News

2023-09-08 Statement on College of Nursing Doctoral Student Seminar

Sept. 8, 2023

The College of Nursing does not recommend or advocate for young children to be asked gender-related questions in wellness checks. The college does not have a policy or position on this issue and does not integrate this type of training or education into its curriculum. The college teaches that practitioners should always work with the parents and guardians and with their permission, within their scope of the practice, and in alignment with the employing organization’s guidance when treating pediatric patients.                     

The slides in question were from a 40-minute session on complex issues nurse practitioners face in clinical practice for the purpose of encouraging discussion, analysis and evaluation. The sessions are designed to give students the opportunity to engage with professionals on a wide variety of topics they may encounter in the field. The slides were presented to 31 Doctor of Nursing Practice students, all of whom are already practicing nurses, during three days of seminars held during the final semester of the doctoral program. The material is not provided to undergraduate nursing students.

The seminars are intended to teach students to think critically, a skill that will enable them to be effective health care providers. The College of Nursing faculty members share evidence-based information, but do not recommend any specific practice guidelines related to gender-related issues. Students are taught that providers need to choose their own approach to such issues.

Grant Award will Allow Assistant Professor to Address Pressing Cancer-related Needs in Hispanic Men

Aug. 31, 2023

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Julio C Loya , PhD, RN

The University of Arizona College of Nursing is proud to acknowledge the achievement of Associate Professor Julio Loya, PhD, RN, who, along with his co-investigators, recently received a $100,000 grant award from the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement to pursue a research study entitled, "De Hombre a Hombre: Hablando La Neta Sobre el Cancer De La Prostata" (Man to Man: Speaking the Truth about Prostate Cancer). 

What is the importance of the research you will be conducting?

Prostate cancer (PCa) disproportionately affects Hispanic men. Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the impact of a community-led research opportunity to improve PCa screening and informed decision-making. By completing this research, we expect to identify culturally appropriate strategies and interventions to reduce PCa risk in Hispanic men, particularly farm workers in the American Southwest. We hope this will also allow us to seek extramural funding for development of community-level interventions.

What does it mean to you to be a part of this important project?

As a Hispanic male, I am at risk for PCa. By being part of this project, I hope to gain a better understanding of the risk of PCa and ways to mitigate it. Also, I derive a great deal of personal satisfaction in trying to help the community to become healthier and live longer.

How could the results of your study impact health-care going forward?

By identifying culturally appropriate strategies and interventions to reduce PCa risk, this could lead to more effective utilization of healthcare services by encouraging members of a vulnerable population to know more about their risk of PCa and how to decrease it.

Award Period: August 2023-June 2025

Description: Despite Hispanic men being at risk for prostate cancer (PCa), there is a lack of knowledge regarding the impact of a community-led research effort to improve screening and informed-decision making (IDM). At the completion of the proposed research, our expectation is to have identified culturally appropriate strategies and interventions to reduce PCa risk. The proposed research focus is understudied and requires a community-academic approach. These findings will enable the team to seek extramural funding (e.g., American Cancer Society) to develop community-level, evidence-based practices that address PCa in Hispanic male farmworkers in the American Southwest. Specifically, this proposal 1) supports Hispanic men in addressing their most pressing cancer-related needs; 2) enhances collaboration between Campesinos Sin Fronteras and UACC researchers to address local cancer issues; 3) fosters the skills and abilities of the community (promotors) to ensure long-term sustainability of our efforts; and 4) provides the scientific foundation for pursing external funds to continue to expand upon this work in the future.

Read more about Dr. Loya here.
 

Western Academy of Nursing honors 4 from College of Nursing

Aug. 29, 2023
University of Arizona Health Sciences

Four University of Arizona College of Nursing faculty were honored by the Western Institute of Nursing during their annual conference in April. Ruth Taylor-Piliae, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, a professor and the interim PhD program director, received the Regional Geriatric Nursing Research Award: Senior Researcher. Inducted as fellows into the Western Academy of Nurses were Patricia Daly, PhD, FNP-BC, ENP-BC, FAANP, an associate clinical professor; Cheryl Lacasse, PhD, RN, AOCNS, a clinical professor, RN-MSN program coordinator and director of teaching/learning practice and evaluation; and Helena Morrison, PhD, RN, an associate professor.

