THE...... VOLUNTEER

...... NurseFALL 2019 SCIENCE ADVANCING

College Receives $7.5 Million, Largest Gift in Its History P. 2 OUR MISSION We are catalysts for optimizing health THE...... VOLUNTEER through nurse-led care by integrating DEAN’S MESSAGE education, practice, research, and technology. We define health broadly and impact it by addressing policy and social issues through advocacy and ...... leadership. Fueled by our commitment NurseFALL 2019 DEAR COLLEAGUES, ALUMNI, AND FRIENDS: 2019 ADVISORY BOARD to communities, families, and individuals, Cindy Bresee, Chair we seek partnerships to create innovative hat an exciting time to be a Volunteer nurse! In August, we welcomed new Jeannie Dulaney, Vice Chair solutions that improve health for all. IN THIS ISSUE and returning students for a new year on Rocky Top. Our enrollment has Jerry Askew Dean’s Message...... Inside Cover reached an all-time high of 924 and continues to grow. A special thanks OUR VISION Wto you—our alumni and supporters—for the role you play in the recruitment of our high- Laura Barnes Leading Care. Creating Partnerships. College Receives $7.5 Million, Largest Gift in Its History...... 2 caliber students. Tom Berg Improving Health. College & Faculty News Savannah Brueher Nurse Concentration Elevated to DNP...... 4 As nurses, advanced practice nurses, nurse leaders, and nurse researchers, we are constantly Doc Claussen College Receives SSH Accreditation...... 4 challenged to find innovative and effective ways to provide seamless, affordable, and safe Victoria Niederhauser Betsey Creekmore quality care that will produce improved health outcomes. Dean; Professor Hutson Inducted as Fellow of the American Kelly Henderson Association of Nurse Practitioners...... 4

In this edition of The Volunteer Nurse, we share some of the Randy Jenkins Roberta Lavin Baker Center and College of to Host 2 Diplomacy Lab...... 5 amazing work of our faculty and students who are advancing Teresa Levey Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Professor science and making a difference in the lives of people, families, Carlton Long UT Nursing Welcomes New Faculty and Staff...... 6 and communities. You will learn that our PhD program is Jason Long Lindley to Be Inducted as Fellow of the American Tami Wyatt celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! We also graduated Academy of Nursing...... 6 Becky Massey Associate Dean for Research; our 100th PhD graduate in August. It’s amazing to think about A Beneficial TRIP...... 6 Joe Mont McAfee Torchbearer Professor all the ways our 100 PhD graduates have made—and continue Janice McKinley Gaylord and Burke-Melton Take on New Roles...... 7 to make—significant contributions to nursing practice, theory, Nan Gaylord Morgan Receives DAISY Faculty Award...... 7 education, research, science, and administration. Hugh Nystrom Associate Dean for Practice and Peggy Pierce PhD Program Celebrates 100th Graduate...... 8 Global Affairs; Professor You will read about Lisa Lindley’s first-of-its-kind research in Lisa Reed Accolades...... 8 pediatric end-of-life care, which will directly inform a current Avice Reid Shelia Swift Advancing Science...... 10 national policy. You will also learn about what our faculty is Dean Skadberg Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Answering the Call: PhD Program Celebrates 30 Years....11 doing to stem opioid addiction. This work is needed now more Programs; Clinical Assistant 13 Alan Solomon Celebrating Sandra Thomas...... 13 than ever before. Professor Martha Weeks Knocking Down Barriers to Fight the Opioid Crisis...... 14 Lesa Whitson The College of Nursing remains committed to meeting health Sadie Hutson Improving End-of-Life Care for Children...... 16 care challenges and addressing critical health needs by preparing Wendy Wortham Assistant Dean of Graduate Notes of Gratitude...... 19 nurses who have a broad understanding of the profession, public policy, leadership, and Programs; Professor Dr. Sylvia E. Hart Distinguished Alumni Award...... 20 systems. The work of our faculty, students, and alumni is advancing science FACULTY REPRESENTATIVES through its impact in our region, state, and world. CONTRIBUTORS Volunteer Nursing Champion Award...... 20 ______Laurie Acred-Natelson Eleventh Annual NightinGala...... 21 Editor Once again, I extend my gratitude to you for your loyal support of the College of Nursing Nan Gaylord Emily Kissel Alumni Spotlight: Robin Smith...... 22 and our endeavors to advance science and answer the call of the nation. Victoria Niederhauser Meet the Advisors: Senator Becky Massey...... 24 Sandra Thomas Copy Editor Go VOLS! Student Spotlight: Adaya Kirk...... 25 Donna Spencer 25 EMERITI Graphic Designer Leonard & Gail Brabson Victoria Niederhauser DrPH, RN, PPCNP-BC, FAAN Laura Barroso SARA ROSENBALM CROLEY ENDOWED DEAN’S CHAIR Larry Burkhart ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON EXECUTIVE NURSE FELLOW 2008-2011 Alvin Gibson Writers DEAN AND PROFESSOR The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title IX/ Margaret Heins Laning Whitney Heins TWITTER: @VOLNURSINGDEAN CONTACT US Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of Rita Silen Emily Kissel its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration The Volunteer Nurse is published by the UT College of Nursing. Linda Vaughn Claire Van Riper for employment without regard to race, color, national Comments and letters can be sent to the editor at origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual University of Tennessee College of Nursing utknursing @utknursing Lydia Weathersby orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental UT College of Nursing, Communications, 1200 Volunteer Blvd., disability, or covered veteran status. The university name and its indicia within are trademarks of the Knoxville, TN 37996, [email protected]. University of Tennessee. A project of the College of Nursing. PAN E01-3010-054-001-20. 2 | FALL 2019 Nursing Programs Will Allow NeededGrowth in new roles for nurses. diabetes andobesity, increased emphasis onpreventative care, and chronic conditionssuch as aging baby boomers, growing rates of There are many reasons for anincreased demandfor nurses— care they need. significantly, people from it will keep accessingthe affordable skilled projectedThis seriousconsequences—most shortagebears percent increase inregistered nurse jobgrowth. In Tennessee, arecent workforce projection study estimates a40 nurse vacancies expected nationwide between 2014and2022. most professions over thenext 10 years, with1.2millionregistered rate for registered andadvanced practicenurses willexceed that of LaborStatistics, thejobgrowth According totheUSBureau of Renovated andExpandedBuilding Nursing Buildinginrecognition ofthisgenerous gift. on October 4.Pending approval from theBoard ofTrustees, therenovated space willbenamedtheCroley Dean Victoria Niederhauserannounced themilestone giftat thecollege’s celebration 11thannualNightinGala Dean’s Chair. college’s buildingrenovation andexpansion and$2millionestablishing theSara Rosenbalm Croley Endowed Croley (BSN’00)andherhusband,Ross. The purpose of thegiftistwofold, with$5.5millionsupportingthe The College ofNursinghasreceived thelargest giftinitshistory withagenerous giftof$7.5 millionfrom Sara College Receives $7.5 Million, Largest GiftinItsHistory

building, which and houses 100facultyand33staffmembers It currently operates from a41-year-old 42,000-square-foot goals, however. collegedoesn’tThe have thephysical spacetomeetitsgrowth faculty andstaffmembers. with thisgrowth, the collegealsoplanstoincrease thenumber of going from 800studentsin2018to1,2502023.Keeping pace annual enrollment initsthree programs by about55percent— beyond, thecollegehasenactedafive-year plantoincrease To meetthecontinued workforce demandsinourstate and 30. score of campus, andanaverage ACT any collegeof the highestof 2019 incomingBSNfreshman 4.2, classhasanaverage GPA of thebest andbrightest—thefall means ourstudentsare someof programs admissionintonursing competitiveThe nature of of spaceand resources. alack qualified applicantsbecauseof away iscontinually highly turning Nursing Collegeof The Ross andSara Croley

