FALL 2 0 0 5

A PUBLICATION OF THE VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF NURSING

Nurse Administrators Who Make a Difference

F ALL 2 0 0 5 35 Connelly Foundation Celebrates 50t h Anniversary

Mark your calendar!

OFFICE OF THE DEAN M. LOUISE FITZPATRICK Spring 2006 COLLEGE OF NURSING ST. MARY’S HALL March 14 Graduate Program Open House November 28, 2005 March 15 Health and Human Mrs. Josephine C. Mandeville Values Lecture Series: President and CEO Heifer International Connelly Foundation One Tower Bridge, Suite 1450 Initiatives W. Conshohocken, PA 19428 March 26 Nursing Alumni Dear Mrs. Mandeville, Society Graduation Tea All of us in the College of Nursing, Villanova University extendth Anniversary warm congratulations of the Connelly to the officers, staff and members of the Connelly family on this 50 March 30 Research Symposium Foundation. The vision and legacy of John and Josephine Connelly, their investment in Catholic values and April 22 College of Nursing the Foundation’s ongoing concern for others affect the lives of so many through your support of Annual Mass & Alumni education, health care and social services. Awards Ceremony The College of Nursing and its students are privileged to benefit each day from the generosity and commitment of the Connelly Foundation and your thoughtful encouragement of our work. April 23 Undergraduate informa- It is with deep appreciation that we congratulate the Connelly Foundation and all who make its tion session for high mission live as an exemplar of faith, vision and courage. school juniors

Sincerely, May 20 College of Nursing Convocation, Baccalaureate Mass

M. Louise Fitzpatrick May 21 Graduation Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor

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Vol. 25 No. 1 Fall 2005 On the Cover: Editorial Board Features In her three years as neonatal ICU Ann Barrow McKenzie ’86 B.S.N., nurse manager at Baystate Medical ’91 M.S.N., R.N., Editor Nurse Administrators Who Make a Difference ...... 2 Center in Springfield, Mass., Tyonne Marcia Costello, Ph.D., R.D. D. Hinson ’01 M.S.N., R.N. guided Elizabeth Dowell, Ph.D., R.N. 12 Essential Ways to Grow Leadership Skills ...... 8 her unit to significant recognition. Lori Hallahan, B.S.N., R.N. She’s one of six College of Nursing Susan Leighton Big Dream. Bigger Impact...... 10 alumni whom we salute in this issue Carol Toussie Weingarten, Ph.D., R.N. The “Best Role Models” Led Her to Teaching ...... 33 for their leadership that creates a M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., culture of care. FAAN, Ex officio Four Nursing Leaders on the Main Line ... Back Cover Our thanks to this issue’s authors: Published by the Villanova University College of Nursing, St. Mary Hall, ■ Ann Barrow McKenzie ’86 B.S.N., Villanova, PA 19085-1690. Departments ’91 M.S.N., R.N., coordinator of Perspectives ...... 1 college relations Produced in cooperation with the ■ Marcia Costello, Ph.D., R.D., Alumni Magazine Consortium, based Programs for Future Leaders ...... 14 assistant professor at The Johns Hopkins University. ■ Elizabeth Dowdell, Ph.D., R.N., AMC editor: Donna Shoemaker Faculty Focus ...... 17 assistant professor Designer: Janel Kiley Standard class postage paid at College News ...... 22 Villanova, PA 19085-1690. Alumni News ...... 29 Perspectives

Dear Alumni and Friends of the College of Nursing: mong our alumni are many who provide administrative educated and credentialed professional nurses to little more leadership in hospitals and health agencies as vice than distributors of medications. Technologically-based Apresidents for patient care, directors of nursing operations, which have so many positive attributes, also services, associate hospital or agency administrators, chief create a robotic atmosphere that forces knowledge workers executive officers of health systems and nurse managers. Theirs into patterns that can restrict their exercise of professional is a formidable and critical assignment. As administrators, they judgment, autonomy and creativity. are well aware of the factors that drive contemporary health My opinions are not intended to be severe and hypercritical, care. Chief among these are the changing nor are they universals. Our faculty, political climate; economics; the supply, who with our students are immersed in demand, distribution and variety of health- A New Building for the this “real world” each week, as well as care personnel; the impact of technology College of Nursing those who practice in it daily, know the on patient care; the management of care situation only too well. Some of us are systems; and the demographics of our We are delighted to announce that old enough to recall a time when the society. At the heart of the matter is the “Villanova University will pursue the system, despite its imperfections, was daunting challenge of delivering high- construction of a new building for less fractured. quality care, structuring a safe patient the College of Nursing, central to Those who administer and manage environment and assuring that the campus, near the St. Augustine health-care agencies and systems may recipient of care is the priority, despite the Center for the Liberal Arts. not always be able to extend their constraints that compromise providing the We are confident that the plan will influence beyond their own sphere of ideal health-care delivery system. be implemented with expediency. responsibility, despite a desire to do so. Recently, I was a patient. The This is an historic event in the However, many have the vision, the contrast between last summer and my history of the College of Nursing. unrelenting drive and the commitment illness experience of 13 years ago was — M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N. FAAN,” to keep the focus on the patient and to Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor eye-opening. Although care was quite face overwhelming challenges. Many good, the number of staff categories has nurse administrators are attempting to proliferated and the identity and roles of various caregivers create a culture of caring within a technologically and cost- was sometimes a point of confusion for me. Multitasking was driven environment. This culture of caring is essential for the considerable. Another difference, especially among nursing welfare of patients, as well as for the legions of dedicated direct staff, was the larger number of part-time staff or those who caregivers whom these nurse administrators lead. work 12-hour shifts several days each week. In this issue of Villanova Nursing, we pay special tribute to I was fortunate to be hospitalized in a well-respected those nurse administrators. Their leadership is truly the voice local health-care system. I was glad to be known by some of advocacy for patients, for those who deliver patient care and staff and to know how to be my own advocate—despite the for those who promote quality health care while working to distance that has transpired between my intimate knowledge advance health-care reform. of clinical practice and what I do each day as a dean. I had no complaints about my caregivers or their knowledge, attitude or competence. They had a genuine desire to do a good job, cared about patients, and were current and intelligent clinicians. What is clear to me is that the American health-care system is fractured and constrained. Often, professional caregivers cannot practice as they wish or should. An industrial model, M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., FAAN still evident in some hospitals, can relegate even highly Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor Perspectives F ALL 2 0 0 5 1 Nurse Administrators Who Make a Difference

Meet six savvy administrators who inspire those around them. These Villanovans all have high levels of responsibility in settings that span neonatal to geriatric, hospitals to nonprofits, New York to Texas.

’91 M.S.N., R.N. ’86 B.S.N.,

By Marcia Costello, Ph.D., R.D. and Ann Barrow McKenzie

2 V ILLANOVAI L L A N O VA N N URSINGU R S I N G oday’s health-care arena requires creative, risk-taking leaders who are willing to take hold of the challenges and lead their organization and its people toward the Tfuture with their visionary changes. Nurse leaders educated at Villanova University’s College of Nursing understand that it is all about the people—the people whom they lead and the people for whom they care. These six leading nurse administrators embody this philoso- phy. We highlight here their careers, commitment and strategies for success.

Energy Unleashed at Lighthouse International Tara A. Cortes ’67 B.S.N., Ph.D., R.N. While at Mount Sinai, Dr. Cortes became knows the challenges of running an organi- one of 15 nurses in the country selected as zation. She has been in academic, service a Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse and nonprofit sectors, most recently as the Fellow. During her three-year fellowship, former senior vice president and chief nurs- through networking, acquiring a background ing officer (CNO) of Patient Care Operations in policy, developing communications skills at Bridgeport Hospital, Yale-New Haven and obtaining the key skill of using commu- Health System in Bridgeport, Conn. Dr. nity resources to her advantage, she gained Cortes remains a clinical professor at Yale valuable experience that she now channels University School of Nursing and, as of into Lighthouse. June, serves as president and chief execu- When a search firm called in 2002 to tive officer (CEO) of Lighthouse Interna- offer her a position at Bridgeport Hospital, tional, a nonprofit resource worldwide on Dr. Cortes did some self-examination and vision impairment and vision rehabilita- concluded that she felt she could “release the tion. Lighthouse, based in New York City, energy there.” Over the next three years at celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Dr. Bridgeport, she empowered her staff to make Cortes serves her alma mater as a member of decisions and progress without microman- Villanova’s Board of Trustees. agement, thus changing their behavior and Shortly after starting her career in therefore the organizational culture. TARA CORTES ’67 B.S.N., PH.D., R.N. critical care nursing, Dr. Cortes moved into To further broaden her 13-year scope (left) observes the skills of Lynee supervision at several settings in New York in service, Dr. Cortes relished the idea of Holmes, a graduate of the Lighthouse City. She earned her M.S.N. at New York something different. Along came Light- International’s Adaptive Living Programs. University and became a nursing educator at house, an organization that combines all of The program, a series of six intensive Hunter College. Along the way, she returned her areas of interest and talents on behalf classes held at Lighthouse facilities and to NYU for her Ph.D. When leaving Hunter of an important issue. Vision impairment throughout the New York metropolitan in 1992, she decided to return to nursing ser- is a major public health concern, with 180 area, helps people with recent vision loss vice. She notes that her “internship and resi- million people affected worldwide. She regain the skills and confidence necessary dency in big-time service” began as CNO at sees the successes that have come in career to remain independent—at home, at work The Rockefeller University Hospital, where re-education for those who lose their sight, and in the community. she outsourced programs and decreased the the pride of independent living, the impact budget. At The Mount Sinai Hospital, she of targeted education around the world and transitioned into an operations and nursing the metamorphosis from research that makes position—director of medicine and primary a difference. All of those successes fuel her care medicine—where she had a $70 million desire to champion the cause, raise funds and budget and 1,000 FTE staff reporting to her. drive the organization forward. She oversaw all of medicine, all outpatient clinics and outreach programs.

F ALL 2 0 0 5 3 Clinical Control, Texas-Style: “It’s like the Wild West” Early in her career as a staff nurse in Phila- use of distance learning was the first of its delphia, Maria L. Talamo ’77 B.S.N., M.A., kind in the country. R.N., CNAA-BC, CHE was inspired at the Talamo did not sit still in Texas. In other Hospital of the Medical College of Pennsyl- nurse executive roles, at several other hos- vania by her head nurse, who was forward- pitals, she survived takeovers, shepherded thinking and empowered her staff. Talamo sales, saw parent companies traded and also saw the importance of collaboration continued to grow her skill set as a leader. between nurses and physicians. Living up to As chief operating officer (COO) at Summit the “culture of expectation” she had experi- Hospital of Central Texas in Austin, she enced at Villanova’s College of Nursing, she was an on-site administrator for a long-term moved into nursing management at Temple acute-care hospital. At Summit, she estab- University Hospital, where she was involved lished an environment of accountability and with the city’s first heart/lung transplants. It performance improvement that resulted in was at Temple that she discovered her love high patient satisfaction scores and reduced of clinical program development and gained costs per patient day, while at the same time the skills associated with growing new hos- giving staff salary increases. pital buildings and units. In 2000, Talamo became the administra- Talamo knew she wanted to become tive director for two Seton Network ambula- MARIA L. TALAMO ’77 B.S.N., M.A., a chief nurse executive some day, and so tory care centers in Cedar Park, Texas. She R.N., CNAA-BC, CHE began her career left Temple to enroll in the Teachers Col- expanded the centers’ business and generated as a staff nurse, and moved on to lege, Columbia University nurse executive more revenue in 14 days than the organiza- become an administrator at hospitals in master’s program. After making what she tion had done in the year before her arrival. Philadelphia and then Texas. She provides called “great connections” and starting her Intrigued by her first start-up opportu- management consulting services to the own company to contract directly with a nity, Talamo moved on in October 2004 Sisters of St. Mary’s Health Care system in Jefferson City, Mo. staffing agency, she moved on to Franklin to become CNO and director for medical Square Hospital in Philadelphia. There, as services at The Hospital at Westlake Medical a director and CNO, she gained experience Center in Westlake Hills, an up-scale area in collective bargaining, multimillion-dollar being developed near Austin. The 23-bed budgets, starting an open-heart surgery pro- hospital that opened in June is the product gram and, in the early 1990s, reorganizations of a syndicate of surgeons and cardiologists at Franklin Square and Underwood Memo- who, like other physicians in Texas seeking rial Hospital. more clinical control, are opening their own Seeing hospitals and health-care systems hospitals. Talamo says “It’s like the wild contract in the Philadelphia region, Talamo West.” She enjoyed this role, developing examined her options and chose to relocate standards of care, carrying fiscal responsibil- with her family to Texas to accept a CNO ity, collaborating with design and IT teams, offer at Trinity Valley Medical Center in preparing for an initial hospital licensure Palestine. In this Texan town, she dealt with survey and recruiting staff, among numerous the culture shock of moving from a major other responsibilities. Through it all, Talamo metropolitan area to a rural setting. At her remains focused on her goal of becoming an for-profit 150-bed community hospital, she acute-care hospital CEO. Currently, she is administered all acute and sub-acute nursing engaged in a management consulting project units. She also collaborated through a public- for the Sisters of St. Mary Health Care sys- private partnership to bring a baccalaureate tem in Jefferson City, Mo. extension program and a master’s program to her rural hospital in 1995. The program’s

4 V ILLANOVA N URSING Medical Management at a Health Insurer in Harrisburg Denise Fessler ’97 M.S.N., R.N., CMAC is education and wellness, and preadmission director, Medical Management at Capital and discharge outreach programs. BlueCross in Harrisburg, a position she has What keeps Fessler motivated in a man- held since March 2003. Even as a student at aged care environment? Through the eyes Villanova’s College of Nursing, Fessler had of an insurer, she sees members moving an interest in teaching. She moved from her through the continuum of care, as well as early critical-care staff nurse position into the opportunity to help members navigate education in that specialty, and developed through the health-care system. The teams a fondness for the administrative roles and she supervises strive to meet the health-care program development. As managed care needs of members by offering them sup- grew, Fessler found she liked the combina- port to maintain wellness or improve their tion of administration and clinical practice health status. Her teams frequently assist DENISE FESSLER ’97 M.S.N., R.N., CMAC and so took a position with an HMO as in the design of care plans to meet those (right) directs Medical Management manager of disease management. At Vil- needs. Fessler also monitors trends to assist services at Capital BlueCross in lanova, she also earned her M.S.N. in Case customers to best utilize available health- Harrisburg. Her colleague here is Connie Management. care resource dollars. She acknowledges that Sours, R.N., CCM, CMCN, Medical Following her recruitment to Capital certain skills are needed to be a leader in Management project manager. BlueCross, Fessler now is responsible for health-care administration, and believes the the direction and management of utilization priority should be to “value the caring nature and care management services. This includes of our roles as health-care professionals to departments such as preauthorization, medi- make a difference in this setting.” cal claims review, concurrent review, case management, disease management, health

Guiding a Staff of 80 to their Goals in Behavioral Health In 2000, Yasser Al-Khatib ’01 M.S.N., R.N., payroll and staffing, provides education and CRNP traveled from his home in Lebanon, feedback to staff, supervises patient care, and fresh from the bachelor’s program at Ameri- develops and implements quality improve- can University of Beirut, to continue his ment projects. He also provides clinical care nursing education at Villanova University. to patients. His position demands a diver- Since earning his M.S.N. in Clinical Case sity and breadth of skills, knowledge and Management and a post-master’s certificate competencies. He must ensure quality care from Villanova’s College of Nursing, he has despite nursing shortages, limited insurance been making an impact in the service sector coverage, unaffordable medications, sparse in Philadelphia. community services and programs, and a Now as the clinical nurse manager for lack of adequate family and social behavioral health at the Albert Einstein support for patients. Healthcare Network, Al-Khatib puts his Even faced with all that, Al-Khatib Originally from Lebanon, YASSER AL-KHATIB advanced education as geriatric nurse does not give up his goal to provide ’01 M.S.N., R.N., CRNP (second from right) practitioner and case manager to good use. leadership for his staff and patients. As came to Villanova’s College of Nursing for In supervising 80 health-care employees, he explains, “A leader is someone who his advanced education. He now applies he constantly assesses and reassesses what knows what needs to be done in order to it as clinical nurse manager for behavioral health at the Albert Einstein Healthcare needs to be done to lead his team. He values complete a task, knows the priorities and Network in Philadelphia. Among his how the College helped to refine his skills in capabilities of his or her team, and uses colleagues is Kristin Lovas Trenham ’02 critical thinking and problem analysis. all that knowledge to inspire the team to B.S.N. (second from left). Al-Khatib manages functions such as perform at its best to achieve the goals.”

