CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2022 - 26

26
A L UMNI
Sheila Tann, ND Class
of 1998, Finds Success
During the Pandemic
Through Telehealth
By Katelyn Nolan
S
heila Tann, ND, APRN, CNS, CPNP-PC, found nursing
after investigating the characteristics of various healthcare
professions. The appeal for her was how nurses work
with individuals, families, and communities. Nurses are
trained to engage their patients differently from other
providers, and for Dr. Tann, that sets them apart. She attests,
" Nursing is the perfect combination of science and compassion. "
At CU Nursing, Tann was able to dive into the world of nursing,
focusing on science and compassion. The Doctor of Nursing (ND)
program predates the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and was
one of the first clinical doctorates that CU offered for nursing. Tann
was able to study under one of the greatest theorists in the history
of nursing. Jean Watson, PHD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, LL (AAN), had
previously served as dean of CU Nursing and her philosophy of care,
driven by her Theory of Human Caring, permeated every program
at the school. Tann remembers an underlying notion that the students
were encouraged to become any type of nurse they wanted
to be. " We had art and music classes centered on caring for others.
The projects we were assigned reflected nursing through those
mediums. The ND program was Jean Watson's brainchild, and at
the time, she was in her prime as a nurse theorist. We were so lucky
to be trained by her, " says Tann.
Throughout her expansive career, Tann has taught, researched, and
worked clinically. Today, she is running her own telehealth practice
while continuing to work part-time as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Tann's practice, My Place Pediatrics, is specifically for children
and young adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactive
Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and other neurodevelopmental
and mental health concerns. She identified this
group as lacking the support necessary from providers. The
original concept for the practice was to care for children
and families that often have a hard time working through
mental health needs. Tann asserts there is not enough time
or providers for those complex issues in episodic visits.
Therefore, due to the changing healthcare landscape at the
start of the COVID-19 pandemic, she expanded the idea to
telehealth instead of a traditional clinical environment.
With telemedicine and telehealth finally
being embraced by patients, families,
and the medical community, Tann
delivers service to clients throughout
Colorado. She finds that children and
young adults are more relaxed because
there is no waiting room and appointments
feel calmer and unrushed. Parents
can attend while at work, and students
can jump on the video call during school.
Entire families receive individualized
attention, which Tann says makes telehealth
the ideal method to treat these
patients. Tann's tele-adaptations have
created a convenient, calm environment
that is genuine and easy for herself and
the clients.
Sheila Tann,
ND, APRN,
CNS, CPNP-PC
To current students, Tann insists on
rejecting limitations. The opportunities
in nursing go far beyond clinical roles.
If young nurses have passions or ideas
that seem non-traditional, she encourages
them to explore options. " Don't
forget that you can be an entrepreneur.
Envision the life you want in nursing.
Stay creative! Find resources and mentors
to build your reality. "
CU College of Nursing | Spring/Summer 2022
CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2022

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