ALUMNI NEWSLETTER 2021
t he worLd Needs more out side t hiNkers.
...and here are five. UW Nursing faculty and staff who are thinking “outside the box” to improve healthcare (bottom left to top right): Sherra St Clair, Janet Willhaus, Denise Gable, Nancy McGee, and J’Laine Proctor. Read more about the innovations and passions these individuals represent on pages 4-9 of this 2021 newsletter issue.
LETTER FROM THE DEAN
As we enjoyed the beautiful Wyoming summer weather and prepared once again for another academic year, we have certainly been aware that the pandemic is still present. Despite the challenges created by the virus situation, we have witnessed many innovative and extraordinary accomplishments despite obstacles. Our faculty, staff, students, alumni, Friends, and community partners have taken on the numerous challenges with resilience, flexibility, and perseverance in helping to provide needed care to our communities.
Sherrill J. Smith RN, PhD, CNL, CNE Colonel, USAFR, NC (Ret)
There are still some unknowns as we wait to see how our world will continue to adapt given the virus situation. And, while it is easy to yearn for the past and our prior reality, we know that we must look to the future and acknowledge all that is positive moving forward. Our students were able to participate in a graduation ceremony with their family and friends this spring. Our labs and classrooms campus are now open for face-to-face learning. Our students and faculty are back in clinical settings engaging with patients and our communities across the state. And, our university has welcomed a new Provost, Dr. Kevin Carman, who is looking forward to new initiatives to enhance teaching, scholarship, and our engagement with the state.
Here at the FWWSON, we are blessed to be able to welcome new faculty. One of our new faculty, Dr. Sherra St. Clair—a UW alumni, has joined us as the first McMurry Chair in Mental Health. We are excited to see how she will help facilitate engagement across the state to enhance mental health integration. And, we also welcome another alumni, Megan Beach, as well as Shannon Schneider as new faculty this fall. They all bring experience in practice and education to support our programs here at UW. Read more about them in this newsletter. And, two faculty have agreed to step up to serve as Assistant Deans for the next year to support both students and faculty—Dr. Janet Willhaus as our Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Dr. Paula Kihn as our Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. See more success stories as you read further in our newsletter. Whatever happens in the future, we are prepared to navigate the next steps to continue to help us carry out our mission to prepare future nurse leaders. Best to all of you! Continue to stay connected with us to share your stories of resilience and overcoming the challenges of the past year. We wish you safety and health as we finish out the year. Go Pokes!
Sherrill J. Smith Dean and Professor
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INTRODUCING ASSISTANT DEANS
Dr. Janet Willhaus In the new position of Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
Janet Willhaus in her office at the FWWSON
Dr. Willhaus stepped into the role of Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs for the FWWSON beginning August 2021. She directs the Masters of Nursing program as well as coordinates program evaluation for all programs within FWWSON. Additionally, she will be supervising FWWSON graduate assistants and lending her expertise as faculty champion for the school’s Simulation Center. Willhaus came to FWWSON in fall 2020. She currently serves on the Board of Directors as Past President for the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation in Nursing. She is certified in both simulation education and simulation operations. Read more about Dr. Willhaus and her research in following pages 7-9 of this newsletter.
Dr. Paula Kihn In the new position of Assistant Dean of Student Affairs “As newly appointed Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, active listening will be key,” says Paula Kihn. “I look forward to increasing my understanding of each of our nursing programs to best serve the needs of directors, faculty, staff, and students in each program. Based on my charges and the FWWSON mission and philosophy, I strive to encourage collaboration through creativity and innovation. I hope to create an environment that will increase engagement, teamwork, and solidarity in our nursing programs. Creating such an environment will include reaching out to key stakeholders throughout the state, as well as continuing work with current key stakeholders to enhance our nursing programs. I look forward to serving our school, the College of Health Sciences, and the University of Wyoming in this new capacity.”
Paula Kihn on a ZOOM session— likely the continuing mode of communication with students during the present pandemic.
IN THIS ISSUE Outside Thinkers Theme Stories........................................ 4-9
Awards: Preceptors of the Year............................................. 15
Faculty Research/Publications......................................... 10-11
2021 Distinguished Alumna..................................................... 16
School Updates....................................................................... 12-13
UWAA Nursing Chapter............................................................17
Awards: Community Partner.................................................. 14
Donors/Scholarships........................................................... 18-19 03
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ALBANY COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC
During the dog days of 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic, a nurse-led clinic in Laramie launched a behavioral health integration program in Wyoming. And now, things are only just beginning to heat up. The Albany Community Health Clinic (ACHC) recently completed its first year of HRSA’s Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention Interprofessional Collaborative Practice grant. A key component of the three-year, $1.5 million award is establishing a behavior health integration (BHI) program at ACHC, which is part of UW’s Educational Health Center of Wyoming (EHCW). Over the past year—and while powering through the delays, uncertainties and tragedies caused by COVID— ACHC’s tight-knit coalition of professionals built an adaptable BHI care model. So far, 43 patients are enrolled in the voluntary program, which encourages a patientdriven holistic care approach, integrating primary care with mental health, social work, counseling and life goals. “Our BHI program aligns perfectly with the ultimate mission of ACHC in that it seeks to serve all members of our community, including those with few resources.”
Nancy McGee, DNP, APRN-BC Clinical Associate Professor / Project Director for ACHC
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says Nancy McGee, DNP, PMHNP-BC and the HRSA grant Project Director. “The program has increased access to critical mental health services in our community and is supporting our clients to engage in meaningful life changes.” Starting September 2020, ACHC hired a clinical social worker, two additional part-time PMHNPs, a medical assistant and two part-time office staff. The ACHC team, which also included a rotation of seven FWWSON DNP students, developed an inter-clinic workflow consisting of patient warm hand-offs, daily huddles, EMR modifications, monthly meetings and evolving procedural guidelines. Throughout the year, ACHC’s BHI team also consulted with Community Health Center’s Weitzman Institute, led sessions of Wyoming Project ECHO, and trained in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Results of the clinic’s year-one grant work are enhancing the connection, communication and collaboration among the nursing staff and care providers, and ultimately providing a customizable, patient-centered care model. Each BHI patient’s care team consists of, at the least, a
As the project director, I am really impressed by each team member’s willingness to expand their comfort zones and reconsider a new model of care. This team is more flexible and supportive of innovation than any group I have worked with previously. The BHI program fits so nicely into the ultimate mission of our clinic—because we seek to serve all members of our community, even those with few resources. Behavioral Health Integration at ACHC has increased access to critical mental health services in our community and is supporting our clients to engage in meaningful life changes.”
