GVSU FALL 12 KCON€¦ · considerable attention. It noted, “Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system.” Embedded in this

www.gvsu.edu\coe

KCONA PUBL ICAT ION OF THE K I RKHOF COL LEGE OF NURS ING | GVSU I SSUE 1 VOLUME 6 | FALL 12

Graduate Education Cynthia McCurren Closing the Education-Practice Gap

Reflections From Our First DNP-APN Graduates Introducing Our Next DNP Graduates

Exploring the Role of CNL

KIRKHOF COLLEGE OF NURSING

As I write this message, I am pausing to reflect on how rapidly events are occurring

that could greatly influence nursing education. In June 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court

issued its decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, stimulating controversy and

elevating the public visibility of health care reform. The nursing profession is fortunate

to have visionary leaders who have engaged in important work that gives us direction

in this unsettled time. Reports from the Institute of Medicine and the Robert Wood

Johnson Foundation have supplied key messages and action plans related to nursing

education. They call for nurses to achieve higher levels of education, so they can

be prepared for significant advancements in science and technology and make

meaningful contributions to health care reform.

Without a doubt, the role and importance of nurses in health care will grow in the

coming decades. To meet this challenge, we need to ensure that our programs

prepare nursing professionals with the advanced education they will need. A university

college of nursing cannot achieve this alone. It requires partnerships with practice

partners, professional organizations, the insurance industry and political leaders.

This edition of KCON Magazine provides insight into how we are addressing the

challenges for enhanced graduate nursing education. We have showcased the first

graduates of our DNP degree program. We have highlighted the Clinical Nurse Leader

(CNL) role by featuring a KCON alumna who is contributing to creative care delivery

models. And we introduce two new professionals who have joined our leadership team,

demonstrating our commitment to practice engagement and health care reform.

The future holds an expansion of nurses’ roles in health care. Our work has just begun.

We hope this edition of KCON Magazine will motivate you to contemplate the question,

“What if YOU could help transform health care?” We invite you to seek ways to be

part of our educational programs as a practice partner, a financial supporter or a

dedicated educator. Together we can make a difference!

CYNTH IA McCURREN, PhD , RN, FNAP

DEAN AND PROFESSOR K I RKHOF COL LEGE OF NURS ING

A PUBL ICAT ION OF THE K I RKHOF COL LEGE OF NURS ING | GVSU

From The Dean

K IRKHOF COLLEGE OF NURS ING

Su i t e 300 Cook -DeVos Cen te r f o r Hea l t h Sc i ence s 301 Mich igan S t r ee t , NE Grand Rap id s , M I 49503 -3314 Web S i t e : www.gv su .edu/kconPhone : 616.331.3558

KCON MAGAZINE PRODUCT ION

CYNTHIA McCURREN | EXECUT IVE ED I TORDean , K i r k ho f Co l l ege o f Nu r s i ng

L INDA BOND | PROJECT COORDINATORFacu l t y, K i r k ho f Co l l ege o f Nu r s i ng

JAN ANDERSEN | ED ITOR & CONTR IBUT ING WRITERBeyond Words , I n c .

BRAD H INEL INE | CREAT IVE D IRECTOR & GRAPH IC DES IGNERHine l i ne Des ign

BERNAD INE CAREY- TUCKER | CONTR IBUT ING PHOTOGRAPHERGVSU News and I n fo rma t i on Se r v i ce s

PR INT ING SERV ICESFo remos t G raph i c s

KCON MAGAZINE ADV ISORY COMMITTEE

ANGELA CARUSO

CYNTH IA McCURREN

SUSAN MLYNARCZYK

BRENDA PAWL

L INDA SCOTT

KCON ALUMNI ASSOCIAT ION BOARD MEMBERS

TRACY HOSFORD ( ’02 ) | PRES IDENT

KR IST I COOPER ( ’94 & ‘02 ) | SECRETARY

RUTH ANN BR INTNAL L ( ’85 & ’97 ) | BOARD-AT- LARGE

STACY McCARRON ( ’97 & ’00 ) | BOARD-AT- LARGE

L EE McCORMICK ( ’81 ) | BOARD-AT- LARGE

J ENNIFER P I E TRAZ ( ’09 ) | BOARD-AT- LARGE

BETH READ ( ’02 ) | BOARD-AT- LARGE

REBECCA SYPNIEWSK I ( ’03 ) | BOARD-AT- LARGE

L INDA BOND | KCON FACULTY L IA ISON

JU L I E BULSON ( ’99 & ’07 ) | GVSU ALUMNI ASSOCIAT ION

AB IGAYLE S LOAN ( ’07 ) | GVSU ALUMNI L IA ISON

CONTACT US

KCON Magaz ine i s a pub l i ca t i on o f G rand Va l l e y S ta t e Un i ve r s i t yK i r k ho f Co l l ege o f Nu r s i ng . | Commen t s and s ugges t i on s a re we l come.

Grand Valley State University is an af firmative action/equal opportunity institution. 10/12 © 2012, Grand Valley State University Kirkhof College of Nursing

www.gvsu.edu\coe

KCON | TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Closing the Education-Practice Gap

Cynthia McCurren

4 Reflections From Our First DNP-APN Graduates

8 Introducing Our Next DNP Graduates

9 Exploring the Role of CNL

10 Alumni Update

13 Student/SNA Update

14 Faculty/Staff Update

19 KCON in the News

8

2 4

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Closing the Education-Practice Gap By Cynthia McCurren, PhD, RN, FNAP

In nursing education we have long worried about the “education-

practice gap.” This traditionally referred to the ability of practice

settings to adopt and reflect what was being taught in academic

programs of nursing. In today’s health care environment, the practice

community is turning the tables on academia. There is a perception

that education does not keep pace with rapid changes in practice

— that academia is failing to produce health professionals who are

ready for complex care issues and collaborative teamwork.

There is truth on both sides of the issue. In October 2010, the Institute of

Medicine, in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,

released a report titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change,

Advancing Health” [http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/The-Future-

of-Nursing-Leading-Change-Advancing-Health.aspx]. One of the key

messages related to nursing education in this report has received

considerable attention. It noted, “Nurses should achieve higher levels

of education and training through an improved education system.”

Embedded in this discussion were directives to address concerns

about educational capacity and the urgent need to transform nursing

curricula. In another 2010 report, “Educating Nurses: A Call for Radical

Transformation” [http://www.carnegiefoundation.org/newsroom/

press-releases/educating-nurses-call-radical-transformation],

Using Graduate Nursing Education to Transform Health Care

the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching stated,

“Nurses are ill-prepared for the profound changes in science,

technology and the nature and settings of nursing practice.”

These and many other reports, journal articles and presentations

have clearly shown us that practice and education — especially

graduate nursing education — must work together to achieve our

common goal of improved health outcomes through excellence in

nursing practice and team-based care. These circumstances could

be viewed as overwhelming, but at GVSU-KCON we see this as an

opportunity!

In the last few years, our perspectives about nursing education have

broadened and our collaborations have been extended. We have

fostered communication between academia and practice, creating

effective feedback loops that inform both curricular needs and

clinical practice. We have created graduate degrees that embed

the advanced competencies needed for a rapidly evolving health

care system that is challenged to the meet the triple aims of better

care, better health and reduced cost.

