DNP program Director Allen Prettyman, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP, and Senior Manager, Operations Isabel Chavez, MEd, played pivotal roles in recruiting people to help vaccinate and support POD operations. Additionally, Chair, General Nursing and Health Education Division Connie Miller, DNP, RNC-OB, CNE, CCCE, was involved in recruiting faculty to aid in the effort, as well as giving vaccines at Tucson Medical Center.  Senior Director, Development Andrea Fisher has also lent her time, helping with traffic flow and direction.

Aiding the effort in Maricopa County is a crew of Level 2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Integrative Health (BSN-IH) specialty students under the supervision of Clinical Instructors Tara Loghry, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, and Jules Leverenz, MSN, ACNP. The students have been administering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the Banner vaccine clinic at Maricopa County Fairgrounds.  “It's been fantastic to see their confidence grow as they have become more comfortable with injections,” said Leverenz, who estimates that students are administering between 10 and 30 injections on the day of their rotations. “Daily, the students recognize and love to discuss the importance of their role in this historic task of helping vaccinate a large patient population in helping to fight this pandemic. Banner, on average, has 1700-1800 vaccine appointments daily.”

“The University has done a great job with this. I have found that the organizers are receptive to feedback on the ways to improve the clinic and each week, things just get better and better. The people coming for their vaccines remark how organized things are and how smoothly things go," ~ UArizona Nursing Lecturer Kathleen Malkin

Student Destiny Jones works in the portion of the medical field that supplies individuals with equipment such as supplemental oxygen. “Working at the COVID POD as a nursing student I feel like we are finally starting to see some light at the end of this dark tunnel,” she said. “I talk to the patients that receive their vaccine and I can feel the impact this pandemic has had on each of them. Being at the COVID POD brings a feeling of relief after so much sickness and suffering.”

Essential to the effort is Lecturer Sherry Daniels, MS, MPH, RN, who was called in by the Incident Commander for the Campus Health task force to help with the management of the POD ops for COVID vaccine on Campus.  Thanks to her previous role as Pima County Health Department (PCHD) director, she still has contact with many of the department’s staff and leadership. “Since I still have connections with the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, they reached out due to my leadership past and my experience with running large scale immunization events with Pima County: Measles in 2008 and H1N1 in 2009,” she said. 

Daniels is quick to point out that her efforts are part of a committed coalition of College nursing leaders, including graduates from the RN-MSN program like Sara Little and Karen Schwartz. She cites the importance of such diverse activities as managing the scheduling and registration of participants, training of personnel, screening, education and – most importantly – managing and administration of the vaccine itself.  “The nurse manager needs to reconcile vaccine usage, monitor adverse events, communicate with the state and other partners about operations, and plan for the next operational periods,” Daniels explained.  

Although the registration process was initially beset by unpredictability as well as vaccine scarcity, the process has smoothed out since the efforts began. Also of great importance is logistics aid provided by UArizona Facilities Management and vaccination help from colleagues like Lecturer Kathleen Malkin, who has years of experience planning, implementing, and evaluating large vaccination clinics while working with the Pima County Health Dept. “I know the amount of planning, effort and resources needed to operationalize a mass clinic,” Malkin said. “The University has done a great job with this.  I have found that the organizers are receptive to feedback on the ways to improve the clinic and each week, things just get better and better.  The people coming for their vaccines remark how organized things are and how smoothly things go. “

Daniels has high hopes for the future of the University’s broad vaccination efforts.  She points out that the College of Nursing’s participation will be essential moving forward, as the POD will be operating until at least May. “The community is nervous and anxious to get their shots,” she said, noting the importance of communication to both external and internal stakeholders in building a strong ICS structure. “We need more data collection for planning and long term approaches to our target communities. The need for nursing resources will be critical and is deep and long term.”

“I will continue to engage in efforts that create a sense of belonging for all students, staff and faculty that ensures everyone feels included and valued. I will strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a reflex, not an initiative," ~ José Muñoz, Senior Program Coordinator

The goal of the program is to enhance professional knowledge and experience to stimulate strategic thinking and advance outcomes at participants' home institutions. Self-awareness will be increased while building skills to engage with discussions and issues surrounding equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I). Participants will develop a diversity plan designed to drive excellence specifically tailored to their organization.  At the conclusion of this program, a certificate will be awarded.

