News

Wildcat Nurse Spotlight: Enoch Faith Gideon, Tucson BSN Student

May 4, 2023

As a high school student in Hyderabad, India, Enoch Faith Gideon developed a keen interest in anatomy and physiology. He spent his summers volunteering in medical camps, working primarily with elderly patients dealing with diabetes and hypertension.

“This experience fueled my passion for health sciences,” Enoch says. “I observed a lot of nurses and saw that, compared to other health care professionals, they spend the most time with their patients.” He saw the career as a great way to have a direct impact on patients in difficult times.

When he graduates during spring convocation on May 11, Enoch will enter the profession bolstered by the valuable skills he has learned in the University of Arizona College of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. In addition to the professional competencies he developed through his studies, he enters the workforce with a strong background of community involvement, leadership, and the importance of health equity – all core qualities for a Wildcat Nurse.


I was inspired by the limitless potential to make a difference in the lives of others. With the support of professors, peers, and the wildcat community, I’m confident that I will be able to realize the potential to become the best nurse I can be," ~ Enoch Faith Gideon, Tucson BSN Student 


Can you tell us a bit about your extracurricular activities in the BSN program?

I had a lot of opportunities to showcase my abilities. During my sophomore year I was selected as a preceptor for one of the microbiology introductory courses. This allowed me to assume a leadership role and share my knowledge with students. I also volunteered at a COVID-19 vaccine drive-thru on the university campus. That was an exciting time because it provided me with multiple opportunities to work closely with the Tucson community and promote health through primary prevention. I also worked with the disabled population, assisting them with accessing healthcare. From these experiences, I gained a greater appreciation for public health nurses and the impact they have on our community.

Why did you choose UArizona Nursing To pursue your studies?

I went on a College of Nursing tour where I learned about all the resources that were available to equip students to excel as future nurses. The BSN program is one of the best in the country.  It has a curriculum that is well-constructed, and it includes 1,000 clinical hours during the program. Personally, I enjoy hands-on learning. The program offers a lot of simulation activities where we were able to work with clinical equipment and practice our skills to get a view of being in a hospital. On top of that, the college has a lot of clinical rotations in different types of settings, from rehab centers to Intensive Care Units, so it gave me a good understanding of how nursing is in real life. The learning opportunities and experiences I got from these rotations are unmatched.

What are your biggest takeaways from time in BSN program?

The program focuses a lot on evidence-based practice, which is very important in providing high-quality care. As nurses and as healthcare providers, we should equip ourselves to research the latest evidence-based practices to improve patient care. The other biggest takeaway is understanding the importance of patient-centered care. I saw during my clinical rotations that sometimes, even though health care workers try to provide patient-centered care, that can be overlooked. As nurses, it’s very important to understand that from diagnosis to treatment we need to keep the patient’s goals and needs in mind to provide the best care they need.

Do you have any advice for students who are considering following in your footsteps?

Nursing school is challenging, but it is not impossible. As long as we find the right balance between school and personal life, nursing school will be fun. Sometimes, clinical rotations, classes, and exams are challenging. However, with self-care it can be made possible. Especially as future nurses, self-care is very important because we need to take care of ourselves to be able to take care of our patients. I would also recommend finding a group of friends to work together and share the workload -- that benefits the students in nursing school, but it also benefits their future, because nursing is all about teamwork.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I completed my fourth semester 5-week preceptorship in Banner in a post critical care unit. This experience was great and I want to continue working on that unit and gain some experience. After that, I’d like to move on to a cardiovascular ICU with more intensity and more acuity where I can broaden my scope of practice. Then I want to practice as a RN for a few years, with an end goal of earning my Doctor of Nursing Practice and become an acute care nurse practitioner.

What does it mean to you to be a Wildcat Nurse?

As a wildcat nursing student, I’m very grateful to be a part of a program that prioritizes my growth as a future nurse. The program is designed to equip me with knowledge, skills, and clinical experience that will help me excel in this field. What truly sets this program apart is the intensive community that it fosters. I’m surrounded by fellow students who share my passion for healthcare and who are equally committed to make a positive impact on the world.

Over the course of my time here, I have had the pleasure of making some truly meaningful connections. These are the kinds of friendships that go beyond small talk. We laughed together, we supported each other during difficult times, and shared our unique experiences and perspectives with each other. It makes it easier to pursue your goals when you are in a community of like-minded individuals who you can lean on for guidance and motivation.

I would also say that this program constantly reminded me of the responsibility that comes with being a nurse. I was inspired by the limitless potential to make a difference in the lives of others. With the support of professors, peers, and the wildcat community, I’m confident that I will be able to realize the potential to become the best nurse I can be.

UArizona Nursing Associate Dean, Research, Judith Gordon, PhD, Receives Distinguished Mentor Award

April 28, 2023

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UArizona Health Sciences Judith Gordon, PhD

On April 13, University of Arizona College of Nursing Associate Dean, Research, Judith Gordon, PhD, was selected for the Office of the Provost’s Distinguished Mentor Award. This award was established to recognize outstanding tenured or continuing status faculty at the full professor rank who have mentored early career faculty and made highly valued contributions to the mentoring of graduate students.

The Distinguished Mentor award recognizes faculty whose careers illustrate a remarkable dedication to graduate students through transformative mentorship. The intent of the award is to honor individuals whose dedication to nurturing future scholars in inclusive, equitable, innovative and holistically supportive ways has raised the standards of mentorship across the campus.