F ALL 2 0 0 5 5 Competency Education to Tend to the Tiniest Patients Tyonne D. Hinson ’01 M.S.N., R.N. is the in Springfield, Mass. She was recruited to neosurgical nurse manager at The Children’s Baystate after completing her M.S.N. in Hospital of Philadelphia’s Newborn-Infant Health Care Administration at Villanova in Center, a newly created position she accepted 2001— the first graduate of the redesigned in May. With another nurse manager whose program. She also earned a Certificate in focus is medical issues, Hinson manages Business Administration from Villanova’s this new unit’s staff of more than 200 College of Commerce and Finance. R.N.s. She oversees the educational and Hinson had signed on as NICU nurse clinical development of the surgical R.N.s, manager at Baystate despite warnings as well as strategic planning for surgical about the “difficult staff” she would have care for these tiniest of patients. Hinson to manage. She felt she had the drive and is expanding the surgical core team and desire to help them and wanted to see adding more education on competencies to what they could do. She recalls that she make these nurses experts in their field. was tough, but believes they saw in her Hinson also is involved in the renovation a good leader, and that is what made her of the hospital’s current neonatal intensive effective. “It’s about who you are, not care unit (NICU), as well as with building your years of experience,” she says. TYONNE D. HINSON ’01 M.S.N., R.N., a new neosurgical unit, which will expand In three years at Baystate, Hinson turned pictured when she was neonatal ICU nurse the number of NICU beds to 75. She loves around a unit with the lowest patient satisfac- manager at Baystate Medical Center in to develop new programs and think strategi- tion scores, pushing it into the top percentile Springfield, Mass. Now at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, she is in charge cally. Working with surgeons from the hospi- and achieving recognition for it as a five-star of the educational and clinical development tal’s Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treat- unit by PRC, a national patient satisfaction of her neonatal unit’s surgical R.N.s and ment is “cutting-edge,” she says. She sees its corporation. At the same time, she was co- co-manages its staff of 200 R.N.s. promising opportunities to build collabora- leader for her hospital’s successful Magnet™ tive partnerships and develop her nurses. Recognition Program project; this recogni- Hinson is more confident in this profes- tion from the American Nurses Credential- sional responsibility because of the “excel- ing Center is the nation’s highest award for lent direction” and support she says she recognizing excellence in nursing care. received at Villanova’s College of Nursing, What lies in Hinson’s future? She says especially from her mentor, Associate Profes- there are so many avenues she would like to sor Patricia Haynor, D.N.Sc., R.N., NHA. pursue in her career. Right now, she thinks At the children’s hospital, Hinson enjoys she might like to be a division director, and her new role because it builds on skills would like to pursue doctoral study some day. honed earlier at Baystate Medical Center

A Navy Nurse Adapted to the Ordinary and the Extraordinary Navy Nurse Corps Lt. Kathryn “Kate” L. director) of the Branch Medical Clinic at the (Berger) Pineda ’96 B.S.N., R.N. cherishes Washington Navy Yard and Naval Research her time in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, Laboratory. She held that position for four although is separating from the Navy, her years. Her most recent position was serving service as an officer and her 10-year notable as administrative officer to the Surgeon Gen- nursing career to spend more time with her eral of the U.S. Navy. That office focuses young family in Fairfax Station, Va. The on readiness, quality and economical health Navy Nurse Corps, says Pineda, afforded her services, development of a seamless and Navy Nurse Corps LT. KATHRYN “KATE” a distinct opportunity to lead and create a future-oriented workforce, and collabora- L. (BERGER) PINEDA ’96 B.S.N., R.N. (standing, second from right) worked with culture of care on a large scale. tion with other agencies in the interest of the the Surgeon General of the Navy, Vice At the National Naval Medical Center Department of Defense as well as homeland Adm. Donald C. Arthur (seated, front in Bethesda, Md., after four years as a staff security. left). With them are other members of his nurse in various specialty units, Pineda Pineda describes her most significant immediate personal staff. moved on to be the officer in charge (clinic career challenge as “caring for others under

6 V ILLANOVA N URSING ordinary, extraordinary and often unusual basis of strong leadership, is someone who circumstances. The Navy Nurse Corps is trustworthy, with honorable character.” must maintain operational readiness that Villanova’s College of Nursing influenced is responsive, agile and aligned with the her career path and talents, she notes: “The operational forces.” Pineda credits her Navy Augustinian education that I received at Vil- career for having given her the responsibility lanova University helped shape my Christian of providing professional nursing care both beliefs and values. The College of Nurs- during peacetime and wartime. She admin- ing prepared me with sound clinical skills, istered programs and experienced leadership compassion, respect for others, ethics and in distinct and fast-paced environments. leadership skills that have carried into my What does it take to be a good leader? practice today.” Pineda replies that “A good leader, or the Congratuations to Main Line Health! The Inner Satisfaction of Success Villanova University’s College of Nursing congratulates its neighbors, the nursing All six of these leaders emphasize that In the future, Fessler plans to further push services of the three hospitals of Main Line they do what they do for the people—staff, the application of health-care research into Health, on being awarded Magnet™ designa- clients and patients. For Dr. Cortes, the most medical management practice, especially tion by the American Nurses Credentialing satisfying aspect of her career, whether as a in the areas of preventing chronic illnesses Center (ANCC). The recognition, announced researcher, educator, provider or administra- and supporting individuals who are working in October, acknowledges the quality of the tor, is the transformation that results. “What toward improved health status. Another of nursing practice at Bryn Mawr Hospital, we do as nurses affects people’s lives,” she her goals is to facilitate the use of available Lankenau Hospital and Paoli Hospital. explains, “We are actively changing how resources and information gained at the Under the direction of Barbara J. Tacho- they approach life, or a quality death.” She health insurance level. This knowledge may vsky, M.S., R.N., CNAA, chief nursing officer has a positive outlook for the profession, be useful to other health-care disciplines and for Main Line Health and president of Paoli saying “Nurses are positioned to have tre- assist in “cracking the code” to determine Hospital, the hospitals began the designa- mendous influence on the welfare of society what makes a difference in maintaining tion process in 2002. going forward, especially with the geriatric health and in preventing poor outcomes for Countless Villanova Nurses have had population.” those who are chronically and catastrophi- clinical rotations at these three facilities, Talamo is equally as passionate about cally ill. “We are part of the health-care and many of our alumni provide nursing care her role. What’s the most satisfying system and can play a significant role in or serve as managers in those organizations aspect for this nurse executive in Texas? improving health,” she says. (see back cover). “When patients do well,” she replies. At The Children’s Hospital of Philadel- ANCC developed its Magnet™ Recogni- She relishes “creating a practice environ- phia, Hinson finds satisfaction in coaching tion Program to recognize health-care orga- ment where it’s possible for people to and mentoring. She encourages her staff to nizations that provide excellence in nursing do a good job, where the staff has fun, continue their education, and she cares about care. Only five other hospitals in Pennsylva- where systems work to support the staff their development. “I want to be there and be nia have achieved this recognition. to do their job well and the organization a good manager for them,” she says. can expand with good expectations.” Pineda has found that her role in the Navy Fessler, too, enjoys developing staff. Nurse Corps enabled her to care for people “Matching people with their passions and under extreme circumstances and bring them seeing them develop as professionals and the finest health services, including serving experiencing success in their endeavors “America’s heroes and their families.” is extremely rewarding,” she explains. Al-Khatib realizes that administrative Through developing high-performing teams, leadership never slows down. He values she wants to continue to improve medical learning and sharing his experience in striv- management practices at Capital BlueCross ing to create a culture of care at the Albert because ultimately, she says, the “core of Einstein Healthcare Network, just as his our business is helping people.” She values colleagues do. For Al-Khatib, the jour- creating new strategies and processes, find- ney continues. He observes, “I am always ing new solutions and being successful in humbled and amazed by how much there is improving the overall health of the popula- to learn and how much there is to teach in tions served by the health insurer. our profession.”

F ALL 2 0 0 5 7 12 Essential Ways to Grow Leadership Skills For these six Villanova Nursing alumni, guiding health-care teams means finding the best ways to triumph over challenges. Our exemplars of risk-taking share their tried-and-true strategies.

[1] Think strategically. and improvement—that’s what R.N.s do,” best-suited for leadership positions are those Maria L. Talamo ’77 B.S.N., M.A., R.N., she says, “if you can do it with a sick person, who blend clinical experience with finan- CNAA-BC, CHE, a management consultant you can do it with a sick system, or design a cial knowledge. “Become astute in finance, in nursing and health-care administration, healthy system.” marketing, capital budgeting and revenue dares leaders to “think big and think As clinical nurse manager for behavioral integrity,” Talamo recommends, adding that strategically.” health at the Albert Einstein Healthcare it’s also vital to understand stewardship of Her thoughts are echoed at Lighthouse Network, Yasser Al-Khatib ’01 M.S.N, R.N., resources and expense control. She urges International in New York City, where Tara CRNP analyzes problems and incidents by administrative leaders to “learn how clinical A. Cortes ’67 B.S.N., Ph.D., R.N., president understanding all the elements involved. “At process design leads to quality care and sav- and CEO, adds that an effective leader needs Villanova, I learned to examine a situation ing money. Then build in quality.” to understand the culture of the organization from different angles,” he observes. “I also Hinson takes it a step further. “You need and “identify a few strategic goals to achieve come up with as many solutions as I can for to clearly understand what’s going on in your the defined mission. Too many people keep a problem, calculating all possible sce- state,” she advises. Leaders must be on top the status quo and then just keep cutting narios. You can never do the same task the of what is happening related to their state’s to a skeleton.” She urges leaders to think same way, although the process might seem budget deficits, program cuts and other fund- about what will be worthwhile in the years similar.” ing issues. Beyond the money, there is the to come, and then make those programs or Evaluation also is aligned with problem- issue of patient safety. “Put the patient first,” products cost-effective. “It’s really about solving. Denise Fessler ’97 M.S.N., R.N., she cautions. revisiting your mission,” she states. In her CMAC, director, Medical Management at case, that means addressing a large-scale, long-term concern about building appropriate programs for the geriatric population. A great leader is a great listener. At The Children’s Hospital of Philadel- —Yasser Al-Khatib ’01 M.S.N., R.N., CRNP phia, neosurgical nurse manager Tyonne D. Hinson ’01 M.S.N., R.N. finds that brain- storming ideas is valuable. She then re-eval- Capital BlueCross in Harrisburg, encourages [4] Scout out the information uates her plans as she implements the best leaders in being sensitive to business needs resources. ideas. Hinson advises that a leader needs to to use decision-making skills and revisit “It will be critical in the future how we anticipate what will happen and be visionary plans as the situation requires. In her busi- use the large amount of health information in making plans. “Focus on what lies ahead,” ness, she says, “rapid cycle improvement” available,” Fessler says. “We need to be she suggests, “and think differently.” demands being responsive to the market. more targeted in our uses of this information Staying nimble requires the effective use of and use it to create innovative and effective [2] Solve problems creatively. data, as well as of staff, to “move the status interventions. Information systems and As administrative leaders face tough issues to quo,” she says. “Keep asking the question technology will be helpful not only in the resolve, coming from a nursing perspective ‘How can we improve?’ ” identification of high-risk patients but also is a benefit in working toward solutions. assist them to become better-informed Talamo recognizes the valuable skills that [3] Learn to be financially savvy. consumers of health-care services.” helped her in her role as a CNO, COO, For Dr. Cortes, “Achieving security in VP and consultant. “The nursing process finances…that is, in all of health care, the [5] Develop your network. is a problem-solving process. Being good biggest issue and must be the first area of In Harrisburg or almost anywhere, at it is critical,” she explains, because “a attention.” Because of the precarious nature acknowledges Fessler, “Developing a ‘performance improvement orientation’ is an of reimbursement, she recommends balancing network is essential today. You can’t possibly extension of it.” For example, Talamo used the quality of care with financial stability by know everything.” Cultivating contacts in that method to examine the revenue cycle at looking at relevancy of programs to the future. and outside of your specialty area can help one institution, then tightened it to bring in In the health-care industry, you may have you in gaining the knowledge necessary more revenue. “Systematic process design to overcome a bias against nurses. Nurses to develop best practices, she advises.

8 V ILLANOVA N URSING [6] Surround yourself with physicians, nurses and administrators are United States, using its trainers or partners good people. aligned, you can get a lot done.” She has in related groups. She describes such linking Managing and developing human resources found that it comes down to what is the right up this way: “When for-profit, nonprofit is a primary concern of administrative thing—the clinical best practice. and government sectors work together, it’s a leaders. In her career as a naval officer, For Fessler, fostering teamwork is key. powerful partnership.” Navy Nurse Corps Lt. Kathryn “Kate” L. “Today’s teams consist of individuals with Al-Khatib sees the same value of partner- (Berger) Pineda ’96 B.S.N., R.N. had to be multidisciplinary skill sets,” she observes. ing in the clinical area “when the entire aware of resources, both human and material, “Utilizing teams with the right skill sets will team is in full partnership with the customer, to maintain responsive capabilities that ultimately provide for effective multifaceted working as a whole unit to achieve the were coordinated with operational forces. health-care solutions, both at the individual desired treatment goals.” She advocates projecting and preparing for patient and system levels. This is critical manpower needs to ensure that patients are especially as we work to improve the health [10] Create your vision and match it getting the best care possible. “Your demands status of members who are at the highest risk to your organization. “Be visionary and willing to take risks,” says Hinson. Then lead by example. “Being Keep asking the question an effective leader isn’t just about going to school, it’s character that drives how well you ‘How can we improve?’ can lead.” “ —Denise Fessler ’97 M.S.N., R.N., CMAC Pineda describes this characteristic of leadership as “displaying selfless service to ” an organization, mission or goal.” of your staff take you farther than you can for compromised health states.” The Capital imagine,” she says. BlueCross director adds that teamwork is [11] Maintain your values. Dr. Cortes and Talamo emphasize that essential when advocating a new course of Ethics not only play a role in the provision strength comes from surrounding yourself action. To rally people around a common of health care but are also critical in its with good people. Adds Talamo, develop cause, she advises “Get past who’s right to administration. The manager or administrator them by “looking at your people’s skills and what’s right to create the focus that is neces- is held accountable for the use of resources. maximizing their potential.” sary for successful change.” Dr. Cortes points to her roots at Villanova’s College of Nursing for directing her behavior. [7] Cultivate your [9] Forge powerful partnerships. “The value system gives people a base communication skills. Dr. Cortes believes strongly in partnerships from which to operate and face barriers to “Develop and deliver clear messages” since “what you need to do is bigger than institutional advancement…it also helps to ensure that you capture the listener’s just one group.” In her past positions, she leaders resist the desire to go in the wrong attention, Dr. Cortes advises. To market your has established many effective partnerships. direction.” programs, learn your message points, she At Mount Sinai, Dr. Cortes and the chair of says. Work with people who are experts at it, geriatric medicine collaborated on education [12] Develop yourself. such as marketing and communications staff. for nursing and medicine, as well as plans for Talamo urges administrative leaders to take Al-Khatib’s experience as a clinical nurse patient care. They traveled around the country care of themselves. “Invest in personal health manager has shown that a leader must be a to speak on how their two groups worked and wellness,” she says. “Be calm, focused “motivator, analyst, facilitator,” among other together. and relaxed.” Balancing that advice with things, to inspire the team and find a way to Dr. Cortes is excited about a new project aspirations, she advises “Aim high.” She achieve goals. He knows being a good com- at Lighthouse International to develop a became an independent wellness consultant municator means using your ears. “A leader relationship with the U.S. Army and the for- for Nikken, the largest total wellness is a great listener,” he says. profit sector. The Army identified 400 men company in the world. She is able to bring and women who partially or fully lost their wellness technologies into her life and help [8] Foster teamwork. sight in Afghanistan and Iraq. The for-profit others in their quest for wellness. She offers Teamwork is essential in partnerships, sector will pursue placing them in jobs near this sage reminder: “Prevention and health another tool in the administrative box. their homes. Lighthouse International will are preferable to disease and symptom Talamo summarizes, “when the interests of provide them with job training around the management.”

