Sara McPherson, PhD, RN, CNE
Director, UIC Nursing-Springfield Campus, Interim Director Peoria Campus
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science
Pronouns: She/Her
Contact
Address:
One University Plaza, SAB 23, Springfield, IL 62703
Office Phone:
Email:
About
Dr. McPherson has been faculty in the Biobehavioral Nursing Science (BNS) department since 2016, Springfield campus. Dr. McPherson has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels. She has taught in a wide variety of courses and labs: foundations, medical-surgical, integrated practice, simulation lab, EBP courses, and DNP faculty mentor.
Dr. McPherson program of research and scholarship are centered on nursing education. Her research focuses on preparing faculty, recruitment, and retention strategies. Dr. McPherson is published for her work on nursing faculty preparation and needs. She is an expert in the Delphi method. Dr. McPherson has reviewed for several journals on nursing education and the Delphi method. Dr. McPherson has presented her work at local and international conferences, most recently Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Research Congress in 2019. She is a board member for Illinois League for Nursing.
Selected Publications
McPherson, S. & Wendler, M. C. (2023). “Finding my place in academic:” Understanding the experiences of novice faculty. Journal of Nursing Education, 62(8), 433-442. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20230612-01
Vanderzwan, K., Hiller, A., Amusina, O., Ryan, C., Krassa, T., McPherson, S., Tozer, C., Carlucci, M., Quinn, L., & Kent, D. (2023). A mentoring workgroup for academic role transition among clinical track nursing faculty. Journal of Nursing Education, 62(3), 183-186. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20230109-10
Courson, S., Breen, K., Smith, J., Flynn, A., Evans, J., Moffitt, R., Staake, C., & McPherson, S. (2022). Impact of COVID-19 on the level of work engagement of nurses at a small, rural hospital. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 53(4), 157-164. https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20220311-05.
Vortman, R., Wendler, M. C., & McPherson, S. (2021). A Delphi study to understand current surgical smoke evacuation practices and related health concerns of perioperative nurses. Perioperative Care and Operating Room Management, 24, 100196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcorm.2021.100193
Wendler, M. C., Vortman, R., Rafferty, R., & McPherson, S. (2021). What do novice faculty need to successfully transition to the nurse faculty role? An integrative review. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, 18(1) 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijnes-2021-0095
Vortman, R., & McPherson, S. (2021). The state of the perioperative nursing specialty workforce: A concern for executive nurse leaders. Nurse Leader, 19(3), 281-288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2020.11.004.
Vortman, R., Wendler, M. C., & McPherson, S. (2021). A Delphi technique study to understand nurses’ knowledge and concerns regarding surgical smoke. Perioperative Care and Operative Room Management, 24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcorm.2021.100193
McPherson, S., Reese, C., Van Schyndel, J., & Wendler, M. C. (2021). Scholarly requirements and support for nursing faculty development and career advancement: A nationwide Delphi study. Nurse Education Perspectives, 42(2), 69-73. doi: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000000784 *CEU article
McPherson, S., & Wendler, M. C. (2020). Safe clinical practice in pre-licensure nursing students: A concept analysis. Nursing Forum, 55, 513-522. doi: 10.1111/nuf.12457
McPherson, S., Reese, C., & Wendler, C. (2018). Methodology update: Delphi studies. Nursing Research, 67(5), 404-410. doi: 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000297
Notable Honors
2022, I TEAM Award: Interprofessional Development Education Experience, University of Illinois
2021, Nurse Educator Fellow, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Board of Higher Education
2020, Forty under Forty Emerging Leader, Illinois Nurse Foundation
Education
2016 Doctor of Philosophy, Nursing Science, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
2009 Master of Science in Nursing, Millikin University, Decatur, IL
2005 Bachelor of Science, Nursing, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Selected Presentations
McPherson, S. (2019). Delphi Study: Understanding the preparation and support needed for undergraduate clinical faculty. Sigma Theta Tau International Congress: Calgary, Canada.
Weaver, B., Knox, K., & McPherson, S. (2019). Perceptions of rural magnet® nurses comfort and confidence with EBP. Memorial Medical Center, Sigma Theta Tau: Springfield, Illinois.
McPherson, S. (2016). Understanding the preparation and support for undergraduate clinical faculty. Memorial Medical Center Academic Partnership: Springfield, Illinois.