It is an honor just to be nominated for the Distinguished Mentor Award, and it’s rewarding to receive it. I’m most touched by the nomination letters and the emails I’ve received from faculty and students expressing gratitude for the help they’ve received. I’m happy that what I’m doing is helpful to others," ~ Judith Gorson, PhD, University of Arizona College of Nursing Associate Dean, Research 


“It is an honor just to be nominated for the Distinguished Mentor Award, and it’s rewarding to receive it,” Dr. Gordon said. “I’m most touched by the nomination letters and the emails I’ve received from faculty and students expressing gratitude for the help they’ve received. I’m happy that what I’m doing is helpful to others.”

Dr. Gordon’s nomination was reviewed by the leadership of the MENTOR Institute, which chose her from among the most outstanding faculty mentors from across campus. The committee recommended her selection because of her demonstrated pride and passion for mentoring others to reach their full academic and professional potential. The committee was especially impressed by the support Dr. Gordon received from her department faculty and her successful track record mentoring graduate students who have been quick to apply for grants and write manuscripts for publication. Dr. Gordon will receive a one-time allocation of $5,000 in University funds to further work within her discipline.

Asked about the importance of her role as a mentor, Dr. Gordon said, “I find it extremely meaningful to help faculty and graduate students to accomplish their goals. I view my role as providing information, guidance, and support to develop the skills they need to become independent researchers. I like the old saying, ‘Give someone a fish and they eat for a day. Teach them to fish and they eat for a lifetime.’”

Dr. Gordon hopes to use the award funds to travel to Sydney, Australia to enhance UArizona Nursing’s research partnership with University of Technology Sydney School of Nursing and Midwifery. Laying the groundwork for more faculty collaborations across the two institutes would be a boon for both schools.

In addition to her role as a skilled mentor, Dr. Gordon is a Professor and Interim Associate Dean for Research and Executive Director for Research Initiatives in the College of Nursing. Her areas of expertise include public health tobacco cessation interventions delivered in dental and medical settings, self-help tobacco cessation programs, educational tobacco cessation programs for healthcare practitioners, computer-based tobacco prevention programs, multi-behavioral interventions to address weight, physical activity, and tobacco, and the use of mobile health technologies (e.g., mobile apps) for lifestyle change and medication adherence.

Dr. Gordon has been the PI or Co-Investigator on more than 30 projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She has authored and co-authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presented widely at national and international scientific conferences. She has served on several proposal review committees, editorial boards, and professional societies.

Wildcat Nurse Spotlight: Eugenie Panafieu, Tucson BSN Student

April 28, 2023

Meet Eugenie Panafieu, hardworking international student in the University of Arizona College of Nursing’s Tucson Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Eugenie is slated to graduate during spring convocation on May 11, empowered by a strong desire to help others and a passion for health science.

Hailing originally from France, Eugenie spent her childhood globetrotting with her family, learning at international schools in Singapore, Spain, and Shanghai. She’s fluent in Spanish, Chinese, French, and English, experience that will be an asset in her career. With an eye to a future in neonatal intensive care (NICU), and hopes for someday pursuing nurse practitioner education, Eugenie will enter the nursing workforce with enthusiasm and dedication.


What it means to me to be a Wildcat Nurse is to be a culturally sensitive and truly empathetic nurse with very honed-in critical thinking skills. Those are the biggest attributes that I’m getting from this program and those are qualities I want to carry on in my practice. I’m proud to call myself a Wildcat Nurse because of these values that they stressed on us," ~ Eugenie Panafieu, Tucson BSN Student 


What led you to pursue a career in nursing?

My whole life, I’ve loved helping people and I’ve tried my best to impact them in a positive way. Biology was my favorite subject early in college, and I had real interest in science and how the human body works, so it just made sense. I thought what better way than to combine the two than with nursing. It just clicked, it just made sense. And I’ve learned to love nursing even more as time goes on.

Did your international experience play a part in your interest in health care?

I really believe so. I got to see so many different types of health care systems, as well as so many different types of health preferences, remedies, and therapies. I got to build a better cultural understanding of what people prefer and what people might not prefer. I think that’s really going to play out in the way I care for my patients. That cultural sensitivity as well as humility is 100% because of how I experienced so many different cultures, and so many different walks of life. Even though there are so many differences between cultures, people just want to be cared for and treated with respect and like actual human beings.

Why did you choose UArizona Nursing To pursue your studies?

I’m so happy with the choice. I really wanted to pursue nursing, and I really wanted to pursue it in the U.S. I did a bunch of research and I learned that nurses in the U.S. have a lot more autonomy than in some other countries. It might not look that way, but the pay is better, there’s more room for growth, and they’re treated with more respect as well. In France, for example, nurse practitioners just started being a thing a year ago. I was looking at different colleges and I stumbled upon UArizona’s BSN program, which is one of the top in the nation.

What’s your biggest takeaway from time in BSN program?

This program really pushes critical thinking skills, especially in our simulations in the Steele Innovative Learning Center (SILC). They really want you to take risks. It’s a hard program, but you get so close with your cohort and the different faculty members. You literally can do anything you put your mind to if you’re motivated enough and if you have the right support systems. The BSN program is definitely a concoction of both, but it was doable because of the resources and support system we had.

