Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing Alumni Newsletter 2020

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER 2020

The Year of the

NURSE A Theme of Recognition

UW Basic BSN junior student Cassidy Moore (left) and her cousin, UW nursing alumna Krista Borrego, RN, BSN ’12, pose in front of wall artist Austin Zucchini-Fowler’s “Healthcare Hero” mural in Denver, Colorado.

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LETTER FROM THE DEAN Feeling gratitude, and not expressing it, is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

— William Arthur Ward

GIVING RECOGNITION WHERE RECOGNITION IS DUE What an honor it was to have this year of 2020 recognized by the World Health Organization as “The Year of the Nurse and Midwife”. Within months of the year starting, it was clear how important nurses are to healthcare as the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to take hold across the globe. The year of the nurse is in Sherrill J. Smith RN, PhD, CNL, CNE recognition of the 200th Colonel, USAFR, NC (Ret) anniversary of the birth of the first professional nurse, Florence Nightingale. As such, I think it is fitting to focus on the theme of recognition for this newsletter.

First of all, I would like to recognize the faculty and staff of the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing for their continued efforts to support the needs of our students despite the continuing pandemic. Our faculty and staff worked together over a short period of time to identify how to continue to provide support to our students as the campus closed and clinical agencies asked that our students not be present due to shortages of PPE and increased patient demands. In addition, our students were both flexible and resilient as they maneuvered the course and clinical changes to succeed despite the numerous stresses and challenges. Many of our students and faculty continued to support efforts not only locally but in hotspots like New York to continue to provide care assistance during the crisis as well as manage changes at home and at the university.

We also would like to recognize all of our alumni, community agencies, Friends, and donors. The Fay W. Whiney School of Nursing has been blessed to continue to have the support of your time, your thoughts, and

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your gifts. Our students’ success would not have been possible without all of our partners, and we are grateful we have been able to support both our spring and summer graduates to an on-time graduation. Many traditions were put on hold this spring like our annual Scholarship Day, our Willow Ceremony, and most importantly our Convocation. However, again our faculty and staff stepped up to find alternative means to celebrate the accomplishments of our 2020 graduates with a virtual ceremony. It is available at https://youtu.be/kzlUu9e0i_g if you haven’t seen it.

We would also like to recognize all nurses, including our outstanding alumni, who have made a difference in the lives of patients, families, and communities. We would especially like to recognize the nurses and other healthcare workers who have worked tirelessly to provide care in unprecedented times despite less than optimal conditions helping patients tackle an unknown disease.

And, we most appreciatively recognize those healthcare personnel who have lost their lives supporting this pandemic—our healthcare heroes. We recognize and remember their hard work and dedication and send our most sincere condolences to their families. A list of names can be found at: https://www.nursingworld.org/ana/ about-ana/nightingale-tribute/ The year has been one that has seen not only a pandemic, but the raising of voices to highlight the many injustices that still persist in our communities. As we enter this fall, we will continue to adapt to the circumstances to provide the education our students need to be successful in this new, complex care environment. This includes ensuring our students have the most up-to-date infection control and population heath-based information. In addition, we also stand by the ethical principles of nursing and our role in preparing a nursing workforce that recognizes the unique needs and inherent dignity and worth of every individual. As Florence Nightingale once said, I think one’s feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results (https://www. nursebuff.com/florence-nightingale-quotes/). We are ready to take action and lead our students to move forward in addressing the health inequities that exist despite the

numerous advances in healthcare today.

As such, we have made changes to be implemented this fall, including instituting holistic admission requirements that will allow us to review new student applicants in a way that recognizes their unique background and not just their grade point average. We will also be reexamining our student and faculty Nightingale Pledge to see how we can all commit to the principles of equity and social justice.

As I write this annual letter, it is hard to believe a year has passed since I stepped onto the UW campus. I am humbled by the many blessings that have been bestowed upon the school over this past year and grateful to be part of an incredible community here at the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing. This truly is the year of the nurse and I look forward to continuing to celebrate the successes of all nurses locally, nationally, and globally.

Go Pokes!

Sherrill J. Smith Dean and Professor

COWBOYS CAN SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID From the Dean of the University of Wyoming Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing: “The American Nurses Association, The American Medical Association, and the American Hospital Association have recently joined together to issue a letter outlining steps to halt the spread of the COVID virus. Read the letter here.

These steps include wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distancing, and frequent hand washing. Together, following these simple steps we Cowboys can slow the spread of the virus—Go Pokes!”

— Sherrill Smith, Dean RN, PhD, CNL, CNE

In this issue The Year of the Nurse.......................................................4–6

Community Partner Awards 2020............................14-15

Pandemic Ponderings........................................................ 7-9

Distinguished Alumna and UWAANC update........... 16

Faculty Research & Publications................................ 10-11

Donors and scholarship awards.................................17–18

School Update................................................................... 12-13

Truly A Wyoming Company.............................................. 19

Cover image: The photo was taken by Borrego’s sister, also a nurse: Jenessa Guevara, RN, BSN. We thank Austin Zucchini-Fowler for his permission to let UW use this picture with his inspirational artwork in this publication. Austin Zucchini-Fowler, austinzart.com 03

THE YEAR OF THE NURSE INTRODUCTION FROM THE DEAN: A unique aspect of our DNP program is coursework specific to understanding principles related to health behavior and applying those principles in encouraging behavior change to promote health. In this article by Dr. Jenifer Thomas—one of our DNP faculty—we get a better understanding of health behavior and what we are seeing in this unprecedented pandemic.

HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND COVID — JENIFER THOMAS, PHD

Jenifer Thomas, PhD Associate Professor, Nursing

In this pandemic, almost every behavior is a health behavior physical distancing, mask wearing, sharing information (correct or incorrect), attending group gatherings, hoarding resources, and so on. The fields of social and health psychology offer approaches to understanding group and individual responses to this health crisis.

Social psychology is the study of how we influence and are influenced by other people (Aronson, Wilson, Akert, & Sommers, 2019). For example, individual behaviors and reactions related to COVID-19 can be explained by in group/out group bias, prejudice, stereotypes, and social norms. Social exchange theory describes interactions as a form of negotiation and exchange of resources (Schneider, Gruman, & Coutts, 2005, Chapter 13). People will give more than they receive so long as they expect to receive a long-term benefit from the relationship. “I will wear a mask and others understand the importance of wearing a mask and therefore I feel safe.” Right now, even though health professionals state the long-term benefit of our prevention behaviors, individuals may not believe their individual behavior will make a difference because others are not participating in the recommended behaviors (e.g., viral videos of confrontations regarding mask wearing).

Many people may not understand or appreciate how their individual behavior affects society as a whole. The fundamental attribution error is defined as the tendency for people to have a cognitive bias of explaining the actions of others based on personality or dispositional factors; they are “that kind of person” (Aronson et al., 2019). The definition also emphasizes that we underestimate the

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influence of context on others’ behaviors (e.g., what would be normal or expected in the situation). For example, we may blame COVID-19 risk behaviors (e.g., not physical distancing, improper hand hygiene or other protections) on the individual rather than on the social environment or norms. “They should know better than to be without a mask and must be a selfish person.” Yet, we do not know the other circumstances that influence their decision.

