Susan Turnage RN, CYN, E-RYT 500
Susan Turnage RN, CYN, E-RYT 500, began her health care career as a hospital volunteer at age 14. She graduated nursing school at age 20. After four decades of clinical nursing in hospitals, home health, corrections, pediatric head injury and as a telephonic nurse case manager, her focus now centers on holistic healthcare and wellness.
Wishing to combine her nursing career with yoga, Susan completed training as a Certified YogaNurse® in March 2015. Her avocation now combines with her vocation to bring this holistic and healing approach, combining the ancient wisdom of yoga with the modern science of nursing, to her sister and brother nurses. Susan brings her compassion, empathy and humor to help nurses deal with the unique stresses they encounter daily. Her mission is to address nurse burnout by bringing this Sacred Remedy to nurses and nursing students worldwide.
Professional Achievements, Yoga
Susan teaches 11 community chair and mat yoga classes per week, focusing on health teaching and humor with yoga breath, movement and rest. Her lessons reach populations in local community centers, most with multiple chronic health issues. Lessons integrate yoga with the students’ physicians plan of care. Guided relaxation concludes each session, a component her students enjoy.
In July 2019, Susan published her occupational memoir, One Nurse Universe. Her book has been received with high acclaim from both medical and non-medical readers. It can be found on Amazon or at susanturnagebooks.com. Susan is married to Russ, an artist working in porcelain pottery. She has grown sons. She also works as an art conservation technician restoring pictures frames and other gilt objects. Susan is a volunteer for VIMS- Virginia Institute of Marine Science- in their Virginia Game Fish tagging program. Her hobbies are making large driftwood sculptures, jewelry and painting.
Wishing to combine her nursing career with yoga, Susan completed training as a Certified YogaNurse® in March 2015. Her avocation now combines with her vocation to bring this holistic and healing approach, combining the ancient wisdom of yoga with the modern science of nursing, to her sister and brother nurses. Susan brings her compassion, empathy and humor to help nurses deal with the unique stresses they encounter daily. Her mission is to address nurse burnout by bringing this Sacred Remedy to nurses and nursing students worldwide.
Professional Achievements, Yoga
- 2014, 200 hour yoga teacher training at Studio South, Williamsburg, VA
- 2015, 500 hour therapeutic yoga teacher training at Glenmore Yoga and Wellness Center in Richmond, VA
- 2015, Yoga for Arthritis Teacher Training with Ann Swanson E-RYT 500, MS in Yoga Therapy
- 2018, Joined the Teaching Team at Studio South in Williamsburg, VA - 200 hour yoga teacher training program
- Susan has trained with Dr. Dilip Sarkar, president of International Association of Yoga Therapy, Dr. Sarah McLanahan at Yogaville and with Leslie Kaminoff, author of "Yoga Anatomy"
Susan teaches 11 community chair and mat yoga classes per week, focusing on health teaching and humor with yoga breath, movement and rest. Her lessons reach populations in local community centers, most with multiple chronic health issues. Lessons integrate yoga with the students’ physicians plan of care. Guided relaxation concludes each session, a component her students enjoy.
In July 2019, Susan published her occupational memoir, One Nurse Universe. Her book has been received with high acclaim from both medical and non-medical readers. It can be found on Amazon or at susanturnagebooks.com. Susan is married to Russ, an artist working in porcelain pottery. She has grown sons. She also works as an art conservation technician restoring pictures frames and other gilt objects. Susan is a volunteer for VIMS- Virginia Institute of Marine Science- in their Virginia Game Fish tagging program. Her hobbies are making large driftwood sculptures, jewelry and painting.
YogaNursing, and Therapeutic Yoga Speaking Events and Projects
2019
10/19/2019- "Yoga for Health and Wellness" New Elam Baptist Church, New Kent, VA- Women's Wellness Program. Invited to present by First Lady Donna Venable.
10/15/2019- presentation to the VCU School of Nursing senior class in the Advanced BSN program. 65 students. Reading from my occupational memoir, "One Nurse Universe" Also presented YogaNursing- The Art of Caring”- Invited to present by Dr. Candace Johnson. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
08/18/2019- Yoga workshop: Yoga for Special Populations, Studio South YTT.
March 2019 through October 2019- One weekend per month- Functional anatomy and physiology instructor for 200 hour yoga teacher training program at Studio South, Williamsburg, VA.
