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April 2023

Congratulations to 2023 College of Nursing White Coat Recipients!

On March 16, FAU's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing hosted its annual White Coat Ceremony. To mark their entry into the nursing profession, almost 200 members of the College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing students received their first white coats at the event. The traditional ceremony and acceptance of the white coat confirms each student's commitment to compassion, humanism and professionalism within the field.


The event program included a keynote address delivered by FAU Professor Emeritus Jill E. Winland-Brown, Ed.D., FNP-BC, FAANP. Dr. Winland-Brown has been teaching at Florida Atlantic University for 32 years, and she is the former Assistant Dean of the College. Currently Dr. Winland-Brown is based on FAU's Harbor Branch campus where she works with the nurse practitioner program. As a special gift, Dr. Winland-Brown gave students a nursing survival kit along with some inspirational messages to thank them for their commitment to the profession.


Please consider partnering with the College of Nursing to support our talented and hard-working students. To give, visit fauf.fau.edu/nursing-white-coats.

'New Horizons in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias' Awardees

In recognition of the quality of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) research being conducted at Florida Atlantic University, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention (I-Health), the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, and the David and Lynn Nicholson Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research recently formed a collaboration to establish the “New Horizons in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)” Pilot Funding Program.


Two of the three pilot awards selected for funding are multidisciplinary projects with College of Nursing faculty:


  • Drs. Maria Ortega, David Newman, Debarshi Datta, and Dean Safiya George for their group's project, "Early Prediction of ADRD on Preclinical Assessment Data Using Machine Learning (ML) tools.”
  • Dr. Ruth Tappen also received funding from the program for her group's project, "Alzheimer’s Early Detection Via Noninvasive Analysis of Retinal Vascular Dynamics."


The goal of the pilot funding program is to encourage transformative, new directions in interdisciplinary ADRD studies that will ultimately lead to future extended funding and a broad base for ADRD research at FAU. Read More

In Memoriam


Beth Johnston

College of Nursing Advisory Board Member

Longtime friend and College Advisory Board Member Beth Johnston recently passed away. Her generous and giving spirit was inspiring to all who knew her.


"Beth was such a breath of fresh air and advocate for our College. She always had new and exciting ideas that she was eager to share," said Safiya George, Ph.D., APRN-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FNAP, Holli Rockwell Trubinsky Eminent Dean and Professor of the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. "Our sincerest condolences go out to her family and loved ones. Beth will be missed by many, but her legacy will live on at FAU through her countless contributions."


Beth was passionate about educating individuals to understand that they need to play a role in their health. As she once said, after all, it is “health care” not “unhealthy care.” She was truly appreciative of her career at Florida Blue, where she served for over seven years as Senior Director of Regional Business Development. Prior to joining the Florida Blue team in 2016, she worked at Florida Atlantic University, where she held the position of Director of Community Outreach, and served in a government relations role as liaison on behalf of the university.


Beth and her family have called South Florida home for over 25 years. They moved from New Jersey to Delray Beach, where they raised their children. Her appreciation for the nursing profession ran very deep, as her oldest daughter, Clare, received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from FAU’s College of Nursing.


She was a highly active volunteer for numerous community organizations, including the United Way of Palm Beach County, the YMCA of South Palm Beach County, Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, the Spirit of Giving Network, KidSafe Foundation, and FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine as a White Coats-4-Care committee member. 

Student News

Congratulations to BSN student Nicole Neginsky who was named a 2023 Stan and Renee Wimberly Scholar Award recipient! The fourth-year student is working toward an Honors Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The former FAU High School graduate is also an active member in the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and National Student Nurses' Association. She will receive her award at the university's annual Convocation ceremony on Wednesday, April 12.

Congratulations to Lillian Wakeman who has been selected to receive the University Scholar Award! The award will be presented to her during the university's annual Convocation ceremony on Wednesday, April 12. The University Scholar Awards are given to one student in each of FAU's eight undergraduate colleges in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and upon the recommendation of college faculty. 

On April 5, the Sigma Iota Xi at-large Chapter will present a hybrid webinar on "Development of a Caring Data Science Framework and Predictive Models for COVID-19 Outcomes Using AI and Machine Learning" in the College's atrium. Dean Safiya George and Dr. Debarshi Datta will both speak during the event.

College of Nursing students Tanika George (at far left) and Sasha Gibbs were both awarded the Johnson & Johnson BAND-AID® BRAND Champions for Health Equity Scholarships from the Foundation of the NSNA Scholarship Selection Committee. The students will be honored during NSNA’s 71st Annual Convention opening session and awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 12, in Nashville, TN. Well done!

FAU's Sigma Iota Xi at-Large Chapter and the National Institute of Nursing Research will host "Function, Health and Wellness: Understanding Contexts of Patient Experience," on Tuesday, April 11, at 10 a.m. The hybrid event will take place in the College's atrium and online via Zoom. Join Here 

The deadline to submit artwork for the Healing Arts Exhibition has been extended until Friday, April 7.


FAU's Department of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will host the exhibition on Friday, April 21, at 5:30 p.m., in the Counseling and Psychological Services Building, Room 229. Click here for rules of entry, submission form, and event details.

FAU's College of Nursing will be exhibiting at the 71st annual National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) convention in Nashville, TN, from April 12 to 16. Learn More

FAU's Student Publication Recognition Ceremony will take place live via Zoom on Wednesday, April 17 at 4 p.m. Join Here

Sigma Iota Xi at-Large Chapter's 2023 Research Day will take place on Wednesday, April 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the College's atrium. 

FAU's College of Nursing spring commencement will take place on Thursday, May 4, at 5 p.m. in the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium. The Boca Raton Pinning Ceremony will occur the same day at 1 p.m. in the College's auditorium on the Boca Raton campus. Read More

Registration is now open for Summer and Fall 2023 semesters. Register early to ensure you get the classes you want! Read More

Florida Atlantic University's spring semester will end on Friday, May 5. View Academic Calendar

So many fantastic opportunities are waiting for you and the team at FAU's Career Center is always ready to help you find them! Their award-winning staff are available to assist with practice interviews, resume reviews and more! Make an appointment today or check out the hottest jobs in Handshake.

Congratulations to the FAU Men's Basketball team, Head Coach Dusty May and the basketball staff on this historic season! We are immensely proud of you and all of your achievements! Go Owls!

Alumna Spotlight: Sabrina Clayton


Congratulations to alumna Sabrina Clayton who graduated magna cum laude from the College of Nursing's RN to BSN program in December 2022! Clayton, a former U.S. Air Force veteran and CAPE-V scholar, is continuing to work as a nurse at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “It is an honor to assist with the healing care of our nation’s veteran heroes,” she expressed. Read More

News and Events

Do you know an outstanding nurse? Help celebrate nurses by nominating an individual who made a positive impact in the life of a patient, family member or the nursing profession in 2022. Winners will be highlighted in the Sun Sentinel. Click here to nominate a nurse no later than Friday, April 7.

This year's Kay Carpenter Scholars program will take place on Tuesday, April 25. The unique "Pay it Forward" scholarship was established at the College in 2018, where, after graduation, students repay their scholarships over a 10-year period, creating a never-ending cycle of philanthropy and caring.

Last call! Purchase your tickets now for the 2023 President's Gala. The annual event will take place on Saturday, April 15, at 7 p.m., in the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena on the Boca Raton campus. The gala supports student scholarships, with a focus this year for those enrolled in health and health science programs. Buy Tickets

Mark your calendars to join free yoga sessions on the second and fourth Mondays in April. This series is open to all FAU students, faculty and staff, as well as non-FAU community members. Learn more here.

The Anne Boykin Institute will offer a Summer Academy on Aesthetics: Re-presenting Caring Values Through Art. The academy will be held at FAU's College of Nursing in Boca Raton on June 21, 22, and 23, with an option to attend either in person or virtually. For more information or to register, click here.

FAU Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing Advisory Board member Terry Fedele will be among the honorees at AVDA's 16th annual Heart of a Woman luncheon on Tuesday, April 11, for her ongoing commitment and service to the community.

The College of Nursing was among the sponsors for the Nurse Practitioners Council of the Treasure Coast conference held on March 31 and April 1, in Stuart, FL. Drs. Nancy Harris and Debra Hain represented the college in the exhibit area. Dr. Hain also presented the poster “Community-based Cultural Immersion Practicum for Advanced Practice Nursing Students” co-authored by Hain and Assistant Dean for Strategic Affairs, Inclusivity and Community Engagement Suzanne Ffolkes.

Research News

As part of a grant from the Florida Department of Health, researchers from FAU’s College of Nursing and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute hosted a recruitment event in March to source more participants in their first-of-its-kind evaluation of both the short-term and potential long-term health effects among Florida residents. Read More


For more information or to participate in the study, contact Dr. Shirley Gordon, professor in the College of Nursing. Call or text 561-297-4631, or email her at [email protected].

Drs. Cheryl Krause-Parello (Project Lead) and Dr. Beth Pratt (Project Co-Lead) received a $249,996 grant award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) for the project titled “On the Double: A Veteran-driven Dissemination Campaign Spreading Awareness on PTSD Treatment Options.” Congratulations to Drs. Krause-Parello and Pratt for securing this funding to support and serve the needs of veterans!

