FAU Receives $1.3 Million Grant for Alzheimer's Outreach in Broward | |
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Florida Atlantic University’s María de los Ángeles Ortega, DNP, APRN, in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, has been awarded a three-year, $1.3 million grant from the Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative for a groundbreaking project designed to advance health equity and improve quality of life for individuals living with or at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their family caregivers.
FAU’s project, “Connecting Communities to Caring-Based Dementia-Specific Services and Supports,” is designed to link historically underserved and marginalized communities in Broward County with specialized dementia services and supports. In addition, this initiative also aims to improve dementia capability for service provision to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are living with dementia as well as their families.
“This grant represents a substantial opportunity for our interprofessional team to make a profound difference in the community. Not only will it allow us to extend specialized, caring-based services to those most in need, but it also presents an invaluable learning opportunity for students on our Davie campus in Broward County,” said Ortega, principal investigator, professor, associate dean of clinical practice, and director of the FAU Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center within FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Read More
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FAU College of Nursing Launches Accelerated BSN Track in Davie | |
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The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is pleased to announce the launch of its Accelerated BSN track at the Davie campus. Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2024 admission cycle.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Accelerated track (BSN) is specifically designed for the student with a baccalaureate degree in another field who wants to become a Registered Nurse. This limited-access track is an intensive four-semester curriculum of full-time academic study for motivated individuals looking for a challenging and stimulating career in nursing. Read More
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Center for Smart Health's Transformative Research on Fall Prediction in Older Adults | |
Researchers from FAU’s Center for SMART Health have forged a remarkable collaboration, bringing together esteemed experts from different disciplines to advance the health and safety of older adults. This visionary initiative unites the collective expertise of Drs. Ruth Tappen and Rebecca Koszalinski from FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, along with Drs. Borko Furht, Behnaz Ghoraani, and Oge Marques from FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. Adding further strength to the team is Dr. Edgar Viera, an associate professor from the Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University.
Their research findings, recently published in Computers, Informatics, Nursing, unveiled the immense potential for nurse scientists and engineering and computer science experts to collaborate effectively, revolutionizing healthcare outcomes, particularly in South Florida. The strategic application of sensor technology demonstrated its power to significantly impact fall prediction and management, thereby ensuring improved care for older adults. Read More
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FAU College of Nursing Welcomes Students at
Fall 2023 Convocation
Students, faculty and guests gathered for the Convocation held on Friday, Sept. 15 at FAU College of Nursing. The event officially kicks-off the academic semester, welcoming new and returning students. Alumnus M. Christopher Saslo, D.N.S. ’07, ARNP-BC-FAANP, Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, told students that they are “embarking on something that is absolutely not the end of the journey.” He encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning. Monica Puga, APRN, RN, Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Memorial Healthcare System, shared that nursing opportunities are endless and students should consider different career paths within the profession. Read More
| Annual Kay Carpenter Event Celebrates Student Scholars | |
Congratulations to all of the 2023 Kay Carpenter Scholarship recipients! These nursing scholarship students were recognized at the annual Pinning Ceremony and reception on Sept. 20, in the College of Nursing Atrium. Each student received a Kay Carpenter pin, which represents Kay's vision of honor, reciprocity and joy, and the commitment of those students to "pay it forward" by supporting future nurses.
Founders Kay Carpenter and B.G. Carter created this scholarship fund to become a never-ending cycle of philanthropy. Once students graduate, past scholarship recipients are encouraged to give back to the fund to support current nursing students. Read More
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ANCC Approves FAU College of Nursing as Provider of Nursing Continuing Professional Development | |
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The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. The College is approved as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the Florida Board of Nursing. (Provider number: NCE 50-696). The Commission has granted the College provisional accreditation for one year.
ANCC Accreditation in Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) recognizes national and international organizations that provide ANCC accredited professional development. ANCC NCPD Accreditation demonstrates an organization’s commitment to the growth and development of the nursing workforce. An organization that is accredited by ANCC demonstrates that its professional development programming adheres to evidence-based standards that challenge organizations to continually improve and advance the professional practice of nurses to achieve performance, patient and system goals. Organizations with the ANCC NCPD Accreditation marks promote the highest standards for nursing and are leaders in quality and nursing excellence.
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The Florida Atlantic Graduate College will host its annual Open House on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. on the Boca Raton campus, Student Union (UN-31), Grand Palm Room. This event will feature graduate program representatives from all academic colleges, departments, faculty, administration and staff. Learn more and register for the event here.
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SNA created the Hand-Me-Scrubs program to help distribute gently used scrubs to FAU nursing students in need. Please fill out an application here if you believe the program could help you!
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Save the date for SNA's annual Halloween party on Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the College of Nursing Atrium. All faculty, staff and students are welcome and encouraged to dress up!
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Get excited for Explore FAU, a campus-wide event to welcome prospective high school juniors, seniors and transfer students to our community! Reserve your spot to visit the Boca Raton campus on Saturday, Oct. 14, or Saturday, Nov. 18. For more information and to register, click here.