F ALL 2 0 0 5 9 Big dream. Bigger impact. Villanova’s Graduate Nursing Program looks back with pride on 25 years of advancing nursing education and developing leaders.

By Ann Barrow McKenzie ’86 B.S.N., ’91 M.S.N., R.N.

To stay at the office until 2 a.m. writing a grant proposal, you need to believe in your dreams. In 1979, M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., FAAN was the new dean at Villanova University’s College of Nursing, fresh from teaching in the graduate program at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City. It was there that she worked at the master’s and doctoral levels in preparing people to teach. Dean Fitzpatrick believed that Villanova had the same potential for a graduate program in nursing. During her employment interview two years earlier, she had expressed this potential would then provide a potential pool of to the Rev. John M. Driscoll, O.S.A., at the graduate students. The CE Program began time University president. When he offered under Dr. Heller’s direction in 1979 (later her the position of dean, he told her, “I can’t on, she was appointed dean at the Univer- guarantee it, but will sity of Maryland School of Nursing). give you the oppor- In the meantime, Dean Fitzpatrick tunity to try.” began seeking the requisite approvals on the funds, they had to build the graduate The odyssey had campus for a graduate nursing program. “It’s program. Their key to success would be to begun. not easy to force a change,” she says. focus on role development for nurses. Of the Now Connelly The new dean wrote proposals for the two master’s degree programs in the Phila- Endowed Dean and graduate program and went to the Univer- delphia area at that time, neither offered Professor, Dean sity’s Graduate Committee, at the time the role preparation. Villanova responded to Fitzpatrick looks centralized committee for graduate educa- that need in the professional community by back on those early tion. She received approval to offer the beginning with two concentrations—Nursing days with fondness, M.S.N. from Villanova’s administration and M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Administration and Nursing Education—to but says the realiza- the University’s Board of Trustees. Chairing Ed.D., R.N., FAAN develop leaders in those areas. tion of her dream the trustees at that time was the Rev. Francis A former Villanova faculty member, the for the College did not come easily. At the X.N. McGuire, O.S.A., ’32 A&S, D.D., late Joan Large ’54 B.S.N., Ed.D., R.N., time, she was the College’s only doctorally who had founded the College of Nursing in returned as director of the new M.S.N. pro- prepared faculty member and juggled many 1953 and had served as University president gram. Also recruited was Terry Valiga, Ed.D., competing priorities. She searched for an from 1944-1954. Father McGuire contin- R.N., FAAN, who later became the pro- assistant dean and found her: Barbara ued to believe in the College’s mission, gram’s director. Other early faculty included R. Heller, Ed.D., R.N., FAAN, who had and the board approved Dean Fitzpatrick’s Elaine Beletz, Ed.D., R.N., FAAN; Janie experience in request (Father McGuire died in 2003). Brown, Ed.D., R.N.; and Claire Manfredi, continuing educa- After multiple conversations, meetings and Ed.D., R.N. (who tion (CE). Dr. Heller documents, the dean had the go-ahead. became the third made the argument That summer of 1979 meant long hours. director of that if the College Dean Fitzpatrick was simultaneously writing the Graduate would start a CE the documents needed for approval as well Nursing Program program, the adult as an Advanced Training Grant proposal to and assistant dean). nursing public compete for federal funds from the Divi- All three recently would get to know sion of Nursing of the U.S. Public Health have retired. Dr. Villanova, would Service. For the determined team of Dean Joan O’Leary, Dr. become comfort- Fitzpatrick and Dr. Heller, it was a time of Mary Ziemer and Barbara R. Heller, able in the academic late nights, coffee and looming deadlines. Joan Large ’54 the late Dr. Anne Ed.D., R.N., FAAN environment and Once they succeeded in obtaining B.S.N., Ed.D., R.N Donnelly also were

10 V ILLANOVA N URSING faculty members. The faculty remained Dr. Valiga. In her current role as director of consistently were delighted with their one faculty within the College, keeping professional development for the National knowledge, skill and value system.” a promise Dean Fitzpatrick had made to League for Nursing, she continues to observe In 1995, Dr. Manfredi became assistant Father Driscoll. Today with more Nursing the achievements of Villanova gradu- dean and director of the Graduate Nursing faculty members, a larger number of them ates. “Villanova was one of the handful of Program, emphasizing its continued growth teach in both the undergraduate and graduate schools in the United States that maintained to meet the demands in the health-care arena. programs. its commitment to preparing tomorrow’s She had to make the best use of the avail- The new graduate program was quickly faculty, and they did an outstanding job of able resources, and did so successfully. Dr. up and running, and the College prepared doing that. I saw and heard wonderful things Manfredi describes how she met some of her for accreditation about the graduates of the Nursing Educa- goals, just one year into her new role. “One from the National tion track—how well-prepared they were for of the trends we noted was the emphasis on League for Nurs- ing (NLN). The “We can take credit for producing deans, directors and expert program’s first graduates earned faculty on whom deans can rely for quality performance.” their master’s — M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., FAAN degrees in 1982. When Dr. Valiga the faculty role, how much they were able to clinical preparation, particularly the prepara- was appointed contribute to curriculum development, what tion of nurse practitioners (NPs). With the Terry Valiga, Ed.D., director in 1988, leaders they were among their peers and how assistance of a very fine faculty, we were R.N., FAAN upon the retire- well they were able to enhance student learn- able to implement the Adult Nurse Practi- ment of Dr. Large, there were more “firsts” ing. It was exciting to be part of that, and tioner track, followed by Pediatric Nurse to come. The College, with Dr. Manfredi’s it gives me great joy to see what graduates Practitioner and finally the Geriatric Nurse dedicated efforts, in 1993 successfully of the program have done to influence the Practitioner track. Within three years, we applied for another grant from the Divi- future of nursing education.” presented each of these tracks to the State sion of Nursing of Nursing Administration graduates also Board of Nursing and received first-time what had become were making their mark in the profession. approval with each presentation.” the U.S. Depart- They “moved into leadership positions The Nurse Anesthesia component also ment of Health and in the clinical setting, armed with a solid was established in 1997, and is now a highly Human Services. knowledge base, a thorough understand- competitive, nationally known program. With the grant, the ing of the scope and significance of their Originally it was undertaken in partnership College initiated the role as administrators, and a commitment with Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa. country’s first Clini- to direct change,” Dr. Valiga points out. Its partner now is Crozer-Chester Medi- cal Case Manage- “Highly respected chief nursing offi- cal Center in Upland, Pa. The program’s ment option in the cers sought out Villanova graduates and director is Clinical Associate Professor Bette Claire Manfredi, M.S.N. program. Ed.D., R.N. “That was excit- ing because it was ‘cutting edge,’ explains Dr. Valiga. “It allowed us to prepare graduates who were able to influ- ence patient care in another way.”

imultaneously, the time was right for Sanother opportunity for Dean Fitzpat- rick: bringing in international students to the M.S.N. program. The first of these students came from Jordan and the Palestinian West Bank in 1992. Soon, students from the People’s Republic of China and the Sultanate of Oman followed, extending the imprint of Villanova Nursing around the world. That global initiative has blossomed. Today, inter- national students, who make up 10 percent of the student body in the M.S.N. program, are also enrolled in the B.S.N. program. As the graduate program expanded, it remained true to its roots, according to

F ALL 2 0 0 5 11 Wildgust ’97 M.S.N., M.S., CRNA. Both our core courses online.” enhancing educational options according the NP and Nurse Anesthesia concentrations Dr. Manfredi also was instrumental in to market needs. Dr. Schlag continues to combine an intensive didactic and clinical creating the proposal for the doctoral pro- build on the successes of her predeces- curriculum to prepare competent advanced gram. Offering Ph.D.-level nursing education sors to take the program to the next level. practitioners. had been part of the long-term planning in She is confident in future success, noting Analyzing societal trends, Dr. Manfredi the College since 1979, to be instituted at the that “Our graduates have a long history of saw the need to transition the Nursing right time and when the College was ready to leadership roles in clinical practice, educa- Administration concentration. Further col- staff and support it. tion and health-care administration. Building laboration with Villanova’s College of Com- That time arrived in 2002. Villanova’s on that rich history, we will continue to be on the leading edge for excellence and “We had faculty members who were willing to innovation in nursing graduate education.” take on new challenges, and several of them Coordinating the doctoral program with graduate studies is Nancy Sharts-Hopko, became very skillful in developing Web-based courses. Ph.D., R.N., FAAN. She explains the By 2000, we had all of our core courses online.” program’s aim to prepare teacher-scholars for the next generation of nurse faculty: — Claire Manfredi, Ed.D., R.N. “With a 25-year heritage of preparing nurse merce and Finance led to a joint program Board of Trustees approved the College’s educators, we felt well-positioned to take the for an M.S.N. in Health Care Administration doctoral program plan to prepare nurse next step and begin educating students at the and a Certificate in Business Administration educators for careers in academic settings doctoral level. The goal of this program, to from the College of Commerce and Finance in higher education, using a mostly distance prepare teacher-scholars, has been consistent in 1999. learning format. This degree curriculum, with the objectives of the Graduate Program The Clinical Case Manager concentra- an evolutionary component of the graduate from its inception.” tion shifted to a course of study in Case program, addresses the critical national need Villanova’s Nursing Ph.D. program has Management Administration to better meet for nurse educators to mentor and educate a a unique focus on preparation for roles in market needs. Case managers were being new generation of nurses. higher education in conjunction with the asked to take on more responsibility to direct Dr. Manfredi was confident in “passing application of advanced nursing knowledge case management programs for insurance the torch” to Marguerite Stuhler Schlag ’68 and scholarly inquiry that address profes- companies as well as hospitals. The College B.S.N., Ed.D., R.N., sional and practice concerns related to the also created post-master’s certificate options the current assistant learning process. The College welcomed its to offer career flexibility to nurses with dean and director. first doctoral students in 2004. advanced degrees who sought additional Since returning to her skills and knowledge. alma mater in 2003, hrough the years, Villanova’s Nursing Dr. Schlag and the Tgraduate program has maintained its ith the growth of technology in higher faculty have been holistic approach to education. The pro- Weducation came more options for the moving the gradu- gram features both specialty content and College’s graduate students. Dr. Manfredi ate program for- the opportunity to study the sociopolitical, explains, “Another trend noted in the late ward. Currently the economic and technological forces that ’90s was the emphasis on distance learning. Marguerite Stuhler program is expanding will have an impact on these future leaders We had faculty members who were will- Schlag ’68 B.S.N., its expert faculty, in nursing education, administration and ing to take on new challenges, and several Ed.D., R.N. pursuing creative practice. of them became very skillful in developing marketing methods, cultivating partnerships, This fall, there are 170 M.S.N. students Web-based courses. By 2000, we had all of increasing distance learning initiatives and and 20 doctoral students who, while advanc- ing themselves, will advance health care. About 25 percent of them are Villanova Two Tributes to 25 Years of Graduate Education alumni. Far from complacent, they are his year, Villanova University’s Graduate Nursing Program is celebrating its 25th ready to meet high expectations once they Tanniversary with special recognition to highlight its history and recognize its alumni. graduate from this profoundly effective This fall, the reception prior to the Annual Distinguished Lecture on November 9 offered graduate program. one of these opportunities. Alumni testimonials and a timeline were displayed, and How can the impact of the graduate Marguerite Stuhler Schlag ’68 B.S.N., Ed.D., R.N., assistant dean and director of the nursing program best be described? Dean Graduate Program, offered remarks. In the spring, the annual Research Symposium on Fitzpatrick can do so in one word and March 30, 2006, will focus on the research accomplishments of the program’s graduates. without hesitation: “Tremendous.” As an example, she points to the educators and

12 V ILLANOVA N URSING health-care administrators who developed their career focus at Villanova. “We have “We need to celebrate what we do had a great influence on nursing education, and like magnets, draw others to it” not just in the region but around the country and the world,” notes Dean Fitzpatrick. “We n Beirut, Lebanon, M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., FAAN, can take credit for producing deans, direc- IConnelly Endowed Dean and Professor, gave the keynote paper tors and expert faculty on whom deans can on July 1 at the Centennial Conference of the School of Nursing at the rely for quality performance. Our graduates American University of Beirut (AUB), the first nursing school in the bring leadership to a faculty. They are the Mideast. She serves on AUB’s Centennial International Advisory Board. architects of curriculum development and Dean Fitzpatrick’s topic was “Cultivating Nurse Educators for a Challenging other aspects of the educational process. Future.” The following is an excerpt from her address at the conference, which was They are clinical experts, but also very co-sponsored by Villanova University’s College of Nursing. knowledgeable about the process of nursing education. It is because of the education we “...most of all, we need to encourage young, intelligent, career-minded nursing stu- provide and goes to role development.” dents to consider continuing their educations at young ages and to embark on careers in As Dean Fitzpatrick looks to the future, nursing education. We need to encourage funding for faculty preparation.... We need to she sees the potential to develop another showcase charismatic and enthusiastic nurse educators at career days for our nursing stu- offering: academic administrative leadership dents, and we need to use the opportunities we have every day to encourage our students preparation. to think about careers like ours, careers in academia where they, too, will be able to make From that late-night grant-writing session a contribution and a difference by preparing still another generation of nurses. more than a quarter-century ago have grown: “We need to celebrate what we do and like magnets, draw others to it. To do so does • seven master’s degree concentrations, not compromise the importance or satisfaction of clinical practice but opens up a world • six post-master’s certificate options and of ideas about how those who choose a career in nursing education have the privilege and • nearly 1,050 nurses who can call them- opportunity to transform minds and hearts as they prepare new generations of nurses.” selves Villanova M.S.N. graduates. Villanova’s M.S.N. nurses now operate hospitals and health-care systems, nursing deliver safe anesthesia care around the of Nursing Medallion for excellence departments and their own businesses. They country and the world. Some of them are in their respective fields. are deans of schools of nursing in the United returning for their doctoral degrees at Villa- The work is not done. Dean Fitzpatrick pre- States and abroad. They influence educa- nova and elsewhere. In short, they are lead- dicts, “We will be needed for quite some time.” tion standards, teach hundreds of thousands ers and scholars in their fields, recognized For more information about the graduate of patients and nurses, manage countless with countless honors. To date, 13 of these programs at the College of Nursing, visit patient cases, create and run clinics, and M.S.N. graduates have received the College villanova.edu/nursing/programs/graduate.

