Faculty Spotlight: Fernand A. De Los Reyes PhD, RN, PMH-BC
Assistant Professor, Nursing
Fernand De Los Reyes
Professor De Los Reyes is a psychiatric and mental health nursing inpatient clinical coordinator. He is Co-Director of the Nursing High School Scholars and Influencers (HSSI) Program.
Aside from teaching mental health nursing, leadership and management, fundamentals skills, and pharmacology lab are his teaching responsibilities at the School of Nursing.
At the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), he serves on the Addictions and Recovery Panel and is a board exam writer at the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
He is also an active member of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA), where he serves as an Auditor of the New Jersey Chapter and Education Committee Chair of the PNANJ Bergen Passaic subchapter.
Q&A With Professor De Los Reyes
What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching and academia?
"I have always been interested in teaching. Even before doing part-time clinical instruction in nursing, I was a Sunday school teacher for many years. I could leave a much better legacy in the nursing profession by actively molding the hearts and minds of future nurses. Above all, as a lifelong learner, I believe that teaching provides the perfect environment for continuous learning and service to the community and nursing profession. This belief in constant learning is what motivates me to stay committed to my role as an educator."
Could you describe a recent project or initiative related to teaching that you're passionate about?
"It is the Nursing High School Scholars and Influencers (HSSI) Program here at 91女神. My direct involvement as Co-Director of the Nursing HSSI Program fulfills my sense of purpose as a nurse educator. This pioneering program, the first of its kind in the country, goes beyond addressing the nursing workforce shortage. The program seeks to produce a cohort of public health influencers who can change the narrative of communities facing disparities. I am hopeful that the Nursing HSSI will achieve its program outcomes and make a significant difference in the lives of our scholars, their families, and their communities."
How do you adapt to changes in education, such as online learning or new technologies, to enhance the learning experience?
"Keeping an open and teachable mind on a day-to-day basis is the key to positive adaptation to educational changes in teaching and learning technologies and new regulations that may arise in a rapidly changing environment. For instance, I have embraced and incorporated online learning platforms into my teaching methods. Adapting to changes and technological developments can be painful, but every educator who wants to be relevant among the new generation of learners needs to adapt to change."
What advice would you give to aspiring educators looking to excel in the field of academia?
"Aspiring educators need to keep themselves current in clinical practice. When starting, I picked up a reasonable number of clinical hours in a nursing unit, greatly enhancing my teaching. Attending relevant conferences and workshops is also integral to upholding excellence in nursing education. Fostering a balance of teaching, research, and community service will undoubtedly promote a fulfilling life beyond the university's portals."