UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
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Extra Steps for Haitian Evacuees + Top 30 in NIH Nursing Research + 100 Years of Gordon Keller + Path of Light Illuminates Alumni
NURSING LIFE MAGAZINE | Summer 2010 Volume 5
I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the University of South Florida as your new Dean for the College of Nursing! You may ask what drew me to USF - four simple but very important words: people, purpose, passion and partnerships. The people that make up the College of Nursing – students, faculty, staff and alumni- are its key asset. The College’s diverse students will be tomorrow’s healthcare leaders, and ensuring their academic and life success is a crucial part of my role. Supporting the nursing faculty in their roles as leading research scientists, educators, and clinicians and facilitating global recognition for their achievements will be a top priority for me. Just as critical to the ongoing success of the College are its dedicated and involved staff, alumni and community partners. It was because I met so many of these highly qualified and motivated “people” that I was sure that USF was the right place for me. Our purpose is clear. The College of Nursing will play a strategic role in developing innovative educational programs for nurses and our inter-professional colleagues. The science generated by nursing faculty will have major impacts on nursing science, health interventions, and evidence-based practice. The College of Nursing will play a significant leadership role as we expand our partnerships, both within USF Health, the university, and the community. The passion is evident. The fuel that drives USF is its passion for innovation and progress. I’m eager to be a part of USF because of its leaders’ high energy and commitment to making the university a forerunner in academic and scientific achievements. During my visits to the Tampa Bay area, I could feel the passion and enthusiasm for USF’s many accomplishments throughout the entire community. USF has had the largest increase in research funding in the entire country and the excitement that comes with this is palpable. USF was recently recognized as one of the top “up-and-coming” universities, and it is clearly evident that it is ready to take the next step towards national prominence. And our partnerships continue to grow. Prior to my arrival on April 30th, I visited USF and saw immediately how different colleges within the university could work and partner together. My own research focuses on HIV prevention in adolescent girls and young women and it truly has benefitted from hearing from many different voices. My research team had eight different disciplines represented so I understand the value of interdisciplinary research. It is my experience that the more people you get together with different perspectives, the more likely you are to get better answers to your questions. The growing inter-professional education, research and clinical initiatives at USF and the greater community is not only exciting, it is also how we can have the greatest impact on healthcare and education for the Tampa Bay Area, our nation, and the world.
Partnerships build relationships and are the catalyst for positive change. The concentration of disciplines under the USF Health umbrella allows for more innovative collaboration in education, research and patient care. Coupled with our alumni and community, we will work together to identify areas of mutual need. In Nursing Life, we will continue to explore how people, purpose, passion and partnerships will play a key role in the College of Nursing’s future success. I invite you to join me on this exciting journey.
Dianne Morrison-Beedy, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN Dean, College of Nursing at the University of South Florida
ERIC YOUNGHANS
Sincerely,
01 S T U D E N T
Published for faculty, students, staff, alumni and the community of USF Health. Editor Ashlea Hudak ahudak@health.usf.edu
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TAKING THE EXTRA STEP WITH SERVICE
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BLAZING A PATH OF EXCELLENCE
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DIVERSITY COMMITTEE SEEKS TO INCREASE STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
R E S E A R C H
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Production Director Monica Matos
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USF JUMPS TO TOP-30 NIH RANKING IN NURSING RESEARCH
Contributing Writers Leanna Baylis, Sarah Benson, Anne DeLotto Baier, Ana Duque, Allison Edmonds, Ashlea Hudak, Marcia Parker, Anne Phillips, Deena Kemp-Pople, Patricia Shirley.
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ONGOING FUNDED RESEARCH
C O M M U N I T Y
Art Director Klaus Herdocia
STRATEGIC PLAN PROGRESS
Photographers Luis Battistini, Ashlea Hudak, Candace Mundy and Eric Younghans
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GORDON KELLER ALUMNAE CELEBRATE 100 YEARS
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NURSING STUDENTS TRANSLATE FOR HAITIAN EVACUEES
President, University of South Florida Judy Genshaft, PhD
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CLINICAL COLLABORATIVE IMPACTS COMMUNITY
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SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON
A L U M N I
Sr. Associate Vice President, USF Health Dean, USF College of Nursing Dianne Morrison-Beedy PhD, RN, WHNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN College of Nursing University of South Florida 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard MDC Box 22, Tampa, FL 33612 P (813) 974-2191
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Sr. Vice President, USF Health Dean, USF College of Medicine Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA
C o n t 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
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PATH OF LIGHT ILLUMINATES ALUMNI
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YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE
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CLASS NOTES
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SAVE THE DATE: HOMECOMING 2010
health.usf.edu
USF Health is a partnership of the University of South Florida’s colleges of medicine, nursing, and public health; the schools of basic biomedical sciences and physical therapy & rehabilitation sciences; and the USF Physicians Group. It is a partnership dedicated to the promise of creating a new model of health and health care. USF is one of the nation’s top public research universities and one of 39 community engaged public universities as designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. USF received more than $360 million in research contracts and grants last year. It is ranked by the National Science Foundation as one of the nation’s fastest growing universities for federal research and development expenditures.
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Cover: When the first group of Haitian earthquake survivors arrived in Tampa General Hospital’s emergency room, three USF nursing students of Haitian descent were there to help translate. L to R: USF nursing students Vatanie Turenne, Sheronda Fevrier and Joanne Leo.
LI FE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Extra Steps for Haitian Evacuees + Top 30 in NIH Nursing Research + 100 Years of Gordon Keller + Path of Light Illuminates Alumni
NURSING LIFE MAGAZINE | Summer 2010 Volume 5
Corrections: Nicole Williams was the cover model for the last Nursing Life Spring 2010 Vol.4 without credentials. Nicole has earned Bachelor of Science, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida Major: Biomedical Sciences Minor: Public Health 2006. Master of Science in Medical Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida Concentration: Pharmacology 2008
02 06 S t u d e n t s
TAKING THE EXTRA STEP WITH SERVICE Story by Sarah Benson
Mandi Ruscher, a second-degree
next semester’s students can utilize them.”
student of the class of May 2010, is ready
allows students who have already
to make a difference, especially for those
received a bachelor’s degree in another
at USF. In class, she felt surrounded by
less fortunate.
field to receive a Bachelor’s of Science
intelligent people genuinely concerned
degree with a major in nursing. The
about the care of patients. The extra
International University with a Bachelor
sequence is typically completed in four
steps that students take give Mandi faith
of Arts in international relations and a
consecutive full-time semesters. Upon
in the nursing profession. She cherishes
certificate in women’s studies. Almost
completion graduates may take the
memories of students helping other
immediately after graduation Mandi
nursing licensure exam.
students in need and classmates going
She graduated from Florida
embarked on a journey traveling abroad
“
sequence. This program
“I had already invested five years into
Mandi appreciates her time spent
the extra mile – such as making sure a
and has since worked in Hungary,
a teaching career that I really loved and to
Holland, Korea and Cambodia teaching
leave it only for four semesters was a lot
English immersion classes. The majority
easier than going into a two year program”
think about,” Mandi said. “I would be
of her time was spent in Asia teaching
Mandi said.
happy to have anyone of them as my
patient has a cup of hot chocolate. “It’s just the little things that you don’t
Volunteering is a character building experience. You get a lot more out of it than you put into it. kindergarten, drama, music and science. Mandi wanted a career as a diplomat
Mandi learned she was accepted in fall 2008 while teaching in South Korea,
nurse – that’s important!”
”
Mandi feels that the College of
working in international relations. However
leaving her very little time to move to
Nursing helped her accomplish her
after teaching out of the country, she
Tampa and prepare for classes. A
goals by providing volunteer activities,
realized that she wanted to become a
dedicated student, Mandi committed
community health experiences and
nurse.
to her nursing studies and immediately
opportunities for scholarships and
“When you travel abroad, work in
developed an immeasurable appreciation
memberships in service organizations
really impoverished nations and see the
for her faculty and peers. Her clinical team
and professional societies. She has
definite need for help, you don’t want to
was very cohesive and willingly provided
volunteered her time in collaboration
be stuck in an office doing budgeting - you
guidance and support to help each other
with the College of Public Health taking
want to be there, giving immunizations or
succeed and get through challenges.
blood pressures and providing flu shots
however you can help” Mandi explained. On her first trip to Cambodia, where
“I don’t know how I could have done
at USF-sponsored events. She provides
it without the support from Cathy O’Neil
service not only through the university’s,
the need was so great, Mandi realized she
or Brittny Chabalowski. I never expected
but also through volunteering her time
needed to make the switch to Nursing.
to have this kind of support,” Mandi
tutoring refugees and helping families by
While researching nursing schools and
said. “Knowing that we have a nursing
organizing donation drives. Community
completing prerequisite courses, Mandi
shortage, as nurses you have to help
service has always been a part of life for
discovered the University of South Florida
each other. Our team started a bookshelf
Mandi.
College of Nursing’s Second Degree
where we donate our used books, so the
03
“I give what I can. I don’t have a lot of money, but I do have time – not a lot.” she said while smiling. “Volunteering is a character-building experience. You get a lot more out of it than you put into it, even if it’s only a few hours a week”. Mandi is making a difference, little by little, and every little bit counts. She is currently exploring her options for pursuing a Master’s Degree in Nursing or maybe Public Health and eventually wants to work abroad with an organization providing healthcare to the less fortunate. Mandi provided some tips for her fellow students as they progress through the program. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your professors are here, willing to help you - fellow students are the best resources for study aids and useful websites,” she said. “Make friends in the College of Nursing, is my advice.” NL
LUIS BATTISTINI
Second-degree student, Mandi Ruscher cherishes her time spent at USF working to accomplish her goal of becoming a nurse.
