Meet Dr. Jill F. Diede, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
School of Health Sciences
Teaches Nursing courses
Instructor Jill Diede takes a holistic approach to education and the nursing profession. "Professional nurses are also teachers and mentors for their patients. I chose nursing because I enjoy caring for others. I believe learning is a lifelong commitment of professional nurses to the patients we care for. I also have always wanted to be a teacher. 'Qui, Docit, Docet' means those that teach, learn. I enjoy teaching because I learn along with my students and that helps foster my professional development as well as that of students."
Jill brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the courses that she facilitates at Colorado Tech Online. Her educational credentials include:
- Associates in Nursing, John Tyler Community College, Chester, VA
- BSN The Medical College of Virginia, Richmond VA
- MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, Beth El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
- Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), Beth El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
Jill has designed several courses for Colorado Tech Online and has taught Professional Nursing Practice, Legal Nurse Consulting, and Health Assessment. She also teaches Nursing Theory, A&P, Chronic Disease Management, and School Nurse Certification for other universities. Jill is currently working on earning additional certifications for diabetes and asthma education.
Jill has a broad scope of experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner, specializing in chronic disease management. She treats patients with diabetes and the comorbities of hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, asthma and allergies. As a RN she worked in labor and delivery, postpartum, newborn nursery and pediatrics and has also has worked as a legal nurse consultant. Jill is active in several health professional organizations including:
- American Association of Diabetic Educators
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Asthma Educator Association
- Southern Colorado Nurse Practitioners
- Colorado Springs, Military & U.S. Government Civilian Nurse Practitioners
Jill is nearing completion of her first research study, entitled "Group Medical Appointments in Diabetic as a Means to Improve Self-efficacy and Clinic Productivity," which she plans to submit for publication in the next few months. According to Jill, the GMA alternative model will be centered on engaging each individual patient in self-care management and improving their self-care efficacy (confidence) in managing the patient's chronic illness. "It is hypothesized that the GMA model will improve diabetic patient's self-efficacy and self-care management, because the patients will have a forum to discuss diabetes's in a group setting that facilitates their adherence to lifestyle management changes, medications, and problem solving abilities."
Jill's research is consistent with her educational philosophy and the approach she takes with students in her courses. Just like with patients in the GMA model, group interaction is facilitated and students are individually engaged and provided with feedback designed to improve self-learning. "I expect all students to do their best, be honest, and have academic integrity. I also realize that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. It is important to point these out to students in a constructive manner and I do that through detailed, specific, individualized feedback on assignments. I want students to integrate their life experiences with professional nursing knowledge. The most rewarding aspects of teaching are when I see students make new discoveries - those light bulb moments when they link clinical practice with theory and research, or when struggling students come back and tell me that they appreciate that 'I was hard on them' because they really learned and strived to do better."
According to Jill, the motivation to strive for excellence is a two-way street in both classroom and clinical settings, and she believes in leading by example. "I am motivated by people that seek excellence and work hard toward their achievements. I have been inspired by parents and grandparents that worked very hard at everything they did. I have also been inspired by my nursing professors and exceptional healthcare providers that I have worked with during my career, especially those that aspire to provide the best evidence-based, compassionate care. Many students comment on my bio and the fact that I have achieved higher education in a very short time. I have kids, my husband was deployed with the military when I was in school, and I think that online education is ideal for working adults with a family. I would not have been able to continue my education unless I had online or at least hybrid classes. I tell students that anyone can do that if they make a commitment to do so and work hard at it, and I encourage students by showing them that earning a degree will pay off in the long run."
While Jill is clearly a dedicated health care and education professional, she also manages to strike a balance between her professional and personal life. "My long term goal is to work less and enjoy life more. Becoming a mother and nurse practitioner are the two most exciting things I have ever done, but finding a good balance between the two can be difficult at times. My family understands how important it is for me to be an instructor and they support me in that endeavor, so I take one day a week where I make time just for family." Jill also manages to find time for hobbies and interests such as home decorating, spending time with her miniature pincher, cooking ethnic foods, gardening, exercise, and traveling.
Jill Diede is a good example of the highly knowledgeable, experienced, motivated and compassionate faculty at Colorado Tech Online that are dedicated to helping you achieve your educational and professional goals. Take advantage of your opportunities and enroll now!