Dr. Sharon Stanke will speak at Chi-At-Large 2012 Annual Meeting: How to use simulation to better prepare novice nurses to handle crises in open–heart patients

Dr. Sharon Stanke: recipient of 2011 Chi-At-Large Research Scholarship

A practicing nurse for 30 years, alumna Dr. Sharon Stanke (‘11) says “bringing a higher standard of expertise to the bedside” was her motivation in pursuing Chatham’s Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. With 28 years of her career dedicated to providing care in the intensive care unit, Sharon’s evidence–based practice change capstone project was aimed at better preparing novice nurses (less than 1 year of critical care experience) to care for acutely critically ill patients. Her project had such incredible results that it even caught the eye of the U.S. undersecretary for health.

“Our traditional education left the novice nurse unprepared, was my belief,” says Sharon, who is a critical care educator at the Minneapolis Veteran’s Affairs Health Care System and an adjunct faculty member in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Globe University/Minnesota School of Business.

With a focus on improving the management of hemodynamics (blood flow) and pharmacology, Sharon wanted to increase the stability of open-heart patients under the care of novice nurses.  After educating novice nurses through innovative simulations Sharon designed, open-heart surgical patient outcomes demonstrated 172% improvement…

http://www.chatham.edu/about/spotlight/innovation/

Neil MacNaughton named to U.N. and Global Health Advisory Council

Chi-At-Large Board member NEIL MACNAUGHTON has been appointed by Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) to its United Nations and Global Health Advisory Council.  Neil’s research focus has been in the impact of health care systems on health disparities especially in relation to access to care for vulnerable populations.  He regularly takes health care providers to do mission work in Micronesia.  Currently a professor at St. Olaf College, Neil has also served as past President of Gamma chapter, the second oldest chapter of STTI.

Scholarship Alert!!! 10 tips for success in applying for scholarships (Part One)

Tiffany Montgomery, a successful scholarship winner shares her secrets.

 This blog is featured in the Sigma Theta Tau International journal, Reflections on Nursing Leadership. Check it out!

http://takingholdofmydreams.blogspot.com/

Raney Linck named Regional Coordinator for Sigma Theta Tau

On Nov. 3, 2011, Raney Linck was elected Regional Coordinator (Region 4) for Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) at its 41st Biennial Convention, which was held in Grapevine, Texas, USA.

At each biennial, STTI elects a new Board of Directors and 3 committees: Governance, Leadership Succession, and Regional Chapters Coordination.  Regional Coordinators serve for 2 years.

In her inaugural address, new STTI President Suzanne Prevost recognized Raney for his innovative work in the Globe University/Minnesota School of Business nursing program, where every student creates a teaching website for patients before graduation.

Dr. Prevost’s 2011-2013 Presidential Call to Action is “GIVE BACK TO MOVE FORWARD” and includes 4 major themes: Creating a Legacy of Professional Impact, Engaging in Collaboration in the Global Community, Responding to Vulnerable Populations, and Embracing Technology.

(Pictured: STTI CEO Pat Thompson and STTI President Karen Morin (2009-2011) welcome Raney as he is installed in his new position.)

Jamie Friedman receives Excellence in Nursing Award from Fairview Lakes Medical Center

In September 2011, Jamie Friedman, BSN RN, was recognized with an Excellence in Nursing award from Fairview Lakes Medical Center.  Jamie is a nurse case manager and team leader at Fairview Lakes HomeCaring & Hospice.  In the award announcement, his many strengths were described:

“Jamie communicates clearly and concisely, which helps ensure the next caregiver knows how to pick up where he left off.  He looks for ways to streamline processes for effective and efficient coordination of patients’ care among the entire care team, including families. 

“Jamie understands the importance of individual growth and learning; in addition to encouraging other nurses to work at the top of their licensure, he recently decided to return to school to earn a PhD in nursing and plans to share his new knowledge with the team. Jamie receives appreciative comments from many patients’ families, as he regularly goes above and beyond expectations.”

Jamie Friedman is joining Chi-At-Large through Globe University/Minnesota School of Business (MSB), where he is a member of MSB’s Program Advisory Committee and also an alumni of its first graduating class.  Congratulations, Jamie!

Dr. Marjorie Schaffer named March of Dimes Education and Research Nurse of the Year

On October 8, 2011, Dr. Marjorie (Marge) Schaffer was recognized as March of Dimes Education and Research Nurse of the Year for her career-long devotion to nursing education and her leadership, integrity, intelligence, and creativity. “She integrates public health nursing practice and education in a way that has practical value for agencies and academia. She encourages her students to stretch their skills and tap hidden talents, all with a gentle and positive approach. She also pushes for the creation of sustainable projects that offer activities for students year to year.”

Marge is the author of Being Present: A Nurse’s Resource for End-of-Life Communication. Click here to read the first chapter of her book, which was published by Sigma Theta Tau International.

Marge will moderate a panel at the upcoming Bethel University 2012 NURSING RESEARCH AND PRACTICE SYMPOSIUM: “ENDING LIFE WELL” on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 5 - 9 PM.  Chi-At-Large is a sponsor of this event.

http://www.bethel.edu/news-events/news/2011/october/schaffer-march-dimes

Nurse entrepreneur Lores Vlaminck wins award for advancing End-of-Life Nursing Care

The End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) project is a national education initiative to improve palliative care.  It recognized 10 international ELNEC trainers who’ve made noteworthy contributions with a 2011 “Excellence in ELNEC Education Award”, including…

Lores Vlaminck, RN, BSN, MA, CHPN, who owns LORES CONSULTING in Rochester, MN, and is a member of Chi-At-Large chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing. 

Lores spends most of her days traveling and mentoring/consulting staff working in community hospice, home care, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Lores uses ELNEC-Geriatric and also ELNEC-Veteran curricula as she goes across the country as an independent consultant, working with nurses and other members of the interdisciplinary team. The administrator/director of a Medicare certified home care and hospice agency in her rural community for the past 20 years, Lores appreciates hearing that her training affirms the current practice of her many participants and/or that they wish they had received this education many years ago. For many, they share how the training will motivate them to deliver better palliative care.

Lores will speak during the upcoming Bethel University 2012 NURSING RESEARCH AND PRACTICE SYMPOSIUM: “ENDING LIFE WELL” on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 5 - 9 PM.  Chi-At-Large is a sponsor of this event.

Click here for more info on upcoming webinars on ELNEC curriculum

Check out Lores’s blog here: http://loresconsulting.blogspot.com/

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/faculty/faculty-development/elnec/2011AwardWinners.pdf

http://www.loresconsulting.com/