N u r s i n g a t G e o r g e F o x U n i v e r s i t y
G e o r g e F o x U n i v e r s i t y N u r s i n g | 2 0 1 3 2 0 1 4
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t h e b e a t g o e s o n . . .
For the past five years I have been an assistant professor in the
School of Nursing at George Fox University. An extraordinary nursing leader, Carla Hagen, has also mentored me. Our department will miss her spirit and leadership.
I have been honored to teach nursing students at George Fox
University and watch them enter the professional world well prepared. I have also been honored to be a part of the process that earned our program 10 years of accreditation through the CCNE and OSBN. Through these experiences, I have lived the mission of our program: George Fox University School of Nursing prepares students to enter the profession with a commitment to promoting health with excellence and integrity as imitators of Christ by caring with compassion and hope. I also feel privileged to be a part of the greater George Fox University community as a student currently enrolled in the Doctor of Education program.
After finishing nine credits of classes this past summer, I started to articulate a vision of myself as a nurse educator:
My defined purpose in life as a nurse educator is well ingrained and unwavering with an inclination toward service. I am able to see the big picture in a situation, as well as break down related parts. This, in turn, helps others see the connections. Building trust and showing compassion is key to working with others. I am an idea person, constantly looking for the evidence and creating classroom strategies in order to improve teaching of nursing students.
Justice and quality care for vulnerable older adults is a special banner I wave before students’ eyes. Finally, my actions as a nurse educator are nurtured by my faith in the Lord and a desire to serve Him.
This vision continues to evolve in the nurturing environment of
George Fox University. As interim director of nursing, I have an opportunity to give back all that I have received these past years, and then some. I would like to extend a sincere welcome to the new students in the class of 2016, and continued success to our juniors and seniors.
Warmly,
Darcy Mize
Darcy Mize, MSN, has her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Michigan
State University, and Masters of Science in Community Health Nursing from the University of Illinois. Her practice specialty has been care of older adults. She has worked in hospitals, public health agencies, home health care agencies, adult day care centers, and long-term care centers.
In addition to nursing, teaching is a passion. She has taught in various programs: certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, an RN to
BSN program, and now a BSN program.
I have had the opportunity to serve as a nursing faculty member and later as the director of the School of Nursing since August
2006. During the past seven years the greatest lesson that I learned was that educating and preparing the next generation of nurses is a task and a mission that is bigger than ourselves.
During my tenure at George Fox University, the nursing faculty and I came together to design a mission statement that would describe our vision for the School of Nursing. The mission statement reads: “George Fox University School of Nursing prepares students to enter the profession with a commitment to promoting health with excellence and integrity as imitators of
Christ by caring with compassion and hope.” As a nursing faculty and leader, I had the profound opportunity of working with more than 200 students who are now graduates and working as registered nurses across the United States.
Beyond the foundation of nursing science embedded in a strong liberal arts education they received at George Fox University, they also have been exposed to knowledge, skills and attitudes of the competencies of safety, teamwork, informatics, quality improvement, patient-centered care and Christ-centeredness. It is the impact that our nursing graduates will have in caring for others with integrity, compassion and hope that has given me the greatest satisfaction.
As I transition from George Fox University, I want to express my appreciation to the leadership, to my colleagues, to the supporters of the nursing program, to the graduates, and to the students for providing me such a rich experience in being able to share together in the future of nursing.
Carla Hagen, PhD, MPH, RN, has returned to her alma maters, Oregon
Health & Science University, School of Nursing and Eastern Oregon
University in La Grande, Ore. She is serving as the campus associate dean for the School of Nursing.
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N u r s i n g a t G e o r g e F o x U n i v e r s i t y
George Fox University’s School of Nursing was notified this past spring that it had received a 10-year accreditation from the Collegiate Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE), which is the longest time period for which a nursing program can receive approval. This was in follow-up to an on-site accreditation evaluation, Oct. 22-24, 2012, by three evaluators from across the United States, and
Joy Ingwerson, the policy analyst for Nursing Education Consultant from the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). This was extremely good news to both our students and faculty. It verified the program quality being provided at George Fox University and affirmed the program is meeting the state and national recognized standards. Preparing our nursing program for this evaluation was a complex process that included not only constituencies inside George Fox University, but also our clinical partners and the broader community of interest.
Accreditation with CCNE and OSBN allows our students and the community to know that the nursing program is built upon, and meeting all, national standards and is committed to fostering ongoing improvement. It also allows George
Fox University nursing graduates the opportunity to be accepted into graduate programs at any accredited institution.
I am very excited to be on the faculty at George Fox University.
I believe this is the culmination of my experience, spiritually, professionally and personally.
I was born on a dairy farm and grew up knowing and feeling the love of animals and hard work.
I still need to spend some time outside each day or life is not complete. I was encouraged by my peer group in high school to attend college. Since my best friend was attending the University of Oregon, I figured that was as good as any. I completed my first degree in education at Portland State University, where I met my husband. Our first home was in Montana, where I taught
Headstart and began my nursing education.
After Montana, we moved to Alaska. Between Montana and
Alaska, we were blessed with four children. We next moved to Astoria, Ore., where I completed my associate’s degree
(Clatsop Community College), bachelor’s degree (Washington
State University) and master’s degree in nursing (University of
Portland).
