Winter 2020 Issue
AlumniTimes Clarkson College Alumni Magazine
Rising above expectations
Snapshot
To do what is expected of us is admirable. To rise above the standards set by ourselves and others is extraordinary. When we overcome the challenges and disadvantages placed before us, we demonstrate true strength, dedication and commitment to our calling as both health care professionals and compassionate community members.
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Contents volume 11 / issue 3
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From the Alumni President
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Rising to the Challenge Alumnae find their calling answering the needs of the rural community.
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Generations of Excellence
Alumni News 5
Alumni Sponsored Study Halls Provide Stress Relief Students welcome the furry end-of-semester tradition. Submit Your Nominations: Alumni Association Board Candidate recommendations are due April 1.
Campus News 16
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Alumni Use Their Skills to Give Back Inspiring others to rise above and lead in health care. 19
Features 8
Alumni Perspective A conversation with Sheila Augustine, CHFP.
PUBLICATION EDITORS Trish
CONTRIBUTORS Jen
Weber, Ann Hagenau
Anderson
DESIGNER Nicole Noto SENIOR WRITER Marie Dahlberg
The Alumni Times is a quarterly publication distributed by the Alumni Association of Clarkson College, 101 South 42nd Street, Omaha, NE 68131. Direct all story and photo submissions, changes of address or publication inquiries to alumni@clarksoncollege.edu.
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Class Notes 26
College Dedicates New Interprofessional Learning Center New Leadership Series Fosters Community Partnerships Participate in collaborative leadership workshops.
Alumni Class Updates & In Memoriam
Awards & Recognition 28
Omicron Epsilon Members Shine at Professional Conference
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Faculty Members Earn Dr. Patricia Book Perry Scholarly Project Award Recipients bring 3D printing capabilities to campus.
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Ramos Named Student Nurse of the Year
Award-Winning Graduate Nursing Program Launches Two Specialty Options With Gratitude: Community Supports Fundraising Goal
Community Comes Together to Serve Others Holiday season provides opportunities to rise above.
On the Cover Dr. Adrienne Rochleau instructs Nurse Anesthesia students in the Interprofessional Learning Center's operating room simulation lab. 16 PHOTOGRAPH BY
Great Plains Motion Picture Co.
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From the Alumni President
What does it mean to rise above? According to the Cambridge dictionary, to rise above means “to not allow something unpleasant to influence your behavior.” As health care professionals, the situations we are subjected to on a daily basis provide us with many opportunities to rise above. The Clarkson College Values of Learning, Caring, Commitment, Integrity and Excellence guide us when we encounter these situations and equip us to do our jobs satisfactorily and perform them in line with the vision that our founders established more than 130 years ago.
Bishop Clarkson and Meliora knew their journey would be difficult, but they let their passion for providing the community with highly prepared nurses drive their efforts.
stacked against them. They saw women and children in their community who were in need of compassionate medical care and rose above the challenges to build an institution that improved their community's well-being. Bishop Clarkson and Meliora knew their journey would be difficult, but they let their passion for providing the community with highly prepared nurses drive their efforts. Today, our institution continues their legacy by living out our Mission of preparing students to professionally provide high quality, ethical and compassionate health care services. Through my interactions with students, faculty and alumni, I have witnessed firsthand how the passion and energy that began at this College continues to thrive today. Our students, graduates and faculty truly rise above expectations in all that we do. Even when faced with the rigorous nature of our academic programs, our students persevere by excelling in their classroom and clinical experiences and achieving higher-thanaverage board pass rates.
Trish Weber, MHA, R.T.(R)(C.T.)(ARRT) (’95, ’08, ’11), Alumni Association President
I hope you enjoy reading the stories in this issue of the Alumni Times that portray our community’s spirit and commitment to rising above challenges. I hope we can all share in the pride we feel for the great work our fellow alumni and students perform. Talk to you soon.
Bishop Robert H. Clarkson and his wife Meliora embodied the “rise above” mentality when they created the first school to train nurses in the state of Nebraska, even when the cards were
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Editor's note / The article “Demonstrating a Commitment to Caring” that ran in the fall 2019 issue listed the incorrect title of alumnus Ben Tessin, R.T.(R)(MRI)(ARRT) (’16). Tessin is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist. We sincerely apologize for this mistake, and every effort has been made to correct this error.
Submit Your Nominations for the Alumni Association Board It is once again time for the Alumni Association to accept nominations for the organization’s Board. If you or someone you know would like to represent your graduating class on the Board, we invite you to submit his or her name for consideration.
Alumni Sponsored Study Halls Provide Stress Relief Students welcome the furry end-of-semester tradition The Alumni Association once again invited Kathy Torres from Love on a Leash to help with student study halls during finals week. Kathy and her poodle Lacey came to campus during the week of Dec. 2, along with owner Linda and her golden retriever Hope, and owner Susan and her golden retriever Bella.
The canine guests brought some much-needed fun and stress relief to campus during the final week of the semester. Students who stopped into the study halls had the opportunity to visit with the therapy dogs and enjoy a break from studying and working on final papers and projects. The Alumni Association also provided healthy snacks for students to enjoy.
The committee will accept nominations for the four officer positions of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, as well as the five Director positions. Current officers may be nominated to continue to serve on the Board, and nominees for President must have served on the Board for at least one year. All nominees must be paid members of the Alumni Association or willing to become an organization member. Before submitting your suggestions, please contact the nominee to obtain his or her approval. After receiving all nominations, the committee will send ballots to all paid Alumni Association members. Nominations must be received no later than April 1.
Submit your nomination to Alumni Association President Trish Weber via email at alumni@clarksoncollege.edu or via postal mail to Trish Weber, Clarkson College, 101 South 42nd Street, Omaha, NE 68131.
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Alumni News
Alumni Use Their Skills to Give Back Clarkson College alumni use their unique skills to give back to the health care community in impactful ways. They remain committed to the College by guiding staff and inspiring students in their goal of providing exceptional health care.
Alumna Helps Students Build Job Search Skills Lori Pietig, MHA, R.T.(R)(CT) (’04), graduated from Clarkson College with her Associate’s degree in Radiologic Technology and Bachelor’s degree in Medical Imaging. Her first position following graduation was as an x-ray technologist at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, Iowa, and it’s where she has stayed for the last 15 years. She was appointed the Director of Radiology several years ago, and in her position, she works with staff and technologists to provide a wide range of medical imaging services. Pietig also interacts with students who shadow or perform clinicals in the Radiography department at St. Anthony’s. Each of these interactions offers her an opportunity to share the
Lori Pietig completes a mock interview with a Radiography student.
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benefits of a Clarkson College education. “When high school students began job shadowing at the hospital and were thinking about schools, I would bring up Clarkson College,” she says. “I would talk to local students who were planning to visit the College and tell them how happy I was with my education.” Around the time Pietig became Director, Clarkson College Radiography program faculty members reached out to clinical sites asking for volunteers who would help students refine their job search skills, including resume building and interview techniques. Pietig jumped at the chance to give back to the institution, and she now travels to campus every year to perform mock interviews with graduating Radiography students. Selected students meet one-on-one with Pietig and walk through a simulated job interview where she asks them questions about their education, work background and professional goals. For the graduating students, the invaluable experience allows them to prepare for the job search. “Going through the interview process helps students work out their nerves, and I think it’s one of the biggest benefits of the mock interviews,” says Pietig. “Plus, they have someone giving feedback without judging whether or not they are going to be hired.” Resume building is another skill that Pietig offers students. Prior to the interview, she receives a copy of each student’s resume so she can provide feedback and recommendations. Whether they are pursuing their first job
out of school or re-entering the workforce after a career change, she encourages students to use their resumes to highlight their specific strengths through work experience and volunteer activities.