Muñoz, who is a member and Co-Chair of the UArizona Nursing’s burgeoning Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, has a longstanding and deep commitment to issues of inclusive excellence in higher education, and society in general. “Amid the ongoing racial and health pandemics, the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,’ remind me that we, collectively, can be a catalyst for social change,” he said.  “As a Mexican-American person who has had many alienating experiences studying and working in higher education, I am well aware of how meaningful it is to be heard and supported by leadership and other members of the college community. It can make the difference between barely getting through a program, and graduating with pride and purpose.”

Inclusivity and excellence are more than just words for Muñoz. They are principles that guide his daily interactions with faculty, staff and students and inform his worldview as well as his hopes for a brighter future. “The common thread through my professional experience has been my commitment to creating and facilitating spaces to collaboratively learn, develop strategies, and promote equity within spheres of influence,” he said.

As a member of the Wildcat Nurse community, Muñoz sees a particular need to enrich the diversity of the nursing profession to better meet the needs of an increasingly diverse society. He points out that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the differences in health outcomes and care for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). “Universities, colleges, and nursing programs specifically are beginning to focus on increasing diversity as they seek to effectively prepare nursing students to serve diverse clients and communities,” he said. “Diverse voices from governance, faculty, staff, and students allow nurse educators to collaboratively develop policies and practices that benefit all learners and members of the health care system. The current lack of diversity and inclusion in the nurse workforce, student population, staff, and faculty impedes the ability of nursing to achieve excellent care for all.”

Muñoz’s participation in the AACN Diversity Leadership Institute will aid him in growing his skill sets to support an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to share their experiences and ideas. His capstone project will address strategies to develop a structure and processes to support ED&I and health equity at UArizona Nursing. “This program has great potential to help me direct strategy and make impact for ED&I programming into the future,” he said.

He is enthusiastic about the prospect of playing a creative and collaborative leadership role in establishing a new strategic direction for diversity and inclusion at the College of Nursing.  “I will continue to engage in efforts that create a sense of belonging for all students, staff and faculty that ensures everyone feels included and valued. I will strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a reflex, not an initiative. Where there is a deep sense of pride, passion and belonging that transcends any role, business unit, language, or country and is unified in our shared commitment to inclusive excellence, innovation and care.”

“Becoming a board-certified Diplomate in Clinical Lipidology is an important way for me to demonstrate clinical knowledge and expertise in the field of clinical lipidology. Lipidology is an evolving field that requires clinicians to stay abreast of the latest clinical research and treatment guidelines and to apply this knowledge in practice," ~ Joseph DeBoe, DNP, ACNPC-AG, CCRN

“Becoming a board-certified Diplomate in Clinical Lipidology is an important way for me to demonstrate clinical knowledge and expertise in the field of clinical lipidology,” Dr. DeBoe said. “Lipidology is an evolving field that requires clinicians to stay abreast of the latest clinical research and treatment guidelines and to apply this knowledge in practice.”

 Dr. DeBoe is one of the first nurse practitioners from across the nation who has achieved this important credential. ACCL Diplomates can use the title of “Clinical Lipid Specialist” and append the letters “CLS” to their names in formal contexts. The designation indicates those healthcare professionals who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues by having satisfied the credentialing and testing requirements established by the ACCL.

To obtain Diplomate status with the ACCL, candidates must complete a range of continuing medical education requirements and successfully pass a rigorous examination. Professionals in the area of lipid management specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cholesterol disorders known as dyslipidemia, which may cause atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Atherosclerotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, account for approximately one-third of all deaths in the United States. Lipid management employing dietary, lifestyle, and pharmacologic modalities has been demonstrated to be one of the most effective strategies for the prospective treatment of cardiovascular disease. Yet, the number of specialists with expertise in lipid management is inadequate to address this large population of patients.

