LI FE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Journey with Purpose + Highest Honor + Burns’ USF Legacy of Leadership + Mentee, Mentor & Student
NURSING LIFE MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2009 Volume 3
Dear Colleagues, After a highly successful twelve-year career, I’ve decided to step down and help begin the search for a new Dean of the College of Nursing at the University of South Florida. I will miss the College of Nursing a great deal; however, the time has come for me to embark on a path towards a new chapter in my life. I will always cherish my years at the College of Nursing and I’m looking forward to continuing a relationship with the community that I have been so much a part of for the past twelve years. As my legacy I leave the College of Nursing a successful nationally-recognized nursing program built upon innovative education models, collaborative clinical partnerships, advanced practice graduate degree programs and a facilitative multi-disciplinary scientific research infrastructure. Our efforts as a College are well respected in the nursing profession and the Tampa Bay community, especially our immeasurable contributions towards making life better through research, education and healthcare. Thank you all for a breathtaking and memorable twelve years. I’m extremely proud to have helped guide a College composed of such bright and talented individuals. Sincerely,
Patricia A. Burns, PhD, RN, FAAN Senior Associate Vice President, USF Health
MICHAEL HEAPE
Dean, College of Nursing University of South Florida
01 S T U D E N T
L I F E
02
A JOURNEY WITH PURPOSE
03
USF’S CHARTER CRNAS LAND JOBS BEFORE GRADUATION
Published for faculty, students, staff, alumni and the community of USF Health. Editor Ashlea Hudak ahudak@health.usf.edu
Contributing Writers Anne Baier, Leanna Baylis, Elise Brodeur, Maureen Groer, Nick Hall, Ashlea Hudak, Deena Kemp Pople, Marcia Parker, Melissa M. Shelton, and Sarah Worth
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DONORS SUPPORT, INSPIRE THE FUTURE OF NURSING L I F E
06
EMOTIONS, THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE
07
DISTINGUISHED UNIVERSITY HEALTH PROFESSOR
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NEWLY FUNDED GRANT PROJECTS
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INTERNAL AWARDS & PENDING GRANTS
C O M M U N I T Y
Photographers Luis Battistini, Lissette Campos, Michael Heape, Ashlea Hudak, Bob Knight, John Lofreddo, and Eric Younghans President University of South Florida Judy Genshaft, PhD Sr. Associate Vice President, USF Health Dean, USF College of Nursing Patricia Burns, PhD, RN, FAAN
TYLENOL EASES EXPENSES
R E S E A R C H
Production Director Monica Matos
Art Director Klaus Herdocia
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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
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L I F E
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CONGRESSWOMAN CASTOR HIGHLIGHTS NEW $3.5M VA NURSING ACADEMY
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USF AWARDED $100,000 FOR RWJF NEW CAREERS IN NURSING PROGRAM
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DIANE SCHUCHAT’S DREAM LIVES ON
14
DEAN BURNS’ USF LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
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COLLEGE ADOPTS NEW VALUES STATEMENT
A L U M N I
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
L I F E
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BULLS SPIRIT AT THE NURSING REUNION
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RECENT ALUMNUS: MENTEE, MENTOR & STUDENT
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NURSING ALUMNI FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARD
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ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
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
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Cover: USF College of Nursing Dean Patricia Burns’ 1960 graduation photo from the E J Meyer Memorial Hospital School of Nursing.
LI FE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Journey with Purpose + Highest Honor + Burns’ USF Legacy of Leadership + Mentee, Mentor & Student
NURSING LIFE MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2009 Volume 3
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.
***The article, Prestigious Fellowship with the American Academy of Nursing and Institute of Medicine, on page 9 of the Summer/Fall Volume 2 Nursing Life magazine inadvertently did not acknowledge the American Nurses Foundation (ANF) as an organization supporting the Scholar in Residence program.
S t u d e n t s
06 02
A JOURNEY WITH
PURPOSE Story by Marcia Parker
Jerome Noronha came to USF with a passion for working with HIV patients, “both in the developing world and in the United States.” Born and raised in Bombay, India, Jerome currently enjoys working as an Adult Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) for the Florida Department of Corrections. Jerome’s quest for knowledge and desire to achieve the most advanced level of clinical education led him to the USF Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Before enrolling, however, Jerome needed to make sure he would receive an education that was “up to date and proactive.”
