Nursing Newsletter 2022

NURSING NEWS

Finding joy in the midst of trials and change

By Dr. Kim Fenstermacher, Assistant Dean of Nursing

James 1: 2-5: “2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

If I could choose one word to describe the 2021-2022 academic year it would be “change.” What do you think of when you hear the word “change?” For many people, change signifies a challenge which can bring uncertainty. Facing the unknown can be frightening. Some people see change as a trial to endure. For others, change presents as an opportunity for innovation and creativity. No matter which response to change resonates most with you, we have all experienced change. Many times, change can happen as a result of simply needing to respond to the crisis of the day or even to make a plan to avert a bigger crisis. For those of us in academia, who live our lives in accordance with the rhythm of the academic calendar and its repetitive cycles of course prep, break, final exams, grading and commencement, the schedule is predictable and constant…unless, of course, we are in the midst of a pandemic.

Most of the changes that we experienced in the Department of Nursing came about due to the need to respond carefully and thoughtfully to the challenges presented by COVID-19. I want to say publically here how proud I am of the resiliency and responsiveness of the nursing faculty in the face of almost daily change. For example, when clinical post-conferences could not be held in the

hospital due to COVID space restrictions, faculty exercised creative ways to de-brief the students via zoom and Canvas. When clinical group size was restricted by the clinical partners, faculty created additional simulation opportunities to foster student learning and assure that course outcomes were met. When the post-Christmas COVID-19 surge caused the hospitals to postpone our senior practicum, we pivoted to front-load the theory content and moved the senior practicum to April. There are multiple examples of how the undergraduate and graduate faculty and staff rose to the challenge of change. We are, after all, nurses. Nurses are, by definition, problem-solvers. We think critically. We respond to crises with a spirit of resiliency. And as Christians, we intentionally put our hope in God and we prayed for wisdom.

Not all of the changes we faced in 20212022 were stressful. In this edition of the Nursing Newsletter, you will read about some of the changes that brought us joy. For example, one beautiful day in March, we were given the approval to remove our face masks. For the first time in two years we saw our students’ faces in person! It was an amazing and almost surreal experience.

In April, Dr. Wanda ThumaMcDermond returned to her beloved Zambia with a group of senior students in the NURS 495 Senior Seminar course for the first time in two years. Emma Augustine (class of 2022) provides a reflection on her life-changing experience of being in Zambia.

You will also read about the many accomplishments of our faculty. Promotions were earned, term tenure was granted, scholarships were received, and doctoral degrees were awarded. Manuscripts were published, conferences were attended, and community service hours were logged.

And, in May, we celebrated as 36 graduating seniors from the BSN program stepped out into the next chapter of life, along with 4 MSN and 8 Doctor of Nursing Practice students.

In this new academic year, we know that change is certain. We welcomed two new full-time faculty and several new clinical adjunct faculty to our team. We are planning a curriculum revision across all undergraduate and graduate tracks in response to the new competency-based AACN Essentials. We welcomed new students to campus and new faculty to our team. We are launching for the first time, two new courses in the senior spring semester: NURS 414 Population and Global Health and NURS 492 Senior Capstone. Both courses will build on the junior level courses to prepare our seniors to be “practice ready.” Our 2023 graduates will be the first to sit for the newly revised “Next Gen” NCLEX. We have been intentional in preparing them for success by honing our item-writing skills and introducing more opportunity for critical thinking and clinical decision-making. Our DNP Nurse Leader track continues to grow, and we are launching fresh marketing initiatives to recruit for our MSN and DNP programs. In December, we will graduate the first class of RN to BSN students.

It is easy to find joy in the types of changes that call for celebration. But how we respond to the more stressful changes shines a light on our character. When we are faithful in the trials, it gives the world a glimpse of Christ who so graciously gives us the wisdom we need to face life’s many challenges. I hope that this year you will find joy in the trials of change. I urge you to persevere in wisdom. Pray fervently. God promises to give generously.

Blessings, Kim Fenstermacher, PhD, RN, CRNP

FALL 2022 • DEPARTMENT OF NURSING NEWSLETTER

Welcome Laura Lebo and Rebekkah Stanko!

Hello, my name is Laura Lebo. I joined the Messiah Community as a student in 1996. My two sisters and I were blessed to attend Messiah. We were the first generation in our immediate family to graduate from college. Within weeks of graduation, I married my husband. Soon we moved to Lancaster where I began my career working as a staff nurse on a cardiac unit at Lancaster General Hospital. Over those precious early years of our married life, my husband and I had 4 children; I was able to flex my career to fit our family’s needs. I held positions in several types of nursing including Home Health, Endoscopy, and Women’s Health.

As a child, I loved learning, and would often play teacher in my parents’ basement. I would even write essays from articles in the Encyclopedia Britannica! (For those wondering, it was like an alphabetized Wikipedia book.) I continued to enjoy learning and found my love for teaching when I worked as a Childbirth Educator for seven years, eventually pursuing certification through Lamaze International. In 2014, I began teaching nursing students as an adjunct faculty for OB at PA College of Health Sciences. After receiving my Master’s in Nursing Education from Millersville University in 2017, I began teaching at Harrisburg Area Community College in Lancaster as the Simulation Lab Coordinator and Instructor for RN Fundamental Skills. I also work as a PRN staff nurse at UPMC Lititz Women’s Place.

I am excited to return to Messiah this fall in the role of Simulation Educator. In addition, this fall our oldest daughter will be attending Messiah University as a firstyear student thus beginning the second generation of Messiah education in my family.

As I reflect on the past and look forward to the future, I am once again amazed and grateful for God’s faithfulness! Of course, God’s faithfulness should not be a surprise to me as God is always working for our good and His ultimate purposes (Romans 8:28). Too often, I forget to thank

Him for His salvation and many blessings! Along this journey of life, there have also been challenging times that tested and challenged me to deeper maturity and faith. I am looking forward to the opportunity to openly share my life and faith with my coworkers and students as we walk together on the journey of service, leadership, and reconciliation. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15).

Hello to all, my name is Rebekkah Stanko. I joined the Messiah University Family as a graduate student back in 2017, when Messiah was still Messiah College. I completed my MSN in Nursing Administration in December 2019 and was the first graduate of that program, but part of the last graduating class of Messiah College. One of my mentors, Dr. Louann Zinsmeister, who has now retired, convinced me to go back to school for my CAGS in Nursing Education, which I tackled during the eventful year of 2020. It was through the mentorship of the retired nursing professor, Marti Derr, that I came to love teaching psychiatric nursing and nursing leadership. I taught at Messiah University last academic year as an adjunct professor, teaching graduate level statistics, undergraduate psych clinicals, and undergraduate leadership. I am beyond blessed and honored to say that as of August, 2022, I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nursing.

Academically, nursing was not my first degree. Well, that’s a long story actually. While in college, I worked as an EKG tech at a local hospital and fell in love with the ER. I entered college as a nursing major back when everyone needed two years in med-surg. However, I only wanted to be an ER nurse, so instead of applying to clinicals, I changed my major. I was an art major for one whole week, I earned an AA in Social Sciences from HACC, and then transferred to Shippensburg University where I earned a BS in pure mathematics. When it came time to find a job in my

career field, I returned to school instead. I obtained my BSN through an accelerated BS-BSN program at Penn State. Having survived calculus IV, advanced abstract algebra, and undergraduate nursing school, I can confidently proclaim getting my BSN was the hardest degree I ever earned!

Clinically, I am an ER nurse at heart, and always will be. I spent most of my nursing career working in ERs, both trauma and community, in Central and Southcentral PA. I have also worked as a trauma outreach nurse coordinator, an employee health nurse, and a substitute school nurse. However, my heart has always brought me back to the ER. I maintain my clinical practice at Gettysburg Hospital ER, in historical Gettysburg.

In my personal life, I am the oldest of 8 children and remain very close with my family. I have an amazing fiancé, and a spoiled two-year-old German Shepherd who keep me busy, but grounded. I cannot say that since I was five, I wanted to be a nurse. In all honesty, my 5-year-old self wanted to be a paleontologist (and yes, I learned to spell that in first grade just so I could write the “when I grow up” paper). However, if you ask my mother, she will attest to the fact that whether I admitted to it or not, I was always a nurse at heart. It just took me a few years to get over being a sympathy vomiter. I can now clean up bodily fluids with the best of them!

I try to keep things professional, but light in life. After working in the ER for years, I have reached a philosophy of “you’re either going to laugh or cry, and I choose to laugh.” While there are times to be serious, at the end of the day, if I can make my patients or students smile, I have accomplished something great. My philosophy of nursing is grounded in the concept that as nurses we have the unique honor and privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, and share in our patients’ most intimate and vulnerable times. I have brought a baby into this world from the front seat of a car parked outside an ER, and held many hands as souls reunited with the Lord. Each day I am humbled and honored to call myself a nurse, and

Farewell Wishes to Newly Retired Faculty, Marti Derr,

MSN, RN, CNE, and Louann Zinsmeister, PhD, RN, CNE!

Marti retired from Messiah University after 27 years of service in May 2022. Marti taught and mentored students in psychiatric-mental health nursing, leadership, bioethics, health policy, and senior seminar across the undergraduate and graduate nusrsing programs, along with first-year seminar. In retirement, Marti plans to continue enjoying ballroom dancing, a proper cup of tea, and working as a spiritual director and adjunct faculty member.

Louann retired from Messiah University after 26 years of service in May 2020. Louann taught and mentored students across both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. She coordinated the undergraduate Degree Path Program from 1994 to 2000, when the program ended. Louann started the graduate nursing programs in 2013 that resulted in successful CCNE accreditation and Messiah’s first doctoral program (Doctor of Nursing Practice). In retirement, Louann continues to play both piano and organ for her local congregation, and enjoys crocheting, and spending time with her granddaughter.

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I cannot wait to share my walk as a Christian nurse with my students. People always ask about your fiveyear plan. Five years ago, I was enrolling in Messiah College as a graduate student. At that time, I had no idea my five-year plan would include Messiah University as my place of employment.

I truly believe that God was guiding me down this path for many years, and He will be with me every step of the way as I enter my new career as a full-time nursing faculty. In my mind, there is no greater honor than to give back to the University that has given so much to me both academically and professionally. I am looking forward to the next five years at Messiah, and beyond!

Marti’s Retirement: top right photos

Louann’s Retirement: bottom left photos

Faculty Achievements

Congratulations Dr. Nancy Frank and Dr. Jeff Stroup on successfully completing their doctoral degrees. Nancy received her Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Jeff earned his DNP from Messiah.

Personal and patient safety considerations. [Conference session]. Sigma Theta Tau International’s Creating Healthy Work Environments Conference. Washington, DC, United States.

•Elliott, B. (2021, Dec 9). How the spirit of inquiry has guided a research trajectory focused on improving care of veterans. [Conference keynote].Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center Nursing Research/EBP Conference. Harrisburg, PA, United States.

•Elliott, B., Chargualaf, K. A., & Patterson, B. (2021, Dec 3 - 5). Closing the gap: Identifying veteran-specific textbook content gaps and veteran-care competencies. [Conference session]. AACN Transform 2021 Conference. Dallas, TX, United States.

33rd International Research Congress, Edinburgh, Scotland.

PUBLICATIONS

•Slabaugh, K., & Elliott, B. (2022). Making time and being present: Spiritual care revisited. Home Healthcare Now, 40(3), 154 - 158. https://doi.org/10.1097/ NHH.0000000000001066

•McMillan, L. R., Elliott, B., & Chargualaf, K. A. (2022). Above and beyond the call of duty: Rural home care and hospice nurses’ experiences caring for veterans. Home Healthcare Now, 40(1), 19 - 26. https://doi.org/10.1097/ NHH.0000000000001031

•Kristen Slabaugh DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, CNE and Kim Fenstermacher, PhD, CRNP, RN were promoted to full professor.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

•Kristin Shaub, MSN, RN, CNE, CCRN, received a 2022 National League for Nursing Foundation nursing education faculty scholarship award. Kristin is currently a graduate student in Messiah University’s DNP/FNP program and a clinical adjunct faculty member.

PRESENTATIONS

Megan Gross, PhD, MPH, RN

•ACHNE 44th Annual instituteLooking Back: Lessons we carry forward to shape the future of community and public health nursing podium presentation “Clinical Debriefing Use in Community, Population, and Public Health Nursing Education: A Descriptive Statistical Analysis Approach”

Kristen Slabaugh, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, CNE

•Brosey, M., Burket, K., & Slabaugh, K. (2021, July). Faculty perspectives of an interprofessional simulation during a pandemic. Poster session presented at Heartland IPEC Conference, virtual format.

Brenda Elliott, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF

•McMillan, L. K., Elliott, B., & Chargualaf, K. A. (2022, March 24 - 26). Caring for veterans in rural communities:

•Elliott, B., Chargualaf, K. A., & Patterson, B. (2021, Nov 6 - 10). Veterans in nursing education: Evidence-based teaching strategies to enhance learning and support transition [Conference session]. Sigma Theta Tau International 46th Biennial Convention, Indianapolis, IN, United States.

