Pulse Magazine Spring 2016

pulse

COLLEGE OF

SPRING 2016

ALLIED HEALTH & NURSING

The Miracle of Sports Student volunteers from the Developmental Adapted Physical Education program bring unique expertise to the local wheelchair basketball team.

Read the full story on page 12.

pulse

COLLEGE OF

ALLIED HEALTH & NURSING

Dean’s

Welcome

Table of Contents:

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IN HONOR OF COOPER Students Alex Kvanli and Mitch Gillen, biked across the country to raise money for the American Cancer Society. What began as a personal adventure allowed them to meet people they will never forget and impact lives ways they did not think was possible.

6

RESEARCHING THE LANGUAGE OF SUPPORT For more than 25 years, faculty and students of the Department of Speech, Hearing and Rehabilitation Services (SHRS) have facilitated an aphasia support group on the Mankato campus, offering thousands of hours of therapy.

More recently, SHRS added a group in Wayzata, Minn. and began new aphasia-related research.

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ROTATIONS TOWARD EXCELLENCE The Athletic Training Program offers students a wide variety of clinical experiences, both on and off campus. Not only does this provide students with hands-on experiences, but it also contributes a great deal to the health and wellness of the community.

2 COL LEGE O F A LLI ED HEA LT H & N UR S I N G

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FUN FOR THE HEALTH OF IT The Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services (RPLS) offers more than fun and games. It prepares graduates who use fun and games to make vital contributions to healthy communities.

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GIVE KIDS A SMILE Students and faculty from the Department of Dental Hygiene have been working with the nationwide Give Kids a Smile program for more than 10 years. Children, ages 3 to 17 participate in Mankato and the surrounding areas.

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THE MIRACLE OF SPORTS Chelsey Leffring, a developmental and adapted physical education student, volunteers with The Miracle League wheelchair basketball team. Her goal is for kids with disabilities to experience the same benefits from team sports that she enjoyed growing up.

As I visit with the College of Allied Health & Nursing faculty and students in classrooms, labs and the community, their passion is obvious. Whether they are learning a new concept, volunteering in the community or working to strengthen their profession, they routinely exceed my expectations.

It is with deep appreciation of their hard work that I share stories of that passion in action. In this issue of pulse for example, you will read how two students’ cross-country adventure helped them find a new passion for helping others; how the desire to help patients steered Communication Disorders faculty and students to facilitate an aphasia support group for more than 25 years; how one faculty member’s commitment to student success helped a non-traditional student feel at home in the Dietetics program; how a Sport Management professor’s zeal to find quality experiential learning experiences will lead to the 2016 Ryder Cup as a classroom; how dedication to their individual professions earned faculty members recognition locally, regionally, and nationally; and much more.

The stories in this issue illustrate how the passion of our faculty, staff and students helps improve the health and wellness of our communities at large. Their extraordinary accomplishments continue to impress me and I am confident they will impress you as well. Enjoy reading as you keep your finger on the pulse of Allied Health & Nursing!

—Best, Kris Retherford

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THE FAMILY SIDE OF NURSING When they learned about the family-focused nursing curriculum, the Allen family was excited to share their experiences with students. “It fit right in with what we feel is important in healthcare,” said Wendy Allen.

16

THE VALUE OF NETWORKING Tony Scherber, sport management ’13, ’15, applied his networking skills to land a prestigious postgraduate internship with the National College Athletic Association, giving him the opportunity to work on premier events like March Madness.

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THE RIGHT FIT Stacy Hammer struggled with the decision to go back to school. She hadn’t been in a classroom for more than ten years. After a conversation with the Dietetics program director, Hammer knew Minnesota State Mankato was the right fit.

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM College of Allied Health & Nursing faculty members are leaders within the University, in their fields and in the community. Sometimes, their hard work and dedication is recognized by others. We proudly present a sample of those who recently received awards for their contributions beyond the classroom.

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EXPERIMENTAL LEARNING, MEGA SIZED Suzannah Armentrout’s sport management students have the unique opportunity to experience a mega-sport event from the inside. More than twenty graduate and undergraduate students will spend one week working with hospitality services at the 2016 Ryder Cup, an international men’s golf tournament.

College of Allied Health & Nursing Dr. Kristine Retherford Dean Departments Dental Hygiene Family Consumer Science Health Science Human Performance Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services Speech, Hearing & Rehabilitation Services School of Nursing Minnesota State University, Mankato’s College Allied Health & Nursing is dedicated to promoting wellness and improving quality of life through education, scholarship and service to the state, region and global community.

The purpose of pulse is to inform stakeholders of the ongoing work of the College of Allied Health & Nursing and its impact on the allied health and nursing fields. Pulse is published annually by the College of Allied Health & Nursing and distributed to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders in the allied health and nursing industries. The College of Allied Health & Nursing welcomes ideas for feature stories and other content consistent with the mission of the magazine.

Please e-mail story ideas to col-alliedhlth-nursing@mnsu.edu.

pulse

Spring 2016 Volume Three

College of Allied Health & Nursing Minnesota State University, Mankato 124 Myers Field House Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: 507-389-6315 Managing Editor/Writer Carol Jones Designer Teresa Poburka Contributing Writers Kayla Johnson Karin Lindstrom Kelsey McMahon Samantha Welle Photographer Jordan Powers Print Coordinator Doug Fenske A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System and an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity University.

This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the College of Education at 507-389-5445 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY).

