December 2022 The Pulse

Tori Tummons, BSN student and soon to be graduate, expresses her love for nursing. This fall semester she participated in the Advanced Externship while doing her capstone at Meyer Orthopedic Rehabilitatio n Hospital as well as been a nursing aid on this unit. "I have enjoyed all of my experience I have received throughout

Photo by Eric Baker

welcome! pulse the

Greetings from the Cox College Team! As I read this quote, I am reminded of our purpose here at Cox College. Our mission statement of being “...committed to excellence...” also serves as the foundation of our pledge and dedication to providing the upmost quality to those coming through our doors. We know what we do today matters and makes a difference for the standard of excellence tomorrow. As Cox College/Burge alums, you know firsthand the education we provide changes the future for not only alums but also for health care breakthroughs and discovery, communities, and the patients they serve.

Consequently, as you begin reading our next edition of the Pulse; please accept our heartfelt appreciation to YOU, our Burge and Cox College alumni, who have contributed to providing this pathway of excellence for future generations of health care professionals.

For all alums, current students, and future prospective students, we hope you enjoy this edition of YOUR magazine celebrating YOU.

Respectfully, Dr. Sonya Hayter VP Student Affairs and College Advancement

Around the College

Former Cox College president, Dr. Anne Brett and her husband, Duane, dropped by in October for a surprise visit and were given a tour by Dr. Amy DeMelo and Dr. Sonya Hayter to view the most recent renovations to the College.

Seen here, they are sporting some rather fashionable College gear! Get yours by visiting Primrose Perk at the College.

Of Note

Dr. Amy Stark presented the keynote speech at the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association Fall Conference in early November, leading a discussion related to mitigating burnout in healthcare.

Later in the month, Dr. Stark and Dr. April Swanson were two of three presenters at the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Occupational Therapy Education Summit on Professional Identity Development in OT Students. As a result of Tropical Storm Nicole closing airports, they presented virtually.

The Pulse is a free publication of Cox College, Springfield, MO. Cox College is part of the CoxHealth system and is committed to excellence by meeting the educational needs of students and the health care community. If you have received this publication in error or no longer wish to receive it, please let us know by email at marketing@coxcollege.edu or by mail at: The Pulse Magazine, Cox College, 1423 N. Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802.

Amy DeMelo, EdD

College President

Sonya Hayter, EdD

Vice President, Student Affairs & College Advancement

Amy Townsend, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE

Vice President, Student Nursing

Jayne Bullard, MBA Vice President, Business & Finance

Stacy Bohn, MSN, RN

Department Chair, Bachelor of Science Nursing

Laura Sperry, MSN, RN Department Chair, Associate of Science Nursing

Amy Stark, OTD, OTR/L, BCP Department Chair, Occupational Therapy

Michelle Masengill, M.Ed., BSRT(R), RDMS, RVT Department Chair, Radiological Sciences

Kyle Brashear, DHSc, MS, RD/LD Department Chair, Nutrition Diagnostics

Eric Baker, MS Marketing & Web Coordinator Designer, The Pulse

Kyle DeVries, BS Outreach Coordinator

University and College Designers Association

"What you do today can improve all your tomorrows" ~ Ralph Marston

WHAT CAN $3,000 DO?

By Lisa Alexander, CFRE President, CoxHealth Foundation

hat’s a question with many answers, but in the case of Cox College, the answer is–A LOT! Marcia Jane Kaden grew up in Mexico, Missouri, graduating high school in 1970. She moved to Springfield to attend Burge School of Nursing. Marcia finished her education at the University of Missouri with a Master’s Degree. For the next 19 years she was a dedicated nurse at Audrain Medical Center. In 2021, Marcia sadly passed at the age of 69. Her friends described her as “an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, a passionate photographer and a lover of Christmas who kept a tree up year round!” She described herself in her estate plan as someone dedicated to helping others live their healthiest life. Her estate plan included gifts to the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, her church, and Cox College. Her gift was a generous and gratefully received $3,000.

