Joan L
Dorman
May 2026
Joan L
Dorman
,
RN, MS, CEN
Purdue University Northwest, College of Nursing
Hammond
,
IN
United States
Her influence lives on in the thousands of nurses, students, patients, and colleagues whose lives and careers she has shaped through her compassion, mentorship, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
A nurse for 49 years, Joan has made substantial contributions to nursing in clinical practice, education, and community service. Joan began her nursing career in medical-surgical nursing, then moved to the emergency department. She always focused on providing compassionate care to patients. As manager in the emergency department, she provided a caring environment for patients and staff. In the words of one former employee, posted to social media: “You (Joan) were the best ED manager I ever had. You were so caring, a true advocate for your staff, and willing to do what was right for them when the administration had other ideas. You have touched and influenced so many lives and careers. Thank you for your dedicated service, leadership, and mentorship.”
Another nursing colleague wrote, “I was blessed to have worked with you, and your students were truly blessed. From you, they learned compassion as well as nursing skills.”
As a faculty member at Purdue University Northwest College of Nursing for 22 years, Joan was an active participant in curriculum development and revision, helping to introduce simulation to the curriculum. She developed and taught online courses for undergraduate RN-to-BSN students in leadership & management and in case management and collaboration. Joan served as coordinator and lead faculty for the senior-level clinical practicum and lead faculty for the undergraduate nursing ethics course, and precepted MSN nursing students in the nurse educator major.
Joan also impacted the university. She served on the Faculty Senate for many years and was instrumental in the university’s adoption of Experiential Learning. Joan maintains contact with former students on social media. When she announced her retirement, many students posted comments: ·
“Thank you for being one of my favorite professors and for all your dedication over the years.”
“Loved being your student. Thankful to you for creating a successful nurse in me.”
“You were more than just a professor – you truly made a lasting impact on me. Your support, passion, and belief in your students meant everything, and I feel so grateful to have learned from you. You will always be my favorite professor! Your influence will stay with me throughout my nursing career.”
“You were one of my most influential professors at PNW, and I’m so thankful to have learned from you.”
“You have touched my life in more ways than words can express. Thank you for making such a huge impact on not only my career, but also who I am as a person. You have a heart of gold.”
“You were a wonderful teacher, and we all learned so much from you!”
“Loved having you as a professor. So thankful for you and all you taught me when I was your student.”
“I wouldn’t be the nurse I am today without your guidance through nursing school.”
“You were a wonderful professor and have made such an impact on all of our lives. You’ve helped pave the way for many nurses, including me.”
“After being your student over 15 years ago, I am happy to read your insightful posts on Facebook.”
“I have held onto the stone you gifted your clinical group a few years ago. It’s stayed with me through moves and sits on my desk as I’m now completing my Doctorate in Nursing! Thank you for all the lives you touched and for being such a monumental part of my nursing education.”
“I still cherish the time spent and the knowledge you passed on to me.”
“Thank you for the positive impact you made on me and so many other students.”
“Thank you for being one of my favorite professors.”
“I loved being part of your favorite group of students!!”
Faculty, administration, and staff colleagues from within the College of Nursing and across the university also shared many accolades on social media:
“You have touched so many students in the last 22 years.”
“I cannot begin to tell you the lasting impact you have had, not just on students but on me. I am so very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside you.”
“The number of lives you have had a hand in changing sits high in the thousands. You are a role model to so many. I thank you for having such a monumental impact on my life. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from you AND work with you.”
“I am so blessed to have worked with you and learned from you.”
“You’re such a wonderful teacher, nurse, and person in general. I’m lucky to have learned from you.”
“You are a very unique and gifted teacher. Thank you for all of your hard work, all the skills you passed on, and the lives you’ve helped improve over the years. Remember all the good you’ve done and know that you’ve made the world a better place.”
“You have given of yourself to so many students, patients, and colleagues. The lives you have touched are too many to count.”
“You have taught so many how to be kind, led with your mind and your empathy. You are an inspiration. Thank you for all the nurses you have shown what it means to care.”
Joan’s scholarship focused primarily on ethics and storytelling as a learning strategy. She has authored several chapters and has presented her work regionally, nationally, and internationally (Canada, England, and Japan). Joan served as president of Sigma Theta Tau Mu Omega for over ten years, overseeing valuable educational programs.
Joan has partnered with a variety of community organizations. She has served on the Ethics Committee at St. Catherine’s Hospital in East Chicago for 20 years. Joan has been a member of the Society of Innovators since 2009, the Northwest Indiana Patient Safety Coalition since 2010, and the Northwest Indiana Care Coordination Coalition since 2015. She also served as the Discover Nurse Camp Coordinator for 8 years. A generous philanthropist, Joan is a transformational leader in clinical practice and nursing education. She is eternally optimistic about life and the profession of nursing.