•Chargualaf, K. A., Elliott, B., & Patterson, B. (2021, Sept 29 - Oct 3). Applying social determinants of health to impact veteran health outcomes [Virtual conference session]. 2021 AMSN Annual Convention, Orlando, FL, United States.

•Elliott, B., Hamid, G., Dyar, K., & Chargualaf, K. A. (2021, Sept 9). Honoring military veterans: Four approaches to achieving a veteran-centered nursing practice [Virtual webinar]. Springer Publishing.

•Elliott, B., Chargualaf, K. A., & McMillan, L. (2022, July 21 – 25). Nurses’ experiences caring for veterans in rural community settings. [Conference session]. Sigma Theta Tau International’s 33rd International Research Congress, Edinburgh, Scotland.

•Elliott, B. (2022, July 21 – 25). Health risks associated with sojourning abroad: U.S. military spouses’ experiences living in Italy. [Pecha Kucha session]. Sigma Theta Tau International’s 33rd International Research Congress, Edinburgh, Scotland.

•Sikes, D. L., Patterson, B., Chargualaf, K. A., Elliott, B., & Song, H. (2022, July 21 – 25). Increasing nursing workforce with military veterans. [Conference session]. Sigma Theta Tau International’s

•Chargualaf, K. A., Patterson, B., & Elliott, B. (2022). Veteran competencies in nursing textbooks: Implications for educators. Nursing Education Perspectives, 43(1), E2 – E7. https://doi.org/10.1097. NEP.0000000000000923

•Chargualaf, K. A., Patterson, B., & Elliott, B. (2021). Analysis of content gaps in prelicensure nursing textbooks to meet veteran care competencies. Nurse Educator, 46(5), E108 – E112. https://doi. org/10.1097/NNE.0000000000001024

•Elliott, B., Chargualaf, K. A., & Patterson, B. (2021, Sept/Oct). A multimodal approach to enhance nurses’ capacity to care for military veterans. MedSurg Nursing, 30(5), 345 - 352.

•Dr. Brenda Elliott and her colleagues co-edited a book that was bestowed two awards last year. The 2021AJN Book of the Year (Nursing education/Continuing education/Professional development category) and the Sigma Theta Tau 2021 Capstone International Nursing Book Award.

- Hernández, C., Gross, M., Darnall, T., Stalter, A., Edwards, L., Levin, P., Farra, S., McElroy. K., & Cygan, H. (2021). Association of Community Health Nursing Educators Review of the National Institute of Nursing Research Strategic Plan for 2022-2026. https://associationdatabase.com/aws/ACHNE/asset_manager/ get_file/559504?ver=0

adjunct nursing faculty

Undergraduate 2021-2022

Sarah Crown, BSN, RN

Sarah Curtis, MSN, CRNP

Emily Griffith, MSN, RN

Shelley Heinbaugh, MSN, RN, CEN

Hannah Hess, MSN, RNC-MNN

Joanne Konick-McMahan, MSN, RN, PCCN

Pam Linstedt, MSN, RN, CNE

Jessica Merkert, BSN, RN, SCRN

Leah Pardoe, MSN, RN

KateLynne Seibert, BSN, RN

Jenny Rex, MSN, RN

Linda Rhine, MSN, RN

Abby Schmuck, MSN, RN, CCRN

Serena Shirey, MSN, RN

Talisha Sneeringer, MSN, RN

Rebekkah Stanko, MSN, RN

Patty Stehman, PMHNP

Valerie Steinweg, MSN, RN

Jennifer Wagner, MSN, RN

Teri Witter, MSN, RN

Graduate 2021-2022

Jeff Davis, MBA, CPA, CMA

Anna Gale, DNP, FNP-BC

Rebecca Harris, PhD

Marsena Howard, DNP, CRNP, CNM

Jeffrey Kreitman, PharmD

Jessica Lahr, MSN, RN

Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF)

By Nate Morse ’24 and Erin Lownsbery ’23

Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF) is one of two student-led clubs in the nursing department here at Messiah University. Our goal as a club is to facilitate a sense of community among students in the nursing program by hosting weekly Bible studies in addition to large monthly events. This past year, we chose to use Eric Ortland’s study of Job in his Knowing the Bible series for our weekly Bible study. After a challenging period of COVID that tested all of us emotionally, physically, and academically, we decided that we needed to reflect on all of our suffering and explore how that has affected our relationships with God. This year, we also added something different to the normal Bible studies in the form of “Theme Weeks.” Every other week, in between the study of Job, we would present a study that we felt was particularly relevant to nursing students or the current times. Some of the theme studies we did included a discussion on failing exams, finding our identity in God rather than our grades, and a reflection on how we can be Godly

nurses. All of these studies were very well received and we plan to continue to implement these next year.

Our larger events were also very successful this year. Fall semester of this past academic year included our welcome picnic, which was done in conjunction with Student Nurses Association (SNA), making it the first combined event of the year. The picnic was a fun event that allowed each of the cohorts to interact and get to know the new first year students. We also hosted a movie night in October, which included eating lots of snacks and watching Monsters Inc. Our final event of the Fall semester was our annual Christmas Party, also in combination with

Holly Langmuir, MD, MPH, MS

Amy Lask, DNP, FNP-BC, AOCNP, NCTTS

Sylvia May, DNP, FNP-C

Mary Lou Mortimer, DNP, MSN, RN

Aislynn Moyer, DNP, RN, CENP

Lauren O’Hanlan, DNP, PNP

Danielle Oakes, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC

Rebekkah Stanko, MSN, RN

Denise Vanacore-Chase, PhD, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Anne B. (Nancy) Woods, PhD, MPH, RN

Louann Zinsmeister, PhD, RN, CNE

SNA. We were unable to hold the party at Wanda Thuma-McDermond’s house as we traditionally do, so instead we headed down to the Kline basement and decorated the nursing labs with wrapping paper and

NSA/NCF spring party at Lower Allen Community Park

Christmas lights. We decorated cookies, held a White Elephant gift exchange, and ate delicious food. We were lucky enough to not only have a great student turnout, but also NCF and SNA’s nursing faculty advisors Wanda Thuma-McDermond and Jeffery Stroup attended our event, serving as our cookie-making contest judges.

During the spring semester, we held three major events. In January we held an ice skating event at Twin Ponds North, which was done in conjunction with SNA. This event turned out to be a great success, drawing over 30 people onto the rink, including Visiting Assistant Professor Kristin Shaub, who showed us some of her professional skating skills. During the month of February, we made Valentine’s Day cards for the residents at Messiah Lifeways. Our final event of the year was our Spring Party, another combined event with SNA. This event consisted of an egg hunt, food, yard games, and prizes. We hope to do many more combined events with SNA in the future and look forward to connecting with the students and providing outreach opportunities for incoming first-year students.

Student Nurses Association (SNA)

Student Nurses Association is one of two student-led clubs that support future nurses by providing valuable resources and fellowships. The 2021-2022 officers are Carley Gambone, Morgan Furjanic, Mackenzie Lorincz, Annelise Hayden, Sarah Pstrak, and Sarah Good. This year, many of the club’s events were interactive and combined with NCF.

SIGMA Nursing Honor Society Induction: No April Fool’s Joke!

By Wanda Thuma-McDermond, PhD, RN

It may have been scheduled for Friday, April 1st, 2022, but the SIGMA Lambda Kappa Induction for 2022 was no joke for the fourteen inductees. Two were graduate students: Norma Davis (MSN NE) and Rebekkah Stanko (DNP/NL). Twelve were undergraduates: Felicity Bailey, Madison Ehrhart, Morgan Furjanic, Carley Gambone, Kyla Gehr, Annelise Hayden, Abigail Huebner, Kim Mowery, Katelyn Oberholtzer, Melanie Rakerd, Katie Wilkin, and Bryce Woland. We welcome them to SIGMA and Lambda Kappa. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Dan Rohrer, CRNA, presenting on Resilience in Healthcare.

For this induction, the presiding officers were: Teri Witter, Chapter President; Brenda Elliott, Chapter Treasurer; Mel Seitz, Chapter Secretary; Rebecca Barrows Giovannacci, Leadership Succession Chair; Kristin Zinsmeister Shaub, Governance Chair; Valerie Steinweg, Governance Committee Member; and Wanda Thuma-McDermond, Chapter Counselor.

The spring of 2022 brought leadership succession changes and the presiding officers are now: Pam Keller, Chapter President; Brenda Elliott, Chapter Treasurer; Brittany McCullough, Chapter Secretary, while Kristin Shaub and Wanda Thuma-McDermond remain in their current positions. There are several who have agreed to work together for Leadership Succession: Norma Davis, Jessica Merkert, and Rebekkah Stanko.

2021-2022 NCF board members (left to right) Nate Morse ’24, Erin Lownsbery ’23, Rachel Notestine ’23, Emma Pfau ’24

SNA/NCF winter ice skating party at Twin Ponds

Sigma inductees (left to right) Carley Gambone ’22, Melanie Rakerd ’22, Abigail Huebner ’22, Katie Oberholtzer ’22, Felicity Bailey ’22, Madison Ehrhart ’22, Rebekkah Stanko ’23, Bryce Woland ’22, Katie Wilkin ’22, Kim Mowery ’22, Morgan Furjanic ’22, Annelise Hayden ’22, Norma Davis ’22, Kyla Gehr ’22 (not pictured).

Senior Research Symposium

By Tara Jankouskas, PhD, RN

In the fall 2021 semester, senior nursing students completed evidencebased practice projects in their Nursing Research II course. There were six projects aimed at improving patient outcomes, one project aimed at improving nursing education, and one project aimed at improving nurse work-life quality. Each project group was facilitated by a nurse expert from a local hospital, a Messiah University graduate student, or a Department of Nursing faculty. The eight projects with the associated project team are listed below. All project teams presented a scholarly poster of their project at the annual Messiah University School of Science, Engineering, & Health Symposium. The first four project teams listed below also presented a podium and poster presentation at a local nursing conference, Igniting the Spirit of Inquiry, hosted by Penn State Holy Spirit Hospital in December 2021.

Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) in Post Cardiac Arrest (CA) Patients Nursing Students: Katie Wilkin, Tyler Wilkinson, Cassidy Hoffman, Emily Allbee, & Kyla Gehr Nurse: Jessica Ryder BSN, RN, CCRN

Improving Outcomes of Non-Intubated COVID-19 Patients (CP) using Self-Proning Techniques

Nursing Students: Sarah Good, Rebecca Hill, Melody McCrary, & Sarah Pstrak Nurse: Jessica Ryder BSN, RN, CCRN

Reduction of Restraints and Seclusion through Sensory Modulation

Nursing Students: Carley Gambone, Ellie Longshaw, Hannah Showalter, Elise Davenport, & Felicity Bailey Nurse: Rebekah Smith MSN, RN

Evidence Based Non-Pharmacological Recommendations to Decrease Delirium in the Hospitalized Pediatric Population Nursing Students: Audrey Bassett, Madison Ehrhart, Madison Eich, Katie Oberholtzer, & Sydney Raschke Nurse: Tara Jankouskas PhD, RN

The Effect of Bereavement Interventions on Depression, Anxiety, and Grief After

Senior Experience in Zambia

By Emma Augustine ’22

At 5 a.m. on April 7th, eleven senior nursing majors, Wanda ThumaMcDermond, Teri Witter, and I set out. for Macha, Zambia. This was a trip I had been anxiously awaiting for since I heard about it as a prospective student when I was accepted into Messiah’s nursing program. I was not sure what to expect on this trip, but I was excited about being able to experience health care in a country that is so different from the US.

While there, we helped the nurses, midwives, and other nursing students. We were able to spend one to two days in each of the different wards: pediatric, maternity, operating theatre, outpatient, medical, and surgical. Taking vitals was a big part of what I did. I was also able

to observe several different surgeries. One of my favorite parts of the whole experience though, was getting to watch a delivery that one of my classmates helped with. Even though maternity is not the area I want to specialize in, there is something so special about seeing a life being brought into the world. Several of the other students were able to go out into the different villages and help with obtaining weights and administering vaccines to babies. We were also able to attend rounds and learn more about the diagnosis of the patients.