I have been very blessed in my career. I have touched most nursing specialties at one time or the other. Before coming to George Fox,
I was at Providence Seaside Hospital where I worked in medical units and supervised staff. I later accepted positions as clinical educator/informatics, quality manager and lastly the chief nurse officer. I still do a little education for them when I can.
I have four children – one daughter and three sons. My oldest is the daughter who is married with two daughters and is an elementary school teacher; my second child is married and a writer; my third child is pursuing his graduate degree at the
University of Hong Kong in marine biology; and my fourth child lives and works in South Korea.
I am blessed to be an assistant professor at George Fox University and feel very welcomed by the students and staff. I thrive in a faith-based organization and was pleased to find George Fox. I am a member of St. Juan Diego Catholic Church and look forward to continuing my faith journey here at George Fox. In the past I have facilitated churched-based enrichment courses for Loyola
University in the Old and New Testament and enjoy studying theology and world religions.
– Wendy Ackley, MSN, CNL, RN, Assistant Professor of Nursing,
George Fox University
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t h e b e a t g o e s o n . . .
Our nursing program was built upon the foundation of students studying anatomy and physiology as a prerequisite for nursing and taking pathophysiology during the spring of the sophomore year to learn about the etiology of disease. Students then transitioned into their junior year with a pharmacology course as they began their Medical-Surgical course and hospital clinical rotations. This model has worked well for us, but nursing faculty members are often discussing ideas for how to better integrate our courses together, so students can make connections across the entire curriculum. We have therefore been working on a new combined course where students will take pathophysiology and pharmacology together, rather than having two distinct classes.
The course will still be two semesters in total (Pathopharm I in the spring and Pathopharm II in the fall), and will cover the same content, but it will be rearranged so we can learn about a disease state and then immediately discuss the treatment options with it.
We hope this will help students be more familiar with medications before starting their hospital rotations, and we are excited about creating a new course structure which can further strengthen the intentional connectivity throughout our program.
– Stephanie Fisher, FNP, MSN, RN, Associate Professor of Nursing,
George Fox University
Our simulation lab now has the capacity to care for two patients with the addition of “Sim Essential,” a new high-fidelity simulator. With this simulator, most human physiological response can be imitated, and the
“patient” can initiate a conversation with their nurse. Students are able to develop the skills of prioritizing and organizing care for multiple patients similar to what they will encounter in the work setting upon graduation.
For example, the patient in bed one is reporting pain of eight on a scale of one to 10 (one representing almost no pain at all, and 10 representing unbearable pain). He is six hours post abdominal surgery and he is reluctant to cough and deep-breathe because of pain. This places him at risk for pneumonia.
The patient in bed two is complaining of a headache and chills. He thinks he has a fever. He is three days post-hip replacement. He is feeling awful, in general, and reports pain of three, on a scale of one to 10. What should the nurse do first?
A valuable part of the simulation experience is the debriefing session that follows immediately. Sometimes a videotape of the session is used for feedback and discussion. At other times, a simulation experience is transferred in real time per television monitor to the main skills lab. Another group of students is watching and constructively critiquing nursing care in order to contribute to the debriefing session. Faculty and peers then discuss what went well and what could be done differently in order to ensure positive health outcomes.
Simulation is not a substitution for clinical. It is, however, a controlled and reproducible experience that augments teaching and learning of nursing in a unique way. At George Fox University simulation has evolved into a state-of–the-art nursing education experience that is integral to the overall curriculum.
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The following speech was given at the George Fox University School of
Nursing’s Pinning Ceremony in May 2013: where they are. In opening a new hospital we are looking only for individuals who are attuned, compassionate and passionate about doing the right thing for the patient every time.
It is a privilege to be here with you tonight. Twenty-three years ago I was sitting where you are, and I share with you that it has been a fabulous journey. You should be so proud of your accomplishment. You have chosen a noble career path – one with multiple opportunities and challenges that requires you to show up with heart and compassion and to be present with every patient and their families.
I ask each of you to remember the “why” – the “magical moment” you have chosen to take the journey of health care. I have enjoyed every moment of my journey. I wanted to be in pediatrics, and I will never forget the first patient who really showed me my “why” story. My first night after orientation, I was driving to work, my first night alone after completing orientation as a new graduate nurse. I was so nervous and knew there was one complex patient I didn’t want this first night of working alone. I thought to myself,
You have been provided an amazing education – the foundation that allows you to successfully embark on your nursing journey.
The knowledge is important, and required, but equally important is your reflective practice. With your reflective practice you will be able to be attuned to your patients and curious. This is also referred to as “mindfulness.” Mindfulness is being attuned to your patients. It means you are looking in their eyes, listening to them, and seeking to understand what they want and need from you to ease their way. Mindfulness helps you be attuned. It can be the very simple act of pausing before you enter your patient’s room, putting your hand on the door and centering yourself. Using
breathing techniques, I have a rock that says
“breathe” on it. When I touch this rock, I breathe – it centers me. Find this for yourself so when you walk into the room your
“Surely they won’t give her to me, she is so complex, she had been in the hospital for about 12 months, and her mom spent little time with her as she was home with other
children, Spanish-speaking only.” She had an open abdomen and needed to be moved very carefully with tubes everywhere. As I walked onto the unit she is assigned to me, I take a deep breath and realize at that moment it isn’t about me anymore; it is about this little girl. I walk into her room, and she instantly gives me a big smile. I knew I was there because of her and to make a difference in her little life at that moment. I knew that I could have a positive impact on her patients and their families know you only have them on your mind at that moment. See the person, hear them, and be there for them
(say to yourself, “I see you, I am here” before entering the room).
Then add to your practice of attunement and mindfulness “wonder.” This is curiosity. Be open and empty for every patient at every moment. Be curious of their story – everyone has a back story. You don’t have to know it, but know they have one. This is a criticalthinking skill. If we aren’t open, empty and able to hear and see our patients, we jump to judgment and conclusions too soon, and that can be inaccurate. Be devoted to the principle that the patient has something to teach us and that we can learn from every and give her love and care for my shift. I was privileged to care for her a lot throughout her stay. I knew at that moment why I chose to be a nurse: I could make a difference for someone, and it wasn’t about me, it was about them. As soon as we make it about the patients we change our perspective. I implore you each day to remember your “why,” find the magical moment in every interaction, and make it about the patients you touch. Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
I tell my team, it is the hands and heart that touch the patient that makes a difference. Be sure your hands and heart are soft, filled with love and compassion. Listen and honor your patients, involve their family, understand their values, beliefs, and cultural background. Provide your care so that it meets the patients interaction versus approaching every interaction with “I must have the knowledge to teach them.” Stay open because there isn’t a conclusion for every intervention. There is potential that we need to inquire more now based on the response to first intervention.
Be curious, wonder why, and be authentic to your patients, their families and each other. Use mindfulness and reflective practice to help you through difficult situations. Combine your spiritual practice with your health care practice and you will always be present making that very personal connection to your patients and their families. “Patient centered” means we ask the patients what they would like to do and we help them accomplish it.
You have been given the gift of an incredible education. You have amazing skills and knowledge in nursing. Your knowledge should

t h e b e a t g o e s o n . . .
be cloaked in compassion. Balance scientific knowledge with understanding each unique individual before us. Mary Koloroutis says it best: “May you be a compassionate witness, an instrument of healing, and a carrier of hope for those who have little of their own.” Compassionate care means for you as a nurse to walk with people, in their pain, creating a healing environment (this doesn’t mean curing) making a difference, having a positive impact.
Having a reflective practice will keep you centered in the healthcare environment where there is constant change. What you know today and how you practice today will change. Stay flexible: You don’t have to be an expert in everything. Surround yourself with a team that helps you and you can trust to be there as a resource for you. Always be willing to learn, stay current in best practice, and use evidence to support your practice. Always be willing to ask questions, inquire, and understand the “why.” That “gut” instinct
– when you are thinking “maybe” – trust it. You will be right and glad you did; it keeps your patients safe.
I leave you with this tonight: God is a compassionate God, look for strength in the power of reflective practice, to everyone you encounter. May you always be compassionate. The hands that touch the patient – may they always be soft, warm, compassionate, promote healing, soften the pain, and ease the suffering. May you always be centered so that you are attuned to your patients and families. May you always be curious, wondering. May you always be authentic. May you always show up with heart, remembering your “why” or “magical moment.” Make a magical moment, a connection for every patient and family you care for. You are about to embark on a fabulous journey. Enjoy every moment, always find the joy.
Florence Nightingale, shares this quote: “Let whoever is in charge keep this simple question in her head not, how can I always do this right thing myself, but how can I provide for this right thing to be always done?”
– Cindy Davis MBA, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, Kaiser Westside Medical Center
This summer, I had the opportunity to teach students in the
Midwives for Haiti educational program. I traveled with another college professor who teaches at Nazareth College in Rochester,
N.Y., whom I first met as a “study buddy” at the Frontier School of Midwifery. We also share a passion for global health and have master’s degrees in public health. Although our individual time was short, Midwives for Haiti is a sustainable project with nursemidwives, maternity nurses, and physicians from the U.S. coming weekly bringing expertise, supplies and monetary funding to support the Haitian midwives, who are the formal instructors.
It was the hot, humid and hurricane season in July when we began to wonder what we had signed up for. But, we safely arrived in
Hinche after several flights and a three-hour road trip to a small town in the Central Plateau of Haiti. Our driver, Ronel, magically managed to arrange 10 people with 20 pieces of supply-filled luggage in a small Jeep. Although we saw little of Port-au-Prince, there are still piles of rubble from the earthquake lining the airport road.
We began Sunday by attending Mass at Our Lady of Fatima
Cathedral with a congregation of local Haitians as well as international workers, including UN peacekeepers. The creativity of Haitians was evident in our new mode of transportation – chairs in a trailer attached to a motorcycle!
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N u r s i n g a t G e o r g e F o x U n i v e r s i t y
We spent an afternoon at the Missionary Sisters of Charity
Children’s Home where children come to receive nutrition therapy. We held and snuggled children between feedings and play.
classroom dynamics. At first, reticent to participate, students became very engaged once we were able to get them to relax.
They were generally well prepared to discuss diagnosis and treatment of infection but were transfixed by the YouTube videos of breech delivery.
