Nursing Department Office Information
Department Chair: Dr. John D Chovan
Location: Science Center 236, 155 W. Main St.
Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Contact: Joy Barrick, Administrative Assistant
Phone: 614-823-1614
Email: jbarrick@otterbein.edu
Faculty
Ruth Chavez, DNP
Associate Professor
Areas of interest:child health, medically fragile child, developmental disabilities and clinical immersion experiences.
“What I love about nursing is the creativity and autonomy that the nursing profession provides. We are constantly teaching our patients how they can help themselves and promoting wellness and health through the lifespan.”
John D. Chovan, PhD, DNP
Professor and Chair, Department of Nursing; Chief Nurse Administrator
Areas of interest:psychiatric & mental health nursing, palliative care, nursing models, gerontology, holistic nursing, health care systems, leadership, quantitative/qualitative research, thinking and learning, and technology.
“What I love about nursing is the energy I get from my patients and their families. Working with persons dealing with chronic and life-limiting illness, particularly as they approach the end of their lives is amazing work. I’m tired at the end of the day, but my soul is so rejuvenated and content. Every day.”
Stephen Crumb, DNP, APRN, ACNP
Assistant Professor
I have been a nurse for many years and an NP for more than 25 of them. I earned my BSN and MSN from the University of Wisconsin Madison. I earned my DNP from The Ohio State University. I have taught in both online and face-to-face formats. My teaching philosophy is summarized by “I aspire to inspire my students to be enthusiastic and inquisitive nurses, striving for excellence in the care they provide, and having the skills to create a…
Brian Garrett, DNP
Affiliate Faculty, Nurse Anesthesia Program
“What I love about my profession in that there is always a learning opportunity. You will never know everything. No matter how experienced you are, something can and will come along and humble you. For this reason, respect for what you do must be maintained at all times.”
Areas of interest:anesthesia (adult), anesthesia machine, and anesthesia pharmacology.
Paul Hoffman, MSN, CCRN, CNE
Instructor
Hello, I am ecstatic to be joining the Otterbein family permanently after holding a visiting instructor position last year! I have been a nurse for 12 years and currently working in the ICU at Ohio State. I am excited to start my 2nd year as an educator and see the students grow during their nursing journey. My wife and I recently welcomed our first child who takes up all of our free time but looking forward to getting back to…
Alyssa Wachenschwanz, MSN, RN
Instructor
Hi, I am Alyssa Wachenschwanz. I am excited to join our faculty in a full-time position. I have been with the team at Otterbein since 2021 teaching in multiple courses. I have been a nurse for 15 years and keep myself current in the field by maintaining my bedside position at OhioHealth. I love working with our students and am so proud of our graduates! I spend most of my free time with my husband and two children. We enjoy…
Staff
Erin Cameron, MSW
Nursing Recruiter
Favorite spot on campus I love to take walks around Memorial stadium or sit in one of the Adirondack chairs under the shade of the trees. Name one thing you love about Otterbein Meeting with students and their families. Exploring colleges and universities is an exciting milestone for both students and parents, and I feel honored to be a part of this unforgettable moment in their lives. Nothing makes me happier than families leaving my tour with smiles on their…
Brittany Palmer, MSN, RN
Director, Otterbein Simulation & Integration Center
I am thrilled to be joining the Otterbein team. I’ve been a nurse for 13 years, spending almost all that time in the PICU at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. I started out as a bedside nurse, clinical leader, and then the educator. I also spent some time working at another nursing school teaching their pediatric course and working in their simulation lab. I am married with three children, who keep life busy and fun. In my free time, I love gardening,…
Antioch University Affiliated Faculty
Deana Batross, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Antioch University Affiliated Faculty and Director, PMHNP Program at Antioch
Jeffrey Fouche-Camargo, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC
Antioch University Affiliated Faculty and Charter Director of Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs at Antioch
Regina Prusinski, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CPNP-AC
Antioch University Affiliated Faculty and Founding Chair of Nursing at Antioch