J’Laine Proctor, FNP, PMHNP, DNP Clinical Associate Professor (HRSA Grant’s Clinical Director)
primary care provider, behavioral health coordinator, psychiatric nurse practitioner and an RN clinical case manager. Once enrolled in the BHI program, patients work with their support team to identify self-management goals to address physical or emotional wellness. The possibilities for these goals are endless, and it is up to the client to identify areas in their life where small changes can make meaningful differences. Clients select BHI goals such as improved time-management, budgeting, exercise, increased socialization, nutrition and finding new hobbies. According to client feedback, the most meaningful impact of the BHI program is not always the behavior change, but the regular check-ins by the nursing staff, who call patients to ask about their progress and how the BHI team can support them. This was especially a highlight during the pandemic, when many in the community struggled with social isolation. The BHI program was able to provide supportive connections with some of the community’s most vulnerable patients. “Not only has this process allowed us as nursing staff to connect on a different level with our patients, it provides us a unique opportunity to work at the top of licensure and take upper-level ownership in patient care,” says Katie Doherty, RN, ACHC Nursing Supervisor and Interim Clinic Director. BHI patients also share that they feel more genuinely supported than they have with traditional care. The added
care, along with accountability, has helped clients achieve sometimes small but often significant lifestyle changes, contributing to the overall wellness of the BHI patients. Led by the HRSA grant’s Clinical Director J’Laine “Jill” Proctor, DNP, FNP, PMHNP, year two of the grant-funded work will focus on expanding mental health telehealth services to Wyoming’s underserved patients in Carbon, Fremont and Laramie Counties. Proctor and the clinic’s BHI team will also incorporate medication-assisted treatment into the ACHC portfolio of patient care. “We’re excited for the second year of the grant, when we will share our successful model and services with other underserved communities in Wyoming. We believe that everyone should have access to quality mental health care and are hopeful that we can bridge some of the critical care gaps throughout Wyoming,” says Proctor. All the while, the clinic and its nurse practitioners will continue to pursue the mission of both EHCW and the HRSA grant by training more of Wyoming’s DNP, MS and RN nursing students.
Students and alumna benefitting from working with Albany Community Health Clinic include: Pictured below: (l-r) Eric Gillies, DNP-FNP student; Raegan Kartupelis, DNP-PMHNP student; Jaycie Till, BRAND student; Jamie Smiertelny, MS Social Work student; and Samantha Reed, DNP-PMHNP 2021 alumna.
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INTEGRATIVE CARE WITH MCMURRY FUNDING Dr. Sherra St Clair accepts position as the new McMurry Chair of Mental Health at UWFWWSON Dr. Sherra St Clair has accepted a position as the new McMurry Chair of Mental Health at the UW FWWSON. St Clair will provide oversight to the integration of mental health into care delivery across nursing programs at UW. In this new position St Clair will focus on education and practice to increase the quality and quantity of psychiatric mental health practices into care delivery. To accomplish this mission, she will be working with other faculty across programs in UW Nursing. She also will be collaborating with key stakeholders around Wyoming to identify and assist in implementing best practices.
Dr. Sherra St Clair McMurry Chair in Mental Health
Sherra is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Doctor of Nursing Practice (PDN, PMHNP) and Clinical Assistant Professor at UW FWWSON. She has four years of inpatient psychiatric nursing experience, and two years of outpatient experience as a DNP working with mental illness, suicide ideation / attempts, substance abuse and withdrawal. She practices patient care at Healthworks, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and teaches courses for the University of Wyoming Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
St Clair’s primary role as a full-time faculty member is statewide service and community engagement. Sherra is passionate about addressing stigma and bias and improving access and resources for mental health in Wyoming. St Clair is eager to engage in communications with the many professionals whose influence is integral to her focus. Please join her in this important work: Dr. Sherra St Clair’s email: sseifert@uwyo.edu / office phone: 307-766-5402
ECHO Program to be utilized St Clair is deeply invested in expanding UW’s Integrative Care Network through Project ECHO program. ECHO is a revolutionary model led by experts, providing free online medical education clinics for individuals, families, educators, case managers, administrators, and healthcare providers. St Clair’s background St Clair entered the nursing field after twenty years as a Masters-prepared medical illustrator, where she created highly detailed, accurate illustrations and animations to teach healthcare providers and patients about medical procedures, anatomy, physiology, pathology, trauma, and surgery. 06
Sherra displays a piece of her artwork.
IMPACT OF AROMATHERAPY & 3-D GUIDED VISUALIZATION ON ANXIETY
O U T SI D E T HINKERS
Dr. Janet Willhaus receives McMurry grant for her subject, “Exploring the impact of aromatherapy and three-dimensional guided visualization on anxiety” An interesting piece of research by faculty member Janet Willhaus has been utilizing the University of Wyoming Shell 3D Visualization Center (“Viz Center”), lending access to virtual reality (VR) and other emerging computer technologies. Willhaus has been concerned about anxiety on the rise in the United States and that it is impacting young adults at higher rates than the general population. Text anxiety, writes Willhaus, “impacts significant numbers of undergraduate students,” so Willhaus made some research plans, knowing that “Aroma therapy, mindfulness, and guided visualization have been used successfully to treat various forms of anxiety including test anxiety.” Willhaus writes, “The University of Wyoming Shell 3D Viz Center has the capability of recording and creating three dimensional (3D) visual experiences of peaceful Wyoming natural vistas meant for viewing through a 3D headset as a virtual reality experience. Such a recording will be combined with an auditory relaxation guide and aromatherapy experience in an attempt to discover whether smell/aroma can be used as both a later reminder of the exercise and a measure to reduce anxiety.” A sample of approximately 100 students with test anxiety have been recruited, consented, and randomized for a proof of concept study. Janet Willhaus Research story continued on pg. 8
Willhaus in VizCenter Simulation Janet Willhaus wears the 3D headset as she works through simulations for her research, while Phil Black, Research Scientist, Asst., at the Shell 3D Visualization Center, looks on after preparing the equipment for Willhaus.
