NURSING
NOTES
Caring
•
Excellence
• Innovation
A Girl and Her Dog
Stephanie Frank, an Eastern Michigan University nursing
student, and Levi, her diabetic alert dog, are venturing where few
human-canine teams have gone before. The dynamic duo attend
classes, clinics and even visit hospitals together, helping each other
perform at peak capacity and blazing a trail of hope.
“Properly trained and handled diabetes alert dogs provide a life or
death service for their owners,” says Frank, who has Type 1 diabetes.
Levi, her 55-pound British Labrador Retriever, is able to alert her
within minutes of a blood sugar swing.
Frank was diagnosed with the condition at the tender age
of 4, when doctors determined that her pancreas didn’t adequately
produce insulin, a hormone that regulates the conversion of glucose
(blood sugar) into energy. She walked a perilous tightrope as she
balanced her need for food and insulin, which had to be injected.
Blood sugar levels dipping below 70 triggered dizziness and blurred
vision; levels above 180 triggered excessive thirst and fatigue.
Untreated swings can cause fainting and even death, she says.
Her efforts to regulate her blood sugar met with varying degrees of success until the Deerfield native launched a fund
raiser that enabled her to buy Levi for $15,000 last December. He was more than a Christmas present with whiskers. He was and
is a life saver. “Levi saves me every day and in many ways. He’s my furry companion when I feel down, and he’s my living glucose
meter. When my blood sugar goes out of range, he’s trained to stare at me or paw me,” she says, adding that she usually eats or
drinks something sweet to counteract lows and injects more insulin for a high.
The key to Levi’s amazing ability lies in his super sensitive snout. Dogs’ sense of smell is about 40 times greater than
humans’, allowing them to detect the fruity, sweet scent of high blood sugar and the alcohol scent of low blood sugar. This service
does more than help Frank, a senior on track to receive her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2015. It also helps those who will
benefit from Frank’s skills and training. “I have a passion for helping newly diagnosed children and their families understand
and manage diabetes,” says Frank, who is pursuing certification as a diabetes educator with the goal of working in a pediatric
endocrinology department. Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. “Stephanie is a very passionate student and will make a great
nurse. She works hard to maintain her grades and her diabetes,” says Nancy Higgins, School of Nursing coordinator. “Levi is a
great companion and works very hard to take care of her. Together, they make a great team,” Higgins adds.
Frank credits Higgins with reviewing the logistics and developing the protocols that allow Levi to accompany Frank
on campus and beyond. “Nancy is one of the most caring, thorough people I have ever met,” Frank says. “It’s very reassuring to
know that the faculty and staff are working hard to accommodate individuals’ needs.”
Frank was equally complimentary about EMU’s nursing program. “EMU has given me the education and experience necessary
to help others live healthy, happy lives, and Levi helps keep me stay healthy and happy. That’s a win-win combination.”
Fall 2014 Edition
Production
Michael L. Williams, Executive Editor
Director, School of Nursing
Silisa Proffitt, Project Coordinator
Senior Secretary, School of Nursing
Linda Hasse, Contributing Writer
Writer
Joshua Reeves, Design & Graphics
Creative Director & Graphic Designer
Randall Mascharka, Contributing Photographer
EMU Marketing & Communications
Nursing Notes Editorial Committee
Barbara Scheffer, Emeritus Professor
Martha Tanicala, Emeritus Professor
Rae Anne Yuskowatz, CHHS Development Director
Susan Smereck, Emeritus Professor
William A. Pollard, CHHS Administrative Manager
Contact Us
Nursing Notes is a publication of Eastern
Michigan University School of Nursing.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
EMU School of Nursing
311 Marshall Building
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Web Site: www.emich.edu/nursing
Phone: 734-487-2310
Email: swaldroo@emich.edu
From The Director
Greetings and welcome to the Fall 2014 School of Nursing newsletter!
I am very happy to be writing you as the Director of the School of
Nursing as of April 2014 after having served as the Interim Director
since November 2012. I find it interesting that I came to EMU School
of Nursing with the intention of staying only 3 years. Seventeen
years later, I still find the environment exciting and engaging! I hope
this newsletter finds you well. We plan to produce a Fall and Spring
newsletter starting this year from the School of Nursing. I invite your
comments and suggestions and hope you look forward to keeping
you up-to-date with information about our School, our programs, our
alumni and our students.
In September, as has been customary for several years, we admitted 80
traditional BSN students and 32 2nd Bachelor’s students into our BSN
program. We continue to partner with a variety of clinical agencies
to make the clinical experiences the best they can be. This year, we
were able to add Simulation to all levels of the undergraduate program.
Students have simulation experiences at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
Simulation Center, which is a state-of-the art facility. We continue to
partner with Washtenaw Community College Department of Nursing
in our collaborative 2+2 program, where students complete their first
two years at WCC and then continue their BSN at EMU. We also
continue to our BSN completion programs to hundreds of students.
Our locations include Monroe, Jackson, Detroit, Livonia, Brighton,
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor, Oakwood Healthcare System
in Dearborn, and the University of Michigan Health System Ann
Arbor. Additionally, we offer a full online BSN completion program.
In addition to these programs, our recently revised MSN program in
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist runs at the Livonia Center.
This year, we also started an MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
Nurse Practitioner program as well. Lastly, we continue to partner
with the College of Education on a joint PhD program in Educational
Studies. Our plates are full and we remain thankful for that fact.
If you are an alumni or friend of EMU School of Nursing, please
read the newsletter with a warm heart and please email us with your
endeavors since graduating from EMU. We look forward to hearing
from you!
Michael L. Williams, PhD, RN, CCRN, CNE
Director & Associate Professor
www.emich.edu/nursing
NURSING NOTES
Alumni Spotlight: Stacy Stats
The Naval Reserve Officers
Training Corps (NROTC),
located on the University
of Michigan campus,
prepares both Eastern
Michigan University and
the University of Michigan
students for service as
officers in the United States
Navy and the United States
Marine Corps. ROTC
students attend college
like other students, but
also receive basic military
training and officer training
for their chosen branch of
service through the ROTC
unit at or nearby the college.
The students participate
in regular drills during the
school year, and extended
training activities during the
summer. Upon graduation,
students are commissioned
into the USN or USMC.
Stacy Stats (BSN 05) always knew her nursing career would take her places—but even
she couldn’t fully envision how far. Since earning her bachelor of nursing degree from Eastern
Michigan University and being commissioned as an Ensign from the University of Michigan
ROTC program in 2005, the Navy nurse has traveled around the world and back again.
She’s tended to cleft palette patients aboard an amphibious assault ship in the
Philippines; worked in the emergency ward of a Naval hospital in Italy; and mended the
wounded in Afghanistan, among deployments. Wherever she’s gone, the skills and abilities
she learned at Eastern’s School of Nursing have gone with her, leaving a trail of healing in their
wake. (1)
“One of my most memorable experiences was flying medevac patients between air
bases in Kandahar Afghanistan,” says Stats, adding that the helicopter’s doors were usually
open with patients strapped to the floor. “I’d provide critical care support, like ventilation,
to patients while sitting on the floor of the bird. We always flew with a loaded pistol and a
cautious eye,” she says, adding that there was no guarantee helicopters would not be attacked.
While she’s witnessed the trauma of war, she’s also witnessed great joy. “When I was deployed
on a humanitarian mission in Southeast Asia, I provided immunizations and basic medical
care to the poorest—and happiest—patients I’ve ever worked with,” she says, adding that
although flooding had destroyed many of the villages the previous year, it could not drown
survivors’ spirits. “They were all so happy just to be alive, and happy that we were there to
support them.”
Stats, a registered nurse, chose Eastern’s School of Nursing because of its excellent
reviews and accreditation, she says, adding that the school lived up to its reputation. “Military
nursing is challenging because you don’t always get to work in the area you want, but EMU
provided a well-balanced and challenging program that enabled me to be successful.”
Currently, Stats holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander and is attending graduate
school at the University of San Diego through a Navy program called “Duty Under
Instruction.” She is on track to receive a master’s in nursing-clinical nurse specialist-adult/
gerontology in May 2016. Her ultimate goal is to be stationed in San Diego and work in a busy
critical care unit training fellow Navy nurses, she says.
