Women of Excellence

member photo

Mary A. Tinker

Title: Nurse Educator and Writer
Industry: Healthcare
Type of Organization: Self-Employed
Major Product/Service: Nursing education
Expertise: Ms. Tinker has over 47 years of nursing experience. She serves as a Nurse, Nurse Educator, patient advocate for people with chronic conditions, resource person and writer.
Geographic Area of Distribution: Denver, Colorado
University/Degree: B.S.N.; Ph.N., Sacramento State University, 1971; M.A. Health Administration, Center of Health Studies, 1974; M.S., History of Medicine and Medical Anthropology , University of California, San Francisco, 1980; Teaching Credentials, University of California, Berkeley, 1978; R.N. Licenses, California, Colorado; Extensive Specialized Training, Neurology, 1985 - present
Born: November 20, 1948, Stockton, California
Hobbies/Sports: Animals, hiking, the outdoors, snowshoeing, nature, visiting ancient ruins and structures
Children: James; Grandchildren: Austin, Tristan, Michael, Margaret
Work History: Ms. Tinker began her career serving as a nurse in the ER from 1969 through 1970, moving to newborn nursing from 1971 through 1972. She worked in the Med/Surg area in 1972 and returned to ER nursing from 1972 through 1973. Ms. Tinker then served as a Thoracic RN Specialist with Krankenhouse Rohrbach, Germany in 1973, where she learned to speak fluent German. She served as a recovery room and drug detox nurse in the U.S. Army Hospital, Frankfurt from 1973 through 1974 and was on call in the ER, ICU and CCU from 1975 through 1986. Ms. Tinker served as a Pediatric Nurse Specialist from 1979 through 1980.
Published Works: Wrote all curriculum and test questions for 3 books; Co-authored book, "Bold Tracks"; Articles; Author, "Slide Into Chaos: Breathe"; Pending book, "Saints and Invalids"
Career Accomplishments: Ms. Tinker established 7 new RN Degree Programs and CEU for healthcare professionals from 1974 through 2010. She spent 18 years teaching CEU, CME and people with MS about MS. Ms. Tinker has worked in every field of nursing. As a result, she has a very broad background. One highlight she is very proud of occurred in 1985 in Oakland, California, when she set up and taught a 1 week review course for foreign and refugee nurses. Many of the nurses were hired as RN’s as a direct result of this course. Another career highlight was when Ms. Tinker served as a volunteer, setting up and running an “adaptive” recreation program for people with chronic conditions. She recruited volunteers, those willing to provide door to door transportation, and helped with fundraising. For many it was their first trip out of town for more than 30 years. She used the Sports Center for the Disabled, Winter Park as the venue. They skied, snowshoed, rode horses, went whitewater rafting, took jeep trips, went on camping trips, picnics, the Alpine Slide, and much more. Everyone with a chronic condition qualified, regardless of their ability level. Everyone had a good time, which included lots of fun and laughter, which after all, is the best medicine.