WIN is one of four regional nursing research organizations in the U.S. whose members include individual researchers, clinicians, educators, students, academic institutions and health care organizations. According to their website, WIN’s mission is to improve the health of the public through visionary leadership in nursing research, practice and education.

WIN established the Western Academy of Nurses in 1989 to recognize and honor nurses who have been actively engaged in WIN and have demonstrated excellence in nursing research, practice and/or education. Membership in WAN is by nomination, and this year three of the four inductees were from the UArizona College of Nursing.

Regional Geriatric Nursing Research Award: Senior Researcher

Ruth Taylor-Piliae, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN

Professor and interim PhD program director

Taylor-Piliae has been a member of WIN for 20 years and a UArizona College of Nursing faculty member for 16 years.

“I am honored to be recognized for my research contributions among older adults with a chronic illness.

“I am recognized internationally as a cardiovascular nurse scientist and mind-body exercise interventionist, with training in cardiovascular epidemiology and clinical trials. My research is focused on promoting physical activity and improving patient-centered outcomes among older adults with heart disease and stroke through the implementation of innovative non-pharmacologic interventions such as tai chi. As a nurse-scientist, I have developed tai chi exercise interventions to improve physical function, reduce falls and improve psychosocial well-being and quality of life. These interventions have enhanced rehabilitation and recovery from cardiovascular disease among older adults. I conducted the first study in the U.S. testing tai chi among stroke survivors.”

Inductees into the Western Academy of Nurses

Patricia Daly, PhD, FNP-BC, ENP-BC, FAANP

Associate clinical professor

Daly, who has been a member of WIN for 12 years and on the UArizona College of Nursing faculty for nine years, also received the 2023 Outstanding Service to the Board of Governors Award during this year’s WIN conference. She was elected to the WIN Board of Governors in 2019 and assumed the role of secretary treasurer in 2020.

“It is an honor to be inducted into the Western Academy of Nurses. It’s an honor to be recognized as a leader in determining the direction of nursing, as well as to be included in a group of amazing colleagues whom I respect, and who contribute so much to our profession and the health of the populations we serve. 

“The Academy provides support and mentoring to students and nursing colleagues. This aligns with my core belief that as faculty, we are tasked with developing future nursing leaders. I have benefited from the support of my two nominators, Drs. Judy Berg, and Joan Shaver, both of whom exemplify nursing leadership. I am fortunate to have their mentorship. In turn, since assuming the role of chairing doctoral students in 2016, 19 of my students have presented at WIN, resulting in their achieving peer-reviewed publication prior to graduation.”

Cheryl Lacasse, PhD, RN, AOCNS

Clinical professor, RN-MSN program coordinator and director of teaching/learning practice and evaluation

Lacasse has been a member of WIN for nine years and on the UArizona College of Nursing faculty for more than 20 years.

“To be selected as a member of the Western Academy of Nursing is a true honor and recognizes my contributions to the nursing profession and leadership in mentoring and education of future nurses and those who are advancing their careers in health care as clinicians, scientists or health systems leaders.

“Being a member of the Western Institute of Nursing provides many opportunities to network and collaborate with colleagues across the western states that often lead to exciting insights into my professional scholarship projects and inspire the growth and development of all levels of nursing students.”

Helena Morrison, PhD, RN

Associate professor, Biobehavioral Health Science Division

Morrison first joined WIN as a graduate student in 2008. She has been on the UArizona College of Nursing faculty for nine years.

“Being a part of WAN is impactful and meaningful to me because I greatly respect and admire the nurses that are WAN members and active in WAN. I was reviewed and chosen by this group to join their ranks, and that is just astounding to me. I would like to be active in WAN as well, as I learn more (about WAN) and grow in the organization. I look forward to this service.

