Spring 2021 Academic Newsletter
In 2002, the Department of Nursing, led by Dr. Dea Britt, opened the MSN program, and Dr. Hila Spear, professor and MSN director, knew that the faculty now had the ability to offer doctoral programs. In 2014, the FNP/DNP program started, followed by the PMHNP program in 2018. In 2019, the PhD in Nursing opened. Through the years, many faculty and clinical faculty have poured their hearts into Training Champions for Christ who care with their hearts and their minds, exhibiting both our art and our science to care for those most in need here and around the world by impacting and investing in the lives of others.
A MESS AGE FROM THE
Students have come from all over the world to learn at LUSON how to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world. When they complete their studies and leave campus, whether online or in person, our alumni are an integral part of the school. Some return to study at higher levels, and others return to teach alongside the faculty who trained them. Many of them stop by for a visit and a tour of the School of Nursing.
PREPARING CONFIDENT, COMPETENT,
This year, we begin celebrating all that the Lord has done in and through LUSON students, staff, and faculty. This year also marks the 30th year of the first BSN graduates, and we will be remembering past leadership and faculty and honoring alumni throughout the year. Please send us your memories, your updates, and any pictures that represent your LUSON experience.
DEAN Fall 2020 Sophomore NURS 221 Fundamentals of Nursing Course Orientation. The face shields were designed and produced by students in the School of Engineering.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FEB. 9
Shanna’s Café Student Meet & Greet
APRIL 6
Shanna’s Café
FEB. 16
Nursing Career Fair
APRIL 9
Dedication Ceremony
FEB. 18-20
College For A Weekend (CFAW)
APRIL 23
Graduate School Open House
FEB. 19
Graduate Open House
MAY 14
Psi Delta Induction Ceremony
MARCH 3
Graduate School Fair
MAY 15
Commencement
MARCH 9
Shanna’s Café
JULY 5-7
Nurse Camp 2021
MARCH 26
Graduate School Open House
AND COMPASSIONATE NURSES
Nearly 40 years ago, the Liberty University School of Nursing (LUSON) opened its doors to its first students. The RNBSN program was launched under the supervision of Dr. Eleanor Treese with only three students. But what started as a considerably small program, under the leadership of Dr. Linda Miller, soon added the prelicensure BSN program which graduated its first cohort in 1991. While the Department of Nursing started small, the faculty, staff, students, and alumni had much larger dreams, and with the leading of God, those dreams are coming to fruition.
This issue of the LUSON newsletter is dedicated to those who are the hands and feet of Christ here and around the world. In these pages, you will read about new faces joining the LUSON family and how students and alumni are adding to the nursing body of research. Celebrate with us!
Dr. Shanna W. Akers Dean
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FUTURE
BSN Alumna Spotlight: Emma Spector D R . DA N A WO O DY
FUTURE
Full Circle ELIE GREEN
It has been such a blessing to work with the distant program at St. Mary’s for the last 3 academic years, and even before that when I was a student in the undergraduate program. I completed the Richmond experience as an undergraduate student during my time in the BSN program. I was fortunate to have wonderful instructors — Hadassah Martin and Dr. Katherine Rivera for pediatrics — and get to work on 5 South in that student role. When applying for an adjunct position at Liberty University, I was informed they had needs in Richmond. While traveling seemed daunting, I was thrilled to return to this wonderful clinical site. My roommate for Richmond — back when we lived in host homes — was Elizabeth Condon. She is a close friend and one whom I have since convinced to teach with me in Richmond. I have been blessed by this unit and hospital as a student and now again as adjunct faculty! Over the last three academic years, I have had the honor and privilege of working with students on 5 South. The students walk into the unit, and the nurses express to them how excited they are to see them and how wonderful they think they are. They routinely speak highly of the students and tell me how impressed they are by our program in comparison to some of the others they work with. Our old weekend charge nurse, Liz, left our floor a year ago to become the manager for our sister unit. While I was sad to lose her, and my students’ stomachs were sad to lose the cookies she brought each semester just for them, she continually asked me each time she saw me
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how she could get our students on her new unit as well. This semester we expanded over to her unit (5 West), something I am sure will result in excellent clinical experiences for our students moving forward. Our unit manager, John, got his MSN from Liberty and regularly praises the school to the unit and our students. He once expressed to me that he selected Liberty for his MSN because he saw the rigorous academics that our students completed and felt they were the most well-prepared students and new nurses to come to his floor. He now actively seeks out our graduates to hire within his unit. This brings me to Claire, my former student and the new hire on our unit. Several months ago, Claire had reached out and asked if I would consider writing her a recommendation letter for a job she was applying for at St. Mary’s. While I was more than happy to do so — she was wonderful — I did not know what unit she was applying for until a short time later when she texted me that she got the job. Claire, who did well as a student on 5 South, ultimately chose to return to 5 South to start her nursing career. Last weekend, I got to watch Claire thrive during her orientation process and even brought along my current students to learn and grow alongside her. Watching her pour into the new students brought so much joy to my heart! Getting to talk to nurse Claire about her transition and see her just shining in her new role made a huge impact on me as an educator.