Mask wearing may appear to be an accepted social norm in general, but this may not be the case in particular social groups. Prosocial behavior is defined as behavior that benefits other people or society (Aronson et al., 2019).

Many factors influence prosocial behaviors including empathy, parental encouragement during childhood, natural selection, reciprocity, presence of others, etc.

For example, even though physical distancing and mask wearing will benefit other people and society, not all individuals will participate in these behaviors because they may believe that because others are physical distancing and wearing masks it is okay for them not to (diffusion of responsibility). “Everyone here is wearing a mask and if I don’t wear mine I am still safe.” It cannot be assumed that health behavior will be prosocial!

Health psychologists use theories of behavior change to explain, understand, and predict health behavior (Hilliard, Riekert, Ockene, & Pbert, 2018). Perceptions of health and illness, which affect behavior, are influenced by beliefs, attitudes, context, and self-efficacy (Petrie & Weinman, 1997, Chapter 7). Perceptions of COVID-19 can be affected by beliefs about one’s susceptibility to COVID-19 and the severity of COVID-19 (Health Belief Model); attitudes about the consequences of and norms related to physical distancing and mask wearing (Theory of Planned Behavior); beliefs about one’s ability to effectively physical distance and wear a mask (Social Cognitive Theory, self-efficacy). Therefore, an individual is more likely to participate in risk-reducing behaviors if they believe they are susceptible to COVID-19, “I could contract COVID-19 from close contact with an infected person”; believe COVID-19 is serious, “The disease is highly contagious and the symptoms can be severe”; have a positive attitude about the effectiveness of risk-reducing

behaviors, “I do not mind wearing a mask in public places”; are part of a social group that has confidence in the effectiveness of risk-reducing behaviors, “My friends and I are careful to meet in smaller groups with plenty of space between us”; and believe they can effectively practice the risk-reducing behaviors, “I can wear a mask when grocery shopping”.

During this pandemic, we can apply behavior change concepts for the purpose of understanding individual participation in behaviors that can slow the spread of COVID-19. However, behavior change is a complex process and many factors can influence health behaviors.

Making assumptions about behavior or criticizing health behaviors may not be an effective approach to behavior change for COVID-19. Instead, conversations with the goal of understanding another person’s point of view may lead to greater empathy and appreciation for the variety of experiences related to this health crisis.

References: Aronson, E., Wilson, T., Akert, R., & Sommers, S. (2019). Social psychology (10th ed.). Pearson Publishing.

Hilliard, M., Riekert, K., Ockene, J., & Pbert, L. (2018).

The handbook of health behavior change. (5th ed).

Springer Publishing.

Petrie, K., & Weinman, J. (1997). Perceptions of health and illness. Harwood Academic Publishers.

Schneider, F., Gruman, J., & Coutts, L. (2005). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. Sage Publishing.

The following article is a terrific summary of health behavior change concepts that apply to COVID-19: “Slowing down the covid-19 outbreak: changing behaviour by understanding it - The BMJ” https://blogs. bmj.com/bmj/2020/03/11/slowing-down-the-covid-19outbreak-changing-behaviour-by-understanding-it/

Above: No one has trouble with individuals in the medical profession wearing masks. Masks are accepted and expected behavior in the medical profession. Pictured is Sierra Vetter, UW Basic BSN nursing student, preparing to give a flu shot at the outdoor drive-by flu clinic this fall, just outside War Memorial Stadium in Laramie.

Photo by Kristin Kapeles, UW Graduate Assistant Left: …But wearing masks all the time—inside and out—is a different situation. Thomas says: Right now, even though health professionals state the long-term benefit of our prevention behaviors, individuals may not believe their individual behavior will make a difference because others are not participating in the recommended behaviors (e.g., viral videos of confrontations regarding mask wearing).”

UW Photo – Danielle Ernste, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Biology major, wearing her mask on the UW campus.

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THE YEAR OF THE NURSE Nancy McGee on Telehealth

Nancy McGee, DNP, APRN-BC Clinical Associate Professor

A UW news article published out this summer showing how clinicians are readying for a different way to interact with patients, accelerated by the COVID-19 crisis. UW Educational Health Clinics features an interview with UW Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Doctor of Nursing Practice Program faculty, Nancy McGee, DNP, APRN-BC.

“Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Albany Community Health Clinic (ACHC) team had been working to expand telebehavioral health

services (a form of telehealth) in an attempt to increase access to behavioral health treatment throughout our rural state,” says Nancy McGee. “We were fortunate to have already developed telehealth policies and procedures, and had begun the early implementation phases of telebehavioral health services in the weeks prior to the outbreak,” states McGee in the article.

The article continues, “Moving behavioral health appointments to telehealth platforms allowed the behavioral health providers to work remotely, thus reducing the number of patients and providers on-site at the clinic each day. Primary care also has shifted health care delivery models to telehealth platforms – phone and secure Zoom.”

“I think the innovation that has come out of this crisis will ultimately move health care forward,” McGee says.

“In many ways, telehealth has allowed me to continue interacting with patients in the same way we always have. In a state like Wyoming, with critical health care provider shortages in many communities, my hope is that telehealth is here to stay.”

“Pictured is a scene now common with COVID-19, but something in place even prior to the pandemic outbreak, since clinicians such as Nancy McGee had been ‘working to expand telebehavioral health services in an attempt to increase access to…treatment throughout our rural state.’” Photo from UW database showing exemplary distance meeting.

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“Something I learned the other day,” says alumna Dani Johnson (BSN ’13; MS ’19), “was to always be ready for anything, even amidst a pandemic. We are always on the lookout for the typical COVID symptoms, and I had a patient come in that had shortness of breath and a couple other things. I ended up doing an EKG on this patient and realized this person was having an active heart attack! Not what I was expecting!”

Pictured is Dr. Amy Hills (left), a provider working with Johnson (right) at a clinic in Central Colorado earlier in 2020.

Krista (Moore) Borrego, BSN ’12, was designated along with the nurses on her floor COVID-19 nurses at Denver Health Medical Center.

“Though frightened, we all had a sense of duty: this is what we signed up for, to help others and to save lives.

“The ‘healthcare hero,’ a mural by Austin Zucchini-Fowler in Denver, has shown us the silver lining and has become a symbol of hope in a desperate time for healthcare workers around the world. Here, I proudly stand with the hero and one of the many heroes of the next generation of nursing: my cousin, Cassidy Moore. [Cassidy is a junior nursing major at UWYO this year.]

She is standing up headstrong, and brave. I could not be more proud of her and the fellow healthcare/nursing students who are watching this pandemic unfold — and yet, their minds are made up. Like so many of us, they were born to help.

“Thank you to the Fay W, Whitney School of Nursing for teaching me my life’s passion and for providing education to the future of healthcare.”

“t his is what we signed up for.”

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Anne Peick, 2020 BRAND graduate, experienced her Capstone for BRAND this past summer.

“Capstone has traditionally consisted of 12-weeks of experience with a nurse preceptor at a Wyoming hospital,” begins Anne Peick, “and students often are able to complete the Capstone in their home communities. But because of COVID, our class’ Capstone was shortened to 6-weeks, and some of our class had to travel beyond our home communities.

The travel/relocation meant additional financial and logistical details to manage, in what was already a busy summer semester complicated by the pandemic.

We were very grateful to a generous donor who offered a small grant to BRAND students to offset the increased costs of completing the Capstone in another community.”

