LI FE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Meaning in Mentorship + Changing Climate of Research + Global Nursing + Alumni Society
NURSING LIFE MAGAZINE | Fall 2009 Volume 4
Dear Colleagues, As Executive Director of the Research Center at the College of Nursing, I am thrilled to report on the College’s exciting and expanding research portfolio. Earlier this year, we completed construction and equipping of our new 3,000 square foot state-of-the-art biobehavioral laboratory. This lab will be used for ongoing and future research projects, while serving as an outstanding facility for student training and research. Primary capabilities in this lab include proteomics and genomics, with a focus on understanding biobehavioral pathways involved in inflammation and the stress response. Dr. Maureen Groer is Director of the Biobehavioral Laboratory. Other important research activities include the award and conduct of several prestigious multimillion-dollar federally funded grants. Dr. Susan McMillan is conducting a clinical trial funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) on managing medication-induced constipation among cancer patients; Dr. Cecile Lengacher is conducting a clinical trial funded by NCI on the use of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for breast cancer survivors; and Dr. Groer is conducting a longitudinal study on how lactation influences postpartum stress and immunity. All three of these senior researchers have acquired additional recent awards under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. In other research news, I am leading the development and start-up of the Research to Improve Emotional Health and Quality of Life Among Service Members with Disabilities (RESTORE LIVES) Center. Through set aside funds specifically from Congress, this center will conduct research studies on the best ways to assist soldiers, veterans and family members dealing with psychological trauma and other health problems stemming from serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Altogether, times are truly exciting at the College of Nursing Research Center and at the College overall. Sincerely,
Kevin E. Kip, PhD, FAHA Executive Director, Research Center
LUIS BATTISTINI
College of Nursing at the University of South Florida
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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FINDING MEANING IN MENTORSHIP
03
DIVERSE COMMUNITY GLOBAL IMPACT
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ACTIVE STUDENT GOVERNANCE
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STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS
R E S E A R C H
Production Director Monica Matos Contributing Writers Leanna Baylis, Marilyn Bistline, Maureen Groer, Jeff Hall, Nick Hall, Ashlea Hudak, Marcia Parker, Barbara Redding, Melissa M. Shelton, and Patricia Shirley
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CHANGING THE CLIMATE OF RESEARCH
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APPLIED PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY: INFLAMMATION AND SAFETY
C O M M U N I T Y
Art Director Klaus Herdocia Photographers Luis Battistini, Joseph Gamble, Neil Melvin, Eric Younghans and Event Photography Group
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GLOBAL HEALTH NURSING
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DR. SANDRA CADENA, FULBRIGHT SPECIALIST
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PREPARING FOR REACCREDITATION
A L U M N I President University of South Florida Judy Genshaft, PhD
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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RAISING THE LEVEL OF CARE IN A RURAL COMMUNITY
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NURSING ALUMNI AND FRIENDS SOCIETY AND BOARD
Sr. Associate Vice President, USF Health Dean, USF College of Nursing Patricia Burns, PhD, RN, FAAN 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 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: PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUIS BATTISTINI Nicole Williams, USF College of Nursing technician in the biobehavioral lab, works with the Luminex equipment, which measures bio-luminescent beads in order to determine the cytokine composition of postpartum serum samples.
LI FE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Meaning in Mentorship + Changing Climate of Research + Global Nursing + Alumni Society
NURSING LIFE MAGAZINE | Fall 2009 Volume 4
06 02 S t u d e n t s
FINDING MEANING IN MENTORSHIP Story by Marcia Parker
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While Crystal Chapman Lambert will tell you much of her inspiration comes from mentors, it is easy to see that Crystal is a mentor herself. As vice president of the Doctoral Nursing Student Organization, she serves as a resource for other nursing students, providing guidance and openly sharing her reasons for becoming a nurse, a nurse practitioner, and ultimately for pursuing a PhD in nursing. The first encounter with her future career came in high school from a magnet program allowing her to shadow healthcare professionals and visit nursing schools. It was through this program that Crystal first became passionate about the role of a nurse practitioner and found her initial inspiration for becoming a nurse. While at USF, she also discovered the BS-PhD program, which allows students to pursue a master’s concentration while earning a PhD.