Increasingly, the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) serves as the central

point of contact between the patient and other care providers,

including physicians and nurse specialists. A strong emphasis on

evidence-based practice ensures that patients benefit from the latest

innovations in care delivery and that quality improvement and systems

thinking improve efficiencies. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

degree enhances the skills of advanced practice nurses in a context

that includes information systems/technology; health care policy

advocacy; interprofessional collaboration across the continuum;

and clinical prevention, evidence-based practice and public health

approaches for improving the nation’s health.

We are complementing these educational reforms with intentional

collaborations within the practice community. The individuals depicted

in the sidebar to this story are just three examples of the many ways

KCON has formed connections that close the gap between graduate

nursing education and practice. With their assistance — and the help

of many others — we will continue to create the effective feedback

loops that inform both curricular needs and clinical practice.

• A 12-member KCON Advisory Board was formed in 2010. It includes

members of our regional community who influence health care as

providers, consumers, politicians, philanthropists or health care executives.

Joann Hoganson, MSN, RN, is one of our current board members. She is the

director of community nursing for the Kent County Health Department (KCHD),

and she supports the integration of public health perspectives related to

health promotion, disease prevention and protection of the community in our

education-practice partnership.

Hoganson’s recommendation led to the “Kent County 2011 Community

Health Needs Assessment and Health Profile,” becoming an integral resource

to inform clinical education. KCON students participate in a number of

initiatives within the KCHD as part of their clinical education. Overall, the

Advisory Board ensures the exchange of communication. Strategic aims of

the College of Nursing are considered in the reality–based context of health

care delivery.

• Elizabeth Murphy, MSBA, BSN, RN, serves as the vice president and chief

nursing officer for Saint Mary’s Health Care. Her visionary leadership has led

to enhanced education-practice partnerships. The Clinical Nurse Leader

concept is used throughout her facility as a care delivery model, and Saint

Mary’s CNLs serve as preceptors for KCON CNL students. Also, her

appreciation of the DNP degree has led her to increased placement sites for

the mental health in primary care practicum that is a unique aspect of our

DNP degree.

Two of our faculty members have joint appointments with Saint Mary’s. One

serves as a consultant for nursing research and evidence-based practice.

The other works as an advanced practice nurse in neuroscience, which

complements her program of research and allows her to mentor KCON DNP

students within a clinical site. In addition, Murphy personally serves as a

mentor/preceptor for a DNP student in the Nursing Administration and Health

Care Systems track.

• Dianne Conrad, DNP, FNP-BC, practices in a rural primary care clinic,

blending her practice with her faculty role at KCON. She continually brings

the reality of practice issues forward, and facilitates learning experiences

for students in the classroom and in her clinical practice. As an experienced

advanced practice nurse, Conrad earned her DNP and now she clearly

articulates her “lived experience” of bridging the education-practice gap. The

educational components of the DNP degree have enhanced her practice and

her contributions to health care. In turn, her unique insights are invaluable for

faculty, students and our other practice partners.

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KCON | FEATURE

Photo Right: (Left to Right) Joann Hoganson, Elizabeth Murphy, Dianne Conrad

Reflections From Our First DNP-APN GraduatesOn April 28, 2012, KCON proudly celebrated commencement for the

first class to graduate from the Advanced Practice Nursing (APN)

track of its new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. These

pioneering doctoral nursing students are Elaine Leigh, Emily Quiney

and Rebecca Sypniewski. As this issue went to press, Jaclynn (Jaci)

Lubbers was completing the implementation of her doctoral project.

In this story, the four women share some thoughts and reflections

about their DNP experience, what led them to take on the challenge

of a new program, and where they go from here.

Rebecca Sypniewski, DNP, MSN (‘03), RN, FNP-BC

Dissertation: “An Evidence-Based Approach for the Development

of a Health and Wellness Program Within a Community Center for

Older Adults”

Rebecca Sypniewski, a family nurse practitioner, has been employed

at the GVSU Family Health Center for more than three years. “My

decision to begin the DNP program initially started as a requirement

for my current position,” she says, “but it really blossomed into a

desire to look at our health care system through a different lens or

perspective — the lens afforded by the DNP degree.”

As she continues her work at the Family Health Center, Sypniewski

now has the credentials to serve as a faculty member for both

undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. “While I am still

practicing within the scope of an advanced practice nurse as I

did prior to the DNP degree, my perspective is much different than

before,” she explains. “I’m much more in tune with patients’ stories

and how it affects their decisions regarding their health care. So when

people ask me, ‘What can you do with a DNP?’ I respond that it is not

what I can do, but how I do it. The knowledge I have gained from the

DNP degree not only forces me to question how I provide care, our

health care system and patients’ stories, but to put them all together

more effectively as I provide patient-centered care.”

And what would Sypniewski tell someone about her KCON DNP

experience? She says, “I would tell anyone that this was the most

challenging task I have ever undertaken. I am extremely proud of

my accomplishments and recognize my professional and personal

growth. As an advanced practice nurse, I’m enacting the roles that

are inherent in the DNP degree: leader, scholar, advocate, educator,

innovator and clinician. But with added wisdom and knowledge from

the DNP program, I am able to enact these same roles from a much

different, broader perspective.”

Photo: REBECC

A SYPN

IEWSK

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About KCON’s MSN Degree

KCON’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree prepares professional

nurses as advanced generalists who will serve as leaders with in

clinical microsystems (patient care units/settings). Graduates willhave an

exceptional blend of clinical, organizational, economic and leadership

skills and will be fully prepared to:

• Provide patient care using current evidence-based practices.

• Integrate and coordinate care delivery processes.

• Apply advanced knowledge synthesized from nursing and related

disciplines.

• Improve client outcomes in a cost-effective, fiscally responsible

manner.

• Improve health care by assuming leadership roles in collaboration

with others.

• Contribute to health care reform and the advancement of the

profession.

Some program highlights:

• Class delivery formats designed to accommodate working

professionals (hybrid online delivery)*

• Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing

Education (CCNE)

• Open to full- or part-time students

• Degree requires approximately 41 credit hours and 480

clinical hours

• MSN admission cohort begins each fall semester; application

and supplemental materials due by February 1

Why Should You Earn the MSN?

KCON’s MSN degree program prepares graduates to obtain certification

for the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role. Support for this role is gaining

momentum as an increasing number of practice sites report positive

outcomes attributed to the CNL. For example, the Veterans Health

Administration, the nation’s largest employer of RNs, has embraced the

CNL role and is moving to introduce this clinician into all VA hospitals

nationwide. And Trinity Health System, the fourth largest Catholic health

system in the U.S., is connecting the CNL role to its strategic commitment.

With a KCON MSN degree, you can join and contribute to this growing

professional trend.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/kcon/

*For information about hybrid online course delivery, see www.gvsu.edu/online/

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Emily Quiney, DNP, MSN (‘04), RN, FNP-BC

Dissertation: “Evaluating Health Care Services for the Medically

Underserved Residents of a Western Michigan Lakeshore

Community”

Emily Quiney, a nurse practitioner, currently works at Spectrum Health

Butterworth in Grand Rapids as an OB triage specialist. “I chose to

pursue the DNP to learn strategies for improving health care for

vulnerable populations and everyone else who accesses the health

care system,” she says. “I wanted to gain the knowledge necessary to

improve the way we deliver health care.”

