Li fe UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
International Student + Research in Africa + Donor Recogntion + Alumni Highlight
Nursing Life MAGAZINE | Spring 2008 Volume 1
As the Dean of the College of Nursing at the University of South Florida, I see young women and men following their dreams everyday as they embark on a path to a successful and fulfilling career in the ever-expanding world of healthcare. I see veteran healthcare professionals returning to the USF College of Nursing to further their educations and, ultimately their career. Leading all of them is a group of talented educators who generously share their knowledge, experience and support. To all of these remarkable people, nursing is more than their job, it is their life. These bright individuals are dedicated every day to the art and science of nursing because within them lies the inherent desire to help, to heal, to nurture, to explore. When I was a student considering my own future in healthcare, my dreams and goals were, and still are, the same as those who have chosen to pursue their education and careers in nursing at USF today. Nursing is my life. While you explore the pages of Nursing Life, you will find testaments to the college’s dedication to nursing education, research and excellence in patient care. I encourage you to remember that at the USF College of Nursing, our passion is for life, making it better for all, now and for the future.
Patricia Burns, PhD, RN, FAAN Sr. Associate Vice President, USF Health Dean, USF College of Nursing
Michael Heape
01
Art Director Klaus Herdocia Photographers Eric Younghans, Luis Battistini, Joseph Gamble, Afriyie Johnson, Michael Heape, John Lofreddo President University of South Florida Judy Genshaft Sr. Associate Vice President, USF Health Dean, USF College of Nursing Patricia Burns, PhD, RN, FAAN
German Nursing Student Attends USF
04
of Nursing Education
05
Diversity Celebration
06
The tenure of Anna Pate College of Nursing Dean for a Day
08
The Spirit of USF Health
USF Embraces the Entire Spectrum
R esearch
health.usf.edu
USF is the partnership of the University of South Florida’s Colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health. USF is dedicated to transforming the full spectrum on health from the environment to the community to the individual. With $300 million in research funding last year, USF is among the nation’s top 93 public research universities and one of 39 community engaged public universities as designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. It is one of Florida’s top three research universities.
Li fe
L ife
10
Funded Study to explore how biology and
p.06
12
to Unique Experience in Africa
14
Developing Center for Psychoneuroimmunology Establishes Partnerships
15
Collaboration is Key: Center supports Multi-disciplinary research
psychology are related in postpartum women
Nursing Program Leads
C ommunity 18
21
L ife
Opportunity and Motivation for Success
A lumni University of South Florida College of Nursing 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard MDC Box 22 Tampa, FL 33612 P (813) 974-2191
p.06
C o n t e n t s
02
L ife
Invaluable Experience
p.06
+
innovative. Progressive. Passionate. Creative. These are just a few of the words that have been used to describe nursing education at the University of South Florida. If you are a nurse, it’s not just a job, it’s who you are. Nursing is life.
Li fe
D o n o r s
Contributing Writers Ashlea Hudak, Bethany Rushing, Marcia Parker
A l u m n i
Editor Ashlea Hudak ahudak@health.usf.edu
L ife
r e s e a r c h
Published for faculty, students, staff, alumni and the community of USF Health.
S tudent
s t u d e n t s
Nursing Life Magazine is produced by USF Health Office of Communications 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard MDC 47 Tampa, FL 33612 P. (813) 974-3300 F. (813) 974-5422
Andreas Peesel + Research in Africa + Donna Young + Couch Family
NursiNg Life MAGAZINE | Spring 2008 Volume 1
S t u d e n t s
02
Li fe
“
Another reason for my stay is to develop a strong relationship between the two nursing programs and further an exchange of ideas.
”
German Nursing Student Attends USF Story by Ashlea Hudak Last fall the college welcomed Andreas
to go to school to become a teacher. He now
Peesel, a nursing student from Germany.
holds a Bachelors Degree in Nursing with
Peesel chose to study nursing education at
minors in English, American Studies and
University of South Florida which was made
Education from the University of Osnabrück.
possible through a two-semester scholarship
While at USF, he has been working to improve
from the University of Osnabrück in
his English speaking skills in addition to
Osnabrück, Germany.
learning more about our American healthcare
and the nursing educational system. He is
Peesel worked as a surgical nurse for
three years in Germany but in 2004 decided
especially interested in how nursing is taught Luis Battistini
Joseph Gamble
03
Nursing students studying for an exam in the gathering space of the college get the advice of a passing faculty member.
at USF. He aspires to teach nursing as well
Europe, each course’s workload is much
receive better amenities, but about the
as English at a German vocational school,
heavier here in the United States.
same medical services offered to socialized
which offers instruction in various different
medicine patients. Those receiving
professions.
what you have in Germany and what you
private healthcare include teachers,
“That’s one reason for me coming;
have in the United States,” said Andreas
businesspeople, officers, police and military.
said Andreas Peesel.