“
...whatever your interest. It all depends on how hard you are willing to work. After speaking to a current USF Nursing student, he decided to attend the First Annual Doctoral Open House in October 2007
”
to help confirm his decision. The Open House, which provided prospective students an opportunity to meet with doctoral faculty, “helped to take away his initial anxiety as an adult learner,” says Jerome. “The key is that they made me feel very comfortable as a returning student.” After the Open House, Jerome applied for the program and was accepted into the Fall 2008 class. Upon graduation, Jerome hopes to contribute to public health policy that reduces healthcare costs without compromising quality. What advice does he offer future students? “Nursing is for everyone – females and males,” he says. “There are so many different avenues to choose from, whatever your interest. It all depends on how hard you are willing to work.” NL
LUIS BATTISTINI
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LUIS BATTISTINI
03
USF’S CHARTER CRNAS
LAND JOBS BEFORE GRADUATION Story by Sarah Worth
At the Dec. 13 commencement ceremony, 100 percent of USF’s charter class of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) graduated with a job lined up -- proof that the demand for these specialized health professionals remains strong even in a slow economy. CRNAs administer 65 percent of the 26 million anesthetics given to patients each year, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and are the sole anesthesia providers in nearly half of all hospitals and more than two-thirds of the rural hospitals in the United States. A 1990 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services drew attention to a national shortage of nearly 5,400 nurse anesthetists. USF’s CRNA program, the first such certified program in the Tampa Bay area, began in 2006 in response to the nationwide demand for more anesthesia providers. “The need for CRNA’s nationally and in the Tampa Bay community has never been greater and we are extremely proud that 100 percent of our nurse anesthetists secured employment well before completing their degrees,” said Sierra Gower, MS, CRNA, director of USF’s CRNA program. “These 12 very skilled people will provide much needed safe, competent anesthesia care.” USF’s graduates were: Joshua Beason, Thomas Benafield, Mary Bergin, Julia Cramer, Kimberly Durham, Jason Edwards, Tae Garrison, Kathleen Harley, Lisa Hollett, Dean Jani, LaSonya Malbrough, and Anita Lee-Newkirk. NL
INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE
S t u d e n t s
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TYLENOL EASES EXPENSES Story by Ashlea Hudak
Maria Seidel, MS, ARNP became a
from the beginning we felt very valued and
qualities,”says Seidel. “Dr. Mary Webb
nurse in 1976 and experienced all the
welcome. I felt valued as a student, and I
keeps us informed and wants to know how
typical floor nursing activities. Then in
felt like I was in the right place immediately,”
we are feeling as a group. Prima Hower
1992, she was exposed to nursing
said Seidel.
was so nice, and because of her we wanted
education and has “gotten hooked on it
Objectives for the USF Doctor of
and been in it ever since.” Seidel began
Nursing Practice program are based on
teaching nursing part-time as an adjunct
recommendations for essential curriculum
and then progressed to full-time faculty,
elements as identified by the American
announced a scholarship opportunity with
currently serving as District 24 President of
Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
the Tylenol National Scholarship Program,
the Florida Nurses Association for St. Lucie,
“I really enjoy the whole DNP Program
a program for students pursuing healthcare
to stay. For many reasons we knew made the right choice.” When Indian River State College
Martin, Okeechobee and Hendry counties
at USF,” says Seidel, who travels to Tampa
careers, Seidel submitted an essay
and as an Associate Professor of Nursing
once a week with a colleague for DNP
illustrating why she became a nurse and
at Indian River State College on the East
courses at the University of South Florida.
where she is going with her nursing career,
coast of Florida.
“It’s a three hour trip. We enjoy our ride,
including that she is pursuing her doctorate.
staying overnight and studying before
In October 2008, Tylenol announced
class.”
that Seidel had been awarded a Tylenol
When Seidel’s colleagues began making plans to go back to school, she began researching the Doctor of Nursing
While at USF, Seidel works with many
Scholarship.
Practice (DNP) program at the University
of the faculty and staff. Beginning to name
“I’m very honored to receive a national
of South Florida. As an educator, she “liked
them all she confesses, “They’re all great.”
award, and the money helps with my school
what she saw.” “The application process was smooth and I always spoke to a person. Right
“Everyone I have met has been so wonderful - these are good leaders and they have exceptional professional
expenses,” Seidel says. “I’m a scholarship junkie. If it applies to me, I’ll apply.” NL
05
DONORS SUPPORT, INSPIRE THE FUTURE OF NURSING Story by Deena Kemp Pople grateful we are to you for giving them an opportunity to obtain a world-class nursing
praising donors attending the 9th annual
education. Your support is significant,” she
USF College of Nursing Scholarship Award
said.
Luncheon. On behalf of the 108 students
This year’s Scholarship Award Luncheon
receiving donor-funded scholarships at
was held on Nov. 21, 2008 at the USF
the event, Sullivan thanked donors for
Marshall Student Center Ballroom. Funding
setting a positive example, not just to
increased 80 percent since last year’s
the community, but also to him and other
ceremony, totaling more than $180,000.
students. “I will continue in your example
Dean Burns was excited to announce the
by passing it on to future students,” he
establishment of five new awards.
said. Nursing students Georgia Vong, Brooke
In her keynote address, Janis Boyd, a 1973 USF graduate, shared what it meant
Waters, Sarah Chamieh and Jacqueline
to cofound one of these new scholarships
Munro also reflected on the meaning of
with her mother, Shirley Marie Turner.
the ceremony, each emphasizing the far-
Boyd said the scholarship, established in
reaching impact of the scholarship awards.
Turner’s name, represented her mother’s
Dean Patricia Burns echoed the students’ gratitude. “I want to express how
love of nursing and desire to impact the future of the profession. NL
JOHN LOFREDDO
“This round of applause is for you,” nurse anesthetist student Kevin Sullivan said,
R e s e a r c h
06
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ERIC YOUNGHANS
Dr. Nick Hall, Director of the Center for Psychoneuroimmunology at the USF College of Nursing, points out some of the equipment on the executive challenge course at Saddlebrook Resort while conducting a custom team building program aimed at evaluating and coping with stress, improving health and achieving performance-driven goals.
EMOTIONS, THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND PERFORMANCE Story by Nick Hall Sometimes, you have to be in an
Performance”, the second annual
program that will include both theory and
optimal performance state even though
national conference for the Center for
practical exercises.
you don’t feel like it. Athletes know this. So
Psychoneuroimmunology, September 17-
Upon completion of this course, the
do healthcare providers. But your immune
20, 2009 at Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa,
participant will be able to understand how
system and emotions may be working
Florida.
stressful memories of traumatic events
against you. Any inflammation, whether part
This second annual symposium will
can impact the immune system and
of an allergy, an infection, or associated
bring together some of the nation’s leading
performance, describe how self-destructive
with injury can give rise to pro-inflammatory
experts to discuss the impact emotions and
emotions can be triggered by injury and
cytokines. These chemicals can derail
the immune system have upon performance
the immune system, as well as understand
your mood, your reaction time and your
— whether it’s in a sports arena, hospital, or
how shift-work and crossing time zones
motivation to push on.
war zone.
can impact the immune system and
The USF College of Nursing will host
Attendees will gain a better understanding
“Frontiers in Psychoneuroimmunology:
of the cause of suboptimal performance, as
Emotions, the Immune System and
well as potential solutions, at this three day
performance. NL For more information, or to register to attend visit: www.health.usf.edu/nocms/nursing/pni.
