Kay Palmer

Past History

I am what is called a "Damm Yankee," a Northerner who came south, loved it and stayed.
Born and raised in Waukegan Illinois [Home of Jack Benny and Nat King Cole], I decided to
become a nurse at age 8. I was hospitalized following a MVA and at that impressionable age,
nurses made a big hit. I even read every book in the girl's series about Cherry Ames, Nurse.

Professional Life

I'm what is fondly called a "retread." I am a diploma graduate of Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital, which was affiliated with Northwestern University. In my basic nursing education I chose to specialize in neurosurgery. On graduation I became the charge nurse for a 35-bed postop neurosurgical unit with an LPN, an orderly, and a nursing assistance [prior to the days of a NICU]. If that wasn't a big enough challenge, I also learned that I am not (nor ever will be) a night person. Needless to say, I quickly burned out of permanent nights. My next position was as a home health nurse with the Visiting Nurse Association of Chicago. It was the only guaranteed daytime job that interested me. I never thought that I would like home health. However, the same independence of practice is found in home health as is present in critical care. I found I enjoyed the increased involvement with the family and patient.

Home health was my introduction to teaching and I loved it! Consequently, I went back to school to get a bachelor's degree. I must have been a terror to my instructors. I was angry because I had to go back. They made me take tests, clinical as well as written ones, to place out of classes. I got even angrier because I failed one of the tests. But there is life after failure. After graduation from DePaul University of Chicago with a B.S.N., I went on to Loyola University of Chicago and received a Master of Science in Nursing. My area of specialization was medical-surgical nursing with a clinical specialty in neurological/neurosurgical nursing. I was fortunate to have Imogene King as an instructor and my mentor was Myra Levine. I have branched out clinically into physical rehabilitation nursing and am a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN).

Personal Tidbits

The majority of young people leave home and go away to school....Not me. I went to Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital School of Nursing rather than two other schools because it was only 50 miles from my home and family. However, shortly after I signed on the dotted line and paid my money, my family moved to Sparta, Tennessee. I did get a job after my master's degree teaching at Northern Ilinois University. It took me 11 years but I finally moved to Tennessee to rejoin my family in 1973. I taught at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, School of Nursing.

A major turning point in my life came from a blind date with a guy from Virginia Beach. Following a brief courtship, we married, and I relocated to Virginia. My first job in this area was as associate director of nursing at General Hospital of Virginia Beach.

Being an administrator reinforced my earlier decision to teach. But I needed more credentials. Back to school I went. Coursework toward a doctorate in educational psychology (UVA) was interrupted by the birth of a daughter. Dissertation research was postponed by the pleasant surprise of a second pregnancy. My daughter, Elisapeth who is married and has toddler, works fulltime and is a part-time student. She wants to teach in middle school. My son, L.J, who is in high school has his own lawn business. He plays the bass in the high school orchestra and is an avid soccer player.

Since 1979, I've taught a variety of courses at Old Dominion University: undergraduate research, adult health, neurological/neurosurgical content, learning theory, leadership, and legal aspects of practice. To maintain my clinical competence I have worked float labor pool in acute care, long-term care and rehabilitation. As a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse, I maintain my certification by working every-other-weekend in an acute rehabilitation inpatient facility.

Like you, I have a busy life. Four dogs, three turtles, two birds, two tanks of fish, one kid at home, one child married, 3 stepchildren, 7 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, associated in-law children and one husband. They do take up much of my attention (not necessarily in the order presented!). My husband runs two businesses out of the home. Consequently, in addition to my academic and health care professions, I am also a corporate Vice President [fancy title for secretary and "go fer"]. In my spare time, I love to make things with my hands. I am teaching myself to crochet. I am constantly on the lookout for new patterns [simple ones] for table cloths, aphgans and rugs.

But Who are You???

How many of you would feel intimidated by having to get up in front of class and tell us about yourself on live TV? More than one of you, I feel sure. That is what our distance education nursing students do. So as not to embarass anyone and also because it would probably take two classes to do it, we will forego the live introductions for electronic introductions. In your Discussion groups, you will be required to tell us a little bit about yourself. I enjoy getting the opportunity to "meet" you.

How to Contact Me?

Please feel free to call me at the office or at home. However, if you call me at home and a man answers, PULEEEEZE do not call him Mr. Palmer. While my husband is somewhat liberated, he has not yet lost all vestiges of traditional male ego. His name is Weaver. However, he will respond to anything that is reasonably pleasant (except Mr. Palmer). Please be persistent in getting in touch with me. PLEASE CALL BACK.

I must admit I hate voice mail conversations as much as any of you. It is better to email me at kpalmer@odu.edu. To prevent a lot of "voice mail tag" BE SPECIFIC ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT. I can sometimes get the answer back to you quicker if I can leave it on your voice mail. The following information would help me respond to you:

• Who are you and where can I call you back?
• What do you need?
• Can leave a response on your answering machine?
• What are the best times to call?

Kay Palmer
Home Number: 757-495-0005
Office Number: 757-683-5260
E-Mail: kpalmer@odu.edu
Office Hours: listed on the planner or better yet, email for an appointment

Updated: 08-06-01