A Diplomate has successfully credentialed and passed the certification exam and has been endorsed by the ACCL as displaying a high level of experience, knowledge, and competence in clinical lipidology.

The rigorous training requirements to becoming a Diplomate include:

•Doctoral degree in clinical health science (MD, DNP, PharmD)

•Minimum 3,000 hours of demonstrated clinical and/or fellowship experience in the management of patients with lipid or other related disorders

•Certification in a primary board (e.g., ANCC, AANP), or other appropriate certificate programs

•Relevant academic practice and faculty appointment at a recognized institution

•Clinical research and/or scholarly publications in the management of lipid disorders

“Our professors helped us navigate the unexpected challenges that come with attending a new program while providing us with unparalleled support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the difficult circumstances of 2020, I graduated from the College of Nursing feeling prepared and excited for my future in nursing," ~ Jennifer McFee, BSN-IH Inaugural Cohort

Why did you choose to pursue a career in nursing?

My first experience with healthcare came from the Certified Nursing Assistant program I completed my senior year of high school, and I fell in love with the art and science that is nursing. My career interests varied over the years but generally included fields such as teaching, social work and biology. I decided to apply to nursing school when I realized that nursing was the perfect combination of all my career interests and allowed me to provide the type of patient-centered care I believe in. The flexibility and variety of career opportunities within the nursing field was also a major draw for me, and I love that nurses have the capacity to better the lives of others in so many different ways.

What drew you to apply to UArizona’s BSN-IH program in Gilbert?

I grew up in Phoenix and have always loved the surrounding areas, so I was happy to hear that a new program would be opening up in downtown Gilbert. Moving back to Phoenix for nursing school allowed me to be close to family and friends and maintain a strong support system during my nursing school journey. I was also extremely interested in the Integrative Health emphasis of the BSN-IH program, and I felt that learning complementary and integrative nursing therapies would improve my ability to provide optimal patient-centered care. Nursing is an intrinsically holistic profession that focuses on caring for the whole person rather than just the disease, and I really enjoyed attending a nursing program that emphasized this concept. 

How would you describe your experience over the course of the program?

It was a very special experience being a member of the inaugural BSN-IH cohort. Our professors helped us navigate the unexpected challenges that come with attending a new program while providing us with unparalleled support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the difficult circumstances of 2020, I graduated from the College of Nursing feeling prepared and excited for my future in nursing. This program brought me life-long friends, mentors, and memories, and I could not be more grateful to be a Wildcat Nurse.

What has been your greatest takeaway from the program?

My greatest takeaway from attending the BSN-IH program is the importance of acknowledging patients’ wellbeing in the context of their environment and relationships. An individual’s wellbeing is not merely based on the absence of disease but also the presence of positive factors in their life. Graduating from the BSN-IH program has encouraged me to address and promote my patients’ health on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels, and I aim for my nursing care to have a positive impact along multiple ecological levels. The best part of nursing is having the ability to touch and improve lives in such a wide variety of ways.

Tell us about your post-graduation plans.

This spring, I am excited to be joining Mayo Clinic’s Nurse Residency Program at their main campus in Rochester, Minnesota! I accepted a new graduate nurse position on the Cardiovascular Surgery & Transplant unit and cannot wait to explore my passion for cardiac nursing as I transition into the professional nurse role. Following the year-long residency program, I hope to precept nursing students and incoming new graduates while also contributing to research or quality improvement projects within the Mayo Clinic health system.

“Due to the challenging times our country, community and profession are experiencing, Beta Mu decided to answer that call with the backpack for the homeless project in the hopes of infusing joy to the people receiving the backpacks as well as to the people donating," ~ Carolina Baldwin, DNP, RN, CCRN

No stranger to community involvement, the UArizona College of Nursing has long conducted outreach to some of Tucson’s most vulnerable citizens. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, students have taught school children the importance of handwashing, and provided COVID-19 symptom information, instruction on proper use of masks, and HIV/AIDS resources to those experiencing homelessness. But Dr. Baldwin’s latest project is the first of its kind for Beta Mu. Committed to upholding a vision of global Nursing excellence, SIGMA Theta Tau International’s current call to action is to “Infuse Joy” into every activity its members participate in.

