NYU NURSING SPRING 2021

THE WAY

BACKWHAT WE’VE LEARNED AND HOW TO MOVE FORWARD SPRING 2021 GIVING VOLUME 19, NUMBER 2 3 3 Why I give: Maria Vezina MA ’77 LEADERSHIP 36 Leadership Circle, Dean’s Circle, Sean Clarke NYU Meyers Legacy Society Executive Vice Dean Emerson Ea Assistant Dean for Clinical and Adjunct Faculty Affairs NEWS 5 6 Kimberly Glassman Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs 4 Howard University and NYU partner Tanisha Johnson-Campbell to improve health and health equity Assistant Dean for Advising, Academic Administration, and Belonging 5 NYU Meyers launches clinical research nursing master’s program Ellen Lyons Vice Dean for Finance 6 7 6 NICHE’s Jennifer Pettis honored and Administration by Alzheimer’s Association Gail Melkus Vice Dean for Research 6 Prof. Selena Gilles named director Keith Olsen of undergraduate program Director for Communication 7 Prof. Maya Clark-Cutaia to study Eileen Sullivan-Marx Dean COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients with kidney disease EDITORS-IN-CHIEF 7 Celebrating the completion Keith Olsen Director for Communication of the Ghana Nurse Leaders Program Phase II Hank Sherwood Associate Director for Communication 8 Meet our new faculty 7 DESIGN 9 Bridging the theory practice Carabetta Hayden Design, Inc. gap for nephrology nursing students in Rwanda 10–11 Faculty achievements 12 In memoriam: Rory Meyers nyunursing nyunursing nyumeyers nyu-meyers

12 On February 9, 2020, the US reported its firstCOVID -19 death. Since then the US and indeed the globe have faced the crippling effects of the pandemic and more than three million souls have perished. At the time of this publication one billion doses of THE WAY the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered around the world, unlocking the first substantial step towards our way back. In this issue of NYU Nursing, our faculty reflect on what they learned and how to move us forward. BACKWHAT WE’VE LEARNED AND HOW TO MOVE FORWARD 16 FEATURES

14 30th Annual Estelle Osborne 14 Legacy Celebration 14 An update on IDBE 15 Refusing to be erased again: Speaking up against anti-Asian racism 16–19 The Way Back: What we’ve learned 15 22 24 and how to move forward 20 Staff profile: Meet Arlette Cruz 21 Staff profile: Meet Thomas Freedman 22–23 Undergrad alumni pursue policy and advocacy to improve health equity 20 24 Vaccines: Keeping each other safe 25 Transcend your well-being into environmental well-being 30 26–27 Student photos 28–29 New grads 21 ALUMNI

30 Alumni photos

27 31 On the job 34 35 32 Greetings from the 31 Alumni Association President 30 33 Class notes 34 Adopt-a-Nurse: A love letter to nurses everywhere 35 When cancer enters during your PhD

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 1 Follow me on Twitter @EileenSullivanM for the latest news from the DEAN’S CORNER College and in nursing.

In April, Dean Eileen Sullivan-Marx published an opinion piece in Scientific American, “All Nurses are Scientists,” which highlights how nurses used science to manage the complexities of Dear friends, patients’ illnesses.

It has been an unprecedented year of struggle and challenge. Read the article at: scientificamerican.com/ The 2020–2021 academic year was certainly one for the article/nurses-are-also-scientists/ history books. As COVID-19 raged throughout New York City in intervals for the last 15 months NYU made comprehen- sive plans for its students to attend classes in-person and remotely, largely centered around the mitigation techniques we’ve all grown so familiar with: masking, distancing, and frequent testing. While it was not a school year we’ve been accustomed to or may have even wanted I am proud of the resilience our New rankings students, faculty, and staff exhibited. Kudos! Since the start of the pandemic we all have longed for the for NYU Meyers return of “normal,” the moment in which we can safely be with our friends and family, travel, and attend gatherings NIH funding ranking once again. I am proud to say that, owing to the dedication and expertise of scientists and clinicians from around the NYU Meyers is ranked 7th world, we are as close as we ever have been to normalcy. nationally in NIH funding among Vaccine production and distribution ramped up, leading to hundreds of millions of people being partially or fully vacci- schools of nursing this year. nated at the time of this publication. Nurses, especially Meyers nurses, have been the backbone US News & World of New York’s, and indeed the world’s, pandemic response. They persevered through changing policies and protocols, Report rankings shortages in PPE, round-the-clock shifts, and fear of exposure to the virus. But they did it, as they always have throughout #12 MS program history, because of the seriousness with which they take their calling to care for patients for they live, work, and play. # Adult-gerontology primary care To a brighter future — together. 8

#24 DNP program

#13 Nursing-midwifery Eileen Sullivan-Marx, PhD, RN, FAAN Dean & Erline Perkins McGriff Professor #8 Psychiatric-mental health

2 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 MARIA VEZINA MA ’77

System Vice President/Chief of Nursing Practice, Education, WHY I GIVE APN Credentialing & Labor Relations Partnerships Mount Sinai Health System GIVING

Without a doubt, my graduate studies at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing was one of the most formative educational experiences of my life. It was a privilege to be part of a program that had such an amazing, star-studded faculty and where a theoretical model of nursing was taught by the author herself — Martha Rogers. I still have Rogers’ book, The Science of Unitary Human Beings, sitting on my bookshelf. The nursing school was located in the Village in the seventies, which gave the whole experience an extra flair, especially for a young woman from upstate New York. Because my focus was on adult health and nursing education, I had the opportunity to attend faculty meetings, which was a valu- able experience that helped to mold and build my leadership skills. Along with the excellent education I received, I established many important relationships during my years at NYU that have continued to thrive to this day. Attending alumni events and teaching as a guest lecturer kept me Did you know there are creative ways to support connected to the school. Now, as a member of the Meyers Dean’s Council, I am proud to NYU Meyers that can benefit the College, you, and be a part of a group that provides advice your loved ones all at the same time? and support to Dean Eileen Sullivan-Marx in accomplishing the College’s strategic goals. Are we already in your will, trust, for the University and its schools and My motivation for giving is knowing that or other estate plans? colleges through their wills and estates. my annual gifts help support the educa- If you have named NYU Rory Meyers Through bequests in wills, trusts, and tion of future nurses. I also believe that as College of Nursing in your will, please let us other arrangements, these donors have you become successful in your career it is know. It helps us plan for the future. It also found a satisfying way to leave a mean- important to give back. Giving back is a allows us to thank you for your generosity ingful legacy. Or, if you would like, your win-win that helps widen your professional and honor your loyalty to the College. gift may remain anonymous. circles. Also I was especially delighted to If you have already included NYU Meyers be involved in raising funds for the Martha in your will, call or email Karen Wenderoff, Don’t have a will? Rogers Group Study Room. This was a small director of development, and she will add You are not alone! Now is a great time to way to honor the teacher who had such an you as a member of the Society of the start planning. Please consider including impact on my life and career. Torch. The Society of the Torch is a special NYU Meyers in your estate planning. My advice to new nurses is to embrace group of alumni, faculty, and friends of Contact Karen for suggested bequest nursing as a diverse and high-level profes- NYU who have recognized the importance language and NYU’s tax ID to share with sion. Determine what you want to contribute of planning their philanthropy by providing your attorney. and go for it. Always remember that nursing care is a predominant force in quality health outcomes. The most committed work is caring for patients, and as nurses, we capture To learn more about this giving moments of victory in between moments of opportunity, please contact Karen at heartbreak. Nurses are always at the fore- front of healthcare. 212-992-5924 or [email protected].

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 3 NEWS

NEW COLLABORATION Howard University and NYU partner to improve health and health equity

by Rachel Harrison | Associate Director, Research Communications

Howard University’s College of Nursing NYU Meyers. “By formally establishing this and Allied Health Sciences and NYU Rory partnership, we can develop unique oppor- Meyers College of Nursing have formed an tunities for cross-school collaborations that educational and research partnership to address health inequities and increase our work together to have a greater impact on impact on improving care for the patients improving health and health equity in urban and communities we serve.” areas and global communities. In addition to fostering faculty and research “We are ecstatic to be in partnership with collaborations, nursing students at Howard such a prestigious educational institution as and NYU Meyers will have the opportunity NYU Meyers at such a critical time within our to attend new and established program- nation’s healthcare cataclysm,” said ming through educational exchanges. Gina S. Brown, dean for the College of For instance, Howard nursing students Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at will be encouraged to participate in NYU Howard University. “The potential collabora- Meyers’ 10-week summer research program, We are thrilled tions are endless.” designed to engage undergraduate and The new partnership will enable nursing graduate students from underrepresented to build new researchers at Howard and NYU to collabo- backgrounds in mentored research. The “ties to Howard rate on existing research projects and jointly NIH-funded program aims to develop the apply for grant funding for new projects. next generation of cardiovascular disease University, one The schools are in the process of applying researchers, and NYU and Howard hope that for funding to develop a mentoring and participation will encourage more nursing of the country’s education program to encourage African- students of color to pursue research doctor- American nurses to obtain specialty nursing ates in nursing or related fields. top HBCUs, and certifications. In addition faculty will be The Howard-NYU partnership was invited to attend research seminars and catalyzed by Brown and NYU Meyers’ to work closely professional development opportunities at Audrey Lyndon, professor and assistant with its expert both schools. dean for clinical research. While on faculty “We are thrilled to build new ties to at the University of California, San Francisco, nursing faculty.” Howard University, one of the country’s top Lyndon worked closely with Brown on HBCUs, and to work closely with its expert educational exchanges; they look forward to Eileen Sullivan-Marx, nursing faculty,” said Eileen Sullivan-Marx, building upon this collaboration to change dean and Erline Perkins McGriff dean and Erline Perkins McGriff professor at the future of nursing. professor at NYU Meyers

4 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 Karyn Boyar is a family nurse practitioner specializing in neurology and long-term care who NEWS teaches both didactic and clinical courses as well as simulation.

NYU Meyers launches clinical research nursing master’s program

by Rachel Harrison | Associate Director, Research Communications Clinical research nurses must possess high-level NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing has evaluate patients’ responses to novel clinical and critical created a Master of Science in clinical therapies, integrate evidence-based prac“- research nursing—the only such program in tice into nursing practice, and evaluate thinking skills, while also the New York metropolitan area. patient outcomes. Students will also learn remaining cognizant of Nurses play a critical role in clinical trials, research project management, including often serving as the operational leads patient recruitment and retention, as well the regulatory, ethical, on studies and working directly with as finances. Coursework will also focus on and scientific issues participants to provide interventions. As conducting research with culturally diverse the number of clinical trials in the US has and underserved communities through of the clinical research increased, so has the demand for clinical effective communication, evidence-based environment...” research nurses. practice, and ethical decision making. “Clinical research nurses must possess While clinical research nurses act as clini- Karyn Boyar, director of the program and high-level clinical and critical thinking cians, leaders, advocates, and educators, clinical assistant professor at NYU Meyers skills, while also remaining cognizant they are also collaborators working within of the regulatory, ethical, and scientific interdisciplinary research teams. Students issues of the clinical research environ- in the program will learn alongside other ment,” said Karyn Boyar, director of the health professionals, with courses offered prepared to work in organizations such as program and clinical assistant professor at at both NYU Meyers and NYU Grossman universities, academic medical centers, and NYU Meyers. “They can both improve the School of Medicine. the pharmaceutical industry. conduct of clinical research and ultimately Practicum opportunities are available Nurses can complete the program in the quality of life for individuals, families, at major medical centers in the New York one year full time or two years part time. and communities.” City area, including NYU Langone Health, Applications are open for fall 2021, with an The new master’s program will prepare Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, early action deadline of March 1 and final nurses to administer research interventions, and Rockefeller University. Graduates will be deadline of June 15.

