Colleen M. Nevins, DNP, RN, CNE
Nursing has been my chosen professional life for over 40 years with experience in academia and clinical practice. I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire; a Master’s in Nursing (MN) with a focus in Nursing Administration from the University of California in Los Angeles; and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Western University of Health Sciences. My clinical practice experience spans more than 20 years of my nursing career and includes ED, ICU, home health care, neurology and general post–surgery. I have held management positions in the ED, ICU, home health care, physician group management, and health plan utilization and quality management, and served as Assistant Chair in the nursing program at CSU Channel Islands.
I began my focus on nursing education in 2008. From January 2009 to August 2014, I was the Simulation Lab Instructor at California State University Channel Islands (CI), overseeing the skills lab and simulations for both the generic and RN to BSN programs. From August 2014 through May 2021, I was promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor in the Nursing Program at CI, where I taught medical-surgical nursing, leadership and transition to practice courses along with an online Healthy Aging course. I also served as the Simulation Lab Director at CI from 2020 to 2023, where I helped guide simulated experiences and the mentoring of faculty in the nursing program. In May 2021, I retired and hold the position of Associate Professor Emeritus.
In September 2022, I joined ATI Nursing Education as a Nurse Educator for NCLEX Live Review, conducting comprehensive and customized NCLEX review in preparing graduates for the LPN and RN licensure exam. I also currently serve on the Health Sciences Editorial Board for MERLOT, an online repository of educational material. I volunteer for the American Red Cross in Disaster Health Services within the Central CA Coast region, in addition to serving on the Board and volunteering for the Heartbeat of Champions Foundation.
Awards in support and recognition of research and innovative teaching strategies include a CSU-ERFSA Research Grant in 2022; CSU Innovation Mini-Grant in 2020; CSU Lab Innovations with Technology Grant in 2019; Cal State 2019 Tech Gold Award for Innovation in Teaching, Learning &/or Accessibility; Online Learning Consortium 2019 Effective Practice Award; ATI Nursing Education 2018 Nurse’s Touch Award; and CSU Channel Islands’ 2017 Legacy Award for Outstanding Student Organization Faculty Advisor.
My personal interests are hiking/walking, mindfulness, and travel. My motto is keep moving, smile and breathe.
“The character of the nurse is as important as the knowledge she possesses.” — Carolyn Jarvis, MSN, APN, CNP