“Due to the challenging times our country, community and profession are experiencing, Beta Mu decided to answer that call with the backpack for the homeless project in the hopes of infusing joy to the people receiving the backpacks as well as to the people donating,” Dr. Baldwin says.

At the beginning of December, Dr. Baldwin announced the project to College faculty and staff. Beta Mu members would be assembling 12 backpacks – evenly split for female and male recipients – with the goal of distributing them to the homeless prior to Christmas. “We decided this year would be the trial year and next year we plan on increasing the number of backpacks and items,” she says. “Hopefully next year we won’t be dealing with a pandemic, so we will be able to have more volunteers receiving, opening, and disposing of boxes as well as helping pack the backpacks and deliver them.”

Dr. Baldwin solicited donations for the items the backpacks would be stocked with, but the outpouring of generosity came as a welcome surprise. “The project was incredibly successful,” she says. “I was so astonished when everything from the gift registry was bought so quickly. We decided to do the project with an Amazon gift registry due to the pandemic, we did not want to make anyone feel as if they had to put themselves at risk to go to a store.”

All 12 backpacks were packed with essentials, with so many donated items left over that Dr. Baldwin had to take them to Sister José Women’s Center  and the Salvation Army Hospitality House. The backpacks were delivered on Dec. 24 to the homeless in Armory Park and Santa Rita Park. “Some were in tears upon receiving the backpack,” Dr. Baldwin says. “I’m proud to witness the way we as a community and profession are rising to the challenge before us in the midst of the biggest challenge our profession has ever seen.”

“In my conversations with her sister, Jane Pinckert, I learned that Gladys was an avid world traveler, but one with a purpose,” said UArizona Nursing Dean Ki Moore, PhD, RN, FAAN.  “She consulted on the development of nursing programs in a number of countries including Ghana and Korea. This dedication for nursing education was why Gladys was among the most respected national and international nursing leaders. At the heart of her passion was the student experience and Gladys loved attending our Scholarship Tea. She gave a memorable presentation about her time as Dean at our last “in-person” Tea and the entire room was encapsulated by her enthusiasm.  We are blessed for her long history of advancing our College in research and education.”

During her tenure as dean, Dr. Sorensen led the College to national prominence in nursing education. She raised the profile of graduate education in the College, particularly the PhD program, to international prominence for its excellence in nursing research. Students and alumni celebrated her excellence as a teacher, both in clinical and classroom settings, and her leadership in national nursing organizations helped shape the future of nursing and nursing education.

Born October 17, 1922, she spent her earliest years in Nebraska, where she demonstrated a commitment to caring for others from a young age. Her career in nursing education began in 1945 when she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Nebraska. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Nursing and a Public Health Nursing Certificate from the University of Colorado in 1951. In 1964 she earned the Doctor of Education degree from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, cementing her trajectory for higher education. 

After five years of clinical nursing positions, Dr. Sorensen accepted a teaching position at the University of Colorado School of Nursing, where she honed her skills as a nurse educator.  In 1958 she made Tucson her home, joining the newly established baccalaureate nursing program at the University of Arizona, when the College’s base was still a modest conference room in the Liberal Arts Building.

Dr. Sorensen was acknowledged by colleagues, students and alumni as an excellent teacher in both classroom and clinical settings, and as a skilled mentor to many faculty and alumni. During the following years, she demonstrated excellence in nursing education, nursing research and nursing leadership. She served as Professor of Nursing from 1958-1967, teaching baccalaureate and graduate nursing students, one of whom was future UArizona Nursing Dean Suzanne Van Ort, PhD, FAAN, Dean Emerita and Professor Emerita.  

“Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Gladys Sorensen demonstrated excellence in nursing education, nursing research and nursing leadership,” said Dr. Van Ort, who became the College’s fourth dean in 1992. “As Dean of the UArizona College of Nursing, she guided the evolution of the College in developing baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs that reflected both the art and science of nursing. Dr. Sorensen’s leadership in national nursing organizations helped shape the future of nursing education.  On a personal level, I have been fortunate to know Dr. Sorensen for more than five decades, beginning with her being one of my instructors in the baccalaureate nursing program. Throughout my career she was a valued mentor and role model to me as a student, alumna, colleague and academic administrator. Dr. Sorensen’s legacy of excellence will live on through the achievements of those whose lives she touched.”

