USF College of Nursing Alum in New Role at Moffitt Cancer Center

University of South Florida College of Nursing alum, JoEllen Warnke, RN, BSN, OCN, received an exciting promotion from Moffitt Cancer Center to become a Nursing Education Specialist and a Coordinator for the Nurse Residency Program.

Warnke, who received her Master’s Degree in Nursing Education from USF College of Nursing in May, 2012, said the graduate course-work prepared her this new opportunity. She said she wants to thank USF Nursing faculty members including Melanie Michael, DNP, MS, ARNP-C, Assistant Professor and Director of DNP Program, Marisa Belote, RN, MBA,
Instructor and Director for Virtual Simulation Center of Excellence and Clinical Education, Gail Schinka, RN, MS, CNN, Instructor and Clinical Collaborative for VA Nursing Academy Faculty, and Barbara Redding, EdD, RN,CNE, Professor and Director of Office of Program Evaluation at USF Nursing, for inspiring her to pursue topics such as the implementation and effectiveness of nurse residency programs.

“The creation of this new role and the completion of my Masters at USF Nursing could not have been timed any better,” said Warnke. “I get to combine my two passions: nursing and education. Two and a half years ago when I interviewed with Dr. Redding to come into the program I was asked what my ultimate career goal was, I can now confidently say it was this.”

Warnke has worked for Moffitt Cancer Center for more than 14 years in various areas including inpatient and outpatient (breast surgery), and consumer health education. “I love working in oncology and my current position combines my two passions: nursing and education,” Warnke said. “I have the opportunity every day to help our patients and caregivers through educating them on their disease or treatment. Moffitt and cancer can be a very scary place; it is my mission to help navigate our patients on this journey.”