Winter 2018
Mercy College Alumni Magazine
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Academic Center for Excellence Dedication April 16, 2018 An event in partnership with
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President Barbara Q. Decker Retirement Celebration May 14 & 17, 2018
Volume 12 Issue 1, Winter 2018 Š Copyright 2018 Vitalsigns is published by the Office of Development and Marketing Communications. Send changes of address to the Office of Development and Marketing Communications, Mercy College of Health Sciences, 928 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1239. 2
VitalSigns Magazine | Winter 2018
Publisher Barbara Q. Decker, JD bdecker@mercydesmoines.org
Editor Matt Romkey mromkey@mercydesmoines.org
Associate Editor Jim Tagye jtagye@mercydesmoines.org
Writers Matt Romkey Tamara Rood Jim Tagye Photographers Jim Heemstra Brent Isenberger Matt Romkey Graphic Designers Sally Hawkins Melissa Miller
It is Me policy t and bus free fro provide treatme regardl religion sexual genetic disabili any oth regardi directed Manage Human 643-318 Iowa 50
ercy College of Health Sciences’ to conduct all academic programs siness activities in a manner that is om unlawful discrimination and to e equal opportunity for and equal ent of students and employees less of race, color, age, ethnicity, n/creed, national origin, pregnancy, orientation, gender, gender identity, c information, sex, marital status, ity or status as a U. S. veteran or her factor protected by law. Inquiries ing nondiscrimination policies may be d to the Vice President, Enrollment ement and Student Affairs or the n Resources’ Business Partner at (515) 80, 928 6th Avenue, Des Moines, 0309, mchshr@mercydesmoines.org.
Feature Reflecting on the Past, Guiding the Future 14 Mercy College remains uniquely positioned for growth and success.
Mercy College of Health Sciences President Announces Retirement
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Barbara Quijano Decker reflects on her 12-year tenure at Mercy College.
New Dean of Nursing Notes Changes in Nursing Profession 18 The role of nurses continues to evolve as the nursing shortage increases.
Mercy College of Health Sciences and Drake University Partner on Accelerated Nursing Degree 20 New partnership gives students dual degrees.
New Building Includes Academic Space and Student Housing 21 Modern facilities and student housing increase on-campus offerings for students.
Academic News 22 New programs expand the breadth of health science education.
Mercy College Celebrates Launch of New Strategic Plan 23 New strategic plan offers increased blended learning opportunities for students.
Message from the Board Chair
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Message from the President
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Campus News and Updates
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Mission 11 Reflecting on the Past, Guiding the Future
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Message from the Alumni Chairperson
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Alumni, Development and Accolades
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Alumni News and Notes
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Alex is Here to Change the World
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College Board of Directors Glenn Lyons Board Chair
Merle T. Pederson, J.D. Former Board Chair
Mary Sheldahl Vice Chair
Barbara Q. Decker, JD (Ex Officio)
Willard L. Boyd III, JD Secretary Thomas Reitinger Treasurer
Elisabeth C. Buck Jacquie Easley McGhee Stephen Eckstat, DO, FAAFP
Jeff Flora Diane Huber, PhD, RN, FAAN, NEA-BC Sara Lydic Sharon Phillips, RN Sister Maurita Soukup, RSM, RN, MSN, PhD
Paul Erickson www.mchs.edu
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Message from the Board Chair Glenn Lyons, chair of the Mercy College of Health Sciences Board of Directors As we move towards the end of an era for Mercy College of Health Sciences president, Barbara Quijano Decker, we reflect on the transformation the College has experienced under her leadership. Dr. Decker has served as president of Mercy College since October 2005. During her tenure she has evolved the College from where it was to a fully autonomous and accredited institution with nearly 20 certificate, associate and bachelor level programs with the prospect of advanced education on the horizon. Dr. Decker is highly revered in the academic, health care and Catholic arenas. Her contributions are regularly recognized by her colleagues, peers and even Pope Francis who recently awarded Dr. Decker with the “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross,” which translates to “For the Church and the Pontiff, the Pope.” Dr. Decker renewed the Catholic identity at Mercy College by shaping its vision, mission and institutional outcomes around our heritage, tracing our roots back to the Sisters of Mercy. This emphasis has resulted in thousands of health care professional being prepared to treat the entire person, body and soul with Christian mercy and love, making Mercy College graduates highly sought after across the region.
We ask you to join us to celebrate Dr. Decker’s contributions to the College at a mass on May 14 and reception on May 17. Please RSVP and find additional details online at www.mchs.edu/retirement. In lieu of gifts, we will commemorate Dr. Decker’s legacy by endowing a scholarship for Mercy College students in her honor. Donations to the Barbara Quijano Decker Excellence in Education Endowed Scholarship can be made online at www.mchs.edu/retirement or please use the enclosed envelope to make your gift. We are pleased to share that Mercy College Board of Directors will be matching funds raised at an amount to soon be announced to ensure Dr. Decker’s legacy will be maintained at Mercy College. With Blessings,
Glenn Lyons, Board Chair
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VitalSigns Magazine | Winter 2018
Message from the President With this issue of VitalSigns, I extend my appreciation and best wishes to our alumni, friends, and colleagues of Mercy College of Health Sciences. Last August, I announced my intention to retire in 2018. In a few short months I will conclude my presidency. It has been an honor and privilege to lead and serve the College since 2005. These past years, the College has undergone significant transformation and growth. New academic programs, facilities and service initiatives are a few of the hallmarks of the success we have experienced. Thank you for your engagement and support in contributing to these accomplishments. Our collective strength continues to advance the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, their commitment to education, health care, and to our communities. Today, our guiding values of Knowledge, Reverence, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence embody the Sisters’ dedication, persistence, and their passionate spirit. This past November I was honored to receive a special recognition from Pope Francis for distinguished service and work. What a humbling and blessed experience. It affirms my belief that my service at Mercy College has truly made a difference, impacting the lives and spirituality of those who I have had the pleasure of interacting with. As I reflect upon my experiences at Mercy College, my fondest moments are the opportunities to meet and visit with our alumni. Your strong work ethic, quality service, and excellent patient care have brought to life the College’s mission “to prepare graduates for service and leadership in the health care community” by integrating professional and liberal arts education. Whether we were together at an alumni reunion, activity, or traveling, your many and varied stories about your Mercy education have touched my heart. I am excited for Mercy College and its future. New leadership inspires new ideas and new opportunities. As the College realizes its vision to be a national leader for excellence in the delivery and innovation of health sciences education I will continue to advocate and sing the praises for the College’s legacy and its potential. In recent months, I have been asked about my plans for the future. My husband, Larry, retired in October and he has been patiently waiting for my retirement. Travel plans are being made. More time with family and grandchildren will occur. Church and community service will be a key part of our time together. In my farewell, I want to share one of my favorite prayers and again express my sincere appreciation to all of you. With Blessings,
Barbara Q. Decker, President
May the Lord Bless You and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
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Campus News & Updates New Ultrasound Machines on Campus Mercy College of Health Sciences recently purchased two Philips Affiniti 50 ultrasound systems to enhance the educational experience of students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program. The new ultrasound systems improved image quality and have an intuitive user interface and ergonomic design to mimic the equipment students utilize in their clinical rotations. "The ability to adapt to new technology is essential to being a successful sonographer,” said Abby Osborn (’18) Cardiac Sonography student. “Having the privilege of being a student in the DMS program at Mercy College with the new ultrasound machines has been exciting for all of us. These new machines will allow us to become familiar with cutting-edge equipment and allow us to perform better in the classroom and the workplace. I have enjoyed working with the new equipment so much that I even spend my time after class working with it.” Much of the Mercy College sonography students’ hands-on learning experience occurs in the ultrasound lab located on the Mercy College campus. This allows students to develop the fine art of transducer manipulation and gives them an understanding of the machine instrumentation while gaining the confidence before they have to apply their knowledge and skills in the real-life clinical setting.
Katie Hermawan, RDMS, (AB, OB/GYN), RDCS, clinical coordinator of the DMS program, showcases the new ultrasound machines.
“We strive to keep current with health care and diagnostic imaging trends as well as innovative developments in teaching. The addition of these state-of-the-art ultrasound systems allows us to provide our students with a well-rounded education and better prepare graduates to enter the profession with confidence,” said Adrienne St. Clair, MHS, RDMS (AB, OB/GYN), RDCS, RVT, program chair and assistant professor of General Ultrasound, Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Mercy College Association of Nursing Students Represent College on State and National Level The Mercy College Association of Nursing Students (MCANS) has been busy this academic year. In October 2017, the MCANS board members and the faculty advisors participated in the 2017 Iowa Association of Nursing Students State Convention at Prairie Meadows in Des Moines, Iowa. In advance of the convention, members of MCANS researched and developed two resolutions that were presented at the convention. Upon review and formal voting, both of the MCANS resolutions presented were unanimously passed. They are: 1.
In support of increasing education and awareness regarding disinfecting portable electronics as standard environmental control.
2. In support of increasing parent education regarding the importance of early detection and follow up of infant hearing impairments. At the 2017 Iowa Association of Nursing State Convention, Kambra Becker (’18) and Lisa Judd (’18) were elected into the president and treasurer positions for the statewide organization, respectively. This prominent role will allow Mercy College to be represented at both the state and national level. 6
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MCANS leaders attend the Iowa Association of Nursing State Convention. Top row from left to right: Jory Wallace (’18), Lisa Judd (’18), Mary-Claire Li (’18), Daniel McCoy (’18), Nick Bunger (’18), Ellie Youngwirth (’18), and Marley Drake (’18). Bottom row from left to right: Kim Bruett, faculty advisor and Krissa Wiley, faculty advisor. Not pictured: Larz Vinz (’18) and Sara Ryan (’17).
