Georgia Baptist College of Nursing

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University Fall 2013

Paying It Forward and Empowering Our Future...

Philanthropists Patricia and Marcus Dash with Nancy Wilfong, Scholarship Recipient

You make a living by what you get.

You make a life by what you give. –Winston Churchill

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University Mission

3001 Mercer University Drive Atlanta, GA 30341-4366 678.547.6700 Linda A. Streit, RN, DSN Dean and Professor Board of Visitors Lynn Jackson, Chair John M. Britt, Vice Chair Sharon Cox Tom Dahlia Brenda Hamlin Dugger Catherine J. Futch Kerry Gough Jackie Carter Johnson Eugene T. Kirschbaum Ann Patterson Luther Dorothy Pryor Carolyn Rich Betty Van Gerpen LaMae Williams The College mourns the loss of Dr. Norman Harbrough, who died September 20, 2013. He was a very dedicated Board Member and we will miss him.

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e welcome your comments and suggestions. Alumni are encouraged to send us information to include in the next issue.

Send correspondence to: Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University ATTN: Judy Mosteller 3001 Mercer University Drive Atlanta, GA 30341, or Mosteller_J@Mercer.edu Send updated alumni contact information to: McCurdy_VM@Mercer.edu Visit us at: nursing.mercer.edu

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The mission of Georgia Baptist College of Nursing is to promote excellence in scholarship, leadership, and clinical practice, founded upon Judeo-Christian principles and the core values of the College that prepare the student to meet global health care needs.

Vision Statement

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University will be known as a center of rigorous academic excellence which fosters the development of nurses committed to practice in evolving global environments.

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Christian Caring

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Civility, Honor, and Integrity

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Excellence in Scholarship, Leadership, and Clinical Practice

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Global Community Commitment

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Collaboration and Service

Table of Contents Message from the Dean.............................................. 3 Paying It Forward...................................................... 4 Perfection can be Measured by a Percentage................ 5 Three Students Receive National Scholarships............... 6 Special Recognition to Three Preceptors........................ 6 Mercer on Mission..................................................... 7 New Faculty Appointments.......................................... 8 Alumni Day............................................................. 10 Alumni Notes.......................................................... 13 Faculty Accomplishments........................................... 14 Pinning, Hooding, and Commencement 2013............. 15 Jesse Mercer Stewards.............................................. 17 Pi Gamma News..................................................... 18 Bridging Classroom and Clinical Learning Through the Use of Simulation................................. 19 Contributing Writers:

Linda A. Streit, RN, DSN

Susan S. Gunby, RN, PhD Contributing Photographers:

Jill Ray and Sara Mitchell

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Message from the Dean One of my favorite references to nurses is that NURSES ARE THE FOOT SOLDIERS OF HEALTHCARE. This statement descriptively portrays that healthcare cannot occur without nurses. I believe this term best expresses what we do every day as nurses. Whether we are providing direct care to patients, facilitating the education of nursing students, developing policies and evidence-based practice guidelines, or leading groups of nurses to achieve the highest of standards… we (nurses) are at the very center of the provision of care to individuals, families, and communities. At the College of Nursing, we believe in educating our students to practice at their highest level and with these beliefs come great responsibility. Educating nursing students means that our educators must also aspire to maintain the most effective teaching methods, as well as present the most current and evidence-based practices to our entering professionals.

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing is nationally recognized for educating superior nursing leaders who provide significant healthcare contributions across the world.

During this last century of educating nurses, we have accepted the challenges of educating undergraduate and graduate students who serve as leaders, practitioners, and scholars. With the development of the Mercer Health Sciences Center, our nursing students are able to integrate learning opportunities with fellow students from pharmacy, medicine, and health professions. Together, the health science colleges and programs are learning with and from one another to deliver comprehensive and cooperative health care, which can achieve the best patient outcomes.

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing is a wonderful place and is built on such a strong foundation of over 7,300 nursing graduates. While it is wonderful to be the treasure of the south, let’s all work together and continue to be recognized worldwide for our contributions to nursing and nursing education! Members of our community of nurses span the globe. Stay connected, get involved, let us ‘brag’ about you and your accomplishments by completing a form to update your alumni file!

Mercer University nursing students are well respected members of healthcare and research teams. We take great pride in fulfilling the mission of the College to promote excellence in scholarship, leadership, and clinical practice. At Mercer University, the College of nursing is transforming health care delivery ... one nurse at a time!

Linda A. Streit, RN, DSN Dean and Professor

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Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Paying it Forward You don’t get to where you are without the help of others.

Paying it forward is a steadfast commitment of the Dash family. Since 2002 the Patricia Bridges Dash and the DASH Family Foundation have generously donated to the college of nursing to support nursing student scholarships. Patricia (Patty) is a 1968 graduate of the Georgia Baptist School of Nursing. Patty’s days as a nursing student were also ‘giving’ in nature, as she served as First Vice President of the Student Council, a Senior Superlative, and Summer Missionary.

Originally from Cordele, Georgia, Patty later married Marcus J. Dash, a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, and together they formed the Dash Family Foundation. Patty, and later the Dash family, have supported the college of nursing since Patty’s graduation. Over the last decade they have funded three endowed scholarships and two expendable scholarships. As a couple, they both served on the college planning committee for our 2002 Centennial Celebration. Patty also served on the Alumni Board of Directors. ne of the most meaningful aspects of their support back.’ The Class of 1968 scholarship is is their true understanding and willingness to serve awarded annually and members of this Alyssa Gibbs as ambassadors for promoting and encouraging others class are recognized for their commitment 2012-2013 Betty Bowers to donate to college scholarships. The three endowed to the education of future nurses.

Martin Scholarship Recipient scholarships provided by Patty and her family, are The College of Nursing would like to specifically named for individuals who contributed to extend a special thank you to the Dash Family and the Patty’s successful nursing student experience: DASH Foundation for maintaining and sustaining a model • Clyde Wilson of giving that supports nursing students. Dean Streit • Dean of Women, Delphia Maddox Bridges acknowledged the sustained giving by Patty and Marc • Major B.E. Netherland.

Dash and the Foundation at the 2013 Honors Luncheon One of the expendable scholarships is named the Betty where a special plaque was unveiled. The plaque reads: Bowers Martin scholarship and the other bears Patty’s Supporting Students to Learn, Lead, and Serve name. Patty, along with her family, chose to establish The Trustees, students, faculty, and staff named scholarships to honor those individuals who meant of Mercer University and the a great deal to Patty while she was a nursing student.

College of Nursing express their appreciation to Patty also felt Ms. Wilson, Ms. Bridges, and Major Netherland were likely important to many other students Patricia Bridges Dash and Marcus J. Dash, who attended school in the 1960s and 1970s. She The Dash Family Foundation, took action to lead others to also make donations to these For their generous scholarship support. scholarships in memory of, or to honor, these individuals.

Extended this eleventh day of March To inspire others to contribute to these scholarships, she in the year Two Thousand Thirteen wrote letters and encouraged classmates and other graduates to support future students by paying it forward.

This plaque was placed on the wall immediately outShe also wrote to her classmates inspiring them to support side one of the main classrooms in the college of nursing the Class of 1968 Endowed Scholarship, so that this (Room 320). Patty and Marc have two adult sons, Jeffrey class would always be remembered as one that ‘gave and Eliot.

There are currently two class endowed scholarships: The Class of 1962 and The Class of 1968.

In addition, the classes of 1966 and 1967 are currently seeking support of classmates to fully fund their scholarships. If you would like to contribute to YOUR class scholarship, contact Jenny McCurdy at 678.547.6453.

Jenny is also willing to speak with a member(s) of any class who may wish to begin a scholarship fund.

Mrs. Clyde Wilson Mrs. Delphia Bridges Major Netherland

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Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

PERFECTION

can be measured by a percentage...

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s educators we use a number of benchmarks to determine our successes and our needs for program improvement.

However, one external benchmark established to measure the success of our Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty within the Master of Science in Nursing program is by the certification examination. All 18 members of the first graduating class of family nurse practitioner program passed the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Examination on their first attempt and are now practicing family nurse practitioners. The average exam score for national test-takers is 585. The FNP graduates averaged 599 on the exam.

“We were thrilled when we heard the news,” said Dr. Freida Fuller Payne, professor and FNP coordinator. “The inaugural FNP class entered into a brand new curriculum plan and certification results provide an external evaluation measure of your program. It’s very reaffirming for us that we can offer something that can be so successful.”

