Epsilon Psi News Fall 2007

Transcription

1 Epsilon Psi News Fall 2007 A Letter from the President: Dear Epsilon Psi Member, Scholarship is often a misunderstood concept and does not necessarily indicate research and publication. Although these mediums are key to the science of nursing, you, as staff nurses, advanced practice nurses, academics or in whatever capacity you are currently employed, are capable of scholarship. It is defined as learning, know-how and expertise, in addition to academic achievement, learning at a high level, and earning awards for achievement. It can mean different strokes of nursing excellence for different nursing folks. However when you were inducted into the Epsilon Psi Chapter (or another chapter) of Sigma Theta Tau, you were designated a scholar. It is anticipated that Sigma Theta Tau was the first to recognize you in this capacity. Epsilon Psi, now 25 years old, has received a special recognition this year at the Sigma Theta Tau Biennial convention this November. On February 29, 2008 Radford University will hold a dinner celebration to commemorate this event (future information to follow). Our continued existence depends on your continued membership. It appears, for many, once the first year of membership following induction has passed, dues and membership are neglected. What can we do to assist you with your scholarship? Visit the Sigma Theta Tau website: and you will witness all kinds of links that will be helpful to you now and in the future. We, your officers, would like to see you participate in the meetings, programs and lead into the future for our local chapter and regions. Sigma Theta Tau has a vision for 2020 which I will attempt to summarize. It is anticipated that by the year 2020, the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International will be the organization of choice for scholarship, knowledge and leadership for nurses globally. As a leader in professional nursing, the honor society will be the organization nurses use when looking for information on global health issues. This will be possible because of the intellect and leadership of its members who will influence health care decisions globally, regionally and locally. Its members will form communities around common goals, interests and needs, connecting with one another using international, national regional and local resources, both in person and virtually. The organization will focus on the worldwide network as a way for members to: Communicate Connect Convene service Use and distribute knowledge resources Promote leadership development Four priority goals have been developed to realize this vision:

2 1. The honor society is a valued, relevant and meaningful organization for members and nurses worldwide. 2. The honor society is an intentionally global organization 3. The honor society is a thought leader in creating and sharing knowledge and in developing leadership resources. 4. The honor society is a knowledge-focused, technology enable organization. Come along with us, the best is yet to be. Re-join the organization, help us to develop our strategic plan for the years ahead and lead nurses in Southwest Virginia toward excellence in scholarship in whatever way you define it. We need you. Contact either me directly: vburggraf2@radford.edu or Sallie Strauss, the President-Elect sstrauss@radford.edu if you wish to be involved in your chapter. Virginia Burggraf DNS RN FAAN President Epsilon Psi Chapter Sigma Theta Tau Meet the Epsilon Psi Chapter Officers Dr. Ginger Burggraf, President and program chair, is tireless in her work on behalf of the nursing profession. She is a Professor of Nursing and holds the Marcella Griggs Chair in Gerontological Nursing, is a grant writer and Fellow in the Academy of Nursing (FAAN). She is a knitter par excellence. Dr. Sallie Strauss, President-Elect is a Professor in the School of Nursing. Her area of specialty is nursing of children, and she practices as a nurse practitioner in RU Family Health Clinics. Dr. Kereen Mullenbach, Treasurer, is on the School of Nursing Faculty. Her specialty is Medical Surgical Nursing and Nursing Administration. She has just completed her doctorate from Loyola University School of Nursing. Sarah Gilbert, First Counselor, completed the Master of Science in Nursing Program at Radford University 4 years ago. She currently works at Warm Hearth as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Case Manager. She is also adjunct faculty teaching undergraduate gerontological nursing. Janice Mooney, Second Counselor, is on the RU School of Nursing faculty and she is the course leader in nursing of children. She is also a pediatric nurse practitioner with a special interest in genetics. Kim Ramsey, Corresponding Secretary, is a graduate of RU School of Nursing s RN-BSN program. She has worked for a number of years as a NICU nurse at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. She enjoys technology and computers, and we are taking advantage of

3 her interest and skill in this area to develop improved communication with our membership through our web site and announcements and newsletters. Leonita Cutright, Recording Secretary, is on the RU faculty and teaches adult health medical surgical nursing. Patricia Conklin, Nominating Committee, is on the faculty of RU School of Nursing. She teaches medical surgical nursing/critical care, and continues to practice in her specialty area, cancer nursing and palliative care. Kate Brennan, Nominating Committee, is OBS faculty member at RU School of Nursing and is well known to many Moms in this area from her former position on staff at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center. Laura LaRue, Nominating Committee, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a member of the RU School of Nursing faculty and is an FNP at Healthstat in Montgomery County. She also finds time to work at Twin County Regional Hospital in the ED. Deborah Bratton, Nominating Committee, has been an RN for over 30 years and is currently pursuing an advanced degree as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) with a focus on geriatrics. Deborah s goal as a CNS is to provide case management for older adults not only in the community, but also long term care and assisted living. Sharon O Donnell, Nominating Committee, a native of Pulaski, VA, received her MSN from MCV/VCU in She currently teaches Peds Clinical and Foundations lecture at RU. She lives with her husband and dog in Cloverdale. In her spare time she enjoys water aerobics, cross-stitching and reading. Meet the New Director of Radford University s School of Nursing Dr. Kathleen B. LaSala, PhD, APRN, BC, PNP is a Professor and Director of School of Nursing at Radford University. She is a charter member (first inducted group) of Epsilon Psi and a graduate of Radford University School of Nursing. She received her MSN and PNP from University of Virginia and her PhD in Nursing from George Mason University. She returns to Virginia after many years out west. She has been busy, since her arrival in July, and plans to develop a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) for RUSON in the next two years.

4 Upcoming Programs and Events: Save These Dates! December 7, Research Presentation Virginia Weisz, Ph. Dc Health Practices and Satisfaction: A Look at Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Heth Ballroom 1PM-4 PM Level 10 Student Poster Presentations CEUs provided contact vburggraf2@radford.edu if you wish to attend. It is free. February 29, Epsilon Psi Chapter 25 th Anniversary Celebration Bondurant Center, 1129 East Main Street, Radford 5PM-8 PM- Dinner This will be a very special time for us in the Epsilon Psi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. We were just awarded a celebratory plaque from Sigma Theta Tau International. We will host those charter members and discuss the future 25 years of this chapter. COME CELBRATE WITH US. SAVE THE DATE. A flier will be forthcoming. April 3, Distinguished Lecture Series RU West 10 AM-3 PM Noted speaker Leslie Sokal, Ph. D, Psychologist from the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research will present. CEUs available April 12, Induction Ceremony Bondurant Center, Radford, 10 AM- 1 PM. Dr. Sharla Cooper will present The Power and Privilege of Nursing. Dr. Cooper, an RU SON alum received her doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. She has taught at RU for 13 years and her clinical experience includes caring for infants as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. She lives in Roanoke with her husband and two children. My family teaches me daily ways to be a better nurse, mother, wife, colleague and friend. April 18, Research Evening RU West 4PM-7 PM Dr. Melissa Gutschall will keynote and discuss her research on diabetes entitled, Improvements in Diabetes Management following Nutrition Intervention about Glycemic Load. Dr. Gutschall received her Ph.D. from Penn State University in She is an assistant professor at RU in the Department of Foods and Nutrition. She has co-authored numerous publications and been invited to speak about diabetes and it s implications on healthcare. She has been a Registered Dietician with Commission on Dietetic Registration since CEUs available.

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