CND Team Directory

Dr. Nikki Blodgett, PhD, RN, CHSE, is the Director of the Center for Nursing Discovery (CND) and an Assistant Professor at the Duke University School of Nursing. As the CND Director, she works with faculty to incorporate standards of best practices in simulation into their courses, helps to design, implement and evaluate student learning in a safe environment.

Dr. Blodgett earned her Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing from Marycrest International University (BSN, 2000), her Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Iowa College of Nursing with a focus on Occupational & Environmental Health (MSN, 2003), and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from The University of Iowa College of Nursing with a focus on Adult & Gerontological Nursing (PhD, 2014). She is an International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning Research Fellow (IN-ACSL, 2018-2019). Dr. Blodgett and colleagues developed the Simulation Workload Model that provided key conceptual underpinnings of workload determinants for faculty engaged in simulation-based teaching methods. She has published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national and international conferences, and received awards recognizing the significance and high quality of her work.

Dr. Blodgett is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), and serves on the INACSL's Nominations and Election Committee.

Dana Convoy MSN, RN, CEN is a Clinical Lab Instructor in the CND supporting skills training and simulation based learning activities in the ABSN program. Dana joined the CND after retiring from the United States Navy with more than 20 years of service. Dana enlisted in the United States Navy (1992) and worked four years as a Hospital Corpsman. Her clinical practice included emergency nursing across the United States Navy (Camp Lester Okinawa Japan, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Virginia, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Naval Hospital Jacksonville Florida, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center). Through the Navy Nurse Corps, Dana was a certified BLS, ACLS, PALS and the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) Triage instructor.

Dana earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (BSN, 2001) through the Navy's Nurse Candidate program and completed her Master of Science in Nursing in nursing education (MSN, 2020) from Liberty University. Prior to joining the CND, Dana taught at a local community college as lead instructor for a Certified Nursing Assistant II program. Dana is a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), member of International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). Dana is pursing certification as a Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE).

Raymond Brisson III, CHSOS is the Technical Operations Coordinator for the CND. Raymond is responsible for maintaining the technology in the lab, including routine maintenance and updates on the high-fidelity manikins, multiple computers/stations, telepresence robots and video recording equipment. Raymond is a vital member of the simulation planning meetings across all nursing programs to determine the best use of technology/ modalities in simulation based learning activities. Raymond works closely with the Director of the CND in the development and management of the CND’s master calendar and with the Assistant Director in planning of the MSN Nurse Practitioner Intensives. As a CHSOS, Raymond excels in technology, operations, and logistics and is certified to develop and manage the CND’s electronic health record training environment (Epic).

Raymond attended the College of Idaho, where he studied social sciences. At DUSON, Raymond has served for several years on the Staff and Workplace Advocacy Council where he advocates for inclusive work environments. Raymond is a member of the Simulation for Society in Healthcare (SSH) and SimGHOSTS and has published in peer review journals and presented innovative simulation technology concepts at both International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) and SimOps.

NaShonda Thomas, RMA serves as the CND’s Staff Assistant. With her background as a medical assistant, Nashonda ensures the CND has the appropriate equipment and supplies ready for daily operations. NaShonda is instrumental in organization of supplies, assisting with simulation technology, and the setup/breakdown of classroom and simulation activities. She helps with scheduling, giving tours, and welcoming all students and visitors to the CND. In addition, NaShonda orients and coordinates the daily tasks/ projects of the Duke Student workers and high school interns assigned to the CND.

NaShonda earned an Associate Degree in Health Science (AD, 2010) from Medical Careers Institute. In her previous clinical experience, she worked as a registered medical assistant in the Duke University Healthcare System at the Duke Pain Clinic. NaShonda is member of SimGHOSTS, and has presented simulation innovation and logistics at SimOps. NaShonda attends Durham Technical Community College and plans to pursue a degree in nursing.