Quiney notes that she chose the GVSU program so she would have

intensive, face-to-face interactions with her professors and peers.

“By meeting for class in person, we had the opportunity to have very

intensive discussions about health care and the role of the DNP,” she

says. “It was a challenge to be part of the first KCON DNP cohort, but

I was able to form many important relationships with professors and

peers that will continue long into my career.”

What are Quiney’s plans for the future? “My DNP education has

prepared me to address the changes necessary to improve our

fragmented health care system, to use evidence-based practices

as a guide, and to deal with the issues faced by vulnerable

populations.” She continues, “I hope to better educate patients

on how to take personal accountability for their health status as a

way to increase patient autonomy and the effectiveness of the

health care system. And I now can help lead policy initiatives and

promote independent practice for nurse practitioners — one way

to increase access to primary health care services while maintaining

clinical skills and improving health care delivery. The DNP role fits

very well with health care reform,” Quiney states, “and we have

been trained to be leaders in transforming health care delivery and

quality initiatives.”

Photo: EMILY Q

UIN

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KCON | FEATURE

Elaine Leigh, DNP, MSN (‘02), RN, FNP-BC

Dissertation: “Hepatitis C Treatment: A Community-Based,

Multidisciplinary Approach to Increase Access and Improve

Health Perceptions”

Elaine Leigh manages a hepatitis C treatment clinic at Mercy Health

in Muskegon and is a nurse practitioner with Spectrum Health Medical

Group-Gastroenterology in Holland. This fall, she also is working

with current DNP students as one of KCON’s affiliate clinical faculty

members.

Why did she pursue a DNP degree at GVSU? “I needed a platform

from which to change health care delivery for those with hepatitis

C,” Leigh says. “The doctoral program gave me the tools to make

real change and the credentials to partner with a community in need

of improved hepatitis C services. I received my MSN from KCON, so I

knew the environment and faculty and thought the new DNP program

would be a professional, academic challenge.”

As her dissertation title indicates, Leigh spent her time in the DNP

program focused on improving access and care for those with

hepatitis C. After implementing an innovative practice in Muskegon,

she is now managing care for those being evaluated and treated at

a new dedicated hepatitis C clinic. “My project included an early

evaluation of the clinic’s programming,” she notes. “The treatment

programming focuses on education, self-management support and

psychological/emotional support, and we’ve already seen trends

toward improved health perceptions.”

Leigh points out that two significant initiatives will likely change the

country’s health care delivery model for hepatitis C: the Affordable

Care Act and changes in the hepatitis C screening guidelines, which

suggest that everyone born between 1946 and 1964 be screened.

“We don’t yet know precisely what these initiatives will mean for

clinical practice,” she says, “but I wanted to have the knowledge

and expertise needed to be part of this health care transformation.

“Students will enter the DNP program with a variety of experiences

and levels of expertise,” she concludes. “Having been through the

program myself, I think KCON does a nice job of individualizing the

program plan to meet each student’s interests and needs.”

Photo: ELAIN

E LEIGH

“I Needed A Platform From Which to Change Health Care Delivery…”

ELAINE LE IGH


About KCON’s DNP Degree

KCON’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is designed for nurses

seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice who prefer an alternative to

research-focused (i.e., PhD) doctoral programs. We offer two emphasis

areas: (1) Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) in child/adolescent or

adult/older adult, and (2) Nursing Administration and Health Care Systems.

Graduates are thoroughly prepared for career advancement in:

• Clinical and health systems leadership

• Changing health care delivery

• Improving patient outcomes

• Clinical teaching in higher education

Some program highlights:

• Class delivery formats designed to accommodate working

professionals (hybrid online delivery)*

• Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing

Education (CCNE)

• Open to full- or part-time students

• Students entering with BSN: degree requires approximately

90 credit hours and a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours

• Students entering with MSN: customized course plan will be

created based upon DNP program emphasis and previous

graduate coursework

• DNP admission cohort begins each fall semester; application

and supplemental materials due by February 1

Why Should You Earn the DNP?

Join nearly 10,000 other students who are committed to making a

difference in health care. They are responding to the rapid expansion

of knowledge underlying practice, the increased complexity of patient

care, national concerns about the quality of care and patient safety, and

shortages of nursing leaders who can design and assess care. With a

DNP, you can be a leader who transforms health care.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/kcon/

*For information about hybrid online course delivery, see www.gvsu.edu/online/

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Jaclynn (Jaci) Lubbers, MSN (‘00), RN, CPNP

Dissertation (Project Completion Pending): “Meeting Teens Where

They Are: The Feasibility of a Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for

Depressed Adolescents

For the past 12 years, Jaci Lubbers has been a pediatric nurse practitioner

with Holland Pediatric Associates. Recently, she accepted a faculty

position at Calvin College teaching pediatric nursing, and she plans

to continue her practice in Holland.

Lubbers, who was the first recipient of the Jean E. Martin Doctor of

Nursing Practice Scholarship, earned her master’s degree at GVSU.

“I chose KCON’s DNP program because of the people who are

there,” she says, “and I knew the leadership would build a program

that was exceptional. I loved the location. I also loved the ‘hybrid’

style of coursework. I wanted more skills to really do my job well:

things like a better understanding of evidence-based practice, a

better understanding of the mental health/primary care interface,

advocacy skills and a foundation in informatics. GVSU is preparing

me with those skills to move forward and help transform practice.”

7

KCON | FEATUREPhoto: JAC

LYNN

LUBBERS


Introducing Our Next DNP Graduates

On December 8, 2012, KCON will celebrate another first in Doctor

of Nursing Practice (DNP) program commencements. This time,

recognition will go to the first class of KCON DNP students to graduate

from the Nursing Administration and Health Care Systems track. All

of these pioneering individuals came to KCON with master’s-level

credentials in 2009.

Dennis Bertch, MSN (‘93), RN

Current Professional Position: Associate vice president for academic services

at Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC)

Scholarly Subject: Identify QSEN (quality and safety education for nurses) core

competencies needed for newly hired RNs and RNs in staff leadership roles

Kelli Damstra, MSN, RN

Current Professional Position: Affiliate faculty member at GVSU-KCON

Scholarly Subject: Improve breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy and intent

through a prenatal education program

Karen Delrue, MSN (‘01), BSN (‘94), RN, CEN

Current Professional Position: Clinical nurse specialist, emergency services,

at Spectrum Health

Scholarly Subject: Identify best practices in emergency department admission

handovers to improve and standardize patient handoff processes

Mary Dougherty, MSN, RN, AOCNS

Current Professional Position: Clinical nurse specialist, oncology, at Spectrum Health

Scholarly Subject: Prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections on LTACH

(long-term acute care hospital) units

Barbara Hooper, MSN (‘92), RN, NE-BC

Current Professional Position: Affiliate faculty member at GVSU-KCON

Scholarly Subject: Improve the development of critical thinking skills in new graduate

nurses by using case studies and videotaped vignettes

Carol Robinson, MS, RN

Current Professional Position: Evidence-based practice consultant at Elsevier CPM

Resource Center

Scholarly Subject: Evaluate the impact of the ELNEC (End of Life Nursing Education

Consortium) communication module on nurse death anxiety and communication

apprehension scores

Photo: (Clockwise) Dennis Bertch, Karen Delrue, Kelli Damstra, Carol Robinson, Barbara Hooper, Mary Dougherty

9

KCON | SHORT FEATURE

Exploring the Role of CNL

For Bridget Graham, MSN, BSN (‘04), RN-BC, CNL, every day at work as

a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a day in what she says is her perfect

role — “keeper of the patient’s story.”