Since 1999, Dr. Payne has served as a site visit team leader for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, an accreditation agency for baccalaureate and higher nursing education programs. She said her experience as a site visitor helped her to design the program to be rigorous, as well as based on a wide range of best practices. The FNP curriculum plan offers a combination of online and live classroom sessions, with field experiences at clinical sites throughout Georgia. Interest in the program spanned across the state and every effort was made to locate preceptors in the hometowns of students. However, at times students would need to travel to classes on campus. “Some traveled from as far away as Augusta to attend our program, but they told us the program was worth the drive,” stated Dr. Payne.

The inaugural FNP students began their coursework in May 2011 and completed program requirements in August 2012, earning a Master of Science in Nursing. Stephanie Bennett, a member of the first class and now a Family Nurse Practitioner was very complimentary of the program. “What stands out about the FNP program at Mercer is that the faculty genuinely

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care about each student and they want everyone to succeed,” Bennett said. “They are available and willing to assist you.

While going through the program, you don’t really realize how much you are learning and growing, but when you finish and begin to study for certification and later work as an FNP, you come to recognize the value of the education you have received and how much you really do know.”

The purpose of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Program is to provide a valid and reliable program for entry-level nurse practitioners to recognize their education, knowledge and professional expertise. Candidates who become certified by Academy will be able to use the initials NP-C to indicate their certification status. As of December 2012, the Academy listed 30,634 active Family Nurse Practitioners (Source: 2012 Annual Report, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners). The college eagerly awaits certification examination results from the second FNP cohort who graduated in August 2013. A total of 23 graduates are taking the examination this fall.

The Family Nurse Practitioner specialty is the newest of three tracks offered in the college’s master’s program. Other MSN specialties include nursing education and adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist. Admission to the FNP specialty track often fills to capacity quickly. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. Admission criteria and deadlines are located on the nursing website at nursing.mercer.edu.

Congratulations to the August 2013 class of family nurse practitioner students.

Octavia Lenora Bent Amber Brooke Boatright Mignon Delores Brown Hannah Alyse Carraway Carolyn Dohme Crumpler Ashley Kathleen Ford

Christy Gadson Mary Allene Harrison Terri Maddrey Lewis Heather Lauren Luzier Shakira Lynn Florence A. McIntyre-McKay

Angela Deanne Miller Brandon Scott Nelson Amanda Jenkins Riley Kafilat Olajumoke Salawu Payal Navnit Shah Sabrina Maria Simokaitis

Erin Marie Snitker Megan Elizabeth Stidham Dana Michelle Ulrich Colette Monique Vincent Mei Xue 5

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Three Senior Baccalaureate Students Receive National Scholarships

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University is an official constituent of the National Student Nurses’ Association, Inc.®

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he College of Nursing wishes to recognize three nursing students who were awarded highly competitive scholarships from the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA). Scholarship awards from FNSNA range from $1000 to $5000 and may be used towards tuition, books, and academic fees. “Our students are highly qualified to compete and receive national awards,” states Dean Linda Streit. “As one of the first nursing programs in Georgia to be recognized in 2010 as a Stellar School of Excellence, the College continues to maintain 100% nursing school enrollment in NSNA for all pre-licensure students. Thus, the school offers every BSN pre-licensure student the first necessary qualification for scholarship application, which is membership in NSNA.” Dean Streit extends her congratulations to the three recipients on their academic success in nursing, as well as their demonstration of leadership ability within the profession of nursing. “These students are active professional members of the College, University, and their student professional organization. It is well documented that schools that foster leadership build future leaders in the profession.” Scholarship recipients include: The McKesson Scholarship – Rebecca Graybill The National Council of State Boards of Nursing Scholarship – Alissa Gauger The American Association of Critical Care Nurses / Breakthrough to Nursing Scholarship – Ashton Evans In 2013, The Foundation awarded over $178,000 in scholarships. NSNA scholarships applications are now available at www.nsna.org. Applications must be received by January 14, 2014.

Pictured L-R: Rebecca Graybill, Ashton Evans, Alissa Gauger

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA) was created in 1969 to honor Frances Tompkins, the Association’s first Executive Director (1952-1970).

Organized exclusively for educational purposes, FNSNA awards scholarships to qualified nursing students annually. Through its annual scholarship and award program, FNSNA has provided over two million dollars in scholarships to undergraduate nursing students.

Special Recognition to Three Preceptors

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t the April 2013 Honors Luncheon, three preceptors were recognized for their contributions to the education of our nursing students.

Charles Jenkins, RN, MSN, NP-C Charles Jenkins graduated from Darton College in Albany, Georgia in (1999). He spent most of his time in the emergency room at Grady Memorial Hospital where he gained most of his training before returning to Clayton State University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (2005). Inspiring to greater heights, he completed an advanced nursing program at Georgia State University (2009) where he was awarded his Master’s degree and later his nationally recognized Pictured L-R: Jenean A. Gardner Brooks, Charles Jenkins, Anne Hysong board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Today, Mr. Jenkins has his own practice in Forest Park, Georgia called EMIR Primary Care. He has served as a preceptor for Family Nurse Practitioner students since the very first semester of the program and has precepted students from the college every semester. The students have consistently commented that Mr. Jenkins doesn’t wait for learning to happen, he MAKES it happen. He recently began service as a member of the advisory committee for the nurse practitioner program and attended the inaugural meeting of the advisory committee. He is committed to the education of future nurse practitioners. (continued on page 18) 6

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Mercer on

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Mission

ursing students and faculty continue to have the opportunity to engage in summer Mercer on Mission medical programs. During the summer of 2013, medical mission experiences were in the countries of Honduras and Cambodia. Eleven students and four faculty traveled to the Honduras, while sixteen students and six faculty journeyed to Cambodia. Each team included faculty from the College of Nursing, as well as faculty from Mercer’s colleges/schools of pharmacy and medicine.

Mercer on Mission is an experience where academic credit is given for a service learning program experience. “The goal of each program is to provide an opportunity for students to learn through direct patient care employing an integrated model of health care to patients in rural and underserved areas,” states Dr. Bill Bina, Dean for Medicine and coordinator of the trip to Cambodia. The students practice hands-on care, as a team of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, while teaching and caring for patients under direct supervision of the faculty.

“The most important aspect of this experience is that students work as a team to evaluate and care for a large number of very sick patients,” states Dr. Linda Mason Barber, nursing faculty member on the Cambodian team. The College of Nursing offers this experience as one of the interprofessional learning opportunities for nursing students. “As a member of Mercer’s Health Sciences Center, the nursing program actively seeks ways to enhance learning opportunities which directly facilitate members of the interprofessional team to work and learn together,” states Dean Streit. The Mercer Health Science Center was established in 2012 and is comprised of the four health science colleges and schools within Mercer: Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, and the newly formed College of Health Professions.

In each respective country, clinic days were very long (12-14 hours) and often very intense, as many sick patients seek care. The Honduras team provided care to 764 people and the Cambodia team cared for 1,653 people. By the end of the educational experience, students report a true appreciation for the contributions of each profession and the opportunity to work side-by-side in an interprofessional-based clinical experience. As one student wrote in their journal, “the benefit of Mercer on Mission to our nursing education cannot be directly measured but I am forever changed.” The experience gained on this type of medical mission trip is truly life changing. Most importantly, it helps students to develop themselves as culturally competent health care professionals who can support a lifelong desire to serve.

This rigorous clinical academic experience, required malaria prophylaxis, long working days in hot and humid conditions, and arduous daily in-country trips by bus, van or truck. Interaction between faculty and students, from varied health disciplines, fosters interprofessional engagement in learning. This interprofessional community of practice enhances the learning of our future physicians, nurses, and pharmacists. Students also became aware of health disparities and diseases that are not common within the United States. Students cared for patients with diseases, such as dengue fever, malaria, pterygium, and intestinal parasites.

Nursing students also participated on Mercer on Mission trips to: Cambodia – 2012 and 2011 Vietnam – 2010 Thailand – 2009 For more information about Mercer on Mission visit www.mercer.edu/mom/ 7

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

NEW FACULTY APPOINTMENTS The College is proud to announce our newest faculty to support educational nursing programs.

