Dr. Patricia Haynor to receive award from administration program in Spain

Patricia Haynor, PhD, RN, NHA, will be awarded the Golden Dolphin Pin of the Santa Madrona School of Nursing’s Master’s Program in Nursing Administration on the occasion of the program’s 20th anniversary. Santa Madrona is affiliated with the University of Barcelona in Spain. Dr. Haynor, associate professor and coordinator, BSN/MSN Gateway Program for Registered Nurses at the Villanova University College of Nursing, was nominated for the award by the administration and faculty in recognition of her “commitment and involvement in developing the master’s program and her nursing leadership.” The Golden Dolphin is the highest honor from the school and will be presented in absentia. The ceremony takes place October 6 at the CaixaForum in Barcelona.

For 10 years Dr. Haynor taught as adjunct faculty at Santa Madrona and assisted with the establishment and growth of the Spanish Nursing Administration program. In her educator role, she taught two courses in the program, Nursing Administration and Human Resource Management. She was also a consultant to the faculty in program evaluation and presented continuing education opportunities for the nursing community in Barcelona.

Dr. Haynor has over 25 years experience as a health care administrator in acute care, home care and skilled nursing facilities. She is a recognized expert and frequent lecturer on issues concerning job satisfaction, leadership styles and strategies, nurse manager development and career development.

Dr. Carol Weingarten inducted as fellow in Academy of Nursing Education

A role model for colleagues, she was honored for her sustained and significant contributions to the field of nursing education

Excellence as an educator was recognized tonight as Carol Toussie Weingarten, PhD, RN, ANEF was inducted as a fellow in the National League for Nursing’s (NLN) Academy of Nursing Education. The ceremony was held at the close of the NLN’s Education Summit 2009 in Philadelphia. Dr. Weingarten is an associate professor at the Villanova University College of Nursing.

Dr. Weingarten is among the third class of 21 fellows representing 20 schools of nursing in the United States. The academy was established in 2007 and had 65 fellows to date. Dr. Weingarten now joins this select group after a competitive process that reviews an applicant’s innovative teaching strategies, academic leadership and collaborative partnerships, among other criteria. The NLN established the Academy of Nursing Education to foster excellence in nursing education by recognizing and capitalizing on the wisdom of outstanding nurse educators.

Read more about Dr. Weingarten's accomplishments at http://www.villanova.edu/nursing/newsevents/news.htm?page=2009_9_26.htm

Villanova Nursing faculty share expertise at Education Summit

Through honors, appointments and the sharing of expertise, the College again demonstrated why it is a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. See what your professors did at the NLN Education Summit 2009! http://www.villanova.edu/nursing/newsevents/news.htm?page=2009_9_29.htm

Dr. Nancy Sharts-Hopko elected to educator commission

Nancy Sharts-Hopko, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor and director of the doctoral program of the Villanova University College of Nursing , has been elected to the National League for Nursing’s (NLN) Commission on Certification for a full, two-year term. The Commission sets policy related to the NLN's certification process for the designation of certified nurse educator (CNE).

The College’s doctoral program prepares teacher-scholars for careers in academic settings. “It has been important for me personally to be involved in this since I direct a doctoral program that prepares nurse educators. We have ensured that the coursework in this doctoral program is congruent with NLN competencies/ standards for nurse educators that the CNE certification documents,” notes Dr. Sharts-Hopko. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the certification examination once they have fulfilled the full-time teaching requirement, which some have already done as students.

Dr. Sharts-Hopko previously served through an appointment and for those six years worked with the NLN group to create and implement the CNE process, including the exam, and successfully endeavored to have the NLN accredited to offer the CNE designation. The CNE program was created to help direct nurse educators –already experienced clinicians— to develop themselves as educators, and to acknowledge that they have done so, either through graduate programs in nursing education or through continuing education and on-the-job development.

Dr. Sharts-Hopko’s election to the Commission was announced at the NLN’s Education Summit 2009 in Philadelphia on September 26.

The impact of a nurse-managed clinic

Congratulations to Maryanne Lieb (MSN alumna and coordinator of our accelerated BSN program) and Theresa Berkman (RN to BSN alumna and adjunct faculty) who were mentioned in this Catholic Standard and Times article about the St. Agnes Nurses Clinic in West Chester, Pa. which Maryanne founded. http://www.cst-phl.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=73&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=1167&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2666&hn=cst-phl&he=.com

Philly Mayor Nutter loves nurses

At the opening of the NLN Education Summit, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter addressed the educators from North America describing the concentration of health care in the city. "Philadelphia appreciates nurses," he said, further noting the contributions of nurse practitioners as key providers in the city. Mayor Nutter discussed patients being told they will have to wait to see their doctor though being relieved to hear "the nurse will see you now." This generated vigorous applause from the audience.

