Nurses at UMHS have had exemplars published in a book titled: Final Moments: Nurses' Stories about Death and Dying. The book is edited by Deborah Witt Sherman and is published by Kaplan Publishing (2009).
The nurses and their contributions: Sarah Burns (CCMU) "Pearls"; Nkiru Okammor (6C) "Caring for Mr. B"; and Mary DeLisle-Berry (Cancer Center, Team 7) "He's Coming" and "Combing Her Hair"
Helen McFarland, Device Clinic Nurse (Cardiovascular Center), had an article published in the Jan 2009 issue of EP Lab Digest entitled "Young ICD Connection: The 2008 Conference". The article summarizes the 12th annual conference of the Young ICD Connection support group which provides a venue for young ICD recipients and their families to come together for the purpose of education, support and an opportunity to meet and connect with others who share similar experiences. This patient- and family-centered conference is a collaborative effort of staff from the U of M Cardiovascular Center and the Congenital Heart Center. View the article.
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Sandro Cinti, MD (Assistant Professor-Infectious Diseases), along with many others recently had an article accepted for publication in the Journal of Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science. The article was entitled, "Pandemic Influenza and Acute Care Centers (ACCs): Taking Care of Sick Patients a Non-Hospital Setting" and was published in the December 2008 issue. Other members contributing to the publication include: William Wilkerson, MD; Jennifer G. Holmes, RN; Jean Shlafer, RN; Christopher Kim, MD; Curtis D. Collins, Pharmacy; Kenneth Bandy, Home Care and Respiratory Care; Frank Krupansky, Material Services, Marie Lozon, MD; Stuart A. Bradin, MD; Carrie Wright, RN, Janet Goldberg, RN; Deborah Wagner, Pharmacy, Phillip Rodgers, MD; and Bruce Cadwallender, UMH Safety Management Services.
Kathleen Robertson, MSN, RN ( EAP), Judy Hallas, MA (HRD) and Marge Calarco, PhD, RN (Chief of Nsg. Svcs., Senior Assoc. Director for Pt. Care Svcs) presented their work on Positive Organizational Scholarship at the “Nursing Economics Summit for Nursing Faculty and Nursing Executives” in Scottsdale, Arizona in November.
Nurse Retention & Recruitment received the Michigan Health Council's Building Michigan's Healthcare Workforce Award. Juanita Parry received the award on behalf of UMHS at the Michigan Health Council's Annual Meeting in November. This recognizes the ongoing work of the team as it relates to Nurse recognition.
Karen Blosser, RN, (UH OR) was chosen by the 2008 Institute of Nursing Excellence to attend their Fall 2008 Institute of Nursing Excellence conference. The Michigan Center for Nursing looks for exemplary nurses to attend the conference.
Carol Hayes, RN, (UH OR)was chosen as a representative to attend AORN Congress in Chicago next year.
Rexanne Sprague, RN, Jan Barber, RN, Carol Hayes, RN, and Deb Armbruster-Sells, CST, (all from UH OR) presented at the 2008 International Gynecology Robotic/Cutting Edge Symposium this fall. Their presentation was focused on nursing processes involved with operating room nursing care.
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Wendi Hamlin, RN, JD, ENC-ML, (Radiology) was awarded the Michigan Nurses' Association's 2008 Excellence in Nursing Practice Award. This award is presented to a single nurse member of the Michigan Nurses' Association in recognition of professional practice and achievements that exemplify excellence in nursing. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in nursing practice, commitment to the profession of nursing and leadership abilities in the practice of nursing. Candidates must also demonstrate effective interdisciplinary collaboration, patient advocacy and evidence-based nursing practice.
A year ago, Sandy Feldkamp, RN (Living Kidney Donor Coordinator, U of M Transplant Center) read an article about a living kidney donor mentor program in Arizona at Banner Good Samaritan's hospital. Sandy and Transplant Social Worker Laurie Dunn, MSW, traveled to Arizona last fall to be trained to start a living kidney donor mentor program at U of M. We are proud to announce that on Saturday November 15th, Sandy and Laurie trained 17 previous kidney donors to become mentors to anyone who would like to talk to someone who has gone through the donor process. So far this week they already have a few potential donors who would like to speak to a mentor. They are planning to train more mentors in the upcoming year.
The new Board for Michigan Association Vascular Access Networks (MVAN) for 2009 included staff of UM's Vascular Access team in these roles:
- Diane Setlock, RN, Level E, Treasurer
- Deann Skicki, RN, BSN, Level E, President Elect
- Lorelei Papke-O'Donnell, RN, MSN, National Committee Practice Advisory Council Co-Chair for AVA
Rhonda Schoville, RN, Manager (Nursing Information Services) presented a poster at the AMIA symposium (American Medical Informatics Association) in Washington DC. "A Case Study of CPOE Adoption and Use: Work-arounds and Their Social Technical Implications". Authors are X. Zhou, K. Zheng, M. Ackerman, The University of Michigan; R. Schoville, University of Michigan Health Systems.
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Marge Calarco, PhD, RN, Sr. Associate Director and Chief of Nursing Svcs; Chris Pacini, PhD, RN, Director - PDRI; and Li Gao, MS, NP, RN, of Radiology; traveled to Beijing to sign an agreement with Peking University Third Hospital in October. This agreement is the first of its kind between Peking Hospital and a health system and will enable the hospital to send some of their nurses here to observe our nurses and improve nursing skills in their country. In addition, Chris, Li and Marge presented individual sessions at the International Nursing Conference held in Beijing to commemorate the Hospital’s 50th anniversary.
Our Stroke Program received the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association Gold Performance Achievement Award for the provision of excellent stroke care. We received this award for adhering to "Get with the Guidelines" criteria 85% or more over a two year period, aimed at improving quality of care and patient outcomes. We are the only hospital in Michigan that received a Gold Award in stroke care. View the list.
David Roberts, RN, and Michael Chesney, RN, have won the annual Air Medical Crew competition (the "METI Cup") for the second straight year at the Air Medical Transport Conference in Minneapolis, MN. They successfully defended against 14 other top-notch teams from around the country, correctly diagnosing View the news story.
They also tied for first place earlier this year at the International Competition held in Prague, Czech Republic.
The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital ranks among the best pediatric hospitals in the nation in U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” issue. It is also the only hospital in the state to be nationally ranked in all seven pediatric specialty areas featured in this special report. Most notably, Mott ranks 4 for heart and heart surgery, 15 for neonatal care, 16 for respiratory disorders, and among the nation’s best for all other pediatric specialties - cancer, digestive disorders, general pediatrics, and neurology and neurosurgery.
A patient education document, “Rectocele,” developed by Anne McLeod, Clinical Care Coordinator, Michigan Bowel Control Program; has been reprinted with permission in Women’s Health Concerns Sourcebook, 3rd Edition, of the Health Reference Series.
John Armelagos, RN, MNA, Secretary and Chair of the University of Michigan Professional Nurses Council (UMPNC); was named the AFL-CIO Labor Leader of the Week.
Ericka Gess, MSN, PCCN (House Manager in CSR); had an article published in the October 2008 issue of "The Journal of Nursing Administration". The article is titled "An Evidence-Based Protocol for Nurse Retention". The co-authors of the article are Dr. Manojlovich from the School of Nursing and Sharon Warner, BSN, from Egleston Hospital/Children's Healthcare of Atlanta in Georgia.
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Amira Deep, MS, BSN, RN, - ENC on 8A; was a speaker at the Michigan Cancer Registrars Association 2008 Annual Educational Conference in Bay City Michigan. Amira spoke about Bone Marrow Transplant Nursing.
Stephen Strobbe, MS, RN, NP, CNS-BC, CARN, Clinical Director for the University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS); presented a research paper during the annual educational conference of the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA), in Atlanta, GA, October 1-4, 2008. The paper, entitled, "Spiritual Awakening Predicts Improved Drinking Outcomes in a Polish Treatment Sample," was part of a larger collaborative project between the University of Michigan Addiction Research Center (UMARC) and the Medical University of Warsaw (MUW), Poland. At that same conference, Lisa Mathias, BSN, RN, CARN, Clinical Coordinator at UMATS; co-presented a poster, along with Mr. Strobbe, entitled, "Buprenorphine Clinic: Program Description, Patient Satisfaction, and 5-Month Outcomes," which described the development and implementation of a successful clinical initiative at UMATS.
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Judith Coucouvanis, MS, RN, Clinical Nurse Consultant (Psychiatry); presented a paper at the APNA (American Psychiatric Nursing Association) conference in Minneapolis this month. The title: "Developing Flexibility in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Strategies that Moderate Intensive Emotional Reactions."
The SICU team had an article, "Albumin Use Guidelines and Outcome in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit" published. The SICU partnered with our physician colleagues and Pharm D's to complete the study: Anthony Charles, MD, Maryann Purtill, MD, Sharon Dickinson, MSN, CCRN ; Michael Kraft, PharmD; Melissa Pleva, PharmD: Craig Meldrum, BBA; and Lena Napolitano, MD.
Denise O'Brien, CNS (PACU) and Sharon Dickinson, CNS (Surgical Intensive Care) had a talk accepted for presentation at the NACNS meeting March 4 - 7, 2009, St. Louis, Missouri, called "Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite: The Impact of MDRO’s and The Role of the CNS in Policy Implementation".
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Lisa S. Sylvest, BSN, RN, was the course co-director for the 2nd Annual American College of Gastroenterology Allied Health Professionals Symposium in Orlando, FL., titled "Collaborating for Excellent Patient Care". Lisa also presented at the course, along with Dr. Tim Nostrant, on Immunomodulator Therapy for IBD: A Team Approach.
Clare Walsh, Elvie Casper, and Deborah McCloskey presented “FES: New Hope for Spinal Cord Injury Patients”, a poster at the Congress of Spinal Cord Medicine and Rehabilitation in Kissimmee, Florida.
