Lifelines Spring | Summer 2014

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

V

Lifelines COLLEGE OF NURSING

GAME CHANGERS DEVELOPING QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN THE COLLEGE OF NURSING

“Don’t believe in excellence - only in constant improvement and constant change.”

TOM PETERS

Spring | Summer 2014

www.musc.edu/nursing

Thank you to our amazing faculty, staff and students for

Taking Nursing to a Higher Level

#2

#17

Best online graduate nursing programs

Research funding among colleges of nursing

Dean’s Column

A publication of the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing

H

ere at the MUSC College of Nursing we

MUSC NURSES CHANGE LIVES

are “changing the game.” We have transformed predictable into

unexpected, mainstream into unconventional

Lifelines

and ordinary into exceptional.

This does not happen by accident or by a run

Volume XII, Issue 1 • Spring/Summer 2014

of good luck. We work at it. It is the result of a thoughtful process of laser sharp focus on the outcomes we want to achieve, and a

Gail W. Stuart, Dean Jo Smith, Editor Beth Khan, Design & Production Arly Douglass, DNP Program & Alumni Services Coordinator Mardi Long, BSN Program & Alumni Services Coordinator Laurie Scott, Director of Development

continuous quality improvement process that is imbedded in all of our plans and activities.

We are not dreamers; we are doers. We have no patience for the status quo.

We delight in breaking conventions, and encouraging diversity of thought with the goal of serving, helping, and inspiring others in a meaningful way.

So you’re in luck because in this issue of Lifelines we will share with you some of our tightly guarded secrets. Specifically on these pages you will read about how we have implemented our quality improvement process in our education, research and practice missions. In each area we identified a target for improvement and then peeled apart the processes to better understand where there were opportunities for improvement. The next step was implementing our ideas and, of course, evaluation to see if we achieved our desired outcomes.

PUBLISHED BY The result is evident in our latest national rankings:

>> We ranked 2nd in the country in online graduate

99 Jonathan Lucas Street Charleston, SC 29425 www.musc.edu/nursing

programs of nursing from the US News and World Report.

>> We ranked 17th in NIH research funding among

colleges of nursing.

We take great pride in this recognition but even greater pride in the fact that we see ourselves as a true learning organization. We are never happy with the

HAVE FEEDBACK? SEND COMMENTS TO: Jo Smith Lifelines Editor MUSC College of Nursing 99 Jonathan Lucas St., MSC 160 Charleston, SC 29425-1600 smithjo@musc.edu (843) 792-3941

status quo and always strive to reach up and out to achieve another level of excellence.

That’s what game changers do. They introduce new elements or factors that change an existing situation or activity in a significant way. That’s what we do here in the College of Nursing as we strive to meet the growing need for educated nurses who can improve access to care and quality health outcomes. We enjoy the challenge of the game — turning an idea into innovation, putting thought into practice and tracking the outcomes of the change. Maybe this issue of Lifelines can be a game changer for you.

POSTMASTER: Send corrections to Lifelines, MUSC College of Nursing, 99 Jonathan Lucas St., MSC 160, Charleston, SC 29425-1600. © Copyright 2014 by the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without permission from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing.

Gail W. Stuart, PhD, RN, FAAN Dean and Distinguished University Professor

CONTENTS features GAME CHANGERS . . ........................................................................................................ 4 Developing quality improvement in the College of Nursing through education, research, and practice FUTURE GAME CHANGERS.......................................................................................... 1 2 College of Nursing DNP students put quality improvement projects into action

departments DEAN’S COLUMN.. ............................................................................................................ 1 AROUND THE COLLEGE................................................................................................16 FOCUS ON FACULTY......................................................................................................18 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT . . ................................................................................................. 24 ALUMNI CONNECTIONS. . ..............................................................................................27 GIVING BACK. . .............................................................................................................. 35 LINES OF LIFE................................................................................................................ 36

GAME CHANGERS

Developing quality improvement in the MUSC College of Nursing

B

ruce Hammonds, an educational blogger from New Zealand, writes “In reality, learning and change are synonymous. Change is not an issue if it makes sense

to and is owned by those involved. An appreciation that change is a continual process, involving confusion and difficulty, is vital for future learners.”

The MUSC College of Nursing is a leader of change. It has been transforming the way people look at the nursing profession and the way it educates its students for 130 years.

It hasn’t always been an easy trail to blaze. The concept of change is not something that comes naturally to everyone.

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”

Winston Churchill

However, when it is done correctly the extra effort can pay off. The college has seen the benefits of not staying with the herd and evolving into a nationally ranked nursing school through realized results.

The Institute of Medicine in 1999 published the book, To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System, that has helped to change the focus of health care in this country.

This landmark document focused on improving the quality of patient care and the prevention of avoidable medical errors. But it quickly became evident that quality improvement is a process for all systems – education, practice and research.

In this issue of Lifelines we will describe how the MUSC College of Nursing is improving the quality of our educational, research and practice programs with impressive results and outcomes.

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QI

Quality Improvement in Education

T

hreading quality improvement (QI) and safety throughout our

educational programs is one of

the College of Nursing’s top priorities.

We do this by expanding beyond basic knowledge to ensure that the nurses of the future have the knowledge and tools to assess both quality and safety, and implement sustainable change that will improve practice. In addition, the College of Nursing offers the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree that provides advanced practice nurses the skills they need to deliver, evaluate and improve the quality and safety of care in their practices.

In the College of Nursing, process improvement and assessment of out-

created a Faculty First program that

this is our adoption of an electronic

comes are at the forefront of every-

continually identifies teaching needs

portfolio, called My-Folio. The DNP

thing we do. To accomplish our goals

that span across all programs. Experts

program uses My Folio to demonstrate

we maintain an ongoing dialogue that

in the field are consulted and faculty

a student’s knowledge of QI and safety

informs, supports, and challenges our

training is provided to ensure the

in practice over time. It is used to build

faculty and staff to continually evaluate

college is continuously improving the

students’ quality improvement projects

and improve our work.

quality of our programs.

and develop their scholarly works,

The College of Nursing is commit-

focused on patient care and outcomes.

ted to transform health quality through

My-Folio

the education of nurses. The follow-

Student learning outcomes are

student’s growth and development

ing are some examples of how qual-

continually evaluated using

over time, and demonstrates not only

ity improvement (QI) is implemented

performance-based assessments. One

progress in the course but also in the

in our educational activities and the

creative example of how we achieve

curriculum.

My-Folio provides a picture of the

outcomes we achieve related to our mission of excellence.

Faculty First To assist faculty in building QI into core competencies, we made a commitment to develop their knowledge of the process of improving quality and how it impacts patient safety. Providing faculty with the tools they need to stay current became one of our priorities. To accomplish this, the college 6

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SPRING | SUMMER 2014

“To cope with a challenging world, any entity must develop the capacity of shifting and changing of developing new skills and attitudes; in short the capacity of learning.”

A De Guess: ‘The Living Company’

Benchmarking

Dashboards

Quality improvement must extend

Dashboards externalize data for

beyond the educational process and be

viewing and offer transparency and

embedded in program evaluation. This

control over it. As such they are ideal

is accomplished by benchmarking

for rapidly assessing opportunities

our work with that of our peers at

for continuous quality improvement.

local, state and national levels. Such

Representing key performance

benchmarks include admission and

indicators, also known as quality

diversity data, attrition and graduation

indicators, dashboards are critical

rates, course and faculty effectiveness,

for monitoring the success of the

student and faculty satisfaction, and

educational programs and student

student outcomes and professional

progression. They allow us to collect,

success. We are extremely proud that

analyze, evaluate, present and report

our emphasis on continuous quality

vital data, which is then translated into

improvement has earned us a No. 2

educational excellence.

ranking in online graduate nursing education in 2014 by U.S. News &

World Report.

QI IN ACTION Quality improvement in action can be demonstrated by the College of Nursing’s attrition rates that are tracked in every nursing program cohort. After identifying a number of students leaving the DNP program in 2009, the college implemented a process improvement plan to advance outcomes and assure student retention and success. We took the following steps.

1.

Reviewed admission criteria and developed a rubric to assist in differentiating the type of student who would be successful in the DNP program. Comparing attrition rates to student program evaluation results was critical and gave us an understanding of those students who were successful.

2.

Created self-paced toolboxes to provide students with needed skills and resources to be successful.

3.

Developed an advisement structure that provided students with a DNP faculty advisor, and a DNP program coordinator for program suggestions.

4.

Program plans were signed and uploaded to the student’s My-Folio. Students were then followed and expected to stay on track for a full or parttime plan of study.

Improvements were monitored with each cohort and yielded impressive results. The attrition rate among DNP students dropped from 28 percent in 2009 to less than 2 percent in 2012 – a great example of QI in action.

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QI

Quality Improvement in Research Consistent with the quality

and other schools, who are not

improvement approach, a plan was

involved directly in the proposal,

created that included garnering

provide feedback on a research

important professional resources and

proposal’s significance, innovation

hen one hears the phrase

equipping the college with the

and methodology. This is enhanced

“quality improvement,” the first

needed expertise. One such resource

by a more structured process to advise

thought is to associate it with

is Jane Zapka, ScD, who brought to

investigators and their mentors, as their

quality of patient care. Yet it is applica-

the college her expert guidance in

proposals undergo development but

ble to any program, service or organi-

research methods, grant development,

are not yet ready for a mock review.

zation. In recent years, the College of

proposal writing and manuscript

Such consultation, with proposals in

Nursing has placed an importance on

presentation.

progress, help once a working shell of

W

improving the quality and outcomes of its research activities.

According to the college’s strategic plan, an important goal or outcome related to research is “to attain national recognition as nurse scholars reflected in metrics such as achieving a “top 25”

Ten years ago, the college had no ranking in NIH funding. Today, the college is ranked 17th in NIH research funding among all schools of nursing nationally.

NIH ranking among colleges of nursing, improving individual faculty research productivity, and providing core

Think Tank

the proposal is underway. Yet another

resource centers to support research”.