As it has often been said, “It is health that is the real wealth in life, not pieces of gold or silver.” Marcia Jane believed this and lived it even in her passing. By gifting to Cox College she provided another student with a scholarship that will open their door to the world of nursing. Who knows how many countless people that student will affect in their lifetime? To think of how that $3,000 translates into generations of caring is almost overwhelming! Since 2000, the CoxHealth Foundation has been placing an emphasis on planned giving as an important piece of the future of nursing and health professions. In just the past three years, realized planned gifts have created a new Endowed Fund for Health Sciences, begun a new unrestricted fund for the College’s technology needs, and opened six new scholarships vital to the recruitment and retention of outstanding students. These alumni donors have gifted

in thanks for an education that gave them the skills to change lives. Now through their giving, THEY will be the change that continues the legacy of excellence at Cox College.

Whether it’s three thousand or three hundred thousand, every penny creates opportunities for Cox College to provide the highest caliber of education available for those seeking a nursing or health professions career. Planned gifts also help secure the College’s future. Tuition and fees remain the sole source of funding for the college. Thanks to philanthropic gifts, Cox College can innovate, secure new programs, expand and open doors to new methods of teaching.

A planned gift is truly as simple as adding Cox College as a beneficiary in an estate plan, a will, or in a life insurance policy by example. The CoxHealth Foundation is humbled to work with donors to craft your legacy for your planned gift. We welcome these conversations so that in life the donor knows the magnitude of their gift and can be recognized today for what is received far into tomorrow. If you have an interest in creating a legacy for your nursing or health professions career through Cox College, I would be honored to visit with you at 417-269-7109 or reach out to me at lisa.alexander@coxhealth.com.

To learn more about establishing an endowment or scholarship fund for Cox College, contact the CoxHealth Foundation at 417-269-7109 or at chf@coxhealth.com

The CoxHealth Foundation has given over $300,000 in scholarships in 2022!

It is health that is the real wealth in life, not pieces of gold and silver.

“ Receiving a Cox College scholarship relieved some financial burden which I was so thankful for. I also felt very honored to be chosen among so many smart and hardworking fellow students. I am very appreciative of Cox and all the donors for their commitment to our education and their generosity.”

- Katherine Bagby

Radiography Program Gets Room for C-Arm Training

By Daniel Edwards, MS, ARRT(R)(MR), ATC/L Chair of Radiography Program

With the generous donation of a retired C-arm from the Cox Radiology department and administration, the ASR program will now have access to a c-arm on campus for practice. The college and the health system worked together to provide a space for the mobile fluoroscopy unit to be used exclusively by the ASR students.

The students will now have access to practice the craft of using the the C-arm machine. A C-arm is commonly used by a radiologic technologist during surgical procedures to aid the surgeon during the case. It is also commonly found in endoscopy cases, pain injections, and other procedures. Working in surgery often requires additional training after graduation and upon hire at most facilities in order to become proficient. Having this device on campus will provide our students with additional training before graduation and an advantage in their abilities when they enter the job market.

The C-arm also allows for additional experiments to be performed using the equipment and instrumentation not previously been used on campus.

The ASR faculty, students, and Cox College administration are very thankful for the collaboration between the health system and the college to make this opportunity become a reality. This C-arm machine and the space provided will have an immediate impact on both current and future ASR students. We thank everyone for their dedication to our students.

CVS Health Foundation Scholarship Recipients

Three Cox College MSN students have each been nominated to receive a $1000 CVS health foundation scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students who represent a high level of integrity in their academic work and in the community. The recipients are Elizabeth Harris, Hope Cureton, and Amelia Shuler! Congrats, ladies!

ASN Nights & Weekends

Good news! We have nights and weekend classes available for our ASN program! Contact our Admissions/Recruitment team by email at admissions@coxcollege.edu or scan in the QR code below to visit our website.

Photo provided by Eric Baker

WELCOME New Faculty and Staff

Addyson

Emmons,

MS Admissions Recruiter

Addyson began her career in Student Affairs as a Residence Hall Director at her alma mater outside Chicago, Illinois. Addyson moved to Springfield in the summer of 2020 to begin her master's at MSU. While there, she worked in the Office of Student Engagement and with the First Generation Student support team. Addyson graduated with her Master's in Student Affairs and Higher Education this past spring and started at the College in June.

Jordana Vera, BS Student Success Advisor

Jordana was born in Chicago and raised in Mexico. Her first language is Spanish and she likes to say she "thinks in English and feels in Spanish." She moved back to the United States 24 years ago and graduated from MSU with a Bachelor's of Science in Sociology. Wanting to make a mark, she co-founded Alliance for Leadership, Advancement, and Success (ALAS), a local non-profit organization with her best friend, serving historically underrepresented students by helping them obtain access to higher education. Before coming to the College, Jordana worked for the the City of Springfield as a Community Health Advocate with the COVID-19 outreach team.

Michaella Ray, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, BS DMS Clinical Coordinator

Michaela has worked in radiology for a total of 16 years, 13 of those in ultrasound. She received her associate's degree at OTC and bachelor's degree from Cox College.

Sonja Pfitzner, R.NCS.T Simulation Specialist

Sonja has been employed with Cox Health for over 20 years in the Neurodiagnostic department. She is looking forward to building relationships with colleagues and students in the Simulation Lab at the College.

Amanda Allen, MS, RDN, LD Dietetic Assistant Professor

Amanda completed her dietetic internship and graduated from Cox College with her Master's of Science in Nutrition Diagnostics in 2016. She has worked six years in retail dietetics at Hy-Vee providing medical nutrition therapy, cooking classes, support groups, creating family health programs, corporate wellness, health fairs and events, assisted in running social media pages, and acted as the standing media spokesperson.

Kristin Haas, OTD, OTR/L Capstone Coordinator

Kristin completed a double major in math and biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a Masters of OT from Midwestern University, and a post professional doctorate of OT from the University of Saint Augustine. Kristen has worked approximately 19 years at college of Saint Mary in Omaha Nebraska as program Director for the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in OT. Her clinical experience has been with traumatic brain injury, skilled nurse facility, and acute rehabilitation. Kristin is also a member of the Roster of Accreditation Evaluators for ACOTE–the Accrediation Council for Occuptional Therapy Education.

Carrie Miller, OTL Academic Fieldwork Coordinator

Another Cox College alum, Carrie graduated in 2019 with a Master's in Occupational Therapy. Before becoming a faculty member, she worked as an OT at Jordan Valley Community Health Center as a school-based OT located in Lebanon, MO.

Andrew Venturella BA Senior Staff Accountant

Andrew Venturella was born in California, but grew up mostly in Colorado, Romania, and Ozark, Missouri. His most recent jobs have been working for his dad’s coffee shop, Travelers; Entrust CPAs; and O’Reilly Auto Corporate. He graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Accounting.

Katie Woodworth, MSN E.d Assistant Professor

Katie has worked at Cox Medical CenterBranson and North Arkansas College before coming the Cox College. She graduated with an Master's in Nursing Education from Western Governors University.

Whitney Hoskins, DNP Assistant Professor

Whitney obtained her LPN and ASN from OTC. She went on to complete her BSN and her DNP with dual certification in Primary Care PNP and Acute Care CNS at University of Missouri. She has always loved and worked in pediatrics and hopes to instill that same passion for Cox College students.

Karina Guffey, PMHNP Assistant Professor

Karina practiced at Mercy Child and adolescent psychiatry in Springfield, Missouri. Prior to graduating with her PMHNP, she was a family nurse practitioner in rural Missouri and a nurse practitioner in the ER. She is also a former flight nurse.

Paige Reinstein, BS, RT(R) (MR) BSDI Faculty Support

Paige is an alumni from Cox College starting with her ASR degree, specializing in MRI, and completing her BSDI degree. She has worked for CoxHealth for nine years and coming to Cox College from the MRI department at the Martin center, Springfield, Missouri.

Kalene Jochems MSN, BSN Simulator Coordinator Monett Campus

Kalene has been a nurse in the Neonatal ICU at Cox South for almost nine years. She received her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas and recently received her Master's of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University with emphasis in nursing education.

Shannon Crosby, MPH, RD, LD Clinical Dietitian Preceptor

Shannon has been a dietitian for 19 years working in a variety of settings including pediatrics, public health, and corporate wellness. She received her Bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Master's in Public Helath from MSU. Shannon was previously employed at Lincare providing training and education for patients tube feeding at home.

Elizabeth Newport OTD, OTR/L Assistant Professor

Elizabeth graduated from Cox College

OT program in 2017. In 2021 she received her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Baylor university and it has worked as an acute care OT at Mercy for over four years.

Eric Koller, BSBA, AS Senior Billing Specialist

Eric grew up in Joplin, and has been in Springfield 19 years.

He has a BSBA in Marketing and Management from Missouri Southern State University, and an AS from OTC in Networking Technology. Before coming back to the College, Eric was Coordinator of the Primrose Perk and manager at Marshalls/Homegoods.

