Dr. Melissa Bouws’ courses have included Introduction to Nursing, Gerontological Nursing Theory and Practicum, Nursing Research Practicum, Pharmacology and Pathophysiology.   

During her nursing career of more than 20 years, Dr. Bouws has worked in various settings, including oncology, medical-surgical units and a stem cell transplant center. She began teaching in 2007 and joined the Hope College nursing faculty in 2012. She is honored to share her love for the nursing profession with her students.  

Areas of Expertise

Dr. Bouws’ areas of research include role theory, nurse role transitions and nursing leadership. Her clinical expertise includes gerontological populations, medical surgical oncology, end of life care and stem cell transplant. 

EDUCATION

• Ph.D., nursing, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2013
• MSN, nursing education, Michigan State University, 2007
• BSN, Hope College, 1995

Honors, Grants and Awards

• Holleman Summer Nursing Research Student Fund grant, 2019
• Hope College Nyenhuis Grant, 2019
• Jean Mason (’45) Debbink Nursing Department Faculty Development Fund grant, 2017
• Hope College Faith and Learning Faculty Development Nyenhuis Grant, 2016
• “The Lived Experience of the Novice Nursing Dean: Exploring the Meaning and Significance,” Sigma Theta Tau International Kappa Epsilon Chapter research grant, 2013
• PhD Dissertation Award, University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Nursing, 2012 

Publications

• “Fulfillment in the Role of Academic Nurse Leader: A Grounded Theory Study,” with A. Madeira and A. Streberger, Journal of Professional Nursing, 2020
• “The Nursing Dean Role: An Integrative Review,” Nursing Education Perspectives, 2018
• “The Nursing Professional Journey: When We Question Our Joy and Fulfillment,” with Janet Weeda, Journal of Christian Nursing, 2018
• “The Novice Nursing Dean: A Qualitative Study of the Lived Experience,” with L. Candela and J. Bonnema, Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 2016
• The Lived Experience of the Novice Nursing Dean: Exploring the Meaning and Significance, doctoral dissertation, 2013

Selected Presentations

• “The Role of Nurse Leader in Academia: Factors Influencing Fulfillment,” poster presentation with undergraduate research students S. Dippel, K. Bulthuis, and A. Madeira, Assessment Technologies Institute Nurse Educator Summit, 2019
• “The Role of Nurse Leader in Academia: Factors Influencing Fulfillment,” podium presentation with undergraduate research students S. Dippel, K. Bulthuis, and A. Madeira, Nurse Educator Conference, 2018
• “Nurse Leaders in Academia: The Impact of Mentorship on Positive and Negative Statements,” poster presentation with undergraduate nursing student S. Dipple, Sigma Theta Tau Kappa Epsilon Chapter spring research event, 2018
• “Nurse Leaders in Academia: A Qualitative Descriptive Study Comparing the Positive and Negative Experiences of Deans, Chairs and Diretors,” poster presentation with undergraduate nursing student K. Bulthuis, Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters annual conference, 2017
• “Servant Leadership: A Grounded Theory Study of Nurse Leaders in Academia,” poster presentation with undergraduate nursing student A. Madeira, Sigma Theta Tau Kappa Epsilon Chapter fall research event, 2016

Outside the College

Dr. Bouws likes to spend time with her four children, who span 12 years apart in age, and with her Bernese/poodle “Bernedoodle” dog, Wilson. She enjoys travel, spending time outside jogging (mostly fast walking…!) and reading nonfiction historical novels.