News from the Sigma Theta Tau's - Boston College
News from the Sigma Theta Tau's - Boston College
News from the Sigma Theta Tau's - Boston College
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alpha<br />
sigma <strong>the</strong>ta tau international<br />
chi<br />
honor<br />
news<br />
society of nursing<br />
BOSTON<br />
COLLEGE<br />
WILLIAM F. CONNELL<br />
SCHOOL OF NURSING<br />
Leadership<br />
1 alpha chi news<br />
Community<br />
Fall 2012<br />
Scholarship
Fall 2012 | vol. 31 no. 6<br />
leadership<br />
scholarship<br />
community<br />
4 Greetngs <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> President<br />
5 Pinnacle lecture series<br />
6 Open School Student Quality Leadershp Academy<br />
9 Alpha Chi Members in Spain<br />
Celebrate a New Community Member<br />
10 Research Day 2012<br />
11 Poster Presentation Awards<br />
12 2012 State of <strong>the</strong> Science Congress on Nursing Research<br />
13 <strong>News</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau’s 23rd<br />
International Nursing Research Congress<br />
14 Nursing Honor Society Induction April 29, 2012<br />
16 Scholarship <strong>News</strong><br />
17 Global Health Care Course<br />
18 Global Health Initiative<br />
19 Every Member Giving<br />
First Annual Fundraiser<br />
20 Community Opportunities – Donations<br />
21 Community Opportunities – Volunteer Opportunities<br />
22 BC Vietnam: Institute of Liberal Arts Funds Project with Major Award<br />
23 Announcements<br />
24 Officers & Committees 2012-2013<br />
For more information and to see <strong>the</strong> Alpha Chi Calendar, please visit our website:<br />
www.bc.edu/sigma<br />
2012-2013 calendar<br />
september 12, 2012 wednesday Executive Board meeting 5:30–7:00pm Cushing 413<br />
Committee orientation 7:00–8:00pm Cushing 411/412<br />
october 1, 2012 monday Founders Night 7:00–8:00pm Cushing 411/412<br />
october 17, 2012 wednesday Executive Board 5:30-7:00 Pm Cushing 413<br />
november 14, 2012 wednesday Alpha Chi Board Meeting 5:00–6:00pm Murray Room<br />
All members welcome Yawkey Center<br />
Networking 6:00–6:30pm<br />
Gorman Humanitarian Night 6:30–8:00pm<br />
january 23, 2013 wednesday Alpha Chi Board meeting 5:00–6:00pm Murray Room<br />
All members welcome Yawkey Center<br />
Winter Business meeting 6:00–6:30pm<br />
All welcome<br />
Clinical Innovations Dinner 6:30–8:00pm<br />
and Program<br />
snow date:<br />
january 30, 2013 wednesday Alpha Chi Board meeting 5:00–6:00pm Murray Room<br />
(tentative) All members welcome Yawkey Center<br />
Winter Business meeting 6:00–6:30pm<br />
All welcome<br />
Clinical Innovations Dinner 6:30–8:00pm<br />
and Program<br />
february 13, 2013 wednesday Alpha Chi Board meeting 5:00–6:00pm Cushing 413<br />
All members welcome<br />
CEUs& <strong>News</strong>letter<br />
march 20, 2013 wednesday Alpha Chi Board meeting 5:00–6:00pm Cushing 413<br />
All members welcome<br />
april 28, 2013 sunday Induction Brunch 11:00am - 2:00pm Murray Room<br />
Yawkey Center<br />
may 1, 2013 wednesday Alpha Chi Board meeting 5:00–6:00pm Murray Room<br />
All members welcome Yawkey Center<br />
Networking and Posters 6:00–6:30pm<br />
Annual Business Meeting 6:30–7:00pm<br />
Research 7:00–8:15pm<br />
Presentation Award 8:15-8:30pm<br />
june 12, 2013 wednesday Transition meeting 5:30 – 7:00pm Cushing 207<br />
Officers and Chairs<br />
Deadlines<br />
Membership applications – 12/7/2012<br />
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/son/sigma/membership/membership.html<br />
Clinical Research Grant Applications –3/08/2013<br />
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/son/sigma/support/support.html<br />
Call for Abstracts: Alpha Chi May Research Poster Presentation – 3/14/2013<br />
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/son/sigma/abstracts/poster.html<br />
Alpha Chi Award/Scholarship Applications due – 4/8/2013<br />
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/son/sigma/awards/awards.html<br />
2 alpha chi news 2012 3
leadership leadership<br />
Greetings<br />
<strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> President Pinnacle Lecture Series<br />
welcomes Karen Daley<br />
Iawould like to thank members for allowing me to serve as<br />
President for <strong>the</strong> second time. This year is off to a great start.<br />
We had our first Board and Orientation Meeting. Alpha Chi<br />
Members and 10 students/new inductee’s attended. The Chapter<br />
received some great suggestions about what we as a chapter can offer<br />
our new members. We had a Social ga<strong>the</strong>ring, topics such as; job interviewing techniques, questions<br />
to ask, and helpful hints that may help when looking for a job. Each Committee Chair spoke about<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir committee. New Inductee, Anne Harrington, shared her experience as a participant in <strong>the</strong><br />
IHI Student Leadership Conference she attended in July 2012. Members shared <strong>the</strong>ir skills on how<br />
to navigate <strong>the</strong> STTI web site. Additionally, <strong>the</strong>y shared all <strong>the</strong> great opportunities <strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau<br />
International can offer <strong>the</strong>m. It was wonderful to see <strong>the</strong> enthusiasm and energy of <strong>the</strong> chapter.<br />
I look forward to working with so many talented and dedicated Alpha Chi Members over <strong>the</strong> next<br />
two years. The Alpha Chi Board Meetings are held monthly at BC and I welcome every member to<br />
attend. We would love to have you stop by and see what our committees are doing and to share your<br />
thoughts and ideas. Please read our yearly calendar on <strong>the</strong> back page of our fall newsletter.<br />
I hope to be able to see all our members at <strong>the</strong> “Fa<strong>the</strong>r Gorman Series” (November 2012),<br />
“Clinical Innovations”, (January 2013), “Annual Spring Research Day”, (April 2013) and New<br />
Member Induction (April 2013). I look forward to working with all our members as we share<br />
our leadership, scholarship, and commitment to community.<br />
Louisa Dichard, President, Alpha Chi Chapter, <strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong><br />
PhD., MPH, RN, FAAN<br />
This spring Karen Daley was <strong>the</strong> speaker at <strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s<br />
Pinnacle Lecture series. Dr. Daley is <strong>the</strong> president of <strong>the</strong><br />
American Nurses Association and graduate of <strong>the</strong> Connell School<br />
of Nursing’s PhD program. A former staff nurse at Brigham<br />
and Women’s Hospital and past president of <strong>the</strong> Massachusetts<br />
Association of Registered Nurses and <strong>the</strong> Massachusetts Center<br />
for Nursing, Daley is a fellow of <strong>the</strong> American Academy of<br />
Nursing. A nationally recognized health care advocate, Daley<br />
raised awareness about <strong>the</strong> importance of needlestick prevention<br />
among nurses, legislators and health care administrators, and<br />
attended <strong>the</strong>n-President Bill Clinton’s 2000 Needlestick Safety<br />
and Prevention Act signing ceremony.<br />
The Massachusetts Association of Registered Nurses recognized<br />
her as a Living Legend and Modern Healthcare named her one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> 100 most influential people in health care in 2011. Dr. Daley’s<br />
lecture titled “Leading <strong>the</strong> Charge: A Nursing Agenda in <strong>the</strong> Age<br />
of Health Care Reform” discussed <strong>the</strong> progress of <strong>the</strong> nursing<br />
agenda and <strong>the</strong> challenges that remain in <strong>the</strong> efforts to transform<br />
our health care delivery system. After her lecture, Dr. Daley met<br />
with undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Connell School of Nursing for small group dialogue.<br />
4 alpha chi news 2012 5
leadership<br />
The Institute for Health Care Improvement (IHI):<br />
Open School Student<br />
Quality Leadership Academy<br />
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is in<br />
an independent not-for-profit organization based in<br />
Cambridge, Massachusetts. The group was formed in<br />
1986 in response to <strong>the</strong> belief that everyone deserves<br />
safe and effective health care. It is currently an<br />
international organization, serving as a center for<br />
improvements in quality and safety in healthcare. Its<br />
mission remains focused on motivating and building<br />
<strong>the</strong> will for change; identifying and testing new models<br />
of care in partnership with both patients and health care<br />
professionals; and ensuring <strong>the</strong> broadest possible<br />
adoption of best practices and effective innovations.<br />
The IHI inspires and trains our current and future<br />