“WIN is an important part of my professional growth and an opportunity to network in the nursing advanced science/practice setting. Although my science often spans disciplines—being heavily a part of the bench in the ‘bench to bedside’ process—WIN has included me and my science in their opportunities for dissemination and professional growth. In addition, WIN is an excellent setting for my mentees. I love seeing and supporting them as they are swept up in the excitement of science and disseminating their ideas. Being a part of WIN is something that I look forward to every year and I am so happy to now be engaged at multiple levels, WIN and WAN.”

A Visual Tour of August Convocation, 2023

Aug. 24, 2023

The University of Arizona College of Nursing Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, honored our hardworking Arizona Wildcat Nurses for completing their rigorous programs, including Master of Science for Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN), Master of Science in Nursing Clinical Systems Leadership (RN to MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD).

The College could not be prouder of the amazing achievements of these hardworking students. Their dedication and drive are an inspiration. Take a visual tour of some of the moments from this special day!

UArizona MEPN Alumnus’ Health Literacy Project Reaches New Heights

Aug. 22, 2023
Jason Gelt

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The Nurse Florence series has expanded to 57 books and won multiple awards.

Last year, we profiled University of Arizona College of Nursing alumnus Michael Dow, who earned a Master of Science for Entry into the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) from the college in 2020. A Renaissance man who has also earned advanced degrees in biology, psychology, management, and health administration, Dow parlayed his nursing skills – and his desire to be a writer -- into an instructional kid’s book series intended to address the deficiencies in our country’s health literacy levels.

His fictional instructor, Nurse Florence – whose first book debuted the week Dow received his RN license -- teaches kids and their parents about human science and the human body. Since then, the Nurse Florence series has expanded to 57 books and won multiple awards, including the 2022 Independent Press Award, a Next Generation Indie Book Award, and a National Indie Excellence Award. Most recently, Nurse Florence won the Independent Press Award for Best Children’s Educational series. As if that’s not enough, Dow is currently developing a new series, Nurse Dorothea, that will cover mental health topics.

We caught up with Dow recently to find out more about the exciting developments in his literary endeavors.

Micahel Dow, creator of Nurse Florence and Nurse Dorothea

What’s new in the world of Nurse Florence?

For one thing, we’ve increased production. We publish a new book about every 10 days. We’ve also created other lines of Nurse Florence books, including coloring books. We’ve published the first half of the series into Latin American Spanish, and the first 20 into French. We’re on book number five for Russian, and book number two for Korean.  We’ll be publishing Spain Spanish next. We have the trademark for Enfermera Florence -- Spanish for Nurse Florence -- which was just registered in the European Union. We’re also doing Nurse Florence for the visually impaired, and we just started a Nurse Florence series for beginning readers.

Interestingly, our “Nurse Florence, What is Cancer?” book won finalist with two different book award programs in the Adult Health category. Our kids’ book has won an adult book award! It makes sense since some feedback we’ve gotten from parents is that as they read the Nurse Florence books with their kids that they’re learning new stuff along with the kids. So, we’re really helping out families, not just elementary kids.

“The mental health series is timely, considering the challenges kids are facing today. My 10-year-old daughter tells me and my wife every week about the anxiety at school surrounding the fear of active shooters. That bothers me. I want to do something like this to educate her and help her and to help others," ~ Michael Dow, UArizona Nursing MEPN alumnus

You’ve accomplished a lot of work this year!

I actually wish we’d do books a little faster because it’s so much fun for me. But now I have close to 50 illustrators. I think when we talked last time I only had about 15. Everybody draws at their own speed. I have a retired AP high school art teacher and we’re doing a book a month because she has so much free time and has a big belief in the project.

Can you tell us about the new series that’s in the works?

We’re trying to raise funding for the next series, which will be about mental health. It’s called Nurse Dorothea after Dorothea Dix, the legendary 20th Century nurse who advocated for better treatment of people with mental illness. We started a Kickstarter campaign to help raise $10,000 to pay an illustrator.

Do you envision the Nurse Dorothea series being as long running as Nurse Florence series?

