nFALL 2u008 rse
IN THIS ISSUE:
CELEBRATING THE PAST 14 MAKING A DIFFERENCE 20 THE FUTURE OF NURSING 26
Looking inside a century of nursing D E A dean’s note vanderbilt nurse N D I X O N It’s here! Our Centennial year is upon us, and it Editor promises to be a yearlong celebration for all. It started Kathy Rivers just a few months ago with a special party that wel - Director of Publications comed the largest class of incoming students in our his - Nancy Humphrey tory – 385 in all. We also ushered in our first class of Design Doctor of Nursing Practice students who will earn the Diana Duren most advanced degree in clinical practice. Contributing Writers We launched our Centennial festivities by inviting Jill Gorin Irene McKirgan the overall University and Medical Center community Cheryl McMurtry to join in a special celebration. Our Centennial Lecture Will Peters Bill Snyder Series also kicked off in September with an exciting Betsey Usher presentation by Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré (Ret.), who Wayne Wood offered real-world observations of emergency response Jennifer Woody during the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and set a strong tone for the nationally- Photography/Illustration renown speakers we have lined up throughout the year. Carla Beals Neil Brake This is a special Centennial issue of Vanderbilt Nurse , and one that I hope you will enjoy Dean Dixon and keep for years to come. In this issue we salute our “100 Years – 100 Leaders,” a power - Dana Johnson Kristi Jones house group of alums and current and former faculty who have made outstanding contribu - Leigh Hosek tions to nursing. It was my honor to recognize this illustrious group at our recent Lori Phillips Anne Rayner Centennial Gala, and I hope you enjoy reading more about each of these tremendous indi - Clif Sparkman viduals as we have included the Gala program for you in this issue. James Steinberg Additionally, this special issue allows us to take a closer look at some of the highlights of Susan Urmy the last 100 years. We hear from Godchaux Hall about the changes in the building; we tour Editorial Office you through our coveted artifacts and share some astounding facts about the School. We Office of News and Public Affairs D-3237A Medical Center North move from past to future with an article that includes expert projections on where nursing is Vanderbilt University headed. Along the way, we hope you enjoy comments from alum, faculty and staff on what Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2390
a difference the School has made in each of their lives. VUSN Alumni Association You will also see many updates about our Centennial Celebration – more dates for our Whitney Simmons (VUSN ‘03), president Betsy Perky (VUSN ‘04), president-elect lecture series, information about our Centennial book and online store. I encourage you to 2525 West End Ave., Suite 450 check out our Web site often for the latest information. Nashville, Tennessee 37203 I am so proud to serve as Dean during this momentous 100th anniversary. As Kahlil (615) 936-3046 www.vanderbilt.edu/nursing Gibran wrote: “Time has been transformed, and we have changed; it has advanced and set us in motion; it has unveiled its face, inspiring us with bewilderment and exhilaration.” The Vanderbilt Nurse is published twice a year by the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in While we have much history to celebrate, we are just getting started at what we can accom - cooperation with the VUMC Office of News and plish together and for years to come. Public Affairs. The Editor welcomes letters and comments from readers at:
Sincerely, Vanderbilt Nurse Information Officer 461 21st Ave. S. Nashville, Tennessee, 37240 Or by e-mail to: [email protected].
Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., C.N.M., F.A.A.N., F.A.C.N.M. Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of Nancy and Hilliard Travis Professor and Dean of the School of Nursing equal opportunity and affirmative action. [email protected] © 2008 Vanderbilt University
We value excellence and innovation in preserving and advancing the art and science of nursing in the scholarly domains of education, research and practice. These values are pursued through the integra - MISSION AND VALUES tion of information technology and faculty-student interactions and STATEMENT transactions, while embracing cultural and academic diversity. 14
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vanderbilt nurse
FALL 2008 CONTENTS
14 features
8 14 20 26 A Glimpse Into Godchaux 100 Thoughts What’s Next in the Past Remembers about VUSN Nursing?
Showcasing Vanderbilt’s Retracing history through Making a difference – Seeing the pivotal role legacy through tools of bricks and mortar one person at a time nursing will play the trade
departments 2 around the school 6 community outreach 40 faculty focus and class notes
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NURSE FALL 2008 1 NEWS |around the school
Nursing School Welcomes committee members to help incubate the D.N.P. Students idea and move it to fruition (and evaluation). “Nurturing them on this journey of The magic number is 34 – the number dis covery can potentially impact health care of students who have joined the doctoral for numerous patient populations across community of Vanderbilt School of Nursing the globe. It’s very exciting,” said McArthur. by way of the new Doctor of Nursing A midwife plans to delve into the role Practice program. High demand coupled of a male partner in prenatal care. A with high-caliber students resulted in health care administrator with extensive BOOK RECALLS FIRST 100 YEARS expanding the inaugural class from its orig - military experience will explore issues relat - inal 20 students. ed to the transfer of care for wounded Everything you wanted to know “We are thrilled with the applicants soldiers from the Department of Defense to about the School of Nursing is con - we received in this first year,” said Donna the Veterans Administration system. These tained in a new commemorative book McArthur, Ph.D., FNP-BC, FAANP, professor are just some of the scholarly project s fuel - honoring our rich history. “Vanderbilt School of Nursing Celebrating 100 and D.N.P. program director. “We have a ing incoming students to not only learn, Years – 1908 – 2008” is a 208-page phenomenally rich and diverse incoming but to make a difference. book filled with historical and personal class. These advanced practice nurses are The program is taught by more than accounts from alumni, faculty and excited about taking their clinical interests 20 faculty via blended distance learning, friends of the School from 1935 to to the next level.” which includes remote technology and reg - present. You can take a walk down Students represent broad practice ularly scheduled blocks of classes each memory lane as you view photos from specialties such as family, adult, acute care, semester on the Vanderbilt School of our early years at 5th and Elm Street psych/mental health, pediatric, geriatric, Nursing campus. to our current location at Godchaux and women’s health nurse practitioners, The opportunity to learn while working Hall on 21st Avenue. The book was midwifery, clinical nurse specialists, anes - also allows the students to quickly apply released in October and can be pur - thesia, health systems and informatics. new lessons in their home institutions. chased on our Centennial Web site store for $34.95 plus shipping and While a majority are based in Tennessee, “When I think about our first D.N.P. handling. To purchase a copy go to others are from Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, cohort, I am humbled,” said McArthur. the Centennial Web site at Missouri, Maryland, Georgia, North “I’ve been fortunate to have spearheaded www.vusn100.vanderbilt.edu and Carolina, Texas, Maine and Alaska. several major initiatives in my academic while you are there, check out all of Each student entering the program career, but I’ve never felt more proud of the other merchandise for sale. comes with a robust practice background any than this. – CHERYL MCMURTRY and something they want to explore in a – KATHY RIVERS particular population. They are assigned an Martha Ingram, right, and Colleen adviser/mentor and select one or more Conway-Welch, center, congratulate Barbara Givens as the first person to hold the new Ingram Chair. D
A SCHOOL UNVEILS NEW CHAIR N A J O Vanderbilt University School of Nursing has unveiled the Martha Rivers Ingram H N
S Visiting Professorship, a fully endowed chair designed to attract the top minds in O
N nursing research. Barbara Given, Ph.D., R.N., from Michigan State University, who has dedicated her career to various aspects of cancer research, has been named to this position. “We are delighted to have someone of Barbara’s caliber join our school as a visiting endowed professor,” said Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., dean of the School of Nursing. “She will facilitate careers in cancer nursing and provide education for our masters, doc - toral and post-doctoral students.” The brainchild of Conway-Welch and Ann Minnick, Ph.D., R.N., VUSN’s senior asso - ciate dean of Research, the Ingram Chair is not tied to one individual. Instead, it is flexi - ble in duration and is renewable as needed. This provides Vanderbilt with the opportunity to recruit talent that will reflect the School’s evolving research efforts without requiring them to be full-time faculty. – KATHY RIVERS
2 NEWS |around the school
Thompson is studying to become SCHOOL EARNS EIGHT-YEAR NLNAC an adult nurse practitioner, and he had ACCREDITATION to miss a week’s work of demanding coursework in order to make the trip. After a year of preparation, a com - prehensive site visit and various phases But the 36 hours of travel each way, the of review over the spring and summer money spent, and the difficulty of keep - months, the verdict is in: Vanderbilt ing up with online classes was well University School of Nursing is accredited worth it, according to Thompson. for eight more years. Comparing Chinese communism to “This distinction validates our pro - that of East Germany, Thompson spoke gram and means we meet high national of apples and oranges. standards,” said Linda Norman, D.S.N., “A huge majority of the Germans R.N., dean of Academics for the School. I met in East Berlin were exceedingly The National League for Nursing unhappy, overly wary of contact with me , Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) evalu - and generally aloof,” said Thompson. ates schools of nursing on a regular basis and pending review results, schools can “I can say that I was much more at ease be approved for varying durations of in China, and I think the Chinese people time. An eight-year approval is the maxi - may have the opportuni ty to pursue their mum amount of time granted between dreams. That definitely was not the evaluations and exactly what the School Graduate Keeps Learning: case in Berlin.” of Nursing earned. Through Trip to China Thompson feels that he was called “This process has been a positive to be a nurse. During his military service one because it provides us the opportu - For 20 years Tommy L. Thompson Jr. in Korea, he became a licensed EMT, and nity to look long and deep inside our served in the military. He traveled the later worked as a first responder for the program to identify our strengths and world – Egypt, Germany, Korea – and Palmyra Volunteer Fire Department. areas for improvement,” said Norman. back. He has ridden a motorcycle in the From there, he attended Austin Peay “We had many faculty and staff help develop the 210-page self-study that Sahara, has done peacekeeping in Sinai, State University to become a registered reflected all of our offerings.” and has stood on the De-Militarized nurse. He then worked his way up the After completing the self-study Zone (DMZ) in Korea. In Berlin, during ranks, from the cardiac wards to emer - narrative, the next step involved a three- the ‘80s, he even crossed the wall, just gency departments. Coming to day site evaluation where NLNAC delved to see what communism was like. Vanderbilt for graduate school seemed into all the details of the M.S.N., pre- Thompson has since become a reg - like the next logical step. specialty and specialty courses – anything istered nurse, and is now a graduate “All my life I have been interested that would help them amplify, verify or student at the Vanderbilt University in helping and protecting others,” said clarify what they had read in the self- School of Nursing. He hasn’t, however, Thompson. “I absolutely and unequivo - study. The evaluators reviewed syllabi lost his curiosity about the world – cally love what I do.” and course evaluations and visited several clinical sites such as Vine Hill Community and communism. Last May, Thompson – WILL PETERS Clinic, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s went to China with People to People Hospital at Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt International, a program designed to University Hospital. Additionally, the eval - exchange ideas with different countries uators held a public comment session and diverse cultures. He was one of attended by community health leaders. three Tennessee nurses in the overall The evaluation process showcased group of 300 from across the country. several of the School’s strengths including “It was an opportunity to see a its strong curriculum, exceptional evalua - place and people that I had no previous tion methodology and inter-collegial involvement with. Over the years, I have resources. learned that accepting what the media “This has been a lot of hard work, or government says as fact, without and at the same time, a wonderful opportunity,” said Norman. something to substantiate it, is probably a bad idea. I wanted to go to see it for – KATHY RIVERS myself,” said Thompson.
NURSE FALL 2008 3 NEWS |around the school A
PH.D. IN NURSING SCIENCE PROGRAM N Nurse have pivotal voice in N REDESIGNS CURRICULUM E national agenda R A Y N E The Ph.D. in Nursing Science Program With a new president soon to take R has been re-engineered for fall 2008. This office, the 3 million-strong constituency state-of-the-art curriculum is a result of th e of registered nurses wants to see health program’s continuous process improvemen t care policy as the top national priority, plan which includes input from Ph.D. fac - according to a recent study led by Peter ulty and students. Buerhaus, Ph.D., of Vanderbilt University “Changes include courses to increase School of Nursing, and published in our students’ expertise in statistics and Nursing Economics. research design as well as courses that “This is valuable information from develop competence in scientific roles,” those most trusted members of our societ y said Senior Associate Dean Ann Minnick, who are on the frontline of health care,” Ph.D., R.N. said Buerhaus. “Registered nurses are that registered nurses were five times as “The faculty also suggested changes helping patients in hospitals and clinics likely to express concerns about health in course sequencing to help students every day. It makes sense to include the ir care issues than the public. more easily build in their research expert - voices in any national debate about Drilling down to key findings, roughly ise,” said Senior Associate Dean Linda future health care policy.” one-third (34 percent) thought access to Norman, D.S.N., R.N., who co-directs the Nurses believe that health-related health care and the uninsured were the program with Minnick. issues are the most important problems most important problems, followed by The goal was to critically evaluate facing the nation (32 percent) compared cost and affordability of health care (28 the content, gaps and sequencing of to the next most frequent answer, the percent). Slightly more than half (51 course work to improve students’ devel - economy (24 percent). Compared to a percent) believed that if all nurses could opment as nurse scientists and leaders. CBS News/New York Times (2008) survey join together to address one health – IRENE MCKIRGAN of the public conducted during about problem, it would be the number of the same time, the nurses study showed uninsured Americans. When asked about approaches to universal health care coverage, 70 per - Celebrating Our 100 Years cent answered the government should assure that all Americans have health Hear provocative national insurance, but they were divided about speakers who are helping how to achieve this. Very few nurses shape the health care delivery favored keeping things “as they are.” system of tomorrow as part The biggest response (43 percent) indi - of the Vanderbilt University cated their support for a new health School of Nursing Centennial plan that would provide insurance to all Lecture Series. All lectures “What the Future Looks Martha Hill, Ph.D., R.N., uninsured with a major increase in are free of charge and open Like in Health Reform” F.A.A.N. to the public. U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper Jan. 15 spending. Nearly one-third (31 percent) Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. supported a more limited plan to cover the uninsured with less new spending. The survey was a national random sample of registered nurses and con - ducted from March 4 through April 19, 2008. Nurses were asked a series of standardized and open-ended questions within the eight-page questionnaire. “Health Care as a Currency Donald M. Berwick, M.D., M.P.P. “The Innovator’s Prescription: – KATHY RIVERS for Peace” Dec. 5 (tent.) A Disruptive Solution to the Former U.S. Sen. Heath Care Crisis” Bill Frist, M.D. Clayton Christensen, D.B.A. Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. March 12 The series is underwritten by the family of Ann Schuh Taylor, Class of 1951. For more information log on to: www.vusn100.vanderbilt.edu.
