At the University of South Florida College of Nursing Spring 2013 Pinning Ceremony featuring the Alumni Path of Light, May 3, 2013,  Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Community Engagement, Connie Visovsky, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, welcomed alumni, faculty, family and friends who were celebrating an incredible milestone in the graduates’  journey of lifelong learning as health professionals. The Pinning Ceremony is a nursing tradition which marks the transition of baccalaureate graduates from students to professional nurses.

Many of the students graduated with University honors: 20 Cum Laude, 22 Magna Cum Laude and 2 Summa Cum Laude. Additionally, 1 student,  Temre Smith, earning the highest honors, Summa Cum Laude, has been chosen by the USF Alumni Association to receive the King O’Neal Scholars Award at commencement for graduating with an outstanding 4.0 GPA. Exemplar students were also recognized with several awards including Academic Excellence, Clinical Excellence, Leadership Award, Spirit of Nursing Award, Service Award, Capstone Award, Evidence Based Practice Award, and Quality & Safety Award.

Class mates and room mates, Carolyn Steel and Rachel Tax, both became the third generation of nurses in their families, and both of their mothers and grandmothers were there to celebrate with them at the Pinning Ceremony on May 3, 2013.

“I am fortunate to be able to participate in this pinning tradition with all of our graduating students, and was delighted to meet these two families of 3^rd generation nurses (2^nd Generation Bull Nurses!),” said Assistant Professor, Melissa Molinari Shelton, PhD, RN. “A call to nursing is a special bond they share with one another.  As our College continues to educate the nursing leaders of tomorrow, I expect that we will certainly welcome many more Bull Nurse legacies into our family.”

At the USF Commencement Ceremony recognizing graduate students from all colleges of the university on Saturday, May 4, 2013, Spring 2013 Nursing BS-PhD graduate, Crystal L. Chapman-Lambert, MS, FNP-BC, ACRN, AAHIVS, spoke to more than 730 graduates and their friends and family during the student address. ”I cannot deny that I will forever be a bull, more specifically, a bull nurse,” she said, humbled and grateful for being selected.

“I was honored and horrified because my public speaking is something that I fear, but I was up for the challenge,” Chapman-Lambert said. “Thank you to everyone at the USF College of Nursing for recognizing my hard work and dedication to the advancement of nursing science.”

Chapman-Lambert has shown tremendous success throughout her education journey at USF College of Nursing. In 2007, she was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing, and was the USF Nursing McKnight Doctoral Fellow. In 2011, she also received the Sigma Theta Tau International/Virginia Henderson Clinical Research Grant from Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society of Nursing to allow her to conduct research on HIV-infected women’s knowledge, perceived susceptibility and seriousness of cervical cancer.

“We are all proud of Crystal, and what she has accomplished,” said USF Nursing Distinguished Professor and Thompson Professor of Oncology Nursing, Susan C. McMillan, PhD, ARNP, FAAN, who has been Chapman-Lambert’s mentor during her dissertation. “My perspective is that she is bright and articulate and will be a talented researcher and teacher. I’m proud of her, and wish her an amazing career.”

To read Crystal Chapman-Lambert’s story in its entirety click here.

For related stories on Chapman-Lambert click here.

For information about USF Commencement visit www.usf.edu/commencement 

For more photos from USF Commencement  May3-5, 2013 click here.

For details about USF Commencement Ceremonies held May 3-5, 2013 click here.

“I feel humbled and honored to speak on behalf of USF Nursing students and those graduates who are proudly walking on Saturday,” Chapman-Lambert said.

Chapman-Lambert, who completed her BS-PhD in Nursing this semester, said she is humbled and grateful for being selected to speak at the USF Commencement Ceremony recognizing graduate students from all colleges of the university.

“I was honored and horrified because my public speaking is something that I fear, but I was up for the challenge,” Chapman-Lambert said. “Thank you to everyone at the USF College of Nursing for recognizing my hard work and dedication to the advancement of nursing science.”

Chapman-Lambert has shown tremendous success throughout her education journey at USF College of Nursing. In 2007, she was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing, and was the USF Nursing McKnight Doctoral Fellow. In 2011, she also received the Sigma Theta Tau International/Virginia Henderson Clinical Research Grant from Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society of Nursing to allow her to conduct research on HIV-infected women’s knowledge, perceived susceptibility and seriousness of cervical cancer.

“We are all proud of Crystal, and what she has accomplished,” said USF Nursing Distinguished Professor and Thompson Professor of Oncology Nursing, Susan C. McMillan, PhD, ARNP, FAAN, who has been Chapman-Lambert’s mentor during her dissertation. “My perspective is that she is bright and articulate and will be a talented researcher and teacher. I’m proud of her, and wish her an amazing career.”

