NurseTHE VOLUNTEER - Year of the Nurse: Vols on the Front Lines - FALL 2020
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Nurse
THE VOLUNTEER
FA L L 2 0 2 0
Year of
the Nurse:
Vols on the
Front Lines
PAGE 8
Nurse
OUR MISSION
We are catalysts for optimizing health THE
. . . . . . . . . . . . .VOLUNTEER
...............................
through nurse-led care by integrating
education, practice, research, and
Dean’s
technology. We define health broadly
and impact it by addressing policy and
social issues through advocacy and
FA L L 2 0 2 0
Message
leadership. Fueled by our commitment
2020 ADVISORY BOARD to communities, families, and individuals,
Jeannie Dulaney, Chair
Randy Jenkins, Vice Chair
we seek partnerships to create innovative
solutions that improve health for all. IN THIS ISSUE
Dean’s Message.......................................................Inside Cover
Laura Barnes OUR VISION
College & Faculty News
Cindy Bresee Leading Care. Creating Partnerships.
Improving Health. TRIP Recieves CARES Act Funding.......................................2
Savannah Brueher
Precious Prints Expands Beyond East Tennessee...............2
Vicky Carwein
Graduate Program Earns National Ranking..........................2
Doc Claussen COLLEGE OF NURSING
Betsey Creekmore
A D M I N I S T R AT I O N Niederhauser Appointed to New Leadership Roles............3
____________________
Dear colleagues, alumni, and friends: Bruce Hartmann Victoria Niederhauser UT Nursing Welcomes…..........................................................3
I
Kelly Henderson Dean; Professor Hutson Takes on New College Leadership Role................. 4
8
n recognition of Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday and in honor of the work nurses have Teresa Levey Brown & Kojima Receive DAISY Faculty Award.................. 4
done over the past two centuries, the World Health Organization named 2020 the Year Sadie Hutson
Carlton Long Accolades..................................................................................6
of the Nurse and Midwife! Today more than ever, as nurses serve on the front lines of the Executive Associate Dean
COVID-19 pandemic, the world recognizes the tremendous impact nurses have on care. The Jason Long Year of the Nurse: Vols on the Front Lines..............................8
for Academic Affairs; Professor
pandemic has had unprecedented effects on all of us—our college, our alumni, and, most Becky Duncan Massey I Am a Nurse Campaign............................................................. 11
importantly, our students. Joe Mont McAfee Tami Wyatt The Possibility of a Brighter Future....................................... 12
Janice McKinley Associate Dean for Research;
The world has changed drastically over the past several months due to COVID-19. Spring semester Creating a Hospital Out of Thin Air........................................ 14
Torchbearer Professor
courses, including simulation and experiential training, shifted to online delivery immediately after Peggy Pierce
On a Mission to Care for Terminally Ill Children................... 16
spring break for most students. Our learning and simulation labs packed up extra PPE and delivered Lisa Reed
Nan Gaylord Study Shows New Nursing Skills Emerging
it to a local hospital in need. Our faculty members provided information to the community through Avice Reid Associate Dean for Practice and amid the Pandemic................................................................ 18
radio shows, op-eds, and other sources. Several students and alumni also stepped up to the plate in
Ian Schnur Global Affairs; Professor
true Vol spirit and volunteered to serve. Twelfth Annual NightinGala.................................................... 20
Dean Skadberg 23
Shelia Swift Dr. Sylvia E. Hart Distinguished Alumni Award................. 20
As you will see in this edition of The Volunteer Nurse, our students, faculty, and alumni—nurse scholars Robin Smith
Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Volunteer Nursing Champion Award................................... 21
and aspiring nurse scholars—are committed to leadership, service, and improving health. I invite you Alan Solomon
Programs; Clinical Assistant Lauren and Thomas Rhett Akins Surprise
to learn about a few of the many ways they are moving forward through this pandemic and how their
Martha Weeks Professor
leadership and service will leave a lasting impact on our world. Nursing Students....................................................................23
Lesa Whitson
Terrica Durbin Meet the Advisors: Randy Jenkins......................................... 24
The College of Nursing remains committed to meeting health care challenges and addressing critical Wendy Wortham
Interim Assistant Dean of Notes of Gratitude.....................................................................27
health needs by preparing nurses who have a broad understanding of the profession, public policy,
EMERITI Graduate Programs Student Spotlight: Paige Clark............................................... 28
leadership, and health care systems. The work of our faculty, students, and alumni is advancing science
in our region, state, and world. Once again, I extend my gratitude to you for your loyal support of the Leonard & Gail Brabson
C O N T R I B U TO R S
College of Nursing and our endeavors to advance science and answer the call of the nation during Larry Burkhart ____________________
this time.
Alvin Gibson Editor
Margaret Heins Laning Kara Clark
We will continue to actively communicate on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to students, faculty
and staff, and friends. I hope you will to stay up to date with the activities of the college by following Rita Silen 28
us on social media. Copy Editor
Linda Vaughn ON THE COVER
Donna Spencer College of Nursing graduates Erin Anderson, left, and Abby Delisi,
Lydia Weathersby right, on the front lines of COVID-19 in New York City.
Thank you for making a Volunteer difference in the lives of those you touch.
Graphic Designer
FACULTY REPRESENTATIVES
Sincerely, Laura Barroso
Tom Berg The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title IX/
CONTACT US Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of
Terrica Durbin its education and employment programs and services.
Writers All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration
Carole Myers The Volunteer Nurse is published by the UT College of Nursing. for employment without regard to race, color, national
Victoria Niederhauser DrPH, RN, PPCNP-BC, FAAN Kara Clark
origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual
Comments and letters can be sent to the editor at
DEAN AND PROFESSOR | TWITTER: @VOLNURSINGDEAN Victoria Niederhauser Tyra Haag orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental
UT College of Nursing, Communications, 1200 Volunteer Blvd., disability, or covered veteran status. The university
Whitney Heins name and its indicia within are trademarks of the
Knoxville, TN 37996, volnurse@tennessee.edu. University of Tennessee. A project of the College of
University of Tennessee College of Nursing utknursing @utknursing Diane Carr Tolhurst Nursing. PAN E01-3010-054-001-21.