health care workforce to be skilled agents of change —<br />
to improve care at home, in <strong>the</strong> community, in <strong>the</strong><br />
office practice, and throughout <strong>the</strong> hospital: in <strong>the</strong><br />
outpatient clinic, on <strong>the</strong> medical-surgical floor, in <strong>the</strong><br />
intensive care unit, and in <strong>the</strong> emergency department<br />
(www.IHI.org).<br />
<strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong> nursing students are actively involved<br />
with <strong>the</strong> IHI through classroom discussion, exploring<br />
research, and engaging in evidenced based practice.<br />
One specific educational community within <strong>the</strong> IHI is<br />
<strong>the</strong> IHI OPEN School which offers on-line course work<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r programs designed to introduce students to<br />
health care improvement. Students are encouraged to<br />
join <strong>the</strong> IHI Open School for Health Professions which<br />
provides educational offerings at no charge while <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are still in school.<br />
Three <strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong> School of Nursing students, Ann<br />
Harrington, Brooke Hopkins, and Nicole Tuccinardi, were<br />
granted full scholarships to attend <strong>the</strong> Annual IHI Open<br />
School Student Quality Leadership Academy held July<br />
19-20, 2012 in Cambridge, MA. The two-day program,<br />
sponsored by <strong>the</strong> Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,<br />
focused on building leadership competencies.<br />
Dr. Donald Berwick, former Administrator of <strong>the</strong><br />
6 alpha chi news<br />
Kathy Ahern Gould RN, PhD<br />
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and former<br />
President and CEO of <strong>the</strong> Institute for Healthcare<br />
Improvement, opened <strong>the</strong> program and was joined by<br />
expert faculty members <strong>from</strong> IHI and leaders <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
health care community. Participants learned specific<br />
skills related to leading change, managing conflict,<br />
communicating effectively, and tackling o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
leadership challenges <strong>the</strong>y currently face, or will face in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir careers. Additional guest speakers Diana<br />
Chapman Walsh, President Emeritus of Wellesley<br />
<strong>College</strong> and IHI Board Member, and Julian Harris,<br />
Director of <strong>the</strong> Office of Medicaid for Massachusetts,<br />
directed interactive workshops allowing participants to<br />
explore <strong>the</strong>ir own leadership styles.<br />
<strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau Alpha Chi members Anne<br />
Harrington(‘13) and Nicole Tuccinardi, BSN RN (‘12)<br />
share <strong>the</strong>ir experiences at <strong>the</strong> Leadership Academy with<br />
our membership.<br />
Anne Harrington<br />
<strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong> School of Nursing, Class of 2013:<br />
On July 18th and 19th, I had <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunity to attend <strong>the</strong><br />
Institute for Healthcare<br />
Improvement’ Student<br />
Leadership Conference. The list<br />
of attendees and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
credentials was impressive and<br />
diverse; healthcare<br />
administrators, public health<br />
policy managers, medical engineers, pharmacy<br />
students, and even a veterinary student comprised this<br />
extremely motivated and skilled group.<br />
As a student nurse entering my senior year, I must<br />
admit that initially I felt intimidated and out of place<br />
amongst some of <strong>the</strong> most innovative and well known<br />
names in healthcare quality improvement. This feeling<br />
was quickly remedied as <strong>the</strong> first day of <strong>the</strong> conference<br />
began and I got to know my fellow students and guest<br />
lecturers better. Despite varying professions and<br />
backgrounds, <strong>the</strong> group’s collective passion for quality<br />
improvement and exceptional patient outcomes made<br />
us a team of healthcare providers, ra<strong>the</strong>r than distinct<br />
groups of <strong>the</strong> medical field.<br />
The two days of <strong>the</strong> conference were organized into a<br />
series of lecturers, delivered by extraordinary leaders in<br />
health care including, Donald Berwick, MD, MPP,<br />
former administrator of <strong>the</strong> Centers for Medicare and<br />
Medicaid Services and former president and CEO of<br />
IHI, Jo Ayoub, director of organizational development<br />
and staffing at Beth Israel deaconess medical center,<br />
Amy Wasserman program manager, leadership<br />
development Beth Israel deaconess medical center,<br />
Barry Don , a professor at <strong>the</strong> Harvard school of public<br />
health, Susan Block, oncology and palliative care<br />
specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Vinod<br />
Saney, PhD, professor of health policy at Harvard, Diana<br />
Chapman Walsh, president emeritus Wellesley college,<br />
and IHI board member, Julian Harris, director of<br />
Medicaid in Massachusetts, Allan franked, Co-chief<br />
medical officer at Pascal Metrics inc, IHI faculty, and<br />
former director of patient safety at Partners Healthcare<br />
system, Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Lu<strong>the</strong>r, RN, MPM, vice president<br />
HOSPITAL PORTFOLIO planning and administration<br />
at IHI, and Kathy Masters, MS,RD, director of<br />
healthcare improvement at Memorial Herman Texas<br />
Medical Center (TMC).<br />
Each speaker had a different story to tell about <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
experience and commitment to healthcare<br />
improvement. I was most moved by <strong>the</strong> final<br />
presentation which was a case study aimed at improving<br />
specific outcomes, such as Ventilator Associated<br />
Pneumonia (VAP) and sepsis. Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Lu<strong>the</strong>r, RN,<br />
MPM, Vice President of Hospital Portfolio Planning and<br />
Administration at IHI, and Kathy Masters, MS, RD,<br />
Director of Healthcare Improvement at Memorial<br />
Herman TMC, presented a case study <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> Medical<br />
Intensive Care Unit (MICU) that revealed <strong>the</strong> unit had<br />
many areas in need of improvement. As session leaders,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y asked <strong>the</strong> students to approach <strong>the</strong> situation <strong>from</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> standpoint of <strong>the</strong> nurses in <strong>the</strong> MICU. We were to<br />
asked to consider <strong>the</strong> difficult task of tackling<br />
improvements and instituting changes that were<br />
needed; while maintaining morale and relationships<br />
within <strong>the</strong> unit.<br />
After allowing <strong>the</strong> students to brainstorm and volunteer<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir suggestions, Lu<strong>the</strong>r and Masters revealed <strong>the</strong><br />
actual strategies that were implemented to bring about<br />
leadership<br />
change and achieve successful outcomes. It was exciting<br />
to hear about <strong>the</strong> process and learn why <strong>the</strong>y worked.<br />
Their presentation was dynamic and interactive, and<br />
allowed me to understand not <strong>the</strong> only <strong>the</strong> importance,<br />
but necessity, of involving every member of <strong>the</strong><br />
healthcare team when attempting to make change.<br />
As a student nurse preparing to graduate in 2013, I was<br />
encouraged and energized by <strong>the</strong> underlying message of<br />
all of <strong>the</strong> speakers at The IHI Leadership Conference. In<br />
<strong>the</strong> future of healthcare, no single health care provider is<br />
more important than <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r. We are all capable of<br />
implementing change we envision.<br />
As <strong>the</strong> second day concluded, I left <strong>the</strong> Charles Hotel<br />
Conference Center with an overwhelming feeling of<br />
hope and ambition, which was in every respect due to<br />
my interactions with colleagues and speakers that I had<br />
encountered just 48 hours earlier! Continuous Quality<br />
improvement, constant evaluation of outcomes, and<br />
research to improve those outcomes, are all essentials of<br />
<strong>the</strong> healthcare system I will enter as a new RN.<br />
As nurses and nursing students, we play an invaluable<br />
role in this process. I strongly encourage students to not<br />