Amelia Woodside, BRAND program graduate August 2020, sent this picture during her Capstone clinical component. She was exhausted, just coming off a late night clinical assignment.

“Working in the ER in one of our capstone clinicals across Wyoming was particularly interesting,” wrote Woodside, “because we now know that signs/symptoms of COVID-19 manifest in nefarious ways, i.e., generalized malaise, GI distress, etc. Taking extra precautions in an ER setting is of paramount importance, and I couldn’t be more grateful to participate in this once-in-a-life-time training opportunity.

“Triaging for COVID-19 has turned traditional principles of triage sideways.”

Nicole Sandal, Basic BSN senior student fall 2020 “I’m still not really sure what to think about COVID,” says Nicole Sandal, Basic BSN senior. “If I’ve learned anything during this pandemic, it is that healthcare never stops.

Throughout all of these changes, nurses have continued to work day in and day out to keep our communities healthy and safe. I feel honored to be entering a profession that has earned so much respect and trust.

It is increasingly apparent that nurses must be ready and willing to adapt to any situation.”

Cristina Gonzalez, online BSN Completion Program student, shares...

“When I began the journey of BSN Completion online through UWYO, it was challenging enough to balance home, school, and work. In March, when the paradigm shifted, I was then balancing the home-school-work roles while riding the grand wave of anxiety with every person in the world (or so it felt). Fifteen weeks later I had personally performed over 4,000 nasopharyngeal swabs, Fremont County had had three spikes of COVID-19, our transient community from the Wind River Reservation had been set up on Powwow grounds in makeshift emergency housing, and a revolution in understanding that systemic racism is alive in the fabric of American culture with the many vigils and protests following the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. It feels like a lifetime of practicing compassion, selflessness, and patience has been jam packed in to 15 weeks like edematous legs in a pair of TED hose.

“At the beginning of summer semester I realized I had one too many classes on my plate. I stayed enrolled in Health Disparities, as it felt like the prompts throughout this important and emotionally invigorating period in my life would serve as a scholarly diary of the reality I face on the day to day: the love for my children and family sharpened by the blessings we have and the challenge to articulate my fears and anger about a pandemic compounded with racial disparity and visa versa. I am oddly grateful for this period in my life as a Wyoming nurse.”

Jayson Simpson, Basic BSN Program Graduate May 2020 “It has been a particularly interesting time because of the pandemic situation with the COVID-19,” says Simpson. “A lot of patients [in his capstone experience in an Emergency Department setting in Wyoming] were coming in with concern about this virus. As a nurse, being at the ‘front hands’ of this pandemic was special, because these patients potentially needed the treatment in order to progress towards their norm, and you were there to help. At times it was frightening, but at the end of the day, I knew that this job requires risk in order to help the patient at hand.”

“Overall, this experience was amazing and something that I will never forget going forward with my career.”

Picture: Simpson works with a simulator manikin in the Clinical Simulation Center within the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing facilities.

“t his experience was amazing and somet hing t hat I will never forget going forward wit h my career.”

Giavanna Marchetti, UW BSN Completion 2020 August graduate, stepped up to be counted among the heroic folks of our age, a “soldier” going into the heat of a new kind of battle. Marchetti volunteered as a nurse to go and assist New York City’s medical profession in the overwhelming flood of COVID-19 cases that have ravaged the population there, and also put her name in to go internationally to “hot spots”. Marchetti says her courage comes “from my faith, to put it simply. I got my nursing license so as to serve others.”

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FACULTY RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS GRANTS AND FUNDING Carron, R. (PI), Bush, E., Singh, R., Kooienga, S., Alvero, R., & Rankin, J. Research, Sharon S. Humenick Enrichment Fund, Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing, University of Wyoming, “An Institutional ethnographic analysis of online open support groups for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, PI, $5,000.00, 2019-2021 (Funded) PUBLICATIONS Carron, R. (2020). Health disparities in American Indians/Alaska Natives: Implications for nurse practitioners. The Nurse Practitioner, 45(6), 26-32. DOI: 10.1097/01.NPR.0000666188.79797.a7 Carron, R., Kooienga, S., Gilman-Kehrer, E., Alvero, R., & Boyle, D. K. (2019). Using the medicine wheel to study polycystic ovary syndrome in American Indian women. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice: An International Journal, 33(3), 246-256. http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1541.6577.33.3.246(Discovery/Integration/Application/Teaching Scholarship) Carron, R., Kooienga, S., Gilman-Kehrer, E., & Alvero, R. (2019). Cultural experiences, patterns, and practices of American Indian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: An ethnonursing study. Journal of Transcultural Nursing.

Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659619856670

Rebecca Carron, PhD, RN, NP-C

PUBLICATIONS Clarke, PN. Malone’s Vision of Diversity. Nursing Science Quarterly. 2020;33(3):225-225. doi:10.1177/0894318420920609 Clarke, PN, VanDriel MK. NurseTRUST: A Leadership Model for Advancing Population Health. Nursing Science Quarterly. 2020;33(2):132-135. doi:10.1177/0894318419898160 Clarke. PN. Nursing Theory Informs Dressage. Nursing Science Quarterly. 2020;33(1):35-37. doi:10.1177/0894318419881799 Clarke, PN. Collaboration as Leadership. Nursing Science Quarterly. 2019;32(4):286-287. doi:10.1177/0894318419864338

Pamela Clarke, RN; MPH, PhD; FAAN

PUBLICATIONS Eisenmann, N. (2020). Differences between licensed healthcare professionals with substance use-related licensure discipline. Journal of Substance Use and Misuse (55) 12 p. 2035-2042. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2020.1788090 DOI 10.1080/10826084.2020.1788090 Eisenmann, N. (2020). An innovative clinical concept map to promote clinical judgment in nursing students. Journal of Nursing Education. In press.

Nancy Eisenmann, PhD; RN

Publications in Process AACN BSN outcomes and connection/disconnection with ADN programs

PAULA KIHN, DNP, RN

Revolutionizing Nursing Education in Wyoming (ReNEW) launched in 2010 with collaboration and communication regarding Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curricula revision, implementation, and refinement throughout the State of Wyoming. Beginning in 2019 Paula Kihn, Principal Investigator, received funding from the FWWSON Humenick Grant to fund research for data collection from stakeholders analyzing the curricula to determine AACN BSN outcomes and their connection or disconnection with ADN programs. Dissemination of research took place in August 2020 at the Wyoming Nurses Association Summit and in October 2020 at a FWWSON Lunchbox session. A manuscript for publication is currently in the works. ePortfolio Project In our rapidly changing culture of digital communication, learning, and education, the FWWSON has introduced a project to students engaging them with a professional ePortfolio. The BSN Completion ePortfolio project began with the creation of David Bodily’s ePortfolio assignment in the BSNC, but has since evolved. Paula Kihn envisioned a statewide ePortfolio project that would begin at the ADN level and then more seamlessly continue at the BSN Completion level for students matriculating from their respective community college. Initially, discussions took place with statewide faculty representatives, was approved by Dean Smith at the FWWSON allowing the ePortfolio Project to take on a new life. The ePortfolio Project is now being implemented in select ADN programs to allow BSNC students to integrate their work easily and more seamlessly in a professional format for potential employers, as well as share evidence of competency in ADN and BSNC outcomes.