AHNU149NE

P U L S E | S PRI NG 2016 3

Cooper

IN HONOR OF

By Kelsey McMahon

After a busy academic year studying exercise science, Alex Kvanli was looking for an adventure. He happened to mention it to his friend Mitch Gillen. It wasn’t long before they decided to bike across the country to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Both Kvanli and Gillen have family and friends who have been affected by cancer—but the person who left the greatest impression was Kvanli’s cousin Cooper, who died at the age of four from a rare form of brain stem cancer. His memory was the primary motivator for Kvanli and Gillen to name themselves “The Biker Boys,” purchase a tandem bike, and ride from the Pacific to the Atlantic—Portland, Ore., to Portland, Maine—in honor of Cooper and others dealing with cancer.

Their goal was to raise $1 per mile, which would total approximately $4,000. To their surprise, their GoFundMe accounts combined with donations received along the ride raised more than $10,000 in 59 days. But they didn’t do it alone.

In addition to social media and word of mouth, Kvanli’s mom and aunts, dubbed the “Sister Squad,”’ contacted local news outlets along the

4 COL LEGE O F A LLI ED HEA LT H & N UR S I N G

route to help raise awareness for the Biker Boys’ cause.

Riding an average of 70-100 miles a day, Kvanli and Gillen met many people. Kvanli stressed that although they were helping those affected by cancer, they had plenty of help from people within the towns they visited.

People they met along the way shared their personal stories and gave the Biker Boys permission to share those stories on social media. They also provided them with beds and food.

There were, however, times when their accommodations were more rustic. The duo spent nights sleeping in a teepee, on sidewalks, picnic tables, in cornfields and even at a peacock farm.

Along the ride, Kvanli and Gillen stopped in cities, met with a variety of people affected by cancer and personally delivered donations via small acts of kindness.

They visited places that provided services to people dealing with cancer, such as Ronald McDonald homes, the House of Hope and Rozwell Park Cancer Institute. Kvanli and Gillen pitched in wherever they could, and people everywhere appreciated their efforts. Some nights they would throw

a pizza party for those going through treatment. One night they gave stuffed animals to the children receiving treatment at Rozwell. These acts of kindness were funded by donations and provided direct assistance to cancer survivors they met on their journey.

Kvanli and Gillen found it was the little things, especially conversations, that people seemed to appreciate most.

After learning that many patients struggle finding money to get to and from treatments out of town, they started handing out gas cards. “Just our

presence or a little gas card could make a person’s day better,” said Kvanli.

Their visit to Kaely’s Kindness, a girls’ cancer support center in Buffalo, N.Y., was especially memorable. “They kept me laughing the whole night,” said Kaely Kwitek, the founder of Kaely’s Kindness. “They made me realize there are some great people still in this world. Not only did they help me, they helped 45 other teen girls living with cancer.”

Between press interviews and volunteering, Kvanli said there was never a dull day. What began as a

personal adventure allowed them to meet people they will never forget and impact lives in a way they did not think was possible. The trip has inspired both Kvanli and Gillen to get more involved, volunteer and appreciate everything, even picnictable beds. n

p Since the initial idea for the ride, Alex Kvanli decided to pursue a second degree, health and physical education. As part of SPEAK Out! Day, he traveled to Washington, D.C. in March to speak with legislators about the importance of physical education in schools.

“Recess is great. We need more recess. But we really need quality physical education in our schools,” he said. “Research suggests that the more physically active you are, the better you learn. Physical education programs also help students learn lifelong fitness and activity. More confident movers are more likely to stay active into adulthood.

Hopefully, that will have a positive impact on society’s health.”

In April 2016, Kvanli was named Physical Education & School Health Major of the Year by the Society of Health & Physical Educators (SHAPE) at the SHAPE America National Convention. He was nominated

by Sue Tarr, assistant professor and coordinator of Developmental Adapted Physical Education at Minnesota State Mankato.

P U L S E | S PRI NG 2016 5

Researching the

LANGUAGE of SUPPORT For more than 25 years, faculty and students of Minnesota State Mankato’s Communication Disorders program have facilitated an aphasia support group on the Mankato campus, offering thousands of hours of therapy.

More recently, another group has been organized in Wayzata, Minn., and the program has embarked on some new aphasia-related research.

A communication problem, aphasia often results from damage to the left side of the brain where language is produced. Stroke is the number one cause, but aphasia can also be a consequence of a head trauma or brain tumor. People with aphasia often feel as though others perceive them as incompetent.

Typically, when an individual or a family faces a catastrophic change, they are advised to open the lines of communication and talk it out. However, because diminished communication is the defining characteristic of aphasia, that strategy may not be an option. Despite communication barriers, one of the best ways for families to help their loved ones with aphasia, and themselves, is to join a support group.

The goal for the groups is to help members use a variety of communication methods and tools and become more confident in communicating.

Communication Disorders faculty members Sheen Chiou and Linda Hallen each facilitate aphasia support groups, Sheen in Wayzata and Hallen in Mankato. Both received intensive training at the Toronto-based 6 COL LEGE O F A LLI ED HEA LT H & N UR S I N G

Aphasia Institute. Training included instruction in specific treatment techniques to help people with aphasia overcome communication barriers in clinical situations such as assessment, counseling and group therapy as well as working with clients and their communication partners. They share their expertise with graduate students, preparing them to provide speech therapy service to people with aphasia and act as aphasia support group leaders and facilitators.

Graduate students from the Communications Disorders program develop supported communication strategies and tools and facilitate conversation and social interaction in the support groups. Practicing those prescribed communication strategies helps people with aphasia participate more fully in life. In addition, students gain clinical experience and leadership skills.

“When treating people with aphasia, we want to emphasize reengagement in life, helping them become more confident and competent in communication,” said Hallen. “We may need to modify the environment, use various communication tools, write key words, provide strategies to talk, use gestures, ask yes/no questions, etc., to help them get their messages across. Group members want to feel normal; we want them to feel normal. Our students are learning to effectively facilitate that process in the support groups.”

Involvement in the groups provides numerous benefits for

students. They have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, manage individual personalities in a group and, most importantly, apply theory learned in class. “When they have questions about aphasia or treatment strategies, I tell them, ‘Go back to your notes,’” said Chiou, smiling.

In addition to gaining clinical experience and leadership skills working with the aphasia groups, undergraduate and graduate students studying communication disorders also participate in aphasia research. “We do not require it,” said Chiou, “but we have a lot of students who are interested in research. I have 15 students working with me on different research projects this year.”

Shortly after Chiou took over as facilitator for the Wayzata group, Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MNCAN) asked her to develop outcome measures to help document the annual progress of their participants. MNCAN is a nonprofit agency that organizes eight different aphasia support groups around the Twin Cities. Chiou facilitates the group in Wayzata, is a seasoned researcher and has more than 15 years experience working with people with aphasia.

Five students are working with Chiou to test protocol, conduct sessions and collect and analyze data. The bulk of their data will be collected during the summer. “This research project is a group effort because there will be a lot of data to collect,” said Chiou. “We have all the protocols done and we are

aphasia: n.

an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write

looking for about 40 participants within the MNCAN groups.”

Chiou’s group in Wayzata is the only MNCAN support group that offers individual as well as group therapy. “It will be interesting to see if individual therapy together with group therapy provides additional benefits to aphasia patients,” she said.

Chiou and her students have presented several research projects on aphasia at the Minnesota State Mankato Undergraduate Research Symposium,

and at both the Minnesota Speech Language Hearing Association and the American Speech Language Hearing Association annual conventions.

“Students have done a great job with their research presentations,” said Chiou. “Our students are really wellprepared to become leaders, not only in support groups but also in the field of communications disorders.” n ”An individual's aphasia is a family problem.”

– G.A. Davis

Photo by Woit

P U L S E | S PRI NG 2016 7

Rotations TOWARD Every program in the College of Allied Health & Nursing requires a component of field or clinical experience. Clinical rotations have been a part of the Athletic Training program since it was established in 1969. The variety of experiences helps the program maintain its reputation of distinction. “Our program has such a great history

t Theresa MacKey, associate professor, serves as the clinical education coordinator for the Athletic Training program, developing clinical experiences for students both on and off campus.

of tradition and excellence,” said Theresa Mackey, associate professor and clinical education coordinator for Athletic Training.

Each year, the rigorous program admits a maximum of 20 students.

The program requires six clinical rotations—both on and off campus— where students apply theory they learned in class in a clinical setting.

“That’s what so fun and unique about our major is that students go right out of the classroom and apply those skills that they’ve learned,” said Mackey.

“The various rotations give students experience with different genders, age groups and populations.”

t Students work closely with preceptor Troy Hoehn (left) during a clinical rotation in the community.

These clinical experiences will remain a vital part of the curriculum as the Athletic Training program transitions from an undergraduate to a graduate program in 2017.

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Excellence A preceptor, a certified/licensed professional who teaches and evaluates students in a clinical setting, is typically paired with two or three students at each site. Students’ clinical hours are scheduled to help them get the best hands-on experience with patients.

Troy Hoehn ‘98, head athletic trainer for Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic and Mankato East High School, has been working with Minnesota State Mankato as a preceptor for more than 16 years. “The program has changed overtime. It's moved more to a hands-on approach, meaning that students learn the concept and theory in class and then come right out to the field to apply it,” he said. “Their clinical rotations also have a lot more variety now.”

On campus, the Athletic Training program works with a variety of preceptors such as physicians, graduate assistant athletic trainers and athletic trainers. Students gain experience in a clinic setting as well as with Maverick sports like football, basketball and hockey. “Rotations usually include football, either spring football or in-season, primarily because students need experience with a collision sport,” said Mackey.

Bethany Lutheran College’s smaller campus offers students a different perspective of a college setting. Mackey remembered a student’s surprised report after their first day of clinical at Bethany. The student’s first soccer game had three major injuries. “The student seemed a little overwhelmed but also excited.

He was surprised to be involved with things like splinting and controlling

By Samantha Welle

bleeding so soon. It was nice for him to be able to apply his skills right away,” explained Mackey.

A popular off-campus rotation includes working with adolescents.

The local high schools—Mankato East, Mankato West and Loyola—provide opportunities for students to be actively involved with high school students as well as their parents. “It’s a really good experience for the students to be able to see how they can apply their skills and also see how those preceptors interact with parents, coaches and administrators,” said Mackey.

In their final year, students in the Athletic Training program complete a general medical rotation.

It is important for athletic trainers to recognize illnesses. “Lots of times, our athletic trainers are in a work, or corporate, setting. They might be the first to identify things that may require referral to an appropriate medical professional, i.e. rash or illness,” said Mackey. “They’ll recognize the need for a referral. It’s important for them to get that experience, too.”

