51ÂÜÀò

Dr. Rachel Van Niekerk is a pediatric nurse practitioner and brings her love of children and teaching into the classroom. She has taught in most areas of the B.S.N. Program. She enjoys the mentoring aspects of clinical and helping students see the importance of caring for the patient’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs but also recognizing the importance of the family especially in the pediatric population. She has utilized virtual patients, evolving case studies, interactive games, social media and simulation to enhance her lecture content in the classroom and clinical setting. She has developed and implemented multiple prayer projects and contemplative exercises for the clinical setting allowing students the opportunity to spend time caring for their own spiritual needs but also praying for their patients, peers, and instructors. She recently co-authored a book chapter in Inclusive Strategies for Individuals with Physical and Health Impairments, a book developed through the 51ÂÜÀò School of Education.