CONHS Faculty Presentations at Cleveland Clinic Nursing Research Conference

Three CONHS faculty presented at the Cleveland Clinic 14^th Annual Nursing Research Conference, held May 2-3, 201,8 at the Marriott Cleveland East in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. Dr. Jackie Owens presented an invited session, Writing for Publication: Helpful Faculty and Student Resources Identified by Editors. Jackie also served as a judge for the conference poster presentations. Dr. Robin Brian gave an oral presentation titled, The Experiences of Living with Excess Weight as an Adolescent: Everyday Life and Healthcare Encounters. Dr. Jeri Berryman gave a poster presentation titled, Improving Nurse-Physician Communication & Collaboration Through Simulation: A Bridge to Patient Satisfaction. Over 200 nurses attended the conference.

CONHS Faculty Members Honored with Annual Mentor Awards

Pictured above (L to R) are Mary Camm, Dr. Deana Kehres, Dr. David Vanata,
Grace Reichard, Dr. Dennis Gruber, Jessica Zeitz, Jill Solis and Dr. Jeri Berryman

Eight Ashland University faculty members were honored during the University’s 32nd annual Academic Mentor Awards recognition ceremony held Jan. 26. Of the eight, five are CONHS faculty members. The program recognizes faculty whose academic leadership with regard to students extends beyond the classroom. The mentors, each nominated by an Ashland student, were presented an engraved silver plate at the event held in John C. Myers Convocation Center. 

Recipients from the CONHS this year are Dr. Jeri Berryman, clinical assistant professor; Dr. Dennis Gruber, chair of Health Sciences Department and clinical assistant professor; Deana Kehres, clinical assistant professor; Jill Solis, adjunct clinical education instructor; and Dr. David Vanata, associate professor of Health Sciences.

Friends, colleagues and family members attended the luncheon, joined by members of Ashland’s administration and Board of Trustees. Provost Dr. Eun-Woo Chang welcomed the guests and presided over the event, while also commending the award recipients and the students who nominated them. The awards were presented by Dustin Ness, chairman of the academic affairs committee of the Board of Trustees; and President Dr. Carlos Campo provided remarks.

Students nominated faculty or staff members using the criteria of history of their relationship, how they benefited academically, how their personal development has been enhanced by their mentor and what impact the mentor has had on the student’s progress at the University. Selections were made by the Academic Affairs Committee of the Ashland University Board of Trustees from the information included in the nomination letters.

Students who submitted winning nominations included: Nicole Ziegler, a senior from Medina, Ohio, majoring in Nursing, nominating Berryman; Jessica Zeitz, a senior from Bellevue, Ohio, majoring in Athletic Training, nominating Gruber; Mary Camm, a senior from Findlay, Ohio, majoring in Nursing, nominating Kehres; Gabrielle Hetzel, a senior from Hilliard, Ohio, majoring in Nursing, nominating Solis; and Grace Reichard, a senior from Nevada, Mo., majoring in Dietetics, nominating Vanata.

Berryman, who joined Ashland University in 2013, serves as a clinical assistant professor in the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences. She received a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio State University, an Associate Degree in Nursing from Regents College and an LPN from North Central Technical College.

Gruber, chair for the health sciences department, clinical assistant professor and program director for athletic training, joined Ashland University in 2003. His areas of expertise include acute and chronic pain and qualitative research. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Youngstown State University, a Master of Science from Ohio University and an Ed.D. in Curriculum Studies from Georgia Southern University. He is a site visitor and review team member for CAATE and a certified athletic trainer. 

Kehres, who serves as clinical assistant professor of nursing in the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences, joined Ashland University in 2014 and she holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ashland University and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Akron. 

Solis joined Ashland University in 2017 and currently teaches Advance Simulation and Complex Care Clinicals through the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University and is working to complete her Master of Science in Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner.    

Vanata, who joined Ashland University in 2002, serves as director of the Dietetics program and as associate professor of health sciences in the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Stockton College, a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from Florida State University and a Ph.D. Human Nutrition from the University North Carolina Chapel Hill.

In nominating the recipients of this year’s Mentor Awards, the students wrote one-page essays about their mentors. Passages from these essays were distributed at the luncheon.

The BAYADA Awards: Supporting Advances in Education & Practice

Since they were established in 2004, the BAYADA Awards have recognized nurses for their ideas enhancing technological innovation in nursing education and practice. Proposals from professionals in health care from various backgrounds were considered, and on May 5, 2016, for the second year, awards were presented for Technological Innovation in Health Care Education and Practice.

The 2016 BAYADA Award recipients are Joshua D. Lenchus, DO, associate professor of Clinical Medicine and Anesthesiology at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, for leading the way to the next generation of invasive bedside procedural instruction; and the team of Yvonne Weideman, DNP, assistant professor and coordinator of Second Degree Programs at Duquesne University School of Nursing, Joan Such Lockhart, PhD, clinical professor and MSN Nursing Education Program coordinator at Duquesne University School of Nursing, Marie Panas, MSN, Instructor at Duquesne University School of Nursing; Lisa M. Young, DNP, assistant professor and Director of the Simulation Center at the Ashland University Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Faye Grund, PhD, Dean of the Ashland University Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Mark Fridline, PhD, instructor and BS/MD enrollment coordinator at the University of Akron, for establishing a virtual clinical experience to build cultural competence.

Read more: http://bit.ly/1UtYqSx

New Accelerated & Advanced Entry Students

The new Accelerated and Advanced Entry students started their journey with the CONHS starting May 12th with their orientation.

Update: Navajo Immersion

Erin Seifert, Kaley Harrison, Emily Wood & Hannah Wetzel
at the Tsehootooi Medical Center

Monday through Wednesday students enjoyed observational experiences at the Tsehootsooi Medical Center and traveling around the reservation with the Home Based Care nurses.  The hospital experiences correlated well and validated the cultural assessment information learned during the HS 380 Navajo Reservation Cultural Immersion course.

The bilingual Home Based Care nurses were very open and accepting of each student. Sharing an insider’s perspective during the visits to patient homes made the experiences more meaningful. We appreciate their giving nature and kindness which is characteristic of the Navajo culture.

Kristy Getz had a great day in Labor and Delivery and had the privilege to be present for a birth! A moment she will treasure and never forget! This was
absolutely one of our hospital highlights.

Allison Lester & Alyssa Beto on a drive from a Home Care visit

Some students spent time with Wes Kyser and John

Wes Kyser & John Horst in the ICU

Horst on the ICU unit. Both Wes and John graduated from the AU nursing program in 2014 and are alumni of the Navajo course as well. Wes and John shared with student their experiences coming to the Rez, and transitioning to Reservation life. Nursing administrators had great things to say about John and Wes. It was a great for current students to see firsthand one of the opportunities available to professional nurses.

Emily Donahue and faculty leaders Nancy Thorne and Sharon See attended an Navajo Human Research Review Board meeting to learn more about the procedures required to conduct research on the Reservation.

Tonight we are headed to Rio Puerco youth center… be on the lookout from some pictures from there and our hike at the Window Rock!

Wes Kyser, a staff RN, and John Horst

The CONHS Recognizes Graduates with Blessing of the Hands Ceremony and Recognition Ceremony

Nursing Students Visit Arizona for Navajo Immersion

Students from the Navajo Cultural Immersion course landed safely in Albuquerque, NM over the weekend. Each Spring, the course sends nursing students to study Native American culture in Window Rock, Arizona. They also are placed with nurses at the Tsehootsooi Medical Center in Fort Defiance (AZ). Below are a few pictures of their experience so far. Watch for more updates as they send more pictures from the Navajo Reservation!

The students with Sharon See MSN, RNC-OB and Nancy Thorne MSN, RN
at the airport as they land in Albuquerque, NM.

Students outside the Tsehootsooi Medical Center in Fort Defiance, AZ.

The students outside the Chuch Street Cafe in Albuquerque.

Students at the Navajo Nation Window Rock.

AU to Graduate its First Doctor of Nursing Practice Student

Ashland University’s Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences will graduate its first student from the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at AU’s Spring Commencement on May 14. Teresa Schneider of Wooster, Ohio, will be the first student to receive the DNP degree through AU’s program.

“The first cohort of the DNP program was admitted and began coursework in June 2014. Individuals who have a master’s degree as an advanced practice nurse enter the program to complete doctoral studies,” said Dr. Faye Grund, dean of the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Those who are graduates of a bachelor’s degree in nursing program enter after one year of clinical experience and complete the BS to DNP program. These students are then eligible to test for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.”

Grund said a vision for graduate education of advanced practice nurses was initiated by the Schar College to assist surrounding communities with the current and projected shortage of primary care providers.

“The American Association of Colleges of Nursing initiated the directive to educate advanced practice nurses including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists and nurse anesthetists at the doctoral level, similar to physicians, pharmacists and physical therapists,” said Dr. Latina Brooks, director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. “This level of education for these providers is essential to advance health outcomes for communities and to promote health and wellness for populations.”

Grund said the program received approval from the Ohio Board of Regents in June 2013, approval from the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission in February 2014, entered the first cohort of students in June 2014, and had an accreditation site visit from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in September 2015.

Schneider, whose background is in critical care, emergency nursing and flight nursing, is certified as a Family and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner as well as critical care nursing.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Ohio State University in 1983 and her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Wright State University in 1996. Her master’s thesis was titled “Incidence of Airway Management prior to arrival of a rotary airway service with the Glasgow Coma Scale Score as an Indicator.”

“I am proud of being able to attend Ashland University and be a part of this history and continue to work for advancements for our patients and profession,” Schneider said.

Schneider currently works as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the emergency room at University Hospital’s Samaritan Medical Center in Ashland and Knox Community Hospital in Mount Vernon.

She believes that nursing is the most trusted profession, and notes that one of the highlights of her career was her work in flight nursing.

“My three children, ages 32, 26 and 19, are my biggest accomplishment and I am very proud of them, including my daughter in law,” she said. “They are all kind and intelligent.”

Now that her doctoral education is nearly complete, Schneider said she plans to spend more time working on some of her hobbies.

Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center hosts CONHS Nursing Students through Nurses Christian Fellowship

Student nurses from Nurses Christian Fellowship served the Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Mansfield, OH. This center is dedicated to providing therapeutic riding for the handicapped. The center is located on the grounds of a former polo horse farm and includes an outdoor riding arena, an indoor riding arena with a heated viewing room, two barns and ample pasture space.

AU Nursing Faculty Attend ATI National Nurse Educator Summit

Dr. Karen Estridge, Laura Gilmore and Dr. Lisa Young, all Ashland University Dwight Schar College of Nursing & Health Sciences faculty, attended the ATI National Nurse Educator Summit in Nashville from April 17-20, 2016. It featured nursing professionals from across the country who share the same passion for education, collaboration, and lifelong learning. They were able to join discussions on the critical issues facing nursing and healthcare today, as well as share knowledge, celebrate achievement and build relationships that promote a stronger nursing industry.

Estridge, Gilmore and Young were enlightened by the myriad of educational
seminars and professional networking with peers across the nation.

Dr. Estridge presented her preliminary research results
on Interteaching during Tuesday's poster sessions.

Alumni Association Visits During Senior Week

The Dwight Schar College of Nursing Alumni Association was invited to join the events held at the College for senior students this week. They were able to meet many of the seniors and extend an invitation to join the Alumni Association after they graduate. The students were given magnets, and there were four raffle items available.  The winners were: Brooke Baker, Lauren Brumbaugh, Hannah Llewellyn and Abby Zacharias. Pictured below manning the table are Mansfield General Hospital School of Nursing graduates Rowean Santolucito, Shirley Tipper and Judy Davis.

Mansfield General Hospital School of Nursing Graduates:
Rowean Santolucito, Shirley Tiper and Judy Davis. 

Ashland University Students Inducted into Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society

On Sunday, April 3, 2016, over 40 students from the Ashland University Dwight Schar College of Nursing & Health Sciences were inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Rho Nu-at-Large Chapter #419. Founded in 1922, STTI's mission is "advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership and service." Rho Nu-at-Large Chapter #419 consists of nursing members from Ashland University and Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Ashland University College of Nursing & Health Sciences 2016 inductees

Jada Craze, AU Clinical Assistant Professor, and Kate Leffler (AU senior
Nursing student) present their story on the Mission Trip to the Dominican
Republic with Partners in Christ

Kate Leffler, senior Nursing student and Rho Nu-at-Large Chapter #419 inductee

AU Clinical Assistant Professor Jeri Berryman

AU RN to BSN student Sheila Owens-Bauer receving her honor cords

AU RN to BSN students Lee Perry (left) and Sheila Owens-Bauer (right)
with AU Associate Professor and RN to BSN Director Jackie Owens (middle)

AU RN to BSN student Lee Perry (right) with his mother,
who is a nurse and current STTI member. Lee picked up his mother
without informing her of his induction. Surprise!

Rho Nu-at-Large Board of Directors

Ashland University College of Nursing & Health Sciences Hosts the Third Annual Knowledge Integration Research Day

The Third Annual Knowledge Integration Research Day was held Monday, April 4, 2016, at the Mansfield campus, with over 120 people in attendance. The event included 63 presenters from the Ashland University Nursing and Athletic Training programs. In addition, 34 students from the Mount Vernon Nazarene University School of Nursing presented posters at the event, which was co-sponsored by the Rho Nu-at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. The event culminated with the presentation of awards to the top two presenters, which were judged by members of Rho Nu-at-Large, Shirley Bixby and Chari Raudebaugh.

The poster projects were facilitated by Ashland University assistant professor, Karen Estridge, DNP, RN  and MVNU assistant professor, Judy Gregg, MSN, RN.

Students Participate in Stress Relief Activities

On March 15th, the accelerated nursing students met with Patti Clayburn, director of the accelerated nursing program, for some food and stress relief! Besides the pizza, salad and cupcakes, the students each received an adult coloring book and a set of colored pencils. Using adult coloring books for stress relief is a popular trend right now, and the students were happy to get started, coloring pictures as the evening's discussions went on.

The purpose for these get-togethers is for the students to meet with their director, discuss any concerns, plan for upcoming events, and get a little stress relief!

At this meeting, mentoring was one of the main agenda items, making plans for the current accelerated students to mentor the incoming accelerated students who will begin in May.

Another discussion item was the students' upcoming preceptorship this summer, and Juanita Reese Kline, chair of the nursing department, visited the students during the meeting to provide information regarding this much-anticipated part of their nursing program.

Our accelerated students number 19 in this cohort, and will graduate this August 2016.

Dominican Republic 2016

A group of students, faculty and others in the community gathered together and headed to Juan Tomas, Dominican Republic, to serve during their Spring Break.