UK nurse finds new calling as educator after moving to U.S

Brian E. Mueller Chairman | Grand Canyon University

By NW Valley Times

May 21, 2024

After 22 years at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, Jan Kear has transitioned to teaching the next generation of nurses, including at GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions.

Jan Kear's passion for nursing was ignited back in Manchester, England, when her aunt lost a baby late in pregnancy. "I was very touched by the way the nurses took care of her … they were very kind to her, and I just thought, that’s what I want to do,” said Kear during National Nurses Month.

Kear initially worked at a children’s hospital in England as a state-enrolled nurse. The trajectory of her career changed when her husband secured a job in the United States. “In America, you can achieve a lot, and we’ve certainly done that,” she said. The couple moved to Phoenix 42 years ago.

After raising their two children, James and Sally, Kear returned to nursing at HonorHealth. To meet employment conditions, she pursued further education despite many of her previous credits not transferring from England. She earned an associate degree from Scottsdale Community College and later completed a bachelor’s degree through Grand Canyon University (GCU) in 2015.

“Every Thursday night, we met. It was great to meet the teachers. It was great to form a bond with the girls in class. We had some fabulous instructors,” said Kear about her experience at GCU.

Her positive educational experience inspired Kear to become an instructor herself. “I’ve got a great passion for teaching these students,” she stated. She teaches at both Scottsdale Community College and GCU and earned her master’s degree from GCU in 2018.

At GCU, Kear assists students based on their needs: “I say to the students, 'What do you need to focus on?'” Her expertise includes obstetrics and postpartum care, areas where she has significant professional experience.

Kear played a role in improving recovery times for women who had C-sections at HonorHealth by implementing strategic changes regarding patient care post-surgery.

Additionally, she contributed to developing courses at GCU designed to help international nurses transition into the U.S. health system—a process she experienced firsthand.

“It’s important for international nurses ... how to connect with others from your country of origin,” noted Kear about fostering connections among students.

As an instructor, Kear emphasizes teamwork within healthcare settings: “We need to help one another... it’s not just us taking care of that patient.” At the same time, she stresses advocacy for patients given nurses' frequent interactions with them.

Manager of Internal Communications Lana Sweeten-Shults can be reached at [email protected] or at (602) 639-7901.

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