On the morning of our final working day, we attended a poignant graduation ceremony for 34 matrons – traditional birth attendants who completed a 20-week program in how to recognize complications of pregnancy and to use safe techniques for the women in their rural areas who give birth at home. In the afternoon, we did case studies with the midwifery students and invited them to teach us about the cultural aspects of pregnancy and birth in Haiti. A local carpenter was commissioned to build newborn resuscitation carts that will go into the future neonatal
St. Therese
Hospital is the local public hospital where we spent time helping with clinical supervision of the midwifery students. The hospital is actually a converted former French military stable. Often there is no electricity, and there is no running water in the hospital. The delivery rooms were very small, barely accommodating the delivery table and patient.
Consequently, fathers were not allowed to attend the births, although I was delighted to supervise the third birth of one of the male midwifery students. He delivered a vigorous but tiny,
4-pound baby girl of an HIV-positive mother. We were encouraged to learn the mother had received the appropriate antiretroviral therapy, which decreases the changes of mother-to-child transmission of the AIDS virus from 32 percent to 8 percent.
In order to reach women who live in rural areas, Midwives for
Haiti sponsors a mobile clinic in 16 different areas over the course of a month. So one busy day, we piled into a truck with two midwives and two midwifery students to travel two hours over unpaved and rutted roads to see women at an improvised site. It was so humbling to meet and see the strength and resilience of the mothers. Back at our room in the school, we had our fourth night of goat for dinner. The creative cook spent a labor-intensive afternoon with ground-goat meat pastry – a work of art!
We provided classroom lectures, with the help of our translator
– Emmanuel – on sexually transmitted infections as well as the safe management of a breech presentation at birth. As college professors in the U.S., we were struck at the similarity of intensive care unit.
That evening we feasted on mangoes and avocados that were bought in the market. A special party at the Maison
Fortune girls’ orphanage marked our last night in Hinche. We ate delicious plantains and danced to the universal language of music, including
Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” and “Gangam Style.”
Our contribution may be small, but we are sustained by the motto of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, “In this life, we can do no great things … only small things with great love.”
For more information, please visit the midwivesforhaiti.org website.
– Marcella Gowan, CNM, NP, MPH, Assistant Professor of Nursing,
George Fox University
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t h e b e a t g o e s o n . . .
With one year left of nursing school, I was looking to gain some further experience before school started up again. After Googling
“Summer Nursing Internships” I came across the Work the World website and thought it sounded promising. When I finally talked myself into applying, I couldn’t have been more shocked by how easy the process was and how well things came together. After having many doors closed for other possible summer experiences,
I felt like God was making sure I knew this door was wide open.
The Work the World staff was very accommodating to my personal situation, plans and hopes, and they went above and beyond to help me make it work. Their service was spectacular!
After arriving in Ghana, I continued to be impressed by the Work the World staff. Their professionalism and their ability to make you feel cared for and welcome in a brand-new place was phenomenal.
I was greeted by Ezekiel, one of the staff members in the airport in Accra, and felt immediately at ease. Once in Takoradi, where the
Work the World house is, the seven other students I arrived with and myself were instantly taken in by staff and housemates and orientation was a breeze.
My placements involved two weeks on the labor ward, a week in a maternity clinic, a week in the village of Ayiem, and two weeks in pediatrics, for a total of six weeks. If you changed your mind and wanted to participate in a different ward, or participate in the
HIV, hypertension, diabetic, or community outreach clinic, Joe, one of the Work the World staff, was really flexible and interested in meeting your needs and allowing you to gain experience wherever you wanted to be. With this flexibility, I was able to spend some time on the accident and emergency ward, helping at the hypertension clinic, as well as the HIV clinic. The HIV clinic was such a valuable learning experience that I thought was very unique.
My time on the labor ward of Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital was fantastic! Having had no previous experience in maternity at this point in my education, having the language barrier, and having no idea what they would allow or expect me to do, I spent a lot of time in my first week observing midwives and nurses. I saw my first birth and C-section while there, solidifying my interest in potentially becoming a labor and delivery nurse. By my second week on the ward, the staff had me counting contractions, taking vitals, monitoring mothers and assisting. The longer I was on the ward, the more they allowed me to do. My last placement day in
Ghana I chose to return to the labor ward and it was the perfect ending to my stay. The labor ward staff were so friendly and welcoming! They taught me so much about their culture and really embraced me as their teammate.
What I experienced in my placements was not what I expected, but I still found it to be a very valuable experience. I didn’t get to practice as many of the nursing skills I thought I would, but I learned more about the type of nursing I may want to pursue, the type of nurse I want to be, and what it means to be a good nurse.
Health care in Ghana is very different from home. I experienced some situations that ingrained in me how important it is to advocate for your patient and go above and beyond for them with regards to their care.
I also spent a week in the village of
Ayiem. The amount of love and support the nursing staff and village members showed to the other nursing students and
I was overwhelming.
They embraced us as one of their own and showed us how they live their life and how the village functions as a unit, and encouraged us to do all the nursing care we could. Our last morning there the other students and I delivered a healthy baby girl. It was an experience I will remember forever!
The weekends were hands-down some of my most memorable and exciting experiences! The friendships I developed with my housemates made this experience one of the best I have ever had. The weekend trips allowed me to travel all over Ghana. I had the opportunity to go on safaris in Mole National Park; visit multiple monkey sanctuaries; hike to beautiful waterfalls; stay in a treehouse at Kakum National Park for a night and do the canopy walk in the morning; go to Cape Coast Castle; and relax on beautiful beaches and surf.
While there, I learned to embrace the Ghanaian culture, and I attempted to speak their language, “Fante.” I laughed at myself and my circumstances a lot. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity to experience another culture; learn about another country’s health care; learn more about myself and who I want to be as a professional; establish strong new friendships, traveling with those new friends; and make unforgettable memories! I am so thankful for my time with Work the World in Ghana! My time there is something I will cherish forever!
– Mary Jo Pflaum, Senior Nursing Student, George Fox University
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N u r s i n g a t G e o r g e F o x U n i v e r s i t y
First there is a slight stirring of the tree leaves. Then the breeze becomes stronger and the tops of the trees sway to and fro. The sky darkens as the rain clouds move overhead. Then, as though someone turned on a faucet, the rain falls. There is a staccato rap as the rain hits the metal roofs then creates waterfalls off the eaves.
For a while there is coolness in the air. This is Africa in the hot and wet season. I am in Ferkessedougou, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
West Africa, serving in a 60-bed hospital complex. The hospital provides primarily medical and surgical services to all age groups as well as maternity care. There is a small emergency room, clinics staffed by physicians and nurses, and an AIDS clinic which provides monitoring and medications for those afflicted with this dreadful disease. My primary role is teaching clinical skills to students who are enrolled in a three-year program which prepares them to become nurses. These students will graduate and serve in the hospital for five years. Students receive a monthly stipend while they are in school, hence the five-year commitment.
The class is composed of five men and seven women. One man and two women were sent to specialty schools in another city.
They are being prepared for pharmacy and midwifery work.
Each weekday I encountered people and children who came to the hospital for treatment of malaria. When a child had cerebral malaria and came in early enough, treatment could affect a cure of that episode. Otherwise, the child may experience neurological deficits or die. One day I was adjusting an IV fluid rate (all done by hand, no monitors there), looked at the child, and he took a last breath of life. The mother was devastated. I assisted the father in preparing and wrapping the boy’s body so they could take him home for burial. Witnessing deaths of hospitalized persons was an almost daily occurrence. I observed for cultural responses and adjusted my behavior accordingly. I found though that touching with an embrace or a firm hand to a shoulder conveyed empathy even though I did not have the language. Assisting with cleansing and wrapping a body as well as accompanying the family as the person was transported to the small morgue was accepted well by the families.
There were many success stories also. Samuel was a twin born prematurely and weighed only 750 grams. His larger 1-kilogram brother died at 3 days of age. Samuel seemed to be a fighter. He wailed for attention to his needs and just to be crying. I checked on him daily. I prayed over him and told him that God had a purpose for him like Samuel in the Bible. He was gavage-fed with his mother’s breast milk, which she hand-pumped from her breasts before each feeding. He grew and gained weight daily. His mother started calling him Samuel also. His father came to see his son and was so proud.
The people were very kindhearted and welcomed me into their midst. I studied French (the official language) with a tutor and was able to communicate a little. Humility, smiles and curiosity made the cultural transition more comfortable for all of us. Of course,
I enjoyed the children. They loved to have their pictures taken and to immediately see the digital photos. Although I went to Ferke to share my nursing knowledge and skills, I was also asked to teach someone to crochet. African women are expected to have a
I left on Nov. 4 to return for the students’ graduation.
I will stay for five weeks this time. Already, projects are awaiting me. Should you go to another country to share your nursing skills? I would highly recommend it. Nurses are sorely needed in many places in the world. Do get some experience here. Consider advanced practice nursing education.
Nurses practice more independently especially in places without physicians available. Think about how you might do without some of technology e.g. IV monitors, to still provide good nursing care. Ask God to direct your path, and the ability, willingness and blessings will follow.
“commerce” so as to provide some income to the family.
Teaching a woman to crochet would allow her to develop a trade of selling crocheted pieces.
Would I go again? Yes! In fact,
– Kathy Sims, PsyD, RN, Retired Nursing Professor, George Fox
University
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t h e b e a t g o e s o n . . .
This summer we had the amazing opportunity to travel to Swaziland, Africa, with a team of 11 people and partner with Adventures in Missions (AIM) during this past May. Swaziland is a country that is ravaged from the AIDS epidemic and has the highest HIV rate in the world. It is a broken kingdom with many social and economic problems. There is a generation gap in
Swaziland due to the middle-aged either dying from disease or having to go to South Africa to find work. We found ourselves amidst lots of children who were orphaned or being cared for by grandmothers and other distant relatives.
Swaziland is a place where there is a great need and yet it is also a place that has hope.
One of AIM’s missions is to care and provide for these children in the area.
They have built 10 care points in the Nsoko area where we served. A care point is a basic cooking structure and sometimes a schoolhouse where grandmothers in the area volunteer their time to make one meal a day for the children in the area. Sometimes this is the only meal that these children get each day. Our role was to partner with the ministry partners there and help out at the care points. We read Scripture, played games with children, sang praise songs in both English and Siswati (the native language), and provided a craft each day. We spent a lot of time playing games and just laughing with the children. We also got to hold them close and tell them that Jesus loved them and that we did too.
