Wichita State University Nursing newsletter fall 2021

SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWSLETTER

fall 2021

Message from the Chair As we head into 2022, I would like to take a brief look back at 2021. So many things happened that affected the School of Nursing. A new president was inaugurated, a new chair was appointed, and nursing pinning ceremony was in person! Some other highlights include: A team participated in the “Suspenders for Hope” run in September. They took first place in fundraising and 4th place overall! Thank you Dorene Owen, Candace Grant, Maryon Habtemariam, Jolynn Dowling, Donna Robinson, Rhonda Williams, Jennifer Thornberry, and Brandy Jackson and her daughter, Danika, for representing the SON in excellent form.

Dr. George Lucas, retired orthopedic surgeon, donated a painting to the School of Nursing. It features two Russian student nurses and was painted

by Dr. Lucas.

The School of Nursing welcomed six new faculty members this fall, Michelle Lamp, Maggie Ward, Jennifer Thornberry, Kim Burtch, Sara Flora, and Tammy Zimmerman.

Dr. Maryon Habtemariam was selected as one of the “Women Who Lead – Health Care” by the Wichita Business Journal.

Students participated in COVID-19 vaccine administration and influenza vaccine administration this past spring and fall.

Looking forward into 2022, I believe it will be even more exciting and eventful. The satellite WSU School of Nursing (SON) at Kansas State University will admit students to start the program in August of this year.

The School of Nursing will undergo its CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) and KSBN (Kansas State Board of Nursing) accreditation review in October. The WSU School of Nursing has been continuously accredited since 1963. In 2003, the accreditation process changed from the NLN (National League of Nursing) to the CCNE. Several faculty members are anticipating graduation with their Doctorate this year. This is very exciting for them and for the SON. Students will be participating in the BABY TALK program in Oaklawn. Students will be teaching the 6-week prenatal education classes. Dorene Owen, Maternal-Newborn faculty, will be supervising the students. Derby Recreation helps sponsor this program along with KU Center for Research for Infant Birth and Survival.

Faculty at the SON remain focused on the education of students and graduating nurses to provide care for the community. As chair, I remain focused on faculty, students, and opportunities to improve the care in the community. What an exciting time to be a Shocker Nurse!

Dr. Debie Pile Chair and Associate Dean for Nursing Practice

School of Nursing Updates School of Nursing names new chair and associate dean of nursing practice In Oct. 2021 Dr. Debra Pile was announced as the new Chair of the School of Nursing and Associate Dean of Nursing Practice. She succeeded Dr. Voncella McCleary-Jones, who assumed the role of associate dean for Academic, Faculty and Student Affairs for the College of Health professions. Dr. Pile held the Interim Chair position in the School of Nursing since Feb. 2021.

Guaranteed Placement Program replaces Early Admission Option The School of Nursing has relaunched the new Guaranteed Placement Program for high school seniors (formerly the Early Admission Option).

Changes to the program include: • Increased number of accepted prerequisite hours • New, streamlined online application • Students are required to work one-on-one with a College of Health Professions advisor for guidance throughout the professional program.

High school students who are accepted into the program and start their college career at Wichita State are guaranteed entry into the traditional BSN program. This popular program appeals to many students because securing a spot in this highly competitive program establishes their higher education path. To learn more visit wichita.edu/GPP. Suspenders4Hope Run/Walk Fundraiser School of Nursing faculty participated in the Suspenders4Hope Run/Walk Fundraiser to benefit Stop Suicide ICT. The team took 1st place in fundraising dollars for Wichita State teams and 4th place overall for fundraising dollars.

Thank you for supporting mental wellness and suicide prevention!