It was also very eye opening seeing how different Macha Mission Hospital was from the hospitals that we have in

Perinatal Loss

Nursing Students: Emma Augustine, Jessica Heiman, Amber MacKay, Melanie Rakerd, & Sarah Reed Nurse: Kimberly Fenstermacher PhD, CRNP

Improving Nursing Student Veteran Care Competency through Simulation Nursing Students: Allyson Hoffmann, Ariana Dunkerton, Abigail Huebner, & Chelsey Seeley Nurse: Brenda Elliott PhD, RN, CNE

From Breastfeeding to Bottle: Evidence Based Recommendations to Initiate Formula Supplementation in Neonates Experiencing Weight Loss Nursing Students: Madisyn Coburn, Annelise Hayden, Audrie Hartman, & Rebekah George Nurse: Melody Seitz PhD, RNC-OB, CHSE

Implementation of Resilience Programs to Reduce Burnout among Critical Care Nurses Nursing Students: Bryce Woland, Kim Mowery, Taylor Snyder, & Morgan Furjanic Nurse: Jessica Merkert MSN, RN, CPN, SCRN

the US. There are not very many supplies available there, so they have to make do

From left to right: Abigail Huebner, Sarah Pstrak, Sarah Good, Felicity Bailey, Carley Gambone, Emma Augustine, Elise Davenport, Sarah Reed, Melanie Rakerd, Sydney Raschke, Rebecca Hill, Annelise Hayden

with what they have and if something is broken somebody tries to fix it. Here in the US, we tend to not worry as much because we have a multitude of other resources if one thing is not working. Another big difference is there are no private rooms in Macha. All the different wards, with the exception of the operating theatre, are just one large room with multiple beds. The hospital also still operates using a paper charting system and the patients keep their own chart with them. I was able to help first hand with the charting because I recorded vital signs as well as used the ledger book to record medications that were administered.

When we weren’t in the hospital many of us played with the local children at their afterschool program. Whether it was playing soccer, checkers, or Dutch blitz, there was something for everyone.

We also had the opportunity to learn how to do some Zambian style dancing which was a lot of fun. Many of us also took the time to go for runs or walks along the different paths.

We were also fortunate to be in Zambia during Holy Week, which are the days leading up to Easter. The Roths, missionaries from Pennsylvania, led a Seder meal for us. It was not my first Seder meal, but it was still a powerful experience going through and remembering the Passover. We also had the opportunity to watch the children’s Easter program. I loved getting to see the children singing, so full of joy for God. Then there was the Easter Sunday service. It was outside because there were so many people in attendance. It was a beautiful service full of singing, skits, and a powerful message about how we need to be confident in our faith.

After we left Macha, we headed to

Livingstone. We went on a river cruise and got to see several hippos, birds, and one crocodile. The next day was Victoria Falls, which was beautiful, and I can see why it is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. That evening we also went on a safari and got to see more of God’s amazing creation. We saw gazelle, zebra, giraffes, and warthogs. The next day it was time to head back towards Lusaka to go home.

This trip was an amazing experience. I learned so much about healthcare in a third-world country and skills that I can bring with me when I start my nursing journey here in the states. It also helped me deepen my faith in that the people in Macha, while they did not have a lot, were so willing to give what they did have. It helped me to realize that God always provides even in ways I might not understand.

Beyond the Scrubs

By Liv Scharfe ’24

If you were ever in nursing school or know anyone who had been, you know that the rigorous course load demands a lot of time, energy, and focus. Like most science majors, the academics are challenging but unlike most other majors, nursing students must excel in areas outside the classroom. The nursing major not only requires academic discipline, but also emotional intelligence, time-management, and strong communication skills. The academic standards these students must uphold to remain in the program are high, but it is through these standards that you find students with tenacity and character. Nursing students develop the endurance to get back up when they fail and to keep studying, learning, and practicing even when they are exhausted.

As a current student who failed a specific nursing course the first time around, I can speak from experience that it is really hard to get back up and start over. It is especially challenging to do so as an active participant in collegiate activities

and with a desire to foster community. After not passing the course, instead of retreating into the tempting state of a student scared to be involved in anything other than nursing, I found that the extra-curriculars gave me life and were imperative to my success as a student and future nurse. After interviewing and witnessing a similar spirit in my peers, I have learned that many nursing students feel similarly. Even though the idea of sacrificing precious time and energy can be stressful for most academically driven students, nursing students at Messiah University pursue both academics as well as community involvement.

Furthermore, despite the ambitious effort applied to their schooling, they still find time and energy to pursue their passions outside of the classroom. That is no small feat and is worth recognizing! The students highlighted below are only a few of the incredible future nurses who sacrifice a lot for their education yet choose to invest in their community.

Brennen Puckett’ ’24: Messiah Lifeguarding & member of Powerhouse Band

“Being on the Powerhouse (weekly student led worship) team helps me to dial in on God and gives me an excuse to worship him deeply in the midst of a busy school schedule.”

Si Barnes ’24: Spanish minor; Messiah University Resident Assistant (RA); Senior Patient Care Technician (PCT) at UPMC.

“Working at UPMC allows me to use my Spanish

minor to connect with Spanish-speaking patients in order to help them feel understood. Through these opportunities, I can show love to people who are at their worst moments in life at the hospital. In the residence halls, I am able to guide younger students and offer support as an upperclassmen.”

Jack Ramsey ’24: Director of outreach for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at Messiah; Messiah men’s basketball team; Survivor Messiah and Synergy groups.

“Being the director of outreach for FCA and playing on the basketball team have helped me learn empathy and compassion for others which is paramount in a nurse-patient relationship. I have also learned about the value of teamwork and good communication skills in order to have the best possible outcome.”

Ehryn Groothoff ’24: Messiah Women’s lacrosse team

“By being a part of the team, I have a built-in family and people who share my passion for lacrosse as well as who will help me grow in my relationship with Christ and point me to Him. The day-to-day commitments of lacrosse also take up time that may otherwise be spent studying or even resting and recharging, but I love being a part of two such strong programs that I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Brie Hess ’23: Messiah Cross Country & Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field

“I have always loved the freeing feeling that you can get from a run and the way that my stress from a day or week can just fade out on a long run listening to nature, giving me the one on one time I need with my Creator.”

Kaitlyn Farah

’23: Cafe Diem Barista (Messiah Murray Library)

“I work as a barista at Cafe Diem in Murray Library during the school

year! It has been so refreshing to get to do something I love to do on campus besides nursing. Having a space where I can find joy outside of nursing allows me to feel refreshed and well rounded. While it takes hard work and intentionality, you can do both, I promise!”

MEN IN NURSING SPOTLIGHT:

moments and become a source of hope for those who may have it in short supply. At its core, being a nurse is not about the male or female roles. Rather, nursing in its truest form is an act of love—because to care for one another is to love one another.”

STUDENT SUPPORT GROUP SPOTLIGHT: Michaela Miller ’23:

Jake Walker ’24:

“As a young man who has felt called to pursue a career in nursing, I have at times been met with furrowed brows and confused expressions—specifically from patients I’ve interacted with as a nursing assistant thus far. I think this is attributed to the stigma that, due to the sacrificial, vulnerable, and caregiving nature of the nursing profession, it is predominantly a feminine role. Yet, men too have a desire to care for people at their most vulnerable

“In the fall of 2020, I failed a nursing course. My professors met with me to discuss my options: take time off and retake the course next fall, or change majors. After that, I was on my own. I have never felt so lost, helpless, ashamed, and alone. When I failed a nursing course, it did not just affect my grade. It had an impact on every aspect of my life. I questioned my entire identity, career, and future. Socially, my cohort and friends moved on and I was faced with paying for an extra 9th semester with no financial aid. Mentally, I was completely burnt out.