S t u d e n t s
04 06
BLAZING A PATH OF EXCELLENCE:
NURSE ANESTHESIA GRADUATE SEEKS TO INFLUENCE EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE THROUGH DNP PROGRAM Story by Marcia Parker After graduating from USF College of Nursing’s Masters Program with a concentration in Nurse Anesthesia, LaSonya Malbrough had some major decisions to make. With all of the opportunities available to graduates in today’s marketplace, how would she determine the next steps in her life? For LaSonya, the choice was to enter the USF College of Nursing Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program. For her, making the decision to pursue the DNP was an easy one “It is not every day that you are given the opportunity to do something that you never even considered or dreamed. Considering that I am the first college graduate in my family – finishing undergraduate and master’s level education is something to be very proud of. I knew I had to complete the terminal degree--the question I began to ask myself was ‘why would you not do it?’” LaSonya said. “Passing up such an incredible opportunity just would not be wise! I hope to inspire others in my family and community to follow their dreams as well. If only one person goes to college as a result of my influence – I would be ecstatic.” LaSonya is currently employed part-time with Florida Gulf to Bay Anesthesiology, P.A. Working for such a large anesthesia group provides her the opportunity to work in a variety of settings throughout the community, both in hospital and in outpatient settings. In addition, the position affords her the flexibility to work part-time while pursing her doctoral degree at USF. LaSonya is a recipient of the University Graduate Fellowship and the Nurse Traineeship Award. Receipt of these funds was one of the key factors in choosing USF to pursue the DNP. If she had not received funding, she would not have been able to commit to full-time enrollment in the program. “The importance of having scholarships and fellowships for potential students is an invaluable recruiting tool for the College,” LaSonya said. After graduation, LaSonya hopes to study the effectiveness of pain management in acute care and outpatient settings, especially as it relates to underserved/minority populations. She plans to seek dual employment in a hospital setting and as a part-time university faculty member. This will “allow me to maximize my growth and development as a doctorally prepared practitioner. To my core, I am a patient advocate in every respect.” With a passion for healthcare technology, she hopes to build upon her evidence based project to test the effectiveness of ultrasound guidance for central line insertion in the inexperienced anesthesia provider. LaSonya often finds herself sharing with others the many opportunities that USF has to offer. Not only is she a mentor and graduate of USF, having the discipline and desire to pursue the DNP demonstrates her commitment and earns the respect of patients and colleagues alike. NL
LUIS BATTISTINI
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Nursing master’s student, Pam Lozano, in traditional Peruvian attire, and her brother, a future nursing student, at the 3rd Annual College of Nursing Diversity Celebration.
DIVERSITY COMMITTEE SEEKS TO INCREASE STUDENT INVOLVEMENT Story by Marcia Parker
The USF College of Nursing Diversity
of the College of Nursing Diversity Committee
Committee is looking forward to an exciting list
into a plan of action” (USF College of Nursing
of priorities and strategic objectives for this year.
Strategic Plan).
These objectives range from increasing student
For Pam, reaching out to a broad
involvement and examining student success to
representation of students is important because
hosting the 4th Annual Diversity Celebration.
it gives them “hope that higher education can
The mission of the Diversity Committee
be possible despite the struggles of speaking
is to create and maintain a fully inclusive
another language or having cultural differences.
environment that actively promotes and values
It provides students with role models and
diversity in its broadest sense. Specifically
mentors throughout their nursing education
this includes ensuring broad representation
process.” She participates in the College of
of students, faculty, and staff across multiple
Nursing Diversity Committee because “USF
indicators of diversity defined by age, gender,
has the ability and resources to truly make
race, ethnicity, socio-economic level, national
a change for nursing students by offering
origin, religious belief, and sexual orientation,
education, research, and resources regarding
as well as by prior educational attainment and
diversity in healthcare settings.” Pam hopes that
work experience that are cross-disciplinary. The
nursing students will get involved in multicultural
committee meets on a monthly basis to discuss
activities offered throughout the University.
issues pertinent to the mission.
Students from the College of Nursing currently
In accordance with its objective to
participate in the Annual Diversity Celebration
increase student involvement, the committee is
and Cultural Competence Seminar as well as in
partnering with students such as Pam Lozano,
the USF Health Cultural Fiesta.
President of the Masters Student Nursing
The Diversity Committee welcomes student
Organization and Diversity Committee Student
input. Any suggestions on activities or services
Representative. Student participation and input
to involve and/or serve students can be emailed
is central to “Translating the Mission Statement
to nurstudent@health.usf.edu. NL
06 R e s e a r c h
USF JUMPS TO TOP 30
NIH RANKING IN NURSING RESEARCH Story by Anne DeLotto Baier
The College of Nursing at the
The latest round of NIH research
environment -- at a time when the NIH is
University of South Florida has achieved
rankings, released earlier this month, has
funding fewer and fewer grant applications
its highest research ranking ever from
the USF College of Nursing gaining ground
-- is quite an accomplishment.”
the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
on nationally-prominent nursing schools at
“This is an impressive achievement
The College ranked 30th among nursing
the University of Nebraska Medical Center,
that takes team effort, support, and plain
schools nationwide in NIH funding for
Emory University and the University of
old hard work. I am so excited about
2009* – vaulting from a 66th place ranking
Maryland-Baltimore, to name a few.
taking the helm with such outstanding
in 2008. USF nursing faculty members
Grants and contracts from federal
colleagues,” said Dianne Morrison-Beedy,
sources, including NIH, are considered
PhD, who joined USF Health in April as
attracted more than $1.53 million in NIH
among the most competitive and coveted
the new nursing Dean. A federally-funded
funding in 2009 for research including
funding sources.
researcher herself, Dr. Morrison-Beedy was
palliative and end-of-life care, stress
“The ranking is a credit to the skill,
Assistant Dean for Research at University
reduction in breast cancer survivors, and
persistence, creativity and experience of
of Rochester School of Nursing – a school
postpartum stress and immunity. They
our faculty,” said Kevin Kip, PhD, Executive
ranked sixth in NIH awards.
surpassed all other Florida nursing schools
Director of the Research Center at the
The USF College of Nursing’s
most recently ranked by the NIH, including
USF College of Nursing. “The fact that
total funding for research and contracts
the University of Miami and the University
we’ve managed to substantially expand
increased 120 percent over the last four
of Florida.