Some of the general medical clinical rotations are with the Minnesota State Mankato Health Center on campus, the Mayo Health System emergency room or Gold Cross ambulance ride-a-longs.

Students help with a variety of things, whether it’s taking vitals or assisting with CPR compressions. “It is a great learning experience; you never know what will happen,” said Mackey.

Because the Minnesota Vikings hold training camp on the Minnesota State Mankato campus, Athletic Training students are invited to

apply for clinical experience with the Vikings. They are involved with the Vikings’ mini-training camps, where they have team meetings or run through skills and drill with the players. “It’s a fun and unique opportunity for students who are interested in professional athletic training and working with professional sports team,” said Mackey. “It’s also very good on a résumé.”

“Our students also have a rotation with the Mankato Marathon,” said Mackey. Students work the finish line and help out the runners whether it is an injury, dealing with a heat-related illness or helping them stretch. “It’s another great way for the students to help out within the community,” she said.

“We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to put our students in so many great clinical rotations,” said Mackey. “We get to work with so many outstanding healthcare professionals who are interested in having our students gain experience with them.”

Not only do these hands-on experiences prepare students to be expert practitioners, it also contributes a great deal to the health and wellness of the community. “We have a number of students who go on to earn advanced degrees. A few continue on and complete their doctorate degree and work with other universities, teaching and working with the athletic training programs,” said Mackey. “We have a lot of alumni who are doing so many wonderful things to help the community and really care for their patients.

Their work in the field continues our reputation of excellence.” n

P U L S E | S PRI NG 2016 9

FUN for the Health of It Human Foosball Tournament Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament

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The Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services (RPLS) offers more than fun and games. It prepares graduates who use fun and games to make vital contributions to healthy communities. According to the National Parks Association, “Public parks and recreation are the gateways to a healthier America, and they ensure that communities are truly livable.”

A course in event management provides students with a range of valuable skills, tests their creativity and provides valuable services to local communities in the process.

Although the community events are designed with a focus on fun, a lot of work goes into making sure they are successful for individuals as well as the community.

By Samantha Welle Photos by Kristi Montandon

“Students put on these events on their own,” said Kristi Montandon, assistant professor of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services. “They are responsible for gathering sponsors and finding financial support, publicity and budget planning.” Most of the events raise money for area nonprofit organizations.

Last year, RPLS students put on a Human Foosball Tournament in St. Peter, Minn. The students built two life-sized foosball fields over hockey rinks. “It doesn’t seem like a rough sport, but by the end of the game I had a fat lip,” chuckled Montandon. The event helped raise money for the St. Peter Recreation Department.

Another popular RPLS event is a Quidditch Tournament on campus.

Quidditch is a game from the popular

Photo by Brigette Cooper

Give Kids a SMILE

By Kayla Johnson

“Harry Potter” book series. “It’s a combination of dodge ball and rugby,” said Montandon. “It’s not a gentle sport, but it’s a lot of fun.” Students helped raise money for a local nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities.

One of RPLS’s most popular events is The Easter Egg Scramble in North Mankato, Minn. Introduced in 2012, the event attracts nearly 1,000 parents and children each year.

Strong recreation, parks and leisure services are vital to healthy communities. Organizing and implementing community recreational events requires a unique set of skills, from creativity to business management, and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services ensures students graduate ready to help others play. n

Getting a dental exam for the first time can be scary.

Volunteers from the Department of Dental Hygiene make it fun during the annual Give Kids a Smile event.

Students and faculty from the Department of Dental Hygiene have been working with the national Give Kids a Smile program for more than 10 years. Children ages 3 to 17 participate in Mankato and the surrounding areas.

Give Kids a Smile provides benefits to the community as well as Minnesota State Mankato students. The event offers dental care for children who otherwise might not receive it, and it gives students experience providing dental hygiene services to children and teenagers. Additionally, it gives dental hygiene students an inside look at how a volunteer clinic is run. This year, 40 students, along with several faculty members, provided kids with cleanings, oral hygiene instructions, x-rays, fluoride varnish applications and sealants.

Give Kids a Smile is a collaborative effort of the Minnesota Dental Association, volunteer dentists and corporate sponsors. For those two days, dental professionals, alumni and students make it their job to make children comfortable and relaxed in the dental exam chair and provide them with free dental care. The community event is held annually in February. n

P U L S E | S P RI NG 2016 11

The Miracle of

In the fall of 2015, Sue Tarr was busy reaching out to area organizations and professionals serving people with disabilities. As a new faculty member and coordinator of the Developmental Adapted Physical Education [DAPE] program, she was looking for community partners— organizations her students could help as volunteers while they gained experience putting classroom theory into practice. One of the people she met was Eric Sletten, director of The Miracle League of North Mankato.

“Eric asked for some help with a new wheelchair basketball team The Miracle League was beginning in January 2016,” said Tarr. “One of the first people who came to mind was Chelsey Lieffring. She recently finished the course ‘Teaching Sport to Individuals with Disabilities’ and had played basketball in high school.”

It turned out to be a dream assignment for Lieffring.

“After [Dr. Tarr’s] class, I became really interested in wheelchair basketball,” she said. “I was planning to look around the area for a team that needed volunteers, then she recruited me to be a volunteer coach with The Miracle League.”

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SPORTS

The Miracle League was established in Georgia in 1999. A coordinated effort of the Rotary Clubs of Rockdale County and Conyers and the Rockdale Youth Baseball Association, the league’s primary focus is accessible baseball. The Miracle League of Minnesota began in 2006, and The Miracle League of North Mankato began in 2007. Currently, the international league serves more than 200,000 children and young adults with disabilities through 275 organizations across the continental United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and Australia.

In addition to baseball, The Miracle League of North Mankato recognized a regional need for other adapted sports. This year, it introduced wheelchair basketball. “My goal for the Wild Wheelers team is to make sure athletes of all abilities have a chance to play,” said Sletten.

For some of the athletes, this is the first time they have handled a basketball, participated in a sport, played on a team and/or used a wheelchair for sport. One parent commented that it really is the first time his son has been around other kids who use wheelchairs.

Having volunteer coaches with specific education and expertise in health and physical education and adapted sports ensures the experience is more than social for the athletes. “These kids can be exposed to wheelchair basketball and each other without our students. There is nothing wrong with sport activities as a conduit for social interaction with peers,” said Tarr. “In fact, it is awesome.

Our students, who are trained in child development, physical education and adapted sports, can help make the experience so much more.”

Volunteers with DAPE training come to practices ready to coach. “I love getting volunteers like Chelsey and Alex [Kvanli] from the DAPE program. I know that these volunteers will have the training needed to work with athletes of all abilities and will require little direction when it comes to working with The Miracle League athletes.”

Lieffring spends time between Saturday practices planning drills from basic ball handling to game strategy.

“Everybody loves to shoot, so we work on shooting,” she said, smiling. “We play tag games to build endurance and practice wheelchair handling skills like quick stops and

pivots. Players learn to use their wheels to recover a dropped ball, and we practice dribbling and passing.

“I learned so much about myself through playing sports.

It’s more than practice and playing, it’s about being a part of a team, working together, setting goals and achieving them,” she said. “I have seen the look in their eyes change from fear to passion and excitement. They are learning the sport, making friends and becoming more confident. Their smiles make me smile.”

“The Miracle League of North Mankato has had a great relationship with Minnesota State Mankato for many years.

I am especially thrilled to begin working with Sue Tarr,” said Sletten. “She has shown great commitment and support for the league and our athletes. We have some exciting ideas on collaborations that will continue offering fun, new adapted sports to athletes of all abilities in southern Minnesota.” n

P U L S E | S P RI NG 2016 13

Sharing the

FAMILY SIDE OF NURSING “We invested our hearts and souls into keeping Nick alive. Through that, we learned a lot about his syndrome, the healthcare profession and about good and bad nursing.”

—Wendy Allen, Nick’s mother Nicholas Allen was born March 31, 1981, and died October 24, 2015 at the age of 34. Diagnosed at birth with Coffin-Siris Syndrome, doctors did not expect him to live to celebrate his first birthday. Nick was also visually impaired and non-verbal. “As a family, we learned what he needed,” said his mother, Wendy Allen. “He was very special and very happy.”

Throughout his life, Nick required 24-hour care and protection. His personal care attendants (PCAs) became part of the Allen family. The majority of those extended family members were students at Minnesota State Mankato in the College of Allied Health & Nursing, majoring in programs such as Nursing, Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services, and Health and Physical Education.

Fawn Kenyon ’13 Nursing, was one of the many who worked as a PCA for Nick. She was the one who 14 C O LLEGE O F A LLI E D HEA LT H & N UR S I N G

suggested that the Allens share their stories and experiences with nursing students. “Nick was a very special man who had the ability to communicate emotions, needs and desires without being able to vocalize these things through words,” said Kenyon. “He opened my eyes to a different approach working with people. I knew that other nursing students could benefit from being exposed to his world, too.”

As a nursing student, Kenyon’s education reinforced what she was learning from the Allens. “It is important to care for the loved ones of your patient. Teaching the family about what the patient is experiencing will always be beneficial because the family generally acts as the patient’s support upon discharge,” she said. “I also learned the family needs support, care and respite just as much as the patient.”

When they learned about the new family-focused nursing curriculum at

Minnesota State Mankato, the Allens were excited about sharing their experiences. “It fit right in with what we feel is important in healthcare. We thought we could share our story— good and bad medical and nursing experiences,” said Allen.

The School of Nursing recognizes the importance of including the family in healthcare. So much so, that faculty designed a research and evidencebased practices family and societal nursing curriculum from the ground up in 2013. It is the only nursing curriculum of its type in the country.

Stacey Van Gelderen, assistant professor of Nursing, invited the Allens to visit her “Families in Transition” class. “Several members of the family—Wendy, Nick’s father, Sandy, Nick and his PCA—came every semester. Wendy is a knowledgeable and passionate speaker. She prepared a really great presentation about Nick,

Fawn Kenyon and Nick Allen

Allen Wendy and Sandy

and they were very open about their family, both their triumphs and their struggles,” said Van Gelderen.

“We shared information from the pregnancy on,” said Allen. “Our OB nurses had to deal with a baby who was severely impaired. Nurses need to be prepared in how to help the family in that situation. In those days, they did not handle it very well. But even then, there were certain nurses who did certain things that were right. We try to focus on those.”

One of the things nurses do right is listen to the family. “As Nick’s family, we knew him better than anyone else,” said Allen. “Healthcare providers need to listen to the family, and they need to allow a broad definition of ‘family’.