Carol Racine and Jill Seary participated in “Project Shunt” a program to provide surgical care to children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida in Guatemala.
The GYN team will again be presenting at the 2nd annual four-day GYN conference held in Rochester, MI. Topics under the heading, “Robotic Techniques and Applications in GYN Surgery,” are going to be discussed by several people. The GYN team will be presenting, ‘Maximizing OR Efficiency, (Tips and Tricks)'.
Michelle Aebersold, PhD, RN; Mary Jo Kocan, CNS (4D Neuro ICU); and Cathy Guerriero, RN (4A Neuro); presented "Last Call: Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment Protocol" at the Quest for Excellence Nursing and Staff Development Conference in Columbus. The results from using the alcohol withdrawal protocol were published in the August, 2008 Archives of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.
Wendi Hamlin, RN, JD, ENC-ML, was selected to receive the Michigan Nurses' Association's 2008 Excellence in Nursing Practice Award. This award is presented to a single nurse member of the Michigan Nurses' Association in recognition of professional practice and achievements that exemplify excellence in nursing. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in nursing practice, commitment to the profession of nursing and leadership abilities in the practice of nursing. Candidates must also demonstrate effective interdisciplinary collaboration, patient advocacy and evidence-based nursing practice.
Marcia Leonard, NP (Team 4, Cancer Center), has been selected as Nursing Clinical Trials Subcommittee Co-Chair, Non-Therapeutic Protocol Participation and Survivorship.The Children’s Oncology Group Nursing Discipline Steering Committee found Marcia to be an exceptionally strong candidate and were impressed not only with her extensive experience in pediatric oncology clinical trials, non-therapeutic studies, and survivorship, but also with her vision for carrying this important work forward within the COG Nursing Discipline, and her willingness and proven ability to mentor others in this leadership capacity.
Denise O'Brien, CNS, UH PACU, presented a pre-conference workshop on "Nursing and the Healthcare Information Systems Lifecycle Process" at the Summer Institute for Nursing Informatics, in Baltimore, Maryland, with Marisa L. Wilson, DNSc., MHSc., RN-BC, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland School of Nursing; Lyn Stankiewicz Murphy, PhD, MBA, MS, RN, Director of Professional Development, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland School of Nursing; and Donna Maddox, RN, GE Healthcare Integrated IT Solutions, Product Manager, Perioperative.
Denise O'Brien and Marisa Wilson were notified that their abstract entitled "Journey to a Computational Language for ASPAN: a Translational Information Project", has been accepted by the Scientific Program Committee for presentation at the conference for Information Technology and Communications in Health (ITCH) to be held in Victoria, British Columbia in February.
Linda Kulik CNS (PCTU), and Jennifer Laurin, RN (PCTU), had their poster, called "An Incremental Approach to Orientation of New Graduate Nurses in an ICU", accepted for a conference at the University of Notre Dame - Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Wednesday, October 22, 2008.
Opal Patricia Lesse, MSN, APRN, FNP, BC (Inpatient Urology Nurse Practitioner), was the recipient of the Michigan Nurse Corps Scholarship for the Certified Nurse Educator Program (all online) with Northern Michigan University. The degree will go toward the Doctorate program she has applied for with Oakland University and was awarded a stipend toward.
Julie Grunawalt, MS, RN ( CNS), Donna McClish, Nurse Manager, and Deby Evans, RN (5B) recently had their poster accepted to be presented at the AMSN's 17th Annual Convention to be held in October in Nashville, TN.
UMHS is a finalist in the AHA-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize, which recognizes hospitals that have made the greatest strides toward fulfilling six quality and safety goals laid out by the prestigious Institute of Medicine: that health care should be safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable. The judges mentioned that “the strong nursing leadership, the collaborative/teamwork approach, and the active engagement of residents and students in patient safety and quality improvement were also striking.”
Read more.
Eileen Myers RN; a nurse from the CSR Blue Team participated in a mission trip from her church wherein she was one of 45 people sent to Zambia Africa. She worked with the medical team which consisted of a physician and 2 other nurses. During their 6 day trip they saw 1400 patients in three different villages in the bush.
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Mary DeLisle-Berry, RN (Neuro/Onc Team 7, Cancer Center), has been notified by the editor at large for Kaplan Publishing that her story "Combing Her Hair" is among those that have been accepted for Final Moments: Reflections on Death. In addition, her story will be included as a "sneak preview" in a promotion for the anthology.
New national rankings of American hospitals, compiled by U.S.News & World Report magazine mark the 13th year in a row that U-M has been named to the honor roll of “America’s Best Hospitals.” See more.
Survival Flight shared 1st place in the 1st International AAMS Critical Care Simulator Competition in Prague with Team ORNGE from Toronto, Canada. Flight Nurses David Roberts and Michael Chesney competed against nine international medical flight teams for the coveted METI Cup. Roberts and Chesney won the opportunity to compete internationally when they took home the METI Cup at the 2007 Air Medical Transport Conference held in Tampa, Florida last September.
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Jay Hathaway and Leo Olivarez, both nurses in Trauma Burn, participated in the 6th Annual Kids Burn Camp. The camp, held in early June every year, is a partnership with U of M, Spectrum Health Center and Bronson Methodist Hospital. It allows children who have been burned a great experience with much laughter and fun. This is Jay's second year and Leo's first.
Peg Esper, MSN, RN, APRN-BC, AOCN®, received the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Publishing Division’s Susan Baird Excellence in Writing Award in Clinical Practice. The award recognizes her article, “What kind of rash is it? Deciphering the dermatologic toxicities of biologic and targeted therapies,” published in the ONS journal, Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, as an outstanding scholarly presentation in the area of clinical practice.
Denise Landis, RN, Nurse Manager, (Survival Flight and SWAT) received the Barbara A. Hess Award, which recognizes an individual who has significantly contributed to the enhancement, development and/or promotion of the emergency medical industry through his/her research and/or educational efforts.
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Huey-Ming Tzeng (Corresponding Author), PhD, RN, Associate Professor, (UMSON); Julie Grunawalt, MS, APRN, Clinical Nurse Specialist; and Chang-Yi Yin, MA, Professor, Chinese Culture University, Department of History, Taipei, Taiwan; have had their paper, "Effective assessment of use of sitters by nurses in inpatient care settings", accepted for publication by Journal of Advanced Nursing.
Candia Laughlin, Director of Nursing and Patient Care Services (Ambulatory Care); and Marie Beisel, Nurse Manager (Ambulatory Care); had their abstract "Redefining the Role of the Primary Care Reg. Nurse in the Chronic Care Model" accepted for the AAACN 2009 Conference.
Mila Sarsozo, RN (CSR) was selected to be a delegate to the ANA convention in Washington DC the week of June 27, 2008.
Juanita Parry, Director (Nurse Recruitment and Retention) has been asked to speak at the Nurse Recruiting Conference in Chicago, on July 24. Juanita will be discussing “National Nurses Week: Aligning Nurse Preferences and Nursing Strategic Goals”.
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Elizabeth Nolan, Director of Patient Education & Wellness Resource Center (CVC) announces that UMHS received an award from Robert Wood Johnson for work on SPEAKING TOGETHER, the language services quality initiative. The Inpatient part of the project was done on inpatient cardiology. 7BC-D UH created a standard process to assure interpreters were notified for LEP patients, and speaker phones were placed at their bedside for 24-7 real-time interpretation. They now incorporate over-the-phone-interpretation on a regular basis and document interpreter use in the discharge teaching. Iris Lagrou and Cathy Kendrick were invited to attend the final meeting in Washington DC with the ST UMHS lead team. Unit Champions for this project included: Iris Lagrou, Gina Chung, Evelyn Lamus, Mitzi Chenault, Kimberly Honan as well as former staff Marie Piehl, Anne Richter, Mary Ann Ntzouras and Kelly Hu. Lourdes Smedley of CSR also participated. Work is underway to spread the change through all of UMHS.
Carol Mills, RN, and Lisa Danielson, RN, both Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses (CRRN) on 6A, submitted an abstract, "The Yin and Yang of Caregiving", for the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses 34th Annual Educational Conference (Oct. in San Francisco) that has been accepted for a paper presentation.
Doctoral student Lixin Song, RN (7B/C Cardiology) has just received notification that her application for an individual NRSA entitled "Couples' Communication and Quality of Life during Prostate Cancer Survivorship" will be funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research.
"Acute and Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialists: Synergy for Best Practices", Mary G McKinley (Editor) won an AJN Book of the Year Award. Elizabeth (Elsie) Nolan, Director of Patient Education & Wellness Resource Center (CVC) wrote the chapter on Caring Practices.
UH PACU presented the following posters at the ASPAN National Conference, May 4-8, 2008 in Grapevine, Texas.
- "PACU Rocks!! Cultivating a Nurturing Work Environment": Denise Magoon, RN; Nancy McCann, BSN, RN; Marlene Reyes, BSN, RN, CCRN, CPAN, CAPA; and Toni Szpara, BSN, RN, CCRN, CPAN, CAPA
- "Postoperative Nausea/Vomiting- Postdischarge Nausea/Vomiting Guideline Implementation in an Academic Medical Center Perianesthesia Setting": Michael Snyder, RN, CCRN, CPAN, EMT-P; Brenda Hicks, BSN, RN; Denise O'Brien, MSN, RN, CNS-BC, CPAN, CAPA, FAAN
- "Breathing Easier...Staffing Respiratory Therapy in PACU": Christine Carroll, BSN, RN, CAPA; Denise O'Brien, MSN, RN, CNS-BC, CPAN, CAPA, FAAN; and Janet Gilbert, BSN, RN, CPA
Mary DeGrandis, RN, presented a poster entitled, "Effect of parental Presence in the Recovery Room on Post-anesthesia Agitation and Parent Safisfaction" at the ASPAN National Conference, May 4-8, 2008 in Grapevine, Texas. Sally Stotcher, RN was selected to give the oral poster presentation; one of only four posters selected for oral presentation.
AAHN members Eleanor Herrmann and Mary Ann Cordeau were featured on a Martha Stewart Show honoring nurses which aired May 8, 2008. The six-minute segment highlighted student nurse uniforms of 1910, 1950, and 1970. It also included discussion of nursing artifacts such as invalid feeders, syringes, and bedpans from the 1700s and 1800s. The artifacts are from the Josephine A. Dolan Collection located at the school of nursing at the University of Connecticut.
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A poster entitled "Development of a Serial Sedation Protocol for Wound Care", a collaborative effort between Terri Kennedy, Anne Fast, Deb Reuter and Kori Pennington (Trauma Burn) to document evidence based outcomes for pain control in the burn/wound patient population, was presented at the American Burn Association national conference.
A poster entitled "The Key to Unlocking VAP: It takes a Village", authored by Jenny Cheney, Jay Hathaway, Terri Kennedy, Christy Zalewski, Infection Control, Kristin Brown, Jennifer Simons and Kori Pennington was presented at AACN's national NTI conference the first week of May. The poster highlights the evidence of decreasing ventilator associated pneumonia in the Trauma Burn unit using multidisciplinary evidence based interventions. There has been a significant decrease in the VAP rate since the interventions were initiated in 2004.
Elaine McIntosh, Clinical Instructor in Nursing and Assistant Director Academic Program, School of Nursing, was named runner up for the 2008 RN of the Year. The Detroit Free Press announced the nominations and award winners in the Sunday, May 11, 2008 paper. One of the nominators for Elaine said, “She has been a major force in the movement to independent nursing practice, in the structure for and provision of essential care for vulnerable populations, and in the education and mentorship of nurses who will carry on these crucial functions.”
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Paul Mazurek, Flight Nurse Specialist (Survival Flight) published an article on "Air Medical Transport - An Emergency of the Aortic Kind", on the EMS1.com website.
Denise O'Brien, CNS (UH PACU); recently presented at several venues: "Perianesthesia Care Complications" at the 27th American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses National Conference, held May 4-9 in Grapevine, TX. Also, with Dr. Marisa Wilson, DNSc, MHSc, RN, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, she presented "Perianesthesia Data Elements: A Continuing Journey to Excellence in the Nursing Terminology World" and "The Information Systems Development Life Cycle….Where are you at that table?"
Denise was invited to present "Patient/Family Post Op Teaching: Prescription for Success" at the Perioperative Care Symposium Focusing on Safety for Optimal Patient Care: Improving Methods, Behaviors and Measures for Transforming Perioperative Care, convened by The Joint Commission; Joint Commission Resources, Inc and The Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety, April 29-30, 2008, Chicago, IL.
The Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Patient Education committee received acceptance on an abstract for a poster presentation at the 17th Annual ITNS Symposium and General Assembly, St. Louis, Missouri - 9/25/08. The committee includes: Sandy Feldkamp, RN, Marcia Coll, RN, Marcia Fisher, Colleen Satarino, MSW, Sue Kraus, RN, Bernice Mathews, RN, Mary Thompson, RN, Mary Kruger and Dianne Sodt-Davitt, RN.
Sharon Lanzetta, MSN, RN, Nurse Manager Mott PACU was a contributor to a book recently published: Lanzetta, S. and Herbruck, L. (2008) Contributor to the 8th edition of Medical-Surgical Nursing: Clinical Management for Positive Outcomes, Chapter: Assessment of the Eyes and Ears, Black, J.M. & Hawks, J.H., (Eds.). Saunders Elsevier.
Juanita Parry, Barbara Hensinger, Marge Calarco and Sarah Fuhrmann recently published an article in the Journal of Nursing Administration, entitled "An Evidence-Based Approach to Nurses Week Celebrations", published this month.
Recently presented by our NICU staff at the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses Annual Meeting in Nashville were:
- a poster entitled "Ventriculostomy - Addressing the Issue" by Lisa Chismar, RN, and Marget Smallwood, RN, BSN
- a presentation entitled "Strokes in Women - Why Are They So Different?" by Mary Jo Kocan, RN, MSN, Clinical Nurse Specialist
- a workshop entitled "Managing Parkinson's When It's Not the Primary Diagnosis" by Susan Grube, RN, CNS
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Vickie Shieck, RN, BSN, CCTN, Pediatric Liver Transplant Clinical Care Coordinator, was Guest Editor of "The Immunology Report" Nurses' Edition/Winter 2008. This is a summary of selected reports from the 32nd Annual Meeting of the North American Transplant Coordinators Organization and the 16th Annual Symposium and General Assembly of the International Transplant Nurses Society
Becky Schaedig, CNS (5West) and Mary Bloom, Level D RN (5West) attended the Society of Pediatric Nurses annual conference in Denver. They presented a poster session "Safer Patient Hand Off, The Shift-To-Shift-Report". It is about 5West’s change from taped to verbal, bedside report and the implementation of bedside safety checks.
"Meet five exceptional nurses, each with a unique story to share" in the Nursing Career Development website's new "Career Connections" page.
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A record-breaking 270 nurses attending the Nursing Recruitment's March Career Fair. Many UM nurses volunteered at the event, bringing their enthusiasm and knowledge to share with potential new employees.
On February 8, 2008, UMHS's 4A unit welcomed the Japanese TV production company, Office Kei, Inc., to North America to film a medical documentary entitled 'Brain Special Program' which will present 4 different subjects from around the world (North America, Russia, England, and Columbia, South America) that emphasize the amazing ability of the human brain. Segments of documentary will present Alzheimers Disease and Synesthesia. The North American story features 24 year-old Brandi Binders outstanding recovery following a hemispherectomy, a surgical removal of one cerebral hemisphere,18 yrs ago, and her extensive rehabilitation to overcome many obstacles. Brandis mother, Cindi Binder, an RN on 4A was filmed working with patients contemplating or recovery from brain surgery. Cindi became a nurse and embraced the field of neurology and neurosurgery nursing after her daughter’s radical brain surgery and miraculous recovery. While filming on 4A, the film crew captured the emotional struggle the University of Michigan patients face as they embark on the difficult decision of elective brain surgery to seek relief of intractable seizures as well as the difficulties patients face following brain surgery. The 2-hour special documentary will be broadcast nationwide in Japan late March 2008 during the primetime 9-11 pm slot. Brandi and her mother, Cindi, also were filmed with Dr. Lawrence Hudson, University of Michigan Clinical Assistant Professor, Dept. of Neurology clinic during a one-to-one interview.
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Take a look at our award-winning Survival Flight Nurses in action featured on the website for the Seventh Annual METI Cup Competition held at the Air Medical Transport Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Survival Flight won last year, and you can view the competetition in the video.
They will be attending this year to defend their title.
Catherine Balser and Lisa Sturm from Infection Control and Epidemiology (ICE); and Shawn Murphy, Associate Hospital Administrator and Director of Nursing; have been selected to present a poster at AORN Congress 2008. Their topic is from the ICE Task Force in UH OR that formed in 2006. The group focused on process improvements to reduce the risk of surgical site infection rates with many success stories.
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Peg Esper, RN, NP (Cancer Center) was notified that the article she had published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (Oct. 2007) has won the: "2008 Susan Baird Oncology Excellence in Writing Award in Clinical Practice”. Award recipients will be recognized at the ONS Congress in May (Philadelphia).
Christy Zalewski (Infection Control), and Sharon Dickinson, RN, MS (CNS- SICU), had an article published in the February SCCM Critical Care Connections on Ventilator Associated Pneumonia. This article reviews the literature on VAP and then highlights the SICU experience.
Vascular Access Services Team (VAST) nurses Liz Holowasko, BSN, CRNI, and Sharon Baker, RN, received awards:
- Both were awarded National Scholarships from the Infusion Nurses Society for their work at UMHS.
- Liz Holowasko was one of two to receive the "Leslie Baranowski Scholarship for Professional Excellence" This scholarships purpose is "To support and recognize a commitment to improving and enhancing the quality of infusion care." The $2,500 scholarship criteria is based on how the applicant will use the scholarship award to demonstrate or facilitate leadership within the infusion community. Appropriate activities may include mentorship plans, department or chapter educational programs, or individual leadership skills development.
- Sharon Baker was one of six to receive the "Sharing Expertise® Scholarship for CRNI® Certification" This purpose of this award is: "To support and encourage professional infusion therapy education by providing educational sponsorship funds to assist nurses in attaining their Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI®) designation." The $1,000 scholarship winner is based on a submitted summary of how the applicant will use the CRNI® education/designation to improve infusion therapy and patient care in their practice area.
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Sharon Dickinson, Kimberly Hickey, Cathy Lewis, and Denise O'Brien, all CNSs; presented the work on CNS Redesign at the National Association for Clinical Nurse Specialists in Atlanta in March. The group presented to a standing room only crowd.
Rho Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing is proud to announce the recipients of 2008 Excellence in Nursing Awards:
- Excellence in Nursing Leadership: Deanna Beyer, MS, RN (UMHS CSR)
- Excellence in Education: Ann Kruszewski, PhD, RN (SON) and Carol Williams, MS, RN-BC (UMHS ESN)
- Excellence in Nursing Practice: Susan Godell, MS, RN, ANP-BC (Ypsilanti Health Center) and Emily Meuleman, MS, RN, C (Michigan Visiting Nurses)
- Rising Star: Martha L. Merkel, MS, RN (UMHS Holden)
- Distinguished Service: Elaine McIntosh, MSN, RN (SON)
- Friend of Nursing: Cecilia Sauter, MS, RD, CDE (Metabolism, Endo & Diabetes)
- Excellence in Student Leadership: Jacqueline Dufek and Amanda Jones (U of M School of Nursing).