Research regarding this project is pending advancement.

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Ann Marie Hart, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP

Nancy McGee, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Jenifer Thomas, PhD

Janet Willhaus, PhD, RN, CHSE, CHSOS

PRESENTATIONS Kaplan, L, Zwilling, J., Hart, A.M., & Knestrick, J (2020, May 20). Nurse practitioner readiness for rural practice.

Symposium presentation for the 43rd annual conference of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).

Kaplan, L. & Hart, A.M. (2020, April 25). Routes to rural readiness: Enhancing clinical experiences for nurse practitioner practice in rural primary care. Symposium presentation for the 46th annual meeting of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).

PUBLICATIONS Larson-Meyer, D.E., Schueler, J., Kyle, E., Hart, A.M., Austin, K., & Alexander, B. (in press) Appetite-regulating hormones in human milk: A plausible biological factor for obesity risk reduction? Journal of Human Lactation.

McGee, N., Proctor, J., Hart, A.M., & Burman, M. (in press). Reconsidering benzodiazepines and Z-drug prescriptions: Responsible prescribing and deprescribing. Journal for Nurse Practitioners Morse-Brady, J. & Hart, A.M. (2020. Prevalence and types of vaccination errors from 2009 to 2018: A systematic review of the medical literature. Vaccine, 38(7):1623-1629. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.11.078.

Hart, A.M. (2019). Preventing outpatient health care-associated infections. Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 15(6), 400404. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2019.01.016 GRANTS AND FUNDING Received, as Program Director/PI: HRSA grant Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (NEPQR: Behavioral Health Integration Program). Award amount $1,500,000 over three years.

Funding 7/1/2020 – 6/30/23 Co-Investigator, Research, Wyoming INBRE Grant, Acute Effects of Prescription Stimulant Medication on Cognition and Mood in College Students with and without ADHD. (PI/Project Investigator: J. Vasko and C. Hartung, University of Wyoming, Co-Investigators: A. Looby, & D. Smith, University of Wyoming). 9/1/2019 – 05/31/2020, (Funded) PRESENTATIONS (Invited) McGee, N. & Proctor, J. (2019). Reconsidering the use of benzodiazepines: An evidence-based perspective. Wyoming Council for Advanced Practice Nurses, 2019 Advanced Practice Forum. Lander, WY, October 4-5. Podium Presentation.

McGee, N. & Proctor, J. (2019). Improving Wyoming’s mental health: The critical role in nursing. Wyoming Nurses Association 2019 Wyoming Nursing Summit & Convention. Lander, WY, October 3. Podium Presentation.

McMurry Funded Project ECHO: Integrative Care: Primary Care and Mental Health. Assisted in coordination as well as presented three sessions last academic year.

PUBLICATIONS McGee, N., Proctor, J., Hart, A.M., & Burman, M. 2020. Reconsidering Benzodiazepines and Z-drug Prescriptions: Responsible Prescribing and Deprescribing. The Journal of Nurse Practitioners. doi: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.08.004 RESEARCH FOCUS Promote health behavior change by examining psychosocial and cultural factors. Special interests in risk perception and communication as related to type 2 diabetes prevention; health disparities associated with type 2 diabetes risk among individuals in rural areas.

GRANTS AND FUNDING Research, University of Wyoming Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing Sharron S. Humenick Nursing Enrichment Fund, Diabetes prevention interventionist training program for pre-professional students in the health sciences. PI/Project Director: J. Thomas, 2019-2020 KEY PUBLICATIONS Thomas, J., Lutes, L., Smirnova, E., Das, B., Huzurbazar, S., Aldrich, L., & Lee, M. (2019). Self-concept in the context of diabetes prevention: Development of the lifestyle health-related self-concept (Lifestyle-HRSC) questionnaire. American Journal of Health Promotion, 33(3), 452-456.

Vincente, A., Candila, J., Thomas, J., Gomez Aguilar, P., & Oliva, C. (2019). Living with type 2 diabetes in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico: A phenomenological study. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 3, 214-221.

GRANTS AND FUNDING Research in progress: Use of Simulation and Standardized patients in an Online Genetics Program. eCampus Research Fellowship, PI Janet Willhaus, October 2019-Aug 2020. $5,000 ORAL PRESENTATIONS (Peer Reviewed / International) Patterson, K, Eaton, C, Nevins, A, Lowther, M, & Willhaus, J. (2020). Managing a Standardized Patient ProgramPerspectives from Experts to Novices. International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare, San Diego, CA. Panel Presentation. (Recorded for IMSH online education.)

Kepler, J., Willhaus, J., & Reynolds, A. (2020). Help, My Technology has Failed: Demystifying the trouble shooting process. International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare, San Diego, CA. Hot Topic presentation.

PUBLICATIONS (Peer reviewed / Non-invited Refereed Data-based) Willhaus, J. (accepted for publication) Knowledge and Attitude change about poverty among interprofessional health professions students. RN Idaho 11

SCHOOL UPDATE Faculty and Staff Awards

New Faculty

Paula Belknap, PhD, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CNE COW AWARD 2020 “Communication of Wisdom”

Ashley Lair, RN, MSN Assistant Lecture

Paula Belknap readily shares her expertise with faculty and students regarding distance and concept-based education, simulation, implementation of an interactive classroom, acute care, and most recently, using technology for distance education necessitated by COVID-19. Due to her experience with the ReNEW [Revolutionizing Nursing Education in Wyoming] curriculum from its inception and embracing the focus on concept-based education, Belknap presented a concept-based education workshop for SON faculty along with faculty Christina Warren.

Belknap mapped out concepts throughout the curriculum, spearheading the transition to concept-based textbooks and how best to use resources to enhance student learning. She also worked with faculty to provide concept-based clinical experiences in all clinical settings.

K. David Bodily, MS, RN, CHSE WNA 2020 “Inspiring our Future Nurses Award”

The Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA) this fall announced K. David Bodily as recipient of “Inspiring our Future Nurses Award,” given annually to a WNA member nursing instructor who has been a positive influence on the future nurses of Wyoming. Bodily is associate lecturer as well as program director for UW ReNEW and RN-BSN nursing programs.

A seasoned instructor, he “embodies the faculty role that involves teaching, advising, service, and professional development,” says UW Nursing Dean Sherrill Smith, “and has had an invaluable impact on our future Wyoming baccalaureate prepared nurses.”

Student Convocation Awards 2020 Artzer, Emily of Platteville, CO (BSN Completion): Gertrude Gould Memorial Award for demonstrating excellence in public health nursing Blankenburg, Elsa of Fair Oaks, CA (Basic BSN): Amelia Leino Memorial Award for demonstrating academic excellence Donaldson, Jayme of Casper, WY / (DNP-PMHNP): 2020 DNP Project Excellence Award for excellence in DNP scholarship and the Susan McCabe Psychiatric/Mental Health Graduate Award for demonstrating academic excellence, passion for knowledge, and superior clinical practice Dunn, Stephen of Driggs, ID / (BRAND): Dorothy Tupper Senior Memorial Award for demonstrating caring, compassion, and interpersonal communication

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Ashley Lair, an alumna of the UW FWWSON nursing program, says this will be her first year in a faculty role. She is excited to be back in Laramie. “Throughout my career I have enjoyed working with students and mentoring new nurses in various settings. Along with being back at UW, I am excited to have the opportunity to work with students every day.”

