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Biography
Jennifer Smalley, MSN, RN, CNE-cl, is a Clinical Lecturer at the Texas State University St. David’s School of Nursing. Jen earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Texas at Austin and her Master of Science in Nurse Education from Texas Woman's University. Her teaching focuses on helping students connect foundational nursing knowledge with clinical judgment, safe medication practice, and real-world patient care.
In addition to her faculty role, Jennifer works as a Critical Care RN Practice Specialist supporting medical and surgical intensive care units. Her clinical practice and professional interests include critical care nursing, nursing education, competency development, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and the professional development of nurses across the transition from novice to expert.
Jennifer is actively involved in professional nursing leadership and serves as President of the Greater Austin Area Chapter of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and as an AACN Ambassador. She is a Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE-cl) and has been recognized for her commitment to nursing education with multiple Clinical Faculty Excellence Awards and a DAISY Award as an Extraordinary Nursing Educator.
Her approach to education centers on creating supportive, engaging learning environments that challenge students to think critically, build confidence, and begin developing the clinical judgment needed to think—and ultimately practice—like a nurse.
In addition to her faculty role, Jennifer works as a Critical Care RN Practice Specialist supporting medical and surgical intensive care units. Her clinical practice and professional interests include critical care nursing, nursing education, competency development, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and the professional development of nurses across the transition from novice to expert.
Jennifer is actively involved in professional nursing leadership and serves as President of the Greater Austin Area Chapter of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and as an AACN Ambassador. She is a Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE-cl) and has been recognized for her commitment to nursing education with multiple Clinical Faculty Excellence Awards and a DAISY Award as an Extraordinary Nursing Educator.
Her approach to education centers on creating supportive, engaging learning environments that challenge students to think critically, build confidence, and begin developing the clinical judgment needed to think—and ultimately practice—like a nurse.
Research Interests
Engaged as co-PI in research study at clinical site assessing feasibility and clinical utility of a delirium screening tool in a surgical trauma intensive care unit. Also in IRB process of a quality improvement project to address gaps post-clinical orientation in new graduate nurses that contribute to safety issues and retention.
Teaching Interests
Critical care nursing
Simulation evolution
Mindfulness and holistic self-care
Simulation evolution
Mindfulness and holistic self-care