Sherri AmentSturtevant, FNP, MSN Assistant Professor

Sherri is a graduate of University of Missouri-Columbia currently working on her DNP with Baylor University in Austin, Texas. She has 20 years of emergency medicine and family practice experience.

Parker Glouse, BS, RT(R) (CT)(AART) Radiography Instructor

Parker is one of our very own, graduating from the College's ASR program in May 2019 and the CT program the following December. He received his Bachelor's of Science in Radiographic Sciences from MSU and is working on his master's through the University of Missouri-Columbia.

New Faculty Roles

We are excited to welcome several team members into new roles. Stacey Bohn, former faculty at the Houston campus has accepted the BSN Chair position while Laura Sperry , formally at our Monett campus, has also accepted the ASN chair position.

Additionally, with the retirement of Debbi Groves, Carol Francka has accepted the Director of Clinical Skills and Simulation Center (CSSC) position with Michelle Buchman and Deb Oss both serving as faculty support for CSSC.

Also, Daniel Edwards has been named the new ASR program director and Dr. Kyle Brashear as MND/DI program Director.

Congratulations everyone on your new roles at Cox College.

ASR Fundraisers

The annual Radiology Trivia Night was held on October 28th and raised over $5,000. Teams of eight competed for bragging rights, and awards were given for best costumes and tables, a silent auction was held, and there was a 50/50 cash raffle. On November 8th, they held a hot chocolate and donut bar and raised over $300.

The monies raised from these fundraising events will go towards sending students to the MoSRT convention in Columbia, Missouri, as well as attend professional lectures, present research, and other events.

We salute our veterans, including Rebecca Hutchins who is in our MSOT program and is a U.S. Army veteran. We thank her and all veterans for their service, selflessness, and sacrifice.

Cox College

Bohn

Sperry

Francka

Buchman

Oss

Edwards Brashears

Red Meat: To Eat or Not to Eat?

By Lauraleigh Guthrie and Tyler Pidde

What are the benefits?

Red meats are a valuable source of vitamins and minerals like protein, iron, and vitamin B12. All of these nutrients have essential functions in the body.

The type of iron found in red meat, heme iron, is vital for oxygen transport and hormone production. Heme iron is absorbed easily by the body. Red meat also provides vitamin B12, which is important for making blood and DNA.

Red meat is high in protein. Protein is one of the most important macronutrients. It is used in bone and muscle repair and to make hormones and enzymes that allow our body to continue regular processes, such as digestion.

What are the concerns?

Red meat consumption has been linked to developing heart disease. Some red meats have high amounts of saturated fat, which can increase low-density cholesterol (LDL), or bad, cholesterol. Steak, ribs, pork chops, and ground beef contain higher LDL levels. People that consume higher amounts of red meat weekly have been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Red meat is higher in calories than other protein sources due to the high amount of fat usually found in them. It may be difficult to

portion out correctly to compensate for this. For example, non-lean beef has between 75 to 100 calories per ounce, whereas chicken has around 55 calories per ounce.

Although this is still highly debated, red meat consumption has also been linked to developing cancer. Some potential causes for this include saturated fat content, carcinogens, which occur when the meat is cooked, and heme iron can produce compounds that can damage cells.

What is a better option?

For many of us, red meat is a staple in our diet. However, the key to red meat consumption is moderation. Some tips for consuming red meat in moderation are:

• White meat, such as chicken, provides a large amount of nutrients similar to red meat. Seafood, like fresh fish, is also a good swap for red meat.

• Prepping vegetarian meal options ahead of time can also help us lessen how much meat we consume. Some non-meat protein options options include beans, tofu, and whole grains.

• Keeping red meat portions small and spaced throughout the week. Portion sizes should be limited to around 1 to 2 servings per week , with 6 ounces total being eaten.

First year graduate students in the Cox College Master of Science in Nutrition Diagnostics and Dietetic Internship program

References:

Lee, E. (n.d.). Is eating red meat bad for your health? WebMD. Retrieved February 5, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/foodrecipes/features/the-truthabout-red-meat Red Meat Pros and Cons. Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas. (2019, November 15). Retrieved February 5, 2022, from https://www.mana.md/red-meatpros-and-cons/ What's the beef with Red Meat? Harvard Health. (2020, February 1). Retrieved February 5, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/ staying-healthy/whats-the-beefwith-red-meat Wolk A. (2017). Potential health hazards of eating red meat. Journal of internal medicine, 281(2), 106–122. https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.12543

Zumpano, J. Is red meat bad for you? Cleveland Clinic. (2021, September 27). Retrieved February 5, 2022, from https:// health.clevelandclinic.org/is-redmeat-bad-for-you/

Dietetic Internship Students Promote Healthy Eating

Radiography Students Help Build Habitat for Humanity Home

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing organization that helps build and improve houses for people in need of a place to live.

