Sherylyn Watson, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CNE

Dr. Shery Watson is an associate professor of nursing who has her certification in nursing education. Her clinical experience spans from emergency nursing, critical care, and public health. Her primary foci for teaching include leadership, NCLEX-RN prep, and curriculum development. Previously, Dr. Watson was associate dean of Academic Affairs in Nursing at Sacred Heart University where she led accreditation preparation and curriculum development for the college as well as developed their first nursing global clinical immersions and nursing study abroad programs. She paved pathways for all degree levels to have the opportunity to learn nursing in an international setting. She has been volunteering internationally as a nurse since 2000, providing free healthcare to impoverished communities.

Dr. Watson’s research interests include nursing leadership, nursing education, and global health. She has published and presented at regional, national, and international journals and conferences. Dr. Watson is a peer reviewer for three nursing journals and an inducted member of the Sigma Theta Tau, International Nursing Honor Society. Dr. Watson holds multiple board appointments including the CT League of Nursing board, CT Nurses’ Association, CT SAFE Advisory Committee, and CT Department of Justice’s Commission for Sexual Assault Investigations.

Journal Articles

Watson, S. M., Cole, M., & Goncalves, S. A. (2023). “Opening my eyes” Nursing students’ awareness of catholic social justice principles during global clinical missions. Journal of Christian Nursing, 40(3).

Ferrillo, H., Watson, S. M., & Saglimbeni, J. (2022). Vaping education in baccalaureate nursing curriculum and effects on practice: A cross-sectional exploratory study. Nurse Education Today

Watson, S. M., Ferrillo, H., Goncalves, S. A., & Clark-Burg, K. (2021). Understanding clinical leadership behaviors in practice to inform baccalaureate nursing curriculum: A comparative study between the United States and Australia novice nurses. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship. 18(1)

Watson, S. M. & Ferrillo, H. (2021). Effectiveness of short-term medical missions on chronic disease in underserved communities. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 43(4), 323-329. doi:10.1177/0193945920944809

Watson, S. M., Ferrillo, H., Cole, M.A., & Yost, E.T. (2019). Applying credit hours to international clinical placements for baccalaureate nursing programs. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(12), 733-735. doi:10.3928/01484834-20191120-10.

Goncalves, S. & Watson, S. M. (2019). Clinical conundrum? An innovative clinical makeup approach. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(11), 674-675. doi:10.3928/01484834-20191021-13.

Ferrillo, H. & Watson, S. M. (2019). Using an intraprofessional global immersion to foster role formation in nursing students. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(5), 294-297. doi:10.3928/01484834-20190422-08

Milner, K., Foito, K, & Watson, S. M. (2016). Strategies for providing spiritual care and support to nursing students.  Journal of Christian Nursing, 33(4), 238-243.

Milner, K., Watson, S., Stewart, J., & DeNisco, S. (2014).  Use of Mini-CEX tool to assess clinical competence in family nurse practitioner students using undergraduate students as patients and doctoral students as evaluators.  Journal of Nursing Education, 53(12), 719-720.

Watson, S. (2010). Hidden treasures: four great reasons to sign up for an international mission trip.  Reflections of Nursing Leadership, Sigma Theta Tau, May 16, 2010 edition

Book Chapters

Watson, S.M. (2019).Effective communication in leadership and management roles. In A. Beauvais Leadership and Management Competencies in Nursing Practice: Competencies, Skills, Decision-Making. (pp. 109-133). New York, NY: Springer Publishing.

Watson, S.M. (2016).  Test-taking strategies for nurse practitioner students.  In J. Stewart & N. Dennert Family nurse practitioner certification review book. (pp. 1-7). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Selected Refereed Presentations

Ferrillo, H., & Watson, S. (2022). Using Simulated Learning Experiences to Improve Vaping Education Practices in the Clinical Setting. Poster Presentation at Sigma Theta Tau’s 33rd International Nursing Research Congress, Glasgow, Scotland.

Ferrillo, H., & Watson, S. (2021). Vaping Education in Baccalaureate Curriculum & Effects on Clinical Practice. Poster Presentation at ATI 2021 National Nurse Educator Summit, Virtual.

Watson, S., Ferrillo, H., Goncalves, S., & Clark-Burg, K. (2021). Identifying Essential Clinical Leadership Behaviors for Nursing Practice: A Comparative Study between United States and Australia Novice Staff Nurses. Podium Presentation at International Council of Nurses 2021 Scientific Bi-annual Congress, Virtual.

Watson, S. (2021). Enhancing the Academic Preparation of Nurse Educators Across Continents Through Collaborative Partnership and Faculty Development. Poster & Video Presentation at Sigma Theta Tau’s 32nd International Research Congress, Virtual.