First graduates of Wesley’s Dedicated Education Unit The School of Nursing and Wesley Medical Center celebrated nursing students Victoria Atkins and Leslie Ortiz as they became the first students to graduate from Wesley’s Dedicated Education Unit (DEU). These students spent their fall semester on the Ortho-Spine Unit with preceptors Clara Oberly, BSN, RN, and Nicole Robinett, BSN, RN. The students say the DEU was very beneficial and helped enhance their nursing skills and build more confidence with patient care. The DEU is a new collaboration between Wesley and the School of Nursing to provide a robust and enhanced clinical rotation by pairing a nursing student to the same preceptor for the entire semester. The endeavor was a success and will be repeated in the spring semester, where Wesley will host four nursing students with four preceptors.

Simulation Upgrades and Expansion The SON is in the process of improving the appearance and capabilities of our simulation facilities and equipment. This is a great opportunity to increase the technology that is available to help educate students. Changes in physical spaces include new flooring in the simulation spaces on the second floor in Ahlberg Hall; upgraded camera and recording systems; and the creation of a new space on the third floor of Ahlberg Hall with simulation, control room and observation areas. Additional high and low fidelity manikins have been ordered, as well as other equipment to enhance students’ simulation experiences.

Wichita State Satellite Nursing Program at K-State The Wichita State satellite nursing program at K-State is moving forward. Remodeling and construction are in full swing, supplies are being delivered, and we are hiring faculty and staff for the new program. The first cohort will start in fall 2022.

Student Updates Artwork donated to the SON Dr. George Lucas, a retired renowned orthopedic surgeon in Wichita, has started painting in his retirement. He has developed macro-degeneration, an eye disorder that causes blurred or reduced central vision. Dr. Lucas found a picture of student nurses he took in Russia and turned it into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind painting that he donated to the School of Nursing. Dr. Lucas was a member on the advisory board at the Ulrich Museum of Art and his wife is a nurse. To see the painting in person, visit the main Nursing office in Ahlberg Hall.

Service Recognition Congratulations to these faculty and staff who celebrated milestone anniversaries at Wichita State! A special thank you to our retirees for their years of work and dedication.

• Janell Mayer – 10 years • Terri Core – 15 years • Mary Faragher – 20 years • Sandra Goldsmith – 20 years • Betty Campbell – Retiree • Alicia Huckstadt – Retiree • Susan Parsons – Retiree Faculty recognized by Wichita Business Journal Faculty member Maryon Habtemarian was selected by the Wichita Business Journal for Women Who Lead in Healthcare.

Congratulations, Maryon!

Faculty and staff updates • New • Emily Koch • Kimberly Burtch • Sarah Flora • Jennifer Thornberry • Margaret Ward • Tammy Zimmerman • Faculty Changes • Candace Grant has moved from Interim to Coordinator of the Accelerated BSN program • Laura Sooby is the new Assistant Undergraduate Director • Farewell • Courtney Carlin • Rebecca Carter • Kelly Hein • Richard Nold • Susan Parsons • Jennifer Rodgers • Linda Young Hooding and Pinning The fall 2021 Pinning and Hooding Ceremony was held Dec. 10 at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex. Pinning and Hooding is an important event to recognize our students and their accomplishments, and we were happy to be able to have the ceremony in-person again.

Graduate spotlight From being a mom of 5, to becoming a labor and delivery nurse, Megan Schmidt has defied the odds. Megan says, “The School of Nursing does a phenomenal job of providing its students with rich clinical experiences. Our clinical courses allow us to be hands-on in the hospitals and I believe that is where I have grown the most as a student nurse.”

Student Awards • Highest GPA • Post-Masters to DNP: Sanna Zade • Post-Baccalaureate to DNP: Tie to Mimi Tran and Julie Hayes • Traditional BSN: Brittany Beim • RN-BSN: Meredith Morlan • Outstanding Clinical Performance • Traditional BSN: Carlie Hurst • RN-BSN: Kate Keeton • DAISY Award: Hannah Meyer Fall 2021 commencement University Commencement was held Dec. 12 at Charles Koch Arena.