Desireé Mullis Clement, MS, APRN, CNM Professor Clement joins our college after serving as a recent preceptor for our family nurse practitioner program. Professor Clement, is a United States Navy veteran who settled in Atlanta during 2003. She holds over seventeen years of experience in nursing, with the last ten years spent working as a certified nurse midwife. During her career she has enjoyed educating nurse midwifery and nurse practitioner students as a preceptor in her clinical practice. Her undergraduate degree was awarded from the University of Maryland in Baltimore; she also completed her graduate degree from Maryland, with a dual specialization in nurse-midwifery and nursing education. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society of the Two Year College.

In 2011, she was nominated for an Atlanta Journal Constitution Nursing Excellence Award. She is actively involved in the advocacy and promotion of midwifery by serving at the state level in elected executive positions as both Vice-President and Secretary for the Georgia Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Her areas of research interest include adolescent gynecology with specific focus on STD/pregnancy prevention through use of various educational modalities, healthcare policy, and nursing leadership.

Suzanne Applegate, RN, MSN Professor Applegate comes to the college with over ten years of academic teaching experience. Previous faculty appointments include positions at University of Louisville, Brenau University, Midway College, and Lexington Community College. Professor Applegate received her BSN from the University of Kentucky and MSN, with a focus in the area of critical care, from the University of Kentucky. Her practice areas include cardiovascular, trauma, and post anesthesia care. She enjoys being a part of the student journey to become a nurse. Professor Applegate is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Professor Applegate’s extensive background in acute care fosters the support of many aspects of undergraduate nursing education. The combination of her knowledge, experience, and ambitious nature, fosters an environment where students are allowed to grow and achieve their highest potential.

Kay Lynn Olmsted, DNP, FNP-BC Over the last two years, Dr. Olmsted was employed by the University of South Alabama and also held previous academic appointments at Clemson University, the University of Tennessee, and Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, MI. Her experience as a nurse practitioner allowed her to manage clinics and facilitate patient evaluation in primary care practices; she also has experience in the care of pediatric patients. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Georgia Southern University and a post-masters informatics certificate from the University of Colorado. Her master’s degree is from Vanderbilt University and her bachelor’s degree is from Nazareth College. Dr. Olmsted holds the rank of clinical associate professor. Dr. Olmsted decided early on in life that nursing was her calling. She has been a family nurse practitioner since 1981, working in both urban settings and rural healthcare shortage areas. Her passion for patient care and advancing excellence in health care delivery has led the progression from providing mentoring of nursing and health science students in the clinical setting to becoming an educator in academe. Dr. Olmsted is a member of Sigma Theta Tau and Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, which reflects her strong interest in health informatics. (continued on page 9) 8

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University NEW FACULTY APPOINTMENTS (continued from page 8) Kim Callahan, MS, RN, NP-C Ms. Callahan earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Emory University and her Master of Science from North Georgia College and State University. She holds certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Her clinical practice experience includes two years as a Nurse Practitioner in the emergency department of the Hughes Spalding campus of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. While there, she developed an interest in working with underprivileged youth and their families, as well as victims of both sexes who had experienced sexual assault. Her other clinical experience includes working as a hospitalist NP and for a gastroenterology practice, where her practice included the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and liver disease. Ms. Callahan’s clinical and research interests are many and varied, but include sexual assault victims, chronic illness, and underserved populations.

She also has a keen interest in legislative and policy issues affecting nursing, especially as they relate to the practice of advanced practice nursing. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, United Advance Practice Nurses of Georgia, Sigma Theta Tau International and Phi Kappa Phi. She is past secretary of the Atlanta chapter of UAPRN-GA.

Sarah Podbielski, RN, MSN Professor Podbielski earned her nursing graduate degree from Gonzaga University. Her specialty focus in the master’s program was in the area of nursing education, where she received over 300 nurse educator clinical hours to earn her MSN degree. In addition to her clinical teaching experience with undergraduate students, she holds practice experience in the pediatric critical care unit at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). While at CHOA, she also contributed to the development of nursing educational materials and conducted in-services for unit nurses and ancillary staff. Her employment at PediaKare led to responsibilities associated with educating clinic staff, updating clinic protocols, and formulating standards for safe practice. She maintains active membership in the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the Georgia Association for Nursing Education.

Dianne Preissler, RN, DNP Dr. Preissler is certified as a women’s health nurse practitioner and continues to practice as an advanced practice nurse. Her teaching experience includes undergraduate and graduate education, as well as serving as previous director for a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. She received funding for her project titled, Development and Dissemination of Faculty Role in Chairing a Clinical Doctorate Project.

She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, and the Pi Gamma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. Her research interests include clinical practice doctorate models and HPV awareness and prevention. She will present her current HPV research at the 42nd Biennial Sigma Theta Tau convention in November. Dr. Preissler earned her bachelor of science degree from Wright State University in Ohio, her master of science in nursing from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and her doctor of nursing practice degree from Georgia Regents University (formerly Medical College of Georgia). Dr. Preissler is a certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of experience in the clinical setting.

NEW STAFF APPOINTMENT Hiwote Woldesellassie, BS Ms. Woldesellassie is our newest staff member and she serves as the Admissions Specialist for the Nursing Admissions Office. She received her bachelor of science degree from the University of West Georgia. Ms. Woldesellassie joined our College this past summer.

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Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

2012 ALUMNI DAY

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he October 2012 Alumni Day was one everyone will likely remember. It was a celebration of the 110th Anniversary of our nursing program. Together, we celebrated the transition of our diploma program to the baccalaureate program. In addition, we acknowledged our days of pioneering through the development of graduate programs, including the master of science in nursing with three specialties (nursing education, adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist, family nurse practitioner), our doctor of nursing practice and doctor of philosophy degree programs. The Mercer Women’s Chamber Choir sang for us, which reminded many alumni of their days in nursing when students were also involved in the choir. The Mercer choir is a 30-voice ensemble that includes undergraduate students from all disciplines of Mercer University. These ladies perform a wide range of choral music spanning from madrigals and motets of the Renaissance period to works by contemporary composers, and music theater selections. Stanley L. Roberts led the women’s choir in their performance. He is in his seventeenth year of teaching in the Townsend School of Music of Mercer University where he is the Arthur Lowndes Rich Professor of Choral Conducting and Associate Dean. In this position, he conducts the Mercer Singers and the Mercer Women’s Chamber Choir, while teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in conducting, choral literature and techniques. The alumni day speakers were excellent and alumni were able to view the 1960s basketball uniforms, school uniforms, and cheerleader uniforms. There were many stories shared, as previous students hugged and greeted members from their ‘nursing student days.’

AWARDS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD Johnnie Forgay The distinguished alumna award is presented annually to a graduate for outstanding achievement and distinction in the profession of nursing. It recognizes excellence in nursing practice, humanitarian contributions and support of the alma mater. This year’s recipient is a model for this recognition.

Johnnie Forgay graduated from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1946 and during the years 19441946, she was a member of the U.S. Cadet Nursing Corp. She spent 24 years of her nursing career at Georgia Baptist Hospital/Health Care System. At Baptist, she developed several patient-focused programs under the Department of Community Services, including Discharge Planning, Diabetes Education, and Patient Education.

She was also responsible for the planning of a number of other new nursing education programs. The Alumni Association owes her a debt of gratitude for service: she has served as president, vice president, treasurer, and program chairman. She has remained supportive in attendance and in financial support. This year she was also recognized by her church, Conyers First United Methodist, as their honoree for service and dedication; in 2009, this College named her to the Hall of Honor for Excellence in Mentoring. Having been in nursing for over 56 years, she states that she is proud she chose both nursing and Georgia Baptist School of Nursing. Now retired from active nursing, she says she will go down “kicking and screaming” if she has to retire from helping others. n

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worked over 45 years at GBH/Atlanta Medical Center.

In 1982, she resigned from the ICU head nurse position and returned to her “first love” -- working in the ICU as a staff nurse and continues to work there several nights per week. Nelda’s continued passion for providing superior care for patients, her outstanding leadership skills, and her ability to serve as a mentor to both novice and expert nurses were the basis for induction into the Hall of Honor! n

EDNA EARLE TEAL AWARD Doris Wilson Costner Edna Earle Teal, 1908, superintendent of nurses at Georgia Baptist School of Nursing, was appointed by the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board as the first nurse-missionary to China in 1910. Most of the last year of her 33 years in China was spent as a prisoner of war. Still, Ms. Teal managed to minister to the psychological and spiritual needs of thousands of people.