“I hope to continue doing all I can to help prepare the next generation of students and techs.” LORI PIETIG, MHA, R.T.(R)(CT)
Students have the opportunity to ask Pietig questions at the end of the process, which not only allows them to learn more but also benefits Pietig as a manager. “It’s just as important for me as it is for them,” she says. “Every year when I meet with Clarkson College students, I refresh my skills because I also have to go through the process. Sometimes it’s as nerve wracking for me as a manager as it is for the student, and it helps me just as much as it helps them.” Pietig hopes students leave the process with more confidence as they begin their job search. She knows that their education and career-focused opportunities such as the mock interviews are what set Clarkson College graduates apart in the workforce. “I have always really appreciated the education I received at Clarkson College,” she says. “I work with a lot of different techs who have different backgrounds, and I really feel that at Clarkson College, our education was top-notch compared to a lot of students at other schools.” The gratitude she feels toward the College faculty who educated her is one
of the main reasons she chooses to give back to the institution. “I really could not give enough credit to the Radiography program at Clarkson College in how their education prepared me,” she says. “I hope to continue doing all I can to help prepare the next generation of students and techs.”
Pospisil Joins Clarkson College Board of Directors Nebraska Medicine Vice President of Operations Matt Pospisil, M.S., MBA, (’06), became a member of the Clarkson College Board of Directors in March 2019. He joins other board members in working with the institution to achieve its goal of providing students with an exceptional health care education.
Annual Event Delights Guests with Holiday Fun Alumni, staff, faculty and friends gathered in the lobby of the main campus building on Dec. 7 to enjoy an evening of merriment during the fifth annual Holiday Lights Tour. The night began with guests visiting and enjoying hot chocolate and cookies before boarding an Ollie the Trolley bus affectionately known as Porkchop.
Pospisil graduated from Clarkson College with a Master's degree in Health Care Administration in 2006 and went on to earn his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Colorado-Denver in 2016. He also served as an adjunct faculty member in the Clarkson College Health Care Business program where he taught undergraduate and graduate students pursuing health care business degrees.
The bus driver, Gene, welcomed guests as they boarded Porkchop before taking the group on a great tour of festive light displays in Omaha. During the drive, the group played a trivia game where moderators asked holiday-related questions. Enthusiastic answers were given, and almost all of the questions were answered, even the most difficult.
Prior to joining the Board, Pospisil was part of the Nebraska Medicine team for more than 30 years and served in various administrative and operational roles. He currently leads several service teams and supports physician leaders in developing strategies for growth. Along with serving on the Clarkson College Board of Directors, Pospisil is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Midlands Community Foundation Board of Directors.
› Ralphie sees a Red Ryder BB gun in what department store window? › What country follows the tradition of lighting candles on the graves
Test your holiday knowledge Try your luck at a few of the most challenging questions shared during the Holiday Lights tour.
of relatives on Christmas Eve?
› What color is the horse that takes us “over the river and through the woods”?
› Artificial trees last forever in a landfill. What is their average life expectancy in the home?
› What country shares the Church of the Nativity with many different religious groups?
Trivia / Higbee’s. Finland. Gray. Five to seven years. Israel.
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"It goes back to the patient experience, of which billing has become a major part."
Sheila Augustine, CHFP (’07, ’19), is the Director of Patient Financial Services at Nebraska Medicine and a two-time graduate of the Clarkson College Health Care Business program. She has spent years in the health care industry and is skilled in helping patients and organizations navigate Medicaid, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), medical billing, health care information technology issues and revenue cycles. Her thoughts regarding issues within medical practice management were recently shared on the website, Healthcare Tech Outlook.
What are the challenges faced by the current Medical Practice Management sector?
Alumni Perspective A conversation with Sheila Augustine, CHFP
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One of the biggest challenges in the healthcare sector across medical management or hospital groups is the high deductible plan, which shifts more responsibility toward the patient before their insurance benefits kick in. This is causing a higher out-of-pocket payment for patients, and they take a longer time to make payments. We're starting to see denial from payers in all industries within healthcare; their requirements are much more stringent than they once were, with reimbursement from commercial payers taking longer than it used to.
What are the means to overcome these challenges? To help patients bear the weight that comes with high deductible plans, a medical management group or a hospital can offer multiple payment options for their patients. As a result, patient financing is a huge component within the industry, where the payment can be received upfront from the banks or lending companies. They then take over the job of billing the patient, while the hospitals remain a service provider. Relationships and communication established with the insurance provider can help in lessening the denial of payments. Both insurance companies and providers are running a business to get paid. An open, honest approach benefits the relationship between providers, payers, and patients as well. Educating the patients on their expected liability of payment, giving them an estimate of cost before procedures, getting their insurance coverage, and checking if they qualify for any financial or governmental aid can help patients in avoiding any payment related backlash. It goes back to the patient experience, of which billing has become a major part. Our company partnered with a bank in 2016 to offer patient
financing, which was very beneficial both to the patient and us. A payment arrangement we proposed that enabled patients to pay the bills in six easy installments has been received well. Our financial counselors live in the hospital and clinics and provide support to the patients when they have questions. The systems we have put in place can help us alert a financial counselor to see the patient. Probably the biggest initiative we took was working up more estimated costs on services we were providing so that patients knew their expected liability before coming to their appointment.
work queues on a daily basis and is better positioned to know the work progress. There must be open communication in the meetings with the team to improve on the work process; the suggestions of the teams must be considered to solve any arising problems. The revenue cycle steering committee within the company has a better chance of resolving any issues as its workforce is distributed across departments such as finance and pair relations among the others.
What is your take on mitigating payment discrepancies in Medical Practice Management?
There are a few points to take note of while selecting a solution provider. The rate of return must justify the money invested. A service provider’s ability to save money by reducing costs accrued through physical statements, printing, and postage and outsourced customer care can help in choosing them. But various providers must be considered and weighed against their comparability and compatibility before making a choice. After a partner is found, tasks that are challenging, but unimportant can be delegated to them.
From a leadership standpoint, having your staff working at their best is also a challenge. I expect my staff to be accountable for their actions. As I work with them side- by-side from the same work queue, I wouldn't expect them to do something that I wouldn't do myself. The performance of the hospital group can be affected on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis by various factors such as pending payments, bad debt, and charity. Staff obtains its tasks from the
What are some pointers to remember while choosing a solution provider?
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What would be your advice for a colleague? Understand what your staff does on a day to day basis. It will make you more valuable as a leader. You don’t have to be able to do the job as quickly and efficiently as them but maneuver through and find the answers. This will also inspire respect from the staff. Relationship building is the key to healthcare, whether internally with your colleagues or externally with patients and payers; because many areas impact the billing of hospitals or physicians. Relationships built in such ways help in communicating the news about a change aspect coming up or discussing issues.
Rising to the Challenge
Where do you think the future of Medical Practice Management is headed? I see that a lot of healthcare systems are being bought out by bigger ones. What will happen to critical access hospitals, or private practice physicians who are on their own? Will the smaller areas be able to sustain on their own? Or will they end up joining a larger provider group because the market is so competitive? There is a future that’s uncertain but intriguing. Another aspect to be noted is the insurance reimbursement and its methodology. They continue to evolve and shift to programs like quality and value-based care, which will become part of the larger quality strategy to reform how healthcare is delivered and paid.