We are extremely proud of our graduating students and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors! The SON had the following number of graduates from our programs: • Graduate Programs: 10 • Undergraduate Programs: 51 Traditional BSN and 14 RN to BSN Nursing alumni chance meeting Nursing alum David Ramos (1984) had a chance meeting with two other Wichita State Nursing graduates Kayli McDiffett and Ravyn Pickens (2016) all the way in California. Kayli and Ravyn were traveling nurses working in Salinas, where Dr. Ramos is an emergency department physician at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System.

Student Spotlights Victoria Atkins and Leslie Ortiz are the first students to graduate from Wesley Medical Center’s Dedicated Education Unit. Below Victoria and Leslie share more about themselves and their experience with the DEU. I am Victoria Atkins, a nursing student at Wichita State University. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to do something in medicine; however, I did not quite know that I wanted to be a nurse until I was about seventeen years old. I was a group leader at a YMCA summer camp, and I adored making connections with the kids—I thought: “how could I make connections with people for a living while also being in the medical field?”

And that is when nursing crossed my mind.

Victoria Atkins

When our program director talked to us about the DEU opportunity, I was immediately intrigued because I saw it as the perfect opportunity to enhance my nursing skills along with forming strong, professional relationships with the DEU registered nurses. I really liked the idea of having nurses trained to specifically critique and solidify my nursing skills to make be a better future nurse. The DEU was a learning-rich environment that really enhanced my nursing skills. It offered me the opportunity to have a sense of belonging and to work with a team.

When it comes to what kind of nurse I want to be after graduation, I honestly do not know. I want to keep my options open because there is still so much to learn. With that said, I do have a liking for operating room nurses.

I shadowed an OR nurse, and I loved everything about it. I am excited to explore my options within the career because I know that you can do almost anything with nursing!

For fun, I love to read and watch movies—but more so movies. I watch at least one movie a weekend. Along with movies, I like to work-out whenever I have time and hang out with my friends. My boyfriend and I like to play disc golf and mini golf although I am not that great at either.

My name is Leslie Ortiz and I have chosen to be a nurse because I have a strong passion for caring for people and want to do what I can to help improve their quality of life. From a very young age, I had many opportunities to meet and talk with nurses at the hospital where my dad works. I was inspired by the zeal they had and could tell that they truly loved their meaningful roles.

I was intrigued to apply to be a DEU student because I felt that it would help me to learn a lot, practice my skills, and get a feel for the ICU which is an area I have strongly considered working in when I graduate. The DEU allowed me to build more confidence with patient care and build a relationship with a healthcare team that truly cares for each patient.

I have volunteered in the ER, Progressive Care unit, and impatient pediatrics unit.

I have been able to see a variety of patient populations and observe Leslie Ortiz the amazing way that nurses change so many people’s lives for the better.

I’ve been continuously inspired to become a patient advocate and supportive nurse who puts the patient at the center of the care I deliver.

After graduation, I think I would like to work in an Intensive Care Unit or an Emergency Department because I like to tackle challenging situations, do well in a high-stress environment, and love to stay busy.

For fun I love to watch movies, go country dancing, and go on walks around the city. On longer breaks, I enjoy traveling, fishing, and catching up with loved ones.

Faculty/Alumni Spotlight Mary Faragher is a longtime faculty member and alumni of the School of Nursing at Wichita State. Mary is from the small town of Little River, KS and received her BSN from Marymount College in Salina. After graduation she worked in small rural hospitals and outpatient settings in various areas, including delivery and nursery, surgery, ophthalmology, Head Start, medical-surgical, sports medicine, internal medicine, and she helped start the endoscopy unit at Galichia Medical Group. She was also a camp nurse in Connecticut for two summers and taught patient care at Wichita Area Technical College. She eventually returned to school and received her MSN and FNP from Wichita State. She met her husband while playing in adult volleyball leagues here in Wichita.

