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THE NESETE FO H LM I OF TH *FCLEEO USN


E-Nursing


The Role of Technology in
Today's Nursing Classroom

.. .













S ylvia, a 23-year-old pregnant woman, has been
sent to the hospital by her doctor with pre-
eclampsia for a possible induction. A UF College
of Nursing faculty member and her group of BSN
students in their OB/maternity clinical rotation
assess Sylvia, who complains of a headache and is experiencing
mild uterine contractions. During the assessment, they perform
Leopold maneuvers to determine the location of the fetus, check
the fetal monitor, interpret the fetal heart rate pattern, and
monitor Sylvia for signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. The
scenario culminates in successful delivery of the baby.
Fast-forward to reality: this type of clinical experience
would not be available in an ordinary health care setting, where
exposure to these types of complex problems are limited and
may only be experienced by selected students when they occur.
But "Sylvia" is actually one variable of "Noelle," a simulated
patient being used by Clinical Assistant Professor Jane Gannon,
DNP, CNL, CNM, to expose students to the kinds of situa-
tions they may experience in professional practice.
"The simulation activity I am doing replaces a clinical
experience where I would be on a labor and delivery and/or
postpartum unit. The preparation I would need to do for that
is far less than what I do in the Simulation Lab. However, the
amount of time I spent in the past chasing down students,
trying to find learning experiences for them, trying to assure
they were all equally exposed to fundamentals was exorbitant,
frustrating and usually nonproductive. In the Lab EVERYONE
gets exposed to a scenario, either as a participant or an observer/
helper," Dr. Gannon said.

A Way of Life
Whether it's with simulated patient technology or the
use of cell phones on the unit, the typical nursing student's
academic experience looks a lot different than it did even 10
years ago. Students' lives are filled with Facebook, MySpace,
text messaging, iPods, and of course, computers. They take
notes with a laptop and access their assignments via programs
like Blackboard and WebCT. For a nursing student, that may
mean engaging in clinical scenarios with simulated patients or
contacting faculty members via text message.
Although the technological advances may appear imperson-
al to some veteran nurses, who began their clinical by practicing
on each other, they have actually allowed more fluid connec-
tions between students and faculty members, especially those in
different cities and provided safer mechanisms for students to
learn vital skills.
The College has been using distance delivery technol-
ogy between its Gainesville and Jacksonville campuses for over
a decade, and more recently with campuses in Tallahassee and
Pensacola through its North Florida PhD Consortium. The
continued growth and development of Web-based classes and
delivery has definitely created new teaching/learning opportuni-
ties for faculty and students.


"I must admit the learning curve is continuous. As soon
as you feel you have mastered something, a new technology is
added or something changes," said Rosalyn Reischman, PhD,
ARNP, a clinical assistant professor on the Jacksonville campus
and co-coordinator of the acute care nurse practitioner DNP
and postmaster's certificate program.
Dr. Reischman, like many College of Nursing faculty
members, uses various forms of technology in her classes.
AN e-learning allows her to use recorded lecture videos and
voiceover PowerPoint (PPT) presentations as well as synchro-
nous communication with Elluminate, a program that offers
faculty to offer real-time Web conferencing and virtual class-
room environment designed by faculty members for teaching
and learning. In the live classroom she uses SimMan simulations
for procedures like tracheal intubation, central venous line inser-
tion, chest tube insertion and others.
She also uses Turning Point Technology, a system in which
real time feedback in live lecture presentations is structured via
PPT. She writes questions on a PPT slide, and distance students


2 THE GATOR NURSE











































Senior BSN students work with "Noelle," an
adult birthing simulator during a clinical rotation
in Dr. Jane Gannon's OB/maternity clinical class
in the College of Nursing's simulation lab.



respond to questions by clicking on remote control respond-
ers. The answers are tabulated and displayed on the next slide,
which provides immediate feedback as to whether students are
comprehending the material.
While the convenience and flexibility are great advan-
tages, Dr. Reischman notes that there are some challenges.
"From a faculty perspective, with students in front of
you, you can tell whether or not they are engaged and under-
stand what you are trying to get across," Dr. Reischman said.
"Spontaneous questions are valuable. Also, nonverbal com-
munication is lost with online learning."

Virtually Connecting with Students
For Clinical Assistant Professor Leslie Parker, however,
who coordinates the state's only Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
program, online classes are the preferred option.
Students from all across Florida, from Miami to
the Panhandle, access the program online only, through
Elluminate software. Students cannot see Parker, but they can
hear and talk to her and their classmates. Students attend the


"I love how e-learning puts the

whole course at your fingertips.

It really enhances learning

as opposed to just reading a

textbook and taking notes."

Sarah Peacock, BSN to DNP student


live class via computer or can watch it later. The vast majority
of Parker's students attend the live class.
During the class Parker points to teaching tools on her
computer desktop, such as X-rays, then goes into detailed
instruction about abnormalities. She can pull up students'
tests and clarify or explain the answers to questions that
were frequently missed or invite discussion about certain
questions.
Parker noted that use of technology bolstered student
evaluations of course content and that student participation
had been remarkable. Once a semester all the students also
come to Gainesville for an in-person class.
Far from feeling that her personal relationships with stu-
dents have been diminished because of the program's online
format, Parker believes it may have helped her get to know her
students better, and the convenience factor is a major plus.
"It is so much easier than going to the College, packing
up all my stuff and trying to arrange for a classroom. I don't
even have to leave my house! I think my students really appre-
ciate having ready access to me and to each other."
Sarah Peacock, a Jacksonville BSN DNP student, was
unsure of what to expect when watching classes from a live
video feed. She had just started to use Web-CT when she
graduated from UF in 2003; and her experience with e-learn-
ing was thus limited.
"The experience has been better than expected," Peacock
said. "I am amazed at how organized the professors are in
using distance learning and how you can raise your hand and
speak and be heard by the professor in another city. I feel as
if I am in class in Gainesville and feel very connected with
my instructors. I love how e-learning puts the whole course at
your fingertips. It really enhances learning as opposed to just
reading a textbook and taking notes."

Sim-Clinicals
Let's rewind back to Noelle, our simulated patient. We
know what she can do for the faculty, but how well does she
work for students?
"The simulation experience was very interesting,
said BSN Senior Lara Akinbo. "However, when it comes
to therapeutic communication, it is hard to communicate
with a simulated patient. It feels silly sometimes 'talking'
to a mannequin. However, simulation was really effective
in helping me learn to perform certain skills, for example,
starting an IV."
continued on page 4


FALL 2009 3







technology
1999 vs. 2009

In just 10 short years, the face of technology, inside the
classroom and out, has changed dramatically. Here is a
snapshot of some of those changes.


T H E N 4 31 inch floppy disks
NO W 4 Mass volume storage drives and DVD's

T H EN 4 Music CDs were bought and listened
to on your CD player
NOW 4 Music can be downloaded online and saved
to an i-Pod. which goes everywhere.


THEN 4 Taking pictures meant buying film and
having it developed at local pharmacy.
NOW 4 Digital cameras now allow instantaneous
viewing of photos, downloading and sharing
them with millions on the Internet.

THE N 4 About 69 million people owned a
cell phone in the U.S.


own cell phones. Thirty-nine percent
of these are smartphones. which
allow access to e-mail, the Internet,
videos, and academic course content.


T H E N 4 Most students using computers at UF
visited the campus CIRCA lab and waited
for open stations. Gatorlink emails were
optional and not required.
NOW 4 UF students are required to own a
personal computer and have a Gatorlink
e-mail address. which faculty use to
regularly communicate with students.


T H E N 4 Technology via the classroom was
limited to TV replay classes. distance
learning and Powerpoint presentations.
Students obtained readings and syllabi via
their local bookstore, in printed copy.

NOW 4 Almost all UF students use the e-learning
system to access their classes and have
some sort of Web-based component.
Many students have only online classes
and many access all materials online.


There is a definite warming-up period for stu-
dents that takes place prior to working with the simu-
lated patient, Dr. Gannon said.
"But unease is usually replaced by curiosity.
Once we are in the throes of managing a laboring
woman in pain, they are right there at her side trying
to help and excited at the prospect of witnessing a
birth, even a 'vinyl' one. The students are very recep-
tive to the experience," Dr. Gannon said.
Gannon appreciates being able to identify
strengths and weaknesses right away in our students.
"For example, I can correct students' weaknesses
right away, like removing a tourniquet after a blood
draw, so once they are in the clinical setting they are
more apt to remember that step."
Still to come are findings that hopefully show
the advantages of simulated education to textbook
and didactic strategies only.
Tom Bedard is a VA Nursing Academy faculty
member and clinical simulation coordinator for the
College of Nursing. He is currently directing a pilot
program with a group of accelerated BSN students in
which students are receiving weekly simulation edu-
cation experiences. Bedard is also conducting a pilot
study comparing two groups of VA residents, who
are recent nursing graduates. One group is receiving
clinical education through simulated scenarios and
one is learning the same material via textbooks and
readings. The study will assess whether the group
receiving simulation education learns and under-
stands the material more thoroughly than the groups
using readings only.
Bedard's enthusiasm and excitement for simula-
tion technology is infectious.
"My BSN students' evaluation of this equipment
have been outstanding, and they are calling for more
of this type of clinical education," Bedard said.

Where Do We Go From Here?
So what does the future hold for technology in
the nursing classroom? If advances continue at their
current rate, it may be almost impossible to imagine
the face of nursing education 20 years down the road.
Dr. Reischman encapsulates an important aspect of
the evolving role of nursing instruction:
"The teacher's role is gradually transitioning
from the expert who disseminates wisdom in the
classroom to a collaborative guide who steers students
to the appropriate learning paths. In short, with the
aid of technology, faculty members provide the road-
maps and students use them to find the answers. This
is an important educational advance considering that
in the health care field knowledge must be constantly
changing and most updated."


4 THE GATOR NURSE





I-smHesse


Gator Nursing's Heritage


Inspires our Leadership


When I assumed the Deanship at the UF College of
Nursing 14 years ago, I learned much about the heritage
of the College and the ways in which our founding dean,
Dorothy Smith, and those who followed her embraced
innovation. Whether it was in the early integration of
education, research and practice or the establishment of
the state's first doctoral program in nursing, Gator Nurses
have never been content to simply follow. Instead, we
have led in many facets of our profession, and the trend
continues today.
Technology has permeated our lives. We now track
patient care with high-tech approaches, and we use tech-
nology for communication between students and faculty
members. The advent of online and distance learning has
facilitated access to education for students who cannot
attend classes, thus promoting opportunities for career


communication with faculty members
and fellow students.
The simulation aspects of our programs
have grown substantially. Professors
Tom Bedard, Sally Bethart and Jane
Gannon are leading in these initiatives,
and simulation scenarios are being used
at all levels of nursing education.
KATHLEEN ANN LONG
We are excited to be in negotiations HD, RN, FAAN
to convert all of our patient records at
Archer Family Health Care, our College's nurse-managed
clinic, to an electronic format. We are proud to be ahead of
the curve in adopting this technology. We expect to have
our electronic record system in place before many of the
clinics and other health care facilities in Florida. This sys-
tem will not only aid in efficiency and quality assurance,


Whether it was in the early integration of education, research and practice or the

establishment of the state's first doctoral program in nursing, Gator Nurses have

never been content to simply follow. Instead we have led in many facets of our

profession, and the trend continues today.


