Dr. O’Donnell, a Medical-Surgical Clinical Nurse, is one of DCoE's original staff members since its establishment in November 2007. She was involved with the initial planning and continues to be involved with the development of the Concept of Operations, Strategic Plan, and programs and initiatives in outreach and advocacy efforts for service members, veterans and their families with psychological health and traumatic brain injury concerns. Dr. O’Donnell oversees and manages the operation of DCoE’s 24/7 Outreach Center staffed by trained, professional Health Resource Consultants with expertise in psychological health and traumatic brain injury.

Prior to DCoE, Dr. O’Donnell was an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the College of Nursing and Health Science at George Mason University from 2003-2007. Dr. O’Donnell coordinated the 2nd Degree accelerated BSN nursing program and taught nursing research, leadership, nursing administration and all phases of clinical nursing. From 1990 – 2003, Dr O’Donnell’s civilian nursing experiences at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, D.C. included medical/surgical nursing, case management, quality and risk management and hospital accreditation. Her military experience includes serving as a Clinical Nurse in the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps, 1988-1993 and as a Flight Nurse in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Corps. She deployed during Desert Storm and Desert Shield and received the Air Force Commendation Medal for excellence.

Dr. O’Donnell completed her doctoral studies and graduate work in Nursing Administration, Policy Ethics and Research at George Mason University. Her nursing research focus is on case management and ethics. Dr. O’Donnell is a copy editor and manuscript reviewer on a variety of nursing specialties for Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Areas of Expertise:

• Overview of DCoE
• Psychological Heath and Traumatic Brain Injury Initiatives
• Advocacy for Families
• Case Management and Transition
• Nursing and Health Care Management, Administration
• inTransition Overview

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