F ALL 2 0 0 5 13 Programs for Future Leaders

The Power of Nurses, Worldwide In Taiwan, two faculty members and two students gained insight into international health-care issues at the ICN Congress. By Ann Barrow McKenzie ’86 B.S.N., ’91 M.S.N., R.N.

egardless of the problems nurses face Dr. DeSilets recalls the camaraderie of in a given country, there is a com- the meeting. “Speaking ‘nurse’ automatically Rmonality among them worldwide. connects you,” she says. “We are here to care, to help people reach More than 4,000 nurses from 148 their level of wellness,” says M. Frances countries attended the Congress to Keen, D.N.Sc., R.N., assistant dean and exchange ideas. Sessions included nurs- The theme of the ICN’s 23rd Quadrennial director of the Undergraduate Program at ing workforce concerns; health policy; Congress was “Nursing on the Move: Villanova University’s College of Nursing. and health and environmental issues, knowledge, innovation and vitality.” Dr. Keen and Lynore Dutton DeSilets, Ed.D., such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and safe R.N.,BC, assistant dean and director of the drinking water, among many others. Continuing Education in Nursing and Health The two undergraduates participated in Lanzo notes. “What I enjoyed most about Care Program, attended the International student sessions and events, toured Taipei this trip was the opportunity to learn. I Council of Nurses (ICN) 23rd Quadrennial and learned about Taiwanese culture. They got a better understanding of Taiwanese Congress, in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 21-27. found ways around the language barrier and culture and of nursing around the world.” The two faculty members were accompa- learned to eat with chopsticks. Martinenza Whether faculty member or student, each nied by two Nursing undergraduates, Chris- says no place can compare to Taiwan, which of the four Villanovans who attended was tine Martinenza, then a junior, and Jennifer for her became a “once-in-a-lifetime experi- moved by the Congress. Martinenza was Lanzo, at the time a sophomore. Both are ence.” She explains, “I most enjoyed the especially affected hearing stories of a single Connelly-Delouvrier International Scholars opportunity to meet with nurses and students nurse, or a small group of nurses, creat- as well as Villanova University Presidential from all over the world. It was great to see ing change that leads to national or global Scholars. so many unite as a profession and recog- advancements in such areas as needle stick nize that although we are all so different, injury prevention or education and supply we share the same fundamental qualities as needs for health-care workers. “It made me

“It made me realize how capable nurses are in terms of initiating change and also how much still needs to be done.” —Christine Martinenza ’06

nurses. I loved chatting with students from realize how capable nurses are in terms of South Africa, Australia, Canada, Taiwan, initiating change and also how much still Denmark and Sweden, and learning of the needs to be done,” Martinenza says. similarities and differences of our student “Prior to this experience, I never really considered the political aspect of nurs- At the International Council of Nurses 23rd nursing experiences.” She looks forward to ing,” Martinenza adds. “I appreciated that Quadrennial Congress in Taiwan, two Col- the next ICN Congress, to be held in 2009 as Americans we have great health-care lege of Nursing faculty members and two in Durban, South Africa. resources, but I never considered the fact Nursing students were delighted to have as For Lanzo, the ICN was her first that because we have such resources, it their interpreter and tour guide another Vil- experience in Asia, and it turned out to is our responsibility to not only improve lanovan, Dr. Li-Ling Lin ’97 M.S.N. (right). be “amazing,” she sums up. After hearing our system nationally but also to use those She teaches nursing in South Taiwan. The stories of nurses in other countries, she grew resources to improve health care globally.” four who attended from the College were to appreciate all of the resources avail- Martinenza also was impressed with (from left) Christine Martinenza, Jennifer able to American nurses. “We also had a her chosen profession. As she summarizes, Lanzo, Dr. Lynore Dutton DeSilets and chance to see nurses from different coun- “ICN really opened my eyes to the power of Dr. M. Frances Keen. (See inside back tries working together to help each other nurses.” cover for a profile of Dr. Lin.) to find solutions to solve these problems,”

14 V ILLANOVA N URSING SNAP Volunteers Aid Families with Blind Children

By Elizabeth Dowdell, Ph.D., R.N., CRNP

y providing child care to more than 50 blind children and their siblings, Bmembers of the Villanova University chapter of the Student Nurses’ Associa- tion of Pennsylvania (SNAP) offered their support at the biennial conference of the International Children’s Anophthalmia Net- work (ican), held at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on March 18-20. More than 30 Villanovans, from freshmen through seniors, along with the SNAP-Villanova advisor, Associate Professor Carol Toussie Weingar- ten, Ph.D., R.N., cared for the children so the families could attend the conference. Ican was founded in 1993 by two Vil- lanovans, Nursing alumna Sandra Myers Gomberg ’85 B.S.N., ’90 M.S.N. (see page 29) and her husband, Robert ’84 A&S, ’90 G.S. The nonprofit organization focuses on the birth defect anophthalmia, which pro- Kerry Halleran, now a junior, enjoyed the exhibits at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia duces blindness when one or both eyes do with her new friend. Halleran, president of Villanova’s chapter of SNAP, was one of more not form early in pregnancy. The conference than 30 chapter members who took care of blind children and their siblings last March so the was the largest gathering to date of families parents could attend the International Children’s Anophthalmia Network conference. experiencing this birth defect. Villanova’s SNAP members volunteered Special Projects chairs, Kathryn “Katie” Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. During their time and energy with children who Lenhardt and Ann “Annie” Donnelly, now this clinic, anophthalmic children were seen ranged in age from 14-month-old twins both sophomores. All three worked hard with by an occuloplastic surgeon, a geneticist, an through young teens. Among the SNAP ican to ensure a successful experience. ocularist, a pediatrician and other special- “stars” are the chapter’s 2005 president, Dr. Weingarten also served as the volun- ists who donated their time. Dr. Weingarten Kerry Halleran, now a junior, and its 2005 teer nurse at ican’s free clinic, hosted at The found that her work at the conference also presented an opportunity to talk with the children’s siblings, who were very interested in her role as a nurse and nurse educator and Class of 2009: Outstanding in Every Way about careers in nursing. s the College of Nursing continues to meet the demands of the nursing Villanova’s chapter of SNAP has a shortage, this fall faculty and staff welcomed 92 incoming freshmen. These long history of working with ican, which A was founded in Philadelphia. For several students represent 11 states, from California to Florida to Massachusetts. One years, Villanova SNAP volunteers cared for freshman is from Burma. children and their siblings during monthly Once again, the College exceeded its target class and experienced an increase meetings of ican’s parent advisory board, at in the quantity and quality of applicants. These students have an outstanding ican’s special family events, and at ican’s academic profile. Among them are a Presidential Scholar, an Underrepresented first parents and health-care professionals Presidential Scholar and four NROTC full scholarship recipients. conference in Philadelphia. It has been another banner year. This exceptional Class of 2009 will continue Ican can be reached through the Albert the 52-year tradition of excellence in the College of Nursing. Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. For more information, visit www.anophthalmia. org or call 1-800-580-4226.

F ALL 2 0 0 5 15 Faculty Development Institute Looks at the World, and Teaching, in New Ways

hey arrive on campus from a variety of group to look at creating an environment that Teducational settings, each with a desire will foster nursing education. to improve curricula, or implement new Faculty members attending the institute evaluation techniques or change student also benefited from an overview by Stephen assignments and methods of teaching to R. Merritt ’78 A&S, dean of Enrollment better promote critical thinking. So begins Management at Villanova. He spoke about the Faculty Development Institute, now in its today’s students and the learners of the fifth year. Held each June, it is co-sponsored future. Current students are experienced by Villanova University’s College of Nurs- consumers and doers and achievers who are ing and the National League for Nursing. technologically savvy, he said. Those who teach in the institute come from Attending the Faculty Development Villanova as well as other institutions. Institute is no vacation, but rather requires The 2005 institute on June 4-9 attracted earnest work in a selected area. Before arriv- 24 nursing educators from diploma and asso- ing, attendees had to choose one of three Catherine Todd Magel, Ed.D., R.N., BC ciate degree programs, private colleges and tracks: (left) and Elaine Tagliarini, Ed.D., R.N. state universities. From 13 states, including • Critical Thinking, where they learned co-presented a session at the institute on Iowa, Indiana, Florida, Nevada, Texas and about and designed strategies to “Designing Innovative Curricula.” Dr. Todd North Carolina, they journeyed to Villanova promote and evaluate critical thinking Magel is an assistant professor in Villano- for an invigorated outlook. After a Satur- among students; va’s College of Nursing. Dr. Tagliarini is day night reception on the West Campus, • Effective Clinical Teaching, which a professor and Independence Foundation the group set to work on Sunday morning. involved revising clinical evaluation Chair in Community Health Nursing at M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., FAAN, tools; and the Community College of Philadelphia. Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor, • Designing Innovative Curricula, in of their week, get the information they need welcomed the group. which attendees developed an honors and have access to an expert.” By consult- Marilyn Oermann, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN course, revised a medical-surgical ing with the institute’s faculty, participants delivered the keynote address on the innova- course and started creating a B.S.N. enhance their ability to problem-solve and tive initiatives that have been developed completion program. be creative. Additionally, participants are to respond to the nursing shortage. Dr. interacting with one another and benefiting Oermann, professor of nursing at Wayne Why is the institute so effective? “It’s from new perspectives. Dr. DeSilets believes State University in Detroit, offered food unlike any other experience the participants it is this time away from their classrooms for thought on how faculty need to change have had,” explains Lyn DeSilets, Ed.D., that offers participants a chance to reconnect the ways they teach in schools of nursing. R.N.,BC, assistant dean and director of the with their role as an educator and adds value She shared information from her studies of College’s Continuing Education in Nurs- to their experience. stressors for students and faculty in clinical ing and Health Care Program. “They are In the future, the Faculty Development rotations, posed questions and challenged the involved in their learning, identify the focus Institute may be expanding its tracks. But it will always include the application of new knowledge so that these nursing faculty members from around the country can take their ideas and develop them in their home setting. Regardless of a participant’s academic institution, specialty or favorite teaching methods, the institute helps talented teachers rekindle and nourish their commit- ment to excellence in nursing education. The sixth annual Faculty Development Institute will be held June 3-8, 2006. Housing is provided on campus. For more From 13 states, nursing educators gathered on campus for the fifth annual Faculty Develop- information, visit: www.villanova.edu/nurs- ment Institute, co-sponsored by the College of Nursing and the National League for Nursing. ing/ce/conferences or call (610) 519-4930.

16 V ILLANOVA N URSING Faculty Focus

Two Faculty Members Honored for 25 Years of Service t the 16th Annual Mass and Alumni She also serves on AAwards Ceremony on April 9, the ANCC’s Board for College of Nursing recognized Lynore Certification and Dutton DeSilets, Ed.D., R.N.,BC and is an appraiser for Suzanne Tracey Zamerowski, Ph.D., R.N. ANCC’s Commission for their 25 years of service to the College. on Accreditation. An M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., associate editor of the FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean and Profes- Journal of Continuing sor, presented both faculty members with Education in Nursing, gifts of appreciation at the ceremony. Dr. she is a member of DeSilets, assistant dean and director of the the National Board Continuing Education (CE) in Nursing and for Certification of Health Care Program, is a “professional par Hospice and Pal- excellence,” Dean Fitzpatrick noted. She liative Nurses. (See described Dr. Zamerowski, associate profes- sidebar below.) sor, as an excellent teacher, genetics expert Dr. Zamerowski and role model. is an experienced The College of Nursing honored Lynore Dutton DeSilets, Ed.D., Dr. DeSilets was involved in the educator, researcher R.N.,BC (second from left), assistant dean and director of the College’s original grant-funded CE program. and clinician whose Continuing Education in Nursing and Health Care Program, and Since then, she has grown the program to professional interests Associate Professor Suzanne Tracey Zamerowski, Ph.D., R.N. (sec- include workshops, regional and national are rooted in genetics. ond from right), for their quarter-century of service to the College. conferences, seminars, certificate programs She has been com- With them at the April ceremony are Connelly Endowed Dean and and customized on-site offerings. Since its mitted to increasing Professor M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., FAAN and the Rev. inception in 1979, the program has educated Nursing students’ Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A., ’58 A&S, University president. more than 25,000 nurses and related health- knowledge of genetics care professionals. by integrating the subject into the under- genetic diseases. Through collaboration Dr. DeSilets chairs the Content Expert graduate curriculum; developing a graduate with Villanova’s biology department, Dr. Panel for the American Nurses Credential- course, Clinical Genetics for Health Care Zamerowski was instrumental in developing ing Center (ANCC) certification exam Professionals; and expanding student a Cell Biology course that provides a unique in Nursing Professional Development. clinical experiences of individuals with foundation in genetic concepts, essential in today’s health-care arena. In addition to increasing students’ theo- Russian Nurses Learn More about retical knowledge of genetics, Dr. Zam- Professional Competency from a Villanovan erowski believes that it is equally impor- ursing’s role in Russia is very differ- An expert in continuing education, she tant for students to learn how to care for “Nent from that in the United States,” addressed the group of Russian nurses individuals with genetic diseases, not only notes Lynore Dutton DeSilets, Ed.D., and American continuing education col- in health-care settings but also in sheltered R.N.,BC, who traveled to Russia in April leagues on “The Challenge of Continuing workshops and community events. Through to give a talk on professional compe- Professional Competency.” She defined this experience, students will recognize that tency. In Russia, the nurse’s competence competency and whose responsibility it individuals who may differ in appearance is currently the physician’s responsibil- is, and presented issues related to com- and intellect have the same needs as others, ity. “Great efforts are being made by a petence assessment. She also presented a and the students will rise to the challenge few dedicated Russian professionals to poster on “Specialty Certification in the of devising strategies to meet their patients’ upgrade the level of practice,” explains United States.” needs. Nursing students, as future health- Dr. DeSilets, who is assistant dean and The conference was co-sponsored care professionals, need this exposure and director of the Villanova College of by The Russian Nurses’ Association in guidance so they can assist these individuals Nursing’s Continuing Education in Nurs- St. Petersburg; the Department of Nursing and families to maximize their health physi- ing and Health Care Program. at Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy; cally, mentally and spiritually. Currently, Dr. DeSilets spoke at the confer- and Providence Portland Medical Center students learn to provide this assistance in ence titled U.S.-Russian Nurses: Bridg- and Beta Psi Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau clinical practica as well as through their ing Cultures to Enhance Health Care. International, both in Portland, Ore. extracurricular activities, such as helping with Special Olympics.

F ALL 2 0 0 5 17 Reducing the Threat of Violence Against Women

As an educator, researcher and clinician, Dr. Linda Carman Copel, APRN,BC, DAPA seeks to lessen the injuries, disabilities and trauma that battered women experience.

Each year, more than 5.3 million female work as a Certified Family Life Educator Century, the Proceedings from the Theology adults in the United States are subjected and a Clinical Specialist in Adult Psychiatric Institute of Villanova University. to intimate partner violence (IPV). This Nursing. In July, she traveled to Waikoloa, Hawaii, violence in 2003 resulted in nearly 2 million Dr. Copel’s research has been published to present the study titled “Spiritual Dis- injuries and nearly 1,300 deaths, according in the Journal of the American Osteopathic tress: The Lived Experience of Women in to the federal Centers for Disease Control Association and the Journal of Emergency Abusive Relationships Who Sought Spiritual and Prevention. Nursing, among others. Components of her Guidance” at the 16th Sigma Theta Tau Linda Carman Copel, Ph.D., APRN,BC, research, plus additional information about International Nursing Research Congress. DAPA, associate professor in Villanova IPV and other types of family violence, In the following comments from an inter- University’s College of Nursing, is a nation- can be found in her book, Nurse’s Clinical view, Dr. Copel discusses her counseling ally recognized researcher in the area of inti- Guide to Psychiatric and Mental Health Care work and research contributions to the field mate partner violence. As a faculty member (Springhouse). Her article on “Confronting of partner abuse. in both undergraduate and graduate nursing Violence Against Women: Community and —Marcia Costello, Ph.D., R.D., courses, Dr. Copel brings to the classroom Faith-Based Strategies” was published in Assistant Professor her extensive knowledge and skills from her October in Feminism in the Twenty-First

n my clinical practice of providing worldwide, socio-cultural, public health Valley area, as well as for specialty groups “Icounseling for women, I recognized three problem of IPV. Initially, I studied the topic of advanced practice nurses in the fields of themes that consistently emerged during from the perspective of educating health- mental health and women’s health. therapy sessions. These themes were abuse, care providers about partner abuse. My first ‘My other research investigations have loss and addiction. Over the years, I have series of research studies focused on the been qualitative studies that examined the obtained additional education and certifica- knowledge and attitudes of nurses provid- lived experience of IPV, and the experience tion in each of these areas, and they have ing care for battered women in emergency of assistance offered by health-care provid- subsequently become my research interests. departments, psychiatric units, medical- ers as women who endured IPV struggled to “For many surgical units and maternity units. extricate themselves from their abusive male years, I have “The results of these studies indicated partners. The outcomes of both studies pro- facilitated a that prior to receiving any educational inter- vided descriptions of the pain and suffering women’s therapy ventions, psychiatric nurses were the most experienced by women in abusive situations, group. The knowledgeable group. The other groups of and their journey out of the abusive marital most pervasive nurses demonstrated significant improve- relationship. mental health ment in their level of knowledge about IPV “An important finding from my research issue identi- on their post-test scores. refutes some of the literature that indicates fied by group “Prior to the educational program, many that health-care providers do not appropri- members has of the nurses participating in the research ately assess or assist women who live in fear been intimate projects were not able to identify some of of male aggression and violence. The female Associate Professor partner violence the classic myths and stereotypes associated respondents clearly stated that nurses, then Linda Carman Copel, (IPV). My clinical with IPV. social workers, were the two groups of Ph.D., APRN,BC, DAPA work has provided “Next, I presented the educational pro- clinicians that offered understanding and the impetus to more formally study violence gram developed for the research projects as various forms of assistance when other types against women. continuing education programs at five addi- of care providers did not offer any type of “Currently, my research focuses on the tional clinical agencies within the Delaware assistance.

18 V ILLANOVA N URSING “As a component of the Women with accepted for publication in the April 2006 both women with disabilities and women Disabilities project in the College of edition of Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. who are not disabled. Currently, I am Nursing, I researched the issue of IPV for “My research findings and my clinical researching the injuries of disabled women women with physical disabilities. Funding expertise in IPV and family violence have who experience partner abuse and the from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation been integrated into the undergraduate, experience of abuse in women with diverse for two separate research studies allowed graduate and doctoral courses that I teach. cultural backgrounds. Future research will me to study their experience of abuse. The I have presented my work at international, focus on intervention studies that can be funding further allowed me to continue to national and local nursing and family study instituted in community settings. study disabled women and develop a model conferences. I have had numerous opportu- “My desire is ultimately to contribute to for understanding the experience of partner abuse for physically disabled women. “An important finding from my research refutes some “This model is different from Walker’s Cycle of Violence model in that disabled of the literature that indicates that health-care providers women do not experience any type of hon- do not appropriately assess or assist women who live eymoon or contrite loving phase after the episode of violence. The women with dis- in fear of male aggression and violence.” abilities endured a period of separation from —Linda Carman Copel, Ph.D., APRN,BC, DAPA the male partner, typically characterized by physical distance, silence and limited eye nities to provide formal continuing education reducing the injuries, disabilities and trauma contact from the perpetrator. This finding and informal staff development courses as a caused by acts of violence against women. has strong significance for clinical practice, way to not only educate health-care provid- Through my work in education, clinical since it supports the premise that abuse in ers about violence against women, but also practice and research, I hope in some small women with disabilities has nuances that to share my research findings. way to reduce the threat that IPV poses to are different from the experience of abuse “For the future, I plan to continue my women in this country and throughout the in non-disabled women. This study has been work on violence against women, studying world.”

Address to Villanovans Centers on the Joys of Nursing

ssociate Professor Patricia Mynaugh, care, and the value students find in being are challenging but gratifying. The real APh.D., R.N. spoke at the 10th annual able to help others help themselves. rewards come when individuals develop St. Thomas of Villanova Day, a day to “In America, it often means helping a determination and independence to better celebrate Villanova University’s commu- young mother negotiate finding a way to themselves because we have helped them nity, heritage and mission. In her talk on combine child care with continuing her discover their capabilities.” September 8 to students, faculty and staff at own education, so she can get the Academic Convocation in the Pavilion, a good job and make a better Dr. Mynaugh addressed the joys of teach- life for herself and her baby,” ing maternal-child health nursing and see- Dr. Mynaugh explained. She ing students discover lessons in life through urged students to “adapt these their clinical and classroom experience. themes or some semblance of “Our students seek answers to the them to your life’s work, no unknown, identify preconceptions, dispel matter what you are study- their misconceptions and readjust to ing at Villanova. Wherever the situation, and empower others,” you go, you’ll need to solve Dr. Mynaugh noted. She illustrated problems, identify your pre- her point about what students learn by conceptions of others, dispel describing critical thinking and prob- your misconceptions, adjust to lem-solving situations they encounter new situations and empower in childbirth emergencies and how they others.” In her speech to the Villanova University community adapt to cultural differences in patients. Dr. Mynaugh went on to on St. Thomas of Villanova Day in September, Patricia She also spoke of the need to maintain an describe the unique payoff in Mynaugh, Ph.D., R.N., associate professor, urged stu- open mind and flexibility while providing nursing: “Our days in nursing dents to help people discover their capabilities.

F ALL 2 0 0 5 19 Transitions at Virginia Commonwealth University. She comes to the Diane M. Ellis ’84 College from a pediatric practice B.S.N., ’92 M.S.N., R.N., that she helped establish. Prior to in August was CCRN that, she was a community health appointed clinical assistant nursing instructor at Penn State professor. She primarily University and also has taught teaches theory and clinical pediatric nursing. Her back- skills to students in the ground includes clinical practice BSNExpress Program. in pediatric, public health and Her focus is on medical-surgical nursing and community health nursing. health promotion. Ellis also advises students Karen Cash, B.S.N., R.N. and performs some administrative duties. joined the staff in June as Learn- Ellis joined the College in 1995 as an ing Resource Center lab assis- adjunct clinical instructor. Her clinical tant. She serves as a resource to background is in neuroscience and critical Lab Assistant Karen Cash, B.S.N., R.N. demonstrates SimMan. students for technical simula- care nursing. At several local health-care tions and participates in the development Publications facilities, she was involved in developing and implementation of clinical scenarios and implementing initiatives focused at Theresa Capriotti, M.S.N., D.O., R.N., using simulation equipment and technology. improving and evaluating patient, employee CRNP, clinical associate professor, co- She earned her B.S.N. at York College and and physician satisfaction. authored with Suzanne C. Smeltzer, Ed.D., comes to the College from Delaware County R.N., FAAN, professor, and Vanessa L. Kimberly K. Trout, Ph.D., R.N., CNM Community College, where she was a clini- was appointed assistant professor after earn- Zimmerman ’98 M.S.N., R.N. an article cal instructor and simulation lab educator. ing her doctoral degree titled “Osteoporosis Risk and Low Bone The College regretfully accepted the from the University of Mineral Density in Women with Physical resignation of Janice Hinkle, Ph.D., R.N., Pennsylvania, where she Disabilities” in the Archives of Physical assistant professor, whose husband relocated also received her bache- Medicine & Rehabilitation, 86 (3), 582-586. to Oxford University in lor’s and master’s degrees Lynore Dutton DeSilets, Ed.D., England with other mem- in nursing. While at Penn, R.N.,BC, assistant dean and assistant profes- bers of his research team. she was honored with the sor, published “It’s All About the People” At Oxford, Dr. Hinkle will Marion R. Gregory Award in the Administrative Angles column in the build on her research with for her promising doctoral proposal. She Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing stroke patients: She has also received a National Research Service 36 (3), 100-101. been awarded a five-year Award from the National Institute of Nursing M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., Medical Research Council Research to support her dissertation research FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean and Profes- fellowship as the nurse researcher for an project, “Menstrual Cycle and Insulin Sensi- sor, authored the chapter “Partnership in acute stroke team. She has studied functional tivity in Diabetics.” International Nursing Education” in Nursing recovery after stroke, as well as stroke risk Dr. Trout joined the College in 2004 as an and Health Policy Review 3 (2), 149-166, assessment and prevention. adjunct clinical professor, teaching maternal- edited by Lucille Joel, Ed.D., R.N., FAAN. Dr. Hinkle has shared her expertise in child health nursing. She also has taught at (2004, Springer Publishing Co.). neuroscience nursing through numerous Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pa. The Barbara Ott, Ph.D., R.N., associ- articles, presentations and several textbook College and its students will benefit from ate professor, authored the chapter on “To chapters. Since joining the faculty in 1999, her 20 years’ experience in maternal-child Feed or Not to Feed” in Moral Dilemmas she has taught neuroscience content to health, midwifery and education. in Community Health Care, edited by B.C. juniors and seniors and precepted master’s White and J. Zimbelman. (2005, Longman Karen May, M.S.N., students in their teaching practica. We wish joined the staff in Publishing Co.). R.N. her well and will miss her scholarly presence. August as student services Mary Pickett, Ph.D., R.N., associate Elizabeth “Beth Ann” Reedy, Ph.D., advisor. She serves as professor, co-authored with J. Lee, S.L. R.N., assistant professor co-advisor to Nursing Dibble and J. Luce an article on “Chemo- for the last three years, students with academic therapy-induced Nausea/Vomiting and Func- has left full-time employ- challenges and meets tional Status in Women Treated for Breast ment to devote more time with individual classes Cancer” in Cancer Nursing 28 (4), 249-55. to her family and parent- concerning developmental issues. Suzanne C. Smeltzer, Ed.D., R.N., ing. A pediatric nursing May earned her B.S.N. at Holy Family FAAN, professor, co-authored with Vanessa specialist, Reedy taught College (now University) and her M.S.N. L. Zimmerman ’98 M.S.N., R.N. an article undergraduates.

20 V ILLANOVA N URSING on “Health Promotion Interests of Women poster. They also presented the poster in of Oman, at the Third International Nursing with Disabilities” in the Journal of Neurosci- March at Villanova University’s Gradu- Conference. Her topic was “The Nurse- ence Nursing 37 (2), 80-86. ate Nursing Program and the Alpha Nu Patient Relationship: Trust, Compassion and Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau Interna- Conflict, Informed Consent: Meeting the tional’s Research Symposium. Challenge.” Awards and Leadership Suzanne C. Smeltzer, Ed.D., R.N., Achievements Theresa Capriotti, M.S.N., D.O., R.N., FAAN, professor and director of nursing Two Nursing faculty teams have received CRNP, clinical associate professor, is presi- research, participated in an international funding for their VITAL proposals. VITAL dent-elect of the Alpha Nu Chapter of Sigma symposium on aging and quality of life at (Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learn- Theta Tau International. the 18th Congress of the International Asso- ing) coordinates resources for University M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., ciation of Gerontology, which took place in faculty members so they can help their FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean and Profes- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 26-30. Her students become more effective learners. sor, presented “Partnerships in International paper was titled “Aging Issues of Women Education” at the 42nd Annual Isabel with Pre-existing Disabilities: Implications • The proposal from Elizabeth Bruderle Maitland Stewart Nursing Research Confer- for Quality of Life.” Her co-presenters were ’90 M.S.N., D.N.Sc., R.N., clinical ence on Globalization of Nursing and Health from Australia, Hong Kong, New York and assistant professor, and Marycarol Care, which took place April 29 at Columbia Mexico. McGovern ’68 B.S.N., ’86 M.S.N., University, Teacher’s College in New York Dr. Smeltzer was also an invited speaker Ph.D., R.N., assistant professor, was titled “Development of Simulated City. (See page 13 for an excerpt from her at the 55th annual meeting of the New Jersey Patient Scenarios to Enhance Labo- talk in Beirut, Lebanon.) Obstetrical and Gynecological Society ratory Practice and Preparation for Maryanne V. Lieb ’85 M.S.N., R.N., and the Association of Women’s Health, Clinical Experiences in Freshman and who coordinates the College’s BSNExpress Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses, New Jersey Sophomore Nursing Courses.” Program, received a second Wachovia Grant Section, which took place in Atlantic City, from Villanova’s Inclusion and Diversity N.J., in June. Her presentation was “Health • The proposal from Elise Pizzi, M.S.N., Committee to support a community-based Issues of Women with Disabilities.” This fol- CRNP, assistant professor, and Deb- clinical experience at St. Agnes Church in lowed her participation in a joint symposium bie Wimmer ’83 M.S.N., R.N., PNP, clinical assistant professor, was titled West Chester, Pa. She directs the clinic. of the National MS Society and National “Incorporation of Simulation Scenarios Marycarol McGovern ’68 B.S.N., ’86 Institutes of Health in New York City in to Enhance Graduate Nurse Practitioner M.S.N., Ph.D., R.N., assistant professor, in May to address multiple sclerosis rehabilita- Program.” May received an honorable mention for the tion research and strategies to increase and Lindback Award for distinguished teaching, improve research grants supporting this area. Four faculty members spoke at the based on a combined vote of faculty and Dr. Smeltzer was invited to speak on Eastern Nursing Research Society’s 17th students at Villanova University. “Bone Density and Osteoporosis Risk Annual Scientific Sessions on Translational Colleen Meakim ’84 M.S.N., R.N., in Women with Disabilities” at Promot- Research for Quality Health Outcomes: director of the Learning Resource Center, ing Health in Underserved Populations: Affecting Practice and Healthcare Policy, spoke to nursing educators and learning A Research Conference on Improving held in New York City in April. resource center managers as a panelist at the Health of Persons with Chronic and the 6th National Conference on Nursing Disabling Conditions. The conference took • Linda Carman Copel, Ph.D., APRN, Skills Laboratories, held June 23-25 in San place in Austin, Texas, in April. BC, DAPA, associate professor, pre- sented “Partner Abuse in Physically Antonio, Texas. The panel was titled “Mis- Joyce S. Willens ’83 B.S.N., Ph.D., Disabled Woman: A Model for Under- sion Organization: How to Organize Your R.N., assistant professor, has been selected standing Intimate Partner Violence.” Learning Resource Center to Save Your as interim editor of Pain Management Nurs- Sanity.” Panelists spoke about managing a the journal of the American Society for • Nancy Sharts-Hopko, Ph.D., R.N., ing, learning resource center, including hiring Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN). The FAAN, professor, presented “Reach- ing the Hard to Reach: Perceptions of and managing staff and student employees; journal is published by Elsevier. Dr. Willens Providers and Women with Disabilities managing supplies and equipment; schedul- is the coordinator of the RN-to-BSN Fast on Outreach Strategies.” ing activities; and coordinating with others Track Program at Villanova. to maximize effectiveness and efficiency. Dr. Willens was one of two nurses in the • Christine Crumlish ’74 B.S.N., Ph.D., Meakim also received the Bridgebuilder’s nation selected from ASPMN to the Content R.N., APRN, CCRN and Catherine Award from Learning Support Services and Expert Panel for the American Nurses Todd Magel, Ed.D., R.N.,BC, both assistant professors, presented their the Above and Beyond Award from Villa- Credentialing Center’s new certification research on “Heart Attack Response nova University’s VQI initiative. examination in Pain Management. Rehearsal in High Risk Patients” as a Barbara Ott, Ph.D., R.N., associate pro- fessor, spoke in March in Muscat, Sultantate

F ALL 2 0 0 5 21 College News

Villanova Nurses Help in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina

n early fall, after Hurricane Katrina Idevastated New Orleans and areas nearby, followed shortly by the widespread destruc- tion caused by Hurricane Rita on the Gulf Coast, several Villanova University College of Nursing alumni, and the College itself, found ways to lend a hand. • The College welcomed James Foley, a sophomore nursing student from Ter- rytown, La., in Jefferson Parish, a suburb on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Foley had been slated to start his second year of nursing studies at Our Lady of Holy Cross in New Orleans. He, like other students from the areas affected by Hur- ricane Katrina, had to make plans quickly to resume studies elsewhere. Foley was one of 28 displaced students from New Orleans who were admitted for the Fall Semester to Villanova without additional payment of tuition. Two friends had recommended Villanova to Foley. When the USNS Comfort was deployed to aid hurricane victims on the Gulf Coast, two • Melissa Schwickrath ’02 B.S.N., R.N., of Villanova nurses, Ltjg. Erica Arnold ’02 B.S.N., R.N. and Ens. Christine Burns ’04 B.S.N., Great Falls, Va., had enrolled at Tulane R.N., were among the Navy Nurse Corps personnel serving on board. University for a Master’s of Public Health Ens. Christine Burns ’04 B.S.N., R.N. were humanitarian relief missions, including heli- in Infectious Disease Epidemiology. among many Navy Nurse Corps personnel copter lift, advanced medical equipment, a Because of the hurricane, she accepted the aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort, wide range of medical capabilities, berthing help of friends in the Washington, D.C., the world’s fifth-largest trauma hospital. and personnel support, and logistical supply area and registered to take fall classes at The hospital ship arrived in Pascagoula, assets to support medical operations ashore. George Washington University’s School Miss., on September 8 to provide medical The ship and its 500-plus crew were of Public Health. “I am so lucky that I support and humanitarian aid to Hurricane initially slated to provide 250 beds for have that opportunity,” she noted. “I know Katrina’s victims. A film crew from the patient care, but could have stretched that other Tulane students who live in the Discovery Channel spent time on board to at least 700 beds. In Mississippi, the Philadelphia area feel the same way about working on a documentary. staff treated more than 1,800 people, many Villanova,” she said, referring to how the of them for primary care. When Hurricane University welcomed a group of displaced Both Burns and Arnold were assigned to Rita threatened the Gulf Coast, the hospital students for the Fall Semester. “I am so the Comfort’s ICU. While en route from Bal- ship was moved to safer waters near New proud to be part of the Villanova commu- timore to the Gulf Coast, they were prepar- Orleans, where it provided free medical care nity right now,” she said. ing the unit with supplies, training, running for a small group of patients, primarily with After earning her master’s degree, scenarios and practicing shipboard drills. minor injuries. Crew members volunteered Schwickrath says she hopes to “be one “I’m learning a lot and am having a great for other duties to help out in New Orleans, of those people making changes within experience,” Burns said. “No matter what according to the Baltimore Sun. the system to ensure that this catastrophe the outcome is, meaning how many patients doesn’t happen again.” She asks that the we do or don’t see, this is a wonderful These are just several of the Villanova College “please let other Villanovans know learning and, in general, life experience. It’s nurses who offered assistance to victims of that they really are making a difference and awesome how everyone came together so Hurricane Katrina or were affected by it. their acceptance and understanding is truly quickly. Most of us had less than 48 hours’ Please let us know your stories. Contact Ann appreciated.” notice.” The hospital ship usually needs five days to mobilize. Barrow McKenzie ’86 B.S.N., ’91 M.S.N., • Navy Nurse Corps Ltjg. Erica Arnold The Comfort has unique capabilities for R.N. at [email protected] or by ’02 B.S.N., R.N. and Navy Nurse Corps phone at (610) 519-6814.

22 V ILLANOVA N URSING Symposium Dispels Myths about Postpartum Mood Disorders ostpartum mood disturbances can affect ated signs and symptoms, risk by the American Psychother- P70 to 80 percent of mothers, according factors, cultural influences, apy Association. Dr. Copel to the National Mental Health Association. screening tools and is committed to women Approximately 10 percent of new mothers interventions. A handout with mental health needs are affected by a postpartum depression, listed Web resources, and to promoting mental described as “the thief that steals mother- and pamphlets linked health for women. In indi- hood,” and one in 1,000 develops the more participants to other vidual, family and group rare postpartum psychosis. information sources. therapy sessions, she has As part of its mission of social service After the lectures, Nurs- worked with women with and education, Villanova University’s Col- ing faculty facilitated postpartum depression. lege of Nursing sponsored a free, half-day table discussions and The keynote speaker symposium, “Erasing the Myths Surrounding addressed questions and was Cheryl Tatano Beck, ILLUSTRATION BY KARI LEHR Postpartum Mood Disorders.” The sympo- concerns. D.N.Sc., CNM, FAAN, sium, open to the public, took place in the Linda Carman Copel, a certified nurse midwife and Villanova Room of the Connelly Center Ph.D., APRN,BC, DAPA, associate professor professor in the University of Connecticut on November 18. It addressed the issues of Nursing and an expert psychiatric-mental School of Nursing. Dr. Beck is a nationally and treatments surrounding these crippling health specialist and author, introduced the known expert in the field of postpartum disorders. program. She is a nationally certified clini- depression, anxiety and mood disorders. She The College’s faculty with expertise in cal specialist in adult psychiatric nursing, a shares a joint appointment with UConn’s obstetric, psychiatric and pediatric nurs- group psychotherapist and a bereavement Medical School and also is a clinical profes- ing planned the symposium. It included a counselor. She was recently honored for her sor at Yale University. She has been recog- discussion of the scope and magnitude of 15 years as a Certified Family Life Educator nized many times for her scholarship and for postpartum depression and psychosis, associ- and was named a Diplomat in Psychotherapy the excellence she brings to her role.

Pilot Internship and a Practicum Provide Insights into Managed Care building full of bean counters who know tremendous difference in member lives of the people with whom she worked in the A nothing about health care. That’s what here at IBC.” IBC Claims Payment Policy Department. junior Tama Berman expected to find in June The health insurer selected 10 nursing They wanted to make sure that patients got when she began a new nine-week internship students from Villanova and other local the best possible care and that the drugs at Independence Blue Cross (IBC) in Phila- nursing schools to participate in its pilot and other treatments approved for cover- delphia. Lena Congo, a senior, wasn’t sure IBC Nurse Internship Program, which began age actually improved patients’ health and what to expect. in June. The program was designed to give well-being. But after the two Villanova University “At the core of any medical policy deci- College of Nursing students completed “This is a nurse’s dream of sion is the patient’s best interest. The whole their summer internships at IBC, they were purpose of technology evaluations and surprised by the unexpected perspective they patient advocacy come true.” medical policies are that the patient gets the developed on the health insurance industry —Tama Berman, junior best possible care utilizing the safest, most and the new ideas they gained about nursing effective treatments,” said Berman, who jobs they may seek in the future. resides in Glen Mills, Pa. “This is a nurse’s “I always had the idea that nurses were students a behind-the-scenes look at how dreams of patient advocacy come true.” people who cared for patients in settings like managed care works—to use IBC as a real- The two interns joined the more than 350 hospitals, clinics and nursing homes, provid- world learning laboratory to bridge the gap nurses and 30 medical doctors on staff to ing direct patient care,” said Congo, who between the clinical material taught in the make sure that IBC customers were receiv- lives in Philadelphia. “But this internship has classroom and the actual practice of health ing the best possible health care. As part offered me the opportunity to see that nurses administration in a business setting. But the of their training, the interns made outreach are not just caring for people in hospitals, interns learned much more. calls to consult with the insurer’s members clinics and nursing homes but making a Berman was surprised about the goal who were coping with cancer, impending

F ALL 2 0 0 5 23 “Even on the business side—away from bedside nursing—nurses are advocates for members.” —Lena Congo, senior

M.S.N. student enjoyed her practicum at IBC IBC also created an opportunity for a gradu- ate student to fulfill a practicum experience in its Philadelphia office. Tiffany Adams, B.S.N., R.N., an M.S.N. candidate in Health Care Administration at the College, spent her summer practicum in IBC’s Medical Policy Department. Adams is a staff nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa. During her practicum, she wanted to gain a better understanding of medical policy’s role in the industry, as well as to explore the opportunities avail- During their internships at Independence Blue Cross (IBC) in Philadelphia, Villanova Nurs- able in managed care. At IBC, she also was ing students Tama Berman (fifth from right) and Lena Congo (second from right) gathered involved in planning a professional devel- with fellow interns for a photo with Joseph A. Frick (fifth from left), IBC president and CEO. opment, satisfaction and retention tool for selected employees. surgery or difficult pregnancies. They also I was able to make a difference by offer- After graduating with her master’s shadowed case managers at the Hospital of ing members this wonderful program,” she degree in May 2006, Adams may pursue a the University of Pennsylvania and observed explained. “Even on the business side— career in managed care. how doctors are credentialed at IBC. Other away from bedside nursing—nurses are interns worked with nurses who authorize advocates for members and are impacting medical equipment, home care and home people’s lives through the different services infusions. that are offered, like the Oncology Case Berman helped research and create medi- Management Program.” cal policies. “They assigned me a topic to IBC’s president and CEO, Joseph A. research and then write an assessment of the Frick, observed that “The IBC Nurse Intern- published literature,” she said. “I followed ship Program is a positive way for us to that through all the way into making a deepen our commitment to the nurses and to decision regarding whether or not it will be the community. We’re here to make quality covered and why, and into implementation.” health care as affordable and accessible as She was intrigued by seeing the role that possible. And we can get the best results nurses play in arenas outside of the more when we partner with others, including the traditional clinical work, teaching or home future health-care professionals these interns health care. “I could definitely see myself represent.” working in this type of environment,” she Thanks to the success of the pilot pro- noted, calling her internship an “amazing gram, IBC is planning to repeat the intern- experience.” ship next year. The program is a compan- Congo’s primary role at IBC was contact- ion initiative to the IBC Nurse Scholars ing members who were possible candidates Program, which seeks to stem the future Lankenau Hospital staff nurse Tiffany for a new Oncology Case Management shortage of nurses and nurse educators by Adams, B.S.N., R.N., who is an M.S.N. Program. “The thing that stuck with me and providing scholarships to undergraduate and student at the College, undertook her made my job there so enjoyable is that even graduate nurses (see the Spring 2005 Vil- practicum at IBC last summer to further her though I wasn’t providing direct patient care, lanova Nursing). knowledge of managed care.

24 V ILLANOVA N URSING Centenarian Awarded Medallion for Lifelong Contributions

erving her church, region and Hospital until her retirement in 1970. Sprofession seems to come easily Known for promoting quality patient to J. Margaret Ada Mutch, M.A., R.N. care in her leadership roles, as well Maybe that’s because she has decades as for being an exemplar for young of experience. At 100 years of age, nursing professionals, Miss Mutch also Miss Mutch was awarded the Vil- was active in professional associations, lanova University College of Nursing even recently serving on the board of Medallion for Lifelong Contributions Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. She also to Nursing and Community Service. was active in Eldernet, taking younger The ceremony took place on April 9 at senior citizens to doctor’s appointments. the College’s 16th Annual Mass and She traveled in support of Presbyterian Alumni Awards Ceremony. nursing missions around the world. She A native of Scotland, at the age of worked with a local visiting nurses asso- 7 she arrived in Bryn Mawr, Pa., when ciation and volunteered with Meals on J. Margaret Ada Mutch, M.A., R.N. is commended by her father was called to be the pastor Wheels. Additionally, Miss Mutch is a Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell and the Rev. at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. As faithful friend of the College of Nursing Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A., ’58 A&S, Villanova Univer- a young woman, Miss Mutch taught at and the University. sity president, during the College’s 16th Annual Mass her alma mater, The Baldwin School in Miss Mutch’s community service and Alumni Awards Ceremony. It was celebrated in St. Bryn Mawr, before deciding to change continues through her dedication to Thomas of Villanova Church on April 9. careers and become a nurse. Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Miss Mutch entered the nursing work at Presbyterian Hospital. Along the A member for 86 years, she is the program at Columbia University-Presbyte- way, she served in the Reserve and retired as church’s longest-living member and has rian Hospital in New York City. She prac- lieutenant colonel. been involved in countless activities. ticed there until 1942, when she joined the In 1955, Miss Mutch moved back to the A diminutive woman with a broad reach, Army Nurse Corps and served in the Euro- Philadelphia area and became director of Miss Mutch has touched many lives in her pean Theater until 1945. After World War Nursing at Lankenau Hospital in Wynne- commitment to serving others over so many II, she returned to Columbia to complete her wood and director of its hospital-based years. For that, she enjoys the admiration and M.S.N. at Teachers College and resume her nursing school. She served at Lankenau respect of numerous colleagues and friends.

Texan Nursing Professor Tells of Mission for Tsunami Relief

n the 28th Annual Distinguished Lecture in tioners, social workers, dieticians, trans- INursing on November 9, Brig. Gen. Wil- lators and administrative personnel. liam Bester, USA, ANC (Ret.), M.S.N., R.N. The Mercy sent out teams to triage offered a compelling account of his experi- patients and bring them on board via heli- ences volunteering as nurse executive aboard copter. That region alone had lost 140,000 the USNS Mercy. He titled his talk “Waves of citizens. Initially the teams addressed Relief: Medical and Nursing Support for the injuries related to the tsunami. Later, they Tsunami Victims.” dealt with the sequelae of poverty and poor- En route to Banda Aceh, Indonesia, last to-nonexistent health care, such as untreated January, Bester and the medical direc- tumors, cancers, burn contractures and birth tor planned the workings of the floating defects. They treated 178 inpatients; had The first male to serve as chief of the U.S. hospital’s 100 beds, two operating rooms more than 9,200 outpatient visits; performed Army Nurse Corps, Brig. Gen. William and 10 ICUs. 285 surgeries; and taught CPR, obstetric and Bester, USA, ANC (Ret.), M.S.N., R.N. is now For the first time in disaster relief, pediatric topics to local health-care person- a professor of clinical nursing at the Univer- the team combined military and civil- nel. Patients, families and staff bonded dur- sity of Texas at Austin’s School of Nursing. ian personnel, organized in partnership ing this emotional experience, Bester said. with Project Hope. More than half of The lecture and reception in the Presi- the volunteers were R.N.s. The team dent’s Lounge of the Connelly Center was also included physicians, oral surgeons, supported by a grant from the Johnson & veterinarians, optometrists, nurse practi- Johnson Family of Companies.

F ALL 2 0 0 5 25 Graduate Student Took the Initiative to Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome By Elizabeth Dowdell, Ph.D., R.N., CRNP

loria Cissne ’04 M.S.N., R.N., point of her paper was the need for G CRNP is a dedicated and caring education directed at parents, mothers pediatric nurse whose clinical experi- in particular, about how dangerous it ence caring for the victims of shaken can be to shake an infant. From this baby syndrome (SBS) led her to do section of her paper, she developed something about what she was seeing. an educational pamphlet, which she According to the National Institute of edited for her clinical placement Neurological Disorders and Stroke, population. SBS is a severe form of head injury that In fall 2004, Cissne offered an occurs when an infant is shaken forcibly evening program, open to all clients enough to cause the baby’s brain to from her clinic. She highlighted her rebound against the skull. This rebound- pamphlet, which she had titled Shak- ing may cause bruising and swelling of ing your baby is NEVER okay. She the brain and intracerebral hemorrhage. talked with them about an infant’s nor- The result may be permanent, severe mal growth and development, offered brain damage or death. information on child health and went In her role as a clinical nurse on the over the proper use of infant car seats. Integrated Care Services Unit, a medi- The response to Cissne’s well-attended cal floor at The Children’s Hospital of session was very positive. Many of the After working in a clinic while earning her M.S.N. at Philadelphia, Cissne discovered that teen-age mothers took the pamphlet Villanova, Gloria Cissne ’04 M.S.N., R.N., CRNP created the infants who had a diagnosis of SBS home, and said it was the first one ways to help pregnant teens and mothers learn about the had multiple issues of care. Frequently, they had received on the topic. devastating consequences of shaking a baby. social issues were the concern, such as Now working in Lancaster in a who was the perpetrator, or who would take well into her graduate studies, says she busy, primary care private practice that the baby home, or what kinds of educational began to think about “where I was in my serves more than 10,000 patients, Cissne efforts would be helpful for the family. As clinical placement.” She wondered how she continues to teach about SBS. She has talked Cissne continued to care for these infants, “could help these young teen-age mothers with those in her practice about the topic she became aware that for many parents, learn what not to do with their infants.” and makes it a point to educate every family there had been no primary education about As a result, Cissne developed a com- that she can. In addition to seeing patients, the danger that can occur when a baby is plex independent study with outcome goals she also takes calls and does rounds at the shaken. leading to the synthesis of a comprehensive local hospital, specifically discharging As an M.S.N. student in the Pediatric state-of-the-science review of literature, a mothers and infants. “I see lots of mothers and infants in my job and I make sure that “Some mothers are very informed and I talk to each one about not shaking their others are clueless, but regardless, they all need baby,” Cissne says. “Some mothers are very informed and others are clueless, but regard- to know that it is never okay to shake an infant.” less, they all need to know that it is never —Gloria Cissne ’04 M.S.N., R.N., CRNP okay to shake an infant.” Nurses are in an ideal position to teach Nurse Practitioner concentration at Villanova paper and a pamphlet with learning objec- and talk about SBS, which can and does University’s College of Nursing, Cissne tives for the clients she saw at her clinical have devastating consequences for its young worked out of an Abington (Pa.) Memorial practicum, in which I guided her work. victims. Hospital-based clinic that provided care pre- Based on Cissne’s literature review and Currently, Cissne is studying for certifi- dominately to teen-agers who were pregnant the objectives of her independent study, she cation boards and is editing her paper to sub- or already mothers. wrote a paper that focused on the issue of mit for publication. She continues to make Frustrated with what she perceived as SBS and the nurse’s role when dealing with good use of her pamphlet as a teaching tool a lack of education and awareness, Cissne, these infants and their families. A major in her job, and is pleased with its success.

