INTERNATIONAL OF ALPHAALPHA CHI CHI NEWSNEWS college william f. connell VOL. 27, NO. 2, February 2005 school of nursing

At least ten of our Interest Profile), and indicate Chapter members your interest in working with presented completed International Program initiatives. nursing research at message from the 15th Inter- to promote leadership national Nursing development for its Research Congress members in Dublin, Ireland. We know that many I thank the chapter for the of our members opportunity it provided in send- have submitted ing me as a representative to abstracts for the the STTI 2004 Leadership 16th Research Academy. I was energized by the Congress to be commitment and enthusiasm of held in Hawaii in our member colleagues from July 2005. It is chapters all over the world. I hoped that many learned much that I never knew of you are planning about our organization and to attend that brought back some ideas that I conference. hope will help our large and diverse chapter move forward in We inducted an my tenure as President for 2004- international 06. In the company of STTI lead- nurse leader from ers, I have a renewed apprecia- Dar-es-Salaam, tion for two of our chapter lead- , last spring. ers who are very visible and Elizabeth Mika, one active at the regional level - of our CSON gradu- Maureen Curtis Cooper, our ate students has Region 15 Coordinator without returned to her peer, and Joyce Pulcini, who the president work at Hubert contributed so much to the Kairuki Memorial success of our first Bay State University and will Consortium as founding member n keeping with the goals and be our first chapter member to of the planning committee. Your objectives of Sigma Theta establish ties with Tau Lamba-at- committees have been Tau International, Large, our new Region 15 chapter actively fostering recognition I from the African countries of of Chapter leaders. The Awards Alpha Chi set specific goals for Tanzania, and South & Scholarship Committee has the 2003-05 biennium. We are Africa. Many opportunities revised former chapter awards making strides in meeting these exist for participation in Inter- to now include the Excellence goals. national Program planning through in Nursing Practice Award, the STTI. I encourage you to go to Mentor Award, the Mary Pekarski Sigma Theta Tau to participate in inter- the website www.nursingsociety.org/, Award and three Spirit of Sigma national programming complete the VIProfile (Volunteer/ Awards. These chapter awards

3 Regional Consortium Call for Abstracts 7

4 Gorman Lecture Chapter Philanthropy 7

6 2005 Award Nominations Member News 9

6 Administrative Nominations Calendar 11 message from the president [ continued from cover ] Robin Y. Wood, President

recognize leadership among undergraduate students, ing stories that have surfaced in the wake of the giant graduate students and community-based leaders in earthquake and subsequent tsunami that recently practice. Read more about the awards in this news- swallowed coastlines across thousands of miles, at least letter and submit award candidates by going to our seven countries, and two continents. Recognized as newly updated chapter website wwbc.edu/sigma/. Due the worst natural disaster that most of us will witness date for award nominations is April 10, 2005. Awards in our lifetime, this event has created an international will be presented at our Annual Spring Research humanitarian crisis of unprecedented magnitude. Program on May 11, 2005. Over 150,000 have died and millions are homeless, injured, and without food or water in coastal areas of to promote evidence-based nursing Indonesia, Malaysia, India, the Maldives, Somalia, and practice Sri Lanka. We know that at least one third to one half are children, many now without parents or family. You may know that Alpha Chi was one of the first STTI chapters to fund chapter research. We continue to As nurses, many of us felt an overwhelming instinct to support the research development of our members stop our lives here and rush to the devastated areas with grants and programs to showcase research where medical aid and health care is so desperately projects. Our committees that support and promote needed, where we could do what we have been trained evidence-based nursing practice among members are so well to do. The needs in South Asia and East Africa the Program Committee, the Research Development touch the very heart and soul of our profession. The Committee, and the Clinical Research Committee. mission of Sigma Theta Tau International is to create a Applications for chapter Clinical Research grants are global community of nurses who lead in using scholar- due by Friday, March 11, 2004. Members are also ship, knowledge and technology to improve the health encouraged to submit abstracts for poster presenta- of the world’s people. Inherent in this mission is a call tions of completed research, research in progress, to action to provide assistance when the need is there, proposal in development, and scholarly literature and immediate. As the second largest nursing organi- review for the annual Spring Research Program. Poster zation in the world, we are members of a community abstracts should be postmarked by April 4, 2005. that is obligated to respond to this enormous disaster. Further information related to presentations and grants, including grant Application Guidelines are on Recognizing that few of us can actually give direct our website at www.bc.edu/sigma/. assistance to the tsunami survivors, our chapter decided to respond with resources in our power to Our chapter has also been moving in new philanthropic provide. In a unanimous-and generous-vote by the directions, joining our international members in Alpha Chi Executive Board, we elected to contribute to recognizing that leadership involves charitable the relief effort from chapter funds. A donation of one responsibility and awareness of the broadest needs of dollar for each of our active members, for a total of society. The Executive Board is exploring and planning $1,200, was made to the American Red Cross, an some strategies to aid and support local programs organization long associated with nursing and nurses whose mission is consistent with our priorities and to responding to world disasters. It may seem like a which our members are tied in scholarship and service. small amount on a per member basis, but if all of our Active chapter members can contribute to this effort by STTI chapters worldwide responded in kind, we would proposing a charity of choice that will be targeted for be $125,000 closer to sharing the responsibility for the specific donations at individual programs. Look under billions of dollars needed to rebuild countless lives. We the Philanthropy heading at www.bc.edu/sigma/ for the did it because we could. procedure to be followed in proposing a charity of choice. “Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.” Alpha Chi has recently responded to an international Henry Wadsworth Longfellow need for action in extraordinary circumstances. All of us are familiar with the grim statistics and heart-break- Robin Y. Wood, President

