ISU nursing professor McLaughlin retires

After 20 years teaching at Idaho State University in the School of Nursing and working another 23 years in Pocatello area dental and medical facilities, Diana McLaughlin, EdD, has announced her retirement.

“I’ve really enjoyed my career at ISU,” McLaughlin said. “I believe this is a fine institution and I’m proud to be associated with it.”

McLaughlin, who was born in Montpelier and moved to Pocatello when she was 10 years old, graduated from Pocatello High School in 1962 and earned each of her four degrees from ISU. She earned an Associate of Science degree in dental hygiene in 1964; a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1979; a Master of Science degree in nursing education in 1993; and a doctorate in educational leadership in 2001.

Her working career has been varied. She was a dental hygienist for 12 years in a variety of dental offices, including for Oral Surgeons B.W. Sutton and E.H. Wray in Pocatello. After going back to earn her nursing degree she held a variety of nursing positions, including time at St. Anthony Hospital that became Pocatello Regional Medical Center, for Dr. M.J. Gregson in Pocatello, Bannock Regional Medical Center and Dr. E.A. Desano’s office in Pocatello.

McLaughlin began teaching at ISU in 1987 as a program coordinator and instructor of practical nursing in the ISU School of Applied Technology from 1987-95. She moved to the ISU School of Nursing in 1995 as an assistant professor, and by 2002 was the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies within the school.

“I loved teaching in the School of Applied Technology (now the College of Technology) as well as the Kasiska College of Health Profession,” McLaughlin said. “It has always been about the students for me.”

She frequently sees her former students.

“It is difficult for me to go into any health-care institution in Idaho, particularly in southeast Idaho, and not run into one of the nurses from one of our programs,” McLaughlin said. “It is very rewarding to know you have added to our profession.”

At ISU, McLaughlin has been involved with many extra-curricular and professional activities, include being chair of the Idaho Nurse Educators Conference in 2006, a consultant to the Idaho Commission on Nursing and Nursing Education, and a co-chair for the Idaho Nurse Educators Conference in 2000. She is a charter member of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education. She is also a member of the Idaho Nurse Association, Sigma Theta Tau the International Honor Society for Nursing and the Association of Operating Room Nurses.

She has been very active within the Kasiska College of Health Professions, including being a co-chair for the ISU Spring Health Fair that annually attracts hundreds of participants. McLaughlin has served on a wide variety of other university committees and community organizations. She served two three-year terms in the ISU Faculty Senate.

McLaughlin said she plans to remain active with ISU in her retirement. She was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the ISU Alumni Association, which will keep her engaged with the university and its mission. She also intends to be involved with fundraising efforts for the Kasiska College of Health Professions and the School of Nursing.

Other retirement plans include traveling with her husband, Robert, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.