activities, but I have deeply valued the flexibility and accessibility
of UAA鈥檚 distance learning programs. I recently visited the Consortium Library and,
for a brief moment, wished I had spent more time on campus because it is such a beautiful
and welcoming environment. Even though I have not been physically present, I have
still felt connected to the academic community through faculty interactions, research
opportunities, and professional development. In November 2024, I had the opportunity
to present at the 熊猫在线视频 Nurses Association Trending Topics in Nursing. My presentation
was titled 鈥淚ntroduction to AI in Nursing.鈥�
What programs or resources have been most impactful for you?:
I have especially enjoyed using the Consortium Library鈥檚 databases and point-of-care
tools like CINAHL, PubMed, and QuickSearch. These resources have become an essential
part of my nursing practice and research, and I cannot imagine working without them.
They have reinforced my commitment to evidence-based and best practices, allowing
me to lead with confidence and implement meaningful, systems-based procedural changes
in nursing.
Throughout my career as a school nurse, I had the privilege of precepting numerous nursing students. Guiding them through their clinical experiences and helping them transition into post-licensure practice was incredibly rewarding. Watching them grow in confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and step into their professional roles reminds me of the importance of strong mentorship in nursing. Seeing these students go on to become successful nurses further affirmed my passion for education and leadership.
What words of wisdom do you have for underclassmen or youth who are still considering
their options after high school?:
If there is something you love, take a class or two in that field and allow yourself
to explore. In my first year of undergrad, I took a photography class where I worked
in a darkroom, an Intro to Drawing and Digital Art class, a modern dance class, and
an early morning swim class. These courses motivated me and made the required general
education classes much more enjoyable. Sometimes, pursuing a passion alongside your
core studies is what keeps you going.
What did you want to do when you were 10? Why?:
When I was ten, I wanted to play outside and be adventurous, exploring the world around
me. Climbing trees, picking vegetables, and eating apples, plums, and pears straight
from the trees brought me joy. School was fine, but the real excitement was in tree
forts, the playground, and exploring the nearby beach. At that age, my biggest dream
was to be like my mother and have a family. College or a career was not even on my
radar yet. It was only after a divorce and the need to support my family, did I understand
the importance of an education. It has allowed me to support my family and develop
a meaningful and rewarding career in nursing.
What was your favorite class while here at UAA, and why?:
In undergrad, my favorite class was Human Sexuality, Health, and Illness. We had guest
speakers covering a wide range of topics, including sex therapist Ellen Cole, who
was practicing in 熊猫在线视频 at the time. She introduced us to concepts like anorgasmia,
and after graduation, I had the opportunity to co-teach a Women's Anorgasmia class
at APU鈥檚 campus, where we helped women learn how to experience orgasms for the first
time.
The course also explored polyamory, swinging, and other forms of consensual non-monogamy, offering insight into how different relationship structures function and the communication and trust required to navigate them. We examined the psychological and physiological impact of sexual dysfunction, discussing conditions like erectile dysfunction, vaginismus, and low libido, as well as the ways they affect intimacy and relationships. This class expanded my understanding of the fascinating world of sexual health and illness, deepening my appreciation for the complexities of human sexuality and the role of education in fostering healthy, informed conversations around it.
My favorite class in graduate school was Nursing Informatics and Technology. It allowed us to explore AI in nursing education and practice, particularly how to use AI ethically. Discovering how AI could be leveraged for nursing research, education, and patient care was one of the most exciting experiences of my academic journey and now how to apply it to course and curriculum development. It is something I see myself teaching about for years.
What is a cause you care about?:
I am deeply passionate about ensuring that nurses are trained in trauma-informed care.
Every patient should be approached with the understanding that they may have experienced
trauma, whether visible or not. By integrating trauma-informed practices, nurses can
create a safe and supportive environment that fosters healing. This means engaging
with patients through a lens of gentleness, kindness, and respect, as well as recognizing
the impact of past trauma on their physical and emotional well-being. When nurses
are equipped with trauma-informed skills, they can build trust, reduce re-traumatization,
and improve patient outcomes, ultimately transforming the way healthcare is delivered.
Another cause I care about is enhancing job satisfaction among nurses through mindfulness and resiliency-building. Nursing is a demanding profession, and burnout is a serious issue that impacts both patient care and the well-being of healthcare providers. By integrating mindfulness practices, self-care strategies, and resiliency training, nurses can cultivate emotional balance, stress management skills, and a renewed sense of purpose. Encouraging these practices not only helps nurses sustain long and fulfilling careers, but also strengthens the overall healthcare system by promoting healthier work environments, reducing turnover, and improving patient outcomes. I especially enjoy delivering presentations and workshops on this subject. I offer a 50-minute, evidence-based presentation鈥攄eveloped by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) in direct response to the National Academy of Medicine鈥檚 2019 report on Nursing Burnout鈥攆ocused on providing organizations and their staff with a practical toolkit for promoting well-being and cultivating personal resilience.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?:
The library is my absolute favorite spot, but all the hallways with vibrant plants
come in a close second. They create such a homey and welcoming ambiance, making it
easy to stay a little longer and finish my work.
Who is your favorite professor or staff member and why?:
Professor Rodger Lewerenz II was just as passionate about integrating AI into nursing
education as I was. He not only taught me new things but was also open to learning
from my experiences, which made for an engaging and dynamic learning environment.
