Get to Know
Name: Barbara J. Olinzock
Department: Nursing
Job: Assistant Professor in Nursing
Years at UNF: 13 years
If you could choose any other career, what would it be and why?
I would still choose nursing, as there are many opportunities to make meaningful contributions. I am fortunate to have the best of both worlds as a nurse and an educator.
What is your favorite thing about working at UNF?
My faculty colleagues, not only in nursing, but in other departments and colleges as well. They are truly a dedicated group of educators. I also enjoy seeing how our graduates and alumni give back to the Jacksonville community. I am proud to have been a part of their UNF educational experience.
What is the best thing you ever won?
My greatest honor has been receiving the “Article of the Year-2005” presented by the Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses for my article about my research on learning readiness and patient education for individuals with a spinal cord injury.
What is the proudest/happiest moment of your life?
Of course, there are several that stand out: my wedding day, my children; and being finally able to earn my doctorate in 2003. This was very special since it was a long time coming.
Tell us something that would surprise people to know about you.
I love music — all kinds. I grew up in the Motown capital, Detroit. I have an extensive music collection. I also confess I am a news junkie and will follow newspaper stories, news magazines, cable TV and radio whenever I can.
What was the first concert you ever attended, and what was the most recent concert you attended?
Now I am dating myself, but in the 1960s I attended a Beatles concert as a young teenager, but as luck would have it I never saw them or heard them because of the flash bulbs and screaming. More recently, I saw Rod Stewart when he was in Jacksonville. I still have a soft spot for my favorites from years past.
What person had the greatest impact on your life?
Without a doubt, my family and especially my husband who has been my inspiration and joy. However, when I was a young nursing student at Wayne State University, the dean of the College of Nursing helped me apply for an emergency loan when I thought I might have to drop out of nursing school because I couldn’t afford the tuition. Her caring and confidence kept me going during a difficult time. She became my role model, and I made a vow that some day I would teach and mentor nursing students.What are you most passionate about?
I am very passionate about my work in the area of patient education. My research focuses on how to promote learning readiness for patients in rehabilitation.
Who is the most famous person you ever met?
What a thrill it was to meet Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) at a University of San Diego School of Nursing fundraiser in San Diego. Our daughter was 4 years old at the time, and it was very special meeting the person who was bringing her so much joy through his books.
Last book read:
“Hop On Pop” to granddaughter Hannah.