Reprinted with permission by HealthcareTechOutlook.com
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Alumnae find their calling answering the needs of the rural community
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hantel Collier, MSN, FNP-C (’17), and Ana Taylor, MSN, FNP-C (’17), are well aware of the challenges experienced by rural communities lacking access to consistent medical care. They are rising above the obstacles by actively educating community members about basic resources and measures that can improve their quality of life. The two Clarkson College graduates own and operate Complete Rural Medicine, a facility in Friend, Neb., born out of their desire to provide health care to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and veterans in rural communities. The facility is the result of years of planning and dedication to living their life in service to those who most need it. Both Collier and Taylor grew up in rural communities in Nebraska and Iowa and moved to Lincoln, Neb., to pursue their undergraduate nursing degrees. They met during their first clinical experience in 2015 while enrolled in the Clarkson College Graduate Nursing program. Both previously considered the possibility of opening their own practice, and their meeting brought that dream closer to reality. “Chantel and I casually had mentioned it once or twice during our educational experience,” says Taylor. “It never really crossed our minds until we were presented with the opportunity to be able to own and build a practice of our own in Friend.” The small town of Friend is located about 40 miles southwest of Lincoln and is home to around one thousand residents. The location was ideal for a
practice because it allowed the nurse practitioners to serve a large portion of the rural population while remaining in close proximity to Lincoln where patients had access to larger facilities and specialists. “Friend was a perfect place to practice because of the partnerships we were able to make with other providers, critical access hospitals and local specialists,” says Taylor. These partnerships are crucial for rural health care providers who must work with other facilities and providers to ensure that their patients have access to the services they need. Collier and Taylor used the experience and relationships they had built during their careers to create a clinic that would offer the most benefits to their patients. “Thankfully, our nursing careers allowed for networking opportunities and helpful guidance was available to help us during the planning and development of our clinic,” says Taylor. “It was a lot of long days, long hours and planning, but it has been one of the most amazing experiences we have ever been blessed with.” To determine which services the facility would offer, Collier and Taylor looked to the community and their patients’ specific needs. “It was imperative for us to be able to meet the health care needs of
The team met and surpassed their goals within the first six months of opening.
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veterans, geriatrics and local farmers who may find it difficult to see a provider,” says Taylor. Their years of planning and development paid off when Complete Rural Medicine opened in May 2019, providing services in acute, pediatric and geriatric care. The team met and surpassed their goals within the first six months of opening. “Our goal has always been to meet the needs of the rural communities we serve and to be a resource for our patients,” says Taylor. “This comes in the form of functioning as a clinic that can manage chronic and acute health conditions, establishing ourselves as a Veterans Choice Clinic, caring for patients from zero to 100+ years and initiating a Housecall Program for patients who cannot leave their homes.” These initiatives go a long way in addressing common issues facing individuals living in Friend and other rural areas, but the team at Complete Rural Medicine continues to see patients who are struggling with basic health care needs and lack the means to purchase medications and home
health equipment. According to Taylor, one of the biggest disadvantages patients in rural areas face is lack of resources, information and understanding. “There is a high amount of patients presenting with poorly managed chronic illnesses, either caused by lack of funds for medications, lack of patient understanding or the patient simply isn’t aware they have a chronic illness,” she says. None of these challenges, however, outweigh the joy the pair experiences when working with their patients. Rural health care allows practitioners to stay with their patients during every step of their health care journey, which is exactly why Taylor and Collier got into the practice in the first place. “Every day is different, and patients are relieved that their health care is patient centered,” says Taylor. “We love the fact that we can sit and visit with a patient for an hour or visit with a patient in their home if we need to.” The pair will never be able to completely eliminate the challenges their patients face, but Taylor knows they will not stop trying. “We have been incredibly blessed with this opportunity and are excited for the future of the clinic and ourselves.”
“Our goal has always been to meet the needs of the rural communities we serve and to be a resource for our patients.”
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1 / Chantel Collier, MSN, FNP-C (’17). 2 / Ana Taylor, MSN, FNP-C (’17).
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Generations of Excellence The legacy of Clarkson College continues to expand as graduates encourage younger generations to become part of this tradition of excellence. Students in the current cohorts of the Radiography program share connections to one another and to past graduates that speak to the program’s outstanding and enduring qualities.
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Emily and Donna (’12) Bart
Tori and Lauren (’16, ’17) Sievers
Following in Her Footsteps Emily Bart entered the Radiography program in fall 2019, becoming a second-generation Clarkson College student. Her mother Donna (’12) completed her degree from the College in 2012, and Emily can still recall her mom’s time in the program and the impact it had on her understanding of the medical and radiography fields. “I grew up learning about radiography since my mom went back to school when I was still in elementary school, and I always loved talking to her about it,” says Emily. When it came time to begin her academic journey, Emily chose a large public university but quickly discovered that it wasn't the right fit for her. She knew she wanted to explore a career in health care but found it difficult to decide exactly which specialty to pursue. “My mom was the first one to suggest that I look into radiography as a career, and the first place she recommended that I apply was Clarkson College,” Emily said. Her mom’s advice proved to be invaluable. “I think the choice on where to go would've been more difficult if I hadn't had the benefit of being able to talk to my mom about all my options and get her opinion on where she thought I'd get the best education,” she said. Donna knew that the high caliber of the Clarkson College Radiography program would prepare Emily to advance within the field, just as it had for her. After earning her degree from the College, Donna completed
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the Nuclear Medicine program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She currently practices at Methodist Hospital as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and looks forward to Emily joining her in the field as a fellow health care professional.
Sharing Their Experiences Tori Sievers began courses at the College in fall 2019 after hearing about the institution from her sister, Lauren (’16, ’17). As a graduate of the Radiography and Medical Imaging programs, Lauren gave Tori a glimpse into both her educational experience at the College and the medical imaging profession. “Hearing my sister talk about the College and how much she enjoyed it drew me to the program,” Tori said. “She loved going to Clarkson College and learning about the program.” Lauren currently practices as an MRI technologist at Capital Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Clive, Iowa, and MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Her experiences piqued Tori’s interest in radiography, but it wasn’t until Tori shadowed technologists working near her home in Walnut, Iowa, that she fully committed to pursuing a career in the field. Tori understood how the program was structured and knew it would set her up to successfully meet her educational goals and become a well-prepared technologist at the start of her career.
Katy and Monica Bielmaier
“My sister’s decision to attend Clarkson College definitely affected my decision to attend, but I also chose the College because I love how they set up the program where you learn everything your first year and then head to clinicals in your second year,” she said. Although she doesn’t know exactly where she’ll end up, chances are Lauren’s work experiences and insights will have an impact on where Tori decides to practice.
Taking the Journey Together Katy and Monica Bielmaier grew up in Wall, S.D., and are one year apart in age. The close-knit best friends enjoy sharing memories and life experiences side by side. “Our whole lives, we have done pretty much everything together,” Katy said. “We used to have the same jobs in high school, we were on the same sports teams, and we have the same group of friends and interests.” The sisters also share another similarity: a desire to enter the medical field. Monica, the older of the duo, decided to enroll in the Clarkson College Radiography program in fall 2018, and Katy was not far behind her. “I knew that I really wanted to go to Clarkson College for school, but it was really far away from home,” Monica said. “I was willing to come by myself, but when my sister decided that she was going as well, I was super excited. We are really close, and it has been fun being here together.”
Monica and Katy were drawn to Omaha and Clarkson College by its welcoming faculty and staff and the advanced opportunities offered by the Radiography program. The sisters want to earn both their associates and bachelor’s degrees, and the College program's structure allows them to do just that. “I really loved the fact that you can get a bachelor’s degree in the program,” Monica said. “I knew the program would be challenging and time-consuming, but I was ready for the challenge.” “I personally was also drawn to the small class sizes and one-on-one attention that the teachers were able to provide,” Katy said. “This type of learning is something you can’t get at most of the bigger universities.” The one-on-one support students receive is a trademark of the Radiography program, but Katy and Monica have an added advantage over their classmates: an always willing study partner. “We study together a lot,” Katy said. “If one of us is unsure about the material, usually the other person is able to explain it and help them understand.” “We learn the material and take notes differently, so it's nice to have each other to study with,” Monica added. “My sister is my best friend, and I am so glad that we could complete this program together!”
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Campus News
College Dedicates New Interprofessional Learning Center
Clockwise / Clarkson College Board of Directors and event guests listen to Dr. Orduña's welcoming remarks. Nurse Anesthesia students refine their skills in the OR simulation space. Students and staff gather in the hospital bed wing of the new fourth floor space.
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Clarkson College celebrated the opening of the Interprofessional Learning Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 16. The Center opened at the beginning of the fall 2019 semester with students and faculty utilizing the space for interactive, hands-on learning experiences. The Clarkson College Board of Directors, including Nebraska Medicine CEO Dr. James Linder, and College faculty, staff and students attended the ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new space. Interim President Dr. Aubray Orduña opened the event by welcoming guests and thanking community members for their help in developing the facility. After Dr. Orduña’s introduction, Chair of the Board Dr. Steven Black cut the ribbon and officially opened the space.
Attendees enjoyed refreshments while exploring the Center’s four fully equipped exam rooms, six hospital patient beds with working headwalls, nurse’s station, six exam tables and two classrooms. They also had the opportunity to explore the operating simulation room designed to allow students to practice within a realistic surgical space, complete with hospital-grade hand washing sinks and overhead lighting. The Interprofessional Learning Center is the result of a complete overhaul of the previous Skills and Simulation Labs. The renovation plans doubled the lab size to span an entire floor. The new lab will offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in different environments and prepare them for a variety of health care experiences.
New Leadership Series Fosters Community Partnerships Directors collaborate to offer leadership skills workshops Clarkson College faculty are dedicated to building relationships with the many excellent organizations within the community and providing them with benefits to help them in their professional endeavors. Director of Community Health and Interprofessional Education Sarah Flanagan, MSW, MPA, LCSW, and Director of Health Care Education and Leadership Ryan Meers, Ph.D., recently collaborated to create the Leadership
The courses feature an interprofessional focus to enhance communication and teamwork across the spectrum of health care and social service providers.
Series, a set of courses providing professionals with insights into effective practices for their organizations. More than 30 professionals attended the first series “Make Meetings Matter,” led by Dr. Meers last summer. The course focused on helping individuals learn to plan, organize and conduct more efficient meetings. “The response was overwhelmingly positive,” says Flanagan. “Many of the participants requested more Leadership Series and even offered new ideas for topics.” Creating this dialogue between the College and attendees was a primary goal for the academic directors. Both Flanagan and Dr. Meers hoped to develop existing partnerships with community members and offer opportunities for them to experience everything Clarkson College has to offer. “Our goal was to cultivate new partnerships that were mutually beneficial,” says Flanagan. “We want to support employers as they promote the development and ongoing education of their staff.” Each course within the Leadership Series offers a small, interactive learning environment to foster dialogue between attendees and instructors.
Courses feature an interprofessional focus to enhance communication and teamwork across the spectrum of health care and social service providers. They also provide professionals who work in clinical settings, educational institutions, community organizations and a wide array of other fields with tangible ideas they can utilize within their organizations to provide quality services and retain valuable employees. Following the first Leadership Series, organizers took participants’ suggestions and began planning for two more topics in 2020. The College will offer “We Need to Talk: Handling Difficult Conversations” in the spring as well as “Building Interprofessional Skills: Strategies to Improve the Client Experience” in the summer. Individual and group registration is open for both courses, and space is limited. Professionals within certain disciplines can earn Continuing Education Credit through Clarkson College Professional Development.
Register for the next course by visiting ClarksonCollege.edu/ Leadership-Courses.
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Campus News
Physical Therapist Assistant Department Gains New Leadership Faculty member and alumna steps into Director position Jessica Niemann, PTA, M.Ed. (’99, ‘16), is using her years of experience educating future health care professionals to step into the role of Director of Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) at Clarkson College. She accepted the role in September 2019 after serving in an interim capacity since May 2019.
“Our program has a strong history of graduating highly qualified PTA professionals,” she says. “I have been truly blessed to be able to be an instructor for the program over the past five years. The director position was an opportunity to use my skills and educational background to continue the tradition of our program.”
Niemann began teaching at the College in 2015, more than 16 years after earning her Associate’s degree in PTA from the institution in 1999. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Services, also from Clarkson College, and her Master’s degree in Education for Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University during her time as an instructor in the program. Now, she’s ready to lead the program and continue its academic success.
Niemann has seen several changes take place during her time with the program, including the implementation of the Bachelor of Science in PTA degree option. As one of only a few institutions in the nation to offer the degree, Niemann sees it as an opportunity to collaborate with other programs throughout the nation. “One of my goals is to collaborate on another level with other PTA programs, specifically with the Bachelor’s degree in PTA option,” she says. As Director, Niemann will also lead the program as it prepares for its reaccreditation through the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) in October 2020. She looks forward to working with faculty to make updates to the program based on the commission’s criteria. “I love fostering collaboration for curriculum and instruction to continually build our program and guide students toward successful outcomes,” she says. Her experiences as both a student and instructor in the College program give Niemann a unique perspective on what the department can offer future PTAs. The knowledge she brings to the Director position, along with her years of experience working in the physical therapy field, will help her lead the department well.
Director of Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Jessica Niemann assists PTA student Lexi Yagodinski in the Interprofessional Learning Center.
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Award-Winning Graduate Nursing Program Launches Two Specialty Options The Clarkson College Graduate Nursing program recently added two new specialty options in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and was named one of the top 100 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs in the nation for the ninth year in a row by U.S. News & World Report. The institution launched the new options to help meet the need for educated practitioners within these two critical health care areas. “We are excited to be able to offer these additions to our Graduate Nursing program,” said Director of Graduate Nursing Layna Himmelberg, Ed.D., MSN, CNE. “There is a tremendous need, not only in Nebraska, but across the United States for these nurse practitioners, and we are thrilled to fulfill that need.” Nebraska faces a shortage of mental health practitioners, particularly in rural areas of the state. Nurses who enter this field help meet a need for the increase in behavioral health specialists at primary care locations. Similarly, the need for nurse practitioners in the acute care field is on the rise. The United States is experiencing a physician shortage, and nurse practitioners can help fill the gap by providing acute care for critically ill individuals. The two new options are part of the award-winning Graduate Nursing program that U.S. News & World Report has named as one of the top online options in the nation for the ninth year in a row. The organization’s rankings are based on factors such as engagement, faculty credentials, expert opinion, student excellence, and services and technology. In order to be considered, programs must be accredited and offer all required nonclinical coursework through internet-based distance education courses. Enrollment for the two new specialty options is now open, and those currently enrolled in the Clarkson College Graduate Nursing program have the opportunity to move into one of these new specialty tracks. Learn more at ClarksonCollege.edu/Nursing.
With Gratitude: Community Supports Fundraising Goal We wish to express our sincere gratitude to all community members who supported Clarkson College by donating to our Anatomage Table fund. In fall 2019, the College embarked on a journey to raise money for the state-of-the-art teaching tool that gives students access to functional anatomy in new and exciting ways. Generous supporters helped raised more than $29,000 for the educational device. The funds are the result of private donations as well as numerous efforts by College community members to raise awareness about the fundraiser. In September, the College organized its annual Choose to Give campaign where employees had the opportunity to support the College through monetary donations. This year, employees could choose between donating to the Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund, facilities updates, the student assistance crisis or the Anatomage Table fundraiser. Sixty-five employees made donations during the campaign and raised over $9,500 for the new technology. Students also became involved in fundraising efforts during an organized calling campaign on Nov. 19. Student Ambassadors volunteered their time to call alumni and provide them with information about the Anatomage Table as well as details about how to donate. The campaign gave alumni the opportunity to connect with current students and hear firsthand how the new technology could benefit future health care professionals. Clarkson College agreed to match all donations made to the Anatomage Table during the calling campaign, as well as all donations contributed from Nov. 19 until “Giving Tuesday” on Dec. 3. During this time, the institution invited members of the health care and higher education fields as well as preceptors, clinical liaisons and other Clarkson College supporters to join the fundraising effort. Anatomage Table The Anatomage Table is a 3D visualization system for anatomy and physiological education. The technology presents topics using a fully interactive, life-size touch screen that offers capabilities beyond traditional classroom practice. Four gross anatomy cases, more than 20 high resolution regional anatomy cases and over 1,000 pathological examples are available for students to study. The College will house the device in the Interprofessional Learning Center and have the ability to transport the tool across campus for use by all academic programs. On-campus and online students will be able to digitally dissect and study cases in an interactive learning environment, which leads to improved understanding and retention.
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Campus News
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Community Comes Together to Serve Others Holiday season proves to be an opportunity to rise above and care for the community
The institutional Value of Caring permeates every encounter that Clarkson College students, faculty and staff share with one another and the community at large. The holiday season brought opportunities for College community members to live out this Value and serve others. Employees Support Students During Choose to Give Campaign The largest number of participants ever donated to the ninth annual Choose to Give campaign in fall 2019. The event invites Clarkson College community members to support the College through monetary contributions, and this year, staff had the opportunity to support the Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Anatomage Table Fundraiser. Altogether, 65 employees raised more than $14,500 with nearly $5,000 going toward the Scholarship Fund and more than $9,500 going toward the Anatomage Table Fundraiser (learn more on page 19).
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Radiography & Medical Imaging Students Support Community Organizations Radiography and Medical Imaging students once again partnered with Calling the Hope Revolution into Service (CHRS) and adopted families in need of assistance during the holiday season. Students raised money to purchase food, clothing, gifts and other items by selling coupon books to College community members, families and friends. Volunteers wrapped the donated items and delivered them to the families in December, just in time for the holidays. Students and faculty also volunteered for the Ronald McDonald House Charities in November. Volunteers traveled to a Ronald McDonald House in Omaha where they participated in a hands-on activity with children at the house. The kids, many of whom are staying at the house while they or their family members receive medical treatment, enjoyed an afternoon spent creating clay creatures with Clarkson College students and faculty.
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Nursing Students Administer Flu Shots Clarkson College students from the Population Health clinical group administered over 100 shots during a flu shot clinic in early November on the Nebraska Medicine campus. The clinic was part of a campaign dedicated to keeping employees, visitors and guests healthy during flu season. The provided shots were free of charge for all Nebraska Medicine and Clarkson College employees. PTA Students Participate in Global PT Day of Service October was National Physical Therapy Month, and Clarkson College Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) students and faculty celebrated by participating in the Global PT Day of Service on Oct. 12. The group gathered clothes, food, hygiene items, shoes and monetary donations for the Heartland Hope Mission in Omaha. The items helped the organization achieve their mission of assisting people living in poverty become food secure and self-sufficient.
Students also volunteered during the Special Olympics Nebraska Be Brave 5k held Oct. 20. During the event, participants organized booths featuring games and photo booth activities for athletes and their families. The all-ability event featured a 5k run or walk and one-mile fun run with all of the proceeds benefiting Special Olympics. SGA Gathers Gifts for Children Each year, Student Government Association (SGA) members celebrate the holiday season by setting up a Giving Tree on campus. The tree contains paper ornaments, each featuring the gender and age of a child as well as their holiday gift wish list. College community participants select ornaments, purchase gifts and return them to campus unwrapped. SGA representatives spent a morning wrapping the presents and delivered them to Children’s Square, an organization that serves children and their families in the Council Bluffs and Omaha areas. The distributed toys, clothing, supplies and gifts brought joy to children during the holiday season.
1 / Radiography student volunteers enjoy their time spent serving children residing in a local Ronald McDonald House. 2 / Nursing students share a laugh during a flu shot clinic. 3 / PTA students hosted game and photo booths during the Be Brave 5k. 4 / SGA members proudly pose near the wrapped gift donations in the Residence Hall's student lounge.
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Campus News
December Capstone Project Summary Twenty-eight Master’s degree-seeking students presented their Capstone Projects on Dec. 6 at Storz Pavilion on the Nebraska Medicine campus. After working for more than a year on their projects, they shared the final culmination of their efforts with their fellow students, faculty and friends. The Alumni Association ad hoc committee reviewed the students’ submitted project abstracts and awarded first, second and third place winners based on an established rubric. Alumni Association Board member Carla Dirkschneider (’07) presented the certificates to the three winners at the conclusion of the presentations. Kristal Turpen earned first place for her abstract Effect of PressureRelieving Dressings as Ulcer Prevention Interventions During Cardiothoracic Surgery (advisor Dr. Kathy Harrison). Second place went to Kelli Jacobs for her abstract Analysis of Ambulatory Standardized Rooming and Meaningful Use Compliance (advisor Ms. Carla Dirkschneider). Brandon Smith earned third place for his abstract Evaluation of Methods to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis After Total Knee Arthroplasty (advisor Dr. Kathy Harrison).
Effect of Pressure-Relieving Dressings as Ulcer Prevention Interventions During Cardiothoracic Surgery by Kristal Turpen Pressure ulcers (PU) present a significant risk in health care settings. PU development is a “never event” by Medicare and reflects an indicator of poor quality care. Research is limited on intraoperative interventions used for PU prevention. The study used a retrospective chart review in a single academic institution for patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgeries to understand the effect of the current intraoperative pressure
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ulcer-prevention methods in place. Data analyzed included intra- and postoperative skin assessments, procedure type, length, development of postoperative PU, and whether or not a pressure-relieving dressing was used. Additional data included any postoperative pressure reduction strategies. Results indicated that out of the 182 surgical patients included, 89.56% received the intervention and 10.44% did not. Patients experiencing a PU post-operatively were eight out of 182 or 4.40%, respectively. Conclusion: Those with the PU prevention dressing showed an incidence rate of 3.68%, while those without intervention experienced an incidence rate of 10.53%. The phi correlation coefficient shows only a negligible inverse relationship to the use of the intervention, and Fisher’s exact test did not provide sufficient evidence to reject the null, but it shows the probability that the null hypothesis is due to random chance to be less than 20%. Cross tabulation showed that the Braden Scale was not a strong predictor of ulcer risk in patients. Findings are suggestive of a need for further research and education on use of the Braden scale and PU prevention interventions. The positive effects of incidence rates show a clinical benefit to patients.
Analysis of Ambulatory Standardized Rooming and Meaningful Use Compliance by Kelli Jacobs The HITECH Act of 2009 has changed the approach of modern health care delivery. Through implementation of electronic health records (EHRs), regulatory entities are able to easily obtain and assess patient specific data to evaluate quality of care. However, hospital systems have faced implementation barriers and struggle to meet quality measure definitions. A midwestern academic medical center also identified barriers within
the ambulatory clinic setting which inhibited meaningful EHR use and regulatory reporting. Ambulatory clinics across the medical center had independent, unstandardized rooming processes that resulted in inconsistent communication and data collection. However, studies have shown that the use of a standardized rooming workflow can increase safety and quality of care. A quantitative descriptive study of ambulatory clinic encounters for patients ages 18 and older was conducted to determine if a standardized rooming and documentation process could increase an organization’s ability to capture meaningful use (MU) requirements for body mass index (BMI) and tobacco screening, thereby affecting compliance. Prior to rooming standardization, the organization captured 61% of MU BMI and tobacco screening data elements. Analysis of rooming documentation found an average of 73% compliance within the research timeframe after standardized rooming was implemented; however, changing MU measure definitions made it difficult to draw direct comparisons between documentation compliance and BMI or tobacco measure performance. Recommendations consist of completing a culture assessment to evaluate complacency, which can lead to a decline in compliance, and conducting further research in an attempt to gather additional information which would allow for evaluation of a direct correlation between a standardized rooming process and MU measurement performance. continued on page 24
DECEMBER 2019
Graduate Capstone Projects BARBARA ANDERSON
Caregiver Knowledge of Lead & Cadmium in Children’s Toys & Jewelry Following Review of a Nurse-Designed Educational Pamphlet, advisor Dr. Aubray Orduña
ERIN BRUGGEMAN Optimal Timing of Ondansetron Administration for the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea & Vomiting in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, advisor Dr. Sophie Feng
ELAINA KNOWLES The Use
JENNIFER ARMSTRONG
Effectiveness of Cricoid Pressure in Rapid Sequence Induction, advisor Dr. Sophie Feng
RENA CHEERS Simulation: A Confidence Builder in Medication Administration, advisor Dr. Chris Seckman
SHEILA AUGUSTINE The
ANDREW DOSTER Intravenous
Implementation of an Advanced Beneficiary Notification (ABN) within an Electronic Health Record (EHR), advisor Ms. Carla Dirkschneider
Dexamethasone & Pain Scores in Outpatient Upper Limb Surgeries Receiving Peripheral Nerve Blocks, advisor Dr. Jayne Cromer
Effectiveness of Long- & Short-Term Contraceptives on Unintended Short-Interval Pregnancy in Teens, advisor Dr. Aubray Orduña MICHAEL BRAGG Ketamine
Administration & the Incidence of Postpartum Depression After Elective Caesarean, advisor Dr. Sophie Feng JESSICA BRANTON A Correlation of Hospital Admissions of Home Health Patients with COPD & Associated Risk Factors, advisor Dr. Mary Lynn Vogel
Perceptions of the Use of Smartphone Technology in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiac Patients, advisor Dr. Steve Hardiman WILLIAM BROWN
Ondansetron for Postoperative Nausea & Vomiting: Does Timing of Administration Increase Efficacy?, advisor Dr. Jayne Cromer
JESSICA KRUCKENBERG
An Exploration of Nurses’ Knowledge of Delirium, advisor Dr. Laura Smith
ABBIE OSTRIHONSKY
Postoperative Analgesics Requirements in Caesarean Deliveries: Efficacy of the Transverse Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block, advisor Dr. Ann Glow SARA PARK Endotracheal Cuff Pressure & the Incidence of Postoperative Sore Throat in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia, advisor Dr. Sophie Feng
ANDREW KUMMER HOLLY PEARSON Business Plan: Rapid Assessment Unit Implementation, advisor Dr. Siti Arshad-Snyder
KYLE LARSON Postoperative Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Pain Interventions & Patient Level of Pain Control, advisor Dr. Steve Hardiman
RYAN PIRRAGLIA Impact of
of Postoperative Nausea & Vomiting: Minimum Effective Dose of Intravenous Dexamethasone, advisor Dr. Jayne Cromer WILLIAM GREGURAS JR.