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U T SI D E H I N KE R S IMPACT OF AROMATHERAPY & 3-D GUIDED VISUALIZATION ON ANXIETY – JANET WILLHAUS RESEARCH CONTINUED FROM PG. 7 Each student will be asked to identify a date of an upcoming anxiety-provoking exam. Groups will receive either no intervention, 3D experience with auditory relaxation guide, 3D experience with auditory relaxation guide and aromatherapy, or aromatherapy alone. On the day of the test students will be contacted via text, asked to recall the visualization experience and/or apply the aromatherapy tab as appropriate and then complete an anxiety scale via Qualtrics survey before and after the test. Results will be analyzed using a one way ANOVA. If differences are detected between treatment groups, techniques could be adapted to provide relief for other types of anxiety beyond test anxiety outside the university setting. The visualization experience could be adapted for home use using commercially available 3D headsets and a computer using a cell phone and an inexpensive cardboard viewer.
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AUDIO FIDELITY Willhaus and Gable Awarded Humenick Funds for Audio Fidelity Project Simulation plays an important role for nursing student education each year and many aspects of simulation pedagogy remain unexplored. Audio fidelity (the realism of the voices and noises during a simulation scenario) can be either a distraction or a contributor to learning during a simulation scenario, however, little research currently exists on this phenomenon. Researcher Janet Willhaus and Simulation Director Denise Gable will explore whether Audio Fidelity has an impact on student perceptions or learning. The research is funded by an award of up to $1,500 from the 2020 Humenick funds to purchase equipment that can change the tenor of a facilitator’s voice to match the expected age and gender of the simulated high-fidelity patient. Students will complete surveys and their pre and post simulation quiz scores will be compared to determine whether differences in learning exist between scenarios with and without audio fidelity.
l-r: UW Nursing Clinical Simulation Center Coordinator Denise Gable, MPA, CHSOS; and UW Assistant Dean, faculty member and researcher Janet Willhaus, PhD, RN, CHSE, CHSOS
CHSOS CERTIFICATION Willhaus and Gable among the few in the nation with CHSOS Certification Simulation has made a huge difference in education, especially during the pandemic. The UW FWWSON is grateful to have two individuals on our faculty/staff team who are simulation experts. Janet Willhaus completed her renewal for her Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) in April of this year. She says she has been continuously certified in Simulation Operations since 2018 and continuously certified in Simulation Education (CHSE) since 2014. And in 2021, staff member and Clinical Simulations Center Coordinator Denise Gable earned her operations certification (CHSOS) as well.
This is a big deal. CHSOS IS AN INDICATOR of expertise in how to run simulations and how to run a simulation program. Willhaus comments, “Only a handful of people in the country meet these requirements.” And UWFWWSON has TWO individuals currently certified and rocking our simulation world! Why should students and future students care? Willhaus continues, “CHSE means you have expertise as the educational aspect of simulation. Both [CHSOS and CHSE certifications] are important to make sure our learners get the most learning and value in a simulation. Just like we ensure clinical sites meet high standards, certification in simulation (both kinds) helps us make sure our program meets high standards.”
O U T SI D E T HINKERS What makes it difficult to pass? According to the SSIH website (www.ssih.org/Credentialing/ Certification/CHSOS/Eligibility), in order to be eligible to sit for the exam, one must… • participate in healthcare simulation in an operations specialist role • demonstrate focused simulation expertise with learners in undergraduate, graduate, allied health, or healthcare practitioners • possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience • document two-years of experience in a healthcare simulation operations role
As far as what it took for me (personally) to pass the exam”, says Gable, “I logged over 100 hours of professional development last year (webinars, seminars, meetings, conferences, courses). I also spent hours of time reading books, forums and websites in order to study for the exam, which is a 2-hour computer exam.” The certification must be renewed every three years. 09
FACULTY RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
Rebecca Carron, PhD, RN, NP-C
Pamela Clarke, RN; MPH, PhD; FAAN
Nancy “Niki” Eisenmann, PhD, RN
Ann Marie Hart, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP
Nancy McGee, DNP, PMHNP-BC
GRANTS AND FUNDING Carron, R., Gilman-Kehrer, E., & Alvero, R. A Pilot Management Program for American Indian/Alaska Native Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Mountain West Clinical and Translational Research Grant (5U54GM104944-08), PI, $59,950, 2020-2021 (Funded). 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. PUBLICATIONS Clarke, PN. (2020). Nursing: Forever Changed by a Pandemic. Nursing Science Quarterly, 33(4), 307–308. https://doi.org/ 10.1177/0894318420943134 Clarke, PN. (2020). Malone’s Vision of Diversity. Nursing Science Quarterly, 33(3), 225–225. https://doi.org/10.1177/ 0894318420920609 // See Malone, B. (2020). Without Diversity, There Is No Excellence. Nursing Science Quarterly, 33(3), 226–228. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894318420920611 Clarke, P. N., & VanDriel, M. K. (2020). NurseTRUST: A Leadership Model for Advancing Population Health. Nursing Science Quarterly, 33(2), 132–135. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894318419898160 Clarke, PN. (2020). Nursing Theory Informs Dressage. Nursing Science Quarterly, 33(1), 35–37. https://doi.org/10.1177/ 0894318419881799 PUBLICATIONS Eisenmann, N. (2021). An innovative clinical concept map to promote clinical judgment in nursing students. Journal of Nursing Education, 60 (3). Eisenmann, N. (2020). Differences between licensed healthcare providers with substance use related licensure discipline. Substance Use & Misuse. PRESENTATIONS Differences between Licensed Healthcare Providers with substance use related licensure discipline. 2020.
PUBLICATIONS Moore, K.S. & Hart, A.M. (2021). Critical juncture: The doctor of nursing practice and COVID-19. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 33(2), 97-99. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000000582 Burman, M.E., McGee, N., Proctor, J., Hart, A.M., Moody, E., & Hardesty C. (2021). ECHO: A model for professional development in nursing through learning networks. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 52(4),198-204. https://doi. org/10.3928/00220124-20210315-09 McGee, N., Proctor, N., Hart, A.M. & Burman, M. (2021). Reconsidering benzodiazepines and z-drug prescriptions: Responsible prescribing and deprescribing. Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 17(1), 76-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.08.004 Larson-Meyer, D.E., Schueler, J., Kyle, E., Hart, A.M., Austin, K., & Alexander, B. (2020) Appetite-regulating hormones in human milk: A plausible biological factor for obesity risk reduction? Journal of Human Lactation. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334420954160 PRESENTATIONS Hart, A.M. (2021, March 3). Program evaluations and outcomes. Invited webinar presentation for the “World Cafe” sponsored by the National Nurse Practitioner Residency and Fellowship Training Consortium. Hart, A.M. (2020, November 18). Diagnostic decision-making in primary care: 5+ steps to making an accurate diagnosis. Invited webinar presentation for VisualDx®. 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 PRESENTATIONS (Invited) McGee, N. & Proctor, J. (2021). Behavioral Health Integration. Increasing Access to Care for Individuals with Depression and Substance Abuse Risk in a Rural Community. Power of Rural Healthcare Conference. Online, May 18. Podium Presentation. PUBLICATIONS Burman, M.E., McGee, N., Proctor, J., Hart, A.M., Moody, E. J., & Hardesty, C. (2021). ECHO: A Model for professional development in nursing through learning networks. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 52(4), 198-204.
