02/04/2026
❄️🩺✨ Time to sprinkle a little winter magic on our feed and introduce another amazing instructor! ✨❄️
This pediatric nurse instructor brings big heart, expert skills, and just the right dose of fun—keeping little patients (and students!) smiling all season long. ☃️💙
Get ready to get to know Instructor Suzanne Partington better!🌟
Name: Instructor Suzanne Partington MSN, RN, CPEN
Q: What subject/course do you teach?
A: Nursing Care of Children (Pediatrics) and have been doing so for two years.
Q: How long have you been teaching in nursing education?
A: I have taught clinical education to both new and experienced nurses for the past 18 years in a Pediatric ICU (PICU) and Children’s ER. I have been teaching at the school of nursing for just over 2 years.
Q: What inspired you to become a nurse educator?
A: I come from a family of health care professionals and teachers, where continuing education is highly valued. My father (a pharmacist) received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the age of sixty-nine. My Aunt Patty taught a nursing diploma program well into her seventies. Their dedication inspired me to leave an imprint on a respected profession by educating and mentoring future nurses.
Q: Please share a brief highlight of your educational and professional experiences and awards and/or recognition you have received in the past.
A: I worked as a bedside nurse for many years before considering a return to school. I attempted two nurse practitioner programs, but life (babies!) delayed that path. The clinical education role for the PICU and children’s ER required a master’s degree. I completed an online program while going through a divorce and raising three young children. It took me five years, but it was worth it-for my career, family and as a model for my children.
Q: What are your favorite aspects of being a nurse educator?
A: My favorite part of nursing education is watching students grow into confident, professional nurses. Witnessing their development and celebrating milestones like graduation is truly rewarding.
Q: How has your clinical experience shaped your teaching approach?
A: My years at the bedside and currently working per diem caring for children and families have shaped my teaching. This hands-on experience allows me to create relevant simulations and offer students real-world insights that connect theory to practice.
Q: In your opinion what makes SON standout amongst other nursing schools?
A: The School of Nursing’s wide array of clinical experiences truly sets it apart from other programs.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring nurse educators?
A: Learning is a lifelong journey. Never stop educating families, friends, and colleagues. If an opportunity arises to teach in a more formal setting, take the leap-it is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing as a nurse educator?
A: I am proud of the continuously improving curriculum, simulations, and clinical experiences to create a robust pediatric learning environment in a short amount of time. I love sharing my passion for child development with others.
Q:What do you enjoy most about teaching nursing students?
A: I enjoy hearing students say they never considered pediatric nursing until taking my course. Inspiring them to explore this field is incredibly fulfilling.
Q:How do you incorporate real-world nursing experiences into your teaching?
A: I continue working per diem at the bedside. It keeps me connected to current trends and patient care, which I incorporate into classroom teaching and simulation scenarios.
Q: Are you involved in any research, publications, or community outreach?
A: I co-authored a chapter on Escherichia coli Complications in Pediatric Critical Care and published a study on Assessment of Emergency Medicine Resident Performance in a Pediatric in Situ Simulation Using Multi-Source Feedback. I am currently working on a pediatric cardiovascular chapter and exploring different online teaching techniques to enhance learning.
Q: Who is someone who has influenced your career in nursing or education?
A: There are too many to name individually. I am grateful to be surrounded by passionate pediatric healthcare professionals who have inspired me in providing care to the most critically ill and complex pediatric patients and their families. These experiences allow me to share real life experiences with students.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I have visited forty-eight states. I hope to make it to Alaska soon to visit my son, who is in the Army. Wisconsin is the other state I need to visit.🌏
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I love Spending time in nature and am an avid hiker. My goal is to complete the Appalachian trail in sections.🏔
