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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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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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. 14
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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
16
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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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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
V
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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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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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?” FALL | WINTER SPRING | SUMMER 2013 2014
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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
Lifelines
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