only apply to attend this type of program, but to also<br />
envision <strong>the</strong>mselves as <strong>the</strong> catalysts for changes <strong>the</strong>y wish<br />
to make. I cannot thank <strong>the</strong> faculty at <strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong><br />
enough for encouraging me to attend this conference.<br />
Nicole Tuccinardi, BSN RN<br />
<strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong>, 2012<br />
“The IHI Open School for Health Professions is an<br />
inter-professional educational community that gives<br />
students <strong>the</strong> skills to become change agents in health<br />
care improvement…Skills like quality improvement,<br />
patient safety, teamwork, leadership and patientcentered<br />
care” (www.IHI.org).<br />
I was informed of this program by my Adult Health I<br />
clinical instructor, Dr.Kathy Ahern Gould. We discussed<br />
<strong>the</strong> program at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau Alpha Chi Chapter<br />
induction ceremony last spring. I was very interested so<br />
when an email was sent out to <strong>the</strong> nursing school, I<br />
responded right away; it seemed like it was an<br />
opportunity that I wouldn’t want to miss. There was an<br />
online application that included several questions that<br />
required short essays.<br />
The application asked questions such as: “Why is<br />
patient safety important to you? Why do you want to<br />
Continued on page 8<br />
2012 7
leadership<br />
Open School Student Quality Leadership Academy continued <strong>from</strong> page 7<br />
attend this seminar? What does being a leader mean to<br />
you? What do you hope to achieve <strong>from</strong> this academy?”<br />
I applied in April and received an email by <strong>the</strong> end of<br />
May accepting me to <strong>the</strong> IHI Open School Student<br />
Quality Leadership Academy to take place in<br />
Cambridge, MA in July.<br />
Before I attended, I expected <strong>the</strong> seminar to have a lot of<br />
role-play scenarios that <strong>the</strong> students would have to<br />
participate in. However, <strong>the</strong> seminar went above and<br />
beyond my expectations. The participants were emailed<br />
an itinerary a week in advance. We completed a live<br />
webinar one week prior to <strong>the</strong> program, with <strong>the</strong> former<br />
President and CEO of <strong>the</strong> Institute for Healthcare<br />
Improvement and <strong>the</strong> former Administrator for <strong>the</strong><br />
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Donald M.<br />
Berwick, MD, MPP, FRCP. In addition, all students<br />
attending were recommended to take some of <strong>the</strong> free<br />
courses that <strong>the</strong> IHI website offers. These courses,<br />
currently offered to all students at no charge, were to<br />
help <strong>the</strong> students prepare and become familiar with <strong>the</strong><br />
information <strong>the</strong>y would encounter during <strong>the</strong> two-day<br />
seminar. The courses included “Introduction to Patient<br />
Safety”, “Fundamentals of Improvement”, “The Model<br />
for Improvement: Your Engine for Change”, and “So<br />
You Want to Be a Leader in Health Care”.<br />
The first day of <strong>the</strong> Student Quality Leadership<br />
Academy had every minute scheduled with lectures and<br />
speakers <strong>from</strong> several healthcare workers such as: Dr.<br />
Donald Berwick, Susan D. Block (Chair of <strong>the</strong><br />
Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative<br />
Care at Dana Farber and Brigham and Women’s<br />
Hospital), Vinod K. Sahney (Senior Fellow at <strong>the</strong> IHI<br />
and Adjunct Professor of Health Policy and<br />
Management at Harvard University School of Public<br />
Health), and Diana Chapman Walsh (President Emerita<br />
of Wellesley <strong>College</strong> and IHI Board Member), amongst<br />
many o<strong>the</strong>rs speaking on a variety of topics such as<br />
“Leading Change and Managing Conflict”, “Dealing<br />
with Conflict”, “Difficult Situations”, “The IHI<br />
Leadership Model”, Teamwork and Communications”,<br />
and “Leadership Cases and Discussion”. Nearly every<br />
state was represented, in addition to students <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
United Kingdom, continental Europe, and Latin<br />
America. <strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong> was represented by three of its<br />
nursing students, Nicole Tuccinardi ’12 Anne<br />
Harrington ’13, and Brooke Hopkins ’14. Students <strong>from</strong><br />
all walks of healthcare were represented including:<br />
medicine, nursing, engineering, public health,<br />
healthcare administration, health policy and law,<br />
pharmacy, and international affairs. I was assigned to<br />
work as a team member at a table where I was <strong>the</strong> only<br />
nurse and <strong>the</strong> only representative <strong>from</strong> Massachusetts.<br />
I gained invaluable information on how to maneuver<br />
difficult conversations with those in superior positions<br />
and how to structure that type of conversation.<br />
Undoubtedly, every person will come across this<br />
situation in his or her career. As I looked around <strong>the</strong><br />
room, I noticed I was not <strong>the</strong> only one taking diligent<br />
notes on <strong>the</strong> role-play scenario we watched ensue with<br />
volunteer students and Susan Block about an ICU<br />
patient who did not want to continue aggressive care<br />
while his sister (as his Health Care Proxy) wanted to<br />
continue <strong>the</strong> treatment. This was <strong>the</strong> most memorable<br />
aspect of <strong>the</strong> Academy.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r stand-out presentation was delivered by Jo<br />
Ayoub, Director of Organizational Development and<br />
Staffing at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She<br />
spoke about how to lead change. She identified different<br />
types of change, <strong>the</strong> Bridges Model and Transition<br />
Curve, which unfailing occurs whenever <strong>the</strong>re is change<br />
because it is a normal human response, <strong>the</strong> reasons<br />
why people resist change, and strategies to deal with<br />
people who are in denial and resistant of change as well<br />
as people who are exploring and committed to change.<br />
Without question, this experience was unforgettable.<br />
I met people <strong>from</strong> all over <strong>the</strong> world, different<br />
backgrounds, points of view, and healthcare systems.<br />
Every lecture and speaker I heard will help me in my<br />
practice as a nurse. I began to understand what qualities<br />
and skills are required of a leader and how to effectively<br />
become one. I witnessed how healthcare providers <strong>from</strong><br />
many disciplines work efficiently in teams, and how to<br />
improve outcomes for <strong>the</strong> number one priority of<br />
healthcare… <strong>the</strong> patient. I would recommend this<br />
Academy to any student involved or interested in<br />
healthcare. As a nursing student and now a new<br />
graduate I am excited to use this experience to inform<br />
my practice and begin my career with a renewed<br />
emphasis on patient safety, effective communication,<br />
and being a leader, not only with your colleagues, but a<br />
leader for your patients. It is important to jump at <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunities presented to you because it will only<br />
enhance your confidence and skill as a nurse!<br />
Alpha Chi Members in Spain<br />
Celebrate a<br />
New Community Member<br />
In March of 2012, Dorothy Jones visited <strong>the</strong><br />
University of Navarra in Pamplona Spain. During<br />
this visit, she presented Dr. Mercedes Perez with<br />
her induction materials <strong>from</strong> <strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau<br />
International, Alpha Chi Chapter. Dr. Perez was<br />
inducted as a community member for Alpha Chi.<br />
leadership<br />
The photo(s) show(s) Dr. Perez with Dr. Maribel<br />
Sarcibar, Dean of <strong>the</strong> School of Nursing, a past<br />
inductee into Alpha Chi. Also included in <strong>the</strong> photo<br />
is Dr. Amparo Zaragoza, who is ano<strong>the</strong>r Alpha Chi<br />
member. Over <strong>the</strong> years, <strong>the</strong>se three members have<br />
contributed significantly to <strong>the</strong> growth of nursing<br />
in Spain. They developed <strong>the</strong> first Clinical Nurse<br />
Specialist Master’s program several years ago and in<br />
2012 began enrolling Doctoral students into <strong>the</strong> first<br />
PhD Nursing program.<br />
Dean Sarcibar is working with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau<br />
International headquarters to develop a chapter in<br />