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 5 NEWS

NICHE’s Jennifer Pettis honored Prof. Selena Gilles by Alzheimer’s Association named director by Rachel Harrison | Associate Director, Research Communications of undergraduate program support. As the main point of contact for Senator Schumer on issues related to by Rachel Harrison | dementia and Alzheimer’s, Jennifer has visited several of his regional offices Associate Director, throughout the state (pre-COVID-19) and Research Communications has worked to mentor other Ambassadors and advocates across New York State. She Selena Gilles was appointed director has taken a unique approach through her of the undergraduate program at NYU own network to engage Senator Schumer Meyers College of Nursing in January. Prof. and has developed a trusted relationship Gilles joined Meyers as an adjunct clinical with his congressional offices to ensure her instructor in 2010 and became a member of voice is heard by policymakers. the full-time faculty in 2014. “There are 6.2 million older adults age 65+ Over the past 10 years, she has developed Jennifer Pettis is the recipient of the living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is her teaching expertise to include integrating Alzheimer’s Association’s Frank Carlino Award expected to double to 12.7 million by 2050. technology into the classroom, designing in recognition of her outstanding advocacy on In short, Alzheimer’s disease is a public novel approaches to promote student behalf of individuals and families living with health crisis, and the time to act is now,” learning, and developing interprofessional Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Pettis was said Pettis. “I humbly accept this award, but simulation activities. Prof. Gilles has a vast presented the award virtually at this year’s my work is far from over. I will continue to portfolio of educational content areas New York State Alzheimer’s Virtual Advocacy advocate for those living with this disease and currently serves as the co-director Day on March 10. and their caregivers, as well as push to of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Pettis is the acting director of programs for ensure that health systems are prepared Undergraduate Scholars program. She also Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders to provide person-centered, quality care has significant experience in curriculum (NICHE) at NYU Meyers, the leading nurse- to individuals living with Alzheimer’s and design, test construction, and use of the driven program designed to help hospitals other dementias.” team-teaching approach. and healthcare organizations improve the care The award is named for Frank Carlino of Prof. Gilles has demonstrated leadership of older adults. Pettis has more than 25 years Cornwall, Orange County, who became through her service to Meyers as both of healthcare experience as a nurse, nurse the face of Alzheimer’s at a time when chair and member of various faculty gover- researcher, educator, and consultant working people with the disease did not speak nance committees and task forces. She has to improve healthcare for older adults. out about it. The Frank Carlino Award furthered her commitment to leadership Pettis is also the Alzheimer’s Ambassador celebrates his visionary spirit and is given by completing two highly competitive for Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer yearly to recognize an advocate who programs: the NLN Leadership Institute and and a Chapter Board member and commu- exemplifies the qualities of dedicated the Wharton Nursing Leaders Programs. nity educator for the Alzheimer’s Association perseverance and creativity that help A founding member of the National Black Northeastern New York Chapter. Alzheimer’s people with Alzheimer’s and their families. Nurses Association-Greater NYC Chapter, Ambassadors are grassroots volunteers for the In New York State alone, there are she serves on their board and is the orga- Alzheimer’s Impact Movement — the advocacy more than 410,000 people who live with nizational representative to the New York arm of the Alzheimer’s Association — working Alzheimer’s disease and 586,000 caregivers Nursing Alliance. to develop and advance policies to overcome who provide 7.74 million hours of unpaid Alzheimer’s disease through increased invest- care to their loved ones with dementia, ment in research, enhanced care, and improved which is valued at nearly 15 million dollars.

6 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 Prof. Maya Clark-Cutaia NEWS to study COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among patients with kidney disease

by Rachel Harrison | Associate Director, Research Communications

Assistant Prof. Maya Clark-Cutaia is the Individuals with end-stage kidney disease surveys to measure barriers and facilitators to co-investigator of a winning submission for undergoing dialysis are at increased risk of vaccination, as well as a qualitative compo- the KidneyX COVID-19 Kidney Care Challenge. COVID-19 morbidity and mortality; if hospital- nent to examine cultural beliefs and attitudes, Working with Lama Nazzal, a nephrologist ized with COVID-19, this population’s mortality perceived expectations, and preferences that at NYU Langone Health and David Charytan, risk is approximately 30 percent. influence the ability and willingness to get director of the Division of Nephrology and “The best approach to build widespread vaccinated. Their findings will inform interven- Norman S. Wikler Associate Professor of COVID-19 immunity is a mass vaccination tions to increase vaccine uptake in people with Medicine at NYU Langone Health, their winning campaign, but reports of high rates of vaccine end-stage kidney disease. project will characterize determinants of hesitancy are concerning,” said Clark-Cutaia. KidneyX — short for the Kidney Innovation COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a diverse popula- “We believe vaccine uptake can be improved Accelerator — is a public-private partnership tion with end-stage kidney disease using mixed using tailored and targeted interventions.” between the U.S. Department of Health and methods research. In their project, Clark-Cutaia, Charytan, Human Services and the American Society of The knowledge gained will be used to inform and Nazzal will gather data from dialysis Nephrology. The KidneyX COVID-19 Kidney multidisciplinary and tailored interventions to patients in New York City to explore percep- Care Challenge was created to identify and increase vaccine acceptance in end-stage kidney tions of discrimination, mistrust, and stigma share solutions that reduce SARS-CoV-2 trans- disease patients, with the goal of increasing surrounding communicable disease, as well as mission and risk among people with, or at risk vaccine uptake to greater than 70 percent within individual and group-based factors that influ- of, kidney injury or disease. Winning projects three months following implementation. ence vaccination hesitancy. They will use both are funded with $20,000 prizes.

Celebrating the marks the participation of a total of 44 Ghanaian nurses in this leadership program. Despite the completion of the challenges brought about by the pandemic, these nurse leaders were not only able to successfully Ghana Nurse Leaders complete their change projects, but they were Program Phase II also able to adapt them to meet the needs of the current healthcare situation. While all GNLP Phase II change projects by Kerry Stalonas | were outstanding, three of them, identified by Associate Director, Global Operations the program’s principal investigators as most impactful, were awarded at the ceremony. On January 15, 2021, eleven participating nurse The recipients of the prizes were Gyimaa leaders of the Ghana Nurse Leaders Program Nti-Darkwah (third place, Emergency nursing faculty coaches to develop a manuscript (GNLP) Phase II celebrated the completion of practice: Prompt response and documentation that clearly showcases the challenges and the two-year program and the many positive at the casualty unit of New Tafo Government opportunities faced by the nurse leaders contributions they have made to the Ghana Hospital), Florence Solyelleh (second place, during the design and implementation of healthcare system through the implementation Assessing/improving documentation on their change projects as well as the impact of their GNLP change projects. inpatient’s vital signs, physical assessment of their change projects in helping shape The completion of the GNLP Phase II, which was and nursing process the upper west regional the future of the Ghana healthcare system. a program jointly coordinated and implemented hospital), and Dorcas Zenabu Seidu (first The Ghana Nurse Leaders Program is by NYU Meyers through Clinical Associate Prof. place, Restructuring public health home one of three NYU-wide program initia- Robin Klar, Dean of the University of Ghana visiting practice). tives under the Ghana Wins! Program, School of Nursing and Midwifery Lydia Aziato, To wrap up the GNLP Phase II, the GNLP team established by the Fundación Mujeres por and the Ghana Health Service’s Director of intends to use the final change project reports África (Women for Africa Foundation) with Nursing and Midwifery Services Eva Mensah developed by the nurse leaders and their funding from Banco Santander, Spain.

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 7 NYU Meyers is accepting applications for full-time tenure-track and clinical faculty. To view more infor- mation about the positions and to apply, please visit NEWS https://nursing.nyu.edu/ open-positions.

MEET OUR NEW FACULTY

We are excited to introduce you to three new faculty members Mikki Meadows-Oliver

we welcomed Mikki Meadows-Oliver is a clinical professor. She is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner this spring. with more than 25 years in the nursing Kelseanne Breder profession. In addition to her clinical work with underserved families in the US, she Kelseanne Breder is a clinical assistant has done clinical work in Nicaragua; the professor. She completed her PhD at Dominican Republic; and Cape Town, South Columbia University through a grant from Africa. Meadows-Oliver was a 2019–2020 the National Institutes of Health in infor- Environmental Health Nurse Fellow of the matics and health disparities. She received Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in where she focused on environmental health nursing from Columbia University. Breder equity/justice and addressing the dispropor- holds two previous bachelor’s degrees tionate impact of environmental exposures from University of Florida in psychology Richard Dorritie on vulnerable groups. and theater. She also completed master’s Meadows-Oliver is a past president of coursework at Yale Law School where she Richard Dorritie is a clinical assistant the National Association of Pediatric Nurse co-published a review of reproductive professor. He received a PhD in nursing Practitioners. She is the column editor for the rights in Central and South America during from Columbia University, BS in nursing Practice Guideline Department of the Journal the 2016 Zika virus outbreak. from Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, of Pediatric Health Care. She has presented at Breder’s research interests include and an AAS in nursing from Borough of national and international conferences and is LGBT health, reproductive rights advo- Manhattan Community College. the author of nearly 60 publications. cacy, mental health, social determinants His research interests are the intersection Prior to joining the faculty at NYU, of health, social support, empathy and of poverty and racism with the quality and Meadows-Oliver was a faculty member at learning, art and alternative therapies, and safety of surgical care. Dorritie’s profes- Yale University, Quinnipiac University, and user-focused informatics interventions. sional activities are focused on developing the University of Connecticut. She has held Prior to joining the faculty at NYU, Breder and advancing nurses as leaders as a clinical positions at Yale New Haven Hospital served as an adjunct professor at Columbia member of the NYS Nurses on Boards and the Hospital of Saint Rafael in New University and Pace University. As a psychi- Coalition, as well as serving the local Haven, CT. Her current clinical practice is atric-mental health nurse practitioner, chapter of the AORN as a board member. Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, CT. Breder has doctored a range of patient Prior to joining the faculty at NYU, Dorritie Meadows-Oliver received her PhD in nursing populations, from private practice clients was an associate professor at Helene Fuld from the University of Connecticut. She to clients who formerly or currently experi- College of Nursing, and had completed a received dual master’s degrees in nursing and ence homelessness in New York City. teaching fellowship at Columbia’s Center public health from Yale University and a bach- for Teaching and Learning. Dorritie main- elor’s degree from Barnard College, Columbia tains board certification in both emergency University. Meadows-Oliver is a veteran of the and operating room nursing. United States Army Reserve.

