Staff Highlight on Constance Dundon
Over the past semester, Connie Dundon has collaborated closely with Shelley and Chad Lynch, the Founders, Owners, and Instructors of ACLS Academy, as part of her fieldwork hours for her Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Health Policy program. Among her notable ACLS Academy achievements, Connie secured Continuing Education Credit (CEC) certification for their PEARS (Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization) course. This milestone benefits PEARS students and provides medical professionals with essential training to better prepare for pediatric emergencies while earning required CEC units. Discover more about Connie’s journey and how Shelley Lynch has inspired her to explore the vast opportunities available within the nursing profession.
Connie is a Registered Nurse in trauma surgical ICU, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Her previous experience includes being a Registered Nurse in Orthopedics, Plastics, and Trauma Med-Surg Floor at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and a Per Diem Nurse at Boston College Health Services and Boston Eye and Laser Surgery Center. Connie has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Trinity College, Hartford, CT, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from MCPHS University, Worcester, MA. She is completing a Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Health Policy from Regis College, Weston, MA, with an expected graduation in December 2024.
You received a degree in political science and then went back for a Bachelor's in Nursing. What drove the pivot in education? During my undergraduate studies in Political Science, I realized that law school—often the traditional path for this degree—wasn’t the direction I wanted to take. Encouraged by my parents, who recognized my passion for working with people and my positive experiences in high school summer jobs at nursing homes, I decided to explore a career in nursing. After completing my BA in Political Science ahead of schedule, I immediately enrolled in an accelerated program to earn my BS in Nursing.
What opportunities await once you receive your masters in nursing and leadership later this year? I am excited that this degree will give me various career opportunities, combining clinical expertise and strategic decision-making. I could continue to work within a hospital setting, assuming a leadership role in a healthcare organization focused on overseeing teams and driving quality improvement and safety within patient care or branch out and seek a role in public health advocacy, healthcare consulting, or policy development at local, state, or national levels. This degree allows me to impact the healthcare system on operational and strategic levels.
My fieldwork with ACLS Academy also gave me valuable insight into the intersection of nursing and business, inspiring me to explore the possibility of working in the private sector. I have a new appreciation for the unique perspective and skills nurses bring to small business ventures, a focus currently underrepresented—even in my master’s program. I’ve shared this observation with my Dean, advocating for more courses on business innovation, healthcare informatics, and healthcare finance. Many experienced nurses, especially after COVID-19, are stepping away from bedside care and possess incredible talents and perspectives that can benefit the community through ventures like med spas, product development, and integrating artificial intelligence into clinical settings. Regardless of my next role, I envision continuing to work as a per diem nurse in critical care to maintain my clinical knowledge and skills, as nursing remains a significant part of my identity.
You have held leadership roles as a Unit Based Governance Council member and the Workforce and Engagement Central Council at Beth Israel Deaconess. Two years ago, Beth Israel Deaconess achieved Magnet status, a prestigious recognition for nursing excellence that includes implementing a tiered governance structure. At the unit level, councils were formed to provide input on policies, equipment, and staffing decisions. In contrast, a central governance council focused on hospital-wide policies and acted as a multidisciplinary advisory group to hospital administration. I served on these councils for two years before pursuing my master’s degree, gaining valuable insight into the management practices of various units and the strategies they employed to improve patient care and operational efficiency. This experience broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of leadership in healthcare and its complex dynamics.
How did you come to meet Shelley Lynch, the driving force behind ACLS Academy, to bring lifesaving skills training to the greater Boston metropolitan area? I met Shelley working together during COVID-19 ICUs, and we formed a special bond through that shared experience. I was immediately struck by her extensive knowledge of nursing, medicine, and business and her awareness of career opportunities far beyond traditional nursing roles. I was amazed that someone in a similar role had the business acumen to start their own company successfully. She introduced me to postgraduate educational paths beyond Nurse Practitioner or CRNA programs traditionally pursued after years at the bedside. Ultimately, this inspired my decision to pursue a Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Health Policy, which I am now in my final semester. For the final course of my Master’s, Shelley has graciously taken me on as her mentee as I work to complete my 80 hours of required fieldwork at the ACLS Academy.