can befound at about thebuildingMore information and itsfundraisingcampaign remaining intheKnoxville area. in Tennessee withanestimated aftergraduation, 45to60percent students work ScienceinNursing ourBachelor of 90 percent of investmentThe is one that iscertain topay off for Tennessee. About serve ascampaign chairs. support. Inadditiontotheirdonation, theCroleys have to agreed college hassetacampaigngoaltoraise$10millioninprivate donations andstate funds, andthe through acombination of $60millionanticipatedThe costfor theproject willbefunded many more amazingnurses toentertheworkforce.” in Tennessee. opportunityfor We hopethisgiftopensadoorof nursing space. Ross andIare investing inthefuture of alackof of 4.0 GPA—and, more importantly, thedesire tobeanurse—because important role inpeople’s lives. away studentswitha UTisturning theirmostdifficultmoments. play Nurses such an during someof “Having worked asanurse for many years, Ihave cared for people As analumna,SaraCroley recognizes theneedfor more nurses. said Niederhauser. Nursing,” theCollegeof growing academicandresearch missionof and welcoming—that fosters collaboration andsupportsthe environmentfaculty withanexperiential learning that isinclusive renovated“This andexpanded building willprovide studentsand served by nurses. thepopulations needs of growing andchanging the lab that incorporates and bettersimulation will alsoincludeabigger activities, andresearch. It collaboration, student advising, interdisciplinary be ahomefor learning, 100,000 square feet,will art building, approximately resultingThe state-of-the- renovation andaddition. plansfor amajor of opportunity intheform opened thedoorto obstacleshaveThese in Temple Hall. fidelity HealthInnovation andSimulationTechnology Laboratory classmates. collegeisalsobursting The at theseamsinitshigh- in offices, andstudentsdon’t have roomtostudy orinteractwith students.graduate Faculty are members doubled oreven tripled tomoredelivers than920undergraduate courses nursing and nursing.utk.edu/buildingcampaign. fulfilling thisvision.” We know Tennessee endorsement of our and we feel ourgift needs more nurses, College of Nursing. will beacatalyst in confidence inDean Niederhauser and UT COLLEGEOFNURSING, BSN’00 her visionfor the “This giftisan —Sara Croley l e it n ieya lde nspoto faculty.all newgiftsand five-year pledges insupportof Faculty Challenge, which fundsinterest incomeimmediately on endowmentThe will beenhancedthrough theChancellor’s Ross for deantoholdthe theopportunitytobe first chair.” college,” saidNiederhauser. “Iamextremely toSaraand grateful in perpetuity, the which willhave impactonthemissionof adeep dean’s Nursing position endowment fundstheCollegeof “This reached thetop25for public institutionsin2019. year, andtheMSNprogram’s U.S. News&World Report ranking to reach anall-timehighyear over continues Nursing College of demand. Enrollment inthe increasing nursing workforce expand enrollment tomeetan increase research funding, and faculty members, significantly for students, recruit exemplary improve educational experiences dean, shehasledthecollegeto During Niederhauser’s tenure as propelling thecollegeforward.” the dean.Itfurtherenables DeanNiederhausertocontinue ournursing collegeandthecriticalrole of the importanceof thecommunity. endowment of recognizes This and members Manderscheid. “Sheisadmired by herfaculty, staff,colleagues, thecollege,” saidProvost David commitment tothemissionof “Dean Niederhauserleadswithintegrity, vision,andastrong emphasis onimmunizations andchildhood obesity. adolescent healthpromotion anddiseaseprevention, withan child and herscholarly activitiesisinthearea of focusThe of Nursing. Shehasserved asdeansince2011. the Academy of Robert Wood Johnson Executive Fellow, Nurse andafellow of Niederhauser isaboard-certified pediatric practitioner,nurse a our giftwillbeacatalyst infulfillingthisvision.” Sara Croley. “We know Tennessee needsmore nurses, andwe feel Nursing,” said Niederhauser andhervisionfor theCollegeof ourconfidenceinDean of giftisanendorsement “This thecollege. further themissionof experiences,to supportstudentsuccess, enhancelearning and endowment fundsdirected by earned The thedeanwillbeused dean’s chair for thecollegeandthird for theuniversity. Rosenbalm Croley Endowed Dean’s Chair. endowed Itisthefirst Niederhauser hasbeennamedtothenewlycreated Sara Dean’s Chair Rosenbalm Croley Endowed Niederhauser Namedto Sara Victoria Niederhauser N 3 | FALL 2019 COLLEGE & FACULTY NEWS

Nurse Anesthesia College of Nursing Becomes First Standalone health and has served as uniquely clinically grounded, producing data director of the hereditary cancer risk assessment that can be easily carried over into direct health Concentration Nursing Program to Receive SSH Accreditation program at the Leonard Lawson Cancer care interventions. Elevated to DNP in Teaching and Research Center of Pikeville Medical Center in Pikeville, he college’s Health Innovation level clinical courses. Its mission is to advance Kentucky, since 2010. “Dr. Hutson’s exemplary scholarship and clinical Technology and Simulation Program simulation and innovation by upholding practice are recognized through this elite honor,” has received full accreditation in standards of practice for simulation and She has published her work in several high- said Dean Victoria Niederhauser. “She is a Tresearch and teaching from the Society for advancing knowledge of innovation, technology, impact peer-reviewed journals and collaborates role model for nursing students, and her work Simulation in Healthcare. and simulation through research. as an adjunct scientist in the Clinical Genetics has positively impacted her patients and the Branch of the National Cancer Institute, where community at large.” “I feel honored,” said Susan Hébert, simulation she completed pre- and postdoctoral fellowships. director. “The society is a prestigious group of Hutson’s induction into the academy was based The AANP recognizes nurse practitioner leaders interprofessional health care providers dedicated on her outreach in clinical cancer genetics to who have made outstanding contributions to to improving practice and care of patients. The patients in eastern Kentucky as well as the health care through clinical practice, research, training we are able to provide through this recognition of her scientific trajectory as being education, or policy. JOIN US FOR pedagogy allows us to train nurses in prevention of error and ensure the mistakes which can The college’s three simulation facilities replicate The college recently received potentially occur happen in the simulation lab— patient care environments. The high-fidelity Research approval from the Council on not on actual patients.” HITS lab has more than 7,600 square feet of Baker Center and College of Nursing to Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Day Educational Programs to admit simulated space, and the low-fidelity Learning Host Diplomacy Lab an inaugural cohort of DNP There are currently 65 accredited simulation Lab and Physical Assessment Lab facilitate skills his fall, a group of UT students outcomes, major November 4, 2019 students for the nurse anesthesia programs worldwide and only two in Tennessee. learning. In these spaces, health care providers 5–8:30pm concentration in fall 2019. The College of Nursing is the first standalone learn to apply cognitive, technical, and behavioral will learn more about health care challenges, and nursing program to be accredited in both skills using an interdisciplinary approach. systems in the Americas thanks to a key national UT Student Union Ballroom TDiplomacy Lab hosted through a collaboration policies. This is the last concentration in the teaching and research. College of Nursing to move from a “SSH accreditation in both research and teaching between UT’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Research Day is an annual event for Master of Science in Nursing to a The HITS lab—an organized research unit exemplifies the excellent learning environment Public Policy and the College of Nursing. “It is possible faculty, students, and health care Doctor of Nursing Practice. with a multidisciplinary partnership between the we have created for our students and that we to learn about professionals to share the impact of their research while hearing new College of Nursing and UT’s Tickle College of are an innovative test bed for the development The Diplomacy Lab program is a partnership health policy in The DNP curriculum will offer perspectives and forging collaborative Engineering—provides simulated educational of new health technology,” said Dean Victoria between the US Department of State and the classroom nurse anesthesia students partnerships. experiences for undergraduate- and graduate- Niederhauser. a small group of American colleges and and through expanded content in leadership, Carole Myers universities to conduct research in areas of reading. However, policy, evidence-based practice, interest for policymakers. Every semester the to gain a deeper understanding, immersion in 5–6pm Poster Presentations and quality improvement. Department of State issues requests under the policymaking process is necessary—learning 6:15–7pm Dinner Additional content in physiology, Hutson Inducted as Fellow of the American specific topics and universities bid to host by doing,” Myers said. “This class also will offer pathophysiology, and coexisting Association of Nurse Practitioners 7–8:30 Boynton Lecture disease is also being implemented. the labs. students the opportunity to be part of a working Dan Weberg Students will couple coursework rofessor Sadie Hutson was one of 63 Her research expertise is in the area of chronic interdisciplinary team.” “Evidence-Based Innovation and with a scholarly project at nurse practitioner leaders inducted as a illness among rural and underserved populations. “The Diplomacy Lab is a great opportunity for Its Impact to Health Care” the culmination of their fellow of the American Association of Hutson studies the advanced care planning needs students to work directly with the Department of At the end of the semester, students will produce educational program. P Nurse Practitioners of persons living with HIV/AIDS as well as the State,” said Katie Cahill, director of the Baker a 20-page report that will be shared with the For details and registration in June 2019. human consequences of living at high genetic Center’s Leadership and Governance program. Department of State. information, contact the Nurse Anesthesia Program Director Hutson is assistant risk of cancer. The Baker Center facilitates Diplomacy Lab Office of Research Services Julie Bonom gives credit to the dean of graduate bids for UT. Previous UT-hosted Diplomacy Labs have at [email protected]. team of faculty and administrators programs Her work has been funded by the National researched issues such as social media and who joined her in developing the Deadline to register: October 28 and served as Institutes of Health, the American Cancer The winning proposal was prepared by Carole democracy in China, fake news, and affordable curriculum and completing the coordinator for Society, the Centers for Disease Control and Myers, associate professor in the College of energy in Kenya. application. “It was definitely a team effort and involved a lot of hard the undergraduate Prevention, and other sponsors. Nursing and coordinator of the Health Policy FALL 2019 FALL FALL 2018 FALL FALL 2019 FALL