Students and faculty from our Radiography program spent a day helping Habitat for Humanity build the foundation for a new home! Thanks for giving your time and effort to help our community.

Occupational Therapy Students and empower:abilities Complete Ramp

OT Cohort 7 students worked on a service-learning project in conjunction with empower:abilities, a local non-profit whose mission is to "remove barriers and empower independent living for all people with disabilities." Students built two separate ramps for families in need in late summer using supplies and expertise provided by empower:abilities. To find out more about empower:abilities home modifications, scan in the QR code.

The nutrition diagnostics students joined the Hy-Vee dietitian to promote healthy snack foods, pass out samples, and answer nutrition-related questions at a health fair for community members in Springfield.

Guthrie

Pidde

Authors

Burge and Cox College Alumni Association

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

BURGE SCHOOL OF

NURSING

Rebecca Breier Fay, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, CNE, FACNM

Class of 1972

Recently retired from her position as Assistant Professor at Frontier Nursing University, Versailles, Kentucky. Rebecca worked for Frontier between 2015 and 2021. Before teaching, Rebecca practiced as a Certified NurseMidwife in the Boston, MA area for 18 years. She and her husband of nearly 50 years reside in Carcavelos, Portugal.

Karen Hahn, MSN Class of 1977

Recently retired after 43 years of service to CoxHealth. After graduation, she went on to get her master's degree, and worked in several roles with CoxHealth and Cox College. From being a nurse in respiratory stepdown, to a teacher at Cox College, to her final position as a nurse navigator, Karen felt she had opportunities to give back to those around her through her job.

Becky (Kueck) Fisher Class of 1978

Recently retired after 43 years of service to CoxHealth. She has served in many roles that revolved around nursing. She retired as the nurse manager for rehab inpatient nursing, transitional care nursing, and the or thopedic care unit at Meyer Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital.

COX COLLEGE

Laura Worker, DRT (R)(M)(MR) BSDI 2018

Worked as an MRI tech at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Festus, Missouri from 2017 until 2020. Transferred to Mercy South in St. Louis, Missouri, as a tech in 2020, and currently holds the position of Imaging Quality Supervisor for Mercy South Hospital and outpatient imaging centers.

"I went into imaging because, as a teenager, I was a CNA and saw all of the amazing medical images of the body being made, and read how we were able to learn from them. While in xray school, I did a rotation through MRI and realized that was where I was meant to be.

Cox College was a great program and fit for me. The staff were all so kind and helpful from day one until graduation."

Shelli ChaineyHancock OTL-R MSOT 2018

Earlier this year she joined EmpowerMe Wellness as Occupational Therapist and Team Lead in one of the three Arrow Senior Living communities in the Springfield, MO area.

Emily Winokur, DRT (R)(M)(MR)

DI 2021

Started new position as NICU registered dietitian at St. Luke's Health System.

Paula Valle, MS, RDN, LD, CLC

DI 2021

Started new position as Registered Dietitian at Orlando Health, Orlando, Florida.

alumni@coxcollege.edu.

Melinda Grant, NP, MSN MSN 2021

Joined Cox Medical Group in Trauma Services.

Ryleigh Clark, RD, LD DI 2022

Currently working as a registered dietitian at the Center for Health Improvement, an outpatient center through CoxHealth.

Kati (Laughlin) Gregg, BSN, RN BSN 2020

Has officially accepted a new full-time internship with Eustasis as an NP intern/ student while she is seeking her NP from Chamberlain University.

Kiersten Meyer BSN, RN BSN 2018

Was officially accepted into Missouri State's Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program and will be starting next June. Currently working at the Neurotrauma department at Mercy in Springfield.

Tara Hancock BSN, RN, EMT-P, TCRN, CCRN BSN 2019

Recently accepted a PRN position as flight nurse with Mercy Life Line Air and Medical. She is currently working full-time in the NTICU at Cox South.