J’Laine Proctor, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Sherrill Smith, RN, PhD, CNL, CNE
Jenifer Thomas, PhD
GRANTS AND FUNDING Received, Co-Investigator (McGee N. 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 PRESENTATIONS (Invited) McGee, N. & Proctor, J. (2021). Behavioral Health Integration. Increasing Access to Care for Individuals with Depression and Substance Abuse Risk in a Rural Community. Power of Rural Healthcare Conference. Online, May 18. Podium Presentation. 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 McGee, N., Proctor, J., Hart, A.M., Moody, E.J., & Hardesty, C. (2021). ECHO: A Model for professional development in nursing through learning networks. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 52(4), 198-204. ARTICLES Smith, S., Farra, S., & Hodgson, E. (2021). Evaluation of two simulation methods for teaching a disaster skill. BMJ Simulation and Technology Enhanced Learning, 7, 92-96. doi:10.1136/bmjstel-2019-000572 Keister, K., Farra, S., Smith, S., & Bottomley, M. (2021). Development of a scale to measure synergy. Nursing Education Perspectives, 42(2), 87-92. doi: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000000783 TEXTBOOK CHAPTERS Smith, S., Farra, S., & Miller, E. (2021). Disaster preparation, response, and recovery. Gerontological Nursing (5th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett. PAPER / PODIUM Nursing Education Leaders Decision-Making During a Pandemic Crisis. Virtual podium presentation at the 2021 Association of Community Health Nurse Educator (ACHNE) Conference with Dr. Sharon Farra and Dr. Ann Stalter Stalter. June 10-11, 2021. GRANTS AND FUNDING Investigator Subcontract: Research, National Institutes of Health (NIGMS), 2U54GM104944-06, Clinical and translational research infrastructure network IDeA-CTR. Community engagement and outreach core site director: J. Thomas (PI/Project Director: P. Kumar, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 9/15/13-6/30/23). PRESENTATIONS Thomas, J., Purtzer, M.A., Baker, S., Erickson, N., Graves, K., Kindt, J., & McCoy, B. (2020). Cultural competence in the context of Native American experience with nurses. Western Institute of Nursing Research Conference, Portland OR, April 15-18. Podium Presentation. In-person conference cancelled due to COVID-19. Thomas, J., Gomez Aguilar, P., Baker, S., Ellingrod, L., Erickson, N., Graves, K., Kindt, J., McCoy, B., Smith, B., Snow, E., & Woods, T. (2020). Relationship between mental health and adherence among individuals with type 2 diabetes in Oxcutzcab, Yucatan, Mexico. Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, April 1-4. Poster Presentation. In-person conference cancelled due to COVID-19. KEY PUBLICATIONS Purtzer, M.A., & Thomas, J. (2021). What Native Americans want nurses to know: Attitudes and behaviors desired in client/ nurse relationships. Public Health Nursing, 38(2), 176-185. (Data-based article) Thomas, J., Moring, J., Calmes, J., Kepler, M, Chaulk-Pikula, T., & Baker, S. (2019). What does it mean to be at-risk of developing type 2 diabetes? Family matters. American Journal of Health Studies, 34(4), 184-195. (Data-based article). GRANTS AND FUNDING Students’ perceptions of auditory fidelity in simulation. Humenick Award, School of Nursing, PI Janet Willhaus; CoPI Rachel Thomas; Other Denise Gable., October 2020. $1,500 Exploring the impact of aromatherapy and three-dimensional guided visualization on anxiety. McMurry Award, School of Nursing, PI Janet Willhaus, October 2020. $8,207.00
Janet Willhaus, PhD, RN, CHSE, CHSOS
VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS AND POSTERS Willhaus, J. K., Foronda, C., & Mariani, B. (2021). Simulation during Covid 19: Applying the INACSL Standards. International Meeting of Simulation in Healthcare. (Virtual presentation) Wong, A., & Willhaus, J. K. (2021). Speed Mentoring. International Meeting for Simulation in Healthcare. (Virtual presentation) Willhaus, J. K. (2021). Simulation based nursing education: INACSL Standards of Best Practice. International Symposium of Tokyo Metropolitan University for Simulation-based Nursing Education 2020. (Virtual presentation for international audience) Willhaus, J. K. (2021). Academic Relationships. Wyoming Nurse Leadership Institute. (Virtual presentation) Wyoming Nurses Association. Willhaus, J. K. Thomas, R. I., & Gable, D. (2021). Students’ perceptions of auditory fidelity in simulation. International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation in Healthcare Conference 2021.(Virtual poster) Willhaus, J. K. (2021). Innovative Simulationist: Who ME? Colorado Simulation Collaborative Conference. (Virtual Keynote Address)
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SCHOOL UPDATE New Faculty Megan Beach, MS, RN, RNC-OB, C-EFM Assistant Lecturer
The last eight years since I graduated I have been working with Women and Children’s Services at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. I mainly specialize in Labor & Delivery, but also work on Postpartum, Pediatrics, and Nursery. I spent the last four years working as a charge nurse for all these units; it was helping new nurses that made me want to go back to school for my masters in nursing education. I have helped out the last two semesters since graduating with my masters, working as adjunct faculty leading OB and medical clinical rotations for nursing students. I also love traveling and being outdoors. Shannon Schneider, MS, RN Assistant Lecturer
I am not a traditional nurse. What drew me to nursing was lived experiences and having to figure out what the best path would be for me. It was not a direct path, but a path of twists and turns that finally lead me to nursing. I can say now, five years later, I really enjoy being a nurse! I graduated with my BSN from Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences (BRCN), Quincy, IL in 2016. In 2020, I received my MSN-Education from BRCN. I have worked in the hospital, public health, and community health settings. I enjoy the teaching aspects of nursing and I think that helped guide me in the direction of becoming a nurse educator. When I am not nursing, I am with my family traveling, outdoors, or working on some type of renovation project. I am looking forward to my new role as a faculty member at UW! Sherra St Clair, DNP, PMHNPBC, MFA McMurry Chair of Mental Health Clinical Assistant Professor
Please see full article on pg. 6
Retired Faculty
Marilyn Hall, MSN, RN
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Kimberly Raska-Miller, MS, RN
Candace Tull, PhD, WHCNP, RN
Faculty/Staff Awards: Outstanding Teacher and Outstanding Staff Member Congratulations to Nursing Faculty member Candy Stidolph and Nursing Staff member Dawn Carver. Both were recognized at the College of Health Sciences annual Faculty & Staff Awards Celebration on April 29, 2021 through a first-time ZOOM event. Stidolph received the “Outstanding Teacher” award in recognition for excellence in classroom and clinical teaching in the College of Health Sciences. Carver received the “Outstanding Staff Member” award, which recognizes an outstanding staff member within the College of Health Sciences who has made significant contributions early in their career. Candy Stidolph: Outstanding Teacher
