Ginger Christiansen - Faculty Bio.

Number of Years at TJC: 
5


Other Institutions and Number of Years:

• East Texas Medical Center - 9 years
• US Navy - 13 years

Academic Credentials:

Greeting to the Student:
Welcome to one of the greatest professions possible.  I have been in nursing for 14 years and find that it is extremely rewarding and fulfilling.  Nurses make a difference in the world.  If you want to make a difference, then nursing is for you.  LVN school will be a challenging year that will change your life forever.  School is intensive and stressful at times, but in the end it is all worth it.  I began LVN school after spending 13 years in the Navy.  I quickly learned that nursing was my passion.  I worked as an LVN for 6 years while going back to school to earn my BSN degree.  I graduated RN school in 2000.  I worked in many different areas as a nurse.  I began in a step down unit, and then worked as a float nurse for four years, working in all areas of the hospital.  I worked as a renal dialysis nurse for 2 years.  When I finished my RN degree, I went to work in pediatrics for 3 years.  After that, I came to teach LVN school here at Tyler Junior College.  I very much enjoy teaching.  I am especially proud when I work along side of former students at the hospital and other clinical settings.

Statement of usual method of evaluation of students (number of tests, essay paper, book reviews, etc.): 

Methods of evaluation are varied.  I have lecture with lecture notes.  Material is drawn from text books.  Students are expected to do required reading to prepare for exams and class.  Nursing is unique in that students are required to evaluate and interpret information and make decisions based on critical thinking.  Many exam questions are based on critical thinking, vice empirical learning.  The student can expect between four and eight major exams for a 3 hour course.  There may also be written papers and oral presentations.  The course may also include daily quizzes, case studies and other activities as necessary.  Students will also be evaluated in the lab setting, practicing skills as appropriate.  Final exams will be given in each course.

Teaching Philosophy:
Students should be positively motivated to learn.  They should be given the proper tools to learn and be successful.  The instructor should guide learning but the student must be responsible for their own learning.



Professional Associations:

• Texas Association of Vocational Nurse Educators (TAVNE)
• TJC Faculty Senate