We considered our PCAs family. They were with him 24-7 and knew him as well as we did.”

During his many medical procedures and hospital visits, Nick’s

Some of the many students of Allied Health & Nursing who worked with Nick

family served as his advocate and protector. The Allens have story after story of healthcare providers who did not read his chart and/or did not listen to his family. They also have stories of those who did it right. Hospital stays and medical procedures were much easier and had better results for Nick when the healthcare providers listened to his family.

The second thing Wendy Allen stresses with nursing students is to pay attention to their own intuition. “I push them to listen to their gut. If something doesn’t feel right, stop. Your intuition is probably telling you something,” she

said. “Go back and look at that patient; talk to the doctor; talk to the family.

Every time we had a bad situation either our gut didn’t stop us or a nurse later commented, ‘I knew that didn’t feel right’. Someone along the way ignored his or her gut.”

Allen does her best to empower nurses. “They hold patients’ lives in their hands,” she said. “The doctor gives the orders, but the nurses spend more time with the patients. They need to be the advocate. If you don’t think it is right, talk to the doctor; call the family.

Think. Critical thinking skills and confidence are so important for nurses.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17—

The Allens are working to set up the Nicholas Allen Memorial Nursing Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to nursing students with a strong interest in working with people with disabilities. For more information or to make a gift, please contact Dan Dean at daniel.dean@mnsu.edu or 507-389-5621.

P U L S E | S P RI NG 2016 15

THE VALUE OF

In the fall of 2014, Tony Scherber was working one of his many tournaments as a graduate assistant for Minnesota State Mankato Athletics.

It was a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Regional women’s soccer playoff game, hosted by Minnesota State Mankato and a representative from NCAA was in attendance.

As a student in the Sport Management program, one of the most important lessons Scherber learned was the value of networking. He put his skills to work in his conversation with the NCAA representative. “We got to talking. Pretty soon she invited me to consider applying to the postgraduate

internship,” said Scherber. After doing some research, he submitted his application to NCAA. According to the NCAA, the postgraduate internship allows participants to learn, from the national perspective, the inner workings of college sports and higher education. Postgraduate interns are salaried with benefits and have opportunities to further their knowledge of college sports and network with industry leaders through comprehensive training, mentor assignments and involvement with programs in which they have the opportunity to positively impact college athletes and professional development site visits.

NETWORKING

16 C O LLEGE O F A LLI E D HEA LT H & N UR S I N G

Sharing the FAMILY

SIDE OF NURSING

Allen also wanted student nurses to get a sense of real care of someone with a disability, not just in the clinic or hospital setting. “We stress that people with disabilities may not necessarily have the same body, same reactions, same family as a typical patient. You cannot lump them together. They need to look extra hard at patients with disabilities and understand how to appropriately care for them as well as their family, physically, emotionally and psychologically,” she said.

Over the four years they have been visiting the nursing classrooms, the Allens have noticed a change in the nursing students as the new curriculum was fully

implemented. “They are more aware of the idea of family-centered nursing. It has been a part of their readings,” she said. “They are familiar with the concept and are more receptive in general.”

Van Gelderen is grateful for the Allen family’s dedication to the School of Nursing. “Their visits have been pivotal for student learning. I cannot share the same experience with my students,” she said. “Because of the Allens, students have the opportunity to see a remarkable situation through the family’s eyes.

“In the short-term, our students learn about Nick and people and families with disabilities in general,” said Van Gelderen.

Scherber made his way through the competitive intern selection process and landed a prestigious postgraduate internship in the NCAA Championship and Alliances Department, Men’s Basketball Division 1. Perhaps one of his most notable assignments was working on March Madness, including the Final Four Championship in Houston, Texas, in 2016.

“Learning the importance of networking, watching my faculty network and being able to work as a graduate student in the Minnesota State Mankato Athletic Department, all of these things really helped prepare me for this position with NCAA. Sport management relies heavily on building and maintaining relationships,” he said.

In addition to networking, Scherber also worked hard as both an undergraduate and graduate student. He gained valuable experience in various athletics, operations,

—CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

“In the long-term, they learn about the importance of family communication.”

Van Gelderen said, “Our nursing students and alumni are great examples of the familynursing concept in action. Their family communication skills are phenomenal. We get letters from employers about our nurses saying, ‘They get it.’

“When healthcare professionals listen, patients get better care, family stress is reduced and homecare coordination goes more smoothly,” she continued. “There is a better patient outcome and a better family outcome.” n

and marketing internships with the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota United FC, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota State Mankato Athletics.

As for Scherber’s plans when the postgraduate internship ends in June 2016, he’s still open. “Wanting to work in intercollegiate athletics, I am keeping my eyes and ears open,” he said. “You never know what will come up.”

Indeed—or who will stop by your event. n

P U L S E | S P RI NG 2016 17

THE RIGHT FIT

By Kayla Johnson

Stacy Hammer struggled with the decision to go back to school. She hadn’t been in a classroom for more than 10 years. After her second child was born, she become more and more interested in nutrition and began exploring her options for turning that interest into a profession. The Dietetics program at Minnesota State Mankato helped her meet her goals.

Hammer researched more than one dietetics program before deciding on Minnesota State Mankato. As a nontraditional student, she liked Minnesota State Mankato’s relatively small campus and smaller classrooms. She thought it would make her transition back to school easier.

The tipping point, however, came after a conversation with Sue Fredstrom, former Dietetics program director.