Peesel.
courses at USF and plans to take the
“I always was interested in teaching,” Germany’s educational system is
Germany operates both private and
Peesel is taking masters level nursing
different than the United States. German
socialized systems of medicine. In the
German state examination which is the
students may attend a vocational school
socialized medicine system, everyone
equivalent to a masters degree. He also
following their primary education. Specific
must purchase health insurance which
would like to continue studying at USF in
to nursing education, in Germany, there are
guarantees that everyone has access to
the future.
no registered nurses. Instead nurses earn a
health care. According to Peesel almost
“life-long licensure”.
50% of the German personal income goes
provides a good basis for comparing the
towards taxes and insurance. He notes that
different programs,” said Peesel. “Another
workload at USF and in the United States
through socialized medicine the access
reason for my stay is to develop a strong
overall. He explains that, although students
to healthcare is greatly increased while
relationship between the two nursing
in the United States attempt fewer credit
maintaining the quality of care. According
programs and further an exchange of ideas.” NL
hours each semester than students in
to Peesel, private healthcare patients
Peesel was surprised by the course
“Attending classes as a student at USF
S t u d e n t s
04
USF Embraces the Entire Spectrum of Nursing Education
Story by Marcia Parker
To address the ongoing national nursing
requirements, personal responsibility, and
large percentage of applications to nursing
shortage, the University of South Florida
college resources.
doctoral programs coming from Open House
College of Nursing is enhancing the depth
That evening, the College hosted a
participants.
of preparation for today’s nursing workforce
Doctoral Open House for prospective
The C.A.R.E. orientation and Doctoral
and training the nurse educators of the
students interested in doctoral programs.
Open House are just two examples of the
future. On October 5, 2007, the College
The Open House provided a forum for
wealth of options that the College offers to
hosted two programs that demonstrate a
prospective students to convene to ask
those interested in pursing nursing degrees.
commitment to inspiring all nurses, this
questions, meet faculty, explore research
These options include three pathways
generation and the next.
interests, learn about the programs, and
to obtaining a bachelors degree, an
The day began with an orientation for the
make a decision about their plans for
expansive range of masters concentrations,
College’s newest future nurses - the elite
doctoral studies. The experience was
a research-based PhD, and an advanced
group of students enrolled in the C.A.R.E.
incredibly motivating for all in attendance,
clinical Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
program. C.A.R.E., or Creating Access to
making it a convincing factor for many to
From those initially embarking on a career
RN Education, is a limited-access restricted
pursue doctoral studies. In all, forty-two
in nursing, to those preparing to take the
program designed for high-achieving first
prospective doctoral students attended the
ultimate step in nursing education, the
time in college students. The orientation was
event along with program directors, staff,
dedication to the art and science of nursing
organized to ensure that C.A.R.E. students
and current students. Feedback on the
is the same for everyone at the USF College
get off to the right start with program
Open House has been tremendous with a
of Nursing. NL
Luis Battistini
Li fe
A Celebration of Diversity Story by Ashlea Hudak
Consistent with the values of the University of South Florida and adapted by the USF College of Nursing, the Diversity Committee seeks to create an atmosphere of acceptance and equality. Arranged by the College of Nursing’s Diversity Committee, the Annual USF College of Nursing Diversity Celebration filled the gathering space of the college with music and food, as well as nursing faculty, staff and students wearing traditional clothing from their native culture or heritage. The event included a contest, cultural display and pot-luck lunch supplied by volunteering nursing faculty, staff and students. Nineteen-year old jazz flutist and local rising musical talent, Jose Valentino
L to R: Elizabeth Manzano-Boulton, MA; College of Nursing Dean Patricia Burns, PhD; and Sandra Cadena, PhD, at the first annual CON Diversity Celebration.
