SCHOOL OF NURSING Biannual Newsletter | Winter 2023
WELCOME We are delighted to share with you the latest news and happenings from our vibrant School of Nursing community. In this issue, we highlight the new faculty & staff, accomplishments of our students, faculty, and alumni, as well as showcase the innovative teaching and learning initiatives that are shaping the future of nursing education. Thank you for your continued support of MBU School of Nursing. In keeping with our mission, we are committed to preparing student spiritually, intellectually, and professionally through a foundation of Biblical truth and liberal arts education. Grounded in Christian faith, we provide our students with the education and resources they need to become compassionate, skilled, and innovative nurses who will make a positive impact on the healthcare profession and the communities in which they serve.
Dr. Robin Elaine Murray
DNP, RN, CNE | Associate Dean of Undergraduate Nursing
Dr. Tara Hommelson
DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, CNE | Associate Dean of Graduate Nursing
New Faculty and Staff Ali McDonald
SIMULATION TECHNICIAN
Nursing School: MBU School of Nursing, 2023 Clinical Areas: Pediatric/PICU unit at Mercy St. Louis About Me: While still being considered a new nurse, I am blessed to continue my education by working in the clinical setting and assisting at MBU at the same time! In my free time I’m usually stuck with my nose in a book or spending time with my friends and family.
Nathaniel Fischer LAB COORDINATOR
Nursing School: MBU School of Nursing, 2019 Graduate School: MBU, MSN in Education—expected completion Summer of 2025 Clinical Areas: Pediatric Med-Surg About Me: I am married to my wonderful high school sweetheart, Elizabeth, and we have been married for the past 1.5 years. We love to travel, hike, and enjoy good food. We are always looking for our next adventure!
School of Nursing Newsletter
December 2023
Melissa Sater
ADJUNCT CLINICAL FACULTY
Nursing School: St. Charles Community College (ADN), 2011 and Central Methodist University (BSN), 2015 Graduate School: Plans to pursue MSN or NP Clinical Areas: Acute care rehab, telemetry, orthopedic surgery, med surg, and oncology. Worked in a nursing home and home care as a CNA. About Me: I am happily married to my best friend and greatest supporter, Bryan. We have two children, two dogs, one cat, and two guinea pigs. We attend Calvary Church in St. Peters. I enjoy volunteering in the children's ministry on Sunday mornings and during VBS. Our favorite summertime activity is floating and spending time on the river.
SON Wins 100% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate All 2023 graduates have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). MBU’s first-time pass rate of 100% surpassed last year’s 95%, which was the highest in the St. Louis area. Earlier this year, the NCLEX-RN was revised to better evaluate candidates’ critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills. Our nursing faculty worked tirelessly to prepare students for the test revision, and their perfect pass rate was a direct result.
SON Faculty Spotlight Alicia Nichols ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF NURSING
Professor Alicia Nichols exemplifies excellence in teaching through her work in the ABSN and Traditional BSN programs. Her dedication to fostering a stimulating and engaging learning environment is evident in her innovative approach to the Health Assessment course. This year, Professor Nichols introduced Next Generation Case Studies into the Health Assessment laboratory classes. These case studies, crafted to stimulate critical thinking and integrate health promotion principles, are based on the Clinical Judgment Model. By introducing these case studies early in the program, Professor Nichols lays the foundation for clinical judgment, empowering students to think critically and prepare them for more advanced concepts as they progress through their nursing education. Thank you, Professor Nichols, for all you do to ensure excellence in nursing education at the MBU School of Nursing!
School of Nursing Newsletter
December 2023
Graduate Corner The MBU SON is celebrating the graduation of the inaugural cohort of Master in Science (MSN) students from the Family Nurse Practitioner track, Nurse Educator track, and Nurse Executive Leadership Track. All of the FNP graduates who have taken the board exam thus far have been successful! As the MSN graduates embark on the next chapter of their careers, they carry with them a wealth of knowledge, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose, ready to make a positive impact on the healthcare landscape. This momentous occasion not only marks their academic achievements but also symbolizes the beginning of a legacy for the MSN program, inspiring future cohorts to follow in their footsteps. Congratulations to the graduates on this remarkable achievement, and may their journeys ahead be filled with continued success and fulfillment in the noble profession of nursing.
Alumni Updates Melanie Loveless
Lexis Garner
(BSN ‘20) Assumed the role of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Coordinator at Barnes Jewish— St. Peters Emergency Room. Additionally, Melanie assists with teaching SANE courses.
(BSN ‘20, MSN-FNP ‘23) Completed an MSN at MBU and Passed the ANCC Board examination in the Fall of 2023. She is now a licensed and board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
Luke Little
Shana Thornton
(BSN ‘22) In progress with a DNP at UMSL and has assumed a new role at the Emergency Department at Mercy Hospital—St. Louis.
(BSN ‘20, MSN ‘23) Completed her MSN at MBU and has accepted adjunct teaching roles at both the University of Missouri—Saint Louis (UMSL) and Saint Louis University (SLU).
Caitlin Miller (BSN '19) Earned certification as a CPN and in CPI in 2021 and became certified in ultrasound-guided IV insertion in 2022. Caitlin serves at Children's Hospital as a STAT RN, where she is a resource to others during traumas, rapid responses, codes, ECMO activations, CPIs, and difficult IV placements.
Emma Jones (BSN ‘21) In progress with MSN in nursing education at MBU and is working at a Mercy clinic in Wildwood as a triage nurse and mentoring new staff.
Kelsey (Keling) Burch (BSN '21) Assumed a new role in internal medicine/family medicine triage.
School of Nursing Newsletter
December 2023
Taylor (Titch) Fisher
Sydney Walker
(BSN ’19) Works at St. Louis Children's in the Emergency Department and earned a TNCC certification in January of 2021 and an ENPC certification in July 2021.
(BSN '21) Earned a CCRN certification and has been accepted into the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice at Kaiser University in Naples, FL. She will begin the program in January of 2024.
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