07/23/2019- One hour chair yoga presentation to Senior Connections Board of Directors on therapeutic yoga benefits for Olders.
06/18/2019- One hour mat Yoga to Quin Rivers Project Hope R.E.A.L summer camp (respect, empowerment, awareness and leadership skills). Children age 6 to 11. 9 participants. For children who have been victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault.
04/16/2019 - YogaNursing- The Art of Caring”- two hour presentation to the VCU School of Nursing senior class in the Advanced BSN program. 65 students. Invited to present by Dr. Candace Johnson. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
03/16/2019 - Yoga Workshop presentation at Charles City County Health Fair
01/09/2019 - One hour workshop- "Breathing and Stress Relief for Chemo Patients", New Kent County, VA
2018
11/27/2018 - YogaNursing- The Art of Caring”- one hour presentation to the VCU School of Nursing senior class in the Advanced BSN program. Invited to present by Dr. Candace Johnson. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
11/18/2018 - One hour presentation to Quin Rivers special event, "Fall Into Fabulous" for women victims of domestic abuse or sexual assualt. One hour, topic "Yoga and Meditation for Self-Care"
10/13/2018 - 10/14/2018- Attended "Trauma Informed Yoga" workshop. Presenters Kath Meadows and Whitney Ingram. 12 hours, Studio South, Williamsburg, VA.
09/11/2018 - One hour presentation to the Teen Advisory Board, "De-Stress for Teens" co-taught with Hannah Luker, Heritage Public Library, New Kent Branch. Invited by Elizabeth Ice, HPL Teen Advisory Board program coordinator.
07/17/2018 - One hour presentation to Quin Rivers Project Hope R.E.A.L summer camp (respect, empowerment, awareness and leadership skills). Children age 12 to 15. 8 participants. For children who have been victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault.
06/19/2018 - One hour presentation to Quin Rivers Project Hope R.E.A.L summer camp (respect, empowerment, awareness and leadership skills). Children age 7 to 11. 18 participants. For children who have been victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault.
04/25/2018 - One hour chair yoga presentation to Charles City County Administrative Assistants in celebration of Administrative Professionals Day . Invited to present by County Human Resource Manager, Thalia Bowen, Charles City, VA.
04/18/2018 - Ninety minute presentation on YogaNursing Model of Care to the VCU School of Nursing senior class in the BSN program. 29 students. Invited to present by Dr. Candace Johnson. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
03/07/2018 - Presented "Pelvic Floor Power in Flow Poses" workshop, Amansala, Quintana Roo, Tulum, Mexico. 9 participants
03/05/2018 - Presented "Subtle Yoga" workshop, the power of intensity in the yoga pose. Amansala, Quintana Roo, Tulum Mexico. 12 participants
2/20/2018 - Presentation to Charles City Community Church- "Yoga Relaxation, Stress Relief and Meditation" 10 participants
1/18/2018 - Presentation to American Daughters of the Revolution, St. John's Chapter, West Point, VA. "Womens' Health Through the Decades". 10 participants
1/13 and 1/14/2018 - Attended 2 day workshop at Shanti Garudasana Yoga School, College of William and Mary. Presenter- Leslie Kaminoff, "Breath Centered Yoga"
2017
11/18/17 - Presentation "Fall Into Fabulous", "Yoga for Stress Management". Invited by Quin Rivers non-profit. Workshop provided to Women Victims of domestic violence or sexual assualt.
10/13, 10/14, 10/15, 2017 - Attended "Medical Therapeutic Yoga" weekend workshop presented by Dr. Dilip Sarkar, Dr. Amrita McClanahan, Dr. Mala Cunningham, Satchadinanda Ashram, Yogaville, VA.
09/29/2017 - Chair yoga- presentation to 22 participants at the 2017 Senior Citizen Health and Wellness expo, Charles City, VA.
08/18/2017 - "The business of Yoga- my path"- one hour presentation to Studio South 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training students. 17 participants
08/18/2017 - "Key Concepts of Teaching Chair Yoga"- one hour presentation to Studio South 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training students. Didactic and experiential. 17 participants.
06/19/2017 - Yoga Workshop for Project Hope, Quin Rivers non-profit, a day camp for children who are victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. 12 participants, one hour session of breathing with movement and rest.
05/31/2017- 06/04/2017 - Attended live training with Dr. Loren Fishman, "Yoga for Osteoporosis" at The Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, N.C.Completed 40 hours of combined online learning and live training. Received certificate to teach The Fishman Method of Yoga for Ostoporosis.