Kambra Becker, 2017-18 president of IANS (2016-17 vice president of IANS) Lisa Judd, 2017-18 treasurer of IANS (2017-18 MCANS secretary)
As representatives of the state of Iowa, Becker and Judd traveled to the National Student Nursing Association convention in San Diego, California. While there, Becker collaborated with other presidents from across the country on best practices for running a state association. Specific business included the selection of presenters and development of the program for the next convention to be held in Nashville, Tennessee. Judd returned to campus enlightened about the treasurers’ roles in their membership organizations and came away with a multitude of creative ways to fundraise for state and school associations. She also felt the opportunity enhanced her understanding of the R.N. licensure process, how to maintain the R.N. licensure, and how to expand the nurse’s scope of practice through policy. "MCANS and the Mercy College nursing students they represent could not have achieved these accomplishments without the amazing support and guidance from our faculty advisors Kim Bruett and Krissa Wiley," said Judd. "We cannot thank them enough for all the time and effort they put towards our success!"
White Coat Ceremony Elevates the Role of Nurses Mercy College of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is the only program in Iowa to be awarded funding in 2017 for a White Coat Ceremony. The White Coat Ceremony for nurses is an initiative funded by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and The Arnold P. Gold Foundation. Launched in 2013, this groundbreaking collaboration has enabled 260 schools of nursing in 48 states to offer ceremonies designed to instill a commitment to providing compassionate care among the next generation of registered nurses. White Coat Ceremonies have been conducted by medical schools for more than 20 years, this new initiative marks the first time a coordinated effort has been developed to offer similar events at nursing schools. In nursing, a White www.mchs.edu
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CAMPUS NEWS & UPDATES
Coat Ceremony typically consists of the recitation of an oath, an address by a distinguished role model and a reception for students and invited guests. Students also are given a specially designed pin that serves as a visual reminder of their oath and commitment to providing high quality care.
"As the health care provider who spends the most time with patients, nurses must embrace the need to provide compassionate care as an essential element of their professional practice," said Dr. Juliann Sebastian, chair of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Board of Directors. "With health care becoming more patient-centered and team-driven, nurses, physicians, and other providers must embed humanism in their practice as a catalyst for realizing the best possible care outcomes." More than 80 new undergraduate students in the Mercy College School of Nursing participated in the school’s first-ever White Coat Ceremony, a rite of passage that welcomes students into medical professions. The inaugural Mercy College BSN White Coat Ceremony took place at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines.
U.S. Justice Department Supports $510,000 Central Iowa Grant Mercy College of Health Sciences, Drake University, Grand View University and Simpson College will collectively receive a $510,000 CREATING A CARING COMMUNITY grant from the U.S. Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). As a recipient of this competitive award, the four central Iowa colleges will work together alongside community partners including Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services to strengthen and formalize education, policies, procedures and messaging to prevent and respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking on their respective campuses. The proposal from these central Iowa colleges was one of 45 grants awarded to institutions of higher education. “We are extremely pleased to have received this grant award from OVW,” said Dr. Karen Anderson, vice president of enrollment management and student affairs at Mercy College. “Our colleges have identified the value in sharing resources to ensure consistent messaging and training for college students, faculty, law enforcement and community partners.” Mercy College was the lead applicant on the grant, on behalf of the consortium partners.
About the U.S. Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence against women through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing 21 federal grant programs, OVW often undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges.
Six colleges and Universities Form Iowa Catholic Collegiate Association The six Catholic colleges in Iowa have formed the Iowa Catholic Collegiate Association to collaborate and identify innovative strategies to collectively respond to today’s dynamic higher education environment. Presidents of Mercy College of Health Sciences, Des Moines; Briar Cliff University, Sioux City; Clarke University, Dubuque; Loras College, Dubuque; Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids; and St. Ambrose University, Davenport share a common 8
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vision and steadfast commitment to the sustainability and enhancement of Catholic higher education in Iowa, according to the statement of purpose created by the group. “By working together we can provide an even more engaged and enriched learning environment for our students,” said Barbara Q. Decker, president of Mercy College. “The changing landscape has required our institutions adopt increased and strategic collaborations and cooperative alliances. By creating cooperative relationships we can significantly strengthen our capacity to effectively address the opportunities and challenges ahead.” The move comes as both public and private higher education institutions face escalating costs, changing demographics, decreased funding and public scrutiny about the value of advanced education. This is particularly the case for smaller independent colleges and universities that lack the economies of scale and scope to influence and negotiate their unique opportunities and challenges. Mercy College remains committed to providing a cost-effective education that provides our students with the opportunity to receive job placement in high paying, in-demand career placement.
Vital People Receives 2017 American Graphic Design Award The most recent edition of Vital People received a 2017 American Graphic Design Award for outstanding publication design. As reflected in our notification letter, this year’s showcase reflects the increasingly important ways in which graphic design shapes business and society, products and services, commerce and culture. Mercy College is proud to continue to be a leader across industries for our print publications. We hope you enjoy them, too!
Mercy College Held Prominent Role at Iowa State Fair Mercy College was featured as a Red Ribbon Sponsor at the 2017 Iowa State Fair which gave the alumni, faculty, staff, and administration the ability to share the College’s unique story and history with thousands of fairgoers from around the world. Last year’s Iowa State Fair boasted record attendance, which is evident by the thousands of tattoos, stickers and pens that were given out by volunteers at the Mercy College booth in the Fair Trades Building.
Plan to drop by if you are attending the Iowa State Fair in 2018!
Special booth visitors (from left to right): Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, admissions counselor Dillon Bauer, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Joan McCleish, associate dean of graduate nursing studies.
www.mchs.edu
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CAMPUS NEWS & UPDATES
Mercy College Receives $84,000 Dash Emergency Grant Mercy College of Health Sciences has been awarded a Dash Emergency Grant from Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates to address financial barriers that impede low-income students from completing their education. This $84,000 grant will provide additional assistance to operating and maintaining the College’s existing student emergency aid program. Mercy College serves students from diverse backgrounds and financial situations. An incident such as a broken-down car or an unexpected medical bill can be a major financial crisis for many of our students, forcing them to choose between paying their bills or attending college. “Thanks to the Dash Emergency Grant, Mercy College has the resources to provide modest emergency grants to our students in times of greatest need,” said Dr. Karen Anderson, vice president of enrollment management and student affairs. Mercy College began making student emergency grants in fall 2017. To receive support, students complete an application detailing their financial emergency. A committee then reviews the application and expenses up to $1,000 are paid within two business days of approval. By quickly removing financial distractions, students can refocus on their studies and continue toward graduation.
Emergency grants will be integrated into the College’s overall student success strategy with the goal of helping students overcome financial obstacles which will improve retention and completion rates. Mercy College is one of the first four-year colleges to receive a Dash Emergency Grant from Great Lakes. A combined $7.2 million in grants was awarded to 32 colleges in Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Dash Emergency Grants for four-year colleges build on the success two-year colleges have achieved since Great Lakes began supporting emergency grant programs in 2012. These colleges report students who received emergency grants stay in school at better rates and graduated in larger numbers. “We’re pleased to extend our Dash Emergency Grant to Mercy College and other four-year colleges to help more at-risk students overcome financial obstacles to completion,” said Richard D. George, president and chief executive officer of Great Lakes.
In order to receive the full amount of the award and make use of it to its fullest intent, Mercy College is required to raise $6,000. If you would like to contribute to the emergency needs of our students, please donate utilizing the enclosed form to ensure that our students have access to these critical funds. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
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Mission Acclaimed Faith and Healing Speaker Series Mercy College of Health Sciences is hosting four speakers during the 2017-18 academic year as part of the third annual Faith & Healing Speaker Series. This award-winning educational program was designed to address the important and vital responsibility our students and community have to uphold Mercy College’s values in a dynamic health care setting. “The Faith and Healing Speakers Series creates a great crossroad between our values and our mission,” said Bo Bonner, Director of Campus Life. “It allows us to uphold our value of knowledge by instilling in our College and our community a thirst to continually study, investigate, observe and experience the world all around for facts and ideas that can improve the health and well-being of humankind and create a love for learning.” This speaker series addresses topics ranging from faith, healing, and wellness from different perspectives while highlighting Catholic theology and practice. Despite strong evidence that religious faith, regardless of denomination, often informs clinicians’ practices and that many patients’ experiences of illness are mediated by faith, the relationship between faith and healing is understudied. Mercy College hopes the dialogue encouraged by this series helps to fill this gap about these critical topics. The Faith and Health Speaker Series was recognized in May 2015 by the Iowa Healthcare Educators, a membership group of the Iowa Hospital Association, with the IHE Institutional Award.
Events are open to the public and we hope you will join us at a future Faith in Health event. Learn more and RSVP your attendance at www.mchs.edu/ faithandhealing.
2017 – 2018 featured speakers Dr. Adam DeVille, associate professor, chair of the Philosophy and Theology Department, and program director of the Master of Arts in Theology at the University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dr. DeVille’s topic was titled “Alter-Egos in Dialogue: Freud and the Health of the Christian Mind.” Dr. Abraham Nussbaum, chief education officer for Denver Health, associate professor at University of Colorado’s Department of Psychiatry, and author of “The Finest Traditions of My Calling,” who led a discussion on, “The Basil Option: From Healthcare Reform to the Renewal of Medicine.”
Bishop Richard E. Pates, bishop of the Diocese of Des Moines, led a spirited discussion on “Pope Francis’ Vision: Building a World Community of Peace, Truth and Justice.”
The series will conclude the year with Dr. William English, assistant professor of economics, ethics, and public policy for the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, who will speak on April 5, 2018, at 6 p.m. regarding, “The Moral Problems of Modern Medicine.”
