HEALTHCARE
EDUCATION in action
A Publication of the Healthcare Programs at Ramapo College ISSUE 3: FALL 2019
SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN CUBA
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ine students and two faculty members from Ramapo College’s Master of Social Work Program traveled to Cuba this spring to learn first-hand about the history of social work and the role that social workers play in the multidisciplinary healthcare delivery system in the island nation. The trip was funded in part by a Ramapo Foundation Allocation Grant.
and had an opportunity to reflect on issues of cultural competence, as well as make comparisons of healthcare in Cuba and in the United States. Many students came home with a real sense of humility and gratefulness for all we have here in the U.S.”
“This was an incredibly meaningful experience for our students, one that will no doubt shape their approach to the profession,” said Dolly Sacristan, assistant professor of social work, who organized the eight-day trip along with Ann Marie Moreno, director of the Master of Social Work Program.
“As my study abroad experience unfolded, I could feel my feelings about Cuba and its people changing,” said Danielle. “Witnessing the impact of the American trade embargo through the weakened infrastructure, limited hospital technology, food rationing and resource conservation made me see Cuban people as human spirits who were collateral damage in a political war.”
Students attended lectures led by community social workers, local representatives and social security ministries. They also visited a community-based health center, an older adult day care program, a maternal health hospital, the National Center for Sex Education, the Center for Psychological and Sociological Research of Havana and Las Terrazas, a community and nature preserve. During these visits, healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, psychologists, sociologists, health educators and social workers made presentations about the healthcare and social work practices in Cuba, highlighting a community-based model of disease prevention and well care. “Our students were exposed to patient care, which included medical and psychological assessments,” said Sacristan. “They were required to complete daily journal entries and debrief during daily meetings, during which the group engaged in discussions about what they experienced
MSW student Danielle Carr ’20 said she returned home with a very different perspective of Cuba.
Fellow student Leah Turner ’20 agreed. “To be able to see how others live so differently has humbled me and really made me think about how privileged we are here in the United States,” Leah said. “Although I have learned a great deal about the vulnerable populations in my studies and through my internship, going to Cuba taught me so much more.” In addition to the academic-based program, the students also enjoyed excursions to get a sense of local flavor, including arts and crafts, cooking, music and dancing. “This experience was a wonderful opportunity for them to grow and self-reflect, and be immersed in a totally different culture,” Sacristan added. To learn more about Ramapo College’s Master of Social Work program, please visit www.ramapo.edu/sshs/msw
CERTIFICATE IN SPANISH FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS WILL ENHANCE LEVEL OF CARE
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tudents in healthcare, psychology and social work will be able to better serve their Spanish-speaking patients and clients, thanks to Ramapo College’s new Certificate in Spanish for Healthcare and Human Services professionals. Associate Professor of Spanish Natalia Santamaria Laorden recently received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to develop four new courses for the certificate. “Thanks to the grant from the Department of Education, we have been able to enhance the certificate both internationally, with a new study abroad program in Peru in community medicine, and locally, with student internships in the Adler Aphasia Center, Maywood, N.J. In both courses, student language skills and cultural competences are key to engage with the community and develop new projects like the translation of information leaflets into Spanish,” said Santamaria Laorden. The College also kicked off an annual symposium for bilingual practitioners. The first symposium titled “Sharing Teaching Practices on Addressing the Spanish Speaking Population” was held on March 29 and featured a number of panel discussions and workshops. Keynote speakers were Mecca Sykes-Santana, chief diversity officer with Westchester Center Health Network, and Norma Cuellar, president of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.