When Dr. Sorensen succeeded UArizona's first dean, Pearl Ann Coulter, in 1967, the College was only a shadow of what it would grow to be, occupying modest quarters in the UA stadium building and a former real-estate office near campus. Under her tenure, construction began on the new College of Nursing building, and in 1968 she oversaw the official ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the launch of the UArizona College of Nursing as we know it today.

Dr. Sorensen held the position of dean until her retirement as Dean Emerita and Professor Emerita in 1986.  She guided the evolution of the College of Nursing in developing baccalaureate and graduate programs. During her tenure, graduate education in the College, particularly the PhD program, was recognized throughout the world for excellence in nursing research.  She was also instrumental in the establishment of Beta Mu Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International, which has gone on to win 13 Chapter Key awards for excellence in activities such as membership recruitment and retention, publicity and programing, professional and leadership development and local, national and international collaboration. 

Dr. Sorensen’s leadership in national nursing organizations helped shape the future of nursing and nursing education. She served on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Nursing Education and held leadership positions in the Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs of National League for Nursing, the Western Council on Higher Education, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.  On the state level, she held many leadership positions throughout her career and was recently honored by the Arizona Nursing Association as part of its Year of the Nurse recognition. 

Among her many accomplishments, she was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. In 1985, she was elected as President of this prestigious organization, and in 2002 she was named a “Living Legend” of the Academy, a significant professional accolade. In recognition of all her accomplishments and contributions to the profession, Dr. Sorensen was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Her commitment to UArizona Nursing students was so robust that in 1987 the College established the Gladys E. Sorensen Award for Academic Excellence. Launched in appreciation of Dean Sorensen’s achievements and her development of outstanding academic programs that promote the nursing profession,  the awartd ensures her impact on the successes of future Wildcat Nurses. “It was a true honor to receive the Gladys E. Sorensen Award for Academic Excellence as a BSN graduate,” said December 2020 graduate Emily Turecek, one of the most recent recipients of the award. “To be recognized for both academic and clinical care is something I hold very highly, and am proud to continue the excellence Dr.  Sorensen demonstrated. I will continue to uphold these values as I begin my career as an RN and whatever my future endeavors may hold.”

In addition to her professional accomplishment, Dr. Sorensen participated actively in community service in the Tucson area. She was a Board member of the Pima Council on Aging and an Elder at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church.

In her long and full life, Gladys Sorensen loved her family, honored her friends, lived her faith, and served the nursing profession with distinction.

We will miss you, Gladys!

“It’s a great privilege to be named a Fellow by the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. I have been a member of and served the Society in many roles over the years. It has grown to be the pre-eminent scientific society in my field. It is truly an honor to be nominated and named a fellow by my distinguished peers," ~ Judith Gordon, PhD

The SRNT Fellowship recognizes Dr. Gordon as a leader in the field of implementing evidence-based guidelines and developing innovative tobacco interventions using technology-based methods and integrative techniques. 

In recent years, Dr. Gordon developed See Me Smoke Free, the first study to develop and evaluate a telephone-based, guided imagery smoking-cessation program. She was also co-developer of Click City: Tobacco, a landmark school-based online tobacco prevention program that addresses the hazards of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Devices (ENDS), better known as e-cigarettes. Most recently, she developed a new mobile app that address the negative health effects of social isolation by reducing stress and anxiety using a technique called Guided Imagery, which has been used to help people quit smoking,  get into shape, and reduce stress.

“It’s a great privilege to be named a Fellow by the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. I have been a member of and served the Society in many roles over the years. It has grown to be the pre-eminent scientific society in my field. It is truly an honor to be nominated and named a fellow by my distinguished peers.”