When she dialed the number, Hammer expected to leave a message and maybe hear back in a week or two. Instead she spent 30 minutes on the phone. Hammer shared her apprehensiveness about being a non-traditional student and traveling more than an hour to school in all types of weather.

“She really put my worries to ease. Everything she mentioned to me as far as academic requirements, what it was going to take, how long it would take, what my classes were going to be like, my schedule, all of that,” said Hammer. “She was really helpful and that’s what really made me choose Minnesota State Mankato.

“In a smaller setting like the Department of Family and Consumer Science, I was close enough to my instructors where I could call them directly; I never felt like I had to risk my life trying to get to school,” she said.

Hammer earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Minnesota State Mankato in 2012 and was accepted into and completed the graduate internship program at the University of Delaware, with an emphasis in clinical and community nutrition, in 2013.

She was hired to serve as the registered dietitian for the Lower Sioux Indian Community. She works with Indian Health Services to improve community health and provide education on the prevention and management of diabetes.

18 C O LLEGE O F A LLI E D HEA LT H & N UR S I N G

Stacy Hammer, registered dietitian, posed next to her office sign. As a Lower Sioux tribal member, Hammer is excited the clinic used the Dakota language as well as English in the building signage.

Hammer develops menus and recipes for individuals and works with the community’s casino to ensure healthy meals for elders over the age of 60. In addition, she collaborates with different organizations including the American Indian Cancer Foundation, which has focused efforts to normalize healthy eating within American Indian communities in Minnesota.

Another part of Hammer’s responsibilities is grant writing. She researches grant opportunities and works to gain financial support to help create lasting environmental and policy changes toward healthy lifestyles. For example, she has been instrumental in adding healthy after school

We are excited to watch the progress of the

NEW CLINICAL SCIENCES BUILDING.

Community members will see this view of the clock tower as they pass through the lobby to access services from an array of Allied Health & Nursing programs, beginning Spring Semester 2017.

snacks for kids as an alternative to typical vending machine options as well as making healthy food available at community gatherings.

“Whenever I host an event with our diabetes program, I make sure that we offer a healthy meal, nothing fried,” said Hammer. “People have gotten to know that when I’m having an event, it isn’t going to be your typical fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn. It’s going to be on the healthier side, but still something familiar.”

This is an exciting time in healthcare for the Lower Sioux Community. The first onsite medical clinic just opened in March 2016, which will allow Hammer’s role to become more clinical. She’ll work one-on-one with clients, providing consultation and education on a variety of dietrelated health concerns such as diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and heart health.

Minnesota State Mankato’s Dietetics program prepared Hammer for all the great things she is doing today. Working as a registered dietitian, she is grateful for the rigor and comprehensive nature of the program. Although there were times when she wondered how she would get through it, the faculty, staff support and classmates all had a role in making her non-traditional college experience memorable and educational. n

P U L S E | S P RI NG 2016 19

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Patrick Sexton Inducted into NATA Hall of Fame

Robert Pettitt Receives Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award

Patrick Sexton, professor of Athletic Training, has been inducted into the 2016 National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Hall of Fame. More than 250 members strong, these men and women have shaped the profession of athletic training not only through their accomplishments but also through their dedication to service, leadership and professionalism.

Greg Gardner, clinical professor of Athletic Training and chair of Kinesiology and Rehabilitative Sciences for the University of Tulsa, nominated Sexton for induction.

“I have had the opportunity to work with Pat Sexton on athletic training accreditation for more than 21 years.

During that time, I have gotten to know him well,” said Gardner. “He and I could argue vehemently over an accreditation issue, but at the end of the day, we would walk out of the boardroom as close colleagues and closer friends. Always a professional, Pat puts the best interest of the profession of athletic training ahead of all else, ahead of the interests of his own program, ahead of the selfinterest of the accreditation commission, even ahead of the National Athletic Trainers Association.

Congratulations Dr. Sexton on being one of the best of the best!

By Karin Lindstrom — Robert Pettitt, professor of Exercise and Sport Science, has been named a 2016 Distinguished Faculty Scholar—the University’s highest research honor. Pettitt earned the award by demonstrating a number of criteria: contributions to graduate education, the profession and field of study and the wider community.

Through his research—which has been both novel and practical—Pettitt has demonstrated the originality and innovation of his scholarship. Additionally, he has mentored former graduate students and worked with sport science professionals from around the world. A Fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine, Pettitt’s research has been widely received by multiple international Olympic committees and NIKE researchers.

We are proud to call you one of our own Dr. Pettitt!

20 C O LLEGE O F A LLI E D HEA LT H & N UR S I N G

Kristi Montandon and Renee Shellum Receive Global Citizens Award

Jill Conlon Honored with Outstanding FCS Professional Award, Again

Two faculty members from the College of Allied Health & Nursing received the Global Citizens Award from Minnesota State Mankato’s Global Education: Kristi Montandon, assistant professor of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services and Renee Shellum, assistant professor and Audiology Clinic director.

Montandon developed a study abroad course and uses a commercial cruise ship as her classroom. She was recognized for cultivating students' understanding of commercial recreation and tourism on an international level.

Shellum built strong connections in San Pedro, Belize where Minnesota State Mankato Communication Disorders students provide speech and hearing assessments for local children twice a year. The practice gives students the opportunity to expand their cultural sensitivity and awareness.

Thank you for your international service Dr. Montadon and Dr. Shellum!

