Nursing is the study of the care of patients, including individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations. At the University of Dubuque, your studies will take you into the world of nursing knowledge, theory, and research. In addition, nursing practice derives knowledge from a wide array of other fields and professions, adapting and applying this knowledge as appropriate to professional practice (2021, AACN Essentials). You will leave ready to build a career in a wide variety of roles and across all environments, monitoring and managing all aspects of care.
Making a Difference Through the Study of Nursing
Students and faculty at UD are active in the skills and simulation labs and in patient care settings. Their work contributes to the advancement of quality patient care as they provide direct care in the surrounding region, and they participate in the process of retrieval, appraisal, and synthesis of research evidence in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team to improve patient outcomes. They have developed evidence based practice projects that have shown linkages among practice, research, patient outcomes, and cost containment.
Mission of UD Nursing
In alignment with the mission of the University of Dubuque and within its perspective of academic inquiry, professional preparation, and Christian tradition and service, the mission of the Nursing Department is:
To educate professional nurses to provide ethical, evidence-based, collaborative care to meet the dynamic needs of diverse individuals and communities.
~~~ BSN Student Handbook ~~~
Degree Distinctive
- 100% NCLEX RN pass rate on first attempt in six of last eight years.
- Committed inpatient and community-based clinical partners.
- Well-qualified nursing faculty, all teach theory and clinical courses.
- Capstone course with 1:1 precepted internship; 144 hours with RN and additional 36 hours experience in rural hospital.
- Extensive lab and simulation experiences to support development of student clinical skills.
- Active UD Student Nurses Association.
Career Opportunities
University of Dubuque nursing graduates often move directly into the healthcare field. Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 193,100 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Growth will occur for several reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care, growing rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity, and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population as they live longer and more active lives.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree in nursing at the University of Dubuque is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). The University of Dubuque's baccalaureate degree in nursing is also approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.
The University of Dubuque is accredited by Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois, 60604, and the State of Iowa Department of Education.
Nursing Faculty/Staff
Kerri ChapmanAssistant Professor of Nursing; Assistant Department Head.
Phone: 563.589.3249 Email: KSChapman@dbq.edu Department: Nursing Office: 304C University Science Center
Credentials / Bio
- PhD, Walden University (expected completion in 2026)
- MSN, Walden University
- BSN, University of Dubuque
- PN, Hamilton College
Areas of Work:
With 18 years of experience, I have worked as a nurse in diverse settings. I began my nursing career in homecare and case management before joining the Air Force as an Active Duty Officer in 2010. During my 10 years in the Air Force, I specialized as a Labor and Delivery Nurse and served as a Women's Health Clinic Nurse Manager. In 2020, I transitioned to a career in academia.
Academia Interest:
I have a strong passion for leadership in nursing academia. My research is focused on nursing faculty orientation, retention, organizational commitment, and student success. With a robust background in women's health and obstetrics, I am committed to researching topics relevant to this area.
Personal:
My husband and I love exploring the world with our daughter and son. So far, we have visited over 20 countries. When we're not traveling, you can find us at sporting events, whether it's cheering on our kids, the Hawkeyes, or the Kansas City Chiefs.
Lisa KragenbrinkAssistant Professor of Nursing
Phone: 563.589.3573 Email: LKragenbrink@dbq.edu Department: Nursing Office: 309B University Science Center
CREDENTIALS / BIO
- MSN, Clarke University
- BSN, University of Iowa
Areas of work:
I have worked in a variety of medical-surgical areas, transplant surgery, oncology, same-day surgery, and outpatient clinic areas. I also worked as a nursing supervisor and clinical administrator manager along with being a nursing educator. Areas of research interest include active learning strategies in the clinical setting, and the role of the nurse in the healthcare of the LGBTQ community.
Something personal:
I love being outside, hiking, biking, canoeing, and traveling to National Parks with my family. I enjoy taking pictures and have won some awards, in the past, for pictures I have taken related to healthcare and nature. I am a dog lover and have a golden doodle Louie.
Jackie MeyerDepartment Head; Professor of Nursing
Phone: 563.589.3403 Email: JRMeyer@dbq.edu Department: Nursing Office: 304B University Science Center
CREDENTIALS / BIO
- PhD, Villanova University
- MSN, University of Iowa
- BSN, Clarke University
Areas of work:
I have worked for over 30 years in many different healthcare settings. My clinical practice includes inpatient experience in a rural critical access hospital, as well as in urban obstetric units. I have also worked in a variety of community-based settings including a county public health agency where my practice included service to children, the elderly, and those with brain health issues. I also served as the administrator of a school-based youth services program, and the director of a hospital-based home health and hospice program.