COLLEGE & FACULTY
NEWS
Precious Prints Expands Beyond East Tennessee Niederhauser Appointed to New Leadership Roles
The Precious Prints Project, an initiative of To date, more than 1,000 Knoxville-area College of Nursing Dean Victoria at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a new dean mentor, and as a leader of the U.S.
UT’s Student Nurses Association, has welcomed families have received a sterling silver charm Niederhauser has been selected to serve on the to our vision: Every Leader a Servant Leader,” News and World Report rankings advisory group.
its first academic partner. Following months of bearing the fingerprint of their child, made board of directors for East Tennessee Children’s said Samantha Edwards, director of strategic
planning, nursing students at Union University by Knoxville-based company Precious Hospital, Leadership Knoxville, and the American partnerships and initiatives at Leadership Since joining
Hendersonville will implement the project in the Metal Prints. The charms provide a lasting Association of Colleges of Nursing. Knoxville. “Through Dean Niederhauser’s the College of
Nashville area in collaboration with their peers in memory for parents. Fundraising and project work at UT and in the community, we know Nursing in 2011,
UT’s College of Nursing. management are handled by the Student Nurses “Dr. Niederhauser is a recognized leader who that she will make a wonderful addition to our Niederhauser has
Association. The students collect donations is passionate about helping Children’s Hospital board of directors. We look forward to the year demonstrated her
through events like the Sprint for the Prints 5K, continue to provide the best possible expert ahead as our community continues to develop a commitment to
which had more than 300 participants in its care to our community’s children,” said Joe continuum of leaders from youth to seniors.” improving access
seventh annual race in September 2019. Childs, the hospital’s chief medical officer. “She to education,
also understands the importance of educating Leadership Knoxville Scholars takes an advancing diversity
This development comes after Dean Victoria tomorrow’s nurses about the complexities of innovative approach to leadership education and inclusion
Niederhauser and Lynne Miller, clinical pediatric medicine. She is a great addition to our through community partnerships. The intensive initiatives, and
TRIP Receives instructor and director of the Precious Prints board of directors.” two-year leadership development and community creating innovative Victoria Niederhauser
Project, created a plan to expand the project to immersion program targets the best and brightest solutions to address
CARES Act Funding nursing schools and health care facilities across The hospital is one of four certified comprehensive student leaders at the university and connects challenging issues in nursing education. “I am
the nation. regional pediatric centers in Tennessee and is them to impactful community leaders. The thrilled to serve the community through these
In 2018, the College of Nursing, in
accredited by the Joint Commission. Its board of program operates under the core values of board appointments” she said. “As a nurse and
partnership with Cherokee Health
Nursing faculty and student representatives directors is composed of 21 community leaders servant leadership, community building, and academic leader, I believe I can bring a helpful
Systems, received $2.6 million from
from Union University recently visited UT who are committed to the hospital’s mission social change. perspective and learn ways to support these two
the US Department of Health and
Precious Prints, which offers free fingerprint to learn implementation strategies, best of improving the health of children through wonderful organizations.”
Human Services for Transforming RN
charms to families who have lost a child, practices, and how to conduct staff education exceptional comprehensive family-centered care, In addition, Niederhauser was elected to the
Roles in Community-Based Integrated
launched at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in and training. They also visited one of UT’s wellness, and education. Niederhauser is one of board of directors of the American Association Niederhauser is a board-certified pediatric nurse
Primary Care through Academic
January 2012. The charms are now available at partnering hospitals to learn about the four new members selected to join the board. of Colleges of Nursing. AACN, founded in practitioner, a Robert Wood Johnson Executive
Partnership, or TRIP. The program
all major hospitals in Knox County. process firsthand. 1969, is the national voice for academic nursing. Nurse Fellow, and a Fellow of the Academy of
trains BSN students in primary care
Niederhauser was also selected to join the With a membership of more than 800 schools, Nursing. In 2019 she was named to the Sara
settings serving culturally diverse rural
board of directors of Leadership Knoxville. She AACN establishes quality standards for nursing Rosenbalm Croley Endowed Dean’s Chair,
and underserved populations. In June,
will serve as the chair of the Leadership Knoxville education, assists schools in implementing those the first endowed dean’s chair for the college.
TRIP received an additional grant of
Scholars Committee during her time on the board. standards, influences the nursing profession to The focus of her scholarly activity is in the
$78,000 through the Coronavirus Graduate Program Earns National Ranking improve health care, and promotes public support area of child and adolescent health promotion
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
“Victoria Niederhauser, a graduate of the for professional nursing education, research, and and disease prevention with an emphasis on
(CARES) Act. Funds will be used in
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program While U.S. News ranks programs in business, Leadership Knoxville Class of 2014, was chosen to practice. Niederhauser is an active participant in immunizations and childhood obesity.
partnership with Cherokee Health
climbed eight spots in U.S. News and World education, engineering, law, medicine, and serve because of her commitment to the students AACN and has served on several committees, as
Systems to advance telehealth related
Report’s 2021 Best Graduate Schools ranking. The nursing every year, programs in the sciences,
to COVID-19 in rural and underserved
program is now 27th among social sciences and humanities,
communities. TRIP students and
public universities nationwide health fields, and other areas
practicing RNs will develop their
and 38th overall. are ranked only periodically.
telehealth digital literacy and
communication skills as well as their
UT Nursing FACULTY
Welcomes…
In late 2019 and early 2020, “These rankings are a direct Jennifer Smith, Assistant Professor Mary Barton, Clinical Assistant Professor
knowledge of COVID-19. Jennifer Miller, Assistant Professor April Bryant, Clinical Instructor
U.S. News sent statistical result of the hard work and
Cassie Fishbein, Clinical Assistant Professor Chris Brown, Clinical Instructor
surveys to administrators at dedication of our amazing
Faculty and staff hires since Chisa Huffman, Clinical Assistant Professor Robert Cornette, Clinical Associate Professor
more than 2,000 graduate nursing students as well as August 2019 Samia Dutra, Clinical Assistant Professor Clea McNeely, Research Professor
programs and compared them our faculty and staff, who
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Melissa Hessock, Clinical Assistant Professor Maureen Groer, Visiting Professor
with reputational surveys work tirelessly to support
completed by more than 24,000 academics and excellence in nursing education,” said Dean
STAFF
professionals to derive the rankings. Victoria Niederhauser.
