Wendy Kooken currently teaches communication to sophomores, psych/mental health nursing theory and practicum, and a master's level nursing theory course in the Department of Nursing. Creativity and hands-on experiences as well as exposure to a variety of ways to learn are the styles that Dr. Kooken prefers to use in class.

Background

Dr. Kooken's experience in the field of nursing has been diverse.  She has worked in post-anesthesia care, with pregnant and parenting adolescents, and with children at risk for abuse. She has also worked in the blood banking industry and with tissue donation.  She particularly enjoys work with vulnerable populations.  Her completed dissertation research was on experiences of vigilance for cancer patients, their family members, and the nurses who care for them. Additionally she is involved in research about African American women and breast cancer, and breast cancer as experienced by younger and older survivors.

Degrees & Certification

Dr. Kooken received her BSN (1999) and MSN (2002) from Bradley University.   She received her AAS (1985) from Illinois Central College.  She has completed her PhD (2008) in clinical nursing science at Indiana University – Purdue University at Indianapolis.