8 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 I gained the ability to enable patients […] to conduct home peritoneal dialysis “and [ensure that] the whole process is safe [and] free of infection [...]. ” | Violette D., program participant

Bridging the theory practice gap for nephrology nursing students in Rwanda by Lakshmi Rajeswaran | Training Specialist

Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) are for tissue typing. As a result many patients internship also exposed students to func- the leading cause of death worldwide. In with end-stage kidney disease travel to India, tioning effectively in a fast, busy clinical sub-Saharan Africa the impact of chronic France, and Belgium for renal transplantation. environment via good teamwork. kidney disease, primarily caused by diabetes Though master’s students in the Rwanda Part of the learning experience were the chal- and hypertension, is severe in low- and middle- School of Nursing and Midwifery had an under- lenges that students faced at the beginning of income countries. In Rwanda the prevalence of standing of the theoretical aspects of renal their internships. The cohort in India had diffi- chronic kidney disease is further exacerbated replacement therapy, their clinical exposure culties with contrasting clinical environments; by HIV infections and their treatment, as well as was limited due to the availability of facilities. separation from families and children; different the use of nephrotoxic traditional medicines and A four-week internship training was organized food, water, and weather; and a language non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. to bridge the theory-practice gap and increase barrier, which was an obstacle for Indian nurses There is a paucity of published research hands-on learning. To sharpen their clinical and technicians as well as Rwandan students. articles regarding the pervasiveness of kidney skills a cohort of seven students, along with In Kenya the many students that spoke Swahili, failure in Rwanda, but a retrospective study one Rwandan faculty, interned at St. John’s the national Kenyan language, were able to of Rwandan hemodialysis patients found Academic Teaching Hospital in Bengaluru, have clearer communication with the health- underlying comorbidities such as hypertension India. An additional five students from a second care professionals. (78%) and diabetes (38%) to be present in cohort were sent to the Kenyatta National The former interns are already applying similar percentages as in Africa overall. It is Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Both hospitals gave their learnings from India and Kenya: four of therefore possible to infer that Rwanda also students ample opportunity to learn; on a daily the nephrology master’s-prepared nurses are follows sub-Saharan Africa’s estimates that basis 100–145 patients were dialyzed and each assistant lecturers at the University of Rwanda; 100 cases per million people have end-stage month approximately five patients received ten of the nurses are leading dialysis units at kidney disease. renal transplants. The internship training referral hospitals. Some are already actively During the 1994 genocide many healthcare provided the students an enriching experience involved in conducting research and publishing workers were killed, creating a huge vacuum in a different clinical setting. their work. All of them can develop policies in the healthcare workforce. The Human The two cohorts of Rwandan nephrology and guidelines; become involved in community Resources for Health (HRH) program started nursing students gained essential clinical projects aimed at mitigating NCDs; and develop in 2012 with the primary goal of training a learning experiences in Indian and Kenya. regional collaborations with stakeholders. large, diverse, and competent health work- The master’s students achieved proficiency in The internship training was the first collabo- force in Rwanda. Since 2012 a consortium aterio venous fistula needle insertion, provided rative international project to be successfully of US academic institutions, including NYU care for pediatric children on hemodialysis and implemented with the support of the HRH Meyers, has been deploying visiting faculty to patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, and program within the Rwandan Ministry of Health, the Rwanda School of Nursing and Midwifery. observed renal transplantation. In addition all of and the University of Rwanda. Their efforts are The master’s program started in 2015 with the students had theoretical sessions conducted paying off already: Rwanda is on the brink of eight different specialties, including the by a team of nephrologists, social workers, creating renal transplants, and the master’s-pre- new field of nephrology nursing. In Rwanda nutritionists, and transplant nurses. These pared nephrology nurses will contribute towards peritoneal dialysis is offered in only one achievements are underscored by the students’ achieving this vision while also educating the referral hospital; renal replacement therapy limited opportunities to practice different renal public on preventive nephrology. is currently offered in four referral hospitals replacement therapy techniques in Rwanda. Since Rwanda is at the point of developing and three private centers. Kidney transplants Furthermore the master’s students devel- renal transplant centers soon, the master’s-pre- are limited by a shortage of nephrologists, oped professional socialization by interacting pared nephrology nurses can contribute to a transplant surgeons, nephrology-trained with nurses, dialysis technicians, and doctors greater level in achieving this vision and sensi- nurses, and sufficient laboratory facilities from different cultural backgrounds. The tize the public on preventive nephrology.

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 9 OUR FACULTY

Our faculty are experts at the forefront of nursing research NEWS and practice. Here are some of their recent accomplishments.

FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS

Clinical Assistant Prof. Susan D. Affiliated Prof. Vincent Guilamo- Assistant Prof. Ann-Margaret Assistant Prof. S. Raquel Ramos Altman oversaw a successful Ramos was named dean of Duke Navarra was honored with served as a guest editor on the re-accreditation of the nurse-mid- University School of Nursing the Eastern Nursing Research Journal of the Association of wifery program and advanced effective July 1, 2021, the fifth Society’s Nursing Research Nurses in AIDS Care special issue certificate in midwifery by the Meyers professor to become dean Authorship Award. on “Nursing’s Contribution to Accreditation Commission of of a college in the last few years. the HIV Epidemic Over the Last Clinical Prof. Emerita Jamesetta Midwifery Education. 40 Years.” Ursula Springer Prof. Judith Haber Newland co-edited the second Prof. Mary Brennan was honored and OHNEP Program Director Erin edition of her textbook Child and Prof. Karla Rodriguez passed by Osmosis.org with its inau- Hartnett were appointed to the Adolescent Behavioral Health: A her certification exam for the gural Raise the Line Faculty Award National Organization to Prevent Resource for Advanced Practice American College of Lifestyle in the nurse practitioner category. Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Psychiatric and Primary Care Medicine to earn a Diplomate Advisory Implementation and Practitioners in Nursing, which ACLM credential. Clinical Assistant Prof. Leon Chen Policy Workgroups. is now available. Clinical Prof. received a 2021 Society of Critical Assistant Prof. Tina Sadarangani Donna Hallas contributed to Care Medicine Presidential Citation Prof. Donna Hallas collaborated was selected by McKnights as a the textbook. for outstanding contributions. with Prof. Jean-Claude Franchitti Rising Star in Long-Term Care. He also was appointed as an edito- and his students to develop a Prof. Audrey Lyndon was a Associate Prof. Dena Schulman- rial board member of the Journal smartwatch application to help 2021 recipient of the Journal of Green was appointed to the edito- of American Association of manage and alleviate anxiety Midwifery & Women’s Health rial board of the Journal of Pain Nurse Practitioners. among children. Best Research Article Award for and Symptom Management. her article entitled “Listening Clinical Assistant Prof. Michele Mathy Mezey Prof. of Geriatric to Women: Recommendations Assistant Prof. Jasmine Travers Crespo-Fierro was invited by the Nursing Christine Kovner gave an from Women of Color to Improve was an invited panelist for the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care e-poster presentation at the 2020 Experiences in Pregnancy and Campaign for Action’s Health and the University of Maryland GSA Annual Scientific Meeting on Birth Care.” Equity Action Forum speaking School of Nursing to participate the experiences and perspectives on disparities and impact of in their leadership development of older and younger RNs during Clinical Assistant Prof. Eda COVID-19 on healthcare staff. speaker series. the COVID-19 pandemic. Ozkara San recently passed the examination offered by the Associate Prof. Victoria Vaughan Clinical Assistant Prof. Jeff Day Clinical Associate Prof. Beth Transcultural Nursing Society Dickson received the President’s was appointed chair-elect of Latimer presented “Achieving and received a certification Award from the Eastern the nursing section of GLMA: Care Excellence: Advancing as a Certified Transcultural Nursing Research Society for Health Professionals Advancing Collaborative Learning and Nurse-Basic. her outstanding leadership LGBT Equality. the Art of Debriefing” with and service. CSLC Executive Director Executive Director of the Clinical Prof. Selena Gilles was accepted Natalya Pasklinsky at the 2021 Simulation Learning Center Clinical Associate Prof. Mary Jo into the Wharton Executive NICHE Conference. Natalya Pasklinsky was accepted Vetter was selected as a 2021 Education’s Nursing Leaders into the NYU Management fellow of the American Academy Program at UPenn. Clinical Associate Prof. Fidelindo Fellows Program. of Nurse Practitioners. Lim was named a member of the Civility and Bullying Workgroup of the National Student Nurses’ Association.

10 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 A

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Prof. Christine Kovner worked at the Javits Center administering COVID-19 vaccinations.

Kerry Stalonas, associate director for global operations, and Renata Kurtz, global project administrator, helped pack and distribute textbooks.

Prof. Saribel Quinones along with FNP students Andrea Sarabjeet and Jaquelyn Nguyen performed well- child visits and administered routine vaccinations to children living in the Queens area.

Prof. Selena Gilles, on behalf of the Greater NYC Black Nurses Association, delivered toys and food to more than 80 kids in need this holiday season.

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 11 NEWS IN MEMORIAM RORY MEYERS Rory Meyers will live on forever Rory Meyers’ generous gift to in the world, as will her kindness, the NYU School of Nursing has generosity, and commitment to forever changed my life. nursing students. Because of her Without her donations to the gift, NYU nursing graduates will school, I would have never been enter the field holding Rory and her story able to afford to attend a university as presti- close to their heart and will take her humility gious as NYU. So many opportunities Rory Meyers was a great woman and respect to the bedside for each and became available to me after becoming a and a great nurse who dedi- every patient. Rory Meyers Scholarship recipient. For one, I cated her life to helping people I have been forever changed because of am blessed to not have to worry about and bringing comfort and care Rory Meyers. She and her family made it affording university, much less a university to them during their most possible for me, a low-income, first-gener- like NYU, as many other students do. Also vulnerable moments. Her empathy and kind- ation Puerto Rican student to attend one being able to attend NYU specifically has ness were not limited to the healthcare field of the most prestigious nursing programs given me access to one of the best nursing and hospital environment. As the namesake in the United States. My future brightened educations in the country, as well as allowing of NYU’s very own college of nursing, she and I began to blossom into a confident me the chance to explore New York City was a champion of education, raising up nursing student when I began college. I am during my college years. future cohorts of excellent nurses and leaders proud and honored to be a Meyers Scholar, I can never thank Rory Meyers and her of the health world. Her donations and finan- and I will work to keep Rory’s memory and family enough for their donation to the cial support for first generation students and legacy alive. | Amberlynn Pentoja school. It has made things possible for me for financially-struggling students has that I never would have been able to achieve relieved the burden of living expenses and The legacy of Rory Meyers, her without it. She has created a legacy that will tuition. Her acts continuously help students gift, and her family will live on in last long after her passing and will continue chase their dreams and ambitions freely, myself and in a generation of to touch the lives of other students like me without anything holding them back. people who will attend the who hope to become nurses. Her generosity My application to NYU was a huge gamble. Meyers College of Nursing as and kind spirit will be greatly missed and will Attending NYU Meyers has always been a Meyers Scholars. Almost four years ago, continue to live on at NYU. | Rachel Breece goal of mine, especially with its state-of- when I was first told that I would be able to the-art clinical simulation center and its attend NYU thanks to the generous support Rory Meyers’ legacy is ever- outstanding staff. However, as a first-gener- of the Meyers family, I knew that the gift lasting. Her impact continues to ation student and daughter of laundromat would change my life. I did not, however, grow as the Meyers scholarship owners, the university’s tuition was intimi- quite understand the extent to which it continues to help students, their dating. With my parents’ occupation, there would. Though each of us comes from a loved ones, and their patients. was no guarantee that we would be able to different background, each Meyers Scholar As I continue on my own journey, I will afford my tuition without massive student has been fundamentally impacted by this always remember that the impact and loans. I was immensely worried that I would scholarship. It has increased our capacity change I make on this world is due to Rory not be able to pursue my nursing career at to positively impact our communities and Meyers’ generous gift. NYU. Luckily I received the Rory Meyers’ strengthened our sense of purpose as There are no words that can express my Scholarship, which put my family at ease nurses. I can personally attest that my life, gratitude to Rory Meyers for the gift she financially. It was because of Rory Meyers’ my family’s life, and the lives of my future has given me. The Rory Meyers Scholarship generous donation that I am now able to family have been altered forever because has given me the opportunity to attend the attend NYU, learn from a professional staff, of the generosity of the Meyers family — school of my dreams and attain the life I gain a one-of-a-kind experience, and train an impact that will live on in me as a nurse have always envisioned for myself and my to become the best nurse that I can possibly and all my patients. I will always family. This experience has also granted be. My family and I are extremely grateful to be a Meyers Scholar and will carry me with life experiences, personal growth, Rory Meyers and her family for giving me this with me a deep sense of appreciation and opportunities that I could have never amazing opportunity and we hope that her and gratitude for the person who made imagined. | Noor Cheema legacy continues on. | Amy Zheng it possible. | Gavin Arneson

12 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 RORY MEYERS

Rose-Marie “Rory” Mangeri Meyers (1941–2020) was an accomplished nurse, humanitarian, and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and beloved friend.

