Issue 1
Spring 2022
THE PULSE THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER FOR EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING
"A New Dawn" photo credit Dr. Brenda Caudill
WELCOME BY: DR MOLLY BRADSHAW & DR. HEATHER NORRIS, CO-EDITORS Welcome to the inaugural issue of, "The Pulse," the official newsletter for the Eastern Kentucky University, School of Nursing. The purpose of this newsletter is to share information and celebrate our school, our students, our faculty, our alumni, and our
IN THIS ISSUE Feature: Rural Health FNP Updates
clinical partners. The mission of the School of Nursing is to educate nurses at the Associate,
Meet an ADN Alumni Class of 1998
Baccalaureate, Masters and Doctorate levels who work in interprofessional environments to promote health and well-being for diverse populations across the Commonwealth, country and world. We are preparing resilient nurses with the knowledge, skill, and confidence they need to be successful in their careers. Dr. Brooke HIllard, the Chair of the Department, adds, "The fall of 2021 was an exciting time for Eastern Kentucky University’s School of Nursing. We celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The SON is proud to have graduated quality and highly respected nurses for the past 50 years! We salute all EKU SON alumni and current students for fifty years of impacting the health of communities!. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!"
THE OFFICIAL EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWSLETTER
3 Tips For Mental Wellness ... Theta Nu | UPDATES A word of encouragement from Dr. Mendy Blair
THE OFFICIAL EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWSLETTER
EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING TIMELINE 1965 - First ADN students admitted 1971 - First students were admitted to the Department of Nursing, BSN program ADN receives initial NLN accreditation. 1979 - The BSN program received its Initial national accreditation through the National League for Nursing. 1987 – RN- BSN degree offered through satellite system for outreach courses in Corbin 1995 - EKU began offering two options of master of science in nursing, Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner and Rural Community Health Care Nursing 1998 - BSN program was granted preliminary approval for accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and was fully accredited in Spring 2001. The baccalaureate nursing program has maintained full CCNE accreditation since 2001. 2003 - Second Degree BSN option was added and the first cohort of students was admitted Fall 2003 and graduated Fall 2004. 2005 - The master of science program was expanded to include a Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner option 2011 - Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with an emphasis in organizational leadership was initiated 2013 - All MSN programs transitioned to fully online 2014 - RN-BSN program transitioned to 100% online 2020 – Associate of Science in Nursing program joined the Department of Baccalaureate & Graduate Nursing and lead to the name change to School of Nursing
CLINICAL PARTNERSHIPS EKU School of Nursing values our clinical partnerships. We interviewed Dr. Mendy Blair, the Chief Nursing Officer at Baptist Health Richmond and asked her, "What is the secret to staying encouraged as a nurse?" She replied, "Always stay connected to your WHY in terms of becoming a nurse – what drives you, inspires you, and what you are most passionate about. Only then will you fully realize the rewards of a purpose-driven career as a professional nurse!" Thank you Dr Blair! THE OFFICIAL EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWSLETTER
THE OFFICIAL EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWSLETTER
RURAL HEALTH FNP UPDATES BY DR. MARGARET ZOELLERS, PROGRAM COORDINATOR In September 2021, eight students were awarded scholarships totaling $93,000 through the Anthem Rural Medicine (ARMS) scholarship. EKU’s FNP program was chosen due to the unique focus on providing primary care in rural and underserved areas. In the scholarship presentation ceremony on the EKU campus, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield President Leon Lamoreaux described the scholarship as an investment in the health of Kentuckians and President David McFaddin recognized recipients for being an important part of the solution to primary care in rural areas. December 2021 also brought the retirement of FNP faculty member Dr. Alison Connell. Dr. Connell was an expert Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and educator who was highly respected by students and faculty. In the words of one student, she “was born to be a teacher.” Congratulations to Dr. Connell on her retirement. Dr. Ida Slusher and Dr. Linda Yonts were also among the recently retired faculty. All will be missed!
THE OFFICIAL EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWSLETTER
3 Tips for Mental Wellness by David Coffey Faculty & DNP Student Nursing school is stressful! Being a nurse can be stressful too. So what can we do to stay mentally well? Here are three quick tips for mental wellness from our faculty, David Coffey who is also a doctoral nursing student. 1. "Cut yourself some slack." It's okay. You are doing tuff stuff which take major time and energy. We are often very hard on ourselves. Just cut yourself some slack. 2. "Make time for self-care." However you define selfcare, whatever it is... go do it. Do it on a regular basis. You will have to make time for this. 3. "Always ask for help." What do you need help with? Maybe you need help with homework? Maybe you need help with staying motivated in school? Maybe you need help at home? It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to ask for help for little things or big things. EKU has resources for you too! Around campus you will notice lots of resources for mental health and wellness. Remember that student health services include mental health services. For more information, contact Student Health at https://healthservices.eku.edu/contact-us. Happy Spring 2022! David Coffey MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC
ISSUE 1
Spring 2022
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT MEET TRACY EKU CLASS OF 1998 AN INTERVIEW ...
Tracy Mosley graduated with her Associate Degree in Nursing from EKU in May of 1998 and later her BSN. She is from Martin, Kentucky where she still resides with her family and works as a Staff RN on a Medical-Surgical Unit. According to Tracy, "EKU is where I started and found my love for nursing. At EKU I was able to complete the ADN and was very prepared for my NCLEX." She recounts a motto that she had with some of her former classmates. "We had a little saying, 'Failure is NOT an option.' It helped us get through the tests, but I still carry that with me as I continue to practice nursing today. When I am caring for my patients, I will do all that I can Failure is not an option!" Q: What do we need in nursing and what advice would you give the next generation of nurses? A: "With the recent shortages and nurses leaving the bedside, I think we need nurses who know that nursing isn't easy, but it's very rewarding. I think we can support new nurses by being good mentors, welcome them to our units, and be willing to answer
Tracy Gibson Mosley RN (ADN | BSN) Martin, KY
questions, assist with skills, and be an ear to listen to." "To the EKU nursing students I want to say, "Hang in There!" I know it's tough, but it will all be worth it!." -- Tracy Mosley, RN
FIRST ASN CLASS TO GRADUATE MAY 2022 UNDER NEW CURRICULUM
EKU DNP Program Adopts a New Pin for Graduates BEGINNING MAY 2022, DNP GRADUATES WILL BE RECEIVING A NURSING PIN FOR GRADUATION.
THE EKU MAY GRADUATION OF 2022 WILL INCLUDE THE FIRST ADN CLASS OF 10 GRADUATES SINCE THE NEW CURRICULUM UPDATES!
THE OFFICIAL EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWSLETTER
THE OFFICIAL EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWS LETTER
THETA NU BY DR. ANGELA WOOD Theta Nu is the EKU chapter of Sigma International Honor Society of Nursing. Sigma, founded in 1922 is celebrating 100 years of its mission of developing nurse leaders to improve healthcare. Theta Nu celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2021. There are many opportunities for members to grow professionally at the international and local levels. Theta Nu’s monthly newsletter keeps members informed of international and local events, including membership meetings with guest speakers, networking opportunities, free continuing education, webinars, conferences, scholarships, and service opportunities. Additionally, Sigma publishes two peer reviewed journals that are free to members. The Journal of Nursing Scholarship (JNS) is published six times a year and is focused on new research [knowledge] aimed at improving nursing practice. Worldviews on EvidenceBased Nursing, an evidence-based nursing journal, is a primary source of information to improve patient care. Theta Nu invites eligible students to join in April with an annual induction ceremony in May. Members are selected to join Sigma based on achievement of the professional and high academic standards required to receive an invitation. In order to meet the eligibility