ANETA MERGEN Identification
Nursing Perception of Safe Communication Methods: Comparison of Nursing Safety Huddles Versus Text Messaging, advisor Ms. Valerie Palarski
of CAM-ICU Positive Patients & Effects of Delirium Interventions: A Chart Review, advisor Dr. Kia Miles
Millennial Nursing Workforce: Challenges with Retention, advisor Dr. Layna Himmelberg LUKE GOEDERT Prevention
an ED Triage Nurse Greeter on the Initial Provider Examination, advisor Dr. Steve Hardiman SHELBY RADEMACHER
KARI HIGGINS Effect of Early KATE BROSSARD Providers’
of Intraoperative Magnesium Sulfate on Postoperative Pain & Opioid Consumption During an Abdominal Hysterectomy, advisor Dr. Ann Glow
CHELSIE NUTSCH Improving Awareness of Stethoscope Cleaning Among Nursing Students, advisor Dr. Mary Lynn Vogel
Perioperative Antiemetic Dosing of Intravenous Dexamethasone, advisor Dr. Sophie Feng
ANDREA FAULKNER The CASSANDRA BOEHNING
KYLE JENNINGS Comparison of Phenylephrine Infusion & Phenylephrine Bolus for the Treatment of Spinal-Induced Hypotension in the Parturient Undergoing Cesarean Section, advisor Dr. Jayne Cromer
Breastfeeding Initiation on Breastfeeding Exclusivity, advisor Dr. Nina Wardell
Assessment of Female Breast Cancer Patients’ Distress Level & Patient Problems While Receiving Intravenous Chemotherapy, advisor Dr. Mae Timmons
CHYNESSA MYERS
Interprofessional Simulation: A Rural Kansas Allied Health Approach, advisor Dr. Nina Wardell
MARY RAYNOR Preoperative
Ibuprofen & its Effect on Pediatric Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy, advisor Dr. Sophie Feng
DARIAN NORDHUES ABIGAIL HOEFER Impact
of Video Monitoring on Falls & Falls with Injury on Hospitalized Patients, advisor Dr. Sue Haddock
Comparison of Effectiveness of Either Statin Therapy or Lifestyle Modification Using Retrospective, Longitudinal Evaluation of 10-Year Risk Estimator Plus Tool, advisor Dr. Mae Timmons
NATALIE ROBERTS Influence
of Education on Emergency Room Nurses’ Attitudes & Knowledge Towards Nonpharmacologic Complementary & Alternative Modalities in Pain Management, advisor Ms. Valerie Palarski
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Campus News December Capstone Project Summary continued from page 22
Evaluation of Methods to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis After Total Knee Arthroplasty by Brandon Smith Every year, thousands of total knee and total hip surgeries are being performed. A total knee or total hip surgery are among the highest risks for people to develop a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) post-surgically (Kreutzer, Minami, & Yang, 2016). Preventing these potentially lifethreatening clots is one of the highest priorities for surgical facilities and physicians performing these procedures (Qing-ping Li et al., 2017). The purpose of this study is to understand which form(s) of DVT prophylaxis is most effective for a patient throughout the pre- and post-surgical process. The study used a retrospective study analyses of existing clinical data to gather data on the different interventions and their effectiveness at preventing DVTs during the surgical process. This study looks at the use of Graduated Compression Stockings (GCS) and aspirin, as we have
limited knowledge on GCS and aspirin therapy in the prevention of DVTs (Qingping Li et al., 2017). The patient surgeries took place at a level two hospital with 107 patients meeting criteria. Results showed out of all the patients 3% developed a DVT. There was little difference between using either aspirin (9% developing a DVT) or GCS (0% developing a DVT) post surgically but did find 50% of the patients that did not use any form of DVT prophylaxis developed a DVT. Overall, the results showed the superior standard of treatment after a total knee or hip arthroplasty is a combination of both GCS and aspirin. Further evaluation in determining the cause of DVTs would be beneficial to providing the best evidenced-based knowledge in preventing DVTs post surgically.
DECEMBER 2019
Capstone Projects
VANESSA RODRIGUEZ
Postoperative Analgesia for Cesarean Section: Effectiveness of Ketamine, advisor Dr. Adrienne Rochleau
TIFFANIE SMITH Primary Care
PATTI TOMB Central Venous
Nurse Practitioner Awareness & Recommendation to Use the Autism Healthcare Accommodation Tool (AHAT) to Enhance Communication During Primary Care Visit of Patients with Autism Spectrum, advisor Dr. Sandi Woods
Catheter Education & Sterile Care Practices, advisor Dr. Laura Smith
DANIELLE ROSE Parental
Nutrition Education: Comprehending Nutritional Guidelines to Reduce Childhood Obesity Risk, advisor Dr. Chris Seckman
Winter 2020
Ondansetron on Preventing Hypotension in Parturient Prior to Spinal Anesthesia, advisor Dr. Ann Glow
ROSS SUKUP Building an
Oncology Rehabilitation Service Line in Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation, advisor Dr. Janet Henriksen
KELSEY TWEET Intravenous Dexmedetomidine to Decrease Coughing, advisor Dr. Sophie Feng
COLLONTEEN THOMPSON
AMANDA WASSENAARCAROLAN The Role of
Business Plan: Nebraska Medicine Gentle Beginnings Birthing Center, advisor Ms. Carla Dirkschneider
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SAMANTHA TRIBA Effects of
Smoking Cessation Education in the Knowledge of MedicalSurgical Nurses, advisor Dr. Sandi Woods
BECKY WOLF Business Plan: Feasibility & Value of Adding Fluoroscopic Examinations to an Academic Hospital Affiliated Outpatient Imaging Center, advisor Ms. Carla Dirkschneider AMANDA WOLFF Sepsis Fluid
Administration to Prevent Vasopressor Support, advisor Dr. Katie Kirkpatrick
December 2019 Clarkson College Graduates Certificate in Medical Imaging Informatics Meghan O’Grady λΣ**** Spencer Simpson Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Makayla Stephanie Blank * Anna Tori Bornemeier Rachel Lora Field ** Sara Marine Ginkens **** Kenna Heath **** Christopher Jonathon Hernandez **** Amanda Hilmer * Martinique Hubbard Nicole Marie Langel *** Jerad Leifeld ** Aubrey Ann Lenz **** Ashley Myers *** Tori Padgett *** Mattea Roslansky ** Jacob Sasse **** Angela Strabala **** Bachelor of Science in Health Care Business Craig Allen Divis Σ* Bianca E. Hernandez Σ Rama M. Razo Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Paige Ryann Dennis λΣ Julia Gibler **** Brandon Herring λ* Austin Hodges λ* Dana Marie Killpack λ Brooke Kneifl Meghan O’Grady λΣ**** Spencer Simpson Molly Kay Walsh *** Hannah Marie Whiting λ**** Hannah Willms λ Kirsten E. Wisniewski λ*** Noah Marshall Albert Wright λ**** Bachelor of Science in Nursing Laura Ann Adoukonou
Emma Louise Clapp Brittany Arizona Decker McChesney †Σ Nadia Risa DeGraw Kyllee Elaine Fix †Σ**** Amanda Kaye Glenn Σ**** Desirae Grotjohn-Small †Σ** Steven Hayden Jr. Rebecca Herbek **** Emily Hernandez BreAnna Kathlene Holmes Amanda Jo Hoskinson Σ Adrian Jimenez †Σ* Bria Oliver Madelyn Joan Pechar †Σ*** Brittany Peters Devan Ridenoure Σ Miranda Schilling *** Gabriell Schmeeckle Paige Simunaci †*** Rachelle Sladek Maria Guadalupe Sotuyo Megan Scott Spencer †Σ Courtney Stahl Yoselin Suarez * Jordan Thompson ** Skylar Ashton Walker Σ Anna M. Weiler Katie West Σ Mary Wettengel *** Joseph Wolff Jeffrey A. Zuehlke Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant Nathan Miles Adams **** Amy Austin **** Janice Chase **** Jacqui Christine Hendrickson Σ**** Katelyn Huenink * Madison Alexandra Malzahn ** Shane Ryan Meyers ** Kaleb Dale Richter **** Halie Trimble Σ**** Master in Health Care Administration Sheila Augustine Kelli Jacobs Σ Holly M. Pearson
