Featured Student: May 2007

Patricia Senk

Meet Patricia Senk, a student in the College of Nursing's BS to PhD program. Already an experienced clinical nurse, she was attracted by the research and teaching opportunities of a doctorate. Her activities in the college include service as the graduate student representative on the Graduate Program Committee. Employed by Aurora Health Care since 1992, Patricia currently works in the Medical Respiratory Intensive Care Unit at St. Luke's Hospital—but only on weekends, so she can devote weekdays to her studies. Last year she was nominated for membership in Sigma Theta Tau, the national nursing honor society.

1) How would you describe your field of study/research to a friend who is not in your graduate program?

My area of nursing research is health care informatics. As informatics becomes more prevalent in health care, it is important that nursing is involved in the development of information systems that will support nurses as they provide patient care. The information system can provide decision support and contribute to the ongoing development of new nursing knowledge.

2) What brought you to UWM for your graduate studies?

When looking at graduate schools, I found that UWM provided a program that would compliment my academic and career goals.

3) What's been your best experience so far?

The best experience has been working on the ACW (Aurora-Cerner-UWM) Knowledge-Based Nursing Initiative. This has allowed me to work closely with several professors—Dr. Norma Lang, Dr. Elizabeth Devine, Dr. Amy Coenen, Dr. Tae Youn Kim, and Dr. Kim Litwack—and the project librarian, Lenore Wilkas, in the College of Nursing to examine the evidence-based knowledge that exists on the phenomenon of moderate sedation. I was provided the support to learn how to synthesize evidence and make recommendations which will be embedded into a clinical decision support and documentation system for use at the bedside by the nurse.

4) If you were able to merge another discipline with yours, what would that be and why?

Nursing is naturally merged with many other disciplines. In my area of research, I am looking at nursing and informatics. There has been an increase in information technology in healthcare, including new applications allowing the nurse to provide direct patient care at the bedside. It is important to ensure that the information technology integration enhances the nurse's practice and minimizes barriers, maximizing positive patient outcomes.

5) What is your favorite stress-reduction activity?

My favorite stress reducing activities are to spend time with my husband and son and also doing some of the hobbies that I enjoy, such as quilting.

6) What do you most enjoy about Milwaukee?

Well, I grew up in the Milwaukee area and returned after moving away for my undergraduate degree. Milwaukee offers many activities for a wide range of interests.

7) Is there anything that you've had to "give up" as a graduate student?

I would not say that I had to give up anything. However, I would say that I have shuffled the deck around a bit, such as waiting to take a getaway with family or friends during a school break. Currently, I am watching the weeds sprouting in the garden but I know soon I will be able to tend to them; in the meantime they are green so no one knows except me!

8) What are your plans for after graduate school?

I would like to work in academia and continue to do research in my area of study.

9) What trait do you find most necessary to succeed in graduate school?

The trait that I have found helpful is to prioritize. During my time at UWM I have learned to try to prioritize what needs to be accomplished in all areas of my life including the personal, professional, and academic. It has also been essential for me to keep my sense of humor. To be able to laugh and not take myself or life too seriously has helped me to keep it all in perspective.

10) Do you have any advice that you would give to a new graduate student in your program?

My advice is to try to identify your research area as early as you can and build your program of study around it. This will help to focus in and identify opportunities that can be used to help enhance your study, which will lead to a richer experience.