Another aspect of our trip was to go on home visits. We would travel to different homesteads where we brought food, sat down and read Scripture together. We got the opportunity to pray with these people that were in need. Most of the people we visited were inflicted with some sort of disease or illness that gave them difficulty in their daily activities. Our team was extremely encouraged by the strong faith of these people. These sick and elderly had such immense faith in our God who has the power to heal them and to save their ravaged land. We felt so blessed to be invited into their lives, if only for a brief amount of time.
We experienced extreme joy and extreme heartache right alongside the people of Swaziland, and got to meet God’s presence in everything we experienced. We got to live life with the people and we will be forever changed because of them. Each team member has left a part of our heart there with the children whose smiles shone brighter than the sun and with the ministry partners that helped show us what it means to sacrifice and to live fully for God. We will never forget the impact that Swaziland has had on us.
– Kimmee Hoecker, Senior Nursing Student, Shannon Howsden, Junior Athletic
Training Student and Nursing Department Student Employee
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N u r s i n g a t G e o r g e F o x U n i v e r s i t y
In May 2013, I co-led a Juniors Abroad trip with chemistry professor Paul Chamberlain to Ecuador and The Galapagos. After a semester-long course in preparation, 22 students spent three weeks exploring the culture and environment of Ecuador. This trip included adventures in Quito, mountain biking in the Andes, hiking Mount Chimborazo at an elevation of 16,500 feet, exploring the Amazon rainforest, and snorkeling around the amazing Galapagos Islands.
Most of the wildlife let people come right up to them, and the students learned a lot about the ecosystems and history of the area. I am planning a trip to
Israel and Jordan with Dr. Kathy
Weiss, professor of biology.
– Stephanie Fisher, MSN, FNP,
RN, Assistant Professor of
Nursing, George Fox University
On Oct. 14-15, 22 students in the Nursing 400 Public and
Community Health class attended the 69th Annual Conference
& Meeting of the Oregon Public Health Association (OPHA) on the campus of OSU in Corvallis. Dr. Ted Schettler, coauthor of
Generations at Risk: Reproductive Health and the Environment, was the keynote speaker. Public health workers came from all over the state of Oregon to learn about the latest issues, research and opportunities in Oregon public health. Concurrent breakout sessions presented examples of community assessments and programs to improve health. Topics included health inequities, aging workers, Alzheimer’s, healthy eating and lifestyle, teen sexual health, health equity, hepatitis B, out-of-hospital births, smoke-free cars for kids, maternity care for low-income women with diabetes, mental health care, and what stimulates change.
Students were able to hear about real-life public health issues and topics, in preparation for completing their own community assessment and plan, an applied project, for their nursing education.
Students in the spring semester will attend the Northwest
Environmental Health Conference, sponsored by the Oregon
Environmental Council. The conference theme is epigenetics.
Environmental factors, especially chemicals in our environment, can change our genes, impacting health and disease for future generations. Topics include environmental justice, toxicants, the built environment and sustainable practices in health care.
– Jerrie Nelson, MS, RN, Assistant Professor of Nursing,
George Fox University

t h e b e a t g o e s o n . . .
The George Fox Nursing Club (approximately 50 members strong) has gotten off to a great start in 2013-14. The club is led by officers Jessica Jocoy, president; Nathalie Hort, vice president;
Haley Norton, secretary; Esther Collmer, treasurer; and Tiffany
Caldwell, faculty advisor.
The Nursing Club is dedicated to serving our community as well as building fellowship within the nursing department. The officers desire to help spread the joy and happiness of Jesus Christ to both club members and to our surrounding community. The
Nursing Club is also a place for students to develop relationships together and encourage one another whether it is academically related or not.
p
A Breakfast for Dinner meeting p
Visiting Avamere (a local skilled nursing facility) and helping the activities coordinator decorate for a luau that was planned for the residents p
Baked Rice Krispies, brownies and cinnamon spice cake for the various departments on campus as a thank you for their influence in the students’ education p
Eight members partnered with Bridgetown Ministries in an event called Nightstrike, reaching out to the homeless in Portland p
The biannual Red Cross blood drive was held, with 75 donors from the community and George Fox giving p
Shopping for toys and supplies for Operation Christmas
Child boxes p
Club members assisted at the annual health screening at C.S.
Lewis Academy p
Members participated in the Tigard 5K Christmas- themed run
p
Another group of students participating in Nightstrike again p
A special Valentine’s Day event for Friendsview residents p
Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Portland
President Jessica Jocoy stated, “God has truly blessed our club by providing us with the opportunities and resources to come together as friends and serve our community with love.”
12

N u r s i n g a t G e o r g e F o x U n i v e r s i t y
Rebekah (Reitmeyer) Alvey (2011) – Salem
Hospital, Assistant Nurse Manager, Salem, Ore.
Magdalene (Lundy) Baca (2008) – Aureus
Medical, Traveling RN for a Cath Lab
Jessica (Powell) Balfour (2013) – Salem
Hospital, ICU, Salem, Ore.
Michelle Bard (2013) – Willamette Valley
Medical Center, McMinnville, Ore.
Alison (Bennett) Bradley (2009) – Northwest
University, Area Coordinator, Kirkland, Wash.
Cassie (Lawrence) Benson (2008) – Kaiser
Westside Medical Center, Labor and Delivery,
Hillsboro, Ore.