He invited me to present on AI in nursing practice for the 熊猫在线视频 Nurses Association
Trending Topics in Nursing 2024 and Sigma Theta Tau International 熊猫在线视频 Omicron Chapter.
His enthusiasm for AI fueled my own, and I will always be grateful for his mentorship.
What is your favorite memory from your time here at UAA?:
Learning how to study in a way that works for me, which is something I can take with
me for the rest of my life. I discovered the word heutagogy, which is self-determined
learning. Since I love deep dives into topics that spark my curiosity, this concept
was life-changing. One of my most exciting moments was realizing that AI in nursing
practice could be ethical and legitimate, and then getting to teach others how to
use it properly.
What is your plan after graduation?:
I am open to employment. With a recent move to Homer, 熊猫在线视频, to renovate my childhood
home and launch a vision for a learning and healing retreat within our home, I have
taken a leap of faith that my education will provide a remote position. I am excited
to apply my masters-level nursing skills to an integrative health model, and to synthesize
my passions for course development and teaching.
I plan to remain involved in numerous nursing associations like the 熊猫在线视频 Nurses Association; the American Holistic Nursing Association (as the 熊猫在线视频 Chapter Leader); and Sigma Theta Tau, Omicron Chapter.
What is your favorite quote? Why?:
"If it is not the path of the heart, it is not the path." 鈥� Chinese Proverb.
I love this because it reminds us to always follow our hearts. When we lead with heart, compassion and passion flow naturally. This quote is part of my business tagline, Path of the Heart, Inc.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?:
- Journaling
- Creating art, including designing print-on-demand merchandise
- Photography
- Fat-tire biking
- Horticulture, especially propagating plants and giving them to friends and colleagues
Tell us about an obstacle you overcame.:
When I was in undergraduate school, I was a single mother of three little ones. They
were five, seven, and nine years old when I started my prerequisites in the summer
of 2001, and by 2003, I was in nursing school. Managing the transitions between school
and summer was one of my biggest challenges鈥攆iguring out daycare arrangements, after-school
programs, and how to get them where they needed to be while juggling my own demanding
schedule. The hardest part was making sure someone could take them to daycare when
I had to be at work at 5 a.m.
There was one semester where I had to put on my mental "Wonder Woman Underoos." Do you remember Underoos? Back in the 70s, they were matching underwear and tank top sets with superhero designs. That semester, I worked at FedEx on the ramp from 5 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., then went straight to school. After classes, I studied late into the night once my kids were in bed, often staying up until midnight. To keep myself going, I would say, "You are not sleeping, you are just taking an extended nap." At 4:30 a.m., I would mentally put on my Wonder Woman Underoos, get up, and do it all over again.
On top of the exhaustion, Pharmacology was brutal. I started grinding my teeth from the stress, and it took me a year and a half to stop after that semester. But despite the challenges, I made it. I passed my classes, graduated with my cohort, and held onto my motto: "C = RN." I just needed to pass.
Now, looking back, I am proud of how far I have come. In graduate school, with an empty nest, I finally earned a 4.0 GPA and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. That achievement represents not only academic success but the resilience and determination that carried me through every challenge in my nursing career.
What is your secret to college success?:
My secret to college success is balance, resilience, and self-care. As a single mother
of three in nursing school, I learned to prioritize, adapt, and give myself grace.
Structure and discipline kept me on track, from packing my own meals to embracing
my "Wonder Woman Underoos" mindset when exhaustion hit.
I also made room for small joys鈥攔ed licorice, a well-earned nap, or a class that fueled my creativity. Success is not just about academics, it is about staying determined, finding support, and knowing when to push forward or hit pause. And when in doubt, put on your Wonder Woman Underoos and keep going.
What has been your happiest moment?:
One of my happiest moments in nursing school was preparing for graduation surrounded
by my family鈥攎y mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, and my three children, Brittany,
Tyler, and Christopher. The excitement and pride in the air made the moment even more
special.
My mom, Gayle Wortham DeGraffenried, was always my biggest cheerleader. She hooted and hollered from the bleachers, ensuring everyone knew how proud she was. My sister, Rachel Sanger, made me a candy lei, a sweet and thoughtful gesture that added to the celebration. My brother-in-law Joe Sanger's reaction made the day even more meaningful. The ceremony and my achievement inspired him, and he later enrolled in nursing school himself. Today, he is following a similar path and is also in graduate school.
That day was about celebrating my accomplishment and seeing how my journey could inspire others. It was a moment filled with pride, love, and the realization that my dedication had not only changed my own life but had also encouraged someone else to pursue their dream.
What was the best advice you were ever given by a professor, staff, or classmate while
here at UAA?:
A classmate once told me, "I never pay for water. Ever." While I had no issue paying
for water, I made a personal commitment during undergraduate school never to buy food
from an on-campus vending machine. Instead, I carried a large, multi-layered lunchbox,
packed with nutritious meals and snacks that I had intentionally chosen.
If I wanted a special treat or a favorite drink, I made sure to buy it ahead of time at the store rather than making impulsive purchases on campus.
Red licorice became my go-to treat during nursing school, and I always kept some on hand. This simple habit ensured that I was never hungry or desperate for food and always took care of myself, both physically and financially. It was a small act of self-discipline that helped me stay nourished, focused, and in control of my well-being throughout my studies.