04/18/2017 - ninety minute presentation to the VCU School of Nursing senior class in the BSN program. 46 students. Invited to present by Dr. Candace Johnson. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
03/10/17- 03/12/2017 - "YogaNursing: The Heart of Caring" 3 day workshop presentation at Satchadinanda Ashram, Yogaville, Buckingham, VA.Live training for healthcare professionals on The Sacred Remedy, a self care program to relieve stress, anxiety, pain and suffering and to teach patients to promote healing.
11/18/17 - Presentation "Fall Into Fabulous", "Yoga for Stress Management". Invited by Quin Rivers non-profit. Workshop provided to Women Victims of domestic violence or sexual assualt.
10/13, 10/14, 10/15, 2017 - Attended "Medical Therapeutic Yoga" weekend workshop presented by Dr. Dilip Sarkar, Dr. Amrita McClanahan, Dr. Mala Cunningham, Satchadinanda Ashram, Yogaville, VA.
09/29/2017 - Chair yoga- presentation to 22 participants at the 2017 Senior Citizen Health and Wellness expo, Charles City, VA.
08/18/2017 - "The business of Yoga- my path"- one hour presentation to Studio South 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training students. 17 participants
08/18/2017 - "Key Concepts of Teaching Chair Yoga"- one hour presentation to Studio South 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training students. Didactic and experiential. 17 participants.
06/19/2017 - Yoga Workshop for Project Hope, Quin Rivers non-profit, a day camp for children who are victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. 12 participants, one hour session of breathing with movement and rest.
05/31/2017- 06/04/2017 - Attended live training with Dr. Loren Fishman, "Yoga for Osteoporosis" at The Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, N.C.Completed 40 hours of combined online learning and live training. Received certificate to teach The Fishman Method of Yoga for Ostoporosis.
04/18/2017 - ninety minute presentation to the VCU School of Nursing senior class in the BSN program. 46 students. Invited to present by Dr. Candace Johnson. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
03/10/17- 03/12/2017 - "YogaNursing: The Heart of Caring" 3 day workshop presentation at Satchadinanda Ashram, Yogaville, Buckingham, VA.Live training for healthcare professionals on The Sacred Remedy, a self care program to relieve stress, anxiety, pain and suffering and to teach patients to promote healing.
2016
11/29/2016 - “YogaNursing- The Art of Caring”- one hour presentation to the VCU School of Nursing senior class in the Advanced BSN program. 65 students. Invited to present by Dr. Candace Johnson. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
10/25/2016 - Joined the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV, Part B) program to teach a weekly Yoga program to 7th through 12th graders at Charles City High School, Charles City, VA. This program supports the creation of opportunities for academic enrichment during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and mathematics; offers students enrichment activities that complement regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children. VDOE funds, through a competitive process, projects that provide significant expanded learning opportunities for children and youth, and that will assist students to meet or exceed state and local standards in core academic subjects."
Yoga sessions fit into the enrichment experiences supporting student academic achievement.
Students should learn to practice self discipline.
Students should learn to set academic and personal goals.
Students should identify and demonstrate the responsibilities that are required to ensure their academic success
The Yoga program will run from October 2016 through May of 2017.
09/20/2016 - Judicial Conference of Virginia for District Courts. "Reversing the Effects of Prolonged Sitting: A Tactical Approach". Comprehensive scientific overview of Health and Wellness options for Judges to implement before, during and after court sessions. AM and PM sessions, 70 participants. Didactic and experiential one hour session. Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Norfolk, VA. Invited to present by Caroline Kirkpatrick, Ph.D, Director, Educational Services Department, Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia.
07/22/2016 - Yoga for Cardiovascular Disorders, Therapeutic Yoga for Physicians, Maritime Institute , Linthicum, MD. One hour Therapeutic Chair Yoga taught to Physicians for themselves and to integrate into their patient education.
05/20, 21, 22, 2016 - "YogaNursing: Expanding the Consciousness in Healthcare". Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Stockbridge, MA. Co-taught 10 hour CNE YogaNursing Course with Annette Tersigni RN, Kerry Churchill RN, RYT, CYN. 28 participants.
05/12/2016 - “Reversing the Effects of Prolonged Sitting, A Tactical Approach”, therapeutic yoga presentation to Judges at the Judicial Conference of Virginia, Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, VA. Invited to present by Caroline Kirkpatrick, Ph.D, Director, Educational Services Department, Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia.
