UMSON Student Newsletter The Gauzette

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1 UMSON Student Newsletter The Gauzette Job Outlook Pg. 1-2 Job Outlook Pg. 2 Graduating Seniors: Q & A The Science and Art of Nursing Doctoral Student Organization Graduating Seniors: Q & A Graduate Nurses Association NSNA Conference: Portland, Oregon 35th Annual State Convention December Graduation Content Pg. 2 Pg. 3 Pg. 3 Pg. 4 Pg. 4 Pg. 5 Pg. 5 Pg. 6 Office of Student and Academic Services Phone: Fax: Academic Affairs: To submit articles, events, advertisements, or other information to the Gauzette, Tiffany Murphy at [email protected]. Job Outlook Volume 4 Issue 3 Most of us are familiar with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report that recommends a baccalaureate degree as the minimum educational preparation for the registered nurse. But did you know that, in accordance with the IOM report, all Magnet designated hospitals must employ at least 80 percent bachelor s-prepared nurses by 2020? That s great news for new BSN grads who are being hired at an ever-increasing rate. But what does it mean for entry-level master s degree nurses? Only good things, it seems. According to a survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), entry-level MS nursing graduates are enjoying 67 percent job placement at the time of graduation. By contrast, the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that only 29 percent of all new college graduates (all disciplines) had jobs at graduation (BSNs are well over the mark as well at 56 percent). These findings go hand-in-hand with the overall job outlook for nurses: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that opportunities for nurses are expected to grow 19 percent by 2022, a rate outpacing the national average of 11 percent. The BLS cites a large aging population, structural changes due to health care reform, and anticipated growth in outpatient settings as reasons for growth of the profession. These numbers make it hard to deny: Health care organizations want entrylevel master s nurses! As Clinical Nurse Leader students and recent graduates, we know what we have to offer a potential employer a strong ability to lead at the direct-care level, implement evidence-based practice, and improve the quality of patient care. But there is another side to consider: What can potential employers offer us? The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has some ideas on the matter. They developed a pamphlet containing information on what to look for in a job prospect and what to ask in an interview. They recommend looking for eight essential characteristics. According to the recommendations, an employer should: 1. Manifest a philosophy of clinical care emphasizing quality, safety, interdisciplinary collaboration, continuity of care, and professional accountability 2. Recognize the value of nurses expertise on clinical care quality and patient outcomes 3. Promote executive level nursing leadership

2 Job Outlook 4. Empower nurses participation in clinical decisionmaking and organization of clinical care systems 5. Demonstrate professional development support for nurses 6. Maintain clinical advancement programs based on education, certification, and advanced preparation 7. Utilize technological advances in clinical care and information systems 8. Create collaborative relationships among members of the health care team. For more information, view the full pamphlet on the AACN s website: publications/hallmarks.pdf Congratulations to our December graduates, and good luck! Article By: Alex Vockroth CNL 16 Graduating Seniors: Q&A In December, NSGA wanted to highlight a graduating senior, Emily Odenwald. Lindsay Sneller, the Vice President of NSGA asked Emily to share some information about her experience throughout her four semesters, and to discuss the impact NSGA had on her life in nursing school. Q: Why did you decide to become involved in NSGA? A: My first semester, I was really overwhelmed with school and felt very isolated. I became involved with NSGA to network with my peers and find out what opportunities were available to me to get more connected in the community surrounding UMSON. Q: What was your experience with NSGA over the past four semesters? A: I did not become involved in NSGA until my second semester when I became a USGA Senator. I thoroughly enjoyed going to USGA meetings and advocating on behalf of my fellow undergraduate classmates. I also participated in volunteer events sponsored by NSGA and had a great time getting to know students from other cohorts while serving the Baltimore City community. Q: What have you learned from your involvement with NSGA? A: After realizing what amazing opportunities NSGA provided to their members, I tried to make an effort to encourage other students to get involved early on. NSGA is a wonderful place to meet new friends, develop your leadership skills and make a lasting impact. Q: What advice would you like to pass onto other students about nursing school? A: I would encourage them to set aside time to have some fun while in school. I found it difficult to maintain a good work-life balance, especially in my first year of nursing school. Now that I am graduating, I am realizing that these past two years flew by. Your peers in nursing school are the only other people who know exactly what you are going through. Set aside time to get to know them and make memories before it is all over. Q: What was your favorite part about nursing school? A: I really enjoyed clinicals and having the chance to explore different areas of nursing. My clinical instructors were phenomenal and I learned so much from observing nurses on different units and in various hospitals. I also loved meeting other people who shared the same passion that I have. Article by: Lindsay Sneller, BSN 15 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 3 Page 2