Graham is a CNL on a 32-bed, acuity adaptable, senior adult unit

at Saint Mary’s Health Care in Grand Rapids. “My unit is fortunate to

have two CNLs,” she explains. “I work full time and my partner, Dawn

Borreson, works part time. We cover anywhere from 16 to 32 patients

daily. I’m responsible for core indicators, nursing sensitive indicators,

interdisciplinary rounds and patient satisfaction. I also do a lot of staff

mentoring and education at the bedside.”

Graham knew from the beginning of her career that she wanted

to pursue a graduate degree in nursing. “I enjoy learning and the

challenge of looking at the evidence and asking questions about

clinical practices,” she says. “I remember first hearing about the CNL

role from my chief nursing officer and thinking that it was perfect

for me. I was intrigued by the idea of being the consistent patient

information link for the nurses and physicians. What really made me

passionate about the role is that the CNL is at the bedside. We meet

the patients, create relationships, and mentor the bedside nurses.

And we do all this while pursuing process improvement opportunities

to achieve better patient outcomes.”

In her role as a CNL, Graham has worked on many projects. One of

her proudest accomplishments has been improved patient outcomes

emerging from higher vaccine administration rates in her team’s

patient population. Patients who are 65 and older are at a higher

risk for a pneumococcal infection, and the unit’s staff has been able

to consistently achieve vaccine administration rates between 90 and

100 percent.

Graham is also proud of the staff development and education she

and Borreson have been able to offer their staff. “We’ve developed

intermediate education to better prepare our nurses for the higher

acuity patients that we see coming into the hospital,” she explains.

“We also prepare a weekly case study to present to the staff, and we

invite guest speakers as often as we can to generate a continual flow

of new ideas.”

What does she see in the future? “I believe strongly in the CNL role. I

think that as hospitals around the country see the outcomes that CNLs

have achieved, interest in the role will grow exponentially. Hospitals

must achieve exceptional patient outcomes because reimbursement

will be directly tied to those outcomes. I believe the CNL can be

instrumental in shaping the future of health care.”


F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

Hello to all KCON alumni! I am truly excited to embrace my

new role as your president and look forward to a bright future

for our alumni group. In thinking about the presidency I was

reminded of a letter I read a year or two ago in a nursing

journal. It referenced a poem by Ilan Shamir titled “Advice

From a Tree.”

• “Sink your roots deeply.” Be truly connected to the field

of nursing. Draw nourishment from the connections you

make in your career.

• “Go out on a limb.” Take risks. Agree to tackle new

challenges.

• “Be flexible.” Bend with the challenges you face

in nursing.

• “Let your limbs sway and dance in the breeze.” Enjoy

yourself and spread your passion for nursing to others.

• And finally, “Embrace the changing seasons, for each

yields its own abundance.” Be willing to let go of the

old and embrace change.

Nursing is a career and profession to all of us, and a passion

and life journey to most. Please join me in taking advice from

a tree as we renew our KCON alumni board!

Tracy Hosford, BSN (’02), RN, PCCN

Find us on Facebook at “Alumni of the Kirkhof College of Nursing GVSU”

KCON Shines in NCLEX (Again!)

For yet another round, KCON’s graduates continued to shine when it

comes to NCLEX-RN exam scores. For the quarter ending April 2012,

KCON alumni taking the exam had a 93 percent pass rate, matching

the national rate for that period. In the year from April 2011 through

March 2012, the pass rate was 95 percent compared to a national

rate of 87 percent. Congratulations, everyone!

ALUMNI UPDATE

11

KCON | ALUMNI

A L U M N I B R I E F S

Angie Bishop, BSN (‘06), is working at Saint Mary’s Health

Care in Grand Rapids in the older adult intermediate unit.

Phyllis Boone, MSN (‘10), BSN (‘02), is working at Porter

Hills Village in Grand Rapids with elderly residents in the

continuum from independent to assisted living and skilled

nursing.

Lola Coke, PhD, MSN (‘93), ACNS-BC, RN-BC, FAHA,

FPCNA, assistant professor and clinical nurse specialist

at Rush University College of Nursing, is the 2012-2013

president of the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses

Association.

Robert Durkee, BSN (‘89), is a field representative for the

hospital accreditation program at The Joint Commission.

Sharon (Zinnah) Greer, BSN (‘96), is a care manager

in North Carolina, currently working on an MSN in Nurse

Management/Organizational Leadership.

Abby Hegstrand, MSN, BSN (‘07), is working as a clinical

documentation specialist for Bronson Battle Creek and is

an adjunct faculty member at Spring Arbor University.

Jenn LaVigne, BSN (‘07), is working at Saint Mary’s

Health Care in Grand Rapids on the inpatient oncology unit.

Jan Looman, MSN (‘87), contributed to the February 26,

2012, Grand Rapids Press nursing column in an article titled

“Helping a Person Who’s Having a Seizure.”

Kathryn Niemeyer, MSN (‘02), MSC, APRN-BC, is finishing

her PhD studies in complementary and alternative medicine

with the Department of Family and Community Medicine at

the University of Arizona.

Dawn Overbeek, BSN (‘91), formerly worked in labor

and delivery at Holland Hospital’s Boven Birth Center.

One of her four daughters began studying nursing this fall.

Ann Marie Poli, BSN (‘07), recently received the Sigma

Theta Tau Thelma Ingles Award, presented by Duke University

School of Nursing’s chapter of the International Honor Society

of Nursing.

Jessica (Easterday) Pulling, BSN (‘05), is a nurse practitioner

with Bronson Rambling Road Pediatrics in Portage, Mich.

Linda Scott, MSN (‘95), PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN,

has been appointed associate dean for academic affairs

at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing.

Michelle Troseth, BSN (‘83), MSN (‘99), RN, FNAP,

has been selected for induction as a Fellow in 2012 by

the American Academy of Nursing.

Jennifer VanWyhe, BSN (‘07), is working at Faith Hospice

in Grand Rapids.

Kristine Weaver, MSN (‘08), nurse practitioner, owns

The People’s Clinic in Elkhart, Ind. (www.npforwellness.com)

Lori Reitman Wild, PhD, BSN (‘80), RN, has been

appointed professor and dean of the School of Health

Sciences at Seattle Pacific University.

The following KCON alumni earned their DNP degree

from Rush University in 2012:

• Amy Manderscheid, MSN (‘08), BSN (’03)

• Marla Niedzwiecki, MSN (‘97)

• Jeanne Roode, MSN (‘95)

• Coleen Smith, MSN (‘93)

Have news for the next issue of ”Alumni Briefs“?

Send it to the GVSU Alumni Relations Office:

E-mail: www.gvsu.edu/alumni

Phone: 616-331-3590 or 800-558-0541

All KCON alumni are automatically members of

the KCON Alumni Chapter. Please stay in touch

and consider joining in on some of our activities.