The Edna Earle Teal, 1908, superintendent of nurses at Georgia Baptist School of Nursing, was appointed by the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board as the first nurse-missionary to China in 1910. Most of the last year of her 33 years in China was spent as a prisoner of war.

Still, Ms. Teal managed to minister to the psychological and spiritual needs of thousands of people. The award given annually in her name recognizes the graduate who has distinguished herself or himself in service to God and humanity. Doris Wilson Costner certainly lives up to these standards. Perhaps influenced by her aunt, a nurse, as a young person Costner wanted to be a nurse, with a specific call to go to Africa. At age 16, she met The Salvation Army and felt called to become an officer (ordained minister). After completing the Salvation Army Training College, she received her commission and five years later was given an educational leave in order to enroll at Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. Her first appointment following her graduation was as charge nurse in the hospital unit at a home for unwed mothers. Again, she let the Army Headquarters know of her calling and interest in becoming a missionary nurse to Africa but was told she needed more education. She resigned from The Army but she took them seriously about more education; over the following years she attended North Georgia College and Western Carolina University, and at the same time worked in a variety of nursing setting -- in obstetrics and pediatrics; psychiatry,

orthopedics and in substance abuse, as well as in the VA Hospital. During this time she also taught nursing classes.

When her husband became ill, her priorities changed and she thought her mission must be to work at home, not overseas. However, a couple visiting her church had just returned from a hospital in Zambia. They spoke of the need for nurses, even specifying someone mature, with teaching experience, since there was a need for a clinical instructor for their two-year nursing program. Costner applied to be reinstated with The Army and in 1987, she arrived as a staff member on the pediatric ward at Chikankata Hospital. In addition to teaching, she worked with children with HIV/Aids, tuberculosis, and Kaposi’s Sarcoma. Costner came to know the people, met missionaries from other countries, and learned to plan ahead for supply needs that were not easily met. Remaining in Africa for nine years, she fulfilled the dream of a young girl as well as God’s call to service. n

The Hall of Honor was established in 2002 during the Centennial Celebration to honor the excellence displayed by so many alumni, from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing and Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, and friends (non-alumni).

Each inductee into the Hall of Honor receives the beautiful Flame Award. The prestigious Flame Award represents the brilliant reflections cast by graduates and supporters of the College and profession of nursing as they made incredible contributions to the nursing profession and to the world-at-large. Having a range of categories allows us to honor many who have contributed to nursing, the College or their communities.

2012 Inductees Into the Hall of Honor: Nelda Harmon Floyd was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice. Graduating from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1962, Nelda began her professional career by working 11pm to 7am on 2 West (in the “old” wing of Georgia Baptist Hospital) and then worked for a physician as an office and OR scrub nurse while also working extra shifts in the 11 to 7 PRN pool at GBH. In May 1968, she became the 11 to 7 charge nurse in the first Surgical Intensive Care Unit at GBH. Nelda has

Debbie Ladonna Miller was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice. In 1970, Debbie graduated from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, and in 1980, earned her BSN degree from Brenau College. For two years, she worked in outpatient clinics at Scottish Rite Hospital and at Egleston Children’s Hospital in oncology and burn therapy care. In 1972, Debbie was instrumental in the creation of a Community Services Department at Georgia Baptist Hospital. She was widely known for her expertise in the provision of post-discharge planning and multiple other services that prepared patients to be discharged from hospital care. While she was engaged in academic studies for her BSN degree, she worked as a supervisor at Doctor’s Hospital in Tucker, Georgia and later assumed responsibility for assisting with the RN refresher course and developed a mentoring program for students from a nursing program. For the past ten years, Debbie has worked as a part-time nurse case manager with Egleston Hospital and for a number of years, she has been a medical nurse auditor covering several states. Serving as a parish nurse for First Alliance Church for fifteen years, Debbie has ministered to many individuals and families. All of these accomplishments exemplify Debbie’s excellence in the provision of nursing practice in multiple practice settings. n Barbara (Bobbi) Haynes Torok was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice. In June 1962, Bobbi graduated from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing and immediately began her studies at Tift College. While enrolled at Tift College, she worked as one of the campus

nurses and as a part-time staff nurse on 4 West at Georgia Baptist Hospital. Bobbi progressed from staff nurse to assistant head nurse, and then, to head nurse on 4 West. Later, while still at Georgia Baptist Hospital, she taught the nursing aide course and served as Assistant Director of Nursing. From 1971 through 2001, Bobbi touched the lives of so many patients, colleagues, and nursing students as a staff nurse (and later head nurse) of the Sheffield Outpatient Clinic at Georgia Baptist Hospital / Atlanta Medical Center. Retiring in 2001, Bobbi left a never-to-be forgotten legacy of excellence in clinical nursing practice. n Ann Greer Vossen was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Community Health Service. Ann graduated in 1956 from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. For the first eight years following graduation, she worked in public health agencies in Georgia and Nebraska, and earned her certificate of public health nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1958. She earned her BSN degree from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor and upon graduation from that institution, Ann worked as the community health coordinator and a clinical instructor.

Additional community health experiences include working with the Visiting Nurses Association and as manager of the Employee Health Services for the State of Pennsylvania. While her husband was assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Italy, Ann established CPR classes for employees and their families – including the Marine guards – and trained additional instructors to continue the program.

Returning to the United States, Ann became a public health nurse consultant with the Georgia Department of Human Resources in the Child and Adolescent Health Program. For fifteen years, she was responsible for the Well Child Programs with Georgia’s health departments. After taking a short retirement, Ann returned to the challenging work of serving as the Georgia Department of Human Resources’ Northwest Health District immunizations coordinator; she continues to work part-time in this capacity.

Many illustrations of the impact Ann has had upon others depict a professional career centered on excellence in community health service. n 11

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University Hall of Honor Inductees (continued from page 11)

Laura Raines was inducted into the Hall of Honor for her Excellence in Mentoring. Laura is not a graduate of the School or College of Nursing - nor is she a nurse. As the editor of Pulse, she has made an incredible impact upon nursing and health care in Georgia. Laura graduated with honors from Wake Forest University with a bachelor of arts degree in English and art history. She earned a master of arts degree in art history from Pennsylvania State University and taught art history at four institutions. Laura spent six months in Ethiopia conducting field work as a research assistant for a National Science Foundation archaeology grant and later served as the coordinator of exhibits and collections at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. Over 2000 of her articles have been published in regional and national publications covering topics in the fields of health care, education, business, real estate, politics, government, travel, and the arts. Using outstanding interviewing skills, Laura is adept in finding the right person and asking the relevant questions that lead to creating compelling and thought-provoking articles. It is for her substantial, positive impact upon nursing, health care, and our College of Nursing that we inducted her into the Hall of Honor.

Peggy DuBose was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition for her Excellence in Mentoring. Peggy is not a nurse, however, she is very knowledgeable about nursing education. As Mercer University’s senior associate provost, Peggy was responsible for the coordination of the merger process of the College of Nursing with the University. She earned a bachelor of arts degree and a master of arts degree in political science from Emory University. After earning a PhD degree in political science from Vanderbilt University, she became a full time educator in the department of political science in Mercer University’s College of Liberal Arts and was promoted through the ranks starting as an instructor and progressing to professor. In 2001, she was name the provost for the University and served in this position until 2004.

Noted for her very comprehensive understanding of fiscal management, strategic planning processes, and accreditation standards inherent within higher education, she profoundly influenced our College of Nursing as well as the other schools/colleges within the University. Peggy retired in 2005 and now serves as Professor of Political Science, Emerita. However, her impact upon the lives of so many individuals continues. She is actively involved in a church-based lunch program as a ministry for Macon’s homeless citizens, as well as being engaged in other community and professional activities.

