Monique Sawyer loves to share her favorite life quote, from Howard Thurman, which explains the nature of her path to nursing education: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” A spark was ignited within Sawyer the first time she taught a lecture in front of a classroom, and she knew right then, as a nursing student at PLNU, that she would find a way to teaching one day. She is humbled and honored to have joined the faculty at her alma mater, the sacred place that brought about so much transformation within her. Aside from engaging in her passion of teaching and learning with students, Sawyer's love and energy is spent spent living a full life with her three children and husband Brandon (also on faculty at PLNU!).
Education
- DNP, Arizona State University
- BSN, Point Loma Nazarene University
Courses Taught
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NSG 1080: Professional Development I: An Introduction to Nursing
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NSG 2080: Professional Development II: Reflective Practice
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NSG 4050: Nursing of Communities: Mental Health Focus
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NSG 4060/4061: Nursing of Communities: Community Health Focus
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GNSG 6022: Evidence-Based Practice Process
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PSY 1001: Psychology of Personal Development
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GNSG 5046: RN-MSN Transition II
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NRS 3060: Inquiring Faithfully: Nursing Research
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NRS 3050/3051: Communicating and Following Faithfully
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GNSG 6095B: Comprehensive Exam B
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NSG 4051: Nursing of Communities: Mental Health Focus (clinical only)
Experience in Field
Teaching
- Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA
- Associate Dean, 2021-present
- Professor, 2015-present
- Guest lecturer, 2007-2010
- Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
- Faculty Associate, 2013-2015
- Teaching Assistant, 2012-2013
- Guest lecturer, 2012
Clinical
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Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, 2023-present
- Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, San Diego, CA, Therapist/Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, 2014-2018
- University of California, San Diego Health System, San Diego, CA, Registered Nurse, 2007-2010
- Children’s Hospital Central California, Madera, CA, Registered Nurse II, 2006-2007
- University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, Clinician II Registered Nurse, 2004-2006
Professional and Community Involvement
Professional
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Point Loma Nazarene University: Speaker at School of Nursing Homecoming & Community Liaison Breakfast re: Caring for Ourselves (2022)
- Johnson & Johnson Innovation/JLABS: Reviewed grant applications for the Johnson & Johnson Nurses Innovate Quickfire Challenge (2021)
- Point Loma Nazarene University: Led workshop for San Diego County public health nurses on precepting nursing students in public health (2018)
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association: Conference abstract reviewer, member (2012-present)
- Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing Member (intermittently between 2003-present)
- Point Loma Nazarene University: Mental Health CNS Preceptor (2014)
- California Association of Nurse Practitioners Member (2013-2014)
- Nursing Alumni Association of Point Loma (NAAPL), Point Loma Nazarene University Treasurer (2008-2010)
Community
- San Diego First Church of the Nazarene, San Diego, CA: Various service roles: elected board member, nursery, Children’s Church, Vacation Bible School, church service day, welcome center (2014-present)
- Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) on the Point, San Diego, CA: Table group leader (2017-2018)
- Ocean Beach Elementary School, San Diego, CA: Parent volunteer in classroom, field trip chaperone (2014-present)
- Helix Charter High School, La Mesa, CA: Consultant and clinical expert to a high school senior for her senior project on adolescent anxiety (2013-2015)
- Girls on the Run, Maricopa County, AZ: Running buddy in a nonprofit prevention program that seeks to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles in preteen girls through running (2010-2012)
- AMIGOS Mentoring Program, Nativity Prep Academy, San Diego, CA: Mentored a seventh-grade girl in an impoverished area through weekly one-on-one meetings (2008-2009)
- Love INC, Charlottesville, VA: Served individuals in various ways, such as cleaning house, giving Christmas gifts to needy families, and providing moving assistance (2005-2006)
- LoveWorks, Point Loma Nazarene University, Pukalani, HI: Volunteered as a youth intern at a small church for one summer (2002)
Awards and Honors
- PLNU Sabbatical Grant, Point Loma Nazarene University, 2023
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PLNU Alumni Association Faculty Grant ($1,000), Point Loma Nazarene University, 2022-23
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PLNU RASP Grant ($2,000), Point Loma Nazarene University, 2022-23
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Teaching Excellence Award, Point Loma Nazarene University, 2021-22
- Teaching Excellence Award, Point Loma Nazarene University, 2019-20
- Teaching Excellence Award, Point Loma Nazarene University, 2018-19
- Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year, Mental Health, Point Loma Nazarene University, 2015
- Outstanding Graduate Student, Arizona State University, 2013
- Janssen Scholar, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2012
- Multiple student scholarships, Arizona State University, 2010 – 2013
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Induction into Phi Delta Lambda baccalaureate honors society, Point Loma Nazarene University, 2004
Dissertations, Presentations, and Publications
Publications
- Sawyer, M. C., & Nunez, D. E. (2014). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxious children: From evidence to practice. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 11(1), 65-71.