Research Interest:
My areas of research interest are social determinants of health in primary care settings and support for clinical adjunct nursing faculty.
Something personal:
I am blessed to have been married to my husband, Dave, for over 40 years. We have four kids and 4 grandkids. I love to read, play volleyball and golf, listen to live music, spend time with family and spoil those beautiful grandbabies of mine!
Beth NeyenAssistant Professor of Nursing; Lab and Simulation Coordinator.
Phone: 563.589.3789 Email: BNeyen@dbq.edu Department: Nursing Office: 309C University Science Center
CREDENTIALS / BIO
- MSN, Clarke University
- BSN, Clarke University
- Associate in Nursing, Iowa Methodist
Areas of Work:
I have worked for over 28 years in a variety of settings. I started my career in cardio/pulmonary nursing. I then moved to critical care nursing, floating between ICU and cardiac unit. I have been in a rural setting for over 20 years now and in academia for over 10 years.
Research Interest:
I am interested in clinical and simulation settings. I have researched simulation and hope to get my certification in simulation. I also have studied and am certified in medical/surgical nursing.
Something personal:
I have been married to my husband for 27 years and we have 4 beautiful daughters. I am very committed to my family, community, and church. I keep busy outside of work attending all the sports and fine art events that my children are in. I also volunteer in my community and church.
Holly SinnoAdministrative Assistant in the Nursing Department
Phone: 563.589.3271 Email: HSinno@dbq.edu Department: Nursing Office: 304D University Science Center
Credentials
- MM, University of Dubuque
- BA, Clarke University
Kristine SteinbeckAssociate Professor of Nursing
Phone: 563.589.3740 Email: KSteinbeck@dbq.edu Department: Nursing Office: 309D University Science Center
CREDENTIALS / BIO
- MSN, Walden University
- BSN, Valparaiso University
Areas of Work:
I have worked in 10 different states in acute adult healthcare settings for over 35 years. My areas of expertise include general medical/surgical and neuroscience and neurosurgery nursing. I currently still work at MercyOne Dubuque Health Care Center. I have worked in academia over the last 11 years.
Academia Interest:
I have a strong interest in debriefing for simulation. Simulation is a strong teaching tool and debriefing in meaningful ways enriches the learning experience. I also enjoy creating diverse teaching tools that include other disciplines across campus.
Personal:
I have three sons that have recently graduated from college or are still enjoying their college careers. I enjoy biking, hiking, golf, and flower gardening. I also enjoy antiquing and going to auctions. When we find the chance, my family and I enjoy adventurous vacationing.
Mary B. TobinProfessor of Nursing
Phone: 563.589.3239 Email: MTobin@dbq.edu Department: Nursing Office: 304A University Science Center
CREDENTIALS / BIO
- PhD, University of Iowa
- MA, University of Iowa
- BSN, Iowa Wesleyan College
Areas of nursing practice:
My nursing practice backgrounds include Adult Medical Surgical, Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Pediatric ICU, General Pediatrics, Skilled/LTC, Chronic Mental Health as well as in Newborn/Obstetrical units. I continue to practice part-time in the summers in diverse camp settings which serve both well and high acuity special needs pediatric campers as well as in a local community-based LTC/Skilled Care/Chronic Mental Health unit.
Areas of Nursing Education work:
My Nursing Education work includes serving as Chair of Nursing in two undergraduate Baccalaureate Nursing Programs. I have also taught classroom theory courses in Mental Health nursing, Adult Med/Surg, OB, Peds, Fundamentals, RN to BSN, Leadership, Community Health, Nursing Issues, and in various NCLEX review courses. I have taught nursing students in clinical hospital-based courses in the areas of Mental Health, Pediatrics, Obstetrical, Medical Surgical, Skilled Care, and in diverse Community Health areas as well. I have also taught a travel abroad course to Korea where we studied child abuse reporting policy differences between Korea and the US.
Research Interests:
My areas of research center in Organizational Trust, Conflict, Empowerment, and in diverse Camp Nursing phenomenon. I also have a strong research interest in the areas of nursing accreditation and regulation.
Something personal:
I am married to my wonderful husband, Bob, for over 30 years. We are blessed to have two wonderful adult sons. I love to bike, boat, read, and spend time visiting with family and friends as well as walking our beautiful German Shepard, Tuck.