You worked with the American Nurses Association of Massachusetts (ANA) for ACLS Academy to provide Continuing Education Units (CEU) for the PEARS course. What did that entail, and is it available immediately? When I started my fieldwork hours with ACLS Academy, Shelley had been in communication with the Director of Health Services at Hanover High School about the variety of courses offered and which may be most beneficial to the Hanover School nurse community. Anyone who knows Shelley recognizes her deep passion for public health and ability to identify community needs. She is driven to bridge gaps by motivating others and providing the necessary training to address those needs effectively. One of the courses that could immediately benefit the school’s nurses is the American Heart Association’s -- Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization (PEARS) course, which develops skills in recognizing signs and symptoms of a child in cardiopulmonary distress who needs rapid support. The PEARS course is tailored for healthcare providers who assess and stabilize pediatric patients in emergencies, aligning it with the school nurse’s role. Unlike PALS, which is designed for advanced pediatric care providers, PEARS focuses on early recognition and intervention rather than intensive resuscitation, better matching the needs of school nurses.
Shelley and I brainstormed ways to encourage nurses to complete the training, typically during their time. We decided to pursue CEUs as an additional incentive for this free certification. To achieve this, I collaborated with the American Nurses Association (ANA) of Massachusetts to explore certification options and their associated requirements.
The certification process proved challenging, but despite the hurdles, ACLS Academy received the ANA's CEU certification for the PEARS course, ensuring that students who take this training now receive 7.5 CEU credits. Now that I understand the CEU application process, I have focused on applying for CEU credits for ACLS, BLS, and PALs, which nurses taking courses through the ACLS Academy could benefit from.
This effort has already proven impactful. On November 5th, the nurses from Hanover High School completed their PEARS training, earning CEUs in the process. Securing CEU credits for essential training benefits nurses by supporting their professional development and helps ACLS Academy expand its reach within the healthcare community.
What advice would you give to aspiring nurses just starting their careers? I encourage nurses to engage beyond their workplace by networking with the broader nursing community, attending conferences, and participating in professional organizations. These connections can open doors to opportunities they may not have realized were available. I wasn’t aware of these possibilities until I met someone like Shelley, who introduced me to new perspectives and career paths.
I also recommend seeking additional education in areas outside the clinical realm. While exploring topics like finance, informatics, or business may feel intimidating, it can provide valuable insights. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of healthcare's economic and operational aspects, helping me appreciate the rationale behind decisions that affect us at the bedside. Broadening your knowledge can be challenging and rewarding, offering a fresh perspective on your role in the healthcare system.
What are your favorite things outside of work? I have a dog named Doug, who joined my family as a puppy just before COVID-19 and quickly became my “emotional support” companion. He was a source of joy and a wonderful distraction during those challenging times. Doug and I enjoy long walks and love finding spots to toss the Frisbee, with Adams Farm being one of our favorites.
My wife and I often visit Maine to visit family, cherishing the time spent together in a place we love. Outside work, my co-workers and I enjoy catching a ballgame or gathering for social events like summer pool parties. We also come together as a unit to celebrate life’s key milestones. This sense of community, built over years of working together, is a big reason why so many of us stay—it’s more than just a workplace; it’s a support system.
Are you a sports fanatic or, yawn, sports-indifferent? My wife and I enjoy sports, both playing and watching. I grew up playing soccer and lacrosse, and now we dabble in pickleball. I follow the Patriots, Celtics, and Red Sox regarding professional sports and whether the Boston teams are winning.
Your happy place? My happy place is looking out from the Cliffs of Moher. I was born in Ireland, and my parents own a home there. The view from the cliffs is breathtaking.
Final thoughts? I want to express my deepest thanks to Shelley for taking me on as a mentee and broadening my horizons for future nursing opportunities. I feel so inspired. I am so grateful to work with Shelley and Chad and learn from their breadth of experience and knowledge.