Kappa Eta Fall 2017 Kappa Eta Chapter New Jersey City University

th Kappa Eta Chapter earns its 6 Key Award!

On Monday, October 30, 2017, Chapter President Christine (Chrissi) Dobson proudly received Kappa Eta’s 6th Chapter Key Award during the Awards Ceremony of the 44th Biennial Convention in Indianapolis, IN. The Key is awarded to Chapters who exhibit leadership, scholarship, and service. They work diligently during the Biennium to promote mentorship, membership engagement, Chapter operations, publicity and recruitment. Congratulations to Kappa Eta on this outstanding achievement! Cathy Catrambone, PhD,RN,FAAN, Chrissi Dobson,BSN,RN,CMSRN, Patricia Thompson,EdD,MSN,RN,FAAN

Sigma Foundation for : Help Make Nursing Stronger Each year, for every research and leadership grant that is awarded, seven are declined due to limited funding. A donation to Sigma’s Foundation for Nursing can help provide for grants and programming to help nurses around the world. Visit http://www.sigmanursing.org/why-sigma/stti-foundation- for-nursing/make-a-gift to make your donation today. Also, consider starting a Chapter Giving Circle, where a group pools their donation to help make a larger philanthropic impact! For more information, please contact Chrissi Dobson at [email protected].

Kappa Eta Fall 2017 44th Biennial Convention Influence Through Action: Advancing Global Health, Nursing, and Midwifery

Sigma Theta Tau, International held their 44th Biennial Conference in Indianapolis, IN from October 28-November 1, 2017. The focus of this year’s Biennium was “Influence Through Action: Advancing Global Health, Nursing and Midwifery.” Members of Sigma have worked tirelessly to help provide outreach to developing countries. Notably Kappa Eta’s own Connie Sobon-Sensor, Sigma’s Liaison to the United Nations.

The conference highlighted nursing knowledge and research via plenary sessions, oral and poster presentations, and opportunities to meet with STTI members running for Regional and/or International Board positions which was held over the 5-day conference. Board members introduced the new Sigma Branding and logo “Global Nursing Excellence,” to help differentiate , International from a traditional sorority/fraternity, and to provide a more global-friendly tradition of excellence. STTI’s logo was also refreshed in order to provide a new face to the 95- year-old organization. Sigma President-Elect Beth Baldwin Tigges’ call to action for the 2017-2019 Biennium is for chapters to Connect, Collaborate, and Catalyze. Sigma has reached important milestones including gaining Economic and Social Council Status with the United Nations, developed new models for Chapter developments, formed new global regions, and convened the Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing and Midwifery (GAPFON). President Baldwin Tigges has called on Chapters to build on Sigma’s success by “developing new ways to connect with our members and other nurses worldwide, and collaborate with diverse partners to catalyze change for advancing world health and global nursing excellence.” Footnote: Presidential Call to Action 2017-2019.

Chapter Members Christine (Chrissi) Dobson BSN, RN, CMSRN, and Tara Marko MSN, RNC-NIC, attended the conference as Delegates of Kappa Eta

Past Region 14 Coordinator Gloria Chan and Kappa Eta Chapter President Chrissi Dobson

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Biennium Continued

Dr. Denise Nash, faculty member and Kappa Eta member conducted a poster presentation on ”Utilizing Diverse Teaching Strategies to Enhance Undergraduate Nursing Student Success” For additional information please contact her at [email protected]

International Research Congress The STTI 28th International Congress was held in Dublin, Ireland on July 27- 31, 2017. More than 800 nurse researchers, students, clinicians and leaders attended the Congress to share and learn from evidence based research presentations. Three of our very own Kappa Eta members presented at the IRC. Dr. Barbara Blozen presented on “Mentoring the Culturally Diverse Nursing Student”, Dr. Mary Fortier presented on “Does Playing the Role or Wearing Clinical Attire Improve Self –efficacy in Culturally Diverse Nursing Students” and Dr. Joyce Wright presented on “Reflective Journaling of Diverse Associate Degree Graduates”. If you would like additional information on their research, please contact them at ([email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected].)

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Kappa Eta Fall 2017 Founders Day 2017

In October, members from Kappa Eta attended the 2017 NJ Consortium Founders Day Dinner. This is a yearly event celebrating the organization of our STTI in New Jersey. In NJ, our STTI united as an “At large” chapter, to strengthen our relations with each other and distinguish our chapters in the organization. The yearly event was held at the new Rutgers Club at the Rutgers Livingston Campus in New Brunswick. Guest speaker, Lia van Rijswijk, DNP, RN, CWCN presented on the topic of Wound Care following the dinner. Dr. Rijswijk holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from West Chester University and she is an expert in wound care and education. She also serves as a consultant for improving clinical wound services. Dr. Rijswijk spoke about the need for improved education in the area of wound management and wound care education in medicine and nursing.

Kappa Eta Members From left to right: Erika DiVivo, Chrissi Dobson, Erik Tiernan, Jenny Delapaz, Melissa Rodriguez, Connie Sobon-Sensor, Lewis Black

Elaine M. Kopp

This night also served as a commemoration of the late Elaine M. Kopp. In memorium, the NJ Consortium of Sigma Theta Tau International presented the first Elaine M. Kopp, Rising Star award. This award encapsulates Elaine’s vision of leadership in new nurses. The award was presented to Sarah Misrahi who has shown outstanding abilities in nursing. The NJ Consortium plans to present this as a yearly award in the future and continue Elaine’s mission of recognizing the abilities of outstanding nurses, who have been newly inducted to STTI.

As the night ended, the Mary Anne Rooney award was announced and Elaine Kopp’s family gratefully accepted this award in her memory. The award was frequently offered to Elaine, but she humbly passed up the opportunity for recognition for other nurses in our profession. This prestigious award represents the “essence of nursing” and is reserved for outstanding professional contributions to nursing. The presentation was moving and the room echoed with stories of Elaine’s importance to nursing and the NJ Consortium. She will be missed and the NJ Consortium was so lucky to have her.

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A Night of Networking

Kappa Eta hosted a successful networking event with Kean University’s Lambda Iota Chapter on June 8, 2017. Members and their guests were invited to participate in a fun evening focusing on self-care and the importance of work/life balance. Attendees enjoyed refreshments, networking, and completed a canvas painting at Wine and Design Studios, Rahway, NJ. Kappa Eta was awarded the Showcase of Regional Excellence Award for Lifelong Learning for their efforts.

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2017 NJSNA/ IFN Convention The Kaleidoscope of Nursing: One Voice, One Vision

On October 10-12, 2017, the 115th convention for the New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) and the Institute for Nursing (IFN) was held at Bally’s Casino and Resort in Atlantic City. “The Kaleidoscope of Nursing: One Voice, One Vision” included nurse leaders, direct care nurses, educators, advanced practice nurses, and others from around the state who came with a goal to improve nursing and patient care in New Jersey and the tri-state area.

Christine Filippone, DNP, MSN, BSN, ANP, CIC, opened the convention with a special evening education program on Infection Control that was open to all attendees as part of the partnership with the CDC. Dennis Sherrod, EdD, RN, was the inspiring keynote speaker who discussed how to create a healthy nurse workplace, and he identified strategies for healthy personal habits. Benjamin Evans, DD, DNP, APN, the first male President of NJSNA, provided an update on current issues in nursing at NJSNA’s opening business meeting, and a update. Dr. Evans also hosted the welcome reception and comedy show with comedian Elaine Lundberg. Some of the speakers at the event included William Lorman, JD, PhD, MSN, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, who spoke about opioid addictions, risk factors for opioid addiction, statistics as it relates to opioid deaths and identified treatment strategies for opioid use. Andrew Appello, MSOM, L.Ac., RH (AHG), BSN, RN, discussed how nurses must be able to communicate with LGBT clients in a way that will remove conscious and unconscious bias and demonstrate patient-centered culturally competent care. Leo-Felix M. Jurado, PhD, RN, NE-BC, APN, CNE, FAAN identified the barriers in attracting and retaining men in the nursing profession. Martin Manno, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, spoke about the lack of knowledge regarding role transition of new registered nurses.

This year’s Plenary session focused on the Congress on Policy and Practice. Information was given about how a bill becomes law in New Jersey as well as, Full Practice Authority for the , the Nurse Title Bill S2971 A4570, and the Compact. There were also Zumba sessions as part of the Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation initiative, poster sessions and an exhibit hall. Links to the convention handouts can be found at njsna.org.

Erika DeVivo

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Career Night 2017

Middle School #7 (Jersey City Public School) hosted a Career Night in May. In 2016 and 2017, Chapter Secretary Amanda Tobias, led a team of registered nurses to create a presentation at the middle school on the nursing profession. The school administration and participants enjoyed the presentation and provided positive feedback on Career Night 2017. Kappa Eta thanks MS#7, NJCU Nursing department and the JCMC Telemetry department for our continued partnership in assisting students towards success. (Pictured – RNs from NJCU HRSA, JCMC Telemetry, and Kappa Eta members Amanda Tobias and Elaine Tirona)

Kappa Eta Chapter Officers: • Diana Perez – Key Award Chair • Chrissi Dobson – President • Donna Piizzi – Membership Ambassador • Marissa Rodriguez – Vice • Antonio Viera – Leadership Ambassador President • Debbie Korczukowski - Governance • Erik Tiernan – Treasurer • Liz Galetz – Awards Chair • Amanda Tobias – Secretary • Wendy Watson - Program Chair • Jenny Delapaz – Newsletter • Tara Marko - Membership Retention Chair Editor/Webmaster • Erika DeVivo - Archivist

Upcoming Events

1/9/2018@ Board Meeting January NJCU Campus 6:30pm

Preparation for Board TBD TBD TBD Induction

3/25/2018@ Chandalier New Members Induction March 11am Bayonne,NJ

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Kappa Eta Fall 2017 Kappa Eta Helping Others

Bake Sale for Hurricane Harvey Following the devastation of Houston, Texas, Kappa Eta’s Chapter President Chrissi Dobson, BSN, RN, CMSRN, hosted a bake sale to benefit Hurricane Harvey’s smallest victims. The bake sale, held at Riverview Medical Center (part of Hackensack Meridian Health), Red Bank, NJ on October 6, 2017, raised funds to provide relief to The Diaper Foundation, a 501(c)3 charity who provides diapers to infants and children in need. Over $400 was donated to The Diaper Foundation, and Hackensack Meridian Health’s employee benefits program Abenity generously matched Kappa Eta’s donation. Making Strides for Lupus Research

On Sunday, October 22nd 2017, Kappa Eta participated in the New Jersey Walk to End Lupus Now, to benefit The Lupus Foundation of America, New Jersey Chapter, Inc. The walk was hosted at Nomahegen Park in Cranford, New Jersey. Kappa Eta walked with the team “Mariposas Bellas”, translated means “Beautiful Butterflies”, in support of a Kappa Eta member, Marissa Rodriguez’s sister Adrianna Rodriguez. She was diagnosed in 2011, a week prior to her sixteenth birthday. Adrianna created the team name “Mariposa’s Bellas” in representation of the signature malar rash during flare-ups, which can resemble the shape of a butterfly. If you would like to learn more information or donate please go to the website http://www.lupus.org/newjersey/pages/walk If you have any further questions regarding the walk, please contact Marissa Rodriguez [email protected].

Pictured left: Abigail Tobias, Amanda Tobias, Marissa Rodriguez, Chrissi Dobson, Erika DeVivo, Pat Joffe, Diana Perez, and Shalimar Tobias

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Helping Out the Homeless

Kappa Eta (KE) has partnered with the Garden State Episcopalian Community Development Corporation (GSECDC) to help Hudson County’s homeless community. After a site visit to Jersey City’s Newark Avenue location for the Hudson CASA Coordinated Entry Program, Kappa Eta Members Chrissi Dobson, Marissa Rodriguez, and Erika DiVivo learned that the program provides services and resources for 40-80 shelter/street homeless community members daily, including case management, housing, and support services.

A “Backpack Drive” was initiated at NJCU’s Jersey City and Wall campuses from July-October 2017. Backpacks were collected and distributed to those in need to help provide a sturdier alternative for those burdened with carrying their necessities in addition to homelessness. Over 50 backpacks were provided, as well as other much-needed items including seasonally appropriate clothing and shoes. GSECDC’s satellite locations also expressed a need for a developing a craft and support group for domestic violence victims. A sewing machine and notions were donated to help start up this worthy project.

KE Chapter members recognized the need for an even more basic necessity after speaking with those at the Newark Avenue location, and it was socks. Chapter President Chrissi Dobson, reached out to Bombas Sock Company and expressed an urgent need for those utilizing the services of GSECDC’s CASA Coordinated Entry Program. The Bombas Sock Company not only sells high quality socks to consumers, but also has designed high quality socks to be worn by those without the luxury of wearing clean socks daily. This past month, Bombas generously donated 500 pairs of socks to the Newark Avenue location, and members Erika DiVivo and Amanda Tobias helped distribute the socks to the community on November 22, 2017.

Kappa Eta is currently hosting a coat drive for those seeking assistance from the CASA Coordinated Entry Program. Men’s, women’s, and children’s coats and Volunteers Spencer and Samantha with our very own Amanda Tobias outerwear are all needed, as the Program serves many and Erika DeVivo families in need. Coats can be donated at NJCU’s Jersey City and Wall Campus Nursing Departments. Donations will be accepted throughout the holiday season.

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Please mark your calendars as the Kappa Eta induction ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at the Chanticleer Restaurant in Bayonne, New Jersey at 11 am. Followed by a buffet brunch to enjoy with family and some time for networking. This is the 30th Anniversary of Kappa Eta. Our keynote speaker this year will be Janice Onieal, former president, and founding member of our Kappa Eta Chapter. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning February 2018 and active members will be notified via email. For more information, please contact Eric Tiernan at [email protected]

“I attribute my success to this - I never gave or took any excuse” - Florence Nightingale

Kappa Eta Chapter at NJCU NJCU Nursing Dept.

2039 Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City, NJ