Bache lor o f Sc ience in

Nurs ing – Fa l l 2011

Laura N. AmbersSara M. BakerAbigail M. BarbourKevin L. Bennett IIShawn M. BlattnerAshley A. BoyerMegan R. BrondykeKatelyn M. BrownNicole M. BrownLindsey BuchananMichael A. ChinneckChristopher CoppensNicole R. CrawfordLisa J. CzarnopisMegan J. DisslekoenMelissa J. ElzingaAlysha S. EnjaianJoshua D. FickAnnah FollettMelissa M. GoleKayla M. HaggertyKimberly L. HemmingStephanie V. HendrickJessica R. JackiewiczMarie L. KeuningSamantha N. KramerAustin N. LangleyOksana K. LidkeMegan A. MaceratiniSarah H. JamesJoseph M. JoostensNatalie G. KahnVanessa M. KatsRyan M. MannJonathan P. McDanielKelly A. McIntoshAnne K. MehrtensKeli B. MisakNadine M. MushimbeleKara NelsonSara T. ParksRhonda PatrickJulie M. PauldineLindsay PawlakHeather N. RaabSarah E. RaneyAllyson J. RedekerKailey A. Regalo-MillerLauren E. RuppChristopher G. SandisonAshley L. SchmidtDanielle R. Schoenegge

Lauren SeinoJennifer M. SenitaJerod A. SinclairKendra A. SmithJames StrodtbeckBrooke A. TelepMeghan M. TorresMitchell Van OverloopJulia C. VanderhoefKelley M. VeltmanKristyn A. WheatonKaitlyn J. WinterRebecca R. Wohlfert


Nurs ing - Win te r 2012

Lindsay M. AmanMeridith L. BaileyKatie E. BartonJennifer D. BeukemaStephan J. BodnarBrianna J. BowersMathew S. BrandKatelyn M. BrownTrijntje BuursmaMary B. CampbellNicole R. CrawfordNicolas CulverArianna C. DavisTerra L. DeckerAllyssa J. DeJongeJaleen M. DingledineFrank E. DuranteLauren M. DykstraMark A. Edwards Jr. Edmond G. EisenhauerEmily K. Forth Ashley E. GaebelMargaret E. GruberKatherine E. HaroldBrian M. Hartley Jr.Marc D. HemmekeTina K. HorneNicole E. HusenShannon ImperisJordan L IrwinChristi L. KettelhutHeather M. KozlowskiAshley M. KrauseMichael R. LeonardTiffany A. LewisSarah P. LovelandStephanie A. Lyons

Laran A. MattaLindsey K. MazzolineLeighann S. McAlaryJane M. McCarthyJennie K. McDonaldElizabeth R. MikesErica E. MulderErin M. NicosonBethany J. NiesBianca M. OrdunaAbby M. PhillipsAmberly N. PinkletonBrandon D. RileyCheryl A. RiordanJared L. RoeErica L. RogersHeather R. RoossinkErika N. SchilkeyDana H. SchmidtAshley M. SheppardNicole L. ShoemakerKeith A. SikkemaCarmen L. SlachterChristine R. SmithMolly E. SteensmaSarah M. StoddardLaura J. Vander WalCara M. VanDusenJana R. VanDykenLauren E. VocklerBrittney R. WescheTaylor J. WestersHannah M. WightJennifer A. WolffisAshley Zahn Taryn N. Zyburt

Doc tor o f Nurs ing

P rac t i ce - Win te r 2012

Elaine A. LeighJaclynn L. Lubbers Emily J. QuineyRebecca J. Sypniewski


Nurs ing - Spr ing/Summer 2012

Carrollann R. BaileyJanee BrancheauSarah E. BrowerAshley D. BruusemaEmily M. Call

K C O N G R A D U A T E S 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 2

Ashleigh F. ClappAnne M. ConwellLaura C. CourtrightMacie L. DealEric DeJongLarisa L. DeJongJessica L. DelkovJessica DickHeather I. DunnNatalie M. ErvinAndrea L. FaasseBarbara FitzgeraldJoya R. FosterLauren R. FransStephanie P. GibbonsLauren N. GilfillanKristen GormanJustin F. GrayDawn R. HatchewTessa J. HilgendorfJohn HipolMarissa R. HulsingLeah JenningsMichelle JohnsonAshley J. KohlbeckDaniel J. KorteringJustine L. KozlinaAudra L. KugelMichelle K. LeoneErin F. MicaleStephanie MooreBrooklynne A. MoosCierra MorganKelly L. MorrenPeter T. NguyenAshley M. PascoeCasie L. PedleyDonna S. PerryAmanda S. PickfordMelissa A. PitschVincent R. PizzinoTheresa PullenTricia L. RitzemaSoheila RoossienLauren M. RosascoCassandra K. RussellBrent R. SmithNicole C. SnyderNancy L. SquiresAmy J. SturrusBrittany E. SwitanowskiAlyssa R. TassielloMeredith L. VisserFaith J. Wallner


AWA R D R E C I P I E N T S 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 2

December 2011 Award Rec ip ien t s

Banta-Perkins Award for Nursing ExcellenceNicole Crawford, BSN

Mary Horan Nursing Scholar AwardKevin Bennett, BSN

Apr i l 2012 Award Rec ip ien t s

Banta-Perkins Award for Nursing ExcellenceMichael Leonard, BSN

Clinical Preceptor Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership (DNP)Patricia Hawkins, RN

Clinical Preceptor Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership (Undergraduate)Jeffrey Fleese, BSN, RN

Dorothy E. Freeman Award for Outstanding Effort in Global CareErin Nicoson, BSN

Future of Nursing Award (DNP)Jaclyn Lubbers, MSN

Future of Nursing Award (Undergraduate)Beena Philip, BSN

Graduate Student Recognition Award for Nursing ExcellenceRebecca Sypniewski, DNP

Mary Horan Nursing Scholar AwardMargaret Gruber, BSN

Phyllis E. Gendler Gerontological Nursing Scholar AwardLauren Vockler, BSN

Augus t 2012 Award Rec ip ien t s

Banta-Perkins Award for Nursing ExcellenceDawn Hatchew, BSNPeter Nguyen, BSN

Clinical Preceptor Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership (Undergraduate)Patrick Sage, BSN, RN

Mary Horan Nursing Scholar AwardNicole Snyder, BSN

Phyllis E. Gendler Gerontological Nursing Scholar AwardAlyssa Tassiello, BSN

13

KCON | STUDENTS

STUDENT/SNA UPDATE

SNA Contributes Again to National Agenda

Following up on a resolution successfully passed at the 2011 national

convention, KCON’s SNA chapter had another resolution passed at

the 2012 convention held in April in Pittsburgh. This year’s resolution

promoted educating children about the importance of healthy

eating habits. KCON presented the resolution after seeing the benefits

of the local CATCH program, which targets children in underserved

school districts and teaches them about nutrition lessons and physical

activity. In Pittsburgh, GVSU also received a national award for

outstanding newsletter.

We thank Michele Coffill, News and Information Services, who wrote the original

extended version of this story for GVSU’s “Success Stories” online feature site.

KCON Attends “Pure Nursing” Conference

Sixteen GVSU SNA members attended the 61st annual Michigan

Nursing Students Association (MNSA) conference this year. The theme

was “Pure Nursing,” in keeping with the state’s highly successful “Pure

Michigan” tourism and economic development campaign. GVSU’s

SNA was honored by the MNSA with several awards. The scrapbook

committee was recognized for excellence in the content and

aesthetics of GVSU’s SNA scrapbooks. A tandem of community health

project awards was received. And Katie New, SNA treasurer, received

scholarships for her exemplary commitment to nursing.