3 The Science and Art of Nursing Congratulations to the Fall 2015 graduates! You have made it to the oh so incredible finish line. Now the next step is putting all that nursing school knowledge to practice. As you take that joyous leap into the working world, remember that you are a healer, a scientist, and an artist. The American Nurses Association defines nursing as the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations. This is quite a job description, but remember to center yourself in the patient-centered philosophy. Find those healing moments with the patient on a daily basis. It could be a smile, improved breathing abilities, decreased pain, or an expression of hope. The ability to heal, as a nurse, is grounded in a wealth of scientific knowledge and experience. Florence Nightingale proposed that nursing is a science. Science is the knowledge about or study of the natural world based on facts learned through experiments and observation. The University of Maryland School of Nursing has provided the foundation of scientific knowledge to go out into the working world, but it cannot stop there. Continue the curiosity and the learning process. Science is dynamic and ever changing; keep asking questions and keep investigating issues. Remember, that research class? Well, now it can be applied. Remember nursing is patient-centered! Continue to find ways to improve patient care, individually and systematically. Yes, science is the foundation, but the application of that knowledge is where the art of nursing comes in. Florence Nightingale also said nursing is an art. Art is something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings. Is that not nursing? Finfgeld- Connett (2008) states, The art of nursing is shaped by measured risk taking and creativity that is employed in the face of uncertainty, and, is actualized through relationship-centered care, (p. 385). Nursing is based on scientific knowledge, critical thinking, intuition, and creativity. It is like an improvised dance. There is a structure to it, a foundation of movement, but each nurse will have their own style and their own dance, all with the common goal of protecting, promoting, and optimizing the health of each patient. So find your inner, da Vinci, Andy Warhol, or Martha Graham, and change a patient s life with your artistry. Congratulations again. You have all the tools; now you just need the canvas. Good luck and have fun in the next era of your nursing adventure! Article By: Claire Smith, BSN 15 Doctoral Student Organization The Doctoral Student Organization congratulates recent graduate Kristen Rawlett, PhD, FNP-BC. Kristen started her nursing career as an emergency room and trauma nurse in 1996 and then became a Family Nurse Practitioner in She has worked as a health care provider in various community health centers in Arizona and Maryland. Kristen taught at Towson University before beginning the PhD program at UMSON, and then joined the faculty at UMSON while completing her coursework and dissertation. With her clinical and teaching background providing valuable expertise, her dissertation research, Effect of a Nurse-Led Mindfulness Intervention with At-Risk Adolescents, focused on partnering with communities to work with adolescents to provide optimal outcomes for health and wellness. She was mentored by Dr. Erika Friedmann and Dr. Sue Thomas. Kristen will continue her role of assistant professor at UMSON, teaching at the doctoral and undergraduate levels. She plans to maintain her current clinical practice working with rural, underserved patients in Elkton, Md., and launch her program of research using mindfulness facilitating mindfulness behaviors with at-risk and vulnerable populations. Article By: SeonYoon Chung, 3rd Year PhD student VOLUME 4 ISSUE 3 Page 3

4 Graduating Seniors: Q&A Another semester has come and gone, however, American Assembly of Men in Nursing (AAMN) would like to highlight one of the newest members of the Alumni Association, Brian Hoffman. Brian played a pivotal role in starting the Maryland Chapter of AAMN during his time here at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON). Statistics showed that UMSON has a 7:1 female to male ratio and a faculty ratio of 14:1. In a profession where gender and culture considerations are a major factor in how we treat our patients, we felt it was important to encourage men of all ages to: become nurses; support men who are nurses to grow professionally; advocate for continued research, education, and men s health issues; and demonstrate to each other and to society the increasing contributions made by men within the nursing profession. Brian was one of the founders of the group and its former president. In addition, Brian was an active member of NSGA, MANS, and USGA. His hard work inside and outside of the classroom has paid off and we look forward to watching him thrive as a registered nurse. Here is some value insight from Brian: Q: Why did you start the AAMN? A: In spring 2013, I was fortunate enough to have been approached by Tiffany Murphy, Bimbola Akintade, Mazen El Ghaziri, and Joel Forsyth to discuss the formation of an organization that would give a platform for men in nursing to meet, discuss, and influence factors which affect men as nurses in the state of Maryland. Q: What was your favorite part of being in the AAMN? A: Being able to collaborate with other organizations such as NSGA, GSNA, and USGA to celebrate our shared nursing goals and aspirations. Through these collaborations, we also have been able to help educate people about the diversity of men in nursing, breaking away from the one-dimensional image of what a man in nursing is and bringing a view that encompasses each individual s perspective and how it can benefit the nursing community. Q: What was one of your favorite moments from nursing school? A: Having the opportunity to hold a social gathering where nursing students and registered nurses from around the Baltimore area got together and not only had a good time, but established a connection and shared their goals. Q: What is your advice for new nursing students? A: I would ask that nursing students allow themselves a moment to reflect on who they are as individuals and what makes them unique. Nursing is a profession where we give a lot of ourselves to those we care for. Learning what makes us unique can bring a new perspective to our nursing practice and how we can relate better to those in need. For example, prior to my nursing career, I was a professional musician in Los Angeles. Being able to introduce myself through the topic of music has helped me connect better with my patients and colleagues. Furthermore, it helps me to de-stress after a hard day of work. Q: What are your plans after graduation? A: I look forward to working in an acute care setting at a hospital in the area. But at least for the immediate future, passing that little test called the NCLEX is on my mind and then using some time to reacquaint myself with my family and friends. Article by: Charles Clark, BSN 15 Graduate Nurses Association Even as finals had us all pulling our hair out, the Graduate Nurses Association (GNA) kept busy with activities On Wednesday, December 10, the GNA threw an awesome happy hour at Pickles Pub to celebrate the end of the semester. In addition to the free food and drinks, guests enjoyed a photo booth and a raffle for a stethoscope. The GNA also organized an outreach effort for the Franciscan Center, an organization that provides all-around support to the economically disadvantaged residents of our city. GNA members collected a huge box full of donations for men, women, and children who utilize the Center s services. Thanks to all who participated. Article By: Alex Vockroth CNL 16 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 3 Page 4