Do you have any advice for students following in your footsteps?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I was a lot shyer coming into the program and a lot of the students in the program are A+ students so they’re used two doing things on their own, but you come in and realize that it’s nearly impossible to get through it by yourself. You need to ask for help from your different cohort students as well as faculty. Make study groups or go to office hours with the professors. I would also say that you should really prioritize self-care. The program can get very overwhelming at times. If you start slacking on sleep, exercise, and healthy eating it won’t pan out well in the end. The program flies by in a heartbeat, and you don’t want to miss any of it.

What are your post-graduation hopes and plans?

I ideally want to get a NICU position. I know those are hard for new grads, but that’s ideal, so if I don’t do it right away, then down the line I’d like to work in the NICU. I went into nursing wanting to become a nurse practitioner, so I think that’s where my head is still. So maybe neo-natal Nurse practitioner down the line. I love the critical setting, I love ICUs, and then I love my little babies, so the neonatal care unit is where my heart is at.

What does it mean to you to be a Wildcat Nurse?

What it means to me to be a Wildcat Nurse is to be a culturally sensitive and truly empathetic nurse with very honed-in critical thinking skills. Those are the biggest attributes that I’m getting from this program and those are qualities I want to carry on in my practice. I’m proud to call myself a Wildcat Nurse because of these values that they stressed on us.

UArizona Nursing Hosts Fifth Graders from Anna Lawrence Intermediate School for Interprofessional Community Engagement Event

April 24, 2023

On March 17, the University of Arizona College of Nursing hosted 30 fifth graders from Anna Lawrence Intermediate School for an engaging session of learning and fun. This was achieved thanks to the planning and coordination of UArizona Native American Initiative Office and the collaboration of UArizona Health Sciences colleges. Assistant Clinical Professor Timian Godfrey, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, and José Muñoz, Ed.D, UArizona Nursing's Senior Professional, Diversity Equity and Inclusion jumped on this opportunity after Dr. Godfrey received feedback at a conference asking for more community involvement from UArizona College of Nursing.

“It really got us thinking about what we’re doing across our community in terms of getting involved in K-12 outreach,” Dr. Munoz says. “We want to educate and inspire our future students about what the nursing field has to offer and introduce them to the many possibilities that are available in this profession.”

The event was success and are planning on doing more outreach and engagement within our community and would ideally like to do something were UArizona Nursing will engage in every semester.

What kinds of activities did the students engage in?

Each Health Sciences college had its own activities. Here within the College of Nursing, we had five activities. They got to put on gowns and gloves and take pictures in front of the nursing backdrop. They had hands-on experience with the baby mannequins, learning how to put a diaper on and how to swaddle the baby. They also got to learn how to use a stethoscope, which the students got to keep. We had an eye exam station, which was a lot of fun. They also received a tour of the Steele Innovative Learning Center (SILC), where they learned from nursing students from our Community Health class how to become a nurse that goes above and beyond.

What kinds of reactions did you see from the students?

They loved each activity! It was really cool to see the students putting on gowns and gloves. They were so into it, maybe because they got to see the possibilities of what it might feel like to be a nurse. Our nursing students did an amazing job of facilitating these activities and without them, these activities wouldn’t have been a possibility.

What was your biggest takeaway from this event?

The importance of community engagement and of outreach in nursing education, which plays a critical role in how we address the nursing workforce shortage. Although these are fifth graders, we can continue to inspire future generations about this profession. It’s so important for us to work with local communities and help them see themselves inside spaces like UArizona Nursing. It’s a small step toward a common goal, which is to create different pathways and access to education at our college.

You do many events with college-age and high-school students. What was it like working with a much younger audience?

I was reminded of how much energy these fifth graders have. They have so many questions! They’re in an age of exploration, so they really want to try everything. It’s a reminder of how important it is to start early as far as building those pathways and exposing them to opportunities like this.

What’s most important about doing this kind of work in the community?

As we look toward the future of health care, it’s increasingly clear to me that we need a more diverse and inclusive nursing workforce to meet the needs of our diverse communities. By partnering with local schools and community organizations, we can introduce young people to the many pathways and opportunities available within the nursing and healthcare professions.

As a college, and as part of UArizona Health Sciences, we need to collaborate to break down barriers and mental models that may be preventing some of these students from pursuing these careers. Inviting them to our campuses to see themselves in these roles is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to building the future nursing workforce that we desperately need. It’s important that we engage with young people and inspire them to pursue nursing as a career because we can help create a brighter future for both the nursing profession and the communities that we serve. Together we can make a real difference in the lives of these young people and the future of healthcare.

Dr. Brian Ahn named dean of the University of Arizona College of Nursing

April 7, 2023

After a comprehensive national search, Hyochol “Brian” Ahn, PhD, MSN, MS-CTS, MS-ECE, APRN, ANP-BC, FAAN, has been named dean of the University of Arizona College of Nursing. Dr. Ahn’s appointment begins May 22.

Dr. Ahn is a professor and associate dean for research at the Florida State University College of Nursing and founding director of the FSU Brain Science & Symptom Management Center. He has received continuous funding as a principal investigator for the last 12 years for a total of more than $24 million. Through his work, Dr. Ahn has delivered more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and more than 80 presentations related to areas including biobehavioral neuroscience, health equity and population health and wellness.