4 NEWS |around the school
One of those sites is One Hundred AN ARTIST’S VIEW OF THE Oaks, the VUMC campus extension located FIRST 100 YEARS off I-65S. Jacobson said, “we plan to have The School of Nursing commissioned everything that needs to be at One eLIZabeth d. schafer to create silk scarves Hundred Oaks moved in and operating … and ties for its 100-year anniversary. Schafer The capacity constraints are going to be began by creating an original acrylic painting Jacobson Unveils Vision 2020 over by the fall of next year.” that incorporates one of the most cherished Other building projects include refur - elements of the School of Nursing — the Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s bishment of Vanderbilt University Hospital, Godchaux Hall doors. She incorporated the Vision 2020 aims to set as a collective goal beginning with radiology this year, con - school colors and created a design reminis - “to make change, to make things better, struction of a new main hospital lobby, cent of the movement and activity of all stu - to have a measurable impact” on the and expansion of the Monroe Carell Jr. dents who have passed through those health of Middle Tennessee. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to include doors. The scarves and ties are available at “Instead of wondering what we need obstetric services. the Centennial Web site store, and 20 per - to do to become one of the best medical In the preliminary planning stages is a cent of each purchase goes to the centers in the nation,” Vice Chancellor for new research building to be located along - Centennial Scholarship. Health Affairs Harry Jacobson, M.D., said side the “S” corridor of Medical Center Schafer has been a painter for more in his annual State of the Medical Center North between the Vanderbilt University than 17 years and is best known for her speech, “we will ask what can we do to Institute of Imaging Science and the Eskind painting inspired by music. To see more of make fundamental discoveries in science, Biomedical Library. her work, visit www.artbyliz.com. to speed discovery so that it is incorporated One of the drivers of the focused – CHERYL MCMURTRY into practice almost overnight, to care for growth strategy is the continued rise in patients in a failsafe way … (and) to uncompensated care, which is expected to change the way medical and nursing top $175 million in the current fiscal year, school students learn.” Jacobson said. During his hourlong address in the In addition to continuing to try to get newly refurbished Langford Auditorium, a disproportionate share payment from the Jacobson detailed the remarkable growth federal government and other efforts to the Medical Center has achieved in the last reduce uncompensated care, the Medical few years, and the challenges it faces. Center is recruiting faculty in “high-margin” VUMC has grown so rapidly in recent surgical specialties, including cardiovascular years that its main campus is at capacity, surgery and neurosurgery. the vice chancellor said. To cope, the Overall for the Medical Center, “this Medical Center is implementing a “focused has been truly a remarkable 10 years,” growth strategy” to maximize the value of Jacobson said. “Everyone should take cred it its existing physical assets, decompress the for that … But what do we do now?” main campus, and shift some of the vol - Referring to the Medical Center’s eLIZabeth d. schafer created original art to ume to other sites. marketing position statement, “Asking is reflect the School’s Centennial using the D
A the answer,” Jacobson challenged his col - Godchaux doors as a focal point. N A leagues to “keep asking.” J O
H “Ask to learn new things. Ask to N S
O improve how we deliver patient care. Ask N for more instead of accepting less. “Vanderbilt should be a place that innovates and perfects, not just a place that practices what others have perfected ,” Jacobson concluded. “That is our unique value, and that is what we will build, together.” – BILL SNYDER
NURSE FALL 2008 5 NEWS |community outreach
BRINGING SENIOR CARE TO A WIDER AUDIENCE
Caring for aging parents can be challenging and isolating. That’s why
the Vanderbilt University Nursing School A N
hosted a four-part series dedicated to N E R
providing much-needed tips on caring A Y N
for elderly loved ones. E The series, “Caring for Your Aging R Parents,” addressed key elements such as safety concerns, medicine issues, Taking Nutrition Lessons Vanderbilt Nursing student Jannyse Starks reads “Henry and the Hidden understanding dementia, legal protec - to the Schools Veggie Garden” to Fall-Hamilton tions and other issues. Elementary School students. Jennifer Kim, M.S.N., A.P.R.N., coor - More than 350 Nashville elementary dinator of the geriatric focus in the adult students are enjoying healthier lifestyles at nurse practitioner program, Linda Park Avenue Enhanced Option School. by Metro Schools to provide services at Beuscher, Ph.D., G.N.P., assistant profes sor A group of pre-specialty students Stratton Elementary and Fall-Hamilton of Nursing, and Sally Miller, M.S., R.N.C., from Vanderbilt University School of Enhanced Option Elementary School. instructor in Nursing, led the series that Nursing visited classrooms at Park Avenue Marie Phillips, R.N., runs the clinic. grew out of questions from staff and this spring. They educated pre-K through She provides valuable direction for the friends who wanted to balance concerns fourth-grade students about safety, Vanderbilt students at Park Avenue, coor - about older loved ones with a desire to hygiene and nutrition. dinating and concerting their efforts in maintain the dignity of the seniors in “The students have been instrumen - promoting healthy living. their lives. tal in providing important lessons to our “Nurse Marie is part of our family,” At the first session, for instance, children,” said Principal Deltina Braden. Braden said. “We have a lot of special Miller illustrated typical home safety “They have been a tremendous resource.” needs kids, and no matter why they end concerns by talking about her own par - The Vanderbilt students received a up in our clinic, they come out with a ents who live in a nearby assisted living warm welcome at the West Nashville school. smile. Marie is an angel.” facility. She addressed issues such as “The kids were really receptive to us,” This summer, the children at Park lighting, falling hazards and food safety. said Karen Branch, a family nurse practi - Avenue attended school an additional 20 Audience members from throughout the tioner student. “They would see us in the days. Get Fit Tennessee, a program started Vanderbilt community chimed in about halls and say ‘Hi Vanderbilt nurses.’” by Gov. Phil Bredesen, visited the school their own experiences and in doing so, The Vanderbilt students sent letters during the summer session. The program shared perspectives on what can often home to parents, conducted body mass was created to combat type 2 diabetes be a lonely and isolated job of taking index assessments on every child, and fol - and decrease its associated risk factors, care of the aged. lowed up with several lessons on healthy like obesity. While the curriculum was jam- living. As a parting gift, they presented the Get Fit Tennessee participants spoke packed in each of the three-hour sessions, school with child-friendly nutrition books. with the students about the importance instructors made sure there was ample “It was interesting that many of the of being fit, and how fitness impacts time for questions and comments from kids didn’t want to get weighed because health. The session included fit-conscious the audience. they knew they were overweight,” said games, as well as a dance routine that According to many attendees, the Priya Champaneria, a pediatric nurse prac - involved all of the students. expert instructors, subject matter and titioner student. “We talked about basics – This fall, Park Avenue acted as “lead interested attendees created a synergistic things we adults take for granted – but school” for Nashville’s Walk to School Day. environment that benefited all involved. kids don’t know.” The Mayor visited the school that day, – KATHY RIVERS Funded by a patchwork of grants, the honoring Park Avenue’s dedication to School of Nursing was able to re-open health and fitness. Park Avenue’s school clinic. The clinic By reaching out to the community, provides most of the primary care that the School of Nursing is encouraging students at the school receive. In addition healthy living, one school at a time. to Park Avenue, the School is contracted – WILL PETERS
6 NEWS |community outreach
Study Researches Obesity in the attending since October 2006 and continue NURSING STUDENTS JOIN THE Lesbian Community to come even though a couple of them RED CROSS 10,000 have reached their weight loss goals. The Obesity is an epidemic, and lesbians other side of this is that even the women More than 140 student nurses at the are nearly twice as likely to be overweight who have not been able to lose what they Vanderbilt University School of Nursing than heterosexual women. want to lose keep coming . . . this is joined the “10,000” – the corps of Red Sarah Fogel, Ph.D., R.N., associate unheard of,” said Fogel. “It says volumes Cross volunteers needed to make Nashville professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt about the group.” and Middle Tennessee prepared for the University School of Nursing, is using an Fogel is tryi ng to answer a difficult next disaster. extraordinarily successful, predominately question: how do we understand obesity “I learned what resources the Red lesbian weight loss group in Atlanta as a in different social contexts? Being over - Cross offers,” said student Tara Sanders. model system for discovering how to tar - weight or obese can lead to a number of “I’ve experienced different roles nurses play get obesity in a lesbian population. Fogel health problems, namely cardiovascular so that I won’t just watch what is happen - is studying the group, and her findings are disease and diabetes. Heart disease is the ing. I will play a role.” giving her a different view on weight loss. leading cause of death worldwide, so The Nashville Area Red Cross consists “All weight loss groups offer an understanding how obesity develops in of nearly 250 trained nurses ready to environment of like-bodied people (over - different populations is a pressing concern. respond to a disaster in Middle Tennessee weight or obese), but this is the first Fogel will study the group over a or around the country. group, to my knowledge, that has been six-month period, both empirically and Judy Sweeney, M.S.N., R.N., associate developed around other personal and qualitatively. Using body mass index (BMI) professor of Nursing, said, “We are going social issues,” said Fogel. and relative weight loss, she will put a to see more of this. We (nurses) will have Adherence to a new lifestyle is often number on the group’s success. She has more of a role in disaster, setting up triage the most difficult barrier to overcome in already held focus groups in order to lend and care.” weight loss. The Atlanta group, however, a deeper, more personal aspect to the VUSN students have been Red Cross has had remarkable success in developing study, and therefore weight loss. trained for disaster for the past three years. long-term change in its member’s lifestyles. The study will be completed in – JILL GORIN “Perhaps the best representation of December, and it will be ready for publica - the group is to say that there are still sev - tion in spring 2009. eral women in the group who were – WILL PETERS ‘founding members.’ They have been
REACHING OUT IN NASHVILLE AND ACROSS THE GLOBE D S T A E N P A H A J O N I H E N F S I O S H N E R
Boomer, a pet therapy dog, and his owner Lisa Winters visit simulat - Several students participated in the Summer Medical Institute in ed patient “Mr. Rodriquez” in the School of Nursing skills lab. Ghana, a medical mission trip staffed by student volunteers from throughout Vanderbilt. Midwifery students Addie Graham (L) and Julie Codington Muckerman (R) are shown helping pregnant mothers, an experience that only increased their interest in international health.
NURSE FALL 2008 7 STORY BY WILL PETERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEAN DIXON A glimpse into the past Every culture has its own material identity. President Thomas Jefferson once turned the entrance hall of his beloved home, Monticello, into a collection of Native American objects sent to him by Lewis and Clark on their first trip across the United States. Jefferson believed, that by holding the artifacts of our nation’s first people, he could peer into the past, into the very heart of America. Some think that the objects we make are our ideas projected into form. During the process of creating an object, a piece of our mind is in a sense transferred, fixed in time and accessible to anyone who views that object in the future. The artifacts of a culture, therefore, are pieces of its mind and soul.
Nursing is a culture. It has its own history, lineage, language and ideas – its own artifacts. On its 100th anniver - sary, the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing examines its artifacts. These items give us a window through which we can gaze into the hearts and minds of those who built and bettered the institution. However, it’s not the extraordinary objects that can best give us a picture of the past. When Thomas Jefferson was doing his gazing, it was the mundane that fascinated him – threads and needles, eating utensils, and baby cribs. Following his exam - ple, the Vanderbilt Nurse will look at both the simple and the striking. If you look close enough, a century of time, people, and circumstance can be seen here, in these artifacts.
So take a close look, feel the soul of the School, and peer into the past.
Nursing Pins and Vanderbilt’s Pin Student Handbook, 1933-1934 Charm Bracelet The nursing pin dates back to the This Student Handbook (1933-1934) This charm bracelet belonged to Julia Maltese cross which was used to signi - shows that rules have changed dra - Hereford, dean of the School from fy educated health care providers. matically over the years. Mandates 1949 to 1965. Hereford was a beloved Later, hospitals began passing out included strict upkeep of the school figure who was instrumental in switch - badges to nurses to recognize their uniform, no gentlemen above the first ing to a new four-year curriculum and, expertise. The hospital badge evolved floor, curfew at 9:55 p.m. and lights in 1955, to offering a Master of into the modern day nursing pin, out at 10:25 p.m. Science in Nursing degree. which has become a rite of passage for nursing students around the world. The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing pin was designed in 1925 and has been awarded to graduating nurs - es since the late 1970s.
8 FEATURE |glimpse into the past
NURSE FALL 2008 9 FEATURE |glimpse into the past
10 FEATURE |glimpse into the past
Nursing students pictured beside the cars the School of Nursing supplied for community health activities.
Glass Syringe and Hypodermic Needles (bottom left) The BD Yale Leur-Lok syringe with attachable hypodermic needles was introduced in 1925 and provided a more secure method of attaching and removing needles. As recently as the 1950s, nurses sometimes prepared an injec - tion by smashing pills in a mortar, heating the powdered mix in a tablespoon over an open flame, and drawing the mixture into the glass syringe.
Public Health Nursing Bag (top left) Public health nursing began in 1849 when Florence Nightingale organized London into public health districts. Pioneering nurse Lillian Wald brought the idea to America and eventually coined the term “public health nurse.” Throughout the first half of the 20th century, visiting nurs - es cared for the public, especially the poor. This public health nurse’s bag from the 1950s would have contained all the medical supplies necessary for treating patients in their homes.
Microscope (right) The German company, Carl Zeiss Jena, had a reputation of producing some of the world's finest optical instruments. This compound microscope, circa 1930, with its three rotat - ing lenses, is almost identical in performance and appear - ance to student microscopes now found at universities nationwide.
NURSE FALL 2008 11 FEATURE |glimpse into the past
Sigma Theta Tau International Treasures Vanderbilt was the eighth chapter of the prestigious honor society for nursing which today includes 463 chapters across the world. Each new member adds his or her name to the Vanderbilt roll book which includes signatures of nursing icons such as Virginia Henderson.
Nurse Please! (Illustrated Book) This book about a fictional nurse named Susie belonged to a Vanderbilt nursing student. Though it is delight - fully entertaining and wonderfully illustrated, it contains many timely Cadet Bible elements about what it takes to be a During World War II, the Cadet successful nurse: hard work, dedica - Nurse Program offered faster tion and sacrifice. training and paid tuition for nursing school. Nancy E. Dillard owned this Cadet Nurse New Testament. The cross on the lower right corner is a variation of the Maltese cross, worn by the very first nurses 1,000 years ago.
Nursing Uniforms The school uniform changed many times. This wool cape was worn by students through the 1940s over a green dress, long white coverall apron and white shoes and stockings.