We are constantly working to maintain current contact information on alums and encourage you to provide current mailing information or submit news about yourself to

Defying the Odds

Story by Eric Baker

The odds for a baby born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is pretty rare–one in 3,841 babies. Having TWO babies from the same parents born with heart defects is rarer still. Yet despite this, Carlie Crain, recent BSDI alum, and her little brother, Case, are survivors.

Carlie was born with six different heart defects, the most severe being HLHS. With HLHS, the left ventricle of the heart wasn’t formed at birth and this affects the blood flow through the heart and throughout the entire body. She has had three open heart surgeries, countless doctor’s appointments and medical imaging, and a multitude of different medications in her young life. Yet, despite this, Carlie's faith and the love of her family keep her strong."

“Because of what I live with every day, and will continue to live with for the rest of my life, I feel I’m called to spread the same hope and compassion to other families facing grave medical conditions. My mom was told that I wouldn’t make it after I was born, but she refused to abort because she had hope.”

Carlie was raised in Morrisville, Missouri, a small town north of Springfield. She is a youth leader and part of the worship team at Harold Baptist Church. She loves spending time with family and going to rodeos with her fiancé, Wyatt.

“I’ve been told I’ll eventually need a heart transplant, but I’ve been blessed to be able to have a fairly active life. It doesn’t scare me.”

Carlie recently took a position as an ultrasound technologist at Mercy Orthopedic and Mercy Bolivar. She believes that her education at Cox College helped prepare her for successful career.

“I had a lot of people telling me how amazing the program was at Cox College. I wanted the best education for where I dreamt I wanted to be. I did my research and Cox College really stuck out to me. The faculty and students were great. I’ve made some great relationships.”

Carlie hopes to continue with her education, getting certifications in Echo, fetal echocardiography, and musculoskeletal. “Anything I can do to further my education and give me more opportunities, that’s what I want to do.”

She would also like to become a medical missionary. Several years ago, she went with a youth group to White River, Arizona. That experience opened her eyes. “These kids had absolutely nothing, some being homeless, but they always had a smile on their faces.”

Carlie and her brother, Case

Carlie's fiance, Wyatt

My mom was told that I wouldn’t make it after I was born, but she refused to abort because she had hope.

Photo by Eric Baker, below provided by Carlie Crain

Finding the right path

“I had just finished up my Associate’s degree and I was torn as to what I wanted to do. I considered nursing, maybe even pre-med, but after taking several classes I decided it was not for me.”

While thinking about her options, she came across occupational therapy. She grew up with a friend who had cerebral palsy and she visited with him about his experience going through occupational therapy. This piqued her interest, so Jessie decided to visit some nursing homes and get permission to job shadow their OTs.

She talked with her friend some more.

“The world could be your oyster. You could do anything,” he said. “Pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health…you name it.”

Jessie applied to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Ozarks Technical Community College and completed the program. Within a month, she accepted her first job as a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) in Webb City, MO.

While there she found herself moved into the director position. “It was good in the sense that it made me learn the ropes quicker, “Jessie admitted,”and it also gave me the confidence to look for a job closer to home.”

She eventually took at position at Maranatha Village in Springfield, MO. While there she helped open a new skill department with their Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC). This included creating a whole new gym area for patients.

Jessie soon was offered a regional position whereby she was overseeing five nursing homes in the area, working with budgeting and scheduling. While in this position she received her nursing home administrator’s license. However, even though she enjoyed the challenges of the position, she knew it wasn’t what she wanted to be doing.

“I was kind of getting bored. I love to learn. Being a COTA was great, having my administrator’s license was great, but becoming an OT opens so many more opportunities. All those things pushed me into going to grad school to get my Master's in Occupational Therapy.”

It was huge move for Jessie’s family…literally. They decided to downsize by selling their home and thereby becoming debt-free. “We went from a 3,500 square foot home to a 950 square foot apartment,” she said. “I still worked full time during OT school so we didn’t have to worry about anything.”

Jessie doesn’t regret it at all. She now has a successful career at Jordan Valley Community Health in Springfield and has big plans for her future, some still percolating in the back of her

Story by Eric Baker

Photos provided by Jessie Jo Cheevers

mind. Her family built a bigger house to meet their needs, and her husband is enjoying his hobby as a dirt track racer.

“Cox College was a great experience. They offer a fantastic school/life balance. The faculty are amazing and become like your second family. Too many programs leave students feeling like a lone ranger, but my faculty and cohort were there for me. And the hands-on interactive training from people who actually have done this in real life was amazing.”