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MISSION
Combining Knowledge With a Servant’s Heart at the United Nations Jean Angel (’17), a physical therapist assistant student, and Jordan Schmitt (’16), a BSN nursing student were able to combine a dual emphasis on head and heart with a trip to the United Nations (U.N.). Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, the Sisters allow students from the various colleges who trace their roots to the Sisters of Mercy from around the country to join them for a “U.N. immersion experience.” During this unique experience, students accompany the Sisters as they advocate for the poor and vulnerable at the U.N. in New York City. The Sisters share strategies for advocating locally that students can implement within their own communities. “This opportunity was valuable because it was empowering. We have the tools and resources to make a difference in people's lives. And any bit helps. Not only will our work benefit those we come in contact with, but through the butterfly effect, with others those individuals in turn influence. Our work in the community can make a huge difference,” reflected Schmitt. In order to bring these strategies back to the Des Moines area, and in particular to speak to the nationwide problem of human trafficking and its ramifications in our community, Jean and Jordan presented what they learned at the U.N. immersion during Mercy Week.
Jordan Schmitt ('16), left, and Jean Angel ('17), second from right, are joined by Sisters of Mercy during their U.N. immersion experience.
“Des Moines has a high volume of human trafficking due to the intersection of Interstates 80 and 35,” said Angel. “This traffic makes Des Moines and its surrounding area susceptible to human trafficking or the exploitation of individuals, especially women and children. Human trafficking is a key area of interest for the Sisters of Mercy and, while at the United Nations, they raised awareness of this issue by writing policy and promoting a just world for all people.” Angel and Schmitt both hope that they can educate youth and those who care for them, “In order to reduce the incidence of exploitation while promoting justice and empowering the underprivileged,” according to Angel.
The Uncommon Good Radio Show The Uncommon Good is a weekly radio show on Iowa Catholic Radio hosted by Bo Bonner, Mercy College director of campus ministry and Dr. Bud Marr, former Mercy College faculty. The Uncommon Good highlights the common good (which is an uncommon topic), the social teaching of the church, servant leadership, and the social reign of Jesus Christ. Tune in weekly every Wednesday at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Iowa Catholic Radio. Pictured left to right: Bud Marr and Bo Bonner director of campus ministry.
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MISSION
Catherine’s Cabinet – Take What You Need, Leave What You Can Some Mercy College students must make the choice between funding their education and providing food for themselves or their families. In response to this growing demand, Mercy College created Catherine’s Cabinet, an on-campus, freewill donation food pantry designed to provide an additional layer of support for its students hoping they are never forced to choose between food and their education. Catherine’s Cabinet sits unassumingly in the basement of Brennan Hall, the result of a growing trend where more and more students are struggling to make ends meet. Encouraged to find a solution, Mercy College faculty, staff and students turned an overflowing bookshelf into an opportunity to provide for our campus community. The shelves of Catherine’s Cabinet are stocked with a variety of non-perishable food items. The cabinet’s motto, “Take what you need, leave what you can,” speaks to its namesake Mother Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy who dedicated her life to the education and care of homeless women and children in the 1800s. Mercy College is not unique in this need. A recent national survey by the College and University Food Bank Alliance demonstrates the growing demand for food pantries on college campuses.
Logan Judd (BSN '18), vice president of Student Senate poses in front of Catherine's Cabinet.
Bishop Richard Pates More than 50 people were in attendance as Bishop Pates engaged the crowd with Pope Francis’ view of the Church, and its role in a world seeking peace and grace. Included were personal stories about the Pope and the Bishop’s many travels during his time serving on the Peace and Justice Secretariat of the USCCB. Fitting for the setting of a health sciences college, the Bishop showed how the Church is an instrument of healing, not only in terms of human disease and suffering, but in relationship to the human community being affected by violence and abused by greed. Bishop Pates concluded the evening exhorting the listeners to consider how they in their own lives could participate in this healing.
Pictured left to right: Bishop Pates, president Barbara Q. Decker and Bo Bonner, director of campus ministry.
Mercy College of Health Sciences Announces Third President The Mercy College of Health Sciences Board of Directors has named Douglas J. Fiore, Ph.D., to serve as the College’s next president. Fiore will succeed Barbara Quijano Decker, J.D., who announced her retirement in August 2017 after 12-years of leading Mercy College. Fiore will be working with President Decker in a period of onboarding to enable a seamless transition. Effective June 10, 2018, Fiore will begin his new role as president of the College.
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Reflecting on the Past, Guiding the Future Since the founding of Mercy College of Health Sciences by the Sisters of Mercy, education and values have guided the College’s unique academic offerings. As the College moves forward, a solid foundation of liberal arts curriculum continues to support a world-class health sciences education.
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ince its founding in 1899, the Mercy Hospital Training School was established to prepare nurses to provide care and healing of patients at Mercy Medical Center and related health care communities. From humble beginnings as a certificate and diploma-granting institution, to the consolidation of Mercy Schools of Nursing, Radiology and Emergency Medical Services in 1994, and finally to the transition to become a fully accredited institution with the formation of Mercy College of Health Sciences, the College is strategically positioned to advance its health sciences expertise. During this process of evolution, the College continues to shape educational programs to meet the changing demands of the community. Examples include expanding the curriculum to include bachelor’s degrees, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in nursing, and recently adding health care administration, public health and health information management degrees. This distinct reflection on the founding mission combined with the dynamic role Mercy College has played in educating health care professionals for more than a century has created a successful framework for the College to grow and prosper in the future.
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Many changes will impact the College moving forward: the retirement of the current president, the evolving role of the modern nurse, new academic facilities, student housing options, expanded academic programs and the implementation of a new strategic plan. All these factors propel Mercy College into the future. The College is poised to set the standard for educating health care professionals to serve in Iowa – and in the world. Just as Mercy College is committed to equipping students with the clinical and professional skills they need for careers in a challenging health care environment, the College is equally committed to developing character and compassion in our students. This unique intersection of humanism and practical learning is the Mercy College advantage.
Join us for the future. It’s waiting for us.
Mercy College of Health Sciences President Announces Retirement
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arbara Quijano Decker, J.D., was appointed the second president of Mercy College of Health Sciences in August 2006. During Decker’s 12-year tenure as president, Mercy College has made significant contributions in advancing the College to meet the dynamic needs of the health care community. As one of seven children and the daughter of first-generation Americans, Decker’s parents always embraced the importance of education for their children. Her father’s formal education concluded in eighth grade. At 91 years old, her mother graduated with her high school diploma. “My mom was from Italy and my dad was from Mexico. They were both hard working. They made sure resources were available to send all their children to college. And they persevered – no matter what challenges or barriers were set before them,” Decker said. Under Decker’s leadership, Mercy College has expanded facilities, broadened and diversified academic programming, strengthened the ministry as a Catholic college and created a culture of academic success. Her passion and persistence led to Mercy College’s favorable accreditation and performance outcomes as well as the organization’s strong positive relationships with students, employees, alumni, clinical partners and the College Board of Directors. Decker earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and sociology from Drake University. She went on to earn her Juris Doctorate and Master of Public Administration degrees and completed her law degree while working full time as Drake’s human resources director, where her son was an undergraduate student. She was admitted to the Iowa State Bar upon her graduation from Drake Law School in July 2000. She has received scholastic honors as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Alpha Alpha. Leading by example, Decker honored Mercy College by establishing three separate endowment funds: the Frank and Mary Quijano Endowed Scholarship Fund, in honor of her parents’ commitment to education, a President’s Endowed Innovation Fund to support student immersion trips and new college endeavors, and an endowment fund to honor the charisms and legacy of the Sisters of Mercy.
“Barbara’s compassionate leadership has advanced the mission of Mercy College within our community tenfold,” said Mercy College board chair Glenn Lyons. Decker has received numerous honors and recognition from her community involvement, impacting countless lives. She was honored with the 2007 Distinguished Master of Public Administration Alumnus Award from Drake’s College of Business and Public Administration and received the Robert D. Ray Ambassador Award from the Iowa Commission on Latino Affairs in 2006. Dr. Decker was the 1998 recipient of the Award for Excellence in Human Resources by the Central Iowa Society of Human Resource Management.
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Perhaps the greatest honor, however, was conveyed upon her in November 2017 when Pope Francis awarded Decker with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal, which means “For the Church and the Pontiff, the Pope.” Decker also serves on a number of community boards and professional organizations. Mary E. Campos, a close family friend and a distinguished advocate on behalf of the Hispanic community, remarked at Decker’s invocation in 2006, “To describe the Quijano family and Barbara, their gifts of faith, family, and friends along with their persistence and hard work, discipline and responsibility are evident.” Decker is looking forward to spending time with her family in retirement, but she won’t be slowing down completely. “I will be sitting on several boards and will be engaged with the diocese and my own parish,” Decker said. In addition, she will be spending quality time with her husband Larry, who retired at the end of 2017, her son Casey and daughter-in-law Karen and with their two grandchildren, Grace (12) and Lily (10). “I will miss the people,” Decker reflected. “I have especially enjoyed the fast-paced environment, new ideas, programs, challenges and educating others.” The executive committee of the Mercy College Board of Directors retained Greenwood / Asher & Associates, Inc., a national higher education executive search firm to assist with recruiting the next president, who was announced in February 2018. Barbara Quijano Decker’s last day with Mercy College will be in June, 2018, but her legacy and leadership will be remembered long after.
Reflecting on the past, guiding the future
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New Dean of Nursing Notes Changes in Nursing Profession
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f you’re of a certain age, the 1980s might not seem all that long ago. But if Mercy College’s current nursing students traveled in time back to the decade of Ronald Reagan, “Pac-Man” and “Thriller” they’d be surprised by the changes in the nursing profession (and probably amused by the fashions and hairstyles). No one understands the ways nursing has evolved better than Nancy Kertz, PhD., FNP-BC, dean of nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences since August 2016. Kertz remembers details from her start in nursing school at a public college in Indiana.