Ruiz, provided electrifying music and entertained diversity celebration guests. Ruiz’s Hispanic heritage is evident in his music with the passionate combination of classical flute and Latin inspiration. At the close of the event, Dean for a Day raffle winner, Anna Pate presented the Outstanding Costume Award to nursing master’s student, Marilyn Aluoch, who wore her traditional Kenyan attire. This event was made possible through the generous donation of time by nursing students, faculty and staff. The diversity committee is already looking forward to planning and participating in next year’s festivities at the College of Nursing Diversity Celebration. The College of Nursing also participates in the Annual USF Cultural Fiesta held in November at USF Health. The College of Nursing Diversity Committee is a member of the Florida Alliance Initiative (FIA), an alliance of 15 Florida Universities formed with the Nebraska and Virginia Workforce Improvement as a model. The USF College of Nursing is hosting the FIA website at http://health.usf. edu/nocms/nursing/fai/ and has secured funding to host a conference in future. The USF College of Nursing Diversity Committee mission statement demonstrates the college’s commitment to diversity and equality in the health care workforce. The College of Nursing at the University of South Florida strives to create and maintain a fully inclusive environment that actively promotes and values diversity in its broadest sense. Specifically this includes ensuring broad representation of students, faculty and staff across multiple indicators of diversity defined by age, gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic level, national origin, religious belief, and sexual orientation, as well as by prior educational attainment and work experiences that are crossdisciplinary. Moreover, the College of Nursing is committed to developing a health care workforce that effectively meets the cultural, racial and ethnic needs of the communities it serves. These dedicated values are consistent with the University of South Florida’s commitment to diversity, while tailored to the specific educational, research, service, and outreach mission of the College of Nursing. NL
Luis Battistini
05
S t u d e n t s
06
Li fe
The tenure of Anna Pate, College of Nursing
Dean for a Day Luis Battistini
Story by Ashlea Hudak
07
College of Nursing Dean for a Day Anna Pate took
garb from their native culture or heritage.
office and retired on the same day, September 21, 2007. During
Pate welcomed and thanked faculty, staff and students for
the course of the day she shadowed the Dean of the College
their attendance and participation in the Diversity Celebration
of Nursing at the University of South Florida, Patricia A. Burns,
arranged by the College of Nursing’s Diversity Committee. The
attending events, meetings and lectures. Not only did Dean for a
event included a costume contest, cultural display and pot-
Day, Anna Pate attend the events, she acted as the Dean at all of
luck lunch supplied by volunteering nursing faculty, staff and
the events.
students. In addition, electrifying music provided by jazz flutist and
rising musical talent, Jose Valentino Ruiz, entertained Diversity
Anna Pate, was selected for this opportunity through
a USF Health raffle drawing during the Carnival Bash this past
Celebration guests. At the close of the event, Dean for a Day
spring. The idea for Dean for a Day blossomed from a dinner
Anna Pate presented the Outstanding Costume Award to Nursing
conversation between the deans from the Colleges of Nursing,
master’s student, Marilyn Aluoch, who won the award for her
Public Health and Medicine, as a unique learning experience for
traditional Kenyan attire.
“
students.
It’s a great opportunity for our students to learn what happens behind the scenes...
”
The three colleges held Dean for a Day raffles as a way to create
excitement and boost friendly competition among all USF Health
and USF Health facilities, and introduced her to important people.
students.
Dean Burns and Pate then attended the nursing undergraduate
“It’s a great opportunity for our students to learn what
After lunch, Dean Burns took Pate on a tour of the college
faculty committee during the afternoon of Pate’s one day tenure as
happens behind the scenes and see how the collaborative efforts
Dean of the College of Nursing.
of the faculty, administrators, staff and students blend to make a
college function”, said Dean Patricia Burns, “The Dean for a Day
all of the different parts of the college and USF Health was really
raffle was extremely successful.”
interesting,” said Pate. “It’s great someone else will be very lucky to
get to do this next year too”.
On the morning of her day-long tenure, Pate attended the
”I’m new to USF so being able to go around and see
College of Nursing’s Faculty Council meeting and presented the Dean’s Report. During the well received report, Pate introduced new nursing faculty, relayed business from the University’s Council of Deans meeting, spoke of upcoming events and announced a large donation made to the college.
“It’s a lot of work and it takes a lot of knowledge,” said
Pate. “You have to know about finance and marketing as well as nursing.”
Later on in the morning, Pate introduced and presented
a plaque to the College of Nursing’s first in a series of scheduled Distinguished Lecturers, Dr. Kathy Richards. Pate and Dean Burns both attended Dr. Richard’s engaging lecture and research Older Adults.
As another eventful Friday at the College of Nursing
continued, the gathering space of the college filled with music and food and as well as faculty, staff and students wearing traditional
Luis Battistini
presentation on Behavioral Interventions for Insomnia and
S t u d e n t s
08
Li fe
The Spirit of USF Health Story by Ashlea Hudak
09 In the spirit of USF Health collaboration, this year nursing
The USF Health float was filled with nursing students
students united with students from other areas of USF Health to
wearing scrubs in every color and pattern as well as a dozen
create a USF Health homecoming float.
medicine students in their traditional light blue scrub attire. Public
health students participated in spirit as they were away at an
The organization and sponsorship of this event was
the nursing students’ contribution to the collection of USF Health
academic conference and were not able to attend the homecoming
student social events. Contributions from the other colleges
parade festivities. Riding on the float in the parade were also
included the College of Medicine Executive Council and the
the College of Nursing’s guests from the University of Panama,
College of Public Health Student Association co-sponsoring the
Professor Lourdes De Alguero and Panamanian nursing students
Welcome Back Luncheon for all USF Health students and the Dine
Liris Castillo and Celeste Cedeño.
with the Dean dinner.
theme, “Lets Get Excited”, as they met at noon on the day of
“This year is our first to do a USF Health float,” said
The students embraced this year’s homecoming
College of Nursing Student Council Social Chair, Laura Nowlin.
the homecoming night parade to work on their float and prepare
“We are trying to work more as a team with the College of Nursing,
additional posters and decorations. The float resembled a castle
College of Medicine and College of Public Health.”
tower’s walkway with a grey stone brick design complete with large
arched doorways. Mythical creatures dressed in College of Nursing
The entry fee and rental of the homecoming float was
paid for by College of Nursing Dean Patricia A. Burns. In order to
and Medicine student attire adorned the front of the float. A display
repay Dean Burns, the nursing students have vowed to keep the
of USF green and gold decorations and balloons transformed
refrigerator in the nursing student kitchen spotless as well as take
the rented “Ancient Treasures” parade float into an outstanding
turns cleaning the surrounding area.
embodiment of USF Health and Homecoming spirit. NL
College of Nursing and Medicine students as well as the College of Nursing’s guests from the University of Panama aboard the Fall 2007 USF HEALTH Homecoming Parade float.
Luis Battistini
r e s e a r c h
10
Li fe
“
The bottom line is to improve the quality of life for women and their babies
”
Funded Study to Explore How Biology and Psychology Are Related in Postpartum Women Maureen Groer, RN, PhD, FAAN, Gordon
women, Dr. Groer and co-investigators: Cecile
Keller Professor of Nursing at USF, has
Jevitt, PhD, Professor and Jason Beckstead,
received a four-year, $1.45-million National
PhD, Associate Professor, College of Nursing;
Institutes of Health grant to study changes
David Keefe, MD, James M. Ingram Professor
in immune function following childbirth with
and Chairman Department of Obstetrics and
the research study, “Influence of Lactation
Gynecology, College of Medicine; and Wei
on Postpartum Stress and Immunity” during
Wang, PhD, Research Assistant Professor,
which participants will be screened for thyroid
Biostatistics, College of Public Health will
disease.
study bio-behavioral markers and analyze their
As one of the first studies to prospectively
connection with stress and overall health in
examine bio-behavioral markers in postpartum
postpartum women.
Gettyimages
Story By Ashlea Hudak
Eric Younghans
11
Maureen Groer, RN, PhD, FAAN, and nursing researchers in the Physiological lab.
“We want to try and understand how
additional challenges regarding maintaining
life for women and their babies,” Dr. Groer said.
biology and psychology are related in
a supply of milk for their baby and often
The grant has also facilitated the
postpartum women,” said Dr. Groer.
feel discouraged to pump while at work. It
hiring of additional staff to assist with the
Pregnant and postpartum women are
may also be difficult to find room to store
collection and analysis of data including Lab
by nature very healthy. They have an
and keep the milk safe and clean in a
Technician, Maura Manion, and Graduate
active immune system, experience fewer
workplace environment. It is, therefore,
Research assistant, Jean Francois. A
infections and less stress. Furthermore,
understandable that the number one
Research Nurse, Monalisa Harrington,
when they are stressed, they do not
complaint of post-partum women is fatigue.
will also join the team soon to coordinate
experience negative health effects. Dr.
Dr. Groer’s study participants will
participants’ in-home follow-up visits, as
Groer found in a previous NIH funded study,
complete comprehensive surveys including
well as mentor graduate and undergraduate
that postpartum women may experience
information about their physical health,
nursing students in conducting research
heightened immune defenses, and this
mood and stress levels. Specifically, the
in this area. Together the group will follow
response may protect women from
group will compare healthy mothers with
over 200 Tampa area women who will be
infectious diseases. The increased post-
those at risk for postpartum thyroiditis, an
recruited through USF Health, the clinic at
partum response of the immune system
inflammation of the thyroid gland. The thyroid
Tampa General Hospital and Genesis clinic,
may, however, also increase susceptibility
gland is very important in pregnancy and
from delivery until six months postpartum.
to certain autoimmune diseases.
postpartum and is essential for metabolism,
The lab in which the scientific analysis
In the Unites States, women return to
temperature, mood, reproduction and many
of data will take place is being relocated
work and daily activities only six weeks after
other functions. Thyroiditis affects 7 to 10
from a nearby building to a more accessible
delivery, when they are still physiologically
percent of women following childbirth and,
location in the College of Nursing. Plans for
recovering from childbirth. In Europe,
although thyroid disease in postpartum
the lab space are currently in development.
women are afforded up to a year. Their
women is usually not severe, it is a model of
“Several nursing faculty are using or plan
mood can be also be greatly affected
autoimmunity in the postpartum. Dr. Groer
to use the lab,” said Dr. Groer. “Having it in
during this time as they deal with the
will compare these results with experiences
a central location will provide the resources
stress of leaving the baby during the day
and biological processes of the control group,
and staying up late at night caring for the
postpartum women not at risk for thyroiditis.
and convenience necessary for faculty and student research.” NL
child. Women who breastfeed experience
“The bottom line is to improve the quality of
r e s e a r c h
12
Li fe
Nursing Program Leads to Unique Experience in Africa Over the summer, University of South
program accreditation visit. The visit
the accreditation board to bring Valley
Florida College of Nursing faculty member
came just four days after her arrival and
View University into compliance with the
and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Johnson became very involved in the
standards required to receive accreditation
student, Afriyie Johnson, traveled to Accra,
processes of assisting VVU in meeting the
for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Ghana in Africa as part of her evidence
recommendations made by the National
program. Johnson helped prepare
based project for her DNP degree. Her
Accreditation Board of Ghana. Johnson felt
curriculum and accreditation documents
project took place at Valley View University
that if there wasn’t a school of nursing in the
as well as affiliation agreements for their
in Oyibi, a suburb of Accra. Initially, Johnson
area, there could not be a bridge program
clinical sites, one of which is in a remote
sought to develop a protocol to help
for diploma nurses to become bachelors-
mountainous location.
diploma prepared registered nurses (RNs)
prepared nurses. This realization resulted
As part of the ongoing effort, Johnson
become baccalaureate prepared nurses in
in a priority shift and Johnson’s subsequent
and nurses from the U.S. including New
a shorter time than current progression.
changes in project focus.
York are collaborating with the head of the
Johnson’s plans changed when she
During the next four weeks, Johnson
nursing school at Valley View University to
found that her visit coincided with Valley
was instrumental in making revisions
plan faculty development workshops for
View University’s baccalaureate nursing
and fulfilling the recommendations of
Summer 2008.
Valley View students being proctored while taking final exams in the hall above the cafeteria. As the largest room on campus, it also serves as the school’s auditorium and chapel.
Afriyie Johnson
Story by Ashlea Hudak
07 13
“
The nursing experience is so different and our practice realities are so different,
Afriyie Johnson
”
Top: The first church and school building in the village of Feyiasi was built by Ms. Johnson’s father several decades ago. Below: Portrait of Afriye Johnson
Their goal is to train nurses, physicians, and
and our practice realities are so different,”
some of the current nursing exodus. In
scientists as nursing faculty. They also plan
said Johnson.
the mean time, VVU’s school of nursing
to expose the local nurses to the expanding
In Ghana there are often long wait periods
received official accreditation two weeks
roles of nursing in the global market.
between certification and employment.
after Johnson’s departure and is currently
“Ghana is a beautiful country and the
Upon receiving a nursing degree and
educating its first cohort of nursing students.
administration of Valley View University
passing the certification examination, nurses
were wonderfully open, receptive and
are placed in hospitals where there is a
supportive of the assistance and expertise
need, sometimes in locations far from their
that we brought and plan to bring next
families. As a result, nurses in Ghana often
summer.” said Johnson.
seek employment in Europe, Canada and
In the United States, we rely heavily on
the United States. As in any discipline,
technology based education, however,
people in search of a better lifestyle look for
nurses in Ghana rely on their exceptional
opportunities for better working conditions
nursing skills and educational techniques,
and rewards. Nurses in Ghana are no
“This experience was very satisfying. It was
due to the lack of resources in the region.
exception.
a lot of work and it was not what I expected
Area hospitals, where the students work,
Johnson hopes her dream of developing
to do; but it was certainly rewarding
see between five and six hundred patients
a bridge program for diploma nurses
and I hope to be involved in more such
every day, giving students a wealth of
to become bachelors-prepared nurses
endeavors as it will hopefully further bring
hands-on patient care experience.
in Ghana will come to fruition at Valley
nursing education and care, all over the
“The nursing experience is so different
View University. This would help alleviate
world to similar standards.” NL
r e s e a r c h
14
Developing Center for Psychoneuroimmunology Establishes Partnerships Story by Ashlea Hudak
The University of South Florida College of
relationships between psychological/behav-
Saddlebrook Resort Wellness Center, and
Nursing Center for Psychoneuroimmunology
ioral events and health-outcomes involving
the opportunity to work with the elite athletes
continues to grow and develop. This past
the immune system.