The future is bright and Jessie looks forward to where it will take her next.

Are You a COTA Thinking about Bridging to OT?

Cox College MSOT Program is designed to be a bridge option for those who are certified OT Assistants and/ or those who are transitioning from an associate's or bachelor's in another healthcare field. The program also accommodates traditional track students as well as graduates who are considering transitioning to occupational therapy from other fields where they already had their graduate degree. To find out more, contact admissions@coxcollege.edu.

Clinical Skills and Simulation Center

by Carol Francka, MSN, BSN, RN

As a part of the CARES Act funding, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Econonmic Development Administration (EDA) awarded the College $1.9 million in funding to benefit future health care professionals. That money was used to renovate the approximately 5,000 square foot Simulation Center. Those renovations were completed earlier this year.

This summer the Simulation Center, Skills Center, and Virtual Hospital became the Clinical Skills and Simulation Center.

In October, The Center was awarded a grant from the Missouri State Board of Nursing with the ultimate goal of promoting workforce development. Cox College students will benefit from an immersive experience designed to enhance situational realism and skills development. Video streaming technology combined with faculty facilitation will help build student confidence and understanding of patient care. The project is set to launch Spring 2023.

Jessie and her husband, Colt. Below, the family celebrates with a win.

We are thankful that the state of Missouri prioritizes the development of important industries like nursing!

– Dr. Amy Townsend VP of Nursing

Update

Charting Her Own Course

Story by Eric Baker

Professor Debbi Grove's roots run deep in Appalachia, but the love of the Ozarks area and her position at Cox is what has kept her and eventually brought her to the Ozarks.

Her nursing story begins in Virginia where she received her nursing degree from Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (now Mountain Gateway Community College) in Clifton Forge. She would later move to Kentucky where she worked as an ICU nurse for the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Lexington and continued her education working towards her BSN at Eastern Kentucky University.

While there, she met her husband, Jim, fell in love, and got married. They later felt led to come to Southwest Missouri for Jim's ministry position. Since Debbi was already federally employed, she was able to transfer to the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri.

Cox South opened its doors in the mid-80s and soon Debbi was applying for a job in Labor and Delivery. Eventually an opportunity opened up for her in educational services. It was during her tenure there that she was approached by faculty at Lester L. Cox School of Nursing and Health Sciences (later

renamed to shorten it to Cox College). Her interest piqued, she inquired more about the position, and in 1996 she joined the faculty. At this time Debbi had completed her BSN through Southwest Baptist University's extension program and would continue her educational journey to complete her MSN at University of Missouri-Kansas City.

An opening in the skills lab led her to start her path into nursing simulation before the College even had a simulation center. Eventually she would come to supervise the virtual hospital and skills lab as well as being an assistant professor.

Professor Debbi Groves Retires after 36 years with the CoxHealth system, 26 of those years at Cox College.

Photos by Kyle DeVries, Eric Baker

While at Cox College Debbi became involved with other faculty helping organize mission trips to different countries. These trips lead to the development of a nursing elective course rooted in the holistic care of those from diverse backgrounds. Then assistant professor Ellen Duvall was instumental in helping Debbi orchestrate the classroom and clinical component of the course during the course inception. A short time later, Assistant Professor Leisa Lower joined Debbi teaching the Cross Cultural Health Care class that included a trip to Haiti.

Nursing students from the class as well as Springfield community volunteers (doctors, nurses, executives, etc.) would fly in conjunction with Lifeline Christian Missions to provide health care to local residents. It was no small feat as Debbi and Leisa would have to carefully pack all the supplies in large duffel bags they would need to take with them. Getting supplies past customs could be tricky, but in the 15 trips, though some bags were opened and searched, not one was denied or confiscated.

“I loved seeing the way the students grew in confidence and used their critical thinking skills. It’s one thing to practice in a simulated setting, but totally another when there’s a human at the other end. The students learned how to apply what they had learned at Cox College and be flexible in the situation.”

COVID and the instability in Haiti has ended any further trips to the island country.

Earlier this year, Debbi decided it was time to make a life change and retire. After 26 years as a faculty member and 36 years with CoxHealth as a whole, Debbi decided she

Life lessons

wanted to have more time to spend with family, travel, garden, and enjoy camping, fishing, and hiking in the great outdoors, "and being available for whatever the Lord wants me to do".