Under the guidance of Dr. Ahn, the College of Nursing will continue be a leader in the advancement of nursing to transform health care and address the health challenges we are facing today and in the future," ~ Michael D. Dake, MD, University of Arizona Health Sciences senior vice president


“Dr. Ahn is a proven leader and dynamic researcher who has established a presence at the forefront of several intriguing disciplines,” said Michael D. Dake, MD, University of Arizona Health Sciences senior vice president. “The College of Nursing is an innovative and interdisciplinary home for nursing education, research and practice. Under the guidance of Dr. Ahn, the College of Nursing will continue to be a leader in the advancement of nursing to transform health care and address the health challenges we are facing today and in the future.”

Before joining the FSU College of Nursing, Dr. Ahn was assistant dean for research at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing and the Isla Carroll Turner Endowed Chair in Gerontological Nursing at UTHealth School of Nursing.

"I am humbled and honored to assume the role of dean of the University of Arizona College of Nursing. I am excited to build upon the college's legacy of excellence in innovative and interdisciplinary education, research, clinical practice, and service, as well as the world-class infrastructure at the University of Arizona Health Sciences,” Dr. Ahn said. “I believe that by fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment, we can continue to innovate and drive positive change in health care locally, nationally and globally. I am committed to working alongside our talented faculty, staff, students and community partners to further elevate its reputation and impact."

A fellow at the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Ahn is also a national advisory board member of the American Academy of Nursing’s Edge Runners National Advisory Council. In addition, he’s a National Commission Research Workgroup member of the American Nurses Association’s National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing. Along with those roles, Dr. Ahn serves as a consultant for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

A first-generation Asian-American, Dr. Ahn was an external advisory board member of the NIH P30-funded Rutgers Asian Research Center for Minority Aging Research and a Gerontological Society of America’s Minority Issues in Gerontology Committee Scholarship Awardee.

Dr. Ahn earned his PhD in Nursing from the University of Florida in 2012. He also holds a Master of Science degree in adult and elderly nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in nursing and a Master of Science in electrical and computer engineering from Florida. He has a Bachelor of electrical engineering from the University of Seoul, College of Engineering. Dr. Ahn was also a visiting fellow at the Harvard-MIT MGH/HST Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging.

Dr. Ahn replaces Ki Moore, PhD, RN, FAAN, who returned to her faculty position as the Anne Furrow Endowed Professor in the college in 2022 before retiring. Kathleen Insel, PhD, RN, professor and chair of the College of Nursing’s Behavioral Health Science Division, served as interim dean.

UArizona Nursing Professors Reflect on Nurses Pivotal Role During Women’s History Month

March 28, 2023

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Getty Images Florence Nightingale

When it was established in 1978, Women’s History Week had modest ambitions: highlight women’s contributions to American history, culture, and society during the days surrounding March 8, Women’s History Day. In the years since, a week deservedly grew to a full month commemorating and encouraging the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

The contributions of women to the field of nursing – which stretches back well before the creation of nurse education programs in the mid-1800s -- is one facet of women’s history that warrants celebration. In that spirit we reached out to several of our faculty members to hear their thoughts on this important celebration regarding the field of nursing.


As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I reflect on the women who worked diligently to advance the nursing profession through the years, and I celebrate the journey of nursing as a profession," ~ Lateefah Collingwood, PhD, NNP, Assistant Clinical Professor


Lateefah Collingwood, PhD, NNP, Assistant Clinical Professor:

Historically the practice of nursing was primarily conducted by women. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I reflect on the women who worked diligently to advance the nursing profession through the years, and I celebrate the journey of nursing as a profession. During this month, I look retrospectively with gratitude to Florence Nightingale for being the nursing pioneer that she was, and for her contributions which include but are not limited to sanitation and infection prevention measures and the advancement of formalized nursing education.

As a person of color and in this era of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, I celebrate the nurses of color who may not be widely known in history and who may have been less celebrated. Mary Seacole, a British-Jamaican nurse of the 1800s who started “The British Hotel” in Crimea to care for wounded and sick soldiers. Harriet Tubman who served as a nurse during the Civil War and who later started a care home for elderly and indigent people of color in the early 1900s. Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail, who was the first Indigenous person in the U.S. to earn a nursing degree. Marcella LeBeau, who was a volunteer in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps during World War II and a founding member of the North American Indian Women’s Association. Ildaura Murillo-Rohde, who founded the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. Mary Mahoney, who was the first black woman to earn a professional nursing license in the U.S. and who was an advocate for increased access to nursing education. Virginia Sneed Dixon, who was the first Cherokee nurse to serve overseas. Adah Belle Thoms, who lobbied for black nurses to serve in the American Red Cross and the Army Nurse Corps during the first world war.  Hazel Johnson-Brown, who was the first black chief of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and the first black female Brigadier General. There are so many more, too numerous to mention.

As a nurse, I celebrate Nurse Scientists for the practice knowledge that they provide, Nurse Theorists for providing our theoretical foundations and frameworks, nursing professors and instructors for continually educating and developing the nursing workforce, through Nurse Leaders who guide and lead nurses, and all the nurses who have cared and who continue to care for patients in hospitals and in a variety of settings.

Nursing through the years has been transformed in many ways. As we celebrate Women’s History Month and the numerous female nurses in history, it is important to recognize that the nursing profession has become a multi gendered, multi racial, multiethnic, and multi cultured profession. The profession today is made up not only of women but of a collection of diverse nurses who are committed to caring for the sick, to promoting wellness, developing knowledge, sharing knowledge, teaching, leading, growing, innovating, standing against inequities, and blazing the trail forward.

