As a former Clinical Associate Professor at WSU’s Intercollegiate College of Nursing, Rebecca Cardell, PhD, PMHNP-BC, played a pivotal role in expanding nursing education in Walla Walla. Dr. Cardell worked alongside Marilyn Galusha (then the Walla Walla Community College Nursing Program Director) and Anne Hirsch (former WSU Associate Dean of Academic Affairs) to bring the RN-BSN and Master of Nursing (MN) programs to Walla Walla. This opportunity changed the lives of many students, offering them a pathway to advanced education and career growth.
The ripple effects of her work are still felt today, as WSU-trained nurses continue to provide quality care across the region. Dr. Cardell’s dedication to education was recognized with WSU’s Excellence in Teaching Award and The College of Nursing’s Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award.
Dr. Cardell’s extensive research on suicide prevention continues to shape psychiatric care, as facilities implement her assessment models, environmental safeguards, and protocols to protect patients from harming themselves. Dr. Cardell served as a Legal Expert Witness on the care of depressed and suicidal inpatients and was a consultant to the Joint Commission, which accredits over 22,000 U.S. health care organizations and programs. Her recommendations, developed with Carol Pitula, PhD, were adopted and published by Joint Commission Resources as “Suicide Prevention: Toolkit Implementing National Patient Safety Goal 15A.” (PDF)
After a decade of teaching in Spokane, she relocated but remains committed to her profession. Dr. Cardell continues to influence the field through her teaching, research, and scholarly publications on psychiatric inpatient care.
During Women’s History Month, we recognize the contributions of women like Dr. Cardell, whose dedication to education, research, and mental health advocacy has transformed lives and strengthened communities.
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