Over 140 students graduated from the College of Nursing this semester including one Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), six PhDs in Nursing, 49 Master’s of Science (MS), and 90 Bachelor’s of Science (BS).

For information about USF Commencement visit www.usf.edu/commencement 

For more photos from USF Commencement  May3-5, 2013 click here.

For details about USF Commencement Ceremonies held May 3-5, 2013 click here.

For related stories on Chapman-Lambert click here.

Suratt, who received her Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia at USF in December 2012, traveled to Guatemala with Faith in Practice, which is a non-profit Christian organization that seeks to improve the physical, spiritual, and economic conditions of the poor in Guatemala through short-term surgical, medical, and dental mission trips and health-related educational programs.

Suratt traveled as a volunteer with 30 other medical personnel to help performed surgeries on 104 patients over one week. During that time, Suratt and the medical-surgical team screened patients to make sure they have good candidates for surgery, set up the surgery suites and pre-op/recovery units, and performed surgeries such as Gallbladder removals, hernia repairs, knee/shoulder scopes, and more.

“I was stationed in the recovery room,” Suratt said. “I assisted patients in the transition from general anesthesia, which included airway management and pain control (IV medications/peripheral nerve blocks). The USF Nurse Anesthesia program equipped me with the knowledge, skill set, and confidence to reach beyond our borders and help people in far-away places – I am forever grateful!”

This is Suratt’s second trip to the Latin country. Last summer, she traveled with the Faith in Practice’s surgical team to Antigua, Guatemala where she helped many patients in desperate need of medical help. They performed an amazing 93 surgeries including knees, shoulders, gallbladders, hernias, and other general surgeries in just one week.

“I traveled back to Guatemala because I knew Guatemalans needed all the help they could get,” Suratt said. “Last year, I witnessed the hurt and joy of so many faces before and after surgeries that I knew I had to go back and help them as much as possible. But, Guatemalans always give way more back to me than what I give to them,” Suratt said. “They inspire and remind me to become more and reach for more through God’s grace and strength.”

Since 1991, Faith In Practice, has been committed to serving the poor in Guatemala. The organization sees more than 20,000 patients annually, according to Faith in Practice’s website. Every year, over 1,000 medical professionals and support personnel from across the United States and world travel to Guatemala, to serve the poor of Guatemala through Faith In Practice.

For more stories about Hayley Suratt click here.

“I am the Liaison between the states and the full board of the AANP,” Dr. Aertker said. “This role involves supporting the states, and promoting the annual nurse practitioner (NP) advocate and NP of the year awards. This role is to educate and inform individuals, legislators, and groups about our profession and how we are working to improve healthcare access and provide the highest quality of health care as dedicated leaders in the health care system.”

AANP, an organization that has more than 40 thousand members, leads NPs in transforming patient-centered health care. The organization’s vision is to also provide high quality health care for all by patient’s provider choice.

“Our goal is to have 100 percent participation of all advanced practice nurses belonging to our national organization that continues to advocate and promote our role in health care,” Dr. Aertker said. “USF College of Nursing is a major educational leader in Florida preparing nurses for our advanced practice role. I was a faculty member at USF College of Nursing teaching NPs when the AANP began, and have watched our presence in healthcare grow to provide care in so many areas, especially rural and underserved areas to expanding into highly specialized medical care. The need for Advanced Practice Nurses is being met by our great USF College of Nursing as we face a looming dilemma of projected shortage of primary care providers around the nation and especially here in Florida.”

Dr. Aerkter is the owner of Tampa Occupational Health Services, which has been providing employee health and wellness services for more than 16 years. She always stays involved with USF and the USF College of Nursing. She is currently a member of the USF College of Nursing Dean’s new Advisory  Council, and is also the USF Nursing’s Cabinet Chair for the USF Unstoppable Campaign.

(Right to Left). USF College of Nursing alum, Dr. Jean Aertker, talking to USF College of Nursing Communications Specialist, Vjollca Hysenlika, during the College’s Coming Home celebration on Feb. 16, 2013

Dr. Aertker has been a great advocate for Nurse Practitioners to help bring recognition to the profession locally and regionally. In 2009, she was inducted as an AANP Fellow for the difference she has made in the profession over the years. “We have so much talent and expertise in nursing and our advanced nurse practitioners are doing so much now with alliances and partnering to create a better health care delivery system,” she said.

“NPs have been providing primary, acute and specialty healthcare to patients of all ages and walks of life for nearly half a century, starting in 1965,” Dr. Aertker continued. “NPs assess patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, make diagnoses, and initiate and manage treatment plans – including prescribing medications. While each state has its own particular rules and laws regarding the practice of all health professionals, NPs are working to educate all to help us remove unnecessary practice barriers, in Florida particularly, that can potentially impact and delay patient care. NPs are the healthcare providers of choice for millions of patients. An NP is truly your partner in health.”