<strong>the</strong> School of Nursing at <strong>the</strong> University of Navarra.<br />
The faculty is most grateful for <strong>the</strong> support and<br />
encouragement provided by Alpha Chi members<br />
in helping to promote <strong>the</strong> development of an<br />
international honor society available to <strong>the</strong> nurses<br />
<strong>from</strong> Spain.<br />
8 alpha chi news 2012 9
scholarship<br />
Research Day 2012<br />
Research Awards:<br />
Mary Poyner Reed<br />
Parental caregivers descriptors of caring for children<br />
with intractable epilepsy.<br />
Holly Fontenot<br />
Intersection of HPV and sexual assault: An<br />
opportunity for practice change.<br />
Allyssa Harris<br />
Intersection of HPV and sexual assault: An<br />
opportunity for Social scripts and urban literature:<br />
Identification and meaning for urban African<br />
American adolescent girls.<br />
On May 9th, Alpha Chi hosted <strong>the</strong>ir annual Spring Research Program. The<br />
featured speaker was Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Hutchinson, PhD, RN FAAN, an Associate<br />
Professor at New York University. Recently, she joined <strong>the</strong> William F. Connell School<br />
of Nursing as a tenured professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Programs. Dr.<br />
Hutchinson presented “Family Based Approaches to Reducing Adolescent Sexual Risk<br />
Behaviors: From Models to Interventions”. She discussed her research findings on<br />
young Jamaican females and risk reduction interventions in <strong>the</strong> prevention of HIV.<br />
<strong>Sigma</strong> Awards:<br />
Rita Kelleher Scholarship – Lucy Murphy<br />
Spirit of <strong>Sigma</strong> Award – Anya Diane<br />
Mary Pekarski – Paulina Miklosz<br />
Poster<br />
Presentation<br />
Awards<br />
1st Prize<br />
Daniele Grimm/ Mandy Hung<br />
Provider response to<br />
Patient disclosure of IPV<br />
2nd Prize<br />
Somatra Simpson<br />
Determining if a relationship<br />
exists between sexual assault<br />
victims and eating disorders<br />
when compared to non victims.<br />
3rd Prize<br />
Erika Giovanniello<br />
Review of Transactional Sex<br />
among Men and Women in<br />
<strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
scholarship<br />
10 alpha chi news 2012 11
scholarship<br />
BC Represented at <strong>the</strong><br />
2012 State of <strong>the</strong> Science<br />
Congress on Nursing Research<br />
By Viola G. Benavente, PhD, RN, CNS<br />
This year’s Congress attracted not only <strong>the</strong> best<br />
of <strong>the</strong> nursing science community, including<br />
Alpha Chi faculty members <strong>from</strong> <strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong><br />
(BC), but also many promising scholars, students,<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r colleagues who support nursing science.<br />
The Council for <strong>the</strong> Advancement of Nursing<br />
Science (CANS) proudly proclaimed “Discovery &<br />
Innovations” as this year’s conference focus of <strong>the</strong><br />
biennial State of <strong>the</strong> Science Congress in Nursing<br />
Research held <strong>from</strong> September 13th through <strong>the</strong><br />
15th in Washington, DC. The Council is an open<br />
membership entity of <strong>the</strong> American Academy<br />
of Nursing (AAN) and was established in 2000<br />
to foster and advocate for “better health through<br />
nursing science.” The goals of CANS are to: (a) be<br />
a strong voice for nursing science at national and<br />
international levels by developing, conducting and<br />
utilizing nursing science; (b) disseminate research<br />
findings across individuals and groups in scientific<br />
and lay communities; and (c) facilitate lifelong<br />
learning opportunities for nurse scientists.<br />
<strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau is a founding partner and generous<br />
supporter of <strong>the</strong> Council and AAN. Along with o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
nursing or healthcare researchers and organizations,<br />
<strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau helped to initiate and sustain <strong>the</strong><br />
State of Science Congress held every o<strong>the</strong>r evennumbered<br />
year. On <strong>the</strong> odd-numbered years, a<br />
Special Research Topic Conference is sponsored.<br />
These events are <strong>the</strong> two main agenda platforms<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Council.<br />
Additionally, <strong>the</strong> National Institute of Nursing<br />
Research (NINR), as an ex-officio member of <strong>the</strong><br />
Council and AAN, hosts <strong>the</strong> NightinGala on <strong>the</strong> eve<br />
before <strong>the</strong> Congress or Special Topics Conference,<br />
in conjunction with Friends of <strong>the</strong> NINR (FNINR).<br />
The NightinGala is a celebratory event to honor<br />
<strong>the</strong> extraordinary work of nursing researchers and<br />
enhance <strong>the</strong> health of our nation. It is held annually<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC.<br />
Dean Gennaro and distinguished members of<br />
Alpha Chi also attended this event (see <strong>the</strong> BC<br />
attendee list below)!<br />
The NINR was established as a Center at <strong>the</strong><br />
National Institutes of Health (NIH) and an Institute<br />
in 1993. The mission of NINR is to promote<br />
and improve <strong>the</strong> health of individuals, families,<br />
communities, and populations through <strong>the</strong> support<br />
of research in scientific areas and training of<br />
new investigators. Ultimately, <strong>the</strong> NINR aims to<br />
disseminate and transform research into clinical<br />
practice and into <strong>the</strong> daily lives of individuals and<br />
families. The FNINR is an independent, non-profit<br />
organization also founded in 1993. The mission of<br />
FNINR is to provide resources to support nursing<br />
research and advance <strong>the</strong> mission of <strong>the</strong> NINR by<br />
educating nursing professionals and <strong>the</strong> public about<br />
<strong>the</strong> advances made through nursing research and its<br />
benefits to patients, families, <strong>the</strong> community<br />
and healthcare delivery.<br />
The Congress generated extraordinary interest<br />
this year and BC was well represented. Triumph<br />
and victory begins with strong leadership, and<br />
Dean Gennaro served as <strong>the</strong> Chair of <strong>the</strong> Program<br />
Planning Committee this year. Dr. Barbara<br />
Wolfe was a member of this Committee and<br />
assisted with finding and securing speakers for<br />
keynote and plenary sessions, podium and poster<br />
presentations, as well as exhibitors and supporting<br />
organizations. Distinguished Alpha Chi members<br />
<strong>from</strong> BC attended <strong>the</strong> Congress and gave <strong>the</strong><br />
following presentations:<br />
Judith A. Vessey, Rachel L. DiFazio, & Tania D. Strout<br />
“Increasing meaning in measurement: A Rasch analysis of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Child Adolescent Teasing Scale”<br />
Judith A. Vessey, Allison Walker, Rachel L. DiFazio,<br />
& Tania D. Strout<br />
“Measuring bullying and victimization: Evaluation of <strong>the</strong><br />
psychometric properties of existing instruments”<br />
Sr. Callista Roy<br />
“Generating cumulative knowledge: Evidence for practice”<br />
Viola G. Benavente<br />
“Effects of acculturation and literacy on cardiovascular<br />
health promotion of Mexican-American women”<br />
M. Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Hutchinson, Hermi H. Hewitt, Loretta<br />
Sweet Jemmott, Norma Waldron, Eulalia Kahwa, Pansy<br />
Hamilton, & John B. Jemmott<br />
“The Jamaican Mo<strong>the</strong>rs and Daughters Standing Strong<br />
Toge<strong>the</strong>r Project: Mo<strong>the</strong>rs’ and Daughters’ Outcomes”<br />
Dean Susan Gennaro and o<strong>the</strong>r Editors, Associate<br />
Editors, & Representatives <strong>from</strong> scholarly journals<br />
“Breakfast with <strong>the</strong> Editors”<br />
Attendees at <strong>the</strong> NightinGala<br />
Dean Susan Gennaro, Viola G. Benavente, Ka<strong>the</strong>rine<br />
Gregory, Allyssa Harris, M. Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Hutchinson,<br />
Melissa Su<strong>the</strong>rland, Sr. Callista Roy, Susan Kelly-<br />
Weeder, Luba Litvinova (FNINR), Nancy VanDevanter,<br />
& Tanyka Smith (Ph.D. student <strong>from</strong> NYU)<br />
<strong>News</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau’s<br />
23rd International<br />
Nursing Research<br />
Congress<br />
June Andrews Horowitz<br />
scholarship<br />
From July 30-August 3, 2012 in Brisbane,<br />
Australia, nurses <strong>from</strong> around <strong>the</strong> world met<br />
to share research and scholarship. Hundreds<br />
