ISSUED: 26 January 2017
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — A Shepherd University nursing professor has been reappointed to the Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses. Dr. Doris Burkey, assistant professor of nursing education and a board certified family nurse practitioner, has been on the board since June 2015. Her new term ends June 30, 2021.
The board’s main objective is to protect the public by regulating registered nurses and advanced practice nurses such as nurse practitioners, midwives, and nurse anesthetists.
“When I was asked to do this I was very excited,” Burkey said. “I want to be a part of protecting the public and to be an advocate for nurses in the state.”
The board also makes sure nurses fulfill continuing education requirements and it takes disciplinary action when necessary.
“It is probably one of the most important boards in individual states,” Burkey said. “Every state has one. It’s the backbone in nursing accreditation and licensing.”
The seven-member board consists of a president, two members of the public, and four advance practice nurses. There are two subcommittees: education and discipline. Burkey sits on the education subcommittee, which makes sure schools of nursing are accredited and are providing a proper education.
“I’ve learned a lot of things that I can use in my job here as well as things I’ve taken from Shepherd that I can use at the board of nursing,” Burkey said.
Listen to the interview HERE.
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