advancement. Simulation now allows educators to teach
complex skills and care management without endanger-
ing real patients, and the growing movement to electronic
health care records requires that every health care pro-
fessional become proficient in this modality.
UF College of Nursing faculty members have embraced
the technology boom and taken the lead in several ini-
tiatives. We have employed distance delivery in our
graduate programs for many years; we now also offer
many classes in a Web-based format. In fact, almost
all classes in our undergraduate and graduate programs
offer some Web-based components, many of them
employing UF's Web CT e-learning system. This online
portal allows students to access readings, assignments,
quizzes and other materials, and provides forums for


it will allow students who acquire clinical experience at
the Archer facility, to gain knowledge in the use of elec-
tronic health care records. In these and other ways, our
faculty members are using the latest technologies in order
to improve education and ultimately, patient care.
Once again, the UF College of Nursing is proud to be
in the forefront of exploring new ideas and applications
for advancing the mission of professional nursing! Please
visit us and learn more about these and other endeavors.
Mark your calendars for the Biennial Dorothy M. Smith
Nursing Leadership Conference on January 21-22, 2010,
which will focus on new education and research models
in nursing. We appreciate the support of our alumni and
friends as we face the challenge of preparing graduates
for tomorrow's health care.


/9A~


FALL 2009 5









Nurse Without Borders: Globetrotting Student

Part of New Doctor of Nursing Practice Program


In a span of seven years, Sara Nowlis has provided
nutrition workshops to rural villagers in West Africa
as a member of the Peace Corps, worked in an oncol-
ogy ward of a Jacksonville hospital, served as the case
manager for people with tuberculosis in the Anchorage,
Alaska health department and worked with an interdisci-
plinary health team in Uganda providing care for AIDS
patients also suffering from TB.
This dynamic Gator nurse now finds herself back
in Gainesville, at her alma mater, in the family nurse
practitioner track of the inaugural class of BSN to DNP
students.
Nowlis, who served two years in the Peace Corps
immediately after graduation from UF in 2001, wanted
to provide more than just education to the medically
underserved people she met during this period.
"There was so much lacking in terms of primary care
for these people, and I wanted to be in a position where one day I
could travel to places like this and help provide this care, which is
so desperately needed," Nowlis said.
After her service ended with the Peace Corps, Nowlis
enrolled in the University of North Florida's Accelerated BSN
program in her hometown of Jacksonville, where she also
obtained valuable experience working in an oncology ward at a
local hospital. From there she journeyed clear across the nation
to Anchorage, serving in a health department as a case manager
for people with tuberculosis.
Even while she came to care deeply for her Alaskan clients,
Nowlis felt drawn to her previous humanitarian work in the Peace
Corps. She applied for Doctors Without Borders, an international
medical humanitarian organization. Within five months, Nowlis
found herself in Uganda treating HIV/AIDS patients with a team
of health care professionals.
But her journey was far from over. While in Uganda, it became
evident she needed advanced education to meet the diverse needs
of the people she sought to help. She decided to apply for the DNP
program launching in Fall 2009. This involved taking the GRE
exam overseas, but as with her other endeavors, she was up for the
challenge.
"I always knew I wanted to advance my education, and I
wanted to go to the best nursing program in Florida," said Nowlis,
a full-time student.
The College is happy to welcome this global nursing
ambassador as part of the first class of BSN to DNP students,
as she has never been afraid to venture down unknown paths
in distant parts of the world. She is one of 52 students who
comprise the first class of BSN to DNP students.
"It is kind of exciting to be at the start of something new in the
nursing profession," Nowlis said.


o DNP student Sara Nowlis


As for the future, Nowlis is considering working again with
Doctors Without Borders because she feels passionate about the
mission of global and humanitarian health care. She admits, how-
ever, it might be nice to settle in one place and develop her own
private practice.
"This degree will open a lot of doors for me," Nowlis said.
"Even if I do settle somewhere, I know that my heart will lead me to
work with underprivileged groups in need of health care. It's truly
been my calling."


Nowlis is one of the first 52 students in a new UF pro-
gram that allows graduates who have earned bachelor's
degrees in nursing to enter directly into study for the
Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. UF is one of the first
universities in Florida and in the nation to offer such a
nursing program. The U.S. Health Resources and Services
Administration Department of Health and Human Services
awarded more than $900,000 to the College to facilitate
transition of its advanced practice nursing education
program from master's to doctoral level. This education
option will increase availability of primary healthcare pro-
viders in underserved areas and help address the critical
nursing faculty shortage.

The BSN to DNP program currently has four specialty
tracks: family, pediatric, adult and acute-care nursing.
There are 152 total students enrolled this fall in the College
of Nursing DNP program.


6 THE GATOR NURSE


Education~a l








VA and College of Nursing

Receive Grant to Improve

Clinical Wound Treatment

he North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System,
in partnership with the University of Florida College of
Nursing, received a $70,000 grant from the VA Office of
Academic Affairs to design and implement a nurse-led wound
treatment program in order to improve clinical outcomes. The
VA-UF partnership grant, one of eight awarded nationally, will
be used to develop a one-year program focused on enhancement
of interdisciplinary education for the prevention and treatment of
pressure ulcers and development of evidence-based wound care
for veterans.
Pressure ulcers and other chronic wounds present a serious
threat to veterans' health and quality of life and are prevalent in
patients 45 to 65years of age. Treatment of pressure ulcers has
been estimated to cost the United States between $1.68 and $6.8
billion annually. Unfortunately, minimal attention has been given
to interdisciplinary approaches to wound healing. The average
number of hours devoted to skin and wound care in nursing edu-
cational programs is about 12 hours, and medical students typi-
cally receive only about four hours of instruction.
The one-year program will help increase knowledge regarding
wound care and skin assessment for medical and nursing students.
"The idea is that this will eventually become a model for other
VAs throughout the country," said Maxine Hinze, PhD, CNL,
College of Nursing Department Chair, and Co-Director of the


VA wound nurse Linda Cowan (L) discusses wound procedures with
VA-UF faculty member Carla Anderson.
VA-UF Nursing Academy. "Wounds are an important issue at the
VA. Taking care of a patient with wounds is very costly, not just in
terms of dollars, equipment and supplies, but in quality of life."
Hinze and Maude Rittman, PhD, RN, VA Chief Nurse and
Co-Director of the Academy, are principal investigators on the
grant. The research team consists of Michelle Cox Henley, MSN,
RN, Chief Nurse for Surgery and Wound Team Supervisor at
the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center; Joyce Stechmiller,
PhD, ARNP, Associate Professor and VA Skin and Wound Care
Research/Educator; and Linda Cowan, PhD, ARNP, Certified
Wound Nurse, wound team coordinator and doctoral candidate at
the College of Nursing. All are specialists in wound care.
"We are looking at the issues associated with wounds compre-
hensively in order to prevent them. Hopefully, this program will
help decrease patients' length of stay and better their quality of life,
which is the bottom line for these veterans," Dr. Hinze said.


Among the College's faculty honorees were:
* Nursing Advocacy: Andrea Gregg, DSN, RN,
Associate Professor and Jacksonville Campus Director
* Clinical Nursing: Pamela Pieper, MSN, ARNP,
Clinical Associate Professor and Pediatric Surgery
Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist for the
Department of Surgery at Shands Jacksonville
* Community Nursing: Joan Castleman, MSN, RN,
Clinical Associate Professor; Dee Williams, PhD, RN,
Exec. Associate Dean/Associate Dean for Clinical
Affairs and Associate Professor
* Nursing Education: Jo Snider, EdD, RN, Associate
Professor
* Nursing Research: Jennifer Elder, PhD, RN, FAAN,
professor and department chair
* Role Model in Nursing Advocacy, Education and
Research: Kathleen Long, PhD, RN, FAAN, Dean
and Professor
Those selected were honored in September at the FNA
Centennial Celebration banquet in St. Petersburg
Beach, Florida.


(L-R) Dean Kathleen Long, Dr. Andrea Gregg,
Dr. Dee Williams, Pam Pieper, Dr. Jennifer Elder,
alumna Annie Opuda (also attending ceremony),
Joan Castleman and Dr. Jo Snider.

Hayes Given FNA Diamond Award
During the Centennial
festivities, Professor
Emeritus Carol Hayes-
Christiansen was
presented with the Florida
Nurses Association
Diamond Award for
50 years of continuous
membership in FNA.


FALL 2009 7


SGreat



10 0

Many College of .-U, ,,:7- faculty
members were recently honored by
the Florida Nurses Association in
the 2009 FNA Great 100 Nurses
Centennial Celebration. The
Great 100 Nurses were nominated
by their peers and selected as
representatives of excellence in
diverse areas of nursing practice.









College Bids Farewell to Two Beloved Faculty Members


Dr. Sandra Seymour was one of the few faculty members
to have worked with all the UF College of Nursing deans.
Dr. Seymour first taught medical-surgical nursing at the CON
in 1969. She eventually left for clinical nursing and nursing fac-
ulty positions in Virginia and Tallahassee but returned in 1976
to teach selected classes in sexuality and health at the CON.
Most recently, Dr. Seymour, a family nurse practi-
tioner, and associate professor, taught courses in advanced
practice nursing. As
a nurse practitioner,
she provided patient
care at Archer Family
Health Care. She also
served as President of
the College's Faculty
Organization from
2007 to 2009 and Chair
of the Department of
Women's, Children's
and Family Nursing
from 1996 to 1998.
Dr. Seymour (L) with Dean Long. Dr. Seymour
earned her BSN at the
University of Virginia, her MN in Medical/Surgical Nursing
at the University of Florida, and her PhD at Florida State
University. She was educated as a family nurse practitioner at
UF. Prior to coming to UF, she held education and clinical
positions in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Tallahassee.
"Sandra Seymour has been a consummate clinician for
decades," said Dr. Jo Snider, EdD, RN. "She has the knowl-
edge, sensitivity and interest to invest in people and their lives.
She is an illuminating teacher and an irreplaceable friend. The
College of Nursing, its faculty, students and staff, have known
her only in positive ways."
In September, family, friends and faculty members gathered
to honor Dr. Seymour's 27-year tenure with "Cheeseburgers in
Paradise," a Jimmy Buffett-style bon voyage party.


I~ uniuj
.cnrc~Th
'CI,~l


Joining the faculty in 1997, Dr. Nancy Tigar's expertise
and contributions played an important role in the College's
community and public health nursing education program. In
2005, she spearheaded development of a new master's in public
health nursing program track and obtained funding from the
U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration to launch
the program, the first in the state of Florida, in 2006.
Dr. Tigar earned her BSN in Nursing at the University
of Pennsylvania, her master's degree in Public Health from
the University of Michigan
School of Public Health
and her Doctor of Public
Health from the University
of North Carolina-Chapel
Hill.
Prior to coming to
UF, Dr. Tigar served as a
faculty member at LaSalle
University School of
Nursing in Philadelphia
and the University of North
Carolina-Chapel Hill School
of Public Health. She also
S Former External Affairs and Resources
served as an assistant direc- .
Chair Anna Kelley presents Dr. Tigar with
tor and consultant for the a token of appreciation.
National League for Nursing
and as a nursing advisor to the National School Health
Program in South Vietnam for the U.S. State Department.
The College bid farewell to Dr. Tigar and celebrated her
accomplishments with a special afternoon tea attended by a
roomful of faculty members, students, and friends.
"Using humor, grace and her passion for public health
nursing, Dr. Tigar motivated students to become connected
and actively involved within their communities," said col-
league Joan Castleman. "Her work while at the University
of Florida helped address Florida's growing need for public
health nurses trained to address the state's health crisis."


UF to Host SNRS Annual Conference in 2011
The University of Florida College of Nursing will serve as an official host of the 2011 Southern Nursing
Research Society (SNRS) Annual Conference in Jacksonville. SNRS encompasses the southern region of the
U.S., the Bahamas and countries of Caribbean and Latin America. Faculty members from UF will attend the
2010 February SNRS Conference in San Antonio, Texas not only to present research and network with other
colleagues, but to collaborate with former conference hosts and enhance preparation for SNRS 2011.
For those planning to attend the 2010 conference in San Antonio, be sure to look for a Florida-friendly display
and giveaways previewing the 2011 conference in Jacksonville. Information regarding SNRS is provided at
www.snrs.org, and more details about the 2011 conference will be forthcoming in future issues of The
Gator Nurse.


8 THE GATOR NURSE


College^













UF Study:

Tai Chi Can

Help Diabetics

Lower Glucose

Levels


According to a University of Florida College of Nursing

study, a regular tai chi exercise program can help people bet-
ter control their diabetes and lower glucose levels,
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines deep
breathing and relaxation with slow, gentle circular movements.
This low-impact exercise employs shifts in body position and step-
ping in coordination with arm movements.
In a study of adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, those who
participated in a six-month supervised tai chi exercise program
(two days on campus and three days at home per week) experi-
enced significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels, improved
management of the disease, and enhanced overall


Sixty-two subjects, mostly older adult Korean females,
participated in the study. Half of this group participated in at
least 80% of the 6-month tai chi program. The other half of the
sample served as a control group. Participants who completed
the tai chi sessions showed significantly improved glucose con-
trol with type 2 diabetes and reported higher levels of vitality
and energy.
"Those that participated in the tai chi sessions actually had
lower blood glucose at three and six months," Roberts said. "Those
also had lower hemoglobin a-l-c, which means they had better
diabetic control."


quality of life, including mental health, vitality g
and energy., Tai chi provides a great alternative for people who
"Tai chi really has effects similar to those of
other aerobic exercises on diabetic control. The may want the benefits of exercise on diabetic control
difference is that tai chi is a low-impact exercise,
which means that it's less stressful on the bones, but may be physically unable to complete strenuous
joints, and muscles than more strenuous exercise," .
said Beverly Roberts, PhD, RN, and Annabel activities due to age, health condition or injury.


Davis Jenks endowed professor at the College.
In collaboration with visiting professor Rhayun Song, PhD,
RN, of Chungham National University, Roberts' study findings
which studied older Korean residents were featured in a recent issue
of the Journal ofAlternative and Complementary Medicine.
About 7.8 percent of the U.S. population (23.6 million
children and adults) have diabetes. Risk factors include obesity,
sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, high blood pressure
and cholesterol, a history of gestational diabetes and increased age.
Many risk factors can be reduced through exercise.
"People assume that for exercise to be beneficial you have to be
huffing and puffing, sweating and red-faced afterwards," Roberts
said. "This may turn people off, particularly older adults. However,
we have found that activities like tai chi can be just as beneficial in
improving health."


In addition to improved blood glucose levels, participants also
reported significantly improved mental health. This was encourag-
ing, since people with less depression are typically more active and
independent, Roberts added.
Tai chi has also been used for people with arthritis and dis-
abilities to increase balance, muscle strength and mobility and to
reduce risk of falls. "It is worth investigating its effects in other
conditions, especially in older people," Roberts said.
"Tai chi provides a great alternative for people who may want
the benefits of exercise on diabetic control but may be physically
unable to engage in strenuous activities due to age, health condi-
tion or injury," Roberts said. "Future studies should examine
whether tai chi may similarly benefit those with conditions such as
osteoporosis or heart disease."


FALL 2009 9


Researh









accomplishments in brief
Assistant Professor Jodi Irving has been appointed to Meridian Behavior
Health, Inc.'s Advisory Board. The Board's focus will be enhanced mental
health education and endowment support.
Professor and Department Chair Jennifer Elder, collaborated with cur-
rent PhD student, Tina D'Alessandro, to write an article titled "Supporting
Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Questions Parents Ask
and What Nurses Need to Know." The article was published in the Journal
ofPediatric Nursing. Elder and D'Alessandro also presented Recent Updates in
Autism Diagnosis and Treatment: What Pediatric Nurses Should Know at the
25th Annual Pediatric Nursing Conference in Orlando. Dr. Elder also had
another article published in Journal ofPediatric Nursing, "Introduction to the
Special Series on Child and Adolescent Mental Health".
Assistant Professor Donna Neff was recently appointed as the Co-Chair of
the VA Nursing Academy Advisory Board. She also is an appointed member
of the National Advisory Board for the Nurse Practice Councils Florida
Hospitals.
Associate Professor Sunny Yoon was selected to receive a University of Florida
Research Foundation (UFRF) Professorship award for 2009-2011. Dr. Yoon
also was named as one of the UF Research Foundation Professors, one of 30
faculty members from UF recognized with this distinction. She coauthored an
article tided "Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Epidemiology, Diagnosis and
Treatment-An Update for Health Care Practitioners" which was accepted
in the Journal ofGastroenterology and Hepatology. She also is a reviewer for the
Asian Nursing Research journal, along with Dr. Beverly Roberts.
The May 2009 issue of Applied Nursing Research contains an article by
Assistant Professor Lori Thomas on "Effective Dyspnea Management
Strategies Identified by Elders with End-stage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease."
Crystal Bennett, a PhD student under the supervision of Annabel Jenks
Endowed Chair Beverly Roberts, was awarded a University of West Florida
SCAC faculty grant. Dr. Roberts has been selected as an International Career
Advisor by Sigma Theta Tau International.
Associate Professor Joyce Stechmiller received funding from NIH as a
co-investigator on a project titled "HealthPoint" that focuses on wound heal-
ing-her area of expertise. Dr. Stechmiller has also reviewed grant applications
for the NIH section on Behavioral Medicine Interventions and Outcomes
(BMIO).
Courtesy Associate Professor Dr. Mary Rockwood-Lane was inducted as a
Fellow into the American Academy of Nursing in November.
VA Chief Nurse Maude Rittman and the VANA faculty were awarded an
"Innovations in Education" grant from the VA for their project, "A Nurse-Led
Multidisciplinary Wound Care Education and Clinical Program."
Department Chair Maxine Hinze, was honored with the College of Nursing's
President and Dean Award for Outstanding Service.
Visiting Assistant Professor Susan Salazar successfully defended her PhD
dissertation, "Determinants of Follow-Up after Abnormal Pap Screening in
Low Income and Minority Women" at Barry University.