12

Valjean Brown Aycock was inducted into the Hall of Honor for her Excellence in Mentoring. Graduating from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in June 1962, Valjean has always been known as a caring, compassionate individual who is proud to be a nurse. Through the years, she has worked in many specialties or types of nursing. In a non-clinical setting, Valjean served as the director of a nursery for a large, metropolitan church. In this setting, she wore her “invisible cap” as she worked in unique ways. In particular, she used her clinical knowledge to mentor hundreds of new mothers who had questions about child care, child development, and personal issues. Valjean served as an advocate for strong child protection policies and created guidelines for the care of children in this large nursery. As a result of her expertise in child care, a large Christian publishing company invited her to serve as contributing editor for a new nursery manual which they published. Additionally, Valjean co-taught seminars on marriage and thefamily. Because of Valjean’s mentoring, four individuals specifically chose nursing as a career. Valjean has long been a passionate supporter of the Georgia Baptist School of Nursing and the College of Nursing.

Linda Reavis Stead was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Health Care Administration. Linda graduated from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1970. She earned a BSN from the University of Phoenix and attended both Emory University and Berry University. Evidence of the impact she has had upon nursing practice and health care administration includes her roles as staff nurse, charge nurse, and / or nurse manager in orthopedics, operating room, medical-surgical nursing, and ambulatory nursing at Georgia Baptist Medical Center/Atlanta Medical Center from 1970 to 2000. Since 2000, she has worked at Piedmont Mountainside Medical Center in Jasper, Georgia, in various leadership and administrative positions. For five years, she was the nurse manager for Mountainside’s specialty clinic, GI lab, and nuclear medicine and surgical services. In 2005, Linda was recruited to be Piedmont Mountainside’s chief nursing officer, vice president, and patient safety officer. She continues to hold the chief nursing officer and vice president positions. Linda’s passionate commitment to excellence in patient care, career development of nursing staff, and health care administration are some of the reasons for her induction into the Hall of Honor.

Cathy Harbin Bryant was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Health Care Ad-

ministration. Cathy graduated from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1972. Beginning her career, Cathy worked at Georgia Baptist Hospital on the orthopedics unit from 1972 to 1975. During that time, she was promoted to assistant head nurse. Relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, Cathy worked at Wake Medical Center on a large orthopedic unit and then was recruited to practice in a private, orthopedic residential center for profoundly, multi-handicapped children under the age of six. At this center, Cathy worked in various administrative roles for ten years and became active in fund raising. Relocated back to Georgia in 1986, Cathy began employment at Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation as the 7 to 3 RN team leader and was soon promoted to patient care coordinator for a team of 60 staff. Because of her outstanding leadership and administrative knowledge and skills, Cathy was promoted to the assistant director of nursing position and then to chief nurse executive in 1991. She continues to serve as the CNE for the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute. In 1990, she was named the Roosevelt Institute Nurse of the Year and in 1998, she was award the Roosevelt Leadership Award. Cathy is actively involved in the Georgia Association of Rehabilitation Nurses and has served as president of this organization several times.

Regina Spratling was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Nursing Education. She earned her BSN and graduated magna cum laude in 1998 from the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. She earned a master of science in nursing degree and a PhD in nursing from Georgia State University. The title of her dissertation was The Experience of Medically Fragile Adolescents Who Require Respiratory Assistance. For four years,Regina worked as a staff nurse, charge nurse, and preceptor in the Technology Dependent ICU at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, she cared for children with acute and chronic pulmonary illnesses. At North Georgia College and State University, she was an assistant professor for five years and then promoted to the rank of associate professor and served as the program coordinator of the associate of science nursing program at North Georgia College and State University in 2011-2012. While at that University, Regina was awarded the Teacher (continued on page 14)

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Alumni Notes.........................................

1940s

2000s

Miriam Jones Rozier ’45 reported that her husband, E. M. “Jake” Rozier, died in March 2012 and she now lives with her daughter in Bennettsville, South Carolina.

Rebekah D. Price (Bamberg) ‘04 has been employed in critical care nursing for over six years. She recently enrolled in graduate school at Indiana State University to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. She lives in Terre Haute, Indiana where she leads worship at one of the fastest growing churches in the nation. She was accepted to serve on the AFRICA MERCY SHIP as a Surgery/PACU Nurse in the summer of 2013, which was a huge dream for her. Rebekah says she will never stop using her nursing in the mission field as there is such a huge need.

1950s Frankie Phillips Knowles ’59 contacted us to remind alums that her class was the first to get Dr. “V” and Mrs. Jean Lovell to start a basketball team. Frankie still has the little trophy from the tournament she and her teammates played in during their year.

She has four daughters who are all married and eight grandchildren (three boys and five girls). She lives in Barnesville, GA. Wynelle Graves Middlebrooks ’59 remembers the fun she had playing basketball for Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing.

1960s Pat Crumley Seagraves ’62 earned her BSN from Brenau College in 1981, her MSN from Medical College of Georgia in 1992 and worked as a nurse for 43 years before retiring from Northeast Georgia Medical Center in 2002. She has been married to Hollis Seagraves for 50 years and has two children. Alisa is a teacher and Amber is a nurse. She has five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Her hobby is researching genealogy.

Jeanne Sewell (Sweeney) ’69, along with coauthor Linda Q. Thede published the fourth edition of the book, Informatics and Nursing. This book received one of the 2012 AJN book of the year awards.

The book is considered broad enough to serve as a technological bible for nurses with any level of knowledge on this topic. The book includes basic hardware concepts and elementary Internet terminology to technical database and data-mining concepts. Jeanne currently serves on the faculty in the Department of Healthcare Systems & Informatics, Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, Georgia Several members of the class of 1963 attended the 2013 Pinning and Hooding

Members of Class of 1963

Ceremony to celebrate their 50 year anniversary since graduation from the Georgia Baptist School of Nursing.

Janet Mattson Starr ’66; Tift ’70 retired July 1, 2012 from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Compliance Unit where she was employed as a medical-specialist compliance reviewer. She served the State of Georgia for 23 years and 10 months total. Her previous position was as the Nursing Education Consultant for the Secretary of States Professional Licensing Board Division in the Allied Health Section. Janet retired from the United States Army Reserves Nurse Corps in 1999 at the rank of LTC after serving 20.5 years. She remains active on the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing Alumni Board and served as president in 2011.

Janice Maddox Braley ’67 lives in Jasper, Georgia with Jim, her husband of 42 years. They have two grown children and one grandson.

She and her family own three Fleet Feet Sports stores where they sell running shoes, apparel, etc.

Janice Gunter Harris ’68 retired from Columbus State University after 17 years in education.

She loves retirement, traveling with her husband, and spending time with their three sons and six grandchildren. She plays tennis, sings with the Jubalheirs, and works with the choir and children at her church.

Shirley Rogers Rawlins ’69 is a seasoned metro Atlanta Red Cross disaster volunteer.

She has served as the Disaster Health Manager and Nursing Supervisor for the American Red Cross since 2005.

Becky Lake (Spann) ’02 BSN and ’10 MSN and her husband Andrew welcomed Ryan Ryan Elizabeth Lake Elizabeth Lake. They now have one daughter and two sons, Gabriel Porter and Noah. She continues to work on the transplant unit at Piedmont Healthcare.

Myra Clark ’05 is an assistant professor at the University of Virginia; she is also a Roberts Scholar at UVA, where she earned her PhD in nursing, December 2012. Myra is a certified family nurse practitioner and co-authored am article on the Use of diabetes self-management instruments with rural African American populations (2011) Southern Online Journal of Nursing Research, 11(1).

2010s Allison Nichols ‘12 BSN delivered a baby boy, Luke Harris Nichols, on May 22, 2013.

Luke Harris Nichols

Sheniqua Boyd ‘11 received her CCRN certification in critical care nursing from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

1970s Rita Stinson Williams lives in Starr, South Carolina, near Anderson. She became a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2001 and is currently working part-time at the Anderson Free Clinic.

She is part-time employee for Anmed Physicians Network Services, where she primarily does relief work in their offices when the doctors and nurse practitioners go on vacation or attend continuing education sessions.

In Memoriam…

Janet Beth Rosenstern died April 23, 2012 in Sarasota, Florida. Jan graduated from the school of nursing in 1979 and later became a physician’s assistant.

13

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Faculty Accomplishments Publications Bellury, L., Ellington, L., Beck, S. L., Pett, M. A., Clark, J., & Stein, K. (July, 2013). Older Breast Cancer Survivors: Can Interaction Analyses Identify Vulnerable Subgroups? A Report From the American Cancer Society Studies of Cancer Survivors. Oncology Nursing Forum, 40(4), 325-336.