07
DISTINGUISHED UNIVERSITY HEALTH PROFESSOR Story by Anne DeLotto Baier Outstanding contributions and internationally-recognized scholarly accomplishments have earned College of Nursing’s Susan McMillan, PhD the University’s highest honor recognition as a 2008 Distinguished University Health Professor. Internationally known for her contributions to oncology nursing and quality of life at the end of life, Dr. McMillan is the ERIC YOUNGHANS
Lyall & Beatrice Thomson Professor of Oncology Quality of Life Nursing at USF. She was inducted into the prestigious American Academy of Nursing in 1993 in recognition of her national and international stature as a nursing leader – making her one of only 1,500 nurses out of nearly 3 million nationally who have received this honor. Dr. McMillan was named American Cancer Society Professor of Oncology Nursing from 1990 to 2000, the maximum time allowed for any professor to hold the award. At USF, she has garnered many honors, including the Jerome Krivanek Distinguished Teacher Award, the Theodore and Venette Askounes-Ashford Distinguished Scholar Award, and
DR. MCMILLAN AWARDED UNIVERSITY’S HIGHEST HONOR
the College of Nursing’s Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award. Currently the principal investigator for two large NIH grants, Dr. McMillan is recognized worldwide for her research and development of tools to measure symptom management and
The esteemed Distinguished University Health Professor
quality of life in patients with cancer.
award applauds McMillan’s successful completion of 3 NIH
Dr. McMillan founded and continues to direct the Oncology Nursing Program that prepares advanced practice nurses
R01 studies funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research:
in oncology – a field of nursing in great demand. Her NIH training grant in cancer care was among the first to provide
2004 - 2008: Prior R01 with NINR: Systematic Improvement
interdisciplinary education for nurses and physicians. She
to Include Hospice Outcomes – to test an intervention
founded and played a key role in successfully transforming
consisting of systematic assessment of hospice patients with
an interdisciplinary research group into the USF’s Center for
cancer and their caregivers in improving symptom distress,
Hospice, Palliative Care and End of Life Studies, which partners
quality of life, and spiritual well-being
with hospices across West Central Florida. Dr. McMillan has been active in research at Moffitt Cancer
2002 – 2007: Prior R01 with NINR: Caregivers of Cancer Pain
Center since its inception and is affiliated with the hospital’s
Patients Coping Intervention – to provide a coping intervention
Psychosocial Oncology Program, where she mentors post-
for caregivers of actively treated cancer patients that will assist
doctoral fellows.
them in managing pain.
The Distinguished University Health Professor (DUHP) award was established in 2007 to recognize USF Health faculty
1999 – 2004: Prior R01 with NINR: A Caregiver Intervention
members for their highly distinctive achievements in research,
to Improve Hospice Outcomes – to test a psycho-educational
teaching and service. Like the Distinguished University
intervention for hospice caregivers that is designed to improve
Professor (DUP) award, the DUHP is selected through a
caregiver quality of life and symptom management and quality
rigorous process of internal and external review. NL
of life for patients.
R e s e a r c h
08
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NEWLY FUNDED GRANT PROJECTS Story by Ashlea Hudak
The College of Nursing has recently initi-
controlled trial are to determine how effective
related hormones (cortisol).
ated two large randomized controlled trials
the program is for improving patient symp-
funded by the National Institutes of Health
toms and outcomes after treatment, what
and the USF Department of Aging Studies,
(NIH). Dr. Cecile Lengacher was awarded
aspects of the program are most effective,
Dr. Susan McMillan was awarded $2.5M
$2.6M over a five-year period beginning in
and which types of patients respond best to
over a four-year period beginning in Janu-
February 2009 as Principal Investigator on
the program.
ary 2009 as the Principal Investigator on
“Symptom Cluster Trial for Breast Can-
The study will follow 300 women recruited
Collaborating with Moffit Cancer Center
“Managing Medication-Induced Constipation
cer Survivors,” sponsored by the National
from Moffitt Cancer Center and USF Health
Institutes of Health and the National Cancer
with Stages 0, I, II, and III breast cancer who
Institute. Breast cancer survivors frequently
have undergone lumpectomy and/or mas-
Health and the National Institute of Nurs-
feel pain, fatigue, sleep dysfunction, anxiety,
tectomy. Patients will be randomly assigned
ing Research, the randomized clinical trial’s
depression and fear of recurrence after they
to the MBSR (BC) program or a typical care
goals include determining incidence, dis-
complete their treatments.
regimen that is later offered in the program
tress, and trajectory of constipation among
and assessments will include measures of
cancer patients receiving the medications to
ter and the USF College of Medicine, Dr.
psychological symptoms (depression, anxi-
evaluate the efficacy of a Constipation Treat-
Lengacher and her team will evaluate the
ety, perceived stress), physical symptoms
ment Protocol, and comparing medication-
effectiveness of the Mindfulness Based
(pain, fatigue, sleep dysfunction), quality of
induced constipation management according
Stress Reduction (MBSR) Breast Cancer
life, biological stress markers (pro-inflam-
to dose of medication versus management
(BC) program among breast cancer survi-
matory immune cytokines, cellular adhesion
according to assessment data. NL
vors. The primary goals of this randomized
molecules, lymphocyte subsets), and stress-
Collaborating with Moffit Cancer Cen-
in Cancer: A Clinical Trial”. Sponsored by the National Institutes of
09
INTERNAL AWARDS The Nursing Faculty in Pilot Research Projects Program, an internal program within the College of Nursing, aims to provide support for nursing faculty to launch productive new programs of research that will ultimately result in intellectual productivity, published research, and successful grant proposals to agencies or foundations. Two $7,500 awards were made to College of Nursing faculty as part of the 2009 program including Theresa Beckie for the proposal, “The Relationship Between a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism on Chromosome 9p21 9rs1333049 and the Phenotype of Women with Coronary Heart Disease” and Cindy Tofthagen for “Neuropathic Symptoms and Their Relationship to Depressive Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Sleep Quality in Colorectal Cancer Survivors Treated with Oxaliplatin.”
PENDING GRANTS
Dr. Cecile Lengacher leads a group of women in a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction stretching exercise.
Several grants are under review that, if funded, would substantially augment the College’s current research portfolio. The pending grants include, but are not limited to:
ASHLEA HUDAK
Susan McMillan, PhD – “Pilot of an Intervention for Caregivers of Hospice HF Patients” NIH: NINR (R21) 2009 – 2011 – $375K Cheryl Zambroski, PhD – “Psychometric Evaluation of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Heart Failure” In response to PAR-08-213: Methodology and Measurement in the Behavioral and Social Sciences. NINR (R21) 2009 – 2011 – $400K Cecile Jevitt, PhD – “Prenatal and Postpartum Weight Control Intervention in Healthy Start Coalitions” In response to RFAHL-08-007: Targeted Approaches to Weight Control for Young Adults. NIH (U01) 2009 – 2014 – $4.7M Maureen Groer, PhD – “Allostasis as a Framework for Preventing and Managing Cardiopulmonary Disease” In response to RFA-NR-09-001: Centers in Symptom Management Research or Centers in Health Promotion/Disease Prevention: Building Research Teams for the Future. NINR (P20) 2009 – 2014 – $1.5M The proposal will test and refine the allostasis model for women’s cardiopulmonary health. This is to build a center in health promotion research. Individual proposals from 5 Colllege of Nursing faculty members were submitted: •
Susan Kennel – “Children and Risk for Cardiopulmonary Disease: A Developmental and Allostatic Study”
•
Brandy Lehman – “Understanding Stress, Immunity, and Sleep Disturbances in Caregivers of Persons with Heart Failure”
•
Theresa Beckie – “The Relationship Between Common Variants on Chromosome 9p21 and Allostatic Biomarkers in Women with Coronary Heart Disease”
•
Frances Rankin – “The Allostatic Load Consequences on Cardiopulmonary Disease Risk of Iron Supplementation In duced Constipation Following Gastric ByPass Surgery in Morbidly Obese Women”
•
Cheryl Zambroski – “Unplanned Admissions to the Acute Care Setting in Women with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: An Allostatic Perspective”
C o m m u n i t y
10
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CONGRESSWOMAN CASTOR HIGHLIGHTS
NEW $3.5M VA NURSING ACADEMY Story by Anne DeLotto Baier
the-art spinal cord injury wing as a
selected to form nursing academies
alleviate the state’s nursing shortage,
backdrop, Castor was joined at the
with 10 VA medical centers. The money
offer care to wounded veterans and
news conference by Patricia Burns,
allows Haley and the nursing college
create high-paying jobs in the Tampa
PhD, Dean of the USF College of
to hire five faculty members this year
Bay area, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor said
Nursing, and Sandra Janzen, Associate
and another five next year. That, in turn,
last fall.
Director for patient care services/nursing
allows the school to enroll more nursing
programs at the Haley VA Hospital.
students.
“It marries a number of missions,” Castor said. “This VA Nursing Academy
The Department of Veterans Affairs
As a result of the program, 100 new
is a wonderful new initiative that builds
has provided $3.5 million to USF’s
nurses are expected to graduate with
upon the collaboration of USF and the
College of Nursing to establish the VA
their baccalaureate degrees in the next
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.
Nursing Academy. USF’s nursing school
four years, Janzen said. If they join
With the Haley VA’s new state-of-
is one of 11 across the country to date
the VA system, those new nurses can
LUIS BATTISTINI
A new nursing academy will help
11
expect starting salaries of about $47,000, she said. “These are high-paying jobs for our community at a time when unemployment is on the rise,” Castor said. “These are good paying jobs with good benefits.” The nursing students do clinical work at Haley, where they gain first-hand experience treating the nation’s veterans. They will be exposed to specialized services including mental health, physical rehabilitation, Haley officials hope the nursing students will eventually work at the VA hospital. The program has three main goals: to expand teaching faculty, to improve recruitment and retention of nurses, and to create new educational and research opportunities. Florida’s nursing shortage is acute. The state is short nearly 13,000 registered nurses
L to R: U.S. Rep Kathy Castor talks about the USF College of Nursing’s partnership with James A. Haley VA Hospital, flanked by Marian Hardwick and Carey Ledee, among the first USF nursing students enrolled in the new VA Nursing Academy.