Nursing Caps The nurse’s cap traces its roots to the nun’s coif. The Hospitalières, the Roman Catholic nursing order, were the first to establish a formal system of training nurses in North America in 1639. Nurse’s caps evolved and indicated the wearer had a special set of skills and knowledge, and was qualified to treat others. The caps pictured are: (L-R) Vanderbilt’s cap from 1929 – 1976; Dean Colleen Conway-Welch’s nursing cap from Georgetown University *1965) with the blue/grey stripe that represents the use of Georgetown's campus during the Civil War for both Union and Confederate forces; and the School’s original nursing cap from 1909 – 1929. The last Vanderbilt cap - 12 ping ceremony was held in 1985. FEATURE |nurse soldiers Notes on Nursing by Florence Nightingale Florence Nightingale’s first book, “Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is Not,” was published in 1859. This book gives guidance on the practice of treating oth - ers, including many topics that are still applicable today.
Tennessean Article The article “The Commodore’s Youngest Daughter: Nurses’ Cap Has Won Place Alongside Mortar Board” from the Nashville Patricia Champion Frist Hall Tennessean Magazine , Dec. 26, 1937, This is a model of Patricia Champion emphasized that the School of Nursing had Frist Hall which was completed in 1998. become a “full-fledged independent profes - The building includes faculty offices, the sional school.” Dorothy Goldstein Student Lounge, the Russell classroom, and the Frist Nursing Informatics Center.
Tea Set This silver tea set belonged to Lulu K. Wolf Hassenplug, a professor at the School of Nursing from 1938 to 1948. Hassenplug was given this set by Vanderbilt faculty and students when she became the first dean of the School of Nursing at UCLA in 1948.
Godchaux Hall The School of Nursing model, shown here, was built in 1925 as a dormitory for stu - dents. In 1971, it was renamed Mary Ragland Godchaux Hall, and the dorm rooms were converted into faculty offices to serve the needs of a growing school. The building was renovated in 2006.
NURSE FALL 2008 13 FEATURE |godchaux remembers
GODCHAUX REMEMBERS
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This picture taken in 1923 shows the pre- construction lot of Godchaux Hall in the foreground with the horses and workmen. The famous Kirkland Hall clock is shown in the upper right portion. The School of Nursing building was finished in 1925 and serves as a hub of activity for students. Building a strong foundation
Godchaux Hall has a spirit that Starting in 1934, the building was speaks with the voices of the thousands of known as Mary Kirkland Hall, named for students who have passed through the the wife of Chancellor James Kirkland. gothic doorway at the front entrance and For the Vanderbilt University School of sought knowledge and a career here. Nursing and its students, this building is, These walls can talk. above all, home. For the first 40 years or Buildings come to life because of so of the building’s history, it contained the lives lived within them, and by that not only classrooms and offices, but on its standard Godchaux Hall is rich beyond upper floors, also housing – often for measure. Life-saving knowledge has more than 100 nurses. been routinely passed on from teacher The typical dorm room from that to student here. Lifelong friendships era was a cozy space with a bed, sink, were forged in its rooms and hallways. closet, a dresser with wood-framed mir - Improving the lives of others in the world ror, a small wooden desk, and a radiator outside its walls has always been the point for heat from the boiler in the basement. of the education imparted here. Some students had a radio in the room, The building we now know as Mary but there were strict rules against loud Ragland Godchaux Hall opened in 1925, noises, so the volume was usually low. the same year that saw the opening next The floors were bare wood, but most stu - door of the “new” Vanderbilt Hospital, the dents had a small rug or two to take away building now known as Medical Center the shock of the first footfall on cold North. Its construction was funded by the winter mornings. Rockefeller Foundation which, in that era, These were the rooms that saw the had a special concern with fighting disease tears of the homesick students who had and poverty in the rural South and likely come in on the train from somewhere that, saw a stream of well-educated nurses pour - on that first lonely night, felt like a thou - ing into the Nashville region as a powerful sand miles away. These are the rooms that ally in that fight. saw the students studying nervously for
STORY BY WAYNE WOOD
NURSE FALL 2008 15 FEATURE |godchaux remembers
tests, laughing at a joke from a new friend indicate the closing of the Hall and again or stealing a few minutes to write a letter at 10:25 to indicate ‘lights out.’” home to tell everybody that things were There was a 10 p.m. curfew and no fine. Later, phones were installed in the men – no brothers, fathers, and certainly dorm areas, one per floor, bringing students no boyfriends – were allowed above the a little closer to the people back home. first floor. This rule may have been violat - “We did everything together,” ed on occasion but now, even decades remembers Virginia Crenshaw of the class later, nobody is talking. Certainly not the of 1942. “We all acted like we were sis - walls of Godchaux. Your secrets are safe ters; we knew each other well; we would with them. get mad and make up just like sisters.” In the winter, steam heat upstairs and “One of my memories about attend - a few fireplaces downstairs kept the chill at ing Vanderbilt is walking up six flights of bay, but in the pre-air-conditioning South, stairs to get to my room,” recalls Hattie warm months – well, let’s just go ahead and (Blanche) Swain Yeargen, who entered the call them hot months – proved a challenge. School at the depths of the Great Some students even resorted to creating a Depression and graduated in 1936. sleeping porch on the roof of the building, Another student from that same in the hopes of catching a nighttime breeze. class, Ann Hughes Looney, roomed One story goes that this was discontinued together with her twin, Agnes Looney after the sleepwear-clad students found an McGothlin on the third floor, then appreciative (male) audience on the upper moved to the first floor for their senior floors of nearby buildings. year. “We shared a double room and our The first floor was the home of the suite-mate was Julia Hereford. We were dean, and also the location of common the only seniors who lived on the first areas such as the kitchen, infirmary and floor,” she says. living room. The laundry room was down “My first room was on the fourth in the basement (the Vanderbilt Hospital floor and it looked over 21st Avenue,” laundry would, the handbook assured stu - remembers Beth Winchester Isaacs, class dents, wash without charge 45 items of of 1947. “This was a beautiful view, as it clothing per week). faced east and I could see the sun rise The living room deserves special every morning.” mention for what it has meant to students Many students were indeed up early over the history of the building. It is the enough to see the sun rise. Communal place where students gathered for com - baths on each floor required planning munal studying, social occasions, dances, Above: A sampling of pictures from the building’s history. Top: A access – taking a bath was forbidden after huddling by the fireplace on cold winter typical dorm room from the 10 p.m. – and each morning rooms had days and singing by the piano. During 1930s, Middle: Classes from the to be tidied for the day. Attendance at World War II, when most students were 1940s; Bottom: A study group on the Dean’s patio from the 1970s. morning chapel was required. members of the Cadet Corps, which The School of Nursing Student trained nurses for the war effort, events in Handbook from the 1933-34 school year the living room took on a distinctly mili - gives some of the taste of life on the tary air, as off-duty servicemen and nurs - upper floors of Mary Kirkland Hall: ing students in their Cadet Corps uni - “In order to protect those students forms danced and sang around the piano. who elect to study in their rooms from When the building got a television in unnecessary noise and confusion, ‘quiet the 1950s, it was in the living room. It was hour’ is maintained in the Hall from 7 to this set that students and faculty huddled 9 p.m. each day (except Saturday)…A bell around in 1963 when news of President will be rung at 7 and 9 p.m. to indicate Kennedy’s assassination came from Dallas. the beginning and end of ‘quiet hour.’ A From time to time, even the World Series bell will likewise be rung at 9:55 p.m. to found enthusiastic viewers here.
16 FEATURE |godchaux remembers
And, 1975 MSN graduate Carol Godchaux Family Etherington recalls, it was in the living room that the first rape support group in Nashville met: “I needed a safe and wel - It all started when a boy from experience for students. Most recently, coming space to conduct therapeutic sup - Abbeville, La., switched from Louisiana the family matched National Institutes port groups for rape victims. The living State University to Vanderbilt to play of Health funds for the 2006 renovation room of Godchaux Hall became that football, in 1897. That same boy, Frank of Godchaux Hall. space, serving as a…haven for wounded Godchaux, was a good player, but an It’s not uncommon for Nashville or women to recover.” even more successful businessman. He Abbeville-based family members to visit Just as the living room witnessed stu - became a self-made business magnate often and participate in various events. dents living their lives through the and patriarch of the family’s successful So far, 15 members of the rice business originally known as Godchaux/Ragland family have attend - decades, so the building changed with the Louisiana State Rice Milling Company. ed Vanderbilt University and members times. The classrooms and labs which had Son Frank Godchaux, Jr. also of the fifth generation are either at seen generations of Vanderbilt nursing stu - attended Vanderbilt and joined the Vanderbilt or soon reaching college age. dents acquiring the knowledge of their expanding family business. His beloved Another constant is the family’s commit - profession, were always a vital part of the wife, Mary Ragland Godchaux, was orig - ment to the School of Nursing. building, and became more so as the inally from Murfreesboro, Tenn. She “Nursing touches every level of soci - school grew. “I can remember watching loved animals, gardening and entertain - ety and nurses will play an ever-increas - the faces on my fellow students when we ing. Due to various illnesses throughout ing role in keeping society healthy first walked up to the top floor of her life, she learned first-hand the value through first-line clinics, emergency Godchaux Hall,” one student from the of nurses in the healing process. rooms, often being the first contact class of 1984, Sarah Hutchison, remem - The Godchaux rice business grew, with a health professional that most and so did Frank and Mary’s family. people have,” said Frank Godchaux III. bers. “We opened the doors to the anato - When their sons, Frank III, Charles, and “We’re committed to the School of my lab, smelled the formaldehyde, and Larry (now deceased), were ready for Nursing and proud to play at least a witnessed our first cadaver.” That kind of college, they turned to Vanderbilt. small role in helping the profession be intense, hands-on instruction is part of the After graduating, the children followed recognized for its vital role,” he added. legacy and spirit of this building as well. their father’s lead, and joined the family – KATHY RIVERS Beginning in 1958, Mary Kirkland business. The business continued to Hall was renamed Mary Henderson Hall, grow and became known as Riviana Godchaux Family members include: after Mary Kirkland’s maiden name, Foods in the mid-1960s. Many con - Frank (VU ‘49) and Agnes Godchaux and because of the longstanding confusion sumers couldn’t sit down for a meal their children Katie (VU ‘76) and Joel Derby, resulting from having two buildings on without using a Godchaux product such Mary and Larry Wieck, Leslie Godchaux and campus named “Kirkland Hall.” In 1962, as Mahatma, Carolina or Success Rice. Frank K. Godchaux (VU ‘84); and grandchil - The family sold Riviana in 2004. the integration of nursing students into the dren Frances (VU ‘09), Elizabeth and Joel In 1971, Frank Godchaux Jr., and his Derby, Stephen Wieck, and Leigh and Gus undergraduate population of Vanderbilt sons, Frank III and Charles decided to Godchaux (VU’ 2011). began with the freshman class, and Mary give back to their alma mater. They Henderson Hall was given over completely honored their mother’s respect for nurs - Charles (VU ‘52) and Doe Godchaux and his to classrooms and faculty offices. es by providing financial support for children Theresa Payne (VU ‘75) and Becky It was the end of an era when the last much-needed renovations to the School Godchaux and his grandchildren Charles residential students moved out in 1966. of Nursing Building (then known as (VU ‘03) and Abbey Payne, Rebecca and In 1971, following a renovation that Mary Henderson Hall). The building was Benjamin Spence, Nelson and Julian Payne. converted dorm space to other uses, the renamed for their recently deceased structure was again renamed, this time mother – Mary Ragland Godchaux. It is after Mary Ragland Godchaux. Mrs. her portrait that greets all incoming stu - dents just inside the School’s historic Godchaux was the wife of Frank A. arched doorway. Godchaux Jr., whose family had funded For more than 40 years, Frank III, the late ‘60s-early ‘70s remodeling of Charles, their children and grandchil - the building. dren have continued financial support The 1970s also saw the construction to the School of Nursing in ways large of the Annex, which opened in 1978. It and small – all of which make a day-to- included the underground addition at the day difference in the School of Nursing
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Typical scenes for today’s nursing Joint programs, new specialties and doctor - Internet, is forever tied to this place. students include (L to R) historic doors, a renovated Godchaux Hall ate programs were added, keeping Godchaux Hall, its predecessors, and its and Frist Hall added in 1998. Vanderbilt in the forefront of the profes sion. additions, carry within them the spirit of The School of Nursing facility under - the students who have gone before, and went another major change in 1997 with that spirit is a legacy that is passed on, a the opening of Patricia Champion Frist gift to the students and to those who are (continued from previous page) Hall, a state-of-the-art classroom and office touched and influenced by those students. rear of the building that housed large lec - building. Frist Hall connects to both The stories may change – the world ture halls and additional classrooms. Godchaux Hall and the Annex, providing certainly has since 1925 – but the walls of Students from all over the University sit - a vivid architectural metaphor for the this place continue to speak in the voices ting on the grass reading textbooks in the school’s connections to the past while look - of the students and teachers who called it sun or enjoying a sandwich in the field ing to its future, and the future of nursing . home, and who still do. VUSN outside the back of Godchaux often had And in a development that would no idea that they were literally only a few leave members of the class of 1925 shak - inches of topsoil above the ceilings of the ing their heads in wonder, now hundreds lecture halls below. of students of the Vanderbilt School of The changes in the building were Nursing rarely set foot on the campus at being mirrored by changes in the curricu - all, earning their degrees through distance lum. In 1988, the School’s innovative learning over the Internet. Bridge program graduated its first M.S.N. But even a Vanderbilt School of students who entered as non-nurses and in Nursing student who is a thousand miles 1989 the BSN program graduated its last. away, earning his or her degree over the
1908 1912 1925 1934 1943 1954 1958 Vanderbilt Hospital First nursing School of Nursing First B.S.N. U.S. Cadet Nurses First four-year First M.S.N. degree Training School for diploma awarded building constructed degree awarded Corps began B.S.N. class gradu - awarded Nurses established on 21st Avenue ated
18 L O R I P H I L L I P S
Oldest Living Alum Still Smiling
Mary Steagall was a dutiful young lady born on Oct. 30, 1909, and known for her athleticism and quick wit. She was born the third of seven children, and grew up on her family farm in rural Rutherford County, Tenn., with her father working the land and her mother tending the children until her untimely death when Mary was a young girl. Mary had a basketball scholarship at Middle Tennessee State University and was encouraged by her father and a family physi - cian to become a nurse, so she traded her basketball uniform for a nursing cap. Her father even sold one of his horses to pay for her tuition. On a recent visit with Vanderbilt Nurse , she thumbed through a 1933 student handbook – the year she graduated from Vanderbilt School of Nursing – thinking back to those days so long ago. With a childlike gleam in her eye, she described the time a former room mother caught her dancing and singing at an assembly in the living room instead of quietly waiting for directions. She remembers borrowing a stamp so she could write her father for money. She got a reply in the form of a $1 bill he had borrowed from the local general store, knowing he could repay it when the first crop came in. She also can’t forget working on the hospital wards so hard she was “ready to drop dead” – as she jokingly puts it. Even to this day, she won’t admit if she got it was not uncommon for her to traipse through barbed wire on into any trouble in school. She just answers in a soft, lilting the outskirts of someone’s property to make a health visit at their southern drawl, “I’ll never tell.” home. She was a resource in her community as well, as neighbors Mary graduated and went on to work in public health in would often come calling in some health emergency. Nashville. She married James W. Taylor, and they soon started a Mary Steagall Taylor raised three sons and has two daughters- family. Living in East Nashville, and Mary worked several years in-law, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. And for Dr. John Lentz, known as a champion of public health in although a stroke has made it difficult for her to speak, she is still Nashville, for several years. Then the family moved to Rutherford vibrant, playfully mischievous, and proud to be a nurse, even County, where she worked for the Murfreesboro Public Health today at 98. – KATHY RIVERS Department for the balance of her career. While in public health,
1971 1988 1993 1997 2004 2006 2008 Dormitory space First “Bridge” to Ph.D. program Frist Hall Partnerships with Godchaux Hall ren - First Doctor of eliminated; M.S.N. students admitted its first completed Fisk and Lipscomb ovation completed Nursing Practice Building renamed graduated class Universities students enrolled in honor of initiated Godchaux family
Laura Beth Brown
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100 THOUGHTS about the SCHOOL OF NURSING How has your affiliation with Vanderbilt University School of Nursing impacted the person you are today and/or allowed you to make a profound difference in the lives of others?