5 NSNA Conference: Portland, Oregon The NSGA was lucky enough to send four students to the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) Mid- Year Planning Conference in Portland, Ore. November 6-9. The NSNA, conference was designed to provide an opportunity for nursing students to meet with nursing students, faculty, and nursing associations from around the country. The focus this year was on career planning, and students who attended were able to attend seminars and learn valuable information about resume building, interview tips, and how to land your dream job. The conference also provided workshops to reinforce pharmacology knowledge, review NCLEX information, and focus on specific nursing careers. The 2015 NSNA convention, to be held in Phoenix, Ariz. April 8-11, will focus on rising to new opportunities and current topics in nursing. We will be bringing eight students with us. If you want an opportunity to be selected, you must submit a short abstract for a poster project. If you are selected, you will be required to create a research poster in groups of three to be presented at the conference. These posters should aim to answer a current issue in nursing clinical practice. More information will be provided as details are confirmed. Start working on your abstracts if you are interested in attending. Article by: Lindsay Sneller, BSN 15 35th Annual State Convention The Maryland Association of Nursing Students (MANS) is proud to host their 35th Annual Convention at the Community College of Baltimore County, Essex Campus, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, January 24, Our theme this year is TLC: Take Charge, Lead the Way, Change the Future! This convention is shaping up to be an event you do NOT want to miss. We are honored to have Donna Cardillo, RN, CSP, as our distinguished keynote speaker as well as Lauren Inouye, RN, MPP, to close the day out with an inspirational endnote address. We also have numerous breakout sessions planned, including a new graduate nurse panel, questionand-answer sessions with human resources professionals and nurse managers from Maryland hospitals, resume workshops, and simulations in CCBC's extensive simulation labs. RNs and Nurse Practitioners who work in a variety of hospital environments (NICU, MICU, OB, peds, burns, child psych, emergency department, trauma, and more) will be discussing what is unique in their areas of practice. Hurst and Kaplan will both be conducting NCLEX review sessions. These will be extremely helpful for those who are about to graduate, as well as for those who are trying to tackle tough school exams. We will have tons of prizes to raffle off and opportunities to donate food and supplies to those in need. We also have numerous vendors coming to showcase their products and answer questions about local employers. If you would like to run for a position on the MANS Board of Directors for , this is the place to do it. We hold elections at our annual convention. You can also have the unique opportunity to be a delegate for your school at the convention and voice your opinion on who should serve on the Board for the coming term. Don't wait to register! Last year, more than 300 nursing students took advantage of this amazing opportunity. We are always here to answer your questions. [email protected] for more information, "like" us on Facebook, and check out our website at VOLUME 4 ISSUE 3 Page 5

6 December Graduation Congratulations to the class of 2014! This is the first year the University of Maryland School of Nursing has hosted a December graduation. Three hundred twenty-four degrees were awarded for the first half of the academic year. Among the graduates were 139 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 160 Master of Science, 20 Doctor of Nursing Practice, and five PhD. Nine certificates were awarded. To those 324 degree recipients - did you know you are automatically members of the Alumni Association a network of more than 20,000 outstanding alumni? At the graduation ceremony on Monday, December 15, 2014, Elizabeth Ness, the president of the Alumni Association, highlighted the benefits of being a member of this prestigious organization: Discounted membership to the campus fitness center Access to the Health Sciences and Human Services Library Career resources including annual career fair, resume and cover letter assistance, career workshops, mock interview, and an online job board Alumni reunions and guest lectures E-newsletters and the bi-annual nursing for/um magazine In addition, there are many ways to get involved. Congratulations again to the December graduates! VOLUME 4 ISSUE 3 Page 6