our research portfolio in such a competitive
years, from slightly over $1.3 million in
ONGOING FUNDED RESEARCH Burns, Patricia Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Nursing Health Resources and Services Administration 7/1/2009 - 6/30/2010 $111,347
07
$160,172
Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Supplement ARRA 2009 Health Resources and Services Administration 9/1/2009 - 6/30/2010 $48,825 Cadena, Sandra VA Nursing Academy (VANA) Veterans Administration Medical Center - James A. Haley 12/15/2008 - 12/14/2014 $260,841
$356,571
VA Nursing Academy (VANA) - IPA Agreement 8/21/2009 - 12/9/2009 $86,947 Veterans Administration Medical Center - James A. Haley VA Nursing Academy (VANA) - Subcontract/IPA with VA 1/11/2010 - 5/6/2010 $8,783 Evans, Mary Adaption of Multisystemic Therapy for Transition Age Youth University of Massachusetts 4/1/2008 - 7/31/2010 $12,459
$40,422
Conflict Management: Tools to Help Implement and Sustain System of Care MACRO International, Inc. 9/30/2004 - 3/30/2010 $27,963 Gower, Sierra CRNA Program for the Underserved Health Resources and Services Administration 7/1/2008 - 6/30/2011 $214,519 Dr. Kevin Kip, executive director of nursing research at USF Health, with the three senior faculty members attracting the most NIH awards to the College of Nursing -- from left to right, Dr. Susan McMillan, Dr. Cecile Lengacher and Dr. Maureen Groer.
$214,519
Groer, Maureen $333,882 Influence of Lactation on Postpartum Stress and Immunity - research supplement National Institutes of Health 9/21/2009 - 5/31/2011 $333,882 Johnson-Mallard, Versie $106,733 Word of Mouth: An Intervention Study Targeted at Decreasing Viral STIs among a Diverse Group of Young Adults Males and Females Johnson (Robert Wood) Foundation 9/1/2009 - 8/31/2012 $106,733
fiscal year 2006-07 to more than $2.8 million
Kip, Kevin $128,084 Process and Outcomes of the VHA Safe Patient Handling Program Veterans Administration Medical Center - James A. Haley 3/1/2010 - 9/30/2010 $9,214
in 2009-10 (state fiscal year-to-date). In that same period, NIH funding climbed from $324,832, or 25 percent of total awards, to
Racial Differences in Atherosclerosis, Plaque Vulnerability, and CVD University of Pittsburgh 8/17/2009 - 7/31/2010 $23,870
more than $1.8 million, or about 65 percent of total awards.
Supplemental Services to Improve the Emotional Health and Quality of Life of U.S. Service Members and Veterans with Severe Disabilities Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 9/30/2009 - 9/29/2010 $95,000
Three senior faculty members – Maureen Groer, PhD; Cecile Lengacher, PhD; and Susan McMillan, PhD – pulled in the most NIH research funding at the USF College of
Lengacher, Cecile MBSR Symptom Cluster Trial for Breast Cancer Survivors National Cancer Institute 2/1/2009 - 12/31/2010 $693,849
Nursing in 2009. All three were successful in winning economic stimulus funding from NIH, Reinvestment Act of 2009, to help supplement their ongoing studies. With support from the National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR), Dr. Groer is tracking changes in women’s immune
ERIC YOUNGHANS
available through the American Recovery and
$693,849
Mcmillan, Susan $858,814 Managing Medication-induced Constipation in Cancer: A Clinical Trial National Institute of Nursing Research 12/10/2008 - 11/30/2010 $642,230 Pilot of an Intervention for Caregivers of Hospice HF Patients National Institutes of Health 8/11/2009 - 7/31/2011 $216,584
CANDACE MUNDY
R e s e a r c h
08 06
(Left to Right) Dr. Versie Johnson-Mallard, Dr. Kevin Kip, Nancy Lee, Dr. Cecile Lengacher and Dr. Denise Passmore meet to discuss a collaborative, interdisciplinary research project.
for faculty to pursue grant writing and conduct
including how breastfeeding may influence
research studies. Working with Dr. Kip, she also
postpartum stress and immunity. Dr. Lengacher is
strengthened the College’s research infrastructure
conducting a clinical trial funded by the National
– including establishing a new Biobehavioral
Cancer Institute (NCI) on the use of mindfulness-
Laboratory, this year which supports state-of-the
based stress reduction for breast cancer survivors.
art biological data analysis for faculty and student
Dr. McMillan leads a NCI-sponsored clinical trial
projects.
‘‘
‘‘
systems in the months following childbirth,
The ranking is a credit to the skill, persistence, creativity and experience of our faculty.
on managing medication-induced constipation
“The strong showing in the NIH research
in cancer patients; she is also testing a NINR-
ranking will help the College of Nursing in its
sponsored psychoeducational intervention to teach
national recruitment of top-level nurse scientists
family caregivers how to better cope with specific
– both faculty and research-oriented master’s
symptoms of hospice patients with heart failure.
and doctoral students,” Dr. Kip said. “It will also
Dr. Kip points to the vision and leadership
bolster the College’s prospects for a prestigious
of Patricia Burns, PhD (who steped down as
NIH Institutional Research Training Grant (T32), a
USF’s nursing Dean after 12 years) in helping the
program to support novel and advanced training of predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows.” NL
University advance its research stature. Dr. Burns vigorously supported dedicating the time needed
CRo ems me ua nr ci th y
06 09
STRATEGIC PLAN PROGRESS In November of 2009, faculty, staff and
sources along with opportunities that align
a faculty-run practice is ongoing and
students met to discuss progress made
with faculty expertise. Other highlights listed
numerous activities have occurred over the
since beginning the work of the College of
the placement of research residents at
last year towards making this a reality.