Molly (Hargrove) Bianco (2010) –
Providence Milwaukie Hospital, Medical/
Surgical Charge Nurse
Jillianne Bleth (2013) – Good Samaritan
Hospital, Medical/Surgical, Corvallis, Ore.
David Boggs (2013) – Carilion Roanoke
Memorial Hospital, Float Pool, Roanoke, Va.
Nichole Bosma (2009) – Facility
Administrator at a “Denovo” clinic, Kennewick,
Wash.
Jeanette Edel (2013)
Debra (Eckelkamp) Calzia (2012) – Vibra
Hospital – Acute Care and ICU, Charleston, S.C.
Alyx Carpenter (2012) – Willamette
Valley Medical Center, Mental Health RN,
McMinnville, Ore.
Emily Christiansen (2008) – Pastor’s wife and stay-at-home mom, Kalispell, Mont.
Kasaundra Chupp (2012) – Santiam
Memorial Hospital – ICU and Medical/
Surgical, Stayton, Ore.
Jessica Clements (2013) – Salem Hospital,
Emergency Department, Salem, Ore.
Nicole Dobrenen (2012) – Salem Health, RN in Women’s and Children’s Float Pool, Salem, Ore.
Jeanette Edel (2013) – Salem Hospital, Float
Pool, Salem, Ore.
Kelsey (Ferguson) Johns (2013) – Willamette
Valley Medical Center, Medical/Surgical,
McMinnville, Ore.
Lauren Floyd (2013) – Carilion Roanoke
Memorial Hospital, Surgical Progressive Care
Unit, Roanoke, Va.
Emily (Hansen) Fukuda (2010) – Legacy
Meridian Park, Surgery, Tualatin, Ore.
Hiromi (Yokoy) Funaishi (2010) – Legacy
Meridian Park, Tualatin, Ore.
Marcus Gabriel, Jr. (2013) – Salem Hospital,
Pediatrics, Salem, Ore.
Vicky Galuza (2013) – Harrison Medical
Center, Labor & Delivery, Silverdale, Wash.
Nadia Goldashkin (2012) – PSA Healthcare,
Vancouver, Wash.
Jillian Golder (2012) – Legacy Good
Samaritan – Family Birth Center, Portland, Ore.
Shannon “Rivers” Gydesen (2013) – Steele
Memorial Medical Center, Medical/Surgical-
OB, Salmon, Idaho
Tia Hale (2013) – Salem Hospital, Salem, Ore.
Annie Hammerquist (2013) – Salem
Hospital, Float Pool, Salem, Ore.
Amy (Miller) Heidemeyer (2013) – Salem
Hospital, IMCU, Salem, Ore.
Kelly Hood (2013) – Salem Hospital,
Emergency Department, Salem, Ore.
Jade Ice (2013) – Deschutes County Public
Health, Bend, Ore.
Stacey (Stearns) Isenbert (2009) –
Gladstone Central Medical Centre, Gladstone,
Queensland, Australia
Kim (Poehler) Jacoby (2010) – Shriner’s
Childrens Hospital, Pediatrics, Portland, Ore.
JulieKay Kleiner (2013) – Providence St.
Vincent Medical Center, Portland, Ore.
Amy Kluge (2009) – Legacy Good Samaritan
Hospital, Surgical Specialties RN, Portland, Ore.
Rachel Knower (2011) – St. Charles Health
System, Float Nurse, Prineville, Ore.
Rivers Gydesen (2013)
Krystal Kyniston (2008) – Texas Children’s
Hospital, Level IV NICau, Houston, Texas
Melissa LaRue (2013) – Providence Milwaukie
Hospital, Medical/Surgical, Milwaukie, Ore.
Page Matlock (2013) – Providence Medical
Center, Long Term Care unit, Kodiak, Alaska
Angie Miller (2013) – Salem Hospital, Labor and Delivery, Salem, Ore.
Ed Morell (2013) – Salem Hospital, IMCU,
Salem, Ore.
Chelse Nealeigh (2013) – Meridian Park
Medical Center, IMCU, Tualatin, Ore.
Danika (Osterberg) Porter (2012) –
Friendsview Retirement Community, Charge
Nurse, Newberg, Ore.
Hannah Pratt (2013) – Salem Hospital,
Oncology Unit, Salem, Ore.
Ahna Proctor (2009) – Legacy Good
Samaritan, OR Supervisor, Portland, Ore.
13

t h e b e a t g o e s o n . . .
“When I was first notified that I had been awarded the Sims Memorial
Nursing Scholarship, I was ecstatic! I had applied for the Sims scholarship twice before, and so I wasn’t really expecting it. What a blessing to be told in the spring that I was the recipient! I have always struggled financially to pay for school. For the past two summers I have worked full time at a plywood mill, and during the school year, I tutor and am a teacher’s assistant for various biology and nursing classes.
I also apply for more than 15 scholarships each year and am blessed to receive even one. Even though I apply for scholarships and work year-round,
I can’t afford college without taking out loans. However, this year, the Sims
Memorial Nursing Scholarship has allowed me to pay off my fall semester and continue my education and goal to become a nurse, and someday, a medical missionary.” Jessica Jocoy, Senior Nursing Student
Amanda Roberts (2010) – Providence
St. Peters Hospital, Medical telemetry floor,
Olympia, Wash.