graduate certificate program. Myers will lead “When considering potential solutions for global | | |

Nursing Honors

work, but the expanded curriculum will enable nurse anesthesia program from 2012 Hutson has a BSN from the University of the lab during the 2019 fall semester. During the issues, it is important to consider what others students to apply the highest to 2017. Wisconsin–Madison and both an MSN and class, graduate students from multiple disciplines have already done, what works, and what doesn’t. level of scholarship to their a PhD in nursing from the University of will discuss the organization and financing of Through this research, students can help decision Sadie Hutson 4 anesthesia practice.” Pennsylvania. She is a board-certified women’s public health care, infrastructure and resources, makers be better informed,” said Cahill. 95 COLLEGE & FACULTY NEWS UT Nursing Lindley to Be Inducted as Fellow of the expanding the practice with incoming juniors the 12-session program in fall 2019. The American Academy of Nursing and five additional Cherokee sites. The eight program includes sessions presented by nationally Welcomes… original students, now seniors, and 16 juniors will recognized speakers on such topics as care ssociate Professor Lisa Lindley has “Dr. Lindley is gain knowledge and experience in recovery-based coordination, integrated primary care, and LEAN Faculty and staff hires since been named to the American Academy well deserving of mental health and substance use, pediatrics, for primary care, as well as personal leadership August 2018 of Nursing’s 2019 class of new fellows. this prestigious telehealth, and home visits, among other topics, development, burnout, resiliency, and self-care. A A in an integrated primary care setting serving rural international second cohort will complete the program in 2022. FACULTY Lindley teaches quantitative methodology and recognition,” and underserved populations. Cynthia Adams, Clinical Instructor health care economics courses in the graduate said Victoria The team that has given TRIP such a great start Sangwoo Ahn, Assistant Professor nursing program. Her research focuses on Niederhauser, dean A leadership program designed and implemented in its first year includes faculty members from James Alberding, Clinical Assistant health care systems and policy interventions of the College of by Dean Victoria Niederhauser through the the College of Nursing and the Department Professor that promote quality accessible hospice Nursing. “Her Haslam College of Business Graduate and of Nutrition on the UT Knoxville campus and Deonna Anderson-Washington, Clinical care for children and their families. She has groundbreaking Executive Education Program complements from the UT Health Science Center College of Instructor expertise in advanced statistical techniques, research in end-of- the clinical content of TRIP. The leadership Pharmacy in Memphis, as well as staff members Thomas Berg, Director of HITS Lisa C. Lindley data management, and claims-based data. She life and hospice care program, known as TRIP_L, provides from Cherokee Health Systems and UT’s Strategy & Assistant Professor has received a predoctoral fellowship, career for children is—and professional development for UT nursing faculty Haslam College of Business and evaluators Morgan Receives Sara Borges, Clinical Instructor development award, and research project grant will continue—making an enormous impact on and practicing nurses and staff at CHS. The first from UT’s Social Work Office of Research and Donna Fischbach, Lecturer DAISY Faculty Award from the National Institutes of Health and a these families during a very devastating time.” TRIP_L cohort of 22 participants is completing Public Service. Rebecca Hawkins, Clinical Instructor dissertation award from the US Department The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Marcia McAllister-Spurgeon, Clinical of Health and Human Services Agency for Lindley joins Niederhauser as well as Lora Beebe, Nursing Faculty was presented to Instructor Healthcare Research and Quality, and she is a Nan Gaylord, Roberta Lavin, Ruth Lopez, Clinical Instructor Erin Morgan during Lisa Merritt, Clinical Assistant Professor Gaylord and Burke-Melton Take on New fellow in Palliative Care Nursing. Sandra Thomas, and Tami Wyatt as fellows of the college’s spring commencement Allyson Neal, Coordinator, Psychiatric the academy. College Leadership Roles ceremony. Nominated by students and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner She is also an active member of the Hospice fellow faculty members, Morgan was Program Lindsay Burke-Melton and Nan Gaylord are global affairs, engaging with partners at the and Palliative Nurses Association and Pediatric The academy is currently made up of more than chosen through a blind review process by Patricia Roberson, Assistant Professor stepping into new leadership roles in the College community, regional, national, and international a selection committee. Palliative Care Special Interest Group. She 2,600 nurse leaders in education, management, Traci Vitori, Assistant Professor of Nursing. level to identify received her doctoral degree in nursing from the practice, policy, and research who have been faculty practice Morgan’s nominators said she is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and recognized for their extraordinary contributions to STAFF Burke-Melton is now assistant dean of finance, opportunities and epitome of a nurse and teacher who is a master’s degree in business from the University nursing and health care. administration, and operations. Her 11 years at clinical education both passionate about her work and Jackie Behrens, Academic Advisor II of Wisconsin–Madison. compassionate toward students and Michelle Cetta, Human Resources UT have included service in the Office of the experiences. patients, and this is why she deserves Specialist Provost, the UT System Information Technology Gaylord has a the award. Morgan leads by example and Kara Clark, Coordinator of Community Department, and the College of Social Work in BSN from UT A Beneficial TRIP shows unconditional encouragement, Relations addition to the College of Nursing. She has a and an MSN from patience, respect, genuineness, and ransformative best describes the first Administration, is training BSN students to bachelor’s degree in environmental economics the University of Diannah Eagle, Director of kindness. Her knowledge and actions year of the four-year project known practice in community-based integrated primary and a Master of Business Administration, both Colorado. She Development remind students why they chose to Takia Faniyi, Administrative Assistant as TRIP—officially Transforming RN care settings. Led by Associate Professor Sandra from UT. Her wide-ranging experience and also has an MA become a nurse. TRoles in Community-Based Integrated Primary Mixer in partnership with Cherokee Health April Gonzalez, Graduate Programs knowledge provide a unique advantage, and in philosophy and Nan Gaylord Advisor Care through Systems, TRIP placed eight junior-level BSN her continued medical ethics and a A collaborative program of the DAISY Victoria Leidy, RN to BSN Advisor Academic students into four integrated primary care clinical leadership is a PhD in educational Foundation and the American Association Derrick MacGillivray, Instructional Practice sites beginning in the fall of 2018. Through great benefit psychology, both of which she earned at UT of Colleges of Nursing, the DAISY Award Designer Partnership. one-on-one clinical practice with coaches and to the college’s while developing the College of Nursing’s Vine for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty is a national recognition program that Allison Newman, Administrative The project, preceptors, interprofessional simulations, and financial well- School Health Center. A board-certified pediatric honors teachers for their commitment Assistant which is education conferences with pharmacy and being and nurse practitioner and pediatric mental health and inspirational influence on future Theresa Profant, Project Manager funded nutrition students, this leading-edge project, operational specialist, she has also served the college as generations of nurses. Jada Russell, Director of Student through a together with the collegewide curriculum organization. coordinator of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Services $2.6 million redesign, is preparing future RNs for versatile program. She is a co-author of the widely used Renetta Sheadrick, Administrative grant from the leadership roles in primary care. Gaylord is textbook Burns’ Pediatric Primary Care and the FALL 2019 FALL FALL 2019 FALL | |

