Growing up, Lorraine M. Wilson, PhD, RN, was raised by her grandmother, who passed away from cancer when she was 9 years old. While her grandmother was ill, she acted as her caretaker, which inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. Initially, she started out as a general practitioner and later ventured into different specialties. Dr. Wilson made the decision to focus on renal because she had a background in chemistry and considered herself an expert in kidneys, fluids and electrolytes.
With more than 65 years of professional experience, Dr. Wilson has excelled as a professor of nursing with Eastern Michigan University since 1989. Prior to her current role, she worked as an associate professor at Oakland University from 1986 to 1989, an assistant professor with Wayne State University from 1978 to 1979 and an assistant professor with the University of Michigan from 1972 to 1978. Earlier in her career, Dr. Wilson found success as a staff nurse at the Herrick Memorial Hospital from 1954 to 1969 and the University of Michigan Medical Center from 1953 to 1954.
Dr. Wilson initially pursued an education at the Bronson Methodist School of Nursing, earning a diploma in nursing in 1953. She continued her academic efforts with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry in 1969 at Siena Heights College, now University. Following these accomplishments, she obtained a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan in 1972. A registered nurse in the State of Michigan, Dr. Wilson concluded her studies at Wayne State University in 1985, graduating with a PhD.
A respected voice in her areas of interest, Dr. Wilson has been an active leader in her community. She is a member of the National Organization of Women, the American Nurses Association, the National League of Nursing, the Michigan Nurses Association, the Midwest Nursing Research Society and Sigma Theta Tau. A contributor of articles to professional journals, Dr. Wilson has written extensively in her areas of expertise. In particular, she is co-author, with Sylvia A. Price, of six editions of the groundbreaking textbook “Pathophysiology: Clinical Concepts of Disease Processes,” which received the American Journal of Nursing Books of the Year Award and was widely used throughout the United States and other countries.
Dr. Wilson was very fortunate to have several mentors in her life as she progressed through her profession. Helen Weber of Bronson University was the director of school and quite an inspiration to her. She was so beloved; she was referred to as “Aunt Helen.” Miss Sweet, from Chicago, another professor at Bronson, was another formative influence. DeWitt Baker, her high school chemistry teacher and principal, was another mentor who was instrumental in securing a valedictorian scholarship for Dr. Wilson to Huntington University. She ultimately did not accept this, for she did not have the money saved up to support the endeavor. Finally, perhaps the most influential person in her development was her grandmother, Bertha, a teacher who took her in at a very early age.
Throughout her career, Dr. Wilson has been celebrated for her achievements. She has accepted multiple awards and accolades for her contributions. Likewise, she has been featured in numerous publications, including Who’s Who Among Human Services Professionals, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who in American Nursing, Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, Who’s Who in the Midwest and Who’s Who in the World. For individuals aspiring to work in the industry, Dr. Wilson advises one to do the best they can do, listen to your patients, and give them all the attention and quality assistance they deserve.