Dr. Aertker will be introduced as the new Regional 11 Director at AANP’s Annual Convention in las Vegas, Nevada being held June 19 through June 23, 2013.

For additional information on Dr. Aertker’s appointment visit the AANP website here.

The award, sponsored by USF Alumni Association, recognizes the 56 fastest growing alumni owned and/or operated businesses. The 56 finalists were selected from a field of more than 200 companies.

 

“It was amazing!” said Hilderbrandt. “With the diversity of businesses represented, we were thrilled to be honored, and surprised to be number 17. It was a fabulous event, and I had a huge grin on my face the entire night, for all of us who were honored.”

Hilderbrandt and the company she directs, the Breath of Life Women’s Health & Birth Center, received 17th place. She has been the Director of the center since 2007. The Women’s Health and Birth Center provides women’s health services, prenatal, birth, postpartum, and newborn care.

“We had one baby our first year, and we are now close to 450 babies born in the center!” Hilderbrandt said. “We have also cared for some families who have had to transfer for various reasons to have a baby in the hospital. Our goal, which we explain to all prospective clients, is a healthy mom and baby. Breath of Life Birth Center is the only nationally-accredited birth center in the entire state of Florida!”

Hilderbrandt received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from USF in 1993. Since then, she has had a successful career. Prior to directing Breath of Life Women’s Health & Birth Center, she worked in labor & delivery at Bayfront Hospital as a nurse, and as a nurse-midwife at Morton Plant Hospital, and in Tarpon Springs.

She is a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and American Association of Birth Centers. She also received the Woodruff Fellowship from Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff College of Nursing in Atlanta, Ga.

For more information on the 2013 USF Fast 56 companies or to nominate a company for next year, visit USFalumni.org/fast56finalists.

Dr. Quigley is an Associate Director and Team Leader for Injurious Falls at James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Fla., where she leads interdisciplinary, prototype falls clinics and programs aimed at developing, testing and promoting interventions and tools to reduce falls and prevent falls-related injuries in vulnerable populations.

In addition, Dr. Quigley was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the USF College of Nursing at its annual Coming Home celebration in February 2013.

(Right to Left). USF Nursing Alum Dr. Quigley with USF Nursing Assistant Professor Dr. Melissa Molinari-Shelton, USF Nursing alum Lee Barks, and USF Nursing Dean Dianne Morrison-Beedy, as she accepts the USF Nursing 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award during the Coming Home Ceremony. 

“I have always been clinically focused, because patient care is the heart-beat of my being as a nurse,” said Dr. Quigley in the American Nurse article. “As a nurse, though, I understand that clinical decisions are based on individual patients’ needs and clinical knowledge — implementing actions that we know will benefit a patient. Each nurse has to use expert knowledge, clinical judgment and common sense to make decisions that are population- and setting-specific.”

During her career, she has been a nurse practitioner in adult health, a clinical nurse specialist in rehabilitation, and a funded nurse researcher. In addition, she is also an expert in patient safety, program evaluation, rehabilitation, functional independence, fall and injurious fall prevention across settings, and epidemiology. Dr. Quigley’s research findings have also been published extensively and translated into practice at the national level.

To read Dr. Quigley’s feature article on the American Nurse Publication click here.

For other stories on Dr. Quigley written from USF College of Nursing click here.

The USF College of Nursing Alumni & Friends Society created the award to acknowledge alumni and friends for their outstanding support in the development of the College’s mission. Chris Davis is the first recipient of this award.

“Thank you for honoring me with this award,” said Davis, after receiving his award. “Thank you for also allowing me to be part of the USF College of Nursing and the great things you’re accomplishing here.”

As President of L.A.D. Global Enterprises, Inc., Chris Davis has been great supporter of the USF College of Nursing. He was honored with the first award for his generosity, thoughtfulness, and vision for the future of College.

“Davis has created an indelible relationship with USF College of Nursing,” said Melissa Molinari, Shelton, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor and Alumni and Friends Society President at USF College of Nursing, before she presented him the award. “He has continually partnered with the College of Nursing to raise awareness and develop projects –becoming one of the College’s biggest supporters across the globe!”

In 2012, Davis donated funds to USF Nursing to start Partnership Opportunities for Wellness, Education and Research Initiative (POWER with Nursing) to strengthen existing partnerships and expand collaborations across the region, nation and globe. As part of the Power initiative, Davis donated 500 teddy bears in nursing scrubs, its packaging along with marketing funds to the College to distribute teddy bears to sick children at local hospitals.

