April/May 2022 Newsletter

National Nurses Day is held annually on May 6 which marks the beginning of National Nurses Week. The day is to recognize the contribution nurses make to our world and to provide thanks. National Nurses week ends on May 12th which is the birthday of the original founder of modern nursing Florence Nightingale.

Florence Nightingale was born on May 12, 1820, and during the Crimean War between Russia as well as Britain, she worked as a nurse manager and trainer. She organized the care center for injured troops in Constantinople during the Crimean War. Besides facing Russian forces, she and her team of 38 nurses looked after British soldiers who were struggling with poor sanitation.

Nursing gained a positive reputation as a result of her efforts and services. She received the title, "The Lady with the Lamp," as she used to visit injured troops at night and became an icon of Victorian society.

With over 3 million working nurses in the US today, nurses make up the highest percentage of the US healthcare workforce. They walk an average of 5 kilometers per shift, as caring for others’ health is such an active job!

If you think nurses are only found in hospitals, then think again! The majority of registered nurses (59%) practice elsewhere, such as in a nursing home or on home visits. They work across communities to keep people worldwide happy and healthy, and National Nurses Day is the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for their important work!

Appreciative Reflection of the Day

NERBURN

“Something precious is lost if we rush headlong into the details of life without pausing for a moment to pay homage to the mystery of life and the gift of another day.”

Faculty Spotlight

Fain, J. A. (2022). Continuous glucose monitoring: The basics. American Nurse, 17(5), 6-10. https:// www.myamericannurse.com/cgm-continuous-glucose-monitoring/

Dr. Donna Perry and Dr. Nancy Morris were Visiting Scholars at Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing 4/25/22 where they presented "Expanding horizons in a Nursing PhD Program through pedagogy guided by the philosophy of Bernard Lonergan."

Dr. Nancy Morris participated in the 2022 Virtual New England Regional Nurse Practitioner conference, "Pharmacologic management of Type 2 Diabetes – What to use when?" on 5/6/2022

Congratulations Dr. Alex Menard, Assistant Professor. He graduated from the Junior Faculty Development Program. The intensive Junior Faculty Development Program is designed to accelerate participants’ academic and professional development, comprising a nine-month curriculum with individual projects conducted under the guidance of senior faculty mentors. https://bit.ly/3t1zWcc

Dr. Shari Harding, assistant professor of nursing and psychiatry and Dr. Jordan Bishop, member of the Faculty of Science, Department of Ecology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. Published their article in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners entitled “The Gut Microbiome, Mental Health, and Cognitive and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Scoping Review”. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3wMbgGW

Faculty Spotlight

Multiple faculty members presented at the recent annual MCNP conference in May. Dr. Susan Feeney, Assistant Professor was a member of the educational committee that designed and developed the two-day program.

• Mastering the Preceptor Role: Barriers, Benefits & Best Practices - Dr. Susan Feeney and Dr. Patricia White

• Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacology Management of Anxiety Disorders - Focus on Children & Adolescents – Dr. Shari Harding

• Pharmacologic Management of Type 2 Diabetes - What to Use When - Dr. Nancy Morris

• Chest Pain Consideration for Outpatient Providers - Dr. Ben Woodard

• Urgent GI Diagnoses to Keep on Your Radar - Dr. Ben Woodard

On Sunday, April 24, 2022 at The Iota Phi-at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society 34th Induction Ceremony Beth Keating, Assistant Professor, was honored with the Marsha Williams Memorial Leadership Award for her service to the Iota Phi-at Large Chapter and as a STTI Student Counselor.

Dr. Rose Kronziah-Seme and Dr. Akwasi Duah attended the ALANAA Dinner at the chancellor house.

Faculty Spotlight

Nomination written by Leah McKinnon Howe

The Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes nurse practitioners that have made significant lifetime contributions to nurse practitioner practice on a state (Massachusetts), national or international level.

This year's award winner has dedicated the past 45 years to nurse practitioner education, clinical excellence in the areas of frail elder care, ethics, and patient advocacy through active involvement in advancing Health policy.

Dr. Patricia White clearly meets the criteria for this award as she has served as a leader in the nurse practitioner movement throughout her career. Dr. White received her BS and MS degrees at Boston College and obtained a PhD in Nursing from the University of RI in 2007.

Dr. Susan Jo Roberts, Dr. Joyce Pulcini, and Patricia Rismiller shared several reflections in support of Dr. White’s nomination and award.

She was an early nurse practitioner who originally worked in areas that were new, where there were no guidelines or definitions. Over her career she has assisted in the development of who nurse practitioners are, how they contribute to the health care workforce and the best ways to educate nurse practitioners to be most effective.