Elise Erickson, PhD, MSN, BSN, Assistant Professor:

As a scientist, this month is about standing on the shoulders of giants who had to work twice as hard to just have a seat at the table. For example, as a researcher who uses genetic tools in my work, I was struck by the omission of the mention of Rosalind Franklin by a recent NPR report on the anniversary of the discovery of the double helix DNA structure -- initially credited to James Watson & Francis Crick, Nobel Prize in 1962. Franklin’s discoveries informed the work that make my work possible today. Given that Franklin died at only at 37 from ovarian cancer also gives me pause, knowing that this aggressive disease remains a mystery to treat in early stages decades later. It makes me think about UArizona’s own Bio 5 Director Dr. Jennifer Barton, who is innovating the early treatment of ovarian cancer with advanced endoscopic technology. I have no doubt Dr. Barton will one day join the ranks of science giants guiding future researchers in solving female health issues and helping to keep the future Rosalind Franklin’s of the world alive to see their work change the world.  

Jessica Rainbow, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor:

Nursing has long been thought of as a female profession and provided professional opportunities for many to advance their educations and livelihoods. As nursing moves to be a more inclusive profession that reflects the communities we serve and improves health outcomes for all, we must continue to invest in and empower nurses. During women’s history month, I am reflecting on my role as a mentor. As a mentor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, I have had the great privilege of mentoring 27 students over the last five years. Most of these students have been women. My goal as a mentor is to help students identify their future professional and personal goals and support them in getting the experiences they will need to be successful in achieving those goals.  Mentoring the next generation of nurse scientists and clinicians is my favorite part of my work, and I am continuously impressed by the impact these former students are making in patient care, education, and research.

Meghan Skiba, PhD, MPH, MS, BS, Assistant Professor:

As an assistant professor in the College of Nursing, during this Women’s History Month, I acknowledge the legacies of women before me who blazed the trail I now walk. Nurses are innovators in healthcare and are leaders that inspire the next generation of women and challenge the status quo. Highlighting the work of women in the nursing profession, through research and practice, is promoting population health.

Renewing the Spirit of Native Nurses: UArizona Nursing Hosts the 2023 National Alaska Native American Indian Nursing Association Conference

March 21, 2023

When it came time to renew its annual in-person conference after more than two years of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Alaska Native American Indian Nursing Association (NANAINA) chose the University of Arizona College of Nursing as the setting for its 2023 gathering. Held between March 31 and April 1, this year's conference theme is 'Renewing our Spirit in Nursing,' a fitting title for a celebration of renewed optimism and hope. Founded in 1993, NANAINA grew from the desire of Native nurse leaders from around the country to represent nurses in their communities and work to improve healthcare services for Native people.

"We chose this topic because during the pandemic, those of us working for Native communities saw a lot of struggle, a lot of loss," says Mechem Frasier, MBA, BSN, RN, NANAINA Conference Planning Chair. "We felt we needed to come together in person and get that spirit back into us. We wanted to restore ourselves with those who have been through the same battles that we have in the last two years and come back to why we all went into nursing."


To have these notable leaders who are well-known throughout Indian country come to Arizona, where I live and work, is extremely humbling. I hope it serves as a source of inspiration for our students to see beyond their school years and the potential impact they can have on healthcare throughout the nation," ~ Timian Godfrey, DNP, FNP-BC, FAAN


As for the choice of UArizona Nursing as the setting for this renewal, Frasier points to the college's strong nursing program and its progressive ties to Native health through the Indians in Nursing: Career Advancement and Transition Scholars (INCATS) program. "The support services the university has around Native health and the programs you have there were a big factor," she says. "Our conference is really geared around Native nurses and bringing light to these kinds of programs."

UArizona Nursing Assistant Clinical Professor and Project Director for INCATS, Timian Godfrey, DNP, FNP-BC, FAAN, is excited about the choice of the college for this year's NANAINA conference -- noting that It speaks to the work that has been put into the college's diversity grants, equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) efforts, and Native American workforce development. "The NANAINA conference committee was highly impressed with our community outreach and engagement that have been done through INCATS, so it was encouraging to hear we are nationally recognized by peers and indigenous nurses for the work we're doing. This serves as motivation to keep moving forward in the hard work we are doing with these grant projects."

Timian M Godfrey , DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

In addition to providing a welcoming setting for colleagues to come together in person to share stories and bond over the collective challenges of the past few years, the 2023 NANAINA conference will give a platform for a slate of notable speakers from around the country. "I am in awe of the people who are coming to UArizona," Dr. Godfrey says. "To have these notable leaders who are well-known throughout Indian country come to Arizona, where I live and work, is extremely humbling. I hope it serves as a source of inspiration for our students to see beyond their school years and the potential impact they can have on healthcare throughout the nation."

Dr. Godfrey and José Muñoz, UArizona Nursing's Senior Professional, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, have been involved with the conference planning committee and will facilitate and moderate presentations. In addition, UArizona Equity, Diversity & Inclusion leadership will be taking a strong role, with Levi Esquerra, Senior VP for Native American Advancement & Tribal Engagement, presenting a welcome, and Karen Francis-Begay, Assistant Vice Provost for Native American Initiatives, reading the Land Acknowledgement. Other highlights include booths featuring goods from local Native vendors, appearances by local tribal leaders, poster presentations, a silent auction and banquet at Cocoraque Butte and Ranch on the Tohono O'odham Nation, and a presentation by a panel of UArizona Nursing INCAT scholars about their experience in the DNP program.