Her career isn’t the only thing that has blossomed. This spring, the 31-year-old married Nick
Stats, a pilot who flies Cobra helicopters for the US Marine Corps. He is currently deployed
with the 1st Marine Special Operations Command. “Understanding the devotion each of us
has towards the service, and the lifestyle it requires, has been a big part of how our relationship
works,” says Stats.
While the couple resides in San Diego, CA, the Barbeau, MI native continues to stay in
contact with many EMU School of Nursing faculty and staff. “It’s been great to keep in touch
with Dr. Williams and a few other classmates like Jose Valderamma and Lauren Suszan, to
name a few,” she says. “I never forget where I came from.”
Health Tip: Recognizing a Heart Attack
The signs of a heart attack are not always obvious but may include: Chest pain and discomfort, pain or discomfort in
your arms, jaw*, neck*, back* and stomach, shortness of breath, and other symptoms such as heartburn*, indigestion*
or stomach pain*, unusual tiredness*, nausea, lightheaded, or breaking out in a cold sweat. If you suspect someone is
having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. Women, like men, most often feel pain or discomfort in their chest,
but are more likely to the have the other symptoms marked with an asterik.
Dr. Wu Inducted into American Academy of Nursing
Tsu-Yin Wu, PhD, RN, Professor of Nursing at Eastern Michigan University, was
honored by the American Academy of Nursing for leadership as a professor and researcher,
and her community outreach and advocacy activities in healthcare.
The Ann Arbor resident was one of only six Michigan nurses to be inducted at the Academy’s
fall policy conference in October. A total of 168 nurse leaders from around the country and
24 countries will be honored. New fellows will be eligible to use the credentials FAAN (Fellow
of the American Academy of Nursing) after their names.
Tsu-Yin Wu is an expert in working to bridge the health care gap in Asian American women.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be selected as part of this prestigious group,” said Wu,
an expert in health disparities in underserved populations. “I’m really grateful for all the
support from Eastern Michigan, which enables me to make meaningful contributions to the
underserved populations among Asian Pacific Americans in reducing health disparities and
achieving health equity.”
With her induction, Wu joined a select group of only 2,200 nurse leaders among the 2.7
million nurses in the United States. Nominees must be sponsored by two current academy
members and are then judged on their contributions to nursing and health care.
Academy president Diana Mason said, “The American Academy of Nursing welcomes this stellar cohort of new fellows. As
clinicians, researchers, educators, executives and leaders in all sectors of our society, they are joining the nation’s thought
leaders in nursing and health care.”
“This honor is very impressive,” said Michael Williams, Director of the School of Nursing at EMU. “Being elected
to the Academy is one of the most prestigious honors that can be bestowed on a nurse
Wu is also director of the Healthy Asian Americans Project (HAAP), an innovative program established in 1996 with
its mission to promote health and well-being of Asian Americans. She is an expert on complex issues faced by Asian
American women in cancer control and health promotion.
In 2013, Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder reappointed Wu to the state’s Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs
Commission (MAPAAC), which provides a voice for underserved Asian Americans, and utilizes evidence from her
research to bridge the gap between the Asian Pacific American (APA) community and the government.
The HAAP program has been in the forefront in promoting health and access among Asian Pacific American
communities. It provides evidence-based strategies to empower the APA community to be in charge of their health,
including bilingual lay advisors trained as community advocates, in an effort to encourage Asian American women to be
proactive about their health, especially when it comes to breast cancer.
“The idea of going to a doctor and facing cultural obstacles and language barriers seems exhausting,” said Wu, a
native of Taiwan, who is bilingual. “Many Asian Americans wait until it is absolutely necessary, which is too often too late.”
This year, HAAP educated more than 1,500 individuals and families about the Affordable Care Act. The program
also provided in-person bilingual assistance to get more than 500 families and individuals to enroll in health care plans.
Wu has also taken her expertise overseas by reaching out to women in China who face the same issues as Asian
Americans. In 2012, HAPP received funding support from the Susan G. Komen for The Cure to begin an international
initiative in China and Taiwan.
“Using the framework similar to the HAAP program, more than 300 physicians were trained to perform breast
cancer screenings in the more rural regions, which benefits more than 13,000 women in China and Taiwan,” Wu said. “The
program also trains local women, usually cancer survivors, to become lay health advisors who promote education and
advocate early detection.”
Campus News: Effective July 1, 2015 EMU will become a smoke free campus
NURSING NOTES
EMU MSN Nursing Students Win 1st and 2nd Place in Research
Competition at the Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference
The 38th Annual Research Conference of the Midwest Nursing
Research Society was held March 27-30, 2014 in St. Louis, MO. EMU
School of Nursing was well represented by MSN students Janice Cecil
and Kelly Miller. Over 1,000 nursing scientists participated in this
annual conference which was dedicated to “Building Value Based
Partnerships through Nursing Science.”
MNRS is one of four regional nursing research societies in
the United States and represents nursing schools in 13 Midwestern
states. MNRS began in 1975 and is considered the most prestigious
of the societies,” says Professor Michael L. Williams, PhD, RN,
CCRN, CNE, Director of the School of Nursing at EMU. “We are
very proud to hear that Janice Cecil and Kelly Miller won 1st
and 2nd place is the research competition for MSN students.” Jan’s research was pre-experimental design that
examined “Does Nurse Handoff at the Bedside Promote Accountability and Increase Nurse Satisfaction?” Her
mentors were Drs. Angela Lukomski and Virgina Lan. Kelly’s research examined “Reducing Stroke Risk through
Physical Activity and Diet: An Integrative Review,” with mentors Drs. Sherry Bumpus and Marty Raymond. “We are
extremely proud of the work these students and their mentors have done and to have them recognized by MNRS is
extra special,” Williams said.
2013-2014 School of Nursing Outstanding Students Chosen
Each year, the School of Nursing faculty selects an outstanding student from the undergraduate program and another from its graduate
program. Nominations may come from students, faculty, or staff and a selection is made at the March faculty meeting. The students chosen
as outstanding students are invited to the Awards and Recognition Ceremony hosted by the College of Health and Human Services every
April. It is very difficult to choose only one outstanding student from each program, as the School of Nursing, is fortunate to have many
extraordinary students.
The 2013 Outstanding Graduate Student was Justin Carpenter. Justin is a veteran of the emergency room, working
as an ER nurse at St. John Hospital for six years. Justin worked as a graduate assistant for the School of Nursing
during his time as an MSN student and has excelled at every class he has attended. Carpenter is certified in Reiki,
Korean Hand Therapy, Aromatherapy, Advance Cardiac Life Support and the Emergency Nursing Pediatric
Course. He is a member of the American Holistic Nursing Association, the Emergency Nurses Association,
the Council for Healing Integration and the Holistic Nursing Conference Planning Committee. The American
Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) recently honored Carpenter with the Charlotte McGuire Education
Scholarship for his commitment to holistic nursing practice and philosophy, and for his leadership in advancing
holistic nursing. Justin also received a certificate and $100 gift from the Dean’s office. Congratulations Justin!
The 2013 Outstanding Undergraduate Student from the School of Nursing was Steven Filimon. Steven was noted
by all faculty to be kind, compassionate, professional, and academically strong by his nominators. Steven served
as President of the EMU Student Nurses Association from 2012-2013. Through his leadership, the EMU SNA held
many community events and raised over 100 canned goods for the Ypsilanti food pantry last Thanskgiving. Steven
and his SNA colleagues graciously assisted with the School’s biannual nursing graduation ceremony, as well as new
student orientation each year. In addition to his academic studies and SNA work, Steven also works as. certified
nursing assistant in acute critical care at Allegiance Hospital in Jackson, MI. For recognition as the Outstanding
Undergraduate Student, Steven received a certificate and a $100 gift from the Dean’s office. Congratulations Steven!
Honored Retired Faculty
Lorraine Wilson, PhD, RN, retired after
many years as a Professor in the School
of Nursing. Dr. Wilson had been a
faculty at the University of Michigan
School of Nursing as well as Oakland
University prior to coming to EMU. In
1978, Dr. Wilson and her colleague,
Dr. Sylvia Price, authored the first
Pathophysiology textbook for nurses.
Dr. Wilson used this text and her expertise to teach
pathophysiology since that time. Dr. Wilson was also
instrumental in developing the MSN program and served
as its first Program Director. For her many years of
contribution to the School, Dr. Wilson was awarded the
rank of Emeritus Professor from the university.