For the second year in a row, Jill Conlon, professor and chair of Family Consumer Science (FCS), was honored with the Outstanding Professional Award by The Minnesota Association of Family and Consumer Science. “It was a special honor this year to be named along with two of my colleagues,� said Conlon.

Last year, the Minnesota Department of Education awarded Conlon and two K-12 FCS teachers a grant to develop new frameworks for Family Consumer Science curriculum, bringing it into this millennium. This year, they received another grant to train FCS teachers to implement the curriculum. Other career and technical education programs like agriculture are using the new FCS frameworks as a model to update their curriculum.

Thank you Dr. Conlon for being an outstanding education leader!

P U L S E | S P RI NG 2016 21

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, MEGA SIZED

Imagine an international, world-renowned mega-sport event in which Minnesota State Mankato is one of the few universities providing student volunteers.

›› Enter Ryder Cup 2016 The Ryder Cup is a biennial men’s golf tournament that pits Team USA against Team Europe. It features international participants and attracts international spectators. In 2016, it will take place at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn.

How do Minnesota State Mankato students fit into the picture? “We really wanted to add sport tourism to our Sport Management curriculum, and with the Ryder Cup practically in our back yard, it was a great opportunity,” said Suzannah Armentrout, professor of Sport Management.

Armentrout works to provide unique opportunities for her students.

The program has a long history of working with a variety of sports organizations. However, connecting with mega-sport event organizers can be tricky. It required some persistence.

22 C O LLEGE O F A LLI E D HEA LT H & N UR S I N G

“I just kept thinking that the hands-on experience for our students would be so great, I had to try,” she said. “Plus, I know that sports organizations want to connect with universities, they need volunteers and they like to get local people involved.”

For Armentrout, experiential student learning is key. “It is so important for our students to have hands-on experience,” she said. “When you read things in the book, it seems so simple. Actually applying it is much harder. It makes a real impact on their learning.”

Prior to working at the Ryder Cup weeklong event, students will study hospitality, sport politics and destination development as well as the economic, social-cultural and environmental impacts of a megasport event. The Ryder Cup will be

the culminating experience of a sport tourism course.

Minnesota State Mankato students will be working in Ryder Cup corporate hospitality services. They will serve as guest service representatives assigned with providing guest services to clients who have purchased hospitality at the 2016 Ryder Cup. “Corporations have invested a lot in hospitality chalets set up to serve clients and employees. The areas will be loaded with customized accommodations such as technology, food and drink, and entertainment. Our students will help facilitate the hospitality for each company,” said Armentrout. “Some of it will include safety, security, client assistance, ushering, customer service, whatever they need.

The reputation and audience for the event makes Armentrout anxious

Suzannah Armentrout, Sport Management professor, developed a sport tourism course that will give students practical experience working at the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn.

at times. “It does make me a bit nervous if I think about the scale of the event,” she said. “At the same time, organizers know they are students.

We do what we can on the front end to prepare them. And, honestly, our students rise to the challenge. They always do a really good job.”

Penn Garvich, corporate hospitality sales coordinator for the Ryder Cup, said, “[Students] will gain a greater understanding of what it takes to run a global sporting event and see how hospitality, ticketing, volunteers, operations and marketing all tie in to produce a successful event.

It provides a valuable opportunity to add real-world experience to what is currently being taught and learned in the classroom. The overall plan is to make the 41st Ryder Cup the most successful to date.”

“Students will learn from the ground up. They will be under a lot of pressure to get things right,” said Armentrout. “There is a great learning value being in difficult situations, of getting the little things right. It is the details that make a great customer experience.”

In addition to the experiential learning, the Ryder Cup offers students an incredible networking opportunity.

“The professional relationships that they will build throughout the week with the hospitality clients and with the PGA and Ryder Cup staff will potentially set them up for future opportunities in the golf or sports industry,” said Garvich.

Armentrout exudes excitement as she talks about this opportunity for her students. “Sometimes people have the misconception that sport management

is not necessary. However, when you think about the economic impact of something like the Ryder Cup or the Super Bowl—that has a tremendous impact on the region. Everything is the business of something. Ours is the business of health and sport and wellness,” said Armentrout. “It is not just about competition. It is about active lifestyles and designing programs that meet a lot of different needs. Our students learn how to market them, bring in business and bring in revenue.”

With the Ryder Cup, they will get to see how all that is done on a mega scale. n

P U L S E | S P RI NG 2016 23

pulse

COLLEGE OF

ALLIED HEALTH & NURSING

College of Allied Health & Nursing Minnesota State University, Mankato 124 Myers Field House Mankato, MN 56001

Lead, Partner, Achieve.

COLLEGE

OF

ALLIED HEALTH

& NURSING

A Reason to Give Passionate, innovative and committed are only some of the adjectives that could be used to describe Sherry Arndt ’70 Nursing. A Comfrey, Minn., native, Arndt worked in forensic nursing, teaching with the Sexual Assault Response Team Institute around the country and serving 10 years as the president of Forensic Nursing Services in Santa Cruz, Calif. Throughout her career, Arndt promoted an innovative and multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. Recently, she established the Sherry Arndt Nursing Endowment Fund to celebrate the legacy of innovation used in Minnesota State Mankato’s School of Nursing.

What characteristics do you value in your Allied Health and Nursing professionals? For more information on making a gift, contact Dan Dean at daniel.dean@mnsu.edu or 507-389-5621.