SIUE School of Nursing Gems 2012

Spring 2012

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Dean’s Message

he School year seems to be flying by! It is now the end of March and the seniors are counting the weeks until graduation. The end of this academic year will be one filled Marcia C. Maurer with dismay for me as Ph.D, RN - Dean I cope with the reality SIUE School of Nursing of the retirement of Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs, Dr. Mary Mulcahy. To try and iterate the contributions, particularly in curriculum, that Dr. Mulcahy has made to the SIUE School of Nursing would be impossible and not do justice to her work. Let us just say that before the Carnegie Report on re-envisioning nursing education hit the bookshelves two years ago, the SIUE School of Nursing had already instituted reflective learning, a recommendation made in the report. Further, replacement of the sage on the stage and instituting student–centered learning was also in place in our School when the report was published. I had to keep asking myself, how did Mary anticipate these changes?

Nothing stays the same, and a new assistant dean will undoubtedly make more changes, but those changes will be built on a firm foundation. Thank you so much Mary

for all you have done for the School and for nursing education. We all wish you well in retirement and the opportunity to enjoy the many activities you like.

In student news, enrollment continues to grow and applications for both the Edwardsville and Carbondale regional prelicensure programs are robust. The DNP students survived the first semester and are now entrenched in their second round of courses. The projects emerging from this cohort of students are phenomenal.

This semester we are also piloting our first cohort of nurses in the SIUE School of Nursing Leadership Academy. This program, offered online by Dr. Roberta Harrison, assistant professor of nursing, and running January-April, is meant to educate the emerging nurse manager. Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Ill. is our partner in this endeavor. Each student will be prepared to present a project at the end of the program to be carried out at the institution.

The School of Nursing Building Re-design committee is hard at work imagining what the new Health Sciences Building will look like, the School of Nursing portion in particular. Over the next few years, our campus will be home to a number of cranes as buildings seem to be growing out of the ground.

Finally, we continue to miss one thing: our alumni! We would love for you to reconnect with your School to enjoy all of the changes that have been made and witness the progress as it happens. Plan now for the 50th anniversary celebration of the School of Nursing in October 2013. Let’s make it a reunion of alumni classes!

Sincerely,

Marcia C. Maurer, Ph.D, RN Dean, SIUE School of Nursing RWJF Executive Nurse Fellow – Alumna

Accreditation SIUE School of Nursing undergraduate and graduate programs received ten-year (2009 — 2019) full re-accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

SIUE School of Nursing received ten-year (2010 — 2020) full re-accreditation for the Nurse Anesthesia program from the Council on Accreditation on Nurse Anesthesia Educational program (COA).

Contents Page 2- Graduate Profile Page 3- Undergraduate Profile Page 4- ABS Student Profile

“As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves.

They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou

Page 5- SNA Happenings Page 6- New Faculty Page 7- Defining Excellence Page 8- Scholarship Walk Page 9- Calendar of Events

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SON Graduate Profile Terri Furfaro A Balanced Life

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ife. Mom. Student. Teacher. Scuba diver. Nurse. Terri Furfaro’s life is a balancing act, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. With the unwavering support of family and the SIUE School of Nursing faculty, Terri is relishing in her life as a nurse and is motivated to inspire healthier lifestyles.

Terri’s interest in nursing was sparked when her father-in-law fell ill with brain cancer.

Terri’s close work with Hospice nurses inspired her to pursue a nursing career. A year after her father-in-law passed away, Terri enrolled at SIUE. As a mother of three young boys, Terri initially registered for just one class. Five years later in 1995, she graduated from SIUE with a bachelor of science in nursing.

Terri Furfaro

Terri has been employed as a nurse with Gregory and Associates Dermatology in Swansea, Ill., for 17 years. She treats patients, performs cosmetic and surgical procedures and manages a small nursing staff.

During her tenure with Gregory and Associates Dermatology, Terri returned to SIUE two additional times. She received a master of science with a family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialization, and recently returned to be a member of the School of Nursing’s inaugural doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program. Terri is currently in her second semester of the program.

The DNP program is online, which is a change of pace for Terri. Nevertheless, she is adjusting to the schedule. “The program was challenging in the beginning,” Terri said. “Having been out of school for so long, it was difficult to get back into things. It has been well worth it. I am thoroughly enjoying myself.”

