Mary Alyce Nelson
DNP, MSN, RN, CNE
Associate Professor, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Academic Programs
University Park
Phone: 814-863-2242
Email: mun138@psu.edu
Nelson began her nursing career with a bachlor’s degree and quickly obtained an masters’s degree (Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist track). She obtained a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Penn State World Campus in 2019. Nelson has several years of experience in behavioral health nursing, leadership, and nursing education. She is passionate about nursing, and continues to work as a per diem staff nurse on a local behvioral health unit. Her areas of interest include RN scope af practice, incorporating artificial intelligence in the classroom, and behavioral health concerns.
Education
- DNP, the Pennsylvania State University
- MSN, Bloomsburg Univerity
- BSN, Villa Maria College
Awards and Honors
- Student Champion Award, Penn State College of Nursing Center of Geriatric Excellence, 2019
Teaching
Courses Taught
- Transition in the Professional Nursing Role
- Mental Health Nursing
- Violence in Society
- Integrated Concepts in Nursing Practice
- Ethical Challenges in Healthcare Informatics
- Drugs of Abuse
Clinical Expertise and Areas of Specialization
PRIMARY:
- Psychiatric/Mental Health
- Leadership
CERTIFICATIONS:
- CNE
Mentorship
- Student Adviser
- Faculty Mentor
Research
Research Interests and Areas of Expertise
- RN scope of practice
- Using generative artificial intelligence in the classroom
- Behavioral Health concerns
Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement Projects
- RN scope of practice
- Using generative artificial intelligence in the classroom
- Behavioral Health concerns
Presentations and Conference Involvement
PRESENTATIONS
- Nelson, M. A. (March 15, 2024). “Improving Medication Compliance and Safe Disposal of Discarded Medications in Rural Pennsylvania Communities,” Beta Sigma Virtual Research Day, Beta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, University Park PA, 50 in attendance.
- Slattery, M., Dunn, M., Nelson, M. A. (Co-Author), Kuhn, S., & Evans, M. (April 5, 2022 – April 26, 2022). “Experience Counts: Implementing Prior Learning Assessments of Integrative Thinking for Nursing Students,” ITC Lilly Online Conference, Lilly, Online, 100 in attendance, peer-reviewed/refereed, published in proceedings, Accepted. https://www.itlclillyonline.com/presentersapril2022
WORKSHOPS
- Nelson, M. A. (Facilitator). (November 4, 2016). “Quality Circle Networking – Clinical instruction,” Strategies: Educational Excellence for Health Care Providers and Educators, Pennsylvania Workforce Education, 12 in attendance, published in proceedings.
Research Funding and Grants
- Cutezo, E. A. Grant, 50% credit, “Improving oral care for homeless and low income/ uninsured individuals,” Penn State Nese College of Nursing, Penn State.
Total requested: $510.00. Total anticipated: $510.00. (submitted: March 26, 2024, date funding awarded: October 30, 2024, funded: January 2, 2025 – June 30, 2025).
Role: (Co-Principal Investigator), Nelson, M. A. (Co-Investigator) - Nelson, M. A. Grant, 50% credit, “Sustainability Service Project: Improving Medication Compliance and Safe Disposal of Discarded Medications in Rural Pennsylvania Communities,” Nese College of Nursing, Penn State.
Total awarded: $2,625.00. (submitted: November 18, 2022, date funding awarded: December 12, 2022).
Role: (Co-Principal Investigator), Cutezo, E. (Co-Principal Investigator)
Publications and Scholarly Work
ARTICLES IN REFEREED JOURNALS
- Nelson, M. A. (2020). An interprofessional model with registered nurses for outpatient care. Nursing Clinics of North America 55(1), pages 51-60. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2019.10.005
MANUSCRIPTS ACCEPTED FOR PUBLICATION
- Peachey, B. N., Nelson, M. A. (Co-Author), Lightner, C., Fabisovich, N., Detter, A., & Wolgast, K. A. (2025). Building a Wellness Culture at the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing: A Case Study. [Accepted 2024].
ORAL PRESENTATIONS:
- Nelson, M. A. (Co-Presenter). (May 2014). “Challenges in the college allergy clinic,” American College Health Association Annual Conference – 2012, San Antonio, TX, 50 in attendance, peer-reviewed/refereed, published in proceedings
- Nelson, M. A. (Co-Presenter). (May 2013). “Minors on campus: Policies, services, risks, and safety,” American College Health Association Annual Conference, Boston, MA, 100 in attendance, peer-reviewed/refereed, published in proceedings.