“The culture of nursing is so different now and it’s all for the better,” she reflected. “In the 1980s, we were still somewhat viewed as ‘handmaidens’ for physicians. We were taught that we must stand when a doctor came into a room and give up our seat if needed. And there was a strict code of conduct for our off-hours. We were admonished not to be seen drinking alcohol or going to bars, even though we were of legal age.” Expectations for classroom work and clinical training were equally rigid. “Professors taught with a firm hand and expected students to follow their direction without complaint or question. We were taught to be stoic,” Kertz says. “If we made any kind of error in a clinical setting, we were out of the program, so we lived in constant fear. It was part of the profession back then and it was quite intense.” By contrast, today’s nursing students expect collaboration, more direction, and information. “All good changes,” Kertz notes enthusiastically. “They are serious and passionate about their education and their role as nurses, and they deserve respect and dignity and support in a way that some of us didn’t have when we were students.” An Indiana native and self-proclaimed Hoosier, Kertz knew from an early age that nursing was her destiny. She earned her associate degree from Vincennes University, her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Indiana State, and her doctorate from South Dakota State University. When she began her study of nursing in the 1960s she could have never imagined having the authority to examine, diagnose, 18
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treat and prescribe medication to patients that nurse practitioners — including herself — have had since the role of the nurse practitioner was introduced in 1965. “The nursing profession, including advanced practice nursing, has been elevated over the last 20 or so years — we have much more autonomy now,” she says. “I have always loved the flexibility the nursing career offers. There are so many avenues and specialties nurses can explore.” Kertz has decades of clinical experience as a registered nurse and as an advanced practice nurse. Her academic career has taken her to several different educational institutions, most recently as assistant dean for nursing education and nurse administrator for the Baccalaureate Nursing Program at Rockford University in Rockford, Illinois. Thrilled to have joined Mercy College, she notes it is both the premier and the largest undergraduate nursing program in Iowa. “This school is so forward-thinking and so open to new opportunities. There’s a lot of positive energy that will lead to the development of even more great programs as the future unfolds.” Kertz’s clinical background has helped inform her with regard to the curriculum beyond rigorous academics. “We need to always be considering how we teach students to relate to patients, how to think compassionately yet professionally about those in their care,” she says.
There are many exciting opportunities for the Mercy College nursing program, including a new early decision option for high-achieving high school students who meet certain criteria and have demonstrated the ability to progress through a demanding academic program. This new admissions program began in fall 2017. “If they meet the qualifications, they will have a guaranteed spot in our nursing program. Nursing school admission is competitive, and many pre-licensure programs have waiting lists. The early decision option is a great way for Mercy College to attract qualified students who know they want to study nursing,” Kertz remarked. She and her husband Jim, recently retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections, moved to Des Moines in August and are reveling in Des Moines’ farm-to-table cuisine scene. “It’s a foodie’s paradise!” Kertz exclaims.
Two new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs are Scheduled to Begin in 2018-2019. • Students will be able to earn their nursing degree in a new Accelerated BSN format geared to students with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline or who have obtained a certain number of college credits. • These students will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) after just one year. This accelerated BSN option will also be a component of a new partnership with Drake University. Drake students will have the option to complete a dual degree program in which they will receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Drake University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mercy College by taking three years at Drake and one year at Mercy College. • A Paramedic to BSN degree is being developed and is expected to be available in 2019.
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Mercy College of Health Sciences and Drake University Partner on Accelerated Nursing Degree
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new partnership between Mercy College of Health Sciences and Drake University will allow students to earn bachelor’s degrees from both institutions in four years. Under the new partnership students will earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Drake and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Mercy College in approximately the same time it would normally take to earn a degree from one institution. “Drake’s new degree partnership allows students to deepen their skillset in a way that uniquely prepares them for careers in nursing and other health care fields in an accelerated format,” said Renae Chesnut, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “Students who graduate from Drake and Mercy College will also benefit from connections with students, faculty and alumni base of two of the state’s most respected institutions."
“The Mercy College partnership offers the fastest way to obtain a BSN in Iowa, without having to leave Des Moines,” said Dr. Nancy Kertz, dean of the School of Nursing at Mercy College. “The ability for students to obtain two degrees in an accelerated format will better prepare them for placement in a growing job market.” After completing their third year at Drake, students who meet academic qualifications will be admitted to Mercy College where they will then complete four eight-week terms and a 15-week semester of clinical rotations. In total, program completion time is four years.
Mercy College’s 12-month Program is the Fastest Path to Becoming a Bachelor’s Prepared Nurse in Iowa. This partnership allows Drake students to remain in Des Moines to complete their accelerated education at Mercy College. Mercy College offers a similar dual-degree pathway for their Bachelor of Science programs, which allows students to remain at Mercy College for the entire four years. Bachelor’s degree opportunities for this accelerated format include Health Care Administration, Health Information Management, Health Sciences (pre-med) and Public Health. A Paramedic to BSN program was also recently approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The accelerated formats are scheduled to be offered starting in 2019.
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New Building Includes Academic Space and Student Housing
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ith distinctive architecture and a fresh modern design the former Mercy Court building, built in the 1960s, has been transformed into the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE). With the addition of a new 22,000-square-foot office, academic and laboratory center, the ACE will feature classroom space, a fitness center, and apartment-style housing in addition to lab and office space. The new facility allows Mercy College to consolidate the Mercy College Training Center, Emergency Medical Services program, Medical Laboratory Science and multiple locations of the nursing arts lab under one roof and in one city block.
Academic Center for Excellence Dedication and Open House April 16, 2018 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The ACE is home to the College’s admissions, financial aid, student nurse and the recently-dedicated Josephine Norkaitis Student Success Center. The development of this space ensures that students have the best opportunities to learn and engage in the most up-to-date and technologically advanced facilities in the Des Moines area.
RSVP online at www.mchs.edu/ACE
In partnership with Newbury Living, the College Hill Apartments located above the ACE are being developed to meet the changing needs of our students. “The building is five stories, plus the garden level,” said Tom Leahy, vice president of business and regulatory affairs for Mercy College. “The apartments are on floors two through five. Newbury Living has creating 86 units in numerous configurations to meet resident needs, and we anticipate Mercy College students will be excited about living near campus."
A short program will be held at 5:30 and light hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served. This event is in partnership with DSM Magazine and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
"The revitalization has given a whole new look and feel to the campus as students have far more convenient access to the library and other student services,” Leahy said. The classrooms will begin to be occupied in spring 2018. The College Hill Apartments are leased and operated by Newbury Living. You can see more information online at www.collegehilldsm.com.
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Academic News Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management The Health Information Management (HIM) program, which prepares students to be at the forefront of managing patient data is one of the first educational programs of its kind in Iowa at the bachelor’s degree level. The majority of the program courses will be offered in an online format. This degree will prepare students to help meet the growing need for HIM professionals and plays a critical role by leveraging technology and analytics to link health care professionals with digital patient information.
This new degree was made possible thanks to a $50,000 grant Mercy College received from the Telligen Community Initiative, the private, nonprofit foundation of West Des Moines-based Telligen, Inc.
Bachelor of Science in Public Health Mercy College’s Public Health program will be central Iowa’s first and only bachelor’s degree-level program in this discipline. The primary focus of public health education is to improve health and quality of life through population-based prevention and education. Students will be prepared for an entry-level career in public health or graduate education. All students will be prepared to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. Having a CHES certification is highly valued in the public health arena.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Students will be able to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in a new accelerated 12-month format. This program is designed for students with a previous baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major or at least 68 hours of college credit. This option offers all required nursing coursework over five terms of intensive study. This program can be combined with a number of baccalaureate degrees offered within our School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and allows students to graduate with two degrees in four years.
Academic Minors for Baccalaureate Degrees Starting in fall of 2018, Mercy College students who are working toward a baccalaureate degree may also complete the subsequent requirements to obtain a minor in a related field. The addition of minors builds upon the recently-expanded Bachelor of Sciences offerings through Mercy College’s School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This allows our students to focus on areas of health care where they have demonstrated an interest while fully preparing them for placement post-graduation.
New minor programs: • • • •
Chemistry Health Care Administration Health Information Management Public Health
Students who select a minor must earn at least nine credit hours in their minor field of study. Students do not need to be admitted to a minor and a minor is not required in order to earn a baccalaureate degree from Mercy College.
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Mercy College Celebrates Launch of New Strategic Plan
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he Mercy College of Health Sciences Board of Directors is proud to introduce a visionary set of eight strategic goals for the college, created and refined during a comprehensive process that drew on a tremendous amount of input from students, faculty, staff and alumni. “The process of creating the plan took about a year — it was a very thoughtful process,” says Mercy College board chair Glenn Lyons. “We started by gathering input and looking at our environment, our strengths and weaknesses, our opportunities, what was working and what wasn’t, our target market and current needs in health care.” The strategic planning process was guided with the support of nonprofit consultant Stephanie Clohesy and her staff to gather input and develop the framework.
“We anticipate that our alumni will take a special interest in our efforts to grow the college and increase its visibility through these ambitious goals,” said president Barbara Decker. “We’ve invested time and effort in creating this strategic plan, and we are excited to share the results with you. Thank you to everyone who provided input and feedback along the way — your voices were an essential part of this process.” In considering a defining identity of the college, the board reviewed several unique institutional personas that helped define the type of students that Mercy College will target and the experience they will receive. The board concluded that the college’s role in education centers around educating professionals in a learning environment that translates to the tasks they will be performing daily within their career. “Professional integration” sums up the close ties Mercy College has with the needs of our clinical partners and our understanding of their expectations of a graduate. Through thoughtful planning Mercy College students obtain skills and experience that give them an advantage or edge over other potential applicants in the workforce.
Mercy College Strategic Goals To increase collaborative professional integration: Increase employee workplace satisfaction.
Increase the value of new and existing academic programs.
Increase the quality of strategic collaborations.