The highlight of Terri’s nursing career was a “heart-to-heart” experience with an individual who had been using tanning beds for over 20 years. Explaining the consequences of repeated exposure to artificial sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation led the patient to cancel her tanning salon membership and ultimately changed her life. “That was my highlight,” Terri said. “I actually made a difference in someone’s life.”

Terri is now using this experience as inspiration for her final project in the DNP program. Her project focuses on the ramifications of tanning beds, especially with teens. Terri wants to change the perception of tanning, aiming to make a difference in shaping healthier lifestyles.

In addition to work and school, Terri is also a part-time, online, clinical instructor with the SIUE School of Nursing. She spends her free time knitting, crocheting, reading and scuba diving. How does she find time for it all? She makes time.

“Time management is key,” Terri said. “If I’m not on schedule with work and school, I get overwhelmed. I take those hobbies away from myself.”

Terri admits that she has not done it all on her own. Her family, professors and faith have provided a solid foundation of support. Her father has motivated her to continue enhancing her education. Terri’s husband of 34 years, Sam, has provided tangible and emotional sustenance throughout her time in school, and she has received encouragement from her three sons, Sam, Danny and Matt.

At SIUE, Terri has the support of the faculty. Her mentor, Dr. Laura Bernaix, professor and chair of primary care and health systems nursing, not only chaired her thesis, but is on her doctoral committee, as well. “I felt she expected a lot from me, which was a good thing,” Terri explained. “I have a goal, which she helped instill in me, and she has pushed me to do well.”

“Terri gives nothing but 100 percent to everything she does and her devotion to her personal and professional goals is inspiring,” Dr. Bernaix said. “She is an asset to our School and to her practice. Her potential for leadership in her practice specialty, once she graduates with her DNP degree, will be significant.”

Terri expects to finish her DNP degree in May 2013. Upon completion, she plans to balance the clinical setting with academia, and possibly play a part in a national nursing organization. Wherever her career takes her, Terri is sure she will remain in dermatology. “I just adore it,” Terri explained. “I want to use this degree to make a difference. Nursing is a caring profession. It’s what we do.”

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SON Undergraduate Profile Stephany Williams A Dream Come True

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eing a nurse at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., was always a dream for senior nursing student Stephany Williams. During the summer of 2011, Stephany was able to walk into the prestigious Mayo Clinic as a student nurse, fulfilling an aspiration she developed as a child living in the small town of Roodhouse, Ill. “Nursing is the best profession for me,” Stephany said. “The externship at Mayo Clinic was a great opportunity and solidified my desire to work in a hospital setting, caring for my patients and being the person they looked to for help.”

Stephany Williams

Stephany was one of 100 student nurses selected to participate in the Mayo Clinic summer externship out of more than 1,000 applicants.

Throughout her 10-week externship, Stephany was assigned to the orthopedic, acute care surgical trauma unit, the unit she requested during the application process. “Most patients I saw were involved in serious vehicular accidents or had bone cancer,” Stephany said. “The patients dealt primarily with trauma to the arms, legs and spine, and received extreme surgeries that are typically not performed in most hospitals across the country.

“Mayo Clinic stresses education, as they are a teaching hospital. This externship gave me the opportunity to use the knowledge I have gained at SIUE and implement it into my daily work on the floor. The most important lesson I learned was how to organize and prioritize my patients, while working as a member of a team of doctors, residents and nurses to improve overall patient care.”

Sheri Compton-McBride, instructor and director of clinical acquisitions for the School of Nursing, emphasized Stephany’s determination for success in the nursing field. “Stephany is an amazing young woman with a quiet demeanor,” ComptonMcBride said. “She is willing to take risks so that she may be exposed to all that nursing has to offer. She has demonstrated her dedication to growth, both personally and professionally.”

Stephany explained that the externship allowed her to work closely and build relationships with a number of Mayo Clinic preceptors. “Everyone was so welcoming and excited for us students to be there. I was fortunate to learn so much from everyone, including the other student nurses from across the country.

“Get as much experience as you can,” Stephany recommended to all students. “It definitely pays off in the end and makes you a better nurse.”

Upon completion of the program, Stephany was offered a full-time position at Mayo Clinic in the orthopedic trauma unit effective after graduation in May 2012. “I am thrilled and honored to have been offered my dream job. I loved Minnesota and I loved working at Mayo Clinic. I am so excited about the future.”

Nurse Anesthesia Newsletter In January 2012, the nurse anesthesia program launched its first annual department newsletter. The goal of this publication is to highlight the experiences and accomplishments of our faculty and staff, as well as to maintain connections with our alumni. Check out the nurse anesthesia newsletter.

