Rate My Professor Debbie Isaacson

Debbie Isaacson is Associate Dean and Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at Washburn University, focusing on undergraduate nursing faculty development and education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University, Master of Science in Education in School Nursing/Health Education from the University of Kansas, and Doctor of Nursing Practice in Systems Leadership from Rush University in Chicago. Isaacson's clinical nursing experience encompasses pediatrics, acute care, school nursing, and camp nursing, providing a strong foundation for her academic role. She transitioned from clinical practice, including time as a school nurse, to teaching at Washburn University, where she now instructs courses such as Professional Transformation I (NU 318A), Independent Study in Nursing (NU 330A), and Independent Study in Nursing (NU 330C).

As Principal Investigator for a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention (NEPQR) grant, Isaacson leads efforts to prepare registered nurses for primary care positions. Her DNP project addressed undergraduate nursing curriculum transformation, enhancing educational outcomes in the program. Isaacson co-authored 'A Fresh Look at the Faculty Evaluation Process' in C2C Online (Fall 2023–Winter 2024), detailing innovations in faculty assessment at Washburn University's School of Nursing alongside colleagues Linda Merillat, Jane Carpenter, and Bobbe Mansfield. She previously published 'Health Assessment for School Nurses' in the Journal of School Nursing (2008), drawing from her school nursing background. Actively engaged in university governance, she serves on the Learning Space Committee representing the School of Nursing, the Assessment Committee, and the Faculty Senate. Additionally, Isaacson coordinates aspects of the Kansas Military Nursing Education Initiative, supporting military-affiliated nursing students.