Pat’s greatest area of achievement has been in the development of nurse practitioner education as a faculty member. She has educated large numbers of NP students during her 30 year career as an educator. And is a supportive mentor to students, requiring and assisting them to become their best.

She has been involved in the development of standards for education of nurse practitioners at the state and national level throughout her career.

Dr. Patricia Rismiller, a faculty colleague for many years at Simmons University, enjoyed a strong collaborative relationship with Pat citing that Pat consistently championed the integration of the essential skills and knowledge into their program and curriculum that are required for the Professional development of Nurse Practitioner graduates in areas of legislation, policy and advocacy. Upon graduation the students were well prepared to lobby and advocate for the Nursing profession as well as for their individual patients. Pat ensured that students saw these responsibilities as an essential component of the Nurse Practitioner role. She reflected that Pat was an expert role model demonstrating what an individual Practitioner could accomplish when involved in a strong professional organization like the MCNP.

She is beloved by her students and has served as a mentor and practicing clinician throughout her teaching career. Patricia is currently an Associate Professor at University of Massachusetts Medical School, Graduate Nursing Department where she is a faculty member in the DNP program.

Dr. Patricia Pat White’s MCNP Lifetime Achievement Award Given May 5, 2022

Faculty Spotlight

Congratulations to our Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing faculty. Read more about the evening here: https://bit.ly/3lO5bmY

Dean’s Award – Susan Sullivan-Bolyai

Distinguished Faculty Awards

GEP – Beth Keating

DNP – Alexander Menard

PhD – Nancy Morris

Dr. Kenneth Peterson Assistant Professor, Dr. Mary Antonelli Assistant Professor and Dr. Aisling Ryan DNP 3 student have had their manuscript accepted by the Journal of Nursing Education. Their manuscript is titled "Critical Reflection Practice in Nursing Healthcare Policy Education," (JNE-2022-065, Educational Innovation). We will have more information soon, including a publication date.

Comments from the reviewers include: “This manuscript is focused on a very important area of nursing education, that of teaching our students about their role and responsibilities in health policy and its effect on health care delivery. I appreciated the author describing the concept of critical reflection practice so clearly. “ and “The topic is important, particularly focusing on the impact of social determinants of health, and the ideas are logically and clearly presented. The innovation is well described and the ideas presented are broadly applicable to other schools.“

Chancellor Collins announced that five new endowed chairs have been established at UMass Chan Medical School.

We are pleased and honored that Joan M. Vitello, PhD, professor of nursing and dean of the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing was appointed as one of the inaugural endowed chairs, for the Donna M. and Robert J. Manning Chair in Nursing.

As the Chancellor observed, endowed chairs are among the most important and impactful assets we have to facilitate the recruitment, retention and recognition of invaluable faculty members who contribute so much to the mission of the institution.

Educational Recognition Awards and Last Lecture celebrate faculty excellence at UMass Chan Medical School

Dr. Patricia White, Associate Professor co-authored an international collaboration article, entitled “Palliative Care Masterclass for Nurses in Central-Eastern Europe”. Read more here: https://bit.ly/38PIfkk

Student Spotlight

of patients

Yuki Fujita, MPH, will graduate with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree on June 5. As a student, Fujita studied perinatal depression in women experiencing highrisk pregnancies at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

https://bit.ly/38pdTFl

On Sunday, April 24, 2022 The Iota Phi-at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society (STTI) held its 34th Induction Ceremony at Worcester State University.

37 students from the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing at the UMass Chan Medical School were inducted, representing each of the graduate school’s programs. We are proud of the honor bestowed on each of these students, in recognition of their hard work and academic achievement.

One of the program’s highlights was the invited guest speaker, Dr Rita Amoah, Assistant Professor at the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing sharing her message of caring within the framework of her Ubiety concept demonstrating how nurses care for one patient at a time amid distractions while self-preserving themselves Her thoughts were empowering and guided the newly inducted honorees to care for themselves as they provide care for others. Dr Amoah’s research had been supported by a STTI research grant.

In addition, several Tan Chingfen GSN students received awards during this event. Ms. Karla Burns, a DNP 1 student at the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing received a scholarship to support her ongoing education. Dr Jeffrey Chhim, DNP 3 student was awarded a STTI research grant in support of his research work on Companionship Wellness Program: Addressing Loneliness & Social Isolation Among Hospitalized Adults.

Nursing student and former accountant takes her critical thinking skills to “higher level” in care

Student Spotlight

Congratulations Shelby Shaw, GEP to DNP student. She was selected for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) award to cover the academic years of 2022-2025.

The Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) provides financial assistance to students receiving education or training in a direct or indirect health-care services discipline (Title 38 and Hybrid Title 38 occupations); and assists in providing an adequate supply of such personnel for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Congratulations Julia Patrick on a successful defense of her dissertation, “I felt isolated”: Patients’ hospitalization experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic” on April 25, 2022.

The focus of her study on the experiences of hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic is timely and has implications for further study. Julia’s study identified 5 important themes that warrant further study as we look to improve the patient experience during hospitalization. We look forward to seeing it in print! I would like to acknowledge her Dissertation Committee members Dr. Jesica Pagano-Therrien and Dr. Rosemary Taylor who worked with me to guide Julia through the dissertation process.

Congratulations Deborah Jean-Baptiste on a successful defense of her dissertation, “Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease using SBAR as a communication tool: Secondary data analysis” on April 20, 2022.

The focus of her study on using SBAR as a technique to minimize the challenges adults with sickle cell crisis experience communicating their symptoms within the emergency room setting will make a significant contribution to the literature - we look forward to seeing it in print!  Identifying communication challenges is key to improving the patient care experience and using SBAR to help patients communicate their needs more clearly is an innovative approach. I would like to acknowledge the Dissertation Committee Members Dr. Maureen Wassef, Dr. Coretta Jenerette and Dr. Susan Sullivan-Bolyai for their efforts and help in guiding Deborah through the dissertation process.

Student Spotlight

Congratulations Zareen Barry on a successful defense of her dissertation, “I’m going to be a nurse”: English learning nursing students’ perspectives on transition into the student role on April 13, 2022.

The focus of her study on the challenges English learning nursing students encountered during their nursing education is timely and has implications for further study. Her outcomes will contribute to the literature - we look forward to seeing it in print! I would like to acknowledge her Dissertation Committee Chair Dr. Susan Sullivan-Bolyai and committee members Dr. Carol Bova and Dr. Akwasi Duah for their efforts and help in guiding Zareen through the dissertation process.

Inspired by his own care team, nursing student aims to work in mental health. After spending three decades in the corporate world, Raj Patel is now on his way to becoming a nurse practitioner focused on mental health. Read more about his journey here: https://bit.ly/39Y1BnE

Congratulations Tara Tehan on a successful defense of her dissertation, “ A Feasibility Study of Therapeutic Conversations with Family Members to Reduce the Symptoms of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome” on May 25, 2022.

The focus of her research on the feasibility of an intervention study to help family members of patient’s in an Intensive Care Unit reduce symptoms of post-intensive care syndrome is an important aspect of nursing practice. Dr. Tehan’s passion and dedication to quality care for the patient and their family came through clearly as she explained her dissertation work. I’m looking forward to reading more about the study in a future publication. I would like to acknowledge her Dissertation Committee Chair, Dr. Susan SullivanBolyai and Dissertation Committee members Dr. Carol Bova and Dr. Sybil Crawford who guided Tara through the dissertation process.

Student Spotlight

Faculty Spotlight Student Spotlight

Tan GSN Doctor of Nursing Practice students and faculty attended the Geriatric Interprofessional Immersion Training (GIIT) weekend in Brewster, MA. This program also included chief residents in training from multiple specialties, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Doctor of Pharmacy students. Faculty were from UMass Chan Medical School, Saint Vincent’s Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care. The 2 day event consisted of mini lectures, multiple breakout sessions and focused learning on an unfolding geriatric case. As the baby boom generation continues to age, health care providers across all disciplines will shoulder the vast majority of geriatric care. It is imperative that all providers be grounded in core geriatric principles – and foster a spirit of

collaboration in taking care of older patients.

Left to right: Monica Mbugua, Elizabeth Vequist, Dr. Jill Terrien, Emily Davenport-Alonso, Alexandra Cole

DNP 2 Nursing students participated in an "escape room,” working together to solve a series of puzzles that addressed concerns of an older patient with multiple conditions. The escape room was created by Assistant Professor Dani Hebert. There were four DNP year 3 students who helped to create puzzles for this session as well.

May 20th Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing hosted a lunch for students entering into the Graduate Entry Pathway program this fall. It's a program for students with a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. We look forward to seeing all our GEP students full-time August 1st.

Faculty Spotlight Student Spotlight

Faculty and students of the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing presented posters at the Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS) conference in Providence RI March 31st and April 1st

Amanda Cornine - Facilitators and Inhibitors of LPN-to-RN Student Transition: A Cross-Sectional National Survey

Rita Amoah - Ubiety in Nursing Practice- Making each Patient the Star of that Minute amid Distractions. A Qualitative Description.

