School of Nursing News

January 2008

Welcome to the January 2008 issue of School of Nursing News, an informal electronic newsletter for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the Board of Visitors of the University of Maryland School of Nursing. Happy New Year to all!

December Graduations Celebrated

Nurse Anesthesia Class of 2007The Nurse Anesthesia Class of 2007 celebrated the completion of their program at a ceremony held Dec. 7 at the School of Nursing. The class of 21 graduates is the second cohort of students to complete the program since it was launched in 2005. Most of the graduates have accepted positions in the Baltimore area, helping to alleviate the shortage of nurse anesthetists.

On Dec. 14, a pinning ceremony for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) graduates was held at the School of Nursing. The new graduates included 90 BSN and 38 CNL students.

Congratulations to all December grads!

Faculty & Staff Appointments/Transitions

Laurette Hankins Named Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations

Laurette Hankins, BA, has been named associate dean for development and alumni relations. As the School’s chief fundraising officer, Hankins will be responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive development program, including capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, and annual gifts. She will also oversee the alumni relations program for the School of Nursing’s 16,000 alumni. Hankins holds a BA from Duke University, and comes to the School from her previous position as Director of Development at the Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Jillian Aldebron Appointed Chief of Staff

Jillian Aldebron, JD, MA, has been appointed chief of staff in the Office of the Dean. In this new role, Aldebron will provide primary staff support to Dean Janet Allan, deal with legislators and legislative issues at both the state and federal levels, counsel the Dean on legislative strategy and initiatives, and perform other administrative duties. Aldebron holds a JD from University of California, Berkeley School of Law, an MA from New York University, and a BA from the State University of New York, Stony Brook. She comes to the School of Nursing from her previous position as Policy Counsel for the Center for Responsible Lending, Washington, D.C.

Keith Costello, MBA, has been named director of admissions in the Department of Student and Academic Affairs. He holds a BA from American University, an MBA from the University of Connecticut, and has completed coursework in the Higher Education Administration doctoral program at the University of Maryland, College Park. Costello comes to the School of Nursing from the University of Baltimore, where he served as associate director of admissions-operations and technology.

Kathy Farnsworth, MS, has been named director of enrollment management in the Department of Student and Academic Affairs. She holds a BA from the University of Rochester and an MS from Goucher College. Farnsworth most recently served as admissions counselor for the RN to BSN/MS program and student affairs coordinator at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

Kevin Nies, MEd, has joined the Department of Student and Academic Affairs as graduate admissions counselor. Nies holds an MEd from the University of Virginia and a BA from Mary Washington College. He formerly worked as a middle school teacher in Virginia; a program assistant in the Office of Financial Aid to Students/Office of Undergraduate Admission at the University of Virginia; and a project manager for the Robert Wood Johnson Dental Pipeline Grant, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Faculty & Staff Kudos

IntNSA members present award to Congressman Patrick Kennedy (center)As chair of the Policy Committee for the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA), Katherine Fornili, MPH, RN, CARN, assistant professor, Department of Family and Community Health, served in several capacities at the IntNSA’s 2007 annual conference, held recently in Arlington, Va. She co-facilitated the Pre-conference Legislative Advocacy Workshop and coordinated the IntNSA’s trip to Capital Hill with a delegation of 35 nurse members. She also led a delegation of 10 nurses to present IntNSA’s first-ever Legislative Leader Award to Congressmen Patrick Kennedy and Jim Ramstad for their work with parity legislation, and to Sen. Carl Levin for his work with passing legislation to enable buprenorphine prescribing for the treatment of opioid addiction.

Namoi “Bea” Lamm, EdD(c), MS, RN, clinical instructor, Organizational Partnerships, Outreach, and Clinical Enterprise, and coordinator for the Western Maryland Wellmobile, reports that the Governor's Wellmobileof Western Maryland received a certificate of appreciation from the American Cancer Society for participating in the Pink Ribbon Challenge, a walk to raise money for breast cancer research. A display was on hand for walkers to learn about Wellmobile services, and the Wellmobile was open for tours.

Gail Schoen Lemaire, PhD, APRN/PMH, BC, CNL, assistant professor, Department of Family and Community Health, presented a poster, “Quality-Based Strategic Planning in a New Master’s Entry Clinical Nurse Leader Program,” and a paper, “Depression and Reduced Well-being Associated with Androgen Excess Symptoms in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome,” at the Sigma Theta Tau International 39th Biennial Convention, held recently in Baltimore.

