I found it difficult to write a bio sketch not focused on my career, as I knew I wanted to be a nurse at the age of two. (My mother has pictures of me with a medical bag and stethoscope.)  It’s who I am.  I am interested in a variety of other things, however, including reading, travel, cooking, gardening, music, and art. I also love spending time with my grandchildren.  I truly enjoying teaching and working with technology, finding new and better ways to help students learn.  I care for my aging mom, aunt, and uncle—all in their 80’s.  I feel very blessed to be able to give back to them.

Here’s my “official” biosketch to fill in the rest:

Sandra Petersen is the Program Track Administrator for the Masters in Nursing Leadership Program at UTMB. She earned her Bachelor's degree in business and biology from East Texas Baptist University and also received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. She has a masters of science in nursing from the University of Texas, a post-masters Geriatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, a post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner certificate from Northern Kentucky University and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Rush University School of Nursing in Chicago, IL. She has authored numerous articles relating to assisted living, memory care, hospice, home care, and nursing leadership that have appeared in key related trade journals and throughout various educational documents. Petersen has also authored two book chapters included in recent nursing textbooks. She professionally lectures throughout the country at seminars and before professional organizations; she has also served as an adjunct professor in the nursing education programs at the University of Texas at Tyler and East Texas Baptist University. Petersen is a member of the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) Nurse Action Committee, the National Conference of Geriatric Nurse Practitioners, NHPCO, Texas Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International and the American Geriatrics Society. She was the recipient of the 2007 Heart of Hospice Award from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. The Heart of Hospice National award recognizes efforts of NCHPP (National Council of Hospice & Palliative Professionals) members who have attained repeated outstanding achievements in hospice and made contributions with impact beyond hospice.

Enhancing the delivery of quality care has been Dr. Petersen's mission since choosing a career in healthcare over 20 years ago. Since that time, she has served as a true activist for senior health and end of life care - always championing the cause and finding ways to improve the delivery and quality of patient care while ensuring compliance with rapidly changing regulations. During the past two decades, Petersen established clinical compliance programs that have changed the way in which senior care is viewed and administered at the many assisted living communities, memory care communities, long term care communities, hospitals, and hospice/homecare companies who have sought her services.