2 regional consortium first Regional Consortium Held

ad weather on October 2 did not deter Following Dr. Clarke’s presentation, Patricia Yoder- regional Sigma Theta Tau International Wise, First Vice-President of the American Nurses members from the enjoyment of the Bay State Association, and Carol Picard, Alpha Chi member and BConsortium offering, “Health Outcomes President-Elect of Sigma Theta Tau International, Research: Shaping Nursing Future for Practice and addressed future challenges from the viewpoints of Education.” Despite the slightly storm-delayed arrival practice and education respectively. Dr Yoder-Wise of the keynote speaker, Sean Clarke, RN, PhD, CRNP, expounded on four key examples of translating CS, the program was delivered as planned at the outcomes research into practice benefits for nurses Hoagland-Pincus Conference Center in Shrewsbury, and patients: needlestick legislation, safe staffing MA, starting with a congenial Chapter breakfast. After principles (not “magic number”), reduction of work- a venue change from the dining area to the related musculoskeletal disorders through safe patient amphitheater, Mary Ann Kirkland of Theta-at-large care ergonomics, and the use of the National Database Chapter and Nancy Cole of Iota Pi Chapter welcomed of Nursing Quality Indices (NDNQI). Indicators the attendees. Then, Alpha Chi’s Joyce Pulchini currently in use include nursing hours per patient day, introduced Dr. Clarke, who is the Associate Director of percentage of nursing care given by registered nurses, the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at nurse satisfaction, fall prevalence, nosocomial the University of . infection rate, pressure ulcer prevalence, and, recently added, pediatric pain assessment and intravenous infil- Dr. Clarke described the research currently available by tration rate, and psychiatric unit assault prevalence. posing the question, why do patients receiving the “same care” have different outcomes? He then Dr. Picard focused on college and chapter educational explained variation in outcomes as a function of models in three main areas: developing knowledge for variation in inputs such as patient characteristics, practice, knowledge for policy-making, and leadership health care system and community characteristics, and development. In particular, she recommended aspects of how interventions are delivered. He collegiate models that use a team approach to provide distinguished between nursing outcomes research mentoring, to frame compelling clinical problems, to (gathering data on practical care delivery problems) communicate results effectively, and to access funding and health services research (applying economics, sources. She urged chapters to become centers of sociology and political science to health care). excellence for leadership development, suggesting Reporting on his Center’s major project, the methods such as developing partnerships with International Hospital Outcomes Study, he provided outstanding health care systems, featuring local nurse the resulting model of “Nurse Practice Environment, leaders as speakers, presenting programs on evidence- Nurse Staffing, and Nurse and Patient Outcomes.” based practice, mentoring members, and inviting The practice environment included organizational successful nurse leaders to share their challenges and climate, management practices, and team functioning. strategies. As published in Health Affairs (2001), the International Journal of Quality in Health Care (2002), and the Following audience dialogue with all three speakers Journal of the American Medical Association (2002 and a nutritious luncheon sponsored by our Chapter, and 2003), the results included correlations of: patient Regional Coordinator and Alpha Chi member Maureen mortality and staff burnout rates with higher patients- Curtis Cooper led a lively game show of questions and per-nurse ratios; higher patient mortality with lower answers about Sigma Theta Tau International, with proportions of baccalaureate or masters’ prepared prizes for those who could provide correct answers. staff; and decreases in sharps injuries with This was followed by an interactive presentation on investment in high standards and use of safer new initiatives and renewal opportunities from Inter- equipment. Other factors found linked to staffing and national. Finally participants discussed ways in which organizational climate were failure-to-rescue, falls, local chapters could improve their member services patient and family complaints, nosocomial infection, and individual members improve their participation medication errors, and job satisfaction. and contact. Many interesting ideas were thus generated prior to the conclusion of the day’s events. Dr. Clarke closed by challenging the attendees to help develop reliable and cost-effective measurement Joyce Pulcini, Alpha Chi’s representative to the tools for patient and nurse characteristics, to Consortium’s planning committee, reports that the identify outcomes plausibly related to nursing care, Consortium is still on track to offer a program every and to capture the complexities of systems of other year in the fall and to continue to promote efforts care with a view to engaging multiple stakeholders. through which all Chapters can collaborate.