Laurel Cox, RN to BSN Administrative Specialist Holly Hauck, Research Administrative Specialist
Laura Crowe, HR Specialist Carla Orsburn, Part-Time Simulation Coordinator
2 3
Vi tua
COLLEGE & FACULTY
NEWS
Hutson Takes on New College Brown, Kojima Receive
RESEARCH DAY
Leadership Role DAISY Award
Sadie Hutson has taken on a new leadership role in the College The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty was presented
of Nursing. to two faculty members in 2020. Clinical Instructor Mary Lynn
Brown and Clinical Assistant Professor Freddie Kojima were both
Hutson is now serving as executive honored with the award in virtual ceremonies—Brown’s in April and
associate dean for academic affairs, Kojima’s in August. Both recipients were among those nominated
leading the college as its chief by students and fellow faculty members, with the final choices
operating officer for academic made through a blind review process by a selection committee.
matters. Hutson will use her
leadership skills to ensure that Brown’s nominators said that every
students have a positive learning time she lectures, her passion
experience that results in their and excitement for teaching are
becoming competent professionals apparent. Her high spirits bring
who can meet the health care needs energy to the classroom, keeping
of the state and nation. students engaged and active. She
Sadie Hutson goes out of her way and makes
Hutson has a BSN from the sacrifices to make sure she is
University of Wisconsin, Madison, and both an MSN and a PhD always there for her students.
in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania. Brown
Kojima’s nominators said he exemplifies
Since 2011, she has taught research methods across undergraduate everything an educator should be, with enthusiasm and passion for
and graduate programs and served as assistant dean of graduate teaching and his students. He makes
programs and coordinator of the undergraduate Nursing Honors every opportunity a learning
program. Her research expertise is in the area of chronic illness opportunity, pushing students to
among rural and underserved populations. Hutson studies the end- develop skills and inspiring them
of-life care and service needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS as to be more curious. Students
well as the human consequences of living at high genetic risk of said his impact is monumental
cancer. She has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, and they will be forever grateful
the American Cancer Society, and the Centers for Disease Control for the knowledge and wisdom
and Prevention, among other agencies. he has imparted.
Hutson is a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner. She A collaborative program of the DAISY
Kojima "Amplifying Nurses’ Voices
serves as director of the hereditary cancer risk assessment program
at Pikeville Medical Center in Pikeville, Kentucky, and as the
Foundation and the American Association of
Colleges of Nursing, the DAISY Faculty Award is a national
Worldwide
project lead for Appalachian Angel of Hope Inc., a community
to Mitigate Public Health Threats"
recognition program that honors teachers for their commitment
nonprofit organization. She is also an expert consultant in the and inspirational influence on future generations of nurses.
Clinical Genetics Branch of the National Cancer Institute, where
she completed pre- and postdoctoral fellowships.
November 2, 2020
5–7:30 pm
Sue Hasmiller, presenter and panel moderator
The registration link will be sent in September
| FALL 2020
through email and social media.
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4
COLLEGE & FACULTY
NEWS
Accolades
Joel Anderson received the Outstanding Lisa Davenport was promoted to clinical Sadie Hutson was a keynote presenter Mary Miles was promoted to dean’s Allison Newman transitioned to the
Visit our website PhD Faculty Award in the College of Nursing associate professor. at the National Academies of Sciences, executive assistant. position of procurement specialist.
nursing.utk.edu and was a nominee for the LGBTQ Advocate Engineering, and Medicine for a workshop titled
Award from the Chancellor’s Commission for Terri Durbin was named interim dean of “Exploring the Current Landscape of Consumer Missy Miller is the recipient of the Torch Kathy Newnam was promoted and became
LGBT People. He received funding as co- graduate programs. Genomics.” She was also appointed an expert Award. The Torch recognizes a faculty or staff a tenured associate professor.
principal investigator of a Global Catalyst Award consultant to the Clinical Genetics Branch of member who exhibits a strong character of
from UT’s Center for Global Engagement Nan Gaylord received the Harold Love the National Cancer Institute’s Division of selflessness, humility, and sacrifice for the Shelia Swift was promoted to clinical
and Office of Research and Engagement to Outstanding Community Service Award. The Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. Her work greater good. associate professor.
strengthen an ongoing international collaboration award is sponsored by the Tennessee Higher there will focus on providing expert guidance on
in Alzheimer’s disease care with colleagues at Education Commission and is named after psychosocial studies of individuals living with Phillip Moore was promoted to RN to BSN Sandra Thomas received the college’s Sara
the Centre for Medicine and Aging in Stavanger, late state representative Harold Love, who was hereditary cancer syndromes. and BSN chair. and Ross Croley Professorship Award.
Norway. He received funding as a co-investigator instrumental in passing legislation to create
on several collaborative projects with the Tickle community service recognition programs in 1991. Jason Kiernan was selected for the Erin Morgan was selected for the PhD student Kendrea Todt and her chair,
College of Engineering, Emory University, and Gaylord was one of five honorees selected by a Outstanding Undergraduate Classroom Faculty Outstanding Undergraduate Clinical Faculty Sandra Thomas, received the first-
the University of Exeter. He also received the statewide task force. award by the 2020 BSN graduating class. He Award by the 2020 BSN graduating class. place Student Research Poster Award at the
college’s Allison and Patrick Harrison Nursing also received the college’s Volunteer Award, She received an award from UT’s Teaching International Society of Psychiatric Mental
Innovation Award. DeLyndia Green-Laughlin was which recognizes a nurse educator who has and Learning Institute to redesign portions Health Nurses conference, which was held
selected for the college’s Smokey Award. The demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, or of her health assessment in the traditional virtually in June.
Carrie Bailey was certified as an adult award recognizes an adjunct faculty member who service early in their career. BSN program.
sexual assault nurse examiner by the International demonstrates excellence in teaching, research, Tracey Vitori was selected for the Butler
Association of Forensic Nurses. There are only 38 or service. Freddie Kojima was promoted to clinical Carole Myers was elected to the Board Williams Scholars and accepted as a scientist in
nurses in the state who hold the certification. assistant professor. of Directors of the Tennessee Health Care molecular biology at the New England Biolabs,
Robin Harris presented “Pharmacology Campaign and was re-appointed a Senior Fellow Smith College.
Lora Beebe served as a faculty mentor Update 2019” to the Polk County, Florida, Lisa Lindley was inducted as a Fellow of the in the George Washington University School of
for a student team that received the Award Advanced Practice Nurses Association and American Academy of Nursing and was selected Nursing’s Center for Health Policy and Media Andrew Ward received the Alan Solomon,
for Excellence in Evidence-Based Practice at “Adaptation to Chronic Illness: Response in for the Nightingale Endowed Faculty Fellowship Engagement. She and WUOT’s Brandon MD, Faculty Oncology Award.
UT’s Exhibition of Undergraduate Research Heart Failure Patients to a Home-Based Exercise in Nursing. Hollingsworth received a second-place Tennessee
and Creative Achievement (EURēCA). She Program by Age, Gender, and Functional Class” Associated Press Award in the Radio Long Public Tami Wyatt received the Torchbearer
also received the Education Award from the to the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network annual Derrick MacGillivray finished his EdD Affairs category for the HealthConnections episode Professorship Award.
International Society of Psychiatric Nurses conference. She was accepted for and attended in teacher leadership in digital transformation at “Patching the Safety Net.” HealthConnections has
and the Dean’s Puma Award, for alumni who the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Capella University in February. His doctoral study also received the Robert Meachem Beyond the
have made outstanding contributions, from the and Apple Inc. 2020 Digital Innovation in was “Leveraging Double Telepresence Robots to Call Award. Myers was selected as a SheSource
University of Kentucky College of Nursing. Teaching Bootcamp. She was also promoted to Conduct Clinical Nursing Site Visits.” media expert and received the college’s Gaylord
clinical associate professor. Rogers Pediatric Faculty Award.
Tracy Brewer was selected to receive the Lisa Merritt received a Technology
Outstanding DNP Faculty Award. Maria Hurt was recently appointed to Maturation Grant from the UT Research Allyson Matney Neal was appointed
the Knox County Board of Health, where Foundation for a pilot study for the eVisit the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
Kimberly Brown was promoted to clinical she will play an integral role in adopting rules simulation app. She gave a presentation for representative to the National Task Force for
assistant professor. and regulations to protect the general health the 25th International Mental Health Nursing Quality Nurse Practitioner Education to conduct
and safety of Knox County residents. She Research Conference in London, “Building the periodic review of the Criteria for Evaluation
Noelle Cooper received the college’s also received the college’s Rock Award, which Trauma Responsiveness among Nursing of Nurse Practitioner Programs. The task force
Power T Award. The award goes to a staff recognizes nurse faculty members who have Providers: An Interprofessional Collaborative has achieved widespread implementation of the
member who is efficient and productive and demonstrated an innovative teaching-, research-, Simulation between a Child Advocacy Center document in nurse practitioner education and
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exceeds expectations. or service-oriented method or approach in an and College of Nursing.” within nursing accreditation. She was selected for
academic course or clinical instruction. the college’s Laura Barnes Research Award.
6 7
C OV E R S T O RY
YEAR OF THE NURSE
VOLS ON
THE
FRONT
LINES By Whitney Heins | Photos courtesy alumni
T
his year is officially the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. “The clinical experience we have as students is exceptional and has
The World Health Organization made the designation been a true advantage during this pandemic. It gave me confidence
to mark 200 years since Florence Nightingale’s birth, not in my care and is something a lot of my co-workers didn’t have in
knowing what loomed ahead in 2020. school,” said Anderson.
COVID-19 has emphasized the pivotal “The clinical experience Amanda Noblett (’10) is a team captain for
role nurses play in saving lives and we have as students a COVID-19 assessment site in Nashville.
comforting patients in a time when Noblett never imagined she would be doing
information about the disease is constantly is exceptional and has her work in a garage, but she was ready for
changing and the ill are isolated away the task.
been a true advantage
from loved ones.
during this pandemic. “I volunteered, per UT tradition, for this
Across the country, Vols are on the front role, and I have been wearing my UT
lines ready to give their best care, despite It gave me confidence nursing socks to represent my alma mater,”
the challenges the virus brings, thanks to she said. “I try to provide hope to my
in my care and is
their time in Knoxville. patients and put a smile on their face during
something a lot of this stressful time. We will overcome this and
LEARNING ON THE FLY thrive!”
Erin Anderson (’18) is a pediatric ICU
my co-workers didn’t
nurse in New York City, once ground have in school.” Erin Morgan (’05), an assistant clinical
zero for the coronavirus here in the US. professor at UT, is also working at a test site.
—ERIN ANDERSON
Her little patients were sent to a different This one isn’t in a garage but at a Kroger
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location and she was suddenly tasked grocery store in Knoxville.
with caring for adults suffering from COVID-19. Anderson credits
her hands-on hospital experience in her clinicals and senior year “This was one small way I felt I could help in this difficult time,”
practicum for allowing her to learn on the fly. she explained.
Erin Morgan (’18)
8 9
LEARNING “We had no idea that our sweet patients would be stuck in their
FROM A hospital rooms alone, not allowed visitors. We did not consider the
DISTANCE possibility of running out of supplies to protect ourselves,” said
Gillian Harris (’18), an oncology staff nurse at UT Medical Center.