For Nurse Florence, we’re projecting around 500 books because we’re going to cover all the diseases. But we think Nurse Dorothea will only be around 50 books because mental health topics are not as unending as medical topics. The first book is going to be about mental well-being.  Just like I started Nurse Florence to help supplement my kid’s science education, the idea was similar for Nurse Dorothea. So far, my kids really like them. The mental health series is timely, considering the challenges kids are facing today. My 10-year-old daughter tells me and my wife every week about the anxiety at school surrounding the fear of active shooters. That bothers me. I want to do something like this to educate her and help her and to help others.

When will Nurse Dorothea debut?

July 2024.  We’re going to do this one a little bit differently. Nurse Florence is a different nurse in every book to represent all races and ethnicities but in Nurse Dorothea, the characters will be the same in every book. It’ll be like a traditional series.

Any other plans for the future?

I do have plans for other kid’s book series, but I really need either Nurse Florence or Nurse Dorothea to take off first. Nursing is a third career for me, but if I get a fourth career, I can easily see it as being a children’s book author doing all these other books ideas I’ve got.

I have a couple more nursing storylines that I want to do. And I’ve actually started the process to reach out to Hollywood literary agents because I would love to see Nurse Florence as an animated TV series and maybe a live-action movie series. I envision them honoring the nursing profession and really highlighting the different roles and responsibilities that nurses have so that there’s more understanding of the hard work that nurses do. 

Assistant Professor Meghan Skiba Receives NIH Loan Repayment Program Award to Support Cancer Survivor Research

Aug. 17, 2023
Jason Gelt

The University of Arizona College of Nursing is proud to acknowledge the achievement of Assistant Professor Meghan Skiba, PhD, MS, MPH, RDN, for receiving an NIH Loan Repayment Program award! This award repays a portion of a researcher’s qualified educational debt in return for a commitment to engage in NIH mission-relevant research. Way to go, Meghan!

Asked what this award means to her, Dr. Skiba said, "Receiving this LRP award is significant on a personal level, both on how it will impact my family directly and my career trajectory long term. The direct financial support alleviates in real-time the stress felt from the uphill battle of federal student loan repayment. The recognition of my research and scholarship by the National Cancer Institute as worthy of direct financial investment motivates me to continue pursuing important research to optimize energy balance and healthy aging in cancer prevention and control."

Meghan B Skiba , PhD, MS, MPH, RDN

During the two-year period of support from the award, Dr. Skiba will continue to implement adapted evidenced-based interventions promoting healthy diet and physical activity in aging cancer survivors and their caregivers.

"The results from these studies will inform scaling the interventions for broader reach and to better understand mechanisms of cancer-related biological aging," she said. "I will also receive ongoing career mentoring from Dr. Terry Badger. Ultimately, this research aims to deliver innovative and accessible interventions for diverse cancer survivors to improve biological aging and metabolic and psychosocial health by harnessing the synergistic effects of a eating healthy diet and being physically active. By learning about how diet and physical activity may influence the way cancer survivors and caregivers age, can ultimately reduce the burden of cancer and improve health outcomes for our community."

Title: Optimizing Aging in Cancer Survivor-Caregiver Dyads through Diet and Physical Activity
Funder: NCI
Award Period: 8/1/2023-7/31/2025
Description: Provides direct financial support to PI during LRP award period to conduct research related to biological aging and lifestyle behaviors in diverse cancer survivors and caregivers in Arizona and career development and training activities.

Dr. Shu-Fen Wung's Newly Funded Research Uses Technology to Study Falls in Older Adults

Aug. 15, 2023

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Shu-Fen Wung , PhD, MS, RN, ACNP-BC, FAAN

The University of Arizona College of Nursing is proud to acknowledge the achievement of Associate Professor Shu-Fen Wung , PhD, MS, RN, ACNP-BC, FAAN, for receiving funding for her innovative new study, "Using Contactless Sensors to Remotely Monitor Falling." Dr. Wung and Dr. Marjorie Skubic from University of Missouri College of Engineering will conduct a study to evaluate the potential to use contact-free passive sensing to continuously monitor older adults for falls. 