Kristin Melendez, a second-year DNP-FNP student and third-generation nurse, will be one of the student panelists at the conference. A member of the Tohono O'odham Nation, Melendez is excited to share her experience with her peers – and hopefully provide inspiration for others considering a career in nursing. "My passions are rooted in the Native community and how to better facilitate access to resources and education, because there's still that gap between our culture and western medicine," she says. “I’m hoping to meet people who share my experience and some of the challenges I’ve faced, so I can better help them and remind them that it’s possible and they can do it.”

With attendees traveling from as far as Alaska, South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, and Baltimore, the 2023 NANAINA conference will be a celebration of renewal and hope. “It’s a great way to learn about the various aspects of Native cultures from Native American nurses from across the country,” Dr. Godfrey says. “We are blessed to live in a richly diverse indigenous state. However, there are hundreds of other Native American cultures out there. In addition to being a good networking opportunity for our students and faculty, it’s a great way to learn about and embrace Native nurses and the power that’s within us.”

Learn more about the 2023 NANAINA conference and register here.

Eight UArizona College of Nursing Faculty Honored as 2022 Tucson Fab 50 Nurses

March 14, 2023

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Kohichiro Yamada (L-R) Julio Loya, John Sparks, Kristie Hoch, Morgan Stock, Timian Godfrey, Shu-Fen Wung, Janay Young, Allen Prettyman

As part of National Nurses Week (May 6-12), held in honor of the largest health-care workforce in the United States, eight nurse leaders from the University of Arizona College of Nursing will be honored by their peers during the annual 2023 Tucson Fabulous 50 Nurses gala held by the Tucson Nurses’ Week Foundation on Saturday, May 7.

The 21st annual event is the city's capstone celebration to National Nursing Week and is sponsored by the Tucson Nurses Week Foundation. The Fabulous 50 nurses were chosen from throughout the Tucson area by their peers for their role modeling and mentoring of others, concern for humanity and their contributions to the Tucson community and the profession of nursing.


As part of National Nurses Week, held in honor of the largest health-care workforce in the United States, eight nurse leaders from the University of Arizona College of Nursing will be honored by their peers during the annual 2023 Tucson Fabulous 50 Nurses gala held by the Tucson Nurses’ Week Foundation.


Timian Godfrey, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, Assistant Clinical Professor

It’s incredibly meaningful to be selected as a Tucson Fab 50 nurse for 2023, especially since this honor came from a nomination by Dr. Connie Miller, a colleague I highly admire and respect. Belonging to a faculty group who is so willing to uplift and recognize the work that each of us do speaks to the high regard we have for one another and is nothing short of inspiring. Receiving this recognition is extremely fulfilling and motivates me to forge forward in our efforts to impact health equity in practice, education, research, and policy.

In addition, the honor of being acknowledged as a noteworthy nurse by the Tucson Nurses Week Foundation is immensely humbling. Since I’ve been a Tucson resident, I have been in awe of the local nursing community. Time and time again, my love for this community has been reinforced through demonstrated camaraderie, resilience, and commitment to care for one another. I can’t express what it means to have this incredible group of nurses deem me as a nurse worthy of recognition. All I can is thank you to our UArizona College of Nursing community and to the community of Tucson.

Kristie Hoch, DNP, CRNA, Associate Clinical Professor

It means the world to me to be recognized for the work I do as a CRNA, educator, and leader in advanced practice nursing. As the Nurse Anesthesiology Program Administrator, it is imperative to me to ensure patient safety and access to care and training of our nurse anesthesiology residents to meet the needs of Tucson and Arizona. The Nurse Anesthesiology program has only been in existence for 5 years, but we have grown, and will graduate 24 CRNAs each year.

Because CRNAs can practice independently, they fill critical healthcare staffing shortages. For instance, 80% of rural anesthesia care is provided by CRNAs, thus ensuring access to care. Their preparation is a responsibility I take to heart, because I want every person in Arizona to have the best care possible. I love my profession and I hope this passion inspires those around me.

Julio Loya, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor

I feel honored to be selected as one of this year’s Fab 50 nurses. I believe that being nominated and selected for this award recognizes and highlights the importance of the research in partnering with the community to improve their health. Specifically, my research partnership with Clinica Amistad enables me to answer important questions about the community and at the same time it benefits individuals by assisting them to incrementally change their health-related behaviors. This award is not simply a product of my own efforts, but rather it is a compilation of the many people that have helped me along in my journey as a nurse and a person.

Allen Prettyman, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP, Clinical Professor

I’m grateful to be selected as one of this year’s Fab 50 nurses. Dr. Allen Prettyman applies his expertise in interdisciplinary preventive healthcare and blends it with his administrative experience to lead healthcare innovations.  My educational trajectory has focused on families and applying a holistic model and approach to healthcare. I work to provide nursing students with an interdisciplinary telehealth educational platform to learn and apply clinical skills. In addition, I successfully balance the role of expert nurse practitioner providing care to individuals with administration responsibilities such as staffing, clinical outcomes protections, and budget. I strive for unsurpassed excellence in clinical outcomes and to this end develop ongoing collaborative relationships with interdisciplinary translational team members.

