Residential BSN Update DR.

DIANE BRIDGE

“There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Have you ever met someone whose very presence brings joy by their humor, someone who radiates Jesus in their care for you and those around them? Jonathan Gabriel Wry (J.G.), a LUSON junior, was that person to so many.

J.G. was a missionary kid who was excited to be going home to Bolivia for the summer to join the work his family was doing for the Lord. Just a couple of days after his arrival in Bolivia, we received the heartbreaking news that J.G. was in a tragic motorcycle accident and the Lord had called him home.

Liberty Shepherds provided a memorial service for those who were still in the Liberty area or could join on Teams. When students returned in the fall, the weight of this loss was felt throughout campus. LUSON held another memorial service for J.G. on Sept. 20, 2022. There are no words that do justice to the heartfelt stories of J.G. shared by the students, faculty, and friends from across campus and the meaningful LUSON coin Dean Turner awarded posthumously. J.G.’s parents were able to join the memorial service online. J.G. was adored by so many. Students shared how quick Jonathan was to befriend and how his humor lightened the most stressful situations, often bringing others out of dark places. Stories were shared of his compassion and how he was quick to pray with patients, regardless how rude or hateful they’d been even moments before, and how he never shied away from sharing Jesus. We laughed and cried; it was truly a beautiful celebration of his amazing life lived. The ceremony ended with a balloon release in his honor. It is hard to fathom why the Lord called Jonathan home, but listening to these stories helped us see and hear how his short life has impacted every person he encountered and how he changed the lives of so many who will continue to impact the world because of who he was and how he lived. Students echoed how J.G.’s presence would not be forgotten, how they will choose to live as he did: pointing to Christ, being selfless, thinking of others’ needs before their own, radiating Jesus in our hallways and our hospitals. We are heartbroken to lose him, yet we are grateful for the privilege of knowing him. But more importantly, we are filled with hope, knowing he is now continually worshipping at the feet of Jesus.

Fall 2022 was a rewarding semester filled with both challenges and growth. With over 600 students in the undergraduate BSN pre-licensure program, the opportunity to produce the next generation of nurses who will serve as the hands and feet of Christ is an amazing experience. Supported by 30 fulltime and over 60 adjunct faculty, students enrolled in our program are offered more than 550 hours of clinical training and provided clinical opportunities in Lynchburg, Richmond, and Roanoke, Va. Additional clinical opportunities are being explored in Spartanburg, S.C. for Spring 2024. The School of Nursing graduated 64 students in the Fall 2022 and anticipates a graduating class of 97 students in the Spring 2023.

The 12-month accelerated BSN program that was piloted in the Spring 2022 provided opportunity for veteran and second-degree students to earn a BSN in a shorter time period. The program graduated its first cohort in Dec. 22. Enrollment for the accelerated BSN programs was paused briefly in 2022 to evaluate and strengthen the program, in addition to recruiting faculty to work with accelerated students. The accelerated BSN program is anticipated to reopen in 2023.

Liberty University Career Services does an amazing job of supporting our students as they prepare for future nursing employment. In partnership with them, the LUSON-hosted Career Fair affords junior and senior nursing students the opportunity to network with prospective employers while exploring externship possibilities. The Fall 2022 Career Fair had the largest lineup in its history, with 35 healthcare system participants. The Spring 2023 Career Fair was expanded to include other healthcare opportunities outside of nursing. This allowed healthcare systems to recruit for nurses, patient care technicians, social workers, etc. The BSN program continues to be recognized for producing outstanding nurses who serve the Lord through their profession.

DNP Update

DR. SHARON KOPIS

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Advanced Practice

Registered Nurse (APRN) programs prepare licensed nurses with a biblical worldview at the highest level of practice in the clinical setting. DNP graduates serve in leadership roles, such as administrative leadership, or advanced practice clinical roles, including family practice or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. These nurses are prepared to practice clinically at the top of their license to provide healthcare to individuals and families, lead healthcare quality and safety initiatives, develop healthcare innovations, and translate evidence into practice.

Currently, the DNP program at Liberty University offers:

• a Post-MSN DNP program to prepare clinical and administrative leaders

• a Post-BSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) DNP program

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) options including a Post-BSN DNP, Post-MSN DNP, and a Postgraduate PMHNP Certificate program

• An Executive Certificate in Clinical Leadership for nurses to advance their education and career

These courses all are applicable to the DNP degree. Students are supported with nearly 70 faculty members serving in full-time or adjunct positions and a team of skilled professionals providing faculty and students with services from admission through graduation. Graduates from the programs are serving as FNPs and

PMHNPs around the nation and throughout the world. They are also leading healthcare systems as nurse executives and administrators.