Nursing’s Strategic Plan over one year ago.
several area hospitals and the development
The Strategic Plan Oversight Group leaders
of a protocol to expand on-site research.
college was a major highlight of Team 4, as
met with all participants and interested
Additionally, the mission and goals of
this objective helped determine the direction
persons to report on and evaluate the
four innovative interdisciplinary research
of other goals within the Strategic Plan. The
actions of the preceding year as well as
programs were established. These
team was responsible for initiating a number
identify goals for the upcoming period of
programs include psychoneuroimmunology,
of administrative functions such as the
time. This exercise also gave individuals
women’s health, end-of-life care, and data
creation of the Executive Leadership Team,
who were new to the process an opportunity
coordination of multi-center studies.
reorganization of the college’s administrative
to participate in areas of interest. In each
Team 2 highlighted the restructuring of
The identification of values for the
areas, and reviewing current faculty
of the four separate meetings, which were
the Office of Student Services as a major
workload issues. The team also addressed
centered on the major goals that drive the
task accomplished. Two separate advising
the work environment through redecorating
Strategic Plan, the objective team leaders
groups were created to address the needs
efforts and an ongoing security assessment
and participants reported on the strengths,
of undergraduate and graduate students.
plan. Technology initiatives included the
challenges, and opportunities identified
A Blackboard organizational site was
purchase of Cerner’s Educational Electronic
over the preceding year. For example,
generated to provide a place for faculty to
Medical Record System and a needs
some of the strengths that were highlighted
share innovative methods of teaching and
assessment of the technology needs
included the creation of a Diversity Day and
tools used in their live and online classes.
of the college.
the preceptor tuition program. Challenges
A change in the use of standardized-testing
mentioned less than optimal communication
at the end of courses and programs was
for the coming year. As the work of the
with outside agencies and minimal student
initiated based on a needs assessment that
Strategic Plan continues, participants
participation in college planning activities.
identified ways to increase the academic
in the process can use this first year’s
Opportunities that were described included
success of diverse learners.
accomplishments to evaluate what has
more inclusion of the alumni and friends
Inclusion of doctoral students in a
These highlights help us focus efforts
been successful to continue the ongoing
board in the business of the college and
project to track and prioritize national
work necessary to meet the major goals
the entrepreneurial potential of the
and local health problems was one of the
outlined in the Strategic Plan.
simulation lab.
highlights described by Team 3 members.
We are looking forward to the
Highlights, accomplishments, and
An expansion of the Clinical Collaborative
advancement of our college, university,
indicators were recognized by each of
model to include a community component
and community through the efforts of our
the teams. Team 1 listed a number of
was initiated to include partnerships with
Strategic Plan and believe this year will be
highlights accomplished through the
diverse groups within the community and
the best one yet! NL
Strategic Plan process. These include
address the needs of nurse practitioner
location of potential near-term funding
students. Development and support of
-The Stategic Plan Oversight Group
GORDON KELLER ALUMNAE
CELEBRATE 100 YEARS
HELP PREPARE STUDENTS FOR NURSING’S NEXT CENTURY Story by Deena Kemp Pople
PRIVATE COLLECTION OF JEAN THOMAS
C o m m u n i t y
12 1 10 2
LI FE
this group. Interacting with today’s nursing
or school and the women lived on campus for
of Nursing closed its doors in 1972,
students at USF, she finds herself reflecting
the duration of the three-year program.
Hillsborough Community College acquired
on her experience as a young nurse at the
the facility and the nursing program, but the
Gordon Keller School.
College of Nursing at University of South
“My parents chose Gordon Keller
“We were not allowed to be married or get married while enrolled, and male he visitors were not allowed in our rooms,” she
Florida adopted the school’s alumnae. NL N L On the eve of its 100-year anniversary,
because it had the highest scores on
passing on the school’s legacy is particularly
explained, “but it was also a very controlled
d. first six months were a probationary period.
important to some of these women who still
atmosphere. My dad was a lawyer and he
Nurses on probation mainly attended
meet each May to celebrate their memories.
wouldn’t let me go just anywhere.”
al classes with short sessions on the hospital
Jean Thomas, a 1953 graduate, is part of
state boards of any school in Florida,” she
Gordon Keller was an all-girls nursing
remembered. e The curriculum was very intense. The
floors. After the first six months they were
TURNER T TURN TUR ERIC RIC C YOUNGHANS YOU Y COLLECTION COU O OUN NG NGHA NGH G GHA GH CHA HAO NS N S
When the Gordon Keller School
11 put to work as if they were already RNs. “We were in class from eight in the
The Gordon Keller School
effects of nursing in acute care.
of Nursing produced very experienced
Jean worked as the assistant
morning to four in the afternoon and
nurses ready to meet the region’s
supervisor of surgery at Tampa General
could be assigned to work anytime we
medical challenges. But after the
Hospital and was on call when the first
were not in class,” Jean says.
school closed and the nature of nursing
aorta implant procedure was done there.
The student nurses were also
programs began to change, the school’s
She remembers using a huge tub filled
required to perform a certain amount of
alumnae, now veteran leaders in the
with bags of ice to cool the patient off
night duty from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. When
medical community, became very
slowly. The medical staff had to tie off the
they were not working, they had three
concerned that recent graduates were
blood vessels by hand.
hours of free time in the evening to go
knowledgeable but lacked practical skills.
anywhere followed by two hours of study
“There were complaints that we
“We certainly didn’t have fancy equipment, but we were very well
and quiet time. For girls who were not
were hiring bright young nurses and
assigned the night shift, lights were out
finding they didn’t have much clinical
at 10 p.m.
experience,” Jean said. So the group
medicine and technology can ease a
was excited about the opportunity to align
nurse’s job, but emphasizes that state-
themselves with USF’s nursing program.
of-the-art equipment is only useful if
“We had a house mother and we had to sign in and out whenever we left or returned. Can you imagine that
prepared,” Jean said.