"Falling is the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries worldwide," Dr. Wung said. "The greatest number of fatal falls occurs in adults older than 60 years of age. Approximately 20-30% of older adults who fall suffer moderate or severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head injuries. Older adults who fall and suffer a disability are at a major risk for subsequent long-term care and institutionalization. Studies have shown that older adults are very concerned about falling and felt helpless and fearful if falls are not detected in a timely manner.  Although various existing studies focus on fall detection with individual sensors, such as wearable ones and depth cameras, the performance of these systems is still not satisfying.  In this project, we are collaborating with Dr. Alisha Johnson from the University of Missouri College of Nursing, Dr. Janet Roveda from the University of Arizona College of Engineering, Signify (formerly known as Philips Lighting),  Best Buy Health, and assisted living facilities (Via Elegante Tucson Mountains and TigerPlace) to use innovative ambiance-based light-embedded radar sensors to provide a robust and sensible technological solution to remotely monitor falls in real-world settings. With advances in sensor technology and machine learning, this project will revolutionize the way falls are detected in older adults."

MPI: Shu-Fen Wung and Marjorie Skubic

Title: Using Contactless Sensors to Remotely Monitor Falling

Funder: NSF IUCRC Center to Stream Health in Place (C2SHIP)

Award Period: 7/1/23-12/31/23

Description: This study will utilize light-embedded nonwearable technologies to 1) test the developed algorithm for the false positive (FP) and false negative (FN) rates of fall detection with remotely patient monitoring, and 2) collect the data regarding gender, age, health condition etc. to improve the algorithm performance and build a trustworthy AI system. A secondary purpose is to 3) validate a wearables-based continuous fall risk estimation algorithm, using the study’s ground truth sensors.

Assisted Living Facilities: Via Elegante Tucson Mountains, and TigerPlace

UArizona Nursing Receives $2.6M Grant to Support Doctor of Nursing Practice Students' Clinical Placements

Aug. 10, 2023
Jason Gelt

The University of Arizona College of Nursing was one of 50 institutions nationwide to receive a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant to increase the number and diversity of family nurse practitioner (FNP), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), and certified nurse midwife (CNM) students trained with University of Arizona - College of Nursing federally qualified health center (FQHC) partners in Southern Arizona. The project will use the $2.6 million in funding to deploy immersive managed practice adaptable clinical training (IMPACT) starting in the spring semester of 2024.

The students in the College's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program will be prepared through immersive education and training to provide primary care services, mental health and substance use disorder care, and maternal health care for the diverse populations in the rural, border, and medically underserved communities in Southern Arizona.

“The grant will also help us establish a longitudinal clinical placement model. Students will be with the same clinical partner for 12 months, providing a stable clinical learning environment that promotes clinical and academic success," ~ Lindsay Bouchard , DNP, PMHNP-BC, RN

"Students will receive $25,000 to support their clinical year," said Allen Prettyman, PhD, Project Director, who developed the grant proposal, along with Lindsay Bouchard, DNP. "That covers books, tuition, and  expenses to decrease barriers to travel and engage with rural and underserved communities."

"Many students have financial responsibilities and are still working as they complete the DNP program," said Dr. Bouchard. "This funding will allow them to focus on their studies and clinical rotations more fully. We are grateful to have established and grown a network of clinical partners through this grant. The grant funding also provides financial support for our community partners."

The project has two objectives: The first is to provide 12 months of immersive clinical training rotations for diverse cohorts of students (19 per year) that support workforce development. The second is to support IMPACT healthcare partners in developing and retaining providers/preceptors from diverse backgrounds that align with their community population.   

Allen Prettyman , PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP and Lindsay Bouchard , DNP, PMHNP-BC, RN

"The grant will also help us establish a longitudinal clinical placement model," said Dr. Bouchard. "Students will be with the same clinical partner for 12 months, providing a stable clinical learning environment that promotes clinical and academic success."