“I’ll miss the routine and responsibility. Working with the students to help them prepare was always a delight, and the comradery I had with the faculty–it was the best. I have made many great lifetime friends, here at Cox College and look forward to hearing nothing but continual wornderful news of things to come".

While she goes into the future knowing she’s made a difference, there is one thing that has been a driving force for her through her career. Back at the Community College when where she was first starting out, a faculty member called her into the office one day.

“I was not a great student. Concepts were hard and I was a hands-on learner. The faculty director member told me, ‘Debbi, you’re not going to pass. In fact, you’ll never pass nursing school. If you do, you will never pass your state boards. And should you pass your state boards, you’ll never become a good nurse because you were never a good student.’”

That nursing faculty director was wrong. Debbi did go on to pass her nursing program, pass her state boards, and became a nurse. Each new hurdle boosted her confidence so that she went on to get her Master’s degree at UMKC, become an assistant professor and supervisor of the virtual hospital and skills lab at Cox College.

others define you. You chart your own course.”

In Memoriam

Honoring

Gail Gene Plemmons, 69, passed from this life on December 30, 2019. She graduated from Burge School of Nursing in Springfield, Missouri in 1971. After graduating, she went to accomplish many things including working in psychiatric nursing, a woman's clinic, community and social work, the arts, and as a business owner with her husband, Brian.

Melisa (Aleshire) Harp, 58, passed from this life on June 30, 2015. She graduated from Burge School of Nursing in Springfield, Missouri in 1978. She was a registered nurse with Cox Medical Center.

Jo Natalee (Leffler) Lea passed from this earthly life on December 3, 2019 at the age of 97. She graduated from Burge School of Nursing in Springfield, Missouri in 1944. Although she was never called to service Jo volunteered as a Cadet Nurse during World War II.

Loraine Gooley, Burge class of ‘56, passed away August 6, 2021. She was 85 years old. After graduation she went to work for the VA hospital in Kansas City where she met her husband. She received

“Never let

Working with the students to help them prepare was always a delight, and the comradery I had with the faculty–it was the best.

alumni who are no longer with us

1423 N. Jefferson Avenue Springfield, MO 65802

COXHEALTH NORTH FITNESS CENTERS

CoxHealth Fitness Centers-North is conveniently located next door to Cox College and is open 24/7 to meet your busy class schedule! Three floors that give you the space you need and the CLEANLINESS you deserve.

• Cardio

• Free Weights

• Circuit Functional Fitness Room

• Locker Rooms Personal Training Services

• Nutrition Services

• Group Exercise Classes

STUDENT DISCOUNT ON MEMBERSHIP

For more information on touring the facilities or joining the fitness center, call 417-269-3282 or email us at CoxFitnessCenters@coxhealth.com

In Memoriam

page)

her BSN from St. Francis University in 1981. Over her 40-year career she worked as a registered nurse in hospitals and home health care.

An interesting fact about Loraine is that she was one of the models for the “Helping Hands” mural that has been a hallmark of the College for over 60 years. She was the student representative chosen by the artist, George Kieffer, for the mural.

Her daughter, Jo Ann Self, writes that the mural was a source of “mother pride” for her ever since she was a kid. “When I was 10 or 11, we were on a family trip and drove through Springfield. We stopped to look at the mural and I was immediately able to pick out my mom.”

Barbara Pittman passed away on June 23, 2022. She attended Burge School of Nursing (1955) and Drury University where she received her RN and BSN degrees. Barbara's final job as a nurse was with the Visiting Nurse Association, from where she retired after 22 years of service.

We want to honor all our alumni who are no longer with us. Please send all In Memoriam submissions (including photos) to alumni@coxcollege.edu.

CoxHealth Achieves Magnet Status

CoxHealth recently earned Magnet status, the highest national and international honor a health care organization can receive for professional nursing practice that supports quality patient outcomes specfically influenced by registered nurses! The Springfield, Missouri are the first and only Magnet-designated facilities in the region.

Cox College is honored and proud to be part of CoxHealth. It brings us joy that so many of our graduates are providing internationally- recognized care, and so many of our graduates will join them. We want to congratulate all the health care professionals who work tirelessly to make CoxHealth a trusted health care facilty.

Photo courtesty ob Jo Ann Self, and Springfield News & Leader

(continued from previous