Increase infrastructure capacity to help meet student and employee needs.
Increase institutional capacity to help students and graduates, both at Mercy College and in the workplace. Increase student enrollment.
Increase funding to support health sciences education.
Increase the profile and visibility of Mercy College as a premier provider of health sciences education.
“Our professional integration with our clinical partners, including Mercy Medical Center, allows students to have clinical experiences at the most
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appropriate times throughout their studies. This is a huge asset for the college and one we want to build upon,” Lyons said. The professional integration persona spans all eight strategic goals and builds upon the unique intersection of liberal arts teachings and in-field application. Each specific strategic objective plays a vital part in the college’s overarching goal to increase these collaborative professional integration opportunities. “This integration is one of the signature advantages that Mercy College offers its students,” says consultant Clohesy. “The goal is to build on it and increase awareness among students, potential students and clinical partners. At the same time, all are mindful of Mercy’s other important advantages: a reinvigorated campus life experience with new student housing in a vibrant city’s growing downtown, and the ability for students to take accelerated schedules and finish their degrees sooner. It all works together.” Decker credits the Mercy College board, Clohesy, and all who provided input and support during the process. “As a result of everyone’s efforts, we have developed an action plan for achieving each of the eight strategic goals and we expect significant results within the next few years,” says Decker.
Join Us Barbara Quijano Decker's Retirement Celebration
May 14, 2018 10:30 a.m.
Mass at St. Ambrose Cathedral 607 High St. Des Moines, IA 50309
May 17, 2018 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Reception at Sullivan Center Lobby Celebrate President Decker's 12-years of service to Mercy College Of Health Sciences with food, fun, and farewell wishes. RSVP at www.mchs.edu/retirement
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Message from the Alumni Chairperson Dear Fellow Alumni, My name is Rhonda Heim, RN, BSN, and I graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1973. Over the past several years I have been honored to be associated with the Mercy College Alumni Association. As the current chairperson of the Mercy College Alumni Association, I would like to invite and encourage you to become involved in our numerous activities that take place throughout the year. All graduates of any of the programs offered by Mercy College automatically become members of the association. There are no forms to fill out or dues to pay. The Alumni Association offers a variety of events throughout the year, listed on the MCHS website at www.mchs.edu/alumni. Also, online you will find a form you can use for any updates to your profile to keep your Alumni records current or connect with other members of your class. One of the exceptional opportunities offered through the Alumni Association has been international travel. Two years ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to join the Mercy College Alumni Association’s trip to Ireland. We had a chance to experience the warmth and richness of the Irish culture and even had the opportunity to visit Mother Catherine McAuley’s first hospitality house in Dublin, which is now the International Mercy Center. Last spring the Alumni Association sponsored a trip to Portugal. It was a remarkable adventure to be able to explore the coastal cities, vineyards and historical Portuguese towns. In October 2018 the Alumni Association will be sponsoring an incredible journey to Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul the Apostle – featuring a three-night Greek Islands and Turkey cruise. I would encourage you all to join us for friendship and fellowship as we retrace the missionary journey of the Apostle Paul, prolific writer of the New Testament letters. We have other opportunities that are closer to home as well, including our annual alumni Christmas luncheon and other regular gatherings. I want to personally invite each of you to find a way to stay involved. You will appreciate being able to share memories with your fellow classmates and reminisce with other alumni. Wishing each and every one of you the best in life. Sincerely,
Rhonda S. Heim, RN, BSN Class of 1973
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Alumni, Development & Accolades 2017 Catherine McAuley Award for Professional Excellence Recipients, Michael Bohl and Mary Schemmel Mercy College of Health Sciences originally created the Catherine McAuley Awards for Nursing Excellence to honor alumni and friends of the School of Nursing (or its predecessor program, the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing). Today, the Catherine McAuley Awards for Professional Excellence are awarded to alumni from any academic programs associated with Mercy College of Health Sciences.
About last year’s recipients Michael Bohl (’80), RT, MHA, graduated from Mercy School of Radiologic Technology and is the chief executive officer of Radiology Group, PC, SC, in Davenport, Iowa. He also serves as the Radiology Planning Committee co-chair for Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) International, an organization whose mission is to develop interoperability and information-sharing solutions for medical imaging. In addition, he is the current Radiology Business Management Association’s (RBMA) liaison to the American College of Radiology. Bohl earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Science from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1992 and a Master of Healthcare Administration degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill’s School of Public Health in 1994. He was recognized as a fellow of the RBMA in 2010, elected president in 2011, and received the President’s Award for his contributions to the RBMA in 2013. Bohl has been actively involved in radiology-related advocacy and regulatory initiatives and has written several articles related to the operations and economics of radiology. In 2003 Bohl and his wife, Julia, established the Michael and Julia Bohl Radiologic Technology Scholarship at Mercy College to support radiologic science education. In 2017, a new Michael and Julia Bohl Radiologic Technology Endowed Scholarship Fund was announced in recognition of their legacy of charitable giving. Mary Schemmel (’76), RN, MSN, graduated from the Mercy School of Nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand View College in 1982, a Master of Science in Nursing 26
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Mercy College of Health Sciences Alumni Association chairperson Rhonda Heim (’73) presents photos to the 2017 Catherine McAuley Award Recipients, Michael Bohl (’80) and Mary Schemmel (’76) at the spring commencement ceremony. from Drake University in 1992 and her Doctor of Education degree from the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska. Schemmel began her nursing career in 1976 as a critical care nurse at Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines. She was a critical care nurse educator at the Heart Center in Rome, Italy from 1983 to 1984. She then returned to Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines to work in staff development as an education specialist from 1989 to 1993. Schemmel began working at Mercy College in 1993 as a faculty member and progressed to become an associate professor in 2013. She served as chair of the School of Nursing from 2013 to 2014 and has been in her current role as associate dean of nursing since 2014. Schemmel has served on many College committees involving accreditation reviews with several national accrediting organizations
Seeking Nominations The Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the 2018 Catherine McAuley Award for Professional Excellence, which may include both alumni and friends of Mercy College who exemplify the values of Mercy College and uphold the legacy of Sister Catherine McAuley. Specifically, nominees are recognized based upon their lifetime achievements to the health care profession, services to their community, and efforts made on behalf of Mercy College. Nominations are due by April 15, 2018. View past recipients and nominate someone online at www.mchs.edu/alumni.
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ALUMNI
and the Iowa Board of Nursing. She has served in leadership positions for Sigma Theta Tau, Zeta Chi Chapter, Central Iowa Health Educators Network and Mercy School of Nursing Alumni Association. She is also past president of the Mercy College Alumni Association. Schemmel was awarded the Faculty Excellence Award from Mercy College in 2009 and the Light of Wellness Individual Award from the Wellness Council of Iowa in 2010.
Reflections from the Class of 1967, 50-year reunion What was the most important thing you learned from Mercy College, formerly Mercy School of Nursing?
Sue Keane Anderson The best thing I learned was to not be afraid to ask questions and to be an active advocate for my patients.
Alma Jeanne Bragg Clark The best thing I learned is that life is a continuous series of changes from birth to death. We can't always anticipate the changes, but we can learn to assimilate and integrate.
Joyce Soar Christensen The best thing we learned in school: compassion. We were taught to listen to the patient. A pat on the shoulder is good, even a
few tears to show you are human.
Susan Engebresten DeGhelder One day Bob Olsen found me sitting at the nurses’ station on South 3 one morning, crying my eyes out over a patient who was terminally ill. He told me in the conversation that followed to never be afraid to cry over someone else’s suffering and added, “I hope one day when I’m sick or dying there is a Susie Engebretsen who will cry for me.” I never forget his kindness and I always hoped his wish would be granted should he ever need that kind of support.
Kathleen Ross Elkins Success is in teamwork. Nursing is caring for and about people. God is the core of nursing.
Mary Blood Erickson The best thing that I learned in nursing school was to have a nonjudgmental attitude toward all of your patients and to do your absolute best to help every patient to the best of your ability.
Sharon Lippold Findley
and understanding and try my best to meet their needs.
Mary Lou Weikert Hermann The best thing I learned in nursing school was about the thermometer. Blue end in the mouth, red in the rear!
Cheryl Jacobs King
Always trying to see Jesus in everyone I cared for or worked with was the most important lesson I ever learned. It helped me through many trying or stressful times in my career.
Over the years in obstetrics I witnessed many miracles and loved working with new mothers. I think we learned to be patient, compassionate and helpful to our patients, their families and our coworkers.
Patricia Schmidt Glass
Sue Chenoweth LeMar
Keeping a healthy lifestyle with documentation and being sure to be thorough in all you do is critical.
The best thing I learned was empathy and compassion, which hopefully I have accomplished during my nursing practice.
Frances Cleveland Hatfield I learned to have flexibility and the ability to look at each patient with empathy
Ruth Smith Lillie The best thing I learned in nurse training was the ability to work as a team. I
Class of 67 - 50th Reunion at Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, IA www.mchs.edu
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remember Sister saying, "At the end of your three years you will learn to work as a team and go anywhere and fit right into their team."
Rebecca Allan Maurer To accept all individuals regardless of race, color or religion who need nursing care and interventions. This has been helpful in my love of public health and working with underserved individuals and communities.
Larra Rae Zeliadt Miner Mercy Hospital School of Nursing taught me The Art of Nursing. To me
nursing is not just taking care of patients, working with doctors, and doing procedures or charting. I learned to see the person, the family and to be aware of other aspects of nursing people to health or through the death process.
Mary Miller Myers Nursing is a vocation -- a calling -- not just a profession.
Sandra Nickell Puntenney Always listen to patients and their families. Nursing is not a job, but a profession.
Patricia Krusen Solko An emphasis on kindness and respect for patients was a gift from our training and one I carried through all my years in nursing.
Patricia Brady Spurlock Probably the greatest impact in school that influenced me throughout my career was the kindness Sister Zita demonstrated toward her mothers and babies. She anticipated their needs and showed concern for their comfort and their nutrition. Servant leadership -- this guided me
to always look at what we could do better.
Theresa Caligiuri Watts It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing, but I suppose it was the service to other human beings. I loved connecting with their needs and caring for them when they needed it the most.
Carolyn Shuman Wilcox The best thing I learned were the steps of performing comprehensive patient assessments, the importance of listening and being totally in the present, and to always maintain your patient's dignity.
2016 Alumni Portugal Trip In the spring of 2017 Mercy College alumni, friends, and family gathered for friendship and fellowship as they traveled to Portugal to enjoy the cultural, heritage, and gastronomical pleasures of Portugal’s food, wine and scenery.
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ALUMNI
100 Great Nurses in Iowa 2017 The 100 Great Iowa Nurses award recognizes nurses who have made meaningful, lasting contributions to their patients, colleagues and the nursing profession, and are viewed as mentors to other nursing professionals. This year’s honorees exemplify all the principles on which the 100 Great Iowa Nurses Celebration was founded.
Congratulations to the following Mercy College alumni who are honorees for 2017 Tiffany Beyer Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines BSN, Class of 2014
Michele (Shelly) McGrath-Rothmeyer Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines
Mary (Kathy) Dehnert UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Nursing Diploma, Class of 1994
Marla Pesek Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines
Ashli Formaro Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines ASN, Class of 2004
Ali Savage-Hand UnityPoint Health – Des Moines
Nursing Diploma, Class of 1993
Nursing Diploma, Class of 1993
Steve Wilbur UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Nursing Diploma, Class of 1996 Visit www.greatnurses.org to view the listing of previous Mercy College Alumni/Faculty/Friends who were elected into 100 Great Iowa Nurses Classes.
ASN, Class of 2011
In spring 2017 Mercy College alumni, friends, and family gathered for friendship and fellowship as they traveled to Portugal to enjoy the cultural and gastronomical pleasures of Portugal’s food, wine and scenery. Join the Mercy College Alumni Association and friends of Mercy College as we retrace the missionary journey of the Apostle Paul, prolific writer of the New Testament letters. Travel through ancient cities and pastoral landscapes. •
Enjoy a three-night cruise of the magical Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, and Santorini.
•
Visit the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, Turkey.
•
Discover archaeological treasures like the Acropolis in Athens and seek ancient wisdom at the ruins of Delphi.
•
Investigate the dramatic Meteora Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
•
Explore the biblical town of Corinth on a guided tour featuring the Agora and the Bema, where Paul was brought before the tribunal.
•
Stop in Philippi, where Paul delivered his first sermon in Europe and baptized Lydia, the first Christian. You’ll even see the dungeon where he was held prisoner.
Greece: In the footsteps of Paul the Apostle Featuring a three-night Greek Islands and Turkey cruise 11 days – 20 meals and departure from Des Moines included
$4,129 per person before April 11, 2018
October 10 – 20, 2018
Find inspiration throughout this once-in-a-lifetime adventure as you visit the places where Paul the Apostle lived and preached. Additional details online at www.mchs.edu/ alumnitravel or call Hillary Wehr at (515) 643-6682.
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DEVELOPMENT
Scholarship Recipient, Timothy Dorsett My name is Timothy Dorsett (’18) and I am currently a nursing student at Mercy College of Health Science completing a bachelor’s degree in science and nursing. I enrolled at Mercy College to fulfill my childhood dream of helping those who were unable to help themselves. To my surprise, the real blessings Mercy College has bestowed upon me have been the knowledge, understanding and ability to help myself. As a child I looked up to and admired law enforcement officers. I set out to become one of them. I had a desire burning inside me to help, to protect, to honor humanity and be an example for my peers and others to follow. Unfortunately, I lost myself along the way. But, a positive change would be found. In 2001, I joined the U.S. Air Force and became a military police officer, the surreal moment of reaching my childhood goal and living my dream was amazing. I felt invincible as if I were glowing from within and walking on clouds. Unfortunately, that glow would diminish and those clouds would darken. In 2007, I was deployed to Iraq and assigned to Camp Bucca detention facility. I was a prison guard, guarding prisoners who were responsible for the deaths of American civilians and my fellow brothers and sisters in uniform. I was instructed to keep my distance, to identify them by number and to refrain from communication unless necessary. I watched and observed these men day in and day out. They were dehumanized and subjected to cruel treatment. On June 9, 2007 an incoming rocket struck Compound Eight, the facility I had been responsible for, for the last six months. Chaos ruled as the sky turned red from the explosion. 1,200 detainees rushed the fence and screams for help filled my head, even over the ringing in my ears. The detainees reached out from the fence begging for help. Seven people died that day, two more the following day, and 67 people were seriously injured. I continued to stand guard from the guard tower staring down into the hole that the rocket had left. I came to the realization that I wouldn’t leave Iraq and that I’d never see my family and friends again. I accepted my fate and in my head, said my goodbyes. As days became weeks, and weeks became months, I finally returned home. I withdrew from the world 30
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and kept to myself. Seven years later I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I sought help. I tried counseling, group therapy, and medication. Counseling and therapy didn’t help and medication made my symptoms worse, so I decided to follow my childhood dream of helping people in hopes of finding myself. I sought a career that would allow me to help others, a career where I could give back to people. Nursing seemed like the perfect career choice in so many ways. I enrolled at Mercy College and eagerly began my new life track. It was in Dr. Doyle’s Psychology and Sociology class where I felt normal, that my symptoms of PTSD were nothing to be embarrassed about, and in Professor Jankowski’s Abnormal Psychology class where I learned that I could put my personal experience to use helping others with mental health problems like myself. I found my love for psychiatric nursing. Being at Mercy College has allowed me to fulfill my childhood dream of helping those who are unable to help themselves. Mercy College has gifted me the knowledge, understanding and ability to help others as well as myself. Mercy College has brought back the desire that once burned inside me to help, to protect, to honor humanity and be an example for my peers and others to follow. My life has been filled with unexpected challenges and changes, but one thing has never changed: I want to help and Mercy College has fueled that burning fire deep inside me. Mercy College is my positive change. I know
DEVELOPMENT
my goals and aspirations of helping others will remain a distant dream if I do not complete my degree.
daughter, reflected at the ceremony on her mother’s love and compassion for others.
With the generous support of scholarships like the Leona Sweeney Endowed Scholarship I am able to fulfill my dream of helping others and focus on becoming the best nurse possible. I’m attending Mercy College to fulfill my dream of helping others and hope the Sweeney Family knows how much their scholarship has helped me in my time of need financially, emotionally and spiritually. At Mercy College of Health Sciences I know I’m headed for a great future built upon an enriched education.
“She enjoyed watching people succeed,” Burch said. “And she would have done everything and anything to make that happen. She was the biggest cheerleader ever -- and the loudest.”
Josephine Norkaitis Student Success Center Dedication On October 19, Mercy College of Health Sciences formally dedicated the Josephine Norkaitis Student Success Center. Named for the late philanthropist and education advocate Josephine Norkaitis, the renovated space in the Academic Center for Excellence includes various-sized rooms for testing and tutoring and will provide students with opportunities to enhance their health care education through academic and personal counseling, tutoring and related support services. “We are excited to open the Josephine Norkaitis Student Success Center at Mercy College to enrich our student learning and experience,” said Barbara Decker, president of Mercy College. “This new space will continue to help establish Mercy College as a national leader for excellence in the delivery and innovation of health services education.” Norkaitis, who died in June 2014 at age 104, was a retired owner and operator of McDonald's restaurants in the Des Moines area. Florence Norkaitis Burch, Josephine’s
Inspired Giving for Life As Mercy College of Health Sciences reflects on the past there is perhaps no better way to propel the College into the future than through the generosity of our alumni and friends. This edition of VitalSigns highlights many exciting changes over the past decade and visions for what the future has to hold. We hope you will join us in supporting Mercy College in any number of ways that best meet your family’s philanthropic goals. As the market continues to perform strongly, consider gifting an appreciated security: an investment such as a mutual fund or an ETF (exchange-traded fund), that’s worth more today than when it was purchased. This strategy is currently popular, but can be misunderstood.
Example Let’s say you invested $10,000 in your favorite ETF in 2015. Since then, it has increased in value and is currently worth $12,500. If you donated the appreciated security to Mercy College, the College will receive the full $12,500 and you wouldn’t pay capital gains taxes on the $2,500 gain. However, if you sold the ETF with the intention of making a cash gift to Mercy College, you would be subject to federal income taxes. While Mercy College would still receive the $12,500 you would pay taxes on the $2,500 investment gain. Check with your tax adviser to understand your specific tax impacts. Donating appreciated securities allows you to give a generous gift in the most tax-efficient manner.
Picture from left to right Shannon Cofield, Florence Burch, Steve Burch and Barbara Q. Decker
On page 32 are some of the most common ways individuals choose to support Mercy College, often with tax benefits. No matter how — or how much — you give, your generosity will impact students at Mercy College today and for many years to come. www.mchs.edu
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DEVELOPMENT
Forever Gifts Gifts carefully planned to help you meet your philanthropic and financial needs can make a lasting impact. We can work with you to determine how best to include Mercy College in your estate planning. • Charitable annuity or remainder trust: Through a charitable annuity gift or charitable remainder trust you make a gift and in return, you or someone you designate, receives income for life or a term of years. After your or your designee’s lifetime, the remaining balance of your annuity will support Mercy College. • Retirement plan assets: By naming Mercy Foundation as the primary beneficiary for a percentage of your retirement account’s final value, you can make a tax-wise gift to support the College’s work after your lifetime. • Life insurance policies: By naming Mercy Foundation as your beneficiary, you can provide a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of a net death benefit to support the College’s work. You can also transfer ownership of your life insurance policy to Mercy College. • Wills or living trusts: These are known as bequests and can be accomplished by working with your attorney to include a few sentences in your will or living trust stating your desire to make an estate gift to Mercy College.
Why Give? Look into your heart and determine what is important to you. Let that guide you in your giving decisions. Please utilize the enclosed envelope to support the Barbara Quijano Decker Excellence in Education Endowed Scholarship. Or, support any number of available funds that might interest you and match your giving goals. Questions about giving? Contact Matt Romkey at (515) 643-6663 or mromkey@ mercydesmoines.org.
222 Students Receive More Than $300,000 in Scholarships When students invest in their future by attending Mercy College of Health Sciences we take great pride in investing in them, too, by sharing in the cost of their education. This support is made possible through private contributions by generous individuals, corporations and grants and are awarded to students based on the donor’s preference of financial need, area of study, and prior achievements. For the 2017 - 2018 academic year there were 618 students who applied to receive a scholarship, more than 80% of our total student body. The average scholarship awarded totaled $1,417. While the cost of tuition is a national debate, we are proud at Mercy College to have increased tuition less than many of our peer and aspirant institutions in recent years. We are also proud to boast one of the lowest student loan default rates in Iowa and well below the national average. This continues to demonstrate the need for educated health care professionals in our communities and is a good indicator that when Mercy College students graduate they are prepared and qualified to immediately take on high-paying, in-demand jobs. 97% of Mercy College students who completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) received financial aid during the 2016 - 2017 academic year. Scholarships are awarded in addition to financial aid. Loan default rate*
FY 2012
FY 2013
FY 2014
Mercy College of Health Sciences
4.5%
6.8%
4.2%
State of Iowa average
13.1%
11.9%
12.6%
National average
11.8%
11.3%
11.5%
National 4-year private average
6.3%
6.5%
7.0%
National 4-year for-profit average
14.7%
14.0%
14.6%
*Default rate is the percentage of borrowers who enter repayment on certain federal loans during a particular federal fiscal year (FY) and default or meet other specified conditions prior to the end of the second following fiscal year. 32
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ACCOLADES
Congratulations to the Recent Mercy College Excellence Award Recipients Each year the entire Mercy College community is provided the opportunity to cast their vote for the Mercy College Employee Excellence Awards. During the 2017 Annual Employee Recognition and Excellence Awards event the following individuals were presented with their respective awards.
Adjunct Faculty Excellence Award
Faculty Excellence Award
Dr. John Hartog
Dr. Ryan “Bud” Marr
Adjunct Instructor, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Assistant Professor, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Staff Excellence Award
Dr. Glenn Oren Student Spirit Award
Stephanie Brown
Dr. Susan Brown
Teaching and Learning Specialist
Associate Professor, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Congratulations to the Recipients of the Inaugural Sister Zita Brennan Employee Service Award This new award was implemented to recognize contributions to Mercy College in leadership, community, and campus, and to those who exhibit the qualities and values of Sister Zita Brennan: courage, caring, and compassionate service. The Sister Zita Brennan Employee Service Award was awarded to Roy Meador, Caitlyn Zimmermann, Barb Cupp, Joe Brookover, Bo Bonner and Kris Owens. The team researched, created and operates Catherine's Cabinet, an on-campus food bank providing supplemental support to students facing food insecurity and who need assistance. Read more about Catherine’s Cabinet on page 13.
Left to Right: Roy Meador, Caitlyn Zimmermann, Barb Cupp, Joe Brookover, and Bo Bonner. Not Pictured: Kris Owens
Staff and Faculty on the Move Randi Boelkes Randi joined Mercy College as the financial aid coordinator. Randi is a creative individual who enjoys trying out new restaurants and buying shoes without telling her husband. Randi is a fan of mystery suspense books and has all the information you could need regarding student financial aid eligibility.
Stacy Smith Stacy joins Mercy College as the medical assisting program chair. Prior to the College, Stacy worked as a Certified Medical Assistant in the administrative, clinical, and lab areas of a medical office for over 13 years. Her background includes work www.mchs.edu
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ACCOLADES
in family practice, internal medicine and cardiology. Stacy is passionate about the medical field and education.
born on the feast of St. Blaise, the patron of throats, and he has not stopped talking ever since.
Cheryl Blazek
Joelle Stolte
Cheryl started at Mercy College in February 2016 as full-time faculty for the Emergency Medical Services department and is instructing for the Training Center. She also serves as the clinical coordinator, National Registry Practical Exam Coordinator and provides oversight for continuing education approval. She is a National Registry paramedic, State of Iowa paramedic, and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Adult Education from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska. In her free time, Cheryl loves spending time with family which includes three sons and three grandsons. With all those boys, most of her time revolves around sporting events!
Stephanie Brown Stephanie joined the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness as the senior teaching and learning specialist in July 2016. She has an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership with an Administrative, Special Education Administrative, and Iowa Evaluator License from Drake University. Stephanie also has a master’s degree in Effective Teaching, Learning and Leadership, and a reading specialist degree from Drake University. In addition, she holds endorsements in reading, liberal arts, and talented and gifted education from Simpson College and Morningside College. Stephanie has spent the last 17 years as a teacher, mentor, instructional coach and leader in educational systems. She and her husband live in Saint Charles, where they cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes with her two-year-old daughter, Breslyn, four-year-old son, Brantley, and family pug, Chesney.
Bo Bonner Bo Bonner is the Director of Campus Ministry and Mission and is an assistant professor at Mercy College. He converted to Catholicism in the midst of Protestant Seminary at Duke Divinity School, coming into the Church at Easter 2006. He is a Benedictine Oblate at Our Lady of Clear Creek Monastery in Oklahoma. He and his wife Robyn have been married for more than ten years and they have four children, Elias, Stella, Antonia, and Finnian. Bo was 34
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Joelle was hired in January 2017 as the Public Health program chair. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Health, Epidemiology. She received her master’s degree in Public Health from Des Moines University, a bachelor’s degree in biology from Simpson College, and an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology from St. Paul Tech. Yes, she is a native Minnesotan now living in Iowa. Prior to coming to Mercy College, she worked for the state health department (Iowa Department of Public Health) and local health department (Polk County Health Department). She also taught as adjunct faculty at Des Moines University and Walden University for their Master of Public Health and Health Care Administration programs. In addition, she is a certified personal trainer and a certified yoga instructor and has worked in a variety of health care settings including laboratory science, clinical, medicine, state and local public health, wellness, health coaching and education over the past 25 years. She is looking forward to educating and working with future health professionals at Mercy College.
Alex McManus Alex McManus started working at Mercy College of Health Sciences in fall 2016. Alex worked for the College as an adjunct clinical instructor for two years prior to joining the College full time. During her time as adjunct faculty, she developed a love for nursing education and enrolled in a Master of Science in Nursing program with an emphasis in nursing education. Alex knew that Mercy College was a great fit for her from her first day as an adjunct instructor.
Alumni News & Notes Patricia Spurlock — 1967 I retired last October after 50 years of nursing: 33 years at Mercy Emergency Services and 17 in clinic management. It was never a job for me but rather a passion to improve service to patients. Servant leadership impacts patients and staff which led to a career lasting 50 years. Mary Curts — 1970 Still living in Tampa, Florida and after almost 16 years, retired in November 2016 from the Case Management Department at Humana, Inc. Both of my adult daughters and their families live close by. My grandson graduates from high school this month and my granddaughter just turned 12. My siblings still live in Des Moines, so I travel back at least annually. Rose Marie (Klingensmith) Wesch — 1972 I stopped working in the paid nursing field in 2002 and now volunteer as the retreat nurse for my church. I am working for my husband and his family at Mission City Container, Inc., a box manufacturing business. I am their accounts payable person and office manager. I have one son, Joe Jr., and one daughter, Tanis Carpenter. Tanis has adopted a son, Jacob.
Jane Carmody — 1972 We moved to New York this year and love being here. We have five children, all adults now and our oldest two live in New York as does my brother's family, so it was a nice time to move closer to them. Our other children live in Atlanta and New Orleans. Pat Hoffman Oleson — 1975 I have been retired now for 2 1/2 years and wonder how I had the time to work! I was able to travel to Portugal with a Mercy Alumni Group and had a great trip. My husband and I love to travel and plan to do more of that. Roseann Cardamon-Cady — 1976 I graduated from Mercy College in 1976. After moving to Texas I enrolled at Texas Woman's University and received my BSN. I have worked in many areas including PACU, ICU, some ER and OR circulator. I am still working full time at a hospital and enjoy volunteering in Guatemala every year. There, the team of doctors, nurses and ancillary people I work with is a Christian-based group called Faith in Practice. We serve the poor doing surgeries that are needed and are otherwise not affordable. I work as a circulator in the plastics room where we work on babies with cleft lips and
Class of 1982 — 35th Reunion at The Fletcher Kitchen + Bar, Ankeny. palates. It is very rewarding and I highly recommend volunteering. Anne Poulsom — 1977 I’m still working at Little Sisters of the Poor in Denver, 30 years and counting. Michael Bohl — 1980 I received the Global Achievement Award at the Radiology Business Management Association’s (RBMA) Annual Conference in April 2017. A brief sentence about the award: “The Global Achievement Award recognizes Mr. Bohl's outstanding time and talent contributions to radiology and the RBMA.” Terri Carpenter — 1983 I received a Bachelor of Science from the University of St. Francis and a Master of Health Administration from Des Moines University. I have five children and several granddaughters.
I have spent most of my career in surgery, and have been a member of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). I’m currently working at West Lakes Surgery Center. My free time is spent with family and friends watching the Hawkeyes and riding my Harley. Catherine Murphy — 1990 I have retired from nursing and am now working part time as a cashier at a very large Walgreens store in Clive, Iowa. I was the oldest in my class, about 20 years older than the rest of my classmates. I live in a town home in West Des Moines where everything is on one level, so no stairs to climb and no yard work or snow removal to worry about. Though, I do enjoy some flowers in pots in my flower beds and patio.
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years. I’m working on a Master of Nursing degree in education, I am a coach for Girls on the Run. Nataliya Khalandovskiy — 2003 I still work as a staff RN in the Neurotrauma ICU at Mercy. Karen Whitham — 2005 Pina Shah — 1994 I’m married with two children and am currently serving as a captain and a nurse in the United States Air Force. Debbie Wade — 1999 I graduated in 1995 from Mercy College and then received my Bachelor of Science in nursing from Mercy College in 1999. I worked with Hospice of Central Iowa for a short time and have also been a school nurse. I taught at Mercy College, Nursing 101 and then the CNA program and loved it. Also, I worked at Mercy College as the interim College Health nurse and loved that role! Currently, I am working as a PRN for various wellness companies doing biometric screenings. I am married with two sons. Todd is married to Laurel, and they have two children, Grant and Tatum. My other son, Chad, is single. Kristin Farrell — 2001 I’m a school nurse at Johnston Community Schools for the past twelve 36
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I graduated from Mercy College of Health Sciences in May 2005. I continued my education, completing the RN-BSN at the University of Iowa in May 2006; Master of Science, Nursing from Regis University, Denver, May 2008; Master of Science in Higher Education, Kaplan University, 2011; and Doctor of Education, College of Saint Mary, Omaha, May 2015. I am a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and I am currently the associate dean, Nursing and Healthcare Programs, American Sentinel University, Aurora, Colorado. I still live in Weldon, Iowa, as the job is a remote position.
volunteering as a ski patroller at Snowbasin Ski Resort in Utah. Katlin Lakota — 2011 I got married on May 21, 2016 to my high school sweetheart and we recently got a Siberian Husky. I received certification as an orthopedic nurse and just accepted a job promotion to patient care leader of my current unit (orthopedics / medical-surgical). This is the highest leadership position for staff nurse at the hospital where I work.
Darrin VansCoy — 2008 Since leaving Mercy College I have been quite busy and have accomplished much more when it comes to continuing my education. Most recently I graduated from the University of Utah with my Doctor of Nursing Practice. I have enjoyed traveling and have had many adventures along the way including
job as a certified surgical technologist (CST) at United Hospital in Saint Paul. I got married to my Minnesota-born-and-raised husband Dan in September 2015. The coolest thing about my job is that I am part of the new Fetal Surgery program going on in Minneapolis and was featured on the cover of MDNews magazine and in brochures for the Midwest Fetal Care Center.
Lyndsey Kreuser — 2011 In August 2018 it will be six years since I graduated from the surgical technology program at Mercy College. Right after graduation I moved to the Twin Cities for my first
Tara Hansen (Martin) — 2012 Since graduating in 2012, I have gotten married, had a baby girl named Harper, who is now 16 months old and spent almost five years as an emergency room (ER) nurse. I have worked in three different ERs in three different states, but I currently work in the ER of the Children's Hospital of Orange County. It is one of the top children's hospitals in the U.S. and is a magnet hospital. It's all thanks to a great education which I received at Mercy College!
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
Sympathy Patricia Clare Sullivan, 1928-2018 Patricia Clare Sullivan served as President and CEO of Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines and director of the Mercy School of Nursing — has died at the age of 89.
Morgan Brown — 2012 I got married in June 2014 to Jason Brown. I was awarded the Daisy Award in December 2014. I had a son in December 2015, Chael Alexander. I graduated with my master's degree from Chamberlain University as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in family practice and recently started a position with Mercy Quick Care. Aaron Hemsworth — 2013 I've been working as an RN full time at Mercy since 2013 when I graduated from Mercy College with my ASN. I recently graduated from Mercy College again with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, and have applied to medical school. My goal is to become a physician.
Alexander McCauley — 2014 I graduated from Mercy in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a certificate in nuclear medicine. Since then I was a mobile nuclear medicine technologist for Nebraska Heart Institute in Kearney, Nebraska for a year and after that spent time working for Mercy in Council Bluffs as a nuclear medical technician. About 18 months ago I started training as a pilot for the U.S. Air Force and just graduated from Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas. I now fly the RC-26 for the 132nd Wing of the Des Moines Air National Guard on a full-time basis.
What’s new with you? Share some news with classmates in our News & Notes section of the magazine. Visit www.mchs. edu/notes and submit your news. We’d love to hear from you.
Sullivan, loved nursing and all those she cared for, served 15 years as president and CEO from 1977 – 1993. She retired in 1993 following a career that included many roles at Mercy – Des Moines, Mercy College of Health Sciences and Mercy Medical Center – Centerville. She continued to serve Mercy as the head of external affairs through 1995. Sullivan was director of the Mercy School of Nursing, predecessor to Mercy College, from 1960 to 1964. “We extend our prayers and deep gratitude to Patricia Clare Sullivan for her vision and strong leadership in support of our nursing school. Her passionate spirit for excellence in patient care and education was embraced by our nursing students, alumni, and community," said Mercy College of Health Sciences president Barbara Quijano Decker, J.D. Following her retirement to Florida, Sullivan remained dedicated and generous to Mercy College of Health Sciences. In her honor, the Sullivan Center on the Mercy College campus opened in 2005 and serves to educate future nurses, health professionals and leaders. To honor Patricia Clare’s legacy of service to health care and the important role she played in nursing education, the Mercy Auxiliary established the Patricia Clare Sullivan Endowed Nursing Scholarship in 2009 to help nursing students with financial need. Gifts in Patricia Clare's honor can be made by completing the enclosed form.
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Alex is here to change the world As I get ready for my first day rotating in palliative care, the care for those at the end of life, I wonder, “What’s in store?” What am I going to experience? At this point in my academic career, I have a general idea what palliative care is, but what I'm not sure of is how it will actually manifest itself. After only a few minutes meeting the team and discussing the day, my initial thoughts are “Why isn't palliative care something that is more common? Why isn’t this being employed in all health care settings?” As with any other day, my mind is always on the move, constantly analyzing each and every situation like a good future clinician should do. It drifts to the emotional aspect of medicine, the human element, and that truly connecting with each and every patient can be a means of showing them they are the only ones who matter during my time with them. I realize now that palliative care is what I’ve been searching for as my medical career begins to take shape. Looking back, it's interesting to think about that very first day. I don't think Dr. Tim, a family friend who I've known for years, or I knew what was in store for us that day. The time I got to spend with Dr. Tim and his team has dramatically influenced my life. At the time I may not have known it, but Dr. Tim was my mentor-to-be. After a few hours rounding in the hospital and learning some of the ins and outs of palliative care, what it can do and what it offers, we went to visit one of the local hospice houses. Our first patient of the day wasn't much older than 35. She had stage four metastatic cancer. The cancer had spread throughout her body and was taking over – a terminal diagnosis. At the time, she was surrounded by her mother and father, her husband and their six-year-old daughter. We got the call that morning to come and visit her. The staff noticed she was becoming more and more unresponsive. As we entered the room Dr. Tim introduced me to the whole family and explained that I was a student visiting for the day and asked if it was okay if I sat in on their visit. I vividly remember the look of the young daughter, lying in bed next to her mother, holding her hand, unsure of what exactly was happening. The conversation with the family that came next was not what I was expecting at all. We talked, we listened, we shared. We talked about their lives and the life of the beautiful young woman whom we were all there to see. We talked about the things she enjoys. We talked about her passions, dreams and motivations. We cried, we laughed, we connected. Shortly after our conversation, our young mom stopped breathing, then stopped responding completely. Dr. Tim went over to feel for a pulse and confirmed that she had passed away. She was surrounded by those she loved and those who loved her most. 38
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Pictured from left to right: Alex Hinrichsen ('17) and Dr. Tim.
REFLECTION
I worked to make sense of all that had just gone on. I tried to manage my emotions while I helped the family deal with their tragic loss. Then something happened that I will never forget. The husband, distraught and overwhelmed with sadness, left. He simply could not comprehend the loss of his beloved wife. I looked at Dr. Tim, both of us unsure what to make of the father’s swift exit.
Without hesitation Dr. Tim picked up the little girl and held her close. He explained to her what had happened to her mommy. He said, “Let's go over and hold mom's hand one more time.” He set her down and she snuggled with her mom, falling asleep in mom's arms for the last time. The thoughtfulness and care expressed in this situation with this little girl are hard to put into words. He explained to her that even though she may no longer see her mom how she remembers, she should know that her mother would always be with her. She will be with her wherever she goes, in whatever she does. She can talk to her mom anytime. All she has to do is to look up and picture her mommy and she will be right with her. Next, Dr. Tim and I consoled the woman’s mother and father. Strikingly, their response was something I was not prepared for. They hugged us; they thanked us. They were so grateful for what Tim and I had done for them. In this time of grieving and loss and pain and heartache, they couldn't help but share how grateful they were that we were there, that we could help them on this journey. It took me a while to realize the impact I’d had on their lives in such a short time. How they could be so grateful for all that I'd done in just the ten minutes I had known them? How had palliative care impacted them so greatly? Then it hit me: It was because I took the time to connect, to listen and to hear their stories. They shared their daughter’s life with me and told me all of the great things that she had done. This simple connection is what made all the difference, for them and for me. There was no medicine, no treatments or any cure. I met them where they were on their journey and truly listened. I could now see how much they had impacted my life in such a short time. By connecting with people and giving them the gift of time and focused attention to share whatever is on their minds allowed me to broaden the scope of medicine and reach them on a level that no amount of medications, diagnostics or treatments ever could.
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928 6th Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309-1239
In the footsteps of Paul the Apostle THE
SAVE DATE October 10 – 20, 2018 See pg. 29 for full details!