The DNP and APRN programs at Liberty University currently enroll approximately 500 students, with over 200 of these students enrolled in one of the PMHNP programs. There is a national shortage of mental healthcare providers, and the PMHNP program answers the call to graduate students prepared to care for patients and families. Liberty University is a partner school recipient of the Virginia Health Care Foundation grants program to support the education of PMHNPs and increase the mental healthcare workforce across the Commonwealth of Virginia. This year, five PMHNP Postgraduate Certificate students are recipients of full scholarships through this program. Upon graduation, these students will serve Virginia’s mental healthcare needs.

Check out some of the projects in this program by scanning this QR code.

LUNSA: Rooted

DR. DANA WOODY

The Liberty University Nursing Student Association (LUNSA) has “grown” over the years; to think about our humble beginnings and where we are now, we are often reminded of His faithfulness in all. This academic year, we decided to look deeper into our growth in Him, showcasing our thankfulness for His plans that have unfolded, as we invested in our students. In support of our 2022-23 theme “Rooted,” we adopted Colossians 2:6-7 as our verse.

LUNSA is committed to growing students in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and service. Our LUNSA Board plans semester events starting at the end of spring and works through the summer to ensure that students have opportunities for great fun and fellowship. Over 200 strong on our membership roster, the Fall 2022 semester did not disappoint, with over 15 events, including our PROMISE (Peers Reaching Out to Motivate, Inspire, Strengthen, and Empower) project work. Some standouts from the semester included Freshman Bootcamp, Lemonade with LUNSA, LUSON Market, Worship Night, Chili Cook-off, Homecoming, NSNA Mid-Year Conference, and the Winter Gala. We had record enrollment in our PROMISE project serving over 140 students. This mentorship project is led by students, supporting intentional investment in mind, body, and spirit, and it has become a staple in our nursing program. Our students also supported several community events this semester, serving dinner at Parkview Community Mission and collecting toys for foster children in the greater Lynchburg Community. New this semester, our students also participated in a self-defense class and enjoyed pet therapy at a membership meeting.

Online Program Update

DR. ELIZABETH WHORLEY

The undergraduate and graduate online nursing programs provide educational opportunities with a biblical perspective for nurses desiring to advance their nursing degrees. There are many options for nurses to specialize and grow their passion, including:

• RN-BSN, RN-BSN Global Studies Specialization

• MSN Concentrations in Administration, Community Health, Education, Health Policy, and Informatics (also offered as RN-BSN-MSN)

• MSN dual degrees in Nursing Administration paired with the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Nursing Administration combined with the Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

• Ph.D. in Nursing program with a focus on Nursing Education

• Executive Certificate in Nursing Educational Leadership

This past academic year, we had many students engage in LUSON Research Day, Liberty University Research Week, outside conferences, and publications. Our community of online students continues to serve as bedside nurses, administrators, educators, community health leaders, military professionals, and so much more, all while advancing their education. We are humbled to be part of Training Champions for Christ who impact their communities.

To find out more about our online programs, visit Liberty.edu/Online/Nursing.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7, NIV).

LUNSA looks forward to continued “growth” on many levels. Here is to great things, all for His glory.

LUSON Coining

DR. JERRY HARVEY

In the military, unit or commander coins are carried by members that bear an organization’s insignia or emblem. Traditionally, coins are given to prove membership as well as to enhance morale, instill unit pride, and reward hard work and excellence. In practice, coins are presented by commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of their unit. They provide the opportunity for leadership to promptly show appreciation for a job well done.

The origin of LUSON coins dates back to 2007. At that time, Dr. Jerry Harvey was an Air Force Officer stationed at the Pentagon. Prior to transitioning to LUSON as a professor, he found a coin with the image of the Armor of God in the Pentagon coin shop. He purchased 20 of these coins with the intent to give them to students who demonstrated outstanding achievement when he arrived at Liberty University. In 2012, Dr. Britt, then dean of LUSON, caught wind of what Dr. Harvey was doing and made it an ongoing opportunity to recognize LUSON students at monthly faculty meetings. Since 2012, LUSON students have repeatedly provided examples for the leadership to recognize them with a coin.

The LUSON coin is now presented by the dean to acknowledge special achievements and/or actions by students. Some of these achievements include academic excellence, humanitarian acts in the community, and clinical excellence, as well as clinical acts of compassion. The faculty and staff of LUSON continue to be impressed each month with the stories of how our nursing students impact others by demonstrating Christ’s love. It is an honor to be able to recognize them.