“Oh, the Places You’ll Go” — a well-known book and phrase coined by Dr. Seuss. This phrase is the start of the last conversation that I have with my community health students at the end of every semester. This phrase sparked a conversation that would tug at the heart of Emma Spector, a 2019 graduate of our program. Emma had a plan upon leaving the School of Nursing, but she lacked experience and had to settle for a nursing position at a Level I trauma center in Virginia. She had shared her passion for the Native American community with me, and I connected her with a former student who shared similar interests and was working with Natives in a remote clinic in Alaska. The two connected over the next several months, and an opportunity came about for a position in the remote clinic. As she considered this, Emma recalled our conversation on her last day of class, “never lose sight of your passion — Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” Emma is now a community nurse working with Natives in Alaska. Recently, Emma contacted me and shared, “God’s gracious hand led me to share my passion with you. I never thought it would actually turn into anything; I was just curious. How silly of me to doubt God.” Emma prayed for God to work in her life. She mentions this in her blog, “I prayed for a big change and to be blown away by where the Lord would lead me and what He is calling me to do.” She reflects, “I never thought it would actually happen.”
Today she is living in a tiny log cabin in rural Alaska, treating His people in the place He has called her to. Emma listened to His plans for her. It has not been easy — in fear she has called out to God, “Why are You making this so hard if You want me to be here?” Ultimately, she would embrace His plans realizing it was a testimony of faith. “He said not to worry; I will protect you,” she said, comforted by His words and reminded that God is not a God of settling and does not want us to either. Settling is the more comfortable option, but we are called higher. In a recent message documenting her journey, she commented about God’s sovereignty and how Alaska was never the plan she had for herself, but notes, “it was His plan for me.” She shares further that it is important to stay the course, face the unknown, walk through the fear, as He will meet you on the other side with peace. Oh, the Places You’ll Go … our calling, His plans.
At the end of the day, I could not be more thrilled with my time working with the distance program. I am extraordinarily blessed to work with this program and get to play a role in Christ-focused education and nursing care, both during my time on campus and in the clinical setting. Truthfully, this is the best job I have ever experienced, and I am so thankful that God brought me to this point!
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FUTURE
Responding to the Call TA J U A N E D O C K E R Y
FUTURE
Transition to Practice: LUSON Career Fairs D R . H E AT H E R H U M P H R E Y S The School of Nursing collaborates with Career Services each semester to host a Nursing Career Fair, enabling representatives from a variety of healthcare organizations to visit the Liberty University campus. Though the semiannual Nursing Career Fair looked a little different during the Fall 2020 semester, it was a great success. By following best practice recommendations for physical distancing — face coverings, hygiene, and sanitation — LUSON faculty, staff, and over 120 nursing students were able to safely engage with potential employers on campus. Organizations represented at the fair included the U.S. Army, Carilion Clinic, Centra, Lifeworks Rehab, and Vidant Health. The Nursing Career Fair title sponsor, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, also hosted a networking luncheon for nursing students. A Virtual Nursing Career Fair, which was a new option this
semester, enabled nursing students to communicate remotely with additional employers. Nursing Career Fair participants were excited to have both in-person and virtual options. Employers shared positive feedback as well, indicating they “enjoyed everyone’s hospitality,” they thought the experience was “extremely beneficial,” and that it was a “great event.” The Spring 2021 Nursing Career Fair was an on-campus event followed by a networking dinner — the Night of Champions — for nursing students and prospective employers. During Nursing Career Fair Week, both Vidant Health and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System hosted luncheons to help nursing students learn about employment opportunities, application processes, and attributes of ideal candidates.
FUTURE
Simulation Center Update D R . K AT H R Y N M I L L E R Mrs. Tara Smith and Mrs. Angie Holloman designed learning activities for children which included: • Hand washing with glow-in-the-dark simulated germs to show how 20 seconds of soap and water washing are needed to remove germs from our hands. • Learning about the personal protective equipment (PPE) used to protect healthcare workers in the hospital and how to don and doff gowns, gloves, and masks.
Kathy Calvin, CEO and president of the United Nations Foundation, stated that “Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” This semester, the LUSON Simulation Center made a difference for elementary-aged children during an event promoting healthcare as a profession.
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• Reinforcing the sanctity of life through visuals with plastic models depicting life in the womb at different stages of development. • Using pediatric patient simulators to allow children to listen to heart and lung sounds.
