Labor and Delivery Nurse: Meet Su-Ellen Weyland

Su-Ellen Weyland is no newbie to nursing. With 23 years experience in the profession, Su-Ellen specializes in labor and delivery, which quickly became her passion early on in her career. Joining Nightingale as an Assistant Professor two years ago, she continues to share her passion for labor and delivery nursing by instructing NUR 260, a class with a focus on women’s health and OB.

How long have you worked at the College?
I have worked at the College for 2 years as of August.

What is your current position?
My position currently is Assistant Professor. I teach the NUR 260: Concepts of Nursing in Acute Care I with focus on women’s health and OB.

What is your favorite thing(s) about working at the College?
My favorite thing about working for Nightingale is the amazing people I work with, and watching and helping develop learners into amazing nurses.

What is one piece of advice you would give to our learners about the nursing profession?
I would let them know that we should always continue to learn and grow. The profession of nursing and healthcare is always changing and we need to continue to learn and grow to always provide evidence-based practice to keep up with the changes. (Check out Nightingale College’s BSN Program to continue your education.)

How long have you been a nurse? And did you specialize in a particular field of nursing?
I have been a nurse for a long time. I graduated in 1993. I was the last class to take the NCLEX with the paper and pencil. I had to wait for almost 3 months to get my results so they could do the studies for moving to the computer-based exam. I specialize in Labor and Delivery. I worked that area for most of my career and loved it.

Why did you become a nurse?
I became a nurse to help women have the most amazing birthing experience possible.

What has been your favorite memory as a nurse?
There are so many memories I have but one that has stuck out in my mind is when I was at a community meeting. As we were introducing ourselves, a lady said she wanted to publicly thank me for saving her and her baby’s lives. She had an emergent delivery and told everyone that if I had not been there watching out for her and her baby and my quick action and knowledge, her baby would have died. This touched my heart and helped me realize that we as nurses are always making a difference in people’s lives and sometimes don’t understand just how much.

If you weren’t a nurse, what would you be?
If I wasn’t a nurse, I’m not sure what I would be. I was a business major before I changed to nursing. I can’t imagine being anything different. Nursing has been very good to me.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Outside of work I like to play golf (not good at it but I have a good time anyway), spending time with my family. I love to travel and see new places. I really enjoy playing with my granddaughters. They are my pride and joy. I love to spend time boating and escaping to the cabin.

Name a few of your favorite things?
My favorite things include my 3 Chihuahuas, driving convertibles, relaxing on the beach, and old 80’s music and movies. I love going to concerts of all types. Love desserts and my coffee in the morning.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year?
This year I plan on getting my CNE (Certification for Nurse Educators) certification.

Share anything else you would like us to know about you.
I recently got married so my name will officially change to Johnson at the end of the semester.