Stidolph was recognized “for consistently going above and beyond to ensure excellence in clinical education” for the UW Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) family nurse practitioner students. A sophisticated and diverse skill set is need by such students, so Stidolph recruits and arranges quality clinical experiences with clinical preceptors and agencies across Wyoming and bordering states. Additionally, she assures each student has mastered necessary clinical skills for the provision of primary care prior to embarking on their clinical journey. Students are well-prepared and highly sought-after graduates, who make sure to give credit to Stidolph in their exit-interviews for her efforts in individualized clinical instruction. Fellow faculty as well as current and former students contributed to the nomination packet. Following are representative comments: • “Candy Stidolph has an unfailing commitment to excellence in every sphere of graduate and undergraduate education. She is clearly one of the finest, most well-prepared and natural teachers I have had the pleasure of working with at the academic nursing level.” • “Seeing [Candy] in practice inspired me to pursue nursing myself…when it came to pick a program for my DNP I knew I wanted to learn from NPs I loved and respected, so it was clear I wanted to be a part of any program Candy was part of!” • “Candy has been one instructor I have always felt I could approach. She has been nothing but kind, compassionate, and supportive. I was
really struggling once, and she took the time to listen to my concerns…she has a calming sense about her and makes you feel like you are valued and important.” • During unprecedented challenges of supporting a clinical program during a pandemic, one student noted that Candy “took the time to make a lengthy video response” in order to more personally relate to the student. Dawn Carver: Outstanding Staff Member [for 0-5 years of service]
Carver was recognized for her significant impact throughout all nursing programs at the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing, for her professionalism, intellect, leadership, and commitment to growth and excellence. Caver joined the School of Nursing as a Credentials Analyst/ Academic Advisor for the BRAND, MS, and DNP programs in September of 2016, bringing insight and order to the three distance programs with which she works. She is a valued member of the DNP faculty team, routinely offering important insights and solutions toward working more efficiently and effectively. In recent months, the school has undergone major curriculum revisions to meet its accrediting body’s new educational requirements. This
revision process was huge and had to be done quickly to be in place by fall 2021. Carver not only managed the hundreds of course action request forms (CARFs) and old/new syllabi required, but with her background in adult education, she also contributed greatly to curricular redesign itself –including programs of study, course titles, course descriptions, and course learning outcomes. According to a nominator, “I also am impressed by Dawn’s leadership and her personal commitment to excellence and to self and system improvement. She is always looking for and implementing processes to make all work more efficiently, and views challenges and errors as opportunities, not setbacks. Although she was not able to do this during the pandemic, Dawn routinely (and voluntarily) spends a week of her vacation time every year attending a leadership conference in Minnesota. Finding this event personally recharging, she also uses and applies the knowledge and skills from this conference to improve her work at the School of Nursing. In summary, Dawn has been a wonderful addition to the School of Nursing, strengthening professionalism and instigating improvements to the DNP program. Faculty and students alike have benefitted immensely from Dawn’s work.”
2021 Basic BSN PRECEPTOR AWARD: Tara Legler, RN Banner Wyoming Medical Center • Casper, Wyoming “Tara was recently nominated one of Wyoming’s Nurses of the Year. After my semester with her, it is no surprise. I came to her a timid student with little self-confidence and full of doubt. She took my potential and built me up in ways I didn’t know was possible. She imbedded a deep confidence and sense of hope within me. She essentially went from holding my hand with each little task to trusting me to take on the multiple assigned patients alone, while she still worked in the background but let me take the lead. I am unsure I will ever be able to properly thank her for the way she impacted me as a person and a student. I will be a great Tara Legler, RN nurse, and it’s because of her. I will never forget us being in the room as a patient was told he only had a couple weeks to live. He teared up and thanked us for caring for him. When we left the room we were both emotional. She looked at me said, ‘This happened to me when I was a student, and my preceptor told me to get it together and suck it up.’ She told me, ‘Never be ashamed of your compassion and empathy. The day you stop having empathy for you patients is the day you should no longer be a nurse.’ I will never forget that moment and many others with Tara. I feel beyond fortunate to have learned from her. –Haley Crews, Basic BSN Student 2021
2021 Basic BSN PRECEPTOR AWARD: Whitney Smith, RN Campbell County Health • Gillette, Wyoming “Stepping into the nursing world as a student is intimidating to say the least. The overwhelming desire to know everything coupled with inevitable imperfection is a stressful relationship. However, having a preceptor who understands these emotions and remembers what it is like to be in our shoes can make a world of difference—and I was lucky enough to have just that. My preceptor, Whitney Smith, has gone above and beyond to facilitate my transition from student to professional. As a FWWSON alumna, she truly embodies the type of nurse the program strives to produce. Whitney has truly committed herself to my education, Whitney Smith, RN providing me the time, understanding, and expertise necessary to allow me to grow and develop, preparing me to make the difference I want to and know I can make. Throughout my clinical capstone, Whitney continually provided me the gentle nudge that I needed towards independence while ensuring that I was supported through every step. Her expertise and passion for ER nursing has inspired me every day to explore unfamiliar concepts or learn a new skill. I truly believe I have been able to reach my full potential under Whitney’s knowledge and guidance. I owe every ‘you will make a great nurse’ patient comment to Whitney’s ability to educate. If one day I end up being half the nurse Whitney is, I will count that a success in my book.” –Sierra Vetter, Basic BSN Student 2021 13
Pictured top row, left-right: Emily Albury, Tija Allen, Samantha Baker, Jerry Hamann. Pictured middle row, left-right: Lauren Hamilton, Kathryn Haugen, Marc Hayden, Roland Maldonado. Pictured bottom row, left-right: Matt Moran, Lily Myers, Kelli Schueler, Kristin Wilkes.
