Dr. Caroline M. Peltz, Ph.D, RN, MEHSA, CNE, had no idea while on this journey would take her into the world of teaching and mentoring students. This would become her mission; so much that she was asked to present on coaching and mentoring students at the 2014 Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Region Conference; Bridging Nursing Leadership and Research – what will the Future Hold?
She received her Bachelor’s Degree at University of Michigan; she completed a summer externship and began working as a critical care nurse. This allowed her to become quickly involved in nursing management and leadership. She continued her education at University of Detroit receiving a master’s degree in Health Administration. As a nursing leader, she helped build the critical care tower for Oakwood Main in Dearborn, MI. As her life moved she married and started a family, being a nursing leader was very demanding; and she wanted to be a full-time mother, so she did creative things with her career.
Dr. Peltz worked in catheterization labs and homecare, community health teaching. She received a second master’s degree in nursing from Eastern Michigan University, in order to teach full-time. She started out in 1999 as a part-time faculty and received full-time status at WCCCD in 2006.
Through collaboration with the College of Education and The College of Nursing at Eastern Michigan University; Dr. Peltz was able to fulfill her dream of earning a doctorate degree. She had finally found her niche. “I embrace educating nursing and the integrity of the nursing profession and what it does to serve the public, and I like to prepare students to embrace it as much as I do.”
The doctorate program took 4.5 years part—time study. She receive the most support from her family; especially her husband. “He was my greatest supporter,” says Dr. Peltz. During this time he was experiencing a health crisis; while made her question her ability to finish the program. She had decided to take a break; because of the family challenges; but her would not hear of it. As she sat by his bed one day and discussed this decision; her husband was not able to speak at the time, but he held her hand; shook his head and drew a heart in her hand with a cross; she knew at that moment she had to complete the journey and not let him down. She managed to muster the energy to finish the doctorate program, she says, “because of his strength.”
Dr. Peltz enjoys teaching in the community college setting. She chose to study this population of students specifically because of the retention statistics. Through her research; that mirrors national studies, Dr. Peltz found; “our students need academic support and family support is key.” She says, “I absolutely love working with students and being a part of their success. It is important for me to let students know that I am a real person by sharing my life experiences. I also look forward to commencement; it makes me proud seeing students achieving academic success.” She encourages the graduates to continue pursuing their education and will always be an integral part of their journey.
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