05/09/2016 - YogaNursing- The Art of Caring, one hour presentation to day and evening shift staff nurses at The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Norfolk, VA. One hour beginner friendly therapeutic yoga mat class. Two hours of 15 minute meditation sessions. Invited to present by Colleen Grose MSN, RN, CPN. Clinical Practice Education Specialist, CHKD.
04/23/2016 - Participated in Yoga Therapy demonstration on the main stage at “Taste of India” festival, Ted Constant Convocation Center, Norfolk, VA. Taught a 30 minute therapeutic yoga session to festival attendees interested in learning yoga and it’s benefits. Invited to participate and teach by Dr. Dilip Sarkar.
04/19/2016 - “YogaNursing- The Art of Caring”- two hour presentation to the VCU School of Nursing senior class in the BSN program. 45 students. Invited to present by Dr. Candace Johnson. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
04/12/2016 - Yoga as Therapy presentation at New Kent Rotary Club. Invited to present by Barbara Winters, Rotary Club Program Director. New Kent County, VA
03/14/2016 - Yoga as Therapy presentation to New Kent Women’s Club. Invited to present by Patricia Robinson. Providence Forge, VA.
02/26 & 02/27 2016 - Taught “YogaNursing- The Art of Caring” live training, 10 hour CEU course, Gateway Center YWCA, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Hosted by K10 Yoga, Kristen Williams.
01/07/2016 - YogaNursing® presentation to staff nurses, school program teachers, chaplaincy and secretaries at The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Norfolk, VA. Invited to present by Colleen Grose MSN, RN, CPN. Clinical Practice Education Specialist, CHKD.
11/29/2016 - “YogaNursing- The Art of Caring”- one hour presentation to the VCU School of Nursing senior class in the Advanced BSN program. 65 students. Invited to present by Dr. Candace Johnson. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
10/25/2016 - Joined the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV, Part B) program to teach a weekly Yoga program to 7th through 12th graders at Charles City High School, Charles City, VA. This program supports the creation of opportunities for academic enrichment during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and mathematics; offers students enrichment activities that complement regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children. VDOE funds, through a competitive process, projects that provide significant expanded learning opportunities for children and youth, and that will assist students to meet or exceed state and local standards in core academic subjects."
Yoga sessions fit into the enrichment experiences supporting student academic achievement.
Students should learn to practice self discipline.
Students should learn to set academic and personal goals.
Students should identify and demonstrate the responsibilities that are required to ensure their academic success
The Yoga program will run from October 2016 through May of 2017.
09/20/2016 - Judicial Conference of Virginia for District Courts. "Reversing the Effects of Prolonged Sitting: A Tactical Approach". Comprehensive scientific overview of Health and Wellness options for Judges to implement before, during and after court sessions. AM and PM sessions, 70 participants. Didactic and experiential one hour session. Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Norfolk, VA. Invited to present by Caroline Kirkpatrick, Ph.D, Director, Educational Services Department, Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia.
07/22/2016 - Yoga for Cardiovascular Disorders, Therapeutic Yoga for Physicians, Maritime Institute , Linthicum, MD. One hour Therapeutic Chair Yoga taught to Physicians for themselves and to integrate into their patient education.
05/20, 21, 22, 2016 - "YogaNursing: Expanding the Consciousness in Healthcare". Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Stockbridge, MA. Co-taught 10 hour CNE YogaNursing Course with Annette Tersigni RN, Kerry Churchill RN, RYT, CYN. 28 participants.
05/12/2016 - “Reversing the Effects of Prolonged Sitting, A Tactical Approach”, therapeutic yoga presentation to Judges at the Judicial Conference of Virginia, Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, VA. Invited to present by Caroline Kirkpatrick, Ph.D, Director, Educational Services Department, Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia.
05/09/2016 - YogaNursing- The Art of Caring, one hour presentation to day and evening shift staff nurses at The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Norfolk, VA. One hour beginner friendly therapeutic yoga mat class. Two hours of 15 minute meditation sessions. Invited to present by Colleen Grose MSN, RN, CPN. Clinical Practice Education Specialist, CHKD.
04/23/2016 - Participated in Yoga Therapy demonstration on the main stage at “Taste of India” festival, Ted Constant Convocation Center, Norfolk, VA. Taught a 30 minute therapeutic yoga session to festival attendees interested in learning yoga and it’s benefits. Invited to participate and teach by Dr. Dilip Sarkar.