Candia Laughlin, Director of Nursing (Ambulatory Care) served as a reviewer of the ANA's newly published “Guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses: Interpretation and Application.”
Stephen Strobbe, MS, RN, NP, CNS-BC, CARN, Clinical Director for the University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS), co-authored a chapter on "Complementary and alternative medicine for alcohol misuse," in the recently published Cambridge Textbook of Effective Treatments in Psychiatry, (2008).
A poster, "Development of a Serial Sedation Protocol for Wound Care", was accepted for presentation to the American Burn Association's annual national conference in April. The poster discusses our conscious sedation practices for wound care in Trauma Burn and is authored by Anne Fast, Deb Reuter, Terri Kennedy and Kori Pennington.
Theresa Mottes, RN, Nurse Supervisor (Pediatric Dialysis) lectured on "Acute Renal Failure in Children" and "Complications of Chronic Dialysis" at the Perspectives on Pediatric Care 2006 conference. The organization, Nurses-Digest, audio-recorded Theresa’s presentation, and notified her that the lectures have been selected for online publication. Nurses-Digest audio programs are now conveniently available online at www.nursesdigest.org. Of the many lectures they audition from nursing conferences around the country, approximately 5 - 10% are selected for publication.
Lisa Kane Low, (Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Ped/Perinatal/Psych Nsg Adm) is a finalist for Ann Arbor Citizen of the Year due to her commitment to the community of childbearing women and their children.
Nick Montanaro, RN (5D SICU) has co-authored "Medications in Common Clinical Practice" in the General Surgery Review Book.
Linda Strodtman, CNS, and Associate Professor at the School of Nursing received the Distinguished ELNEC (End of Life Nursing Education Consortium)-Graduate trainer award. The film that Linda and Maureen Goode Giacomazza, RN, Adjunct Lecturer at the School of Nursing produced, Evan Mayday’s “Good Death”, is being used to train faculty across the country about end-of-life care. Linda's work is having a direct impact in the preparation of nurses specializing in palliative care.
SICU staff accomplishments:
Two abstracts have been accepted for poster presentation at AACN National Teaching Institute May 2008:
- "Life in the Fast Lane: The Impact of Initiating Protocols on Staffing" Authors: C. Rickelmann., MA. Bettis., D. Lagrou., R. Horner., M. LaBeske., R. Wonnacott., M. Tobin and S. Dickinson.
- "Looks Like we Made it! Utilizing Best Practice Bundles to Decrease Catheter Related BSI and VAP Rates in the SICU".Authors: S. Dickinson., C. Rickelmann., c. Zalewski., R. Horner., M. LaBsske., C. Meldrum., and the Nursing and Medical Staff of the SICU.
Accepted for Presentation at AACN NTI "The Ha, Ha, Ha's of the Sepsis bundles" By Nickalas Montanaro
Nursing, Physician and Infection Control collaboration: Surgical Infection Society May 2008. "Holding Hostile Organisms at Bay - The Cost of isolation". Authors: JR. Cherry Bukowiec., S. Dickinson., C. Meldrum., C. Zalewski., A. mallot., WB. Von Riedenauer., B. Knipp., M. Brunsvols., P. Park., L. Napolitano.
Article submitted to the Society of Critical Care Medicine for publication in February 2008 News letter. Oral Care During Mechanical Ventilation: "Critical for VAP Prevention!" Sharon Dickinson, MSN, RN, CNS BC; and Christy Ann Zalewski, MPH.
Society of Critical Care Medicine - Abstract for poster presentation: "Rapid Response Systems: Improved Outcome in Surgical Patients" Authors/Institutions: M.E. Brunsvold, M. Thompson, D. Campbell, S. Dickinson, L. Napolitano, Acute Care Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor , MI;
The UHPACU Nursing staff have had three (3) posters accepted for presentation at ASPAN (American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses) National Conference, May 4-8, 2008 in Dallas, Texas. All three (3) posters are in the Celebrating Successful Practices category:
- PACU Rocks!! Cultivating a Nurturing Work Environment. Denise Magoon, RN; Nancy McCann, BSN, RN; Marlene Reyes, BSN, RN, CCRN, CPAN, CAPA; Toni Szpara, BSN, RN, CCRN, CPAN, CAPA
- Postoperative Nausea/Vomiting- Postdischarge Nausea/Vomiting Guideline Implementation in an Academic Medical Center Perianesthesia Setting. Michael Snyder, RN, CCRN, CPAN, EMT-P; Brenda Hicks, BSN, RN; Denise O'Brien, MSN, RN, CNS-BC, CPAN, CAPA, FAAN
- Breathing Easier...Staffing Respiratory Therapy in PACU. Christine Carroll, BSN, RN, CAPA; Denise O'Brien, MSN, RN, CNS-BC, CPAN, CAPA, FAAN; Janet Gilbert, BSN, RN, CPAN
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Stephen Strobbe, Clinical Director (University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS) was interviewed by the Journal of Addictions Nursing (JAN) related to his "innovative role" in addictions nursing. The article was just published in the most recent issue of the journal.
Trauma Burn nurses, Jen Cheney, Jay Hathaway, Jen Simons, and Kristin Brown received notice that their research abstract on VAP's, "The Key to Unlocking VAP: It Takes a Village", has been accepted at the National Teaching Institute and Critical Care Exposition. Last year more than 7000 critical care nurses attended this conference.
Judith Coucouvanis, MA, APRN, BC, (Department of Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Section); has published a new book: "The Potty Journey: Guide to Toilet Training Children with Special Needs, Including Autism and Related Disorders". You can view it on the Publisher's web site.
Janet Pund, RN, Ypsilanti Health Center, has been selected as an item writer for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's certification exam for Ambulatory care Nursing.
Zaleha (Zarr) Fuller, RN, Urology, was featured in the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates, Great Lakes Chapter web site as the spotlighted member of the month . Zarr is board certified in urologic nursing.
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DeAnn Vansickle, Clinical Outcomes Coordinator; Karla Stoermer Grossman, Clinical Care Coordinator; Patricia Lindsay-Carr, ENC; and Toni Henkemeyer, Program Development Manager; have had their abstract, "Multidisciplinary Improvement of Asthma Patient Outcomes and Provider Competence in a Large University Hospital" accepted for a poster presentation at the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Health Care 2008 in Paris in April.
Sandra Merkel, MS, RN-BC; Terri Voepel-Lewis, MS, RN; and Shobha Malviya, MD will have their FLACC pain assessment tool in the "Battlefield and Disaster Nursing Pocket Guide" published by the US Military. This guide will be provided to over 7500 military nurses who will/may be deployed for both disaster and military operations. The FLACC pain assessment tool was developed here at C.S. Mott Hospital/University of Michigan. The initial validation and reliability studies and revisions for use in patients with cognitive impairment has resulted from the collaborative work of Sandra Merkel MS, RN-BC , Terri Voepel-Lewis, MS, RN and Dr. Shobha Malviya. Many nurses and university students in Mott Hospital have assisted in data collection and other aspects of the research associated with this pain assessment tool. The pain tool that we have been working on is utilized around the world.
Denise Reinke, APRN, BC, AOCN, Cancer Ctr.; co-authored the article, "A Review of Anemia Management in the Oncology Setting: A Focus on Implementing Standing Orders", in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 11 2007, Volume 11, Number 4.
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Peg Esper, RN, MSN, AOCN, APRN-BC, Cancer Ctr.; was featured in an article, "Targeted Therapies: Aiming for the Bull's Eye", in ONS Connect, July 2007. Peg also co-authored the article, "What Kind of Rash Is It? Deciphering the Dermatologic Toxicities of Biologic and Targeted Therapies," in Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, Vol. 11, No. 5.
Lita Smith, RN. APRN, Cancer Ctr.; presented on “Targeted Therapies in Breast Cancer: Challenging Questions From Oncology Nurses” on Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at the Oncology Nursing Society Annual Congress in Las Vegas, NV.
Jeff Thomas, Flight Nurse Specialist, was featured in the University Record.
Iris Lagrou, Gina Chung, Evelyn Lamus and Marie Piehl, of 7BC, were noted in a Robert Wood Johnson issue brief entitled "Improving Quality of Health Care Relies on Effective Language Services" in October 2007. As Unit Champions for the RWJ Speaking Together Collaborative, these RNs have done staff education and implemented a process to assure inpatient cardiology patients have ready access to qualified interpreters.
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Linda Strodtman, PhD, RN ( CNS); Ken Pituch, MD; and Maureen Giacomazza, MA, RN (Palliative Care); received funding for their CRLT proposal "Teaching about Palliative and End-of-life Care: Interdisciplinary Health Professional Student Education Project". This funding will facilitate the production of film vignettes (clips) that can be used by anyone educating others about Palliative and End of Life Care.
Thea Picklesimer, RN, Nurse Case Manager (Heart Failure and Transplant), has had two stories published in the new Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul, Second Dose.
Applause features Nursing Extern Program
The Applause online magazine featured a story on the Nursing Extern Program, "in which 30 nursing students received hands-on learning at the bedside with guidance from UMHS nurse preceptors". The farewell luncheon took place on July 18th.
UMHS nurses present poster on palliative care referrals in pediatrics
Nurses from the unit-based Palliative care group of 5 West presented a poster entitled "Increasing Palliative Care Referrals on a Pediatric In-Patient Unit" at the Ohio Pediatric Palliative and End of Life Care Network conference on October 4-6th in Akron, Ohio. The presenters were: Teya Smashey and Laura Grace. The authors were Lori Barnett, Mary Buckner, Laura Grace, Angela Heckel, Nancy King, Rebecca Schaedig, Teya Smashey and Keri Spiker.
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Carpenter a busy nurse
Dean Carpenter, RN (CSR Ambulatory Care) accomplished the following:
- He wrote a successful grant proposal to United Way for funding for the CEAP fee for a seminar in Detroit. The seminar is called "Shelter Health" for homeless shelter workers. United Way will fund $150.00 to pay the fee for CE credits for nurses who go to the seminar.
- He wrote an article on trench foot that is being peer reviewed for publication in a second journal "The Journal of Health Care of the Poor and Underserved”.
- He is organizing a sock drive for the homeless in Chelsea. You can read all about it in this week's Chelsea Standard.
Strobbe co-authors paper on web-based performance improvement in substance abuse
Stephen Strobbe, MS, RN, NP, Clinical Director at the University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS), was recently listed as a co-author on a paper published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment (JSAT, vol. 33, pp. 363-371) entitled, "A feasibility study of a web-based performance improvement system for substance abuse treatment providers." This project, for which Robert Forman, Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania) was the Principal Investigator, was part of a multi-site trial conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network (CTN), on which Stephen (along with Dr. Kirk Brower) was a local co-investigator and study coordinator.
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Caplan presents on smoking cessation
Deb Caplan, MS, NP-C (Central Staffing Resource, Telemetry cluster), presented "What's New in Smoking Cessation" at Specialty Issues in Primary Care 2007 hosted by The John D. Dingell VA Medical Center and the Metro Detroit Chapter of the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners.
UMHS nurses have chapters published in AACN manual
Sarah LeRoy, NP, Cynthia Smitka, RN (Transfusion/Apheresis), Sheryl Woloskie, ENC (Ambulatory Care) and Louise Callow, Manager (Peds Cardio/Thoracic ICU), have had chapters published in the first edition of AACN Pediatric Manuel for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care.
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UMHS Nursing mourns the loss of a leader
Cheryl Johnson, a founding member of the UMPNC and team member in the ICU/CCMU since 1972, passed away recently. In addition to the many lives Cheryl touched at UMHS, her leadership as President of the Michigan Nurses Association and the President of the United American Nurses enabled Cheryl to provide leadership to hundreds of thousands of nurses nationwide. Cheryl was known for her advocacy of nurses and nursing, her sense of humor, her passion and her candor.
Flu immunization
Flu Immunization Season: MVN will be holding 35 flu shot clinics at the health centers, open to al UMHS patients as well as members of the community. Ambulatory care Administration will offer several FluMist clinics at East Ann Arbor Health Center for health persons ages 2 - 49 (not covered by insurance).
For more information, go to www.med.umich.edu/flu.
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UMHS nurse goes on mission to Kyrgystan
7B/C/D donated money to buy mouth-to-mask devices and provide some women's vanity items that Betty Roon took on a recent mission to Kyrgystan. Betty taught First Aid, CPR and First Responder to community health workers in four locations around the country. Betty says they were "extremely focused, came early in the morning and got home late at night."
Strobbe wins administration/management award
Stephen Strobbe, RN, received the Administration/Management Award from the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA) "for outstanding contribution to administration/management in addictions nursing," in conjunction with his role as Clinical Director for the University of Michigan Addiction Treatment Services (UMATS).
Abbott presents on evaluating transplants
Chad Abbott, RN, (Transplant Coordinator, Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Program) presented "Considerations for Transplant: A Coordinator's Viewpoint on Evaluation, Listing and Maintenance" at State of the Art: Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Conference, 10/10/07 , Lansing, MI.
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Jargowsky presents on candidate selection
Tara Jargowsky, MSN, CRNP (Nurse Practitioner, Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Program), presented "Candidate Selection, Medical and Surgical Considerations" at State of the Art: Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation Conference, 10/10/07, Lansing, MI.
Parry featured in Crains
Juanita Parry (Manager - Recruitment and Retention) was featured in the September issue of Crain’s Detroit Business.
Blakely publishes on newborn mock codes
Gail Blakely, MSN/ED, RNC, has an article "Implementing Newborn Mock Codes" in the July/Aug 2007 issue of MCN: The American Journal of Maternal Child Nurses. The article won the Clinical Practice Article of the Year award. There will be a short article in the January issue of The American Journal of Maternal Child Nurses. MCN and Lippincott give one award for the Research Article of the Year, and one for Clinical Practice.
View the article.
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UMHS nurses present poster on excellence in clinical education
Judy Sadler, PhD, RN; and Marilyn Svejda, PhD, RN; will be presenting on behalf of the entire Design Team for the Initiative for Clinical Education and Scholarship. The poster entitled, “Initiative for Excellence in Clinical Education, Practice, and Scholarship: An Idea Whose Time Has Come” will be presented at the Nurse Faculty - Nurse Executive Summit to be held in Scottsdale, Arizona.
UMHS nurses to present poster on home schooling
Juanita Parry, BSN, MSc, RN; Margaret M. Calarco, PhD, RN; Barbara Hensinger, BSN, RN; and Ann Kruszewski, PhD, RN; received notification that their poster, "Home Schooling: Hospital, University Nursing School and Community College", has been accepted to be presented at the Nurse Faculty/Nurse Executive Summit taking place on November 29 - December 1, 2007 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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Pediatric Asthma Disease Management Program receives Joint Commission Certification
The Pediatric Asthma Disease Management Program, also known as the Children's Asthma Wellness Program, recently became the only such program in the state to receive the Joint Commission Disease-specific Certification. It is one of eleven programs in the nation to receive certification in asthma and is one of only four programs in the nation that have received certification in Asthma-Pediatrics. Congratulations to Karla Stoermer Grossman, RN, Clinical Care Coordinator, and Dr. Manuel Arteta.
:Practice Management and Utilization Review awarded Quality award
At the recent 2007 Morrisey Associates User Conference in Chicago, the University of Michigan's Practice Management and Utilization Reviewwas awarded the Institutional Quest for Quality Award. The award is given based on innovative and/or expanded use of the software (MCCM). This award would not have been possible without the combined efforts of Practice Management Discharge Planning and Utilization Management Leadership and staff. Brian Kobylarz, Practice Management Coordinator, deserves special recognition for his work on the innovative use of the product.
Clark co-authors article on body mass index and infant and parental weight
Kathryn Clark, NP, Pediatric Endocrinology, was a co-author of the article, "Relationships among Body Mass Index, Parental Perceptions, Birthweight and Parental Weight after Referral to a Weight Clinic," in the Journal of the National Medical Association, Vol 99, No. 8, Aug 2007.
Landis receives 2007 President's Award at AMTC
Denise Landis, RN, (Nurse Manager - Survival Flight); was presented with the 2007 President's Award at the AMTC for the Association of Air Medical Services. . Ed Eroe, the former President, selected Denise as someone who deserved the award based on her work with MTLI and her overall support of AAMS. Denise was one of the original "designers" of the MTLI school and is the leader of the MTLI instructors.
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Chesney and Roberts win national "Crew Competition" at Air Medical Transport Conference
Mike Chesney and David Roberts of Survival Flight won the national "Crew Competition" at the annual Air Medical Transport Conference held in Tampa, Florida. They finished first ahead of seven other teams from the United States and Canada, and will represent North America at an international competition in Prague next spring.
Mazurek wins AAMS Crew Member of Year award
Paul Mazurek, Flight Nurse Specialist (Survival Flight), has won the AAMS award of 2007 Crew Member of the Year and was presented with that award at the AMTC in Tampa.
UMHS nurses present talk at surgical symposium
Rexanne Sprague, RN; Jan Barber, RN and Carol Hayes, RN ( UH Operating Rooms), are presenting “Cutting-Edge” at the upcoming conference Surgical Symposium in Ann Arbor in October.
Kocan writes chapter of book on neurological disorders; speaks on reducing ventriculitis
Mary Kocan, MS, RN (CNS - Neuro-ICU), wrote a chapter in a book recently published by Elsevier, entitled "Neurological Disorders and the Cardiovascular System" for the text Cardiac Nursing: A Companion to Braunwald's Heart Disease, edited by Debra Moser and Barbara Riegel.
Mary Kocan was also invited to speak at the Neuro Nursing Symposium sponsored by Emory University Hospital the weekend of September 8, in Atlanta. She presented "Reducing Ventriculitis in the Neuroscience ICU" and "The Brain-Heart Connection: Cardiovascular Effects of Neurologic Disorders".
Parry and Vano will talk on life/work planning of nurses over 50
Juanita Parry and Maria Vano will be attending Sigma Theta Tau’s International 39th Biennial Conference in November 2007 to assist Ed Coakley from MGH for a presentation entitled, “"The life/work planning processes of nurses who are age 50 or over and working: A multi-site study." This was a joint research project between Massachusetts General Hospital, the University of Michigan Health System and Shands.
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UMHS nurses highlighted in Ann Arbor News M-Edition
Many UMHS nurses highlighted in this year's Ann Arbor News M-Edition in a three-part special section. The rest of the photos, plus the ones from the printed paper, are available on the newspaper's Web site in five "online galleries".
Some of the Nursing links are as follows:
- Patricia Burchett and Connie Myres, registered nurses, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital operating rooms
- Jackie Lapinski, Loree Collett, Cathy Schorr and Michelle Nemshak, the Core Team for construction of the new C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital
- Angelina Jimenez, Jerryl Johnson, Aquilla Robinson and Tracy Smith, Patient Lift Team
- Brian Kobylarz, registered nurse, discharge planner, University Hospital
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Rabe asked to join AORN national Committee of Education
Rudi Rabe, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager at East Ann Arbor Surgery Center who has been asked to join the AORN National Committee of Education. The charge of the Committee is to develop a Perioperative Curriculum for Nursing Schools. He will serve on this Committee for one year.
