University of South Florida College of Nursing Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, Cindy L. Munro, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FAAN, was selected as one of the 120 Visionary Leaders of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Nursing.

“VCU has been such an important part of my professional life,” Dr. Munro said. ”It is truly an honor to be selected as one of the Visionary Leaders of the School of Nursing.”

The Visionary Leaders award is part of a celebration of the School’s 120th anniversary, which recognizes 120 outstanding alumni and faculty, living and deceased, as Visionary Leaders. Dr. Munro will be honored as a Visionary Leader during VCU School of Nursing’s Gala at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Va. on May 30, 2013.

Prior to joining USF College of Nursing, Dr. Munro was a successful faculty member and researcher at VCU for almost 20 years. She began her career at VCU as Assistant Professor and was a Nursing Alumni Endowed Professor before she left. Before joining USF, VCU also named her Emeritus Professor. Dr. Munro earned a post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate and a PhD in Nursing and Microbiology and Immunology at VCU.

Dr. Munro is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and serves on the Academy’s Acute and Critical Care Expert Panel. She is nurse co-editor of the American Journal of Critical Care. Dr. Munro practiced as an adult nurse practitioner at Petersburg Health Care Alliance in Petersburg, Virginia, and was an active member of the Chesterfield County Virginia Medical Reserve Corps.

Her funded research as a principal investigator or co-investigator includes grants from the NIH National Institute of Nursing Research, NIH National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and the NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, as well as the Department of Defense, among others.

She is currently the principal investigator on a study funded since 2001, which is looking to reduce the incidence of pneumonia associated with the use of ventilators in critically ill patients.

For related stories on Dr. Munro click here.

University of South Florida College of Nursing PhD student, Glenna S. Brewster, MS, RN, FNP-BC, received the 2013– 2015 John A. Hartford Foundation Patricia G. Archbold Scholar Award from the National Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE) for her excellence and leadership in education.

“The receipt of this grant is the launching pad for my career,” Brewster said. “I intend to capitalize on all the opportunities to network with and learn from seasoned researchers and mentors. In order for me to conduct life-changing research, I have to understand all aspects of the research process and this funding will allow me to remain at USF and continue to work, observe and participate in research. I am excited about my growth as a researcher over the next 2 years.”

Brewster will receive a total of $100,000 for two years to cover for tuition waivers, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, grants-in-aid, and more. As an Archbold Scholar, she will continue to work as a Graduate Research Assistant, under the mentorship of USF Nursing Professor and Endowed Chair, Meredeth Rowe, RN, PhD, FGSA, FAAN, in the College’s Caregiving Lab.

“Brewster earned this award through hard work and dedication in her professional and academic endeavors,” Dr. Rowe said.  ”She is dedicated to improving the lives of older adults particularly by furthering our understanding of depression and its ramifications.  Her potential to make a difference through research is exceptional given her talents and the richness of this award.  It will be a pleasure to work with her and enjoy her successes.”

Brewster will conduct research on the R01 National Institute on Aging (NIA) funded study, led by Dr. Rowe, entitled “Improving Dementia Caregiver Sleep & the Effect on Heart Disease Biomarkers.” She will also continue to participate in study activities including data recruitment, data collection and analyses, and research publication and presentation.

As a mentor, Dr. Rowe will meet with Brewster weekly to advise her in the researcher role, help her develop poster and paper presentations, grant submissions and applications for the postdoctoral period. Brewster will have two additional mentors including Professor and Ronald and Elizabeth Blake Distinguished Professor in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Christine L. Williams, DNSc, PMHCNS-BC, and Assistant Professor of Aging Studies from USF Health, Aryn Harrison, PhD. Dr. Williams will mentor Brewster regarding depression in older adults and leadership in geriatric nursing, while Dr. Harrison will provide mentoring in measuring cognitive performance.

 “I am very proud that I received this award but I know that this would not have been possible without a team believing in me and my potential,” Brewster said. “Dr. Rowe, who assisted me throughout the entire process, my advisor, USF Nursing Associate Professor and Academic Affairs and Interprofessional Initiatives Associate, Rita F. D’Aoust, PhD, ACNP, ANP-BC, CNE, FAANP, FNAP, my other mentors, the professors who wrote my recommendation letters, and the research lab team who guided me with the budget and the final assembly of the grant submission respectively. One of the most important persons in my team is my mother who funded the start of this journey and I would not have been here without her.”

NHCGNE Scholar Award Program, created to increase academic gerontological nursing capacity in the United States, helps develop academic gerontological nursing capacity in the United States. NHCGNE Scholars, in collaboration with their mentors, will implement a tailored professional plan which supports development of new competencies and enhanced effectiveness as an academic leader.

For related stories on Glenna Brewster click here.

This semester the University of South Florida College of Nursing graduated a total of 146 students including one Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), six PhDs in Nursing, 49 Master’s of Science (MS), and 90 Bachelor’s of Science (BS).

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.

Local Radio Station 970 WFLA interviewed Senior Associate Vice President for USF Health and Dean of the University of South Florida College of Nursing, Dianne Morrison-Beedy, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN, during the station’s AM Tampa Bay Morning Show on April 30, 2013.

Dean Dianne Morrison-Beedy was interviewed by the AM Tampa Bay Morning Show’s Host, Corey Dylan, about how the College is transforming healthcare and transforming Lives, creating the nursing leaders of tomorrow and the research that improves health.