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SON ABS Student Profile

Connie Wagner A Delayed Path to Accelerated Success

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or some, the call to nursing comes early. For others, like Connie Wagner, it comes later in life. Connie is a recent graduate of the School of Nursing Post-Baccalaureate Accelerated Bachelor of Science (ABS) in Nursing degree program. She spent many years in the health care industry, felt the heat of the economy and suffered the passing of a loved one before following her call to nursing.

Connie Wagner

Connie grew up in Washington Park, Ill., a small community just outside of St. Louis. She earned a bachelor of science in medical technology and a master’s in gerontology, leading her to successful positions in medical technology, immunology flow cytometry and pharmaceutical research for more than 20 years. In January 2010, the financial crisis hit close to home, and Connie was laid off from her job, opening the door to the start of her nursing career.

From the beginning, Connie’s nursing philosophy was similar to the golden rule. She treats her patients as she would like someone to treat her family. In truth, the treatment care of her family was the inspiration for becoming a nurse. Connie’s mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and received extensive medical care at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Ill. “The nurses and people were wonderful,” Connie said. “Everyone deserves to be treated that way.”

Connie thought her mother was treated like the most important person in the world, which she really appreciated. As a result, she treats her patients the same way. “They really mean something to me,” she said.

Connie started in the ABS program in August 2010, finishing her degree in December 2011. “It’s stressful,” Connie said.

“What ABS students complete in 15 months is what most traditional students do in two-and-a-half years. To be honest, it’s well worth it.”

During her time in the ABS program, Connie worked hard. She acknowledged the nursing profession as one that does not accept the bare minimum. “Lives are at stake,” she said. “I studied hard not only for my grades, but for my future patients and their overall health care.”

Reflecting on her life, Connie said it has been like the stock market, up and down. However, her latest reinvention is a good one. “SIUE School of Nursing was the best thing that ever happened to me,” Connie said. “I wanted to get back into the health care industry, so it all came full circle.”

After graduation, Connie was chosen to be a part of SSM Health Care’s FUTURES Nursing Academy, a program where elite graduate nurses receive a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on instruction carefully planned to enrich and complement the nurse’s education. Currently, she is working at SSM DePaul Health Center St. Louis. on a telemetry unit.

Connie is enthusiastic about the experiences that await her. “Most people don’t get to go to work and create such an impact with other people,” she said. “I get to do it on a daily basis. I’m so lucky.”

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Student Nurses Association Happenings

The Pride of Five

• The SIUE Student Nurses Association (SNA) began the academic year with a “Rush Week” to promote SNA, recruit students for the organization and give students an opportunity to further interact with faculty.

• SNA turned the holiday season into a reason for giving. In November, they hosted a Thanksgiving potluck, which included a canned food drive. SNA’s annual holiday party in December focused on a Toys for Tots toy drive and the organization conducted a clothing drive shortly thereafter.

• SNA kicked off the spring semester with merchandise sales of t-shirts, sweatshirts, cozies and bags.

They provided breakfast items and pizza during mid-term week and hosted their second annual trivia night at the American Legion in Edwardsville.

• In April, officers of SNA will participate in the annual convention of the National Student Nurses Association in Pittsburgh. The convention not only teaches members how to enhance the local

organization and engage more students, but also gives them a chance to network and exchange ideas between SNA organizations across the country.

• A special “thank you” to SNA’s members for participating in community service activities,

relationship building and engaging interaction between nursing students year-round. SNA meets monthly throughout the school year.

• Current SNA officers: Maegan Bosler, President; Melissa Quaiver, Vice President; Dimi Joliff,

Secretary; Jackie Feldhake, Treasurer; Nick Bodi, Public Relations; Kelum Fecht, Member

Maegan Bosler, Recruitment; Kelsie Biagi, Sophomore Representative; Matt Schaufler, Activity Coordinator SNA President

Community Nursing Services Update

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he SIUE Community Nursing Services (CNS) continues its commitment to improving the health of St. Clair County and its residents. Kathi Thimsen, family health and community health nursing instructor and CNS director, proudly shares the following updates: • The CNS clinical practice continues to grow with the addition of a nurse practitioner, Patty Kelly. Kelly provides physicals and health condition services to established patients in the pediatric and adult population.

• CNS was awarded the 2011–2012 State of Illinois Hearing and Vision Grant for Southern Illinois allowing Claire Dalal, registered nurse, to perform screenings at day care centers and Head Start programs across Renate Jeddahlyn Depuno, senior nursing student, records blood pressure readings during the East St. Louis Health Fair.

Southern Illinois.

An asthma program was initiated to decrease urgent or emergent care visits for asthma related conditions. This

program is offered through one-on-one visits and as a partnership with East Side Health District’s lead program.

Additionally, in collaboration with Dr. Rhonda Comrie, associate professor of primary care and health systems nursing, the program is serving as a pilot for the State of Illinois Department of Public Health’s lead program.

Under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Nathalie Williams, assistant professor of family health and community health nursing, and her community partner, Diane Sonneman, director of the Griffin Center, public health students developed a Baby and Mom University for the DeShield Housing Development.

CNS will kick off a Caregiver Education and Training Program in Spring 2012, a program that provides training in the basics of caregiving to homebound persons. The goal of the program is to reduce urgent and emergent care visits, as well as hospitalization and institutional placement.

The Green Partnership, a group of residents and organizations engaging in community building through healthy living initiatives and community gardening opportunities, officially became a 501c3 not-for-profit.

Community partnerships are growing, and the expansion and development of city-wide gardening is abloom.

The 3rd annual Health Fair will take place at the SIUE East St. Louis Center on April 17, 2012 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Health screenings, community resource sharing, raffles and health information will be available for community members. For more information on CNS and its programs, please contact Kathi Thimsen at (618) 482-6939 or kthimse@siue.edu.

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New Faculty

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he SIUE School of Nursing is growing. We would like to announce and welcome our new faculty members. These distinguished individuals come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wealth of experience and expertise which will enrich and strengthen our nursing program.

Department of Family Health and Community Health Care Nursing

Department of Primary Care and Health Systems Nursing

Elizabeth Eversmann Terri Furfaro Lisa Green Sandra Hanshaw Osvaldo (Ozzie) Hunter Jean LaFollette Susan McClain Debbie Miller Peggy Partin Mary (Kathy) Shelton Karen Stark Jody VanKleef

Karla Arnotti Faith Elliott Megan Hamilton Elise Harmon Ruth Holley Annie Kennedy Caitlin Waldo

Dr. Mary Mulcahy Retiring

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r. Mary Mulcahy, assistant dean for undergraduate programs, will be retiring at the end of the 20112012 school year. A long-standing faculty member and administrator with the SIUE School of Nursing, Dr. Mulcahy left her mark on the profession and the School and will be greatly missed.

Dr. Mulcahy, a registered nurse for 49 years, retires from SIUE with 13 years of service with the School of Nursing. When asked about her experiences at the School, Dr. Mulcahy said the SIUE School of Nursing allowed her to do what she loved with individuals she greatly respects. “The assignments I have been involved with at SIUE have given me the opportunity to do the three things I find most satisfying – professional nursing, curriculum development and teaching,” she said. “I have a special appreciation for the staff in the School of Nursing. Everyone makes major contributions to assist the students and to give them a positive and enlightening educational experience.”

We wish you well, Dr. Mulcahy!

Dr. Mary Mulcahy

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Dr. Karen Kelly Elected INA President

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r. Karen Kelly, associate professor of primary care and health systems nursing, was elected president of the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) at the 81st Biennial Convention in East Peoria, Ill. More than 400 nurses attended the meeting which INA jointly hosted with the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing.

Karen, who earned a doctorate degree in instructional processes and adult learning and a master’s in psychiatric nursing, as well as a BSN, all from SIUE, joined INA in 1972 after receiving an Illinois nursing license. Previously, she served the INA as a director-at-large and first and second vice president, and has been a member of the INA Commission on Continuing Education. She also has served as a peer reviewer for the INA continuing education program since 1982 and as a delegate to the American Nurses Association’s House of Delegates.

At SIUE, Karen teaches health policy and nursing administration. Before coming to SIUE, she taught in several schools in the St. Louis area, spending 17 years in administrative and consulting positions. Karen also was a staff nurse in OB-GYN and in behavioral health.

Dr. Karen Kelly

Karen’s goals during her two-year term as president include expanding membership to the organization, making INA more visible to nurses in Illinois and promoting legislation that move nurses forward into bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Congratulations, Karen, on your new role, and thank you for your contributions to the profession!

Defining Excellence in the School of Nursing

Message from Angie

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n behalf of the SIUE School of Nursing administration, staff and students, I would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to our alumni and friends who have given to the School of Nursing. Your gifts have come in many shapes and sizes, all of which support future nurses.

Contributions of scholarship funds, services and other important resources make you our partner in filling the critical needs of nursing students today. I have heard from so many of you that the decision to give was because someone did the same for you when you were a nursing student.

Others have shared that they were fortunate to have the financial support needed to get through school, but their desire to help is still there. After all, the nursing profession is primarily about helping others, and we are appreciative for your assistance.

I have had the privilege of serving as the School of Nursing’s director of development for almost five years. In that time, I have learned that the nursing profession has more depth and breadth than I could have ever imagined. I have had an opportunity to meet numerous nursing alumni, Angie Peters but certainly have a great deal more yet to meet. Thus far, no two nursing alumni that I have met have followed the same path; everyone has a different story to tell about his or her nursing journey. If I have not heard yours to date, I invite you to share it with me. Feel free to contact me at angpete@siue.edu or 618-650-3906.

Thank you for your continued support.

Angie Peters Director of Development

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Scholarship Walk Mark your calendars for the 6th Annual School of Nursing Scholarship Walk. Join us for a one-mile walk or 5K run along our beautiful campus pathways. Visit with current students, alumni, faculty and hospital and health care representatives, and tour our Simulated Learning Center. All proceeds benefit School of Nursing scholarships. Learn more about the Scholarship Walk.

6th Annual Alumni Heritage Scholarship Walk/5k Run September 22, 2012 9:00 a.m.

Alumni Hall, SIUE campus

Dr. Jacquelyn M. Clement Scholarship in Nursing Dr. Jacquelyn Clement was an integral part of the SIUE School of Nursing faculty and administration for more than 30 years. When she retired in 2010 an idea was born to honor her legacy with a named scholarship.

The Dr. Jacquelyn M. Clement Scholarship for Nursing was formally established in 2011 by Steve and Jacquelyn Clement. Due to the generosity of Steve, Jacquelyn and some of their good friends, this endowed scholarship is the largest award to be housed in the School of Nursing.

Dr. Jacquelyn M. Clement

Save the Date!

50th Anniversary (1963–2013) The School of Nursing will celebrate its 50th Anniversary as a part of SIUE in 2013. We will host a grand celebration on October 5, 2013, during the Jewels of Nursing Excellence Gala at the Hilton Garden Inn in Shiloh, Ill. Please save the date and plan to join us!

*The School of Nursing is preparing a few surprises for the 50th Anniversary celebration. We would appreciate you loaning us photos from your time in the SIUE School of Nursing, along with your nursing caps, pins, uniforms, etc. Please contact Angie Peters at 618-6503906 or angpete@siue.edu if you have items you would like to loan.

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Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 4678 Edwardsville, IL

Alumni Hall, Room 2117 Edwardsville, IL 62026-1066

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excellence life-long excellence life curiosity curiosity excellence curiosity life-long excellence curiosity Upcoming Events

2012 Dates to Remember

Marcia C. Maurer, Ph.D., RN Dean mamaure@siue.edu

School of Nursing Convocation May 4, 2012 Spring Commencement May 4, 2012 Scholarship Walk September 22, 2012 Dedication to the Profession September 23, 2012 SON Gala & 50th Anniversary Celebration October 5, 2013

Anne Perry, Ed.D., RN, FAAN Assoc. Dean Academic Programs saperry@siue.edu

Please contact Angie Peters, angpete@siue.edu, or Kris Heather, kheathe@siue.edu for more information about these events.

Contact the SON

Kathy Ketchum, Ph.D., RN Asst. Dean Graduate Programs kketchu@siue.edu Mary Mulcahy, Ed.D., RN Asst. Dean, Undergraduate & Alternative Programs mmulcah@siue.edu Susan Winters, Ph.D., RN SIUE Regional Nursing Program Director suwinte@siue.edu Angie Peters Director of Development angpete@siue.edu

School of Nursing Advisory Board Members Michele E. Brown (MS ’90) Jennefer Gelbaugh Delkus (BS ’93) Senda Guertzgen (BS ’67, MS ’90) Mary Jo Guinn (BS ’99) Rachel Holtgrave (BS ’11) Maxine Johnson (BS ’69)

Karen Kelly (BS ’72, MS ’77) Karen Mayes (BS ’79, MS ’91) Carrie Neville (BS ’10) Tom Oreskovich (BS ’85) Barb Wagner (BS ’66) Mary Anne Wehrle (BS ’66) President

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