Joan views challenges as opportunities that are solved through communication and collaboration. For her extraordinary, compassionate nursing and her kind and caring influence on colleagues and students, I am proud to nominate Joan Dorman for the DAISY Award.
Sincerely, Dr. Patti Ludwig-Beymer, Professor
College of Nursing at Purdue University Northwest
Another nursing colleague wrote, “I was blessed to have worked with you, and your students were truly blessed. From you, they learned compassion as well as nursing skills.”
As a faculty member at Purdue University Northwest College of Nursing for 22 years, Joan was an active participant in curriculum development and revision, helping to introduce simulation to the curriculum. She developed and taught online courses for undergraduate RN-to-BSN students in leadership & management and in case management and collaboration. Joan served as coordinator and lead faculty for the senior-level clinical practicum and lead faculty for the undergraduate nursing ethics course, and precepted MSN nursing students in the nurse educator major.
Joan also impacted the university. She served on the Faculty Senate for many years and was instrumental in the university’s adoption of Experiential Learning. Joan maintains contact with former students on social media. When she announced her retirement, many students posted comments: ·
“Thank you for being one of my favorite professors and for all your dedication over the years.”
“Loved being your student. Thankful to you for creating a successful nurse in me.”
“You were more than just a professor – you truly made a lasting impact on me. Your support, passion, and belief in your students meant everything, and I feel so grateful to have learned from you. You will always be my favorite professor! Your influence will stay with me throughout my nursing career.”
“You were one of my most influential professors at PNW, and I’m so thankful to have learned from you.”
“You have touched my life in more ways than words can express. Thank you for making such a huge impact on not only my career, but also who I am as a person. You have a heart of gold.”
“You were a wonderful teacher, and we all learned so much from you!”
“Loved having you as a professor. So thankful for you and all you taught me when I was your student.”
“I wouldn’t be the nurse I am today without your guidance through nursing school.”
“You were a wonderful professor and have made such an impact on all of our lives. You’ve helped pave the way for many nurses, including me.”
“After being your student over 15 years ago, I am happy to read your insightful posts on Facebook.”
“I have held onto the stone you gifted your clinical group a few years ago. It’s stayed with me through moves and sits on my desk as I’m now completing my Doctorate in Nursing! Thank you for all the lives you touched and for being such a monumental part of my nursing education.”
“I still cherish the time spent and the knowledge you passed on to me.”
“Thank you for the positive impact you made on me and so many other students.”
“Thank you for being one of my favorite professors.”
“I loved being part of your favorite group of students!!”
Faculty, administration, and staff colleagues from within the College of Nursing and across the university also shared many accolades on social media:
“You have touched so many students in the last 22 years.”
“I cannot begin to tell you the lasting impact you have had, not just on students but on me. I am so very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside you.”
“The number of lives you have had a hand in changing sits high in the thousands. You are a role model to so many. I thank you for having such a monumental impact on my life. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from you AND work with you.”
“I am so blessed to have worked with you and learned from you.”
“You’re such a wonderful teacher, nurse, and person in general. I’m lucky to have learned from you.”
“You are a very unique and gifted teacher. Thank you for all of your hard work, all the skills you passed on, and the lives you’ve helped improve over the years. Remember all the good you’ve done and know that you’ve made the world a better place.”
“You have given of yourself to so many students, patients, and colleagues. The lives you have touched are too many to count.”
“You have taught so many how to be kind, led with your mind and your empathy. You are an inspiration. Thank you for all the nurses you have shown what it means to care.”
Joan’s scholarship focused primarily on ethics and storytelling as a learning strategy. She has authored several chapters and has presented her work regionally, nationally, and internationally (Canada, England, and Japan). Joan served as president of Sigma Theta Tau Mu Omega for over ten years, overseeing valuable educational programs.
Joan has partnered with a variety of community organizations. She has served on the Ethics Committee at St. Catherine’s Hospital in East Chicago for 20 years. Joan has been a member of the Society of Innovators since 2009, the Northwest Indiana Patient Safety Coalition since 2010, and the Northwest Indiana Care Coordination Coalition since 2015. She also served as the Discover Nurse Camp Coordinator for 8 years. A generous philanthropist, Joan is a transformational leader in clinical practice and nursing education. She is eternally optimistic about life and the profession of nursing.
Joan views challenges as opportunities that are solved through communication and collaboration. For her extraordinary, compassionate nursing and her kind and caring influence on colleagues and students, I am proud to nominate Joan Dorman for the DAISY Award.
Sincerely, Dr. Patti Ludwig-Beymer, Professor
College of Nursing at Purdue University Northwest