UArizona Nursing's DNP program ranked #31 in the nation in the 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report college rankings, providing students with a broad foundation of educational preparation in the advanced care of the selected specialty population, nursing theories, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement methods. Upon degree completion, graduates can take the national certification exam and apply for licensure in the graduate's practice state.

POCN Recognizes Dr. Lisa Kiser with the 2023 Q2 Community Advocacy Award for Outstanding Healthcare Impact and Advocacy

Aug. 8, 2023

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Lisa Heidi Kiser , DNP, CNM, WHNP

POCN , the largest nurse practitioner (NP) and physician associate (PA) network in the U.S., recently announced University of Arizona College of Nursing assistant clinical professor Lisa Kiser DNP, CNM, WHNP, FACNM as the recipient of the 2023 Q2 Community Advocacy Award. This esteemed quarterly recognition aims to honor and uplift NPs and PAs who are making a significant impact on healthcare while also supporting organizations that advocate for NP/PA community support.

As part of this award, POCN makes a donation to the recipient’s organization of choice. Dr. Kiser selected the Southside Worker Center run by the Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona in order to start a program for women in the community who need to support their families. These women have often experienced trauma in the process of migrating to the United States and are eager for work and to contribute to their community.

“I am truly honored to receive this recognition from POCN and appreciate their generous support for the Southside Worker Center. The organization has been instrumental in advocating and expanding the rights of workers and immigrants alike to drive positive change and foster a more inclusive society," ~ Lisa Heidi Kiser , DNP, CNM, WHNP

Dr. Kiser, who also recently received the Arizona American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) State Award for Excellence, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her roles as a certified nurse-midwife, a women’s health nurse practitioner, and as an assistant clinical professor at UArizona Nursing. With a strong commitment to health equity, she has made significant strides in improving access to healthcare for uninsured or underinsured women. Additionally, she is a volunteer provider at a free clinic and migrant welcome center, providing essential healthcare support to immigrant communities.

Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Kiser says, “I am truly honored to receive this recognition from POCN and appreciate their generous support for the Southside Worker Center. The organization has been instrumental in advocating and expanding the rights of workers and immigrants alike to drive positive change and foster a more inclusive society. I am committed to continuing my efforts to advocate and empower underrepresented communities and inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.”

Richard Zwickel, founder and CEO of POCN, commended Dr. Kiser for her outstanding achievements and her unwavering dedication to the NP/PA community, saying, “Dr. Kiser’s exceptional leadership and advocacy have made a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape. Her commitment to empowering underrepresented communities and promoting excellence in healthcare aligns perfectly with our mission at POCN. Congratulations Dr. Kiser on this well-deserved award.”

Two UArizona Nursing Faculty to be Inducted into American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology

Aug. 4, 2023
Jason Gelt

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Kristie Hoch, DNP, CRNA, James Richard Reed, DNP, MSN, BSN

The University of Arizona College of Nursing is proud to announce that two of its DNP-Nurse Anesthesia program faculty, Kristie Hoch, DNP, CRNA, and James Richard Reed, DNP, MSN, BSN, have been selected as candidates for induction as 2023 Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA).

They will join a group of leaders whose achievements and enduring contributions have had a meaningful and lasting impact on the nurse anesthesia profession and the role of CRNAs. The Fellows of the AANA (FAANA) designation distinguishes certified registered nurse anesthetists as being the premier anesthesia provider with a high level of skills, training, experience, achievement, and professional standards. The FAANA designation represents a commitment to quality, professional development, and continued education ensuring that FAANA designees stand apart from other providers. 

"It is an honor to be inducted as a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology later this month," Dr. Hoch said. "As a CRNA, I have dedicated my career to the advancement in practice of nurse anesthesiology to assure two important things: patient safety and access to care. Beginning with the Civil war, CRNAs have been where we are needed the most. As a program administrator and educator, I continue this strong tradition by preparing graduates to do the same. It is humbling to know I join visionaries, leaders, and others who have made significant and lasting contributions to nurse anesthesiology."

The 2023 Fellows Induction will take place during the AANA Foundation, Fellows, & VIP Luncheon on Saturday, August 19, 2023.