DR. TONIA KENNEDY

Psi Delta Chapter of Sigma is the School of Nursing’s honor society. It recognizes students who exemplify high academic achievement across all programs, in addition to nurse leaders who exemplify outstanding leadership within the nursing profession and community. Presently there are about 110 active members of Psi Delta with more students and nurse leaders being recognized and invited to join each semester. Psi Delta hosts chapter meetings twice a semester in addition to participating in philanthropic events throughout the year to support excellence in scholarship, provide experience in leadership, and continually support distinction in service.

During the Fall 2022 semester, Psi Delta participated in Sigma’s founders day event by collecting 100 food items for the School of Nursing’s food pantry that supports nursing students in need of food. Psi Delta supported the Freedom 424 Gala held in Lynchburg by sending 2 members to learn more about their mission and outreach partners locally and globally. Mr. Keith Paulus, vice president of Psi Delta, attended the virtual Chapter Leadership Connection conference hosted by Sigma to learn strategies to engage members, increase presence through social media, and become more involved with regional activities. Lastly, Psi Delta hosted the annual Christmas toy drive to support local foster children in the Lynchburg area. This year, the chapter raised enough donations to support 37 children’s specific needs with many other donations to help support other needs for the foster children.

The Spring 2023 semester was filled with meetings and activities that supported excellence in scholarship, provided experience in leadership, and supported distinction in service. We hosted meetings in February and April, participated in the American Heart Association Heart Walk, hosted a research lunch, and will hold the Psi Delta induction for new members on May 12, 2023. Please join the chapter through the Liberty University School of Nursing website, Liberty.edu/ Nursing/Honors-Society/, and on Facebook @ Psi Delta Sigma Theta Tau International at Liberty University.

Rachel Joseph

DR. ELIZABETH WHORLEY

Dr. Rachel Joseph has a passion for nursing, education, students, research and scholarship, and the Lord. Her recent publications and research focus include the Maternal Experiences of Skin to Skin Contact in the NICU, Social Media Platforms and Childbirth Education, the COVID-19 pandemic and nursing students, and the needs of parents of children with Spina Bifida. She was nominated as one of the top 10 finalists for the Inaugural Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award! She was selected out of over 24,000 nurses from over 184 countries.

Please scan the QR code to learn more about Dr. Joseph and the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.

Spartanburg STACY TAYLOR

In the Fall 2022 semester, 16 junior-level and 3 senior-level nursing students were blessed with the opportunity to complete a portion of their clinical hours at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System in Spartanburg, S.C. This was the first semester of a tremendous partnership we look forward to continuing.

The mission of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is to “advance health together.” The nurses in the hospital truly exemplify this mission in bringing our students alongside them to help care for their patients. Students stated that the nurses welcomed them with open arms and were very willing to teach and assist them.

“Each nurse I worked with would explain skills and rationales behind them before we would go into the room to ensure we were comfortable completing them.” – Ellie Bauguess ’24

“The nurses would look for things that the students could do.” – Abigail Breyer ’24

“The nurses seemed to really care about us and our education.” – Zara Gigi ’22

The students were able to complete many skills throughout their three weekends in Spartanburg.

In addition to gaining clinical experience, the groups also grew to be like families. They were able to spend their evenings together having dinner, bowling, and enjoying coffee at local coffee shops as they were completing their clinical work and studying.

Faculty Spotlight

DR. ELIZABETH WHORLEY

Dr. Randy Krantz, JD, MAR, RN faculty in the MSN programs, is the primary faculty for the Healthcare Policy Practicum courses and the Healthcare Policy and Ethics course. He is a Bedford County, Va., native and has served his community since high school starting as an EMT, paramedic, and hospital orderly.

Dr. Krantz planned to attend college as a pre-med major post-high school graduation. However, his plans changed when the community hospital offered to pay for his education to become a registered nurse. He took this opportunity and began his career as a registered nurse in the emergency room and critical care in 1981. He returned to school and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Public Service in 1986, which coincided with his passion for emergency medical services. He continued this passion by serving as the director of the paramedic program and assistant professor at Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, Va.

He saw an opportunity to combine his passion for nursing, people, and ethics through a career in law. In 1990, he graduated from the University of Richmond T.C. Williams School of Law and began his successful law career. He currently serves as a judge for the Bedford General District Court in Bedford, Va. He has held many posts, including Commonwealth’s Attorney and Chief Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Bedford, Va., director of the Bedford County Violent Crime Response Team, legal advisor of the Bedford Forensic Nurse Program, and member of the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. In 2011, he became an ordained minister after graduating from the Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary.

His accomplishments are distinguished. His passion for his faith, family, community, and profession is evident. A strong understanding of ethics and policy is vital as nurses face many challenges in the current healthcare environment. With his expert knowledge and experience, he impacts students through the intersections of nursing, law, theology, and ethics, creating a learning environment that fosters ethical discussions through faith.