Mary graduated from Wichita State in 1999 and joined the nursing faculty right after graduation. Although she loved teaching, after three semesters she decided to go back into the field to care for patients. She worked at a family practice clinic and eventually realized Mary Faragher that she missed the students. In 2002 she came back to Wichita State and has been here ever since. Mary has taught in every program in the School of Nursing during her time at the university.

Mary loves many things about her job, but her favorite part is the students. She says it is gratifying to support them through nursing school, and that listening to them can make the biggest difference.

“It’s amazing the walks of life our students come from. I like to hear their story and why they’re here - the reason they want to be a nurse, what will they do with it,” she says. “It’s so rewarding to see them graduate and do some of those things.”

Mary says it is extremely humbling and gratifying when she receives an invitation to a student’s graduation.

“Sometimes you don’t feel like you have an effect on a person, and then occasionally you are surprised by someone you never think you connected with.”

In 2007, Mary received the Academy of Effective Teaching Award, and it is one of her most memorable moments at Wichita State. Each year, representatives of the Academy go through an extensive process to solicit nominations of the most effective teachers campus wide.

“Receiving that award made me think ‘Well, maybe I’m doing something right,’” said Mary. “And since the award comes from students, it’s really special and meaningful.”

Mary said many people at Wichita State inspired her in her role as a mentor and educator, but one of her biggest influences was the School of Nursing Chair at the time, Dr. Juanita Tate.

“I really admired her and her leadership skills,” said Mary. “She treated everyone the same, and really made you feel like you were contributing to the School of Nursing and the students.”

The biggest change Mary has seen through the years in nursing is the integrating of technology like electronic health recording and using machines to input numbers. Although technology has become increasingly important, Mary wants her students to know that their most valuable role is being there for the patient. She tries to help students understand they aren’t just taking care of the patient, but all the people around them including significant others, family, etc.

“It’s important to know how to help patients get through a difficult time and how to manage their families,” she said.

“When students understand that, I know they really get what it’s like to be a nurse.”

Mary has volunteered regularly at the Guadalupe Clinic for many years and enjoys giving back to the community. In her spare time Mary likes to watch sports on TV with husband. She also loves the sport of volleyball and is very involved.

She played in high school and college, and afterward stayed in the game by refereeing. She has been officiating for over 40 years, starting with junior high and moving up to various collegiate levels. She is a member of the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) and serves on its board, along with her membership to USA Volleyball. In 2020 she was named MIAA Volleyball Supervisor of Officials.

Mary has started a phased retirement and plans to be fully retired in a couple years. She says it’s a strange feeling to be winding down her time at Wichita State, but she looks forward to retirement and spending more time with her family, including her 1-year-old grandson and 8-year-old granddaughter.

Message to Alumni & Friends Alumni - we want to hear from you! There are many reasons to stay in touch and be involved. Keep your lifelong relationship with Wichita State and the School of Nursing a strong one. We encourage you to: • Update your contact information. We want to make sure you receive the latest news, invitations to events, department updates and more.

• Keep us up-to-date with the latest news. Send your achievements and news to chpcontent@wichita.edu for promotion on social media and in upcoming newsletters.

• Attend university and alumni events. These events are a great opportunity to network and reconnect with fellow alumni.

• Connect and encourage the next generation of WSU nurses through your

experiences. This is an important way in which your leadership can help further the nursing profession and the School of Nursing at WSU.

• Continue your education with us. Stand out and take your nursing career to the next level.

Let us know what’s happening with you by emailing the following information to chpcontent@wichita.edu. Thank you for sharing!

Name: Class: Address: Phone: Email: Tell us about yourself. Where are you living, what are you doing in your career and what are your future plans?

You can support the School of Nursing with a donation through the WSU Foundation.

Donate online at wichita.edu/give

• Choose the “Colleges” tab.

• Under “Choose a college” select “Health Professions” from the drop-down menu.

• Under “Choose a fund” select “Nursing Department" from the drop-down menu.

• Follow the easy payment options.

Visit the School of Nursing online wichita.edu/nursing Follow the College of Health Professions: