Sarah J. Whitwell, MSN, RN is an Instructor at the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. With over 13 years of clinical experience in pediatrics, cardiac care, and post-anesthesia recovery, she brings a wealth of real-world knowledge to the classroom. She transitioned from direct patient care to full-time teaching to help shape the next generation of nurses. Her passion lies in fostering student success and bridging the gap between clinical practice and academic preparation.
Education:
She holds an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Redlands Community College. She went on to complete both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Education at Arkansas State University.
Clinical/Research Interests:
Her primary clinical research interest centers on animal-assisted therapy, with a broader focus on student wellness and the human-animal bond. She is dedicated to exploring innovative strategies that support mental health and reduce stress through therapeutic human-animal interactions in both academic and clinical environments.