As a child, being a nurse was never on the list of things I wanted to be when I “grew up.” I was afraid of needles, and after passing out while donating blood in high school, it was probably among the list of things I never wanted to do. Growing up, my father would always tell me I could be anything I wanted and that I was “smart enough to be a doctor.” I think he and God knew what lay ahead for me despite my certainty that a career in healthcare was not for me. As a Christian, I believe God has a call for our lives, and we each have a path that leads us there. Many of the challenges and what I thought were missed opportunities along my journey were ultimately God’s plan to lead me to the call to serve that He had upon my life, which included nursing and a doctoral degree. I entered a large four-year university after high school — one I had dreamed of attending — with high hopes of graduating with a business administration degree. After my freshman year, I found myself back at home because I was academically ineligible to return to school. I was disappointed and ashamed because I knew I had not put forth my best effort to be successful. I felt this was a missed opportunity when, in fact, it was God’s way of maturing me and helping me find my place in life, my calling: nursing. After a year or so at home, I enrolled in a medical assisting program at the local community college after completing a career assessment that indicated healthcare careers were a match for me. This program provided training for the clinical and administrative duties in a physician office. I thought, “What do I have to lose? If I am unable to do the clinical duties, at least I have the administrative duties to fall back on.” To my surprise, I preferred the clinical aspect of the program — though I am still not fond of needles if I am on the receiving end — and my journey toward nursing began. After completing the medical assisting program, I found myself desiring to learn more and grow. I set a goal to eventually become a registered nurse (RN), but college as an adult was different than it was as an undergraduate. Because I was now a working adult and eventually a wife and a mother,
reaching my goal required several small steps, but by the grace of God, I achieved my goal. I completed a practical nursing program, and then an associate degree program, and while I felt accomplished, I also felt a push to continue to grow in this profession — to take the next step. I started looking for an online RN-to-BSN program, and during my search, I discovered the university I attended right after high school had an RN-to-BSN and an RN-to-MSN program with similar admission criteria for both. After encouragement from my manager and completing the classes needed to meet the admission requirements, I decided to apply to the RN-to-MSN program. I remember receiving the acceptance letter in the mail and crying because of God’s faithfulness to give us a second, third, or as many chances as it takes to get it right. I was grateful for the opportunity to earn my master’s degree at this university, yet upon finishing I knew I was not done. Although I had far exceeded any goal I had set for myself, I felt compelled to pursue a doctoral degree. It took a few years before I pursued the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. I learned of the graduate programs offered at Liberty University through my husband. As I began to explore the program objectives, I discovered Liberty incorporated a Christian worldview across all curriculums. As a Christian, it was refreshing to find a program that focused on developing Christian leaders. I applied and was accepted. Completing my DNP at Liberty was one of my best educational experiences. It was an opportunity to gain additional knowledge and grow my faith. Both the support I received from faculty and the relationships I developed with colleagues were outstanding. The program challenged me to move outside of my comfort zone. I have always wanted to submit a manuscript for publication, and one of the leadership modules offered, Writing for Publication, helped me find my voice and the confidence to submit a manuscript. My manuscript, Nursing Bridging the Racial Divide: Loving and Leading through Christ’s Example, was accepted by the Journal of Christian Nursing. I felt compelled to use my voice to share my experiences in hopes that it would help others to see things from another person’s perspective and help us as Christian nurses understand our roles in promoting healing and fostering reconciliation. This journey to completion of the DNP program has been a faith exercise. I have grown professionally, personally, and most importantly, spiritually. I understand that the gifts that I have been given must be used to serve others, and because of the platform I have, I will continue to use my voice to advocate, educate, collaborate, and encourage in a manner that brings glory to God. I am not certain as to where this next phase of my career may take me, but I know God already has a plan. I must do my part by listening for His voice and keeping my eyes open for the next path.
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EXCELLENCE
EXCELLENCE
Undergraduate and Graduate Online Nursing Programs
Meet the Newest Faculty and Staff of LUSON
DR. ELIZABETH WHORLEY community health, education, health policy, and informatics and is 100% online. There are additional opportunities for students to pursue dual degrees. These degrees include the Master of Science in Nursing paired with the Master of Business Administration, and the Master of Science in Nursing combined with the Master of Science in Healthcare Administration.
The Liberty University School of Nursing undergraduate and graduate online nursing programs support individuals as they pursue their passions. There are multiple degrees and specialty tracks to accommodate each individual. The RN-BSN program provides opportunities for registered nurses to earn their BSN while integrating their faith into practice. This fully online degree allows completion in as little as two years. It is a flexible program with fully integrated digital textbooks and resources, allowing for an engaging educational experience. The global studies concentration is of interest to many of our RN-BSN students as it provides a global focus and further explores healthcare delivery in countries outside of the United States. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program provides educational opportunities with a biblical perspective for nurses desiring to advance their nursing degrees since 2001. The MSN program offers concentrations in administration,
Faculty Recognition Congratulations to our two LUSON groups awarded the Illuminate Grant: Accu-Vein Illuminator for Vein Visualization Mrs. Dena Todd, Mrs. Carol Harvey, and Dr. Jerry Harvey; School of Nursing Stop the Bleed: An Inter-professional Approach to Saving Lives on Campus and Abroad Dr. Tonia Kennedy, Dr. Dana Woody, and Sergeant Jeffrey Hurtak; School of Nursing and Liberty University Police Department Congratulations to Dr. Rachel Joseph on her published articles:
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The PhD in Nursing: Nursing Education program was established in Fall 2019. The program continues to see growth. The program is 60 credit hours and 100% online, which allows for flexible scheduling. It prepares scholars from a biblical worldview with the skills and expertise to educate the next generation of nurses and advance the stewardship of the profession of nursing. The Executive Certificate in Nursing Educational Leadership was launched in Summer 2020. It is an excellent opportunity for those individuals who desire to engage in doctoral-level education but are not ready to begin a PhD program. The 21-credit hour, fully online certificate program provides advanced education and training in areas such as leadership, assessment and accreditation, and nurse leaders in higher education. The credit hours earned in this program will transfer into the PhD in Nursing. Since the onset of the pandemic, our community of online students has been directly impacted by COVID-19. They continue to serve as frontline workers in various capacities. Despite these demanding capacities, they remain steadfast and are excelling in the rigors of their education. The Liberty University School of Nursing is proud of their continued efforts.
T A N YA A N D R E W S Tanya Andrews, a native of Delaware, graduated from the University of Delaware in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Passionate about classical Christian education and family, Tanya devoted her life to raising and educating her daughters, Paige and Kami. When her husband passed away in 2010, Tanya went back to teaching at a classical Christian school and served as Administrative Assistant at Franklin Heights Church.
Elie Green is a graduate of Liberty University’s undergraduate program and began her career in emergency medicine. She began working for Liberty University in 2018 as an adjunct faculty member teaching as a clinical instructor for LUSON’s distant site program at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, Va. In 2020, she joined the program in a fulltime capacity as the APRN Simulation Center Director and also achieved her MSN at Liberty with a focus in nursing education.
Tanya’s daughters are recent graduates of Liberty University, and she is excited to join Liberty’s School of Nursing as an administrative assistant. Liberty has provided a wonderful education for both of her daughters, and Tanya looks forward to giving back to a community that has served her children so well.
Elie Green is originally from the eastern shore of Maryland but has lived in Lynchburg, Va., since 2007. She has a love for nursing, training students to reach their fullest potential, supporting new graduate nurses during their transition to competent bedside nurses, and using simulation to help students learn new skills. She emphasizes training nurses who are not only capable of delivering safe and high-quality care but who are also able to show and share their love of Christ with everyone they interact with. She believes that faith is foundational to the development of well-rounded students who are able to embrace both the art and science of nursing in the classroom, simulation, and clinical settings.
An avid flower gardener, Tanya spends a lot of time outside working in the yard. She loves taking trips to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa. Tanya has been a Christ follower for over thirty years and lives by Psalm 121.
Perinatal Substance Exposure and Long-Term Outcomes in Children: A Literature Review Pediatric Nursing Journal
toward their research on the School of Nursing Forgiveness Project and Symposium.
Parenting a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspective of Jordanian Mothers Journal of Transcultural Nursing
Coronavirus Disease 2019’s Shake-up of Telehealth Policy: Application of Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework Journal for Nurse Practitioners
Congratulations to Dr. Rachel Joseph and Dr. Mary Highton on their published article: Masks and Face Covers: Challenges for Health Care Workers Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing Congratulations to Dr. Shanna Akers, Dr. Rachel Joseph, Dr. Jerry Harvey, Mrs. Aimee Houghton, Mrs. Anita Chamber, and Dr. Jichan Kim on their CRS Faculty Research Project award
ELIE GREEN
Congratulations to Dr. Karla Giese on her published article:
Student Recognition Congratulations to Tajuane Horton Dockery, Post-MSN-DNP student, on her published article, Nurses Bridging the Racial Divide: Loving and Leading by Christ’s Example in the Journal of Christian Nursing. Tajuane completed the publication module
as part of her DNP leadership modules, and this article was a result of her work. Tajuane, we are so proud of your work, truly exemplifying the DNP Essentials and leading the way for nurses. We look forward to reading your article. Dr. Rachel Joseph co-authored a manuscript with MSN student Lora Mullen on Medically Unnecessary Female Genital Alteration: Implications for Health Care Workers (otherwise called Female Genital Mutilation), which is accepted for publication in the Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing. Congratulations to you both! Lisa Floyd, Post-MSN-DNP student, published Ask, Advise Assist and Follow: Alcohol BRiRT Urgently Needed in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners. Congratulations, Dr. Floyd!
