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Ms. Cheryl Perna

School of Nursing

Specializations: Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Leadership and Administration

Email: Cheryl.Perna@nevadastate.edu
Phone: (702) 992-2869

Biography

I was born and raised in Tiverton, Rhode Island. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island and began my professional nursing career in mental health immediately after graduation. I gained experience in several acute care psychiatric settings before returning to the University of Rhode Island to pursue graduate study. My clinical specialty was child and adolescent psychiatric nursing, and in 2005 I earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Administration.

Following completion of my graduate education, I served as a nurse manager overseeing three child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric units. In 2009, my family relocated to Â鶹ԭ´´, where I continued to work in a range of administrative and academic roles, including serving as BSN Coordinator at the University of Â鶹ԭ´´, Las Vegas and as Chief Nursing Officer at Desert Parkway Behavioral Health Hospital.

After several years in clinical practice and healthcare leadership, I transitioned to full-time teaching—a role that quickly became a true passion. I have taught at the the University of Â鶹ԭ´´, Las Vegas and Arizona College. I began my journey at Â鶹ԭ´´ as a part-time faculty member in 2019 and transitioned to a full-time role in 2020. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with nursing students. I find great fulfillment in supporting students’ professional development and being part of their journey through nursing education.

Currently, I serve as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Nursing, Chair of SON Faculty Affairs, and Faculty Athletics Representative.

Education

  • Master of Education in Intercollegiate and Professional Sport Management
    University of Â鶹ԭ´´ Las Vegas
    01/01/2024
  • Master of Science in Nursing Administration
    University of Rhode Island
    09/01/1999 - 12/01/2005
  • Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Nursing
    University of Rhode Island
    09/01/1991 - 12/01/1995

Publications

  • Patient Care Outcomes and Temporary Nurses
    Nurse Management
    08/01/2015
  • The Development of a PTSD Standardized Patient Encounter
    MedED Portal
    11/01/2015

Work Experience

  • Nurse Faculty
    Arizona College School of Nursing — Las Vegas
    University Curriculum Chair
    04/01/2019 - 08/01/2020
  • Senior Lecturer
    Â鶹ԭ´´ — Henderson NV
    School of Nursing
    01/01/2019
  • Chief Nursing Officer
    Desert Parkway Behavioral Healthcare Hospital — Las Vegas
    CNO- Inpatient and Outpatient Mental Health
    01/01/2018 - 12/01/2018
  • Senior Lecturer
    University of Â鶹ԭ´´ Las Vegas — Las Vegas
    Senior Lecturer 
    BSN Coordinator
    Faculty Organiztion President
    08/01/2009 - 01/01/2018
  • Nurse Manager
    Butler Hospital — Providence, RI
    Nurse Manager- Child and Adolescent Services
    Assistant Nurse Manager- Child and Adolescent Services
    Nursing Supervior
    Assistant Nurse Manager- Alcohol and Detox Services
    Patient Assessment RN Clinican
    05/01/1999 - 07/01/2009

Achievements

  • Certified Nurse Clinical Educator
    CNEcl through NLN
    07/31/2024
  • Certified Nurse Educator
    CNE through NLN
    07/31/2017
  • Psych-Mental Health Board Certification
    PMH-BC through ANCC
    11/30/2020