(L-R) Patricia Quigley, Audrey Nelson and Gail Powell-Cope.



Gator Nurses Receive

Unique Distinction

Three UF nursing alumni received designa-
tion by the VA Office of Health Services Research
for the first nurse-led research center of excellence:
the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital Nursing
and Hospital Services Patient Safety Center of
Inquiry in Tampa. The Center's director, Audrey
Nelson, PhD, RN, FAAN (PhD 1990) and its
associate directors, Pat Quigley, PhD 1992,
ARNP, CRRN, and Gail Powell-Cope, PhD,
ARNP, (BSN 1979, MSN 1984) collaborated to
help the Center earn the designation.
"Part of what makes this really special is that
this is the first nurse-led research center of excel-
lence in the VA," Dr. Quigley said. "Our commit-
ment is to reduce the burden of illness, injury and
disability for people living with a disability or who
are newly disabled. It's all related to positive rehab
outcomes and to maximize them."
The Center will receive $5 million over the
next five years, helping the VA continue to fulfill
its existing research mission, while advancing the
science of rehab and developing a more robust
Center in terms of health and rehab services.
The funds will also boost continuing research
efforts, including training for new generations of
investigators.
The program launched in October.


10 THE GATOR NURSE


College^








Longstreth Honors Her Mother with Gift


While Assuring Better Care for the Elderly


Dr. Catherine (Cappy) A. Longstreth
had two desires in establishing an endow-
ment at the College of Nursing: honoring
the memory of her father and mother, Alex
and Mary Frances Archibald and helping the
elderly receive the type care to which they
are entitled.
The Dr. Cappy Archibald Longstreth/Alex and Mary
Frances Archibald Endowment in Geriatric Psychiatric Nursing
at the University of Florida College of Nursing will help sup-
port nurses with graduate level degrees who can assume leader-
ship roles to enhance geriatric psychiatric care and to develop
nursing educational and research
programs in this specialty. Dr. Longstreth's h(
Dr. Longstreth's hope is that nursing students
one day nursing students, as well health care prfessi
as other health care professionals,
will be better educated on how to educated on how to
care for the elderly.
"I'm hoping that the funding will help to develop a pro-
gram in nursing that will set a protocol of treatment for the
elderly for the health care profession," said Dr. Longstreth,
former UF Associate VP for Academic Affairs.
After watching her mother battle with a psychiatric ill-
ness and receive poor or inadequate treatment as she aged, Dr.
Longstreth knew she wanted to do something.
"For example, in my mother's case, I felt like she didn't get
the treatment she deserved, primarily because she was elderly. It
was viewed as acceptable and expected for her to be ill because
she was old. I just don't accept the way we seem to treat elderly
people, especially since all of us will be there someday. I wanted to
do something that would help the health care field realize that you


don't just discount the elderly ills because of age, you help them
understand what is going on, you talk to them, and you treat them
with respect and help them have control over their bodies."
Mary Frances Archibald was 92 when she passed away. She
was diagnosed with and battled a psychiatric illness for the latter
part of her life. The Archibald family members and caregivers
saw her through these difficult times, taking her to the doctors
and hospital, listened to the doctors and provided emotional
support for her.
"We need to care about the patient as a whole, at any age,
Dr. Longstreth said. "I wanted to establish a program that will
help nurses understand the needs of the elderly and address
their concerns. The ultimate goal


ope is that one day
, as well as other
ionals, will be better
care for the elderly.


is to develop a model for nurses to
understand how to better care for
the elderly."
After the Catherine "Cappy"
Longstreth and Alex and Mary
Frances Archibald Endowment


in Geriatric Psychiatric Nursing
matures, the College of Nursing will develop an interdisciplin-
ary education option focused on geriatric mental health.
Currently gifts from Dr. Longstreth are providing fellow-
ship support to educate doctoral students for nursing leadership
roles in geriatric psychiatric care and to develop research pro-
grams in this area.
It is Dr. Longstreth's hope that, one day, every elderly per-
son will receive the care that they need and deserve.

For more information on supporting the geriatric psychiatric
nursing program at the UF College of Nursing, please contact
Anna Harper, associate director of development, at 352-273-
6360 or aemiller@ufl. edu.


Alumni and Friends Embrace Hilliard's "Labor of Love"

Sue to popular demand, the College of Nursing has reprinted "A Labor of Love," a compilation of
1 memoirs written by Dr. Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Hilliard, PhD, CNM, founder of the College of
Nursing's midwifery program.
The book details Dr. Hilliard's remarkable journey from a nursing student to her retirement from
the University of Florida in 1990.
As part of Dr. Hilliard's dedication to the College of Nursing and to nurse
midwifery, she has made a substantial bequest to support continuation of the nurse midwifery program.
Her bequest establishes a professorship in nurse midwifery, one of the first in the nation. Donations from
alumni and others will help fully endow the professorship, which honors Dr. Hilliard and will help the
College of Nursing attract a premier faculty member in the field.
If you are interested in getting a copy of Dr. Hilliard's book or contributing to the professorship,
please contact Anna Harper at 352-273-6360. There is a limited supply of reprinted books available.
Donations to the Betty Hilliard Professorship Fund are welcomed.