John Sparks, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, Assistant Clinical Professor

Upon hearing that I had been nominated and selected to be part of the 2023 Fabulous 50 Nurses Cohort, I felt deep humility that a fellow nurse not only believed I was worthy of such a recognition but also had taken the time and energy to nominate me. I am honored that the selection committee chose to pick my submission from among other dedicated and worthy fellow nurses. During my time as a nurse, I have always looked to those individuals selected to be part of the Fabulous 50 cohorts as examples of dedicated services to the community and the advancement of the nursing profession. Being honored has, and will, continue to increase my drive, desire, and passion for serving the greater Tucson community as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and heighten my efforts to represent and further the ideals of the nursing profession in my role as an educator.

Morgan Stock, Stock , MSN-Ed, RN, CNE, Lecturer

Why winning the Fab 50 is important to me: teamwork.  That’s what creates a productive educational environment for our students.  As a 2023 Fab 50 nurse, I know that success does not occur in a vacuum.   

 I am successful because of the wonderful BSN educators and leadership team at the College of Nursing and am grateful for the motivation and encouragement I receive from them. My success is their success— and theirs are mine.  We are a solid team, all dedicated to the success of our amazing nursing students.  The Fab 50 award underscores the Universities’ dedication to students. I am privileged to be part of that dedication! 

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

In my 35-year nursing career, I am grateful to spend 22 years serving the Tucson community in my role as an educator to train advanced practice nurses and researchers, lead interdisciplinary research to advance science in personalized health monitoring across different care settings and provide direct care to older adults with acute and multiple chronic conditions.  It is my honor and privilege along with my outstanding colleagues to be recognized for this award.  I send my deepest appreciation to my mentors, mentees, colleagues, family, and friends who believe in me and support me so I can make meaningful contributions to this great community.  

Janay Young, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, Assistant Clinical Professor

I am very grateful to receive this award, as it represents the important work that all nurses are doing to promote, treat, and de-stigmatize mental health in Southern Arizona. I am honored that my work to study, bring attention to, and find effective interventions to treat the increasing rates of Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder, vicarious trauma, and suicide is being recognized. I am grateful for the opportunity to help educate and promote resiliency in the next generation of health care providers, and to do clinic work that supports healing from PTSD with non-ordinary states of consciousness; it is meaningful that this resonates with others. 

Dr. Tarnia Newton Reflects on her Career and the State of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Nursing Education

March 1, 2023

During a national moment when racism has finally been recognized as a public health crisis, engaging in dialogue about ways to address issues of inequality in healthcare professions is of the utmost importance. Since colleges are at the forefront of providing training that can help eliminate disparities related to a patient’s race or ethnicity it’s especially critical to highlight the achievements of educators with an understanding of those goals.

In recognition of Black History Month, we reached out to University of Arizona College of Nursing faculty member Tarnia Newton, DNP, FNP-C to learn about her career, and her thoughts on the topic of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Dr. Newton began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), before immediately going into the transition LPN-RN program at Miami Dade Community College.  She worked in critical care for many years before returning to college for her bachelor’s in nursing from Florida Atlantic University. 


We need to do better as a profession. We need to do better to serve our community, and because of that we really need to weave equity, justice, diversity and inclusion into every single cause, ever single action we are doing as nurses and create Jedi nurses to provide affirmative healthcare for all," ~ Tarnia Newton, DNP, FNP-C


It was at FAU that she was exposed to the theory of caring  by Boykin & Schoenhofer. “At FAU they really intertwined this theory throughout every class and essay with this philosophy truly shaping my nursing career in the way I practice with my patients today being authentically present for them at all times,” she says. It was at FAU that Dr. Newton was exposed to community engagement as a student, and Indigenous health and she states that it was these experiences that drives her passion today for   UArizona students to have experiences like these. “It was at FAU that I went to Cherokee nation and participated in various community programs.  It was life changing,” she says.

When Dr. Newton reflects on her educational experience it seems it was unique as compared to other nursing students of color. “I was located in South Florida, which was very diverse, because in Miami you have influences from the Caribbean, Latin America, South America, and Central America,” she says. “As a person of color, I always had people of color as faculty, and my classmates were very diverse, so I always felt very comfortable. I didn’t feel isolated.” Afterward, she attended the historically Black graduate college Charles R. Drew School of Medicine & Science in California, where she earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), before obtaining her Doctor of Practice in Nursing (DNP) at Frontier Nursing University.

What led you to pursue a career in academia?

Honestly, I’ve always wanted to teach nursing. When I was in my master’s program a lot of fellow students said, ‘You know, Tarnia, you would be an amazing educator,’ because they always liked my presentations. I always taught within in the hospital setting for skills fairs, ACLS, BLS but officially did not get into higher academia until I completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice starting at Galen College of Nursing in San Antonio, TX.  I look back on it now, realizing how diverse both the faculty and the student body were there compared to where I am here. And I truly feel it probably boils down to access creating programs that support diverse people and their lifestyles.

Do you agree with many public health experts that racism is a public health crisis?

I do agree that systemic and structural racism is at the core of health disparities. The Black Faculty Series recently had Ruja Benjamin as a speaker, and in her book “Viral Justice” she talks about weathering,  which is the repeated exposure of socioeconomic adversity, racism, and perpetual discrimination which in turn can harm health.  COVID 19 definitely shone a light on this.  If we had justice in our health care system, or justice overall, we wouldn’t have inequities. Once we do not have inequities, we will have more access and better outcomes.

How is UArizona Nursing addressing those issues?