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EXCELLENCE
LUSON Coin Recipients
ETHICS
An Evening of Celebration D R . DA N A WO O DY
Kyley Sorg, Junior Foundation Stone – Compassion
Amanda Graves, Junior Foundation Stone – Compassion
During her OB rotation at the birthing center, Kyley was assigned a patient being induced with stillborn twins. Kyley assumed this patient assignment with dignity and grace and showed this family love and compassion that they will never forget. The family wrote, “The RNs and Kyley were nothing short of amazing. They were abundantly professional, deeply sensitive, and unceasingly gentle.” Both of the nurses as well as Kyley attended the memorial service for the twins.
Amanda entered a patient’s room with the nurse she was working with to give a patient a suppository. While in the room, Amanda noted that the patient appeared sad and took it upon herself to stay in the room. Throughout the subsequent conversation, Amanda and the patient began to discuss the patient’s relationship with the Lord, and he expressed to her that he was uncertain in his salvation. He relayed complicated emotions with God following “deals” he had made with God during his wife’s illness and uncertainty about whether he himself was right with the Lord. Ultimately, Amanda inquired if the patient would like the opportunity to pray and fully accept Christ into his life and place his trust in Him moving forward, an invitation the patient accepted. They prayed together, and He accepted the forgiveness the Lord offered! Amanda and the patient were in tears at the greatness of the Lord.
Claire Rawa, Junior Foundation Stone – Excellence Claire assessed her patient and noted significant wheezing that nobody had noticed. She appropriately came to Mrs. Gazan to confirm and stated she was concerned the patient’s O2 Sat was 91%. The head of the patient’s bed was raised, and the patient confirmed she was comfortable and auscultated breath sounds. Claire reported her findings to the nurse who called the provider and received orders. The MD came to the bedside to assess, and in spite of new orders including Lasix IVP, the patient continued to decline with O2 Sats dropping to 88% and 86%. The patient was sent to ICU and later intubated. Marshall Perkins, Junior Foundation Stone – Excellence Early in the shift, Marshall and his instructor assessed a pleasant elderly gentleman who was comfortable at the time of assessment. Later, as the evening progressed, the patient became increasingly confused, which could be baseline for some elderly, but it was noted. Marshall also noted the patient’s vital signs had changed from his baseline, and he reported these findings to his nurse. There was concern this patient was becoming septic. The nurse received orders from the provider to draw labs and give IV morphine. They planned on continuing to monitor him carefully.
LUSON: EXCELLENCE IN NURSING 100% FNP certification exam pass rate for the past 4 years 98.31% NCLEX-RN pass rate compared to national level of 88.18% in 2019 SSH-Accredited Simulation Center provided over 140,000 learner contact hours last academic year 100% PMHNP pass rate for 2019
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Lauron Creasey, Senior Foundation Stone – Excellence Lauron scored a perfect HESI exam 1 score in Pharmacology and OB.
This past November, the Liberty University Nursing Student Association, in partnership with the Liberty’s Sigma Chapter, Psi Delta, hosted its first formal event — Celebration of the Heroes. Honoring seven heroes within the Liberty community and greater Lynchburg area, the evening was full of great food and fellowship. The heroes awarded were student nominated based on four qualities: commitment, character, compassion, and confidence. The night honored an education hero, serviceman hero, spiritual hero, first responder hero, student hero, and a nursing hero. There was even a surprise hero award for empowerment.
AWARDEES WERE:
The Bible reminds us to use the gifts and talents as He has given to do good in the world for Him. Romans 12:6-8 states, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them … if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” Those awarded did not fall short of this statement; students shared examples of their hero’s gifts and talents during the event.
Mrs. Dena Todd — Education Hero Dr. Jerry Harvey — Serviceman Hero Mrs. Emilee Harker — Spiritual Hero Mr. John Turner — First Responder Hero Miss Mackenzie Bressler — Student Hero Dr. Shanna Akers — Nursing Hero Dr. Dana Woody — Empowerment Hero
We look forward to making this an annual event for the School of Nursing.
Mackenzie Brady, Senior Foundation Stone – Excellence Mackenzie scored a perfect HESI exam 1 score in Medical Surgical and Pediatrics. Lilia Remig, Senior Foundation Stone – Excellence Lilia scored a perfect HESI exam 1 score in Medical Surgical, Pharmacology, and Pediatrics. Danielle Holsinger, Senior Foundation Stone – Compassion Danielle organized a group of senior nursing students to pass out encouragement cards to the juniors at the beginning of their third Medical-Surgical exam. Each student received at least one encouragement card. The juniors had the cards out and kept rereading them as visual reminders of peer support and of encouragement during the exam. Additionally, Danielle requested that she be allowed to continue to tutor junior students next semester despite her having already achieved her CSER hours and not needing any more hours to graduate.