LISSETTE CAMPOS
ERIC YOUNGHANS
polytrauma and spinal cord injury care.
this year. By 2020, the shortage is expected to reach more than 52,000, according to the Florida Center for Nursing. Part of the problem is nursing schools are forced to turn away qualified applicants. In
USF AWARDED $100,000 FOR RWJF NEW CAREERS IN NURSING PROGRAM Story by Ashlea Hudak
2007, for example, nursing schools had to say no to more than 40,000 qualified applicants,
USF College of Nursing received
a discipline other than nursing. Although
primarily because the schools didn’t have
$100,000 through The Robert Wood Johnson
enrollment in these programs has steadily
enough faculty members to teach the aspiring
Foundation (RWJF) New Careers in Nursing
increased, many potential students are unable
nurses, according to the American Association
Scholarship Program, a groundbreaking
to enroll since already having a college
of Colleges of Nursing.
national initiative launched by RWJF and
degree disqualifies them for most federal
the American Association of Colleges of
financial aid programs for entry-level students.
Academy are eligible to apply for $10,000
Nursing aimed at helping alleviate the
The New Careers in Nursing scholarships
scholarships awarded through USF’s College
nursing shortage by expanding the pipeline
address this and the overall nursing shortage
of Nursing and the Robert Wood Johnson
of students in accelerated programs. Eight
by enabling hundreds of students to launch
Foundation.
eligible Accelerated Second Degree students
their nursing careers through accelerated
The Nursing Academy initiative
in the incoming VA Nursing Academy (VANA)
education.
underscores Castor’s work on higher
cohort received scholarship applications, and
education, health care and military affairs.
two are being held for the next VANA class.
Students enrolled in the VA Nursing
Castor pushed for the College Cost Reduction
“This program aims to safeguard the health
By bringing more nurses into the profession at the baccalaureate and master’s degree levels the program helps to address
and Access Act, which provides loan
of the nation by helping to ease the nurse and
the nation’s nurse faculty shortage. Data from
forgiveness to students entering careers in
nurse faculty shortage,” said RWJF President
the U.S. Health Resources and Services
public service – including nursing. Congress
Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, MBA.
Administration show that nurses entering the
also allocated $2.4 million for a program
Accelerated programs offer the most
profession at the baccalaureate level are four
through the USF College of Nursing to help
efficient route to licensure as a registered
times more likely than other nurses to pursue
veterans cope with emotional health and
nurse for adults who have already completed
a graduate degree in nursing, which is the
other problems. NL
a baccalaureate or graduate degree in
required credential to teach. NL
C o m m u n i t y
14 12
DIANE SCHUCHAT’S DREAM LIVES ON Story by Deena Kemp Pople
SCHUCHAT/DREHER COLLECTION
LI FE
“ Diane Schuchat was born to take care
She became more aware of the needs of
a 104-degree
of living things. She began treating her first
fever, and started
patients as a toddler in preschool. At an age
community college
when many little girls pretend to be nurses
at 17—all to get
caring for imaginary human patients, Diane
closer to her goal of
was more interested in real, live animals.
being a veterinarian.
Growing up in a wooded area, she had lots of opportunities to practice her veterinarian skills. “No wart covered toad living nearby was
After transferring to a university to major in biology, her interest suddenly changed. “She became more
isolated year, so her patient wouldn’t feel so isolated.
aware of the needs of people,” her mother
Diane really loved her job.”
safe from being cradled in her hands or
says, “and like my mother, whom she never
showered with kisses,” Diane’s mother,
knew, Diane decided to become a nurse.”
Susan, recalls. “She once picked up a snake and brought it in to show her dad. It was a poisonous copperhead, yet, it didn’t bite her.”
In 2006, as her health problems progressed, Diane moved to Florida to be
Diane was courageous. After three years
closer to her family. Interested in pursuing
of college, choosing a new career required
a graduate nursing degree, she visited
significant changes. Facing the cost of three
the USF College of Nursing. She was
more years in college at a small private
enthusiastic about the facilities and the
her family owned two dogs, a cat, two
school, she worked part time as a pharmacy
opportunity to start classes in Fall 2008. “But
horses and a skinny gerbil all at one time.
tech and stayed up long into the night to
it was not to be,” her mother says. Diane
According to her mother and father, Brad,
complete her studies.
died in May 2008.
Because of her persistent love of animals,
she loved them all equally. It was no surprise when she volunteered at a veterinarian clinic
Diane was compassionate. She obtained
Her parents, along with her grandparents
in middle school. The young husband and
her nursing degree and spent a lot of time
Robert E. and Virginia Dreher and her
wife team who ran the clinic allowed her
deciding how she could make the most
brother Michael, a second-year law student
to brush dogs’ teeth and help with puppy
difference in people’s lives. She worked in
at Drake University, felt establishing
deliveries. She spent all her time on the
cardiac care, psychology, and dermatology,
a scholarship in Diane’s name was
weekends with them.
but finally fell in love with acute kidney
an appropriate way to remember her.
dialysis care. She embraced the opportunity
Diane was determined, courageous, and
to provide comforting care to seriously ill
compassionate. The Diane Schuchat
issues prevented her from completing
patients. Susan remembers how Diane went
Graduate Nursing Scholarship will help
high school, she plunged forward with the
beyond her duties as a nurse to care for a
nurses like her fulfill their dreams of
same enthusiastic persistence \she had
patient who lived alone in the country. “She
obtaining an advanced nursing degree.
as a six year old winning swimming races.
purchased a second cell phone and paid to
She got her GED, took the SAT exam with
add the woman to her plan for more than a
That’s something her family thinks that she would like. NL
Diane was determined. Even when health
SCHUCHAT/DREHER COLLECTION
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C o m m u n i t y
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USF LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
Story by Ashlea Hudak
After a highly successful 12-year career, Patricia Burns, PhD, RN, FAAN, has announced that she will step down as Dean of the College of Nursing at the University of South Florida. Dr. Burns is well respected in the nursing profession and the Tampa Bay community for her immeasurable contributions towards making life better through research, education and healthcare. “I will miss the College of Nursing a great deal; however, the time has come for me to embark on a path towards a new chapter in my life,” Dr. Burns said. “I will always cherish my years at the College of Nursing and I’m looking forward to continuing a relationship with the community that I have been so much a part of for the past 12 years.”
In the Tampa Bay area, nursing shortages and nursing faculty shortages are greater than the national average. Under Dr. Burns’ leadership, the USF College of Nursing has developed new advanced degree programs and created innovative education models to fill this need in the profession. She established the Clinical Collaborative Initiative, a partnership between local healthcare agencies in the Tampa Bay area and the USF College of Nursing. The Initiative gives students seeking bachelor’s degrees the opportunity to reside in a single agency for clinical coursework. Students are often eligible and qualified to serve as nurse technicians, and are employed by the agency after the first semester.
USF HEALTH MEDIA CENTER
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NURSING DEAN PAT BURNS’
Patricia Burns, RN, PhD, FAAN becomes Dean of the USF College of Nursing.
1999
In Fall 1999, 628 students were enrolled across all of programs at the College of Nursing.
2001
The USF College of Nursing launched the Clinical Collaborative, a partnership between local healthcare agencies in the Tampa Bay area.
TIMELINE OF LEADERSHIP
2005
The College of Nursing’s new building was dedicated. Renovations tripled the size of the College of Nursing facility, from 25,000 to 75,000 square feet.
The USF Clinical Nurse Leader program began in 2005 and admitted a charter class of 10 Clinical Nurse Leader students.
ERIC YOUNGHANS
1997
15
forged collaborations across the University and State, as well as nationally and internationally. The College’s exchange program with the University of Panama is now in its third year. To date, three delegations totaling nearly 45 nursing students have participated in the program, a handson community health learning experience. Clinical community partnerships are imperative for preparing nurses in advanced clinical roles as much needed educators and researchers. One such partnership is the College’s longstanding collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center, the only comprehensive cancer center in Florida designated by the National Cancer Institute. USF offers the only oncology nursing master’s program in the state.
BOB KNIGHT
“The USF College of Nursing has fostered innovative programming between the community and college to address the nursing shortage by expanding student numbers and needs for more educators and enhancing the research focus within hospitals,” said Sandra K Janzen MS, RN, CNAA-BC, Associate Director of patient care services at James A Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida, “This forum is an exemplary model of community and academic collaboration that addresses current and future needs while systematically exploring innovative ideas together.” The College of Nursing has built healthcare partnerships across 10 counties in Florida and
INNOVATIVE GRADUATE NURSING PROGRAMS
2006
USF’s Nurse Anesthesia master’s program was established as the first in the Tampa Bay area and only the third public university in Florida to offer a nurse anesthesia program.
2007
USF’s first class of 8 Clinical Nurse Leaders students graduated in 2006.
A formal Research Center was established in 2007 at the College of Nursing to streamline the research process and expand the research portfolio.
ERIC YOUNGHANS
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program established.
The College’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Nurse Anesthesia, and Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) advanced graduate degree nursing programs epitomize Dr. Burns’ vision of the ideal innovative education model. One of the first universities in the country to offer the CNL and DNP programs, USF has graduated some of the first nurses in the country with these degrees. In response to the nationwide demand for more anesthesia providers, USF began the nurse anesthesia program in Fall 2006 as the third public university to offer the program, out of the seven accredited nursing programs in Florida. USF’s program is the first in the Tampa Bay area. In Fall 2008, 100 percent of USF’s charter class of 12 nurse anesthetists graduated with a job already lined up. Nursing bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate program students and graduates provide safe competent healthcare in hospitals across the greater Tampa Bay area, a testament to the significant community impact of the collaborations Dean Burns initiated.
Comprehensive five-year strategic planning process involving students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community began.
LUIS BATTISTINI
ADDRESSING THE NURSING SHORTAGE
“
the time has come for me to embark on a path towards a new chapter in my life
”
BUILDING NATIONAL PROMINENCE
Recently, the College of Nursing increased its research awards by 64 percent and achieved its goal of raising both public and private funding by 40 percent – resulting in the highest percentage jump for a single college in research funding at USF for FY 2007-2008. Dr. Burns further strengthened the College’s research endeavors by establishing a Biobehavioral Laboratory. Scheduled for completion this year, the laboratory will support the Research Center and the College’s Center for Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). Occupying more than 2,000 square feet, it will house state-of-the art equipment for conducting blood assays, such as flammatory markers, stress hormones, proteomics, and RNA and DNA analyses. The facility will also include multiple patient rooms for conducting physical examinations, clinical measurements, and treatments for health care and research purposes. Enabled by the College’s productive research environment and clinical partnerships, the PNI Center pursues research, education and the translation of knowledge into clinical practice. The College of Nursing’s collaborative structure encourages a community of scholars and clinicians interested in related topics. This benefits the college by providing a framework for research studies and partnerships. Ultimately, this strong research foundation benefits patients through evidence-based clinical care – another way Dr. Burns’ leadership has profoundly influenced healthcare in the Tampa Bay community. Continued community support and individual contributions are vital to the future of the College of Nursing. As Dean, Dr. Burns fostered a large increase in financial donations to the College; endowments have grown by more than $5 million during her 12-year tenure.
The College has received national support and accolades as well. The USF master’s program in Nursing was recently ranked 72 by U.S News and World Report – a large jump from 115 scored when the program was last ranked in 2003. The USF profile included in the 2009 Princeton Review “Best 368 Colleges” praises the College of Nursing. Among the candid comments of USF students surveyed for the book: “There’s a great nursing program.” USF’s nursing programs have steadily flourished to accommodate a growing student population. As of Fall 2008 the College of Nursing had 1,888 students enrolled across its baccalaureate, masters, doctoral and continuing education programs – up from 628 students in Fall 1999. Dr. Burns oversaw the College of Nursing’s much needed physical expansion. Members of the College, University and community gathered to dedicate the new building in May 2005 and celebrated renovations that tripled the size of the College of Nursing facility from 25,000 to 75,000 square feet. In 2007, Dr. Burns launched the College on an exciting and momentous endeavor – a comprehensive five-year strategic planning process. Carefully constructed through student, faculty, staff, alumni and community involvement, the strategic plan has set the mission, vision, goals and values to help guide the College of Nursing to future success and prominence regionally, nationally and internationally. As her lasting legacy, Dean Patricia Burns leaves a successful, nationally-recognized College of Nursing built upon innovative education models, collaborative clinical partnerships, advanced practice graduate degree programs and a facilitative multidisciplinary scientific research infrastructure.
College of Nursing web-based instruction was ranked third in the nation – with larger enrollments for its graduate nursing program than 70 other schools across the U.S. E. YOUNGHANS
USF’s master’s program in Nursing ranked 72 by U.S News and World Report.
STRENGTHENING RESEARCH COLLABORATION
Annual exchange program with the University of Panama, a hands-on community health learning experience, began.
2008
100 percent of USF’s charter class of 12 nurse anesthetists graduated with employment already lined up.
College of Nursing increased research awards by 64 percent, achieving the goal of raising both public and private funding by 40 percent.
L. BATTISTINI
To facilitate the growth of research initiatives in the College and bring together diverse faculty and student research interests, Dr. Burns created a Nursing Research Center within the College. The Center has significantly broadened the College’s research portfolio, including multidisciplinary collaborations, and substantially upgraded its research infrastructure and capacity, including enhanced administrative support and expertise in data management, project management and statistical analyses.
L. CAMPOS
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ERIC YOUNGHANS
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COLLEGE ADOPTS NEW VALUES STATEMENT
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA COLLEGE OF NURSING VALUES:
Story by Maureen Groer
On October 31, 2008 a group of more than 50 staff, students and faculty participated in a retreat, the purpose of which was to craft a set of shared values that would guide the College’s strategic plan. Under the leadership of a faculty/staff committee and with the help of consultant Dorothy Moga, the retreat was organized using
We embrace the diversity and expertise of our students, faculty, staff and community partners. We lead the discipline and are nationally recognized for the generation, exploration and application of new knowledge for education, practice, science and knowledge.
an approach called Appreciative Inquiry. This approach focuses on past successes as well as individuals’ positive and meaningful experiences within the organization. During the retreat, participants split into groups and shared their individual stories with each other, many of which were moving and touching stories about deeply personal events. Each small group developed a set of value statements that exemplified the spirit of these positive and meaningful stories. When everyone came
We embody personal and professional integrity to create a safe and trusting environment. We embrace an environment where we mentor, encourage and empower students, staff and faculty. We promote partnerships where coordinated teamwork accomplishes innovative outcomes to advance the art and science of nursing.
back together, each small group advocated for a particular values statement. Then the entire group discussed, deliberated and crafted these into statements that everyone felt captured the values being
We honor and recognize our community, students, faculty and staff.
expressed. The set of value statements that the retreat produced are powerful, evocative and capable of guiding the college into the future. The sentiment of those who attended the retreat is one of accomplishment and significance. The College is committed to not
We develop, nurture and recognize engaged leadership in students, faculty and staff for positive impact in education, research and health care. We support and help each other to achieve shared goals.
only endorse these values, but to use them in every day teaching, research, practice and service. NL
The strategic planning process established the Mission, Vision, Goals and Values of the College.
2009
ERIC YOUNGHANS
As of Fall 2008, 1,888 students were enrolled across all of the bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and continuing education programs at the College of Nursing.
Construction completed on the Biobehavioral Laboratory, a 2,000 square-foot facility housing state-of-the art equipment for conducting blood assays and multiple patient rooms for conducting physical examinations, clinical measurements, and treatments for health care and research purposes.
T IMELINE
OF
L EADERSHIP
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A l u m n i
BULLS SPIRIT AT THE
On October 15, 2008, University of South Florida
NURSING REUNION
College of Nursing alumni gathered underneath the
Story by Leanna Baylis
Brunch was served along with drinks, and fellow alums
USF Nursing tailgate tent just outside Raymond James Stadium for the annual Homecoming Reunion. spent the morning catching up with one another and reminiscing about their lives as students at the College of Nursing. There was plenty of Bulls’ spirit in the air as current their 2nd place trophy for the College of Nursing float in the USF Homecoming Parade the evening before. After the tailgate, nursing alums helped cheer on the USF Bulls to a 45 -13 victory over the Syracuse Orange. Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s homecoming reunion. We hope to see you and your classmates at next year’s reunion on November 21, 2009! For updates visit nursing.usfhealthalumni.net. NL
Nursing students unite and proudly display their Bulls spirit and love of all things health and nursing while aboard the College of Nursing float which won second place in the 2008 USF Homecoming parade.
