Karen Desjardins, DNP, RN
the October 2017 conference, The Path Forward in Cystic Fibrosis: Advanced Education for Nurses, is another. The school developed the national, multidisciplinary conference to educate registered and advanced practice nurses about breakthroughs and challenges in cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment and care. In addition to presenting the most current in CF science, the conference connected nursing leaders from all over the country who came seeking new knowledge, skills, and professional support, says Lisa Iannacci-Manasia, PNP, clinical instructor and conference program director. “Not many nursing programs, even in advanced education tracks, can address the breadth of knowledge that is needed to care for individuals living with CF,” Iannacci-Manasia says. “This program bridges that gap.” The inaugural program also provided a model for the four collaborating cystic fibrosis centers at the University of Pennsylvania (PennMed), Boston Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and the Baylor College of Medicine that will sponsor similar conferences during the next year, under Columbia Nursing’s guidance. “These centers will be building upon the Columbia Nursing CF curriculum and, accordingly, they will be educating hundreds more nurses in CF treatment and care,” Iannacci-Manasia says. Continuing a Tradition of Innovation The imperative to advance nursing research and clinical practice has driven innovation at Columbia Nursing for more than a century. Innovation thrives on the exchange of ideas and best
Lisa Iannacci-Manasia, PNP, RN
“ Not many nursing programs, even in advanced education tracks, can address the breadth of knowledge that is needed to care for individuals living with CF,” Iannacci-Manasia says. “This program bridges that gap.” practices, which has inspired the school to partner with other organizations and to host events, like the upcoming Helene Fuld Institute for Excellence in Simulation Summit this fall, at which national and international experts will convene to discuss the future of simulation education, its impact on patient safety and outcomes, future research, and accreditation. Bryant calls the summit, the first that will occur at the school annually for the next five years, a “simulation education think tank” for nurses and other health care leaders seeking an opportunity to network and collaborate. “We know that simulation education has a major impact on nurses’ professional development, confidence, and on patient safety,” she says. “Now we need to come together and focus on what research needs to be done to advance the field.” And what better place than Columbia Nursing, which has a 125-year tradition of transforming nursing education? “Our goal is to be a center of excellence, to make this the place people will come to when they want the latest in simulation-based education,” Bryant says. “We want to continue to be the innovator and leader people look to.”
Spring 2018
Columbia Nursing 19