Janet Willhaus, PhD, RN, CHSE, CHSOS Associate Professor

Janet Willhaus will step into a new role for her as a faculty member in the Masters of Nursing Education and Leadership program.

“I hope to help our nursing workforce understand how critical they are to setting the example and influencing policy.”

Nancy Eisenmann, PhD, RN Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing

Nancy Eisenmann is the first to step into a new faculty position shared by UWFWWSON and Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. In this academicpractice partnership, both entities seek to enhance patient care outcomes through implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP).

Retired Faculty

Mary Burman, PhD, FAANP, FAAN Emeritus Professor

Mary Anne Purtzer, PhD, RN Emeritus Associate Professor

Linda Williams, MS RN

Dyson, Emily of Parker, CO / (Basic BSN): Lina Kennedy White Memorial Award for demonstrating interest in and aptitude for gerontology Gulbrandson, Kimberly of Rawlins, WY / (BRAND): Passion for Nursing Award for demonstrating passion in nursing Johnston, Juston of Laramie, WY / (DNP-FNP): Change Agent Award for demonstrating commitment to improving and changing health Judkins, Heather of Lander, WY / (DNP-PMHNP): Dr. Patsy Hesen Haslam Leadership Award for demonstrating leadership & grace Kindt, Jenna of Colorado Springs, CO / (Basic BSN): Carol Macnee Scholarship Award for demonstrating excellence in scholarship and/or research

PRECEPTOR RECOGNITION 2020 Basic BSN PRECEPTOR AWARD: Laressa Branson, RN

McKee Medical Center • Loveland, Colorado In her 15 years of experience as a nurse, my preceptor was a travel RN, worked in the wound clinic, amassed multiple certifications, is currently working on a master’s degree and is now an ER Charge Nurse. I feel lucky enough to have had the chance to work with someone so passionate for her career.

She always focused on how to help me reach my goals, and was an amazing teacher who fostered the mindset of using critical thinking, helping to grow my confidence and cultivating my independence.

She also wanted to make sure I was always learning. If there was a code, or someone going to the Cath lab, she would check to make sure that nurse was okay with me joining in- and soon, I was able to self-advocate for helping or seeing other procedures or cases with different nurses as timing was appropriate.

As we got started working together, she let me take over one patient who had an easy case load – so I could think of a few potential diagnoses, think of what the doctors were going to want (labs, scans, etc..), and learn how to time manage orders with patients requests.

As time went on, Laressa challenged me by letting me take on 2-3 patients consistently during the day. When I was able to successfully complete the tasks of multiple patients, I felt as if I could do this on my own someday. The ER is a faster pace—something I thrive in—and she helped me by giving pointers on how best to balance organization and personality in that environment.

Although I was a student, she made me feel as if I were part of the team and nurse family.

— Hayley Stromberg, Basic BSN Student 2020

PRECEPTOR RECOGNITION 2020 BRAND PRECEPTOR AWARD: BRENDA EATON, RN

Memorial Hospital of Carbon County • Rawlins, Wyoming Brenda was a major influence in my capstone experience. She was patient, kind, and open for any question thrown at her. Her guidance led me to believe in myself and allow me to learn in a comfortable environment. She pushed me, but not past my limits. She acknowledged my strengths and weaknesses. My clinical experience was one for the books, and she helped give me a strong desire to continue this journey I am on. I am thankful for Brenda, and strive to be half the nurse she is one day! ” — Kimberly Gulbrandson, BRAND Student 2020

Kolkman, Kelsey of Cheyenne, WY / (Basic BSN): School of Nursing Spirit Award for demonstrating exceptional spirit and enthusiasm

Skaar, Torey of Laramie, WY / (Basic BSN): Gertrude Gould memorial Award for demonstrating excellence in public health nursing

McCoy, Bailey of Casper, WY / (Basic BSN): Dorothy Tupper Senior Memorial Award for demonstrating caring, compassion, and interpersonal communication

Skagen, Greta, of Cheyenne, WY / (DNP-FNP): DNP Project Excellence Award, for demonstrating excellence in DNP scholarship

Nazminia, Jenna of Cheyenne, WY / (DNP-FNP): Dr. Patsy Hesen Haslam Leadership Award for demonstrating leadership & grace

Smith, Alexandra of North Pole, AK / (Basic BSN): Rudolph “Rudy” & Louise Anselmi & Jeri Kirk Family Trust Nursing Scholarship for demonstrating leadership & responsibility

Palczer, Nicholas of Cheyenne, WY / (BSN Completion): Professional Nurse Award for demonstrating excellence in practice, community service and professional service

Sullivan, Crysta, of Gillette, WY / (DNP-FNP): DNP Project Excellence Award, for demonstrating excellence in DNP scholarship

Peick, Anne, of Lander, WY / (BRAND): Beverly McDermott Award for demonstrating leadership & political activism

Thiele, Nicole of Buffalo, WY / (Basic BSN): Beverly McDermott Award for demonstrating leadership and political activism

Petrus, Daniel of Dubois, WY / (BRAND): Rudolph “Rudy” & Louise Anselmi & Jeri Kirk Family Trust Nursing Scholarship for demonstrating leadership & responsibility

Williamson, Travis of Rapid City, SD / (DNP-PMHNP): 2020 DNP Project Excellence Award for demonstrating excellence in DNP scholarship 13

COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARDS 2020 Basic BSN Community Partner Award: Johnson County Healthcare Center, Buffalo, Wyoming Basic BSN (on-campus BSN program option) faculty at UWFWWSON are pleased to recognize Johnson County Healthcare Center as their 2020 Community Partner.

Here’s why— Kimberly Raska-Miller, Pre-Licensure Programs Director, wrote the following glowing nomination: “Mary Litzel, Chief Nursing Officer at Johnson County Healthcare Center (JCHC), is always willing to offer student placements. Even though a small facility, JCHC is usually the first to say ‘yes!’ to student placements, regularly taking two of our capstone students for the semester.

Staff are always welcoming, and nurses have an incredible knowledge base to share with our students. The nurses are experts in everything, and students are impressed and amazed by the myriad of patients they see on the Medical/Surgical floor or in the Emergency Room on any given day. The nurses handle each patient adeptly and patiently, explaining thought processes to student nurses—which helps to increase their clinical judgement and critical thinking skills.”

Raska-Miller continues her praise for JCHC and its nurses: “Not only do the nurses help educate our students, but they also take the student nurses under their wing by offering housing and engaging students with the 14

community. The Johnson County Healthcare Center placement is much more than a clinical experience for our students: The experience shows our students the importance and need for access to quality healthcare in rural communities, and also shows the power and significance of a commitment to the community. The Fay W Whitney School of Nursing is very fortunate to have such a strong community partner to help in educating and graduating quality nurses.”

BRAND Community Partner Award: Teton County Public Health, Jackson, Wyoming BRAND (accelerated second bachelor’s BSN program option) faculty choose to recognize Teton County Public Health in Jackson, Wyoming as their 2020 Community Partner.

Teton County Public Health in Jackson partnered with the BRAND program last spring to introduce students to community health nursing. Students were exposed to the many aspects of community nursing, including immunization and STD clinics, home visits for vulnerable patients, educational programs in the K-12 schools and community events, and disaster management. Students actively participated in providing immunizations, assessing patients and taking histories during clinic visits, attended home safety assessments, and witnessed the motivation

and striving for clients to improve their overall health and wellness with full support of the public health staff.

