Jenny O'Rourke

Jenny O'Rourke is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and an Associate Professor at Loyola University Chicago’s Parkinson School of Health Sciences. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Programs at the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, and directed the Center for Simulation at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Nursing. Her expertise spans nursing education innovation, simulation-based training, and telehealth solutions.

Education:

• BSN in Nursing, Villanova University
• MS in Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago
• PhD in Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago

Research Focus: Dr. O’Rourke’s work emphasizes best practices in nursing education, particularly through simulation methodologies. She has led national initiatives like a telehealth toolkit for nursing faculty during the pandemic and contributed to underserved clinical area programs via HRSA funding. Her presentations and publications address interdisciplinary collaboration and healthcare equity.

Awards & Recognition:

• National League for Nursing Simulation Fellow (2016)

Advising & Grants: Spearheaded HRSA-funded projects to expand graduate nursing education in underserved areas. Active in professional committees including the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.

Labs/Teams: Pioneered simulation education frameworks through her prior directorship of the UIC Center for Simulation and collaborates with Loyola’s research centers like the Center for Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship.