Nursing & Health Studies

Becky Hovarter, lecturer in Nursing at UW-Green Bay, will co-present a webinar sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing titled, “Linking Education and Practice for Excellence in Public Health Nursing,” on March 3 with Susan Zahner, associate professor at UW-Madison. They were asked to repeat the webinar after rave reviews of their presentation at the 2013 AACN Academic-Practice Partnerships Conference last April. Hovarter is a longtime public health nurse who served as director of the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department prior to taking a position with UW-Green Bay last year.

A team of UW-Green Bay students planning careers in health care finished second and claimed $2,000 in prize money at a statewide competition held Jan. 9 and 10 in Wisconsin Dells.  The UW-Green Bay team was one of eight finalists from private and public universities across the state to compete in the Interprofessional Healthcare Case Study Competition. In the assigned case study, a patient recently discharged from a hospital died upon readmission a few days later due to multiple errors in systems, processes, communication and transition of care to the community. The UW-Green Bay team was made up of students from three different disciplines, with a mix of traditional on-campus residents and online students. Team members were Timothy Zietz (studying biology/psychology/pre-med), Sarah Sodemann (dietetics), and Lydia Ambrosius, Mary Lange and Sheila Hulce-Dittman (RN-to-BSN students in the Professional Program in Nursing). Associate Prof. Janet Reilly of Nursing recruited and mentored the team. For more on the team and competition, and a photo, http://news.uwgb.edu/log-news/news/01/13/healthcare-case-study-competition/

Congratulations to our Fall 2013 graduates. We wish you the best of luck in your careers! For those unable to attend the graduation ceremony, we have assembled a “Virtual Graduation” on our You Tube account. The video uses composite video from previous graduation ceremonies, but recognizes our Spring and Summer graduates. Click the following link to experience the sights and sounds of commencement on the UW-Green Bay campus.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vq1jEIKcc8

The following is a list of the graduates sorted according to Wisconsin county of residence followed by those from other states. The students receiving bachelor’s degrees with academic honors are indicated by * cum laude, **magna cum laude, *** summa cum laude.

Brown — Jolene Savoie-Tease, De Pere; Jason Perry, Denmark; Kelsey Butler, Brooke Garthwaite*, Angela Hartel, Megan Kjeseth**, Penny LePine, and LeeAnn Reinemann***, Green Bay; and Jessica Eubanks, Pulaski.
Calumet — Jennifer Friebel, Appleton.
Dane — Tamara Pooch*, Cambridge; and Amanda Johnson, Sarah Pechmann, and Kandi Stumpf***, Madison.
Dodge — Jill Wenzel, Waupun.
Green — Jennifer Malak, Brooklyn.
La Crosse — Amanda Heuer, Onalaska.
Manitowoc — Jamie Henrickson***, Two Rivers.
Marinette — Bridgette Dollhopf and Judy Story, Marinette.
Menominee — Elaine Doxtator*, Keshena.
Milwaukee — Yolanda Silas, Milwaukee.
Oconto — Corina Heimke, Abrams.
Oneida — Erin Denis and Jennifer Dolling, Rhinelander.
Outagamie — Katherine Olson, Little Chute.
Saint Croix — Dominic Ehman, New Richmond; and Candy Weber, Woodville.
Sheboygan — Nancy Ogden***, Sheboygan.
Vernon — Jill Steinhoff, Westby.
Vilas — Marie Arnswald, Arbor Vitae.
Washburn — Stacy Wiemeri, Sarona; and John Berlin, Shell Lake.
Washington — Elizabeth Zignego, Hartford.
Other states — Theresa Mueller, San Francisco, California; Mary Patterson, Des Plaines, Illinois; Jessica Spitelli, East Dundee, Illinois; Syed Ahmed, Hoffman Estates, Illinois; Benita Swisher***, Saint Joseph, Illinois; Vanessa Veit, Wellfleet, Massachusetts; Heather Bittner, Iron River, Michigan; Rachel Borth and Elizabeth Daniels, Ironwood, Michigan; Sandra Hueter***, Manistique, Michigan; Heidi Nichols, Richfield, Minnesota; Kathy Beaulieu-Sanders*, Saint Michael, Minnesota; Lisa Lee, Saint Paul, Minnesota; Kimberly Buerger, Woodbury, Minnesota; Lorie VanDonsel***, Forsyth, Montana; Emelita Austria, Queens Village, New York; Susan Presnell, Salem, Oregon; Kristen Lorenz, Turner, Oregon; and Cathy Cornelius, Stafford, Virginia.