Support Assistant US Health now serving as recipient of over $2.5 million in private and Cathy Strysniewicz, Resources While the first year of the program focused on associate dean government funding as well as numerous awards Lindsay Burke-Melton Ricco Summeour, Simulation and Services design and implementation, the second year is for practice and for her teaching, research, and service. Operations Specialist 6 7 COLLEGE & FACULTY NEWS PhD Program Accolades Celebrates 100th Graduate Joel Anderson received funding from the Terri Durbin has been named a 2019 Maria Hurt received the UT Office of Missy Miller was recognized for 30 years of Jennifer Tourville is forming a Pat Summitt Foundation for an online caregiver ELAN Fellow by the American Association of Information Technology Faculty First Grant for service in the College of Nursing. campus-wide faculty opioid work group to Travis education program that will include personalized Critical-Care Nurses. ELAN—Elevating her submission “Redesigning a Foundational help lead the university in combating Dunlap, an education related to physical activity, sleep, Leaders in Academic Nursing—is a yearlong Course for Nursing Students in an Accelerated Erin Morgan received the State Professional opioid addiction through collaboration and assistant social engagement, and nutrition. The project fellowship focused on enhancing executive BSN Program.” The grant includes a yearlong Promise Award from the Tennessee Nurses conversations. She received the college’s professor includes collaborators in the Department of leadership skills. She was also promoted to partnership with OIT in redesigning the course as Association in October 2018. She was promoted Gaylord–Rogers Pediatric Faculty Award. at Educational Psychology and Counseling in UT’s clinical associate professor. well as tech support and a variety of technology to clinical assistant professor. Vanderbilt College of Education, Health, and Human tools to implement innovative and best practices Tami Wyatt received the UT Office of University Sciences and the Ohio State University College Virginia Fowler received the Community in teaching. She was also the recipient of UT Carole Myers was promoted to professor, Research and Engagement’s Research Leadership School of of Nursing. Anderson was elected a fellow of Engagement Campus Award from UT’s Office of Teaching and Learning Innovation’s Teaching reappointed senior fellow at George Washington Award for her contributions in increasing the Nursing, is the Gerontological Society of America at the Research and Engagement for her work with the Support Award, which provides funds to assist University Center for Health Policy and Media, research profile of the College of Nursing. the 100th organization’s annual meeting in Boston in Precious Prints Project. faculty members in implementing innovative and and selected by the US Department of State person to November 2018. He also received an R03 grant to lead the Diplomacy Lab for UT graduate graduate effective teaching practices. Hurt was nominated from the National Institute on Aging for a project students beginning this fall. In fall 2018, Myers from the Travis Dunlap Nan Gaylord was recognized by the for the College of Nursing 2019 DAISY College of that will collect comprehensive critical data American Academy of Nursing as an Faculty Award. was inducted as a fellow into the American Nursing’s PhD program. Dunlap regarding the experiences of LGBTQ+ adults Edge Runner in fall 2018 for her model Academy of Nursing. She was appointed to serve graduated August 10. providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s “Interprofessional Practice at the Vine Sadie Hutson was promoted to professor. on the American Nurses Association Presidential Dunlap describes his experience disease or dementia. The research team for the School Health Center: A School-Based Endorsement Task Force and received the Alma as a UT PhD nursing student by project includes other UT faculty members as Nurse-Managed Clinic.” Jason Kiernan received the Alan Solomon, E. Gault Leadership Award from the Tennessee saying he received a tremendous well as collaborators at the Ohio State University; MD, Faculty Oncology Award. Nurses Association. She was selected for Contact amount of support from faculty, the University of California, San Francisco; and Pamela Hardesty was promoted Care Line’s Robert Meacham Beyond the especially from his dissertation Johns Hopkins University. to professor. Rebecca Koszalinski is the recipient Call Award for her work, along with WUOT’s committee. “The faculty worked of the Allison and Patrick Harrison Nursing Brandon Hollingsworth, in establishing the radio with me through some complicated Lora Beebe received the Annie W. Goodrich completed the National Innovation Award. She was named a fellow program HealthConnections. life experiences in a supportive and Susan Hébert Distinguished Lectureship Award from the caring manner,” he said. League for Nursing Leadership Development for of the Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut. was selected to provide Dunlap’s areas of clinical Simulation Educators Fellowship in 2018. She Entrepreneurs and Leaders. Allyson Neal interest include CPAP adherence also received the International training in the community resiliency model in patients with sleep apnea, which Lynn Beeler was promoted to clinical Gamma Chi Chapter Graduate Scholarship. Lisa Lindley received the 2019 Research through the St. Petersburg College Center for LET’S CONNECT was the subject of his dissertation, assistant professor. and Creative Achievement Professional Promise Public Safety Innovation at Valencia College “Influence of Motivational Text in Orlando, Florida, through a grant from the Susan Hébert, Rebecca Award and the 2019 Office of Research and Follow us on social Messages on Adherence to Tami Bland was promoted to clinical Koszalinski, Sheila Taylor, and Engagement Research Activity Award. She was US Department of Justice Antiterrorism and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure associate professor. Tami Wyatt received the Success in selected for the Nightingale Endowed Faculty Emergency Assistance Program. She served as media for the latest on Therapy.” He is also interested Multidisciplinary Research Award for the HITS Fellowship and accepted for the 2019 National the expert consultant for the development of in handheld mobile technology, alumni events, college Tracy Brewer received the Laura Barnes Lab collaboration at the 2019 UT Chancellor’s Institutes of Health Training Institute for a resiliency position statement by the National urgent care, and heart failure. Research Award. This award is given to a faculty Awards Banquet. Dissemination and Implementation Research Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. She news, and more. Dunlap’s favorite memory as a PhD member in the College of Nursing who is leading in Health. also received the Most Supportive Alumni award nursing student was presenting his cutting-edge pediatric . from the UT Health Science Center Nursing dissertation findings at the Southern Susan Hébert, Sheila Taylor, and Alumni Board. Nursing Research Society’s annual Tami Wyatt received the Bayada Award Ruth Palan Lopez received the McMahan- was selected for the conference. Mary Lynn Brown for Technological Innovation in Health Care McKinley Endowed Professorship in Gerontology. utknursing As far as advice for prospective Outstanding Classroom Faculty Award by the Education for their simulated electronic fetal Sheila Taylor was promoted to clinical PhD students, Dunlap says, “Be 2019 BSN graduating class. monitoring application. Vikki Meloy was selected for the associate professor. She was also nominated by passionate about a topic and know Outstanding Clinical Faculty Award by the 2019 a member of the Panhellenic community as a @utknursing that you want to do research before Sharon Davis was promoted to clinical Susan Hébert and Tami Wyatt BSN graduating class. professor who inspires and empowers women in deciding to do a PhD. If you plan associate professor and became project director received the UT Research Foundation/Wolters our local communities to strive for excellence. to be a clinician, consider the DNP on a grant from the US Health Resources and Kluwer License Certificate for their interactive Lynne Miller received the Tennessee utknursing FALL 2019 FALL |

FALL 2019 FALL track instead.” | Services Administration, Rural Communities debriefing application. Nurses Association District 2 Maureen Nalle Opioid Response Program for East Tennessee. Leadership Award. Read more about our PhD program on page 11. 8 9 ADVANCING ADVANCING SCIENCE SCIENCE Answering the Call: PhD Program Celebrates 30 Years Whether it’s filling the nursing faculty gap, stemming the opioid crisis, By Whitney Heins or providing critical pediatric end-of-life data to assess a new national

policy, the College of Nursing is there to answer the call. The work of s the nation needs nurses now more than ever, The program started in 1989 as a partnership between UT’s it also needs people to teach those nurses and to Knoxville and Memphis campuses. The National Institutes of faculty and students is advancing the forefront of science by making conduct nursing science research. The United Health had just launched States is suffering both a and a its National Institute of A “If nursing doesn’t widespread nursing faculty shortage. Nursing Research division, an impact in classrooms, hospital rooms, communities, and lives. In the have faculty opening the door to The results of not filling this gap could be dire. funding for nursing next pages, you’ll read about the accomplishments of our PhD program to teach these science and helping “If nursing doesn’t have faculty to teach these students, we elevate the importance students, we won’t as it marks 30 years. You’ll learn what our faculty are doing to stop the won’t have nurses to care for the aging population,” said Sandra of nursing research. Thomas, chair of the College of Nursing’s PhD program. have nurses to opioid crisis that’s ravaging our state and region. And you’ll be moved “Furthermore, if we don’t have nurses to participate in research, At UT, nursing we will lose their unique insights and advocacy for the patients.” care for the aging doctoral students began collaborating with by Associate Professor Lisa Lindley’s groundbreaking research assessing A recent survey conducted by the American Association population.” colleagues from other of Colleges of Nursing finds that US nursing schools are disciplines across campus the effectiveness of a new type of care for terminally ill children. These experiencing a downturn in PhD enrollment, which has dropped such as engineering, social work, and psychology. Over the years, 10 percent since 2014. UT’s College of Nursing is answering the doctoral student research topics have ranged from the effects stories are just the tip of the iceberg of the positive impact our college call to stop the shortage. Celebrating its 30th year, the college’s of human touch on preterm infants to the effects of fatigue on PhD program has about 100 graduates who have gone on to cancer patients to helping Iraqi refugees resettle in America. FALL 2019 FALL FALL 2019 FALL | teach the next generation of nurses and conduct research that While they cover a wide array, they all fit within the five research |

is making in the state of Tennessee and the world of research. has changed policies and improved patient care. thrusts that guide the college’s scholarship: improving child and

10 11 “We are always family health, promoting the headlines, provided recommendations for prescribers on how gap more quickly. It also addresses the global health, advancing to prevent or reduce it, and helped inform state databases to keep recommendation by the Robert Wood adapting and care of aging populations, track of prescriptions. Johnson Foundation to double the number improving psychiatric and of PhD nurses. growing and mental health, and creating “We are always adapting and growing and recruiting new faculty recruiting new innovative solutions. and students that bring new expertise and foci,” said Thomas. “This program goes straight from a bachelor’s to a doctoral program, which faculty and These five scholarship areas The access to the nursing faculty’s expertise and experience in mirrors hard sciences programs. This new make up the College of improving child health was one of the main reasons Kayla Jones approach aims to attract these students who students that Nursing’s research model decided to begin study in the PhD program this fall. Jones has are passionate about research and train them Celebrating Sandra Thomas bring new and align with the current a passion for pediatric oncology and immunotherapy, and she’s as a scientist early on,” explained Thomas, needs of the nation. The excited about following this career path to make a difference in noting that practice is not intended to As the College of Nursing’s PhD program marks 30 years, so does expertise research program teams the care of children battling cancer. prepare nurses for a research role. Sandra Thomas. up faculty and students to and foci.” tackle some of the nation’s “When beginning my search for PhD programs, I wanted to Kayla was also attracted to UT because Thomas was instrumental in designing and launching the program. She wrote most pressing problems— attend somewhere that would cater to my specific research she was honored with funding from the the proposal mapping out the program’s philosophy and curriculum for for example, the opioid epidemic, which PhD graduate Julie interests of pediatric oncology, had a top-rated program, and J. Wallace and Katie Dean Graduate evaluation by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission before it approved the Worley (’13) saw firsthand as a psychiatric nurse in private that the faculty were genuinely interested in my success as a PhD Fellowship. Finding funds is a major barrier program in 1988. Four years later, Thomas was named chair—a position she has practice. She noticed the phenomenon called doctor shopping, student,” said Jones. UT met the criteria. “I knew this was where for many students who must work while held ever since. where people with opioid addiction fabricate symptoms of an I was meant to be.” doing their coursework. Thomas notes there illness, go to the doctor, get a prescription for an opioid, then do are a few funding mechanisms such as the Thomas came to UT in 1983 with a strong passion for research. She’s a nationally it all over again with another physician. They tax the health care Jones will be in the BSN to PhD program, which fast-tracks Tennessee Fund for Graduate Excellence recognized researcher in the field of anger and violence and an expert on system further by getting expensive tests such as MRIs or X-rays students to their doctoral degrees, bypassing a master’s program, and some competitive grants within the phenomenological approaches to teaching and research. She has published more in the course of gaining access to painkillers. so they can begin research early in their career. Many nursing graduate school, but says the college lacks than 150 articles, chapters, and books. Two of her books were honored as Book of students with bachelor’s degrees go into practice before adequate resources to support all students’ the Year by the American Journal of Nursing. Thomas has also served as editor of Worley tapped into the expertise of the college’s faculty to publish getting their master’s and doctoral degrees. The BSN to PhD studies. She does whatever she can to find Issues in Mental Health Nursing since 1997 and sits on several boards. game-changing research findings that thrust doctor shopping into program accelerates their careers, closing the nursing faculty financial help for them. Most notable, however, may be Thomas’s unwavering and tireless dedication to “Most of our students are teaching in her students and the PhD program. For three decades, she’s overseen curriculum, schools of nursing, they’re going to school, recruited and mentored students, and sought student funding. She has chaired 39 they have family responsibilities—so I want dissertations and served as a member of 75 other dissertation committees. to lighten their load as much as I can so they can cut back on working and focus more on “Sandra’s commitment to our students and contribution to the college are truly their research,” said Thomas. invaluable,” said Dean Victoria Niederhauser. “Because of her, so many students have gone on to conduct life-changing research and work that are making a Thomas has been with the program since difference in communities nationwide. Not to mention the difference she’s made its inception and is continually moved by in our students’ lives by helping them achieve their career goals.” the impact the PhD students have on the program and in the world as they go on “I was excited at the beginning,” Thomas said. “And I still am. It’s a great to teach, conduct research, and share privilege to work with these students and foster and mentor them in research. It their findings. gives me great joy.”

“I love teaching the next generation of In fact, it gives her so much joy that despite celebrating 36 years at the university, nurses and helping them change the world Thomas has no plans to retire. with their research and advocacy,” she said. “I don’t see why someone has to retire just because they hit a certain FALL 2019 FALL FALL 2019 FALL | | And UT nursing students will continue to do chronological age,” she said. “There’s nothing I would like better than teaching so at a time that’s critical for our nation. N and working with bright students and interesting colleagues.”

As Thomas puts it, she’s “still having fun.” N 12 13 14 | FALL 2019 ADVANCING SCIENCE B What feltwrong to Davis, thenabouttoembark onher doctoral nursingremembered. professor of iswrong.’“I thought,‘This Itjustfeltwrong,” theclinicalassistant pregnancy—and somethinghither. They aboutsubstanceabuse were during learning conference centerwithherundergraduate students. Davis wassittinginahealthseminar at UT’s downtown ack in2011onacrispNovember Sharon afternoon, to Fight theOpioidCrisis Knocking Down Barriers By Whitney Heins By Whitney crisis inTennessee. work Their isneeded now more than ever. colleagues andstudents, iswagingawaronthegrowing opioid Fast-forward Nursing eightyears andDavis, alongwithCollegeof would berelated tosubstance abuse.” said. “SoIdecidedthenandthere that my work moving forward like how thesewomen were beingtalkedaboutandtreated,” she addiction, but Ididn’t “I didn’t know anything aboutthescienceof work, wasthat thesewomen were beingvilified. anywhere withthisepidemic.” Davis “Untilwe starttreating itasachronic disease, we won’t go isachronic“This braindisease. It’s notamoralfailure,” explained thestigma. damaging effectsof addiction, andinitiating educational effortstohelperadicate the are practitioners so nurse empowered toprescribe drugstotreat increase accesstomentalhealthprofessionals, changing thelaw consortiumislookingat solutions suchThe asusingtelehealthto back for care andgivingthemhope.” tocare peoplecoming can beahugebarrier oranimpetustokeep you gofor helpandare criticized,” saidDavis. “Providers “Imagine if getting treatment. stigma that surrounds substanceabuse disorder that peoplefrom keeps treatment facilities. Third, there’s a isalackof secondbarrier The these adverse childhood experiences inadifferent way.” “Access tomentalhealthprofessionals would enable themtodealwith and sothey self-medicate togetthrough thepain,”explained Davis. people have beenphysically, emotionally, orsexually abused aschildren these theseareasFirst, lackmentalhealthprofessionals. “Mostof tocare emerged.Three majorbarriers to seewhat areas needattention. diving intodata, conductingsurveys, andhostingtown hallmeetings RCORP EastTennessee Consortiumstartedwork by lastSeptember the needsintheirareas anddevelop strategies toaddress them.The in10East todoctors corrections officers Tennesseecountiestoassess or RCORP, Davis gathered community rangingfrom members Administration’s Rural Communities OpioidResponse Program, year from planninggrant theUSHealthResources andServices withaone- andhelpstemthecrisis. thesebarriers Armed of services. That’s why Davis isleadingaconsortiumtotacklesome opportunities, inadequate transportation, andlimitedtreatment pooreconomic of itshistory is hitparticularly hard becauseof ruralAppalachia, East Tennessee, partof 100,000 persons. 14.6deaths per than thenational rate of 100,000 persons, considerably higher 19.3deaths per in thestate—a rate of 1,269 overdose deaths involving opioids from 342to1,631.In2017,there were in Tennessee increased 377percent, prescription medication overdose deaths worse. Between 1992and2016, state for decadesandisonlygetting hasbeenravaging epidemic The the Sharon Davis

big difference. they helpeven that’s oneperson, makinga nurses say if The that isall-inclusive.” isanepidemic “This “Parents are losing children. Children are losing parents,” saidDavis. in ourregion. help save lives andputanendtothepainthat’s devastating somany ultimateThe goal for Shearer, aswell asDavis andTourville, isto through adolescence. thesechildren in which shecancontinue researching thehealthof issues begintoemerge. Shearer ishopingtoobtainafacultyposition delayThis seemstoreverse by age10,but that’s when behavioral that babieswithNAS tendtohave languagedelay untilagefive. light. Shearersome conductedalongitudinal dataand found analysis happened tothemafterthey leftthehospital.Herdissertation sheds treating thesebabiesinaneonatal ICUandwondering what babieswithNAS. Shearerimprove spent18years thelives of Jennifer Shearer, tohelp a2019 PhDgraduate, isalsodetermined analyze such interventions. very fewto When completedandpublished, thestudy willbeoneof measureshums tothem.These willbecompared andanalyzed. cuddles, androcks them,oramusic therapistcuddles, sings, and neonatal drugwithdrawal—before andafteravolunteer swaddles, respiratory rates scores—which andFinnegan measure signsof babies’heartand Tourville andherteamare gathering dozens of improving thesesymptoms,” Tourville explained. interventions oncalminginfantsand thesenonpharmacological of with eating andsleeping. Ourstudy islookingat theeffectiveness excessively.upset andirritable andcry Many have tremors andissues “Even withpharmacotherapy, sometimesthesebabiescanbevery cuddling andmusic therapy withbabiesgoingthrough withdrawal. herresearch projects isstudying theeffectivenessor NAS. of Oneof to improve care for babieswithneonatal abstinencesyndrome, bybarriers changing policyandassessinginterventions professor, isalsoworking totopple Jennifer Tourville, clinicalassistant community groups. to youth, healthcare providers, and programs willbedeliveredThese prevention, treatment, andrecovery. and implementprograms addressing with theconsortiumandtodevelop allow theteamtocontinue theirwork for $1millionover three years will An RCORP implementation grant N Jennifer Tourville

15 | FALL 2019 ADVANCING SCIENCE Improving End-of-Life Care for Children By Whitney Heins

efore Lisa Lindley, associate professor of nursing, She is analyzing data from more was a researcher or a hospice nurse, she worked in than 20,000 patients 21 years old human resources in private industry, where she helped and under who died in the US with B employees’ families navigate insurance. It was there she a terminal illness between 2011 was introduced to many of the unknown hardships that the parents and 2013. It took a full year to of ill children face. compile the data from Medicaid, because a detailed and extensive “I remember several children had brain cancer and the parents data management plan was needed would max out their plans after the first month of treatment and to keep the sensitive information be frozen off their insurance,” recalled Lindley. “At the same time, secure. Working with the Advanced I knew these insurance companies were signing multimillion-dollar Computing Facility, a division of the Lisa C. Lindley contracts with our company.” UT–Oak Ridge National Laboratory Joint Institute for Computational This injustice shone a light on the need for these families to have the Sciences, Lindley has created a secure working environment support of all the voices they could get and lit a fire inside Lindley to and is now ready to clean and crunch the data. Outcomes she be one of those voices. will examine include how long a child stayed in hospice, how many times they sought ER care, and how symptom management “I felt compelled to help in any way I could,” she said. was handled.

Lindley became a hospice nurse and later a child health services “We want to know whether or not concurrent care is more effective and policy researcher. For almost a decade, she has researched how than standard hospice care when it comes to overall quality of life children and their families can get access to quality end-of-life care. of the pediatric patients and their families, as well as symptom Now she is at the helm of a first-of-its-kind study that will seek to management in end-of-life stages of their disease,” she explained. understand if a new approach can improve the quality of life for children with terminal diseases. Called the Pediatric Concurrent Lindley will collaborate with a postdoctoral fellow and researchers Care Research Project, the study launched last year with a $1.5 from four other institutions across the nation to conceptualize, million grant from the National Institute of Nursing Research—part interpret, and disseminate the results. The project has a website— of the National Institutes of Health—and will run until May 2022. pedeolcare.utk.edu—and social media feeds to communicate updates and findings. The need for the research became especially significant with the signing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also “We want to be able to provide evidence to clinicians and families known as the ACA, in 2010. The law changed the options parents to help them make some choices as to what the best care for their have when faced with the horrific choice of how terminally ill patients and children is,” said Lindley. “We also hope this study has children will spend the end of their lives. Before the law, when a a policy impact. If our research finds something not quite working pediatric patient was given less than six months to live, parents had well, we can provide evidence to policymakers and advocates so the two choices: continue treatment, or stop treatment and enter hospice laws can be modified or changed to make them more effective.” care. With the ACA, health providers are now federally mandated to offer concurrent care—continuing treatment while in hospice— Lindley’s desire to be a voice for terminally ill children and their to Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) families remains strong as she works to provide guidance to patients under 21, giving parents another option. clinicians, policymakers, and the more than 30,000 US families annually who face the heartbreaking decision of how their child will “The benefit of concurrent care is that it doesn’t take away the spend their last remaining days. hope,” explained Lindley. “It provides parents with the hope that a FALL 2019 FALL FALL 2019 FALL | |

different approach is out there that may help their children.” “This project is a way for me to bring my areas of interests and experience together to help these families and children get the But the effectiveness of concurrent care has never been scientifically quality of care they need,” shared Lindley. “I want to make it better evaluated. That’s where Lindley’s study comes in. for them.” N 16 17 Notes of Gratitude Why Do More Nurses Students express thanks for the generosity of their scholarship donors.

Work for Gabrielle Thress Artie Ruth Reilly Scholarship Recipient Gabrielle Thress is a full-time undergraduate nursing student with dreams of attending graduate school to Covenant Health? become either a family or pediatric nurse practitioner. Thress has a deep desire to learn and understand what she is taught, which has made it difficult for her to imagine stopping at an undergraduate degree. She received At Covenant Health, we put our patients first and strive the Artie Ruth Reilly scholarship, which will aid in helping her reach her goals. for excellence in everything we do. We are the region’s largest employer, offering nursing careers across the full “I know this is my life’s calling: to serve others as a medical professional. This spectrum of clinical and administrative disciplines. And scholarship is instrumental in allowing me to pursue this. I truly cannot relate the depth of my gratitude. This has actively enabled me to go achieve the dreams with more hospitals and facilities throughout our region, I never thought were possible.” a rewarding career where nurses are the very heart of patient care is within reach. Collin Ashmore Join the only health system in East Tennessee to be NightinGala Scholarship Recipient included in Becker’s Healthcare “150 Top Places to Collin Ashmore joined the accelerated BSN program in summer of 2019. He was previously a Work in Healthcare in 2019” and named by Forbes as a Spanish teacher. Ashmore’s goal is to one day be a critical care or trauma nurse. Best Employer FIVE TIMES IN A ROW. “I want to be responsible for people’s lives, and, more importantly, I want Benefits include: to have knowledge to make those lives better in their most challenging moments. The NightinGala Scholarship reminds me that I can achieve • Competitive compensation my dream, helps me to achieve that dream, and encourages me to live up • Comprehensive benefits plan to my dream.” • 401k with employer contribution • Continuing education reimbursement • Student loan repayment assistance • National certification bonuses Mikenna Orzech Susan L. Moeller Memorial Scholarship Recipient • Referral bonus for nursing colleagues Mikenna Orzech made the decision to leave her home state of California to study nursing at UT. “Choosing • Nurse Residency Program for newly graduated RNs to go to the University of Tennessee was the biggest decision I have had to make in my life. While I do not regret this choice, it has made for a stressful time during ,” she said. Orzech is a full-time undergraduate student, working two jobs to help pay for school and additional living expenses.

“With nursing school getting increasingly difficult, I was forced to make the choice of giving up shifts at work or to take out more student loans so I could CovenantCareers.com dedicate more time to schoolwork. This scholarship truly changes my life by enabling me to study more without having to stress about using savings for food Erin Blaydes, RN or school supplies. This is more than just money. It is a weight being lifted off of Parkwest Medical Center my shoulders, more nights studying, and encouragement to push forward. Thank you for fueling my dreams!”

Claiborne Medical Center | Cumberland Medical Center | Fort Loudoun Medical Center Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center | LeConte Medical Center | Methodist Medical Center Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System | Parkwest Medical Center Named scholarships are critical to attracting and retaining the most outstanding students. An enhanced pool of scholarship dollars increases the FALL 2019 FALL | Peninsula, a Division of Parkwest | Roane Medical Center | Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center number of scholarships we award each year and expands unique experiences outside of the classroom for our students to serve others and learn in the Thompson Cancer Survival Centers | Covenant Breast Centers | Covenant Joint Centers N Covenant HomeCare and Hospice | Covenant Medical Group | Covenant Sleep Centers field and hospital. Learn more about giving opportunities atjourney.utk.edu . Covenant Therapy Centers | Fort Sanders West

8304-1421 Fort Sanders Health and Fitness Center | Nanny’s Contact Diannah Eagle, Director of Advancement, College of Nursing 1200 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996 | 865-974-9322 | [email protected] 19 T AR THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE The eleventh annual NightinGala was held on . H E COLLEGE OF NURSING A Friday, October 4 at Cherokee Country Club. VI YL . S VOLUNTEER D R THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS DISTINGUISHED Nursing Champion Alumni Award AWARD PRESENTING SPONSORS CORPORATE SPONSORS his year’s recipient of the Dr. Sylvia E. Hart he 2019 recipient of the Volunteer Nursing Champion award is Distinguished Alumni Award is Lisa Reed, a Poppy Buchanan. This award recognizes an individual who longtime leader in home health care who recently is committed to improving health care and has made significant Tbecame the president and chief operating officer of the startup Tcontributions to the nursing profession and an impact on the community. company OnSite Surgical Services. Buchanan received her BSN from Vanderbilt University in 1961. Reed received her BSN from UT in 1986. She began her She began her nursing career working as a public health nurse providing career as a staff nurse in critical care at UT Medical Center but home visits in Nashville, where she also taught soon found her passion in home health care. In 1992 she began at Vanderbilt. For 15 years she worked as a summer camp nurse in working with National Health Care Corporation as director of rural Alabama. This was where she recognized that nurses were best at TABLE SPONSORS homecare operations before being promoted to vice president influencing the health of a population and individuals. It was through of the HomeCare Division in 2009. During her time in that this experience that she became interested in nurses who might own and Dr. Jerry & Mrs. Robyn Askew Home Federal Bank Peggy & Carl Pierce role, Reed provided leadership for the overall operations of 36 operate their own clinics, particularly in rural areas far from major health Dr. Tom & Mrs. Karen Berg Mr. Ralph Ferraro & Dr. Margaret Heins Laning Regional Neonatal Associates agencies throughout care facilities. Dr. Stuart & Mrs. Cindy Bresee Mr. Arthur & Mrs. Carlton Long Mr. Greg & Mrs. Lisa Reed four states as well as In 1999 Buchanan visited Kenya and became involved with Kenyan Covenant Health Mr. Morton & Senator Becky Duncan Massey Mr. Dean & Mrs. Ann Skadberg two regional offices. nurses who own and operate private clinics, which provide about 45 Ms. Betsey Creekmore Mr. Joe Mont McAfee The Three Rivers Rambler Reed joined percent of the country’s health care. She wanted to assist nurses in that Mr. Ross & Mrs. Sara Croley Mrs. Janice McKinley Ms. Martha Weeks OnSite Surgical work and founded a nonprofit organization, Burning Bush Inc., supported Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Emert Dr. Victoria Niederhauser Dr. Dale & Mrs. Wendy Wortham Services in 2018. by her successful real estate investment company. She contributed funds Drs. Mark & Nan Gaylord Partners Development The change to build a permanent health center, owned by a Kenyan nurse, that serves represented a new a population of 20,000 people in rural central Kenya. Together with her career direction for husband, she established a microlending program that has provided for Reed, but it aligned sustainable community development. with her passion for Burning Bush also financed the development of the WAKA School of providing care outside Nursing in Kenya, which is graduating its first class in May 2020. The UT BEING A MAGNET HOSPITAL MEANS OUR NURSES ARE of the traditional College of Nursing is in the process of connecting with WAKA for global hospital walls. education exchange. NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO A Reed works with The Buchanans’ HIGHER STANDARD OF PATIENT CARE, NURSING EXCELLENCE local committees relationship with the Lisa Reed AND INNOVATIONS IN PROFESSIONAL NURSING PRACTICE. to strengthen college began when relationships and communication between acute and post-acute Poppy met a UT nursing care providers. She has served on multiple committees for state student at a conference and national health care associations including Medicare and and learned of the good • The Region’s Academic Medical Center Medicaid advisory committees, health care policy compliance work being done by the • ACS-Verified Level I Trauma Center groups, and the Governance Board for the South Carolina college. UT’s Center Association for Home Care and Hospice. Reed has also served for Nursing Practice • Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as president of both the National Health Foundation and the was established in 2015 • Nationally Certified Nurses Foundation for Geriatric Education. through a generous • Designated Magnet Hospital Reed remains active in the community through her service donation from the • Nurse Residency Program on local boards, including the College of Nursing Advisory Buchanans. The center Poppy Buchanan • Nurse Leader Fellowship Board and the UT National Alumni Board. She also volunteers seeks to promote the • Nursing Shared Governance with Saddle Up!, a therapeutic horseback riding program for proliferation of nurse-led care in Tennessee and beyond. Poppy Buchanan children with disabilities. Reed resides in Franklin, Tennessee, is the embodiment of a Volunteer nurse, giving her life to the betterment of • Nursing Research Fellowship with her husband of 33 years, Greg Reed. She is the mother of the world around her. two children: Logan, 28, and Matthew, 23. The Volunteer Nursing Champion award recognizes and thanks those FALL 2019 FALL

| The Dr. Sylvia E. Hart Distinguished Alumni Award was who, through their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others presented to Reed as part of the NightinGala festivities on to engage in volunteer service. It was presented to Buchanan during the Visit UTMedicalCenter.org/jobs to October 4. NightinGala celebration October 4. learn more about joining our team. 20

RN0618012_AD_Nursing Admin AD_05.indd 1 7/3/18 9:00 AM Alumni Spotlight Elevate your degree. Following Her Heart: Robin Smith Elevate your impact. By Whitney Heins

any wonder how Robin Smith, a Smith followed her heart and was elected to 1985 College of Nursing graduate, represent the 26th District in 2018. GET YOUR ended up in the Tennessee House Mof Representatives. Those wondering sometimes “It was never really planned. I never set out to include Smith herself. But knowing that Smith is have a career in politics,” said Smith. “But I had a passionate person who always follows her heart, a natural interest and am crazy enough to say yes DOCTORATE it’s not so curious. to things. But what I learned in the College of Nursing is that you have to be prepared for the Growing up, Smith always had books on politics circumstances that come before you.” ONLINE. in her room. Her favorite colors were red, white, and blue, and her first dog’s name was Nixon. As a state legislator, Smith combines her passion She always loved politics but never thought about and experience in health care and politics in her it as a profession. role as chair of the Health and Life Insurance Subcommittee. She makes use of her experience Instead, she wanted to work in health care. and expertise to tackle issues that affect citizens That’s because as a girl she suffered from severe everywhere in state. For example, she’s working Robin Smith asthma—so severe, she had to get allergy shots to increase access to telemedicine—especially weekly. And while most kids would shudder at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, Hospital. useful for those in rural areas. She’s trying to end thought, Smith enjoyed going to get them. Odd. She had moved to Chattanooga for a grant- surprise billing so people aren’t hit unexpectedly But not odd when you consider why. supported job at Erlanger Hospital when funding with medical costs. She’s also trying to ensure fell through. that drug rebates go back to patients instead of “I had this eccentric nurse, Nurse Kiki, who their insurance companies. made it fun,” said Smith. “And seeing her, this “And that’s when life happened,” said Smith. nurse, who took care of us and tried to make us She decided to launch her own health care sales “We’ve let health care be hijacked by the health better with our limitations, made me want to do and marketing consultancy, volunteering in local insurance network. It’s not about access to something in health care.” campaigns on the side to quench her thirst for health care. It’s about access to health insurance politics. Volunteer work became formal work, coverage, and that needs to change,” she said. Smith started asking for microscope and and in 2007 she was elected chair of the state stethoscope kits at Christmas, and after high Republican Party, running close to 30 campaigns Smith’s heart has always led her to help people, school she set off to study nursing. Upon her in one cycle. During that time, her own district’s whether she’s in a hospital room or in the graduation from UT, Smith worked in the candidate was forced to drop out and suggested General Assembly. Only time will tell where her cardiac medicine and transplant program at the that she run. heart will lead her next. N Online PhD Want to expand your impact and DNP advance the profession? UT’s online doctoral programs prepare leaders who will influence the nursing profession through research and innovative clinical practice. A doctoral degree from UT will enable you to lead the way. FALL 2019 FALL |

For inquiries, visit tiny.utk.edu/volnurse2019. nursing.utk.edu 22 Nursing class fun in an old hospital room. UT Nursing graduates release helium-filled latex gloves at Smith's 1985 graduation ceremony. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

No Fear By AdayaWhitney Heins Nursing pursuingKirk a master’s and doctoral Bayless degree Now Bayless is studying the disease in children at the same time. Most students in the BSN-PhD up to age 18, with a specific focus on exploring program bypass a master’s because they know the link between asthma and obesity. they want to do research, but Bayless felt that eliminating the clinical component would lessen “Children with obesity are more likely to have the quality of her research. asthma, and children with asthma are more likely to be obese,” explained Bayless. It’s a “I want to understand the patients’ perspectives catch-22: doctors may tell obese children to and feel connected to clinical nurses. Plus I need be more active, but that additional activity to hold a baby at least once a month,” laughed can exacerbate their asthma. So Bayless is Bayless, who is studying to be a pediatric nurse aiming to develop a dietary behavioral and practitioner. She’s conducting her clinical work educational intervention tailored to these at Vine School Health Center with Professor children at every developmental stage. of Nursing Nan Gaylord, serving students with Adaya Kirk Bayless limited access to health care. Bayless is an active member of the Tennessee Noscomephobia is the fear of hospitals. Asthma Coalition and is working with MEET THE ADVISORS Becky Massey And Adaya Kirk Bayless (’17), a BSN-PhD student, Her dissertation work picks up where her Wyatt on a pilot program at East Tennessee doesn’t have it. In fact, she says she finds hospitals bachelor’s honors work left off—helping Children’s Hospital. The program is testing a “strangely calming and secure place.” children who are suffering from asthma. As an a tablet application that includes a child’s The College of Nursing Advisory Board was established in 1988 to assist in developing plans and strategies to guide the college’s future. It is made up of a group of dedicated individuals interested in sharing the college’s commitment to excellence. undergraduate, Bayless worked with Professor of medical profile and the ability to connect with When she was younger, she had severe asthma and Nursing Tami Wyatt on tablet-based educational parents, school personnel, and health care The mission of the advisory board is to assist the college by strengthening and enhancing its relations with its external constituencies, help the hospital was the place she knew she would be materials for preliterate children. providers, who can access medical information promote awareness in the community, share in program development and evaluation of activities, assist with fundraising, and support the college’s able to breathe. It was also where she fell in love like current lung capacity in real time. continuing education and outreach activities. The advice and insights of advisory board members have proven invaluable to the college as we with the nursing profession. “I remember the feelings of flareups and learning The goal is to streamline care and improve continue to enhance our reputation as a premier leader in nursing education. how to visualize my anatomical lung so that I could outcomes. “I really admired the nurses I had seen, and my breathe easier,” she said. Most kids are diagnosed experience was a great introduction to medical after the age of five, when they can be educated in Upon graduation in 2021, Kirk plans to find a HOMETOWN: Knoxville, Tennessee students do not have that opportunity. Also I have served on the Health care,” said Bayless. school about their disease. However, for children position where she can continue to split clinical and General Welfare Committee since I’ve been in the Senate. I’ve come to younger than five and their families, there are few work and research 50-50—because the only State senator, 6th District of a better understanding of the critical role that nurses play in health care, PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Ergophobia. That’s a fear of hard work. educational resources to help them learn about the thing she’s afraid of is not doing something Tennessee, elected in a special election in 2011. Served in the 107th more about their qualifications, and more about the shortage. And as a And that’s something else Bayless doesn’t have. disease and good behavioral habits. Her undergrad she’s passionate about. N through 111th General Assembly. Formerly executive director of graduate of UT Knoxville, I like to find ways to give back to my alma mater. She is one of only two students in the College of research worked to fill that gap. Sertoma Center, an agency serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I THINK THE COLLEGE DOES FOR THE COMMUNITY: The college does an outstanding job in training quality BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Actually, my favorite author is Joel and caring nurses that will be making a positive difference in the lives Rosenberg. He writes fact-based Christian political fiction about the of countless people throughout their careers. They also are a major turmoil in the Middle East. It helps to get a better understanding to pipeline for our local hospitals, long-term facilities, and other medical what’s happening in our world today. I just finished his latest book, facilities in our community. In seeing firsthand the work they are doing, I The Persian Gamble. am continually more impressed by the training they are giving our future Visit our website nurses. Dean Niederhauser and her faculty do an outstanding job. WHY I BECAME A COLLEGE OF NURSING ADVISORY BOARD nursing.utk.edu MEMBER: For several reasons. One, Doc Claussen asked me. In looking GREATEST WISH FOR THE COLLEGE: To get their new building to FALL 2019 FALL |

at the board makeup, I knew and respected many of the members and be able to handle the number of students they presently have and be knew I would enjoy working with them. Having run Sertoma Center prepared for the growth in their enrollment. This building would be for 24 years, I knew the need for experienced and caring nurses. We state of the art to give the faculty the tools they need to continue to worked with the college to give the students an opportunity to learn educate and train the best future nurses in the state that are prepared 24 about working with individuals with disabilities. Too many medical to be successful in their careers. N NON-PROFIT FALL...... 2015 THE...... VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Nurse PERMIT # 481 Office of the Dean KNOXVILLE, TN 1200 Volunteer Boulevard Knoxville, TN 37996

UT COLLEGE OF NURSING CLASS OF 2019