88 | HealthLinksSC.com THE PULSE ON CHARLESTON NURSES KASEY JORDAN, PHD, RN Kasey Jordan loves running into former students who are happy, enjoying their work and making positive change in their specialties. “When I have the opportunity to see students become creative forces solving problems with meaningful innovations, these are the kinds of moments that make me pause in gratitude for the work I get to do,” Jordan said. Jordan is an assistant professor in MUSC’s College of Nursing, where she teaches courses related to population health, policy and research. “I love the work of preparing and supporting people to be innovators,” she explained. “Early in my career, I noticed how many creative, powerful solutions the nurses around me discussed but how rarely these ideas seemed to break through in a way that benefited their community or organization.” “I went to graduate school to learn how to support nurses and organizations to take advantage of great ideas that can improve health,” she added. “These days, I’m focusing on innovation management in the context of disaster resilience. Given the global health challenges associated with climate change, I find this an incredibly rewarding place to spend my time.” A high school apprenticeship sparked her interest in nursing, and each time a new “season” approaches in her career, she takes time to consider if nursing remains the best path for her. It always has been. “I love that my work allows me to focus on health outcomes but also allows me the freedom to explore health determinants in untraditional ways,” Jordan said. She also finds inspiration by listening to people’s stories – the ones where people are working to solve problems in messy situations. “I could sit and listen and ask questions all day,” Jordan said. Jordan hesitates to offer advice for nurses and nurse educators because she feels like she is always trying to figure things out; however, she did offer one tip: “Take the time to articulate for yourself what specifically you really love about what you do and make career decisions with that in mind.” CATHERINE O. DURHAM, DNP Celebrations continue since MUSC’s College of Nursing welcomed Catherine O. Durham, DNP, as its next dean in late October. Durham, who was the assistant dean for graduate practice programs and associate professor in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at the time of the announcement, moved into her new position on Oct. 23. “It is with great confidence and enthusiasm that I welcome Dr. Durham as our new dean for the College of Nursing. Her vision for the future of the college fills us with vibrant hope,” said Lisa K. Saladin, PT, Ph.D., executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, and the chair of the 11-member College of Nursing Dean Search Committee. “I look forward to working alongside her as she further elevates the college’s national reputation while leveraging her leadership skills to foster a collaborative environment where our dedicated faculty, staff and students flourish,” Saladin added. Durham brings the career experience of a 28-year veteran nurse, a nursing educator and a College of Nursing alumna, as well as national expertise, to her new role. She has served in multiple faculty and nursing practice partnership leadership roles within the college. Durham’s 28 years of experience as a nurse and family nurse practitioner is coupled with 28 years of leadership and dedicated service in the U.S. Navy; she currently holds the rank of captain. Learn more: web.musc.edu/about/news-center/2023/10/13/navy-veteran-graduate-nursing-practice-leaer-named-musc-nursing-dean HealthLinks Magazine has partnered with the MUSC College of Nursing to highlight some of the Lowcountry's top nurses. Expand your career: nursing.musc.edu
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