Sheila Blank

Dr. Sheila Blank is an Associate Professor at the Centofanti School of Nursing, Youngstown State University (YSU). She holds administrative roles as Director (2023–present) and previously served as Coordinator (2017–2023). Her expertise spans Pediatrics, School Nursing, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Healthcare Education, Pharmacology, and Service Learning. She has contributed to nursing education through numerous publications and has been recognized for her leadership and teaching excellence.

Education: Dr. Blank earned a Doctorate in Education from Case Western Reserve University’s Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing (2019), with a dissertation titled *Using a Transition Planning Program to Reduce Parenting Stress of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study*. Earlier degrees include a Master’s in Nursing (2007), a Post-Baccalaureate in School Nursing (2005), and a Bachelor’s in Nursing (1991), all from YSU.

Research Interests: Her work focuses on improving healthcare outcomes for pediatric populations, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She explores interventions to reduce parenting stress in adolescents with ASD, school nursing policies, and service-learning initiatives in nursing education. Her interests also extend to pharmacology and contemporary nursing practices, emphasizing holistic care and proactive health strategies.

Article Trends: Her publications highlight student well-being, new nurse empowerment, and care coordination. Recent works include co-authoring *The Cambridge Handbook of Research on Student Well-Being* (2025) and *Empowering the New Nurse: Amplify your Impact in Today's Practice Environment* (2024). Earlier studies address ASD transition programs, pediatric diarrhea management, and nursing philosophy.

Awards: In 2024, she was nominated for the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators and received the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society’s Excellence in Leadership Award. Prior honors include YSU’s Distinguished Professor Award in Teaching (2023) and the 2022 Year of the Nurse Educator recognition.

Advising & Grants: Dr. Blank serves as an advisor for the School Nursing Association (SNA). While no specific grants are listed, her administrative roles suggest involvement in program development and evaluation. She actively participates in professional service through organizations like the Ohio Council of Deans and Directors and the Nurse Advisory Board.