Josef V. Hodgkins, DD, MTS, BSN, RN, PhD Candidate

Visiting Professor | Adjunct Clinical Faculty | Nurse Scientist | Psychocardiology Scholar | Psychospiritual Researcher

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching is grounded in critical reasoning, intellectual rigor, and the integration of theory with practice. I seek to cultivate disciplined thinkers who can evaluate evidence, challenge assumptions, construct sound arguments, and apply knowledge thoughtfully within professional and academic contexts.

Whether teaching philosophy, nursing, research methods, or ethics, I encourage students to move beyond memorization toward deeper understanding and analytical engagement. My goal is not simply to transmit information, but to help students develop the habits of mind necessary for lifelong learning, scholarly inquiry, and responsible professional practice.

Across courses, I emphasize:

• Critical reasoning and argument analysis

• Evidence-based decision making

• Theory-informed inquiry

• Ethical reflection and professional judgment

• Scholarly communication and academic writing

• Intellectual humility and openness to diverse perspectives

I view education as both an intellectual and formative process. Students should leave the classroom not only with greater knowledge, but with enhanced capacities for reasoning, reflection, and thoughtful engagement with complex problems.

Instructional Experience

Chamberlain University — Visiting Professor, Philosophy Department

2026–Present

• Teach Critical Reasoning with emphasis on logic, argument analysis, evidence evaluation, and ethical decision making.

• Facilitate discussions on contemporary social, scientific, and healthcare issues through the lens of critical inquiry.

• Guide students in identifying assumptions, evaluating sources, and constructing well-supported arguments.

Galen College of Nursing — Adjunct Clinical Faculty (Psychiatric Nursing)

2026–Present

• Provide clinical instruction and supervision for undergraduate nursing students in psychiatric and mental health settings.

• Support students in integrating evidence-based nursing care with therapeutic communication and ethical practice.

• Mentor students in clinical reasoning, patient-centered care, and professional development.

Florida State University College of Nursing — Teaching and Research Assistant

PhD Program

• Supported graduate-level instruction in nursing research, evidence-based practice, and scientific inquiry.

• Assisted students with scholarly writing, literature appraisal, and research methodology.

• Contributed to mentoring, grading, and feedback for advanced academic assignments.

Research and Teaching Integration

As a PhD Candidate in Nursing Science at Florida State University, my research focuses on psychosocial and psychospiritual mechanisms influencing quality of life in individuals with cardiovascular disease. Specifically, I investigate how anxiety, perceived stress, coping, social support, and sleep quality interact to shape health outcomes.

My academic background includes nursing, theology, and chaplaincy studies, including the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and Doctor of Divinity (DD). These complementary perspectives inform my interest in psychospiritual dimensions of health, suffering, meaning, and adaptation to chronic illness.

My teaching is enriched by ongoing engagement in research and scholarship. I bring to the classroom:

• Advanced training in quantitative methods and statistical analysis

• Experience conducting theory-driven health research

• Expertise in psychosocial and behavioral dimensions of health

• Knowledge of implementation science and evidence translation

• A commitment to connecting conceptual frameworks with empirical investigation

Students benefit from exposure to current scientific thinking and the practical realities of conducting rigorous research.

Areas of Teaching Interest

Nursing and Health Sciences

• Nursing Research

• Evidence-Based Practice

• Research Design and Methodology

• Quantitative Methods and Statistics

• Cardiovascular Nursing

• Chronic Illness Management

• Behavioral and Psychosocial Health

• Symptom Science

• Psychophysiology and Health

Philosophy, Ethics, and Critical Reasoning

• Critical Reasoning

• Logic and Argumentation

• Healthcare Ethics

• Bioethics

• Philosophy of Science

• Philosophy of Medicine

• Professional Ethics

Theology and Psychospiritual Inquiry

• Spirituality and Health

• Psychospiritual Dimensions of Illness

• Meaning, Suffering, and Human Flourishing

• Theology and Healthcare

• Theological Anthropology

• Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy

Teaching Trajectory

My long-term goal is to contribute as a faculty scholar who integrates high-quality teaching, meaningful mentorship, and impactful research. I am particularly interested in academic environments that value both scholarly productivity and excellence in teaching.

Drawing upon backgrounds in nursing, theology, chaplaincy, and interdisciplinary research, I seek to help students develop into thoughtful professionals who combine intellectual rigor with ethical responsibility and compassionate engagement.

Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to the formation of nurses, healthcare professionals, and scholars who are equipped to think critically, communicate clearly, and serve effectively in a complex and rapidly evolving world.