and corporate clients who visit and train at
fall, the College of Nursing hosted the first in
“The center will pursue three avenues of
this world renowned facility. The College of
a series of meetings, retreats and conven-
service,” said Director of the USF College of
Nursing faculty’s many ongoing National In-
tions drawing highly-renowned Psychoneu-
Nursing Center for Psychoneuroimmunology
stitute of Health (NIH) funded grants and the
roimmunology researchers from all across
and Senior Scientist, Nick Hall, PhD. “These
support of College of Nursing Dean Patricia
the country. Specific ideas for research as
will include research, education, and the
A. Burns, also advance the Center’s goals.
well as more general suggestions for the
translation of knowledge into clinical prac-
“Whether a person is seeking optimal
direction of the center were discussed.
tice. This will be accomplished through the
health to achieve their professional objec-
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is the
creation of an environment that will facilitate
tives, or whether they simply want to enjoy
study of the interrelationships between the
the free exchange of ideas pertaining to the
life more, the College of Nursing Center for
brain, behavior and the immune system.
way psychological variables, the brain, and
Psychoneuroimmunology, along with it’s part-
The PNI Center’s two primary purposes are
the immune system interact.”
ners, is the place to start,” says Hall. Anyone
to collect and translate information pertain-
The Center capitalizes on the University
wishing to be informed of center research
ing to the brain, behavior, and immune sys-
and College of Nursing’s plentiful resources
and educational activities should contact
tem into health-promoting strategies and to
and existing collaborations. This includes
Nick Hall at nhall@health.usf.edu NL
characterize the mechanisms that mediate
a newly established partnership with the
Gettyimages
Li fe
15
Collaboration is Key Center supports Multi-disciplinary research The USF College of Nursing Research
Center at the University of South Florida
Center supports the conduct of timely,
College of Nursing, Kevin E. Kip, PhD.
clinically-relevant, multi-disciplinary research
Collaborations are currently underway
that significantly advances the science of
between the College of Nursing and USF
health. This includes, but is not limited to,
Health Information Technologies (IT) to
patient care and health services delivery,
formally establish a USF Health Data
evidence-based medicine, and identification
Coordinating Center that will be housed at the
of pathophysiological mechanisms.
College of Nursing. This center will partner
“My goal is to create an environment and
directly with the Colleges of Medicine and
infrastructure that leads to substantially larger
Public Health. The USF Health IT group
and more diverse research opportunities,�
will provide technological capability in data
said Executive Director of the Research
management and administration, including
Eric Younghans
Story by Ashlea Hudak
r e s e a r c h
16
Li fe
“
My goal is to create an environment and infrastructure that leads to substantially larger and more diverse research opportunities
”
the development of web based data entry
success of these submissions.
systems based on relational databases and
Additional pending and submitted grant
structured query language (SQL).
awards and proposals include a SUCCEED
Dr. Kip has considerable past experience in
grant award for $150,000 from the Florida
managing studies as a data coordination center
Department of Education for a collaborative
and is preparing an ambitious January 2008
activity using an existing Clinical Collaboration
submission (~$3.5M) to be a Data Coordination
established in 2001 with 15 health care facilities
Core (DCC) for a multi-center study on Chronic
in the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Sandra Cadena
Pelvic Pain with the NIDDK. Other DCC grant
will be the Principal Investigator should this
applications are presently underway and being
application be funded, as anticipated. Multiple
identified.
grant applications were submitted to the Health
“The aim is to expand our research
Resources Services Administration (HRSA) this
infrastructure and capabilities, while compiling
past December.
and maintaining large data sets that can be
Dr. Janine Overcash, in collaboration with
used for preliminary analyses for future grant
Dr. Martine Extermann (Moffitt) as co-Principal
submissions, publications, and masters and
Investigators, submitted an NIH R01 grant
doctoral theses and dissertations,” Dr. Kip said.
proposal entitled: “Colorectal Cancer: Post-
The College of Nursing has substantially
Operative Geriatric Intervention.” This initial
increased its grant submission activities. In
NIH submission is a randomized trial to assess
particular, multiple R01 grant applications for
the impact of a geriatric intervention in cancer
the November 2007 cycle were submitted,
patients with the use of an oncology therapeutic
including proposed studies in the area of
trial methodology.
end of life care (PI: Dr. Susan McMillan), and
Dr. Versie Johnson-Mallard submitted a
mindfulness based stress reductions (MBSR)
concept paper to the Vaccine Division of Merck
for breast cancer survivors (PI: Dr. Cecile
for consideration of a full proposal submission
Lengacher). The College is optimistic of the
to investigate the knowledge and acceptance
Eric Younghans
07 17
for receiving the GARDASIL® vaccine (for
and creative funding sources” Dr. Kip said.
and post-award tracking and forecasting
HPV infection) among African American and
“This is why we have purposely sought and
of expenditures. In addition, Susan
Hispanic young adults (females and males)
established collaborations with USF Health
Binkowski has been formally hired and
attending two historical Black universities
IT, other USF colleges, and health services
promoted as unit research administrator to
in Florida. Results of this investigation will
and institutions throughout the Tampa Bay
serve as grants manager for the College.
help determine the potential feasibility and
area.”