26 V ILLANOVA N URSING Scholarships and Awards Junior Lauren Chapnick and sophomore Philadelphia hospital. Levine had been a The Jill Laura Creedon Scholarship Sarah Irantalab have received scholar- summer extern and is now a patient care for Nursing ships from the Foundation of the National technician on an oncology unit. She was Jay D. Piccini, senior recognized for her grade-point average and Student Nurses’ Association. Those The Eastwood Family Scholarship recommendations of employers and faculty. contributing funding for the program Danielle T. Sammartino, freshman included hospitals and health-care agencies in Pennsylvania, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Recipients Honored The Daniel M. and Christine A. Finnegan and national companies with an interest in During Parents’ Weekend Endowed Nursing Scholarship in Memory of Eileen S. Lupton, Class of 2003 supporting nursing education. The funds The College of Nursing held a brunch dur- Christine A. Fink, junior were raised at the gala sponsored by J&J. ing Parents’ Weekend for its 2005 under- Junior Meghan C. Murphy was selected graduate and graduate scholarship recipi- The Eileen Shea Lupton Endowed by the Association of Independent Colleges ents and invited guests. Those honored on Memorial Scholarship and Universities of Pennsylvania to receive September 17 at the Villanova Conference Natalie C. Wolchasty, senior a 2005-06 McLean Scholarship for Nursing Center were: The Mary V. O’Donnell Endowed Majors. Recipients are recognized for their Julia B. Paparella Scholarship Nursing Scholarship grade-point average, campus leadership and Ann E. Donnelly, sophomore Jonathan A. Messing, junior community volunteerism. Mary Alice Holland Scholarship The Kreider Family Endowed an M.S.N. Marilu Kelly ’91 B.S.N., R.N., Ashley J. Rodenbach, senior Nursing Scholarship in Nursing Education student at the Elizabeth A. Wray, junior College, was awarded the 2005 G. Fred Jannetti Publications DiBona Scholarship from the Pennsylvania MedSurg Nursing Scholarship The Mother Teresa Endowed Nursing Higher Education Foundation. This scholar- Nicole Martinez, R.N. Scholarship Established by Peter and Colleen Schleider in Memory of Richard ship was designed for graduate students The Robert and Frances pursuing education that enables them to and Ellen Wright Capone Scholarship Irene Cheng, freshman become nurse educators. Kelly, a clinical Megan J. Mukai, senior instructor in medical-surgical nursing at a local community college, anticipates gradu- ating in December 2006. Ruth Crothers, M.S.N., APRN,BC, CNOR was selected by the trustees of the National League for Nursing’s Foundation for Nursing Education to receive The Prom- ise of Nursing for Pennsylvania Regional Faculty Scholarship. The funds for this scholarship were contributed by several hospitals and heath-care organizations, by Johnson & Johnson and by companies with an interest in supporting nursing education. Crothers is a second-year doctoral student. Jennifer Rosman, a BSNExpress student, received a scholarship from the Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania. She antici- pates graduating in August 2006. Karen Levine, a senior, was awarded a Nursing scholarship recipients honored at the September 17 brunch were (from left): scholarship from the Steele Fund Endow- senior Ashley J. Rodenbach; Nicole Martinez, R.N.; freshman Danielle T. Sammartino; ment at Pennsylvania Hospital. The freshman Irene Cheng; junior Christine A. Fink; senior Jay D. Piccini; junior Jonathan scholarship is given to nursing students A. Messing; sophomore Ann E. Donnelly; junior Elizabeth A. Wray; senior Megan J. who intend to continue working at this Mukai and senior Natalie C. Wolchasty.

F ALL 2 0 0 5 27 College Presents Awards at Convocation The College of Nursing held its annual Convocation for B.S.N. and M.S.N. candidates on May 21. For the first time, a student won more than one award. The following awards were presented in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church: College of Nursing Medallion for Distinguished Academic Achievement H. Elaine McCaully Award for Clinical Excellence The Joseph and Helen Yura Petro Nursing Theory Award Kristen M. Kreider B.S.N. candidate College of Nursing Medallion for The Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A., ’58 A&S, Villanova University president, greeted the Distinguished Academic Achievement College’s Presidential Scholars at a September reception held at the Dundale Mansion on Maureen “Mia” Leavy Holman the West Campus. The scholars are (from left): sophomore Eileen Condon, junior Jennifer M.S.N. candidate Lanzo, senior Christine Martinenza, and freshmen Colleen Avery and Lyndsay Escajeda. The Reverend Francis X.N. McGuire, O.S.A. Award of the Villanova The Hazel Johnson-Brown Claire M. Manfredi Graduate Nursing University Alumni Association Leadership Award Leadership Award Colleen M. Gruffi Megan E. Anderson Lisa S. Trochimowicz, M.S.N. B.S.N. candidate B.S.N. candidate

Employment Opportunities for Nurse Educators

Villanova University’s College of Nursing, an National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education, is expanding its faculty and seeks:

• A tenure track full-time nurse educator to teach in International experience is ideal. M.S.N. in community/ its undergraduate program. Candidates should have public health nursing and doctorate in nursing or related preparation and experience in adult health and illness, as field required. Teaching experience required. well as in critical care. Strong emphasis in neurological • A full-time nurse educator to teach undergraduates diseases and teaching experience a plus. Master’s and pediatric nursing in the classroom and clinical area. doctoral degree in nursing required. Eligible for tenure track appointment. Candidates • A full-time nurse educator to teach in the undergraduate must have expertise in pediatric nursing plus research and graduate programs. Candidates should have expertise experience in this field. M.S.N., doctoral degree and in health promotion, community health and epidemiology. practice experience in tertiary care setting required.

Please send letter of application, curriculum vitae, graduate school transcripts and contact information for three references to: Teresa Holman | Search Committee | Villanova University | College of Nursing | 800 Lancaster Ave., | Villanova, PA 19085

Villanova University is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. An AA/EOE employer, Villanova seeks a diverse faculty committed to scholarship, service and teaching, who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

28 V ILLANOVA N URSING Alumni News

Alumna Symbolizes the Spirit of St. Thomas of Villanova andy Myers Gomberg ’85 B.S.N., ’90 as chief operating officer for the center, SM.S.N. received the 2005 St. Thomas which she helped to launch in 1998. of Villanova Alumni Medal, the highest “It was while working as a healthcare honor bestowed by the Villanova University consultant that she was offered an opportu- Alumni Association. Awarded during Alumni nity almost unprecedented in today’s mar- Reunion Weekend in June, the medal honors ket—to help open a completely new pedi- alumni who best symbolize the spirit and atric hospital,” noted a profile of Gomberg legacy of Villanova’s patron saint. Gomberg in Nursing Spectrum (October 22, 2001). has done just that. The article pointed out that at the Children’s She built on her service as the Villanova Medical Center, she made it a priority to Chapter and state president of the Student improve health care for the large number of Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) uninsured children nearby. to create a distinct portfolio of administra- Not only does Gomberg ensure the provi- tive successes in her leadership positions. sion of quality health care services, but her She continues to serve as a consultant to the legacy of community service continues as organization. well. She is the founder and first president of Gomberg’s administrative career began ican, the International Children’s Anophthal- when she moved from a staff nurse to mia Network, a support group for families Sandy Myers Gomberg ’85 B.S.N., ’90 become a nurse manager and later depart- and their children born with the birth defect M.S.N. (left), who was honored with a 2005 ment head at the Albert Einstein Medical anophthalmia or microphthalmia, medical St. Thomas of Villanova Alumni Medal, Center in Philadelphia. For Nurse’s House terms used to describe the absence of one or received warm congratulations from Connelly Call in Yardley, Pa., she served as a pediatric both eyes or eye tissue. (See page 15). Ican, Endowed Dean and Professor M. Louise and perinatal specialist and acting vice presi- which includes families, friends and health- Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., FAAN. dent of clinical services. care professionals, provides information and Currently, she is the associate hospital education and supports research about these Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award director for Temple University Hospital conditions. from Sigma Theta Tau International. She in Philadelphia. She has served as admin- The College of Nursing in 1994 awarded also was named one of “40 Under 40 Busi- istrator for pediatrics, as well as chief Gomberg an Alumni Medallion. Villanova is ness Leaders” by the Philadelphia Business nursing officer for Temple’s Children’s not the only entity to recognize her contribu- Journal, which saluted her as a “tireless Medical Center, and from 1998-2003 tions to society. Among her awards are the advocate for children’s health.”

While visiting the Sultanate of Oman last summer, Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., FAAN enjoyed the company of a group of Villanova Nursing alumni from Oman. With her are (front row, from left) Jamal al-Khaduri ’99 B.S.N, ’03 M.S.N.; Sumaiya al-Ghaithy ’98 B.S.N., ’03 M.S.N.; Nada al-Moosa ’99 B.S.N., ’03 M.S.N. (back row, from left) Suad al- Junaibi ’03 M.S.N.; Fatma al-Lamki ’98 B.S.N., ’03 M.S.N.; Saada Al-Barwani ’98 B.S.N., ’02 M.S.N.; Amal al-Ghassani ’99 B.S.N., ’02 M.S.N.; and Faiza al-Jabri ’99 B.S.N., ’03 M.S.N. Muneer Al-Hamdi (back row, right) also joined the group.

F ALL 2 0 0 5 29 College Celebrates Achievements of Three Medallion Recipients riven to excellence. That phrase describes • Barbara McCabe Mills ’76 B.S.N., M.S., Program. Not one to accept the status quo, Dall three of the 2005 Villanova University R.N.C., A.N.P., P.N.P., CCRN she is involved with continuous quality College of Nursing Medallion recipients who Medallion for Clinical Excellence improvement programs and outcomes were honored at the 16th Annual Mass and in Nursing assessment for the Cardiothoracic Surgery Alumni Awards Ceremony on April 9. The Mills is a nurse practitioner in cardio-tho- Department. Infused with a sense of pur- medallion is the College’s highest award for racic surgery at Stony Brook University pose, she has extended her impact beyond distinguished achievement. Co-sponsored by Hospital. Part of the SUNY system, it the walls of Stony Brook and is active the College and its Nursing Alumni Society, is Long Island’s only university-based in educating the community through the the ceremony took place in St. Thomas of hospital. She is certified in critical care hospital’s Heart Program. She also shares Villanova Church. M. Louise Fitzpatrick, nursing and as both an adult and pediatric her knowledge and talents with new gen- Ed.D., R.N., FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean nurse practitioner. She is a role model, a erations of nurse practitioners through her and Professor, presented the medallions. recognized clinical leader and expert, and joint appointment as an assistant clinical a fierce patient advocate. Mills credits professor at the School of Nursing at Stony • Susan Chianese Slaninka ’69 B.S.N., the College of Nursing, as well as her Brook University, teaching in both the Ed.D., R.N. faith and family, with teaching her what it undergraduate and graduate programs. Her Medallion for Distinguished Contributions to Nursing Education Dr. Slaninka was recognized for a career reflecting an unwavering and spirited com- mitment to teaching, a passion she says she gained at Villanova. She was commended for her clinical expertise, collaborative approach and quest for quality that inspires her students and colleagues. She recently retired from West Chester University’s Department of Nursing after influenc- ing undergraduate and graduate students for more than 30 years. Now in her early retirement, she has returned to Villanova as an adjunct faculty member, continuing her tradition of being supportive to the College. Dr. Slaninka owns the credentials to teach, but also the soul. She is a caring mentor to students and colleagues at all levels. Giving of her time, energy and (From left) Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., knowledge, she invites students to collabo- FAAN awarded medallions to Barbara McCabe Mills ’76 B.S.N., M.S., R.N.C., A.N.P., rate on research activities and assists them P.N.P., CCRN; Sharon E. Johnson ’91 M.S.N., R.N.C., CNA; and Susan Chianese Slaninka with their scholarly pursuits. She remains ’69 B.S.N., Ed.D., R.N. The Rev. Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A., ’58 A&S, Villanova University student-focused, championing support for president, presided at the 16th Annual Mass and Alumni Awards Ceremony on April 9. them and precepting other nurse educa- tors in-the-making. Her students and the means to care. Savvy, sharp and skilled, professionalism and expertise influence all entire learning community recognized her she was dubbed by her colleagues as “the who come in contact with her. by awarding her West Chester’s Teaching Force”; they were awed by her energy and Award for the School of Health Sciences expertise in caring for patients and their • Sharon E. Johnson ’91 M.S.N., in 1998, as well as the Lindback Award for families. Mills combines her advanced R.N.C., CNA distinguished teaching the following year. education and clinical mastery to effort- Medallion for Leadership in the Adminis- A widely published author and frequent lessly blend nursing care with the high-tech tration of Health Care Services lecturer, Dr. Slaninka continues to teach us environment in which she works. Johnson is director of home health for The all. Clearly her life as an educator will have Mills was integral to the establishment Home Care Network of Jefferson Health an effect for generations to come. of Stony Brook’s Open Heart Surgery System in Radnor, Pa. A proactive and

30 V ILLANOVA N URSING engaged leader with vision, she supports and and a role model who encourages profes- and negotiates the labyrinth of health drives her staff to provide outstanding nurs- sional development and creativity on the job. care. She is known for her expertise in the ing care to their patients. Johnson is energetic in her position, decisive administration of home health services. Johnson is responsible for clinical prac- in her methods and proactive in adjusting She demands continual improvement in tice and operations, development of stan- strategies to lead in her complex environ- the provision of services, based on best dards and staff education, and competency ment. Her staff can handle the challenges practices. It pays off. Both her health and research. She says Villanova affirmed that face them because she does. system and her patients benefit from her her beliefs about nursing and a commitment Johnson lives the mission of her orga- talents. This is why other home health to quality care. While demanding excellence nization and her own professional nursing providers study her organization to see how of her staff, she is a supportive colleague beliefs as she facilitates critical efforts things should be done. (See back cover.)

News from Our Graduates Villanova’s College of Nursing. Deirdre services, has its global headquarters in Dittrich ’87 B.S.N. in May was selected Raleigh, N.C. 1970s as one of four finalists in the clinical care Alice Finore Brogan ’70 B.S.N. teaches specialty category of the New York/New 2000s nursing at Gwynedd-Mercy College and Jersey region Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek Navy Ltjg. Tiffany Ann Bachman Dodson also works in the real estate business. 2005 Nurse Excellence awards. The award ’00 B.S.N. is deployed to Guantanamo Bay, James C. McCann ’72 B.S.N., D.N.Sc., is given to an R.N. who demonstrates Cuba, where she works at the Detention R.N., CANP is the inaugural dean and excellence in direct-care delivery. Dittrich Hospital at Camp Delta. Katherine Robbins an associate professor at Marian College cares for critically ill children and their ’02 B.S.N., R.N.,BC passed the National School of Nursing in Fond du Lac, Wisc. families at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Board Certification Exam in Medical- He is transforming its department of in New York City. Donna Callaghan ’87 Surgical Nursing. A former telemetry float nursing studies into a school of nursing, M.S.N., D.N.Sc., APRN,BC was awarded a pool nurse, she is now part of the ICU float helping build a new nursing and science research grant from the Institute for Nursing, pool at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in building, and developing a nursing doctoral the foundation of the New Jersey State Boston. Bridgette M. Carter ’03 B.S.N., program. Lonnie Aquaro Sebastian ’79 Nurses Association. She was presented with M.S.N., R.N. was awarded her M.S.N. B.S.N., ’92 M.S.N., R.N.,C is a staff nurse the award at the 2005 New Jersey Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania in in the Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Convention in Atlantic City. May. She earned a 4.0 G.P.A. and received Department at the Bryn Mawr (Pa.) the Dean’s Award for epitomizing the Hospital. She is a Certified Cardiac 1990s philosophy of Penn’s School of Nursing Rehabilitation nurse and is also certified by Lori Graver ’90 B.S.N., R.N., a medical- through leadership, citizenship and social the American College of Sports Medicine surgical nurse, received a Bryn Mawr (Pa.) activism. Carter completed the Psychiatric as an Exercise Specialist and by the Hospital Excellence in Nursing Award. Mental Health Advanced Practice Nurse American Council on Exercise as a Group She was chosen by peers and co-workers program in one year, and planned to begin Fitness Instructor. This year she received for her quality patient care, innovation, Penn’s nursing Ph.D. program this fall. Her an Excellence in Nursing Award from leadership and professionalism. Nancy research interest lies in helping to prevent Bryn Mawr Hospital during Nurses Week. Pimental ’92 B.S.N., ’04 M.S.N., R.N., HIV/STD transmission in black teen-age She was chosen by peers and co-workers CPNP and Michelle M. Kelly ’94 B.S.N., girls. Michaela Connolly ’05 B.S.N., R.N. for her quality patient care, innovation, M.S.N., CRNP, both pediatric nurse had her Villanova College of Nursing senior leadership and professionalism. Sebastian practitioners, are now adjunct clinical year independent study, “Keeping the Boat teaches a strength training class for adults faculty members at Villanova’s College of Afloat: Tips on Fundraising Strategies for over age 55 for the hospital’s Community Nursing. Nancy Dunphy ’98 B.S.N. spent a Your Chapter,” published in the Fall 2005 Health Department and has produced month in the coastal city of Banda Aceh in Imprints, the magazine of the National an exercise video, available at www. Sumatra, Indonesia, caring for the victims Student Nurses’ Association (SNAP). As a strongforlifeworkout.com/home.shtml or of last December’s tsunami disaster. She student, Connolly wrote the SNAP-Villanova by calling (610) 265-9412. She chairs the volunteered with Project Hope, a Virginia- Chapter’s fundraising manual. Nichole Philadelphia chapter of the Tri-state Society based nonprofit aid mission providing Werger ’05 B.S.N., R.N. practices in the for Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. medical care on board the hospital ship surgical ICU at Georgetown Hospital in USNS Mercy. Kathleen M. Boyden ’98 Washington, D.C. Maureen “Mia” Leavy 1980s M.S.N., Ph.D., R.N. was promoted to Holman ’05 M.S.N., R.N., N.P. published Karen Blake ’87 B.S.N., M.S.N., R.N., associate director, Pharmacovigilance for “Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: a neonatal nurse practitioner, is now INC Research. The company, which provides Implications for Primary Care” in The Nurse an adjunct clinical faculty member at therapeutically specialized drug development Practitioner (September).

F ALL 2 0 0 5 31 A Life Lived Fully, Day by Day and sociology. During her junior year, when She continues to affect lives as she had the liver tumors reappeared, she received desired. In a final letter she wrote to friends, 25, a junior in Vil- ill Laura Creedon, a living donor transplant from her mother. relatives and classmates, Creedon informed lanova University’s College of Nursing, J At this time, Creedon realized the value of them of her wishes, asking that in lieu of died on July 12. Creedon, from Wayne, Pa., good nursing care. After her recovery, she flowers, a scholarship fund be established to entered the second-degree program in August returned to Virginia Tech, graduated with her provide financial assistance to a Villanova 2004 and, carrying a full course load, finished bachelor’s degree and worked in the insur- Nursing student, especially someone who the year with a 3.29 G.P.A. “Highly moti- ance field. vated” and “extraordinary” were not the only Late in 2002, her tumors returned “I want to make a words used by Nursing faculty to describe (“a blessing in disguise,” Creedon wrote, her, but they are certainly accurate. Creedon difference in people’s lives as explaining “I liked what I did but did not love” her insurance job). She resigned from they have made in mine.” her job to battle her cancer. Feeling an even —Jill Laura Creedon stronger love for nursing, she was deter- mined that if she survived, she would “give has a medical condition and demonstrates back and help those in need.” Those were the financial need. The first recipient of this words she used when she applied to the Col- scholarship is Jay D. Piccini, a senior. lege of Nursing; she wrote that she “owed it” to herself, to God and to everyone who had Donations may be sent to: ever helped her. “I want to make a difference The Jill Laura Creedon Scholarship Fund in people’s lives as they have made in mine,” for Nursing she noted. Villanova University College of Nursing Creedon completed her medical-surgical Office of the Dean clinical rotation at Lankenau and Bryn Mawr 800 Lancaster Ave. hospitals. She had planned to do a summer Villanova, PA 19085 externship at the Hospital of the University While studying Nursing at Villanova as a of Pennsylvania, where she had received her Creedon is survived by her parents, second-degree student, Jill Laura Creedon transplant. In their letters recommending Timothy and Janet, and her brother, Paul. battled a rare disease. She wrote during that Creedon for the externship, Nursing faculty A Memorial Mass was celebrated at time, “If living with this disease has taught described her as “empathetic,” “clinically St. Thomas of Villanova Church. me anything, it is to take one day at a time. astute” and “meticulous in the delivery of Life is so precious and yet so unpredictable, care to patients.” But the externship was an In Memoriam: Alumni every day should be considered a blessing.” experience that was not to be. Allyson Wilgar Jones ’81 B.S.N., on June Last summer, before Creedon’s death, was a full-time student while being treated 12, 2004, in Williamsport, Pa. Frances Keen, D.N.Sc., R.N.,C, assistant for metastatic hemangioendothelioma, a rare Eileen Murray Kelly ’77 B.S.N., of dean and director of the Nursing undergradu- condition of vascular tumors. Downingtown, Pa., on May 9. ate program, presented her with a certificate As a young child, Creedon initially beat Laura Padlock ’02 M.S.N., a geriatric recognizing her outstanding achievement in the disease. She graduated from Notre Dame nurse practitioner from Coatesville, Pa., on nursing clinicals and theory, and also pre- de Namur Academy in Villanova, Pa., where June 20. Memorial donations may be sent to sented her with the school pin usually given she enjoyed playing softball, socccer and The Laura Padlock Memorial Fund, Geriatric to seniors at Convocation. track. At Virginia Tech, she majored in inter- Associates, 2106 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 10, Creedon cited her family support and disciplinary studies and minored in biology Lancaster, PA 17601. strong faith for helping her live day by day.

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To nominate yourself for the following positions in Please print the Nursing Alumni Society, please complete this Name: ______form and mail for receipt by January 8, 2006. Villanova University degree/s and year/s: ______I wish to be nominated for: Home address: E-mail address: ______❏ Vice president Street: ______❏ ❏ Board member Yes, please send me College of Nursing e-mail newsletters. Use this form as well to send us your news for the City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Here is my news for class notes: ______next Villanova Nursing magazine and to receive Home telephone: ______future College of Nursing e-mail newsletters. ______Mail this form to: Employer: ______Nursing Alumni Society Position/title: ______College of Nursing ______800 Lancaster Avenue Work address: ______Villanova University Street: ______Villanova, PA 19085-1690 City: ______State: ______Zip: ______To update your alumni profile, please call the ______Villanova University Alumni Association at 1-800- Work telephone: ______VILLANOVA or e-mail [email protected]. ______

32 V ILLANOVA N URSING The “Best Role Models” Led Her to Teaching Learning to study as an international graduate student at Villanova guided Li-Ling Lin ’97 M.S.N., Ph.D., R.N. when she became a nurse educator in Taiwan.

By Elizabeth Dowdell, Ph.D., R.N., CRNP

hen Li-Ling Lin ’97 M.S.N., Ph.D., stop studying.” She adds, “I am proud to program. She soon entered the doctoral WR.N., assistant professor in the Depart- be an alumna of Villanova Nursing.” program at University of Texas at Austin’s ment of Nursing at Chang Jung Christian Uni- Dr. Lin credits Villanova’s Nursing School of Nursing, where she researched versity in South Taiwan, speaks of her time as graduate faculty for being the “best role the possibility of role strain, given the fact an M.S.N. student at Villanova University’s models” she could have had. Her experience there are so many nurses in Taiwan return- College of Nursing, she quietly states that of observing faculty in the classroom and ing to school to advance their professional “coming to Villanova turned out to be the best clinical settings, in addition to her own expe- status. “First-hand experiences motivated decision I made in my life.” rience teaching in her practicum, affected her me to conduct my doctoral dissertation Growing up in South Taiwan, she knew “beliefs and behaviors” of how she views on multiple role issues among re-entering at a young age that she wanted to become nursing education and the role of teacher. mother students in nursing,” she explains. a nurse. In 1987, she graduated from a After focusing her M.S.N. independent At Chang Jung, where Dr. Lin teaches baccalaureate nursing program and began a study on R.N.-B.S.N. programs, she became both undergraduates and graduate students, two-year practice as an R.N. in a hospital. interested in issues related to nursing stu- her courses include Nursing Research, Then for more than three years, she taught dents who return to the classroom. Under Introduction to Statistics, Nursing Theory, general health concepts to students at a Tai- the supervision of Janie Brown, Ed.D., R.N., Advanced Nursing, and Pediatric and Mater- wanese university. In 1995 she decided that associate professor, she studied two R.N.- nal Nursing. She plans to teach for the next she wanted to attend graduate school in the B.S.N. programs at Pennsylvania institutions several years and conduct research and pub- United States. She chose Villanova because of higher education. She looked closely lish in the areas of women’s health, children her cousin was studying in Philadelphia and at their student characteristics, program and educational topics. she felt better knowing someone in the area. designs, school and faculty attitudes, and In June, Dr. Lin presented a poster on At Villanova, she earned her M.S.N. in even nursing educational systems. her doctoral dissertation at the International the Nursing Education concentration and Villanova Nursing’s family-like atmo- Council of Nurses (ICN) 23rd Quadrennial did her clinical practicum in parent-child sphere and friendly faculty, students and Congress, which took place in Taiwan. She nursing. Dr. Lin compares her experience staff create a most welcoming environment. also served as translator for the four Vil- as a student to being like “a dry sponge. I Dr. Lin found the College to be extremely lanovans who attended (see page 14). At the was very busy absorbing and working very friendly to international students. She spe- Congress, she says she was “very impressed hard.” Her time at Villanova, she added, cifically remembers how the faculty “without to see nurses from more than 100 countries, taught her “invaluable knowledge and any judgment on my poor English allowed and the variety of issues related to health helped develop personal learning skills me to study and to express my thoughts and nursing. I saw how many things had to and attitudes, which encouraged me to freely.” While at Villanova, she took be done to conduct an international confer- pursue further study in a Ph.D. program. advantage of the many programs offered to ence with more than 4,000 participants. No Before I attended Villanova, my self-image students, such as the Writing Center. wonder my county’s nursing association had was that I am not a study person. After I After graduating from Villanova, she prepared for this meeting for 10 years.” graduated from Villanova, I was afraid to taught at a college with an R.N.-B.S.N.

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F ALL 2 0 0 5 33 Four Nursing Leaders on the Main Line

o find excellence in nursing administra- she has been a talented leader with a reputa- Mawr Rehab Hospital in Malvern, Pa. In Ttion, take a short drive—east or west— tion for integrity, team-building and clinical 2004, building on her more than 20 years in from Villanova University. Along the Main program development. nursing administration, she moved to this Line, the College of Nursing proudly claims Coladonato says she strives to be an inno- 151-bed acute rehabilitation hospital, the four outstanding alumnae who are respon- vator with her management team, developing Mid-Atlantic’s largest and most compre- sible for the excellent nursing care provided strategic plans to attract and “retain the best hensive rehabilitation services organization. at two hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital and nurses amidst the ongoing nursing short- In managing high-profile projects, Gurney a home health care agency. age.” She adds, “We want to be the employer leads nearly 300 nurses and other employ- of choice.” She is doing her job well: This ees from such areas as pharmacy, materials • Claire Baldwin ’86 M.S.N., R.N. is the fall, Lankenau was awarded the prestigious management and radiology. She enjoys vice president for patient services at Bryn Magnet™ designation (see page 7). combining her bottom-line orientation and Mawr Hospital, where she began working strong skills in business development with in 1984. The College enjoys a longstanding • Joanne F. Gurney ’71 B.S.N., ’88 an ability to inspire her staff. relationship with this hospital in Bryn Mawr, M.S.N., R.N. is director of nursing at Bryn Gurney is the immediate past president of Pa., having signed its first clinical agency the College’s Nursing Alumni Society. contract for the 1966-67 academic year. Since 2001, Baldwin has been responsible • Sharon E. Johnson ’91 M.S.N., R.N.C., for the administrative and managerial func- CNA is the director of home health for The tions within the nursing and emergency Home Care Network of Jefferson Health departments, the cardiac catheterization lab System in Radnor, Pa., the largest regional and the pharmacy. Recently, she was named home care provider in the five-county area. a finalist in the administration category In home health, the biggest challenge is for the Nightingale Award, which honors “balancing resources with care needs of exceptional nurses practicing in the Com- our patients in a difficult reimbursement monwealth. environment,” she says. Those care needs Baldwin attracts and retains nurses by are becoming more complex: “Patients strategizing with her staff; she has imple- Bryn Mawr Hospital: Lankenau Hospital: are sicker, older, more frail, require more Claire Baldwin Angela Coladonato mented their suggestions such as shared gov- ’86 M.S.N., R.N. ’77 B.S.N., M.S.N., R.N. high-tech care and have social needs that ernance and a clinical ladder program. She can interfere with their ability to stay in their sees Bryn Mawr Hospital’s recent Magnet™ homes,” she adds. designation (see page 7) as “a magnificent Johnson’s challenges run the gamut from recognition for the entire hospital staff for recruiting and retaining experienced nurses the excellent work that they do each day for to staff safety and the high cost of gasoline. every patient and family.” She takes pride in her ability to “make a dif- ference for home health patients,” locally by • Since 2001, Angela Coladonato ’77 improving patient outcomes over a 10-year B.S.N., M.S.N., R.N. has led more than period and nationally by serving on expert 700 employees in nursing and several other panels to study how outcomes are measured clinical departments as the vice president for and reported across the United States. (See nursing and operations at Lankenau Hospital page 30). Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital: The Home Care Network: in Wynnewood, Pa. Throughout her 28 years Joanne F. Gurney Sharon E. Johnson of nursing experience in a variety of settings, ’71 B.S.N., ’88 M.S.N., R.N. ’91 M.S.N., R.N.C., CNA

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34 V ILLANOVA N URSING