FALL 2009 11









Gainesville Gator Nurses Reconnect
More than 25 local College of Nursing alums gathered
to mix and mingle in September at the College's Gainesville
Gator Nurse Gathering. Alums reconnected with fellow
classmates while munching on hors d' oeuvres, sipping wine,
and sharing stories about the nursing profession. Dean Long
addressed the Gainesville alums regarding exciting current
programs, including information about the DNP program,
already in its second year. The "cocktail hour" reception
offered local alums a chance to have fun, share experiences and
discuss their busy professional and personal accomplishments.
If you are interested in hosting a Gator Nurse reception in Standing: Assistant Professor and Alumni Council Member Jo
your local area, please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at Associate Professor Jo Snider (MN 1965). Seated: Tam Spitz
352-273-6395 (DNP 2009), Jane Houston (MSN 2001, DNP 2009), Julie Be,
2001, MSN 2001) and Emily Ryan (BSN 2008, MSN 2009)


The University of Florida Bequest Society

CzEats a fatiny L0cay foz nauziny Education

Even during these tough economic times, Gator Nurse alumni and
friends still want to support the mission of our College of Nursing. In the
last issue of The Gator Nurse we informed you about other ways of giving to
the College, including bequests or real estate. In this issue we want to provide
more detailed information about these options.
Over the years, many University of Florida alumni and friends have
remembered the University in their estate plans. In recognition of such
commitments, UF supporters who document a specific or residual bequest
provision of at least $10,000 will be recognized through the University of
Florida Bequest Society. Additionally, individuals whose bequest provisions r
total $100,000 or more will be recognized at the distinguished level. Donors 4
wishing to remain anonymous can still qualify for membership by completing
the Bequest Provision.
To be recognized in the Bequest Society, simply provide the University of
Florida Foundation, Inc. with either a copy of the specific provision reflecting
your estate commitment for benefit of the University, or contact Anna Harper d
(aemiller@ufl.edu or 352-273-6360), who will answer questions and send you
a Bequest Provision form.
Bequests may be designated for the unrestricted use of the College or for
a specific purpose of your choice. A bequest gift of $30,000 or more may be
designated to create an endowed fund in memory of a loved one or to carry
your own name. The annual spendable income from the endowed fund, as
defined by University of Florida Foundation, Inc. policy, provides perpetual
recognition for the person or persons named.

Annual spendable income can:
Ensure financial assistance for graduate students and faculty.
Help support research to improve patient care.
Help fund faculty members who will impact future generations For more information, contact Ann
of students. at aemiller@ufl.edu or 352-273-63

You decide! http://ww.uff.ufl.edu/HowToGive


12 THE GATOR NURSE


di Irving and
er Johnson
rthy (BSN


a Harper
'60, or visit
/


Get Inolved









Have you left your mark

AT THE COLLEGE OF NURSING?
r



.1
















This is your opportunity to make sure everyone knows you were here. Order
f a commemorative engraved brick to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or gradu-
ation. Honor those who have made an impression on you-your parents, a
mentor or an exceptionally special professor.-
Future Gator Nurses 'vill be able to see your Continued support of the College
each time they visit, and your purchase supports the College of Nursing Dean's
Excellence Fund.

4" xt bricks are $250; 8" x 8" bricks are $500



For further details and/or to order, please visit www.nursing.ufl.edu. Here you
will be able to download the order form, print and return it. Or contact Yancy Jones at
yancy@ufl.edu or 352-273-6614 for mbre information.


FALL 2009 13








1960's


Carole Dotter Pohl, MSN 1968, BSN 1961,
is a graduate of the UF College of Nursing's
second class (1961). After working for a few
years at Shands, she completed her MSN
in 1968. She is now retired after serving 13
years in practice and 24 years as a university
professor. Pohl lives in North Carolina near
Asheville, where she was reunited with Nancy
McAllister Rogers, who graduated with her in
the BSN class. The two have enjoyed remi-
niscing about the early years in the College
and the privilege of having Dean Dorothy
Smith as their mentor and teacher. They found
her to be truly inspiring and instrumental in
the lives of all her students.

1970's
Ann-Lynn Denker, BSN 1973, who cur-
rently serves as director for the Center for
Nursing Excellence at Miami Jackson Health
System, was recently appointed to the Board
of Nursing by Governor Charlie Crist.

1980's
Karen W. Pane, BSN 1984, is currently the
Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy and
Planning at the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA). Also serving as the Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning, she
is a senior advisor regarding department-level
strategic planning and the formulation and analy-
sis of departmental policies. Ms. Pane over-
sees all aspects of VA Department of Defense
collaborations. She supports the identification,
development, analysis, and review of issues
affecting veterans' programs and fosters qual-
ity management techniques and procedures
throughout the VA. She is also a volunteer
with the Emergency Healthcare Reserve Corps
(EHRC), Emergency Health and Medical Services
Administration, District of Columbia, and the
Department of Health. Ms. Pane formerly had
served as Director of the Office of Performance
Monitoring, Center for Program Planning and
Results at the U.S. Department of Labor.
Tonja Hartjes, BSN 1986, PM-FNP 1998,
ACNP 2008 has taken a new position as the
SICU/CTICU Clinical Nurse Educator at the
Malcolm Randal Veterans Affairs Medical
Center (VAMC). She was honored to be
offered this position and looks forward to a
long career with the VAMC. She also will
continue her clinical practice as an ACNP PRN
at Shands UF in the CTICU.


Tami Thomas, PhD 2006, MSN 1998, BSN
1996, is working as an assistant professor
at the School of Nursing at the Medical
College of Georgia. She recently won a com-
petitive grant from the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation (RWJF) to study strategies to --
slow the spread of viral sexually transmitted
viral infections in rural communities. She is
one of 15 nurse educators from around the Dr. Thomas (seated, right) and her
country to receive a three-year $350,000 research team.
"Nurse Faculty Scholar" award this year. The award is given to junior faculty members
who show outstanding promise as future leaders in academic nursing.


Joan Clark, MSN 1989, is the Texas
Health Resources Senior Vice President/
Chief Nursing Executive. In this role, Clark
serves as the senior executive overseeing
the practice of nursing, and the standardiza-
tion and alignment of nursing care through
the implementation of evidence-based clinical
and managerial standards of practice. Prior to
joining Texas Health in January 2008, Clark
served as senior vice president of nursing and
patient services at the Washington Hospital
Center in Washington, D.C. She also served
in leadership positions for hospitals and health
care systems in Florida and Georgia. Clark
serves as a member and leader in a number
of professional organizations, including the
American Organization of Nurse Executives,
American College of Healthcare Executives,
American Association of Critical Care Nurses
and the American Nurses Association. Clark
has made more than 30 presentations nation-
wide on a variety of nursing topics.

1990's
Mary Weber, PhD 1997, is an associate
professor at the University of Colorado-Denver
College of Nursing and option coordinator
for the College's Family Psychiatric Mental
Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP) mas-
ter's program. She was recently appointed
to an endowed professorship as part of a
$3 million gift to fund an endowment for the
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing specialty
in the graduate program. Her primary focus
is to redevelop and reopen the Psychiatric
Mental Health option in the graduate master's
degree program.
Sylvia Worden, MSN 1993, BSN 1991, was
an ARNP atthe UF Student Health Care Center
for five years and taught undergraduates at
the College of Nursing for a year prior to that.


For the past five years she has served as the
administrator of the student health center at
Golden West College in Huntington Beach,
California. In May 2009, she moved to Orange
Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, to
serve as Associate Dean of Student Health
Services. Orange Coast College is one of
California's premier community colleges, and
the student health center there serves a stu-
dent body of 25,000.
Cary Carter, BSN 1993, is working at Shands
at UF as a (CRNA) Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetist. He graduated with his MSN from
Barry University in Miami Shores and received
his clinical training at Orlando Regional Medical
Center, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women &
Babies, and Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital
in Orlando, FL.
Carter is also a captain in the U.S. Army
Reserve and will deploy to Afghanistan in
2010 to provide anesthesia services to our
soldiers in that region.

2000's
Sean G. Smith, BSN 2006, is currently
a flight/ICU nurse, based in southern New
Mexico. He has been accepted to Duke
University's Nurse Anesthesia Program, class
of 2012. He previously worked at Shands at
UF as a flight nurse and educator. He is very
grateful to all of his UF professors and alumni
mentors at "big" Shands!




SII'I o you hae a
SpatI""hae


14 THE GATOR NURSE


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IN MEMORIAL


Dr. Carol Ahem Williams, 76 (1933-2009), passed away August
9, 2009 in her home in Columbia after her 20-year battle with cancer.
She earned her MN degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from
the University of Florida in 1971 and was later appointed to instructor
and then assistant professor at the University of South Carolina (USC)
College of Nursing. After earning a DSN degree in Community Mental
Health Nursing at the University of Alabama in 1982, she became an
Associate Professor, and upon retirement in 1999, was awarded the title of
Professor Emerita. At USC she taught undergraduate and graduate courses
in psychiatric mental health nursing and supervised master's and doc-
toral student research. She made numerous nursing research and practice
presentations at professional meetings around the world and published
extensively in prestigious professional journals.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen Williams Hammack; grand-
sons, Mathew and Rex of Longwood, FL; sister, Elaine Jennings of
California; and many friends and professional colleagues.


president's


Dear Gator Nurses,
This fall I am again
reminded of how proud I am
to be a Gator Nurse, and to
be involved with our Alumni
Council. Whether through
the visionary spirit of our
education programs or the
quality of our amazing nurs-
ing students, Gator Nursing BONNIE PEPPER
really does stand out.
In September, along with my fellow Alumni
Council members, I had the privilege of reading
more than 50 student applications for our Nursing
Alumni Council Book Awards from our new junior
class. While it was time consuming, it made me
realize the depth of excellence and talent we have
in our own nursing students. It was extremely chal-
lenging for us to select the 10 students from that
group to receive Book Awards. Every applicant
was worthy!
It also made me recognize how significant is the
work of our Alumni Council-we need to increase
funding for these awards. Every year, proceeds
from our Reunion Weekend Silent Auction go
toward the Book Awards. We appreciate all of the
alumni and friends who bid on items and help us
expand this fund each year which greatly benefits
our nursing students. We certainly encourage and
invite those who want to give directly to the Book
Awards to do so-hopefully we will be able to
assist more students in a meaningful way.
Our nursing students are the future of our profes-
sion. I am confident that Gator Nurses will be at
the forefront of improving health care and elevating
our profession, and I am happy that our Alumni
Council can do our part to recognize and assist
these students.
Have a wonderful holiday season! Hope to see
many of you at the Dorothy M. Smith Nursing
Leadership Conference on January 21-22, 2010.

Go Gator Nurses!
Bonnie Pepper


FALL 200UU9







T I I


Fall 2009 | Vol. XII, No. 1


UNIVERSITY of
UFFLORIDA
College of Nursing

Health Science Center
P.O. Box 100197
Gainesville, FL 32610-0197


The Gator Nurse is produced three times
a year for the alumni, friends, faculty and
staff of the University of Florida College
of Nursing.


Dean
Kathleen Ann Long,
PhD, RN, FAAN

Director, Alumni Affairs and
Public Relations and
The Gator Nurse managing editor
Tracy Brown Wright, MAMC
tracyb@ufl.edu

Contributors
Anna Miller Harper
Yancy Jones
Pam Selby
Lindsey Stevens

Design
JS Design Studio

Printer
StorterChilds Printing Company Inc.


www.nursing.ufl.edu


Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 94
Gainesville FL


DOROTH M.SMITHNURSI
ALEAD B BCONFERENCE









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