Dr. Gordon has been the PI or Co-Investigator on more than 40 projects (more than $45M) funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, NASA, private foundations, and the University of Arizona. She has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals, plus books, book chapters, and a variety of products. Dr. Gordon has presented widely at national and international scientific conferences, including many invited presentations. She has served on NIH and other national proposal review committees, editorial boards, and professional societies, and received several local, statewide and national awards for her contributions to science and service.

Dr. Gordon received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Oregon.  She has more than 25 years of experience in lifestyle behavior change research, specializing in tobacco and vaping cessation and prevention. More information about Dr. Gordon’s research is available at: https://www.nursing.arizona.edu/judithg.

“The honor graciously provided by the AANP reaffirms the importance of the work I am involved with regarding equity, diversity and inclusion in higher education," ~ Timian Godfrey, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CPH

“The honor graciously provided by the AANP reaffirms the importance of the work I am involved with regarding equity, diversity and inclusion in higher education,” Dr. Godfrey said. “By creating structures and processes encompassing inclusive excellence in health profession education, a socially just workforce is created and prepared to effectively impact health justice. Knowing a national organization also recognizes the value in this provides motivation to continue working toward the achievement of health equity.”

Creating harmony in scholarship and practice is a priority for Dr. Godfrey. She is of Hawaiian-Japanese and Navajo descent. Dr. Godfrey belongs to the Red Bottom clan of the Navajo Nation and her maternal grandfather is from the Salt clan. A primary motivation to pursue a nursing career is her personal conviction in Hózhó, a Navajo belief that health and well-being for all living things result in physical and spiritual beauty, harmony and goodness. Dr. Godfrey reads academic articles and consults with peers, students and communities to broaden her knowledge, and strives to attain and maintain Hózhó by learning from the stories of others. By empowering those she works with, she said beauty and harmony are created, and better outcomes are achieved.

Dr. Godfrey also works as an advanced practice clinician with TribalEM, an emergency medicine leadership company that works exclusively with government and tribal health programs.

“Engaging with Native people in the emergency department offers an opportunity to provide the meaningfully exceptional care these communities so greatly deserve,” Dr. Godfrey said. “Acknowledging and honoring the immense value of the traditional and cultural knowledge unique to each tribal nation promotes best outcomes.”

“In the 10 years since Dr. Godfrey became a nurse, she has generated an outstanding record of scholarship, leadership and service to underrepresented groups, including Native Americans,” said her nominator Lori Martin-Plank, PhD, FNP-BC, NP-C, GNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP, clinical associate professor in the College of Nursing.

Dr. Godfrey said the College of Nursing provides an incredibly supportive environment for her to do work on improving equity, diversity and inclusion in health care. She credits mentors and a collaborative mindset in the college for her success.

Since beginning her career as an AmeriCorps scholar in rural Utah, Dr. Godfrey has accumulated more than 17 years of health care experience working in the capacities of a certified nursing assistant, emergency medical technician, registered nurse, and now as a nurse practitioner. She is continuing her public health advocacy through efforts to establish an additional Arizona Health Education Center (AHEC) aimed at developing education opportunities in health sciences with the 22 tribes in Arizona.

“Since COVID has greatly impacted the Navajo reservation, I hope that I can offer my support through these difficult times. Thus, my role as a nurse on the reservation has just become that more meaningful and I look forward to helping my people when they need it the most.​​​​​​," ~ Shynnah Tacheene, BSN-IH Cohort Senior

How would you describe your experience over the course of the program?

My experience over the course of this program has been truly amazing. I have loved every moment I spent in this program, even with the challenges of COVID. This program combines conventional and holistic approaches to nursing and the curriculum was just the right balance of each. I do feel that it has prepared me for the nursing profession, and I am excited to extend my knowledge on integrative health to the reservation. Despite all the challenges, I was supported greatly by the faculty and am truly grateful to have been a part of this first cohort of BSN-IH students.

What has been your greatest takeaway from the program?

The greatest takeaway for me personally is the importance of the many integrative modalities we have learned over the span of this program. Not only have I learned so much about alternative approaches to patient care but I've learned how to implement these modalities into my personal life. We have incorporated the six integrative nursing principles throughout this program and in all aspects of the care we provide. There was also an emphasis on self-care, and I have implemented so many integrative modalities to help me cope and destress while in nursing school.