(L-R): Susan Hangen, dean of the School of Humanities and Global Studies; Mecca Sykes-Santana, chief diversity officer with Westchester Center Health Network; and Natalia Santamaria Laorden, director for the Spanish Certificate in Healthcare and Human Services at Ramapo College
“The symposium on diversity in healthcare and human services, also supported by the USFL grant, was key to making our certificate visible and attracting the community to our students with bilingual profiles,” added Santamaria Laorden. Panelists included Dr. Mark W. Meyer, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Barbara Warren, director for LGBT health services at Mount Sinai Beth Israel; Priscila Freire, clinical social worker and professor, Loyola University; Natalia Santamaria Laorden, director for the Spanish Certificate in Healthcare and Human Services at Ramapo College; Dana Pilla, program co-director of the Internal Certificate in Spanish for the Health Professions at Rutgers University; and Luis Marentes, advisor of Spanish and Healthcare Certificate at the University of Massachusetts. The highlight of the day was a student showcase where students performed instances of bilingual miscommunication. The $154,794 grant was awarded through the Department of Education’s Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program. For more information about the Spanish for Healthcare and Human Services Certificate, interested learners should visit www.ramapo.edu/hgs/certificates
NURSING STUDENTS GAIN ADVANTAGE THROUGH CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
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hrough a program coordinated between Ramapo College faculty and nursing administration at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center (SJHMC), students are getting a real-feel for clinical shifts on patient floors in the Paterson hospital. The 12-hour shifts are what they will often experience in their future positions as staff nurses. In the Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) – at SJHMC, it’s in two surgical orthopedics units – students work with staff nurses to gain experience in all that is required during a regular shift, from 7 a.m. check-in, reviewing patient charts, administering medications and assessing patient care. “Students are held to the same standards as the nurses,” said Tracy Amato, Ramapo’s faculty on site at St. Joseph’s who oversees the DEU. “There is no saying ‘I’m just a student’ especially when it comes to continuity of care. This ensures that they are fully prepared when they begin their careers.”
Students also experience interacting with physicians, patients’ family members, and completing end-of-day reports at 7 p.m. to prepare the night shift staff. “This experience is invaluable for these students,” said Kathleen Burke, assistant dean of nursing at Ramapo College. “They are learning firsthand real patient care under the supervision of experienced nurses, and this cannot be taught in the classroom. The students are tired at the end of a shift but they’re getting real-life experience and a head start when the time comes to look for a job.” The experience does make a difference. Each spring, SJHMC holds an event through the Human Resources Department for students who may be interested in employment at the hospital, with the ultimate goal of placing students who have undergone initial DEU training and experience. “They are really the top candidates. Their clinical experience has usually made them more comfortable and more familiar with procedures and what is expected of them as nursing professionals,” Amato said. “They are eager to learn as much as possible and it pays off because we look forward to hiring them.” There are Ramapo College students participating in a similar program in a dedicated unit at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. For more information about Nursing Programs at Ramapo College, please visit www.ramapo.edu/nursing
SOCIAL WORK CAREER FAIR Ten employers participated in our Social Work Career Fair and 30 students attended.
Perliza D. Emde carried the Master’s Programs gonfalon in the traditional Arching celebration accompanied by Donna Cill, nursing track coordinator. Perliza, a registered nurse in both New Jersey and New York, received her Master’s in Family Nurse Practice (FNP) as part of the inaugural FNP graduating class. Perliza was instrumental in getting the College’s FNP program accredited.
Eighty-eight (88) pre-licensure students, 27 RN/BSN, and 26 MSNs received a pin at the Nurses Pinning Ceremony in May 2019.
SIGMA THETA TAU INTERNATIONAL NURSING HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION - May 1, 2019
Twenty-eight (28) BSN students and eight MSN inductees were inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the Nursing Honor Society. Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. Founded in 1922, STTI has 130,000 members in 86 countries. Membership to STTI is by invitation only, with strict academic requirements having to be satisfied.
NURSING PROFESSOR ELAINE PATTERSON NAMED RECIPIENT OF FULBRIGHT AWARD, FACULTY HONOR
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amapo College Professor of Nursing G. Elaine Patterson is the recipient of a Fulbright award and will be spending a year in Ghana, where she will teach and conduct research in maternal/child healthcare. She also received the 2019 Fred and Florence Thomases Faculty Award, given annually to a Ramapo faculty member who demonstrates significant and ongoing contributions to the College. “I am honored to receive these awards,” said Patterson. “As nurses, we have a responsibility to the world to share what we know, share what we have. My motto is, ‘We can improve the world health through education.’ If you care for women and children, you are caring for the world.” Established in 1975 by Ramapo’s founding trustee Florence Thomases and her husband Fred, the prestigious award recognizes excellence in teaching, scholarship and contributions to the Ramapo community. Kathleen Burke, assistant dean of nursing, was among Patterson’s colleagues who nominated her for this year’s Thomases Award.