DNP Community Partner Award: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC)

The staff at Teton County Public Health graciously shared their time and expertise with each BRAND student throughout the rotation. They took special care to explain the role of public health to the community in times of uncertainty, which was especially valuable to students, as they attended their rotations in the early phases of the COVID crisis. The Teton County Public health nurses are a strong voice in helping seek needed resources for the community, and our students greatly appreciated the opportunity to share and learn from a team that represents the heartbeat of a community.

The DNP Program at the University of Wyoming Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing is pleased to recognize Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC) as its 2020 Community Partner.

“For many years, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has been a strong and committed partner of the DNP program,” says program director Ann Marie Hart.

“In particular, CRMC’s Behavioral Health Services and Cheyenne Regional Medical Group have consistently welcomed our students for clinical rotations. Their providers have arranged amazing clinical experiences and provided personalized mentorship for students.

Additionally, leadership from CRMC’s Performance Improvement Department has worked with our students to help them lead quality improvement projects required as their final project in the DNP Program. Furthermore, CRMC embraces nurse practitioner (NP) providers, and over the years has hired numerous graduates from both our DNP program and former Master’s NP program.

UW’s DNP program values its relationship with CRMC beyond measure. We could not produce high quality NPs without CRMC’s support.”

“(l-r): Brenda Burnett, WYPCA Clinical Quality Consultant, and Jan Cartwright, Executive Director, WYPCA, would be receiving the BSNC Community Partner Award in person in any other year but 2020!”

BSNC Community Partner Award: WPCA BSN Completion (online BSN program option) faculty are pleased to recognize Wyoming Primary Care Association as their 2020 Community Partner.

David Bodily, BSN Completion program director, wrote the following nomination: “The Wyoming Primary Care Association (WYPCA) has been instrumental in development of meaningful practice experiences for Wyoming’s ReNEW ADN students and graduates. We are grateful for their dedication to health in Wyoming through contributions to the nation’s only 100% shared baccalaureate nursing curriculum.

“WYPCA has helped design a context where students can apply their learning and understanding to real-world situations. These ‘Practice Experiences’ have benefits not only for students, but for the agencies that participate.”

“I absolutely loved my rotation at the Cheyenne Children’s Clinic! says Kristin Kapeles, DNP student. “Not only did the staff welcome me with open arms, but they fostered a learning environment for me where I could advance my clinical and critical thinking abilities. Collin Prince was my primary preceptor last spring, and I am fortunate to have spent time with such a passionate, intelligent, and empathetic provider.

His love for pediatric care was palpable each clinical day, which contributed to my enthusiasm to learn and step into the nurse practitioner role. I am so grateful for CRMC’s willingness to mentor UW nurse practitioner students, especially during these uncertain times. Supportive clinical sites, enthusiastic preceptors, and welcoming staff members are integral components of successful DNP training.”

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2020 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA Susan Boughn, MSN, EdD, (UW Undergraduate 3-year diploma, 1968)

Susan Boughn, MSN, EdD, FWWSON 2020 Distinguished Alumna, was selected for significant contributions to the nursing profession by promoting excellence in nursing education.

One nominator notes: “Dr. Boughn has received many awards, published fifteen plus articles in refereed journals, co-authored a book and contributed chapters in textbooks. She has presented at many national and regional conferences as invited expert speaker and with competitive refereed presentations. She is a recognized expert on autonomy (developed a nationally used tool) and women’s issues. She has touched the lives of many generations of nurses, inspiring them with her passion, expertise and dedication to professional nursing.

One nominator attended a lecture of Boughn’s at The College of New Jersey. After class, many students told “how wonderful Susan was to them, that there was a waiting list for her lectures—a true tribute to her as both lecturer and educator.”

EDUCATION: Boughn’s nursing education began at UW in 1965 through a 3-year diploma option offered by UW. She then completed her BSN and Masters of Science in Nursing at California’s San Jose State College. In 1986 she pursued a Doctorate of Education at Rutgers State University.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 2021 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Co-Presidents UWAANC:

Jenna Hluwood MS, RN, CNE

Holly Miller MS, RN, CNE

AWARDS: College Faculty Range Program Award for sustained meritorious work performance and achievement in teaching, scholarship and service; New Jersey Professor of the Year Award (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, Washington, D.C.); Delta Nu Research Awards (Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing); Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc., where she was recognized for support of minority women students. She has been heavily published and co-authored a book on “Aids – What Every Student Needs to Know.”

RESEARCH: Boughn’s research on women & violence was published in the international Journal of Nursing Scholarship.

A related project on trichotillomania was published in several journals, including an invited contribution to the Psychiatric Times (trade journal for professional psychiatrists). Boughn’s most exhilarating experience in her career was being invited in 1987 by the Chinese Nursing Association to lecture in the People’s Republic of China.

Boughn’s areas of expertise: public health, specializing in at risk populations; maternal & gynecologic health; and politicaleconomic-social issues.

Deadline: 5/1/2021 Submit nominations for the 2021 award online: www.uwyo.edu/nursing/alumni/alumni-distinguished/index.html

UW Alumni Association Nursing Chapter (UWAANC) Engaging alumni with students – through “new normal” virtual formats •C apstone Mentoring Program spring 2021: Currently working to place alumni mentors with students for Spring 2021. ZOOM, email texts and phone calls help establish and continue relationships throughout semester, allowing mentors from around the country to participate. Email hemiller1972@gmail.com with your interest.

•S peed Mentoring every fall: We are very proud of our dedicated alumni who are willing to share their experiences with students. This fall’s ZOOM talks were recorded and will be shown on the school’s Facebook.

•F all Resumé Blitz: Alumni donate time/expertise to review senior student résumés, assisting in job placement.

•A nnual Homecoming Reception was nixed due to COVID, but the Memorable Mentor Award was presented and will be showing up on Facebook. Nominate someone for this award—given to UW nursing graduate who has made an impact on the development and lifelong career of a registered nurse or other healthcare provider.

•M ock interviews: with senior students late fall annually. Interviews and debriefings to be held virtually.

•N ew Officer Elections: January 2021 / A vacancy will exist for Vice-President in January. Interested in running for any office? Contact us as noted below.

Email us if you have interest in participating in our events: uwnursingalumni@uwyo.edu

CALL FOR MEMORABLE MENTOR AWARD 2021 NOMINATIONS 16

WORK EXPERIENCE: While in school, Susan worked jobs from emergency nursing to public health nursing and ended with Professor, School of Nursing, The College of New Jersey, from 1993 until retiring in 2014.

Interested in joining the UWAANC? www.uwyo.edu/nursing/alumni/uwaanursing-chapter/uwaanc-membership.html

Deadline: 10/1/2021 • Submit nominations for the 2021 mentor award online: www.uwyo.edu/nursing/alumni/uwaa-nursingchapter/memorable-mentor-nomination-form.html

LIST OF DONORS TO SCHOOL (JUNE 2019-MAY 2020) A HUGE thank you to the following donors, who together contributed more than $530,000 in gifts as noted below.

