Faculty Profile for Jen Smalley

Biography Section

Biography and Education

Critical care nurse with over nine years experience in the acute care setting. Provided direct patient care and education in high-acuity trauma, cardiac, and mixed intensive care units. Graduated with BSN from University of Austin with honors. Maintained CCRN certification for 8 years. Remained bedside during COVID-19 pandemic and obtained MSN in Nursing Education from Texas Woman's University in 2022. Served two years with Texas Organ Sharing Alliance's mission to save lives through the power of organ donation. Passionate about making nursing practice understandable and exciting, assisting in transition into ICU from other specialties, and promotion of lifelong learning. Clinical instructor affiliate and adjunct for 6 years with Texas State University prior to accepting full-time employment. Serves as the current President for the Greater Austin Area Chapter of AACN since 2018.

Teaching Interests

Critical care nursing

Research Interests

Engaged in gathering research on imbedding positive mental health practices into work environment for nurse wellbeing. Hope to implement a QI project at nearby facility that includes mindfulness exercises in daily RN huddles to increase positivity and enhance healthy work environment.