Watson, S. (2020). Enhancing the Delivery of Nursing Education across Continents through Professional Development. Mini Oral & Poster Presentation at NETNEP 8th International Nurse Education Conference, Stiges, Barcelona, Spain [conference cancelled]

Watson, S., Ferrillo, H., & Cole, M. (2020). Assessing International Clinical Placements to Ensure Nursing Students Success in Clinical Objectives & Global Citizenship. Podium Presentation at NETNEP 8th International Nurse Education Conference, Stiges, Barcelona, Spain [conference cancelled]

Watson, S., Stewart, J., & Ferrillo, H. (2019). Do Philanthropic Short-Term International Healthcare Missions Impact Population Health in Underserved Areas? Poster Presentation at International Council of Nurses 2019 Scientific Bi-annual Congress, Singapore.

Goncalves, S. & Watson, S. (2019). Clinical Conundrum? An Innovative Clinical Makeup Approach. Poster Presentation at ATI National Nurse Educator Conference, Savannah, GA.

Goncalves, S. & Watson, S. (2018). Clinical Conundrum? An Innovative Clinical Makeup Approach. Poster Presentation at Connecticut Nurses Association Annual Convention, Cromwell, CT.

Watson, S., & Yost, E. (2017). Enhancing Retention through Student Mentorship in the Clinical Setting. Poster Presentation at AACN Baccalaureate Nursing Education National Conference, Atlanta, GA.
Watson, S., Heffernan, C, Wojenski, C, & Gieffert, K. (2016). Collaborative Approach: Developing Transnational Semester and Clinical Programs for Healthcare Students and Faculty. Podium Presentation at Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) Annual Conference, Los Angeles, CA

Watson, S. (2016). RN’s Attribute Developing Nursing Competencies to Participation in an International Clinical Experience as a Student. Podium Presentation at NLN/STTI Nursing Education Research Conference, Washington, DC & Published at the Henderson e-repository, Sigma Theta Tau International

Milner, K., Watson, S., Stewart, J., DeNisco, S., Dennert, N., Glenn, C., & Smart, R. (2014). Piloting the Mini-CEX Tool to Assess FNP Students Clinical Competency using BSN Students as Patients and DNP students as Evaluators. Poster Presented at Yale University Collaborative Research Day, Sigma Theta Tau, New Haven, CT

Shuart, J. & Watson, S. (2013). International Goodwill, Personal Branding, or Scam: Athlete Charities and a Proposal for Improving Global Humanitarian Aid. Podium Presentation at International Business Conference, Rapid City, SD

Stewart, J., DeNisco, S., Beauvais, A., & Watson, S. (2013). Utilizing the Mini-CEX in an Intradisciplinary Nursing Program to assess FNP clinical interviewing skills with RN students as patients. Poster Presentation at National Organization for Nurse Practitioners Faculties (NONPF) 39th Annual Conference, Pittsburg, PA.

Watson, S. (2013). Common Illnesses and Diseases Presenting to Healthcare Clinics in Jamaica Staffed by Nursing Students and Faculty. Poster Presented at Connecticut Research Day, Sigma Theta Tau, Fairfield, CT

Watson, S. (2012). Undergraduate Nursing Clinical Immersion Assessment:  Integrating QSEN Competencies to Promote Students’ Self-Awareness of Quality and Safety in Nursing Practice. Poster Presented at the ATI Nurse Educator Summit, Scottsdale, AZ

Watson, S. (2012). Beginning with the End in Mind: Using Program Data to Revise Course Content to Promote NCLEX Success. Presentation at ATI Regional Conference, Fairfield, CT

Fries, K, & Watson, S. (2010). An Intensive Field Experience as a Means to Promote Interprofessional Collaborative Practice in Nursing Education. Poster Presented at Mosby Nurse Educator Conference, San Diego, CA

Watson, S. (2010). Is High-Level Simulation Worth Integrating in Every Undergraduate Clinical Nursing Course? Poster Presented at Nurse Educator Institute, Branson, MO

• CT Nursing Leadership Award – CT League of Nursing (CLN), 2022
• Josephine A. Dolan Award for Outstanding Contributions to Nursing Education, CT Nurses Association (CNA), 2019
• International Nurse Award, Nurses with Global Impact, New York, 2018
• Institute of International Education (IIE) Andrew Heiskell Awards for Innovation in International Education, Honorable Mention, 2016
• Florence S. Wald Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Practice, CT Nurses Association (CNA), 2011
• Connecticut Florence Nightingale Nursing Excellence Award, 2003