Albury, Emily of Highlands Ranch, CO (Basic BSN) Amelia Leino Memorial Award for demonstrating academic excellence
Hayden, Marc of Casper, WY / (BSN Completion) Professional Nurse Award for demonstrating excellence in practice, community and professional service
Allen, Tija of Laramie, WY (Basic BSN) Gertrude Gould Memorial Award for demonstrating excellence in public health nursing practice
Maldonado, Roland of Laramie, WY / (DNP-PMHNP) Susan McCabe Psychiatric Mental Health Graduate Award for demonstrating academic excellence, passion for knowledge, and superior clinical practice
Baker, Samantha of Laramie, WY / (DNP-PMHNP) Dr. Patsy Hesen Haslam Leadership Award for demonstrating leadership and grace Hamann, Jerry of Laramie, WY / (Basic BSN) Rudolph “Rudy” & Louise Anselmi & Jeri Kirk Family Trust Nursing Scholarship for demonstrating leadership and responsibility
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Moran, Matthew of Laramie, CO / (Basic BSN) Lina Kennedy White Memorial Award for demonstrating interest and aptitude for geriatric nursing Myers, Lily of Worland, WY / (Basic BSN) Beverly McDermott Award for demonstrating leadership and political activism
Hamilton, Lauren of Monument, CO / (DNP-FNP) Dr. Patsy Hesen Haslam Leadership Award for demonstrating leadership & grace
Schueler, Kelli of Fort Collins, CO / (Basic BSN) Dorothy Tupper Senior Award for demonstrating caring, compassion, and interpersonal communication
Haugen, Kathryn of Fort Collins, CO / (Basic BSN) School of Nursing Spirit Award for demonstrating exceptional spirit and enthusiasm
Wilkes, Kristin of Torrington, WY / (DNP-FNP) Rural Advanced Practice Nursing
BASIC BSN and BRAND COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD 2021 Banner Wyoming Medical Center • Casper, Wyoming The recipient of the Community Partner Award for 2020-2021 from Basic BSN and BRAND nursing programs at the University of Wyoming is Banner Wyoming Medical Center (WMC) in Casper. The award was presented on August 25, 2021 in the Arts & Sciences Auditorium on the University of Wyoming Campus at the school’s annual ceremony* introducing new junior students to professional nursing. Representatives from Banner Wyoming Medical Center receiving the award were Susan Chambers, Director of Nursing, and Liz Haecker, Director of Education. Banner Wyoming Medical Center was the first facility to welcome the UWYO Nursing BRAND accelerated students back for their senior capstone experience in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020. They then provided capstone experiences for the school’s Basic BSN students in the spring of 2021 and provided BRAND students with an OB experience in the summer of 2021. Their partnership continues with BRAND senior capstone in the fall of 2021. The facility leadership provides a safe learning environment that was and continues to be safe for students by providing the appropriate training in relation to their safety needs during a pandemic. While most community partners have welcomed students back in their facilities, we are ever grateful to Banner Wyoming Medical Center for being the first to welcome students back during the COVID-19 pandemic. They provide a rich learning experience for the students and ensure that they see a wide variety of patients. The preceptors are professional and eager to help students as they transition into the role of the RN. Preceptors carefully push students out of their comfort zone but are always there to support the students. This helps students to grow confident in their abilities as a nurse. The school is always very thankful for Banner Wyoming Medical Center’s part in the education of our students, but even more so now during this unknown and topsy-turvy time of a pandemic.
*ceremony: The ceremony introducing students to professional nursing was formerly called the “Nightingale Ceremony”, but this year was called the “Gold-AACN White Coat Ceremony for Nursing”, thanks to the support of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.
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2021 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA Jeanine Niemoller, BSN ’81, MS ’95
Prostate Cancer Support Group, and on the Eppson Senior Center Task Force.
Photo by Kayla Gregory of Pure Mountain Photography
The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing at the University of Wyoming announces their 2021 Distinguished Alumna, Jeanine Niemoller, BSN, MS. Niemoller was selected for this year’s award for her significant contributions to the nursing profession for excellence in leadership.
EXAMPLES OF LEADERSHIP “Leaders are willing to make decisions, but also are willing to take risks to bring a group to a better place. Jeanie has demonstrated this repeatedly during her rich nursing career in long-term care, alumni relations at Wyoming, and with the Wyoming Center for Nursing (WCN),” states a nominator. “Jeanie Niemoller’s passion for and commitment to seniors and to gerontological nursing are rightfully legend in Wyoming,” states another nominator. “She was nationally certified in gerontological nursing and spent the bulk of her career at Laramie Wyoming’s Ivinson Memorial Hospital in the Extended Care Unit as the Director of Nursing and Administrator.” Niemoller has used her expertise within the community as well, serving on the board of directors for Hospice of Laramie, as a facilitator for the Albany County
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She has been a leader in the Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA), holding positions including president, where she represented Wyoming’s voice at the state and national levels in Wyoming and Washington, D.C. She has been a long-time member of American Nurses Association (ANA), has been president of Sigma Theta Tau Alpha Pi Chapter, and has served in the Wyoming Quality Healthcare Foundation as well as the Soroptimist International of Laramie. She also served as vice-president of the UW Alumni Association Nursing Chapter. And, her leadership extends to supporting future nurses. She regularly attends UW recruiting fairs and other mentoring events, reviewing student resumes, holding mock interviews, encouraging students in their career development. “She uses every opportunity to help students understand the excitement and fulfillment of gerontological nursing,” states a nominator.
EXAMPLES OF LEADERSHIP VENTURES • Wyoming Center for Nursing Advisory Board. When the Wyoming Center for Nursing (WCN) needed complete reorganization into its own 501c-3 entity recently, she gathered a group of experts to begin writing new grants to continue the WCN Mission while serving as the organization’s Vice-Chair. • Colorado Center for Nursing. Niemoller’s work with the Colorado Center for Nursing enabled WCN to be included in the “Next 50” project, which created toolkits to help caretakers better understand what elderly clients experience in living with dementia. • Wyoming Nurse Leadership Institute.