“
If you don’t see people that look like you, it doesn’t even cross your mind as a possibility. Seeing others, like Dr. Rasheeta Chandler, Dr. Versie Johnson-Mallard and Dr. Sabrina Robinson, made pursuing the PhD a reality for Crystal. “If you don’t see people that look like you [pursuing the PhD], it doesn’t even cross your mind as a possibility,” said Crystal. “Seeing others like you striving for the highest level
”
of education broadens your horizons about what you can do.” It was through encounters with nursing role models that she learned about the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship. The fellowship, designed to address the underrepresentation of African-American and Hispanic faculty, provides tuition, fees and stipend to students pursuing a PhD. For Crystal, the benefits of being a McKnight Doctoral Fellow go far beyond funding. “Professors and mentors from the McKnight program will go out of their way to help you. Whether it means talking on the phone, over email, etc. they will find someone or some way to help.” In addition, the program connects peer fellows who share successes, tips and advice for matriculating through the “It is really a valuable network and a very positive program.” NL
LUIS BATTISTINI
program. “Everyone is trying to get to the same place you are,” says Crystal.
LUIS BATTISTINI
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DIVERSE COMMUNITY GLOBAL IMPACT Story by Marcia Parker
As part of its strategic plan, the USF College of Nursing strives to sustain global prominence, ensure success for a diverse student population, function in a global market and develop an inclusive work and learning environment. Towards this effort, the College is partnering with nursing students to develop helpful hints for incoming and existing students. Students participating in the project include Susan Abuduljawad, Nataliya Sia, Bunmi Adeyemi and Mulubrhan Mogos. Initiated by the College of Nursing Diversity Committee, the endeavor aims to develop a list of top ten suggestions to assist students as they transition into life at USF. At completion of the project, students will present the information at the orientation sponsored by the USF Office of International Affairs with a liaison from the College of Nursing Global Health Center. International students from the USF College of Nursing bring a unique perspective to the College and reflect learning in a global context. Interacting with individuals from diverse cultures contributes not only to a student’s ability to function as a nurse, but also to our overall understanding of society and the world. As of summer 2009, students in the College of Nursing comprised individuals from 19 countries, including the United States. Other nations represented include Bangledesh, Belize, Canada, Cayman Islands, Columbia, Eritrea, Estonia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Nigeria, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, St. Vincent/The Grenadines and Trinidad/Tobago. NL
S t u d e n t s
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JOSEPH GAMBLE
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ACTIVE STUDENT GOVERNANCE Story by Melissa Molinari Shelton The College of Nursing students are
to reach out to the community. Members
newly admitted students and promote the
active participants on the USF campus
participate in social activities such as a
profession at the College of Nursing Open
and in the Tampa Bay community. Student
bowling social, USF Homecoming activities
House for prospective students and at an
governance is led by the various student
and the annual Esculapian Ball with
information booth in the nursing gathering
organizations representing our nursing
students from the Colleges of Medicine and
space during CRNA Week. At the state
student groups. Our organization members
Public Health. The CNSC also participates
level, student leaders hosted a student
represent nursing students at university
in various events to serve the community
session at the Florida Association of
meetings and events and serve as the
such as an annual sock/hygiene drive,
Nurse Anesthetists (FANA) Conference in
voice of students within the College.
flu shot drive, a health and fitness fair at
2008 and will host another session at the
Currently there are four nursing student
Tampa’s Gasparilla Parade and the Relay
upcoming meeting this fall. Students have
organizations in the College of Nursing:
for Life event, at which they recently placed
also traveled to Tallahassee to lobby for
the College of Nursing Student Council
third. Jessica explains, “It is important to be
their profession. The organization has been
(Undergraduate), the Student Registered
an active part of the CNSC because school
successful in obtaining funds from USF to
Nurse Anesthesia Foundation at USF
is stressful. This is the best way to see
send all junior nurse anesthesia students
College of Nursing, the Master’s Student
classmates as friends and know people on
to the FANA Conference at no cost to the
Nursing Organization and the Doctoral
a personal level.”
students.