Faculty and Staff

Dr. Cheryl Krause-Parello has been named a 2023 International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame recipient by the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Dr. Krause-Parello will join the other 21 world-renowned nurse researchers to be inducted during the organization’s 34th International Nursing Research Congress in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in July. Well done! Read More

The College applauds Dr. Debra Hain for passing the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam. Congratulations!

Congratulations to Dr. Ashley Rivera! Her company is one of 20 companies which have been accepted into FAU Tech Runway's® Venture Class 11. The participants join a robust community of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, instructors and top-level support professionals.


FAU Tech Runway® is a public-private partnership formed to incubate and accelerate early-stage technology-based companies, under the purview of FAU’s Division of Research. Read More

Congratulations to Dr. Karen Wisdom-Chambers who was among the Giraffe Award nominees recognized by the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County. Along with faculty and staff, she attended the chamber's luncheon on March 15.

Drs. Charlotte Barry and Shirley Gordon participated in the Food Packing for Haiti event on March 11. They joined over 300 volunteers of all ages at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Tequesta, FL.

Dr. Armiel Suriaga presented his research on substance abuse at the Greenacres Community Center on March 8, where he received financial support from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for its 2023 Communities Talk to Prevent Alcohol and Other Drug Misuse. Dr. Suriaga was also selected as a scholar of the National Institute on Drug Abuse for its 2023 NIDA Diversity Scholars Network (NDSN).

Goece Charles joined the College of Nursing in February as a registered nurse in Florida Atlantic University's Northwest Community Health Alliance Community Health Center at the Westgate clinic.

Asheria Jackson’s last day as the College's clinical site coordinator was March 10. As a graduate of FAU's Second-Degree Part-Time BSN program, Asheria will pursue her career as a registered nurse.

FAU will retire use of WebEx on June 30, 2023. The WebEx platform will no longer be available for use in meetings after this date. WebEx will also be removed from Canvas at the end of spring term, on May 8, 2023. Please make sure you have saved any important information or files before this date. Read More

In the Media

On March 22, NephU's "Voices from the Community" hosted Dr. Debra Hain to discuss housing insecurity challenges and disparities in kidney disease patients. Listen Here

WINK TV interviewed Dr. Shirley Gordon for a story regarding the effects of blue-green algae in Southwest Florida on March 23. Read More

On March 30, Dr. Shirley Gordon was featured in a WSVN 7 news segment about her collaborative research with the University of Miami regarding the airborne toxin effects of blue-green algae on South Florida residents. Read More

The Cape Coral Breeze provided coverage of FAU researchers' call for algal bloom study participants. Scientists from FAU's College of Nursing and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute are conducting a first-of-its-kind evaluation on the short- and long-term health effects of Florida residents' exposure to the toxins released from algal blooms. Read More

Faculty Publications


Kandah, M., Wilson, C., & Pilitsis, J. G. (2023) Role of Integrative Health on Neuropathic Pain. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 27(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-023-01102-9

 

*Krause-Parello, C. A., Flynn, L., Pratt, B.A., Clarke, R., Colloca, L., Garvin, J., Hibler, D. A., Saban, K. L., Weaver, F. (2023). Veterans Action League 2.0: Creating a Veteran-Centered Chronic Pain Research Agenda. Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship, 15(2), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.54656/jces.v15i2.510

 

Mancuso, J. D.,Young, J., Rusiecki, J., Stahlman, S., Schvey, N., Randolph, T., Wilson, C., Witkop, C., Hyde, P., Green, A., Santiago, P., Shell, D., and Sbrocco, T. (2023). Advancing Health Equity in the US Military. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 16(1).  https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol16/iss1/3

 

Rahemi, Z., Malatyali, A., Wiese, L., & Dye, C.J. (2023). End-of-Life Care Planning in Diverse Individuals Across Age Groups. A Proposed Conceptual Model of Nursing. Journal of Nursing Care Quality (3). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36947814/

 

Kagen, O., Sciasci, N., Koszalinski, R., Kagan, D., Leary, M., & Nadel, H. (2023). Nurses’ confidence in starting a new venture, startup or project in the context of nurse-led hackathons: Results of a pre-hackathon survey. Nursing Outlook, 71(3), 101961.


Employment Opportunities


Visiting Instructor Maternal/Newborn, Boca Raton

Professor, Boca Raton

Visiting Assistant Professor (Psychiatric Mental Health NP), Boca Raton

Adult Day Center Registered Nurse, Memory and Wellness Center, Boca Raton

Adult Day Center License Practical Nurse, Memory and Wellness Center, Boca Raton


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Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center

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