Carpenter publishes article on trench foot
Dean Carpenter, MSN, APRN, BC, (Central Staffing Resource), was published in the June 2007 issue of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council Case Reports. The report is titled "On the Front Lines: A Case of Trench Foot in a Homeless Woman".
Delisle publishes article on laughter
Mary Delisle, RN (4A), has an article in the current issue of American Nurse Today, titled, "The Freeing Force of Laughter".
UMHS nurses to present at OSU Quest conference
Michelle Aebersold, Nurse Manager (4A/B /D), and Mary Jo Kocan (CNS - 4A/B/D), are presenting, "Extreme Makeover for Unit Leadership" at the upcoming OSU Quest Conference in Columbus in September.
Mazurek crew member of the year
Paul Mazurek, RN, Flight Nurse, was awarded Crew Member of the Year by the Association of Air Medical Services, and was featured in an article in the Detroit News.
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Norville accepted into leadership seminar
Janice Norville, Nurse Manager (Cardiology Administration), has been accepted into the 2007-08 Advanced Leadership Seminar at the Center for the Education of Women. She was selected from a large and highly competitive group of outstanding applicants to engage in an extended process of self-exploration, learning and change management.
Blakely publishes article on newborn mock codes
Gail Blakely, RN (Birth Center), had her article published in the July/August 2007 issue of MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, Volume 32 Number 4. Her article, "Implementing Newborn Mock Codes" is available online.
Zapor participates on OCN® task force
Cancer AnswerLine nurse Kim Zapor, RN, BSN, OCN, has been chosen as one of only 12 Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN®s) to participate on the OCN® Passing Score Task Force. The meeting of the task force will be held over several days at the end of October, at the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) National Headquarters in Pittsburgh. Kim along with the others on the committee, will have the task of setting the passing score for the OCN® Certification Examination. All travel-related expenses including flight, hotel, and meals will be funded by ONCC.
Hailes receives DAISY award for July
Laura Hailes, RN received the DAISY award this month. The DAISY program is a nationally known program currently in place in over 80 hospitals around the country. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The awards are given by our patients and families. Laura works on 6 Mott and was nominated by a patient's father. In his nomination letter he noted, "Laura is a great nurse. She made our stay very comfortable. She treated my son like her own. She went beyond the call of duty.”
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Blondy publishes on andragogical assumptions
Laurie Blondy, MSN, JD, RN, (Educational Specialist), had her article “Evaluation and Application of Andragogical Assumptions to the Adult Online Learning Environment” published in the Journal of Interactive Online Learning.
O'Brien presents on terminology development in nursing
Denise O'Brien, MSN, RN, FAAN, Clinical Nurse Specialist (UMH - Postanesthesia Care Unit), attended the 17th Annual Summer Institute in Nursing Informatics, July 18-21, in Baltimore, MD. She presented, with Dr. Marisa Wilson, DNSc, MHSc, RN, Associate Professor, University of Maryland School of Nursing, on "Terminology Development within a Nursing Specialty Organization."
Carpenter publishes report on trench foot
Dean Carpenter, MSN, APRN, BC, (Central Staffing Resource), was published in the June 2007 issue of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council Case reports. The report is titled "On the Front Lines: A Case of Trench Foot in a Homeless Woman".
Evan Mayday's Good Death film released.
Our film "Evan Mayday's Good Death" is now ready for dissemination and we have the ordering information on our website The work was also highlighted this month in ELNEC Connections.
This project was lead by Linda Strodtman, CNS, and Maureen Giacomazza, CNS.
UMHS receives Michigan Breastfeeding award
The UMHS has been selected to receive the Michigan Breastfeeding Award for outstanding service to the health care community. Because of the position not to provide free formula-laden diaper bags, UMHHS has exemplified the goals of the Michigan Breastfeeding Network, the organizations they represent, and the families we serve. The award was presented during the 22nd Annual Michigan Health Mothers, health Babies Conference on June 7th-8th.
Dwyer selected as Robert Wood Johnson Fellow
Shon Dwyer, MBS, RN, (Project Director - Orders Management Project) who was selected as a 2008 Robert Wood Johnson Nurse Executive Fellow.
Marsh to speak on nursing recruitment, retention and mentoring
Valerie Marsh, RN, MSN, Nursing Career Coach, (Center for Professional Development and Mentoring) was accepted to be a presenter at the 2007 Michigan Nursing Summit Leading the Way to Excellence in Practice and Education. The Summit is being held at the Ritz-Carlton in Dearborn, Michigan on August 9 & 10, 2007. She will be speaking on Building a Strong Nursing Workforce: Recruitment, Retention and Mentoring. The audience will include approximately 200 nurses from all over the state representing nursing administration, nursing education programs as well as staff developers from acute and long-term care.
Bates presents poster on ICU use of daily goals form
Laura Bates, BSN, RN (4D TICU), presented a poster ‘Improving Multidisciplinary Communication in ICU’s Using a Daily Goals Form’ at the 14th National Evidence-Based Practice Conference. Laura is a recent graduate of our RN-BSN program. She worked with Jole Mowry as her preceptor using a daily goals form to improve communication in the TICU. The presentation went very well and Laura received lots of interest and discussion around her poster.
Mazurek Air Medical Crew Member of the Year
Paul Mazurek, RN (Flight Nurse), was nominated and will be awarded the Air Medical Crew Member of the Year Award, in Florida at the national conference (AMTC) in September.
Deep speaks on nurses impact on stem cell and bone marrow transplantation
Amira Deep, BSN (8A's Ed Coordinator), spoke at the conference Current Practices and Future Trends in Oncology Care held in Bay City sponsored by the Bay Regional Medical Center this past May. The audience consisted of 70+ RN's. Amira's topic was "An overview and Nurses Impact on Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplantation".
Blondy presents on promoting communication online
Laurie Blondy, PhD(c), MSN, RN, of the ESN department, presented "Promoting Communication in the Online Environment" at the Drexel University Nursing Education Conference, Creating the Educational Environment of Tomorrow, June 7-10 in Miami, Florida.
Laughlin edits nursing reference for ANCC AC nursing certification
Candia Laughlin, Director of Nursing, Ambulatory Care, edited a reference for nurses studying for ANCC Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification, Ambulatory care Nursing Review Questions (published by the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing). Candia also serves as one of the instructors for the certification review course, which she and two colleagues have taught in 8 locations across the country this past year.
Initiative for Excellence in Clinical Scholarship and Education web site launched
UM School of Nursing Dean Kathleen Potempa and Dr. Margaret Calarco (Chief of Nursing Services, UMHHC) announce a web site detailing the Initiative for Excellence in Clinical Scholarship and Education.
Through the Initiative, the School of Nursing and UMHHC Nursing seek to partner to transform clinical instruction for nursing students. See the web site for information, status updates, resource documents, and more!
UMHS presents "Perspectives on Pediatric Care"
The nursing conference “Perspectives on Pediatric Care” was re-initiated after many years with the goal of bring professionals who care for children together to learn through networking and collaboration. Renee Manworren, MS, CNS, from Dallas was the invited speaker. Many pediatric nursing staff participated in this endeavor.
Hanley runner-up for Michigan Nurse of the Year
Julie Hanley, RN, (Neuro ICU) was runner up for the 2007 Michigan Nurse of the Year. There was a write up in the career builder section of the Sunday Detroit Free Press/news on Sunday, May 6, 2007.
Klimek featured in Detroit Free Press article
Terri Klimek, RN, (CRNA) is featured in a story about Operation Smile.
Read the article in Detroit Free Press.
Cancer Center recent professional activities:
- Marcia Leonard, RN, PNP, (Cancer Center) was invited to present on "Late Effects of Treatment" at the Children's Oncology Group (COG) Nursing Workshop Spring 2007 in Dallas TX in April. Marcia gave the Keynote Address at the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology & Oncology Group Annual Scientific Meeting 24 - 27 May 2007, Amora Hotel Jamison, Sydney. Topic: Fertility Preservation for Children and Adolescents with Cancer. She also has received grant funding from the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan to study the Emotional Effects of Sperm Banking, for designing and executing a focus-group study about the psychological impact of sperm banking in the context of a cancer diagnosis. She is working in collaboration with 2 investigators from the School of Public Health: K. Christensen and P. Wren.
- G. Lita Smith, MS, RN, NP, (Cancer Center) gave two presentations at the 2007 Oncology Nursing Society Congress, on April 24, 2007, in Las Vega, NV:
- Targeted Therapies in Breast Cancer: Challenging Questions for Oncology Nurses and
- Individualizing Therapeutic Decision Making in Early Stage Breast Cancer
- Anne Winters, MS, APRN, BC, AOCNP, (Cancer Center) presented a talk on Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer, at the local ACS chapter Reach for Recovery volunteer recertification dinner in May 2007.
- Suzette Walker, MSN, RN, FNP, (Cancer Center) presented Capecitabine Therapy - Nursing Strategies During Oral Chemotherapy on May 9, 2007.
- Colette Hodges, RN, CNP, (Cancer Center) was interviewed for an article on multidisciplinary lung clinics in Connect, a news magazine of the Oncology Nursing Society.
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Gold to present on inpatient psychiatry to home care transition
Kathy Gold, RN, MHA, (Director, Home Care Nursing) is presenting a Web conference for University HealthSystem Consortium on June 20. The topic, “Inpatient Psychiatry to Home Care Transition,” is part of the UHC’s 2007 Core Measures Networking Collaborative.
Kocan presents poster on neurologic disorders
Mary Jo Kocan, RN, MSN, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Neuro ICU and 4A) presented "The Brain-Heart Connection: Cardiovascular Effects of Neurologic Disorders" for the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL in April.
Loik presents poster on feedback
Cinda Loik, RN, CCRN, Clinical Nurse Supervisor (Neuro ICU and 4A) presented a poster "TOP Board: A Way to Give and Receive Real-Time Positive Feedback" for the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL in April.
