Heather Payne began her journey at College of the Redwoods as a student, enrolling in the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program just months after graduating from high school. She completed the program in 2002, later returning in 2009 to earn her LVN-RN Bridge certification. After continuing her education to complete her BSN in Redding, CA, she went on to pursue both a Master’s and Doctorate in Nursing Practice, ensuring she could contribute meaningfully in both clinical and educational settings.
Her decision to return to College of the Redwoods as an instructor was rooted in her commitment to give back to the community that helped launch her career. “I knew I wanted to teach nurses how to be excellent, high-performing professionals who are also invested in their community,” she says. “CR opened opportunities for me that I now want to share with others.”
In the classroom, Payne uses a hybrid, concept-based, and technology-enhanced teaching approach that emphasizes collaboration and research. She believes there’s no single way to teach nursing—students must engage with multiple learning methods and real-world skill demonstrations to develop into strong critical thinkers.
According to Payne, the most successful nursing students are honest, reliable, and hold themselves to high academic standards. “Time management, attention to detail, and resilience are essential,” she notes. “Students learn to manage stress and constant change, which helps them grow into capable, compassionate professionals.”
What she enjoys most about teaching at CR is the culture of support and growth. “I love seeing students start as CNAs and progress to graduating nurses,” she says. “It’s even more rewarding when I see them later as colleagues in the healthcare setting, thriving as professional nurses.”
Payne teaches HO-110, VNC-101, VNC-102, VNC-103, and N20, and occasionally assists with clinical instruction for N3 and N4 courses.