When I returned to Messiah to repeat the course I failed, I realized I wasn’t alone. Since so many students struggled to pass courses, I became determined to make some changes. I did not want anyone to go through my experience alone and unsupported. I started a club that nobody wants to be a part of, but everyone who finds themselves there needs: the nursing student peer support group.

My goal for this group is to provide the holistic care, that nursing students learn about, for my peers struggling with failure. I created a resource with direct links to the many support systems Messiah has to offer, from the Office of Academic Accessibility to the Engle Center to financial aid. I wanted to make everything as easily accessible as possible, so students do not have to go on a scavenger hunt during one of the most stressful times of their lives. I also

From left to right: Brie Hess, Alex Beaver, Joannah Doutrich, Kristen Louder

Jake Walker ’24 on far right.

initiated group support meetings, where students who had failed a course could come together to ask hard questions, learn from each other’s experiences, and be encouraged. I have never felt so empowered as when I have been surrounded by my incredible peers who understand my experience and affirm that our failure will not define us. We are so much more.”

Summa cum Laude

Kimberly Mowery Katelyn Oberholtzer

Magna cum Laude

Emily Allbee

Felicity Bailey

Madison Ehrhart

Morgan Furjanic Carley Gambone

Kyla Gehr

Annelise Hayden

Abigail Huebner

Amber MacKay Melanie Rakerd

Sydney Raschke

Katie Wilkin

Tyler Wilkinson

Bryce Woland

Cum Laude

Audrey Bassett

Madisyn Coburn

Elise Davenport

Ariana Dunkerton

Madison Eich

Rebekah George

Sarah Good

Audrie Hartman

Jessica Heiman

Rebecca Hill

GRADUATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Pam Keller, DNP ’23

Pam Keller, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, presented at the 2022 AANP National Conference in Florida. Her presentation was Endometriosis: Beyond the Basics. Pam is a nurse practitioner at UPMC Magee Women’s of Central PA Division of Minimally Invasive GYN Surgery and is a student in our DNP Nursing Leadership program.

Undergraduate Class of 2022

Cassidy Hoffman

Allyson Hoffmann

Elizabeth Longshaw

Sarah Pstrak

Sarah Reed Hannah Showalter

Taylor Snyder

College Honors Program

Elise Davenport

Abigail Huebner

Amber MacKay

Kimberly Mowery Sydney Raschke

Bryce Woland

Undergraduate Nursing Awards 2022

Faculty Award for Excellence in Nursing Tyler Wilkinson ’22

Academic Excellence in Nursing Award Kim Mowery ’22

Joan M. Wagner Scholarship Award Annelise Hayden ’22

Harry and Nancy Preis Scholarship Award Bryce Woland ’22

Undergraduate

2022

PSNA Leadership Award Carley Gambone ’22

PSNA Leadership Award Rebekah George ’22

Christy Stark Smith Award

Melanie Rakerd ’22

Perseverance in the Face of Adversity

By Brenda Elliott, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, Coordinator of the MSN, CAGS, and RN to BSN Programs

Today I was reading a devotional titled “rest for the weary” and it talked about ways in which we may be feeling weary or tired from the day-to-day demands of working, parenting, or caring for family members. Maybe we have said “yes” too often when we should have said “no,” or we have not taken care of our own needs for sleep, rest, and exercise in our efforts to be or do more for others. As the semester ends, I can relate to the weariness. This time of year is always a challenge trying to finish grades, reports, and evaluations.

As I reflect on this past year, I would be remiss not to acknowledge the students in our programs who are especially weary, continuing to care for patients, families, and communities affected by the pandemic. And despite difficulties, they stayed the course and persevered through their studies. I am inspired by their drive and dedication to themselves and the betterment of our vocation.

Our MSN program welcomes three new nurse educators into the ranks, and I believe they will serve our profession well. We have several students returning to finish what they started a few years ago, able to push forward now that life has returned to some semblance of a new normal. It is very exciting to welcome them back to Messiah. Nursing education needs you! I would like to highlight the hard work of the 2022 graduates in their capstone projects (titles listed below).

Norma Davis – Looking to the future: Tips for improving the retention of underrepresented minority nursing students at Messiah

Mollie Gray – “They are uncomfortable too” – Reviewing transgender patient care practices with prelicensure nursing students

Jessica Merkert - Addressing social determinants of health to reduce peristomal complications and improve quality of life – accepted for publication in the Sept/Oct issue of Home Healthcare Now

I am pleased to report that we have welcomed our first four students into the MSN/ MBA program and two into the Nursing

Administration track this past year. While numbers are small, I am excited to see growth and nurses wanting to be leaders despite the effects of the pandemic. This, too, is inspiring!

In the upcoming academic year (2022 – 2023), we will graduate our first adult degree program students (RN to BSN) who have worked diligently to obtain their BSN. Returning to school is never easy and many of them are new nurses transitioning to practice and continuing studies or making their first job change and continuing their studies. I am especially grateful to this group of students as they have shown grace as we muddled through the first cohort of students to progress through the program.

As my second year as the Coordinator of MSN, CAGS, and RN to BSN Programs comes to a close I am grateful for the new things I learned this year. One being the power of perseverance and watching in awe at the presence of it in our students.

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Looking to the Future: Improving the Retention of Underrepresented Minority Nursing Students

By Norma Davis, MSN, RN, CCRN: MSN ’22

The seeds of this topic were sown in NURS 520 when Dr. Thuma-McDermond introduced the concept of cultural humility vs. cultural competence. I liked the idea of cultural humility because it denotes a heart evolution over a lifetime. This idea was further developed in NURS 530 with Dr. Elliott’s assignment to create a poster on a specific challenge to facilitating learner development. I decided to look at the Latinx nursing students, what challenges they faced in nursing school, and how we as nurse educators address those challenges. As I was completing the poster, I realized how little I really understood students from diverse backgrounds and how those backgrounds affect their educational course right from the start. I knew there was and is a shortage of minority nurses in the workforce, but I

did not realize the depth of those issues. I wanted to better understand how and why there are inadequate numbers of minority nurses at the bedside. To do that, I needed to understand why there is a shortage of minority nursing students.

The rapidly evolving diversity in the U.S. population has created challenges on many levels. One major challenge is to address existing health disparities and improve patient-centered care for different races and ethnicities. To address that issue, the diversity in nursing must reflect the diversity of the patient population we serve. This is a deep-seated, multifaceted issue in our culture that has negatively affected patient care. To address this challenge in nursing, changes must be made at the curricular level of programs.