Niemoller has worked to assist in the rebirth of the Wyoming Nurse Leadership Institute, developing Nurse Leaders in Wyoming under the WCN umbrella this past year. • ReNEW and Wyoming Nursing Education Summit. Jeanine has worked closely with the Revolutionizing Nursing Education in Wyoming (ReNEW) faculty—nursing educators from all of Wyoming’s community colleges and from the University of Wyoming—to continue the annual Educational Summit. • Transforming care for elderly during COVID 19. Niemoller worked to coordinate the education and technical support needed to implement a joint project with Wyoming Institute for Disabilities [WIND] and the University of Wyoming Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing. The project sought funds from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) for innovative work addressing nursing providing health equity, well-being and promoting a culture of health with the elderly. Though only ten Nursing Innovative Grants were awarded by Robert Wood Johnson and AARP for 2020, Wyoming Center received funding to help build America’s Health Equity. Matching funds had to be raised, and Niemoller was able to solicit contributions from local organizations.
SELECTED AWARDS DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP • National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care [NADONA] Award • Excellence in Public Health Nursing Award • A lbany County Nurse of the Year Award • U W School of Nursing Community Service Award
CELEBRATION HELD
• Outstanding Service to WNA Award
Jeanine Niemoller was honored in person during University of Wyoming Fall 2021 Homecoming week on Friday, October 22 at the “Friends of the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing” development board meeting, at the College of Health Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award reception, and at the UW Alumni Association Nursing Chapter Meet & Greet at the Altitude Chophouse and Brewery from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Wyoming Hospital Association’s “Norman S. Holt Award for Nursing Excellence” • U W Alumni Association Nursing Chapter’s “Memorable Mentor” Award
UW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NURSING CHAPTER (UWAANC) Update 2021 There is always action in the UWAANC! • CAPSTONE MENTORING UWAANC finished off the spring semester with a successful capstone mentoring program. The goal of the program is to provide social support and assist in the transition from senior nursing student to professional nurse. The UWAANC board is always thankful for the wonderful and dedicated capstone mentors from around the country. If interested in being a capstone mentor, please email uwursingalumni@uwyo.edu.
• GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING UWAANC had their first general membership meeting on April 26 via ZOOM. “We were happy to see members from around the state join us,” says co-President Holly Miller. “This will become an annual event.” UWAANC has been busy with many events this fall: • HOMECOMING MEET AND GREET RECEPTION …was held at the Altitude Chophouse and Brewery during homecoming festivities October 22, 2021. The Friday before Homecoming will be the time UWAANC plans to hold this event yearly, so be looking toward next year! • MEMORABLE MENTOR AWARD …will be presented next fall 2022 at the Homecoming Meet & Greet. If you have someone who influenced your
nursing career, please submit a nomination at www.uwyo.edu/nursing/alumni/uwaa-nursing-chapter/ memorable-mentor-nomination-form.html • UW NURSING & HEALTH PROFESSIONS CAREER FAIR / RESUME BLITZ The UWAANC participated at the Fair on October 27 in the Wyoming Student Union Ballroom. The table was popular, as UWAANC board members reviewed resumes for students!
From left to right: Holly Miller, Co-President; Jenna Hluwood, Co-President; Barb James, Co-Vice-President; Sarah Schindler, Co-VicePresident; Linda Williams, Co-Secretary; Grace Rhodes, Co-Secretary
• MOCK INTERVIEWS will be held in November to assist the senior students in acquiring their first nursing position through honing their interviewing skills. Students have found this experience to be very valuable, and the dedicated UWAANC board has enjoyed participating in the interviews. Please contact UWAANC at uwnursingalumni@uwyo.edu if interested in joining the chapter, being on the board, or participating in any of the events or programs.
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LIST OF DONORS TO SCHOOL (JUNE 2020-MAY 2021) A HUGE thank you to the following donors, who together contributed $937,215 in gifts as noted below. Ann C. Enlow Preceptors & Friends of the Nurse Practitioner Program Ann Marie & E. Andrew Hart, II APN Healthcare Solutions Fund Ann Marie & E. Andrew Hart, II Babson & Associates Primary Care Nursing Scholarship Babson & Associates Primary Care PC & Douglas W. Edgren Blue Cross Blue Shield Wyoming DNP Scholars Program Scholarships and BSN Completion Scholarships Blue Cross BlueShield of Wyoming Caring Foundation Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing Fund Audry B. Van Houweling Audry B. Van Houweling & Jacob P. Wagner Catherine & Carlton Lauckern Joyce A. Dewey Billings Karen F. Sacrison Ramona M. Duskin Jeanne Mogard Emerson Scholarship in Nursing Anonymous Donor Joseph F. & Susan H. Steiner ReNEW Nursing Scholarship Susan H. & Joseph F. Steiner Marcia Dale Aspire Scholars Program Fund | N/A (10000.500261) Ann & Steve Strenger Marcia L. and William G. Dale Nursing Scholarship | Permanent Endowment (10000.630176) Anonymous Donor Mary E. Burman Fund for Student Experiential Opportunities in Nursing Active Scholarship Anne M. Alexander
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Charles L. & L. J. Guthmann Colleen D. Egan James D. Zeller Mary Anne Purtzer Mary & Jerome A. Behrens Michael R. & Jill Dunn Pamala D. Larsen Sherrie D. Rubio-Wallace Taylor R. & Ryan D. Meyer Mary Gullikson Scholarship in Nursing Harry T. Thorson Foundation & Mary T. Gullikson MS Program Nursing Scholarship Manuelita Burns Nursing Alumni Scholarship Active Scholarship | Permanent Endowment (10000.630550) Anonymous Donor & Yvonne C. Brady Cynthia L. Keyfauver Diane K. Holl-Rambo & James R. Rambo Harry T. Thorson Foundation & Mary T. Gullikson Mandi E. & Wing Lew Nursing Educational Technology Anonymous Donor David F. Bell Edward A. Henry Holly E. & David L. MilleR Jeanine T. & Robert Niemoller Joan L. & Charles E. Moon Johnna T. & Jeffrey R. French Joyce E. McClintock Katherine & Adam O. Burke Kathryn M. Luzmoor & Anonymous Donor Lieyun Su Mary Anne Purtzer Mary & Jerome A. Behrens Michael R. & Jill Dunn Paula J. & Brian W. Belknap Sherrill Smith & Jeffrey J. Smith Veronica K. & Frank J. Taylor Wyoming Community Foundation & Ellbogen Initiatives Fund Nursing School Ann Fleenor Anonymous Donor