I AM A NURSE
While nurses on
the front lines are
learning how to meet Kimberly Harvey
(’15), an ICU nurse CAMPAIGN
the challenges that
COVID-19 brings, in Nashville, says
The World Health Organization has
so are UT faculty— that suddenly nurses
declared 2020 the Year of the Nurse
balancing the became their patients’
and Midwife. The nursing profession
importance of hands- everything—their
has grown from the stereotypical white
on learning with support system,
Ashley Cleveland left (’21, left) Courtney Burnette (’19) apron and hat to become one of the
the safety of their reassurance,
most diverse health care professions
students. Simulation champions,
in the industry. These frontline workers
and experiential cheerleaders, therapists,
promote health; prevent illness; care for
training moved online and caretakers.
the sick, disabled, and dying; foster a
immediately after
Gillian Harris (’18) “My teammates and I safe environment; conduct health care
spring break. Senior
research; educate their fellow nurses
bachelor’s students have virtually talked their loved ones off the ledge. We have held the
Amanda Noblett (’10, left) had the option of and other professionals; and help shape
hands of our community’s husbands, wives, and children when all
health care policy.
staying in their clinicals or participating virtually in a simulated they could do was whisper ‘I love you’ through the phone. We have
learning environment for the remainder of their time. Advanced sung ‘Happy Birthday’ through glass doors one day, and the next
Florence Nightingale—“the lady with the
practice graduate students remained in clinical placements if the we’ve held the hands of others who peacefully slipped away as they
lamp”—was a trailblazer for the nursing
facility allowed it. lost their battle with COVID-19.”
profession. Known as the first nurse
theorist and statistician, she devoted her
“Our faculty and staff rose to these challenges with commitment, Harvey says that until now she’s known how to leave her shift at
career to making hospitals a cleaner and
determination, and grace as they were determined to make this a the door to preserve her own mental health, but “COVID-19 has
safer place to treat patients. Marking her
positive experience for students,” said Dean Victoria Niederhauser. annihilated that coping skill.”
200th birthday, 2020 is dedicated to
recognizing not only her resilience and
Rachael Hodges (’15), simulation coordinator for the college, is
devotion to the community’s health and
one of those staff members. She brought the simulations online THE STRENGTH OF COMMUNITY
well-being, but also the expression of
and ensured that students were competent with essential skills. In These nurses are leaning on one another and on their UT
those qualities in all nurses.
addition to connecting weekly via Zoom, she and her team created community to stay strong during this difficult time. Kimberly Harvey (’15) Olivia Baird (’14)
and shipped skills kits to students to ensure their competency with
In honor of WHO’s designation, the
the basics. “Even though we don’t work in
College of Nursing developed the “I Am
the same hospitals, we’re still there
a Nurse” campaign to spotlight a nurse
“In a time such as this, instilling confidence and preparing the next for one another,” said Anderson.
scholar each month over the course of
wave of nurses to enter the workforce is critical to the well-being of “My friends from school are a great
the year. These talented and dedicated
our health care system,” said Hodges. support system, and it is really
nurse researchers and scholars exhibit
what has been keeping me together
expertise, passion, and drive toward
WALKING THE LINE BETWEEN during this time.”
influencing policy, enhancing science,
COMFORT AND SAFETY and improving patient outcomes. The
Perhaps one of the most difficult challenges during this time for When the rate of change brought
campaign hopes to demonstrate the wide
nurses is the emotional strain. Nurses have always played a key on by COVID-19 has finally slowed,
range of expertise our nurse scholars
role in providing comfort for patients, but that role is even more two constants will remain. Vols help
encompass and to encourage others to
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| FALL 2020
important now as patients aren’t allowed to see loved ones. Yet Vols, for life. And every year is truly
learn more about their scholarship and
nurses need to protect themselves from the disease. the Year of the Nurse. N
Stefanie Schumacher (’19) the communities they impact.
To see the campaign’s spotlights,
visit nursing.utk.edu/i-am-a-nurse.
10 11
Jamie Sharpe (’93) Parker Hutson (’20)
APRN
The Possibility of a Brighter Future
By Whitney Heins
show a vital improvement in the delivery of health care services
related to the pandemic as well as mental health services and
treatments for substance abuse disorders—both prominent
needs in rural areas. The findings have the potential to build on
an existing body of research that shows health outcomes only
stand to improve with full practice authority.
of 25,536 jobs and $3.2 billion in economic impact over
ten years,” said Myers.
Myers has written numerous opinion pieces statewide on
APRN full practice authority and previously co-chaired
a state task force to investigate changing the current law.
I
Unfortunately, the group failed to come to an agreement.
BETTER HEALTH EQUALS But Myers will not give up, because she sees the almost-
magine what it could look like if Tennessee weren’t ranked patients because of supervision requirements,” said Myers, who A STRONGER ECONOMY immediate positive impact this change can make.
among the states with some of the worst health outcomes has dedicated her life’s work to improving health outcomes, access, The study dovetails with an economic vitality study Myers
in the nation. Our state’s future could transform to one that and the utilization of available resources. conducted last year with a health care economist and NOT BACKING DOWN
is brighter and healthier with one small change: allowing physician researcher from the UT Health Science Center and “This is a turf battle over the status quo between
nurses to practice to the full extent of their education A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE the University of Memphis. The results showed improved physicians and nurses that legislators don’t want to
and effectiveness. Tennessee saw a glimpse into what the future would look like if economic vitality if the barriers to APRN practice were arbitrate. We are an outlier in having these restrictions.
APRNs had full practice authority when the governor, by executive removed. The indication was that better health outcomes are But we can dramatically improve access to care,
Professor of Nursing Carole order, waived physician oversight to make way for increased health good not only for people’s bodies and minds but also for their particularly in poor counties, by simply removing these
Myers is on a mission to care access during the COVID-19 pandemic. Myers, along with wallets—and local economies. barriers,” said Myers.
upend the longstanding colleagues at Vanderbilt University and the UT Health Science
law that requires physician Center, saw an opportunity “From a 2017 baseline, the cumulative impact of granting She says the price we are paying to protect the status quo is
oversight of advanced practice to investigate how APRNs Tennessee APRNs full practice authority is a projected net gain steep—a much brighter future for Tennessee. N
registered nurses (APRNs), with fewer restrictions
a category that includes could affect patient care in “From a 2017
nurse practitioners, certified Tennessee and beyond.