Unrestricted Gifts Emmajean Amrhein Gaurdia Banister and Paul Smith William and Sharrese Bishop Lawrence Boram Scott and Lori Bowdler Dana and Tyler Brickell Al and Carolyn Carollo Suzey and Stephen Delger Janice and Stanley Denoo Mary and Herbert Donovan in honor of Carolyn Carollo Cary and Zane Durham in honor of Benjamin Wright Ramona Duskin Terri Erdman in memory of Marcia Dale Jean and Thorm Forseth Deborah Gaspar Jodi Glodowski Ann Marie and Andy Hart Margaret and James Hearne Colton and Emily Hill Claire and Dennis Hitchcock Diane Holl-Rambo and James Rambo Emily James Lois Johnson Maria and Martin Kidner Carl and Donna Lindberg Tamara and Robert Mason Melody and Richard McPherson Maurita and Patrick Meehan Cory Meyer Ryan and Taylor Meyer Holly and David Miller Susan and Brady Mills Gloria Oehlert Karen and Robert Ouzts Elizabeth and Greg Papineau Katharine Pollitt Lorraine Pozarik and Kenneth Schreuder Kim Ramsey Geralyn and John Rogers Janet De Gise and Lawrence Sarmiere Patricia Schlossberg Lana Shepard Sherrill and Jeffrey Smith Catherine Soberekon Debra and David Stauffer Twyla and John Thalken Thomas and Jean Tonoli Audry Van Houweling David and Sherry Wells Michael White Laura and Richard Wright Ann C. Enlow Preceptors & Friends of NP Ann Marie Hart and E. Andrew Hart, II. APN Healthcare Solutions Fund Ann Marie Hart and Andrew Hart, II, in honor of Ann Enlow

Babson and Associates Primary Care Nursing Scholarship Babson & Associates Primary Care PC and Douglas Edgren Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming DNP Scholars Program Scholarships and BSN Completion Scholarships Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Caring Foundation Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing Fund Terry and Lorraine Barton in memory of Wanda Land Lawrence Boram Steven Broman Joyce Dewey Billings Donald and Shiilrley Dillon Virginia and John Himmelheber John and Treasure McPherson Todd Lucas in honor of Sarah Corvo Kathryn and Phillip Luzmoor August and Dorothy Merker in memory of Wanda Land Holly and David Miller Karen Sacrison Patricia Shoults Audry Van Houweling Colleen and Eric Wade Stacey Young-McCaughan and Patrick McCaughan Gaurdie and Barbara Shannon Banister Scholarship for Doctor of Nurse Practice Students Gaurdia Banister and Paul Smith Marcia Dale Aspire Scholars Program Fund Ann and Steve Strenger United Health Group Marcia L. and William G. Dale Nursing Scholarship Suzanne Anderson Berwick Electric Company Robert Blackham Roderick and Marjorie Brand Robert and Ann Marie Brusenhan Mary Burman and Charles DeWolf Chewning & Wilmer Inc. Duane Corcoran Charles and Terrie Dale Janet Dull Edwards General Contractors, Inc. First Interstate Bank of Cheyenne Focus Investment Advisors Carrie and Jerome France Frost Electric George Haddenhorst Frank and Harriet Hauser

Lee and Patricia Hicks Ryan and Nikki Hixson Carol Holland Thomas and Shirley Kaetzer Darwyn and Jacqueline Kietzmann Dale and Linda Kjack Cheryl Koski Long Electric Co. Catherine Mackey Patricia Meares MJM Electric Nelson Electric Co. Charles and Joyce Nelson John Negro William Powell Robin and Michael Proctor Progressive Electric Inc. Rick Electric Inc. Ken Robinson Michael and Margaret Schilling Ronald Smith Speelman Electric Inc. Richard Speelman The Joannides Family Foundation, Kathy and Timothy Joannides Thomas and Carol Toft United Electric Company, Inc Kent and Susan Westedt WG Dale Electric Company Yellowstone Electric Co. Mary E. Burman Fund for Student Experiential Opportunities in Nursing Priscilla Abercrombie Dorothy and David Ailes Jennifer and Stephen Anderson Darrell and Susan Asbell Gaurdia Banister and Paul Smith Jane and A.J. Barghothi Mary and Jerome Behrens Mark Belcher Kathleen and Stephen Bieber Linda Boyce Jonna Brown Jennifer Bryan Roger and Maxine Butcher Albert and Carolyn Carollo Rebecca and Keith Carron Morgan Corrington Mary and Gary Cox Renee and Tom Davis Charles DeWolf and Mary Burman Cary and Zane Durham Colleen Egan Mildred Elliott Cary and Ann Enlow Lynn Erickson Anna Felton Denise and Raymond Gable Nona Gladbach Jodi Glodowski Goose Creek Family Practice, P.C. and Debra and Robert Kawulok L. J and Charles Guthmann

Susannah Harrison Ann Marie and Andy Hart Keela Herr & Alan Harrington Claire and Dennis Hitchcock Carol Holland Faith and Gregory Jones Cynthia Keyfauver Maria and Martin Kidner Audrey Kleinsasser Marilyn Klocksiem Pamala Larsen Teryl Loendorf Carol Lovell Kathryn and Phillip Luzmoor Joyce and Charles Lyford Mary Mahnke Donna Marburger Robert and Tamara Mason E. Gerry Meyer and Barbara Hofmann David and Holly Miller Jeanine and Robert Niemoller Debra Piedrafita Katharine Pollitt Mary Anne Purtzer Leissa Roberts Ryan Revocable Trust, Joan Ryan Hillary and Todd Schuldies Daniel Shinn Sherrill and Jeffrey Smith Jeane and Steve Stratton Alisa Sutter Beth Ann and Eric Swan Veronica and Frank Taylor Allison Tomanek John and Barbara Vandel Angela and Thomas Ver Ploeg Tracy and William Wasserburger Robert and Coleen Weinland Fay and Ralph Whitney Amy and Jeremy Wiig Britt Wilson Susan Wilson Teresa Wright James Zeller Nursing Alumni Scholarship Yvonne and Allen Brady Nancy and Robert Butcher Diane and Allan Mattern The McMurry Foundation Fund in Mental Health and Integrated Care in Honor of Mary Burman The McMurry Foundation Transition Practicum Scholarship Albert M. Carollo, Jr. Revocable Living Trust; Al and Carolyn Carollo Nancy Brazelton UW-Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Faculty Partnership Cheyenne Regional Medical Center

Thank you

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2020–2021 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS The school awarded $182,925 in scholarships and $100,000 in BRAND state-funded loan repayment funds for the 2010-2020 academic year. The following donors make nursing education more manageable financially for some students, and make nursing education actually possible for others. A big Thank You for encouraging hard-working students with your gift of support.

