Biography
Lecturer and Undergraduate Research Coordinator
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
PO BOX 62157-2000, Nairobi, Kenya
Professional Summary
A committed registered nurse with 20 years of professional experience in maternal-child health and community health in Kenya. Experienced in providing evidence-based quality care in low-resource settings. Skilled in teaching and mentoring nursing students to translate theoretical knowledge into practice using available resources.
Goal
To become a nurse scientist and contribute to literature through research in community health, with a special interest in teaching nursing students and promoting clinical skills among graduate nurses engaged in clinical areas.
Academic Achievement
M. Loise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
2017 – 2020
PhD in Philosophy in Nursing
Dissertation Topic: Risk Factors Associated with Infants Born Low Birth Weight Among HIV-Positive Pregnant Women and Related Outcomes of the HIV-Exposed Low Birth Weight Infants at 18 Months Follow-Up in Western Kenya
M. Loise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
2015 – 2017
Master of Science in Nursing – Education Track
M. Loise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
2013 – 2015
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Catherine McAuley Nursing School, Mater Hospital, Kenya
2003 – 2004
Diploma in Midwifery
Cecily McDonnell School of Nursing, Nairobi Hospital, Kenya
1993 – 1996
Diploma in Nursing
Licenses/Certification
- Kenya Registered Nurse by Nursing Council of Kenya, License No.10796
- Kenya Registered Midwife by the Nursing Council of Kenya, License No.6477
- Nursing Council of Kenya Practice License, No. 266656
- Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, RN License No. 693588
Professional Experience
Lecturer and Undergraduate Research Coordinator
Catholic University of Eastern Africa, August 2022 to date
- Preparing and delivering lectures to students
- Creating syllabi and course outlines for new courses or updating existing ones
- Assisting students with academic issues such as understanding course content or completing coursework
- Preparing and administering tests and exams such as CATs and finals
- Conducting independent research in their field of study and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals
- Participating in continuing education activities such as workshops, seminars, and conventions
- Coordinating all undergraduate research activities at the College of Nursing such as allocation of supervisors to students, supervision of students doing research, and organizing project defenses
Director of Nursing Services
Christamarianne Mission, 2021 – July 2022
- Managed nursing services in a faith-based level-five hospital in Western Kenya
- Oversaw all nursing care in the hospital according to the policies and philosophy of the hospital governing board
- Prepared nursing and support staff duties, schedules, and maintained staff disciplinary measures across clinical staff
- Facilitated and conducted continuous medical education within the facility
Project Coordinator, HIV/AIDS Management
Asumbi Mission Hospital, 2006 – 2013
- Coordinated HIV/AIDS program funded by Catholic Relief Services and the US Center for Disease Control
- Gained experience in treatment and care for those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS
- Worked in HIV/AIDS testing and counseling clinics
- Managed budget planning, implementation, and report writing to meet donors’ requirements
- Collaborated with other organizations to implement services, including the government of Kenya
Diocesan Medical Coordinator
Catholic Diocese of Homabay, 2006 – 2013
- Facilitated collaboration, representation, and lobbying with district and provincial health officers, the District Health Board, and the District AIDS Committees for equitable resource distribution at the local level
- Advised the local ordinary on health matters and played an advocacy role for the Catholic Church in health-focused areas among stakeholders, including government agencies
- Coordinated Catholic health facilities and nurse training schools within the diocese
- Facilitated recruitment of senior management staff for health facilities
- Acted as the link between the diocesan health units and the National Office-KEC-Catholic Health Commission
Primary Health Care Nurse/Administrator
St Joseph Nyabondo Mission Hospital, 2000 – 2005
- Offered prenatal and postnatal care, childhood immunizations, and health education
- Supported diagnosis and referrals of complicated cases to level three hospitals
- Conducted deliveries and cared for newborn babies
- Participated in home visits
- Worked as an administrator, including staff supervision and hiring
Skills
- Obstetrics and neonatal care
- Administration
- Community health care
- Treatment and care of HIV/AIDS patients/clients
- Extensive knowledge in home care
- Professional counseling
- Experience working with non-governmental organizations like USAID, CRS, and Heifer International
- Translating research into nursing practice and education to promote evidence-based patient care
- Nurse educator
Volunteer and Community Work
- Involved in community activities and service organized by the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and at the individual level
- Worked as a Global Health Diplomat in the College of Nursing for the Center for Global Health and Public Health while a student at Villanova University
- Volunteered for community service at St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service: 2015, 2016, 2017
- Served as a research assistant at M. Loise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, working with various professors in a wide range of research areas, including data collection, literature search and review, editing and writing, reference list preparation, and more
- Promoted health literacy in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases while working at Asumbi Mission Hospital and St. Joseph Mission Hospitals in Western Kenya
Membership Organizations
- The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
- Global Nursing Caucus
Research Experience and Publication
- McDermott-Levy, R., Leffers, J., & Mayaka, J. (2018, September 1). Ethical Principles and Guidelines of Global Health Nursing Practice. Nursing Outlook, 66(5), 473–481. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.Outlook.2018.06.013
- Podium Presentation: Ethical Principles and Guidelines of Global Health Nursing Practice. Global Nursing Caucus, University of Massachusetts Boston, October 26, 2018. Networking to Raise the Voice of Nursing in Global Health: www.globalnursingcaucus.org
- Guest speaker to students studying maternal child health and Global Health Nursing at Villanova University: Nursing Care of Women and Childbearing Families (N3118)
Honors and Awards
- 2020 Nursing Outlook, Excellence in Nursing Practice Award for the article titled, “Ethical Principles and Guidelines of Global Health Nursing Practice.”
- 2019 Nurse with Global Impact, Honoree. Second Annual International Nurses Day. Nurses with Global Impact, United Nations, New York, NY. May 12, 2019