Ross Andrew Sukup Collonteen Renee Thompson Becky Lynn Wolf Master of Science in Nursing Barbara Anderson Jennifer Armstrong Cassandra Boehning Michael Bragg Jessica Branton Kate Elizabeth Brossard William Brown Erin Marie Bruggeman Rena S. Cheers Andrew Doster Andrea Marie Faulkner Luke Thomas Goedert William James Greguras Jr. Kari Nicole Higgins Abigail Hoefer Kyle Jennings Elaina Knowles Jessica Marie Kruckenberg Andrew Ray Kummer Kyle David Larson Aneta Mergen Chynessa Myers Darian Marie Nordhues Σ Chelsie Victoria Nutsch Abbie Ostrihonsky Sara Anne Park Ryan Pirraglia Shelby Rademacher Mary Raynor Natalie Roberts Vanessa Rodriguez Danielle L. Rose Tiffanie Smith Patti Tomb Samantha Frances Triba Kristal Ann Turpen Kelsey Anne Tweet Amanda Wassenaar-Carolan Amanda Wolff Post-Master’s Certificate in Health Care Administration Michelle L. Hart Blake Erin Hough
Academic Honors Academic honors are conferred on Bachelor of Science and Associate of Science degree candidates who, upon graduation, distinguish themselves by maintaining a high cumulative grade point average. To qualify for academic honors, a student must have completed the minimum required residency hours. Honors are distinguished as follows: **** Summa Cum Laude: 3.85 and above *** Magna Cum Laude: 3.75 through 3.84 ** Cum Laude: 3.65 through 3.74 * With Distinction: 3.50 through 3.64 Honor Societies Honor societies at Clarkson College include: λ Member of Delta Chapter Lambda Nu National Honor Society for the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences † Member of Omicron Epsilon Chapter Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Σ Member of National Society of Leadership and Success Sigma Alpha Pi Interdisciplinary Honor Society
Note: Honors designations were based upon current information at press time. Clarkson College apologizes for any errors or omissions. Alumni Times
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Class Notes
Keep in Touch We want to celebrate your life experiences and news. The Clarkson College Alumni Association and your classmates want to hear about your career achievements, family updates and any personal or community pursuits. Class notes are published two times annually, and photographs accompanying submitted updates are always welcome.
Submit your note to: Trish Weber 101 South 42nd Street Omaha, NE 68131 alumni@clarksoncollege.edu
1960s Melissa Petty VanWey (’63) Moved to continuing care facility. I still bicycle and kayak and travel in the continental U.S. Daisy Hughson Eickhoff (’63, ’86) Although I retired, I continue to teach Childbirth Education classes at Tucson Medical Center. Jane Hoesly Conley (’65) I have three children and six grandchildren. One third of them are in Oregon and two thirds of them are in Bentonville, Ark.
Rita DeSciscio VanFleet (’67, ’94, ’06) When I retired from Nebraska Medicine in 2007, I thought I was finished with my formal work life. When I was asked by Dr. Louis Burgher to assist with alumni relations at Clarkson College in April 2008, I thought it would be a short stint as the Alumni Coordinator. Now, 11 years later and being another 11 years older, I decided to truly retire effective Jan. 3, 2020. I had a great time with all of the alumni activities and working with the Board. Now, I hope to have a great time traveling, spending time at my cabin on the Minnesota/Canadian border, spoiling my two grandsons and being an active family member with all my relatives. I do volunteer work, so I am not worried about staying busy. I truly will miss all of the alumni I have worked with—it was a sincere pleasure to help with events, work on the Alumni Times and be there for our incredible alumni.
1970s Jean Scherling Huff (’71) I retired in September 2017. We now have six grandchildren ages six and under. Four boys and two girls. We are enjoying retirement very much. We have done lots of traveling and just got back from a cruise of the Baltic Sea. It was very educational and enjoyable. Jeanette (JJ) Jackson Kassmeier (’72, ’86) On Aug. 5, 2019, I was retired for four years. My spouse and I have enjoyed traveling—Panama Canal cruise, Alaska land and sea excursions, cruise around Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England, Netherlands and multiple road trips. We are attempting to see all 50 states and have fewer than 10 left. Following our daughters through Missouri, Florida, Arizona and Texas.
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Debra Banark Floreani (’75) I retired from nursing after working in Community Nursing at the Friendship Program for 15 years. I enjoyed talking to the many Clarkson College students who did their psychiatric experience at the program. I have connected with classmate Donna Gutschenritter Hoover, which has been fun. Rita, I thoroughly enjoyed the spring alumni magazine about Clarkson College alumni and their service during WWII. The pictures were amazing, along with the history given in the article. Also, story on Franc Florence Henderson and her work in anesthesia was so interesting.
1980s Colleen Janak Nielsen (’89) My senior year at Clarkson College, I applied for a VA scholarship. At that time, they paid my last year’s tuition and a stipend for room and board. I was required to work at a VA for one year in return. I returned to Lincoln and worked at the VA there. At that time (1989), we had a hospital and outpatient clinic, although the inpatient hospital is closed now, the outpatient clinics remain very busy. I am now celebrating 30 years as a VA nurse and could not have asked for a better career.
Mystery Photo A snapshot of the people, ideas and events shaping our history Our community initiates positive change when we rise above obstacles together. Recognize this student who went above and beyond? Send your responses to alumni@clarksoncollege.edu.
MYSTERY PHOTO REVEALED
Lasting Bonds There were no identifying responses to the fall edition's mystery photo, so it continues to remain a mystery. Know more than we do? Let's hear it! If you recognize the alumna captured in this image, let us know! Your insight helps us keep the Clarkson College historical and alumni records current. Each moment is a key piece to our history, and we don't want to lose it.
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Awards & Recognition
Omicron Epsilon Members Shine at Professional Conference Biennial Convention celebrates all facets of the nursing profession
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1 / A close-up of the 2019 Chapter Key Award. 2 / Dr. Jane Langemeier, Rebecca Ehrig (’18) and Nancy McMahon. 3 / Dr. Langemeier and Robert Dave Buot (’18) following their presentation.