Promoting Dignity Through Volunteerism

On Monday, October 5th at 7:30pm in the Driscoll Hall Auditorium, join the Nursing faculty panel for a discussion of how they integrate their clinical expertise to uphold and promote the dignity of the individuals and groups with which they volunteer. Speakers include Patricia Bradley, PhD, RN (who volunteers to support African American women with breast cancer), Barbara Ott, PhD, RN (who volunteers to assist those in the midst of ethical issues related to their health) and Elise Pizzi, MSN, CRNP (who volunteers to care for underserved immigrant populations in a Philadelphia clinic). This lecture is part of the College's 15th Annual Health & Human Values Lecture Series.

Audience captivated by OVC lecture

Great to hear from Dr. Leonardo Shamamba last night about the efforts of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Haiti to help people living with HIV/AIDS and orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). The CRS model is very much a nursing model in its holistic approach integrating individuals, families and communities while addressing issues like health, nutrition, education, finances and self-esteem. Packed auditorium audience was very appreciative. So many opportuntiites to help there. Thanks to CRS!

Be a Villanova Nurse: Undergraduate Open House for High School Students

Do you know someone who wants to be a Villanova Nurse? Have them start by visiting our website http://www.villanova.edu/nursing/programs/undergrad/bsn/ and learning more about us, then register for our October 4th Open House by following links here: http://www.villanova.edu/nursing/prospective/visit/openhouse/highschool/index.htm It's a great opportunity to meet faculty and hear the real-life experiences of our students!

Preteens and online Internet risk behaviors

Risks in the middle school years have moved beyond sneaking cigarettes. As part of a research team funded by the Department of Justice, Dr. Elizabeth Dowdell, associate professor of Nursing at Villanova, studies risky Internet behaviors of middle schoolers. In her study of 404 students, 59 had communication with a stranger, some with online conversations, gifts or meetings. Dr. Dowdell says prevention efforts should include programs in the curriculum that teach refusal skills in online situations. Parents should keep computers in a public space at home and discuss with children the dangers of posting online personal data.

Orphaned and Vulnerable Children in Haiti

The College of Nursing kicks off its 15th Annual Health & Human Values Lecture series on Monday with Improving Quality of Life for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Haiti. See you at 7:30pm in the Driscoll Hall Auditorium to to hear Dr. Leonardo Shamamba talk about his work as an HIV/AIDS outreach coordinator and caring for the children affected in Haiti.


















See more at http://www.villanova.edu/nursing/newsevents/events/lecture.htm

New funding source options available to nursing education students in College of Nursing

The College of Nursing has long been educating the educators of the profession. In recent years, with the critical national faculty shortage, the College has expanded and enhanced offerings at the master’s, post-master’s, doctoral and continuing education levels to meet the needs of nurse educators and students. The College has also targeted obtaining funding for students who are U.S. citizens and wish to earn a degree in nursing education and then teach in an accredited nursing program in the United States.

Complementing other loan forgiveness programs from which its nursing education students have benefited, the College has recently obtained $130,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for students studying nursing education at the master’s level. This resource for students is in addition to other federal loan forgiveness funds totaling $389,000 obtained from the Nurse Faculty Loan Program in June. Students in the master’s or doctoral programs studying nursing education may use these funds for tuition, fees, books and supplies—easing the financial burden of advanced education.

For more information on the master’s/post-master’s program visit http://www.villanova.edu/nursing/programs/graduate/masters/concentrations/education/index.htm
and for the doctoral program, visit http://www.villanova.edu/nursing/programs/graduate/phd/index.htm

Blood drive sponsored by the College of Nursing's Undergraduate Nursing Senate

Recycle yourself! Give blood.
Tuesday, September 29
10am to 4pm
Dougherty Hall-West Lounge
Appointments preferred (sign up at www.pleasegiveblood.org/donate and enter sponsor #2031)

For 25 years, the Undergraduate Nursing Senate has been sponsoring blood drives on campus with the American Red Cross. That's a lot of lives saved by the Villanova community.

What happens to your blood? Blood may be used for whole blood tranfusions or it is separated into its components including red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipatitated AHF (antihemophilic factor). Each component can be transfused to different individuals with different needs. Therefore, each donation can be used to help save as many as three lives.

Who are you helping? Premature infants in NICUs, babies having open heart surgery, people with hemophilia, and trauma, cancer and burn patients among countless others.

You can help three people and give hope to their families and friends by being there September 29th!

College of Nursing hosts Diversity Workshop for campus faculty

Join colleagues from across the Villanova faculty to learn more about Teaching Across the Lines of Differences on Friday, October 2nd from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Driscoll Hall Auditorium.

Speakers include Dr. Patricia Bradley, associate professor and Patty Abdalla, nursing student resource advisor from the College of Nursing, and from The Center for Multicultural Affairs Dr. Terry Nance, assistant vice president and Kristina Ruiz Mesa, assistant director.

RSVP to Dr. Patricia Bradley 610.519.4920 or patricia.bradley@villanova.edu

Food safety resource

Need a resource about food safety for your patients? Check this newly revised site from the government http://www.foodsafety.gov/

Share your expertise: Call for abstracts for annual Nursing research symposium

The College of Nursing announces a call for abstracts for papers and posters for its Annual Research Symposium to be held Tuesday, February 23, 2010 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Villanova Room of Connelly Center on the University campus. The deadline for abstracts is December 21, 2009.

The event is sponsored by the College’s Center for Nursing Research, Sigma Theta Tau International Alpha Nu Chapter and Continuing Education in Nursing and Health Care Program. The symposium theme is The Many Dimensions of Nursing Research and will incorporate completed research that focuses on clinical excellence, nursing education and health care leadership. Studies in any stage of development will be considered for posters.

Learn more here: http://www.villanova.edu/nursing/newsevents/news.htm?page=2009_6_25.htm

Philadelphia area RNs needed to volunteer at clinic for the underserved

Unity Clinic in south Philadelphia is one of many places where the College of Nursing faculty, students and alumni serve the underserved. If you are a Pennsylvania-licensed RN with adult health experience, consider volunteering at the clinic on Tuesday evenings from 5-8pm. There is garage parking which is free and safe. There are immediate needs starting this month. For more information, contact Elise Pizzi, MSN, CRNP at elise.pizzi@villanova.edu or 610-519-7056.

Tips to prevent H1N1 (Swine)Flu

While media can cause a stir among the public about the upcoming flu season, using common sense is your best defense against getting sick.

H1N1 flu is a virus that spreads in a similar fashion as seasonal flu, from person to person through coughs or sneezes, or contaminated hands or surfaces that are touched. People who are very young or old, are pregnant or have weakened immune systems need to be especially careful.

Wash, wash, wash your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers, use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it properly, avoid touching your face to prevent transmission of germs, and avoid sick people and crowds. Questions? Contact your health care provider about potential medications or treatments you may need and for additional information visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1.

Dr. Cantrell to study hope interventions in childhood cancer survivors with NINR grant

Mary Ann Cantrell, Ph.D., R.N., CS, associate professor at the College of Nursing, has received a three-year Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) grant from the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). NINR is a division of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Cantrell will be researching “A hope intervention to influence quality of life among female survivors of childhood cancer.”

Read more: http://www.villanova.edu/nursing/newsevents/news.htm?page=2009_9_2.htm

Nursing student enhances health information for Arab immigrants

Christine Grywalski, BSN, a 2009 graduate of the Villanova University College of Nursing from Springfield, N.J. investigated the need for and created an information sheet about health insurance options and free care for new immigrants that can be now be accessed via the Philadelphia Arab American Community Development Corporation web site (www.arabamericancdc.org/accesstohealthcare.html). In this photo, Christine is checking the blood pressure of an Arab immigrant woman. Read more about Christine's initiative here:

http://www.villanova.edu/nursing/newsevents/news.htm?page=2009_8_28.htm

Dr. Kim Trout cited in diabetes article

Kim Trout, PhD, RN, CNM was quoted in an article “Women's Monthly Cycle Affects Blood Glucose Control, But Not Consistently” on the website Diabetes Health.
http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2009/08/15/6312/womens-monthly-cycle-affects-blood-glucose-control-but-not-consistently/ Dr. Trout is a certified nurse midwife and assistant professor in maternal-child health at the College of Nursing.