Welcome to the School of Nursing at Idaho State University
Nurses have always been on the frontlines in the time of crises, and the work that nurses do is increasingly recognized as we have faced the COVID-19 pandemic. The world has seen how nurses respond with care and compassion, commitment and expertise.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything, and nurses are increasingly visible in their extraordinary efforts, facing daily challenges with bravery, courage, resilience, and professionalism.
I am in awe of our students, faculty, and staff as they respond to daily challenges, and open doors of opportunity to promote health and safety across our communities. Our students exemplify excellence in nursing, eager to learn and are making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Let’s continue to celebrate the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale (May 12th) and the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. This is truly a time to celebrate our profession and practice.
Karen Neill, PhD, RN, SANE-A, DF-IAFN
Profile
School of Nursing
Idaho State University
921 S. 8th Ave Stop 8101
Pocatello, ID 83209-8101
Email: neilkare@isu.edu
- B.S. in Nursing, Idaho State University
- M.S. in Nursing, Idaho State University
- Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University
Dr. Karen Neill is currently Associate Dean and Director for the School of Nursing which is now an integral part of the College of Health in the Kasiska Division of Health Sciences. Dr. Neill is a three-time graduate of Idaho State University, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Nursing, and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Idaho State University.
As immediate past president of Nurse Leaders of Idaho, Dr. Neill has contributed to leadership and workforce development to advance nursing for a healthy Idaho, in collaboration with the Idaho Center for Nursing partner organizations. She is an alumna of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Leaders in Academic Nursing program, and an alumna of the Wharton Executive Leadership program of the University of Pennsylvania offered in conjunction with AACN.
Dr. Neill specializes in forensic nursing practice and trauma informed care, and is a Distinguished Fellow of the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN). She has authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals in the area of violence prevention and effective response, and has been an invited speaker nationally and internationally on forensic nursing practice. She has served as an expert witness and consultant in forensic nursing for over twenty-five years and is a Domestic Assault/Battery Evaluator approved through the Idaho Supreme Court. She was recently appointed by Idaho Governor Brad Little to serve on the Idaho Board of Correction for a six year term.
Research and scholarship emphases include forensic nursing practice, outcome measurement, evidence based and interprofessional approaches, and leadership as these relate to program development and evaluation, collaborative service delivery, and informed response.