Jeanette Vaughan, DNP, RN, CCRN, CNL

Nursing Instructor

Dr. Jeanette Vaughan, a proud Texas native, has been a dedicated nurse for over 40 years and has shared her wealth of knowledge with nursing students for nearly 30 of those years. With a passion for trauma and critical care nursing, Dr. Vaughan brings excitement and expertise to every class she teaches.

Living out in the country, Dr. Vaughan enjoys a rustic lifestyle surrounded by her beloved chickens, barn kitties, and loyal Great Pyrenees, Pinkie. Once a sheep raiser, she now cherishes the tranquility of rural life, balancing her dynamic nursing career. Dr. Vaughan’s engaging and fun approach to teaching makes her a favorite among college students, inspiring the next generation of nurses with her extensive experience and lively personality.

A Conversation with Dr. Vaughan

Why do you like teaching?

I love to see the light come on when my students “cotton-on” to a topic I am trying to teach. It is exciting to see them at the beginning of their nursing journey and then watch where they soar and grow within healthcare. It is an honor to be their mentor.

What is your favorite course to teach?

Honestly, I love geriatrics and how health care affects older adults.

What do you like most about your career?

As nursing faculty, I believe we are answering the need to provide nurses to our communities.

Educational Background

• D.N.P., Nursing, University of Texas at Arlington, 2021
• M.S.N., Nursing, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, 1992
• B.S.N., Nursing, West Texas A&M University, 1984

Awards and Honors

• DFW Great 100 Nurses DNP Scholarship, 2021
• One Nurse at a Time Scholarship, 2020
• Bronze Medal, Military Writers Association, Eternally at War, 2017
• Silver Medal, Military Writers Society of America, The Dark Side of Heaven, 2016
• Silver Medal, Military Writers Society of America, Solo Vietnam, 2014
• Honorable Mention, Reader’s Favorites, Flying Solo: An unconventional aviatrix navigates turbulence in life, 2013
• Great 100 Nurse DFW, Texas Nurses Association, 2009
• Star Award Nominee, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 2006
• Outstanding Nursing Alumni, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 2002
• Redbud Award Nominee, Texas Woman’s University, 1995
• Excellence in Nursing Research Award, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1992
• Correll Roberts Memorial Scholarship, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1991

Research Interests

• Student Success
• Under-represented Latinx nursing student

Selected Publications

• Vaughan, J. and Villegas, W. (2023) Why trauma involves many issues. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America. Elsevier
• Vaughan, J. (2023) Evidence-based pearls: How the healthy work environment effects multidisciplinary trauma teams Critical Care Clinics of North America. Elsevier
• Villegas, W. and Vaughan, J. (2022) Trends in reduction of mortality in liver trauma. Critical Care Nursing
• Clinics of North America. Elsevier
• Vaughan, Jeanette (2022)  Practice Tip of the Week:  Health History Collection. Texas Nurses Magazine. Texas Nurses Association
• Lathrop, R. and Vaughan, J. (2016) Eternally at War, AgeView Press
• Vaughan, J. and Lathrop, R. (2015) The Dark Side of Heaven, AgeView Press
• Vaughan, J. (2014) Waiting in the Wings, AgeView Press
• Vaughan, Jeanette (2014) Lady Jesse Beck and the Navy Ghostriders, Ratnet Digest, Red River
• Valley Fighter Pilots Association, Front Royal, VA.
• Vaughan, J (2013) Solo Vietnam, Ageview Press
• Vaughan, J (2010, Oct) The Clinical Nurse Leader Program. Advance for Nurses

Featured Courses

NURS 3620 Fundamentals of Nursing

NURS 3630 Adult Health I