Innovations

College of Nursing News | October 2024

Faculty attend civil rights tour

Pictured are, from left: Jenna Dubas, EdD, Mark Darby, Bridget Thoene, Stephanie Burge, DNP, and Shalea Cotton, DNP.

Earlier this summer, UNMC College of Nursing faculty Shalea Cotton, DNP, Bridget Thoene, Jenna Dubas, EdD, Stephanie Burge, DNP, and Mark Darby participated in the 2024 Black Votes Matter Civil Rights Tour. The tour included stops at the Montgomery Mothers of Gynecology Museum, the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama and the site of the Untreated Syphilis Study of the Public Health Service in Tuskegee, among additional historical sites. Through the trip, faculty have focused on how a historical understanding can help improve nursing care and prepare our nursing students to care for all populations. Other participating organizations included faculty from Omaha Public Schools, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and Boystown.

“This was an excellent opportunity, full of personal growth. I look forward to discovering what it may mean for our students,” Darby said.

Tuition assistance available for employees

UNMC employees considering obtaining a DNP, PhD or PGC may be eligible for tuition assistance through the Employee Scholarship Program.

Employee Scholarship Program:

Full-time employees who wish to continue their education may be eligible for tuition assistance through the employee scholarship program.

Eligibility:

• All regular full-time (1.00 F.T.E) employees of the University are eligible to apply.
• Employees must be admitted students of the University and must have met all normal academic requirements for the courses taken.

Terms and Conditions:

• The Employee Scholarship Program is limited to no more than 15 credit hours in any 12-month period (August through July) and is normally restricted to no more than six credits per semester.
• Employees whose applications have been approved shall pay all normal admission and matriculation fees, including lab fees and course fees, but not UPFF fees. Employees shall also pay all usual course-related costs such as books and supplies.

Learn more here.

Site evaluator training offered to nursing faculty

The UNMC College of Nursing has expertise with nursing accreditation and invites current faculty to consider training as a site evaluator.

As a site reviewer, your role is to confirm what the program presented in its self-study with the data included in documents shared during site visits, and information shared from community members, clinical facilities, faculty, staff and students as compared to the CCNE standards and elements.

Learn more here.

Pictured above, from left: Linda Herrick, PhD, Teresa Hulquist, PhD, and Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, UNMC College of Nursing dean, had a photo-op with Minnie Mouse at site evaluator training earlier this year.

The UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division provided an aid station and wellness booth for the annual Monument Marathon in Scottsbluff. The day before the Sept. 28 race, students and faculty offered blood pressure checks and general information. On the day of the race, students and staff sponsored the aid station for support and relief for runners.

Trina Aguirre, PhD, associate professor at the West Nebraska Division, finished second in her division at the Monument Marathon in Scottsbluff on Sept. 28.

Students at the UNMC College of Nursing - Kearney Division participated in the Kearney Area Children's Museum's Free Family Fun Night. Children received free teddy bears and participated in activities, games and craft stations. Students hosted a "teddy bear clinic," offering check-ups and first aid to attendees and their teddy bears.

UNMC College of Nursing - Northern Division Student Nurse Association members walked in Norfolk’s annual Lion’s Club Parade on Sept. 21. Their goal was to raise awareness of the UNMC College of Nursing’s presence in Norfolk. There were over 100 parade entries this year.

Sue Schuelke, center, and Krystal Davis presented at American Association of Critical-Care Nurses National Training Institute in Denver. Their presentation, titled "Immersive Virtual Reality: The Reality of Pain Management," described a study conducted using immersive virtual reality relaxation. Attendees learned about the implementation of the new approach and the study findings related to pain, anxiety and mobility.