COMPASSION
LUSON International Support DEIDRA SIMPSON, PHARMD “Sometimes I must translate the question to my language then back into English.” “I miss food from home.” “It is much more difficult to build relationships here; I am very lonely.” These are a few challenges international students and Third Culture Kids (TCKs) face when studying half a world away from the culture they know and understand. This is why NURS 70 — International Student Support was developed.
was incredibly lonely until you introduced us — now I have a good friend who understands and is a great encourager. I am much happier now.” A quarantined student was able to participate in a food event — Taste of Africa and India — by having food dropped off for her. She stated, “Thank you! The taste from home was so good and exactly what I needed to cheer me up!”
Through this class, students gain access to academic support specific to their needs, build relationships with other international students within LUSON, are mentored by faculty, and have physical needs met through our “Caring Closet” — our food and clothing closet which is open to all LUSON students. Through the year, the statements above transform into thankfulness when needs are met. “The extra tutoring and time on tests helped me pass!” “Thank you, I
It is a blessing and privilege to meet with these students, learn their individual needs, and walk alongside them to meet those needs. Being a safe place to express emotions, an encouragement when they want to give up, a connection to tutoring and resources for academic needs, and a catalyst to building relationships so these students succeed as Champions for Christ is the heart of LUSON International Student Support.
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COMPASSION
Serving in Haiti PAT R I C E S P E N C E R
My name is Patrice Spencer, and I am a graduate of Liberty University’s FNP/DNP program. Shortly after receiving my degree from Liberty, my husband and I were called to serve as missionaries in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, under a missions organization, DSMI. We serve as directors of DSMI’s ministry center in Haiti, which functions to host missions teams who come to serve in Haiti, provide jobs to Haitians, hold community Bible studies, and disciple interns. The ultimate goal of our ministry is to point both Haitians in our community and Americans who come to Haiti to the saving hope of Jesus Christ. Our organization also funds a special needs home in Haiti, which currently takes care of 38 special needs children, most of whom were abandoned by their families due to their disabilities, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, hydrocephalus, microcephaly, and birth deformities such as clubfoot, hip dysplasia, and cleft palate. Most of these children originally came to the home malnourished due to neglect or as a result of extreme poverty within the family. Many of these children are immobile, nonverbal, and completely dependent on our staff to care for them. There are little to no healthcare services geared towards special needs children in Haiti, and primary care is almost nonexistent in the country, so these children had not received any preventive care. My main focus as an FNP in Haiti is to provide primary care for these children, which includes creating electronic medical records, performing wellness checkups, providing immunizations, coordinating care with the resources available in Haiti, referring them to specialists when available, and managing their acute and chronic health conditions. Additionally, I provide education
Implementation of An Independent, Unit Specific LGBT Cultural Competency Training, Kristen Nicole Kaiafas
Implementation of Post Forms upon Hospice Admission: An Evidence-Based Practice Intervention to Reduce Hospice Revocations, Joanna Grace Asselin
Integration of a Pediatric Cardiovascular Health Model Within the Primary Care Setting, Mary Carol LoGalbo
As a healthcare professional in a developing country, the opportunities and needs are endless, and it can be quite overwhelming. I do not have the structured 9 to 5 job that is often expected of a FNP; rather, individuals in the community can come to me at all hours of the day in need of help, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. As we live life in a developing country and try to slowly break down cultural barriers through relationships to point people to Christ, some days seem like they are consumed with caring for physical needs, while other days can feel much more mundane. I often cannot help people the way I want to, I cannot feed every hungry person, I cannot manage every illness, I cannot house every orphan, I cannot preach the Gospel to every soul, but I can be obedient to God in loving and serving those He has put before me, and that is truly rewarding. I am thankful for this life God has called us to, a life surrendered to His will and not our own, a life where I can use my blessings of knowing Christ and having an education as an FNP to bless others with physical, emotional, and spiritual care, and a life where I can strive to serve the way Jesus served. One of my favorite passages in Scripture that has driven my passion and calling to missions is Romans 10:13-15:
A Nursing Education Intervention in an Adult Inpatient Setting for Decreasing Hypoglycemia Incidence, Meredith Lynn Camilleri
Evaluating the Utilization of a Combination Therapy to Improve Self-Efficacy and Glycemic Control in Patients with Type Two Diabetes Mellitus and Low Health Literacy, Crystal Manus Masling
Diabetes Health Literacy in the Rural Community: An Integrative Review, Shannon M. Elrod
Increasing Knowledge of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Criteria and Introduction of a Screening Tool to Improve AAA Screening in a Family Practice Clinic: An Evidence-based Practice Project, Jennifer Elizabeth Rank
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Pharmacogenomics in Primary Care: Barriers to Implementation, Joshua Michael Fleming
Decreasing Psychiatric Readmissions in a Nonprofit Behavioral Health Hospital, John Schreiber
Ask, Advise, Assist and Follow: An Evidence Based Project to Address Unhealthy Alcohol Use in a Free Clinic Setting, Lisa K. Floyd
Bystander CPR Training for Laypersons and Caregivers of Those at High Risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest: An Integrative Review, Ragan Scott
Determining the Effectiveness of System-Based Solutions to Improve Fragmented Care for Oncology Patients Living in Rural and Remote Regions: An Integrative Review, Andrea Nicole Fulmer
Nighttime Quiet in the Intensive Care Unit: An Integrative Review, Heather Rae Smith
DR. CYNTHIA GOODRICH
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Self-Management Education For Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment of Hypoglycemia: An Integrative Review, Chinedum Rosemary Ikwueme
The Effectiveness of Patient Education Utilizing the Teach-Back Method to Improve Patient Satisfaction, Gladys Cajucom Apuli
Ode to Research
Patient quality and safety were on the line And my entire group was starting to whine
Strength in Community: A Community-Based Health Program to Improve Weight Loss and Blood Pressure within an African American Faith-Based Organization, Leonna Sylvitrice Ameduite
and mentorship to three Haitian nurses on staff at the home. As I work alongside these nurses in caring for the children, my hope is to empower them in their nursing role. I also help with other ministries, including providing primary care to a separate children’s home with 26 generally healthy children and adolescents, managing fellow missionaries’ health needs, and helping with local medical clinics.
RESEARCH
It was the night before Thanksgiving A proposal was due But with a turkey to stuff My hours were few
2020 DNP Scholarly Projects Listing
Okay, I said, the turkey can wait I’ll finish the proposal So as not to be late Once the proposal was done, I just knew My efforts would benefit more than a few On the road to a nursing career I embark And build my research for my profession, it’s a hallmark
CDSSs for CVD Risk Management: An Integrative Review, Elisabeth Mary Campbell Identification of Human Trafficking Victims in the Health Care Setting: An Integrative Review, Jami Leigh Castellucci Improving Perioperative Communication Through the Use of a Nurse Navigator: An Integrative Review, Elizabeth Irene Christman Increasing New Orienting Emergency Department Nurses’ Awareness of Mass Casualty Incident Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response Core Competencies to Improve Mass Casualty Incident Response, Christopher C. Deramo II Using Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment to Address Problematic Alcohol Use at a University Student Health Center, Tajuane H. Dockery
Addressing Prescription Opioid Misuse through the Increased Reporting of Prescription Monitoring Program (PDMP) Data: An Integrative Review, Claudia Hannah Georgestone Low Health Literacy Impact on Heart Failure Patients’ Readmissions: An Integrative Review, Melissa S. Goodwin Improving Central Venous Catheter Infection Rates Through the Use of a Bundle: An Integrative Review, Janice LaVerne HarrisHall Improving Patient Satisfaction with the Virtual Handoff Process through the Utilization of Educational Pamphlets in the Emergency Department, Lynda Michelle Heintz Improving Survival Rates in Patients Suffering Cardiac Arrest with Specialized Resuscitation Teams: An Integrative Review, John Campbell Holcomb
Wellness and Coping of Residents in a Skilled Nursing Facility, Christine M. Larson
Walking through Smoke: Implementation of the 5A’s for Smoking Cessation Counseling in Rural Virginia, Cristina Maria Minotti Improving Newborn Outcomes through Implementation of Delayed Bathing: An Integrative Review, Tennille Ideen O’Connor Improving Identification of High-Risk Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients in Primary Care: An Integrative Review, Lauren Ashley Paulson The Effectiveness of Mental Health Disorder Stigma-Reducing Interventions in the Healthcare Setting: An Integrative Review, Catherine Theresa Raj
