Dr. Rebecca D Toothaker

Dr. Rebecca Toothaker, PhD, RN, is the Director of the Nursing Living Learning Community and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice. With 27 years of experience as a registered nurse and 17 years as an academic professor, Dr. Toothaker has a robust background in both clinical and educational settings. Dr. Toothaker received her Diploma of Nursing from the Reading Hospital School of Nursing, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kutztown University, her Master of Science in Nursing and Education from the University of Phoenix, and her Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Phoenix. In clinical practice, Dr. Toothaker has worked in interventional radiology, intensive care, and surgical services management. Academically, she has taught a variety of courses across undergraduate, RN/BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. For her doctoral dissertation, Dr. Toothaker's research focused on understanding the lived experiences of students in traditional pedagogy. She explored how students perceive and navigate conventional educational methods in nursing, identifying the challenges and opportunities they encounter. Using phenomenological approaches, her research aimed to uncover students' nuanced experiences to inform and improve teaching practices, ultimately enhancing educational environments and outcomes in nursing programs. Currently, she is examining the role and impact of safe transitions to practice and the impacts of mentoring in nursing education, including how effective relationships can support students' academic and professional development. Dr. Toothaker is dedicated to advancing nursing education and fostering the professional growth of her students. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, the American Nurses Association, and the National League for Nursing.