of podium and poster presentations reflected<br />
how nursing research has exploded worldwide.<br />
I presented <strong>the</strong> following paper and poster<br />
developed with colleagues/co-authors and fellow<br />
Alpha Chi members.<br />
Horowitz, J. A., Murphy, M., Gregory, K.,<br />
Wojcik, J., Pulcini, J., Solon, L. (2012, July).<br />
Nurse home visits improve maternal-infant interaction<br />
and decrease postpartum depression severity. Paper<br />
presentation. <strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau International<br />
Research Congress, Brisbane, Australia.<br />
Horowitz, J. A., & Tran, C. (2012, July).<br />
Evaluation Of Online Resources For Women<br />
Experiencing PPD. Poster presentation. <strong>Sigma</strong><br />
<strong>Theta</strong> Tau International Research Congress,<br />
Brisbane, Australia.<br />
Brisbane is a<br />
beautiful and<br />
cosmopolitan city<br />
that serves as<br />
a wonderful base<br />
for exploring o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
parts of Australia.<br />
One of <strong>the</strong><br />
highlights, aside <strong>from</strong> attending <strong>the</strong> conference,<br />
was visiting <strong>the</strong> Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary,<br />
a wonderful preserve that is home to koalas,<br />
kangaroos and many o<strong>the</strong>r species of Australian<br />
wildlife in a naturalistic setting. I enjoyed<br />
representing Alpha Chi and sharing research with<br />
colleagues <strong>from</strong> around <strong>the</strong> world!<br />
12 alpha chi news 2012 13
scholarship<br />
Alpha Chi Chapter of STT International, Inc.<br />
Nursing Honor Society<br />
Induction April 29, 2012<br />
The 42nd induction of <strong>the</strong> Alpha Chi Chapter of<br />
<strong>the</strong> STT Nursing Honor Society was held on<br />
April 29, 2012 at <strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong> sponsored by <strong>the</strong><br />
William F. Connell School of Nursing. Over 110<br />
undergraduate and graduate nursing students and<br />
community leaders were inducted. The induction<br />
brunch was celebrated with over 150 family and<br />
friends.<br />
This year’s keynote address focused on inspiring new<br />
inductees to commit <strong>the</strong>ir support to <strong>the</strong> mission<br />
of <strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau International. The keynote<br />
address was delivered by Diana Kach, RN, BSN, and<br />
Dr. Cathy St. Pierre. As delegates of our STT Alpha<br />
Chi Chapter, Diana and Cathy both attended <strong>the</strong><br />
41st Biennial STT convention in Grapevine,Texas<br />
November 2012. Inspired by STT’s President,<br />
Suzanne Prevost’s keynote address titled, “Give Back<br />
to Move Forward,” <strong>the</strong>y shared <strong>the</strong>ir impressions<br />
and highlights with <strong>the</strong> new inductees. Four major<br />
objectives <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> address were highlighted: 1)<br />
Engaging in collaboration 2) Embracing technology,<br />
3) Creating your legacy and 4) Responding to<br />
vulnerable populations.<br />
One illustration of <strong>the</strong>se objectives, engaging in<br />
collaboration, was demonstrated by our delegates<br />
(Cathy St. Pierre, Diana Kach) when <strong>the</strong>y actively<br />
participated in getting to know o<strong>the</strong>r delegates <strong>from</strong><br />
our own region, our nation, and our international<br />
colleagues. The picture below shows our delegates<br />
with two of our international colleagues <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands: pictured left to right are: Dr. Cathy<br />
St. Pierre, Dr. Thora Hafsteinsdottir, Ms. Mare-<br />
Louise Luiking, and Diana Kach. Dr. Hafsteindottir<br />
was elected at <strong>the</strong> biennium as <strong>the</strong> chairperson<br />
representing our European colleagues. Ms. Luiking<br />
was noted for being <strong>the</strong> first Nurse Practitioner to<br />
practice in <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands. Additionally, learning<br />
<strong>from</strong> and about our colleagues <strong>from</strong> various<br />
countries and cultures helps to develop a more<br />
global view of <strong>the</strong> world and contributes to building<br />
relationships that foster <strong>the</strong> profession of nursing.<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, embracing technology is a very<br />
germane topic for health care and <strong>the</strong> world today.<br />
Because of <strong>the</strong> advances in technology, we are able to<br />
create a bridge for enhancing communications both<br />
in <strong>the</strong> United States and around <strong>the</strong> world. The daily<br />
environment of health care has been significantly<br />
enhanced through <strong>the</strong> use of advanced computerized<br />
systems and mobile devices.<br />
Dr. St. Pierre and Diana Kach R.N. encouraged<br />
Alpha Chi members to begin developing <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
legacies today. They asked members to think about<br />
what <strong>the</strong>y want to contribute to our profession by<br />
urging <strong>the</strong>m to begin to think globally and act locally.<br />
New members were encouraged to get involved in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own communities and demonstrate through<br />
action what nurses can do to enhance <strong>the</strong> health and<br />
well being of our patients and <strong>the</strong> world we live in.<br />
In conclusion, <strong>the</strong> membership was urged to<br />
respond to <strong>the</strong> needs of vulnerable populations<br />
by providing lifesaving education. Examples cited<br />
included education and assistance to prevent<br />
childhood diseases through immunization<br />
programs, getting involved in helping to improve<br />
maternal health, and work to combat diseases such<br />
as HIV/AIDS and Malaria.<br />
Inductee<br />
Community Leaders:<br />
Kathleen Gould<br />
Lori Solon<br />
scholarship<br />
14 alpha chi news 2012 15<br />
Graduate<br />
Undergraduate<br />
Graduate:<br />
Rachel Ades<br />
Maria Barros<br />
Danielle Barry<br />
Zareen Barry<br />
Alice Bass<br />
Karen Bikofsky<br />
Meaghan Callahan<br />
Alexandra Chabot<br />
Jennifer Clair<br />
Nicole Colucci<br />
Teresa Connolly<br />
Lauren Costello<br />
Lena Crandell<br />
Susan Davenport<br />
Emily Davis<br />
Lenore DelGrosso<br />
James Dionne Odom<br />
Rosemarie Dominia<br />
Jennifer Echo<br />
Anne Gleason<br />
Krista Good<br />
Lindsay Goodyear<br />
Gwenda Graham<br />
Kayla Greenberg<br />
Danielle Grimm<br />
Andrea Hewitt<br />
Rebecca Hoeweler<br />
Shen-Yin (Mandy)<br />
Hung<br />
Sarah Kalil<br />
Cara Kilroy<br />
Yanghee Kwon<br />
Emily Lancaster<br />
Kayoung Lee<br />
Christine Logue<br />
Elise Loiselle<br />
Monique Machado<br />
Ciera Maffei<br />
Lauren McGrath<br />
Donna McLellan<br />
Kathryn Mordino<br />
Kacie Nakamura<br />
Erica Newkirk<br />
Jeanne Norton<br />
Jessica Osuch<br />
Lindsay Pesacreta<br />
Kayleigh Prowse<br />
Lindsey Putman<br />
Tiffini Reed<br />
Julia Robof<br />
Sarah Romeo<br />
Kristen Rounds<br />
Shannon Rounseville<br />
Betty Sam<br />
Erin Shallcross<br />
Meghan Shanahan<br />
Allison Sherwood<br />
Somatra Simpson<br />
Jessica Smith<br />
Leah Smith<br />
Jodi Stevens<br />
Emily Swisher-Rosa<br />
Cindy Theodore<br />
Sophie Thibodeau<br />
Emily Ware<br />
Meghan Weake<br />
Jenny Wong<br />
Lindsay Young<br />
Sarah Zappala<br />
Undergraduate:<br />
Jordan Balcom<br />
Terry Bustos<br />
Allison Cotta<br />
Alexandra Covelle<br />
Anna Diane<br />
Sandra Dickson<br />
Spencer Driscoll<br />
Erin Dromgoole<br />
Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Farrell<br />
Angelica Ferrazzi<br />
Megan Galvin<br />
Michelle Golden<br />
Ann Harrington<br />
Beth Harvey<br />
Christine Hayes<br />
Christen Heye<br />
Kyle Humphrey<br />
Megan Kane<br />
Shelby Kaubris<br />
Lauren Kohlhepp<br />
Elisabeth Kuhlow<br />
Deborah Lipman<br />
Bryanna Mahony<br />
Colleen Mara<br />
Jennifer Maraia<br />
Kathleen Marion<br />
Madison McEvoy<br />
Kristen Moll<br />
Stephanie Mui<br />
Annemarie O’Toole<br />
Caroline Ouimet<br />
Amanda Scott<br />
Lauren Skirvin<br />
Victoria Soal<br />
Ashley Stewart<br />
Kristen Taylor<br />
Siobhan Tellez<br />
Ashley Thibodeau<br />
Jennifer Tomich<br />
Angela Torgersen<br />
Anna Trueb<br />
Nicole Tuccinardi<br />
Malika Weekes<br />
Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Wormser
scholarship community<br />
Scholarship <strong>News</strong><br />
Book publication:<br />
Dr. Rachel E. Spector, R.N., FAAN, former faculty member and member of <strong>the</strong> BCSON classes<br />
of 1972 and 1974 has published <strong>the</strong> eighth edition of her book CULTURAL DIVERSITY<br />
IN HEALTH AND ILLNESS. It continues to promote an awareness of <strong>the</strong> dimensions and<br />
