Biography:
Victoria Plagenz is an Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of Providence’s School of Health Professions. As a Professor of Nursing, Plagenz teaches courses in the Online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator concentration. With strong clinical experience as a registered nurse and in legal nurse consulting, Plagenz’s experience has prepared her to prepare future nurses enrolled in UPs programs.
Plagenz’s educational successes include a Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, a Master of Nursing specializing in Nurse Education from the University of Wyoming, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marian University. Before joining UP, Plagenz worked as a legal nurse consultant for one year and a registered nurse for 13 years. She also worked as a school nurse for two years. Plagenz has a wealth of experience as a nursing professor, having served as an Assistant Professor and Campus Coordinator at Montana State University-Northern for over ten years.
Educational Background
- Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- Master of Nursing: Nurse Educator, University of Wyoming
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Marian University
Professional/Clinical Background
- Bachelor of Nursing Program Director, 2014 – 2023
- Legal Nurse Consultant, 2013 – 2014
- Registered Nurse, 2000 – 2010
- School Nurse, 2000 – 2002
- Registered Nurse, 1997 – 2000
Faculty/Teaching Background
- Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Providence, 2014 – Current
- Assistant Professor/Campus Coordinator, Montana State University-Northern, 2004 – 2015
Professional Affiliations
- Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Member
- Sigma Theta Tau International’s Honor Society of Nursing, Member
- Golden Key International Honor Society, Member
- American Nurses Association, Member
- Montana Nurses Association, Member
- American Association for the History of Nursing, Member
Licensure/Certifications
- Certified Faculty Developer
- Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional
- Certified Online Instructor, Literacy and Education Research Network
- Applying the Quality Matters Rubric, Quality Matters
- Peer Reviewer, Quality Matters
- Certified Lactation Consultant, International Board of Lactation Consultant
- Registered Nurse, Montana State Board of Nursing
- Registered Nurse, Wisconsin State Board of Nursing
Honors/Awards/Accolades
- Tish M. Smyer, Ph.D. Nursing Scholarship, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, School of Nursing
- 2022 Daisy Award Recipient for Excellence in Nursing Education
Program Involvement
- RN-BSN: Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN-NE: Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator
Course Involvement
- NRS 402: Evidence-Based Practice
- NRS 403: Nursing Ethics & spirituality in Nursing Care
- NRS 407: Public Health: Nursing Care of Populations
- NRS 418: Global Perspectives in Healthcare
- NRS 419: Quality & Safety in Nursing Leadership
- NRS 417:
- NRS 515: Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice
Community Involvement
- FEAT Vice Chair
- Core Curriculum Revision
- Quality and Evaluation
- Admissions Committee
- USDA Grant Committee
Three Questions With Victoria Plagenz
- What is the most exciting or unique course you have ever taught?
- One of my very favorite courses to teach is Ethics and Spirituality. It is ever-changing and very diverse.
- What is the best advice you ever received as a nurse, and how has it influenced your practice?
- On my first day of nursing school, my professor told us, “You did not choose this profession. It chose you.” I feel that to be true on that day and still today.
- If you could give one piece of advice to new nursing students, what would it be?
- Setbacks are a time for growth. TRUST ME… I failed my first skill in nursing school… bedmaking. Hang in there and believe in the reason why you are here.