Nursing Student Organization. The College of Nursing Student Council
The Student Registered Nurse
The Master’s Student Nursing
Anesthesia Foundation at USF College of
Organization (MSNO) is the newest
(CNSC) is an undergraduate student
Nursing was founded by the first cohort
addition to the College of Nursing student
organization made up of students pursuing
of anesthesia students to promote the
organizations. Officially organized in July
a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Jessica
nurse anesthesia concentration. Current
2009, the MSNO was started by Nursing
Dorey, Council president 2008-2009,
president Latanya Lawrence explained
Education student, Pam Lozano, who
explained that the overall purpose of the
that all students in the nurse anesthesia
currently serves the organization because
organization is to promote camaraderie
concentration are members of the
she was always involved and was class
of students outside of the classroom and
organization and provide mentorship to
president while in school in Peru. She
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STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS Story by Jeff Hall
wanted to do something and there was no organization to serve the master’s students. She states, “The MSNO is a good way to connect with the College.” The goal of the organization is to increase its membership and encourage master’s students to get involved in order to facilitate communication. The Doctoral Nursing Student Organization (DNSO) was recently organized in 2009 to serve the students in the PhD and DNP programs. The organization provides an opportunity for all doctoral students and faculty to interact outside of the classroom. Since January 2009, students and faculty have attended monthly lunches in order to discuss information about the doctoral programs and USF campus resources. Senior students also had the opportunity to discuss tips on succeeding in the programs and alumni presented on career opportunities after graduation. The DNSO encourages current students to serve as a resource to potential students at the Doctoral Open House and to new students at the Doctoral Orientation. The organization maintains a Blackboard page where information can be found on scholarships, grants, important USF and College of Nursing information, monthly lunch recordings and minutes and a discussion board where students can share information with one another. Information about all of the College of Nursing student organizations and their officers can be found at http://health.usf. edu/nocms/nursing/Resources_for_Students/studentgovt.html NL
The College of Nursing’s Academic Success Center (ASC) was established in spring 2009. The goal of the ASC is to increase retention of undergraduate nursing students struggling with the rigorous curriculum. An early intervention model is used to target potential problem areas and assist students before academic performance issues begin. With minimal funding, this proactive approach to student retention is currently accomplished through the use of group tutoring and Academic Success workshops. Undergraduate nursing instructor Chris Garrison coordinates the tutoring component of ASC. Working closely with Nursing faculty, Mr. Garrison identifies and recruits successful upper-level students to conduct group tutoring sessions in subjects such as Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Pharmacology, and Physical Exam & Assessment. Tutors are compensated for their time and expertise and serve as mentors for beginning students. Instructional designers in the College of Nursing offer Academic Success Workshops, which are available to all first-semester nursing students. Using a metacognitive model called the Let Me Learn process, staff work with students to identify their individual learning preferences. The goal is to assist students in the development of effective strategies to increase academic success in the nursing curriculum and become autonomous, lifelong learners. Additional Academic Success Workshops are offered on subjects ranging from textbook reading to testtaking skills. Dr. Cheryl Zambroski, associate professor & interim assistant dean of academics, Undergraduate Program, is assisting with a capital campaign effort to establish a staffed Academic Success Center within the College of Nursing. Expanded services would include individual tutoring sessions, writing and research assistance, web-based tutoring for distance learning students, and supplemental instruction sessions led by undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants. NL
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CHANGING THE CLIMATE OF RESEARCH Story by Maureen Groer
LUIS BATTISTINI
A lab research assistant removes a rack of samples from a liquid nitrogen tank used to store cells at -196 degrees Celsius to ensure survival for future experiments.
07 In Summer 2009 the University of South Florida College of Nursing joined a few other elite nursing institutions with comprehensive wet laboratory research facilities. The new lab is a state-of-the-art, sophisticated new facility that enables the College to launch and support biological data analysis for multiple faculty and student projects, using biological markers to develop deeper understandings of health and disease, as well as the effects of nursing interventions on patients. Before the opening of the new nursing biobehavioral lab, the College of Nursing’s lab equipment was located in a borrowed space in the College of Public Health. Now, the USF College of Nursing is able to launch and support biological data analysis projects on its own. Maureen Groer, RN, PhD, FAAN, and her collaborators, staff and students are currently measuring a variety of hormones, acute phase proteins, cytokines, cellular structure and function for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study of postpartum health. On a typical day, the grant’s research nurse coordinator, Monalisa Harrington, RN, makes two or three visits to the homes of women enrolled in the study in order to collect stress and mood data, perform a short physical exam, screen for postpartum thyroid disease, and collect a blood sample which is brought back to the Biobehavioral Lab for immediate processing. Back at the College, lab technician Nicole Williams processes the blood sample. The processing of the blood involves separating the lymphocytes and storing them in liquid nitrogen for later flow cytometry, aliquoting plasma samples, counting