Bellury, L., Pett, M. A. , Ellington, L, Beck, S.L., Clark, J.C., Stein, K.D. (2012). The effect of aging and cancer on the symptom experience and physical function of elderly breast cancer survivors.

Cancer, 118(24), 6171-6178.

Keeley, A. C., & Chase, L. (2012).

The Impact of Mental Illness on the Family: Experiential Family Assessment to Promote Affective Learning. Journal of Nursing Education, 51(2), 111-114.

Mason Barber, L. A., Kimble, L., Sudia-Robinson, T., & Taylor.

L. (2013). Abstracts from the American Heart Association’s epidemiology and prevention/ physical activity, nutrition and metabolism 2013 scientific sessions.

Circulation, 127, 429.

Presentations/Abstracts/ Posters Baraona, L. (2013). Reducing Risk for Low Birth Weight: An Educational Tobacco Cessation Intervention for Obstetrical Practices.

Pi Gamma Chapter meeting, Atlanta, GA Barbe, T. (2013), Professional Development among RN to BSN, Accelerated, and Traditional BSN Students. Presented at ATI Nurse Educator Summit, Las Vegas, NV Beerman, M. (2013). Using Concept Mapping to Enhance Critical Thinking at the Bedside. Gwinnett Medical Center – Nurse Extern presentation, Lawrenceville, GA Bellury, L. M., Ellington, L., & Stein, K. (November, 2012).

Persistent Symptoms in Older Breast Cancer Survivors. Podium Presentation - Oncology Nursing Society: Connections: Advancing Care through Science Conference.

Phoenix, AZ Bellury, L. M. & Rhodes, S. (May, 2012). Dash to Discharge: Practice Change Takes Much More than Evidence. Podium presentation – 14

Oncology Nursing Society Annual Congress, New Orleans, LA Bellury, L. M. (September, 2012).

Elderly Breast Cancer Survivorship.

Invited speaker at Pi Gamma Chapter meeting, Atlanta, GA Bellury, L. M. (2012). ONS Chemotherapy Biotherapy Provider Course. St. Joseph’s Hospital , Atlanta, GA Bertulfo, T. (2012). A Text Message Reminder to Increase Adherence to Breast Self-Exam/Breast SelfAwareness in College Aged Women.

Poster presentation at the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, 15th Annual Premier Women’s Health Care Conference, Orlando, FL [First place poster winner] Camp, A., Minter, G., Bellury, L. M., Adudell, K., & Hodges, H. (September, 2012). The Perceived Barriers to Communication and Teamwork Among Professional and Unlicensed Nursing Staff. Poster Presentation at the Evidence-based Practice Toolkit for Beside Nurse, Atlanta, GA Chase, L. & Keeley, A. (2012).

Partnering with NAMI, Family Assessment Teaching Strategy.

26th Annual Conference for the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Pittsburgh, PA Dattilo, J. (2013). Second-Time Around: Second-Degree Students Perceptions. SoTL, Savannah, GA Estes, S. & Kamp, F. (2013).

Cultural Engagement: Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Experience in Appalachia. Podium presentation, SoTL – Georgia Southern University, Savannah, GA Fuller, F. (2013). Bridging the Gap for Interprofessional Education: Uniting Nurse Practitioner Students with Students from Other Health Care Professions. In Bridging Innovation across NP Education ’13 (electronic) -The National Organization of Nurse Practitioners Faculties, Pittsburgh, PA Gunby, S. S. (2013). The Courage to be an Absolutely Fearless Nurse.

Keynote Address at Piedmont Hospital - National Nurse Week Celebration, Atlanta, GA Gunby, S. S. (2012). Transformers in Nursing. Keynote address – Georgia Association of Nursing Students State Convention, Atlanta, GA

Harris, E. C. (2012). It Isn’t Easy Being Green. Keynote address at Piedmont Hospital Medical-Surgical Nursing Conference, Atlanta, GA Kamp, F. (2013). The House Always Wins! Creating and Managing a Home Health Care Simulation Experience. Poster Presentation International Nursing Simulation/ Learning Resource Center Conference, Las Vegas, NV

right: Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Perceptions. Poster Presentation AACN Baccalaureate Education Conference, San Antonio, TX Washington, R., Streit, L., et al.

(2013) Compassion Fatigue among Interprofessional Oncology Healthcare Colleagues in an Acute Care Facility.

Research poster presented at the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Creating Healthy Work Environments conference, Indianapolis, IN.

Appointments/Honors/ Service Laura Kim Baraona – March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Award finalist 2012

Keeley, A. C. (2013). The Stigma of Mental Illness and the Parish Nurse.

Congregational Nurse Preparation Course, Atlanta, GA Kimble, L., & Streit, L. (2013). A Review of Statistics and Methodological Courses Required in Post-Master’s DNP Programs: Are Students Adequately Prepared to be Clinical Scholars? Podium presentation at the AACN Doctoral Education Conference, San Diego, CA Lewis, G. G. (2013). Improving BSN Student Academic Performance: An Innovative Strategy. Presented at Elsevier Faculty Development Conference: Las Vegas, NV Lewis, G. G. & Mitchell, S. H. (2013). Successful Interdisciplinary Collaborative Education: Two Innovative Models. Poster Presentation at Elsevier Faculty Development Conference: Las Vegas, NV Mason Barber, L. A. (2013).

Assessing Physical Activity in Women with CVD Using Generic Versus Disease-Specific Measures of Physical Activity, Epidemiology and Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism, 2013 Scientific Sessions - Poster Presentation, New Orleans, LA Maxwell, K. (2012). Lateral Voice and Bullying an Online Tutorial for Nursing Students. Poster Presentation - AACN Baccalaureate Conference, San Antonio, TX Troyan, P. (2012). “The Goldilocks’ Factor: Too-much, too-little, or just

Tammy Barbe – CNE – Certified Nurse Educator by the National League for Nursing 2012 Linda Mason Barber – Advanced Stroke Life Support Certification for Pre-hospital Providers 2012 Lanell M. Bellury – Metro Atlanta Oncology Nursing Society Chapter; President 2013 Lanell M. Bellury - Manuscript reviewer, Oncology Nursing Forum (2013) Susan S. Gunby - Reviewer, Virginia Henderson Library – Online Research Repository; Member, STTI – International Nurse Leader Review Committee; Judge for Selection of 2013 Recipient of Mary Tolle Wright Founder’s Award for Excellence in Leadership; Member, Board of Directors for the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education Elaine C. Harris - Advanced Stroke Life Support Certification for Prehospital Providers 2013 Helen F. Hodges – CNE – Certified Nurse Educator by the National League for Nursing 2013; Selected to serve on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Nursing Education; Laura P. Kimble - Inducted Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (October, 2012) Brenda B. Rowe – Distinguished Faculty of the Year - 2013, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing Linda A. Streit – Elected to the governing board of the Southern (continued on page 15)

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University Faculty Accomplishments (continued from previous page)

Regional Education Board Council on Collegiate Education (20122014). Slated for an international office (Region 7 Coordinator) for the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Serving a second term as Chair of the Georgia Association of Nursing Deans and Directors. Serving as Co-Chair for the March of Dimes Annual Nursing Recognition Award Ceremony, November 2013.

Grants Submitted/Funded Bellury, L. M. Gero-oncology Model of Older Cancer Survivorship. ($1713) Mason Barber, L. M. Motivating Factors for Physical Activity in Women With Hypertension: A Mixed Methods Study. ($3040) Streit, L. A. Nurse Faculty Loan Program. Grant Director. HRSA/ DHHS. Total funding: $1,250,000.

Funding period: 07/01/201206/30/2013.

Streit, L. A. Nurse Faculty Loan Program. Grant Director. HRSA/ DHHS. Total funding: $94,555.

Funding period: 07/01/201306/30/2014.

Sudia-Robinson, T. A. (2013).

Integrating Selected Courses in PhD and DNP Education: Lessons Learned.