Chhim, J (DNP Student Presenter), Bajracharya, A, Boucher, J, Kennedy, J., Haynes, W, Reilly,M, DaSilva, M, Ellis, S, Ferland, A, Mantyla, K , Milone, G - Reducing Feelings of Loneliness & Social Isolation Among Hospitalized Adults Through Virtual Companionship.

Chrystina Manero - The Experience of Patient Adoption and Adaptation to Closed-loop Insulin Pump Systems

Donna Perry

Announcements

To: Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing Students

Re: Call for Teaching Associates (TA) from under-represented minority groups in nursing.

Application Deadline: 6/20/2022

The following opportunities are supported through funding by Dean Joan Vitello and Provost Terence Flotte. The purpose of this offering is to a introduce the role of the educator to our graduate nursing students from diverse populations. A stipend of $25/hr. is provided. Students will be supported by their faculty preceptors and through the coordinator of the teaching associate program.

Teaching Associate Opportunities for Fall 2022

Must have RN license & experience with the course content

Dr. Danielle Hebert FNP Theory 1 2-4 hours/week

Drs. Rita Amoah & Thin Malatesta Acute & Chronic Illnesses-GEP 2-4 hours/week

Drs. Jill Terrien & Chrystina Manero Societal Forces 3-6 hours/week

Dr. Rose Kronziah-Semes Simulation Lab-GEP 16-24 hours/week (can be divided among 23 students if needed)

For questions related to each opportunity, contact the faculty of record for more information Please submit your current resume, letter of interest to Diane Quinn by June 20, 2022 diane.quinn@umassmed.edu For questions about the teaching associate program, contact Dr. Maureen Wassef Maureen.wassef@umassmed.edu

May as Mental Health Awareness Month, which began in the United States in 1949 and was started by the Mental Health America organization. Every year, millions of Americans live with and manage mental health issues. During May, we raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and work to reduce stigma, provide support, and educate the community. “Together for Mental Health” is the theme of 2022’s Mental Health Awareness Month. There are many resources available to UMASS Chan medical students experiencing stress, emotional distress, adjustment concerns, or other related symptoms.

• UMASS Chan Student Counseling Services (SCS) is available for evaluation, psychotherapy, group stress management program, and psychiatric treatment. Students should email SCS@umassmed.edu or call 508-856-3220 to request services. As of May 4, 2022 SCS has a 2-3 month wait for non-urgent psychotherapy, but the wait is minimal for evaluation, stress management program, and psychiatric consultation. Services are always available for students in urgent clinical need.

• Students seeking therapy may also access short-term psychotherapy through the UMASS Chan Employee Assistance Program (EAP); students may contact the EAP at 1-800-322-5327 or eap@umassmed.edu.

• Confidential coaching support is also available through the Office of Student Life. Coaching is very helpful for issues that can include wellness, time management, motivation, burnout, stress reduction, adaptation through transitions, isolation, anxiety, and academic support.

• Students experiencing a mental health emergency should contact Emergency Mental Health at 508856-3562, call 911, or go to the local emergency room.

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Announcements

MA/RI League for Nursing Scholarship Opportunities

They are now accepting online applications for the MARILN RN Scholarship and the MARILN Nurse Educator (Doctoral) Scholarship! Please click on the links below to see the requirements. Applications are due by 9/9/2022.

RN Scholarship: General Scholarship Application (jotform.com)

Nurse Educator – Doctoral: General Scholarship Application (jotform.com)

Recipe of the Month

All American Trifle

• 3 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• ¼ cup white sugar • 1 (3.3 ounce) package instant white chocolate pudding mix • 1 (6 ounce) container lemon yogurt • 2 tbs coconut-flavored rum, or to taste, divided (Optional) •

(16 ounce) prepared pound cakes, cubed •

(16 ounce) prepared pound cakes, cubed • 2 pints fresh blueberries, or as needed

Directions

• In a bowl, sprinkle the strawberries with sugar; stir to distribute the sugar, and set aside. Chill a large metal mixing bowl and beaters from an electric mixer.

• Pour the cream into the chilled mixing bowl, and add white chocolate pudding mix, lemon yogurt, and about 1 tablespoon of coconut rum, if desired; beat until fluffy with an electric mixer set on Medium speed.

• Spread a layer of pound cake cubes into the bottom of a glass 10x15-inch baking dish, and sprinkle the cubes with another tablespoon of coconut rum. Cover the pound cake with a layer of strawberries; sprinkle blueberries over the strawberries. Spread a thick layer of whipped cream over the berries. Repeat the layers several times, ending with a layer of strawberries sprinkled with blueberries and reserving about 1 cup of whipped cream; top the trifle with dollops of whipped cream to serve. Refrigerate leftovers.