Rudolph “Rudy” and Louise Anselmi and Jeri Kirk Family Trust Scholarship

One scholarship – $1,500 – awarded to BSN Completion student Nursing Alumni Scholarship

Three scholarships – $1,700 each – awarded to Basic BSN students Marcia Dale Aspire Scholars Program Scholarships

Babson & Associates Primary Care Nursing Scholarship

One scholarship – $500 – awarded to: BSN Completion student Blue Cross Blue Shield of WY Caring Foundation: “Meeting the Needs of Wyoming through Nursing” Scholarship

Two scholarships – $1,000 each – awarded to: One Basic BSN student; Eight BSN Completion students Five scholarships – $10,000 each – awarded to: Five DNP students Kathleen Buckingham Bohmont Nursing Scholarship

One scholarship – $790 – awarded to: ReNEW student BRAND Loan

Four Loans – $25,000 each – awarded to Four BRAND students Polly Chase Memorial Scholarship

Four scholarships – $1,775 each – awarded to: One Basic BSN student One BSN Completion student Two DNP students Marcia L. and William G. Dale Nursing Scholarship

Four scholarships – $2,550 each – awarded to: Four Basic BSN students

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One scholarship – $1,150 – awarded to: One Basic BSN student Frances E. Gasdek-Eaglehouse and Barry D. Gasdek Scholarship

One scholarship – $1,200 – awarded to a BSN Completion student Frank R. & Dorothy M. Gruden Scholarship in Nursing

Three scholarships – $2,000 each – awarded to Basic BSN Scholar in their senior year

UW GIVING SOCIETY

Rosalie Fields Nursing Scholarship

Two scholarships – $700 each – awarded to: One Basic BSN student One BRAND student Elizabeth Holland Scholarship in Nursing

Two scholarships – $1,500 each – awarded to: DNP students Mildred Agnes Kimball & Adele Colling Memorial Scholarship

One scholarship – $700 – awarded to: BSN Completion student John V. Leino Memorial Nursing Scholarship

One scholarship – $400 – awarded to: BSN Completion student Gertrude Gould Lindsay Scholarship

One scholarship – $900 – awarded to: Basic BSN student John & Lois Malmquist Nursing Scholarship

Three scholarships – $2,125 each – awarded to: One MS student Two DNP students Carolyn Bennett Miknis ’59 Nursing Scholarship

Two scholarships – $3,000 each – awarded to: Two Basic BSN students Carolyn Bennett Miknis ’59 ReNEW and BRAND Nursing Scholarship

Four scholarships – $1,250 each – awarded to: One BRAND student Three BSN Completion students

Gordon S. and Charlott Myers (CHS)

Three scholarships – $3,000 – awarded to: One BRAND student Two BSN Completion students Bonnie M. and George E. Nugent Nursing Scholarship

Two scholarships – $1,750 each – awarded to: TWO BRAND students Pearl Crossley O’Kieffe Memorial Scholarship

One scholarship – $2,650 – awarded to: One MS student Jana Leigh Pruitt Memorial Scholarship

One scholarship – $1,000 – awarded to: One Basic BSN student Mable C. Sargent Scholarship

Six scholarships – $5,000 each – awarded to: 2 Basic BSN students 3 BRAND students 1 BSN Completion student Joseph F. & Susan H. Steiner ReNEW Nursing Scholarship

One scholarship – $2,100 – awarded to: ReNEW student Paul Stock Scholarship (CHS)

One scholarship – $1,300 – awarded to: One Basic BSN student Dorothy Tupper Nursing Scholarship

Two scholarships – $1,750 each – awarded to: Two Basic BSN students Clayton Unger Endowed Nursing Scholarship

Three scholarships – $4,000 each – awarded to: One BRAND, and two DNP students Wiest Nursing Scholarship

One scholarship – $1,000 – awarded to: One Basic BSN student W.K. Wolf, M.D. Memorial Scholarship

One scholarship ($3,000) awarded to one Basic BSN student

Membership in the Steamboat Society is available for those whose combination of gifts to the University of Wyoming during a fiscal year equal $1,000+.

Read more at www.uwyo.edu/foundation/ways-to-give/steamboat-society/

Doctorate of Nursing Practice students Lauren Hamilton and Ryan Russi discuss coursework in the Health Sciences Building.

coverage for children. So the Caring Foundation turned to supporting women’s wellness visits, mammograms, and other health concerns. Then, along came the Affordable Care Act, mandating everyone have coverage, eliminating the need for this support. And so Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming and the Caring Foundation asked themselves, “What else can we do to help with health care in the state of Wyoming?” They had been supporting health profession scholarships for a number of years, but this was an opportunity to really step up and support future health care providers.

TRULY A WYOMING COMPANY Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming supports Wyoming nurses through scholarships Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming has been helping our citizens cover health care costs since 1945, and today is Wyoming’s only domestic health insurance company.

“All of our customers—also our family members, our friends, our neighbors—live in Wyoming,” says Diane Gore, president and CEO. “We are truly a Wyoming company. It is very meaningful to us to be a good corporate citizen.”

Gore has been with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming for 35 years. She began her career there one week after graduating from the University of Wyoming.

In 1990, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming established the Caring Foundation of Wyoming—to promote the good health and wellbeing of their neighbors. “We’ve always tried to focus on health-related items that impact the entire state,” Gore says.

The foundation’s support is a story of success. The initial focus of the foundation was to make sure the children of the state had health care access and coverage. The state then implemented the Kid Care CHIP program, which provides affordable health

Coincidentally, at this time, the UWFWWSON was developing the ReNEW program (Revolutionizing Nursing Education in Wyoming). This statewide program allows nursing students to earn their Bachelors of Nursing (BSN) degrees starting at one of Wyoming’s seven community colleges, then completing them through UW online while staying in home communities.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming loved this idea and wanted to support these hardworking future nurses. “They have Wyoming roots and Wyoming ties, and chances are they will stay in their local communities,” Gore says. In 2016, the Caring Foundation funded seven $1,000 scholarships, one at each of the community colleges, for students in the ReNEW program.

Then Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming asked, “What else can we do?” The answer was adding three—and now five— $10,000 scholarships that support students in the family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner tracks of the Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) program.

“Wyoming has always been special to me, lately even more so,” Gore says. “Though hit by the virus and ensuing economic impact, I still see people coming together to make the best of things. The spirit of Wyoming people brings us all together.”

Gore adds, “I love that—one Wyoming, one university, one state.

There’s no place else in the country that can say that.”

GIFT FORM Name:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________________________________ City___________________________________________________________State_______________Zip___________________

Preferred e-mail address________________________ Preferred phone number________________________________ Please accept my/our gift to UW Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing in the amount of: ❑ $50 ❑ $100 ❑ $200 ❑ $500 ❑ $1,000 ❑ Other $______________________________________________ This gift is designated for: (please specify)_______________________________________________________________________ Online: Make a payment online using our secure server: www.uwyo.edu/givetonursing Phone: Call the University of Wyoming Foundation during normal business hours: (307) 766-6300 or (888) 831-7795 Mail: Please mail your payment and form to: University of Wyoming Foundation, Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, 222 South 22nd Street, Laramie, WY 82070-5204 ❑ Yes, please send me information about planned giving (wills, trusts, etc.) ❑ Yes, UW is named in my will. ❑ Yes, my company matches my gifts. I have included a form from my company.

N21NU

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FAY W. WHITNEY SCHOOL OF NURSING College of Health Sciences Dept. 3065

Printer to insert their indicia

1000 E. University Avenue Laramie, WY 82071

The University is committed to equal opportunity for all persons in all facets of the University’s operations. All qualified applicants for employment and educational programs, benefits, and services will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law and University policy. • Editor: Claire Hitchcock; Graphic design: UW Institutional Marketing; Main photographer: UW Photo Service

Nursing student Heather Michaelis administers the flu vaccine to a motorcyclist during the COVID19-style drivethrough 2020 Flu Clinics.

Photo by Sherrie Rubio-Wallace