So what do quality improvement

quality improvement strategy is the

activities look like in the realm of

provision of educational sessions for

to make impressive progress on these

research? Working with the associate

skill development that are offered on a

metrics. Ten years ago, the college had

deans and the research committee, Dr.

variety of methodological topics.

no ranking in NIH funding. In 2013, the

Zapka championed the processes and

college ranked 17th in NIH research

procedures that were needed to achieve

Evaluating Outcomes

funding among all schools of nursing

our goals. These included a Think

Finally, an essential part of the quality

nationally.

Tank in which faculty can brainstorm

improvement process is evaluation of

The College of Nursing continues

with others about a potential research

outcomes. For the College of Nursing

pen by chance or luck. It is a result of

project. Getting feedback and ideas

these activities have contributed

focused attention to a problem, inter-

early on sparks consideration of

to building a climate that

vention and outcome.

research question clarity, potential

cultivates faculty motivation

Such dramatic change does not hap-

best methods and appropriateness

and confidence. In addition

clearly a team sport. It starts with cham-

to available funding priorities.

to the NIH ranking metric,

pionship and leadership at the execu-

In addition to a faculty mentor’s

the proportion of faculty

tive level, and strategic goals that set

assistance, Dr. Zapka is available to

submitting proposals has

the bar high. Over the past decade the

provide consultation and examples of

increased, as has the number

infrastructure to support the research

successful grants.

of submissions and successful

Quality improvement in research is

mission has been built and enhanced.

8

awards. Two strong resource

The “heavy lifting” was led over the

Research for Lunch

years by those who served as associ-

Another process is Research for Lunch,

Technology Applications

ate deans for research and the talented

which is a mock review opportunity

Center for Healthful Lifestyles

faculty and staff who were responsible

for proposals near submission.

(TACHL) and the Center

for actualizing the research mission of

Independent interdisciplinary

for Community Health

the College of Nursing.

reviewers, and faculty in the college

Partnerships (CCHP). Equally

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SPRING | SUMMER 2014

centers have developed, the

Quality improvement in nursing can be traced as far back as Florence Nightingale, most widely recognized as the founder of modern nursing. She was an early pioneer of hospital quality improvement projects as shown by her careful quantitative documentation of both the process and outcomes of care.

“Were there none who were discontened with what they have, the world would never reach anything better.”

Florence Nightingale

important, the robust research activity of faculty in the college has directly contributed to our strong PhD program.

With over 50 students currently enrolled in the program, we are one of the largest in the country with impressive numbers of student publications and presentations.

Below: A mock review takes place during a Research for Lunch session

Jane Zapka, ScD is an adjunct professor in the College of Nursing and professor of medicine in the Department of Public Health Sciences in the College of Medicine.

She earned a BS degree in biology at Skidmore College, an MSPH in health education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a doctorate in health policy and management from the Harvard School of Public Health. She has been awarded numerous grants from the NIH, been a coinvestigator with other interdisciplinary researchers and published over 190 manuscripts.

Dr. Zapka’s work has been primarily focused in the area of cancer prevention and control, but more recently she has worked with College of Nursing and other MUSC faculty on awards related to telemedicine, palliative care, survivorship, geriatric care and provider education. Working with the National Cancer Institute, she was instrumental in developing a multi-level research initiative (policy, organizational, physician/team and patient/family issues), which included the production of two Journal of the National Cancer Institute monographs.

As a senior scientist, Dr. Zapka has a major role in mentoring junior faculty and consulting on their grant proposals and manuscripts.

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9

QI

Quality Improvement in Practice There are plans to work with practice leaders throughout the state to explain the education of DNPs and to support their QI and care coordination activities in primary and acute care settings.

ing the quality of care provided by the

tion to reach more MUSC nursing

practices to impact health outcomes.

faculty, students and alumni. Dr. Egan

This unique practice network uses

created podcasts on the management

de-identified data from the electronic

of hypertension (his

health records of every practice to cre-

area of expertise) for

ate a common database. Reports are

College of Nursing

sent to all providers comparing their

students and will at-

quality indicators with the national

tend future DNP im-

he College of Nursing’s

standard and with everyone else in the

mersion experiences.

strategic priority for practice

network, so they can see how well they

is to “assume a proactive role

adhere to the National Committee on

in improving the delivery of health

Quality Assurance (NCQA) guidelines

care in the state of South Carolina and

for chronic diseases such as hyperten-

South Carolina to explain the education

beyond by promoting interprofessional

sion and diabetes.

of DNPs and to support their QI and

T

collaboration to improve the quality

There are plans to Smith

work with practice leaders throughout

care coordination activities in primary

and safety of care, expanding the scope

Collaboration

of nursing practice to increase access

In late 2013, Drs. Laken and Egan met

incorporate students and post-graduate

to health care and utilizing technology

with Gigi Smith, PhD, RN, director of

nursing education into the ongoing QI

to improve health outcomes.”

the college’s DNP program, and other

activities of the network, creating a cul-

DNP faculty to expand the collabora-

ture of quality that benefits everyone.

In 2009, two independent, interprofessional MUSC researchers, Marilyn Laken, PhD, RN, FAAN, from the College of Nursing and Brent Egan, MD, from the College of Medicine, collaborated to expand Dr. Egan’s 100-prac-

Laken

tice primary care network. The goal was to add their expertise to grants aimed at improv10

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SPRING | SUMMER 2014

and acute care settings. Our goal is to

Lean Six Sigma

in Columbia, SC, where practice staff

Carolina counties.

Several large projects have been

and MUSC DNP students working in

Six staff from a

funded since 2009 that focus primar-

network practices presented posters

variety of practices

ily on controlling hypertension and

describing their QI projects.

have been trained

hyperlipidemia. One project funded

in LSS by the CDC

by the Centers for Disease Control

Care Coordination

(CDC) supported an expert in quality

Recently Dr. Egan relocated to the

improvement and master black belt

University of South Carolina Medi-

in Lean Six Sigma (LSS). Free online

cal School in Greenville, SC where

member, Shannon Hudson, PhD, RN,

courses in white and yellow belt train-

the network is now housed in a new

is grant funded to conduct QI projects

ing were created. Practice staff enrolled

non-profit called the Care Coordina-

focused on the pediatric population.

in the network received assistance to

tion Institute, but the collaboration

Several MUSC DNP faculty also have

conduct QI projects in order to obtain

with MUSC continues. Currently, there

passed the yellow belt training

yellow belt certification. An in-person

are over 200 network practice sites in

examination and are beginning

green belt course was developed and

South Carolina alone participating in

their QI projects.

the team organized an annual meeting

QI that reaches patients in all 46 South

grant to conduct QI. Hudson

Additionally, College of Nursing faculty

What is Lean Six Sigma?

BELTS OF LEAN SIX SIGMA WHITE BELT: provides a short introduction YELLOW BELT: performs a simple quality improvement project

Lean Six Sigma is a combination of two powerful process improvement methods: Lean and Six Sigma. Lean is the restructuring of a process that produces increased revenue, reduced costs and improved customer satisfaction. A Lean process is faster, more efficient, economical, and delivers a quality product.

Six Sigma are techniques and tools used to efficiently solve a problem. Six Sigma identifies the cause of a problem in order to efficiently develop an effective solution.

Lean Six Sigma, developed by Motorola and Toyota, was created to reduce waste and improve quality and efficiency, resulting in greater customer satisfaction.

Hospitals were the first to adopt the method to improve patient safety and reduce lengths of stay. Ambulatory care practices also are using it to improve adherence with evidence-based practice and improve health outcomes.

GREEN BELT: conducts a more complex quality improvement project BLACK BELT: posesses all tools & methods for the most complicated project

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11

GAME CHANGERS FUTURE

>>

QI IN ACTION

T

he Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree provides advanced practice registered nurses with the knowledge and tools they need to implement quality improvement in practice. The future of advanced practice nursing will rely on their ability to utilize data to continuously improve the quality and safety of the care they provide.

In the past four years the College of Nursing has admitted over 270 students into the DNP primary care programs for adult-geriatric, pediatric and family nurse practitioner. All students who earn a DNP degree complete a rigorous QI, policy, or systems change project. This issue of Lifelines provides a few examples of the outstanding work students are doing to improve the quality, safety and outcomes of care.

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Lifelines

FALL | WINTER 2013

American Heart Association, Inc.

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT FOR PEDIATRIC SUPPORTIVE CARE

>> LYA M. STROUPE, DNP, RN, CPNP

BACKGROUND | The death of a child is one of the most painful experiences a parent can endure. About 53,000 infants and children die each year in the US, with more than 50 percent of these deaths occurring in hospitals.

Approximately 27 percent of these deaths are preventable.

Regardless of outcome, all families deserve to be supported by knowledgeable staff.

Supportive care is defined as a comprehensive, interdisciplinary care focused on promoting quality of life for both patients living with terminal illness and their loved ones. Studies show that families of critically ill children would benefit from staff knowledgeable about family communication and dynamics, as well as end-of-life care. The Institute of Medicine highlighted the need to understand and develop strategies for supporting health care workers so

SCREENING FOR PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE IN A RURAL COMMUNITY HEALTH SETTING

>> EVELYN R. COE, DNP, APRN

they can provide quality care. Although there has been a strong movement to improve supportive care, the literature reveals gaps that exist between the family’s needs and the adequacy of care provided by health care professionals.

PURPOSE | To determine if nurses’ increasing knowledge and using standardized checklists could improve the number of consults for children with life-threatening

BACKGROUND | Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affects over 8 million people in the US. Individuals with PAD are at high risk for developing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) is a noninvasive test used to measure PAD but it is rarely performed in a rural health setting.

or life-limiting conditions.

PURPOSE | To improve ABI

This knowledge could build

screening in a rural community

staff confidence levels and

health setting and determine if

staff readiness and improve

there is a difference in results

teamwork and ultimately

obtained in the vascular lab

improve patient outcomes.

following referral for a positive

RESULTS | Consults to the supportive care team increased and parent/patient satisfaction scores improved after using the computer-based module that was developed to increase knowledge of supportive care.

PUBLICATION | Stroupe, L.M. (2013). Process improvement for pediatric supportive care.

Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, 15(8), 479-484.

community ABI screen.

DR. EVELYN R. COE DNP GRADUATION: December 2013

CURRENT POSITION:

DR. LYA M. STROUPE DNP GRADUATION: December 2013

CURRENT POSITION: Nursing research and professional development manager, West Virginia University Healthcare.

Learn more about Dr. Stroupe on p. 29.