The ECMO Program professional contributions
- EXIT to ECMO Procedure Poster, created and presented by Elaine Cooley, LRT, RN; Jeanne Kreutzman, RN; and George Myalichska, MD at the 23rd Annual CNMC Symposium, at Keystone Colorado. in February 2007
- ECMO Applications: Some History & What’s What. Presented by Howard Harrington at the 27th Annual Conferences at the Slopes, at Seven Springs Resort, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in March 2007.
- A Case Series Describing the Use of Argatroban in Patients on Extracorporeal Circulation by
Timothy Cornell MD, and Polly Wyrick, RN, BSN, CCRN.
Merkel presents on comfort theory
Sandra Merkel gave an oral presentation, “Comfort Theory: A Framework for Pain Management Nursing Practice” at the American Society for Pain Management Nursing annual conference in Addison Texas, March 2007.
UH PACU Nursing Contributions 2006-2007:
Nurses from the UH PACU recently presented at the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses’ 26th National Conference in Anaheim, California, April 15-19. Poster Presentations included:
- “Precepting the Preceptor” by Cheryl Render, BSN, RN, CPAN; Denise O’Brien, MSN APRN-BC, CPAN, CAPA, FAAN, CNS; Helen Nabong, BSN, RN, CPAN, ENC;
Kim Porter, RN, ENC; and Toni Szpara, BSN, RN, CCRN, CPAN, CAPA, ENC
- “Charge You’re It…Maximizing the Role Through Vigilant Orientation” by Toni Szpara, Denise O’Brien, Helen Nabong and Kim Porter
- “Do It Yourself…How To Build Your Own Education Research Council” by Janet Gilbert, BSN, RN;
Denise O’Brien, Helen Nabong, Kim Porter, Toni Szpara, Cheryl Render, BSN, RN, CPAN; Allison Smith, RN; Pamela Maki, RN; Elizabeth Lopes, BS, RN and
Gigi McEachern, BSN, RN
- Denise O'Brien presented lectures on “Perianesthesia Management of the Patient with Diabetes” and, with Dr. Marisa Wilson of the University of Maryland School of Nursing, presented “Perianesthesia Data Elements: Our Journey to Excellence in the Nursing Terminology World.”
In the past year, the following book chapters were contributed by UH PACU nurses:
- Beverly A. Smith, UH PACU Nurse Manager; and
Denise O'Brien, UH PACU CNS, contributed Space Planning and Basic Equipment Systems in Drain: Perianesthesia Nursing: A Critical Care Approach, 5E.
Denise O'Brien also contributed chapters on Patient Education and Care of the Perianesthesia, Postanesthesia Care Complications, and Care of the Gastrointestinal, Abdominal, and Anorectal Surgical Patient.
- Denise O'Brien, contributed a chapter in ASPAN’s Certification Review for Perianesthesia Nursing, ed. 2, titled Intraabdominal and Retroperitoneal Observations.
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Rho Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International announces the 2007 awards:
- Excellence in Research: Lisa Kane Low, PhD, CNM, FACNM (SON);
- Excellence in Education: Desiree Denise Blake, MPH, RN (UMHS);
- Excellence in Nursing Practice: Sheila Hay, BSN, RN (Arbor Hospice);
- Excellence in Nursing Leadership: Barbara Brush, PhD, ANP-C, FAAN (SON);
- Mentorship Award: Barbara Nevins-Soong, BSN, RN (Arbor Hospice)
- Student Leadership Award: Sharon Warner, Senior Student, U of M SON; and Renee Havey, Senior Student, U of M School of Nursing - and also an ICU Tech - SICU (who will soon be joining us as an RN)
UMHS Nurses present poster on Improving Comfort with Communication
Cathy Desmet, BSN, RN; and Rebecca Schaedig, MS, RN; presented a poster on behalf of Mott and 5 West at the national Society of Pediatric Nurses conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The poster was titled Improving Comfort with Communication During Shift-to-Shift Report.
Gold published in Home Health Line's Success in Home Care
Kathy Gold, Director, Home Care Nursing, was published in the March/April 2007 issue of Home Health Line’s Success in Home Care. The article, “Walk This Way: NPs Direct Patients Away from Inpatient and ED, Build New Business for HHA,” highlights the work of the CHOICES program, which celebrates its first anniversary of patient care in May.
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Gold and Wade to present on options to in-patient and emergency svcs.
An abstract submitted by Kathy Gold, Director, Home Care Nursing, and Kathy Wade, Director of Social Work, was accepted to present at the University HealthSystem Consortium 2007 Quality and Safety Fall Forum in October. Their topic, "Creating Healthcare Options to In-Patient and Emergency Services,” relates directly to the conference theme: "Redesigning the Work of Health Care Through Enhanced Communication, Collaboration & Innovation.”
Niedner and Trudeau to present poster at Pediatric Palliative Care Conf.
A poster presentation submitted by Matthew Niedner, MD (Pediatric Critical Care) and Cecilia Trudeau, RN, MS, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Pediatric Palliative Care Consultation Service) was accepted for the upcoming Pediatric Palliative Care Conference in October. It is sponsored by the Ohio Pediatric Palliative and End of Life Network with UMHS as one of the co-sponsors. They will be presenting information about the EOL Exception Policy and order set that they have developed and which have been extremely well-received during the multi-committee approval process.
Coucouvanis presents topics at several symposiums
Judith Coucouvanis, MA, APRN, BC (Department of Psychiatry) recently completed the following presentations: "Teaching Social Competence to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders" at University of Texas Arlington School of Nursing 21st Annual Psychiatric Nursing Symposium and "Managing Your Child's Temper Tantrums" at The Family Center Parenting Symposium, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan
Hear ads featuring nurses as part of the Michigan Difference campaign
As part of the "Michigan Difference" advertising campaign, two radio commercials will be airing featuring two UMHS nurses. These nurses share their personal stories of why they came to Michigan and why they stay here.
Listen to story 1 .
Listen to story 2 .
Nurses to present surgical acute care poster
Michael Fournier, Mary Jo Martin, Rhonda Walkowe, Mary Lenewski, and Lisa Kline, have been selected to present their poster on the Surgical Acute Care Cluster orientation process at the Nursing 2007 Symposium in April in Orlando, FL.
Pacini co-authors psychometric analyses article
Chris Pacini, PhD, RN, Director, PDRI, has co-authored an article “AACN Synergy Model’s Characteristics of Patients: Psychometric Analyses in a Tertiary Care Health System” that appears in the March 2007 issue of American Journal of Critical Care.
Obriot's mitral valve repair article published
Pam Obriot, RN, ENC (Cardiac Surgery OR), has written an article “Mitral Valve Repair” that appears in the January 2007 issue of the AORN Journal.
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UMHS nursing accredited for 6 more years
UMHS received accreditation from the ANCC that accredits us as a Provider of Continuing Nursing Education for 6 more years. Carol Williams, PDRI, was the lead in the survey.
UMHS Posters at National Teaching Institute (NTI), Atlanta, Georgia
- Connie Rickelmann, RN, Sharon Dickinson, RN, CNS, Mary Labeske, RN, Robert Brown, RN, Mike Little, RN, Nick Montanaro, RN, Robert Wonnacott, RN:
" Guiding Nurses from Novice to Expert: A Mentorship Program in the SICU".
- Sharon Dickinson, RN, Rebecca Horner, RN, Melissa Pleva, Pharm D, Connie Rickelmann, RN:
"To Replace or Not to Replace: Examining the Implementation of an Electrolyte Protocol in the SICU".
- Sharon Dickinson, RN, CNS, Connie Rickelmann, RN, Jennifer Siev, RN, Heather Stroll, RN,:
"Not Too Sweet Please! The Successes and Barriers of an Insulin Infusion Protocol in the SICU".
UMHS Posters at Society of Critical Care Medicine (Collaborative Practice):
- Melissa E. Brunsvold, MD, Craig Meldrum, BA, Sharon Dickinson, RN, CNS, Lena M. Napolitano, MD:
"Swan Song: Pulmonary Artery Catheter Usage and Outcomes in a Surgical ICU".
- Nabil Issa, MD, Christy Zalewski, Craig Meldrum, BA, Sharon Dickinson, RN, CNS, Paul Maggio, MD, Lena Napolitano, MD:
"Intensive and Physician Staffing (IPS) Standard and Outcome in the SICU".
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UMHS presenters at Quest Conference in Columbus, Ohio
- Susan Dirkes, MSA, RN, and Sharon Dickinson, RN, CNS:
"Prone Positioning for ARDS: Science or Myth".
- Nick Montanaro, RN: "Squeeze the Beans" and
"Ha Ha Ha of Sepsis Bundles".
UMHS authors of Book Chapter, Advanced Acute and Critical Care Nursing, American Association of Critical Care Nurses
- Denise O’Brien, RN, CNS, and Sharon Dickinson, RN, CNS:
"Caring for the Patient in the Immediate Postoperative Period". To be published 2007.