complexities involved in caring for people <strong>from</strong> diverse cultural backgrounds. Completely<br />
revised and updated, it examines <strong>the</strong> differences existing within North America by probing <strong>the</strong><br />
health care system and consumers, and examples of traditional health/ HEALTH beliefs and<br />
practices among selected populations. An emphasis on <strong>the</strong> influences of recent social, political,<br />
and demographic changes helps to explore <strong>the</strong> issues and perceptions of health and illness<br />
today, while new introductory and capstone chapters help place material within perspective. It<br />
is an essential for any health-care professional, and sets <strong>the</strong> standard for cultural perspectives<br />
and more importantly HEALTH–<strong>the</strong> balance of <strong>the</strong> person, both within one’s being–physical,<br />
mental, and spiritual–and in <strong>the</strong> outside world–natural, communal, and metaphysical. (Terms,<br />
such as HEALTH, are written this way to emphasize <strong>the</strong> holistic meaning.)<br />
Research publications:<br />
Honors:<br />
Cook, K., Mott, S., Lawrence, P., Jablonski, J., Grady, M.R., Norton, D., Liner, K.P., Cioffi, J.,<br />
Hickey, P., Reidy, S., & Connor, J.A. (2012). Coping while Caring for <strong>the</strong> Dying Child:<br />
Nurses’ Experiences. Journal of Pediatric Nursing 27(4) e11-21.<br />
Onyango, M. & Mott, S. (2011). The nexus between bride-wealth, family curse and<br />
spontaneous abortion among Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Sudanese women. Journal of Nursing<br />
Scholarship 43(4) 376-384.<br />
Gaughan, V., Logan, D., Sethna, N., & Mott,S. (in press) Parents’ perspective of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
journey caring for a child with chronic neuropathic pain. Pain Management Nursing.<br />
Consortium for Congenital Cardiac Care Measurement of Nursing Practice (C4-MNP). (2011present)<br />
PPSQ grant ($20,000) and AACN grant ($50,000). J Connor, Principle Investigator. S<br />
Mott, Co-Investigator. Multi-site study to identify and codify nursing linked outcome measures.<br />
Congratulations to Elizabeth Burgess Dowell, MS ’97. She informed us of her induction as a<br />
fellow into <strong>the</strong> American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Dowell is a professor of pediatric nursing<br />
at Villanova University, Pennsylvania.<br />
Global<br />
Health Care Course<br />
This past June <strong>the</strong> William F. Connell School of<br />
Nursing offered a course titled “Global Healthcare:<br />
Meeting Challenges and Making Connections”. Ten<br />
<strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong> nursing students and sixteen nursing<br />
students <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> University of Applied Sciences in<br />
Switzerland participated. Alpha Chi member, Colleen<br />
Simonelli organized and coordinated this four week<br />
course. Topics covered during <strong>the</strong> course were palliative<br />
care, healthcare disparities, domestic violence, healthcare<br />
systems, as well as ethics and global health care.<br />
Students learned about <strong>the</strong> similarities and differences<br />
in healthcare between <strong>the</strong> two countries. In addition,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re were field trips to Swissnex, <strong>the</strong> Massachusetts<br />
Department of Public Health, Dana-Farber Cancer<br />
Institute, <strong>Boston</strong> Children’s Hospital, Mass General<br />
Hospital and <strong>the</strong> VA Medical Center in West Roxbury.<br />
Guest speakers included CSON Dean Susan Gennaro,<br />
Mariead Hickey, Executive VP and chief operating officer<br />
at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Dr. Alfred<br />
DeMaria, director of <strong>the</strong> Massachusetts Department of<br />
Public Health. <strong>Sigma</strong> members who were an integral<br />
part in <strong>the</strong> success of this course include: Nancy Allen,<br />
Vanessa Battista, Ann Burgess, Rosemary Byrne, Donna<br />
Cullinan, Rosanna DeMarco, Susan DeSanto-Madeya,<br />
Holly Fontenot, Stacy Garrity, Pamela Grace, Allyssa<br />
Harris, June Horowitz, Terri Lacoursiere Zucchero,<br />
Natalie McClain, Donna Perry, Fr. Richard Ross, Sr.<br />
Callista Roy, Judith Schindul-Rothschild, Kelly Stamp,<br />
Melissa Su<strong>the</strong>rland, Patricia Tabloski, and Judith Vessey.<br />
Next year sixteen <strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong> nursing students will<br />
travel to Switzerland to participate in a Swiss led course.<br />
16 alpha chi news 2012 17
community<br />
Global<br />
Health<br />
Initiative<br />
This September, Drs. Rosanna DeMarco and<br />
Ronna Krozy were invited by <strong>the</strong> Jubilee House<br />
Community-Center for Development in Central America<br />
(JHC-CDCA) to initiate a new HIV/AIDS education<br />
prevention intervention training program in Nicaragua.<br />
Dr. DeMarco is a BCCSON faculty member; an Advanced<br />
Practice Public Health Clinical Specialist; a fellow of <strong>the</strong><br />
American Academy of Nursing (AAN) and co-chair of <strong>the</strong><br />
AAN’s expert panel on emerging and infectious diseases;<br />
and an expert nurse and researcher in HIV/AIDS. Dr.<br />
Krozy is a retired BC Community Health faculty member,<br />
a doctorally prepared health educator and Coordinator of<br />
<strong>the</strong> BCCSON Global Health Initiative (GHI). The GHI is<br />
a foundation-supported yearly spring clinical practicum in<br />
Nicaragua entering its 7th year, allowing selected UG and<br />
Grad students to provide nursing care and teach Nicaraguan<br />
lay health promoters about important health issues.<br />
HIV is a growing problem in <strong>the</strong> Nueva Vida community,<br />
with <strong>the</strong> population at greatest risk pregnant teenagers,<br />
young mo<strong>the</strong>rs and <strong>the</strong>ir babies and adolescents in<br />
general. Sexually transmitted infection/disease (STI/<br />
STD) prevention is one of <strong>the</strong> 4 main foci that JHC-<br />
CDCA has set for its Nueva Vida health promotion<br />
program this year. We used Dr. DeMarco’s Spanish<br />
version of <strong>the</strong> DVD-based health promotion intervention<br />
program, entitled Women’s Voices, Women’s Lives, as<br />
a tool for initiating discussion. Lectures and materials<br />
were presented in Spanish and included several exercises<br />
related to myths and stereotypes about HIV, behaviors<br />
and risk levels, and self-advocating behaviors. We used a<br />
portable DVD player to present <strong>the</strong> program in <strong>the</strong> Nueva<br />
Vida clinic, various neighborhoods and people’s homes<br />
where we reached over 20 health promoters, pregnant<br />
young women, adolescent mo<strong>the</strong>rs with babies, male<br />
adolescents and transgendered youth. We based <strong>the</strong><br />
program on ‘training <strong>the</strong> trainer’ and community based<br />
participatory research models of prevention. We also<br />
presented by invitation at <strong>the</strong> Universidad Americana<br />
Medical School for medical students at different levels of<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir education to discuss HIV/AIDS research and health<br />
education needs of disadvantaged populations.<br />
A key result was <strong>the</strong> clinic nurse’s confident ability<br />
to take over <strong>the</strong> program, continue training health<br />
promoters and to test <strong>the</strong> efficacy of this health<br />
promotion intervention training. Future plans include<br />
testing health protective outcomes before and after<br />
<strong>the</strong> intervention to measure healthcare adherence and<br />
self-advocacy in addition to increased HIV testing. This<br />
approach of measuring <strong>the</strong> outcomes of this work will<br />
help validate <strong>the</strong> impact on prevention efforts of <strong>the</strong><br />
clinic. When our students’ return in March <strong>the</strong>y can<br />
also fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> teaching and program efficacy while<br />
gaining student-centered learning in public health,<br />
prevention, and community-based interventions.<br />
EveryMemberGiving<br />
First Annual Fundraiser for <strong>the</strong><br />
Greater <strong>Boston</strong> Food Bank<br />
With more than 700 STT Alpha Chi members,<br />
we are well positioned to reach a goal of<br />
every member giving to our first annual fundraiser.<br />
This year <strong>the</strong> Greater <strong>Boston</strong> Food Bank (GBFB)<br />
has been chosen as a worthy recipient of our<br />
chapter’s focus on community service. The<br />
mission of <strong>the</strong> GBFB is to end hunger in eastern<br />
Massachusetts. By 2013, <strong>the</strong>ir objective is to<br />
distribute enough food to provide at least one meal<br />
a day to those in need. Every $50 we raise as Alpha<br />
Chi members will provide 118 meals to aid <strong>the</strong><br />
GBFB’s mission.<br />
Before considering giving, please go to <strong>the</strong> GBFB’s<br />
home page @ http://www.gbfb.org and view <strong>the</strong><br />
featured video, “Hunger 101: Hunger’s Three<br />
Truths”, and WCVB-TV’s Chronicle feature “Inside<br />
<strong>the</strong> Greater <strong>Boston</strong> Food Bank”. Then follow<br />
<strong>the</strong> link listed below to <strong>the</strong> GBFB for donation<br />
information. Thank<br />
you for helping those<br />
in need with food for<br />
<strong>the</strong> upcoming holiday<br />
season. Results of<br />
our “Every Member<br />
Giving” fundraiser<br />
will be announced in<br />
<strong>the</strong> spring newsletter. http://www.gbfb.org<br />
http://www.gbfb.org<br />
http://www.wcvb.com/chronicle/Inside-<strong>the</strong>-Greater-<br />
<strong>Boston</strong>-Food-Bank/-/12523032/16698292/-/sc9x64z/-/<br />
index.html<br />
community<br />
18 alpha chi news 2012 19
community<br />
Community Opportunities<br />
Donations & Volunteer Opportunities<br />
In an effort to reach out to persons in need, each newsletter will provide a listing of meaningful community<br />
service opportunities that could benefit <strong>from</strong> our members diverse skills, experience, and knowledge. Please<br />
explore <strong>the</strong>se opportunities to share your talents and non-perishables with those in need.<br />
Haiti DONATIONS - Urgently Needed!!!!<br />
<strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong> Nursing<br />
Students join BC<br />
Assistant Clinical Professor,<br />
Donna Cullinan, RN, MSN,<br />
each January for a missionary<br />
trip to Haiti. The Haitian<br />
people are in great need of<br />
canes, moisturizing eye drops,<br />
and reading/magnifying glasses. Please consider donating<br />
<strong>the</strong>se items by December 30th 2012.<br />
Contact: Donna Cullinan@ 617-413-3528<br />
epIlepSY FOuNDATION<br />
All proceeds go to finding a cure for epilepsy through<br />
research, provide money for <strong>the</strong> children’s camp<br />
(Camp-Wee-Kan-Tu), and to help families working to<br />
overcome <strong>the</strong> challenges created by epilepsy.<br />
*Items needed: Clothing for infants, kids, men and<br />
women; books, CDs, DVDs, shoes and accessories, bed<br />
& bath items, small appliances and electronics (no tvs),<br />
furniture, toys & games, tools, draperies and curtains.<br />
357 Middlesex Avenue<br />
Wilmington, MA 01887<br />
Contact: # 888-322-8209<br />
Visit www.donatenewengland.org<br />
for convenient drop locations<br />
DONATiONs<br />
Clean out your closets to help support <strong>the</strong>ir mission to<br />
promote economic independence of disadvantaged<br />
women. They provide professional attire, a network of<br />
support, and career development tools to help women<br />
thrive in work and in life.<br />
989 Commonwealth Ave, <strong>Boston</strong>, MA 02215<br />
Contact: #617-779-2177<br />
email: boston @dress for success.org<br />
DONATe YOur CAr<br />
Wheels for Wishes benefiting Make A Wish<br />
Free vehicle pick up:<br />
any vehicle running<br />
or not. Also accepts boats,<br />
motorcycles & RVs. 100%<br />
Tax deduction.<br />
Contact: #857-220-8288<br />
email: WheelsforWishes.Org<br />
Barbara McInnis House:<br />
<strong>Boston</strong> Health Care for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Homeless program<br />
VOlUNTEER OPPORTUNiTiEs<br />
Barbara McInnis House is a nationally recognized facility<br />
that continues <strong>the</strong> legacy of Barbara McInnis; a generous<br />
and talented nurse who cared for thousands of <strong>Boston</strong>’s<br />
homeless men and women while tirelessly advocating<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir interests. The house provides “medical respite<br />
care” and short-term medical and recuperative services for<br />
homeless persons who are too ill for live in shelters but not<br />
sick enough to occupy an acute care hospital.<br />
780 Albany St., <strong>Boston</strong>, MA<br />
Contact: Kerry eldredge Dickson<br />
#857-654-1700 , email: info@bhchp.org<br />
Nativity prep<br />
Consider volunteering as a tutor, work<br />
in building maintenance, financial aid,<br />
student testing, field trips, library assistant.<br />
Nativity Prep is always seeking an RN to help <strong>the</strong> school<br />
nurse with a variety of health education programs. Even<br />
once a month for several hours would be greatly appreciated.<br />
Contact Donna Cullinan if interested. # 617-413-3528<br />
39 lamartine St., Jamaica plain, MA 02130<br />
Contact: Aimee McGuire, Director of Advancement.<br />
#857-728-0031 ext. 14<br />
amcquire@nativity boston.org<br />
Bridge over<br />
Troubled Waters<br />
Bridge over Troubled Waters cherishes individuals who<br />
volunteer <strong>the</strong>ir time to make a difference in <strong>the</strong> lives<br />
of homeless and at-risk youth. Volunteers are <strong>the</strong> heart<br />
of Bridge Services. One-time and long-term volunteer<br />
opportunities are available:<br />
Health Services – Contact Greg Perchik: Mobile Medial<br />
Van & Dental Clinic<br />
Mo<strong>the</strong>r Caroline Academy<br />
The academy’s mission is to provide a<br />
high quality education that develops<br />
<strong>the</strong> individual gifts of each student and<br />
prepares her for success in competitive secondary schools<br />
and colleges. MCA is a private, tuition free school for girls<br />
in grades 4-8 <strong>from</strong> limited financial means. Numerous<br />
volunteer activities include: tutoring, breakfast/lunch/<br />
snack assistant, afternoon activities, library assistant, adult<br />
education, mentor program, fund raising, event planning<br />
and office duties.<br />
515 Blue Hill Ave, Dorchester, MA 02121<br />
Contact: Alexandra von Ballmoos<br />
#617-427-1177 ext 103<br />
rosies’s place<br />
As a volunteer you would play a<br />
vital role in providing important<br />
services. Some of <strong>the</strong> many<br />
opportunities are: teach English as a second language class to<br />
adult women, spend an hour each week as a friendly visitor,<br />
play cards, service and clean up a lunch or dinner, teach an<br />
art workshop, help women select groceries <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> food<br />
pantry. Rosie’s Place volunteers contribute more than 50,000<br />
hours annually equivalent to 29 full-time staff!<br />
889 Harrison Avenue, <strong>Boston</strong>, MA 02118<br />
Contact: Volunteer Services #617-442-9322 ext. 226 or<br />
email: volunteer@rosiesplace.org<br />
Education and Workforce Development – Contact Steve<br />
Cote: Tutors, guest speakers, worksite tour leaders, job<br />
shadow leaders, internship providers<br />
Residential Component – Contact Amy Abair: Mentor<br />
youth involved in <strong>the</strong> Transitional Living Program or<br />
Maternal Group Home.<br />
47 West Street, <strong>Boston</strong>, MA 02111<br />
Contact: #617-423-9575 (assists age 18-24)<br />
or #1-800 ruNAWAY (assists ages 14-17)<br />
email: bridge@bridgeotw.org<br />
20 alpha chi news 2012 21
community announcements<br />
BC Vietnam:<br />
Institute of<br />
Liberal Arts<br />
Funds Project with Major Award<br />
Drs. Rosanna DeMarco (CSON) and Thanh Tran<br />
(GSSW) led a group of 6 students to Ho Chi Minh<br />
City and Da Lat, Vietnam this summer for four weeks.<br />
Three of <strong>the</strong> students were <strong>from</strong> CSON and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two<br />
were <strong>from</strong> Arts and Sciences at <strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong> studying<br />
biology or sociology as majors. One of <strong>the</strong> students was a<br />
pre-med student. The purpose of <strong>the</strong> trip was to 1) test <strong>the</strong><br />
validity of a Vietnamese translation of <strong>the</strong> HIV prevention<br />
film and curriculum Women’s Voices Women’s Lives©<br />
while obtaining outcome data related to self-advocacy and<br />
healthcare adherence behaviors and perceived stigma in<br />
those living with HIV and those at risk, 2) increase an<br />
understanding of <strong>the</strong> healthcare system, and 3) explore<br />
how social work as a profession is being developed.<br />
The ILA supports programs that examine and advance<br />
liberal arts education by fostering innovative programs that<br />
will enhance <strong>the</strong> intellectual life of students and faculty<br />
and lead to new ways of understanding <strong>the</strong> world we live<br />
in. Therefore, <strong>the</strong> trip was interdisciplinary in nature<br />
<strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> perspective of both faculty and students and as<br />
such helped all to appreciate <strong>the</strong> different contributions<br />
of various disciplinary worldviews specifically on <strong>the</strong><br />
care given to people at risk or living with HIV. The group<br />
visited HIV palliative care clinics where patients have little<br />
recourse but to receive comfort care where <strong>the</strong>re is no<br />
curative infrastructure in public facilities. The clinic was<br />
organized and run by <strong>the</strong> Roman Catholic diocese of Ho<br />
Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) as a non-governmental<br />
agency (NGO) and served people by offering <strong>the</strong>m a place<br />
to rest and receive medication for disease symptoms<br />
such as intravenous fluids for dehydration. The students,<br />
some who were fluent in Vietnamese language and<br />
some that were not, talked to <strong>the</strong> patients and loved ones<br />
who brought <strong>the</strong>m to <strong>the</strong> clinic on family motorcycles<br />
(everyone’s vehicle for travel in Vietnam is a motorbike of<br />
some sort) and were able to understand <strong>the</strong> context of HIV<br />
vulnerability and after care. The group visited a center for<br />
HIV care where people living with HIV supported each<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r in moving on with <strong>the</strong>ir lives and heard stories of<br />
stigma experienced within families, friends, and healthcare<br />
facilities. We also visited a home where religious women<br />
(nuns) cared for teen/young mo<strong>the</strong>rs and <strong>the</strong>ir newborns<br />
where primary HIV prevention was needed and wanted.<br />
In Da Lat <strong>the</strong> group participated in <strong>the</strong> primary care<br />
offered patients at <strong>the</strong> Pasteur Clinic). Students assisted in<br />
analyzing blood samples and immunizations of children<br />
and adults specifically.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> interim <strong>the</strong> group had opportunities to see <strong>the</strong><br />
urban and rural centers, talk to people who live in <strong>the</strong><br />
country, visit historical centers and museums and to<br />
understand <strong>the</strong> mosaic of different ethnic groups and<br />
international influences in <strong>the</strong> country over many years<br />
<strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> French and Chinese. While <strong>the</strong>re <strong>the</strong> group<br />
was interviewed by an NPR senior correspondent who<br />
was traveling through Vietnam after finishing a story on<br />
human trafficking in China (see http://www.wgbh.org/<br />
articles/index.cfm?tempid=6731). The Dean of <strong>the</strong> School<br />
of Social Work <strong>from</strong> Da Lat Unviersity also met with us to<br />
discuss <strong>the</strong> education system in Vietnam and <strong>the</strong> needs of<br />
students who study Social Work specifically in <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
Special thanks to our group: Mary Gerardo, Cindy Cao,<br />
Nguyet Chau <strong>from</strong> CSON and Pauline Tran, Ha Nguyen,<br />
and Sophia Trinh for taking time in <strong>the</strong> summer when<br />
<strong>the</strong>y could have been doing o<strong>the</strong>r things to participate<br />
in this experience. A special thanks to Nguyet Chau for<br />
her assistance in translating and back-translating many<br />
of <strong>the</strong> research documents that we used in <strong>the</strong> research<br />
component of <strong>the</strong> visit which she completed as an<br />
undergraduate research fellow at CSON and to Pauline Tran<br />
for her student leadership before, during and after <strong>the</strong> trip.<br />
Announcements<br />
Pinnacle Lecture Series:<br />
42nd Biennial Convention:<br />
Pinnacle Lecture series is an ongoing <strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong> tradition. Mark your<br />
calendar for April 10, 2013, when <strong>the</strong> featured speaker will by Lee Woodruff,<br />
wife of ABC <strong>News</strong> anchor Bob Woodruff, who was critically injured in Iraq<br />
in 2006.<br />
The 42nd Biennial Convention of <strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana <strong>from</strong> November 16-<br />
20, 2013. A call for Abstracts is open with a submission deadline of January 30, 2013. If you are interested<br />
in submitting an abstract or want more information, here is <strong>the</strong> link: http://www.nursingsociety.org/<br />
STTIEvents/BiennialConvention/Pages/43_ContentSubmissionGuidelines.aspx<br />
Submission dates for spring awards and poster presentations:<br />
• Clinical research grants – March 8, 2013<br />
• Abstracts for Poster Presentations – March 1, 2013<br />
• Awards (Excellence in Nursing, Mentor, Spirit of <strong>Sigma</strong> & Mary Pekarski Award) – April 8, 2013<br />
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/son/sigma/pdf/awardsnominationform.pdf<br />
Heritage Committee:<br />
The Heritage Committee is looking for past event and induction programs to place in <strong>the</strong> archives. If you<br />
have any of <strong>the</strong>se programs <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> last ten years and would like to donate <strong>the</strong>m to <strong>the</strong> Alpha Chi archives<br />
please contact Joellen Hawkins at joellenhawkins@mac.com or Karen Lourence at klourence@earthlink.net<br />
Free Stuff for Students:<br />
Remember that <strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau has free stuff and career help:<br />
http://www.nursingsociety.org/student/Pages/StudentCentral.aspx<br />
Every Member Giving:<br />
Please refer to community section of this newsletter for information on community opportunities and our<br />
First Annual Fundraiser “Every Member Giving”.<br />
Submit <strong>News</strong>:<br />
<strong>News</strong> that you would like to submit to <strong>the</strong> Alpha Chi <strong>News</strong>letter regarding Leadership, Scholarship or<br />
Community can be emailed to behney@bc.edu or luanne.nugent@bc.edu<br />
22 alpha chi news 2012 23
officers officers<br />
Alpha Chi Chapter, <strong>Boston</strong> <strong>College</strong><br />
<strong>Sigma</strong> <strong>Theta</strong> Tau International<br />
Officers & Committees 2012- 2013<br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Hill hillcat@bc.edu 617-552-4908 (administrative assistant)<br />
Zan John johnza@bc.edu 617-552-4059 (web master)<br />
president louisa Dichard louisaedichard@yahoo.com<br />
Co/Vice presidents Kelly stamp Kelly.stamp.1@bc.edu (on sabbatical)<br />
Diana Kach diana.kach@bc.edu<br />
Secretary Amy smith amy.smith.9@bc.edu<br />
Treasurer Barbara Hedstrom bbhedstrom@gmail.com<br />
Faculty Counselor Rosemary Byrne rosemary.byrne@bc.edu<br />
Governance Committee<br />
Rosemary Byrne rosemary.byrne@bc.edu<br />
sherri st Pierre stpiersh@bc.edu<br />
Kelly stamp kelly.stamp.1@bc.edu<br />
Colleen simonelli colleen.simonelli@bc.edu<br />
Leadership Succession<br />
Hea<strong>the</strong>r Vallent, Chair hvallent@gmail.com<br />
Program Committee<br />
louisa Dichard, Chair louisaedichard@yahoo.com<br />
Diana Kach kachdf@gmail.com<br />
Nola Della Monica gdellamonica@aol.com<br />
Katie Mclaughlin kathryn.mclaughlin.3@bc.edu<br />
Publicity /<strong>News</strong>letter Chair & Committee<br />
luanne Nugent, Co- Chair luanne.nugent@bc.edu<br />
Dorean Behney, Co- Chair dorean.behney@bc.edu<br />
Kathy Gould gouldkc@bc.edu<br />
Awards & Scholarships Committee<br />
Amy Cebulski, Chair ACEBUlsKi@PARTNERs.ORG<br />
Rosanna DeMarco rosanna.demarco@bc.edu<br />
Kristin Markowski Goedkoop kmmtoke@comcast.net<br />
Margie sipe margie.sipe@lahey.org<br />
Paulina Miklosz miklosz@bc.edu<br />
Research Development Committee<br />
Robin Wood, Chair robin.wood@bc.edu<br />
Viola Benavente viola.benavente@bc.edu<br />
stewart Bond stewart.bond@bc.edu<br />
Joyce Edmonds joyce.edmonds@bc.edu<br />
Allyssa Harris allyssa.harris@bc.edu<br />
lois Haggerty lois.haggerty@bc.edu<br />
stacy Hutton Johnson stacy.johnson@bc.edu<br />
Anna Paskausky anna.paskausky@bc.edu<br />
Clinical Research Committee<br />
Jane Flanagan, Chair jane.flanagan@bc.edu<br />
Alice Rose<br />
June Horowitz june.horowitz@bc.edu<br />
Maureen McRae<br />
Diane Carroll DCARROll3@partners.org<br />
Membership Involvement<br />
Jane Flanagan jane.flanagan@bc.edu<br />
Kelly stamp kelly.stamp.1@bc.edu<br />
Hea<strong>the</strong>r Vallent hvallent@gmail.com<br />
Paulina Miklosz miklosz@bc.edu<br />
Heritage Committee<br />
Finance Committee<br />
Joellen Hawkins, hawskinsj@bc.edu<br />
Chair & Archivist<br />
Beth Grady bethgrady61@gmail.com<br />
Karen lourence klourence@earthlink.net<br />
Holly Fontenot holly.fontenot@bc.edu<br />
Kristin Ferguson freguskr@bc.edu<br />
Barbara Hedstrom bbhedstrom@gmail.com<br />
lois Haggerty haggerty@bc.edu<br />
Robin Wood woodr@bc.edu<br />
Maureen Curtis Cooper pmmkcoop@comcast.net<br />
24 alpha chi news 2012 25