Instructor of Nursing
Hardin Simmons University
Abilene, TX, United States
Ms. Gaukler Giannavola is a dedicated nurse, educator, and leader with over three decades of experience in the nursing profession. A graduate of Mount Carmel College of Nursing (BSN, 2000), she later earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Informatics in 2018. Currently, she is shaping the future of nursing education at Hardin-Simmons University, leveraging simulation technology to create immersive learning experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
Her distinguished 28-year career in the United States Air Force spanned numerous critical roles, including critical care air transport nurse, Level I trauma nurse in Afghanistan, and ground critical care transport nurse in Kuwait. She also served as an emergency room nurse, population health nurse, medical-surgical nurse, and sexual assault nurse, demonstrating her versatility and depth of expertise.
As a Certified Health Care Simulation Educator (CHSE), Ms. Gaukler Giannavola integrates cutting-edge simulation techniques into nursing curricula, preparing students for the complexities of patient care. She is also actively involved in implementing a structured undergraduate nursing curriculum that addresses gaps in knowledge about telenursing practices, guided by the Four P’s of the Telehealth Framework. This initiative ensures that future nurses are equipped with the necessary skills to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centered virtual care.
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership, emphasizing collaboration, empowerment, and patient-centered care. From the battlefields of Afghanistan to the classrooms of Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, her journey embodies a commitment to excellence, faith, and service. She remains passionate about educating, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of nurses while advocating for innovation and excellence in healthcare.
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Sunday, June 22, 2025
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM MST