September 2007

Patricia Donohue-Porter, Ph.D., RN

Nursing  -- Class of 1974

Patricia Donohue-Porter received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Molloy College and both her Master’s and PhD degrees in Nursing from Adelphi University. She has had a variety of professional experience in nursing including critical care, burn nursing, diabetes education and clinical nursing education. She is the co-author of the diabetes textbook, Diabetes: A Comprehensive Self-management Handbook. Her present research examines the role of nursing in courage development in patients with long-term, disabling complications of diabetes. She taught for many years, as a Molloy adjunct, and joined the full-time faculty in September, 2003. She is Associate Dean in the Division of Nursing and responsible for developing the planned Ph.D. program in Nursing.

Describe your life choices and how you came to be doing what you are now?

I entered ICU nursing as a new graduate from Molloy College and was devoted to critical nursing at the bedside. I was given the opportunity to attend an American Association of Critical Care Nurses’ Annual Conference and when I returned to the unit had the professional responsibility of teaching the other nurses what I had learned. I enjoyed that experience and others seemed to, as well, because I began to be asked to teach more in the critical care setting. I was encouraged to begin my Master’s studies and teaching became integrated into my professional life.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my position here at Molloy is definitely my engagement with students. I feel privileged to teach and guide students as they develop their professional skills and goals. I often teach graduate students who are preparing for careers in nursing education, and I enjoy seeing them make fulfilling transitions into new roles. As I have worked with the Doctoral Task Force, I have also been able to meet many individuals outside of the Division of Nursing and that, too, has been extremely rewarding. The entire institution has been supportive and encouraging of the progress of this new program and I enjoy being part of an energized team.

Who were/are your role models?

My role models began in my family. My parents held education as a priority in our lives. My brother and sister strive for excellence in all their endeavors. I have seen the compassion of my husband, in his work as a physician, and the joy and talents of my two daughters - all are special role models to me. I also was greatly influenced by the Dominican Sisters during my education at Molly and by the Nursing Sisters of the Congregation of the Infant Jesus during my clinical nursing education. These caring sisters had a profound effect on my professional life and research career.

How do you balance work and life?

I think the most important key to balancing work and life is to keep a sense of humor!  I am fortunate to have colleagues and friends who take their work seriously but themselves less so…so we all work hard to try to do the best in each arena of life.

What advice would you give to current Molloy students?

My advice to current students would be to treasure their time with their fellow students, with their books, with their scholarly reflections. I would also encourage them to critically read as much as possible, especially in the humanities. This helps to inform so many experiences for many students and to enjoy their years at Molloy.