RESULTS | There was an increase Family nurse from 61 percent to practitioner in a rural health clinic 71 percent in positive ABIs for designated as a rural community health screenfederally qualified ings suggesting that additional health center provider training increased the accuracy of ABI screening.

Community ABI screenings are cost effective and based on these findings, clinicians should receive additional training to correctly perform ABI screening so that early identification can lead to early intervention.

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AN INNOVATIVE INTEGRATION OF GENETICS AND GENOMICS CONTENT INTO A BACCALAUREATE NURSING CURRICULUM: THE WEBBASED MINI-COURSE IN GENETICS AND GENOMICS

>> DELWIN B. JACOBY, DNP, APRN

BACKGROUND | In 2003, the Human Genome Project laid the foundation for future health care endeavors to contain a genetics component. The public expects nurses to be knowledgeable in genetics and genomics, but practicing nurses, faculty, and students are limited in their knowledge.

IMPROVING MANAGEMENT OF POSTPARTUM URINARY RETENTION

>> ANGELA Y. STANLEY, DNP, MA, FNP-BC, PHCNS-BC, C-EFM

Competencies exist for nursing education in genetics and genomics, but current academic nursing education does not adequately prepare nurses for the evolving role in today’s genomic

BACKGROUND | Postpartum urinary retention (PUR) is a common condition on obstetric units with an incidence ranging from 1.7 to 17.9 percent of patients. Significant physiological changes in pregnancy can result in decreased bladder capacity and increased frequency of urination. Risk factors such as primiparity, episiotomy, vaginal tearing, and length of labor also can increase incidence of urinary retention. A delay in recognizing and managing PUR may lead to urinary complications, infection, upper urinary tract damage, and permanent voiding difficulties. Presently there are no clinical practice guidelines in place.

PURPOSE | To determine how implementing a clinical practice guideline on the management of PUR would affect women on a high-risk obstetrical unit.

RESULTS | This practice improvement project increased awareness and decreased the frequency of urinary catheterization. The rate of guideline compliance increased and resulted in a decreased rate of PUR suggesting that the implementation of a guideline to address the management and treatment of PUR will standardize clinical practice and improve health outcomes.

Replication of this intervention at community-hospitals is recommended to confirm results in low-risk, high-volume settings.

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era and nursing faculty are not prepared to teach genetics.

PURPOSE | To develop a selfcontained web-based minicourse that meets identified genetics and genomics competencies for undergraduate nursing education that can be utilized by an existing baccalaureate nursing program.

RESULTS | This quality improvement project offered an innovative and successful method for integrating genetics and genomics content into the baccalaureate nursing curriculum.

COMMANDER ANGELA Y. STANLEY DNP GRADUATION: December 2013

CURRENT POSITION: Nurse Corps, U.S. Navy; Administration Officer to the Surgeon General of the Navy/Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

DR. DELWIN B. JACOBY DNP GRADUATION: December 2013

CURRENT POSITION: Assistant professor, Spalding University, family nurse practitioner program; nurse practitioner, Baby Health Service in Lexington, KY

STROKE DISCHARGE ADVOCACY TO REDUCE 30-DAY READMISSION RATES

>> KRISTEN M. POSTON, DNP, NP-C

BACKGROUND | Approximately 30 percent of stroke patients experience at least one hospital readmission within 90 days after discharge. New reimbursement policies hold acute care facilities responsible for managing care transitions, subjecting them to financial penalties if their readmission

IMPROVING THE USE OF FECAL OCCULT BLOOD TEST AMONG CONSTIPATED CHILDREN IN THE PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY OUTPATIENT SETTING

>> DENISE M. KILWAY, DNP, CPNP

to arrange post hospital follow up with primary care providers have been effective in reducing readmissions.

PURPOSE | To determine

BACKGROUND | Constipation is a common problem seen in childhood and accounts for approximately 3 percent of all primary pediatric visits and 25 percent of all pediatric gastroenterology (GI) visits. The goal of treatment is to address the immediate problem, manage the effects of constipation, and ultimately prevent recurrence.

Evaluation and treatment of constipation includes performing a history and physical examination, and in some instances, testing. The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is an easily accessiDR. DENISE M. ble test that provides immediate KILWAY results. Using FOBT in the initial pediatric GI constipation clinic DNP GRADUATION: may be routine, but without an December 2013 evidence base to support its use.

PURPOSE | To improve use of the FOBT in children by decreasing unnecessary testing and to identify best practices for using FOBT in children in the pediatric GI clinic.

rates are higher than established national averages. Transitional care models that utilize nurses as discharge advocates

whether use of a transitional care model by nurse navigators would affect 30-day readmission rates in hospitalized ischemic stroke patients discharged home with self-care.

DR. KRISTEN M. POSTON DNP GRADUATION: May 2013

RESULTS | The results indicate that when nurse navigators use CURRENT POSITION: an evidence-based transition Nurse practitioner, of care process, ischemic stroke CVS Minute Clinic patients discharged home had decreased readmissions and hospital utilization. Additional research is needed to examine the longevity and financial impact of these findings in this population.

PUBLICATION | Poston, K.M.; Dumas, B.P.; Edlund, B.J. (2013).

Outcomes of a quality improvement project implementing

CURRENT POSITION:

stroke discharge advocacy to reduce 30-day readmission

Nurse practitioner, division of pediatric GI and nutrition, Medical College of Wisconsin-Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

rates. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, DOI: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000040

RESULTS | The use of the FOBT decreased by 19.6 percent.

This QI project and ongoing discussion with pediatric providers resulted in an important decrease in an unnecessary and invasive test in children for whom it is not indicated, and an increase in the test among children meeting North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition recommendations. This decrease in use also reflects a decrease in monetary expenditure in the clinic and a cost savings for the health care industry.

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15

Around the College

V

Nursing event honors Florence Nightingale’s life, career

By Mikie Hayes, Public Relations

Nightingale’s approach to patient care, her procedures and principles are still relevant today, and her methodologies, impeccable. For instance, infection control, while not a term used in that day, was a major focus of her evidence-based research, as the death rate in her hospital was 40 percent.

Ms. Nightingale greatly attributed the incidence to the environment, particularly, filth. Dr. McDonald

T

he MUSC College of Nursing

PhD, to attend the two-day celebration

hosted a multi-event celebration,

and address the more than 170

November 7–8, to honor the life

guests who attended and visited the

and accomplishments of Florence Nightingale, famed nursing pioneer,

exhibition.

Dean Gail Stuart, introduced Dr.

philosopher of modern nursing,

McDonald, a former member of the

statistician, and social reformer of

Canadian Parliament and university

enormous scope and importance.

professor emerita at the University

An exhibition at the Charleston

of Guelph, Ontario, and described

Library Society featured nearly 20

the enormity of Dr. McDonald’s 16–

story-panels, on loan for the month

volume series based on Nightingale’s

from the University of Alabama,

collected works.

Birmingham, which highlighted

Dr. McDonald acquainted audiences

Nightingale’s life, as well as historical

with Ms. Nightingale’s conception of

items from the college’s archives,

nursing, her ideas, analyses, and the

including the college’s own framed

realities of nursing care during that

copy of the Nightingale Pledge;

time. Dr. McDonald states that Ms.

framed photographs of 11 uniform styles worn by MUSC students, 1886 to 1982; a Nightingale letter donated to the college by an alumnus; and nursing dolls, caps, pins and photographs.

In an exciting turn of events, cochair of the college’s development committee, Kay Chitty, EdD, RN, arranged for world-renowned Nightingale expert, Lynn McDonald,

Left photo: Dr. McDonald displays a lamp used in the Florence Nightingale era Right photo: Copy of handwritten letter from Florence Nightingale that was donated by a CON alum

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SPRING | SUMMER 2014

described the filth in the wards and the water supply, lack of ventilation, vermin and soiled laundry. Ms. Nightingale is praised for addressing and improving the sanitary conditions of army hospitals.

In her book, Florence Nightingale

At First Hand, Dr. McDonald reminds people that Ms. Nightingale, while a strong woman with opinions of her own, also had a sense of humor.

For example, on what to boil for disinfection, Ms. Nightingale included: “…yourself and everything within reach, including the surgeon.”

Ms. Nightingale left copious material on the war, according to

Dr. McDonald, including numerous letters that detailed problems in the hospitals and her recommendations.

Her contributions were recognized internationally and her works copyrighted and subsequently serialized by the Saturday Evening

Post. Dr. McDonald explained that Ms. Nightingale was respected, honored and considered a national heroine.

She was known as “the Lady with the Lamp,” because she ministered to the soldiers throughout the night.

Ms. Nightingale was a significant 19th century scholar who integrated scholarship with political activism, Dr. McDonald declared. She established the first secular nursing school at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, wanting to make nursing a respectable profession — believing that nurses should be trained in science. She

to a healthful environment, and felt that nurses should possess an innate empathy for their patients.

Also on display for one day was the Florence Nightingale Letters Exhibit, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and Nurse.com. This exhibit featured two letters that were handwritten

by Florence Nightingale in 1861 and information about her life and works.

Pictured L to R: Gail Stuart, Lynn McDonald, & Kay Chitty

advocated strict discipline, attention

V

Psychiatric mental health NP residency approved in VA

T

he collaboration between the

evidence-based teaching practices that

Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Af-

contribute to excellence in the con-

fairs Medical Center (RHJVAMC)

tinuity of mental health care and an

and the College of Nursing Veterans

increase in the PMHNP workforce at

Affairs Nursing Academic Partner-

the RHJVAMC.

ship (VANAP) recently expanded to

The program was funded for three

include a Psychiatric Mental Health

resident positions each year for three

Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) residency

years with Dr. York serving as program

program.

director. Two post-certification resi-

Donald Myrick, MD, (associate chief

dents, Renee Koval, PMHNP, and Maria

Pictured L to R: Maria Thompson & Renee Koval

of staff, VA mental health service line

Thompson, PMHNP, have started the

and MUSC associate professor of psy-

program. A total of four programs were

RN, MPH, CNM, FAAN, Joy Lauerer,

chiatry) and Janet York, PhD, PMHCS,

funded in the country.

DNP, RN, PMHCNS-BC, and Catherine

BC, FAAN, (VA nurse researcher and

Dr. York states, “This residency ini-

Durham, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, along

MUSC research professor of nursing)

tiative is consistent with the IOM’s The

with VA faculty, Dr. Susan Beylotte,

received funding from the Office of

Future of Nursing recommendation for graduate nurse residencies and policy reports underscoring the demand for veteran-specific mental health services and the shortage of mental health providers.”

The residency partnership includes College of Nursing faculty, Gail Stuart, PhD, RN, FAAN, Charlene Pope, PhD,

PMHNP, Steve Lesieur, PMHNP, Mela-

Academic Affairs for their proposal titled, “NP Residency in Veteran-Centric Continuum of Care Mental Health Services.” The goal of the program is to develop, implement, and evaluate a strategy for advanced PMHNP training in the veteran-centric population, practice-based competencies, and

nie Smith, PMHNP, Fredrika Hughes, PMHNP, Kathy McCormick, PMHNP, and other interprofessional faculty.

The residency is supported by the Veterans Affairs Office of Academic Affiliations and the office of Mary Dougherty, PhD, director of nursing education.

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17

Focus on Faculty

V

Stuart returns to Africa

I

n October 2010 Dean Gail Stuart, PhD, RN, FAAN,

first traveled to Liberia, Africa with a group from the Carter Center. Their

mission was to refine the curriculum she developed to train 150 nurses to provide mental health care to those in Liberia recovering from the trauma of civil war. This mission focused on creating a ‘train the trainer’ model, educating groups of nurses and

thus building capacity for educating Liberian mental health providers in future years.

Since then she has returned twice to the country (March 2012 and October 2013) with her Carter Center colleagues to evaluate and update the six month mental health training curriculum. To date, five classes of students (123 in total) have graduated from the program and it has been deemed a great success.

The third annual Program Review of held in March of this year at the Carter Center in Atlanta. Dean Stuart attended the event and shared her curriculum revisions and plans for transitioning the program in 2015. Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, officials from Liberia, senior executive staff of the Carter Center, consultants to the program, and donors attended the review.

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SPRING | SUMMER 2014

The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former US President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. A nongovernmental organization, the Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 70 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers to increase crop production.

O

the Mental Health Liberia Program was

CARTER CENTER

MENTAL HEALTH IN LIBERIA

Building upon nearly two decades of Carter Center efforts to foster peace and democracy in Liberia, the Carter Center Mental Health Program in 2010 launched a five-year initiative to help create a sustainable mental health system in Liberia that addresses a broad range of mental health conditions. The initiative assists the Liberia Ministry of Health and Social Welfare by: building local training for professionals in mental health, such as nurses; collaborating on implementation of the national mental health plan; developing support models for family caregivers; promoting advocacy; and working to reduce stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses.

source: www.cartercenter.org

become the trainers for other cohorts,

O

physician assistants who would then

V

Nemeth inducted into American Academy of Nursing

L

ynne Nemeth, PhD, RN, FAAN,

50 states, the District of Columbia, and

associate professor, was among 172

19 countries.

nurse leaders who were inducted

“Selection for membership in the

as Fellows in the American Academy

academy is one of the most prestigious

of Nursing during the academy’s 40th

honors in the field of nursing,” said

annual meeting held last October

Academy President Joanne Disch, PhD,

in Washington, DC. Of those nurse

RN, FAAN. Dean Gail Stuart, PhD, RN,

leaders, Dr. Nemeth was the only

FAAN added, “We are immensely proud

inductee from South Carolina.

of Dr. Nemeth and to have another

The academy is composed of more

College of Nursing faculty inducted

than 2,000 nurse leaders in education,

into the Academy. This means 23

management, practice, policy, and

percent of our tenure track nurse

research. The Academy Fellows

faculty are members of the American

include hospital and government

Academy of Nursing – a high level of

administrators, college deans, and

distinction for our college.”

renowned scientific researchers. With

Lynne Nemeth (left) received her FAAN certificate at the AAN annual meeting

this new class, Fellows will represent all

V

White House honors CON researcher of clinical, and applied community engaged research. The trajectory of funding and publications over the past decade has been nothing short of amazing. And now, the dual honor of faculty being recognized at this level, juxtaposed with the College of Nursing entering top 20 rankings of NIH makes me confident that when the next Presidential Award is given to one of our faculty in the near future, we will be in the top 10 of NIH funded nursing schools.”

I

da Johnson Spruill, PhD, RN, LISW,

frontiers of science and technology

FAAN, associate professor, was

and their commitment to community

one of 102 researchers President

service as demonstrated through

Barack Obama named as recipients

scientific leadership, public education,

of the Presidential Early Career

or community outreach. Dr. Spruill

Awards for Scientists and Engineers,

was the only recipient from South

the highest honor bestowed by the

Carolina.

US Government on science and

Ronald Acierno, PhD, associate dean

engineering professionals in the early

for research remarked, “Dr. Spruill’s

stages of their independent research

recognition by this award underscores

careers. Awardees are selected for their

the tremendous productivity of the

pursuit of innovative research at the

College of Nursing faculty in the areas

“Dr. Spruill’s recognition by this award underscores the tremendous productivity of the college of nursing faculty in the areas of clinical and applied community research.”

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19

Focus on Faculty

V

Acierno named associate dean for research

A

fter an extensive national

search, the College of Nursing selected Ronald Acierno, PhD, as the new

associate dean for research in January.

Dr. Acierno is leading the research faculty as the college continues to ascend the rankings in NIH funding.

In addition to this role, Dr. Acierno is also a clinical research scientist specializing in evaluating telemedicine applications for mental health problems, most notably post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, at the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, MUSC’s Consortium VA partner. This work is focused on eliminating disparities related to rurality and other barriers to care, such as stigma, that face our veterans. Dr. Acierno also has studied elder mistreatment in community residents in an epidemiological framework. Rounding out his clinical research responsibilities is his work in the community with the non-profit organization he founded, Veterans on Deck, where he is now a board member and the director of clinical training.

Veterans on Deck; Ron Acierno (pictured left) accompanies a group of veterans for a sail around the Charleston Harbor

as well as secondary (i.e., risk factor based prevention) and tertiary patient and community- centered interventions, using a data-driven (e.g., bioinformatics, epigenetics), stepped care approach, so that potential for self-management is maximized.

“This vision calls attention to the College of Nursing’s strengths in community engaged participatory research, technology, health disparities research, clinical outcome research, and quality improvement/systems research,” Dr. Acierno notes. “To achieve this vision, I will expand our teams and collaboration bridges, both within the college, and with

that end, I will meet, with any faculty member or student who has an idea and is in search of a team. The breadth of capabilities here in the college, from technology to community engagement, from health disparities to epigenetics, is such that most any concept can find a partner, and success is a matter of putting pen to paper.”

He concludes, “I recently told my wife, I have not worked this hard, or had this much fun in a long time, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work together for the college, our patients and their families.”

Known for his boundless energy, Dr. Acierno immediately began meeting with all College of Nursing researchers and other faculty. From these discussions, he formulated a vision for taking the college’s research to the next level: To combine

our strengths in technology and community engagement to develop patient-centered self-management interventions, implemented through a stepped care framework, and targeted both at systems, as well as key transition points across the lifespan of high risk patients and families. Specifically, to develop and evaluate delivery of systems-level quality improvement interventions 20

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SPRING | SUMMER 2014

“I firmly believe that the best, most interesting work arises when clinicians and researchers share each other’s hats.” investigators outside the college at this and other partner institutions.

He continues, “Within the college, I will facilitate partnerships between clinical faculty and students, and research faculty and students on both existing and new projects. I firmly believe that the best, most interesting work arises when clinicians and researchers share each other’s hats. To

V

Lopez joins faculty

O

C

VETERANS ON DECK

Veterans on Deck is a non-profit maritime initiative for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), past experience of military sexual trauma, or serious mental illness that was created by Associate Dean Ron Acierno.

Veterans on Deck uses the forum of sailing as a therapeutic milieu to foster experiences of empowerment, mastery, and successful social interaction.

Dr. Acierno explains, “I started Veterans on Deck because I felt that the excellent work toward symptom reduction we were doing at the VA needed to be complemented by a vehicle to facilitate community reintegration and social interaction, two very stressful topics for veterans with PTSD. Sailing involves inescapable social stress, with the probability of eventual enjoyment of the socially stressful situation if they stick with it, which they do because, well, you’re stuck on a boat.” He further explains, “This combination of social stress with potential social reinforcement is a perfect training experience for veterans who need to ‘recalibrate’ themselves and their sense of perceived danger (i.e. uncontrolled social situations equals life threat) so that they can actually enjoy social interactions, which by their very nature, are somewhat stressful.”

The Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center is located next door to a marina and Dr. Acierno loves to sail. He shares, “It was a natural next step to take the clinical work out of the clinic and onto the boats. It has been a tremendous success, and we even have some outcome data showing improvement above clinic-based care on measures of PTSD, depression and social connectedness.”

Veterans on Deck has received significant press, including a 15-minute segment on national television when country singer Trace Adkins set sail with the Dr. Acierno and the veterans on the television show, Great American Heroes that aired on Great American Country.

ristina M. Lopez, PhD joined the faculty as an

assistant professor in November 2013.

She also holds a joint appointment in the Mental Health Disparities and Diversity Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at MUSC. Dr. Lopez received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis and her Master of Science and PhD in clinical psychology from Florida State University. She completed a pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at MUSC and is a member of the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and the Society for Advancement of Chicanos, Latinos, and Native Americans in Science.

Dr. Lopez’s research interests include identification of barriers to treatment engagement in mental health services, the use of culturally tailored interventions as a means of engaging specific high-risk ethnic groups in prevention and behavioral health services, increasing visibility and access of trauma related services to Latino and other underserved populations, and assessment of provider-level factors that affect youth and family involvement in outpatient community-based therapy.

In addition to her role as a researcher, Dr. Lopez is a licensed clinical psychologist and serves as a clinical supervisor for predoctoral psychology interns at a schoolbased MUSC mental health clinic at Stall High School in North Charleston. She also sits on several committees that address recruitment and retention of women and underrepresented ethnic minorities in academia. Dr. Lopez has been honored as a National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Scholar and serves as Associate Editor for the Clinician’s

Research Digest, a publication distributed monthly by the American Psychological Association.

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21

Focus on Faculty

V

Kelechi appointed endowed chair

T

eresa Kelechi’s,

and this will be the college’s third

University to develop a device that

PhD, RN, FAAN

endowed chair. The appointment of Dr.

measures minute foot movements,

early experience

Kelechi will allow MUSC to continue

which strengthen the calf muscle in

with the Future

its leadership role as innovators,

patients with leg ulcers, and promote

Nurses of America

knowledge brokers and community

better lower leg functioning in hopes

Society blossomed

partners,” said Dean Gail Stuart.

that it will promote ulcer healing. She

into her successful

With a solid record of funding by the

also is developing an innovative heat

career as a nurse scientist and has

National Institute of Nursing Research,

sensing device to detect heat changes

culminated with her appointment as

Dr. Kelechi’s primary research focus is

in the skin on the lower legs affected

the College of Nursing’s David R. and

venous leg ulcer prevention. She also

by chronic venous disease. The device

Margaret C. Clare Endowed Chair in

studies self-monitoring methods using

will be used by patients to monitor the

Nursing.

infrared thermometry technology to

skin for a temperature increase, which

detect subclinical evidence of ulcer

can be a signal of an impending ulcer.

development.

She also designed a novel cooling

Endowed chairs hold tremendous prestige in the academic community.

To be named to an endowed chair

As a member of the Future Nurses

prevention strategy that targets the

means that one has achieved national

of America Society in the late 1970s,

elevated skin temperature with the

or international recognition for

Dr. Kelechi regularly visited a nursing

goal of preventing the ulcer. In another

excellence in their field. “I am proud

home in a small rural town in Ohio

collaborative effort with researchers

that MUSC had the first endowed chair

where residents received very few

at University of West Virginia, she is

in nursing in the state. Our second

visitors. An older man anxiously

studying biomarkers in chronic wound

endowed chair is with the SmartState

awaited her visit each week. She

fluid.

Centers of Economic Excellence,

explains, “His legs were very swollen

The appointment as the David R.

and bandaged, but he

and Margaret C. Clare Endowed Chair

never complained except

assures that she will be able to continue

to report that his legs

to study ways to prevent venous leg

didn’t work anymore. One

ulcers, which affect 1 to 2 percent of

day he asked me what

the population worldwide and account

kind of nurse I wanted to

for 600,000 new leg ulcers each year

be. I replied that I wasn’t

in the US alone. By interacting with

quite sure. He suggested

wound experts around the world

that I study treatments for

to share knowledge and research

leg sores to help people

opportunities, she also hopes to learn

like him be able to walk

more about the genetics and genomics

again. From the very

related to chronic venous ulcers and

beginning, now over 30

study ways to enhance wound healing

years ago, I sought to

through nutrition and small movement

unravel the mysteries of

exercises.

the healing complexities of leg ulcers associated with chronic venous disorders, also known as venous stasis or venous insufficiency.”

Dr. Kelechi has garnered over $3 million in research funding to study chronic venous disorders. Currently she is collaborating with researchers from Clemson

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“The appointment of Dr. Kelechi will allow MUSC to continue its leadership role as innovators, knowledge brokers and community partners.”

- DEAN STUART

V

Magwood named department chair

G

ayenell Magwood, PhD, RN,

Alumnus CCRN, has worn many hats in her career, ranging

“The best choice I’ve ever made was to become a nurse scientist. My program of research, scholarship and service are built upon my journey.”

from assistant manager for a national children’s shoe cooperation where she was a certified

extremely challenging interacting with

interdisciplinary clinical and patient-

corrective fitting specialist, to social

the nursing staff, but I understood and

focused research teams,” Dr. Magwood

service case worker, trauma critical

admired their compassion and concern

said. “Although I enjoyed my clinical

care nurse, solid organ transplant

for the children in their care.”

experiences, I felt the need to do

nurse coordinator, and most recently

Eventually the time came when

more.” That led her to enroll in the

educator and nurse scientist. In

she felt she needed to move on, yet

PhD program where she would learn

March 2014, she added another hat to

wanted a career that provided multiple

yet another new set of skills. After

her collection as she was appointed

employment options, security, and

completing her degree in 2006, Dr.

department chair for the College of

allowed her to build on her previous

Magwood launched her career as a

Nursing.

degree and experiences. Dr. Magwood

nurse scientist.

A mass communication and

relates, “I almost applied to a 2-year

Dr. Magwood’s research interests

psychology double major in college,

nursing program, but my mother

include health disparities, health

Dr. Magwood was faced with choosing

suggested that I check out MUSC.”

literacy, multiple-risk reduction,

which internship she would complete.

Following her mother’s advice, Dr.

and disease prevention. Her

She chose a psychology internship

Magwood completed her Bachelor of

focus is on the development and

as a counselor at a group home for

Science in nursing degree and later

implementation of community

adolescent females that guided her

PhD in nursing degree at MUSC.

based bio-behavioral interventions

career path to social services. She

Dr. Magwood has worked at MUSC

and multi-level community-

reports, “I worked with children and

since 1998 when she was recruited as

based participatory research with

families with issues of abuse and

a clinical transplant coordinator. “My

underserved communities. This area

neglect and with significant financial

work and expertise as a solid organ

of research focuses on the interplay

limitations. This kept me busy at

transplant coordinator afforded me

of biology, socio-environmental, and

emergency departments and inpatient

opportunities to work with diverse

behavioral factors. Her current NIH

children’s units. At times it was

patients and families along with

funded K01 grant builds on the novel integration of genomics to personalize socio-culturally tailored diabetes prevention behavioral intervention for African American women residing in subsidized housing communities.

She asserts, “The best choice I’ve ever made was to become a nurse scientist.

Clearly my program of research, scholarship and service are built upon my journey.”

Now she has assumed yet another path on her professional journey – that of department chair. She believes that each of the chapters in her life have prepared her for this role.

SPRING | SUMMER 2014

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23

Student Spotlight

V

CON awards 41 scholarships to nursing students This spring the college was able to award over $142,000 in student scholarships.

We hope that you will read about these deserving nursing students and consider contributing to or creating a scholarship fund to ensure the future generation of nurses.

Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarships The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation is a charity dedicated to the support of women in nine southeastern states.

Students selected for a Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship for the Spring 2014 semester include: Valorie Barrett, Sadie Burke, Brianna Campbell, Candace Jaruzel, Felicia Jenkins, Valerie Kneece, Shyronda Knotts, Allison Krakeel, Solange Marcel, Erin May, Jennifer McCrudden, Madison

Helene Fuld Trust Scholarship

Margaret Ann Kerr Scholarship

Dannen O’Keefe, Accelerated

Kaitlyn Reiss, ACC BSN student, is

Rock, Nina Russell, Louise Smunk,

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ACC

the recipient of the Margaret Ann

Juna Thao, Hannah Waite, and Toya

BSN) student, has been awarded the

Kerr Scholarship. Ms. Reiss earned her

Williams.

Helene Fuld Health Trust Scholarship.

BA in international studies from the

Ms. O’Keefe, from New Windsor,

University of Wisconsin-Madison, but

NY, received an associate degree

has diverse experiences that led her to

Elizabeth Stringfellow Scholarship

at Rockland Community College.

nursing. Prior to her enrollment in the

Michael Johnson, PhD student,

Her desire to serve is evidenced in

ACC BSN program, Ms. Reiss was an

has been awarded the Elizabeth

compassion for others in community

instructor’s aide in a medical special

Stringfellow Scholarship. Mr. Johnson

activities such as volunteering for

education classroom in California

currently lives in Henderson, NV. He

Guiding Eyes for the Blind and St.

where she learned tracheostomy

received his BSN and MSN from the

Francis Same Day Surgery. Ms. O’Keefe

suctioning, tube feeding, and ventilator

University of Nevada – Las Vegas

was selected to receive this scholarship

and oxygen monitoring among

where he was named the “Outstanding

based on her outstanding first

many other skills. She also worked as

Graduate” in his MSN program.

semester academic performance.

a reminiscence care manager for a

He is interested in reducing health

senior living center and taught English

Halkyard Scholarship

disparities, and reforming policy in the

for the US Peace Corps in Slobozia,

lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender

ACC BSN students, Brandon Lewis

Romania.

populations.

a Ted and Joan Halkyard Scholarship.

Elsie Morgan Scholarship

Mr. Lewis is a graduate of Clemson

ACC BSN student Lauren Walden

Dorothy Johnson Crews Scholarship

University and became interested in

is the recipient of the Elsie Morgan

Deana Hiott, PhD student, has been

nursing after becoming a paramedic.

Scholarship. Ms. Walden received

awarded the Dorothy Johnson Crews

Previously, he was a firefighter which

this scholarship based on her strong

Scholarship. Ms. Hiott has a BSN

taught him how to communicate with

academic performance during her first

degree from USC-Upstate and earned

people from various backgrounds and

semester of coursework. A graduate

her MSN from Charleston Southern

in various situations.

of Clemson University with majors

University with a major in nurse

in microbiology and psychology, she

education. Ms. Hiott is innovative

nursing assistant at Village at

worked at the MUSC HLA Lab, The

and demonstrates a flare for writing.

Summerville Presbyterian Home,

Ohio State University Critical Care Lab,

She has a nursing blog called Nurses

Hallmark Health and Rehabilitation

and Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Watch, which has been listed as one of

Center, and Hospice House of the

before directing her interests to

the top 50 nursing sites, having close

Upstate before deciding to become a

nursing.

to 5,000 visits in one year.

McMackin, Leah Mitchell, Allison Munn, Novelette Prosper, Rebecca

and June Taveras, are the recipients of

Ms. Taveras has been a certified

registered nurse.

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SPRING | SUMMER 2014

RWJF New Careers in Nursing Recipients

Barbara Sutton Pace Scholarship

Jaqui Skudlarek Award. Ms. McDevitt

Four entering ACC BSN students have

Lenora Smith, PhD student, has been

Interprofessional Society, and last

been selected for the Robert Wood

awarded the Barbara Sutton Pace

spring she traveled to Nicaragua for

Johnson Foundation (RWJF) New

Scholarship. She earned an associate

a medical mission experience. In fall

Careers in Nursing (NCIN) Scholarship.

degree in nursing, a BSN, and two MSN

2013, she was selected for the CON

Recipients are: Jessica Mills, Logan

degrees. She recently defended her

Hispanic Health Initiative.

Nexsen, Gabriella Petrozzi, and

dissertation proposal and is well on her

Salome Seraphin. The RWJF NCIN

way to becoming Dr. Lenora Smith.

scholarship program is a national

After completing her doctorate,

Roper–St. Francis Patron Scholarship

program of RWJF and the American

Ms. Smith would like to use her

ACC BSN student Lara Alicea has been

Association of College of Nursing.

new skills in research to teach other

selected by the nursing leadership at

promising nursing students the value

Roper- St. Francis Healthcare to receive

and importance of nursing research,

their $30,000 Patron Scholarship.

and mentor future nurse scientists.

Prior to her enrollment in the College

Graduate Incentive Scholarship

is the president of the MUSC Student

of Nursing, Ms. Alicea completed her

Kenneth Gordon, ACC BSN student and newly elected Student Nurses

Dean’s Scholarship

Bachelor of Arts from Coastal Carolina

Association president, has been

Two students have been selected to

University in interdisciplinary studies

selected to receive a Graduate

receive the Dean’s Scholarship for the

with a focus on health promotion

Incentive Scholarship through

spring 2014 semester. Hanna Epstein,

and business administration. A stellar

the MUSC Office of Diversity. This

DNP student, and Daisy Smith, ACC

student, Ms. Alicea is self-employed

scholarship is offered to students who

BSN student, were selected for their

as a precision lean eating coach.

are historically underrepresented in

academic strengths and contributions

She consults with clients on body

the health professions. Recipients

to the community. Ms. Epstein is an

compositions and health goals, and

also must commit to working in

outstanding student and plans to

designs customized nutrition and

South Carolina for one year following

become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

exercise programs to help them

completion of their degree. Mr.

Ms. Smith previously earned a

achieve their goals.

Gordon is a graduate of Alabama

bachelor’s degree from Erskine College.

State University, and immediately

She has been a leader in the College of

prior to his admission to the ACC

Nursing Multicultural Student Nurses

MUSC Medical Center Scholarship

BSN program, worked as a patient

Association, organizing many of their

The MUSC Medical Center awarded

care technician at the MUSC Medical

fundraising activities. Ms. Smith has

Ryan Dennis, ACC BSN student,

Center in the Emergency Room. He

a certification in medical Spanish and

a $30,000 scholarship. The MUSC

is currently a patient care tech in

sign language.

Medical Center Scholarship is awarded to a current MUSC Medical Center

Meduflex at the MUSC Medical Center.

Samuel Steinberg Scholarship

employee who is earning a BSN at

Tamara Trainor, ACC BSN student,

the College of Nursing. This generous

Marie Thomas, Doctor of Nursing

was awarded the Samuel Steinberg

gift is awarded to a student who has

Practice (DNP) student, has been

Scholarship. A patient care tech

excellent academic skills, but has

awarded the Reba Carter O’Keeffe

at the MUSC Medical Center, Ms.

also exhibited a passion and interest

Scholarship. She graduated summa

Trainor’s manager, Kathy Wanstall

in nursing. Mr. Dennis previously

cum laude from the ACC BSN

(MSN 08) shared that Ms. Trainor is

earned a bachelor’s in biology from

program in May 2013. A student

“an independent thinker and chooses

the University of South Carolina. In

leader, Ms. Thomas was selected for

to tackle areas on the unit that need

2010, Mr. Dennis was named Patient

the Presidential Scholars Program,

improvement.” In 2012, Ms. Trainor

Care Tech of the Year. He worked to

inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the

was chosen Patient Care Technician of

improve the orientation and training

International Nursing Honor Society,

the Year on 7 West. She is a member of

of new patient care technicians and

and is active in numerous MUSC Gives

the Oncology Nursing Society.

served as a preceptor on his unit. He

Reba Carter O’Keeffe

will have a two year work commitment

Back volunteer activities. Her goal is to become a family nurse practitioner.

Ruth Jaqui Skudlarek Award

to the MUSC Medical Center after

Katie McDevitt, ACC BSN student,

earning his BSN degree and passing

has been selected to receive the Ruth

the NCLEX.

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25

Student Spotlight

Convocation Convocation is the pinning ceremony for the students earning a BSN and the hooding ceremony for the students earning a MSN, DNP, and PhD. Two cermonies are performed each year - once in the spring and once in the winter. Winter Convocation 2013 was held December 7 at the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, in Charleston. Several students and faculty were recognized during the ceremony: Kelli Schoen, Outstanding BSN Student Award; Gregg Davis, Kimberly Limbaker Award; Kara Edmond, Paula Theilan Award; Zach Childress, Ruth Jaqui Skudlarek Award; Kaitlyn O’Gorman and Kelli Schoen, First Honor Graduates. Two faculty members also were recognized by students. Kathy Neely, undergraduate instructor, was given the Golden Lamp Award, and Teresa Atz, assistant professor, was honored with the Outstanding Clinical Faculty Award.

Alumni Connections

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Class notes

[ 1978 ]

Before joining EASTAR, she served as

[ 2011 ]

Janice B. Griffin Agazio (BSN, ‘78) was

a quality management and population

inducted as a Fellow in the American

health facilitator for the School of

(PhD, ‘11) accepted

Academy of Nursing in 2013. She is an

Community Medicine at the University

a faculty position at

associate professor

of Oklahoma-Tulsa. From 2005 until

Idaho State University

at The Catholic

early 2013, she was service line director

as an assistant

University of America

for Women’s and Children’s Services

professor in January

School of Nursing

at Hillcrest Health System, Hillcrest

2014.

and the director of

South-Tulsa.Ms. Bartsch has 30 years

the PhD and DNP

progressive experience in health care

programs. Previously

service, including special project

on active duty in the

coordinator and director of operations

Army Nurse Corps, Dr. Agazio retired

for Baptist Medical Center (BMC) in

in 2000 after 22 years of service before

Montgomery, AL, where she was

entering academia. She is certified as

responsible for development of BMC’s

a pediatric nurse practitioner and is a

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program

fellow of the American Association of

for their Level III NICU with 400

Nurse Practitioners and the National

annual admissions. Other positions

Association of Pediatric Nurse

held include nurse manager for Bragg

Practitioners.

Family Practice Clinic in Fayetteville, NC, director of maternal-child health at Providence Medical Center in Kansas

[ 1982 ] Delaine Bartsch (BSN, ‘82) was named administrator of the Women’s and Children’s Center at EASTAR Health System’s East Campus

City, KS and director of Neonatal Special Care Unit at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS.

in Muskogee, OK.

[ 2009 ]

Ms. Bartsch has

Jessica Theno (BSN, ‘09) completed

extensive clinical

her MSN from the University of

and administrative

Alabama at Birmingham and is now

background in

working as a Pediatric Critical Care

neonatal, pediatric

nurse practitioner in the PICU at The

and maternal-child nursing care.

Julius O. Kehinde

[ 2013 ] Evelyn Porter (DNP, ‘13) presented her DNP final poster titled “Foot Care Education for the Patient with Diabetes” at the Diabetes Initiative Fall Symposium for Health Care Providers held at the North Charleston Convention Center last September. Dr. Porter won first place for the clinical practice category. She said, “I feel that with the support and guidance that I received in the DNP program at MUSC I was able to prevail and produce a product that would represent the college in a positive manner.”

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Submit a Class Note at www.bit.ly/CON-class

Let Us Hear From You Have a new job, a promotion, an award or even a new family member? Let us know and we’ll include it in our next issue.

SPRING | SUMMER 2014

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Alumni Connections

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Grad school friends become colleagues after graduation

R

achel Ness and Courtney Satterfield each entered the College of Nursing’s Doctor of

Nursing Practice – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PNP) program in the fall of 2010. Ms. Ness remained in her hometown of Orlando, FL while completing the program, whereas Ms. Satterfield lived locally in Summerville, SC. Yet, in spite of the miles between their residences, the two became good friends as they progressed through the online program.

Today they are colleagues working

for Tampa Family Health Centers in Tampa, FL. Lifelines caught up with these graduates recently and learned how the collegial relationship the two developed while in the DNP program has reunited them in their professional careers.

How did you learn about the job opportunities? > Rachel Ness: I accepted the job in Tampa after looking at the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) website, and having some difficulty in Orlando where I lived at the time with finding a position. In the DNP program we were trained to provide primary care, and I honestly love the different type of patients we get to see every day. Tampa Family Health Centers offers a “one-stop-shop,” meaning we offer pediatric, family, pharmacy and dental services for low-income and uninsured individuals. After I was hired, I remembered Courtney and her husband wished to move out of Charleston, so I suggested to my employer that they interview her for another NP position that was open.

Currently, there are only three PNPs, as far as I am aware, out of all the NP’s at the site. Courtney and I are the only two DNPs. > Courtney Satterfield: Prior to

Rachel Ness

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SPRING | SUMMER 2014

beginning the DNP program, I decided to participate in the National Health Service Corps loan repayment program, which is a great opportunity to help children in need of great primary care and assist me with repaying significant student loan debt. I realized that

participation in the program could potentially take me anywhere in the US, so I kept an open mind. My husband and I do not have children, which made the possibility of relocation easier to consider.

I noticed a pattern of PNP positions in Florida on the NHSC website, particularly in the Tampa Bay area.

Interestingly, we had visited Tampa and Orlando in December 2011 during the holiday break for some fun and relaxation, but also to explore the area for possible relocation. Since Rachel lived in Orlando, we visited her during the trip as well. We really liked Tampa, but realized we needed to stay open to various opportunities.

Rachel and I worked together in groups and became friends during our time at MUSC. As graduation grew closer, we talked about the job search and she knew that my husband and I were willing to move for the right position. As luck would have it, she discovered this great opportunity in Tampa for PNPs to work at a federally qualified clinic and let me know that they had a vacancy. I submitted my resume and headed to Florida for an interview and here we are.

What has the experience been like? Are you learning from each other? > RN: The experience has definitely been a great learning one. Since I am the only pediatric provider at my site (Courtney practices in another one of our locations), I have to use my resources in helping to answer some of my questions or a parent’s concerns. I also have to be resourceful when managing treatment options due to a lack of insurance for many of our patients. We are fortunate to have a sliding scale pharmacy that covers some of the cost. I have a large Hispanic patient population, so I also have been learning a great deal of Spanish.

Overall the patients and staff have been very welcoming. It has been slightly overwhelming, but I feel that I am providing a great service to patients. > CS: The experience has been a bit overwhelming. There is, of course, a big learning curve as a new graduate in terms of patient care and decision making, not to mention a difficult electronic health record system.

Overall, though, I feel very fortunate to have this position. I work in a very busy clinic with a great team and an experienced pediatrician who is a dedicated mentor. I can tell this is going to be a wonderful place to learn.

Since Rachel has been here longer, I have really learned (and am still learning) a lot from her. I hope I can help her as much as she has helped me. Just a few days ago when deciding how to treat a patient I sent her a quick message and we sorted it out together.

It is extremely comforting to have extra support from colleagues.

The National Health Service Corps offers loan repayment assistance to support qualified healthcare providers in return for a commitment to provide healthcare to communities in need, upon graduation and the completion of training. In return for each school year, or partial school year, of financial support received, students agree to provide primary healthcare services for one year at an NHSC approved site located in a high-need health professional shortage area. For the first school year, or partial school year, of support, there is a minimum two year service commitment.

Scholars choose where they will serve from a list of hundreds of NHSC-approved sites in high-need urban, rural, and frontier communities across the US.

How did your education at MUSC prepare you for this opportunity? > RN: Getting my DNP degree at MUSC allowed me to focus on a specialty population that I had a passion for (pediatrics) and provided me with the extra clinical hours to feel more confident in my new position as an APRN. > CS: I am so glad that I chose to pursue graduate education at MUSC. The supportive, nurturing atmosphere and dedication of and accessibility to the exceptional faculty made a tremendous difference to my success as a student. They want you to succeed, and as a result you believe you can succeed. I am proud to be a graduate of MUSC and believe that the DNP curriculum and extra clinical hours worked into the plan of study prepared me well.

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Alumni Connections

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Celebrating the past: Reunion of class of 1962 to these queries stimulated laughter and provoked thoughtful discussions.

Classmate Helen Bohlen Jeter, who became a faculty member at USC, also offered her thoughts and observations comparing graduate and baccalaureate nursing programs. One interesting fact to note is the entire Class of 1962 passed State Boards on their first attempt. They unanimously report that preparing for the exam was almost as stressful as receiving a, “See me, RC,” note from Miss Ruth Chamberlin.

Nineteen members of the Class of 1962 were able to attended one or more of the planned events: Patricia Benton Bell, Martha McKnight Blackwell, Sue Jones Cochran, Sylvia Cox Davis, Charlotte Lesemann Diegel, Linda

M

embers of the Class of 1962 gathered in Charleston

Maloch Fowler, Rachel B. Hart, Martha

January 22-24 to renew friendships, share stories

Martin Hausman, Miriam McMillan Hunter, Gloria Altman

and tour the MUSC campus. The office of Alumni

Infinger, Barbara Semken Jackson, Helen Bohlen Jeter,

Affairs assisted with planning the event.

Classmates gathered at the Holiday Inn in Mount Pleasant on Wednesday evening, for a brief reception

Virginia King, Linda Damon Manning, Sarah Ferguson Meyer, Catherine Brailsford Moore, Vivian Hill Owens, Bonnie Bloom Schrimpf, Geraldine McInnis Weaver.

followed by dinner at the Water’s Edge on Shem Creek.

The classmates encourage all alumni to plan a class

Thursday morning, Becky Dornisch, Interim Executive

gathering, support the Alumni Association and consider

Director and Shari Wise, Special Events Coordinator, MUSC

giving back by contributing to scholarships and other

Office of Alumni Affairs, and Laurie Scott, Director of

funds that will assure the continued success of the college.

Development for the College of Nursing, accompanied the group on a walking tour of the MUSC Simulation Center.

This was followed by a bus tour of the MUSC campus where Ms. Scott made a presentation on the College of Nursing.

Ms. Wise answered questions and described the growth of the university over the past 60 years, including plans for the future. The drive past Baruch Auditorium awakened memories of the class’ capping ceremony that occurred March 4, 1960.

Following the tours, classmates met at Eli’s on Meeting Street for lunch and then enjoyed walking to the Nathaniel

When learning of the College of Nursing’s No. 2 ranking

by U.S. News & World Report, many classmates were quick to disagree, proclaiming, “it’s ranked No. 1 as far as we’re concerned.”

Russell House. Alumna Sylvia Davis remarked, “It was very interesting to visit this lovely home, hearing the history as well as seeing the results of the restoration that remains in progress.” Classmate Linda Manning, a docent at the home, arranged and conducted the tour.

The grand finale was dinner at the Harbour Club where

Comments made about the class reunion included: “Our class unanimously and sincerely appreciates the education and life lessons that the College of Nursing provided each

classmate Sue Jones Cochran emceed the event and asked

of us that prepared us to have successful careers in a

each classmate to answer a series of questions. Responses

profession we love,” said Sylvia Davis.

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SPRING | SUMMER 2014

Above: Sue Jones Cochran models a cape, pin and cap that were worn by her classmates Right: (Seated L to R) Virginia King, Sue Jones Cochran, Sarah Ferguson Meyer, Martha McKnight Blackwell.

(Standing L to R) Sylvia Cox Davis, Rachel Ball Hart, Pat Benton Bell, Barbara Semken Jackson, Helen Bohlen Jeter, Catherine Brailsford Moore, Charlotte Lesemann Diegel, Linda Damon Manning

Catherine Brailsford Moore remarked, “What a time to remember! I think that Ruth Chamberlin would be very proud of our Class of 1962! Miss Chamberlin certainly challenged me, and if she had not I probably would not

CLASS OF ‘62 GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE

have completed my nursing degree. This “gathering” afforded me the opportunity to re-establish relationships that began in September 1959. I for one am grateful for the reconnection and hope we will continue to stay connected.”

Charlotte Lesemann Diegel expressed, “There was much warmth and caring expressed among the group for one another.”

Patricia Benton Bell shares, “It was so great seeing everyone as well as enjoying the time spent downtown Charleston, one of my favorite places to visit. The campus tour was a treat. My how MUSC has grown over the years since we graduated.”

“My husband and I had a wonderful time,” said Helen B. Jeter. “Our class is composed of a group of strong,

(Pictured L to R:) Martha M. Blackwell, Rachel Ball Hart, Pat Benton Bell, Sarah Ferguson Meyer, Sylvia Cox Davis, Barbara Semken Jackson, Virginia King, Vivian Hill Owens, Catherine Brailsford Moore, and Linda Damon Manning tour the MUSC Simulation Center.

accomplished, genuinely kind and caring women with whom I am proud to be associated. We enjoyed being with everyone who attended during the entire event, but the night at the Harbour Club was especially enjoyable. What a special time it was learning about our classmates as we each shared a life-changing event. Lots of reminiscing and many new memories were made during our reunion.”

Linda Manning remarked, “Sharing our experiences Thursday night opened the floodgates to so many memories. The tour of the Simulation Lab was fascinating.

Wouldn’t we have loved the opportunity to simulate all the procedures we were being taught?”

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Alumni Connections

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Things gone with the wind

T

he news in January that Alicia Rhett had died brought

Change was due, and happening all around us. We

so many memories and thoughts to mind. Miss Rhett,

had a faculty that included professors from the schools of

the actress who played Ashley Wilkes sister, India, in

medicine and pharmacy, as well as nursing. We were given

Gone With the Wind, was also a portrait artist in Charleston.

Had I not been in the Class of 1961 at the Medical College of South Carolina (MCSC*), I probably would never had known a cast member from that iconoclastic movie.

As our graduation approached, the class met to decide on a gift to give in our memory to the School of Nursing. I was elected to complete this project - an oil portrait of Dean Ruth Chamberlin. Miss Rhett was known for painting oils from photographs. When I called, I was invited to her Tradd Street home, where we had a nice A portrait painted by Alicia Rhett of Ruth Chamberlin, first dean of the visit and discussed the plans.

MCSC School of Nursing She was lovely and gracious.

We had contact several times and the portrait was beautiful when completed.

Miss Chamberlin was an incredible woman. Her education and experiences in World War II made her an exceptional role model and mentor. I got my share of notes reading, “See me, RC.” My hair was always over my collar and my shoes never polished well enough!

Ours was the last class to begin our training at Old Roper. We spent much of our clinical time in that building, which was completed in 1906. It is significant to me that my grandfather, Dr. G. Frank Heidt, medical class of 1911, was one of the earliest students to begin his medical school clinical work within those same walls. Exactly 100 years after his graduation I was able, at my Golden Grads Weekend, to also celebrate that event.

My classmates and I walked those worn wooden floors and tended patients in open wards of white painted iron beds. We washed, sharpened, packaged and sterilized most of our instruments and equipment. Privacy was fleeting.

Those experiences, in that setting, were soon to be “gone with the wind.”

We were in one of the first classes to live in the beautiful new School of Nursing building. During our freshman year another era was passing. For some time students from the University of South Carolina spent two years living and studying for their clinical education with us. The next year that program expanded to five years, all of which were spent in Columbia. No more yellow uniforms on the halls with our blue uniforms.

32

by Elizabeth W. Westphall, N’61

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SPRING | SUMMER 2014

a solid base in theory and the common sense ability to find answers. I practiced intermittently for over 40 years and in at least seven states. In every setting I found three-year diploma nurses to be the most adaptable and confident. I believe the MCSC graduates to be the cream of the crop. * MCSC became MUSC in 1969

Elizabeth Westphall

Elizabeth Williams Westphall (left) and Eva Bramfield Timbrook at a recent reunion

Alicia Rhett

February 1, 1915 – January 3, 2014 Alicia Rhett, one of the oldest surviving cast members of the film, Gone With the Wind, died in January. Born in Savannah, GA, she moved with her mother to Charleston after her father was killed in World War I. Miss Rhett was acting in local theater productions when she was spotted by a Hollywood director. In 1937, she won the role of India Wilkes, sister of plantation owner Ashley Wilkes, in the iconic film. According to Richard Harland Smith, a film writer, Miss Rhett would sketch her costars when they were off camera and send her drawings to the News & Courier.