cells and performing multiple assays on these samples in batches. Also assisting in lab are a collection of talented “lab rats,” including Jessica Heckel, a USF College of Nursing DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) -to -PhD student interested in genetics research; Brittany Hasty, a USF Honors College graduate planning to attend medical school; Nancy Le, a lab volunteer preparing for a career in cancer research; Ellen Marcolongo, a USF Nursing PhD student preparing for a dissertation on the immune effects of night shift working in nurses; Melissa Molinari Shelton, a PhD student planning a genetics-focused dissertation in pregnancy and stress; Blake Rankin, a University of Tampa student studying chemistry and accounting; and Jeanne Van Eepoel, a Nursing PhD student studying with Dr. Groer. Dr. Groer is also collaborating with Dr. Terri Ashmeade, MD, from Tampa General Hospital on a study comparing the biology of milk from mothers who have delivered preterm infants with milk from mothers who have delivered fullterm infants. Preliminary findings indicate important differences in the chemical compositions of the milk, particularly of the cytokines, and suggest that mother’s milk, no matter when the infant is born, is uniquely suited to meet that infant’s needs. Dr. Groer and her staff recently completed a study made possible through a contract with Meggitt’s Training Systems, Inc. that measured salivary stress markers across 150 police officers participating in a virtual reality stress scenario. The data was presented at the Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society meeting in Colorado as well at the USF College of Nursing
Center for Psychoneuroimmunology’s second annual national conference “Frontiers in Psychoneuroimmunology: Emotions, Immune System and Performance” at Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Florida. Theresa Beckie, PhD, RN, FAHA, is working in the lab to develop a “genetics bench.” Dr. Beckie and her students are analyzing DNA and RNA, looking for critical gene mutations in cardiovascular disease. Dr. Cecile Lengacher utilizes the Biobehavioral lab for her NIH funded study on the immune and stress-reducing effects of mindfulness meditation in women with breast cancer. Her research staff and students bring saliva samples they’ve collected from participants to the lab for processing and analysis of the stress hormone, cortisol. Genetics research is a priority for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), and in the past two years four USF College of Nursing students have been selected to attend the Summer Genetics Institute sponsored by NINR. In addition, Drs. Maureen Groer, Cecilia Jevitt and Theresa Beckie have completed an intensive molecular biology summer training program sponsored by New England BioLab in order to learn the latest in genetics techniques and measurements. The new laboratory is changing the climate of research at the USF College of Nursing, attracting the brightest students and accomplished veteran faculty from around the world. The science generated in the biobehavioral lab at the University of South Florida College of Nursing will ultimately have major impacts on nursing science and health. NL
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“
Many events credited to the brain actually originate within the immune system.
”
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During the 2009 USF College of Nursing Center for Psychoneuroimmunology second annual conference, “Frontiers in Psychoneuroimmunology: Emotions, the Immune System and Performance” at Saddlebrook Resort, attendees had the opportunity to participate in cross-stress training at the executive challenge course.
APPLIED PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY: INFLAMMATION AND SAFETY Story by Nick Hall For years, we have focused on the mind’s impact upon the
with psycho or neuro always serving as the lead syllable. Even the
body. Mind over matter is the first thing people often think of when
premier journal in the field, Brain, Behavior and Immunity, has the
any discussion of the brain and immune system arises. The bias is
immune system bringing up the rear.
that the brain rules. Even the names penned to describe the scientific approach
If the field were being defined today, it would undoubtedly have a new title, perhaps ImmunoNeuroPsychology or some other
to studying these two entities assume the brain comes first.
combination emphasizing the fact that many events credited to the
PsychoNeuroImmunology, or PNI, Neuroimmunomodulation,
brain actually originate within the immune system. That’s because
Neuroimmunology, Psychoneuroendocrinimmunology... these are
a variety of chemicals produced by the immune system are able to
the multi-syllabic words used to label the study of the brain and
act upon the brain.
immune system. Each shares in common a bias that information flows in the direction of gravity from the brain to the immune system
Those chemicals having the greatest clinical impact are the ones produced during the course of inflammation. It doesn’t matter
LUIS BATTISTINI
09
whether the inflammation is associated with ridding the body of
lethargic or distracted by pain and discomfort, it’s bound to impact
an infection or due to the immune system mounting an attack
their risk of injury in the workplace. The impact of the immune system upon safety in
sleep quality, and reaction time are just a few of the effects the
the workplace is the subject of the 2010 Frontiers in
immune system can exert through these chemicals, called pro-
Psychoneuroimmunology Symposium. To counterbalance
inflammatory cytokines.
the inherent bias in the name, the content of the 3rd annual
Some of these effects can be quite severe. For example, suicides tend to peak during the spring and fall. Spring is when tree pollen is the triggering allergen. In the fall, the culprit is
conference will emphasize ways the immune system can impact safety in hospitals and elsewhere. The College of Nursing will partner with Nursing Spectrum
usually ragweed. Regardless of the cause, the inflammation within
and the USF College of Public Health to explore the ramifications
the nasal passages, or rhinitis, can result in pro-inflammatory
of inflammation upon safety. Attendance at the 2009 symposium
cytokines signaling the brain via the olfactory nerve. Along with
was higher than in 2008, and we anticipate continued growth in
other risk factors, the mood changes induced by the immune
2010. That’s because whatever name it goes by, ‘Applied’ will
system may now serve as the straw that breaks the proverbial
always be the theme of PNI gatherings hosted by the College
camel’s back. Through different pathways, the mood changes
of Nursing. Attendees will depart with a clear understanding of
may be associated with inflamed gums, food poisoning or other
the ways new information linking the mind and body can impact
sources of inflammation. Clearly, if a person is depressed,
everyday life. NL
LUIS BATTISTINI
against something that belongs in the body. Changes in mood,
C o m m u n i t y
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COLLEGE OF NURSING
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GLOBAL HEALTH NURSING Story by Ashlea Hudak credit-requirement for community health
the USF College of Nursing collaborates
of Nursing at the University of South Florida
didactic and clinical courses. The USF
with nurses in other countries to develop
has developed numerous international
College of Nursing has also established
programs that ultimately improve global
collaborative initiatives. As Director of the
an undergraduate student exchange with
health.
Global Health Center for the College of
Universidad el Bosque in Bogota, Colombia,
Nursing at the University of South Florida,
South America.
Global health nursing at the College
Dr. Sandra Cadena, PhD, ARNP, CNE, has
In October 2009, the University of
Dr. Cadena is currently working to develop a psychiatric nursing master’s program concentration in Colombia, South
established international nursing student
South Florida College of Nursing and
America as part of her Fulbright Senior
exchange programs and research project
Universidad de Panama co-sponsored the
Specialist project. Once established, the
opportunities between the College and
XI Annual International Nursing Conference
program would become the first mental-
nursing institutions worldwide.
on Education, in Panama City, Panama. The
health nursing graduate degree program in
College also developed and presented two
Colombia. In a region where many residents
health nursing program with the Universidad
pre-conference workshops on leadership
experience some form of post-traumatic
de Panama in Panama City, Panama,
development and simulation education in
stress disorder (PTSD) from years of civil
Central America. is going into its fifth
conjunction with Latina Universidad.
war and the ongoing impact of narco-
The faculty and student community
year. This three-week clinical immersion
In addition, as an Affiliating Center with
trafficking, the psychiatric nursing master’s
experience for undergraduate nursing
Pan American Health Organization/World
program concentration is much needed and
students allows students the opportunity to
Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Nursing
would help health care providers in Colombia
travel to Panama to experience community
Collaborating Center at the University of
learn to identify and treat patients with
health nursing firsthand while fulfilling a six
Alabama-Birmingham, School of Nursing,
mental health problems. NL
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DR. SANDRA CADENA, FULBRIGHT SPECIALIST Specialists Program, created in 2000 to complement
and director of global health at the University of
the traditional Fulbright Scholar Program, provides
South Florida College of Nursing, has been selected
short-term academic opportunities (two to six weeks)
for a Fulbright Specialist project in Colombia, South
to prominent U.S. faculty and professionals to support
America. She will be based at El Bosque University
curricular and faculty development and institutional
during the fall 2009 semester, according to the
planning at post secondary, academic institutions
United States Department of State and the J. William
around the world.
Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Dr. Cadena will provide consultation to develop a
The Fulbright Program, America’s flagship international educational exchange activity, is
graduate psychiatric/mental health nursing curriculum,
sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of
expand research projects focused on cultural
Educational and Cultural Affairs. Over its 60 years of
competency and provide educational opportunities for
existence, thousands of U.S. faculty and professionals
nursing faculty and students.