PANELS:
- Nelson, M. A. (Panel Member, The Pennsylvania State University), Tang, J. (Immaculata University), Slabaugh, K. (Messiah University), Rossi, R. (Widener University), Zukowsky, K. (Thomas Jefferson University), Schlamb, C. (West Chester University), & Olszewski, K. (September 19, 2020). “Panelist Discussion – Key Issues in Nursing Education,” Pennsylvania Higher Education Nursing Schools Association, the Pennsylvania Higher Education in Nursing Association, 75 in attendance, published in proceedings, Invited.
POSTERS:
- Nelson, M. A. (Co-Presenter), Adam, M., Dunn, M., Evans, M., Humphrey, J., & Coleman, K. (August 6, 2021 – August 7, 2021). “Experience Counts: Using Prior Learning Assessment to Waive an Integrated Study General Education Requirement for RN to BSN Students,” Nuts and Bolts for Nursing Educators, Nurse Tim, Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 450 in attendance, peer-reviewed/refereed.
- Nelson, M. A. (Author and Presenter). (April 2019). “Implementing an innovative interprofessional mental health outpatient model with nurses to improve care,” 2019 Pennsylvania Higher Education Nursing School Association (PHENSA) Meeting, Pennsylvania Higher Education Nursing School Association (PHENSA), University Park, PA.
- Nelson, M. A. (Author and Presenter). (April 2019). “Implementing an innovative interprofessional mental health outpatient model with nurses to improve care,” Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS) 31st Annual Research Conference, Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS), Providence, Rhode Island.
- Nelson, M. A. (Author and Presenter). (March 2019). “Implementing an innovative interprofessional mental health outpatient model with nurses to improve care,” The Pennsylvania State University 33rd Annual Graduate Exhibition,, The Graduate School, The Pennsylvania State University.
PRESENTATIONS:
- Nelson, M. A. (March 15, 2024). “Improving Medication Compliance and Safe Disposal of Discarded Medications in Rural Pennsylvania Communities,” Beta Sigma Virtual Research Day, Beta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, University Park PA, 50 in attendance.
- Slattery, M., Dunn, M., Nelson, M. A. (Co-Author), Kuhn, S., & Evans, M. (April 5, 2022 – April 26, 2022). “Experience Counts: Implementing Prior Learning Assessments of Integrative Thinking for Nursing Students,” ITC Lilly Online Conference, Lilly, Online, 100 in attendance, peer-reviewed/refereed, published in proceedings. https://www.itlclillyonline.com/presentersapril2022
WORKSHOPS:
- Nelson, M. A. (Facilitator). (November 4, 2016). “Quality Circle Networking – Clinical instruction,” Strategies: Educational Excellence for Health Care Providers and Educators, Pennsylvania Workforce Education, 12 in attendance.
Editorial and Peer Review Roles
- Consulting
- Content Reviewer, Reviewed drafts of two textbook chapters – 1) schizophrenia and 2) somatic disorders, Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI). (2021).
Service
Community and Policy Engagement
- Community safety committee member for two local healthcare facilities
Professional Organization Involvement and Fellowships
INTERNATIONAL
- Sigma Theta Tau. (January 1, 2018 – Present).
- Nursing honor society with mission to develop nurse leaders and improve healthcare. The society promotes advancement through education and research.
- Beta Sigma Chapter.
NATIONAL
- American Nurses Association. January 2020-present.
- The ANA supports the nursing profession throughout all specialties and practice settings. The ANA provides information about current issues and supports networking. January 2020-present.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). January 1, 2019-present.
- AACN establishes standards for nursing programs in order to ensure quality and excellence in nursing. They are also an accrediting body.
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association. January 1, 2018-present.
- Organization that includes psychiatric nurses and advances the science and education of psychiatric nurses.
- National League for Nursing. January 2016-present.
- The NLN mission is focused on the promotion of nursing education in order to advance health on a national and global level. January 2016-present.
STATE
- Pennsylvania Higher Education in Nursing State Association. April 1, 2018-present. Pennsylvania Higher Education Nursing Schools, Association, Inc. is a statewide organization, which helps baccalaureate and higher degree nursing education programs in Pennsylvania plan and implement programs for growth, development and advancement. PHENSA provides a forum and meeting place for those who lead schools of nursing to assemble, learn about the current healthcare issues, discuss ideas and strategies, and plan for nursing’s future.
- Pennsylvania State Nurses Association. November 1, 2016-Present. APNA represents the interests of nurses in the state of Pennsylvania. APNA supports nursing and advocates for nursing practice rights in the state.
Policy and Advocacy Work
- Involvement in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention since 2007
Download Nelson’s Curriculum Vitae »
Last updated 8/25/2025