An extended version of this story can be found in the February 2012 issue of

“SNA Newsletter.”


FACULTY/STAFF UPDATE New Administrators Join KCON

Dean Cynthia McCurren recently announced two additions to

KCON’s administration team. “It is my pleasure to introduce two

new colleagues,” she says. “Dr. Ann Sheehan is our Assistant Dean

for Practice, and Dr. Evelyn Clingerman is the Executive Director of

the Bonnie Wesorick Center for Health Care Transformation. We are

delighted they are joining us this fall.”

Evelyn Clingerman, PhD, RN

Dr. Clingerman holds degrees from Old Dominion University (BSN,

MSN) and Catholic University of America (PhD), and completed a

postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin. She has

more than 20 peer-reviewed manuscripts published and/or in review

and has completed more than 40 regional, national and international

presentations. She has manuscript reviewing experience with more

than 10 professional journals; has been a research abstract reviewer

for six professional organizations; and has served on numerous

dissertation, qualifying exam, thesis and honors project committees.

Clingerman is noted for her expertise as a professional mentor. Her

program of research focuses on diabetes and stress among Hispanic

migrant farm workers. She has provided leadership in a number of

university and professional initiatives, including the Bridging Disciplines

Program at the University of Texas at Austin.

McCurren Elected NAP Fellow

Cynthia McCurren was elected to the National Academies of Practice

(NAP) as a distinguished scholar and fellow in late March. The NAP is

composed of 10 academies representing dentistry, medicine, nursing,

optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, podiatric medicine,

psychology, social work and veterinary medicine. Each academy can

elect 150 active distinguished practitioners.

“It’s an incredible honor,” McCurren says. “No other organization has

the breadth of knowledge and experience within its membership to

discuss today’s health care delivery questions from an interdisciplinary

perspective. I am motivated by the goals of NAP and excited to work

with colleagues who share my passion to advance interdisciplinary

work through practice and to advocate at the policy level.”

A version of this story was originally published in the April 23, 2012, issue of GVSU’s “Forum.”

Photo: CYN

THIA

McC

URREN

Photo: EVELYN

CLIN

GERM

AN

15

KCON | FACULTY/STAFF

Photo: AN

N SH

EEHA

NAnn Sheehan, DNP, RN, PNP-BC

Dr. Sheehan has degrees from Nazareth College (BSN) and the University

of Iowa (MSN, DNP). She has 20 years of experience in advanced

practice as a pediatric specialist and has extensive knowledge

related to efficiencies, quality, cost and regulatory requirements.

Sheehan has served as a clinical preceptor in her role as an advanced

practice nurse. For the past two years she has been a visiting

professor at KCON, contributing to the education of DNP students.

Noted as a leader in practice and as an advocate for quality health

care and policy issues, she is active in local, state and national

professional organizations, assuming leadership roles particularly in

the area of health policy and patient advocacy. She has completed

numerous publications and presentations in her career related to this

specialization.

Welcome, New Faculty & Staff

Kim Fenbert, DNP, PNP-BC, is on the clinical faculty with the Family Health Center (60% practice, 40% teaching). Kirsten “Carrie” Hansen, BA, is academic coordinator of the graduateprogram. Kelley Monterusso, BBA, is administrative assistant to the dean. Kristin Norton, MA, is director of the Office of Student Services.

Patti Townsend, BA, is academic coordinator of the undergraduate program.

Farewell & Thank You

Linda (Nicki) Grinstead, PhD, RN, CPN, CNE, professor, has retired. Susan Jensen, PhD, RN, CCM, associate professor, has started phased retirement. Kay Reick, MS, RN, assistant professor, has started phased retirement. Marilyn VanderWerf, MSN, RN, assistant professor, has retired.

Coreen Bedford, secretary for the undergraduate program Lori Brown, BS, MEd, secretary for the graduate program Sue Jarchow, MSN, RN, affiliate faculty Linda Scott, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, professor and associate dean for graduate programs

Cathy Weisbeck, PhD, MSW, adjunct faculty

Bair, D., Washburn, J. (May 2012-August 2012). Grand Valley State University, Pew Faculty Teaching & Learning Center. Presidential Teaching Initiative Grant; $15,000.

Davis, R. (2012). Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award. Wayfinding in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Within a Virtual Senior Residence; $316, 073.

Houghton-Rahrig, L., Schutte, D., & Fenton, J. (2011). Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Nursing Research. Symptoms, Genetics, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Persons with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; $30,280.

Mlynarczyk, S., Schafer, P., VanderWerf, M., D’Amour, C., & Cooper, K. (2012). Kappa Epsilon Chapter-at-Large of Sigma Theta Tau International. The CATCH Program in an After-School Venue: Children, Undergraduate Nursing Students and Families; $1,500.

Scott, L. (2012). Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration. Advanced Education Nurse Traineeship; $32,446.

Vanden Bosch, M., Burritt, K., Butler, K., & Harrington, S. (May 2012). Grand Valley State University, Centers of Distinction – Human Responses to Health and Illness. Purchase of Accelerometers; $1,500.

R E C E N T G R A N T S

F A C U L T Y & S T A F F T R A N S I T I O N S


R E C E N T F A C U L T Y P R E S E N T A T I O N S

Here are some of the presentations KCON faculty made

during the past year:

Bambini. (2012, February). Using the simulation learning system to enhance student

learning. Human Patient Simulator Network Annual 2012, Tampa, Fla.

Bambini. (2012, June). CAE Healthcare/Elsevier partnership to advance health

science education. Central Regional Human Patient Simulator Network, Kansas City, Mo.

Barry. (2012, March). Educational preparation for nursing administrators: A

paradigm shift. Poster presentation. 2012 Masters Conference, American Association

of Colleges of Nursing, San Antonio, Texas.

Beel-Bates. (2012, April). Does the NDB model explain wandering? Midwest

Nursing Research Society Annual Conference, Dearborn, Mich.

Beel-Bates & Bambini. (2011, November). A pilot study: An interprofessional

educational approach to polypharmacy in community-based older adults.

Collaborating Across Borders III, Tucson, Ariz.

Beel-Bates & Smith. (2011, November). Faculty development for IPE - Unfolding the

HOW. Collaborating Across Borders III, Tucson, Ariz.

Beel-Bates & Smith. (2012, January). Faculty development for IPE - Unfolding the

HOW. West Michigan Interprofessional Education Initiative 4th Annual Conference,

Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Beel-Bates & Wallace. (2012, February). Take charge: Become your own health

advocate. 7th Annual Art and Science of Aging Conference, Grand Valley State

University and Michigan State University Geriatric Education Consortium, Grand

Rapids, Mich.

Booth, Beel-Bates, Bambini, Grapczynski, & Schuurman. (2011, November).

An interactive model for IPE with health professions students. Collaborating Across

Borders III, Tucson, Ariz.

Bostrom. (2012, September). Addressing mental and physical health care needs:

Preliminary results of including mental health content in a Doctor of Nursing Practice

curriculum. European Festival of Psychiatric Nursing 2012, European Psychiatric

Nurses, Stockholm, Sweden.

