Innovations: The UNMC College of Nursing Newsletter

Innovations

College of Nursing News | May 2023

Dean's message: Research and workforce, a crucial pairing

UNMC College of Nursing faculty make great strides in research while a focus on recruitment is increased.

Annual meeting, awards celebrate

nursing successes

The UNMC College of Nursing recognized faculty and staff at its annual meeting on May 10.

Students participate in mock code

at Children's Hospital

UNMC CON students had the opportunity to participate in a mock code at Children's Hospital & Medical Center.

Student's instinct leads

to correction of near-error

Lou Lambley, a fourth-semester BSN student at the UNMC College of Nursing, spoke up to prevent a possible medical error.

MNRS conference successful

for nursing faculty, students

UNMC College of Nursing faculty and students attended the MNRS annual research conference.

College of Nursing, UNK celebrate

admission announcement

Twice-a-year admissions for the BSN program will start at the college's Kearney division in January 2024.

Nursing faculty secure

major research grants

Windy Alonso, PhD, and Michele Balas, PhD, were awarded research grants through the National Institute of Health in April.

College of Nursing Division highlights

Kearney Division

UNMC College of Nursing Kearney Division celebrated the end of the semester with a “blessing of the hands” ceremony for graduating students.

Blessing the hands with oils or water is a way to acknowledge the importance of touch as well as a way to honor the spiritual aspects found in holistic care. The event was hosted by the Life Champions team. In addition to faculty blessing students’ hands, graduating students received a UNMC nursing pin, bookmark and special cake to celebrate.

Sunny Wendt, right, and Rachel Zeiger attended the National Nurse Educator Conference April 24-27 in San Antonio. They presented a poster called “Small Steps Towards Competency Based Education.” They also had the opportunity to attend sessions on timely issues effecting nursing education.

Lincoln Division

To celebrate warm weather and the end of the academic year, Student Services hosted a Spring Shindig for students with Kona Ice on April 10. The final weeks of the semester tend to bring some anxiety and stress. Lincoln Division and UNMC Strategic Communications sponsored De-Stress Week for students in preparation for the final weeks. Students received a $2 off coupon to the Tazza coffee cart and donuts.

Faculty and staff also had a chance to meet incoming students. The Student Services team hosted a Jumpstart orientation for incoming students on April 14. Eighty incoming students attended to learn more about the program and their admissions requirements.

They had a chance to meet with faculty members Sue Schuelke, PhD, Meg Dubas, and assistant dean Michelle Johnson, PhD. The UNMC Bookstore staff made an appearance and students were given some brand-new gear.

West Nebraska Division

Kelly Betts, EdD, assistant dean for the UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division, presented a poster regarding integrating oral health care into primary care well child visits at the Annual National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Conference on March 16.

Northern Division

On March 22, 16 students from Norfolk Public Schools visited the Northern Division, where they participated in simulation activities and learned about the nursing program and admissions process. School counselors have been invited to visit campus with students interested in the nursing profession.

Carrie Holt (Northern Division), and Jane Miller, EdD, (Lincoln Division) hosted a Lunch ‘n Learn on April 7 regarding Canvas highlights with tips and tricks they have learned over the past several years.

Jennie Kolterman and Bridget Thoene, (Northern Division faculty) hosted a Lunch ‘n Learn on April 21 covering iWall Cognitive Behavioral Therapy pre-briefing session and escape decks.

Nursing honors and recognition

Celebrating student and faculty achievement.

Nursing events, summer 2023

Mark your calendars for the following events of interest to UNMC College of Nursing faculty, staff and students.