The Impact of Intermittent Auscultation and Physiologic Labor Support Education for Nurses on Patient Satisfaction and Nurse Self-Efficacy, Heather N. Soper An Evidence-based Intervention To Enhance Provider Awareness and Confidence In Addressing Polypharmacy, Catherine Marie Steiner Use of Delirium Protocols in Decreasing Falls Among Adults in Acute Care: An Integrative Review, Shelly Steverson Thornton Preventing Polypharmacy Amongst the Elderly in an Acute Care Setting Through the Integration of the Deprescribing Tools START, STOPP, and Beers Criteria, Samantha Bonita Wilkins-Copeland Using Patient Safety Principles to Prevent Patient Harm, Octavia Reed Wynn
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LUSON ADVISORY BOARD ROSTER 2021 Shanna Akers, EdD, MSN/MBA-HC, RN, CNE, NEA-BC Dean, LUSON
Vickie McLean, DNP, RN, CCRN, ACNS-BC CNS, Lynchburg General Hospital
STUDENT ADVISORY BOARDS
Diane Bridge, EdD, MSN, RN Administrative Dean, Online Nursing Education
Shannon Miles, BSN, RN Coordinator of Community Outreach and Perinatal Navigation, Centra Health
Lindsey Cardwell, MSN, RN-BC Director of Professional Development
Kathryn Miller, DNP, RN, CNE, CHSE Executive Director of Clinical Affairs, LUSON
Reba Moyer Childress, MSN, RN, FNP, NPD-BC VASSA President & Conference Administrator
Tara Miller Director of Operations, LUSON
Sarah Mann, Senior Madison Bowe, Senior Hee Seung Lee, Senior Makayla Reynolds, Senior Mary Adonteng, Senior Lauren Bishop, Junior Danielle Harvey, Junior Julia Smith, Sophomore Tiana Schultz, Freshman
Kristen Crouse, BSN, RN-BC Nursing Onboarding Manager
Keith Paulus, MSN, RN LUSON Instructor and Instructional Mentor MSN Program Alumni
G R A D U AT E S T U D E N T S ADVISORY BOARD
Joan Deal, DNP, RN Interim Chief Nursing Officer, Centra Health Danielle Englund American Red Cross Misty Flinchum, BS, RRT Director, Center for Simulation, Research & Patient Safety, Carilion Clinic Hospital and Health Care Sharon Kopis, EdD, MS, RN, FNP-C, CNE Chair, Doctoral Studies, LUSON Andrea Mazzoccoli, PhD, RN, FAAN Senior Vice President/Chief Nurse Executive, Bon Secours Health System
Brandi Rawlins, MSN, RN, CMSRN LUSON Instructor | BSN Program Alumni Meg Scheaffel, BSN, MBA-MHA, RN CNO, Vice President, Carilion Clinic Hospital and Health Care Georgiann Watts, RN CNO, Vice President, Bedford Memorial Hospital
Nina Killian, MSN Summer Hepler, MSN Anika Holmes, RN-BSN-MSN Patricia Day, RN-BSN-MSN Stephen Wright, Post-BSN to DNP/FNP Lisa Floyd, Post-MSN to DNP Meredith Parnel, Post-BSN to DNP/FNP
Elizabeth Whorley, PhD, RN, CNE Chair, LUO Graduate and Undergraduate Programs Liberty University School of Nursing
CREATE your
L U S O N F A C U LT Y Shanna Akers, EdD, MSN/MBA-HC, RN, CNE, NEA-BC Dean, School of Nursing
Heather Humphreys, DNP, CNE Associate Professor
Tamra Rasberry, PhD, RN Associate Professor
Rachel Joseph, PhD, RN, CCRN Associate Professor
Katherine Rivera, DNP, RN Associate Professor, Program Director
Tonia Kennedy, EdD, MSN, CCRN-K Associate Professor
Deidra Simpson, PharmD Associate Professor
Sharon Kopis, EdD, MS, RN, FNP-C, CNE Chair, APRN/DNP Program
Stacy Taylor, MSN, RN Assistant Professor
Debra Maddox, DNP, RN, FNP-C Associate Professor
Ken Thompson, PharmD, RPh Associate Professor
Sydney McCraw, MSN, RN Instructor
Dena Todd, MSN, RN Assistant Professor
Linda Gregory, MSN, RN Associate Professor
Kathryn Miller, DNP, RN, CNE, CHSE Executive Director of Clinical Affairs, Associate Professor Chair, BSN Program
Michael Tricoli, MSN, RN Assistant Professor
Emilee Harker, MSN, RN Associate Professor
Vickie Moore, DNP, RN, FNP-C Associate Professor
Carol Harvey, MSN, RN Assistant Professor
Dorothy Murphy, DNP, RN, FNP-C, CNE Administrative Dean, Online Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner Program Director, Professor
Mary Lynn Clarke, EdD, MSN, RN, CCRN Associate Professor Lori Dominie, MSN, RN Assistant Professor Cindy Drohn, MSN, RN Assistant Professor Lisa Gazan, MSN, RN Assistant Professor Cindy Goodrich, EdD, CNE Professor
Jerry Harvey, EdD, MSN, RN Associate Professor Mary Highton, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC Associate Professor Aimee Houghton, MSN, RN Instructor, Program Director
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Kristen Oakley, MSN, RN-BC, CMSRN Instructor Folashade Odedina, DNP, RN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C Psych-Mental Health NP Program Director, Associate Professor
Tracey Turner, EdD, MSN, RNC-OB Associate Professor Sherri Walker, PMHNP-BC, APRN Associate Professor Tiffany Wells, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CHSE Associate Professor of Nursing Elizabeth Whorley, PhD, RN, CNE Chair Online Undergraduate & Graduate Programs Dana Woody, DNP, RN Associate Professor
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