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Margaret Barnes
Professor
margaret.barnes@indwes.edu

DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC

As an RN, I spent my first 25 years working in a variety of clinical areas—medical-surgical, neurology, orthopedics, OB, post-partum, pediatrics, gerontology, ER, and ICU.  I have served as a nursing supervisor and as a staff educator in hospital, nursing home, and home care settings, and as Director of Nursing at a nursing home.

Currently, I am a full-time Professor for Indiana Wesleyan University.  In addition to this, I earned my PMHNP in 2018 through IWU, and I am working part-time at a free mental health clinic as a Pyschiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 

My husband and I have been married for 40 years.  I am actively involved in the church where my husband serves as pastor.  We have two adult children. Elizabeth is married and lives in New Orleans and recently gave birth to our first grandchild.  Stephen is currently working for DHL and trying to decide what his next step will be.

I have an ongoing relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I believe in the power of prayer.  Also, I believe that regular study of the Bible offers us the opportunity to continue to grow in our relationship with God.  My first trip to the altar occurred when I was 5 years old.  For as long as I can remember, my heart's desire has been to serve God with all of my heart, and all of my strength, and with all of my thoughts.  I have been very active in the church since I was 12 years of age. 

All of that, however, does not mean that my spiritual journey has been an easy one.  I was sexually abused as a child/teenager by a man in my church over a period of years.  That resulted in a lot of sexual confusion.  Also, I questioned the character of God.  In 2004, God helped me to confront those misconceptions of Him.  That experience was a turning point for me in my growth as a Christian.  I am thankful to God that over the 30+ years that I spent in confusion over his character, He never let me go.  I am even more thankful that He gave me the opportunity to see Him for who He really is.  I love Him supremely and desire to serve him with all of my heart!