- Nick Montanaro, BSN, RN, and Awori Hayanga, MD:
"General Surgery Review: (safe Answers For The Written Boards And Absite)" Edited by Martin A. Makary, MD
Berry-Bovia featured in Nursingn Spectrum
Mary Berry-Bovia, RN ( Education Coordinator - ED), was featured in the January, 2007 issue of Nursing Spectrum. The feature was titled, "Strength In Numbers: Five-level triage creates quicker, safer ED visits” outlines our process in the ED. Mary’s picture was on the front page and also in the article. (3/07)
Schork receives ONS Foundation educational grant
Annette Schork, BSN, RN, OCN, recently received a $1000 educational grant through the ONS Foundation to attend the ONS 32nd Annual ONS Congress to be held in Las Vegas, NV, April 24-27, 2007. Annette was selected as an award recipient by the ONS Foundation Board of Trustees based on her professional goals, qualifications, and a submitted essay discussing innovative responses to challenges encountered in her Cancer Answer Line telenursing practice. Attending ONS Congress will provide Annette with an opportunity to promote excellence in oncology nursing and enhance the provision of quality cancer care. She will attend oncology focused educational presentations, and have the opportunity to network with more than 6,200 of her oncology nursing peers. (3/07)
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Goode-Giacomazza selected as ELNEC-PPC award-winner
Maureen Goode Giacomazza, CNS (Palliative Care), has been selected as an End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium-Pediatric Palliative Care (ELNEC-PPC) award winner for 2005-2006. This award is bestowed upon Maureen for her exceptional work in disseminating and implementing the ELNEC-PPC curriculum in both her clinical, as well as her faculty positions. The outstanding work Maureen has done in working with the interdisciplinary team at Mott Children's Hospital and her on-going research regarding "Family Satisfaction with End-of-Life Care from a Cross Cultural Perspective" are certainly noteworthy. In addition, the work she has done with Dr. Linda Strodtman, PhD, RN, on the Evan Mayday's "Good Death" project has brought rave reviews from the two ELNEC-Critical Care courses we have provided nationally in the past three months. (3/07)
Strodtman recieves award for end-of-life work
Linda Strodtman, PhD, RN, has been selected to receive an "Excellence in End-of-Life/Palliative Care Nursing" award for the outstanding work she has done in implementing and disseminating the ELNEC-Graduate curriculum. Linda will attend the AACN Master's Conference in February so she can accept this award. In addition, her exemplary work will be honored in the winter edition of the ELNEC Connections and also detail her work on the "ELNEC Awards" section of the ELNEC website. (2/07)
Thomas has article published in Air Medical Journal
Flight Nurse Jeff Thomas, RN, was recently published in the January/February issue of the Air Medical Journal. The article can be viewed via the Survival Flight website, www.survivalflight.com on the Staff Kudos page. (2/07)
Winters has article on Mitral Valve Repair published in AORN
Margo Winters, RN, BSN, CNOR, had an article on "Mitral Valve Repair" published in the January 2007 issue of the AORN Journal. A letter from the Editor-in-Chief of the AORN Journal announced an accomplishment by saying. “…In this way, Ms. Winters is sharing her knowledge and experience with her perioperative nursing peers. We here at AORN appreciate the time energy expended by this busy individual to help further educate other peiroperative nurses, and we want to be sure you also were aware of how Ms. Winters is doing her part to provide quality perioperative nursing and patient care.” (2/07)
Holodnick volunteers in New Orleans
Cherie Holodnick, RN, (Employee Health Services) just returned from her second trip to New Orleans. Her church, St Francis of Assisi here in Ann Arbor has sent groups down to help Catholic Charities gut homes. She went with a group of adults last April and her family accompanied the high school youth during Christmas break. Cherie says “It has been an amazing experience both times. I am so impressed at how much work novices can do in gutting homes. Each time my group gutted 3 homes in the time we were there. There is still a lot of work to be done. It will be several years before this area is back to a new normal. The gutting deadline is this summer and rebuilding those gutted homes is targeted to be full swing this fall.” Cherie hopes to go back again to continue in the rebuilding process. (2/07)
Spotts receives Excellence in Education Award
Valerie (Val) Spotts, 7BC Education Nurse Coordinator, has been selected to receive the Excellence in Education Award by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, the largest nursing specialty organization in the US. AACN has >60,000 members so being singled out is quite an honor! Val will be presented with the award at the 2007 AACN National Meeting (NTI) in Atlanta, GA in May.
See article.
Peitsch featured in University Record
Jeff Pietsch, RN, Survival Flight Nurse is featured in the University Record Online.
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Dudley featured in Michigan Center for Nursing campaign
Blair Dudley, RN (PCTU) was recently featured by the Michigan Center for Nursing. He was also chosen to be featured in the Men in Nursing campaign of MCN. View details.
Johnson recognized for her contributions to nursing profession
Cheryl Johnson, president of the Michigan Nurses Association and last month was inducted into the Michigan Nurses Hall of Fame for her contribution to patient care and to the nursing profession.
See Ann Arbor News article featuring her.
written by Lisa Carolin, News Staff Reporter (11/3/06)
UM-CareLink Successfully Launches Online Patient Orders
Monday, October 16th marked the start of online patient orders at UMHS with the launch of UM-CareLink. The new system is now up and running in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, and the many units and departments that support them.
Center for Professional Development & Mentoring (CPDM) opens

The newly-created Center for Professional Development & Mentoring (CPDM), which opened November 1, offers career services and professional development to nursing students and practicing nurses in any stage of their career. The center is a unique and exciting partnership between the University of Michigan Health System and the University of Michigan School of Nursing and is funded in part by a three-year, (2005-2008), $708,000 grant sponsored by HRSA entitled The Power of One - Career Ladder, granted to Margaret Calarco, PhD, RN; Carol-Loveland Cherry, PhD, RN, FAAN; and Patricia Coleman-Burns, PhD.
The center is located on the 6th floor of the 300 North Ingalls Building, room 6B04.Walk-in hours are M-F, 9am - 3pm, (extended hours by appointment).
More information is available at: www.RNCareerDevelopment.com.
UMHS nurses present at Keystone Workshop
The Clinical Practice Committee subgroup on keystone (Suzie S, Lori Smith, Dan and Sharon Dickinson) attended the Keystone Workshop in Dearborn, Michigan. They had the opportunity to speak on the topic: "SICU Keystone Project: Successes and Barriers". Vikas was the designated speaker, but was supported, coached and mentored by all of the team members. The subcommittee and staff also prepared a poster called "Looks Like We Made It! Utilizing Keystone Bundles To Decrease CR-BSI and VAP Rates in the SICU". The poster was selected for the BEST poster award! The following staff played a part in preparing this for the presentation: Connie, Sharon, Christy from IC, Rebecca, Mary L, Craig Meldrum, Renee Ward and all of the SICU staff.
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5W Mott has three speakers at Pediatric Conference
At the October Pediatric Conference sponsored by UM, 5 West Mott had three speakers: Becky Schaedig, CNS spoke on Respiratory Assessment. Cathy Desmet, RN, Level C; and Kathy Badgerow, Unit Host, spoke on Comfort Care.
CancerAnswerLine presents poster at conference
Becky Eggleston, BS RN OCN; Cancer Resource Nurse/Program Manager, (Comprehensive Cancer Center) announces that the Cancer AnswerLine presented an abstract and poster, October 17 -18 during the 39th Annual Great Lakes Cancer Nursing Conference in Grand Rapids. This regional nursing conference is sponsored by The American Cancer Society, with an anticipated audience of more than 500 oncology nursing professionals. The abstract/poster titled, "Eye on the Community: The Role of a Cancer Telehealth Nursing Service in Improving Patient and Family Education, Access to Resources and Clinical Trial Enrollment", is a snapshot of how Cancer AnswerLine's program enhances communication between health professionals and the community, and serves as an integral part of the cancer care delivery system.
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Kocan presents on cardiovascular complications of neurological disease
Mary Jo Kocan, MS, RN, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Neuro ICU) presented: "The Brain-Heart Connection: Cardiovascular Complications of Neurological Disease" at the Quest for Excellence Conference in Columbus, Ohio in September.
Aebersold presents on safety for staff nurses
Michelle Aebersold, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager, (4A Neuro/ENT/Neuro ICU/Neurology) presented: "Creating Cultures of Safety- Critical Information Every Staff Nurse Needs to Know" at the Quest for Excellence Conference in Columbus, Ohio in September.
UM nurses present on patient safety
Bea Kalish, Professor, School of Nursing; and Michelle Aebersold, RN, Clinical Nurse Manager, (4A Neuro/ENT/Neuro ICU/Neurology); published " Overcoming Barriers to Patient Safety" in the May/June issue of Nursing Economics.
Marcum and McLeod featured in Nursing Spectrum
Raylene Marcum, RN; and Anne McLeod, RN, BSN; Clinical Care Coordinators (Michigan Bowel Control Program) had their work recently featured in Nursing Spectrum. Please check out the article!
Raylene and Anne also did several presentations at the Eastern University’s, Women’s Health Expo, winning the exhibitors choice for their booths.
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UMHS nurses receive awards at MNA 40th anniversary celebration
The Michigan Nurses Association recognized registered nurses from across the state for their contributions to the profession and the organization at a 40th anniversary celebration of the MNA Economic and General Welfare (E&GW) Program at the Kellogg Center at Michigan State University.
- Stephanie Minerath, RN, received an Economic and General Welfare Achievement Award. Stephanie is vice chair of the University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At the state level, she has served on the MNA Nominating Committee, the MNA Board of Directors, and as a delegate to both the MNA and ANA houses.
- Denise O’Brien, MSN, APRN, FAAN, received the 2006 MNA Excellence in Nursing Practice Award. Denise is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. Denise is a respected author and lecturer, and has presented nationally and internationally. She is a frequent contributor to the Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing, nursing textbooks, and has written over 12 books. Denise has held leadership positions in many professional associations, including President and Vice President of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN).
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UMHS nurses to present poster on improving orientation
Liz Baron, RN, Sue Roebuck, RN and Nancy Stockman, RN; were selected to present a poster on "Improving Orientation on 5 West" for Quality Week..
The PDRI connects what has historically been called Educational Services for Nursing, with other professional development initiatives, our existing nursing research partnership with the School of Nursing, our Nursing Care Excellence Council work and our Professional Development Framework. In addition, the PDRI will house our newly developed Center for Professional Development and Mentoring (CPDM) which is part of the HRSA grant we received last July.