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The award-winning staff at FAU's Career Center can help you get ahead on your job search. Discover the best practices on interviewing, networking scenarios and more. Make an appointment today or check out the latest jobs in Handshake.
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Representatives from FAU's SNA will attend the Florida Student Nurses Association Convention from October 22 to 24, in Lake Buena Vista, FL.
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SNA hosted a “Painting with a Twist” Fundraiser on Sept. 18, which raised $288 for the group to use for future projects and events. Participants enjoyed learning how to paint along with friends, family and refreshments.
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Alumna Spotlight: Teri Chenot, Ed.D., M.S.N. '08, B.S.N. '07 | |
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Two-time FAU Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing graduate Teri Chenot, Ed.D., M.S.N., ‘08, B.S.N. ‘07 (Cum Laude), began a new position at The Ohio State University College of Nursing this fall as a clinical professor. In her new role, she will be primarily engaged in teaching activities, scholarship and service. Among the courses she will teach include topics in quality, safety and innovation in the field.
Dr. Chenot’s nursing journey started as a patient care tech working on a medical-surgical floor at Boca Raton Community Hospital. At the same time, she was earning her associate degree in nursing at Broward State College, after which she obtained her B.H.S. degree in Health Administration at Florida Atlantic. She returned to FAU and obtained both her B.S.N. and M.S.N. degrees from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. At that time, she worked in a clinical setting in the areas of women’s and community health.
“I had a great experience at FAU,” shared Dr. Chenot. “FAU is the most innovative university in the state. The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing has innovative programs in a caring environment. My professor, Dr. Rose Sherman, is a transformational leader who inspired me to continue pursuing higher goals.”
In September, Dr. Chenot was a featured speaker at the 2023 Florida Nurses Association Membership Assembly. Her presentation, "Nursing Ethics, Turbulent Times, and the Call for Action to Improve Healthcare Systems," examined these topics in-depth. Read More
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Join FAU's College of Nursing, College of Medicine and College of Social Work and Criminal Justice on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 4 p.m. for the FAU Health tailgate and then watch the Owls take on Tulsa at 6 p.m. It's also Owl Family Weekend, so bring the family!
Up to 50 free tickets are being given away. Click here to register today!
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Call for abstracts! Submit an abstract for a poster presentation at the Sigma Theta Tau, Iota Xi Research Day, which will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30. Deadline to submit is Friday, Nov. 17, by midnight. Follow this naming convention: Subject line: Last Name _First Name_ SIGMA_ Abstract title. Notification of acceptance will be sent by Nov. 20. Click here to submit.
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It's that time of year! All FAU students, faculty and staff can now submit their entries for the 2023 Art of Science photography and video contest, hosted by FAU's Division of Research. Deadline to submit is Friday, Oct. 13. See prizes and submission requirements here.
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Join FAU's I-Health upcoming seminar on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 4 p.m. for "Human-Animal Interaction Research Related to Human Health: What We Know and Challenges for Future Research," by Erika Friedmann, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, University of Maryland School of Nursing. The event is hosted by Cheryl Krause-Parello, Ph.D., Interim Associate Vice President for Research. Register here.
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The FAU College of Nursing is among the sponsors for NAMIWalks Palm Beach County on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 8 a.m. in John Prince Park, Lake Worth, FL. Presented by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the event raises funds to support the organization’s mission of education, advocacy, support and public awareness. Click here to register for the walk or donate.
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The Caring Hearts Auxiliary of FAU’s Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center within the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, is hosting the 17th annual “Keep Memories Alive” Walk-in-the-Mall on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 9 a.m. at the Town Center (North entrance) in Boca Raton. Sign up to be a walker or event sponsor here.
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Florida Blue, a supporter of FAU's College of Nursing, participated in a site visit at the Boca Raton campus on Oct. 3, and met with Dean Safiya George, faculty and staff to tour the building and simulation labs. Florida Blue representatives included Market President for South Florida David Wagner, Market Leader Juan Awad, and Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility Integration, South Florida Market Fiorella Smyth.
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Nursing is more than a job – it’s a calling. The Lamplighter and While Coat scholarships were created to help our aspiring students afford the extra costs required to study nursing. Supporting these students will help them achieve their full potential for academic success. To support scholarships in nursing, contribute here!
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Join the College of Nursing's team on Sat., Nov. 11, for this year's American Heart Association Palm Beach County Heart Walk. Register or donate here to help the team reach its fundraising goal of $2,500.
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Dr. Armiel Suriaga (third from left) participated in the National Institute of Health's mock review workshop in Bethesda, Maryland, from September 7-8, 2023. This in-person workshop aimed to enhance the funding success of early career investigators as part of being selected as one of the National Institute on Drug Abuse Diversity Scholarship Network (NDSN) scholars for 2023.
How does it feel to have been selected for this workshop?