Provost Stefan Becker (left) presents G. Elaine Patterson with the 2019 Fred and Florence Thomases Faculty
Award, as dean of the School of Theoretical and Applied Science Edward Saiff and assistant dean of Nursing “Elaine was one of the first faculty members Kathleen Burke lend their congratulations. to come to Ramapo when the Joint Program [previously staffed by UMDNJ nursing faculty] was established in 1993. She has made an indelible impact on the faculty, students and graduates of all of our programs,” said Burke. “She epitomizes the role of the academic nursing educator, through her scholarship, mentoring, cajoling and teaching. Her constant engagement in the support of nursing excellence exemplifies her beliefs in nursing and nursing education. We are so lucky to have Elaine as a colleague.”
Edward Saiff, dean of the School of Theoretical and Applied Science, said, “Elaine is a senior member of our nursing program. She demonstrates excellence in the classroom, as a scholar and as a contributor to our governance system. She happily mentors new faculty and has helped develop study abroad programs in Sierra Leone and Ghana in Africa.” Patterson earned her BSN from Jersey City State College, and master’s degrees from New York University and Teachers College of Columbia University, where she also earned her Doctor of Education. She received certification in Midwifery from the University of the West Indies and Family Nurse Practitioner from Long Island University. For more information about Ramapo College’s undergraduate and graduate Nursing Programs, please visit www.ramapo.edu/nursing
MSW SUCCESS STORY GRACE BARKHO “Working at CarePlus NJ has given me a rich experience and inspired me to pursue my MSW. Ramapo College has provided me with small class sizes, experienced faculty and a priceless education. I feel that I have gained the educational and experiential foundation I need in order to further my career and to ‘be the change.’ My internship placement this year is through CarePlus NJ School-Based Services, and Ramapo has provided me a valuable connection.” Grace Barkho ’19 is entering her second year of the Master of Social Work program at Ramapo College. She is currently working as a program assistant in Visitation Services as well as working at Adoption House for CarePlus NJ, a non-profit organization. As a program assistant, Grace monitors interactions between foster children and their biological parents to facilitate permanency planning for the children, documents interactions and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings with service providers and team members. Grace plans on becoming a licensed social worker in the field of children and family services. At Ramapo, Grace has maintained a 4.0 GPA in the MSW Program, is the graduate assistant for the Social Work Learning Lab and is a recipient of the Roukema Center for International Education (RCIE) Study Abroad Scholarship. Grace was a participant in the Ramapo College – Portugal: Addressing Substance Use Disorders (MSW) Symposium in spring 2019. She received her undergraduate education from William Paterson University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in health studies.
MSW SUCCESS STORY DANIELLE LISOWSKI “Being a part of Ramapo’s Master of Social Work program has opened so many doors for me. Joining the MSW program has been a great experience and the relationships that I have built with professors as well as fellow students will be something that I will always cherish. Studying abroad as part of the MSW program also was a great experience. It is something that I felt helped me grow as a person, in turn allowing me to become a better social worker.” Danielle Lisowski ’14, ’17 completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in substance abuse and earned her Master of Social Work at Ramapo College. While an undergraduate, Danielle made the Dean’s List. She attended the “Ghana: Social Work in West Africa” study abroad program in May 2016.
PHI ALPHA SOCIAL WORK HONOR SOCIETY - May 1, 2019
The 2019 Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society class of inductees from Ramapo’s BSW and MSW programs is pictured with their faculty advisors, Assistant Professor of Social Work Dolly Sacristan and Associate Professor of Social Work John McTighe. The induction ceremony and dinner was held on May 1, 2019.
NURSING CAREER FAIR – Spring 2019 Employers from Atlantic Health Systems, Daughters of Miriam Center, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Preferred Home Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health, University Hospital, Valley Health Systems and Vital Care Support participated in the Nursing Career Fair held at Ramapo College. More than 77 nursing students attended. The feedback was so positive that Ramapo’s Cahill Career Development Center has already scheduled its 2020 Nursing Career Fair for February 27, 2020.
NURSING PROFESSOR CHOSEN FOR PRESTIGIOUS ASSOCIATION BOOTCAMP
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amapo College Nursing Assistant Professor Anne Marie Flatekval was selected by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) to participate in the 2019 AACN-Apple Digital Innovation Bootcamp: From Content to Action, which was held in June in Austin, Texas. Flatekval was one of only 35 nursing faculty nationwide chosen for the program. “It is a very selective process to be included,” said Kathleen Burke, assistant dean of nursing at Ramapo College. “Anne Marie is interested in student support and technology use in such support. She is presently managing a Student Success Project, where students at risk are mentored and involved in tutoring sessions. She is interested in taking this to a next step and possibly integrating technology in the process. In this bootcamp, she worked with techies and faculty from across the country to look at the latest technology and how it is being used/or can be used.” In keeping with the association’s strategic goal to serve as the driving force for innovation and excellence in academic nursing, AACN launched this initiative to provide new opportunities for nursing faculty to leverage the latest technology to enhance learning in the classroom, laboratory, online and clinical settings. Those invited to participate in this highly interactive event enjoyed sessions on preparing digital content, developing iOS mobile apps and multi-touch books, and creating an engaging learning environment. Nursing Assistant Professor Anne Marie Flatekval Program participants come from 21 states plus the District of Columbia and represent an array of institution types, including small liberal arts programs, public and private schools and large academic health centers. Those who attended will share details about their individual projects produced as part of this immersion experience at an upcoming AACN conference. For more information about Nursing Programs at Ramapo College, visit www.ramapo.edu/nursing
WHY RAMAPO? We offer passionate and experienced faculty who have real-world nursing experience, (L-R): Maureen Liberth, MSN, RNC-OB, EFM nursing education specialist at Holy Name Hospital; Donna Flynn, assistant professor of nursing; and Andrea Centrella-Nigro, associate professor of nursing
NURSING PROFESSIONALS MEET FOR EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AND RESEARCH CONFERENCE – March 2019
who love and are committed to developing their students into confident, highly sought after nursing professionals.
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ursing professionals from the area’s hospitals and medical centers attended a conference in March at Ramapo College. The focus of the conference was “Current Topics in EvidenceBased Practice (EBP) and Research.” The Northern New Jersey EBP/Research Consortium was formed by six local hospitals and medical centers, all of whom are members of the N.J. Council of Magnet Organizations. In all, more than 50 nursing professionals attended. “This type of collegiality is vital for nursing practice across the state of New Jersey,” said Kathleen Burke, assistant dean of the Nursing Program at Ramapo, adding that presentations included EBP projects conducted over the past year. Topics addressed research findings in patient care in geriatrics, behavioral health, neonatal care, obstetrics and on-site safety in medical-surgical units, among others. Consortium members participating were Englewood Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, Holy Name Medical Center, Jersey City Medical Center, Ramapo College of New Jersey, St. Joseph’s Healthcare System and The Valley Hospital.
Our program is rich in resources. Our long-standing partnership with Valley Hospital is a source of pride.
MSN SUCCESS STORY DEBI NICKLES “I chose Ramapo College for my Master of Science in Nursing because I wanted a program that was not 100 percent online. Returning to school as an adult learner, I was interested in the blended learning format that Ramapo College offered in several of the courses in the MSN program. In the fall of 2011, I was fortunate to return as an instructor in the Nursing Lab and Simulation. I truly enjoy playing a role in students achieving their learning outcomes, and I am honored to be a member of nursing faculty who consistently demonstrate excellence in teaching. As a simulation instructor I am able to utilize an innovative teaching strategy that facilitates students’ critical thinking and decision-making in a safe, non-threatening environment to ultimately improve patient outcomes.” Debi Nickles ‘11 is the Simulation Coordinator in the Nursing programs and first joined Ramapo in 2011. Debi received her RN diploma and AAS from Muhlenberg Hospital in 1983; a BA in Health Care Management from Ottawa University and transitioned the BA to a BSN, followed by an MSN in Nursing Education at Ramapo College. In 2017, Debi received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
Our program includes approaches to nursing as a global, interdisciplinary field.
The Adler Center for Nursing Excellence provides a brand new, state-of-the-art 36,000 sq. ft. facility including a simulation lab.
MSN SUCCESS STORY PERLIZA D. EMDE ’19 “Ramapo College has been instrumental in my professional journey giving me a strong foundation in attaining my FNP master’s degree…I was offered a job at every clinical location while doing my rotation for the FNP program at Ramapo. St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J., has already offered me an APN position in a cardiac specialty unit that I have accepted.” Perliza D. Emde ’19 earned her Master of Science in nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner track at Ramapo College, some 20 years after earning her BSN from Las Pinas College of Nursing in the Philippines. She was most recently a critical care nurse at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center. She holds numerous healthcare certifications and is a proud member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.
We believe in flexible scheduling because most of our students are working full-time while earning their degree. Courses start in winter, spring, summer and fall.
Healthcare Programs at Ramapo College
YOUR FUTURE MATTERS
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he future of healthcare is ever-changing and constantly innovating to improve the lives of individuals and society as a whole. Become an advanced professional in either nursing or social work and lead the charge in how we serve those in need. Ramapo’s cutting-edge facilities, partnerships with hospitals and other community organizations and dedicated faculty ensure that students receive the support and resources necessary to succeed in these increasingly complex and important fields.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS MAJORS
MINORS
Biochemistry
Contemplative Studies
Bioinformatics
Food Studies
Biology
Neuroscience
Chemistry
Substance Abuse
Clinical Lab Science
Gerontology
Integrated Science Studies
AS/BSW-Bergen County Community College, Sussex County Community College, County College of Morris
Medical Imaging Science
RN/BSN-County College of Morris, Bergen County Community College, Rockland County Community College, Passaic County Community College, Sussex County Community College, Hudson County Community College
Nursing-BSN Nursing-RN/BSN Social Work-BSW Psychology
Certificate Program-Spanish for Healthcare and Human Services Professionals
JOINT PROGRAMS/ARTICULATIONS
Learn More ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, September 22 | Saturday, October 12 Sunday, October 27 9:30 a.m. | The Bradley Center
www.ramapo.edu/visit
Chiropractic B.S./Doctor of Chiropractic with New York Chiropractic College Dentistry B.S./Doctor of Dental Medicine with Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Dental Medicine Early Acceptance Program with Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM) Medical College Early Acceptance Program with Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM) Optometry B.S./Doctor of Optometry with SUNY State College of Optometry Pharmacy B.S./Doctor of Pharmacy with Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP) Physical Therapy B.S./Doctor of Physical Therapy with Rutgers School of Health-Related Professions Podiatric Medicine B.S./Doctor of Podiatric Medicine with New York College of Podiatric Medicine
GRADUATE HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING NURSING EDUCATION (MSN-ED)
33 CREDIT PROGRAM
HYBRID LEARNING
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER (MSN-FNP)
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING NURSING ADMINISTRATION (MSN-NA)
FLEX PT 2-YEARS
34 CREDIT PROGRAM
HYBRID LEARNING
FLEX 2-YEARS
49 CREDIT PROGRAM
HYBRID LEARNING
FLEX PT 3-YEARS
CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY: Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) certification of the NLN
CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY: Advanced Nurse Administrator (NEA-BC) certification of the ANCC
CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY: FNP Certification of the AANPCP
For more information, visit www.ramapo.edu/msn
For more information, visit www.ramapo.edu/msn
For more information, visit www.ramapo.edu/msn
Master of Social Work (MSW): Advanced Standing, Full time, Part time MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK ADVANCED STANDING (MSW-ADV)
32 CREDIT PROGRAM
IN SEAT LEARNING
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW FLEX 2-4 yr)
COHORT 1-YEAR
64 CREDIT PROGRAM
IN SEAT LEARNING
Learn More GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE DATES:
FLEX 2-4 YEARS
CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY: ASWB licensing examination for the LSW in NJ and LMSW in NY, and License in Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counseling (LCADC) in the State of NJ upon completion of certain course options
CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY: ASWB licensing examination for the LSW in NJ and LMSW in NY, and License in Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counseling (LCADC) in the State of NJ upon completion of certain course options
For more information, visit www.ramapo.edu/msw
For more information, visit www.ramapo.edu/msw
Wednesday, November 13, 2019 5:30 p.m. | The Trustees Pavilion Wednesday, March 11, 2020 5:30 p.m. | The Trustees Pavilion
www.ramapo.edu/visit
For application deadlines for graduate programs, visit ramapo.edu/graduate or call 201.684.7270. 505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