Future staff of the Research Center at the
barriers to widespread use of the vaccine
College of Nursing will include a research
congressionally-earmarked funding
Consisting of five offices and a small conference area, The Research Center facility is now fully equipped with computers and phones. Recent personnel hires to support the Research Center include:
for 2 special projects: A Center for
1) Dr. Shirley Fitzgerald, a PhD
a data manager to help with the collection,
Psychoneuroimmunology Education and
epidemiologist and biostatistician who has
management, and quality control of
Research to be directed by Dr. Nick Hall,
a 20% secondary appointment with the
research data.
and Supplemental Services and Research
College and is providing epidemiological
“Like Rome, our Research Center
to Improve Emotional Health and Quality
and biostatistical support, will serve as
cannot be built in a day,” Dr. Kip said.
of Life Among Veterans with Severe
a direct link for collaborations with the
“Nonetheless, we are committed to getting
Disabilities (PI: Dr. Cecile Lengacher). The
VA Medical Center; 2) Kristen Coley, an
as many of the pieces and processes in
latter project will partner with the James A.
undergraduate student who is assisting
place as rapidly as possible to significantly
Haley VA Hospital. In addition, other grant
with patient recruitment, literature
improve the national research ranking of the
applications by both faculty and students
searches, and other research activities;
USF College of Nursing.” NL
have either been submitted or are pending.
and 3) Janice Walker, unit research
“In today’s fiscally constrained environment,
Administrator, who is assuming a critical
we must seek multi-disciplinary and multi-
financial management role by assisting
institutional collaborations, as well as varied
faculty with pre-submission grant budgets,
among young minority adults with the goal of decreasing cancers that are causally associated with HPV. The College is also seeking
administrative specialist to assist faculty and students with submission, revision and renewal of IRB applications, a statistician to aid faculty with statistical analyses of research data and grant applications, and
C o m m u n i t t e
18
Li fe
“
Our family feels that we are fortunate, and as such, have a responsibility to give back to the community.
Opportunity & Motivation for Success
�
For more than 20 years, Ted and Marty
Foundation First Generation Scholarship
Couch have been working behind the scenes,
benefiting USF College of Nursing students.
generously supporting the causes they hold
This gift, eligible for a 100% match through
dear. Their family has embraced a culture of
the State of Florida First Generation Scholars
philanthropy and in 1988 created the Couch
program, will result in $50,000 for students
Family Foundation to support education, medical
who are the first in their families to seek a
advancement and the underserved.
college education. Many of these students face
As a result of their dedication to lifelong
tremendous financial hurdles in pursuing their
learning, the Couch Family Foundation
lifelong dream. These funds touch the deepest
donated $25,000 to establish the Couch Family
need for our most vulnerable students.
Joseph Gamble
Story by Bethany Rushing
Eric Younghans
19
Scholarship Awards “You have to have a certain level of
back, but essentially we’re providing
formal education to succeed,” says T.J.
motivation for the person to have the best
Couch, Vice President of the Couch Family
opportunity to succeed.”
Foundation Board. “Now, of course,
The Couch family’s investment in future
there are exceptions. There are folks
generations extends to their own family.
that have never been to college that are
Just as the family is allowing first generation
on the Fortune 500 list, but, in a broader
students the opportunity to create a cycle of
perspective, I think that education is
success, they are also continuing their cycle
extremely important. So, when you look at
of philanthropy through their own future
the problems in our society, a lot of them
generations.
can be traced back to not having the tools
“Our family feels that we are fortunate,
to be able to better yourself in our society.”
and as such, have a responsibility to give
By focusing on first generation students,
back to the community. It’s starting to
the family endeavors to create a cycle of
expand through generations now as my
success for generations to come.
siblings and I are becoming more involved
Partial tuition scholarships are a tool that
with the foundation. My sister’s kids recently
the foundation hopes will encourage young
gave a presentation to the foundation
learners to persevere and inspire a strong
to appeal for funds for their Cub Scout
work ethic.
troupe. Those who are fortunate have
Couch states, “[My dad] grew up in a
that responsibility and duty to give back to
household where they measured the water
the community and it’s important that they
used to make certain that they did not
actually do it. And, you can’t deny the good
exceed the minimum allotment and use
feeling. It’s certainly not the putting on of
more water than the base allocation…if you
the tuxedo and going to the fundraising
use one gallon over this you’ve got an extra
dinner, it’s not the name on a placard by an
charge. And, you know, it was a very tough
entryway…it’s actually seeing the changes
time. My grandmother was a single parent
for the better that have come about by
rearing four children, and it was hard to
making a grant or a contribution.”