Eun-Shim Nahm, PhD, RN, assistant professor, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health (OSAH) and Barbara Scharf, MSN-MPH, RN, health program manager, OSAH, co-authored the following publication, which is a collaborative work of the University of Maryland, Baltimore Informatics Journal Club:

Robin Newhouse, PhD, RN, CNAA, BC, CNOR, associate professor, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, and assistant dean of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, had two recent publications:

Correction from December 2007 newsletter:

Robin Newhouse, PhD, RN, CNAA, BC, CNOR, associate professor, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, and assistant dean of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, published a book: Newhouse, R.P., Dearholt, S., Poe, S., Pugh, L.C., White, K. (2007). Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model and Guidelines. Sigma Theta Tau International: Indianapolis, IN.

In addition, Dr. Newhouse authored an exemplar chapter: Newhouse, R.P. (2007) Using the PNDS for Quality Improvement and Research in Perioperative Nursing Data Set, 2nd ed pp 158-163. American Organization of periOperative Nurses: Denver.

Carolyn Yocom, PhD, RN, FAAN, associate professor and chair, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, has been elected to the American Academy of Nursing Fellowship Selection Committee.

Dr. Rebecca Wiseman receives influenza vaccines from Margaret Terry, PhD, RN, vice president of clinical affairs, MedStar VNARebecca Wiseman, PhD, RN, assistant professor, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, and director of the Governor’s Wellmobile Program, recently received 12 vials of influenza vaccine and syringes from the MedStar Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) to be used for patients who visit the Central Maryland Wellmobile.

Rebecca Wiseman, PhD, RN, has been named a member of the Board of Directors for the National Nursing Centers Consortium (NNCC). She will serve a two-year term, 2008-2010. The NNCC represents nurse-managed health centers serving vulnerable people across the country. The NNCC strengthens the capacity of its members to provide quality health care services to vulnerable populations and to eliminate health disparities in underserved communities.

On the International Scene

A Chinese Delegation, sponsored by the Clarewood Institute, visited the School of Nursing on Dec. 5, 2007. The group of 11 nurse managers was interested in learning more about the U.S. health care and nursing care delivery systems, clinical nursing education, and practice. The group was led by Carolyn Waltz, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor and director of international activities.

Student News – From Shady Grove

Pictured below (left) are Shady Grove UMANS students who  collected toys for patients at Children's Hospital.

Dr. Stewart Edelstein, Dr. Kathryn Montgomery, Mr. Bill Robertson, Dr. Karen Clark, and Michael Davidson.Shady Grove UMANS students collected toys for patients at Children's Hospital. Pictured are Junior BSN students Ana Soule, Cindy Zammit, and Katy Lawnick.

Michael Davidson, a senior BSN student at Shady Grove, was the recipient of the first Shady Grove Adventist Hospital Endowed Scholarship for the Health Professions, for students majoring in the allied health fields. Davidson, a former Marine with a 4.0 GPA, resides in Frederick, Md. He received a $2,000 award for the 2007-2008 academic year.

Alumni News & Notes

Kathleen M. Hunter, PhD '89, MS '81, BSN '76, RN, has been appointed a full-time faculty member at Walden University, where she is responsible for developing and teaching the nursing informatics master’s specialty program. Dr. Hunter continues her private practice in healthcare informatics, serving as a consultant to various corporate, educational, and private endeavors.

Nancy Lamb, MS '98, is currently working as an Advanced Practice Nurse in the Center on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Ark.

Esther McCready and Mariah DillonDuring one of her frequent visits to the School of Nursing, museum docent Esther E. McCready, DIN ’53, gave a guided tour of the School’s Living History Museum to current student Mariah A. Dillon. Following the tour, Dillon said, “It was wonderful meeting Ms. McCready. It was one of the best days of my life. I'm so happy to have been in the presence of such a significant historical figure.”

Navy Captain Maggie L. Richard, PhD ’03, has been appointed to the National Advisory Council, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health.

Caleb A. Rogovin, MS ’92, CRNA, CCRN, CEN, president of the School of Nursing Alumni Association Council, addressed members of the second graduating class of the School's Nurse Anesthesia Program on December 7. Rogovin, who recently endowed a fund in support of the School's Trauma, Critical Care, and Emergency Nursing master's program, is a practicing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Temple University and Thomas Jefferson Hospitals in Philadelphia.

Carol A. Solberg, MS ’86, holds three PRN positions, including school nurse, Health Link RN, and Administrative Supervisor at the Upper Chesapeake Health System. Solberg currently resides in Bel Air, Md.

Beth C. Diehl-Svrjcek, MS ’85, RN, CRNP, CCRN, NNP, CCM, LNCC, completed a post-master’s certificate in 1996 as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. She currently works as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner/Transport Nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital. In addition, Diehl-Svrjcek recently authored/co-authored the following publications and contributed to a textbook:

Ronnie Ursin, MS '07, BSN '05, RN, was selected to be on the NCLEX Item Review Panel in Chicago by the National Council State Boards of Nursing. Ursin successfully completed the panel and adds credit to his Post-Master’s Certificate in Teaching and Learning. He has been approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing to be a candidate for the NCLEX Item Review Panel at a future date. Ursin is currently the Nursing Director of the Acute Medical Unit at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Md.

School of Nursing “In the News”

Elizabeth Galik, PhD, RN, CRNP, assistant professor, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health (OSAH), and Barbara Resnick, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN, professor, OSAH, were quoted in a story, “Brain Fade – Is it Neurodegenerative or Simply a Sign of Aging,” which appeared in the Dec. 3, 2007 edition of Nursing Spectrum magazine.

Patricia Adams, BA, director of media relations and publications, was quoted in a story, “Region to Ramp up Nursing Education to Fight Shortage,” which was printed in the Dec. 5, 2007 edition of the Baltimore Examiner.

Brenda Afzal, MS, RN, project manager, Environmental Health and Education Center, was quoted in an article, “State’s Fly-ash Crackdown Part of National Effort,” which appeared in the Dec. 6, 2007 edition of the Baltimore Examiner.

Karen S. Kauffman, PhD, RN, associate professor and chair, Department of Family and Community Health, was a guest on WBAL-TV’s Sunday morning show Dec. 8, 2007, where she discussed helpful tips for Alzheimer’s disease caregivers to survive and enjoy the holidays. She also informed viewers about the first in a planned series of 20 CDs that provide caregivers education and management strategies for all stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The CD is the product of LightBridge Healthcare Research, Inc. and its first NIH-funded Small Business Innovative Research grant. Dr. Kauffman serves as an expert reviewer, consultant, and the CD moderator on the grants.

A press conference held at the School of Nursing on Dec. 11, 2007, announced the release of a national survey of health risks faced by nurses’ exposure to chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and radiation on the job. Barbara Sattler, DrPH, RN, FAAN, research associate professor, Department of Family and Community Health and director of the Environmental Health and Education Center; Brenda Afzal, MS, RN, project manager, Environmental Health and Education Center; and doctoral student Paxson Barker, RN, were interviewed by both print and electronic media outlets.

A feature article, “Governor’s Wellmobile of Western Maryland Promotes Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention,” was printed in the November, December 2007, January 2008 edition of The Maryland Nurse. The article was written by Namoi “Bea” Lamm, EdD(c), MS, RN, program coordinator for the Western Maryland Wellmobile.

News briefs announcing the appointment of Laurette Hankins as associate dean for development and alumni relations appeared in the Baltimore Sun’s “Names in the News” section (Jan. 3, 2008) and the Baltimore Business Journal’s “People” section (Dec. 28, 2007-Jan. 3, 2008).

Mark Your Calendar!

Conferences and Lectures

Nurses for Global Health present, “Perspectives on Global Health” – Friday, Feb. 8 – 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – SON auditorium – Free admission.
Keynote speaker: Elizabeth Sloand, PhD, CRNP, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

17th Annual Black History Month Lecture, “Hold Fast to Your Dreams: Stories of Inspiration from the African-American Community” – Monday, Feb. 25 – 4 to 5:30 p.m. – SON auditorium – Free admission; reception following lecture.

Guest lecturer: Linda Burnes Bolton, DrPH, RN, FAAN, vice president of nursing and chief nursing officer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, and president of the American Academy of Nursing, will be the guest lecturer. For information, visit nursing.umaryland.edu/events

Komen Distinguished Lectureship – Tuesday, March 4 – 4 to 5:30 p.m. – SON auditorium – Free admission/$30 charge for nursing contact hours.

Guest lecturer: Karen Dow Meneses, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor and associate dean for research, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, will discuss cancer disparities and access to care among breast cancer survivors, explore the factors related to such disparities, describe innovative models for decreasing disparities, and explore methods to advance education and practice to decrease these differences. For information, visit nursing.umaryland.edu/partnerships/komen/distinguished.htm

“Nursing Practice Based on Evidence: The Case for Collaboration” – Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4 – SON Auditorium – fees vary. SON faculty and staff discounts and on-day rates available.

Keynote speaker: Tim Porter O’Grady, DM, EdD, RN, FAAN, senior partner and mediator, Tim Porter-O’Grady Associates, Inc. For information, visit nursing.umaryland.edu/events/ebp