Laura Flinn

Biography

My story at Bradley University began as an undergraduate nursing student. I enjoyed going through this program and felt it that I was well-prepared as an undergraduate nurse. I built life-long relationships and friends with several faculty members who I have stayed in contact with throughout the years. I began working as a nurse in the emergency department and trauma, which I loved! I continued my nursing education at Illinois State University and received my Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I continue to work one day a week as a nurse practitioner in a family medicine office. When I began teaching as an adjunct faculty instructor at Bradley University, I quickly fell in love with connecting the nursing profession with teaching. I began as a full-time faculty instructor in the online family nurse practitioner program in Fall 2018. I am proud to be an alum at Bradley and I love that I returned to a great institution to teach future nurse practitioners.

Hobbies

Outside of work, I am a very busy mom of three happy, healthy, and energetic boys, Maxwell, Bentley, and Jackson. They are involved in several sports and we spend most evenings and weekends at practices or games. We love to be outside and love going to parks. I enjoy exercising, playing sports, running, and reading. I have been involved in a book club for the past 10 years and enjoy meeting with them each month.

Teaching

I currently teach many theory and practicum courses within the online family nurse practitioner program. I have taught in women’s health practicum, pediatric theory and practicum, adult practicum, gerontology practicum, lifespan theory and practicum, and Practicum Immersion courses.

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is seeing my student enter the classroom with positive attitudes and watching them grow and learn throughout the semester. The best classes occur when students know they are expected to work hard and do their best. I enjoy helping students work at their highest potential and build them up throughout the semesters. I encourage my students to bring real-life experiences throughout their practicums to discuss what worked well and what they learned from these experiences.

I love that healthcare is ever-changing. This helps keep students (and faculty) stay on our toes and use critical thinking skills in all areas of caring for individuals. Having students bring practicum experiences from all over the country allows others to experience different kinds of ways to care for patients.

Scholarship

I have participated in projects family medicine, advanced practice nursing, human trafficking, pediatric car seat safety, preventative medicine, and interprofessional collaboration.

Service

I currently sit on several department committees and I am a parent helper at my children’s school.

I also still practice weekly as a family nurse practitioner in the Peoria area. I have been in this current job for the past 9 years and thoroughly enjoy the office I work. I really enjoy being able to have my hand still in patient-care while teaching future nurse practitioners.

Licensures and Certifications

• American Nurses Credentialing Center, Family Nurse Practitioner, 2013-present