From candy-striper to award-winning nurse scientist: Patricia Quigley returns to USF to inspire the next generation

Patricia Quigley always dreamed of being a nurse. She learned early on that caring for others was her passion, from her humble beginning as a candy striper, housekeeper, and home health aide. In 1973, Patricia took action and enrolled in the USF College of Nursing’s charter class. The rest is history!

Today, Patricia Quigley, PhD, APRN, CRRN, FAAN, FAANP, FARN, is a decorated scholar and nursing scientist who has made remarkable contributions and a significant impact in nursing, health care, and fall prevention.

Dr. Quigley joined us for the Dean’s Legacy Lecture and 50th-anniversary celebration to share her knowledge and expertise with our faculty and the next generation of trailblazing nurses. She challenged the attendees to become actively involved in professional advocacy by becoming members of local, regional, and national nursing organizations.

Dr. Quigley was presented with the Dean’s Legacy award for her dedication to nursing education, geriatric and rehabilitation nursing, and her groundbreaking contributions to fall and fall injury prevention.