have taught, studied or conducted research abroad,
Dr. Cadena is one of over 400 U.S. faculty and
and thousands of their counterparts from other
professionals who will travel abroad this year through
countries have engaged in similar activities in the
the Fulbright Specialists Program. The Fulbright
United States. NL
ERIC YOUNGHANS
Sandra J. Cadena, PhD, ARNP, assistant professor
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PREPARING FOR REACCREDITATION Story by Barbara A. Redding
ERIC YOUNGHANS
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ERIC YOUNGHANS
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The College of Nursing is preparing for its Commission on
December 15, 2009 to March 15, 2010 – Opportunity for program
Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation visit on April
constituents to “submit, in writing, comments concerning the
12-14, 2010. The CCNE is a specialized/professional agency
program’s qualifications for accreditation status.” These third party
whose purpose is to ensure that nursing programs are engaged in
comments are to be received by CCNE up until 30 days before the
effective educational practices.
scheduled visit. Comments must be signed and they will be shared
As part of the preparation, a self-study is done in which the undergraduate, master’s and Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)
with the CCNE visiting team prior to the scheduled visit. They will not be shared with the program.
programs conduct a review focused on four standards based on program quality and program effectiveness. These include Mission
To review the standards visit:
and Governance; Institutional Commitment and Resources;
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Accreditation/pdf/standards.pdf
Curriculum; Teaching and Learning Practices; and Aggregate
To submit comments contact:
Student and Faculty Outcomes. The undergraduate and master’s programs had their last review in 2000 and were approved for the maximum of 10 years. This will be the first review for the DNP program, which on initial visit, when approved, will be awarded a five (5) year approval. A variety of activities are ongoing in the college involving faculty, staff and community members. There already has been a
American Association of Colleges of Nursing One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530 Washington, DC 20036 April 12-14, 2010 CCNE site visit – Please contact the College’s Accreditation office for the visitors schedule after January (813974-3195).
review of a preliminary draft and efforts are continuing to revise and gather the data that is needed to prepare the final report. As alumni and interested community members, we are
There will be also an opportunity for alumni and community to meet with the visitors. Please contact Amy in the Accreditation
encouraging your participation in the review process. Please see
Office if you would like to be involved (813-974-3195). We
the calendar of events and where you may be involved.
appreciate all of your support to the College, its faculty, staff and students. Go BULLS! NL
November 18-19, 2009 - Mock review conducted by Dr. Sandra Edwardson, University of Minnesota. Please contact Amy Johnson in the Accreditation Office for the schedule if you would like to be involved (813-974-3195).
A l u m n i
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NEIL MELVIN
Pediatric nurse-practitioner Neil Melvin credits USF for teaching him to improvise in order to provide medical care in a rural setting.
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RAISING THE LEVEL OF CARE IN A
RURAL COMMUNITY
Story by Marilyn Bistline
Neil Melvin started his career as a
in Live Oak does not accept pediatric
at 5 p.m. on a Friday,” he says. “I called the
pediatric nurse practitioner in Lake City,
patients, while the hospital in Lake City
family-run pharmacy and they personally
Fla, a small town just 45 miles north
only admits children three years and older.
delivered the antibiotics to my office.”
of Gainesville. The pediatrician Melvin
“Patients in the area certainly do not
worked with had a branch in Live Oak,
have access to what you would consider
program at USF, he questioned his choice
Fla., another small, rural town between
state-of-the-art medicine,” Melvin says.
to focus on pediatric primary care until
Tallahassee and Jacksonville just 30 miles
“The families we take care of have limited
Dr. Mary Ann Krisman-Scott, the former
north of Lake City. Melvin spent most of
financial resources. An hour and a half
director of the pediatric nurse practitioner
his time at the Live Oak office. It didn’t take
drive to Gainesville or Tallahassee is not
program, guided him through the process.
long for him to notice that children there,
feasible.”
Dr. Krisman-Scott’s attentiveness helped
and in Lake City, had insufficient access to quality health care. Melvin, a USF College of Nursing
Working independently of a physician, Melvin and Ingram create visibility for the
When Melvin began the ARNP
Melvin transition from pediatric nursing to practicing medicine.
work pediatric nurse practitioners do in the
“I remember when I started the
alumnus, knew he had to do something
community. Patients and their families see
program I had a lot of fears and anxiety,
to improve the level of care these children
how valuable they are, particularly in rural
especially in clinical rotation,” says Melvin.
were receiving.
medicine.
“Dr. Krisman-Scott is the primary person
“As I began to work in pediatrics in
At the same time, Melvin and Ingram
I look back on and think that if it weren’t
Lake City and Live Oak, I realized that a
are building strategic relationships to
for her, I would not be practicing primary
lot of families in these towns had limited
expand the health care options for children
pediatric care.”
access to care for various reasons. While
in the rural community. They collaborate
it was challenging, I thought, ‘This is where
with a local physician and pediatric
pediatric nurse practitioner to the training,
I need to be,’” Melvin says. “These kids
specialists in the area. Soon, a local
resources and first-rate facilities available
need quality health care. So it became
speech pathologist will have an office in
to him at the USF College of Nursing.
important to me to stay in the area. I
the same building as Horizon Pediatrics,
thought several times about moving to
and Melvin is working to bring a children’s
needed to be successful, not to just get by,”
Jacksonville, but I realized that these kids
mental health counselor to Live Oak.
he says. “But the mindset instructors gave
and their families really need help.”
In a tight-knit community such as
Melvin attributes his success as a
“We had the equipment and tools we
us was to be aware that in nursing you
In December 2008, Melvin began
Live Oak, Melvin can also work closely
working with Amber Ingram, a fellow nurse
with pharmacists to get his patients the
practitioner who opened her own practice,
medication they need. He once negotiated
successful in an environment where there
Horizon Pediatrics, in Live Oak. His
with the local chain pharmacy to reduce
are many disadvantages and to turn them
alliance with the nurse-practitioner-owned-
the price of medication for an asthmatic
into opportunities to make the quality of life
and-operated practice allows Melvin to
boy in critical condition whose family could
in a small community better.
serve children from surrounding rural areas
not keep up with the cost of caring for him.
while providing excellent care for patients from his previous office. One of the obstacles Melvin and his patients face is the lack of pediatric health care services in the area. The local hospital
Likewise, Melvin’s relationship with
have to think outside of the box.” The college prepared Melvin to be
“In rural medicine you have to figure out how to get things done and still provide
a local family-run pharmacy has proved
the best care,” Melvin says. “So far, it’s
beneficial to his patients.
been really great.” NL
“There was once a very sick boy in need of an antibiotic injection in my office
A l u m n i
16
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP
LI FE
ALUMNI SOCIETY AND BOARD Story by Patricia Shirley In 2004, Dean Patricia Burns began
our reach beyond alumni. Reflecting on our
was a real high point for the board. Alumni
to revitalize the University of South Florida
impact within the Tampa Bay community, we
and their families had the opportunity to
College of Nursing Alumni, exploring the
again expanded our board in 2007, inviting
gather together to enjoy the activities, but
possibility of a Board of Directors. Her
key community leaders with demonstrated
even more important, celebrate our lives as
efforts were inspired in October of 2003
support of the College of Nursing. Thus,
nurses.”
after the 30th anniversary milestone
in 2007, the College of Nursing Alumni and
gathering at Busch Gardens. The gathering
Friends Society Board was complete.
honored the admission of the 1973
The Alumni and Friends Society and Board have grown to include faculty,
“Dean Burns; Jean Aertker ’80, ’84;
emeriti faculty, students and nurses from
Charter Baccalaureate Class and the
Penny Fisher ’92; Dena Gay ’85; Donna
the community to supply a broader base
USF Collaborative Recognitions. Within
Kozlowski ’81 and I set out on a journey
of experience to draw from. On the current
six months, we launched our first alumni
to bring our classmates and colleagues
board, Dr. Joan Gregory, Dr. Lois Nixon
newsletter and gathered volunteers for
together in order to give back to the
and Dr. Ona Riggin joined in 2007, followed
our Board of Directors. The USF College
university,” said Quigley. “We all feel strongly
by Geraldine Twine ’88; Marisa Belote and
of Nursing Alumni Board of Directors was
that the University of South Florida College
Melissa Molinari Shelton ’05, ’08 in 2008.
established to serve as ambassadors
of Nursing has given us a way of life like no
The newest members of the board are Dr.
within the community. The members
other - a life of service as nurses, and we
Christine Olney ’07; Dr. Laura Gonzalez ’96;
wholeheartedly took on the task of promoting
want to help the college grow and prosper.”
Dr. Brandy Lehman and Dr. Denise Maguire.
the mission and values of the College.
“Our journey over the last five years has
In the last several months, the
Dr. Pat Quigley ’75, ’82, ’96 remembers
had some wonderful stops along the way
Alumni and Friends Society and Board
accepting Dean Burns’ call to serve as
including an Alumni Reunion Play: “Every
have renewed their efforts to expand the
president of the board. Our board was
Day Angels,” an evening with Monica Steele
opportunities for other alumni to participate
expanded in 2006 to include current and
who wrote and acted the play just for us, on
in events and activities in support of the
retired College of Nursing faculty to broaden
October 14, 2006,” said Quigley. “The event
College of Nursing.