 

New AACN Data Confirm that Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses Are More Likely to Secure Jobs Soon after Graduation than Other Professionals

More Nurse Employers Are Expressing a Preference for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses

WASHINGTON, DC, November 25, 2013 – New data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) show that graduates of entry-level baccalaureate (BSN) and master’s nursing programs are much more likely to have job offers at the time of graduation or soon after than are graduates from other fields. A national survey of deans and directors from U.S. nursing schools found that 59% of new BSN graduates had job offers at the time of graduation, which is substantially higher than the national average across all professions (29.3%). At four to six months after graduation, the survey found that 89% of new BSN graduates had secured employment in nursing. 

The AACN survey also looked at new RNs graduating from entry-level master’s programs and found that these nurses were even more likely to secure a position soon after graduation. The latest data show that 67% of these graduates had jobs at graduation, and 90% had jobs 4-6 months after completing their studies.  For more, click http://www.aacn.nche.edu/news/articles/2013/new-data .

Dr. Christine Vandenhouten, Assistant Professor, invites all Nursing students, alumni and community members to join her to travel to Cuernavaca, Mexico – the city of Eternal Spring – from January 5-19, 2013. Participants will learn about the Mexican Healthcare system, hear from a Mexican “Partera” or Midwife about delivering babies, explore traditional healing methods, visit cultural sites and immerse yourself in the Spanish language. There is no language pre-requisite. Whether you are fluent or don’t speak any Spanish, there is a language class designed for you. This course is for anyone who is interested in improving their ability to work with patients whose primary language is Spanish.

Nursing students can earn three credits (course 499) to fulfill either World Culture, Therapeutic Nursing Intervention, Special Topics in Nursing, or partial credit toward Community Health Practicum.  Students may register for variable credit (2-3) with all students completing the 2 week course in Mexico along with assignments.  Those desiring 3 credits will complete an additional assignment/project in their home community tying the content learned to services/programs offered in their home community. Cost is approximately $2785 including airfare (out of Green Bay), meals, lodging, entrance fees, excursions and instruction. There is also $165 International Education Application for a total cost of $2950. Alumni and community members would enroll as a special student.  

To sign up for the course, you can go the following link: http://uwgb.studioabroad.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=30677  Registration deadline is October 1, 2013.

If you have advising questions, please contact either Jennifer Schwahn (schwahnj@uwgb.edu) or Sharon Gajeski (gajeskis@uwgb.edu) one of our Nursing Advisors before October 1st in order to make the registration deadline. 

 

 

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) Professional Program in Nursing proudly announces nineteen (19) registered nurses (RNs) have been accepted to the first cohort in the new online Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) Leadership and Management in Health Systems Program.   Living in sixteen cities and six states across the country with undergraduate degrees from four universities (including a majority of UWGB alumni), the new admits will begin online MSN courses in Fall of 2013. The average age of those admitted is 42 years and the average grade point average is 3.6 (on a 4.0 scale). 

The newly admitted RNs aspire to management and leadership roles and practice in diverse areas ranging from the intensive care unit (ICU) to home care and public health, long term care, surgery, cardiac care, mental health, emergency services, oncology and correctional nursing.  Many already have manager or leader roles such as directors, team leaders, quality measures, vice-presidents of business, and even a hospital chief nursing officer.  

 The UWGB faculty and staff consulted with nurse managers and leaders across the nation in developing the curriculum for the MSN program.  The curriculum covers 34 credits in twelve online courses delivered over two years (six consecutive academic periods).  Students will participate in practicum placements during the second year at sites close to their homes.

For more information regarding the UWGB MSN Leadership & Management in Health Systems, go to the program website at:   http://www.uwgb.edu/nursing/msn/ or email nursingmsn@uwgb.edu.

Congratulations to our Spring and Summer 2013 graduates.  We wish you the best of luck in your careers! For those unable to attend the graduation ceremony, we have assembled a “Virtual Graduation” on our You Tube account. The video uses composite video from previous graduation ceremonies, but recognizes our Spring and Summer graduates. Click the following link to experience the sights and sounds of commencement on the UW-Green Bay campus.

The following is a list of the graduates sorted according  to Wisconsin county of residence followed by those from other states.  The students receiving bachelor’s degrees with academic honors are indicated by * cum laude, **magna cum laude, *** summa cum laude.