Brintnall. (2012, April). Virtual reality for cancer-related fatigue self-management for

persons with non-small cell lung cancer post-thoracotomy. Midwest Nursing Research

Society Annual Conference, Dearborn, Mich.

Burritt. (2012, April). Factors influencing 6th and 7th grade boys’ participation in

an after-school physical activity club. Midwest Nursing Research Society Annual

Conference, Dearborn, Mich.

Burritt. (2012, April). Predictors of health perceptions in lumbar degenerative

spine conditions. Midwest Nursing Research Society Annual Conference,

Dearborn, Mich.

Butler, Davis, & Yarandi. (2012, April). Circadian rhythm of cortisol and estradiol

in healthy women. Midwest Nursing Research Society Annual Conference,

Dearborn, Mich.

Butler, Davis, & Yarandi. (2012, April). Phase-entrainment of cortisol and estradiol

in healthy women. Poster presentation. Midwest Nursing Research Society Annual

Conference, Dearborn, Mich.

Conrad. (2012, March). The DNP and me. Michigan Council of Nurse

Practitioners Annual Conference, Lansing, Mich.

Conrad, (2012, June). Rural health nursing and overview of the DNP. Panelist.

Rural Health Nursing Conference, Saginaw, Mich.

Coviak, Westra, Collins, Olson, Fletcher, Sharma, et al. (2012, April).

Abstraction of nursing minimum data set elements from special care nursery

records. Midwest Nursing Research Society Annual Conference,

Dearborn, Mich.

Davis. (2011, November). Strategies identified during wayfinding in a virtual

reality environment in middle aged and older adults. Gerontological Society of

America, Boston, Mass.

Davis. (2012, April). Wayfinding in early stage Alzheimer’s Disease: A feasibility

study using virtual reality. Midwest Nursing Research Society Annual Conference,

Dearborn, Mich.

Houghton-Rahrig, Schutte, Fenton, Given, Hord, & von Eye. (2011, October).

Symptoms, genetics, and health-related quality of life in persons with nonalcoholic

fatty liver disease. National Institute of Nursing Research 25th Anniversary

Celebration, Washington, D.C.

Houghton-Rahrig, Schutte, Fenton, Given, Hord, & von Eye. (2012, April).

Symptoms, genetics, and health-related quality of life in persons with nonalcoholic

fatty liver disease. Midwest Nursing Research Society Annual Conference,

Dearborn, Mich.

Houghton-Rahrig, Schutte, Fenton, Given, Hord, & von Eye. (2012, September).

Symptoms experienced in persons with obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver

disease. All-conference abstract. 2012 State of the Science Congress on Nursing

Research. Washington, D.C.

17

KCON | FACULTY/STAFF

Mlynarczyk. (2011, September). Medication administration. Grand Valley State

University Child Enrichment Center Staff Meeting, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Mlynarczyk. (2011, September). Safety culture transformation study. RN-AIM 6th

Annual Conference and Assembly, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Mlynarczyk, Lyte, & DeWys. (2012, May). Development of nursing diagnoses

for pediatric nursing practice. North American Nursing Diagnosis Association

International 40th Anniversary Biennial Conference, Houston Texas.

Nagelkerk, Mlynarczyk, Teman, & Pawl. (2012, April). Safety culture

transformation study. Midwest Nursing Research Society Annual Conference,

Dearborn, Mich.

Pattison. (2012, August). Student assessment of barriers and facilitators of RN-

BSN degree attainment. Poster presentation. Health Resources and Services

Administration Summit, Bethesda, Md.

Schoofs & Grinstead. (2011, September). The lived experience of NCLEX-RN

failure. RN-AIM 6th Annual Conference and Assembly, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Vanden Bosch, Robbins, Anderson, Corser, Given, Gossain, et al. (2012, April).

Comparison of demographic, clinical and social-cognitive factors associated with

physical activity among middle-aged women with and without diabetes. Midwest

Nursing Research Society Annual Conference, Dearborn, Mich.

Winner: Health-Seeking Behaviors Research Section Dissertation Award.

Vanden Bosch, Robbins, Anderson, & Pfeiffer. (2012, September). Comparison

of two methods of measuring physical activity in middle-aged women with and

without type 2 diabetes. National State of the Science Congress in Nursing

Research, Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, Washington, D.C.

Vanden Bosch, Robbins, Anderson, Pfeiffer, Corser, Given, et al. (2012,

September). Comparison of middle-aged women with and without type 2

diabetes on demographic, clinical, and social-cognitive factors associated with

moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity. National State of the Science

Congress in Nursing Research, Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science,

Washington, D.C.

Wallace. (2011, October). Head and neck cancer among older adults: A

lifecourse perspective on disease development and treatment decision making.

American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C.

Washburn. (2011, October). It’s a YouTube® world: C U online. Poster presentation.

41st Sigma Theta Tau International Biennial Convention, Dallas, Texas.

Washburn. (2011, October). The relevance of person-environment fit theory for

transition to professional nursing practice. Poster presentation. 41st Sigma Theta Tau

International Biennial Convention, Dallas, Texas.

Washburn. (2011, December). Back to the future: Military nursing is part of our

story. Registered Nurses Association in Michigan Regional Meeting, Grand Rapids,

Mich.

Washburn & Hodges. (2011, October). One healthcare facility + two graduate

nurse orientation programs = successful transition to practice. 41st Sigma Theta Tau

International Biennial Convention, Dallas, Texas.

Winter, Moran, Conrad, & Wightman. (2012, March). The Doctor of Nursing

Practice: Shaping the future of health care. Doctor of Nursing Practice Panel

Presentation. Panel discussants. Kirkhof College of Nursing, Grand Valley State

University, Grand Rapids, Mich.

2012-2012 officers for Kappa Epsilon Chapter-at-Large (Sigma Theta Tau International) include: • Amy Lodenstein, MSN, RN, vice president • Luanne Shaw, MSN, RN, CEN, treasurer • Elaine VanDoren, PhD, RN, secretary • Mary Ellen Bollman, MSN, RN, and Karen Burritt, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, faculty counselors • Cynthia Beel-Bates, PhD, RN, FGSA; Rebecca Davis, PhD, RN; Susan Jensen, PhD, RN, CCM; Susan Mlynarczyk, PhD, RN, PNP; and Patricia Schafer, PhD, RN, research committee

Larry Boekeloo, MPA, practice manager for the Family Health Center, has been appointed to the Michigan Medical Group Management Association’s program committee.

Paulette Chaponniere, PhD, BSN, MPH, has been invited to participate as a member of GVSU’s leadership team during 2012-2013 for the American Council on Education (ACE) Internationalization Lab.

Family Health Center (FHC). The staff collaborated on an article for the March 25, 2012, Grand Rapids Press Inside Information section, titled “Center Offers Immunizations, Advice to Travelers.”

Susan Jensen, PhD, CCM, has been elected as the 2012-2013 chair-elect of the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). She will become the organization’s chair in 2013-2014.

Sylvia Mupepi, PhD, RN, was naturalized as an American citizen on April 18 at the Gerald R. Ford Museum.

Linda Scott, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, participated in the July 2012 National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) Fatigue/Sleep Methodologies Boot Camp.