Research
- An Exploration of Innovative Approaches to College Health Services within Three Spheres: Nurse Faculty Practice Model, Health Promotion, and Psychiatric Services (2022-2023).
- Mentor & Committee Member on multiple senior honors projects, Point Loma Nazarene University (2017-present).
- Mobile Learning, Point Loma Nazarene University (2019-2021). Co-Investigator: Katie Jacobson.
- An Exploration of Professionalism in RN-BSN Students, Point Loma Nazarene University (2016-2021). Co-Investigators: Michelle Riingen & Chris Sloan
- COPE for Kids: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Intervention for Anxious Children, Arizona State University (2012-2013) Co-Investigators: Ann Guthery, Gail Ziv & Pamela Lusk
- Evaluating the Effects of a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Workshop on Nursing Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes About Evidence-Based Practice, Arizona State University (2012). Co-Investigator: Ann Guthery
- Outcomes Monitoring in the Southwest Health Center for the Prevention & Treatment of Child-Adolescent Depression and Anxiety Disorders, Arizona State University (2011-2012). Co-Investigators: Bernadette Melnyk, Pamela Lusk & Ruth Flucker
Podium Presentations
- Perspectives on Human Wellness: Public Health History, Education, Policy and Practice, Utah State Historical Society Conference, virtual (September 2021). Co-Presenters: Ben Cater, Paul Reeve, Gretchen Case, Len Novilla.
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The Significance of Comprehensive Sex Education in Relation to Sexual Health at a Private Christian University, Associate of Public Health Nurses Conference, virtual (April 2021). Co-presenters: Samantha Fezzey, Sydney Henderson
- The Significance of Comprehensive Sex Education in Relation to Sexual Health at a Private Christian University, Associate of Public Health Nurses Conference, virtual (April 2021). Co-presenters: Samantha Fezzey, Sydney Henderson
- The Significance of Comprehensive Sex Education in Relation to Sexual Health at a Private Christian University, UCSD Nursing Inquiry & Innovations Conference, San Diego, CA (July 2020). Co-presenters: Samantha Fezzey, Sydney Henderson
- COPE for Children: An Evidence-Based and Innovative CBT Program for Anxious Children, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, California state chapter conference, Los Angeles, CA (April 2014)
- Anxious and Depressed Youth: Screening, Assessment and Active, Early Mental Health: Interventions to Bridge the Gap Between Evidence and Practice, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners annual conference, Boston, MA (March 2014). Co-Presenter: Pamela Lusk
- COPE for Children: An Evidence-Based and Feasible CBT Program for Anxious Children, American Psychiatric Nurses Association annual conference, San Antonio, TX (October 2013)
- The Anxious School Age Child: Early and Active Interventions, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners annual conference, Orlando, FL (April 2013). Co-Presenter: Pamela Lusk
- Bridging the Gap: Is Brief, Manualized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy the Bridge We Need Between Evidence and Practice for Anxious Children?, International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses annual conference, San Antonio, TX (April 2013)
Poster Presentations
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The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of College Aged Students, American Psychiatric Nurses Association annual conference, Long Beach, CA (October 2022). Co-Presenter: Grace Westgate
- Kekeli Women: The Impact of Being a Community Health Promoter in Ghana, West Africa, Association of California Nurse Leaders annual conference, San Diego, CA (April 2019). Co-presenters: Kathrin Hoertig, Chris Sloan
- An Exploration of Calling and Vocation in RN-BSN Students, Innovations in Faith-Based Nursing Conference at Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN (June 2018). Co-Presenters: Michelle Riingen & Chris Sloan
- Public Health is Contagious, Association of Public Health Nurses annual conference, Little Rock, AR (May 2018). Co-Presenters: Jennifer King & Michelle Riingen
- Empowering Students to Implement EBP in Psychiatric Practice, American Psychiatric Nurses Association annual conference, San Antonio, TX (October 2013)
- Addressing Stigma by Providing an Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Program (COPE) in College Health Centers for Depressed and Anxious Students, American Psychiatric Nurses Association annual conference, Pittsburgh, PA (October 2012). Co-Presenters: Ruth Flucker, Pamela Lusk & Bernadette Melnyk