Co-Investigator, Pi Gamma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, Member-atLarge Research Grant; $300 Sudia-Robinson, T., Kimble, L. P., & Gunby, S. S. (2012). Ethical Insight and Skill Development Among Nursing Students: Pilot Project for Instrument Development. Mercer University Seed Grant; $3050 Fuller, F. and Baraona, K. will join the Family Medicine team in the awarding of a grant to train nurse practitioners in Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT). Scientific research supports the efficacy of screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) in reducing unhealthy substance use, and demonstrates that nurses are effective SBIRT providers. APRNs represent a promising resource for providing SBIRT services due to their emphasis on wellness and prevention, clinical autonomy, wide distribution throughout the healthcare system, and ability to provide comprehensive services. J. Paul Seale, M.D., Professor Department of Family Medicine is the PI on the grant. Three year funding - $943,908. (continued on page 16)

Pinning, Hooding, and Commencement 2013

T

he College of nursing wishes to congratulate all members of the graduating classes of August 2012, December 2012, and May 2013. Although there is only one commencement ceremony offered each year for nursing graduates, we are always so pleased when you ‘come back’ and celebrate with us! Please also come back for our Alumni Day events, as well as professional meetings, such as Pi Gamma. Special congratulations to those who received awards at the May 2013 Pinning and Hooding Ceremony: Jason Allan Billings Davison-McKie-Newton Award Lindsey Adams and Lindsey Nickole McKnight Nursing Student of the Year Awards Eleanor Lucas Brissette Burke Godfrey Award for Excellence in Adult Health Nursing Jonathan Michael Tipson Parent-Child Nursing Award Robyn Renee Wood Gus Verdery Memorial Award for Excellence in Mental Health Nursing Nancy Elizabeth Wilfong Maternal –Infant Nursing Award Kristin Dawes Cobb and Noelle Cape Suggs Community Health Nursing Awards Robine Michelle Oliver Alumni Association Nursing Leadership Award Grace Marie Thorington Heritage Award Vanessa Ekene Okolie SGA Achievement Award Matthew Hill Roberts and Stephanie Leigh Bennett Outstanding Master of Science in Nursing Awards Kelly Lynn Outstanding Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Eleanor Lucas Brissette, Meredith Leigh Broussard, Nancy Elizabeth Wilfong Pi Gamma Chapter of Sigma Theta International Awards for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement 15

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University 2012-2013 Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects Castleberry-Rowe, Sherry A. Medication Reconciliation Based on Meaningful Use Criteria. Chair: Dr. Susan Bulfin. Graduated May 2013

2012-2013 Doctor of Philosophy Dissertations Mason Barber, Linda. Healthcare Providers’ Influence on Motivation for Physical Activity in Women with Cardiovascular Disease. Chair: Dr. Laura Kimble. Graduated December 2012 Miller, Barbara A. A Phenomenological Inquiry of the Experiences and Perceptions of Simulation Among ADN Students with Prior Healthcare Practice. Chair: Dr. Tanya SudiaRobinson. Graduated May 2013.

Rossler, Kelly Lynn. Exploring Interprofessional Education Through a High Fidelity Human Patient Simulation Scenario: A MixedMethods Study. Chair: Dr. Tanya Sudia-Robinson. Graduated May 2013

Current Student Publications, Presentations, and Accolades: Sheree Carter, Erin Killingsworth, and Beth Hultquist (current PhD students) will present, Transformational Leadership in Nursing Education, 42nd STTI Biennial Convention in Indianapolis, IN. (November, 2013 - podium presentation) Gail Godwin (PhD student).

Edna Earle Teal, RN: Heritage and Legacy of a Transformational Leader, 1908 – 1942. Accepted for podium

Hall of Honor Inductees (continued from page 12)

of the Year Award by the Student Government Association. Beginning in Fall 2012, she became an assistant professor and facilitator for the child health clinical nurse specialist / pediatric nurse practitioner track at Georgia State University. She is the author of many publications and is actively engaged in professional organizations. For her passionate dedication to scholarship and teaching, Regina was inducted into the Hall of Honor.

Lynn C. Hadaway was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Entrepreneurial Excellence.

Lynn graduated from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1972. Additionally, she earned a bachelor of science in health arts from the College of St. Francis and a master of education in adult education from the University of Georgia. Immediately after graduating from GBH School of Nursing, she became the assistant head nurse of the intravenous therapy team at Georgia Baptist Hospital. In 1974, she organized the intravenous therapy team and became the head nurse at South Fulton Hospital. She worked in various roles with intravenous teams at DeKalb General Hospital, Tawam Hospital in the United Arab Emirates, and Clayton General Hospital. From 1989 to 1996, she served as the clinical nurse educator for Menlo Care, Inc. and developed the original product training on the midline catheter concept and created a national customer education program which became accredited. Since 1996, she has served as president of her own consulting company providing services to the infusion segment of the 16

presentation at the American Association for the History of Nursing conference, Cleveland, Ohio, September 2013.

Natasha Laibhen-Parkes (PhD student) will present a podium presentation and poster presentation at the 42nd STTI Biennial Convention. (November 2013) Terry Worthy and Sharon Grason (PhD students) presented Breaking the Cycle of Incivility: Invitational Interactions and Caring Behaviors within Nursing Education. Selected for a Poster Presentation at AACN’s 2012 Baccalaureate Education Conference in San Antonio, TX. Sheree Carter (PhD student) was invited to serve on an International working group of rheumatology nurses to define outcomes for nursing interventions in rheumatology nursing. Other members of the

health care industry. In addition to consulting services for product manufacturers and healthcare professionals, Lynn’s company provides educational services that include design, development, and delivery of traditional classroom presentations, self-study methods, and online learning. Lynn is an exemplar of entrepreneurial excellence and is an internationally recognized expert in infusion therapy.

Jill K. Ray was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Student Leadership Development. Jill earned her associate degree in nursing from Georgia Southwestern College and her BSN and MSN degrees from the Medical College of Georgia.

She has been employed by the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing since 1991, and currently has the rank of clinical assistant professor. Prior to working at the College of Nursing, Jill worked as a staff nurse at several hospitals in Georgia. Additionally, she worked for seven years as the coordinator of the Learning Resources Center at the Medical College of Georgia School of Nursing in Athens, Georgia. Evidence of Jill’s fervent dedication to student engagement and development is found in her many years of working with the student members of the Georgia Baptist Association of Nursing Students (GBANS), Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS), and the National Association of Nursing Students (NSNA). For over 22 years, she has been the faculty advisor the GBANS organization and in 20102011, Jill was named the presidential advisor for the GANS organization. Since November 2011, she has served as the Georgia Nurses’ Association’s appointed consultant for the GANS organization. Jill’s excellence

group are from the United Kingdom, Denmark and Ireland.

Carol Bowdoin (PhD student, Cohort 2), received the BEST NURSE EDUCATOR POSTER at the 2013 Georgia Association for Nursing Education (GANE) Conference

Staff Accomplishments Congratulations to Judy G. Mosteller, Administrative Assistant to the Dean. Ms. Mosteller successfully completed her Certified Administrative Professional examination offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

in student leadership development is nationally visible as the College of Nursing has had multiple student leaders and leadership award recipients in the GANS and NSNA organizations.

Catherine “Cathy” H. Ivory was recognized as the recipient of the Young Alumna Award from the College of Nursing. Graduating with her BSN in 1996 from Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, Cathy also earned a MSN degree in nursing administration and healthcare informatics from Georgia College and State University and her PhD in nursing science from Vanderbilt University. The title of her dissertation was Standardizing Failure to Rescue Elements in Perinatal Nursing Documentation. Cathy has worked as a certified childbirth educator, education coordinator for a physicians’ practice, staff nurse in labor and delivery and mother/baby unit, charge nurse for a high-risk pregnancy unit at Gwinnett Medical Center, research coordinator for a multi-specialty women’s health practice, and as a clinical specialist for women’s services for Mountain States Health Alliance in Johnson City, Tennessee. From 2008 to 2012, she served as the corporate director of women’s services for Mountain States Health Alliance. While she was employed at Gwinnett Medical Center she received the Clinical Excellence Award for Leadership and later, she was the recipient of the Betsy Brogan Award for Nursing Leadership from the Mountain States Health Alliance.

Currently, Cathy is an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. In recognition of Cathy’s incredible accomplishments, she is being honored with the Young Alumna Award.