Tell us about your post-graduation plans.

My post-graduation plan is to return home to the Navajo reservation. I will be working at an Indian Health Services facility on a medical surgical unit. Since COVID has greatly impacted the Navajo reservation, I hope that I can offer my support through these difficult times. My role as a nurse on the reservation has just become that much more meaningful and I look forward to helping my people when they need it the most.

“Our students and faculty are the best of the best, and we are blessed to be housed in Gilbert,” Dr. Parisek said. “It is a very holistic community with a long-standing history of partnering with organizations that will benefit the community at large.”

"Forming long-term partnerships with higher education institutions has always been a priority for us, and we were thrilled when the University of Arizona chose Gilbert to expand their BSN program," said Gilbert Mayor Scott Anderson. "Now that the demand for those in the healthcare industry has become more critical, we're grateful that students trained right here in Gilbert from the University of Arizona will be able to assist their communities when they are needed the most."

The four-semester, upper-division BSN-IH program differs from the conventional BSN pathway in that it focuses on integrative health, and wellbeing assessment and promotion. Integrative health offers an alternative to traditional biomedical and pharmacological options, and promotes a healing-oriented, whole-person approach to health care. Conditions are clinically treated through a variety of methods, including lifestyle enhancement, nutrition and appropriate biomedical therapies.

“Our students and faculty are the best of the best, and we are blessed to be housed in Gilbert. It is a very holistic community with a long-standing history of partnering with organizations that will benefit the community at large," ~ Betty Parisek , EdD, MSN, RN, Program Director, BSNIH

Shynnah Tacheene, a member of the Navajo Nation who grew up in Pinon, Ariz., is one of the program’s first graduates. She looks forward to returning to her community, where she has a job lined up at a medical surgical unit run by Indian Health Services.

“Since COVID has greatly impacted the Navajo reservation, my role as a nurse on the reservation has become that much more meaningful,” Tacheene said. “I look forward to helping my people when they need it the most.”

Tacheene chose a career in nursing because of the need for health care professionals in her community. She was drawn to the integrative health focus of the BSN-IH program.

“I loved every moment, even with the challenges of COVID,” she said. “It combines conventional and holistic approaches to nursing, and the curriculum was just the right balance of each. I do feel that it has prepared me for the nursing profession, and I am excited to extend my knowledge on integrative health to the reservation.”

Dr. Parisek says that the program is unique because it encourages students to embrace the art of nursing in addition to the technical skills.

“Students typically focus on the tasks that they’re learning, but the integrative health focus helps them remember the principles of integrative nursing,” she said.

Components of self-care are woven throughout the curriculum, including many complementary therapies that students can use not only with their patients, but also for themselves.

Robust community partnerships in Gilbert and the surrounding communities are a cornerstone of the program.

“We feel we have a responsibility to the communities we serve,” Dr. Parisek said. “We want to be present not only as UArizona Nursing, but also as part of our community.”

Last year, students had an opportunity to work with the Lauren’s Institute for Education, a school for developmentally disabled children and adults. BSN-IH students also completed clinical hours and provided health screenings and education for Mercy Housing, the nation’s largest affordable housing advocacy organization. Additionally, plans are underway for students to provide health care outreach to Hushabye Nursery, which provides care for babies born to addicted mothers, as well as the local Boys and Girls Club after school program.

Many of those partnerships have been put on hold during the pandemic, but with the help of technological innovations provided by a recent gift from Andrew and Kristen Braccia, the BSN-IH program has prospered and grown as classes went virtual earlier this year.  

“We determined very far back in spring that our students needed a lot of high-touch connections with faculty and with their peers,” Dr. Parisek said. “As we return to in-person activities, those connections with our students will only grow stronger. We will continue to be successful because our faculty live and breathe that philosophy, and I think it shows in our level of student attainment.”

UArizona Nursing’s BSN-IH applications for the Summer 2021 cohort close Dec. 15; for the Fall 2021 cohort, applications close Feb. 1, 2021. To apply, visit the program’s website.