1. As I worked in Vanderbilt 7. I learned to Children’s Hospital and per - understand critical No. 12 formed community service at thinking and to apply it Hadley Towers, I realized how appropriately. The School much those in need really helped me become a nurse need an empathetic, con - educator, and above all, cerned provider of care. enabled me to positively My nursing instructors/professors emphasized Sandra Gilliam, M.S.N. ‘07 affect the lives of others. effective nursing theory, which today would be Joann Barber, M.S.N. ‘77 known as evidence-based practice. We learned 2. It broadened my scope of that advocating for patients was the correct practice and increased my 8. Attending Vanderbilt strengths in primary care. I School of Nursing was thing, and that assisting the physician with am a better midwife thanks to one of the best experiences of practice could be a positive approach that pro - Vanderbilt. my life and one that gives all duced better patience outcomes. KC Shinners, C.N.M. students opportunities beyond imagination. Carol Komara, B.S.N. ‘62 3. Vanderbilt’s values of aca - Margaret Robertson, M.S.N. ‘04 demic excellence, appreciative 13. My experience prepared 1996, I feel my experiences inquiry and application of 9. In my fourth year me to be a nurse with an excel - at Vanderbilt enhanced my learning for the betterment of since graduation, I am lent education and a desire to ability to make a difference humanity, a search for creative starting my own House Calls serve with compassion. in many lives. solutions gave me a high-stan - practice, which will be Carol Baker, B.S.N. ‘60 Edward S. Blackman, M.S.N. ‘80 dard to live up to. the first of its kind in my Beverly Bitterman, M.S.N. ‘81 geographical area. 14. Whenever I say that I am 16. Without my Vanderbilt Lisa K. Tabor, M.S.N. ‘04 a Vanderbilt Nursing School nursing education, I would 4. One of my Vanderbilt graduate, people are more apt not have been able to become teachers was the very first per - 10. My time at Vanderbilt to pay attention to what I say. a leader and teacher in emer - son to shake my mind free to gave me the opportunity to Lawson Irwin Hickox, B.S.N. ‘60 gency nursing, developed the question rather than relying discover the skills I had and role of the nurse practitioners heavily on fixed answers. the environment to cultivate 15. Although I am removed in the emergency department, Constance Wilson McAdams- and refine them. from close contact from my or start a clinic in a domestic Tadros, M.S.N. ‘74, B.S.N. ‘49 Connie Miller, M.S.N. ‘97 clients since my retirement in violence shelter. Charlotte Covington, M.S.N. ‘89, 5. Although I have been retired B.S.N. ‘69, associate professor many years, whenever I am No. 11 asked where I went to college 17. My association with the mere mention of Vanderbilt “If I had the choice to Colleen Conway-Welch has still brings responses of awe. been wonderful, and I certainly Martha Crews McBurnery, B.S.N. ‘47 “do it over,” I would choose have followed the advancement because of of the Vanderbilt School of 6. The education I received has the same path Nursing with her at the helm. enabled me to work with mul - the sense of fulfillment that Judy Simmons, volunteer tiple populations and age has come with being groups, in diverse settings, as an 18. I came to Nashville the administrator, faculty instruc - a nurse.” summer of 1974, and the tor, clinician and preceptor. School of Nursing became my Gayle Rufli, M.S.N. ‘79 Debra J. Partee, M.S.N. ‘ 83, B.S.N. ‘79 home away from home for the
20 FEATURE |100 thoughts
No. 19 27. Having just completed my No.32 37th year on the faculty, there I have worked in the hospital, clinics, in home is little of my self-image as a Through my teaching assignment in the School health, in insurance, in the legal field, case researcher and academician that hasn’t been shaped by my of Nursing, I have management, quality management and home affiliation with the School. helped to develop won - management. I had hoped nursing would allow me Ken Wallston, professor derful clinicians who great freedom working and the ability to make a practice all across the difference. It has done that and more! 28. Of all the colleges that I United States. It have attended, Vandy is the extends effective care Joan Aydam, B.S.N. ‘81 only one that has made me feel like ripples in a pond. like they really care about me next 17 years, first as a student me a better care provider in my as a student and individual. Sandra Seidel, M.S.N. ‘92 and then as a faculty member. professional and home life. Cynthia Elaine Turner Jackson Some of the skills I learned Debbie Howard, M.S.N. ‘84, B.S.N. ‘81 there I am now using as a vol - 29. What will make the most unteer at the Nazarene College 24. I can think of no other impact on my future practice me personally realize how of Nursing in Swaziland, Africa. place that would have nur - is what I have learned through alike we nurses are every - Shirley Caldwell, M.S.N. ‘75 tured my interests and allowed my clinical experience with where. Although I will never me to develop into the role of some amazing instructors and be able to measure my person - 20. I have had the deep nurse scholar and educator interactions with patients. al impact, I know that having satisfaction of being involved with the same amount of free - Kathleen Ann Page better-prepared nurses means in the research development at dom and support. better health care worldwide. the School. In recruiting Sarah Fogel, Ph.D. ‘01, M.S.N. 30. The knowledge and skills I Betsy Weiner, senior associate dean participants and collecting ‘94, associate professor of Nursing have gained with each healthy of Informatics data, I have gotten to interact with some wonderful patients 33. Being a part of the School who have taught me has allowed me to give back to invaluable lessons about No. 25 the same Medical Center that dealing with challenging has given me so much. As a and difficult times. type 1 diabetic, the School of If I had a question about something in an Nancy Kidd, Research Assistant III Nursing has provided me with article or book, I could just walk over to the an opportunity to impact the 21. The life skills and Medical Center and ask the author about it. lives of adolescents learning to knowledge has enabled me Being in that sort of environment also have a good life with diabetes. to serve people during Eric Pittel, research analyst instilled in me the belief that what I do as a the most difficult times of their lives, and also joyous nurse practitioner matters and that I can 34. Being a member of the times in their lives. make a difference in the lives of my patients. staff has certainly allowed me Kim Burgett, B.S.N. ‘80 Kristin Eckland, M.S.N. ‘05 to grow personally and profes - sionally. I have broadened my 22. Vanderbilt helped me field of interaction within develop a curriculum for voca - 26. Nurses seem to possess systems management class have Vanderbilt and enhanced my tional nursing in California a unique combination helped to make me a better knowledge of health care. based on a class project. of extreme compassion and more confident manager. Pat Seitz, Student Affairs Elijah D. Nacionales, M.S.N. ‘93 and bulldog tenacity. Karin League, PACU manager, If there is a crisis ahead, Monroe Carell Jr Children’s 35. As a health care profes - 23. Vanderbilt has given me a I choose to stand Hospital at Vanderbilt sional, I am proud to be a part more diverse view of the world, beside a nurse. of helping women in the lym - a holistic approach to educa - Susan Shipley, director of 31. Our international work in phedema study restore their tion and nursing which makes Alumni Relations disaster preparedness has made lives and alleviate some of the
NURSE FALL 2008 21 FEATURE |100 thoughts
support of the nurse scientists at Owensboro Community No. 36 and scholars who helped me. College. It was the guidance of Linda Riley, Ph.D. ‘03 my faculty at Vanderbilt that assisted me in making the tran - 42. The School gave me the sition into education. confidence and support. The Jessica L. (Keenan) Estes, M.S.N. ‘04 faculty took a personal interest A few days ago, I had dinner with the former in each individual student. 48. I was not fortunate to be provincial governor and the deputy director of Lily J. Merino Mettler Paulson, able to finish with my class, the Zabian Ministry of Health to plead the case M.S.N. ‘75 which would have been 1956, of my Maternal Child Health program. By noon but the time I spent at 43 . My education has helped Vanderbilt was one of, if not the following day, I was attending a mother in me in all aspects of my career – the, best years of my life. labor, and over the next year, I will treat 1,000 having a solo practice, teaching Martha Jane Buckley Clift, women and children in the poorest nation in student nurses, helping train former student the world. I am only prepared to do this new physicians at a major medical center. because of my time at the School of Nursing. John Shanley, M.S.N. ‘97 No.49 My time and Vanderbilt will not only touch my My Vanderbilt education life forever, but thousands upon thousands of 44. The School’s emphasis on more than adequately patients in the years to come. public health later led me to a prepared me for the graduate education in public graduate school experi - Michelle L. Drew, M.S.N. Dec. ‘08 health and to very gratifying ence. In fact, Columbia work in programs of prevention University seemed easy consequences of this chronic and Randy Rasch. of developmental disabilities. after being an under - medical condition. Victor Czerkasij, M.S.N. ‘06, ‘80 Nancy Ragsdale Gilien, B.S.N. ‘N47 Candace M. Bonner, faculty graduate at Vanderbilt. 40. As a graduate nurse, I 45. An M.S.N. from Vanderbilt Ellen E. McGeady, B.S.N. ‘66 37. My years at Vanderbilt didn’t know that I would have allowed me to have a long teach - taught me first and foremost such a fun career. ing career in nursing from 1975 how to think clearly, helped Kelly Gentry, B.S.N. ‘84 to present. Vanderbilt helped me develop compassion for open those doors. people and a desire to under - 41. My experience as a doc - Marilyn Pase, M.S.N. ‘75 50 . My affiliation comes stand the mysteries of the toral student and as a postdoc - from students who describe human body. toral fellow was a challenging 46. My affiliation with the how much they have Holly Newman, B.S.N. ‘72 and life-altering experience. I School has allowed me to move learned, how much they will always be grateful for the into the associate dean position use what they have learned 38. Not only did I receive a in their practice, and how much top-notch education with clin - they enjoy our program. ical opportunities to match, No. 47 Terri Crutcher, M.S.N. ‘94, but I continue to be recog - assistant professor nized nearly 30 years later as a In addition to teaching us to “high-achieving” professional. do the next right thing for 51. My experience was a Melissa Archer, B.S.N. grand awakening. I went on our patients, the School of to get my master’s degree 39. The wisdom and experi - Nursing also teaches us how in nursing and have ence of others was channeled thoroughly enjoyed 45 years through me and enriches the to do the next loving thing for (so far) of patient and lives of those I encounter our patients. health care education in every day. When clients thank diabetes self-management. me, they thank Judy Sweeney Tom Christenbery, Ph.D. ‘04, M.S.N. ‘87, assistant professor Ellen D Davis, B.S.N. ‘63
22 FEATURE |100 thoughts
me dealing with my own fam - held since graduation – so No. 52 ily – new borns all the way many years ago. through adolescents as well as Lori Rehm, B.S.N.’60 VUSN’s dean, faculty and students imprinted my aging parent. I can’t imag - in me the immense dedication and talent that ine my life without the 66. Vanderbilt got me started nurses and nursing brings to the care of enrichment I have received. on the road to a very rewarding patients and the enhancement of the organization. Jackie Dawson, manager 31-plus years of critical It is a daily honor to work side by side with care nursing. I love what I 62. As a faculty member over do and feel that I have been such wonderful professionals. the past 37 years, VUSN has able to help most of my William Nolan, Ph.D., MBA, director, behavioral health, provided me the opportunity patients get better or move on Rutherford Hospital. to expand the science and art to a better place. of nursing as well as share my Betsy Marshall, B.S.N. ‘77 53. Since I completed my attending school and now passion for the practice of master’s degree, my career in it is equally impressive to nursing with students. 67. Becoming a nurse prepared nursing has taken some patients and colleagues Carolyn J Bess, M.S.N. ‘71, B.S.N. me to care, not only “for” but wonderful and challenging who inquire about ‘69, associate professor “about” the welfare of patients. turns that would not my education. Susan Douglas, M.S.N. ‘92 have occurred had I not Lucinda Faulkner, M.S.N. ‘97 63. It has given me the returned to school. I am privilege and pleasure to help 68. I am grateful to VUSN grateful to all the professors 59. Attending the school many families with my for providing a great education who taught me. was actually a dream come knowledge and skills. that developed in me many Eleanor Moore, M.S.N. ‘02 true. I learned confidence, Margaret V. Franklin Evans, key skills for success in how to work hard, and that B.S.N. ‘79 life including how to recognize 54. The fact that I attended I had the ability to achieve and pursue excellence in Vanderbilt University School of my dreams. More than any - 64. My time at Vanderbilt any endeavor. Nursing speaks volumes to thing, as quoted from University School of Nursing Anita Davis, B.S.N. ‘74 most folks. Vanderbilt’s reputa - Dr. Helen Bigler, I was was some of my happiest days tion is so astounding. “taught HOW to learn.” because the faculty and staff 69 . The diverse and rich Susan Hargrove, M.S.N. ‘94 Jennifer Jones, B.S.N. ‘76 encouraged me to reach for experiences I had really my limits of excellence. shaped the foundation on 55. Completing my master’s 60. Vanderbilt taught me Sandra Southern, B.S.N. ‘84 which I continue to practice: degree allowed me a wider the best of the best practice knowledge, strong science range of career possibilities. techniques, and taught me 65. Being a graduate has and research and empathy Debi Camp, M.S.N. ‘97 the confidence I needed to certainly been a plus in toward patients. have in my abilities to practice achieving every job I have Amy Booth, M.S.N. ‘96 56. I believe the name these techniques . . . and recognition has helped to learn as things change to establish credibility when change with them. beginning new jobs. Meredith P. Harline, M.S.N. ‘06 No. 70 Jane K Todd, B.S.N. ‘76 61. I have worked for VUSN 57. Vanderbilt School of 18 wonderful years of the 25 The education I received equipped me to pro - Nursing gave me a wonderful at VMC. First of all I love vide holistic health care services to under - education, and I am proud to what I do and I tell everyone. served populations – immigrants, uninsured, say that I went to Nursing I believe it has increased my refugees. By offering health care services in a School there. knowledge of health issues and culturally sensitive manner, I can bridge eth - Ann DeGarmo, B.S.N. ‘79 affirmed me to never stop nic, racial and communication gaps as I learning. The School of strive to help meet their physical needs. 58. The Vanderbilt name Nursing has been a gold mine Angela Beard, M.S.N. ‘02 was impressive to me while full of incredible resources for
NURSE FALL 2008 23 FEATURE |100 thoughts
No. 71 76. It provided me tional preparation I received 82. The professors the entry into a realm at Vanderbilt. It has pushed you to be the best The Vanderbilt of medical care I didn’t allowed me to thrive in you could be and didn’t experience opened think I could ever have a constantly changing stop until you had pursued doors to a new and accomplished, and and expanding health your dreams. My dad meaningful, fulfilling provided me the impetus care arena. remembers Dean Conway- profession. I enjoy to become an OB/GYN. Jane Britt Tallant, B.S.N. ‘75 Welch saying at our patients, colleagues and We blazed some trails and it pinning ceremony: “You the work itself in equal prepared me for medicine 81. I am ever grateful to the aren’t just a nurse, you are measure. I can now be and leadership. School for accepting me into a Vanderbilt nurse.” These Roland Powers, M.S.N. ‘79, its Family Nurse Clinician words have rung through employed (or volunteer) B.S.N. 77 program in 1975 and granting my ears for 20 years. doing what I want, for as Beth Teubert, B.S.N. ‘87 long as I choose, wher - ever I choose to do it. 83. I had wonderful Frances Robin Riley, M.S.N. ‘07 No. 77 role models at Vanderbilt, and having my Throughout the chaos of the late 1960s, undergraduate years at Vanderbilt was my “center” – an intellectual and Vanderbilt has made me a better college professor today. social community that allowed me to explore 72. The School has Thayer McGahee, B.S.N. ‘78 new ideas, experiment with new ways of doing been a wonderful memory of great classes, things, dialogue with people of different races, 84. Vanderbilt uniquely outstanding faculty and beliefs and religions and experience life in ways qualified me to voice a many friends for life. that I had never imagined. Luther Christman and great deal about the current Bonne Jane Peterson, B.S.N. ‘78 the Nursing School faculty encouraged me to and future need for always challenge traditional thinking. . . socially, medical care for all kinds 73. It is amazing how the politically and professionally. of clients in my adopted things I learned, became a Carolyn Ijams Speros, B.S.N. ‘71 home country of England. part of me, making life both Elizabeth (Huddleston) inside and outside the profes - Benson, B.S.N. ‘72 sion a valuable background as a wife, mother and auxiliary 78. The School gave me a me a public health scholarship 85. The program and the help in my husband’s wonderful foundation on so I could complete my stud - instructors gave me additional OB/GYN practice. which to build a very satisfy - ies. I have used the education confidence to believe in myself Elizabeth Rabun Stroup, B.S.N.’ 49 ing nursing career in both and skills I received in helping and my Vanderbilt education direct care and teaching. others overseas as a diplomat has allowed me to have more 74. It allowed me to Anna Gail Ragsdale Gentile, and working with the of an impact in the area of fast-track my masters in B.S.N. ‘N47 homeless in New Mexico. clinical research. nursing science in one year Lesley J. Mortimer, M.S.N. 76 Sylvia Dickinson, B.S.N. ‘94 and its outstanding reputation 79. The School of Nursing made some of my patients helped me to realize the more confident with my true extent of caring that our No. 86 knowledge and abilities. profession involves. I use Adriana Kain, M.S.N. ‘00 my skills and compassion The School encourages and supports the education of on a daily basis. advanced practice nurses in the art of palliative care 75. Vanderbilt adds heft Dian Collins Hishta, B.S.N. ‘80 and seriousness to a nursing as well as encouraging and supporting the faculty education. 80. The confidence I have who teach these courses. There is no better place to Laura Katherine Horn Robertson, in my excellence as a nurse teach and learn thanVUSN! M.S.N. ‘01, B.S.N. ‘82 is a direct result of the educa - Jim Pace, M.S.N. ‘81, professor
24 FEATURE |100 thoughts
No. 87 advantage as compared to No. 98 other graduates. The School is a training Achieving my MSN opened the door for me for my Teodora Neagu, M.S.N. ‘06 ground for nursing stu - first clinical nurse specialist job in 1990. The expe - dents and for opportuni - rience I gained coupled with the reputation of the 94. Attending a prestigious ties. Vanderbilt edu - School sold my employer on giving me a chance. and well-respected university cates new nurses and Nineteen years later, my degree continues to has definitely been an asset to revitalizes the seasoned impress my colleagues. my resume, my leadership and nurse with post-gradu - Sloan Maes, M.S.N. ‘98 career positions. ate courses that are so Carolyn McK. Moore, M.S.N. ‘59, desperately needed by B.S.N. ‘57 the professional nurse. 88. As coordinator of leader in nursing practice, It leaves you with a a school health program, I education and research. 95. My experience in have found the hours and Leah Kinnaird, Ed.D., R.N. – the Adult Psychiatric Tract sense of pride in nursing hours we spent on writing B.S.N. 68 at the Vine Hill Clinic was that only a few schools the best possible care the highlight of my have been able to plans have prepared me 92. When I speak with experience. Getting supervised achieve – that is its well for supervising others friends who attended other experience right from the greatest gift of all. in independent case nursing schools, their educa - start in counseling one-on- Paula J. Miller, M.S.N. ‘93 and management roles tion does not come close to one confirmed my desire current student Susan Robinson, B.S.N. ‘76 the quality of teaching and that this was where I was clinical training that I received supposed to be. 89. In my first year of at Vanderbilt. Kathy Carter, M.S.N. ‘92 doctoral coursework, one Linda W. Brown, B.S.N. ‘80 of our professors said that 96. My VUSN affiliation has 99. The most profound effect the Ph.D. pro gram would 93. Being an advanced been a source of pride and on me, my life and my career change us as peopl e as we practice nurse has confidence building in my is teaching me to problem learned to think as scholars. I changed me. I have solid ability to help myself, my fam - solve. This came from all the am grateful to the School for knowledge and an open mind ily and my community. educational aspects that I was teaching me to now think that improves every day and Joyce Inabinet McCroskey, exposed to such as arts, sci - differently as a nurse, as a places me at a significant B.S.N. ‘56 ence graduate courses in writ - researcher and as a person. ing, and utilizing data. Terrah L. Foster, Ph.D. ‘08, Judy Ferguson, B.S.N. ‘61 M.S.N. ‘01 No. 97 100. The improvement in 90. In addition to my scholarship and, of course, the professional nursing creation of the community education, I learned three My masters from Vanderbilt opened clinics has placed the school in important skills: 1) self up a door to me for transcultural the top ranks of schools of confidence and courage 2) the nursing that I would have never nursing. I am impressed by need for and how to impro - dreamed possible. Although it was a the creativity and courage of vise, and 3) the importance some of our graduates who of diplomacy skills. difficult and challenging job, the ben - not only expanded the role of Marion E Bayless, M.S.N. ‘63, efits were worth it because of the nursing, but became financial - B.S.N. ‘54 changes it made in my own outlook ly astute and now run suc - on life, the world, and in the lives of cessful health care entities. 91. I take pride in saying that Joyce Laben, Professor Emerita I am a graduate of the those students who are now all suc - Vanderbilt University School cessful nurses in a country with a of Nursing. The School has severe shortage of nurses. continued to be an innovative Sheryl Jackson, M.S.N. ‘84
NURSE FALL 2008 25
FEATURE |what’s next ? ? ? ? ? ? What’s next ? in Nursing?
t’s often tricky business to predict the future, but Vanderbilt University School of Nursing experts are willing to give it a try. There is no doubt the Icoming years will bring challenges, opportunities and many questions. All answers point to nurses playing a ? pivotal role. CONSUMER-CENTERED CARE ? According to Betsy Weiner, Ph.D., R.N., senior associate dean of Informatics, society is starting to see the tip of the iceberg when it comes to patient-centered care. The traditional notion of the all-knowing health care provider will give way to patients becoming their own health care advocates in the future. “Technology has brought consumers closer to their ? own health for a variety of reasons,” said Weiner. Internet usage has exploded and when most people receive an initial diagnosis, they immediately head to STORY BY KATHY RIVERS Web resources to find out more about patient support ILLUSTRATION BY JAMES STEINBERG groups, possible medications and even clinical trials.
NURSE FALL 2008 27 FEATURE |what’s next
The minute we stop asking questions is when we will fail.
“Consumers won’t be happy with the “We won’t so much take care of peo - expect this technology to show up in ‘because I said so’ approach to care any - ple as much as partner with them to other areas. more,” she said. achieve health and minimize the impact Becoming better health care of their illness on their life and their fami - REAL-WORLD NURSING RESEARCH providers involves helping consumers lies,” Dubree said. Nursing research opportunities will make informed decisions and sift through As technology develops, hospitals will focus on solving real-world problems that what can be information overload. be reserved for complex and specialized could change the face of health care. Ann Weiner believes it’s the health care care. More patients will be managed Minnick, Ph.D., R.N., senior associate provider, like a nurse practitioner, who from their own homes and nursing care dean of Research, sees many possibilities will apply evidence-based guidelines and will follow suit. Many of today’s bedside of interdisciplinary research with nurses become even more willing to collaborate, nurses will transform those who monitor playing a vital role. explore and ask questions. patients remotely. “If science can help us address the “The minute we stop asking ques - Patients of the future will also take three most prevalent problems – osteo - tions is when we will fail,” said Weiner. greater responsibility for their own care, porosis, Alzheimer’s disease and conges - and technology will help. For instance, tive heart failure – it would dramatically PARTNERSHIPS WITH PATIENTS the clunky glucometers of yesteryear are decrease our reliance on nursing home “There’s going to be an ever-growing already being replaced with home moni - and hospital care,” Minnick said. emphasis on patient safety, quality and toring devices that look like iPods, where The National Institutes of Health transparency with consumers,” said patients with diabetes are accessed elec - drives the priorities for research, which Marilyn Dubree, executive chief nursing tronically, and information is sent to the will continue. Minnick expects to see a officer for Vanderbilt Medical Center. health care provider. This allows for continued emphasis on obesity research So much so, patients and their fami - much closer disease monitoring and earli - since it impacts asthma, diabetes and lies will literally join the health care team. er interventions. Consumers should heart disease. N D E E Marilyn Dubree, left, oversees I A L N more than 4,000 Vanderbilt B R D A
I Medical Center nurses. Betsy X K O
E Weiner heads the informatics N efforts of the School.
28 FEATURE |what’s next D E
Personalized medicine – using a per - rent health care system is denying those A N son’s genetic makeup to help tailor treat - who need health care. D I X ment – will become a household “By the time they are sick enough to O N approach to care. Signs point to one day get through the legal door, they have much having individual genetic profiles to more complex health needs,” she said. know, for instance, which medications It will require insurance companies, and dosages will work most effectively for hospitals and health care providers to one patient versus the other. It will also come to the table to make some hard help determine the most effective thera - decisions. Appointments, procedures and pies and preventive measures. care plans that people will pay for are But nursing research will do even effective, but often that does not include more. the all-important preventive care because Nursing doing health services the financial incentives are not there. research will dig deeper to define roles of Pilon would like to see a payer model health care teams and enhance working that would financially support cost-effec - D systems. Research will take a closer look tive preventive procedures like the diabet - E A at work flow, new tools and public policy. ic retinopathy screening conducted at N D I X
Technology will allow researchers to ana - Vine Hill Community Clinic that can O lyze data faster, reach conclusions and dis - determine risk for blindness-related dis - N seminate information much more quickly. eases and even stroke. She anticipates “All of the new researchers will sit more on-site employer-based wellness on shoulders of those researchers who clinics that make it convenient to see a came before them. Nursing researchers nurse practitioner for preventive, primary will have a solid place at the interdiscipli - care and some acute needs. nary table,” said Minnick. DIFFERENT ROLES HEALTH CARE REFORM The changing health care system There is no question that health will make the roles nurses play even care reform is on the minds of Americans more significant. and at the forefront of this year’s presi - “There are many studies that show dential election. nurses make a vital contribution to patient Ann Minnick, above, believes “The U.S. health care industry care outcomes,” said Norman. “That will research will solve important health care issues. Bonnie Pilon will undergo a cataclysmic event within allow us to expand what nurses do.” wants to make sure the uninsured 20 years,” said Bonnie Pilon, D.S.N., She believes nurses – whether clini - have access to care. R.N., senior associate dean for Faculty cians, researchers or educators – will be Practice, “but whatever the outcome, sought after for a wide variety of interdisci - nurses will thrive.” plinary teams. Advanced practice nurses, The U.S. Census Bureau reported with skills to handle a wide variety of med - that in 2006, the latest statistics available, ical services, can increase patient access to 47 million Americans were without health care while controlling patient cost. insurance, a 22 percent increase since “Ten years from now, patients will 2000. Roughly 104 million are enrolled say ‘of course, there’s a nurse practitioner in Medicare (44.1 million) and Medicaid as part of the practice’ and be skeptical (60.9 million) according to 2007 projec - of those practices that don’t have them,” tions by the Centers for Medicare & said Norman. Medicaid Services. Nurses will be much more involved “The Band-Aids on the system are in patient care. For instance, she envisions about to give way,” she said. staff nurses working more closely with Pilon, who also leads a nonprofit patients, perhaps handling the follow-up group aimed at increasing access to health phone calls after surgeries. Nurses are care for the underserved, believes the cur - poised to improve community-wide
NURSE FALL 2008 29 FEATURE |what’s next
Nurses will take over disease management and primary care – there’s no doubt about it.
health by getting more involved with shortage of physicians in eight to 10 years, “The way we’re doing it now, where early intervention and helping patients and will embrace advanced practice nurses they are on campus part of the time and with diabetes, for example, take greater as a possible solution to the problem.” away part of the time, will continue,” said responsibility for their own health in Norman. “We can teach much of the between office visits. EDUCATIONAL INNOVATIONS coursework online, but there’s something “Nurses will be there because that’s The roles of nurses will be profound - special that happens in a face-to-face what we do best,” said Norman. ly influenced by technology and pharma - encounter. We’ll likely use different tech - In the future, a majority of the cology and therefore drive changes in nology in the future, but we will always primary care will be administered by a nursing education. Pilon anticipates keep some direct contact. nurse practitioner, and the more complex more complicated technology at the bed - Conway-Welch wants to see medical cases will require physician intervention. side that requires very complex knowledge and nursing students have more joint edu - Today, 11 percent of the 90 million out - for nurses, and nurses will need to more cational opportunities and thinks tradi - patient department visits are handled by sharply focus their specialized areas. tional education is ready for some change. a mid-level provider, such as a nurse Improvements in genetics will result “No where is it written that you need practitioner, according to the Centers for in more specialized nurses and finely 120 college credits to be a registered Disease Control and Prevention’s National focused treatments. Pharmacology will nurse, and no where is it written that a Bureau of Statistics. become more sophisticated and nurses will medical degree requires four years,” she “Nurses will take over disease man - have to develop a greater understanding of said. “We need to abandon tradition in agement and primary care – there’s no chemistry in order to help their patients. favor of technology-efficient models.” doubt about it,” said Colleen Conway- Additionally, Norman expects expand - The School of Nursing’s new Doctor Welch, Ph.D., C.N.M., dean of the ing blended distance learning in the future. of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program is School. “The American Medical Roughly half of the School of Nursing’s a weather balloon of sorts for new educa - Association will be faced with a severe 700-plus students learn by this method. tional offerings. No one knows the future D D E E Colleen Conway-Welch, left, is A A N N known throughout the country as D D I I a visionary in looking for new X X O O ways to educate students. Linda N N Norman’s determination resulted in the D.N.P. offering.
30 FEATURE |what’s next
demand of D.N.P. graduates and how digital format that can be retrieved by com - used for minor follow-up visits that many master’s-prepared nurses will pursue puter, offer individual control, convenience focus on provider-patient conversation their terminal degree. Norman expects and reduced medical errors. and education. it to take 10 years or so for the market The Veteran’s Administration spear - So what’s next in nursing? Consumer to determine. headed this movement, and according needs are changing. Health delivery is “More nurses will seek advanced edu - to the CDC’s National Bureau of transforming. And, nursing will grow. cation, but the trick isn’t the degree, it’s Health Statistics, nearly one-third of VUSN creating standards around that degree to emergency and hospital settings are tell the world what they have,” said Pilon. using electronic records. Conway-Welch says the important Weiner also believes the future and thing is that there will be more options in increasingly high gas prices will result in nursing education. She anticipates more videoconferencing in lieu of tradi - D.N.P.-prepared graduates will take on tional home and offices visits. Free Skype roles as attending nurses or hospitalists. technology can connect patients to their nurse practitioners in real-time. With TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES some minor computer accessories and Technology will be the advanced Internet access, health care providers can practice nurse’s best friend in the future. see and hear patients. She cautions that Advances such as electronic medical records it cannot replace the face-to-face conver - (EMR), an individual’s medical record in a sation and major diagnosis, but it can be Nursing Advocacy
The responsibilities and status of nurse practitioners preparing IVs, taking vitals, making decisions that save has grown tremendously grown over time, yet many nurs - patients’ lives” when that is shown on television. es feel that their profession is still inaccurately portrayed The Center for Nursing Advocacy commends shows in the media. such as “Dr. Phil” and “Jeopardy” for making amends for According to the Center for Nursing Advocacy, popu - earlier infractions and companies like CNN and Johnson & lar television shows such as “House,” “Gray’s Anatomy” Johnson for accurately and assertively presenting nursing. and “ER” often show nurses as subordinate to physicians, Carolyn Bess, D.S.N., R.N., associate professor of unable to make decisions on their own or altogether Nursing, feels that advertising, such as that done by the absent from hospital settings. Even popular non-health Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future, por - programs such as “Desperate Housewives” and “Heroes” traying nurses as a diverse group of competent and caring give an incorrect depiction of nursing. people, will likely draw people to the profession. Sandy Summers, R.N., M.S.N., M.P.H., executive direc - “The more people see a nurse practitioner talking to tor of the Center, feels it is unusual for a nurse to be seen the patient in language that is understandable, the more in the media as a crucial part of the health care system. positive people’s attitude will be toward nursing,” says Bess. Physicians are generally delivering complex information Summers encourages her fellow nurses to get involved about health care or saving lives. Nurses are rarely shown in promoting the value of their profession. She cites the as capable leaders in the medical profession. book “From Silence to Voice” by Bernice Buresh and Experts argue that the media’s portrayal of nursing Suzanne Gordon, as a resource for talking with the media affects the public’s perception of the field. and challenges nurses to “be proud, and share how nursing “People don’t value nursing care in a large part assessment and intervention saved a life.” – BETSEY USHER because of the media,” says Summers. “Physicians get credit for work that nurses do – advocating for patients,
NURSE FALL 2008 31 FEATURE |one hundred leaders
{CELEBRATING OUR TOP}
HUNNDRE ED LEADERS
June C. Abbey Susie Adams Sharon Adkins Adrienne Ames Faculty Member Faculty Member MSN 1988 MSN 1975 Recognized as a widely pub - Recognized as one of the early Recognized for her leadership as Faculty Member lished author of book chapters educational leaders to identify Executive Director of the Recognized for her dedication and articles on nursing and the need for the advanced prac - Tennessee Nurses Association and pioneering approach to engineering. tice psychiatric-mentalhealth where she advocates for 70,000 nursing practice. nurse practitioner role. nurses across the state.
32 FEATURE |one hundred leaders
Nancy L. Anness Carolyn Bess Michael Briley Marie-Annette Brown MSN 1986 BSN 1969, MSN 1971 MSN 1994 BSN 1970 Faculty Member Faculty Member Recognized for being an ardent Recognized for successfully Recognized for leadership in Recognized for teaching in the supporter of nursing advanced combining research, teaching starting the nurse practitioner- B.S.N. and M.S.N. programs at practice education. and practice in the role of run Vine Hill Community Clinic. Vanderbilt School of Nursing for family nurse practitioner. more than 37 years.
Suzanne Baird Virginia Trotter Betts Jamie Brodie Poppy Pickering Buchanan BSN 1984, MSN 1995 MSN 1971 MSN 1978, FNP 2000 BSN 1961 Faculty Member Recognized as a national and Faculty Member Recognized for her work in Recognized for her expertise in international health and mental Recognized for becoming the establishing a thriving health the care of women who become health policy leader. first non-physician Director of care clinic in rural Kenya. critically ill during pregnancy Health Services for the and/or childbirth. Tennessee Dept. of Corrections.
Mary Bear Helen Joyce Weatherman Booth Amy Frances Brown Peter Buerhaus BSN 1976 BSN 1947 Professor Emerita Valere Potter Distinguished Recognized for leadership in Recognized for 35 years Recognized for researching and Professor of Nursing graduate nursing education in of service in Tennessee developing nursing curricula Recognized for his nationally- Florida and nursing scholarships Public Health. and publishing several books renown work in research that in gerontology. on nursing. reshapes public policy.
Vicki Schwartz Beaver Beverly H. Bowns Laura Beth Brown Leanne Busby BSN 1973, MSN 1976 Recognized as a pioneer in MSN 2004 MSN 1987 Recognized for her leadership developing the family nurse Recognized for her contribu - Faculty Member and development of obstetric clinicians programs. tions as a leader in the home Recognized for her dedication facilities in Nashville. health industry. to educating nurses throughout her career.
NURSE FALL 2008 33 FEATURE |one hundred leaders
Judy Jean Chapman Charlotte Covington Ellen Durham Davis Marilyn Dubree BSN 1963 BSN 1969, MSN 1989 BSN 1963 MSN 1977 Professor Emerita Faculty Member Recognized for her work as a Faculty Member Recognized for serving as Recognized for developing Diabetes Clinical Nurse Specialist Recognized for her leadership in Interim Dean from 1982 to 1983. new roles for nurses and nurse in the Department of Advanced nursing and health care and as practitioners. Clinical Practice at VUMC’s first executive chief Duke University Hospital. nursing officer.
Connie Chenosky-Miller Cheryl Cox Elizabeth Dayani Frances McGaughy Edwards MSN 1997 MSN 1972 BSN 1971, MSN 1972 BSN 1953, MSN 1976 Recognized for her efforts Recognized for her develop - Faculty Member Recognized for being the first in fighting diabetes among ment and scholarship related to Recognized as a national leader nurse to serve as president of people of color and poverty in the Interaction Model of Client in primary care, outpatient serv - the Vanderbilt Alumni New Mexico. Health Behavior. ices and home health services. Association and a Julia Hereford Society founder.
Tom Christenbery Virginia Crenshaw Roger DesPrez, M.D. Carol Etherington MSN 1987 BSN 1942 Professor Emeritus MSN 1975 Faculty Member Recognized for her service to Recognized for his tireless serv - Vanderbilt University Recognized for direction of core the nursing profession on the ice of more than 12 years at the Distinguished Alumna and theory/research courses. local, state and national levels. Vine Hill Community Clinic. Faculty Member Recognized as an outspoken advocate for the vulnerable populations in local, national and international settings.
Susan Cooper Rebecca Culpepper Mary Louise Donaldson Rosamond Gabrielson BSN 1979, MSN 1994 Faculty Member BSN 1954, MSN 1961 Faculty Member Faculty Member Recognized for leadership in Professor Emerita Recognized for advocacy of the Recognized as the first nurse nursing practice, education and Recognized for service as the bedside nurses’ role and the role to serve as Commissioner of leadership. School’s historian. nurses have with physicians. the Tennessee Department of Health.
34 FEATURE |one hundred leaders
Virginia George LuLu Wolf Hassenplug Erma Holtzhausen Rolanda Johnson BSN 1947 Faculty Member Faculty Member Faculty Member Professor Emerita Recognized for expertise in cur - Recognized for developing a Recognized for researching Recognized for being instru - riculum development, changing new pattern of nurse staffing health-promoting mental in the success of the the model of nursing education and training to meet behaviors of African Americans family nurse practitioner pro - versus nursing service. patients’ needs. as well as perceptions gram and many leadership roles of genetics information. within the School.
Mary Jo Gilmer Melissa Hauck Beth Colvin Huff Pam O. Jones Faculty Member BSN 1972 BSN 1974, MSN 1979 MSN 1992 Recognized for developing Recognized for her care and Recognized for her career focus Faculty Member an interdisciplinary pediatric management of intracardiac in gynecologic cancer. Recognized for her more than palliative care program and device patients for more 20 years of progressive nursing advocating for children than 25 years. leadership experience in many with life-threatening or life- leadership positions. limiting conditions.
Steve Guillot Betsy Kerr Hay Margaret Jacobson Sue Jones Faculty Member MSN 1976 BSN 1954, MSN 1958 BSN 1967, MSN 1974 Recognized for his leadership Faculty Member Faculty Member Recognized for her expertise in of the Middle Tennessee Recognized for her Recognized for leadership in clinical practice in women’s Medical Reserve Corps and as doctoral work with nursing developing a theoretical frame - health. director of the National Center home residents and work for nursing. for Emergency Preparedness. assisted-living residents.
Ann Hamric Leslie Higgins Dorothy E. Johnson Mary Evelyn Kemp BSN 1970 BSN 1972, MSN 1975 BSN 1942 Professor Emerita Faculty Member Recognized for research Recognized for her prolific Recognized for 31 years of Recognized for her scholarship interests, including writings on nursing theory. service in the maternal and in advanced practice nursing patients’ understandings of child health program. and ethics. chronic illnesses.
NURSE FALL 2008 35 FEATURE |one hundred leaders
Joan E. King Laurence E. Lancaster Frances Likis Amelia Mangay-Maglacas BSN 1972, MSN 1984 MSN 1971 MSN 1994 BSN 1953 Faculty Member Faculty Member Recognized for her contribu - Recognized for her leadership Recognized for leadership role Recognized as being a national tions to women’s health care, in global nursing development in developing Acute Care Nurse and international nephrology midwifery and nurse practition - as World Health Organization’s Practitioner Program. specialist. ers’ professions as an editor, Chief Scientist for Nursing. author and educator.
Carol Komara Jana Lauderdale Ann Patterson Luther Ginger Trundle Manley BSN 1962 Faculty Member Recognized for contributions in BSN 1966, MSN 1981 Recognized for developing Recognized for work advancing the specialty of Faculty Member creative clinical nursing educa - with students, organizations/or otorhinolaryngology and head- Recognized for her leadership in tion programs and working institutions responsible neck nursing. the extension of advanced prac - in clinical research. for providing health care tice nursing. to women of color.
Kathy Koon Lesley Mortimer Janie Capps Macey Iola McClellan Manoogian MSN 1971 MSN 1976 BSN 1954, MSN 1974 BSN 1947 Faculty Member Recognized for her work with Professor Emerita Recognized for establishing a Recognized for 21 years of migrant farm workers, the Recognized for her nursing school in Beirut, university teaching and retiring homeless and underserved. clinical expertise in maternal- Lebanon, for Lebanese, Syrian, as Associate Professor child nursing. Egyptian and Pakistani women. Emerita of Nursing at Georgia Southern University
Joyce Laben Lewis Lefkowitz Jr., M.D. Jane S. MacLean Ingeborg Mauksch Professor Emerita Professor Emeritus MSN 2004 Faculty Member Recognized for developing the Recognized for service as Recognized for advocacy in Recognized for developing the current Tennessee Forensic teacher, mentor, adviser, and passing legislation to create nurse practitioner role and for Mental Health System and her colleague of students, gradu - the State Nursing Director nurse-physician collaboration. lifelong commitment to ates, and faculty of the School position for the State the mentally ill in the criminal of Nursing for 43 years. of California. justice system.
36 FEATURE |one hundred leaders
Donna McArthur Carolyn Moore Bobbi Jean Perdue Irene Rich MSN 1977 BSN 1957, MSN 1959 BSN 1970 MSN 1984 Faculty Member Recognized for entrepreneurial Recognized for developing and Recognized for her military Recognized for her leadership in skills in creating the University administering nursing education leadership in the field of nurse practitioner education of Arkansas School programs that recruit, retain women’s health. and practicing within diverse of Nursing, now named the and graduate students from ambulatory settings. “Carolyn McKelvey Moore low-income, urban and minority School of Nursing.” backgrounds.
Elizabeth Bishop McNaughton Kathryn Wolff Nelson Barbara Petersen Julie Rosof-Williams MSN 1999 BSN 1946, MSN 1963 Faculty Member MSN 1990 Faculty Member Recognized for her Recognized as a pioneer in Faculty Member Recognized for building a nurse- humanitarian efforts in the nurse-midwifery, starting two Recognized for her leadership midwifery program at the realm of nursing. programs – at Vanderbilt and and clinical work in child Jackson Clinic in Dickson, Tenn., the University of Michigan. maltreatment. and satellite clinics.
Ann Minnick Linda Norman Bonnie Pilon Diana Ruzicka Julia Eleanor Chenault Professor Senior Associate Dean Senior Associate Dean for MSN 1993 of Nursing and Senior Associate for Academics Faculty Practice Recognized for her many Dean for Research Recognized for her commitment Responsible for all leadership positions throughout Recognized nationally and inter - to nursing education for more activities related to the practice her career of service with the nationally for her contributions than 30 years, 14 of which have mission sites. U.S. military. to quality and health services. been at Vanderbilt.
Anne Moore James C. Pace Randolph Rasch Roberta Ann Smith MSN 1981 MSN 1981 MSN 1979 Faculty Member Faculty Member Faculty Member Faculty Member Recognized for groundbreaking Recognized for developing the Recognized for his leadership Recognized for helping develop research into ways to reduce women’s health nurse practi - in palliative care and developing a system of health care services stress associated with physical tioner program with more than the adult nurse practitioner in the Tennessee illnesses like cancer, 300 graduates. program with a focus on Department of Correction. medical procedures and palliative care. terminal illness.
NURSE FALL 2008 37 FEATURE |one hundred leaders
Connie Carter Sunderman Nancy Travis Betsy Weiner Kelly Ambrosia Wolgast BSN 1950 BSN 1947 Senior Associate Dean MSN 1993 Recognized for her innovative Recognized for her altruistic for Informatics Recognized for her military thinking that nurse practitioners giving – endowing a chair for Recognized as a pioneer in mul - leadership in wartime, and in needed to be prepared at the the School and providing funds timedia development in nursing. peacekeeping efforts. master’s level. for student scholarships.
Not pictured:
Mary Dodd Giles Faculty Member Recognized for teaching principles of surgery and her innovative techniques in postoperative care. Judy Sweeney Diane Welch Vines Carolyn Whitaker BSN 1970, MSN 1975 BSN 1967 BSN 1962, MSN 1972 Rosann Finucane Lawrence Faculty Member Recognized for her assessment Recognized for her vision of BSN 1977 Recognized for developing and of current workforce education nursing and establishing the Recognized for serving as a integrating the baccalaureate as part of the Oregon first nurse practitioner-run clinic White House nurse for three essentials into the new pre- Governor’s Office. in Red Boiling Springs, Tenn. years caring for President specialty curriculum. Ronald Reagan and Vice President George H. W. Bush.
Ann Prochaszka Faculty Member Recognized as a nationally known leader in orthopaedic nursing.
Cathy Taylor Michael Vollman Michele Harbin Williams Faculty Member MSN 1995, Ph.D. 2003 BSN 1986 Recognized for being appointed Faculty Member Recognized for her as Assistant Commissioner for Recognized for his leadership in contributions to the health care the Tennessee Department of adult cardiovascular nursing delivery system and Health’s Bureau of care and research. demonstrated leadership Health Services Administration. in practice.
Kim Aycock Town Ken Wallston Margaret Winters MSN 1997 Faculty Member Faculty Member Recognized for developing Recognized as an international Recognized for her expertise in advanced programs for leader in health psychology and protective body mechanics in patients requiring follow-up behavioral medicine. nursing. procedures for colposcopy, pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, and IV infusion for osteoporosis.
38 FEATURE |by the numbers
BY the NUMBERS RESEARCHED AND COMPILED BY JENNIFER WOODY
Number of buildings VUSN has occupied Estimated number 57 of Pinning Ceremonies: Number of living graduates working at other Schools 6 of Nursing 105 Most popular name among our alumni (243) year 1924 The first-year Nursing students appear in the Vanderbilt University Yearbook. Also the first-year nurses take part in Commencement MARY activities at the university. 2,538 Number of alumni living in 67,628 Tennessee. Total square footage 26 living in 18 different countries, 9 currently living on Original building: 33,750 (est.) military bases and an alum in Godchaux Hall: 34,395 every state (including the Number of directors/deans District of Columbia) except 15 North Dakota. PEABODY 1 NUMBERS Number of One-Year Certificates: 1919-1948:
8 696 96 Nursing Certificates have been awarded 2,705 BSNs have been awarded 4,365 MSNs have been awarded Number of B.S. degrees by 1956: 1 24 PhDs have been awarded 509 , Of these numbers: 223 were awarded both Number of M.A. degrees by 1956: BSNs and MSNs. 63 7
NURSE FALL 2008 39 NEWS |faculty focus and class notes
FACULTY NEWS Linda Beuscher, Ph.D., G.N.P.- B.C., assistant professor of Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., C.N.M., has Susie Adams, Nursing, published “Spirituality been named to an Institute of Medicine com - Ph.D., A.P.R.N., in Coping with Early Stage mittee focusing on preparedness for nuclear associate profes - Alzheimer’s Disease” in the events in the nation’s largest metropolitan sor of Nursing, March edition of the Journal of areas. The committee will review overall was selected as a Nursing and Healthcare of emergency response activities and available Fellow of the Chronic Illness. Her article, health care capacity to identify any gaps in American “Challenges of Conducting federal, state and local authorities who would be involved in Academy of Nurse Practitioners Qualitative Research with delivering care for a nuclear detonation of up to 10 kilotons in at an induction ceremony dur - Persons with Dementia,” cities the size of New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, ing the AANP National was accepted for publication San Francisco, Houston and Chicago. Conference in Washington, in Research in Gerontological D.C., in June. She co-authored Nursing . She also presented Michelle R. Collins, C.N.M., their poster “Basics of “Substance Abuse Treatment two posters at the Southern R.N., instructor in Clinical Auscultation of Heart Sounds for Women Offenders: A Nursing Research Society in Nursing, received the America and Assessment of the Heart Research Review” for the Birmingham. College of Nurse Midwives Failure Patient with SimMan” Journal of Addictions Nursing. Excellence in Teaching Award. at the American Association of Margaret Her article “Gotta’ Go, Gotta’ Heart Failure Nurses conference Suzanne Baird, Buxton, M.S.N., Go” was published in Health in June. M.S.N., R.N., C.N.M., instruc - for Women. instructor of tor in Clinical Travis Dunlap, Nursing, Betsy Nursing, was Marilyn M.S.N., A.N.P.- Kennedy, assis - published in the Dubree, M.S.N., B.C., instructor tant professor of Journal of Midwifery on the R.N., executive in Nursing, co- Nursing, and topic of “Skin Infections: chief nursing offi - authored a Nanette Troiano, M.S.N.’87, Rethinking Management.” cer, has been chapter in the co-authored “Burns in named to the book “Palliative Pregnancy” for the Journal of Thomas Christenbery, Ph.D., Tennessee Board Practices from A - Z for the Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing. R.N., assistant professor of of Nursing by Gov. Phil Bedside Clinician.” He and Baird is on the Association of Nursing, joined the American Bredesen. The Board’s purpose Jennifer Kim, M.S.N., R.N., Women’s Health, Obstetric and Association for the History is to safeguard the health, safe - assistant professor of Nursing, Neonatal Nurses Task Force of Nursing. ty and welfare of Tennesseans were featured on a recent Perinatal Educational Program. by ensuring that only those episode of Morningline on qualified are practicing nurses. News Channel 5+ in Nashville discussing the cold and flu sea - Pam Jones, son. Kim developed a poster M.S .N., R.N., was presentation at the National appointed associ - Conference of Gerontological don’t forget ate hospital direc - Nurse Practitioners (NCGNP) in tor for Patient September, “An Innovative 2009 DATES TO REMEMBER Care Services and Teaching Strategy: Teaching Nursing for Important Geriatric Concepts March 7 Vanderbilt University Hospital, Through a Budget Assignment Alumni Board Meeting responsible for the inpatient to Nurse Practitioner Students.” nursing service. April 25 Carol Etherington, M.S.N., Country Music Marathon Joan King, Ph.D., R.N., A.N.P., R.N., assistant professor of (Nursing Alumni Association will have a team who will begin train - associate professor of Nursing, Nursing, has moved to the ing in January under the leadership of Whitney Simmons, presi - Beth Davidson, M.S.N.’91, Vanderbilt Institute of Global dent of the board) Linda Howerton, M.S.N., Health where she is working R.N., clinical instructor in more closely with stud ents and May 6 - 12 Nursing, and K. Melissa faculty interested in global health Nurses Week 2009 Smith, M.S.N., R.N.-C.S., and international issues. The instructor in Nursing, presented Institute is committed to finding
40 NEWS |faculty focus and class notes
new ways to be more effective Nursing. The text is a self- between Vanderbilt and the Bette Moore, using traditional and non-tradi - paced, self-instructional manual VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare Ph.D., R.N.C., tional interdisciplinary models. for providers of perinatal care System and how the Clinical I.B.C.L.C., during the intrapartum period. Nurse Leader program was instructor in Mary Jo Gilmer, created. Nursing, present - Ph.D., M.B.A., Jennifer Hanley, M.S.N., R.N., ed the results of A.P.R.N., C.N.L., graduated from University of Sa lly Miller, M.S.N., R.N., her “Cochrane professor of Texas Health Sciences Center instructor and Skills Lab Review of Early Skin-to-Skin Nursing, is a co- with a D.N.P. in Psychiatric Manager, and Maria Contact for Mothers and their investigator on a Mental Health Nursing. Overstreet, M.S.N., R.N., Healthy Newborn Infants” as five-year NIH- C.C.N.S, assistant professor of both a poster and an oral funded study of how parents Jana Nursing, presented their poster research presentation at the and children newly diagnosed Lauderdale, “Getting Past the Plastic: International Lactation with cancer adjust and talk Ph.D., R.N., asso - Students Performing Caring- Consultant Conference in Las with each other about their ciate professor of Based Interventions During High- Vegas in July. responses to the disease and its Nursing, won Fidelity Simulation” at the treatment. She is continuing as the Poster International Nursing Learning Susan site-PI of another five-year NIH- Presentation Resource Centers Conference in Newbold, Ph.D., funded study of parent-sibling Excellence Award at the San Jose in June. Overstreet also R.N.-B.C., bereavement after a child dies National Coalition of Ethnic presented “Debriefing Following instructor in of cancer in addition to a num - Minority Nurse Associations Nursing Clinical Simulation.” Nursing, co- ber of published works and Fourth Annual Conference in Lorraine Mion, Ph.D., R.N., authored “The recent presentations. March in San Diego for has joined the faculty as a 1st World “Talking Circles for Comanche tenured professor and holder of Nursing Informatics Leadership Betsy Kennedy, Women’s Breast Health.” the Independence Chair at Conference,” CIN: Computers, B.S.N.’89, Vanderbilt. Mion’s area of Informatics, Nursing. She M.S.N.’93, assis - Lewis Lefkowitz Jr., M.D., research is gerontology and recently presented nursing tant professor of professor of Clinical Nursing, is safety and quality. informatics 10 times at places Nursing, has co- teaching an elective course for such as the International edited first-and second-year students, Anne Moore, M.S.N., R.N., Course on Nursing Informatics “Intrapartum Management interviewing applicants to the W.H.N.P., professor of Nursing, in Singapore and the American Modules: A Perinatal Education medical school and aiding the published “Vaginal Candidiasis: Medical Informatics Association Program, 4th edition” with students caring for patients at Improving Diagnosis and in Washington, D.C. Donna Ruth, B.S.N.’80, the student-run Shade Tree Treatment” in The Female M.S.N.’90, Clinical Learning Clinic in Nashville. Patient. She was the keynote James Pace, Consultant at VUMC, and E. speaker at the Advanced D.S.N., R.N., Jean Martin, M.S., M.S.N., Donna McArthur, Ph.D., R.N., Practice Nursing Symposium in A.N.P., professor of R.N., C.N.M., professor emeri - was also elected to the Arizona Evansville in May. Moore was Nursing, received tus at the College of Nursing, Chapter Board of the named Chair of the Board of the Outstanding Medical University of South Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis Directors for the National Faculty Award, Carolina in Charleston. Many Association. She gave a poster Association of Nurse and Sandy S. faculty and alumni contributed presentation in June: Practitioners in Women’s Health Seidel, M.S.N., R.N.-C.S., assis - to the text, including Suzanne “Perception of Pain in Adults and Editorial Board for tant professor of Clinical Nursing, Baird, Sarah Branan, with ALS” at the American Women’s Health Care: A received the Rebecca Culpepper M.S.N.’97, Angel Carter, Academy of Nurse Practitioners Practical Journal for Nurse Award at the Vanderbilt Nurses M.S.N.’00, Susan Drummond, National Conference in Practitioners. Week Celebration. B.S.N.’88, M.S.N.’89, National Harbor, Md. Elizabeth Fritz, M.S.N.’97, Mary Jo Gilmer, Kelly Gee Paula Miller, M.S.N., R.N., Faculty members Michelle Collins, Karen D’Apolito, Mavis Henderson, M.S.N.’99, Liz lecturer in Nursing, is a Clinical N. Schorn and Karen Starr presented at the annual meeting Howard, Ph.D., C.N.M.’08, Nurse Leader at the Veterans of the American College of Nurse Practitioners this fall on the Anne Moore, Erin Rodgers, Hospital in Nashville. She was topic of “The Family in Crisis: Opioid Addiction and the M.S.N., R.N., instructor in published in The Tennessee Childbearing Family.” Collins and Schorn presented at the Nursing, and Penny Waugh, Nurse this summer in an article meeting of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, in May in M.S.N., R.N.C., instructor in referencing the partnership Boston, on “Opioid Addiction in Pregnancy.”
NURSE FALL 2008 41 NEWS |faculty focus and class notes
Moderator of Expressive Diane Roberts, Donna McArthur, Ph.D., R.N., program director, Bette Moore, Writing Effects in an HIV B.S.N.’73, was Ph.D., R.N.C., I.B.C.L.C., instructor in Nursing, Susan Newbold, Sample,” was co-authored by honored as one Ph.D., R.N.-B.C., instructor in Nursing, and Lois Wagner, Kellie Hilker and Ken of 10 outstanding M.S.N., R.N., assistant professor of Nursing, were all appointed Wallston, Ph.D., professor of nurses in the to Graduate Faculty status. Psychology in Nursing. Wagner Houston is also the project director for Chronicle’s “Salute to Nurses.” Julia C. Phillippi, M.S.N., lec - Patricia A. the Robert Wood Johnson turer in Nursing, was named Scott, M.S.N., Partners Investing in Nursing’s Diane C. Hishta and Ellen D. the chair of the Basic Education R.N., P.N.P., Future grant that was awarded LaGrone, both B.S.N.’79, are Section of the American instructor in to the Community Foundation working together as school College of Nurse-Midwives. Nursing, six of of Middle Tennessee in con - nurses at The Westminster her fellow junction with the Tennessee Schools in Atlanta. Jamie Pope, D.N.P./Public Center for Nursing. She is the M.S., R.D., Health Nursing classmates from organization’s Associate Theresa Morrison, M.S.N.’84, L.D.N., instructor the University of Tennessee Director for Research. was awarded the in Nursing, pre - Health Science Center College Nursing Spectrum sented a propos - of Nursing, and one of their CLASS NOTES Nursing al to the professors presented a poster Excellence Award Biomedical at the National Public Health for Community Engineering department at Nursing Conference in Service which is Vanderbilt for a senior design Memphis in May. The poster given to five finalists in each of project of a treadmill desk. She was called “Crisis and Safety six categories. Finalists are con - and her team demonstrated Planning: Creating Solutions for sidered role models for other their prototype at the Dayani a Community Based Agency nurses in a variety of areas, such Center. Pope also participated Through Partnerships in PH.” as outstanding compassion, clin - in a video for WebMD as part Martha C. McBurney, ical innovation, professionalism of her work with SmartBalance. Clare Thomson-Smith, M.S.N. B.S.N.’47, and her husband, Col. or dedication to a cause. ‘98, was named the 2008 R.Y. McBurney, celebrated their Morrison is focused on improv - Randolph Rasch, Ph.D., R.N., Middle Tennessee Advanced 60th wedding anniversary in ing medical care for the low- professor and director of the Practice Nurse of the Year for August in Alexandria, La. income, uninsured, working Family Nurse Practitioner her work in government affairs, adults in her community, and Program, participated in a and as teacher and mentor. Sue Morgan, volunteers as a nurse, grant pro - national/regional conference, B.S.N.’71, posal writer and outcome-meas - “Cultures in Context: HIV and Michael M.S.N.’72, was ures coordinator at an all-volun - Substance Abuse Research in Vollman, Ph.D., accepted by the teer clinic. the Southeast: the Impact of R.N., assistant Harvard Medical Race, Gender, Age, Sexual professor of School Program The Oncology Nursing Orientation, Religion and the Nursing, was in Palliative Care Education and Certification Corporation select - Rural/Urban Divide in the appointed as the Practice. Morgan is a clinical ed Susan Yackzan, B.S.N.’86, Southeastern United States.” Research nurse specialist at Huntsville as the Advanced Oncology Committee chairperson for the Hospital. Certified Nurse of the Year for Mavis Schorn, American Association of Heart her significant contributions to Ph.D., R.N.-C.S., Failure Nurses. oncology nursing and oncology assistant profes - sor of Nursing, The dissertation completed her work of Lois Three faculty members recently had papers Ph.D. at Wagner, Ph.D., published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners. In the May 2008 issue, Julie University of A.P.R.N., B.C., Rosof-Williams’ article was “Assessing the Kentucky in May. She and assistant profes - Victim of Sexual Abuse or Assault.” In the Deanna Pilkenton, M.S.N.’02, sor of Nursing, June 2008 issue, Janie Daddario’s article published “Midwifery: a Career was accepted for was “Dyspareunia in Women.” In the for Men in Nursing in Men in publication in AIDS and July/August 2008 issue, Charlotte Covington’s article Nursing.” Behavior. The article, was “Diagnosing Patients with Chronic Diarrhea.” “Cognitive Adaptability as a
42 NEWS |faculty focus and class notes
nursing service and for support - ing and promoting certification TELLING STORIES THROUGH APRONS in oncology nursing. She is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Ginger T. Manley, B.S.N. ‘66, is paying homage to an Specialist at Central Baptist object that once was a fixture in the American home. Hospital in Lexington, Ky. The apron, once worn ubiquitously by women and nurses alike, is the subject of a book that Manley is compiling. The Lana L. Yaney, B.S.N.’86, has book will include 49 submissions—stories, essays, mini-novellas, been a staff nurse anesthetist at poems, and works of art—created by registered nurses about aprons. South Shore Hospital, South In the fall of 2006, Manley acquired 49 aprons from her mother and aunt. After the 40th Weymouth, Mass., for the past class reunion of her Vanderbilt nursing school graduation, Manley’s former classmates gathered 15 years. Her article, “Double- at her house for dinner. It was then that the idea of a book about aprons came to her. lumen Endotracheal Tube for At the gathering, the nurses began exchanging stories about aprons. And the nostalgia One-lung Ventilation Through a spread infectiously. Fresh Tracheostomy Stoma: A After the reunion party, Manley started to toy with the idea of having nurses adopt the Case Report” was published in aprons and create art inspired by them. Nurses throughout the country were invited to adopt the AANA Journal in December. them through a Web site that includes photographs of the aprons. Since 2006, she has been a clini - Part of Manley’s inspiration came from classmate Poppy Buchanan, who was honored during the cal instructor for Northeastern reunion for her mission work with nurse-run clinics in Kenya. University’s graduate program in “My vision was that if we could successfully publish and sell a book of our creations, we nurse anesthesia. Yaney and her might be able to use the profits to fund a nurse-run clinic somewhere similar to what Poppy had husband have two children. been doing,” said Manley. Plans for the nurse-run clinic are tentative, and Manley is currently seeking a publisher for Daniel Seeley, M.S.N.’89, works the book. at an Interventional Pain Clinic in To see more samples from the Apron Project, please view the online Vanderbilt Nurse maga - Portland, Tenn., where he is able zine at www.nursing.vanderbiltedu. to combine his background in massage therapy with the skills of ination by the American Nurses Johnny O. Robyn Moore, a nurse practitioner to ease the Credentialing Center. Wyatt, M.S.N.’06, is a pain of his patients. He lives on a M.S.N.’04, gradu - nurse with the small farm near Gallatin, Tenn. The Community Medical Clinic, ated from World Gospel opened by Rebecca McCarley, University of Mission in Karen “Kandy” B. Agee, M.S.N.’04, was featured in a Tennessee Health Nairobi, Kenya. M.S.N.’90, recently accepted local newspaper, The Log Cabin Science Center in Memphis in She works with children, many the position of director of Democrat. After the article ran, May with a D.N.P. concentrating of whom are AIDS patients. She Clinical Effectiveness at a local news station, KTHV-DT in in primary care management of will be in the U.S. in October Ephraim McDowell Regional Little Rock, Ark., interviewed chronic disease. His final project through January to speak with Medical Center in Danville, Ky. McCarley for a story about nurse was titled “The Emerging Role of churches and other groups She and her husband, along practitioner-run clinics. the Diabetes Nurse Practitioner about her experiences. with their white German shep - Specialist in the Primary Care herd and cat, have moved to Lisa K. Tabor, M.S.N.’04, recent - Office: A Case Study.” Robin Riley, M.S.N.’06, was the Danville area. ly established Affinity House Calls, awarded a two-year fellowship PLLC, a solo medical practice in Abigail Catherine Bowen, in Integrative Medicine from the Gloriane B. Torres, M.S.N.’94, her hometown of Lafayette, La. M.S.N. ‘05, married Evan University of Arizona College of is the recipient of Texas She makes mobile health care vis - Alexander James on March 29 Medicine. Riley works in East Children’s Hospital’s Super Star its in the home, workplace or in Nashville, where the couple Tennessee at Chota Community Award in recognition of setting of her client’s request. resides. Health Services, a three-clinic Employee Excellence. Texas This is a pioneering effort, as network in Monroe County. She Children’s is one of the largest there are no such house call Melissa “Missi” Willmarth, enjoys working in community pediatric hospitals in the U.S. practices in the area. M.S.N.’05, gave her first pres - health in underserved areas. entation at American College Connie Chenosky-Miller, of Nurse-Midwives meeting in Anitra Ellerby-Brown and M.S.N.’97, was selected as a test Boston. She is currently apply - Trickera Smith, both M.S.N.’08, item writer for the advanced dia - ing for the D.N.P. program at co-authored “African Americans betes management board exam - Vanderbilt. and the Midwifery Experience”
NURSE FALL 2008 43 NEWS |faculty focus and class notes
Auxiliary, becoming president Congratulations to those who successfully defended their of the organization, the Girl dissertations this past spring and summer: Scouts of America, and was a member of Junior Welfare Terrah Foster, M.S.N.’01, Ph.D.’08 – “A Mixed Method Study of League. She is survived by two Continuing Bonds: Maintaining Connections After the Death of children, three grandchildren a Child” with Mavis Schorn. It was and four great-grandchildren. accepted by Minority Nurse . Dawn Garrett, Ph.D.’08 – “Parental Perceptions of Body Weight Audrey Jane Perry, B.S.N.’50, in Preschool Children” Brian Pollack died in May. She was a nurse (pictured) and during World War II and Elisabeth Howard, Ph.D.’08 – “Women’s Decisional Conflict, Tory Woodard, worked for the Tennessee Anxiety and Coping Strategies Following Diagnosis of Fetal both M.S.N.’08, Valley Authority (TVA) in Abnormality” were selected as Chattanooga for several years. Janssen Scholars, Perry moved to Oxford, Miss., Haley Hoy, Ph.D.’08, – “Co-morbidities and Health-Related a nationally competitive award after she retired from the TVA, Quality of Life After Lung Transplantation” program that recognizes 15 out - to care for her sister. standing psychiatric-mental Sharon Karp, Ph.D.’08 – “The Effects of Maternal Psychosocial health nursing graduate students Anne R. Harden, B.S.N.’53, Factors on Maternal Competence for Infant Feeding” and fully funds their attendance died in June. She worked as a at the Annual APNA Conference public health and pediatric Cathy Reisenberg, M.S.N.’90, Ph.D.’08 – “The Development of which will be in Minneapolis in nurse, serving hospitals and the Illness Knowledge Questionnaire for Preschoolers” October. remote areas, sometimes gain - ing access to patients by horse - Danielle “Dani” Williamson, back. Harden was in charge of Eula Fergusson Potts, and served as professor of M.S.N.’09, was selected to deliv - establishing the first neonatal M.S.N.’77, died in April in Psychiatric Nursing at er the student address to the unit at Medical College of Nashville. She was a nursing Vanderbilt in the 1970s. She American College of Nurse- Georgia in Augusta. In 1959, instructor for more than 30 helped found the Tennessee Midwives meeting in Boston. she joined the Army Nurse years, most recently at Motlow Mental Health Association, the Corps and eventually rose to State Community College and Knowles Senior Citizens Center IN MEMORIAM the rank of captain. Middle Tennessee State and the first crisis call center in University. She was an avid fan Nashville. She was also active Anne E. Godfrey, B.S.N.’42, Judith Ann Kiger, B.S.N.’61, and supporter of Tullahoma in the Tennessee Nurses died in June in Kalamazoo, died in May. She was a mem - Little League. She is survived Association. Leiserson was pre - Mich. After receiving her doc - ber of First United Methodist by her husband, two children ceeded in death by her hus - torate from the University of Church in Franklin, Tenn., and and one grandson. band, Vanderbilt professor of Chicago, she practiced and is survived by her husband, political science emeritus Avery taught nursing of children, three children and eight grand - Jane Loventhal, M.S.N.’08, Leiserson. including at Vanderbilt children. died in July, with her son, Hospital. She retired in 1982 Charlie, by her side. In a special SEND ALUMNI NEWS AND as associate professor of Patricia Townsend Meador, bedside visit, Loventhal had PICTURES TO Nursing of Children at Case J.D., M.P.H, B.S.N. ‘78, died in just received her School of Susan Shipley Western Reserve University and September in Chapel Hill, N.C. Nursing pin recognizing her Director of Alumni Relations Director of Nursing, Children’s She was a nationally recog - completion of the psychiatric Vanderbilt University Hospital, Cleveland. nized leader in health law with mental health nurse practitioner 2525 West End Ave., Suite 450 a broad spectrum of clients, program. A moment of silence Nashville, TN 37203 Tresia C. Williams, B.S.N.’47, focusing on health care regula - was observed during the [email protected] died in May in Enid, Okla. She tory, compliance and opera - August pinning ceremony (615) 936-3046 was a member of the Cadet tional issues. She was named for her persistence in earning Toll Free: (800) 288-0028 Nursing Corps before marrying to “North Carolina Super her degree while fighting a John Williams, M.D., and work - Lawyers” and listed as a “Best chronic disease. VISIT US ON THE WEB ing as his nurse and office Lawyer in America.” She is www.vanderbilt.edu/nursing manager. She served in many survived by her husband and Roxy Bogigian Leiserson, volunteer positions with the three children. M.S., R.N., died in July. She State Medical Women’s earned her master’s from Yale
44 NEWS |graduation
Top Left: Lisa Smallwood, center, listens to the Chancellor’s Commencement address.
Top right: From left, School of Nursing grad - uates Taneka Vaden, Nadia Regis (sunglass - es), Alicia Tobler (in back), and Monique Jeanbaptiste celebrate.
Below left: Andrea Boohaker, president of the graduate council, carries the banner.
Below right: Cheri Mann receives her degree from Dean Colleen Conway-Welch.
PHOTOS BY DANA JOHNSON pinning 2008
Congratulations first Fisk graduates
Fisk University graduated its first group of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing-educated nurses this spring. Family, faculty and friends celebrated the milestone for these students and for the two institu - tions. Pictured (L-R) Whitney Weatherspoon, Sheena Jordan, Courtney Hines, Charnese Herring and Brittany Briggs. Top: Nicole Franklin, left, and Sarah Yates celebrate during the August pinning ceremony. Both received their M.S.N. degrees.
Below: Sarah Slater, center, poses with her grandmother Wilma Slater, and Dean Colleen Conway-Welch. Slater received her professional pin from her grandmother, who received her nursing license in 1943.
PHOTOS BY DANA JOHNSON Vanderbilt University School of Nursing NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID 461 21ST AVENUE SOUTH NASHVILLE, TN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37240-1119 PERMIT NO. 1446 C L I F
S P A R K M A Saving for retirement is wise. N Leaving an IRA to the School of Nursing is even wiser.
Retirement funds left to Vanderbilt are not taxed, so the full value of your Individual Retirement Account is preserved and the School of Nursing can put all of your hard-earned savings to work.
Easy gift to make: • No need to visit an attorney’s office • Simply request a change of beneficiary form from your plan administrator • Let us know so we can thank you!
“It was easy to make a more significant gift by designating Vanderbilt School of Nursing as a beneficiary of my IRA. I do it in memory of my parents’ commitment to my education and in honor of my Vanderbilt friends.”
SALLY J. HALE, B.S.N. ‘76 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CAMP SUNSHINE ATLANTA