“Dean Burns was building an
She believes that advances in
you know how to use it. This means it’s
today?” she exclaimed. But the restrictive
outstanding program that incorporated
essential for nurses today to be well
schedule had a huge payoff. In addition
academics with practical training. We
educated and well trained. The culture
to classroom learning, Gordon Keller’s
wanted to be a part of that.” Jean said.
and curriculum may be about a century
nurses in training administered total
The alumnae banded together and
apart but the goal of nursing has not
care of patients, performing rotations
established the Gordon Keller Alumni
changed. That’s why Jean and her fellow
on medical and surgical floors from
Association Scholarship to support strong
alumnae are honoring their Gordon
obstetrics to the psychiatric ward.
students with demonstrated financial
Keller birthright by helping students
need. They also founded the Gordon
of their adopted alma mater receive
Jean said. “We spent a month in the
Keller School of Nursing Professorship to
excellent training to deliver
operating room mainly as scrub nurses.”
support research that would improve the
excellent care. NL
“It was a real hands-on experience,”
In 1910, The Gordon Keller Memorial Hospital and Gordon Keller School of Nursing opened to provide improved medical services to the community. When the 32-bed hospital closed in 1927, the nursing school moved to Davis Islands with the new Tampa Municipal Hospital. The “notorious” class of 1953 are shown here in front of that 250-bed facility. Both the school and hospital named in honor of the late Tampa businessman, philanthropist and city treasurer, Gordon Keller, are now gone. However, the school’s impact lives on through the contributions of its graduates.
C o m m u n i t y
10 12
NURSING STUDENTS TRANSLATE FOR HAITIAN EVACUEES Story by Anne DeLotto Baier
When the first group of Haitian
(TGH) from a triage staging area at Tampa
opportunity. They are outstanding students
earthquake survivors arrived in Tampa
International Airport, included young adults
– strong, independent and real go-getters…
General Hospital’s emergency room Tuesday
and several children accompanied by a
Tampa General was extremely happy to have
evening (Jan. 26), three USF nursing
parent or guardian. They arrived with infected
them there to translate.”
students of Haitian descent were there to
burns, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and
help translate.
other injuries. Since then, TGH has admitted
was working on a cardiac surgery floor of
27 more evacuated Haitian patients, ranging
the hospital) and a post-clinical conference,
from ages 1 to 75.
the three students grabbed a quick bite
Sherhonda Fevrier, Joanne Leo, and Vatanie Turenne, all in their second year of the baccalaureate nursing program at USF,
On Tuesday, Fevrier, Leo and Turenne
After completing their rotations (Vatanie
to eat and went back to the ER to wait
were born in the United States but speak
were among 12 USF undergraduate nursing
for the patients. They began to arrive by
fluent Creole. All three women have family
students at TGH conducting a medical-
ambulance shortly before 10 p.m., and
members in Haiti who were left homeless
surgical clinical rotation that began at 7 a.m.
teams of physicians, nurses and other health
by the devastating earthquake; a cousin of
Late that afternoon, Fevrier, who was rotating
practitioners sprang into action to stabilize
Fevrier’s perished in the disaster. All go to
through the ER along with Leo, overheard a
the patients – many with extensive medical
school full-time and work part-time – Fevrier
physician saying that the hospital would be
needs.
and Turenne as nursing techs and Leo as a
receiving patients from Haiti that evening.
Licensed Practical Nurse. The trio studies
Fevrier asked TGH administrative nursing
old man who had been in a car when the
together, sometimes carpools to classes and
supervisor Anita McCoy, a clinical instructor
earthquake hit and the vehicle exploded,”
socializes.
for USF nursing students, if she and her two
Fevrier recalled. “He had third degree burns
classmates who spoke Creole could stay on
on both arms and his face was burned.”
“We really wanted to go to Haiti to help, but because of our obligations we couldn’t, so God brought Haiti to us,” Leo said. The nine critically injured patients, transported to Tampa General Hospital
as volunteers after their shift to help translate. “She said ‘please can we do this?’”
“The first patient I saw was a 23-year-
Leo remembers another young man, whose spinal cord had been crushed,
McCoy said. “They were more than ready
paralyzing him from the mid-chest down. “It
to help, and I was glad to help facilitate that
was very sad,” she said. “I had to explain
L to R: USF nursing students Vatanie Turenne, Sheronda Fevrier and Joanne Leo.
CLINICAL COLLABORATIVE IMPACTS COMMUNITY Story by Ashlea Hudak The University of South Florida College of Nursing Clinical Collaborative Preceptor Partnership model aims to employ the best characteristics of traditional education combined with the breadth of the university education. This model, launched by the College in 2001 began a partnership with over a dozen health care hospitals/systems to facilitate practice collaboration among health care facilities in the Tampa Bay area and provide clinical training preparation of undergraduate nursing students. While doing so the program makes a large impact on the healthcare of the Tampa Bay community. The Clinical Collaborative Preceptor Partnership model has formed a network that bridges traditional institutional boundaries and enlists cooperation among the Chief Nursing Officers and Vice Presidents of nursing services of area hospitals and the College of Nursing. Generating cooperative educational opportunities, the Clinical Collaborative has increased and enhanced the professional nurse experiences throughout the Tampa Bay area. With over 350 traditional and second degree nursing baccalaureate students enrolled at the College at one time, each are required to complete around 885 clinical hours for their degrees, the College contributes approximately 318,600 hours of nursing care to area hospitals per cohort. The program enables students to learn essential nursing skills under the guidance of an experienced nurse preceptor at a partnering health care organization facility from the first day of clinical experience. A unique feature that distinguishes this model from other traditional models is that students are required to complete their
to him the CT scan… that he would be
entire student experience at a single health care organization or team of hospitals.
put into a long, narrow tube… and that
Some of the hospitals in the USF Clinical Collaborative provide the entire clinical
everyone was trying to do the best they
experience at their facility while others have teamed with another hospital or two to
could to help him.”
comprise a hospital team.
For nearly three hours, the three
Hospitals involved in the USF Clinical Collaborative include: All Children’s
students translated – sharing patients’
Hospital, Bayfront Medical Center, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute,
experiences with the ER staff, explaining
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Morton Plant Mease, Shriners Hospitals for
procedures patients would be undergoing,
Children, South Florida Baptist Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Tampa General
helping facilitate informed consent,
Hospital and University Community Hospital.
reassuring and consoling, obtaining
The innovative model process begins with a new cohort of students admitted
phone numbers of patients’ relatives for
and assigned to a hospital team, led by a College of Nursing academic faculty Team
the chaplain. The patients were quickly
Coordinator (TC).The TC collaborates with College academic clinical faculty and
treated and sent to hospital rooms, many
hospital-based faculty to assign preceptors to each student in their first semester of
in intensive care.
clinical, and every semester thereafter. To avoid undue burden on the unit’s cadre of
Fevrier made it home about 1 a.m.
preceptors, no more than two students are assigned to a clinical nursing unit, and the
– exhausted, yet grateful, after a 16-hour
preceptor to student ratio is 1:1. The students learn at the side of their preceptor, and
day. “I’m surprised I made it through the
the clinical faculty supports the preceptors by continually making rounds.
night without crying, but I feel blessed to have been able to do something.” Fevrier continued to visit and help
The preceptor serves as a role model for professional nursing practice, engages students in aspects of patient care management appropriate to their level of study, and reinforces the needed psychomotor skills. The clinical faculty ensure the students
translate for recovering Haitian patients
are applying didactic content and concepts by focusing on clinical reasoning and
and their relatives in the pediatric intensive
critical thinking. The College’s academic faculty evaluates student performance with
care and burn units at TGH. NL
input from both the preceptors and clinical faculty. Students advance through their program of study as a cohort in a single hospital team, establishing a bond with each other, their preceptors, and their health care system. NL
C o m m u n i t y
14
Nursing students, grateful for donors generosity, posed for photographs at the Fall 2009 Scholarship Luncheon.
SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON Story by Patricia Shirley
The College of Nursing Scholarship
• At our very first luncheon, 44 students
Awards Luncheon is a major highlight of
received awards totaling
the College’s year. It is the opportunity for
$24,000. Today 92 students are
students to meet face-to-face with the person who made their scholarship possible. For
receiving approximately $130,000. • The College of Nursing Endowed
said Glenna Brewster in the BS to PhD Program Jessica Heckel in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program explained, “My experiences at the College of Nursing
many of these students, the generosity of this
Memorial Scholarship, established
have intensified my quest for knowledge, as
individual and others who support almost 40
in 1981, was the first scholarship for
well as my passion for helping others.”
College of Nursing scholarships makes the difference in the students ability to attend a
the College of Nursing. • There are about 130 friends, faculty
The keynote speaker was Mr. Erik Edward Joh, the managing trustee of The
university. Dr. Stephen Klasko, CEO of USF
and staff supporting nursing
Gertrude E. Skelly Charitable Foundation.
Health and Dean of the College of Medicine,
scholarships at USF.
The Skelly Foundation supports first
welcomed the students and guests to the
The afternoon’s program included
generation scholarships in nursing at USF.
10th annual event. He noted that USF is
presentations by three recipients giving their
Mr. Joh engaged the audience in thoughtful
exceeding expectations due to our students,
perspectives on what their scholarships mean
consideration of the benefits they are
faculty and staff. And the impact our donors
to them. Sara Ippolito in the Bachelor of
providing not only to the students but the
make is reflected in the success of the
Science in Nursing Program – Upper Division
population at large. He explained that the
College of Nursing. Klasko introduced Dean
stated, “You are not only helping us right now
Skelly Foundation believes that financial need
Patricia Burns noting, “Dean Burns is also a
while we are in nursing school, but you are
should not stop a student from attaining their
key reason for the success of the College and
also helping build the future of nursing.”
educational dream.
this scholarship luncheon is just one of her legacies at the College of Nursing.” Dean Burns identified highpoints in the
“Regardless of how we use these
The luncheon ended with the recognition
awards, the end result is that they bring
of donor and recipients for each scholarship.
us one step closer to success. Now that
Pictures were taken so that donors would
history of the luncheon and how it’s grown
I am working on my PhD, I know that this
receive tangible evidence of their generosity
over the years.
would not be possible without the unselfish
and students could imagine what it would be
donations from our honored guests today.”
like when they could stand in the shoes of a donor! NL
The Path of Light is based on the nickname “the Lady with the Lamp” earned by Florence Nightingale for her dedication toward the welfare of her patients by tending the sick through the night. It is a reminder to alumni and graduates of the tradition of service and care they are upholding.
P ATH OF LIGHT I A LLUMINATES
LUMNI
Story by Leanna Baylis
LUIS BATTISTINI
On December 12, 2009 and May
Alumni and Friends Board President
of the Society. “All of us working on
8, 2010, the USF College of Nursing
lead the procession and addressed
the project were so pleased with the
Alumni and Friends Society held its
the graduates including leading all
response from alumni and graduates.
newest tradition at the USF College
nurses in the nursing pledge. With
Since the Convocation, I have had a
of Nursing, the Alumni Path of Light.
over 400 guests in attendance at
number of alumni and student alumni
College of Nursing alumni led the
the fall ceremony and nearly 700 in
ask how to become involved. I can’t
processions of nursing graduates into
attendance in the spring, this ceremony
think of a better sign of success,”
the USF Health auditorium. Holding
has become one of the College’s most
said Shelton. “I’ve told them to watch
lighted candles that signify their pledge
recent points of pride.
the College of Nursing Alumni and
taken in the tradition of Florence
This new tradition along with the
Friends Society website for the details
Nightingale, the “Lady with the Lamp”,
pinning ceremony was made possible
to participate in our next Alumni Path
the alumni formed a pathway for their
through efforts lead by Melissa
of Light as we hope to light the entire
fellow new alumni and colleagues.
Molinari Shelton ’05, ‘08 cochair of the
length of the aisle!” NL
Christine Olney, ’07, College of Nursing
Awards and Recognition Committee
A l u m n i
15
16 14
A l u m n i
YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE Story by Leanna Baylis
On Saturday, November 21, 2009,
speak to alumni from the College’s early
“I had such a great time at the
University of South Florida College of
years.” said Nursing doctoral student,
College of Nursing Homecoming Reunion
Nursing Alumni and Friends Society
faculty, and Alumni and Friends Board
Tailgate,” said Belote. “As a member of
welcomed alumni underneath the USF
member, Marisa Belote.
the faculty and as a doctoral student I am
Nursing Tailgate Tent outside of Raymond
College of Nursing Alumni and
proud of the caliber of nurse our College
James Stadium for the Homecoming
Friends Board President, Christine Olney
produces and I am looking forward to
Reunion Tailgate. Over brunch alums
’07 noted, “It was so exciting to meet
Homecoming 2010!”
spent the morning catching up with one
colleagues and learn about how the
another and reminiscing about their time
College made a difference in their lives.
begun! Class Presidents and Class
as students at the College of Nursing.
Not to mention being in the middle of the
Agents (Classes of 2010, 2005, 2000,
There was plenty of Bulls’ spirit in the air
pregame Homecoming activities!”
1995, 1990, 1985, 1980 and 1975) are
to celebrate the USF Nursing pride! “Not only were the accommodations, giveaways and food great, it was an excellent opportunity to meet with and
After the tailgate, nursing alums
Planning for the 2010 Reunion has
encouraged to contact the College of
helped cheer on the USF Bulls to a 34-22
Nursing Alumni Relations at (813) 974-
victory over the Louisville Cardinals.
6850 or lbaylis@health.usf.edu to help ensure the success of this exciting event. NL
17
CLASS NOTES Patricia Podlas, ’78,
is a Registered Nurse at Morton Plant Hospital, Bardmoor ER, in Largo, Florida. •
Bethany Graves Brown, ’09, is a Registered Nurse at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida, and is currently enrolled in the Nurse Practitioner Program at USF training in critical care.
Kathleen Glaser, ’84,
is the Director of Health Practitioners for the Department of State Office of Medical Services in Washington, D.C.
Ruthanne Brown, ’09,
Melissa Carver, ’86,
Jenny Clanton, ’09,
is currently working for Florida Cancer Specialists in Tampa, Florida.
Christi Champion Switzer, ’87,
is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist working for the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists in Houston, Texas.
Jeanne Hopple, ’93,
is a Family Nurse Practitioner for Family Care Specialists in Ocala, Florida.
Michael Gibbons, ’95,
is a Staff Certified Nurse Anesthetist for the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and is currently residing in Stuart, Florida.
is a Registered Nurse for the Bay Care Health System in Tampa, Florida.
is a Registered Nurse at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida.
Allison Lowe, ’09,
SAVE THE DATE
Corrianne Norrid, ’09,
weekend of October 8th-10th and is sure to
is a Registered Nurse at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida, working on the transplant floor.
is currently serving as an Ensign in the United States Navy, Nurse Corps.
Karen Rahman, ’09,
is a Nurse Practitioner in Vascular and Thoracic Surgery in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Karen Santora, ’09,
is a Registered Nurse at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida
Linda Mason Barber, ’99, is an Assistant Professor at Lagrange College in Lagrange, Georgia.
Tracy Hammett, ’02,
is a Nurse Educator for Labor and Delivery at Bayfront Medical Center in Tampa, Florida.
USF Homecoming 2010 will be the be filled with numerous events to remember! Mark your calendars now and update your contact information through the USF Nursing Alumni Society online community at nursing.usfhealthalumni.net to make sure you receive all the updates about the events planned for that week. Want to be involved in the success of the nursing reunion events? Contact Nursing Alumni Relations at (813) 974-6850 or lbaylis@health.usf.edu.
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU AREN’T LEFT OUT? Sign on to the Online Community at nursing.usfhealthalumni.net
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Why Now?
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•Top-notch clinical partners including 10 area hospitals and over 350 clinical affiliates
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•The 6th largest employer in the beautiful Tampa Bay region •One of the largest US university with an enrollment of over 46,000 students •One of the first US universities to earn the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
•World class faculty integrating technology, education and research •New facilities with state-of-the-art simulation center and a cutting-edge Biobehavioral laboratory
• USF Health – a unique interprofessional collaboration of faculty from all of the health sciences • USF World – a platform for developing exclusive partnerships across the globe • The Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (opens Fall 2012) is a world class, state-of-the-art, facility for international education, training and research in simulation and innovative continuing education models