Anonymous Donor & Robert S. Butcher Audry B. Van Houweling & Jacob P. Wagner B. Claire & Dennis A. Hitchcock Bibiana N. & Chikwendu C. Ukaegbu Britt W. Wilson Carol A. Holland Carole L. Hoveland Catherine E. Soberekon Catherine J. & Robert L. Huss Dana L. & Tyler J. Brickell Daniel L. Shinn Denise B. Ramp Diane S. & Allan L. Mattern Donna M. & Carl E. Lindberg Elizabeth A. & Greg Papineau Emmajean Amrhein Gaurdia E. Banister & Paul W. Smith Geralyn M. Rogers & Anonymous Donor Gerry Meyer Gregory K. Root Heidi L. & Briggin Palmer Holly E. & David L. Miller Jack T. & Jenna Z. Tennant Janet De Gise Sarmiere Janet I. & John L. Farmer Janice K. & Stanley A. Denoo Jean C. & Thorm R. Forseth Jeanine T. & Robert Niemoller Jeffery W. & Nancy Denhoed Jennifer Marks Joan R. Ryan Joelle N. Appel John H. & Carolyn A. Thompson Joshua D. Monroe Joyce I. & Charles L. Lyford Karen A. & James C. Esten Katharine O. Pollitt Kathy J. Moore Lana Shepard Laura J. & Richard A. Wright Lawrence H. Boram, Jr Leissa A. Roberts Lester & Norma Jean Grant, Rev. Trust Lori A. Altabet Marcella & Kyle Wildeman Maria C. Kidner & Anonymous Donor Marilyn B. Klocksiem Martha Steadman Matloff Maurita R. & Patrick M. Meehan Megan M. Slensker
Michael F. Enright Michael R. & Jill Dunn Mitchell H. & Julie M. Edwards Morgan Corrington Norma D. & James E. Sibbet, III Patricia R. Shoults Priscilla A. Lynch Rebecca C. & Keith T. Carron Rebecca L. Ashcraft Robin E. Wilcoxen Davis & Everett A. Davis Shaheda & A. H. Ula Sherrie D. Rubio-Wallace Sherrill & Jeffrey J. Smith Susan J. & Darrell L. Asbell Susan L. Boughn Terry L. & Gary Hathaway Thomas B. & Leslie A. Lee Thomas L. & Jean E. Tonoli Tina L. O’Connor & Anonymous Donor Veronica K. Taylor Ralph and Fay Whitney Family Endowment in Nursing Michael R. Dunn & Jill Dunn Susan K. McMurry Strategic Partnership for the Advancement of Nursing in Wyoming Anonymous Donor Susan K McMurry Revocable Trust & Anonymous Donor The Dowell Infectious Nursing Scholarship Active Scholarship Mark E. & Caryn Dowell The McMurry Foundation Fund in Mental Health and Integrated Care in Honor of Mary Burman The McMurry Foundation & Anonymous Donor Transition Practicum Scholarship in Nursing Active Scholarship Anonymous Donor Nancy C. Brazelton UW-Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Faculty Partnership Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
Thank you
2021-2022 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS The school awarded $178,000 in scholarships and $25,000 in BRAND state-funded loan repayment funds for the 2021-2022 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
$4,800 awarded
Rudolph & Louise Anselmi Nursing Scholarship
$1,500 awarded to Basic BSN Scholar in their senior year
Babson & Associates Primary Care Nursing Scholarship
$3,000 awarded
Shannon, Gaurdie, and Barbara Banister Scholarship for DNP Students
$3,500 awarded
Blue Cross Blue Shield Wyoming Basic Scholarships
$7,000 awarded
Blue Cross Blue Shield Wyoming BSN Completion Scholarships
$7,000 awarded
Blue Cross Blue Shield Wyoming DNP Scholars Program Scholarships
$50,000 awarded
Kathleen Buckingham Bohmont Nursing Scholarship
$1,450 awarded
BRAND Loan
$25,000 awarded
Polly Chase Memorial Scholarship
$6,800 awarded
Marcia L. & William G. Dale Nursing Scholarship
$10,400 awarded
Scholarship
$3,500 awarded
Dowell Infectious Nursing Scholarship
Pearl Crossley O’Kieffe Memorial Scholarship
Rosalie Fields Nursing Scholarship
Jana Leigh Pruitt Memorial Scholarship
Frances E. Gasdek-Eaglehouse & Barry D. Gasdek Scholarship
Mable C. Sargent Scholarship
$1,000 awarded $1,150 awarded
$1,100 awarded
Frank R. & Dorothy M. Gruden Scholarship in Nursing
$2,400 awarded
$1,250 awarded
$1,000 awarded
$30,000 awarded
Joseph F. & Susan H. Steiner ReNEW Nursing Scholarship
$1,150 awarded
Elizabeth Holland Scholarship in Nursing
Paul Stock Foundation Health Science Scholarship
Mildred Agnes Kimball Scholarship
Dorothy Tupper Nursing Scholarship
John V. Leino Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Clayton Unger Endowed Nursing Scholarship
Gertrude Gould Lindsay Scholarship
Sharon K. West Nursing Scholarship for Needy Students Institutional Fund
$2,050 awarded $650 awarded
$400 awarded $400 awarded
John & Lois Malmquist Nursing Scholarship
$11,200 awarded
Carolyn Bennett Miknis ’59 ReNEW and BRAND Nursing Scholarship
$1,400 awarded
$3,300 awarded
$11,850 awarded
$2,000 awarded
Wiest Nursing Scholarship
$950 awarded
Gordon S. and Charlott Myers (CHS)
The Steamboat Society (formerly the President’s Society) is reserved exclusively for those loyal supporters whose generosity totals $1,000 or more each year.
Bonnie M. and George E. Nugent Nursing
Read more at www.uwyo.edu/foundation/ ways-to-give/annual-giving/index.html
$3,300 awarded
$8,600 awarded
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.
N22NU
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FAY W. WHITNEY SCHOOL OF NURSING College of Health Sciences Dept. 3065 1000 E. University Avenue Laramie, WY 82071
Though our “new normal” has changed due to the current COVID pandemic, one thing has NOT changed, and that’s the ranking of NURSES as the most honest and trusted professionals in the U.S., according to a Gallup poll released in December, marking the 19th year in a row the nursing profession has topped the list. The University of Wyoming Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing continues its annual signing of the Nightingale Pledge each fall, calling students to those very high ethics of the nursing profession. We treasure you nurses! Thank you for continuing excellence in the midst of such a challenging season. Pictured: Student Hannah Pollat signing the Nightingale Pledge
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 and photographer: Claire Hitchcock; Graphic design: UW Institutional Marketing