As a college, we’re starting to move forward. We’re making small steps, but we definitely need to do more. We need to change our focus in the sense that we should be intertwining equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the curriculum and not isolating it to just one item. We need to embed it in our core classes and really unpack situations because even myself, after the COVID19 pandemic, had to really reflect on certain biases I might have. I look at it this way: if I myself, a woman of color, have to reflect, I think everyone within health care or here within the college might need to reflect on that as well. If we truly embedded it in our curriculums and truly had more community engagement activities with southern Arizona and  the Borderlands. I think than UArizona would be able to make a difference to connect students to diverse communities so biases are examined, assumptions challenged, and critical conversations are engaged to assist in the deconstruction of systemic inequity.

Tell us about a personal interaction that informed your thoughts on this subject.

When I was an ICU nurse, I had an indigenous patient of Cherokee descent.  She was just so distraught. She said, ‘I really believe in more traditional ways. I’m far away from Oklahoma, where I’m from.’ It just so happened that the week before I had been in the Cherokee nation, so for me, it was one of those moments where you get goosebumps. I was able to share with her my experiences and tell her I learned a word ‘Osiyo’ -- ‘Hello’ -- in her native language and tell her, ‘I was on your land last week.’ I had that moment with her where she felt comfortable, she felt seen, she felt heard, and connected with her land and she knew that I as a nurse was going to take very good care of her. From a Nurse Practitioner standpoint, it’s so important that patients see and hear people that look like them, or have very similar lived experiences as them, because it helps them heal and helps them be open with their providers.

What strategies can we use to improve disparities and create more situations like you’ve described?

Justice and equity need to be in focus. From a nursing perspective, we really need to create JEDI nurses – meaning Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Nurses need to become like Jedi warriors. We need to infuse that JEDI framework into nursing because we as nurses need to be those warriors to be able to advocate for our patients. That means being politically involved. It means being in community and really looking at the inequities. If we as nurses can become like Jedi warriors, we will improve our patients’ outcomes, we will improve the disparities and inequities, and health care will become more of a just landscape. We need to develop nurses with the capacity to transform communities by addressing inequity in health care practices.

Can you share some advice for students of color considering a career in nursing?

The fact is that only 20% of the nursing workforce is diverse. So, I would say, ‘We need you to make a change. We need your voices; we need your resilience; we need your experiences and stories.’ It makes a big difference to have different voices coming to the table.

Do you have hope for the future about our ability to broaden the workforce and improve patient outcomes?

I’m very hopeful. Small steps bring big rewards. We need to do better as a profession. We need to do better to serve our community, and because of that we really need to weave equity, justice, diversity and inclusion into every single cause, ever single action we are doing as nurses and create Jedi nurses to provide affirmative healthcare for all.

UArizona College of Nursing Rises in Blue Ridge Rankings of National Institutes of Health Funding

Feb. 21, 2023

In February, the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) released its rankings for Colleges of Nursing funded by the NIH in 2022. The UArizona College of Nursing rose in the organization’s rankings to 23 in 2022, up from 27 in 2020, with $3.7M in awards.  The BRIMR is the only organization that compiles NIH funding across colleges in the United States. The rankings are used as a measure of research productivity.

UArizona Nursing was able to increase its ranking between 2020 and 2022 due to the combined efforts of many faculty to secure NIH funding. Dr. Terry Badger has multiple R01s, Drs. Bell, Gordon, Insel, Pace, and Rainbow also have R01 funding. Many faculty members have other types of NIH funding, including Mentored Scientist awards (Drs. Erickson and Fox).

“The faculty in the College of Nursing are highly productive,” said Judith S. Gordon, PhD, Associate Dean for Research in the UA College of Nursing. “They submitted 38 proposals in 2021-2022, which resulted in over $4.7 million in federal funding. We are very proud of their hard work and accomplishments.”


This ranking is a testament to our hard-working faculty. The College of Nursing’s increase in NIH funding is a direct result of their dedication to improving the care of individuals and society through discovery and testing of interventions designed to promote health and wellness," ~ Interim Dean Kathleen C. Insel, PhD, RN


“This ranking is a testament to our hard-working faculty. The College of Nursing’s increase in NIH funding is a direct result of their dedication to improving the care of individuals and society through discovery and testing of interventions designed to promote health and wellness,” said Interim Dean Kathleen C. Insel, PhD, RN, who received a $2.5 million grant that contributed to the ranking.

The BRIMR rankings underestimate the amount of research being conducted by UA College of Nursing faculty, Dr. Gordon said, adding the rankings include only NIH funding to faculty members listed as principal investigators within the College. The rankings do not reflect faculty’s roles on grants funded to other colleges or universities or other types of extramural funding, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Defense, NASA, or private foundations. The UA College of Nursing recorded over $6 million in research expenditures in 2022.

The College’s research aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the State of Arizona and our nation. For example, our faculty and staff are making innovations in prevention, treatment, and management of chronic illness, improving nursing workforce systems, and maternal and child health. The UA College of Nursing are leaders in health research and science.

The Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research is a nonprofit organization that ranks U.S. medical schools by NIH grant awards each year. The NIH is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world. NIH-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new treatments helping people live longer, healthier lives, and building the research foundation that drives discovery.

The Blue Ridge Rankings track yearly NIH funding awards from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. The rankings are determined by the whole value of awards to a principal investigator’s institution and do not include research and development contracts.