I am grateful for the innovation the American Dream, have always empha- Rose-Marie “Rory” Meyers had that Rory Meyers brought to the sized the importance of seeking a higher such a strong passion to help world by reshaping how the education to obtain successes and those in need, and this legacy is world views the occupation of achieve greater things. Upon hearing that kept alive through her various nursing. Throughout her life she I had been selected as a Meyers Scholar, works. One of the most admirable gave tremendous support to our profession they were overjoyed and extremely proud! of these works is the Meyers Scholarship, which with generous donations that help NYU Now, heading into my second semester at enables low-income, first-generation students to further improve its facilities and provide NYU, I can put all of my energy and focus succeed and thrive. I am connected to Rory support for low-income, first-generation into the opportunities and resources that Meyers through this incredible work. As a students. From the bottom of my heart, I NYU has to offer to make a difference in first-generation Indigenous student I am would like to thank her for her continuous the world. This is something I will never extremely honored and grateful to have service to our school and for making a tremen- take for granted. From the bottom of my received from Rory Meyers the opportunity to dous impact in our communities. | Md Islam heart: thank you again for enabling me to obtain an education. I speak for not only myself pursue my dreams and giving me a chance but also a wide array of students from diverse Rory Meyers’ legacy will live on to thrive and succeed. | Michelle Jiang backgrounds when I say that Rory Meyers has beyond her passing. No words truly touched the hearts of many and guided the can describe the gratitude that I Rory Meyers has had an futures of many excellent nurses to come. Rory and other recipients of her gift enormous impact on my Meyers’ memory and legacy lives through me feel. It is an honor to get the academic career. When my and my fellow generation of nurses. | Cali Delp opportunity to study at a prestigious school parents immigrated to the like NYU with a scholarship that covers my United States in the late Attending NYU Rory Meyers entire tuition. This would have not been 1980s, the idea of a college education was College of Nursing has been a possible without Rory Meyers and her aid. a mere dream. I remember falling in love dream come true. I am still in dis- Because of her gifts, I will be able to live out with NYU when I was thirteen years old belief and deeply appreciative to my dream career with all of the opportunities but my family often worried about how have the privilege to obtain an that NYU has to offer. they could help me obtain a postsec- eye-opening educational experience at what I My family and I are so thankful for the ondary education. It broke their hearts as consider to be the best nursing school. I want stability that Rory Meyers’ scholarship has well as mine, but I maintained a positive to thank Rory Meyers for her heart of service provided. I will be the first person in my attitude nonetheless. I remember the and for providing opportunities to many stu- generation within my family to go to college moment that Rory Meyers changed my dents like me. Unlike many American college and become a nurse within four years. life. I was having a really rough week, but students, I am blessed to be able to follow my Thank you to the Meyers family for their upon receiving an email notification, my passion without having to worry about the bur- charity and for allowing students to pursue spirits were instantly raised. A weight had den of tuition or other expenses, and for that I their goals. | Denise Rodriguez been lifted off of my family’s shoulders, am extremely thankful. and I knew that I could confidently be the Rory Meyers was a strong and powerful New York University offers one first in my family to attend college, and at woman, a passionate nurse with a giving heart, of the finest nursing programs in my dream school, Rory Meyers College and a provider of opportunities for upcoming the country and I consider of Nursing. nurses. Finally Rory Meyers is who I aspire to myself fortunate to be able to I was filled with great sadness upon be. Nursing is one of my passions, but I hope attend. However none of this hearing about Rory Meyers’ passing. Her to one day help my Latinx community pursue would have been possible without the kind gift shaped the path that my life would their dreams and interests. Rory Meyers has help of Rory Meyers. As a low-income and take, providing me with opportunities that inspired me to continue her work and has first-generation student, Rory Meyers’ gener- were once my ancestors’ wildest dreams. provided me the tools to do so. Her legacy will osity has furthered my passion to care for Undoubtedly her legacy will be carried on not be forgotten, and her generosity will not those most in need and has ensured that my for the rest of my life. It will all be thanks be in vain, for she has been a savior for me and professional and educational goals are finan- to Rory Meyers when I become a nurse many students. My deepest condolences to cially attainable. My parents, who traveled one day. I will forever be grateful. | Eric Li her family, and my prayers are with her family over 6,800 miles from rural China to pursue during this difficult time. | Leslie Taza Rocano

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 13 FEATURE

30TH ANNUAL For the last 30 years, NYU Meyers has been growing, and sustaining mission-driven celebrating inclusion, diversity, belonging, initiatives in cardiovascular health disparities and equity during Black History Month research and the areas of diversity, equity, Estelle with the legacy of one of our own — former and inclusion. faculty member Estelle Massey Osborne. The event kicked off with a panel She was a pioneer who worked tirelessly to discussion by four esteemed NYU faculty Osborne remove racial barriers and provide opportu- members. Profs. Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, nities for Black nurses across the US. Olugbenga Ogedegbe, and Chau Legacy During this yearly celebration, we recog- Trinh-Shevrin discussed disparities in nize a distinguished alumnus/a or faculty COVID-19 outcomes across populations, member whose professional career vaccine hesitancy, and access to resources. Celebration embodies Osborne’s legacy. This year’s The panel was moderated by Maya Clark- honoree was Lisa Lewis MA ’98. Lewis is Cutaia, assistant professor at NYU Meyers. an associate professor of nursing and the This annual celebration would not be by Michelle Fung | associate dean for equity and inclusion at possible without the vision of its founders: Development Manager the University of Pennsylvania School of Gloria Chandler Ramsey, MA ’87, BS ’83; Nursing. During her 17-year academic career, Phyllis Lisanti PhD ’87; and late former she has built a track record of developing, Division Head Diane McGivern.

the undergraduate program and the Clinical belonging, and NYU Meyers’ global inclusion An update Simulation Learning Center, to develop talks officer. Faculty leaders and key administrators and educational experiences focused on diver- make up the rest of the steering committee sity and inclusion as they relate to healthcare. and their charge includes: strategically on IDBE Past events include a talk about the BIPOC aligning the College’s initiatives, policies, and nursing student experience at NYU Meyers and practice with those of the larger University, LGBTQ patient-focused simulations. developing initiatives that exhibit the by Tanisha Johnson-Campbell | In 2019, NYU Meyers embarked on creating College’s commitment to diversity and inclu- Assistant Dean for Advising, a five-year strategic plan and the concept of sion, and guiding the efforts of the General Academic Administration, “belonging” quickly rose as a foundational IDBE Committee. Bringing together faculty, and Belonging pillar. Centered on Belonging, Innovation, and students, administrators, and staff, the IDBE Globalization (“BIG”), the strategic plan coin- Steering Committee is dedicated to fostering cided with pivotal national and global events, a climate that normalizes difficult conversa- including the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of tions that respect and honor differences, but George Floyd by the police, and the growing that highlight and build on commonalities as In 2015, NYU Meyers was one of the first units social justice movement. This changing envi- well. Recent events included an interprofes- within the University to create a committee ronment amplified the overall conversation sional panel discussing the impact COVID-19 dedicated to bringing members of the College about diversity and inclusion. However health- has had on race-based health disparities and together around diversity and inclusion. The care took center stage as the COVID-19 crisis a monthly Diversity Matters series that invites Inclusivity, Diversity, Belonging, and Equity drew attention to race-based health disparities all members of the NYU Meyers community (IDBE) Committee is a strong community and gaps in access to resources. to discuss a particular topic. presence, partnering each year with the In summer 2020 Dean Eileen Sullivan-Marx As valued members of our community, Meyers Office of Development and Alumni announced the creation of the IDBE the IDBE Steering Committee would love to Relations to host the Estelle Osborne Legacy Steering Committee, chaired by Tanisha hear from you so please feel free to contact Celebration. In addition the IDBE Committee Johnson-Campbell, assistant dean of its members with any questions or ideas at has worked with other departments, including advising, academic administration, and [email protected].

14 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 FEATURE

REFUSING TO BE ERASED AGAIN Speaking up against anti-Asian racism

by Emerson Ea | Assistant Dean for Clinical and Adjunct Affairs

Recent videos that have gone viral showing issues. The somewhat muffled and uneven important first step to confront racism in violence and hateful incidents against Asian responses from the Asian American commu- nursing. If we are to truly advance diversity, Americans have generated very strong emotions nity could be attributed to a complex host inclusivity, and belonging in nursing and to that ranged from anger, pity, fear, and plain of factors. One factor is the diversity within be the agents of social change, the nursing disgust. But to Asian Americans they captured the Asian American community where the profession and its leaders need to confront and documented a defining moment that vali- default is to identify with one’s ethnicity or this ugly truth and take decisive action to dated what the Asian American community has nationality instead of the collective Asian lead efforts to steer the profession’s direc- felt and experienced all along: that they are a American identity. Another factor is a system tion towards a path of equity, diversity, target because of how they look and sound, and, that depicts Asian Americans as stoic, quiet, belonging, and inclusivity. in essence, because of who they are. reserved, and without credible reasons to The cry for social change and justice to Hate incidents against Asian Americans are not complain as the “model minority.” Others break the cycle of violence, racism, and new. This pattern of violence, exclusion, scape- have found it difficult to define and pinpoint discrimination requires specific and inten- goating, prejudice, and racism have existed for what anti-Asian hateful incidents look like as tional actions at micro and macro levels a long time. These incidents have been here all they may appear random and uneven. An ranging from culturally-sensitive hate inci- along but their history and presence have been additional complication arises when victims dent reporting mechanisms, consistent and muffled, silenced, dismissed, considered insig- have been silenced due to cultural and swift law enforcement to sustained public nificant, and, oftentimes, forgotten and buried. language barriers or because of a lack of trust education campaigns. As a collective Asian The current hateful incidents directed towards in the criminal justice system. Americans also need to continue to partner Asian Americans and the explosion of emotions The current movement feels different. with and support social movements united and reactions they have generated demand There is a reckoning that these hate incidents by common causes founded on equity and that we as a society confront this ugly and will continue unless the community unites social justice. shameful part of our history and current reality, and collectively demands actions. The Asian There needs to be clarity on what anti- and take decisive action to address them with American community has also been empow- Asian racism looks like: being treated as significant consequences. ered and encouraged by social movements, a perpetual foreigner, scapegoat, “other,” These incidents become more pronounced such as Black Lives Matter, that are fueling the harbinger of diseases, stealer of jobs and when tensions run high politically, socially, and fire, passion, and call for a just society. These opportunities from non-Asians, and conve- economically. The tendency is to find a scape- movements touch every facet of our society nient target. This is an important step to goat or victim that is perceived as a threat or and community including higher education, ensuring that the narratives of anti-Asian non-conforming as a passive group who will not public health and medicine, business, health- racism are recognized and acknowledged fight back. As a result Asian Americans have care practice and policy, science, and research. while adding context to our understanding of been blamed for disease outbreaks, economic The nursing profession is not immune to racism overall. Individuals and communities crises, political upheavals, and wars. History is the effects of a structure and a system that have the responsibility to continue to speak peppered with outrageous examples of how have supported and perpetuated inequity, up and support actions that reframe how this group has been excluded; blamed for racism, and discrimination. These narratives Asian Americans are viewed and treated. epidemics, terrorist acts, and war; and accused exist in the lived experiences of nurses This narrative is my contribution to of stealing jobs and opportunities. belonging to minority groups, including ensuring that others continue to hear our Asian Americans have spoken out before but immigrant nurses. Nurses have also seen stories and struggles. I am adding my voice those voices were faint, inconsistent, or short- how systemic racism has contributed to to the conversation until it becomes loud lived, and were quickly forgotten and silenced poor health outcomes and health inequities and hard to ignore — until Asian Americans when more sensational stories and headlines at the individual and community levels. The are no longer invisible. grabbed everyone’s attention away from those American Nurses Association has taken an

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 15 FEATURE THE WAY

BACKWHAT WE’VE LEARNED AND HOW TO MOVE FORWARD

Nurses as COVID-19 has provided object lessons with Alleviating suffering every passing day about social determinants change agents of health and has highlighted the deep requires reflecting on by Sean Clarke | Executive Vice Dean responsibilities with which nurses are charged. economic and social It has also vividly illustrated the complexi- Whether we’re thinking ties of delivering health, are in systems and conditions by Michelle Knapp | Clinical Assistant Professor of the pandemic from the organizations that sometimes work in a less perspectives of clinicians coordinated manner than we might like. As the world perseveres in its delivering care, citizens of As we continue to cautiously restart activ- attempts to contain the local communities, ities in all sectors of the economy nurses COVID-19 pandemic the US members of a profession, will be working in a healthcare system and now confronts alarming or health and health system scholars, one providing care in a societal context that have increased rates in mental message is clear: COVID-19 has had, and both been indelibly changed. In terms of the health conditions, including continues to have, very different impacts nurse workforce changes that were already substance use disorders. According to the Kaiser across communities across the world. Those afoot before COVID-19 in terms of who Family Foundation 13% of adults reported new or communities range from neighborhoods provides care, what services are offered, increased substance use related to coronavirus within cities, regions within countries, and where the work takes place (including stress, with young adults twice as likely to report countries across the globe. online), and how workers are paid are now new or increased substance use. In addition 26% proceeding ever faster. Short lengths of of young adults have reported recent stay, heavy use of information technology, suicidal thoughts. and more telehealth will certainly drive the In an effort to facilitate treatment in substance market for nurses and nursing services. In use patients, the stringent government restric- addition those we care for will be dealing tions on prescription requirements were with special financial and social pressures lightened. These modifications, if allowed to “AS WE CONTINUE TO CAUTIOUSLY that will no doubt also affect their health. remain in place, could be a silver lining emerging RE-START ACTIVITIES IN ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, NURSES WILL BE The future for nurses, and for nurses’ from the COVID-19 chaos. WORKING IN A HEALTHCARE SYSTEM contributions to the health of our communi- What exactly are the regulations for prescribing “AND PROVIDING CARE IN A SOCIETAL ties, is bright but will demand that many of buprenorphine — a medication used to treat CONTEXT THAT HAVE BOTH BEEN INDEL- us be ready to pivot — clinicians, educators, opioid use disorder? To prescribe a controlled IBLY CHANGED.” | SEAN CLARKE and leaders alike. substance under the Controlled Substances Act,

16 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 “THE EVIDENCE-BASE BEHIND TREATMENT OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS USING TELEPSYCHIATRY IS JUST BEGIN- NING TO EMERGE AND WE WILL STILL FEATURE “FACE CHALLENGES AS THE PANDEMIC SUBSIDES.” | MICHELLE KNAPP

providers are required to conduct at least one racial and other demographic inequities that patients with a highly contagious infection. in-person examination of the patient unless an COVID-19 revealed. From their one-minute Close to 3,000 healthcare workers, many of exception applies. On March 16, 2020, the Drug selfies assigned the first week of class I whom were nurses, died in the first nine Enforcement Agency (DEA) acknowledged knew that the students were as diverse as months of the pandemic. the public emergency as an exception and the fabric of New York City. My job was no Critical care nurses were at every bedside, relaxed restrictions. The DEA also expanded the longer to only provide readings and rubrics. attending to the patients’ physical needs prescribing exception to allow waivered clini- I was facing students who had experienced and monitoring their physiologic status. cians (i.e., authorized to treat opioid use disorder emotional trauma and were angry about the Using sophisticated techniques to assess with buprenorphine) to prescribe buprenorphine injustices of the healthcare system. What was hemodynamic parameters including heart to new and existing patients using telephones my responsibility to them in an Issues and rate, respiratory status, oxygenation levels, instead of video. This unprecedented change Trends course? ventilator settings, blood pressure, and recognized the hurdles to the types of tech- Against the backdrop of the George fluid parameters, nurses observed patients nology this vulnerable population can access. Floyd killing and the widening racial and on a minute-to-minute basis, detecting The evidence behind treatment of substance socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 care even subtle changes that might portend use disorders using telepsychiatry is just begin- and outcomes my co-faculty instructor a change in their clinical status or indicate ning to emerge and we will still face challenges Joan Miravite Harper and I introduced guest signs of imminent deterioration. Early iden- as the pandemic subsides. Some states still speakers and readings on inclusivity, equity, tification of adverse signs and symptoms prohibit the prescribing of buprenorphine via belonging, and clinician well-being. Students allows the entire team of nurses, physicians, telemedicine despite the DEA’s changes. It is told us how grateful they were to have a nurse practitioners, and physicians’ assis- also unclear as to whether the modifications forum for discussing these issues. tants to intervene immediately, minimize will continue post-COVID-19. The important At some point I paused and realized that the complications, and avert possible death. questions rest with a clinician’s primary respon- students had taught me more than I had taught From underneath the dehumanizing sibility, which is to alleviate suffering. This them. They taught me how important it is to try masks and face shields, gowned and gloved requires patient-centered care, adjusted to the even harder to make my courses meaningful. critical care nurses reached out to comfort economic and social conditions that influence They showed me the importance of tossing out dying patients and console grieving fami- the individual’s health status. the old ways of teaching and replacing them lies daily. The sheer scope of so many with ways for students to tell their stories. Most untimely deaths was felt deeply by nurses of all, “on the way back,” I started to face my but was always offset by the heightened Teaching and learning part as a white woman of privilege and how I awareness of the many other patients who must acknowledge its meaning if I truly want to needed their care in surrounding beds. on the way back be an effective teacher going forward. Even before the pandemic concerns were by Sally S. Cohen | Clinical Professor raised over the shutdown of many hospitals in rural and poor communities over the last This past year taught me a How critical care ten years. Many states refused Medicaid lot about myself and my expansion as part of the Affordable Health role as a teacher. As the nurses managed the Care Act and these decisions were associ- lead instructor for Issues impossible demands ated with the closure of hospitals in states and Trends, I had to where an increased proportion of poor and nimbly switch to remote of COVID-19 uninsured individuals reside. Many patients teaching of about 135 students. With the assis- by Mary Brennan | with COVID-19 died due to a lack of access tance of my Meyers colleagues, I found new Clinical Associate Professor to hospitals. ways of engaging students, even though most We, as critical care nurses and nurse prac- remained invisible to me on the other side of At the start of the titioners in ERs and ICUs, need to advocate the Zoom camera. Then came the most diffi- pandemic, when many of for a strong public health system so that all cult part — dealing with the myriad harsh the hospitals were over- individuals in the US have access to nearby realities that the students were facing. whelmed with large hospitals with critical care and emergency COVID-19 meant that as the pandemic numbers of patients response systems to address the COVID-19 roared into New York City many of them were exceeding their capacity, pandemic and other threats in the future. caring for scores of dying patients. Some were many nurses rushed to respond to the crisis living with extended family members who despite the lack of personal protective equip- were sick and died. They all witnessed the ment necessary to care for critically ill

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 17 “MOVING FORWARD DIGITAL SKILLS AND RELIABLE INTERNET WILL BE CRUCIAL FOR OLDER ADULTS AS TECHNOLOGY CAN FEATURE REDUCE ISOLATION, IMPROVE ACCESS “TO HEALTH AND SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE.” | TINA SADARANGANI

Professional nursing the spread of COVID-19 and had a lower Discussion abounds nationally concerning in long-term care number of deaths. the reopening of schools for the 2021–2022 Professional nurses in long-term care are academic year. While the public health by Tara Cortes | essential in navigating crises and providing guidelines that many of us proposed last Executive Director, Hartford Institute quality care to the increasingly older and year will still hold, there is now a COVID-19 for Geriatric Nursing more complex population. None of this vaccine available for school teachers, school COVID-19 and the archaic evidence, however, has ever been considered personnel, and adolescents 16 years old model of providing long- in setting policy. and over. COVID-19 vaccines will likely be term care in this country available for children either before school created a perfect storm reopening or in the early part of the 2021– leading to an unprece- Achieving the 2022 academic year. dented number of deaths To achieve the “next normal,” the in nursing homes. While the vast majority of post-pandemic messaging for all healthcare providers is nursing home staff tried to provide the best “next normal” to be on board with supporting COVID-19 possible care, the lack of resources and by Donna Hallas | Clinical Professor vaccines for all adults and, when approved appropriate reporting severely hampered the by the FDA, all adolescents and children. ability to pivot from everyday care. Everyone is asking “When The “next normal” will not be achieved if Although residential long-term care is will we return to normal?” 20% of teachers refuse to take the COVID-19 usually thought of as being simply custodial, We are all acutely aware vaccine or if the parental hesitancy leads to the care needed in these settings is some of and miss our former significant refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine of the most complex care delivered across personal normal, our for their children and adolescents. Nurses the healthcare continuum. Most residents family normal, our work are four million strong — let our strength help have multiple chronic diseases and very normal, and our play normal. The pandemic guide us by supporting COVID-19 vaccines at often have dementia as well. There are no abruptly stopped and altered our normal every opportunity. protocols to prescribe care because each state of being. How do we find our way back? individual has different multiple conditions. Most of us have not conceptualized the The increase in the number of people living parameters of the “next normal.” Will the Moving forward: to 85 and beyond has also led to the increase lessons we have learned lead to a kinder, more in complexity for those living in residential considerate, more accepting home, work, The importance long-term care, making the need for quality school, and play environments? The majority of technology in nursing homes more acute than ever. of healthcare professionals know that the Many of the issues contributing to this “next normal” will only become a reality if the reducing isolation perfect storm are long-standing and overwhelming majority of individuals across all by Tina Sadarangani | Assistant Professor necessitate both immediate and long-term ages and countries are immunized. strategies. But one of the first issues to be COVID-19 vaccines are essential if we are The pandemic has made addressed is the workforce. to achieve the “next normal,” which includes it very clear that humans Ensuring quality and cost-effective care at a safe environment for children to return to are social creatures. We any time, but especially in a time of crisis, uninterpreted classroom instruction and intra- thrive in collaborative requires a professional staff that bases and extra-curricular activities. Many schools, groups of people. For decisions and practice on evidence. Several in particular elementary schools, that followed many of us having to limit national reports have called for a strong public health guidelines many of us proposed, our social interactions in the wake of stay-at- registered nurse presence in long-term care were able to open safely and remain open home orders and social distancing as a critical solution to increase quality while during the 2020–2021 school year. requirements has led to prolonged isolation decreasing cost to the overall system. A Some schools across the US left the deci- and feelings of loneliness. Older adults have study done by the Center for Medicare and sion to parents to select in-person classes, been particularly isolated. Watching friends Medicaid Services found that nursing homes hybrid learning, or entirely remote learning for and family reconnect, while older people with a greater RN staff number had signifi- their children. Many schools did not open for have remained sidelined at home, has only cantly fewer hospital readmissions. Another in-person learning at all. Some schools that worsened feelings of loneliness. These feel- study in 2020 on all 215 nursing homes in opened had to close on several occasions, ings are bad for our health; in fact, loneliness Connecticut found those with higher RN leading to interrupted learning and frustration has been studied to heighten health risks just staffing and quality ratings better controlled for the children, adolescents, and their parents. as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

18 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 “I BELIEVE THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME PEO- PLE ARE LISTENING TO THE NEEDS CRITICAL TO RECTIFYING THE LONG-STANDING PROB- LEMS IN NURSING HOMES, AND FOR THAT I “AM HOPEFUL.” | JASMINE TRAVERS

One thing we have learned in the wake of finding to share spontaneously. But as I Simulation in the the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of started mentally synthesizing that work, I time of COVID-19 technology adoption among older adults in thought back to the root of the question: by Natalya Pasklinsky | periods of isolation and the favorable impact “the most surprising.” And then it hit me, the Executive Director, Simulation Learning this can have on companionship and mental answer was “nothing.” health. The pandemic has also shown us Like many other issues, including racism, The COVID-19 pandemic how adept older adults are with technology, racial injustices, and ageism among others, presented many chal- particularly when provided with support. the problems within nursing home care that lenges while managing Not only can older adults use technology were prominent during the pandemic were our undergraduate and to stay in touch with friends and family, but far from surprising in the US. Insufficient graduate curriculum and they can also access medical results online, infection control, prominent disparities in in-person simulation connect with their healthcare providers, nursing homes with high concentrations of learning. We understood that to be order their groceries, and access trans- Black residents, neighborhood residential successful in promoting an effective transi- portation. After many senior centers and segregation associated with dispropor- tion from a remote environment to adult day programs were forced to close, tionate deaths, inadequate staffing, poor on-campus practice, revision of the simula- they began offering online services to their quality of care, poor infrastructures, failing tion curriculum required a cognizance of members like virtual museum tours, game regulatory efforts, scarce resources, and student learning needs to ensure that all nights, and chair yoga, allowing older adults the undervaluing of our most important students met their learning objectives. to remain active and engaged. assets — the people who care for our older Students were challenged with ever- While certainly not a replacement for face- adults — are all not surprising. changing guidelines and policies to ensure a to-face interaction in the long-term, for many What is a surprise, however, is our lack of safe return to campus, but they were able to of us, and particularly older people, tech- attention to these problems. manage this with the assistance and nology has provided a lifeline during these So what is necessary to begin to change support provided daily while they were in difficult months. Moving forward digital skills the narrative? person at the Clinical Simulation and reliable internet will be crucial for older • Investing in underserved communities and Learning Center. adults as technology can reduce isolation, nursing homes; Throughout the pandemic students improve access to health and social support, • Prioritizing structures within nursing homes actively engaged in experiential learning and contribute to improved quality of life. that facilitate improved quality of care like using multiple modalities, including inter- infection control staff, quality control staff, active software, case studies, VR, role-play, and smaller facilities; and face-to-face interactions in simulations COVID-19 and nursing • Thoughtfully holding those in positions of that were designed to maximize safety authority responsible for care delivery; by preventing the spread of infection homes: When nothing • Increasing funding to nursing homes and while promoting necessary competencies surprises ensuring that a certain proportion goes to through intensive skills practice and critical by Jasmine Travers | Assistant Professor resident care and staffing; reasoning activities. Increased opportuni- • Changing our language when we talk about ties for skills practice in simulation helped While the questions I aging, older adults, and nursing home care bridge the gap between the classroom answered in Hot Seat, an to break down stigmas; didactic experience and the application of icebreaker where each • Equipping our nursing home workforce with those skills at the bedside. The availability of participant has five adequate training, pay, benefits, resources, simulation resources during the pandemic minutes to respond, support, and recognition; provided students the opportunity to prac- were straightforward, • Bridging partnerships between nursing tice and master critical skills necessary to there was one that made me stumble. homes, hospitals, and academic provide safe and effective patient care. “What is the most surprising thing you’ve institutions. Simulation reflects the Meyers vision and seen in your research over the past year?” A subsequent question posed to me while provides students the opportunity to learn, My mind started racing, scanning all in the Hot Seat was my thoughts on the silver grow, and play in a safe environment while the papers, columns, and editorials I lining of the pandemic. My response was, building communication and teamwork had recently read or written on nursing “I believe that for the first time people are skills. Staying connected while managing homes, disparities, and workforce issues. listening to the needs critical to rectifying the uncertainty and caring for one another is Considering the wide array of options, I long-standing problems in nursing homes, one of the key aspects, which made simula- struggled to land on the most appropriate and for that I am hopeful.” tion in the time of COVID-19 a success.

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 19 I love the many resources NYU STAFF PROFILES “ provides for pro- FEATURE fessional and per- sonal development such as classes, health screen- ings, and financial management.”

Meet Arlette Cruz HR Administrator

by Katelyn Wattendorf | Contributing Writer

Name anyone that works at NYU Meyers someone with experience in payroll and neighborhood so I always have someone and Arlette Cruz has most likely helped recognized an opportunity to change her nearby to hang out with,” she said. them get there. As HR administrator Cruz path. She was hired soon after and hasn’t That social aspect is what Cruz enjoys most processes the appointments of nearly every left NYU since. about HR. “HR has allowed me the oppor- employee. More specifically Arlette works Cruz has been working in HR since early in tunity to interact with various departments closely with several departments at NYU to her career. After graduating from Stony Brook at NYU,” she explained. “I enjoy interacting process appointments for adjunct faculty, University, Cruz entered the HR field while with people, which has allowed me to learn fellows, courtesy, graduate, and undergrad- working at a temp agency. This early oppor- from my peers and supervisors.” uate students, and international training tunity was a foundational learning experience Furthermore, as a true human resources specialists. Cruz assists new hires through that gave her skills she still uses to this day. professional, Cruz highlights the effort the the entire onboarding process, from their “The agency introduced me to the many University makes to provide support for its initial contract to payroll. aspects of the company such as recruiting, employees as particularly significant to her. Born in Mexico and raised in Brooklyn, interviewing, and payroll,” Cruz said. “I love the many resources NYU provides Cruz has called New York home for many To excel in HR one has to be a people for professional and personal development years and has been working at NYU since person, and Cruz fits the bill perfectly. such as classes, health screenings, and finan- 2010. While employed at a payroll company, Outside of work, Cruz participates in cial management,” she said. But ultimately Cruz was looking for something new. She multiple social leagues, from dodgeball to it is the people that make her job most saw that the NYU Courant Institute of kickball to cornhole. “The social leagues enjoyable. “I love the sense of community Mathematical Sciences was looking to hire have helped me make many friends in my NYU encourages.”

20 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 FEATURE

Meet Thomas Freedman Senior Administrative Manager for the Dean’s Office

by Katelyn Wattendorf | Contributing Writer

As the senior administrative manager for the library positions at Columbia University and I do sometimes dean’s office at Meyers, Thomas Freedman Long Island University, he returned to NYU, has learned to be ready for anything. “The this time as the administrative manager for “ think of my day can go off-script at any moment,” he the Dean’s Office at Meyers. “I have been said. “It is important to be flexible and to be happily here ever since,” Freedman said. role as a traffic able to adjust to the moment.” As for his roles at work, they often change Freedman and Samantha Gierbolini are daily. “It’s difficult for me to make a list as cop whose job Dean Eileen Sullivan-Marx’s daily support to what my job entails since sometimes system, which is a multi-faceted task, as they it seems as if I do a little bit of this and a it is to keep oversee and manage Dean Sullivan-Marx’s little bit of that,” he said. “I do sometimes day-to-day life as dean and as the current pres- think of my role as a traffic cop whose job things moving ident of the American Academy of Nursing. it is to keep things moving along in the “Dean Eileen wears many different hats both right direction.” along in the at NYU and within the larger metropolitan and This state of constant change has been national arena so at any one time there are a part of Freedman’s life for quite a while. right direction.” multiple balls in the air,” Freedman said. As a child with a father in the Air Force, he No newbie to the special challenges of moved around a lot growing up. Born in working in an administrative position at a Indiana, he then moved to Okinawa, Japan; large university, Freedman’s story with NYU Montana; Illinois; and Ohio before gradu- began more than 35 years ago. One morning ating high school. Even after high school is when everything goes as planned and in 1984, Freedman left Boston to drive down he continued to live in numerous cities there are no bumps in the road,” he said. to New York, and he returned that night across the US, including Ann Arbor (where “Unfortunately that rarely happens, so I’m as an official member of the NYU commu- he attended undergrad at the University very happy when things go ‘more or less’ nity. “I drove down on the morning of my of Michigan), Boston, Madison (where as planned.” interview, had my interview over lunch with he received his master’s degree at the Still when asked about the highlights of the department chair, was offered the job, University of Wisconsin), Ithaca, and Seattle. his role Freedman points out the people and drove back to Boston the same day,” Furthermore Freedman enjoys a challenge, he works with — especially the person he he explained. even outside of work. For example being works for: Dean Sullivan-Marx. “Working for He soon began working as depart- lucky enough to have some outdoor space Dean Eileen has its own rewards,” he shared. ment administrator in the Department in New York, he grows and tends to some “Dean Eileen is one of the most appreciative of Comparative Literature, and later as 100+ plants. people I know. She is a real joy to work with the executive assistant to the dean at He also points out that one of the and is always ready with a compliment or Steinhardt, where he stayed for 10 years. important parts of his job is being able to thanks. She also has a great sense of humor After attending library school and working in adapt. “The most rewarding part of my job which I’m also very appreciative of.”

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 21 FEATURE INTERVIEW

Undergrad alumni pursue policy and advocacy to improve

healthby Stacen A. Keating | Clinical Assistant Professor equity

In the summer of 2019 an advocacy 1 Please talk a bit about your study public health in Accra, Geneva, and training workshop with the Cambridge- interest in advocacy/policy work Beijing. In each city I not only learned about as a nurse. Why did you decide to healthcare infrastructure in the county but based Partners in Health (PIH) join me in this workshop? also how the US and other global forces caught my eye, and I asked if any impacted the healthcare systems. The work undergraduate students involved in the Erica: I went to nursing school for a with PIH helped to tie together how, as a Global Health Interest Group would like second degree to become a midwife nurse, I could work on both domestic and and get involved in addressing maternal global healthcare. to attend. Erica Kilgore BS ’20, Rayne health policy and health disparity issues. Neunie BS ’20, and Coco Wander Deciding to attend this workshop as a BS ’20 subsequently enrolled in the nursing student felt like an exciting entrée 2 What new knowledge or PIH Engage Training Institute with me. into expanding my influence beyond perspective did you take away the bedside. It was also simply a natural from that experience? The mission of PIH is focused on both progression of how I want to practice as a bringing sound healthcare practices to nurse and eventual midwife. It is important Erica: I learned even more about the those in greatest need and “serving as to me to understand the broader context humble beginnings of Partners in Health an antidote to despair.” The work of PIH in which I practice and to actively work to and how a group of people who shared the improve that context. same vision for health equity and dedica- spans the globe with much focus on tion to improving people’s lives can make a improving health in areas experiencing Rayne: I decided to engage in this work- profound difference. The biggest highlight the most need in terms of resources, shop because of the organization’s stance that I took away was a sense of inspira- treatment, health promotion and on healthcare as a human right. As an tion — that I could connect with people who RN I am innately an advocate for all my care about the same issues and work towards disease prevention. PIH had planned an patients. Whether it be through patient advocating for these issues. advocacy weekend in Washington DC, care, patient education, or communicating a which attracted many college students patient’s needs to their provider, advocacy Rayne: I gained a clearer understanding and young professionals from across plays a significant role within the nursing of my purpose and role as an advocate for practice. Staying up to date on policies and achieving health equity for all. We can make the entire US. The ability to convene learning how to change policies is crucial in an extreme impact when we put our minds with like-minded individuals held great achieving the goal of health equity for all. together to be true changemakers. The new learning and networking potential. I knowledge I took away was the importance recently interviewed all three students Coco: Being invited to apply to this work- of doing work in your local community. Many shop felt like a new extension of what positive changes can occur at the local level, about their experiences in Washington it means to be a nurse. Through NYU’s which can eventually lead to changes on a DC during advocacy weekend. global programs I had the opportunity to national level.

22 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 Partners in Health Engage is holding its policy/advocacy training institute virtually this summer on July 17-18, 2021. If you are a student and interested in attending as part of an NYU Meyers group, please email Prof. Left Erica Kilgore (left) and Keating at [email protected]. Rayne Neunie (right) Opposite Coco Wander

Coco: The biggest highlight that I took away 4 Please share the policy/ 5 There are issues related to from the weekend training was that there advocacy actions you currently healthcare inequities also right aren’t enough nurses engaged in public engage in as an RN to help here at home in the US. Please policy. We were the only nursing school at the other students know how to talk more about the healthcare workshop and when we only met with doctors get involved. advocacy needs you are seeing in in DC currently advocating for healthcare for the communities you serve. all and working on the legislation. But as we Erica: I work hard to advocate for my can all see in the hospital there are so many patients every day to escalate care when Erica: Learning more about the history of interdisciplinary team members that are needed, to have the providers come to the our country and the systematic ways that engaged in our patient’s care. bedside, and to make sure my patients marginalized communities are further margin- are receiving the care and attention they alized is essential. Everything has a context need and deserve. We witness firsthand and educating ourselves about extremely 3 What can you note about the who falls through the cracks and gets left traumatic histories including the legacies experience of meeting other behind within our healthcare system. We of slavery, segregation, and redlining; the college students and young see disparities and how they play out in dark racist history of medicine and eugenics professionals interested in our patients’ lives from a perspective that in the US; and the genocide of indigenous health policy? few others experience after spending 12 peoples — puts current health, economic, hours at a time with each patient. racial, and environmental injustices into Erica: The PIH Engage mission as a grass- perspective. We also need to read the news roots organization is to organize people Rayne: Advocacy is inherent within our and keep up to date with everything that is towards building a movement for the right DNA. The nursing practice is a patient-cen- happening in our communities because our to health. Meeting other young professionals tered career that allows us to support and neighbors are often our future patients. and college students interested in health provide our patients with optimal care. policy further inspired me to get involved. In doing so we are by our patients’ sides Rayne: During my time abroad in East This pandemic has led to the world valuing at all times, educating them, communi- Africa I saw firsthand the disparities in nurses’ perspectives even more so we must cating their needs to their providers, and healthcare. However, very similarly, these remain involved beyond the bedside. promoting better health by collaborating healthcare inequities exist right here within with others within the interdisciplinary the United States. For example, depending Rayne: Meeting them motivated me to team. Some methods of advocacy include on where you live, you may live in a food get more involved and make true change reaching out to your representatives desert where important dietary needs are by taking action. I would recommend through letter-writing or even setting up not easily attained. Nurses can stay involved PIH Engage to every Meyers student a meeting. Another form of advocacy is by understanding the healthcare policies that because it is the first step you can take to community engagement. exist in their local communities. educating yourself about the injustices in healthcare as well as teach you ways to be Coco: While I’m currently just getting Coco: Prominent issues such as the water in more action-minded. my footing as a nurse I want to join the Flint, Michigan, and the high rate of asthma national nursing organization Alliance in the Bronx are forcing us to realize the Coco: The best part of meeting all the of Nurses for Healthy Environments. I importance of not only advocating for better other students and young professionals fully recommend asking about nursing protection of our environment but also for was that sustainability was a major focus committees to join in your future hospitals. the people impacted by the changing climate. for all of us. I remember leaving the first It’s a great opportunity to meet nurses The best way for nurses to stay connected is lecture with Rayne and Erica, and each of us across different units, which will help by joining a nursing organization in the field was amazed to be in a room with so many you to create better nursing practices in about which they are passionate! This lets like-minded students. your hospitals. them not only learn about new research and legislation but also helps to unite nurses to create the change they want to see.

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 23 VACCINES: KEEPING EACH OTHER SAFE

Since December our faculty, students, and alumni have received and administered the COVID-19 vaccine.

24 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 Transcend your well-being INTO ENVIRONMENTAL WELL-BEING

by Michelle Lasser BS ’21

It’s safe to say that we’ve Reducing overall plastic usage all been feeling rather Calming your body One of the easiest ways to reduce your lost, confused, and and mind with meditation personal waste is to reduce plastic usage Meditation has become increas- by investing in a reusable water bottle. on edge as a result of ingly popular, especially during the Not only do reusable bottles diminish the pandemic. It can be extremely benefi- impact of plastic production and plastic pandemic precautions and cial in reducing fatigue by taking time waste on our environment; they can to relax your mind and decompress. contribute to a more ideal water intake regulations. According to Take ten minutes before class or work and, in turn, waste less water. reputable organizations to focus on your breathing, posi- It has also become easier and more tive gratitudes, and manifestations. common to opt for “less packaging” when like the UN, WHO, and Meditation serves as a daily check-in shopping. For example, we can use a reus- with yourself on how you are feeling. able bag when running errands and decline WWF, pandemics tend to If you have been finding yourself plastic silverware when ordering takeout. alone with your thoughts meditation Among many others, you may be result from environmental can help you slow down, direct those questioning: “With additional cleaning thoughts to productive use, and give precautions in place, how can I help to deterioration caused by the inner mind peace. reduce waste?” When purchasing your cleaning products, you can choose paper humans and the effects of products made from recycled mate- accelerating globalization. rials, use refillable cleaning bottles, use plant-based cleaning products, and buy As a result some of us locally–sourced or homemade cleaning products from farmers’ markets. All of have looked for ways to these options will help reduce fuel impacts on the environment as well. improve society and the world we live in as we Shopping may relieve familiarize ourselves with some of your stress but it can put additional stress life post-COVID-19. on the environment Cooking in the comfort Deliveries have increased since the start of the pandemic. But these pack- of your own home ages are impacting the environment Instead of looking at the ever-changing in so many ways, from production to status of dining out as a burden use this distribution. Reduce demand by not time to eat healthier and cleaner at home. shopping new and start shopping Buy locally–grown food and other goodies vintage or second-hand. Another fun from farmers’ markets. Purchasing locally– idea is to start a clothing swap with sourced food has many benefits, including your friends. keeping small-business farmers employed, Exercising at home In the face of such despair the eating tastier and more nutritious food, Working out at home eliminates the pandemic has afforded us opportu- and avoiding any toxins or additives. You nities to improve our lives and our waste created by transportation to get can even grow your herbs at home with planet. We have the tools to do our the increasing availability of windowsill or to and from workout studios, while also part and contribute to a more sustain- smart gardens. Cooking from home will not making them more time-efficient for able world. Let’s put these ideas into only help you stick to a diet or regimen, you. At-home workouts also eliminate action and see the positive results but it will also reduce stress and waste on the use of cleaning supplies, laundry, that they bring, both personally the environment. and plastic usage. and environmentally.

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 25 STUDENTS

The Undergraduate Nursing Student Organization collected donated scrubs from the January 2021 baccalaureate graduates to distribute to the Spring 2021 First Clinical Sequence students.

Madison Kammerer BS ’20 and Deanna Valdinoto BS ’20 both received the 2020 Association of Chinese American Physicians’ COVID-19 Response Efforts Outstanding Service Award. This award recognizes their exceptional support and tireless efforts in caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Congratulations to them for their passion and dedication!

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26 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 NURSING IS . . .

Our students reflected on what nursing means to them. Here are some of their submissions.

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 27 NEW GRADS

January 2021 graduates celebrated their virtual pinning ceremony. ALUMNI Congrats to all of our recent graduates!

28 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 ALUMNI

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 29 ALUMNI

Frank Baez BS ’19 was the first nurse assigned to give the COVID-19 vaccine to NYU Langone Health staff.

Recent alums completed the Perioperative Immersion Program at NYU Langone Health. A B

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30 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 ON THE JOB ALUMNI

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 31 ALUMNI GREETINGS FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Dear alumni,

What a year it has been for the nursing Finally, be proud of the work you and the behind us. Focus on resilience so that you can profession! For nurses at all levels, we have entire Meyers community are doing. Nurses grow, rather than shrink, from stress. Together faced the biggest challenges of our careers have made great strides in patient care that we can make it through this global crisis. as we fought against the COVID-19 pandemic. will have lasting positive effects on patient Burnout, depression, compassion fatigue, and outcomes. Faculty have been conducting Sincerely, secondary traumatic stress among healthcare research on the effects the pandemic is professionals is at an all-time high. having on vulnerable populations as well As we continue to provide care during as the nursing workforce. Students have this pandemic acknowledge your need for participated in telehealth programs to follow Catherine D’Amico PhD ’07 support to maintain your resilience. Continue up with patients. Alumni continue to work President, NYU Meyers Alumni Association to learn about this new virus so you can at the bedside caring for patients and lead provide the highest quality of care; help all of their teams through this difficult time. We us educate the general public on the benefits thank all who have been providing care, of the vaccines and their cumulative effect for health education and immunizations for the our communities. Stay connected with family community; doing research; and continuing and friends outside of work. Find ways to to educate the next generation of nurses and release the stress with exercise, journaling, or nursing leaders. You are our heroes! other mindful activities. Lock arms with your Be confident and optimistic about the future, colleagues and lean on them for support. and trust that the pandemic will soon be

SAVE THE DATE Alumni and Parents Weekend | October 21–24, 2021

Get involved at Meyers! Alumni Association Board STAY CONNECTED NYU Meyers Alumni Association Each year hundreds of NYU Meyers fosters a lifelong connection Stay up to date on the latest alumni volunteer to serve the College. between the school and alumni, NYU news. Opt in for your Whether you are looking to serve on a beginning from their journey as students and throughout the favorite announcements and committee or the Alumni Association update your contact information many life stages as a member of board, you can find a group to engage the alumni community. Alumni of at bit.ly/meyersupdate. with here. We are actively seeking all degree programs and gradu- new members for each alumni group. ating years are encouraged to join. Contact [email protected] for more information on how to join.

32 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 The College wants to keep in touch with its former students! Please ensure your current email address is on file by emailing ALUMNI [email protected].

CLASS NOTES

Melissa Martyn MS ’18 is a Jeanann Sousou Coppola, Billy Rosa, BS ’09, BFA ’04 (TSOA) 2020s board-certified psychiatric nurse MA ’03, BS ’00 is a clinical assistant received the 2021 Advanced Certi- Komal P Murali PhD ’20 is a practitioner and works at New professor at the Rutgers School fied Hospice and Palliative Nurse of post-doctoral research fellow York Presbyterian. of Nursing-Camden and will be the Year Award from the Hospice at Columbia University School inducted into the American College and Palliative Credentialing Center. of Nursing. Joan Miravite DNP ’19 received of Nurse–Midwives at the organiza- He also was appointed to the edi- the 2021 AANP Nurse Practitioner Yosiamin Ortega BS ’20 started tion’s annual meeting in May. torial board of Journal of Pain and State Award for Excellence from her dream job as a labor and deliv- Symptom Management. the American Association of Emily Dove-Medows BA ’95 ery clinical nurse at Mount Sinai. Nurse Practitioners. (GAL), BS ’09 is a nurse-midwife Dylan Watson BS ’20 was Certified and will officially graduate from 1990s Erica Mora-Caballero BS ’16 is Emergency Nurse qualified. He also Wayne State University with a PhD Fidelindo Lim MA ’96 was named working with Fulton County Board will start his flight nurse program in in nursing in 2021. nurse influencer by American of Health in Atlanta administering the fall with the Air Force. Nurses Association’s My American the COVID-19 vaccine. Jacqueline Giannelli BS ’05 is Nurse journal. a family NP working in women’s Stephanie Niu BS ’16 was pro- 2010s health and is on the founding clin- moted to clinical nurse III at Yesica Bravo BS ’17 is currently ical team of Elektra Health, a new 1960s Hospital for Special Surgery. studying for an FNP master’s. women’s digital health company Mary J Giuffra, PhD ’73, MA ’68 Two by Two founded in New York City. published a new book, Erica Clapp BS ’13 left a hospital 2000s on the Ark: Five Secrets to a Great in Knoxville, Tennessee, where BS ’00 practiced Lisa Jenkins Brooks, MBA ’18 Lauren Pine Relationship, available on Amazon she had been since graduation, (STERN), BS ’06 launched a nursing on an oncological MedSurg and Barnes and Noble online. to join a home health company website called Writing the Future GI/colorectal unit at MSKCC for 16 that serves nuclear weapons and Rita Reis Wieczorek MS ’66 is a of Health to make health tech- years before an accident resulted uranium workers. Nurses Educational Funds’ 2021 nology approachable and easy in losing her leg at the hip. She now volunteers and advocates with honoree and the Rita Reis Wiec- Kristina Fuhrmann BS ’13 gradu- to understand. nonprofits that support disability zorek Maternal-Infant & Pediatric ated with an MSN in family nursing inclusion and awareness. Nursing Scholarship is the newest practice from Lehman College. named NEF scholarship fund.

Recent Alumni Council Doctoral Alumni Committee Nursing Administration Volunteer Recognition The NYU Meyers Recent Alumni The Doctoral Alumni Committee Alumni Advisory Council During the 2020–2021 academic Council is comprised of grad- serves to further advance To develop a structure to year, more than 150 alumni uates of the last 10 years who practice nursing, provide strengthen and share expert served on the board or a work to increase engagement professional development oppor- nursing leadership and nurse committee, mentored our bacca- of recent alumni, promote tunities, and engage in networking executive practice within laureate students, and returned volunteerism and philanthropic opportunities. the NYU Meyers community to the classroom to speak. Thank support, and advise on ways and beyond. you for sharing your insights and to advance the interests of the expertise to make a difference in recent alumni community. the lives of our students.

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 33 ALUMNI

ADOPT-A-NURSEA love letter to nurses everywhere by Kristen Hansen BS ’19

In March of 2020 I found myself alongside with inspirational messages, and spreading of the pandemic I was responsible for the healthcare workers everywhere drowning positivity in so many creative ways. The management and care of up to nine patients on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic compassion and selflessness of the commu- on a COVID-19 telemetry unit. It seemed like in New York. Petrified and heartbroken, I nity inspired these nurses to continue fighting nothing I did for my patients would help. I wanted to shine a bit of light on the darkest the seemingly endless COVID-19 battle. remember the lack of sleep I would have on moment of my new career. “When the pandemic first hit it came in like my nights off from work and how isolated I While working in COVID-19 step-down and a tsunami,” said Sarah Caldwell, a teacher felt in my bedroom, quarantined from family. ICU units I saw firsthand the toll this pandemic from Hauppauge, New York, one of the first However my adopter and her family sent me took on myself, colleagues, and patients. After adopters. “We all felt uncertain, scared, even texts of encouragement and care packages one particularly difficult night shift I reached hopeless. We went dormant. The world under- that helped lift my spirits and keep me going. I out to my local community on Facebook, stood little of what was going on, but we did will forever be grateful.” looking for people who wanted to safely offer know one thing: healthcare workers were The relationships that blossomed as a result support to frontline nurses. sacrificing their time, sanity, and even their of this positive community engagement are At a time that was so critically pivotal in own health to keep others safe. Adopt-a-Nurse still alive today. I am honored to have had a keeping people safe and healthy, many of was an inspirational response to an impossible hand in creating a safe, supportive environ- us felt abandoned — by employers, friends, situation. By giving back to the community ment in one of the worst times of our lives. families, and fellow citizens. Adopt-a-Nurse who had given all they had and more, we were was my love letter to nurses everywhere, to able to make a difference. Adopt-a-Nurse gave remind them that they had deep support adopters the freedom to express their grati- despite seemingly impossible odds. tude however they pleased — for some of us Nurses were nominated and community that was a letter or a drawing, for others a hot members, in the form of adopters, signed fresh meal, and for still others, it was a simple up looking to help in any way possible. The companion. This type of freedom gave us all adopters were matched with nurses who lived power when we felt we had none. Allowing the locally and they reached out offering support public to show just one small token of appre- in whatever way they could — many lent an ear, ciation gave us all the hope and positivity that created beautiful care packages, purchased we were collectively yearning for.” goodies (including toilet paper, a precious Ariel Hernandez BS ’19 was adopted in commodity at that point), and delivered food. April 2020. “It is difficult to put into words Many adopters had young children who got the positive impact the Adopt-a-Nurse group involved by making cards, decorating rocks had on my life,” she said. “At the height

34 NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 Choose topics that ignite your pas- sion … Do something that makes a difference in the world. Then enter the phenomenon and open yourself “ to the research experience. Flow with ALUMNI the existential dislocation of bewil- derment. Bring passion, curiosity, and care to your work. In the end, you will transform our images of studied life, and your research journey will trans- form you. | Kathleen Charmaz, 2004

When cancer enters during your PhD by Lauren Ghazal PhD ’21

In the weeks leading up to the beginning much uncertainty. I was new to NYU and experience. My experiences had illuminated of my PhD program, almost four years ago, was unsure of the support I would receive. the need for more research on young adult I read this quote as part of the assigned However when I told my faculty, staff, and cancer survivors as I became witness to the summer reading. I was nervous, but excited, peers, I was shown the utmost support and range of disparities faced by this population. for what the next few years would entail compassion and introduced to the many Again the PhD Program showed nothing but at NYU. I had passion and curiosity for my networks available in our incredible nursing support and encouragement in this complete research, but was confused; what did it mean community. For example faculty and peers change in the focus of my research. to enter a phenomenon? And how would I checked in to make sure I had company Cancer survivorship is difficult for many open myself to the research experience? during treatments, food deliveries, and trans- reasons. For one, there is the trauma asso- In the first semester of the PhD program, portation to and from treatment. Several ciated with this all. But then there is also the we dove into the fundamentals of nursing Meyers cancer survivors and researchers resilience and strength cancer survivorship research and its theoretical and philosoph- even provided me with emotional support. brings. I am now almost three years in remis- ical perspectives. Each class had thoughtful The demands of cancer treatment and a PhD sion, and I am proud that I learned how to discussion around what we bring to program were physically and emotionally be a researcher alongside it all. This spring research and how we conduct our research. difficult, and during this time, I leaned on a I will be defending my dissertation focused Our research backgrounds and interests community of people I had only known for on multilevel factors influencing quality of varied — parental support of transgender only a few months — the Meyers community. life in young adult cancer survivors and have youth, the microbiome, nurse migration. I entered my second year of the PhD recently accepted an NCI-funded postdoc- We were advised that “life will happen program in remission and felt different. In the toral fellowship in cancer care delivery. As I throughout this program.” And quickly it immediacy of my life being gifted back to me graduate from NYU I want to genuinely thank did. Some became parents, some got sick, I found my worldview had changed and felt the Meyers community and especially the and some were responsible for taking care lost in my initial research. I was confused — I PhD program. My gratitude extends to every of loved ones who got sick. And then in the had just survived cancer at 26 years old . . . one of you in helping me to get to the point midst of our dissertations we were faced with what would I do now? And then I remem- where I can see the positive of my cancer a global pandemic. As nurses pursuing a PhD, bered, from almost a year prior, the quote experience. I will always remember how these moments brought us greater experi- from Charmaz, “. . . enter the phenomenon and much you cared and helped me face every ences to inform our research. open yourself to the research experience.” uncertainty that cancer brought. “In the end, Just four months into the PhD program, I I finally realized what this meant for me; I you will transform our images of studied life, was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. had unwillingly entered into the phenom- and your research journey will transform you.” The decision to disclose my diagnosis to the enon of cancer survivorship, yet I willingly Thank you all for this transformation. program was a difficult one as there was so wanted to open myself up to researching this

NYU NURSING SPRING 2021 35 We are grateful to the individuals who have included NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing in their estate plans. By providing a legacy, these individuals are helping to GIVING further the education of nursing Donations as of April 2021 professionals into the future.

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $2,500 and above

American Academy of Nursing Terry Fulmer (ADCRT ’01) Margaret McClure Sigma Theta Tau International American Association of Colleges Margery (PhD ’83) and John Garbin Howard (STERN ’64) Meyers Suzette de Marigny Smith of Nursing C. Alicia Georges (MA ’73) Mathy and Andrew (WAG ’92, Joan K. Stout Christine Amoroso (BS ’95, SPS ’91) Maureen (MA ’76) and Philip Heasley MED ’60) Mezey Eileen Sullivan-Marx and Ken Marx Anonymous Helene Fuld Health Trust The New York Community Trust Suzette de Marigny Smith Family Barbara (MA ’92) and Michael Hugoton Foundation Oncology Nursing Society Foundation Foundation Calabrese Jay R. Paul Charitable Foundation Jay R. Paul Switzer Foundation Claudia and Leo Crowley The John A. Hartford Foundation, Inc. Susan and Anthony Penque The Thomas P. Sculco & Cynthia D. Catherine (PhD ’07) and Louis Sculco Foundation Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LLC Muriel Pless (STEINHARDT ’43) (ENG ’72) D’Amico Marguerite Barnish Troxel Jonas Philanthropies The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Troxel Family Foundation, Inc. Health Advancement Carl Kirton (MA ’92) Rory and Howard Meyers Family Foundation Maria Vezina (MA ’77) Garoline Gail Dorsen (PhD ’14, BS ’97) Helaine and Sidney Lerner Andrew Sabin Family Foundation Alicia and Norman Volk ECOBAT Technologies, Inc. Geri LoBiondo-Wood (PhD ’85) Stacey and Michael Sadler The Patrick and Catherine Weldon Claire Fagin (PhD ’64) The Louis and Rachel Rudin Sylvia and Stephen Schoenbaum, MD Donaghue Medical Research Kathy and Gregg Foos Foundation, Inc. Foundation Cynthia and Thomas Sculco Richard J. Frone Sondra and David Mack

DEAN’S CIRCLE $1,000 – $2,499

Monefa Anderson (WAG ’96, BS ’07) D’Amico Consulting Associates, LLC Valerie and James (STERN ’90) Jamesetta Newland Nellie Carter Bailey (MA ’80) Victoria Vaughan Dickson Hoffman Roberta O’Grady (MA ’62) Amy J. Berman (BS ’06) Pamela and Alexander Dubitsky Jefferson Health New Jersey Sarah Pasternack (MA ’73) Rose M. Boroch (MA ’73) Arlene T. Farren (PhD ’06, MA ’87) Patti Jordan David Resto (STERN ’20) Susan Bowar-Ferres (PhD ’87) and Joan and Michael Flaxman Christine Tassone Kovner (PhD ’85) and Marianne Roncoli (PhD ’73) Anthony Kovner Dean Ferres The Gerontological Society of America Rooke Products by Osborn LiHung Lin (MA ’86) Ann Marie Capo Mary Giuffra (PhD ’73, MA ’68) Joseph M. Schomburg (BS ’10) Judith Lothian (PhD ’89, MA ’81) Frances Cartwright (PhD ’05) and Valerie (MA ’84) and James Grabicki Susan (STERN ’79) and Craig Peter Alcarese Diana J. Mason (PhD ’87) Gerald Greenberg (STEINHARDT ’74) Schoon Catholic Health Association MedStar Health Hartford Hospital Neville E. Strumpf (PhD ’82) Lynn and Stephen Chodos Kelly and Craig Meyers Health & Hospitals Corporation UConn John Dempsey Hospital Chodos Family Trust Deborah Morrow Laura Heim Barbara W. Wright (PhD ’99, MA ’76) Covalon Technologies Ltd. Madeline Naegle (PhD ’80, MA ’67)

NYU MEYERS LEGACY SOCIETY

Anonymous Judith (PhD ’84, MA ’67) and Leslie J. Nield-Anderson (PhD ’91) Mary E. Segall (PhD ’70) Ellen Baer (PhD ’82, MA ’73) Leonard Haber Roberta O’Grady (MA ’62) Ursula Springer* Catherine O. D’Amico (PhD ’07) Barbara A. Hayes* (MA ’63) Sarah B. Pasternack (MA ’73) Eileen Sullivan-Marx Cynthia E. Degazon (PhD ’87, Eliana Horta Jay R. Paul Nadia Sultana STEINHARDT ’72) Blanche T. Jordan* (MA ’50, BS ’45) Robert V. Piemonte* Ruth Teitler* (STEINHARDT ’51) Jacqueline M. Fawcett (PhD ’76, Barbara Krainovich-Miller and Muriel Pless (STEINHARDT ’43) Patricia L. Valoon MA ’70) Russell Miller Hila Richardson Joan Spiegel Wallis (BS ’80) Geraldene Felton (EdD ’69) Fidelindo A. Lim (MA ’96) Paulette Robischon* (PhD ’70, MA ’60, Lauren Webster-Garcia (MA ’76) Vernice D. Ferguson* (BS ’50) Geri LoBiondo-Wood (PhD ’85) BS ’48) David M. Werdegar (ARTS ’60) Catherine Taylor Foster (PhD ’74) Diane J. Mancino (MA ’78) Marianne Roncoli (PhD ’73) Mary J. Whipple (BS ’69) C. Alicia Georges (MA ’73) Betty J. Manwell* (MA ’64) June Rothberg-Blackman (PhD ’65, Pearline D. Gilpin* (BS ’68) Diana J. Mason (PhD ’87) MA ’60, BS ’50) Beatrice Goodwin (PhD ’70, MA ’60) Margaret McClure Geraldene Schiavone* Jocelyn Greenidge* Frank E. McLaughlin* (MA ’61) Arnold and Marie Schwartz* * deceased

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