What are the known strategies to promote, and support underrepresented undergraduate nursing students onto successful graduation and into the workforce? My goals for this project were to

1) identify strategies to improve recruitment and retention of URM students and 2) develop a list of those strategies and resources for the faculty at Messiah University. First, I looked at the research to find strategies that had been successfully employed with positive results. I then spent time with a more diverse student population at HACC’s nursing program in Harrisburg, PA. I was able to compare what I found in the literature to what I saw at HACC. Then, I compared those strategies to what Messiah has in place. I realized that while Messiah has some great programs and strategies in place, there are still more ways to attract and support the underrepresented nursing students. Lastly, I shared my findings with the Messiah nursing faculty. By reviewing the strategies I found in research and in practice, I was able to create a list of ideas and resources to create a more supportive environment for minority students at Messiah.

From the Coordinator of the DNP Programs

By Kristen Slabaugh, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, CNE

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

• celebrating 100% first-time pass rate on the family nurse practitioner board exam for the 2021 graduating cohort, the second year in a row!

• being named the #3 top-ranked online NP program in Pennsylvania by NursePractitionerOnline.com!

Isaiah 40:31

The verse from Isaiah 40 has held true for the DNP program this year. Following two consecutive years of accreditation reviews plus the start of a new track in our DNP program (DNP Nursing Leadership) in 2021, this year was a nice opportunity to have our strength renewed and to celebrate the wins! Major blessings in the last year include:

• receiving full accreditation status (10 years) for our DNP program (both tracks),

The four graduates of our 2021 DNP/ FNP class are now off and running as nurse practitioners after conducting successful DNP projects. In August 2022, we graduated eight more DNP/FNP students. Next year, we look forward to graduating our first post-master’s DNP Nursing Leadership students, a growing program with a recent influx of students. It gives us such joy to multiply the work of the Holy Spirit through our students and to watch them grow into faithful recipients of his plan for their lives.

The 2022 DNP projects are now finalized. We had some great outcomes and successful projects, despite continued

We have been pleased to help improve care and outcomes at several low-income clinics and this year we will add a project at a homeless shelter.

hurdles from COVID along the way. Topics of projects that were implemented this year include social determinants of health, alcohol use, anxiety, palliative care, COPD bundles, postpartum depression literacy, COVID vaccination education, and transformational leadership training. This summer we started our largest project cohort to date, with 15 students embarking upon the planning stages of their DNP project journey in the summer of 2022! This includes the first group of DNP NL students. These students are now completing their proposals for spring implementation. We are delighted to see the ripple effect of improved patient outcomes as a result of our projects and especially delighted to extend our reach in the underserved community through several projects. Our goal is for our projects to serve our project sites as much as our graduation requirements. We have been pleased to

help improve care and outcomes at several low-income clinics and this year we will add a project at a homeless shelter. It’s a win-win for our students and our community.

Another enjoyable aspect of 2022 was the resurgence of interprofessional education (IPE) collaboration across campus with the return to face-to-face opportunities. This year DNP students attended or participated in several interprofessional events: an IPE panel presentation, an unfolding case study, and an access to care and health equity seminar. During the summer 2022 intensives, students collaborated with physical therapy students to attend an opioid epidemic and prescribing lecture and participate in an IPE simulation to learn what collaboration between nurses, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and case managers looks like across the continuum of care.

Lastly, this year we appreciated some special “full circle” moments when we were

able to begin using some of our alum as preceptors for our current FNP students! Additionally, we have hired some of our DNP alum as adjunct faculty for FNP clinical and DNP project courses, and as clinical adjuncts in our BSN program. It definitely is a proud moment for us to see how far they have grown since graduation and such a treat for our students to have faculty members who have walked the same journey they are walking.

We have rolling admissions and love to have alumni in our program. Reach out if you are interested in a DNP degree as a family nurse practitioner or nurse leader or are interested in being a preceptor for our FNP students. We look forward with great anticipation to seeing how God will use our program over the next year and we hope to see many of you along that journey!

My DNP Project: COPD Care Bundle and Readmission Rates

By Petronellah Mupereri, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C; DNP ’22

DNP Project PICO

Question: For adult patients on a medical/ surgical unit with a diagnosis of COPD (P), does the consistent implementation of a standardized COPD care bundle (I) decrease 30-day readmission rates for COPD exacerbation (O), compared to standard COPD bundle use (C)?

I have always had a passion for preventative health and patient education, so I had a few ideas for my DNP project as we started working on the planning phase. However, finding a project site that was also interested in the same things was more of a challenge for me. I went through several different sites before finding a site that would work for me. Eventually, I found a project site that had needs that were in line with my ideas and what I wanted to do, and that has been nothing but short of amazing. I learned so much during the process, through the wins and

the challenges. Looking back now, I believe that’s where God wanted me to be, as it has opened so many doors for me.

My DNP project is on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). I had the pleasure of working with St. Luke’s University Health Network to implement a plan that could have an effect on 30-day readmission rates. My project aimed to decrease frequent COPD exacerbations and reduce 30-day readmissions using a standardized COPD care bundle that focused on patient education. The COPD care bundle included self-management techniques such as correct inhaler techniques and symptom management, smoking cessation screening and education, and discharge follow-up.

To prepare for the project, I reviewed other completed DNP projects to familiarize myself with the structure and format of the paper and to learn how other students completed their projects. Communication with my professors, project chair, and project site was crucial as they helped guide

me through the process. The DNP project workbook used in the course was another valuable tool. This tool helped keep me organized and sane, especially during the planning and implementation phase. My implementation plan included going to the project site, familiarizing myself with the staff, and making sure that I had all the resources needed prior to implementation. Setting weekly goals was immensely helpful as that helped keep me focused and work on the project in smaller increments to prevent overwhelming myself. Currently, the project implementation phase is complete. We are working on data analysis which is a rewarding process as it puts all the work into quantifiable numbers that can help understand the project’s effects, guide practice changes, and give ideas on how to improve what we currently do in practice through future projects and research.

2022 MSN NE Graduates

From left to right: Brenda Elliott, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, Mollie Gray, MSN NE ’22, Norma Davis, MSN NE ’22, and Jessica Merkert, MSN NE ’22

2022 DNP/FNP Graduates

From left to right: Kim Fenstermacher, PhD, RN, CRNP, Kristi Barbato, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, Julie Eddy, DNP/FNP ’22, Ashton Neal, DNP/FNP ’22, Petronellah Mupereri, DNP/FNP ’22, Andrea Ferguson, DNP/FNP ’22, Jeff Stroup, DNP/FNP ‘22, and Kristen Slabaugh, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, CNE. Not pictured: Andrew Rhodes, FNP/DNP ’22, Daniel Zepp, FNP/DNP ’22, and Peiwen Distler FNP/DNP ’22.