criteria, undergraduate students, and registered nurses who are in process of earning a baccalaureate degree, must have: Completed at least half of the nursing curriculum Achieved academic excellence according to the honor society’s standards Ranked in the top 35% of the class And met expectations of academic integrity For graduate students pursuing masters or doctorate degrees, the criteria is slightly different in that they need to have: Completed one quarter of the nursing curriculum, rather than one half Graduate students can also be inducted as a nurse leader. Nurse leaders must hold: A minimum of a baccalaureate degree or equivalent in any field Demonstrated achievement in nursing excellence And be registered as a nurse, legally recognized to practice in his or her country Nurse leaders may submit a membership application online using the web address below by clicking on “Join” and “I am a nurse leader”. https://www.sigmanursing.org/
THE OFFICIAL EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWSLETTER
NURSING STUDENT NETWORK RETURNS BY: JESSICA JONES, PRESIDENT EKU NSN As everyone is aware, the global pandemic of COVID-19 has left its mark on every aspect of daily life. The EKU Nursing Student Network (NSN) has not been exempt from its reaches. The NSN had to close meetings and discontinue community events. However, as the president of the NSN, I am overjoyed to announce that we are back to open meetings! We are now in our second semester of allowing the student body of the school of nursing to attend. These meetings are held once a month with dates and times announced in advanced. So, what do we do at meetings? We have fun while still learning what it means to be a nurse and help others. We have guest speakers come to share insider knowledge on what its like to work in their field of nursing. We share study tips and take a break from studying at the same time. We discuss upcoming community events and ways that each student can participate. We play games for actual prizes, and we occasionally have food, which is a big plus for college students. Why should this matter to you? We are an organization for student nurses, none of which have been out in the “real world” as a practicing nurse. We have yet to experience all the ups and downs, ins and outs that seasoned nurses are accustomed to. Yes, we will eventually learn when we venture out on our own. But wouldn’t it be better to have the insight of others to learn from as well? Which brings me to my last point. Asking for your guidance. If you would like to come speak and share your experience as a nurse, we would be glad to have you! If this is something you are interested in, please contact me at the email below. I look forward to hearing from you. Jessica A. Jones President, EKU NSN jessica_jones482@mymail.eku.edu
Ideas for our Newsletter? Send your submissions to one of our editors: Dr. Heather Norris heather.norris@eku.edu Dr. Molly Bradshaw molly.bradshaw@eku.edu
THE OFFICIAL EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWSLETTER
STUDENT REPRESENTATION ON EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING COMMITTEES Are you looking for a leadership opportunity? Consider being a student representative. We invite and encourage students to participate in decision making, innovation, and governance of our programs. If you are interested in learning more, put your name forward by contacting Carla Farris at carla.farris@eku.edu. BACCALAUREATE ADMISSION/READMISSION COMMITTEE 1 JUNIOR OR SENIOR (SERVES ONLY WHEN POLICY REVISIONS ARE CONSIDERED) (AVAILABLE)
BACCALAUREATE STUDENT SUPPORT COMMITTEE 2 STUDENTS, ONE JUNIOR AND ONE SENIOR JUNIOR (AVAILABLE) SENIOR (AVAILABLE)
FACULTY ORGANIZATION 2 STUDENTS; ONE BACCALAUREATE STUDENT WHO IS JUNIOR OR SENIOR RANKING, ONE GRADUATE STUDENT (JR. OR SR.) - EMMA HURD (SPRING 2022) (GR. STUDENT)- KATHRYN SAVAGE (SPRING 2022)
GRADUATE COMMITTEE ONE GRADUATE STUDENT FROM DNP AND ONE GRADUATE STUDENT FROM MSN MSN – SARA CORNELISON DNP – SHARONDA ROSE
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE ONE JUNIOR OR SENIOR
NURSING AMBASSADORS
SENIOR- THORNTON GALLIMORE (2021-22)
UNIVERSITY GRADUATE COUNCIL STUDENT REP. (AVAILABLE)
COLLEGE HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
JUSTIN TRAUX APRIL NIPPER KASSIE ANGEL HAILEY HAYDEN MATALYN WEBB
STUDENT REP - MADISON MCDANIEL (1/2022)
THE OFFICIAL EKU SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWSLETTER