Nurse education with a can-do attitude by Dr. Imelda Wright

Imelda Wright, PhD, RN, CNOR, is a School of Nursing professor whose involvement with teaching and mentoring students brings her to the front lines of preparing the next generation of nurses. Through commitment and compassion, Wright brings her A-game to the classroom every day to make an impact that matters. 

In this Q&A, Wright shares her experience at the School of Nursing and who inspires her to be a better nurse and educator.

What is your role at the UofL School of Nursing? 

I.W. I'm an assistant professor who teaches in the undergraduate BSN program, and I am on a tenure track.

If you could describe your experience at the University of Louisville School of Nursing in three words, what would they be and why? 

I.W. The limitation of only three words is challenging, but if I am forced to choose three, they happen to begin with 'C'. First is collaborative, as I truly feel like I'm part of a great team at UofL School of Nursing. I am constantly reminded of what strengths everyone brings to the table, and when we share our strengths, we make one beautiful team. Culturally, we support each other and acknowledge that when one colleague succeeds, it adds to our collective success.

My second word is committed. I am continually impressed by the strong commitment I see at the School of Nursing. It's inspiring to be surrounded by leaders in so many areas, simulation, ATI, pediatric nursing, adult health, critical care, mental health, research, and scholarly pursuits. The success of each area needs commitment, and I see this daily.

My last word is can-do spirit. The School of Nursing has faced some challenges, but we're still here. I know that there’s nothing we can't achieve as a collective.

Who has been your biggest influence or mentor at the University of Louisville, and how have they impacted your journey? 

I.W. It's challenging to pick one influence or mentor because I have been influenced by many. Honestly, I could go on and on about the amazing people with whom I have the privilege to work alongside. Overall, I am influenced by so many, but here are a few:

Dr. Paul Clark has been a dear friend of mine for several years. He has influenced me by his kindness, humility, generosity of spirit, and passion for student wellbeing. His side-splitting wit is comforting, and I like that he also laughs at my jokes, even though I’m not as funny as he is. In addition, I have always been impressed by Dr. Heather Mitchell, who was my initial mentor when I was first hired at UofL. Her leadership, sharp attention to detail, fastidiousness, and immense knowledge are quite impressive. I must have asked her thousands of questions over the years, and she always replies with helpful, knowledgeable responses. Finally, Dean Whitney Nash has an expansive palette of talent that makes her ideal to be our dean. Her leadership, work ethic, moral compass, friendliness, and passion about doing the right thing are genuinely inspiring and influential to the whole team. The School of Nursing is truly a better place with her at the helm.

Do you have any advice for prospective students who are considering nursing as their future career? 

I.W. I congratulate prospective students on even considering nursing as a career. In my opinion, nursing as a profession is unmatched in terms of the wide range of possibilities and endless opportunities. I tell prospective students that they can write out their own script on how they want their nursing career to look, and with determination, persistence, and an ability to make the appropriate connections, they can be the main character in the story that they imagined. I’ve made a handful of sound decisions in my life, and choosing to be a nurse is one of my best ones. If I had to carve out my choice of profession and career all over again, I would not change a thing. 

Outside of nursing education, what are some of your hobbies or interests? 

I.W. I am passionate about activities that contribute to physical and emotional health, as well as healthy aging. This includes physical exercise, healthy cooking, and reading. I also love travel, culture, and languages, specifically French, which I aim to speak fluently. Finally, I cherish soulful conversations and being around people who challenge me to be a better version of myself.