The Outstanding Young Almnus Award, created by USF College of Nursing Alumni & Friends Society, is presented to a graduate of the USF College of Nursing who has graduated less than 10 years ago and demonstrates outstanding achievements in their field.

Dr. Shelby, the Founder & President of the National Academy of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners (NADNP), received the distinguished award for her outstanding career and academic accomplishments.

“Dr. Shelby has proven her passion for education time and again: by founding and building the National Academy of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners; by creating and executing a sold out national conference; by repeatedly publishing articles in her chosen field of dermatology; and by mentoring her fellow scholars at every turn,” said Melissa Molinari, Shelton, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor and Alumni and Friends Society President at USF College of Nursing, before she presented her the award.

Dr. Shelby has provided leadership and sustained clinical experience in the DNP dermatology signature residency program at USF College of Nursing. She has also spent countless hours providing free skin cancer screenings and advocating for awareness in the Tampa Bay area. Currently, she is a PhD candidate at USF Nursing and is an American Cancer Society grant award winner for her dissertation titled: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of NPs Regarding Skin Cancer Assessments.

For additional stories on Dr. Debra Shelby click here.

The Distinguished Alumni Award, created by USF College of Nursing Alumni & Friends Society to acknowledge the personal, professional and community contributions of its alumni, is given to individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary dedication to the profession of nursing.

Dr. Quigley, who has been practicing rehabilitation nursing for more than 34 years, received the distinguished award for demonstrating outstanding accomplishments as a charter graduate of the USF College of Nursing Undergraduate Nursing program in 1975 and the Graduate Nursing program in 1982.

 

“I am very thankful of USF College of Nursing,” said Dr. Quigley, as she tried to fight back tears. “I have spent my whole life trying to wrap my arms around the nursing profession because I have loved this so much. There are times that I have felt when this profession has wrapped its arms around me.”

Dr. Quigley is an Associate Director and Team Leader for Injurious Falls at James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Fla. During her career, she has been a nurse practitioner in adult health, a clinical nurse specialist in rehabilitation, and a funded nurse researcher. In addition, she is also an expert in patient safety, program evaluation, rehabilitation, functional independence, fall and injurious fall prevention across settings, and epidemiology.

“Since starting the first nurse practitioner-directed Falls Prevention Clinic at James A Haley VA Medical Center, several other public and private institutions have adopted this successful model,” said Melissa Molinari, Shelton, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor and Alumni and Friends Society President at USF College of Nursing, before she presented her the award. “Dr. Quigley has helped shape the science of fall prevention and management in healthcare. Perhaps most importantly to nursing, she developed a model for clinical falls teams designed to reduce costs and develop interventions and best practices in the prevention and management of falls, the number one injury of patients in hospitals. She pioneered the nurse practitioner role as leader of the falls team, enabling the nurse practitioner to serve as primary provider.”

Under her direction, the model team at James A. Haley Hospital has received continuous funding of over $5 million since 1999.  The team has developed clinical and educational tools to translate falls research into clinical practice. Dr. Quigley’s research findings have also been published extensively and translated into practice at the national level.

Since 1986, she has served on 10 editorial review boards and has authored over twenty articles in peer reviewed journals and co-authored twenty-one articles published in interdisciplinary journals. Dr. Quigley has also served as President of the Florida Nurses Association, USF College of Nursing Alumni and Friends Society, and has been a member of expert panels in many national organizations.

Warnke, who received her Master’s Degree in Nursing Education from USF College of Nursing in May, 2012, said the graduate course-work prepared her this new opportunity. She said she wants to thank USF Nursing faculty members including Melanie Michael, DNP, MS, ARNP-C, Assistant Professor and Director of DNP Program, Marisa Belote, RN, MBA,
Instructor and Director for Virtual Simulation Center of Excellence and Clinical Education, Gail Schinka, RN, MS, CNN, Instructor and Clinical Collaborative for VA Nursing Academy Faculty, and Barbara Redding, EdD, RN,CNE, Professor and Director of Office of Program Evaluation at USF Nursing, for inspiring her to pursue topics such as the implementation and effectiveness of nurse residency programs.

“The creation of this new role and the completion of my Masters at USF Nursing could not have been timed any better,” said Warnke. “I get to combine my two passions: nursing and education. Two and a half years ago when I interviewed with Dr. Redding to come into the program I was asked what my ultimate career goal was, I can now confidently say it was this.”

Warnke has worked for Moffitt Cancer Center for more than 14 years in various areas including inpatient and outpatient (breast surgery), and consumer health education. “I love working in oncology and my current position combines my two passions: nursing and education,” Warnke said. “I have the opportunity every day to help our patients and caregivers through educating them on their disease or treatment. Moffitt and cancer can be a very scary place; it is my mission to help navigate our patients on this journey.”