Nursing & Healthcare

Biography

Jean D. Pawl is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Biobehavioral Department of Nursing at Augusta University. She completed her PhD in nursing prior to consolidation while teaching in the former Department of Nursing on the liberal arts campus. She served as the interim program director of the BSN program at Augusta State University after the program director resigned with the announcement of consolidation. She led the relocation of faculty and students to the Health Sciences Campus and participated in the weekly task force. She is a certified nurse educator with 20+ years of academic experience.

Research Interest

Leading change to create a singular identity between two diverse cultures is challenging. During a consolidation of two Bachelors of Science in Nursing programs, the ADKAR Change Management Model provided a framework for guiding and assisting individuals through the change process. By examining Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Abilities, and Reinforcement, leadership can foster the desired behavior by assessing individual needs to promote new ways of thinking and working. Each of the five sequential areas of focus presents with unique challenges that may need to be addressed by leadership. Behaviors exhibited in each element during this consolidation illustrate the concepts and measurements used by leadership to move the consolidation efforts forward. When the five elements are achieved, faculty are engaged and energized; however, if any element is weak or missing, the change progression can be undermined and halted. Lessons learned by leadership involved in the consolidation of these two programs included: respect and patience is needed as individuals move through transitional change at different paces; clear, honest and frequent communication is imperative; allow faculty to participate and help with problem solving; and to realize that losses continue in many forms, yet remember to celebrate the successes.