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Members of Omicron Epsilon, the Clarkson College chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, attended the 45th Sigma Biennial Convention from Nov. 16–20 in Washington, D.C., where they received recognition for their dedication to the organization and nursing profession. Rebecca Ehrig, BSN, RN (’18), a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program option, accepted the New Member Pillar Award during the convention. During her time at Clarkson College, Ehrig joined Omicron Epsilon, worked at the Success Center as a tutor and served as a Supplemental Instructor for her fellow students. Following graduation, Ehrig began working at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center–Bergan Mercy in Omaha, Neb.
The New Member Pillar Award recognizes a recently inducted member whose service positively impacts Sigma 3 Theta Tau, their chapter and the nursing profession. In her nomination form, Associate Professor and Omicron Epsilon Faculty Advisor Nancy McMahon, MSN, RN, CNE, CPN, highlighted Ehrig’s commitment to the organization and its growth. “Rebecca’s involvement and leadership in Omicron Epsilon has inspired other students to accept their invitations to join Sigma,” McMahon said.
Omicron Epsilon member and Graduate Nursing graduate Robert Dave Buot, MSN, APRN, FNP-C (‘18), also attended the conference where he presented his research during an oral presentation. Buot spoke about “Sensorial Disturbances of Prefilled Saline Flushes and Their Impact on Cancer Patients” along with his faculty advisor Associate Professor Jane Langemeier, Ph.D., MSN, RN. McMahon also participated in the educational sessions and presented the clinical peer-reviewed poster “Interprofessional Collaborative Care: An Evidence-Based Approach to Health Care
The chapter also earned the Showcase of Regional Excellence Award that recognizes the work of chapters in relation to the Sigma Presidential Call to Action, an initiative that encourages members to connect and collaborate...to advance world health.
Three Faculty Members Earn Dr. Patricia Book Perry Scholarly Project Award Recipients plan to bring 3D printing capabilities to the College Education.” McMahon collaborated with several other Clarkson College faculty and staff members on the poster, which explored the benefits of an interprofessional approach to health care education. As one of the Omicron Epsilon faculty advisors, McMahon accepted the Chapter Key Award during the conference’s award ceremony. The award is the ninth earned by the organization since it was chartered in 1998. The Chapter Key Award honors chapters and its members who contribute to professional and leadership development, membership recruitment and retention, and local, national and international collaboration. The chapter also earned the Showcase of Regional Excellence Award that recognizes the work of chapters in relation to the Sigma Presidential Call to Action. The initiative encourages members to connect, collaborate and catalyze with one another to advance world health. Award recipients must demonstrate their chapter’s ability to fulfill criteria related to each action.
Clarkson College awards the Dr. Patricia Book Perry Scholarly Project Award each year to faculty members who develop and complete a scholarly project benefitting the College and its students. Radiography and Medical Imaging faculty members Trish Weber, MHA, R.T.(R)(CT)(ARRT), Katie Fulton, M.S., R.T.(R)(VI)(ARRT), and Joey Battles, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(CT)(QM)(MR) (ARRT), earned the 2019 award for their project “3D Printing: The Future of Health Care Education.” In their application, the group proposed the development of a 3D printing lab at the College to ensure that the institution remains at the forefront of health care education. They highlighted the growing effectiveness of 3D printing capabilities within the medical field and how implementing the technology at the College can improve student learning abilities. According to research, three dimensional models give students access to “tactile learning activities that are tailored to their specific learning needs not obtainable via static anatomic models.” The proposal also included a recommendation for a 3D Printing Certificate within the Clarkson College Medical Imaging program. The department would implement the curriculum during the 2020-21 academic year, with coursework focused on preparing students to be knowledgeable and proficient in the 3D printing process. The certificate option will prepare technologists for
hospital settings in which dedicated 3D labs are becoming more common. The group highlighted how both the 3D printing lab and the focused curriculum would benefit the institution as a whole. Students and faculty across all disciplines can use the lab to recreate anatomical models, which encourage hands-on learning experiences and critical thinking. Implementation of the 3D lab would also be more efficient than a traditional cadaver lab because of fewer regulatory requirements and minimal staff training. The faculty members’ proposal is in line with the goals of the award’s namesake, Dr. Patricia Book Perry who showed tremendous dedication to providing high quality education. The College created the award in her honor to support faculty members involved in the development and completion of a scholarly project benefiting the College as well as its academic programs and students. Eligible applicants must be full- or part-time faculty members currently teaching in a Clarkson College academic or professional development program who have been at the College for a minimum of three years. Along with their proposal outline and application, applicants must demonstrate measurable objectives, benefits to the College, academic program or students, and an estimated time to complete the project.
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Awards & Recognition
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Ramos Named Student Nurse of the Year
Each year, the March of Dimes Nebraska and Western Iowa chapter honors nurses and nursing students during the Nurse of the Year Awards ceremony. Clarkson College Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student Jocelyn Ramos was named a Student Nurse of the Year award recipient during the annual event held Nov. 14. Clarkson College faculty nominated Ramos because of her extraordinary commitment to the nursing profession and helping her fellow nursing students succeed. “I am honored and appreciative of the Clarkson College faculty for nominating me,” she said. “This award is a testament to all the work I have devoted to the nursing profession so far. It’s been difficult, but definitely worth it.” Ramos is a member of several organizations dedicated to academic and nursing excellence. She has been a member of the Clarkson College Student Nurses Association for four years and became the First Vice President of the Nebraska State Student Nurses Association this past year. Ramos was
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Winter 2020
“I have committed many hours to studying, but I also devoted time to serving as a nursing advocate.” JOCELYN RAMOS, UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENT
also inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success and is active within the on-campus Mentoring program and Campus Crusade organizations. Participating in these groups allows Ramos to connect with her fellow nursing students and promote the profession. “I have committed many hours to studying, but I also devoted time to serving as a nursing advocate,” she said. “By speaking
College RN to BSN Program Earns Recognition
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at nursing forums and conferences, I have been able to address ideas that affect specific patient populations and nursing students.” Ramos is also part of the Nebraska Medicine ITEACH Fellowship, a scholarship program that allows nursing students to work in a variety of units and specialties while completing their program of study. Following graduation this May, Ramos will continue working as a staff nurse at Nebraska Medicine.
The Clarkson College Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program option recently earned two awards in recognition of its commitment to excellence in online nursing education. TheBestSchools.org ranked it as one of the top 50 online programs for 2019, and TopRNtoBSN.com ranked it as one of the best options in the state of Nebraska. TheBestSchools.org list ranks the top 50 online RN to BSN program options in the nation and provides registered nurses with information about each option. The site determines the ranking based on six factors: › Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline › Strength of faculty scholarship › Reputation › Financial aid › Range of degree programs › Strength of online instruction methodology TopRNtoBSN.com ranked the Clarkson College RN to BSN program option as one of the top choices in the state of Nebraska. The site considers all accredited institutions in Nebraska offering fully online or hybrid nursing options to determine their rankings. While looking at the institutions' overall reputations, the site also considers factors such as cost and student satisfaction to determine which programs they will rank as the most sought after in the state. The Clarkson College RN to BSN program option helps meet the need for a highly educated nursing workforce. Earning a Bachelor’s degree allows registered nurses to expand their career options, provide more comprehensive patient care and explore further education at the master’s or doctoral level.
1 / Jocelyn Ramos, center, poses with fellow award recipients. 2 / Ramos celebrates with Nursing faculty members Becky Allen, Sue Leutzinger and Marsha Cravens. 3 / Ramos received the Student Nurse of the Year award during the annual Nurse of the Year Awards ceremony.
Clarkson College allows students to complete their Bachelor’s degree part- or full-time. The curriculum includes core and nursing courses related to evidence-based practice, population health and leadership. Courses are offered online, and start dates are available throughout the year.
Alumni Times
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101 South 42 Street Omaha, NE 68131-2739 NEBRASKA MEDICINE | ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Celebrate with us! Alumni Weekend: Sept. 24–25 This year’s Alumni Weekend marks the 25th anniversary of our Graduate Nursing program and the 20th anniversary of the Gateway Scholarship, and we’re making plans to honor these milestones. Gather your classmates and join us on campus Sept. 24–25 to celebrate!
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Winter 2020
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