Joanna Saufley

’20:

Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

“When my nursing colleagues encouraged me to consider switching into pediatrics, I was terrified. The thought of caring for a baby was scary because, after failing my maternity class in college (the first time around), I thought I’d never be cut out to care for that vulnerable population. The truth is, my failure was a liar and caring for teens, children, babies, and their families has been the best decision. I was made for it. Here’s my point: learning goes way beyond the classroom or one test. There will be days where you walk away feeling like a failure (perhaps leaving a patient no better than you found them or a task undone), but every day as a nurse you get to dip your toes in an opportunity to learn and become better.”

“After one year of learning to be a nurse (and not to mention, full-blown adult), I’ve learned it’s healthier to live and work rather than work to live. Creating boundaries between what you do and who you are is the difference between afib and normal sinus - less chaotic, more steady. The pull to work longer and harder days increases in the epidemic of high census, low staffing. So start now. Learn what regulates your heartbeat beyond the long hours of studying - remembering that it may look different than everyone else’s.”

Beyond Graduation

By Molly Phillips, MSN, RN: MSN ’21, DNP ’24

The year 2020 was certainly challenging for me in many ways. Not only did I work as a bedside nurse during a worldwide pandemic, but I also was in the crux of completing my Master of

Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, with a focus on nursing education. During that time, I discovered my passion for academic nursing education. After graduating from Messiah in May of 2021, I started teaching at Eastern University as an adjunct instructor in both the classroom and lab settings. I was challenged yet prepared to take on a new role in academia. In the Fall of 2021, I accepted a full-time faculty position at Eastern. I was very fortunate to be surrounded by supportive colleagues who inspired me to work diligently to grow as an academic nurse educator.

With a year under my belt, I decided to take the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) examination in May of 2022 and was successful! Additionally, I started

Messiah’s DNP Nursing Leadership program. Special interests of mine include working in simulation and laboratory settings. I enjoy creating scenarios that prepare students for practice, yet enable them to work in a safe, controlled environment. For example, in my health assessment course, I created a multipatient simulation in which juniorlevel students work collaboratively to prioritize and perform focused physical assessments for each patient. It truly is wonderful to see students flourish and apply what they learned at the end of the semester. I am privileged to work with students throughout their educational experiences as they grow and develop as nurses.

Arlene Miller, PhD, RN

I cannot believe it is more than 20 years since my retirement in the year 2000. I had been teaching one class a semester for three years before deciding it was time to retire. I was able to move to a cottage at Messiah Village in 2011 where I enjoyed spending time with my mother, who was in skilled nursing. I am so glad to be living here.

Before the covid pandemic, I spent many evenings a week helping at mealtime on the skilled nursing unit. Using my hands-on nursing skills and getting to know wonderful residents was very fulfilling. I also gained a deeper level of appreciation for nursing assistants and other front-line workers. I even keep in touch with some of them.

Living close to Messiah University means I can take advantage of wonderful cultural programs offered there. The Retired Community of Educators sponsors lunch and speakers in the spring and fall, and that helps us keep up with what’s happening in each other’s lives.

In July 2021, the 3rd edition of Called to Care: A Christian Vision for Nursing, was released by InterVarsity Press. I was coauthor, along with Judith Allen Shelly, who authored the 1st two additions. Dr. Kimberly Fenstermacher, head of the Department of Nursing, also helped with

this revision. We are thankful the book is still filling a niche for nursing students.

There are many opportunities for things to do at Messiah Village, either on our own or offered by the staff. I often attend Bible Studies when offered; some of us meet to pray for missions and other needs. I do

Sandra Jamison, PhD, RN

There are so many memories from my years as nursing faculty at Messiah College that flood my mind. I recall opening the Degree Pathway program for 9 cohorts, the development of an outpatient clinic in the senior housing project in Steelton, the 3-year remodeling of the nursing offices, and many joyful pinning celebrations are just a few of these memories. My life has changed

considerably since those good years. Regrettably, I retired young because of severe vertebral degeneration in my back. Since retiring, I was able to move into a garden apartment at Messiah Village. God in His grace provided me with a way to use all my previous experiences as I developed the Faculty and Graduate Ministry for Nurses Christian Fellowship. Unfortunately, because of my continually decreasing mobility, I have been less involved in volunteering, leading Bible studies in nursing, and gardening than in my first 11 years here. What I most enjoy now is group book and Bible studies and time with friends. I’m also still able to go over to the nursing units to feed a blind friend and visit with others. I take great

spend time on the computer, researching things that interest me; some habits never end!

I thank the Lord every day for blessing me with good health so I can continue being active.

delight in the birds, squirrels, and rabbits just beyond my patio as well as the flowers I continue to grow.

Living with my own challenges of pain and disability has made me more aware of the difficulties that people with handicaps and disabilities experience daily. I’ve also realized the meaning of small acts of kindness such as holding doors open, returning grocery, carts, and offering a ride. My physical decline, while challenging, has also given my life real meaning and purpose; God’s faithfulness, grace, and love have become ever more meaningful. My life song, All the Way My Savior Leads Me, continues to be fleshed out each day.

From left to right: Judy Shelley, Arlene Miller, Kim Fenstermacher

Chatlos Nursing Scholarship Awards The Chatlos Foundation

Dr. Homer C. Hetrick Memorial Scholarship

L.B. Smith Estate Foundation, Inc.

Margaret O. McCormick Endowed Scholarship McCormick Family Foundation

Janelle Nisly Memorial Scholarship

Marti G. (Groff) Derr ’80 Paul W. Nisly Wanda E. Thuma-McDermond ’75

Donald & Dorothy Stabler Nursing Scholarship Endowment Bethany K. Espenshade ’15 Jeffrey K. ’89 & Deborah E. (Helsel) ’88 Herr Jon & Jane Miller

Elizabeth M. Muchmore ’19 Ella R. Silvera ’20

Marilyn L. Smith Endowed Nursing Scholarship

Marilyn L. (Byer) Smith ’51

Christy Stark Smith Memorial Scholarship Endowment Wanda E. Thuma-McDermond ’75

Wells Nursing Scholarship Endowment Wanda E. Thuma-McDermond ’75

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Ashley Ringquist, ADP and Graduate Nursing Programs Clinical Coordinator phone: 717-796-1800 X 2533 email: aringquist@messiah.edu