17 want to have a lot of fun and reach out to
Board revised the by-laws to identify five
their classmates,” remarked committee co-
general committees at their August 10, 2009
chair Ms. Kozlowski. “A few hours over the
meeting. Each dedicated board member
year calling several classmates will make
accepted the challenge to co-chair or serve
the difference between a mediocre event
on a committee.
and a successful one.”
The Strategic Planning committee,
Since nurses in general are all about
with co-chairs Dr. Christine Olney ’07 and
giving to others, the Alumni Awards and
Dr. Joan Gregory, will oversee the activities
Recognition committee co-chairs Melissa
of the other committees to ensure that the
Molinari Shelton ’05,’08 and Penny Fisher
society not only meets its goals, but also
’92 want to make sure that alumni who are
the strategic goals of the College. Dr. Olney
role models are given the recognition they
noted during the meeting the importance
deserve.
of communication between the various committees and alumni. “We have to be able to explain our
“When I graduated with my bachelor’s in nursing in 2005, Dr. Quigley donated a College of Nursing pin. My class voted to
purpose and value for future alumni society
award the pin to me at graduation,” said
members,” said Dr. Olney. “By having
Mrs. Shelton. “Dr. Quigley’s generosity
clear, defined goals and objectives for each
inspired me to start the USF College of
committee, alumni who volunteer will know
Nursing Nightingale Award, which awards
they are providing a valuable service to their
a College of Nursing pin to a deserving
alma mater.”
undergraduate nursing student chosen by
Geraldine Twine’88 and Dr. Ona
their classmates in each graduating class.
Riggin will co-chair the Historic Milestones
I want to shine the spotlight on all of the
committee.
great work of our alumni in furthering the
“It is important to not lose track of the accomplishments of the College, its
nursing profession.” CANDLE (Community Awareness,
students, alumni and faculty. Our efforts will
Nursing, Development, Leadership,
give our current as well as future students
Education) is the marketing and outreach
and alumni a sense of the changes and
committee. Originally established in
traditions of the college. Besides, the
2007 and chaired by Joanne Angel, the
pictures are always fun!” said Ms. Twine.
committee has honed in on two areas to
Alumni Networking is a committee that
LUIS BATTISTINI
In doing so, the Alumni and Friends
PATRICIA QUIGLEY ’75, ’82 At the end of the August 2009 board meeting Dr. Patricia Quigley announced her resignation from the position of board president. “The working committees have been established and I have served five years as board president, so I feel this is the right time for me to relinquish my role on the board. I would like to give others an opportunity to serve the College by being on the board or working on a committee. It is a great feeling to know you are making a difference.” USF’s College of Nursing, Dean Burns and the Alumni and Friends Society thank Dr. Quigley for her dedication to the College, alumni and community.
pursue over the next year: developing a
encompasses a wide-range of activities.
toolbox of presentations for alumni, friends,
As a result there will be three co-chairs:
faculty and staff to use in different settings to
Dena Gay’85, Donna Kozlowski ’81 and Dr.
promote the education, research and clinical
Brandy Lehman.
aspects of the college, as well as identifying
homes or places of business, mentoring
’84 is joined by Dr. Laura Gonzalez ’96 as
Please join your classmates and friends by volunteering for a College of Nursing Alumni and Friends Society committee. Committee members do not need to be in greater Tampa Bay area and the time commitment
nursing students and making sure we
the new co-chairs. “We have an advantage
can be as little as four hours a year.
have current contact information for each
over the other committees since we have
alumnus are just some of the areas we
volunteers already beginning to work on this
are exploring,” said Ms. Gay. “We hope
year’s projects,” said Dr. Aertker. “We’ve
To volunteer call or e-mail Leanna Baylis lbaylis@health.usf.edu
to have such an overwhelming response
learned over the last two years that while
(813) 974-6850.
from our classmates in helping us build this
there are many worthwhile projects for us
network that we can divide the group into
to tackle, we need to focus on one or two.
subcommittees!”
Having Laura as co-chair is a plus since as
“Reunions, smaller events near alumni
The alumni networking committee will
appropriate venues. Dr. Jean Aertker ’80,
a member of the College’s faculty she can
serve as an outlet for alumni to catch up
guide us when we are looking at projects
with past friends while making new ones.
that require faculty involvement.” NL
“This is the committee for alumni who
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