LUIS BATTISTINI
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nursing students stopped by the tent to proudly display
19
RECENT ALUMNUS:
MENTEE, MENTOR & STUDENT Story by Elise Brodeur
Story by Elise Brodeur
Allyson Radford has been very busy
At times, Allyson doesn’t feel like a new
since she completed her Bachelor of
alumnus since she is still involved in the
Science degree in nursing in December
college. “It’s kind of surprising to get the
2008. The recent USF College of Nursing
Nursing Life magazine, newsletters and
alumna has been studying for and taking
alumni materials in the mail when I just
the GRE and NCLEX exams and applying
recently got my diploma.” Allyson says. “It
to the college’s BS to PhD program. With
is a little strange.”
all this, she also found time to work as
As part of her work with current nursing
a research assistant. March 2009 was
students, Allyson has taken on a new
exciting for Allyson because she received
role as an alumni mentor, whether it is
the wonderful news that she not only
reaching out to the underclassmen, giving
passed her nursing board exam, but she
them advice on how to prepare for the
also was accepted into the USF College of
boards and finals or answering any other
Nursing’s BS to PhD program.
question they have. On her path to being a
Through her work in the college’s simulation lab teaching fundamental skills for entry-level courses and tutoring
double USF Nursing alumna, she herself is becoming an ambassador for the College. “The students all know me and catch me
students, Allyson realized she wants to
in the hall and ask me how I did this or that,”
pursue research and teaching as a career.
she says. “It is beneficial just to have a face
This stemmed from her work for the past
that everyone knows and the students all
year as a research assistant with Debra
”
know that they can e-mail me anytime.”
Gottel, MHS, BSN and her research to help
Ms. Radford is excited about taking
individuals with mental illness quit smoking.
the next step in her career with a nursing
She gives credit to the College’s recently
graduate degree. As a new alumna, she
appointed Doctoral Student Ambassador
wants to help students and alumni realize
and USF nursing ’05 graduate, Melissa
there are many possibilities in nursing.
Molinari Shelton, MS, for helping her take the initial steps to realize this goal. “It is very comforting to have someone
“You don’t even realize how many avenues you can take. That is why nursing is so great—there are so many different
like Melissa to turn to,” Allyson says.
areas you can go into,” Allyson says.
“Melissa has been a huge help. She
“When I realized that there was a doctoral
answered any silly question, telling me what
program where I could pursue research and
I have to look forward to and what I need to
teaching, I wanted to make a difference in
get prepared for.”
the community a different way.” NL
ASHLEA HUDAK
“
There are so many different areas you can go into.
A l u m n i
20
ASHLEA HUDAK
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Dean Patricia Burns leans in for a photo with nursing graduates, Matthew Wolland (left) and Allyson Radford (right), recipients of the inaugural USF Nursing Alumni Florence Nightingale Award.
NURSING ALUMNI FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARD Story by Melissa M. Shelton
The USF College of Nursing started Th a new tradition this past December
dedication to charity and community service. A USF College of Nursing gold pin depicting the Col-
when the USF Nursing Alumni
lege’s official seal will be presented to each person
Florence Nightingale Award was
honored with this award.
introduced at the Nursing graduat tion awards ceremony on Saturday,
The recipients of the award are chosen through a vote by their peers approximately two weeks prior
Dec December 13, 2008. This new award will
to the students’ graduation. The announcement
be given each semester to two undergraduate
of the voting results and presentation of the pins
students – one in the traditional program and one in
take place during the College’s awards ceremony
the accelerated program.
which is held between University Commencement
The USF Nursing Alumni Florence Nightingale Award is sponsored by an individual alumna on
ceremonies on graduation day. Congratulations to the first two recipients, Allyson
behalf of the USF College of Nursing’s Alumni and
Radford and Matthew Wolland, who were chosen
Friends Board and will be awarded to students who
by their classmates for this award. They, along with
are beginning their nursing career and who will forth
their classmates, join the many alumni of the USF
into the community and represent the College of
College of Nursing who have made nursing their life. NL
Nursing in a positive light. Recipients demonstrate a
21
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES Virginia Wollard,
Judy Heilig Zaritt,
Elton Ammons III,
’75, is the Vice President of Triumph
’80, is the Clinical Research Coordi-
’02, is a product sales consultant for
HealthCare in Houston, TX.
nator for USF Pediatrics.
Cardinal Health.
Regina Petzold,
Carl Goff,
Menchu Lalas Barcenas,
’76, is an Operating Room Supervi-
’86, is currently working for the Blue
’05, is a clinical nurse at the UC Da-
sor at Longview Regional Medical
Cross Blue Shield Association. He
vis Medical Center in California.
Center in Longview, TX.
currently resides in Washington,
Vicki Dillard Brunson,
D.C. with his wife, Rebecca, and two
Lisa Bartell,
sons, Errett and Carlisle.
’05, is a cardiology nurse practitioner
’78, is the Financial and Operations
at Life Link Healthcare Institute in
Director for Integrity Research in
Jeanne Hopple,
Pensacola, FL. She is married to
’93, is a family nurse practitioner at
Robert and has two children, Tori,
Ocala Family Physicians in Ocala,
Jeffrey McDermott,
21, and Becca, 18.
FL.
’06, is a CVRU/CVICU RN at Oak
Tampa, FL.
Hill Hospital in Brooksville, FL.
Jean L. Kline,
Theresa Allen,
’78, is the Deputy Secretary for
’98, is a psychiatric nurse at the
Kenneth Duncan,
Health for the Florida Department of
Hartford Hospital Institute of Living.
’08, is an acute care nurse practitio-
Health.
She currently resides in Middletown,
ner at Tampa General Hospital NL
CT with her husband and three boys ages 1, 11, and 14.
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
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