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Jesse Mercer Stewards’ Bear Cup Event

T

he Atlanta campus spent one evening engaged in a little friendly competition amongst the Health Sciences schools and President Council members. A five sport tournament known as the Jesse Mercer Steward (JMS) Bear Cup was hosted by the Atlanta Campus’ Jesse Mercer Stewards. The Jesse Mercer Stewards, a multi-disciplinary group of Atlanta students, sponsor the Bear Cup as a part of their mission to bring unity to the diverse, non-traditional Atlanta Campus. With this mission in mind the students provided an opportunity for schools to come together and compete for the honor of their name to be engraved on the JMS Bear Cup trophy. The seven participating teams represented not only the Atlanta President’s Council and the Jesse Mercer Stewards, but also the PT, PA, Nursing, and Pharmacy programs! After several hours of sports, food, and lots of laughs, “Murses with Grace” a team representing the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing emerged as the Fall Bear Cup victors, with the “Full Physical” PA team giving them a run for their money! The next Bear Cup will bring with it some healthy competition as the Nursing program will again take on the other schools to defend their trophy. n

Murses with Grace Members: • Josh Griffin • Kendrick Anderson • Jonathan Demondreun

• TJ Tekesky • Grace Thorington • Christina Ceniza

College of Nursing names 2013 Jesse Mercer Stewards

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n recognition of Jesse Mercer’s enthusiastic belief in the power of education to change lives, commitment to the altruistic spirit of volunteerism and missionary work, dedication to building consensus and community, as well as advancing the ideals of stewardship, the Jesse Mercer Steward (JMS) program seeks to recognize students who embody the ideals of munificent giving. Two students from the Junior class and one student from the Senior class were selected because they have demonstrated a commitment to the ideals espoused by Jesse Mercer through their pursuit of academic excellence, conscientious and selfless devotion to meeting the needs of fellow human beings, and a willingness to embody the role of community builder through volunteerism. These students are Caris Bozeman from Flowery Branch, GA, Olivia Batista from Marietta, GA, and Kaycie Eubanks from Camilla, GA. Dean Streit stated, “These three students have indicated their willingness to give of their time for service to Mercer University and the greater Atlanta community.” Caris and Kaycie studied on the Mercer-Macon campus for their first two years of core coursework prior to entering the nursing program, while Olivia received her core science education at Kennesaw State University. “I have every reason to believe they will all represent nursing and the philosophy of the Jesse Mercer Steward program with the commitment and spirit expected of nursing students.”

The Jesse Mercer Stewards will be invited to attend special campus events as guests of the university and they will be expected to meet throughout the academic year to discuss and plan ways of building a greater sense of community on the Cecil B. Day Campus and Regional Academic Centers through the conceptualization/implementation of a community service project. They are also expected to continue the group project designed to meet an identified need of the greater Atlanta community which was begun by the inaugural group of Stewards, Camp Inspiration. In addition, they will endeavor to continue to develop and support in each other the altruistic beliefs and practices espoused and modeled by Jesse Mercer throughout his lifetime. n 17

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Pi Gamma News Pi Gamma is the College chapter for Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. The mission of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. Membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and to nurse leaders exhibiting exceptional achievements in nursing. If you are a graduate of the College of Nursing and you would like more information about joining as a nurse leader, please contact President Tammy Barbe at Barbe_TD@Mercer.edu or 678-547-6371.

The Pi Gamma Chapter at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing received notification from Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing regarding selection for a SEVENTH consecutive Chapter Key Award. This award will be presented to Chapter members at the 42nd Biennial Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in November. The convention will be attended by colleagues representing 30 countries. The Pi Gamma Chapter was recognized by the review committee for their exemplar scholarship and research contributions.

Pi Gamma New Member Tea Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.

Tea will be served in the Trustees Dining Room on the Cecil B. Day Campus, Atlanta, Georgia.

Pi Gamma New Member Induction Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.

The member induction will be held in the Trustees Dining Room on the Cecil B. Day Campus, Atlanta, Georgia.

Pi Gamma Spring Member Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 12:00 noon The spring member meeting will be conducted in room 137 in the College of Nursing Building.

Special Recognition to Three Preceptors (continued from page 6) Jenean A. Gardner Brooks, RN, BSN Ms. Jenean A. Gardner Brooks is an experienced professional registered nurse. Jenean received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia State University. She was a second degree student, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology at GSU before enrolling in the nursing program. Jenean currently works at DeKalb Medical Center as a telemetry nurse, earning Advance Cardiac Life Support certification. She coordinates care for patients experiencing cardiac pathology such as congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction. Ms. Brooks has worked with our leadership students during their capstone practicum. She has developed a rapport with both students and faculty. Through her mentorship students make the transition into professional practice. Faculty who work with Jenean find her to be supportive and enthusiastic about mentoring our students. The extra time and effort it takes to work one-on-one with a graduating senior is challenging. Her commitment to the profession of nursing and her personal sense of responsibility to share best practices with her mentees is greatly valued.

Anne Hysong, RN, MSN Ms. Hysong is a certified Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist. In her role as Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist at Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth, she has served as a preceptor for students in the practicum courses. Ms. Hysong received her BSN degree from Georgia Southern University and her MSN degree in Adult Health Nursing from Georgia State University. Ms. Hysong serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist (NACNS) and is the CoPresident of the Atlanta Area CNS group. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. She is also a certified ACLS Instructor. Ms. Hysong is an excellent role model for students and is committed to excellence in nursing practice and to the education of nursing leaders of the future.

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Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Bridging classroom and clinical learning through the use of simulation…

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o you remember learning to how to prepare medication in a syringe knowing you would later be administering your first injection to a patient? Or perhaps you remember opening a sterile kit for the first time and then having to pour sterile saline in a sterile cup without contaminating your sterile field. If you were to enter the college of nursing during this first month of classes, you would see, feel, and hear the buzz of excitement as our new and continuing students learn simple and advanced skills for the very first time. Long gone are the days of using a partner or best friend to start an IV, administer an injection, or insert a nasogastric tube. While using ‘real’ people in the lab works for some assessment skills, this method no longer meets the standards for teaching nursing students to perform invasive skills.

New technological innovations are transforming the way we teach nursing students. While nursing faculty of the past tried to ensure that nursing students were assigned to care for patients with common diseases or disorders, such as congestive heart failure or diabetes, now these experiences can be taught through controlled learning environments. Simulation is a teaching method used to provide innovative learning experiences and foster a comprehensive understanding of didactic content.

Simulation provides each student with the opportunity to be involved in patient care experiences, when the experience may not be readily available in the hospital or a designated community setting. Through simulation, students are able to refine assessment skills, query the patient about their history or symptoms, and incorporate clinical judgment and decision–making skills.

Most of all, students are allowed to ‘learn’ in a safe and controlled environment, which is orchestrated by carefully planned scenarios. It is an environment that promotes learning by allowing the student to critically analyze their actions and decisions. Faculty are able to enhance and improve education by immersing the student in a clinical situation which allows for evaluation of their delivery and management of patient care.

“Students must come prepared for their simulated experiences, just like they would for their hospital or community-based experiences,” states Professor Fran

Kamp, Learning Resource Center (LRC) Coordinator. “The learning lab is not a ‘pretend’ environment, since students are evaluated and often graded on all aspects of their performance. They even wear their clinical uniform for lab experiences.”

The type of technology involved in simulation includes both highfidelity and low fidelity equipment.

High fidelity simulation allows for a manikin response to the learner’s interventions. In contrast, low-fidelity technology does not allow for interaction between the mannequin and student. Offering high fidelity learning opportunities for student learning comes with a high cost, since each mannequin can cost as much as $65,000+. In order to remain competitive with other programs, the college must offer an education with supplements and enhances what is learned in the clinical environment. “Coordinated lab experiences augments the clinical learning within a hospital or clinic,” states Suzanne Applegate, clinical assistant professor and LRC facilitator. The college of nursing has made a concerted effort to enhance technology to support the needs of student learning. “Every dollar of support for the Learning Resource Center goes directly to advancing technology to support these important lab experiences,” stated Dean Streit.

If a friend or alum of the College is a supporter of technology, then this is an excellent investment to foster teaching and learning of future nurses. Alumni who wish to donate to this special need are encouraged to contact Dean Linda Streit at 678.547.6793 or notify Jenny McCurdy at 678.547.6453.

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PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT NO. 2281

3001 Mercer University Drive Atlanta, GA 30341-4115

At the 2013 Commencement Ceremony, 150 students earned bachelor’s and graduate degrees from Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. For many of them, this achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of alumni and friends of the college. Join us in fostering superior educational opportunities by considering a donation to our Annual Fund. Your gift is not a handout, but rather a HAND UP. Please consider how you can support these most deserving students and our future professionals!

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