3 gorman lecture

espite thewomen’s very first proved instrumental to the successvoices it determining its use, and evaluating its postponement due to has had in targeting prevention efforts effects. Anne helped identify some of inclement weather in at this population. Anne has studied the myths that needed addressing, such Program Committee adolescent sexual behavior for over as teens’ perception that AIDS is treat- members’ memory, the fifteen years, including many studies on able and that testing prior to a sexual D2005 Rev. Edward J. Gorman low-income African Americans and relationship is sufficient for protection, Lecture was a great success. In Latinas. Rosanna has spent over seven along with related issues of drug and addition to approximately forty years explaining and testing a theory alcohol abuse, poverty and violence dinner guests, a similarly-sized called “silencing the self” by focusing in their environments, self-esteem, contingent of undergraduate and her research on HIV-positive African and silencing the self. The inter- graduate students attended the American women and their dis- generational quality of the film was presentation. First, Jean O’Neil empowering relationships. Chad, particularly appropriate in the African- provided an introduction to whose academic preparation included American culture, but even older Fr. Gorman’s impact on nursing anthropology and film, has an ideal women viewers found a “take-home” students for those who never met background for documentary production. message. Chad spoke to technical and him. Then Drs. Rosanna DeMarco The aim of the project was to reach out artistic decisions in making the film. and Anne Norris, both members of to teens in the women’s communities He used mainly black and white film to Alpha Chi Chapter, discussed their so that the suffering and stigma of living provide an appropriate mood and to innovative HIV prevention film and with AIDS would not be their legacy too. reflect the serious issues discussed, interactive website project, a prime head shots to limit distraction and example of a community-based, Rosanna began the presentation with focus on the women themselves, and consumer-driven effort in preventive an explanation of how action research monologue (really dialogue with the health aimed at the poor and principles were used to solicit camera / viewer) to provide immediacy. underserved. The project was participation in her position as The total effect of the three professional accomplished with the artistic cofounder of the community-based collaborators reflected gender sensitivi- assistance of Chad Minnich, the “Healing Our Community collaborative ty, cultural relevancy, and the intended Alpha Chi Newsletter’s graphic (HOCC).” She emphasized that use in prevention efforts. designer. All three brought years of the community members were full clinical or technological expertise participants in identifying the focus Speaking to the effect of this project in to the filming of the stories, which of the project, developing the film, their community and on their own lives

Presenters (L to R) Chad Minnich, Rosanna DeMarco and Anne Norris. 4 were three of thewomen’s four HIV-positive care of self (stress, livesmedication women of color from the inner city who problems, symptoms, etc.). were depicted in the film. Catherine spoke of her connection with Rosanna There have been three versions of first through “silencing the self” the film developed, one for teens discussions prior to the idea of the film. emphasizing prevention, one for older Her prime rationale for participation women discussing the importance of was for the sake of her granddaughter, disclosure, and one for providers. All and she expresses honor and pleasure have been used in a number of in being able to contribute to extant programs. There is also a web- prevention. Sandra and Tonia were based interactive video intervention involved in spirituality projects at that uses clips from the film with links their local Methodist church when so that teens can do further research they were recruited for participation. on terms and concepts. The site also Sandra felt that, as a result, she provides an interactive chat room to has become more trusting and help teens identify and develop skills spontaneous, and described her to cope with behavior that could participation and subsequent disclosure eventually lead to HIV-positive status. as a rebirth. Tonia felt she had Additional information about the received much positive feedback as a film or the site can be found at result of the publicity, but cautioned [email protected]. the students present to treat HIV- positive clients with respect and to The program concluded with lively realize that persons living with HIV / audience participation and questions, AIDS are more in danger from health and it was obvious that the care providers than vice versa. All presentation was well received. The emphasized that life in all its aspects three women living with HIV / AIDS goes on, from raising children to were applauded warmly, and many in developing new partnerships safely, the audience spoke with them despite the heavy burdens of taking individually after the formal conclusion.

Film Participants and Community Activists (R to L) Catherine DuBois Gaynes, Sandra Newton and Tonia “Tona” Hines. 5 2005 award nominations call for nominations The Awards and Scholarship Committee of Alpha Chi Chapter, chaired by Kristin Goedkoop, has recently revised the criteria for Chapter awards. Membership is encouraged to submit nominations for the fol- nominate another lowing awards: chapter excellence in member nursing practice It is not too late to submit your name or to nominate another Purpose: 1. To recognize an undergraduate student that contributes to Chapter member for consideration for the following offices in improvement in patient care in one of his or her clinical rotations. Alpha Chi Chapter: 2. To foster professional and public awareness of achievements in nursing. Eligibility: Any undergraduate nursing student who is a president-elect member of the Alpha Chi Chapter. Deadline: April 10, 2005. Amount: Prepares to assume the presidency by observing the role and $300. Criteria: A nursing innovation including: 1. A creative original function of the president during the first year of a three-year approach to a clinical situation. 2. Implementation of the approach in term. The president-elect serves on the Executive Board and nursing practice. 3. Evidence of improved patient outcome(s). the Chapter Governance and Finance Committees. Submission of Nominations: 1. A 500-word description of the clinical improvement that includes criteria listed above. 2. One letter of vice-president support for the nomination from a faculty member. 3. Include a cover page with title of the project and submitter’s name, address, and Serves a two-year term bridging two presidential terms. The telephone number. 4. Submissions can be sent via mail or e-mailed. vice-president serves on the Executive Board and performs the duties of the president in the president’s absence. The vice- president serves on the Governance Committee and is a mem- mary pekarski memorial award ber of the Program Committee.

for outstanding essay treasurer Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate student members of Alpha Serves a two-year term, serves on the Executive Board and the Chi Chapter. Deadline: April 10, 2005. Amount: $300. Criteria: A Finance Committee. The treasurer manages all Chapter expen- 500-word essay describing how you see yourself at a time in the ditures, deposits and financial records. The treasurer prepares future to be determined by you. From the perspective of that the Chapter’s annual budget with the assistance of the Finance future time, describe how you exemplify excellence in nursing. Committee. Criteria by which essays will be judged: 1. Creative thought. 2. Originality. 3. Presentation. 4. General writing style. junior counselor Serves a two-year term, first as junior, then as senior counselor. mentor The counselors serve on the Executive Board. As members of the Governance Committee, they implement the membership award drive, inductee selection and the induction ceremony. They Purpose: To recognize a member whose leadership has positively must be members of the faculty. influenced an individual(s) development. Eligibility: Any individual who is a member of the Alpha Chi Chapter. Deadline: April 10, 2005. leadership succession committee members (2) Criteria: The recipient shall be a member whose leadership has posi- Serves two years with two continuing members. The tively influenced an individual(s) development by: 1. Helping in devel- Committee recruits nominees, prepares the ballot and conducts oping chapter leaders. 2. Creating new directions for professional the annual election of officers and nominating committee growth. 3. Promoting a positive chapter image. Submission of members. Nominations: 1. The nomination must be in letter form and should outline how the person has met the above criteria. 2. A nominator can The above offices are subject to changing responsibilities and be a chapter member or a non-chapter member. 3. If attainable, a names of committees on which they serve, in accordance with resume or curriculum vitae should also be submitted. bylaws changes implemented by STTI,. These changes will be reflected in forthcoming Chapter bylaws about which you will spirit of receive information at a later point. Please consider how you can contribute to the success of the Chapter and its activities. sigma award Contact Deborah Zapolski, Chair of the Nominating Committee, at [email protected]. Purpose: To recognize member(s) who have demonstrated the mission, vision, and values of Sigma Theta Tau. Three spirit awards will be For other leadership opportunities within the Chapter as com- awarded: one to an undergraduate nursing student, one to a graduate mittee members, contact the President, Robin Wood, at nursing student, and one to a nurse leader. Eligibility: Any member of Sigma Theta Tau. Deadline: April 10, 2005. Amount: $300 [email protected]. to each award recipient. Criteria: The recipient(s) shall be a member who displays evidence of contributions to improving care in the academic and/or community setting through the following attributes: 1. Leadership. 2. Dedication. 3. Respect. 4. Collaboration. 5. Imagination. 6. Humor. 7. Intuition. 8. Creativity. 9. Collegiality. 10. Compassion. Submission of Nominations: Candidates for these awards are to be nominated by faculty or in the case of the nurse leader candidate someone that works with the nurse leader candidate.

Applications for all awards are available on-line at www.bc.edu/sigma/.

6 call for abstracts chapter philanthropy

annual spring charity of research program choice featuring n October 2002, Alpha Chi’s Executive Board voted Joan Vitello, RN, PhD, FAAN, CNAA to institute a proposal for support of charitable Past Vice President for Nursing Services, activities under Chapter aegis. Its purpose was to Chief Nursing Executive at St. Anne’s Hospital develop a process of philanthropy by which active Chapter members could propose a “charity of choice” Ithat would be targeted for specific donations at individual Research on Emotional Intelligence programs of the Chapter (the Gorman Lecture, Clinical In Nursing Leaders Innovations, the Annual Business Meeting). Proposals Abstract submissions are invited for poster presentation at would be sent to the Chapter President for Executive Board the Alpha Chi Chapter Annual Spring Research Program review at the orientation meeting of the Chapter in scheduled for Wednesday, May 11, 2005. Abstracts are September each year. The requested “donations” could be invited for the following categories: for money, raffles, or physical objects, and the person • Completed Research proposing the charity would be responsible for the collection • Research in Progress process. • Proposal in Development • Scholarly Literature Review Neither the President nor Executive Board have received any proposals to this date. Members are reminded of this Abstracts are limited to a maximum of 500 words. possibility for support of their favorite charity, and are urged Research abstracts should include the following: study pur- to go to the Chapter’s www.bc.edu/sigma/ and to look pose; methods; results; and conclusions. Submit 3 copies under “Philanthropy” for more details of the process. The of the abstract (two copies without identifying information) Chapter hopes to get proposals for the coming year. and a cover sheet that includes: the title of the research; name and degrees of author(s); and address and telephone number(s) of corresponding author. Non-members are invited to submit abstracts. Materials presented elsewhere are welcome. founder’s night submission deadline: postmarked by April 4, 2005 Send abstracts to: recruiting Ken Lytle Boston College, Wm. F. Connell School of Nursing 334 Cushing Hall 140 Commonwealth Ave. prospective Chestnut Hall, MA 02467 or members E-Mail: [email protected] n October 4th, Rita Olivieri and Deborah Adams- Cassidy (Alpha Chi Chapter Counselors) invited Notification of acceptance will be mailed to corresponding interested applicants to come and hear about the authors by April 20, 2005. history of Sigma Theta Tau International. This is an annual event that helps prospective candidates Ofor Chapter membership to get to know how or why they should apply. The counselors presented the history of how, in 1922, 2005 grant applications a small group of nursing students from University brought to fruition a now international society of nurse scholars and clinicians that is well known for its philanthropy, nursing scholarship, and networking. Rita and Deborah explained 2005 grant for the process of applying and made applications available for undergraduate, graduate, and nurse leader candidates. In attendance were not only students of the Connell School clinical reserach of Nursing, but also registered nurses actively working as clinicians in the community who were interested in becoming Purpose: Alpha Chi Clinical Research Fund is seeking to con- members of the Chapter. Lastly, each of those in attendance tinue to fund nursing research. The chapter sets aside $5000 to was encouraged to think about who else may be interested support one or more projects that contribute to the advance- in applying to the Chapter as a nurse leader. Refreshments ment of clinical nursing. Applications are available at: were served and the spirit of networking continued during and www.bc.edu/sigma/financial_support.html after the meeting. Over forty people attended Founder’s or call Diane Carroll (617) 724-4934. Deadline: February 18, Night, and many more have requested applications. Founder’s 2005. Awards are presented: May 5, 2004. Night 2004 was a complete success!

7 member

visit us on the world wide web

http://www.bc.edu/sigma

You can find information of particular value to members:

Annual Reports Committee Lists and Chairpersons Newsletters • Calendar of Events Application Forms for Scholarships and Awards ... and more!

8 Karen Aroian, an endowed professor at Rosanna DeMarco and Anne Norris “Family functioning in parents of children College of published “Culturally relevant HIV inter- with neurofibromatosis 1 at the Eastern Nursing, has been awarded a five-year ventions: transcending ethnicity” in the Nursing Research Society’s16th Annual $2.4M grant from the National Institutes Journal of Cultural Diversity 11(2) as well Scientific Sessions, in April 2004. She of Health National Institute of Nursing as “Women’s voices, women’s lives: A was named the 2004 Eastern Nursing Research to study mother-child adjust- web-based HIV prevention film project” Research Society/ANF Scholar for “Voices ment in Arab immigrants and refugees. in Welie & Kissell (eds.), Jesuit health of parents of children with neuro- sciences and the promotion of justice: An fibromatosis 1: Experiences at diagnosis Mary Aruda recently participated in invitation to discussion. With Barbara and with health care providers. A mixed- the Women’s Behavioral Health Systems Brush and Ann Dylis, she published method study.” She received a Gamma Building: a program of the Health “Nursing and Academic Merit: Is There a Epsilon Chapter (Northeastern University) Resources and Service Administration Fit?” in the Journal of Nursing Education, Research Grant for “Family functioning to centralize grant application reviews. 43(12). Rosanna, also co-published in parents of children with neuro- She also served as a consultant and team “Linking patient and family-centered fibromatosis 1: Additional data analysis writer for “A shared vision for care and patient safety: The next leap” of predictor variables” and a North- youth and young adults in Nursing Economics 22(4). She also eastern University Research and 2003: Summary data on youth published “Developing nursing voice Scholarship Develop-ment Fund grant development in relation to key strategic through writing in a group” in. Oermann for “Family functioning in parents of goals” a report of the Massachusetts & Heinrich (eds.), Annual Review of children with neurofibromatosis 1: A Department of Public Health. She was Nursing Education, Volume 2, (2004). secondary analysis.” She was named appointed to the Pediatric Nurse Along with other members of the Healing co-chairperson: of the Research Practitioner Content Expert Panel for a Our Community Collaborative (HOCC) at Committee of the International Society four year term and participated in Boston Medical Center, Rosanna was of Nurses in Genetics. the “National Women’s Leadership awarded a $10,000 program grant to Summit: Partnering to make a evaluate prevention education programs Laurel Eisenhauer and Joyce Pulcini have difference” in October, in Washington, directed to women at risk and living been awarded a grant from Boston DC. with HIV/AIDS. College to purchase and test PDAs for the pediatric students. Diane Berry, a post-doctoral fellow at Yale Meg Doherty, a recent speaker at the Laurel has also been appointed a University, contributed to a study on Clinical Innovations in Nursing program writing mentor for Sigma Theta Tau maintenance of weight loss that was of Alpha Chi Chapter, published “An International’s online course, “Becoming reported in Nursing Science Quarterly (17, emergency management model for home a published nurse author: Professional 242-252) and cited in the Nursing health care organizations” in Home nursing thru mentoring.” She was Spectrum edition of August 23. Health Care Management and Practice. quoted in “BSN-to-PhD programs catch She was recognized at the Visiting Nurse on at nation’s nursing schools” in Ann W. Burgess’s article, “Effectively Association of New England’s October the August 23 edition of Nursing detect and manage elder abuse” was meeting for her service as their chair Spectrum. published in The Nurse Practitioner, 29(8). for the past four years. Joellen Hawkins wrote “Musings on Hallie Carmen, a community nurse leader Mary Ellen Doona wrote “Remembering attitudes and their effects on our health inducted into the Chapter in 2001, died the past of Massachusetts nursing” for and well-being: You’re only as old as you January 20th after a long illness. Her the Massachusetts Report on Nursing of feel or behave” in Clinical Excellence for presence in nursing service to the September 2004. Nurse Practitioners, 8(1). She presented elderly and homeless will be much “Creating a safe community for children missed. Mary Duffy, Dorothy Jones, M. Patricia and adolescents: Addressing the needs Gibbons, Joan Fitzmaurice, and Marianne of child witnesses to violence through a Kimberly Christopher co-authored Ditomassi were among the writers of community coalition” at the 13th Nursing “Evaluating a community-based exercise “Development and psychometric evalua- Network on Violence Against Women program for women cancer survivors” in tion of the Professional Practice Environ- International Conference in October, and Applied Nursing Research. ment (PPE) scale” in Journal of Nursing co-presented “Implications for practice: Scholarship, 36(3). Critical analysis and synthesis of theory- Thomas Connelly and Pamela Grace were based research using the Roy Adaptation each awarded Boston College Summer- Since she finished BC's doctoral program Model by the theorist” at the American Fall Research Expense Grants in the in 2003, Ann Dylis has been Assistant Academy of -Based amounts of $1500. Tom also co-authored Professor at Northeastern University. Practice Expert Forum in November in “A concept analysis of dignity for older During that time, in addition to co- Washington, DC. With Catherine Read, adults” in Journal of Advanced Nursing, publications noted elsewhere, she has she presented “Measuring client 48(1). presented “Parents of children with responses to genetic information: A neurofibromatosis 1: Comparison of psychometric evaluation” at the Council Kathleen Davidson, vice-president for maternal and paternal responses” at the for the Advancement of Nursing nursing at Boston Medical Center, 17th Annual Educational Conference of Science Conference in October in received the 2004 Best Nurse Leader the International Society of Nurses in Washington, DC. With Catherine Read as award from Advance for Nurses. The Genetics in October in Toronto, well as Judith Vessey, she presented award cited her three-step framework “Uncertainty, coping, and family function- “…Not just sticks and stones…Names can for leadership: visibility, mentoring and ing in parents of children with also hurt…An overview of teasing and communication. The award was featured neurofibromatosis 1: A path analytic bullying” at the Advanced Practice in an article in Advance for Nurses, study” at STTI’s International Nursing Nursing Conference in in October 25, entitled “Leading the way.” Research Congress in Dublin., and September.

9 Loretta Higgins published “Coeducation Catherine Read published ”Using the success” at the National League for but not equal opportunity: Women enter Impact of Event Scale to evaluate psycho- Nursing Summit in Orlando. She also Boston College” in Miller-Bernal and logical response to being a phenylke- was a participant in Operation Warrior Poulson (Eds.), Going coed: Women’s tonuria gene carrier” in the Journal of Forge 2004 at Fort Lewis in Olympia, WA. experiences in formerly men’s colleges and Genetic Counseling, 13(3). Co-written with universities, 1950-2000. Ann Dylis, Sandra Mott and Nancy Judith Vessey published “PTSD: The hid- Fairchild was ‘Promoting integration of den childhood illness” in the February 9, June Horowitz, Judith Vessey, and Joyce genetics core competencies into entry- 2004 Nursing Spectrum and ‘Take a stand. David published “Teasing and bullying level nursing curricula” in the Journal of Lend a hand: ‘Stop bullying now!’ cam- experiences of middle school students” Nursing Education, 43(8). She also co- paign” in the November NASN in Journal of the American Psychiatric authored “Brief report: Predictors of par- Newsletter. She has been named a Clinical Nurses Association, 10(4). enting stress among parents of children Expert by NAPNAP in the areas of with biochemical genetic disorders” in Psychosocial/Mental Health and School Elizabeth Howard was named a distin- the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 29(7). Health. Along with Mary Duffy and June guished research fellow by Northeastern She also presented “Genetic testing for Horowitz, she presented “A multi-method University, where she is the graduate Alzheimer’s disease: Impact on health approach to instrument development: coordinator for , for behaviors” at the 17th Annual Lessons learned from the CATS (Child- her attainments in extramural research International Society of Nurses in Adolescent Teasing Scale) Project” at the funding. She was also awarded a Genetics Conference in Toronto in National Congress on the State of the Distinguished Alumna Award by the October. She was named primary investi- Science in Nursing Research in University of Massachusetts - Amherst gator for a third year of her NIA confer- Washington, DC in October. School of Nursing. She presented ence grant. "Building community through research" Barbara Wolfe co-authored “Neuro- at STTI's Research Congress in Dublin. Joan Riley is conducting research for a peptides in eating disorders” in CNS study, “Unearthing nursing scholarship,” Spectrum, 9(7) as well as “Effect of Dorothy Jones was appointed to the whose model was published in the Journal dieting on plasma leptin, soluble leptin Sigma Theta Tau International Futures of Nursing Scholarship, December 2002. receptor, adiponectin and resistin levels Advisory Committee, as well as to the The focus is the importance of nursing in healthy volunteers” in Clinical NACNS Task Force on Language and Re- scholarship for practicing nurses. Endocrinology, 61. imbursement. In October, she presented “3N harmonizing structure and nursing A poster, “Implications for practice: Robin Wood and Mary Duffy published language” at the State of the Science Critical analysis and synthesis of theory- “Video breast health kits: Testing a cancer Conference in Washington, DC. based research using one nursing model, education intervention in older high-risk 1995-2001,” was co-presented by Callista populations” in Journal of Cancer Education, Margaret Kearney published the editorial Roy at the American Academy of 19(2). Robin also wrote “Bringing preven- “Choosing healthy behaviors: One small Nursing’s Evidence-Based Nursing: tive health care to a forgotten population: step for womankind” in JOGNN, 33(5). Strategies for Improving Practice in A nursing research project about breast Washington, DC. in November. cancer screening among older black and Maryjoan Ladden received a $30,000 white women in Welie & Kissell (eds.), Executive Nurse Fellowship for a project Kristen Sethares co-authored “The effect Jesuit health sciences and the promotion of to promote interprofessional collabora- of a tailored message intervention on justice: An invitation to discussion. Robin tion for health system improvements heart failure readmission rates, quality of and Karen Giuliano spoke on “Predictors from the Robert Wood Johnson life, and benefit and barrier beliefs in per- of mammography use at recommended Foundation. sons with heart failure” in Heart and intervals among older women” at the Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Eastern Research Society in April. In May, Judith Mitiguy, editorial vice president Care, as well as “Partnerships in mending Robin presented “E-learning lessons of Nursing Spectrum, presented scholar- hearts: Nurse and peer intervention for learned: WebCT and videostreaming” at ships to five students at the 27th recovering cardiac elders” in the Journal the 2nd Regional Conference of New annual Health Occupations Students of Cardiovascular Nursing. England Nursing Lab Coordinator Group of America meeting in Orlando in July, and, in July, “Patterns of mammography as reported in Nursing Spectrum, Judith Shindul-Rothschild provided com- use and constraints to screening among August 23. ments in the publication, “Female athlete disabled and non-disabled older women” triad coalition embarks on important at the 15th International Nursing Barbara Munro authored Statistical methods study,” in the May / June APNA . Research Congress, Sigma Theta Tau for health care research ( 5th ed., 2005). International in Dublin. Sue Sheehy was awarded a $75,000 grant The Boston Sunday Globe of December 19 for her research “Recovery post spinal Lin Zhan authored “Improving mental (p. A24) reprinted “Violence trails cord injury: A high intensity, focused exer- health for elderly minorities” in the expectant mothers, data indicate” from cise program” from the Gustaf and Journal of . She the Washington Post, which cited Louisa Pfeiffer Foundation presented “Leadership development: A Angela Nannini’s 2002 study finding challenging journey” at the New England homicide as the top cause of Patricia Tabloski published the editorial Chinese American Information and maternal deaths in Massachusetts. “Youth Is a gift of nature, but aging is a Network Association, and “Health care work of art: Health issues of older management: Quality service and manag- In Groningen, Joyce Pulcini women” as well as “Global aging: ing variations” at Xing Jiang Hospital, and presented “Trends in nurse practitioner Implications for women and women’s “Higher education in nursing in the 21st prescribing practices: 1996-2003” at the health,” both in JOGNN, 33(5). century: Essentials, criteria and standards” International Nurse Practitioner / at the International Conference on Higher Advanced Practice Nursing Network Linda Tenofsky co-presented a poster Education Standards in the 21th Century, Conference, July, 2004. “Education and service: A partnership for both in Shanghai. 10 spring 2005 calendar

Wednesday Sunday Wednesday Wednesday March 16, 2005 April 3, 2005 May 11, 2005 June 15, 2005

Executive Board Meeting Induction Ceremony / Brunch Executive Board Meeting Executive Board Meeting 5:30-7:00 Speaker: Carol Picard, RN, PhD 4:45-5:30 Transition Board and Chairs Cushing 411 11:00-2:00 5:30-7:00 Heights Room Networking/Poster Session Cushing 413 5:30-6:30

Annual Business Meeting 6:30-7:30 executive board Research Presentation meetings: Speaker: Jean Vitello, RN, PhD, FAAN, CNAA Wed. March 16, 2005 7:30-8:30 Wed. May 11, 2005 Wed. June 15, 2005 Shea Room/Conte Forum

additional dates: Research Applications: Feb. 18, 2005 Clinical Awards, Essays and Mentor: April 8, 2005 Newsletter Deadlines: May 16, 2004 (August Newsletter)

bccson information sessions newsletter staff

Exploring Higher Education Editor Master's Education seminar Barbara Madden 15 March 2005 Doctoral Education seminar Associate Editors 25 March 2005 Dorothy Jones Jean O’Neil All programs will take place Margaret Murphy Cushing Hall 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Graphic Designer To register, call Chad Minnich 617-552-4928 or visit us on-line at: Photographers www.bc.edu/nursing Barbara Madden Chad Minnich

11 share with us the exciting things that are happening in your life: a new job, a promotion, a move,attended an interesting conference, recent award, recent publication, degree earned, a child or grandchild, a retirement ... we will share your news in a future newsletter

Mail your news to: Louisa Dichard Public Relations Committee 12 Charles Street Maynard, MA 01754 E-mail: [email protected]

Alpha Chi Chapter Non-Profit Org. Sigma Theta Tau International U.S. Postage Paid Boston College Boston, MA Permit No. 55294 William F. Connell School of Nursing Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467