A.S. It feels great to be selected for the National Institute on Drug Abuse Diversity Scholars Network (NDSN) for its 2023 cohort. It’s quite an honor since this is a rigorous and competitive process.
What does it mean to be a NDSN scholar?
A.S. It means a lot since it validates that your research matters to the NIDA and the community. As an NDSN scholar, it opens doors of opportunity for grant mentorship to enhance the funding success of early career investigators, particularly from underrepresented groups. Last September, I participated in the mock review workshop at the NIDA office in Bethesda, Maryland, and met with other scholars doing substance use research.
Can you briefly describe your research?
A.S. For the NDSN program, my research focuses on mitragynine, a natural indole alkaloid of the Mitragyna speciosa or kratom. Some studies indicated that people use kratom for self-treatment pain, to improve endurance, sleep, and work performance, and as an affordable substitute for opioid withdrawal. However, this product, marketed as an herbal supplement, could be addictive and cause adverse effects.
I encountered this topic when I conducted a retrospective analysis of opioid-related deaths in the older population. Mitragynine was added to the dataset, and several people experienced intoxication. So, I submitted an abstract to the Society for Neuroscience and applied for a travel award from NIDA to disseminate this finding. We also shared the results of our study at the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) for faster dissemination regarding the people who died with mitragynine in their system. We learned that this paper made it to the SSRN’s top ten download list as of September 26, 2023, and is now under peer review. It is encouraging that people are paying attention.
What are the greater applications of this research?
A.S. More than two million Americans reported using kratom in 2020, but we know little about its safety profile, including the user’s characteristics. We hope to get support for this study to understand more about it and help educate the public regarding this substance.
Why is this research important to our South Florida community?
A.S. The findings of our retrospective study showed that Palm Beach and Broward counties were among those with a high number of deaths from this substance. There is an urgent need to continue conducting this study for public safety.
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Dean Safiya George served on the Florida Center for Nursing’s panel discussion, "Health Care Horizons: Navigating Florida's Supply and Demand in the Nursing Workforce," on Sept. 13.
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Drs. Ruth Tappen and Lisa Wiese both gave poster and podium presentations during the 2023 Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer's Disease Research Symposium, on Sept. 14, hosted by the UCF College of Medicine.
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Dr. Mary Ann Leavitt has been invited to serve on a Joint Commission Technical Advisory Panel for the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® Heart Failure registry for the Advanced Certification Heart Failure (ACHF) program. Objectives include alignment with updated evidence-based heart failure guidelines and improvement of medication management across the spectrum of heart failure.
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Dr. Rebecca Koszalinski was named a 2023 Fellow of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (FARN) at the 49th annual Rehabilitation Nursing Conference on Aug. 18. The fellow designation is the most distinguished level of membership and a hallmark of professional esteem within rehabilitation nursing.
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Dr. Armiel Suriaga attended Harvard's Keynote Panel titled Towards Racial Justice and Equity in Health: A Call to Action held at Cambridge, Massachusetts, on September 29, 2023, during the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Alumni Weekend 2023. Dr. Suriaga is currently an MPH-EPI scholar at Harvard University.
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Patricia Ford was recently promoted to the Director of Office of Nursing Research and Scholarship.
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Welcome, Aloha Blaze, to the College of Nursing building on the Boca Raton campus. Aloha works for the Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice under the Provost Office.
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On Sept. 14, Marilyn Ray, Ph.D., emeritus professor in FAU’s College of Nursing and a retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force, was among the more than two dozen veterans who were presented with a Quilt of Valor in a ceremony at St. Andrews Estates in Boca Raton. (WPBF-AB) Watch Video
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News Medical Life Sciences featured the FAU News Desk article regarding the $1.3 million, three-year grant award to María de los Ángeles Ortega, DNP, APRN, in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. The project aims to improve quality of life for individuals with dementia and their families. (Sept. 20, 2023) Read More
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BOOK CHAPTERS:
George, S., Cody, S. L., Mumba, M., & Martinez, L. (2023). Empower, Encourage, and Expand: Mentoring Twenty-First Century Nurse Scientists. In Mentoring in Nursing through Narrative Stories Across the World (pp. 743-752). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS:
*Berger, C., Ben-Shalom, U., Tarant, Z., Longo, J. & DeDonno, M. (2023). The influence of the health belief model on the decision to get the COVID-19 vaccine: An international survey study of college students. Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing. https://doi.org.10.1177/00469580231164229
*#Daniel, E.V., Wiese, L.A.K., Holt, J.K. (2023). Assessing Alzheimer’s disease knowledge and cognitive risk among a rural older Afro-Caribbean cohort. Journal of Community Health Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1080/07370016.2023.2257199
*Pholanun, N., Srisatidnarakul, B. & Longo, J. (2023). Development and validation of extubation readiness assessment tool and accuracy to predict successful extubation in preterm infants. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2023.100599
(* = data-based, # = Caring Science)
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Invest in our nursing students today to prepare for Florida’s health care needs tomorrow. | | | | |