registered nurse anesthetists, baseline, the
certified nurse midwives, and “Our research team saw
clinical nurse specialists. an important opportunity cumulative impact of
FULFILL
to describe and quantify
Carole Myers granting Tennessee
Tennessee ranks 44th in the US the impact of the current
for health outcomes—meaning only six states have worse rates. It natural experiment created APRNs full practice
YOUR
also ranks among the 12 most restrictive states in the country in by the pandemic and
regard to APRNs. These two statistics are not unrelated. executive orders issued by authority is a
Tennessee Governor Bill
projected net gain
CHILDHOOD
RED TAPE BLOCKING ACCESS TO CARE Lee and other governors
Currently, some aspects of APRNs’ practice require physician to temporarily remove of 25,536 jobs and
supervision—an arrangement preferred by physicians—through barriers APRNs face in
site visits and chart reviews. The reviews are done long after
the fact, and APRNs must pay their supervising physician. This
practice is time-consuming and costly, and it limits access to care—
delivering care for which
they are highly qualified,”
explained Myers. “We
$3.2 billion in
economic impact DREAM.
particularly in rural and other underserved areas where physicians hope our findings will over ten years.”
are in short supply. States that have removed these outdated and inform better utilization of Tennova Healthcare can help you
—CAROLE MYERS
unnecessary supervision requirements have seen improved access APRNs. This is so critical
find your ideal nursing role.
at lower costs and better outcomes than states with restricted in Tennessee, where
Visit Tennova.com or email Kristie at
APRN practice, explained Myers. we have an insufficient
kristie.owenby@tennova.com.
number of primary care and mental health professionals to
“Access to care and poor health outcomes are acute issues in practice in underserved rural areas.”
| FALL 2020
many areas of Tennessee. Supervision requirements are a barrier
to care. It makes no sense to unnecessarily restrict APRNs when The study, which concludes this fall, is surveying thousands of
they are the only primary care, women’s health, obstetric, and APRNs nationwide and interviewing Tennessee APRNs to get a
anesthesia providers in many areas. But they are unable to see clear picture of changes in care and access. Preliminary results
12
FULFILL
FULFILL YOUR
FULFILL YOUR CHILDHOOD
CHILDHOOD
YOUR DREAM.
DREAM.
CHILDHOOD DREAM.
In March, as the pandemic was unfolding, Brown and her team with 200 beds but usually at only a quarter of its capacity. They
pinpointed Nashville’s convention center, Music City Center, brought in 60 extra beds to care for COVID-19 patients.
as the ACS. She
and her colleagues
got to work on the THE PANDEMIC’S
3,600-square-foot LONG-TERM
facility, figuring out IMPACT
how to convert it into Resuming her role
a working hospital— overseeing Vanderbilt’s 21
including design, subsidiary entities, Brown
setup, and staffing. has observed firsthand the
emotional toll the pandemic
PIVOT AND is having on nurses.
SWITCH
But as their plans “People can work through
Creating a
moved forward, anything while the
social distancing, adrenaline is flowing,”
masks, and lockdown she explained. “But when
Hospital
measures were put Jameson Norton, Laura Beth Brown and Matthew Bacchetta it stops, that’s when the
in place, thankfully emotional toll hits. And
decreasing the we haven’t had a chance to
Out of Thin Air
number of stop yet and reflect on the
predicted cases. intensity of this pandemic.”
Seeing the new data Brown, who served as an
By Whitney Heins trend, Brown and oncology and bone marrow
her colleagues did nurse after graduating from
a pivot, surveying UT, recalls how mentors
IT’S LIKE A PLOT FOR A of a three-person team, along with Jameson Norton, CEO locations where helped her as a young nurse
BLOCKBUSTER FILM: a of Vanderbilt’s psychiatric hospital, and physician Matthew a hospital could and advises new graduates
fatal disease is headed your way. It’s Bacchetta, charged with ensuring care for those affected by be stood up when to seek mentorship at work.
incredibly contagious. And you don’t COVID-19 in Middle Tennessee. needed and shut
have enough space in your local down when not. “An experienced nurse
hospitals to care for the sick. CREATING A HOSPITAL OUT OF THIN AIR can provide comfort and
The situation was fluid, numbers were constantly changing, “We beat the trail guidance in navigating a
What do you do? and the team had just 24 days to prepare a site to care for an looking at old new job while in the midst
overflow of 1,600 sick people. department stores of a global pandemic,”
You call UT College of Nursing and hospitals— she said.
Jameson Norton and Matthew Bacchetta
alumna Laura Beth Brown (’89). “It was a daunting task,” said Brown, noting that she had put her assessing for asbestos,
That’s what the governor of day-to-day leadership duties aside to focus on the COVID-19 costs to build out, and tapping into our imagination as to how to If there is a benefit to COVID-19, she notes, it’s that nurses today
Tennessee did. response. “We were working day and night to set up the lay out a facility,” explained Brown. are encountering challenges never seen before in this lifetime,
Laura Beth Brown facility. . . . We were the first in the state to look at an alternative bolstering skills for better patient care—including how to stand
| FALL 2020
| FALL 2020
Brown, vice president of Vanderbilt Health Services, was part care site—ACS—model.” They decided on Nashville General Hospital, an active hospital up a hospital almost out of thin air. N
14 15
I
t is a tragic fact that tens of thousands of children in the team to 17 researchers—a group that
US die with a terminal illness each year. And we lack includes students, postdoctoral fellows,
certainty on how best to care for these children in the last and co-investigators.
months of their lives.
“These grants help us move the
Until the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was science forward,” said Lindley. “And it
enacted 10 years ago, there were two care choices for children showcases the college as a nationally
given six months or less to live: continue treatment or cease recognized scientific learning resource
On a
treatment and enter hospice. on this important topic.”
Lisa Lindley
The ACA added a third choice by mandating that concurrent Lindley’s task now is to take a deeper dive into her data of
care—continued treatment along with hospice care—be offered approximately 20,000 patients to determine where they live
to patients in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance geographically in Appalachia and what types of care they are
Mission to
Program (CHIP). There was no data, however, to support the receiving during concurrent care.
effectiveness of this approach.