04/19/2016 - “YogaNursing- The Art of Caring”- two hour presentation to the VCU School of Nursing senior class in the BSN program. 45 students. Invited to present by Dr. Candace Johnson. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
04/12/2016 - Yoga as Therapy presentation at New Kent Rotary Club. Invited to present by Barbara Winters, Rotary Club Program Director. New Kent County, VA
03/14/2016 - Yoga as Therapy presentation to New Kent Women’s Club. Invited to present by Patricia Robinson. Providence Forge, VA.
02/26 & 02/27 2016 - Taught “YogaNursing- The Art of Caring” live training, 10 hour CEU course, Gateway Center YWCA, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Hosted by K10 Yoga, Kristen Williams.
01/07/2016 - YogaNursing® presentation to staff nurses, school program teachers, chaplaincy and secretaries at The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Norfolk, VA. Invited to present by Colleen Grose MSN, RN, CPN. Clinical Practice Education Specialist, CHKD.
2015
11/24/2015 - Presented YogaNursing® to the senior class in the Advanced Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program at VCU School of Nursing, Richmond, VA. Invited to present by Dr. Candace Johnson.
11/13/2015 - Presented YogaNursing® to the annual meeting of the Chickahominy Health District. Includes the Virginia counties of Charles City, New Kent, Hanover and Goochland. Leigh Wallis, coordinator.
10/8/2015 - Presented “Yoga for Health” to residents of Hillside Court, public housing location Richmond, VA. Invited to participate by the VCU School of Nursing, Community Health Students, Dr. Candace Johnson, instructor.
9/29/2015 - Presentation on Yoga for Well-being at “Active Aging Week” event. Sponsored by Richmond Age Wave, Capitol Area Agency on Aging and New Kent Dept of Social Services. Held at Corinth Baptist Church, New Kent, VA.
9/15/2015 - Founding Director member of new non-profit organization in the Williamsburg, VA. area, “Breathing Space,Inc. “Sharing practices and resources to promote a ripple effect of wholeness and well-being in our community”. Board treasurer.
8/1, 8/2, 2015 - Assisted Annette Tersigni teaching 10 hour CEU YogaNursing® course at UNC, Chapel Hill, NC. 49 participants.
6/18, 6/23, 6/25, 7/7, 2015 - Participated in Candace Johnson PhD’s research project titled, “YogicDance Study”. The study is designed to target AfricanAmerican women, age 30-50, who are high risk for metabolic syndrome. Youtube video format: Intro to Yoga, Chair yoga class and Mat yoga class scripted by and featuring me, edited and produced by Candace Johnson, filmed by Omari Johnson.
11/24/2015 - Presented YogaNursing® to the senior class in the Advanced Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program at VCU School of Nursing, Richmond, VA. Invited to present by Dr. Candace Johnson.
11/13/2015 - Presented YogaNursing® to the annual meeting of the Chickahominy Health District. Includes the Virginia counties of Charles City, New Kent, Hanover and Goochland. Leigh Wallis, coordinator.
10/8/2015 - Presented “Yoga for Health” to residents of Hillside Court, public housing location Richmond, VA. Invited to participate by the VCU School of Nursing, Community Health Students, Dr. Candace Johnson, instructor.
9/29/2015 - Presentation on Yoga for Well-being at “Active Aging Week” event. Sponsored by Richmond Age Wave, Capitol Area Agency on Aging and New Kent Dept of Social Services. Held at Corinth Baptist Church, New Kent, VA.
9/15/2015 - Founding Director member of new non-profit organization in the Williamsburg, VA. area, “Breathing Space,Inc. “Sharing practices and resources to promote a ripple effect of wholeness and well-being in our community”. Board treasurer.
8/1, 8/2, 2015 - Assisted Annette Tersigni teaching 10 hour CEU YogaNursing® course at UNC, Chapel Hill, NC. 49 participants.
6/18, 6/23, 6/25, 7/7, 2015 - Participated in Candace Johnson PhD’s research project titled, “YogicDance Study”. The study is designed to target AfricanAmerican women, age 30-50, who are high risk for metabolic syndrome. Youtube video format: Intro to Yoga, Chair yoga class and Mat yoga class scripted by and featuring me, edited and produced by Candace Johnson, filmed by Omari Johnson.