Brown — Ann Gegare, Leslie Jackson, and Marlene Rasmussen, De Pere; and Misty Anderson, Pamela Corsten*, Shannon Duerschmidt, Jennifer McFall, Diane Micheau, Kalyn Moesch***, Kathleen Polum, Rebecca Schoeneck**, and Stephen Trimble, Green Bay.
Calumet — Amy Fischer***, Brillion.
Dane — Anna Goolsby***, Sun Prairie.
Door — Kelly Dahms* and Dawn Wagner, Sturgeon Bay.
Kewaunee — Wendy Olszewski*, Casco.
Lincoln — Jennifer Bates, Gleason.
Manitowoc — Rachelle Valleskey**, Manitowoc.
Marinette — Jean Sanborn** and Michelle Velaj, Marinette.
Milwaukee — Randall Chiappetti and Mary Xiong, Milwaukee; Tara Peloza, West Allis; and Molly Donohue, Whitefish Bay.
Monroe — Holly Boisen, Cashton.
Oconto — Lindsey Feldt, Oconto.
Oneida — Crystal Raith, Pelican Lake.
Outagamie — Julie Johnson** and Leslie Westberg, Kaukauna.
Portage — Valerie Federwitz, Plover.
Saint Croix — Samantha Hopp, Baldwin; and Deanna Freese, Woodville.
Shawano — Laureen Matson, Wittenberg.
Vilas — Amanda Kent, Conover; Sabrina Spets, Eagle River; and Erin Hinton, Phelps.
Walworth — Jenny Krueger, Elkhorn.
Winnebago — Alicia Schultz, Menasha; and Shanna Larsen*, Winneconne.
Other states — David Kirera, Brandon, Florida; Anita Brooks*, Tamarac, Florida; Heather Mathews, Bartlett, Illinois; Keely Zunker, Freeport, Illinois; Khaliun Reed, Huntley, Illinois; Starrlene Grossman, Sycamore, Illinois; Ramona Shimeall, Topeka, Kansas; Hannah Green, Florence, Kentucky; Heather Khan, Glenn Dale, Maryland; Denise Ciochini, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts; Valerie Arsenault, Centerville, Massachusetts; Jennifer Christensen, Buffalo Lake, Minnesota; Gina Conhartoski, Crystal, Minnesota; Stanislaus Wahinya, Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Steve Berres, Rochester, Minnesota; Nichole Thompson, Rochester, Minnesota; James Osei, Woodbury, Minnesota; Erin Breske, Brookings, South Dakota; Allece Merchant, Frisco, Texas; Shaila Sharma, Frisco, Texas; Lisa Ortiz, Springfield, Virginia; and Christina Hummes, Tacoma, Washington.

The Wisconsin Center for Nursing recently received a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation State Implementation Program (SiP) grant, “Taking the LEAD for Nursing in Wisconsin: Leadership, Educational Advancement and Diversity.” Prof. Susan Gallagher-Lepak, chair of Nursing, has been appointed to the Academic Progression Learning Collaborative as part of this grant. Other work groups being developed include a diversity collaboration and a leadership collaboration. The Wisconsin Center for Nursing and the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative have taken a statewide lead in implementing national initiatives for nursing including the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Report, “The Future of Nursing”.

On May 6, 2013, Kappa Pi- at-Large Chapter will be recognized for 25 years of existence and furtherance of the purposes attributable to the prestigious and renowned Nursing Honor Society of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI).  Sigma Theta Tau is the only international nursing honor society with chapters located in nearly 100 countries worldwide.  The original charter of Kappa Pi-at-Large Chapter was signed into existence on May, 6, 1988.  This charter was a collaborative effort and co-sponsorship of local nursing professionals who were dedicated to the mission and purposes of Sigma Theta Tau International.  Since that time, Kappa Pi invites new members to join and holds an annual induction ceremony commemorating this event.  It is a benefit to join and a privilege to belong to the only internationally recognized nursing honor society.

This year, a celebration commemorating the annual induction of new members and recognizing the 25^th anniversary of Kappa Pi-at-Large Chapter is planned for April 20, 2013, at The Clarion in downtown Green Bay.  Community Nurse Leaders and qualifying students from UW-Green Bay’s Professional Nursing Program, as well as students from Bellin College, School of Nursing, have been invited to join this prestigious organization.  New inductees must demonstrate superior achievement, high professional standards, leadership qualities, and a commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession.  For more information, visit the Kappa Pi website at http://kappapi.nursingsociety.org/KappaPiChapter/Home/

The Professional Program in Nursing at UW-Green Bay is seeking to hire a Practicum Coordinator/Advisor for our programs.  The position is a 60% FTE position. For further details about this opportunity, visit: http://www.uwgb.edu/hr/jobs/position854.html/. To ensure consideration, submit applications materials by April 9, 2013. UW-Green Bay is an EO/AA Employer. 

UW-Green Bay is a great place to work. It is a comprehensive regional university widely known for its innovative interdisciplinary programs. The university enrolls over 6,000 students in approximately 40 programs of study and awards degrees at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s level. Programs offered through the Professional Programs in Nursing include RN-BSN Completion (campus and online), online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and online Health Information Management and Technology (HIMT). 

Thanks for reviewing this position posting and/or passing it to anyone who may be interested.