“This is important because it helps us understand their health
That’s where Lisa Lindley, associate professor of nursing, comes care needs and how those needs are being met,” explained
Care for
in. For the past two years, Lindley has been deep in patient Lindley. “Due to the limited access to pediatric hospice care in
data trying to uncover who received concurrent care and what rural areas like Southern Appalachia, it is possible adult hospice
the outcomes were. Funded by a $1.5 million grant from the personnel not specialized in pediatric care are treating these
National Institute of Nursing Research—part of the National children.”
Terminally
Institutes of Health (NIH)—her work had two surprising
revelations: the children who received concurrent care were The ultimate goal of her research is to improve access and
really sick, and they often lived in rural areas. quality of care for these sick children and help families decide
what is the best course for them to take at a time that is already
Ill Children
“We were surprised because there can be a lot of care incredibly difficult. N
coordination for very ill
children, and we didn’t
think families would
want to add yet another
provider such as hospice,”
explained Lindley. “We
By Whitney Heins
also were surprised that
many of these children
lived in rural areas where
there is limited access
to this kind of pediatric
care.”
The NIH wanted to know
more about these findings
and awarded Lindley
and her team three more
grants totaling close to a
million dollars, growing
her research funding to
| FALL 2020
| FALL 2020
over $2 million and her
This publication was made possible by Grant Number R01NR017848 from the National Institute of Nursing Research. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily
represent the official views of the National Institute of Nursing Research or National Institutes of Health.
16 17Study Shows New Dean Victoria Niederhauser, along with colleagues at Yale University; the University of California, Los Angeles;
and major hospitals, interviewed nurses nationwide to capture their exemplary and novel leadership skills during
the pandemic. The results were published in the Patient Experience Journal.
Nursing Skills The study uncovered four key areas, summarized here, where nurse leadership skills have emerged to improve
care during the COVID-19 crisis. Read the full study at tiny.utk.edu/pxjournal.
Emerging amid MAKING DECISIONS
The study found that nurses excel at making rapid decisions in life-and-death
situations while keeping patient and family care at the forefront. For example,
the Pandemic
in many hospitals families aren’t allowed to see their deceased family members.
Feeling a family’s pain, one nurse was able to organize a visit in the morgue which
helped the grieving family have closure.
By Whitney Heins
ADAPTING BOLDLY
Nurses’ ability to be nimble, shift priorities, and provide innovative actions
promotes positive patient experiences during this difficult time. For example,
nurse leaders have organized internal and external communication, including
virtual visits and Zoom calls, between patients and their families.
ENHANCING EMPLOYEE WELLNESS
Hospital executives acknowledge that frontline nurses directly and positively
influence the patient experience more than any other staff. For nurses to
continue this quality of care, they take care of one another in addition to
the sick and their families. Nurse leaders set up mental health hotlines,
musical therapy sessions, and town hall meetings to promote mental and
The COVID-19 pandemic physical wellness.
is dramatically changing
the way health care is
administered in our country. ENGAGING STAFF & PATIENTS
Working as a team during a pandemic is paramount for reliable care—and
In this challenging time, nurses cultivate this team sensibility across the hospital. For example, the
granddaughter of a patient and her fiancé, both first responders, were forced
new nurse leadership skills to postpone their wedding due to the virus. To make sure the sick grandfather
could attend the wedding, nurses employed proper safety measures and
are emerging to create helped arrange for the ceremony to be held in his hospital room. Celebrations
held in hospitals nationwide inject joy into a grim time and maintain patients’
and implement innovative and staffs’ emotional wellness.
| FALL 2020
| FALL 2020
solutions that uphold one
key principle: being the Throughout this pandemic crisis, nurse leaders are learning more than ever about how to grapple with quick
and often uncertain decision-making while always putting the care of their patients first. And as they do, they’re
voice of the patient. developing skills that hold the potential to further bolster the next generation of nurses. N
18 19THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE PRESENTING SPONSOR TABLE SPONSORS
COLLEGE OF NURSING Dr. Tom & Mrs. Karen Berg
Dr. Stuart & Mrs. Cindy Bresee
Covenant Health
Ms. Betsey Creekmore
Drs. Mark & Nan Gaylord
SILVER SPONSORS Greater Knoxville Ear, Nose, and Throat
The 2020 NightinGala is going virtual! Our annual event celebrating nurses The silent auction will open at Dr. and Mrs. Robert and Teresa Levey
and the profession will look different this year, but the goal of providing 8 a.m. on Friday, November 13. The Phillips
Mr. Arthur & Mrs. Carlton Long
support for future Volunteer nurses remains unchanged. Family
Mr. Joe Mont McAfee
The livestream event will Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph and Janice McKinley
This creative virtual NightinGala will feature both silent and live auctions begin at at 7 p.m. on BRONZE SPONSORS Peggy & Carl Pierce
using the HandBid mobile bidding platform—just in time for holiday Friday, November 20. Mr. Greg & Mrs. Lisa Reed
shopping! A livestream event will recognize the outstanding contributions
Regional Neonatal Associates
of two individuals with the Volunteer Nursing Champion Award and the Dr. For more information, visit
Mr. Dean & Mrs. Ann Skadberg
Sylvia E. Hart Distinguished Alumni Award. alumni.utk.edu/2020nightingala
Mrs. Robin Smith
All NightinGala proceeds support the college’s efforts to develop and UNDERWRITERS The Three Rivers Rambler
UT Federal Credit Union
prepare the next generation of nurse leaders through comprehensive and TRANE Heating Terri Durbin Ms. Martha Weeks
innovative educational experiences. and Air Dr. Dale & Mrs. Wendy Wortham
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Nursing Champion A W A R D
RT
Alumni Award
HA
E.
VO LU N T E E R LV
IA
DISTINGUISHED
SY
D R.
T
he 2020 recipient of the Volunteer Nursing Champion Cecil’s professional accomplishments include leading UTMC to obtain
T
award is Janell Cecil. This award recognizes an individual Magnet designation in 2011 and redesignation in 2016. She also led his year’s recipient of the Dr. Sylvia E. Hart Distinguished of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, where she worked with
who is committed to improving health care and has made UTMC’s journey to earn the Level 4 Excellence Award from the Alumni Award is Robin Smith, a longtime leader in her critically ill patients, participated in clinical research trials, and
significant contributions to the nursing profession and an impact on Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence, a goal that was achieved community and the health care field. served as part of health team that ushered transplant patients
the community. in 2016. Cecil was appointed to the Tennessee Board of Nursing in 2014 to surgery.
and reappointed in 2018. She currently serves on the Tennessee Hospital Smith currently serves as the representative for Tennessee House
Cecil received her BSN from Webster Association’s Council on Governmental Relations on behalf of the District 26, which includes parts of Chattanooga and Hamilton Smith launched her consulting and project management firm,
University in 1984 and her MSN Tennessee Organization of Nurse Executives. Counties. She has risen quickly among her colleagues to lead, first Rivers Edge Alliance, in 2005 and continued her education
from the University of Missouri in as chair of the Subcommittee on Life and Health Insurance and in the Advanced Project
1997. She began her nursing career In her role as chief nursing officer at UTMC, Cecil was a strong then as chair of the full House Insurance Committee. Management Program at
at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas supporter of, and collaborator with, the College of Nursing. Several Stanford University’s Center
City, Missouri, where she held several initiatives launched under her leadership have strengthened the She has sponsored and supported legislation including the for Professional Development,
positions, including specialty line academic–practice partnership between the two institutions. Joint research Tennessee Right to Shop Act, providing pricing transparency for graduating in 2008. Her portfolio
manager for women and children, and evidenced-based practice teams have worked together to examine patients; a proposal to permit telemedicine for existing Tennessee of professional services includes
clinical director for women’s services, better ways to provide nursing care that improves patient outcomes. health care clinicians with established patients to increase access professional and technical
assistant patient care manager, and The college worked with UTMC to establish the Precious Prints Project, and improve outcomes; proposals to stop the “fail first” approach writing, strategic planning and
clinical nurse. which provides a keepsake silver fingerprint charm to parents who to prescription drug access used by insurance companies in patients business development, and
Janell Cecil
lose a child. with advanced cancer; and a bill to ensure that patients’ out-of- government affairs and
Cecil continued her career at Baptist Memorial Healthcare pocket costs for prescription medicines reflect pharmaceutical policy analysis.
Corporation in Memphis, where she served as the system service line Cecil has served on the college’s Professional Advisory Council, helping to manufacturer rebates and not the list or highest price. Robin Smith
administrator for women and children’s services from 1995 to 2002. inform academic nursing strategic direction from a practice perspective. Smith lives in Hixson, Tennessee, with her husband of almost
She then joined the UT Medical Center staff, serving as vice president When UTMC decided to begin a nurse residency program, she sought Smith’s devotion to patients comes from her education, training, 34 years, Scott. They have two grown children—Callie, who
| FALL 2020
| FALL 2020
of women and children’s services for six years. Cecil was named a the advice and expertise of UT’s nursing faculty. and practice as a nurse and from her childhood fight with asthma. lives in Nashville, and Caleb, who resides in Johnson City. Smith
senior vice president at UTMC in 2008, becoming the first woman to She graduated in 1985 and immediately began work at the serves the College of Nursing as a member of both the Nursing
ever hold the position. The promotion came a year after she was also Under Cecil’s leadership, the partnership between the college and UTMC renowned Cardiac Medicine/Transplant Program at the University Advisory Board and the Alumni Committee.
named chief nursing officer, a role she held concurrently with her other has grown to become a win-win relationship—a direct reflection of her
responsibilities until her retirement earlier this year. open communication and collaborative leadership style.
20 21Nursing Graduates Choose The University of
Tennessee Medical Center
Hear from a few graduates of The University of Tennessee College of Nursing on
why working at UT Medical Center was the right choice for them.
Lauren and Thomas Rhett Akins
Surprise Nursing Students
By Tyra Haag
SPRING 2020 looked a lot different for the UT community. Her husband then told the group, “She’s a Vol, so I’m a Vol.
Thank you for all you’re doing now and everything you’re going
“I’m able to provide excellent “I proudly work at one of the best medical “My unit is committed to improving our Lauren Akins, a 2012 nursing graduate, and her husband, country to do in the future.”
nursing care while developing my centers in the southeast. UT Medical patients’ lives and the wellness of our singer Rhett Akins, surprised 65 nursing students during Professor
career. Each day provides growth Center allows me to grow as a nurse by community. I work with a dedicated Maria Hurt’s online pharmacology class in March. Colleges across the country transitioned to online learning
and learning opportunities at the participating in Shared Governance and and committed team who pushes each environments in response to COVID-19. Leaders at UT quickly
medical center.” training alongside some of the best in other to be the best. At UT Medical The surprise was a part of a student-focused campaign called VFL created new ways to support students’ success and celebrate
health care.” Center, I feel at home.” Class Crash, a series of online class drop-ins featuring well-known their achievements.
Tennessee alumni and friends of the university.
Sarah, BSN, RN Tucker, BSN, RN, CCRN Sandie, BSN, RN At the end of the call, Hurt told the class it was the singer’s 30th
UT College of Nursing, Class of 2019 UT College of Nursing, Class of 2016 UT College of Nursing, Class of 2019 With about 10 minutes left in the class, Hurt told the students she birthday. Everyone unmuted and sang “Happy Birthday” as the
had a surprise. She then introduced the couple, who had been couple laughed and said they hoped to thank the students in
listening in on the lesson from the den of their Nashville home. person one day.
• The Region’s Magnet® Dedicated Hospital
• The Region’s Academic Medical Center Akins told the students how proud they should be for persevering “Thank y’all so much. This made our day, and we really
• Patient-Centered Culture during this time. appreciate you,” the singer told the students before signing off.
• Career Development Opportunities
| FALL 2020
“I know this is so hard, and I’m sure there are a lot of unknowns, Hurt said of the surprise, “It was a very meaningful moment in a
• New Graduate RN Residency Program new information, hurdles, and just a lot happening,” she said. “I just difficult time.” N
• Competitive Compensation and Benefits want to encourage you all. I’m so proud you chose this profession.”
Visit UTMedicalCenter.org/jobs to learn more about joining our team.
23You can also read