The following KCON faculty served as volunteers at the 36th Annual Research Conference of the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS), held in April in Dearborn, Mich.:

Abstract Reviewers • Cynthia Beel-Bates • Cynthia Coviak • Rebecca Davis

Moderators • Cynthia Beel-Bates • Ruthann Brintnall • Karen Burritt • Karyn Butler • Cynthia Coviak • Susan Harrington • Susan Mlynarczyk • Linda Scott • Melodee Vanden Bosch

F A C U L T Y & S T A F F B R I E F S R E C E N T P U B L I C A T I O N S

Kline Tilford, Jones, Keesing, & Sheehan. (2012). A description of nurse practitioner practice: Results of a NAPNAP membership survey. Journal of Pediatric

Health Care, 26(1), 69-74.

McCurren. (2012, Summer). The significance of 25 years. Kappa Chronicle, 1-2.

Mupepi, Yim, Mupepi, & Mupepi. (2011). Can a knowledge community situated in an African village create and advance human rights practices beyond love thy neighbor principle? International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 7(3/4), 233-252.

Mupepi & Mupepi. (2011). Unlocking entrepreneurial capabilities: Appreciating knowledge and technology transfer in advancing micro-enterprises. In Laouisset (Ed.) Managerial Technology Transfer. New York, NY: Nova Science Publishers Inc.

Van Doren & VanderWerf. (2011). Developing nontraditional community health placements. Journal of Nursing Education, 11, 1-4.

The following faculty have been serving as members of review boards for scholarly journals:

• Bambini, D. - Nursing Education Perspectives • Barry, J. - Clinical Nursing Research • Barry, J. - Journal of Nursing Administration • Grinstead, L. - Journal of Advanced Nursing. • Grinstead, L. - Western Journal of Nursing Research. • Harrington, S. - Journal of School Health • Washburn, J. - Journal of Christian Nursing


19

KCON | NEWS

DNP Program Granted Accreditation

The Board of Commissioners of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing

Education (CCNE) acted at its meeting on April 26-28, 2012, to grant

accreditation to KCON’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for

five years, extending to June 30, 2017.

“This is a wonderful accomplishment,” says Cynthia McCurren, KCON’s

dean. “Our sincere appreciation goes to Dr. Linda Scott for her

leadership, to the faculty who have implemented an impressive degree

program, to the students who have enriched the program endeavors,

to Linda Buck who has worked tirelessly on the recruitment and

retention of DNP students, and to the many staff who have supported

our graduate education efforts. We look forward to continuing to build

a highly successful DNP program at GVSU!”

KCON Signs Agreements

KCON recently signed collaboration agreements with Calvin College

in Grand Rapids and Hope College in Holland. Under the agreements,

BSN nursing students from the two colleges will have a streamlined

placement process for admission to KCON’s advanced degree nursing

programs: the DNP program or the MSN-CNL program.

“We’re excited to offer this opportunity to qualified and motivated

nursing students from Calvin and Hope colleges,” Dean Cynthia

McCurren says. “This innovative partnership with Hope and Calvin

nursing faculty will promote intentional mentoring for students who

want to pursue advanced nursing education. The ultimate goal is to

increase the number of nurses in Michigan with advanced degrees.”

A version of this story was originally published in the April 9, 2012, issue of GVSU’s “Forum.”.

Breaking News: KCON Receives AENT Award

On September 26, Dean Cynthia McCurren learned that KCON has

been awarded an Advanced Education Nursing Traineeship (AENT)

grant worth $695,300 over two years, funded by the federal Health

Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). AENT grants are designed

to increase the number of nurses fully prepared to practice as primary

care providers. AENT traineeship recipients receive assistance with the

costs of tuition, books, fees and reasonable living expenses during the

period of their training.

“Highly educated, advanced practice nurses are playing an increasingly

critical role in improving access to primary care,” McCurren says. “We

are delighted and grateful to have been chosen for an AENT grant,

as only 65 awards were made across the nation. This will allow KCON

to support a greater number of students in our DNP degree program.”

KCON IN THE NEWS

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

www.gvsu.edu/kcon | Contact the Office of Student Services at (616) 331-7160 or [email protected] for more information

What if YOU Could HelpTransform Health Care?

No matter what nursing degree you currently hold,Grand Valley State University offers programs thatcan help you take the next step in your career.

Kirkhof College of Nursing…transforming tomorrow’s health care!

RN to BSN degree completionBSN to MSNBSN to DNPMSN to DNP

KCON Centers of Distinction

The Aging Population: Best Practices

Human Response in Health and Illness

Reforming Health Care Delivery and Education

Vulnerable Populations: Best Practices

www.gvsu.edu\coe

For more information, please contact the dean, Dr. Cynthia McCurren, (616) 331-5726.

Apply online at www.gvsujobs.org; for assistance call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.

Review will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. For more

information about Grand Valley, see our website at www.gvsu.edu TDD Callers:

Call Michigan Relay Center at 1-800-649-3777.

Kirkhof College of Nursing Positions Available

Seeking faculty eager to promote distinction in teaching, research, service and practice.

Associate Dean for Graduate Programs: Seeking applicants for this position, which provides leadership

in managing all areas of the graduate programs (MSN and DNP), including faculty and student affairs,

program coordination, program evaluation, resource development and management, and public

relations activities that facilitate the educational mission of the Kirkhof College of Nursing. Earned doctorate

in nursing or related discipline required; master’s degree in nursing, and previous teaching experience

at the undergraduate and graduate levels required. Academic administrative experience desirable.

Eligible for RN licensure in Michigan.

Tenure track faculty positions available in the undergraduate and graduate (MSN and DNP) programs

(www.gvsujobs.org.) Earned doctorate required (in nursing preferred, or related discipline); master’s

degree in nursing required. All qualified applicants welcome; critical need for psych/mental health,

nursing administration and applicants with certification as GNP. KCON is housed in a state-of-the-art

facility in Grand Rapids, with our Academic Nurse Managed Center located in close proximity.

THE K I RKHOF COL LEGE OF NURS ING CURRENTLY OFFERS THE FOL LOWING PROGRAMS:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

- Traditional Undergraduate Program

- Second Degree Program

- RN to BSN Program

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

“We are creating exceptional learning opportunities for our nursing students. We launched a revised curriculum in January 2012 for our BSN program to ensure that our students attain the nursing competencies needed for health care in the 21st century. A revised MSN program began in Fall 2010 to prepare Clinical Nurse Leaders, an emerging role critical for the transformation of care delivery. Our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program began in Fall 2009. Enrollment is approaching 75 students, and our first class graduated this April. Our commitment is to continue to provide nursing education that prepares nurses with the knowledge, skills and insights needed to effectively contribute to health care reform and improved outcomes.”

The Kirkhof College of Nursing is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and recognized for its outstanding teaching, scholarship, service and research.

www.gvsu.edu\coe

Web Site: www.gvsu.edu/kcon Phone: 616 -331 -3558 Fax: 616 -331 -2510 E-mail: Use “Contact Us” page on KCON’s Web site

Dean, Kirkhof College of Nursing

Dr. Cynthia McCurren

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERS I TYK IRKHOF COL LEGE OF NURS ING

SU I TE 300

COOK-DEVOS CENTER FOR HEALTH SC IENCES

301 MICH IGAN STREET, NE

GRAND RAP IDS , M I 49503 -3314

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAIDGRAND VALLEY

STATE UNIVERSITY

Documents

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