Faculty Profile: Sarah Yvonne Jimenez, Ph.D.
Last Updated on August 26, 2020 at 12:00 AM
Originally published August 26, 2020
By UC Staff
UTEP Communications
Sarah Yvonne Jimenez, Ph.D., worked in a newspaper’s customer service department for seven years. She said that experience prepared her for her teaching role in The University of Texas at El Paso’s School of Nursing.
Name: Sarah Yvonne Jimenez, Ph.D.
Department/College: School of Nursing
What do you teach? Introduction to nursing practice; clinical instructor for nursing care of the child and family; clinical instructor for senior acute care practicum
How long have you been a teacher? Five years, full-time; 10 years part-time.
What’s your favorite classroom activity or teaching technique? Interactive presentations. For example, my students engage in role play in which they demonstrate aspects of human growth and development. They also do self-care activity demonstrations. They really showcase their talents during these presentations.
What background and experience do you have in your field of study that benefits your students? I have been a registered nurse for 20 years and spent the first 13 years of my career as a neonatal intensive care nurse. I was also a nurse educator in the hospital setting and was a nurse residency coordinator for three years. As a coordinator I managed a program that facilitated the transition of new RNs into the clinical setting. Before I became a nurse, I worked in the customer service department of a local newspaper for seven years. My clinical, educational and customer service background has prepared me well for my teaching role.
What do your students like best about your classes? Students have shared with me that they enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of our class and the different individual and group activities we do to promote a deeper understanding of what it means as nurses to care for human beings. I strive to create an environment where they feel comfortable in expressing their ideas and challenges, and where they feel encouraged as they go through the rigors of the UTEP nursing program.
What do you love most about being a teacher? It is exciting and extremely rewarding to see anxious new nursing students transform into confident providers of care. I feel that if I can help them become excellent, compassionate nurses who are enthusiastic about being life-long learners, this will ensure more and more patients continue to receive the highest quality of care in our communities.
What are your hobbies? When you’re not teaching, grading or preparing for classes, what are you doing? Currently I am completing a doctoral degree in Nursing through The University of Texas at Tyler. Most of my free time is dedicated to completing my dissertation. I strive to create a work-life balance by being physically active and participating in the arts. My hobbies include playing the piano, dancing flamenco, reading novels, watching films and plays, and traveling. I am also a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association.
What’s your favorite place on campus? I enjoy walking around Centennial Plaza. It is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to destress.
What’s your favorite UTEP event, and why? Project Move is my favorite UTEP event. I enjoy it because it mobilizes a large number of our students and gives them the opportunity to help their community and have great fun doing it. The Project Move events I have participated in are always eye-opening. It is tremendously rewarding for students and faculty to work together to support our community.
What advice would you give to an incoming UTEP student? They should expect to be challenged at the highest level. This is a time when they will experience intense personal and professional growth. Persistence is key. Flexibility is important, too, as sometimes goals must change, but they should never give up on advancing their education and achieving their dreams. There will inevitably be some mistakes and disappointments along the way, but what matters most is that they learn from these experiences and embrace them as catalysts for success.
