Alumna Helps ABSN Students Prepare for Nursing Practice

EUGENE, Ore. – Mary Backus ’07 RN, Privacy & Security Officer at PeaceHealth, returned to Bushnell University in November to give back to her alma mater in a powerful way. As a graduate of Bushnell’s Adult Degree Program in Health Care Administration, Backus returned to share her expertise with students in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, connecting her professional accomplishments with a commitment to supporting future healthcare leaders.

During her guest lecture, Backus provided valuable insights into aligning nursing practice with Protected Health Information (PHI) standards, a cornerstone of patient care and privacy. Drawing from her leadership role at PeaceHealth, she equipped students with practical knowledge to navigate the complexities of privacy and security in healthcare.

“Mary’s contributions highlight the incredible impact our alumni continue to have on Bushnell’s programs,” said Dr. Karla Larson, Dean of the College of Health Professions. “Her expertise and passion for the field are invaluable in preparing our ABSN students to meet the highest standards of nursing practice.”

Dr. Larson’s remarks highlight the value of alumni contributions like Backus’s. Her return to campus illustrates Bushnell University’s commitment to fostering lifelong connections with alumni and bridging education with professional practice. Backus’s lecture empowered ABSN students to excel in their future roles through upholding the integrity and privacy of patient care.

Backus’s dedication not only exemplifies Bushnell’s core values of wisdom, faith, and service but also reflects the mission of the School of Nursing to prepare ethical nurse leaders for diverse communities through evidence-based practice. Grounded in Bushnell’s commitment to compassion and respect, the program equips students to impact healthcare locally and globally through academic excellence and hands-on experiences.

To learn more about Bushnell University’s School of Nursing and its academic programs, visit bushnell.edu/school-of-nursing.