Movie still from Gone with the Wind, Alicia Rhett (second from left) While the movie made Miss Rhett a recognizable face, she did not pursue stardom, choosing to reside in Charleston, rather than Hollywood. During her life, she developed a reputation as a talented portrait artist and was involved in several arts organizations. Miss Rhett never married.

V

CON Alumni Board hosts regional socials for grads

D

uring 2013, much of the work of the College of

got reacquainted with old and new graduates. Everyone

Nursing Alumni Board was focused on re-engaging

expressed interest in engaging with other alumni across the

our alumni. The board made two very important

region.

decisions. The first was to strengthen the board by assuring

At the second event at Dolce Vita Chocolate and Wine

statewide representation of our graduates. To accomplish

Tasting Room in Florence, eight alumni attended, and were

this, we restructured the board, creating two at-large board

joined by Ms. Landis, Ms. Wise, and Laurie Scott, College of

seats per SC region (Upstate, Midlands, Pee Dee).

Nursing’s development director

The second decision was to “go out to our alumni,” and

“It was fun and well worth the travel time to meet with

engage graduates closer to their homes. Wine and cheese

our alumni,” Ms. Landis reported. “Everyone I spoke with

socials have been scheduled in a city in each region. The

appreciated the board coming to them. They stated this was

target is to visit each region at least once in 2014 and to

a positive move by the board, and expressed a commitment

reconnect the alumni with the College of Nursing as well as

to reach out to other alumni for the next upstate social. We

one another. The board also is looking to recruit new board

also had two graduates express interest in filling the two

members to represent the state’s regions.

Upstate board seats at the Greenville event. These events

The year’s first two socials were held January 30 in Greenville, and on March 27 in Florence. At the first event,

were a success.

Additional alumni events are planned in Columbia for the

Cathy Landis, president of the College of Nursing Alumni

Midlands region and Charleston for the Lowcountry region.

Board, Becky Dornisch, interim executive director of

“Save the date” notices and invitations will be mailed to all

alumni affairs, and Shari Wise, special events coordinator,

alumni living in those regions. Information about upcoming

joined 15 alumni for a wine tasting at Total Wine and More.

alumni events also will be posted on the alumni tab on the

In addition to enjoying several great wines, attendees

College of Nursing’s website at www.musc.edu/nursing.

SAVE THE DATE Wine & Cheese Socials MIDLANDS REGION Thursday, May 22 | 6 - 8 p.m.

Location to be announced

LOWCOUNTRY REGION Thursday, June 26 | 6 - 8 p.m.

Location to be announced

DETAILS www.musc.edu/nursing

(click on the alumni tab)

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Alumni Connections

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Alumni spotlight: DNP graduate improves pediatric supportive care

Dr. Lya Stroupe (pictured left) discusses communication protocal with staff

While Dr. Stroupe excels as a leader in her field and as a MUSC CON alumnus, she also shines in her personal life. With a doctorate in piano performance and title of West Virginia Music Teacher of the Year, Dr. Stroupe teaches piano privately

L

ya Stroupe, DNP, graduated

as the PICU practice team, hospital-

from the DNP pediatric nurse

wide research council, and the WVUCH

practitioner program in May

Research Committee where she serves

2013. Her passion to enter the health care field came after she and her

as chairperson.

During her time in the DNP

husband lost their son, Ian Patrick

program, Dr. Stroupe’s process

when he was only 21-months old, from

improvement project (see p. 13)

complications of a heart defect.

examined the affects that of a

Prior to graduation, she worked at

computer-based, interactive,

West Virginia University Healthcare

educational intervention had on

Children’s Hospital (WVUCH) as a nurse

the number of supportive care team

in the pediatric intensive care unit

referrals by professional nurses in

(PICU). After she earned her degree,

a Level 1 children’s hospital and

she was named manager of nursing

improved communication with

research and professional development

parents. Guided by Stage Theory

at WVUCH. In this leadership position,

of Organizational Change using a

Dr. Stroupe oversees all of the nursing

pre- and post-intervention design,

research, the nurse extern program,

nurses demonstrated an increase in

new nurse hires and the nurse

referrals by almost 100 percent (average

residency program, and the clinical

from 25 to 51 referrals per month).

practice model program, which is a

Additionally, communication was

framework that is part of an electronic

reported with a 5 percent increase in

health record that allows the most

satisfaction by families of children. Dr.

comprehensive system for building

Stroupe’s project, “Process Improvement

interdisciplinary, evidence-based

for Pediatric Supportive Care,” was

care for patients. She also serves as

published in the December 2013 issue of The Journal of Hospice and Palliative

magnet program director and provides clinical work as a PNP. In addition to

Nursing, and her poster was presented

serving as president of Sigma Theta

at the annual National Association of

Tau International Society of Nursing -

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)

Alpha Rho Chapter, Dr. Stroupe serves

Conference in March in Boston.

on several hospital committees, such 34

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SPRING | SUMMER 2014

and accompanies instrumentalists and vocalists on the state, national and international levels. She also is the director of music and director of children’s education at Wesley United Methodist Church in Morgantown, WV. “The education I received from MUSC prepared me for the variety of roles that I now have from interfacing with nursing administration, leading nursing research as well as interactions with patients and families,” Dr. Stroupe says. “The MUSC faculty support and encouragement throughout the program and beyond has been immeasurable. The friendships that I have formed while at MUSC will last a lifetime.”

Giving Back

V

Nurse midwife made famous by LIFE Magazine, lives on through scholarship by Allyson Crowell, Development & Alumni Affairs

by W. Eugene Smith, LIFE Magazine, 1951

Ms. Callen was born in 1898 in

“I had heard of Maude Callen but

Florida. Orphaned as a young girl

didn’t know her complete story,” Ms.

with 12 sisters, she went to live with

Byrd said. “I realized she was a midwife.

her uncle, who numbered among the

One of my first thoughts out of school

country’s first black medical doctors.

was to go into midwifery, so it was

She learned techniques from him and

pretty incredible to read about her.”

studied at Florida A&M University and

Before nursing school, Ms. Byrd

the Georgia Infirmary in Savannah. She

earned a degree in economics and

moved to Pineville in the early 1920s

worked as a bank manager. “What I

as a medical missionary and remained

liked about banking was talking to

the catch-all health care provider for

people and learning about people, but

residents there for the next 50 years.

I did not like dealing with people’s

Maude Callen, known as the “Angel in Twilight,” was famous for providing tireless medical care to a desperately poor community.

N

urse Juliette Satterwhite remembers riding with her aunt, Maude Callen, in Ms.

Callen’s unmistakable big white Chevy on the way to deliver a baby in rural Pineville, SC.

money,” she said. “It’s interesting that I

in Twilight,” was famous in Pineville

images, Ms. Callen’s lifesaving heroism

for providing tireless

and dedication. Readers donated

stressful, but something about it is

medical care to a

enough money to open the clinic in her

different. It’s amazing to me how deep

desperately poor

name. In 1989 the Medical University

a relationship can get in the 12 hours

community. Ms.

of South Carolina awarded Ms. Callen

you work as a nurse for a patient. That’s

Satterwhite wanted

an honorary degree and established a

the part of being a nurse practitioner

to understand just

scholarship in her name.

that’s really exciting to me,” Ms. Byrd

Maude Callen, known as the “Angel

Callen

Her work was captured in a 1951 photo essay in LIFE Magazine, which showed, in stark black and white

Mary Beth Byrd,

what her aunt did on

moved from people’s money to people’s health.”

“You’d think that would be just as

explained.

those long visits to homes out in the

a student in MUSC’s

community.

Doctor of Nursing

honors the work ethic and compassion

Practice program,

of her late aunt, who always cautioned

shining,” Ms. Satterwhite remembered.

earned the Maude E.

against complaining and suggested

“When we went back, I had to sleep in

Callen Scholarship

taking action instead. Maude Callen

this year. She works

often quoted a Sam Walter Foss poem:

at Conway Medical

“Let me live in a house by the side of the

“When we started out, the sun was

the back of the car. It was the end of a long day.”

Ms. Satterwhite went on to spend

Satterwhite

Byrd

Center in the surgical unit with plans to become a family nurse practitioner.

Ms. Byrd, who pursued nursing as a

Ms. Satterwhite said the scholarship

road/And be a friend to man.”

Ms. Satterwhite said her aunt also advocated for health care education.

every summer with

second career, tries to take on minimal

“The scholarship can help carry on

her aunt, working

student loans each semester but faced

her legacy,” she said, “and teach health

alongside her at the

a challenge with the number of books

professionals who make this world a

Maude Callen Clinic

that her most recent coursework

better place.“

in Pineville. “I can always remember

required. The Maude E. Callen

her telling me I was going to be a good

Scholarship helped offset that financial

nurse,” Ms. Satterwhite said.

burden.

SPRING | SUMMER 2014

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35

Lines of Life

“I have an almost complete disregard of precedent, and a faith in the possibility of something better. It irritates me to be told how things have always been done. I defy the tyranny of precedent. I go for anything that might improve the past.�

- Clara Barton

Spanning Generations of Nursing Education Mrs. Nina Allsbrook Smith, a 1926 College of Nursing alumnae, made a gift in 1993 that it is still funding this generation of nursing students.

You can play an important role in ensuring that nurses in the next generation will have the support needed for an exceptional education.

Leave a legacy for the next generation with a gift from your estate plan.

Consider a bequest or charitable gift annuity to fund a scholarship or provide other support to the MUSC College of Nursing.

For more information, contact Laurie Scott at 843-792-8421 or scotlk@musc.edu.

NON-PROFIT US Postage

PAID 99 Jonathan Lucas Street MSC 160 Charleston, SC 29425-1600

Permit # 254 Charleston, SC

Taking Nursing to a Higher Level NO. 2

BEST ONLINE GRADUATE NURSING PROGRAM

by US News & World Report

Educating and inspiring nurses to become leaders of tomorrow through accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP and accelerated PhD programs.

The College of Nursing is on the cutting edge of nursing education, research, and practice. It shines in the use of innovative technologies to enhance learning, including our dynamic online programs of study.

Most importantly, our nursing graduates assume leadership roles throughout the state and beyond and actively shape the health care of tomorrow.

Changing What’s Possible in Nursing Education

www.musc.edu/nursing