“We are the leaders in nurse education offering revolutionary Registered Nurses to Bachelor degree programs and a first-in-the-nation Introduction to Military and Veterans Health course,” said Dr. Morrison-Beedy during the radio interview. “USF nursing masters and doctoral programs prepare students to be Nurse Practitioners, faculty and researchers. Students learn the way they will practice and research, as integral partners in interprofessional healthcare teams.”

To hear Dr. Morrison-Beedy’s full interview on 970 WFLA Radio click here. 

“I cannot deny that I will forever be a bull, more specifically, a bull nurse.” That’s what University of South Florida College of Nursing BS-PhD student, Crystal L. Chapman-Lambert, MS, FNP-BC, ACRN, AAHIVS, proudly told more than 730 graduates and their friends and family during the student address at the USF Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2013.

“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.

University of South Florida College of Nursing is featured in a month-long special airing on the City of Tampa’s Cable Communication Channel (CTTV). The monthly magazine show, known as Spotlight Tampa, highlighted the USF College of Nursing’s 40^th anniversary and the impact the College has had in the Tampa community.

The Spotlight Tampa on USF College of Nursing is airing throughout the month of May on CTTV, which can be found on Verizon Channel 15 and Brighthouse Channel 615. The video has also been posted on the City of Tampa’s YouTube Channel.

Spotlight Tampa airtimes include:

• Monday through Friday – 10:00 p.m.
• Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday – 7:00 a.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays – 4:00 p.m.
• Saturdays – 8:00 p.m.
• Sundays – 4:30p.m.

The 4-minute video showcases the USF College of Nursing’s progress on education, research, and the economic impact of the College on the City of Tampa.

To see the Spotlight Tampa video on College of Nursing’s YouTube Channel click here.

University of South Florida College of Nursing alum, Hayley Suratt, RN, MSN, CRNA, ’12, returned to Guatemala for a second medical-surgical mission trip in spring 2013.

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.

University of South Florida College of Nursing began partnership discussions with University of Stirling in Scotland over a video conference on April 25, 2013.

The video conference, moderated by Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean for Global & Community Affairs, LaRon Nelson, PhD, RN, NP, was held to discuss the research specialty areas at the University of Stirling School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health,  as well as to exchange research ideas between the two Nursing Colleges. These discussions are part of the USF College of Nursing initiative, POWER with Nursing: Partnership Opportunities for Wellness, Education and Research and part of iCON: International College of Nursing.

“The University of Stirling School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health has very strong research units that include the Cancer Care Research Center, Center for Public & Population Health Research, Midwifery and Allied Health Care (MAHC) Unit, and Maternal Child Health Research Group,” Dr. Nelson said. “These and other areas overlap with the work in which our faculty are engaged. In the era of the Affordable Care Act, Scotland provides an amazing opportunity for comparative research to understand how differences in the structure of our healthcare systems impact nursing outcomes and other healthcare related outcomes. It positions the USF College of Nursing to continue to lead in generating the research that improves nursing practice locally and internationally.”

Faculty members from University of Stirling School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health will visit USF College of Nursing on May 13, 2013 to meet with Senior Associate Vice President for USF Health and Dean of the College of Nursing, Dianne Morrison-Beedy, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN, faculty, and students to discuss opportunities for international partnerships between the two colleges. They will have a number of important meetings with USF College of Nursing’s faculty and clinical and community partners to create an overall understanding of the College.

“They are also co-sponsoring the USF College of Nursing International Nursing Research Challenge, a grant that motivates faculty interest in pursuing their programs of research in international contexts, and will be reviewing proposals and making a recommendation for funding to the Dean,” Nelson said. “We will also have a formal ceremony wherein the Deans of the both Schools of Nursing make agreements to collaborate on research and educational programs in an effort to promote global citizenship and global engagement among our students and faculty.”

The University of Stirling’s mission is to pursue world-class research, scholarship and learning in order to inspire, challenge and support motivated individuals who want to shape our world. Stirling  is ranked number one in Scotland and eighth in the UK in The Times Higher Education 100 Under 50 table, which ranks the world’s best 100 universities under 50 years old. Stirling is top in Scotland and ninth in the UK in the Research Success Rankings (Research Fortnight, 2007). The UK-wide 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) confirmed that Stirling is the leading Scottish research university in a number of areas, including Nursing & Midwifery, Sport, Education, and Film & Media.

Through POWER with Nursing, our Partnership Opportunities for Wellness, Education and Research, the College of Nursing’s initiatives with existing and expanding collaborations stretch across the region, nation and globe. POWER with Nursing provides opportunities to collaborate with the USF College of Nursing on important initiatives like expanding the research residencies program, providing increased opportunities for interprofessional education, and expanding USF Global nursing programs.

Chandler, R., Canty-Mitchell, J., Kip, K. E., Daley, E., Morrison-Beedy, D., Anstey, E., & Ross, H. (2013). College females preferred HIV prevention message mediums:  Mass media versus interpersonal relationships. The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. 2013; Feb. 25. [Epub ahead of print]. pii: S1055-3290(12)00189-6.

Groth, S. W. & Morrison-Beedy, D. (2013). Low-income, pregnant African American women’s views on physical activity and diet. Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health. 8(2), 195-202. doi:10.1111/j.1542-2011.2012.00203.x.