Sarah Roberts (2013) – Silverton Hospital,
FBC, Silverton, Ore.
Sarah Robison (2011) – Salem Hospital -
Pediatrics, Salem, Ore.
Jessica Schatz (2013) – Alphonsus Regional
Medical Center, Brain & Spinal Injury Rehab,
Boise, Idaho
Mike Shinneman (2008) – Legacy Meridian
Park – Nursing Supervisor, Tualatin, Ore.
Jeffrey Stoner (2010) – Seattle Children’s
Hospital, Charge Nurse of Inpatient Psychiatric
Unit, Seattle, Wash.
Rainie (Gordon) Strawn (2008) – Mercy
Regional Health Center, Staff Nurse in
Ambulatory care, Manhattan, Kan.
Shauna (Neary) Stutzman (2012) – Santiam
Hospital, Med/Surg RN, Stayton, Ore.
Eunice Trujillo (2013) – Silverton Hospital,
Labor and Delivery, Silverton, Ore.
Lauri White (2010) – Salem Hospital
Orthopedics/Joint Replacement Center of
Excellence, Salem, Ore.
Isaac Widdicombe (2013) – Carilion Clinic
Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, Va.
Emily Wyatt (2013) – Providence Portland
Medical Center, Respiratory/Cardiology,
Portland, Ore.
Sheleen Wytcherley (2011) – Newberg
Providence Medical Center, Newberg, Ore.
Kelsey Ferguson (2013) married Nolan Johns in August 2013
Sarah Kulina (2013) married Alexander Holguin in July 2013
Jessica Powell (2013) married David Balfour in July 2013
Rebekah Reitmeyer (2011) married Justin Alvey in January 2013
Samantha (Simmons) Thompson (2012) was married in July 2013
Stacey (Stearns) Isenbert (2009) was married June 2013
Megan Wiuff (2013) married Seth Stanley in September 2013
Carrie Minthorne (2009) – Logan James born November 2012
Katie Trihub (2008) – Kara Leanne born May 2013
Ahna Proctor (2009) is studying Nursing Leadership and Healthcare
Administration at University of Colorado
Jennifer Pust (2010) earned her MA in International Leadership/
Community Development from Crown College
Lisa Riesterer (2008) earned her MN from the Family Nurse
Practitioner program at Oregon Health and Science University. She is currently a Certified Nurse Practitioner and is currently enrolled in the
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at OHSU.
14

N u r s i n g a t G e o r g e F o x U n i v e r s i t y
nursing department Award recipients
Director’s Award
Jodi Briggs – 2008
Dana Sprunger – 2009
Hanna Thomas – 2010
Rachel Knower – 2011
Matthew Getsinger – 2012
Shaunna Neary – 2012
Lauren Floyd – 2013
Emily Wyatt – 2013
Caring Award
Emily Christenson – 2008
Alison Bennett – 2009
Marcie Sternberg – 2010
Charles Robinson – 2011
Alicia Fleetwood – 2012
Jacob Trachsel – 2012
Marcus Gabriel, Jr. – 2013
Monica VandenBosch – 2013
Golden Lamp Award
Hannah Bielenberg – 2008
Kristiina Thomas – 2009
Jessie Sarver – 2010
Terah Pugh – 2011
Shaunna Neary – 2012
Melissa LaRue – 2013
Chelse Nealeigh – 2013
Transcultural Nursing Award
Pinar Pakkan-Ince – 2008
Amy Turner – 2009
Lauren Silva – 2009
Katie Fugate – 2010
Amy Steinert – 2011
Joelle Gardner – 2012
Nazezhda Goldashkin – 2012
Page Matlock – 2013
Outstanding Colleague Award
Michael Shinneman – 2008
Amy Landes – 2009
Jessie Sarver – 2010
Charles Robinson – 2011
Sheleen Wytcherley – 2011
Matthew Getsinger – 2012
Shaunna Neary – 2012
Kelly Hood – 2013
Outstanding Senior Student – GFU
Elysa Aho – 2008
Kathryn Meyer – 2008
Jodi Nakahara – 2009
Eve Woodland – 2009
Kate Spencer – 2010
Ciera Vaughn – 2010
Terah Pugh – 2011
Amanda Shaw – 2011
Wendy Kuryluk – 2012
Sondra Shuttleworth – 2012
Jeanette Edel – 2013
Megan Wiuff – 2013
Honor Award
Lacey Brounstein – 2008
Amy Landes – 2009
Jessie Sarver – 2010
Marie Palm - 2010
Molly Johnston – 2010
Rachel Knower – 2011
Crystal Enos – 2012
Jillian Golder – 2012
Angie Miller – 2013
Clinical Excellence Award
Michael Shinneman – 2008
Jodi Briggs – 2008
Erica Matthews – 2009
Torena Cole – 2010
Rachel Knower – 2011
Audrey Dove – 2012
Samantha Simmons – 2012
Lauren Floyd – 2013
JulieKay Kleiner – 2013
Good Samaritan Award
Marie Ruef – 2011
Melissa Leighty – 2011
Shining Resilience Award
Jillianne Bleth – 2013
15

t h e b e a t g o e s o n . . .
414 N Meridian St #6273, Newberg OR 97132 | Phone: 503-554-2950
Fax: 503-554-3900 | nursing.georgefox.edu