make ends meet. Everyone had to work to
For the USF College of Nursing, that
survive. As a result, everyone in my family,
contribution is visible in the five students who
cousins and extended family as well, has a
were selected as Couch Family Foundation
very strong work ethic. My dad feels that
First Generation scholars this year: Janae
it is very important that people have, what
Freeman, Tracy Simon, Rene Rutledge,
he calls, ‘skin in the game’—that when you
Ashley Nye and Phung Huynh. NL
have to contribute some of your own effort it is more meaningful and it provides more motivation for you to succeed. By not giving the full ride, we’re not holding something
For more information on the Couch Family Foundation, please visit:
www.couchfamilyfoundation.org
The 7th Annual College of Nursing Scholarship Award Luncheon was held on Friday, November 30th at the Embassy Suites in Tampa, FL. 200 people attended the awards ceremony which featured student speakers Lindsay Marcum, Heather Webster, Monique Paulk, Tae Garrison, Mai Nguyen and Ashley Nye, as well as keynote speaker T.J. Couch, Vice President of the Couch Family Foundation which established the USF First Generation Scholarship in Nursing. Five nursing students received Couch First Generation Scholarships this year. In addition there were over 135 other scholarship awards presented at the event, totaling over $100,000 in financial assistance to well-deserving nursing students.
A l u m n i
20
Li fe
” John Lofreddo
“
There were no robots in those days. We were each other’s pin cushions.
21
Invaluable Experience Story by Bethany Rushing
USF College of Nursing graduate
Donna Young, class of 1976, currently works as the House Director of the Ronald McDonald House program in both Tampa and St. Petersburg. Young’s interest in healthcare started while volunteering at the James Haley Veteran’s Hospital in the Joseph Gamble
Physical Therapy Dept., and from there grew into a passion for nursing.
“I remember some of these male,
post-Vietnam war-era veterans would come down for whirlpool therapy and I always wanted to know more. It wasn’t enough just to see them come down and get their therapy, I wanted to know what
USF College of Nursing alumna, Donna Young stands in front of the St. Petersburg “West” House, the first Ronald McDonald House in Florida and in the Tampa Bay area.
else was happening back up on the floor and know more about their whole medical history. So I decided I was going to go into nursing,” says Young.
Once enrolled in the College of
“When I was in school we were each
when their children are in the hospital or
Nursing, Young found it to be a very
other’s guinea pigs. We’d get on the
are outpatients, they’re telling us about
rigorous program. “I think being in the
table and be examined and we actually
their situation and I can get a feel for
second class they gave us a tremendous
gave each other the shots. There were
whether there’s misinformation that they
workload as they adjusted the program
no robots in those days. We were each
have, or who we need to refer them to
and saw how much they needed to teach
other’s pin cushions.”
back at the hospital. I feel comfortable
us,” said young.
Now at the Ronald McDonald House,
in a hospital setting, too, so I don’t have
During a recent trip back to see the new
Young counts her experience at the USF
any qualms about picking up the phone
College of Nursing facilities Young was
College of Nursing invaluable. After
and talking to a social worker or chaplain
floored.
opening the first Ronald McDonald
or calling the nursing supervisor or the
House in the state of Florida in 1980,
charge nurse and talking directly to them.
you’re seeing it from this nice new building
she has continued with the organization,
That past experience has definitely been a
and all the growth that’s involved with
now supervising three houses with
help in guiding the growth of these houses.”
USF Health. I mean we went to school in
construction underway on the fourth.
the trailers. I have fond memories of that
providing care to families whose children
experience.”
and I’ve been able to use my skills of
are undergoing medical treatment, nursing
Upon her visit to the state-of-the-
team-leading. I’m not doing drug cards
education has proven itself invaluable to
art Virtual Learning Center, Young was
or care plans anymore, but I have fond
alums like Young. According to Young,
introduced to one of the “robots” that
memories of those. That’s how things
“Going to nursing school and those first
simulates different health conditions to aid
have changed for me. Because this is a
few years in the hospital setting helped put
in diagnosis and treatment education.
semi-medical complex where families stay
me on this path to what I’m doing today.” NL
“Times have changed. You know,
Young says, “We’ve grown over time
Whether working in a clinical setting or
Luis Battistini
USF students in the Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) program pursue an education in anesthesia and advanced nursing practice. CRNAs are anesthesia specialists who administer approximately 65% of the 26 million anesthetics given to patients each year in the United States.
University of South Florida College of Nursing 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard,MDC Box 22, Tampa, FL 33612 P. (813) 974-2191 health.usf.edu