Martha Tanicala, EdD, RN, came to
EMU School of Nursing in 1999 after
teaching for many years at St. Vincent’s
School of Nursing. Dr. Tanicala focused
her research on strategies to increase
NCLEX success and patterns of clinical
success and failure. Dr. Tanicala taught
care of children and their families for
many years and most recently Dr.
Tanicala became actively involved in global healthcare.
Since retiring, Dr. Tanicala has become the Director of
Educational Services for Global Health Services Network
with travels around the world. For her many years of
service to EMU, Dr. Tanicala was awarded the title of
Emeritus Professor from the university.
Linda Berry, PhD, RN, retired this
summer from EMU School of Nursing
where she has most recently taught
maternal-child health nursing. As a
midwife, Dr. Berry was well equipped
to prepare students to care for pregnant
women and their newborns. Dr. Berry
also taught a variety of professional
issues courses and developed the course
on Vulnerable Populations that was taught for a number of
years. Since Dr. Berry’s retirement, she has continued to
teach as a part-time clinical instructor for EMU School of
Nursing.
Five Students Selected for
Scholarships
Through the generous donation of the Lloyd &
Mabel Johnson Foundation, a scholarship was created in
honor and memory of Mabel K Johnson. Ms. Johnson and
her husband, Lloyd, were committed to the care of the elderly
and for many years operated several extended care facilities
throughout Michigan. Ms. Johnson was a nurse who
compassionately cared for these elderly residents for many
years. It is her spirit of caring and dedication for which this
scholarship was named. For the second year in a row, the
Lloyd & Mabel Johnson Foundation provided $20,000 to
be awarded to five nursing students just entering the BSN
nursing program at EMU School of Nursing. Applications
were distributed to all incoming students at nursing school
orientation. Recently, the applications were reviewed by the
Undergraduate Committee on Admissions and Retention of
Students and five students were selected based on the quality
of their application and essay addressing a commitment
to care of geriatric patients. Each student receives an
unrestricted scholarship of $4,000 scholarship to offset the
costs of ursine school.
According to Julie Ledbetter, one of the recipients
this year, “There aren’t words enough to express my
gratitude! I can only hope to honor the legacy of the Lloyd
& Mabel Johnson Foundation by being dedicated to the
comfort and well-being of the elderly in my future care.”
Lauren Parker, another recipient noted that “I am truly
blessed and thankful to receive this scholarship. It will allow
me to continue my education and pursue a meaningful career
in nursing.” “We are fortunate the Lloyd & Mabel Johnson
Foundation saw the benefit in investing in our new nursing
students and thank them for their ongoing support,” said
Rae Anne Yuskowatz, Development Director for the College
of Health and Human Services. The following students were
chosen to receive the Mabel K. Johnson Scholarship this year:
Caitlin Ciolek, Kandace Fantroy, Julia Ledbetter, Lauren
Parker, and Markeda Woods. Congratulations students and
thank you to the Lloyd & Mabel Johnson Foundation for
your generous support.
NURSING NOTES
New Faculty and Staff for Fall 2014
Keisha Lovence, DNP, RN, ACNP,
accepted a position in the School of
Nursing as an Assistant Professor
starting in Fall 2014. Dr. Lovence
completed her DNP, her MSN and
a Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Education from Wayne State University.
Dr. Lovence began her nursing
education with a BSN from McMaster
University in Hamilton, Ontario. As an Adult Acute &
Critical Care Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Lovence is working
as an ACNP in the Detroit Medical Center as a pulmonary
practitioner. Dr. Lovence has research and practice interests
in geriatrics, self-care, post-fall care, and mobilizing the
elderly in the acute care setting.
Lydia McBurrows, MS, PNP-PC,
comes to EMU from the University of
Michigan Regional Alliance for Health
Schools. After receiving her BSN from
the University of Michigan School
of Nursing, Professor McBurrows
continued her education there and
completed her MS in Pediatric Nursing.
Currently Professor McBurrows is a
DNP student at Rush University in Chicago, IL with her
major course of study being Leadership in Enhancing
Population Health Outcomes. As a certified Pediatric Nurse
Practitioner, Ms. McBurrows continues to work at Corner
Health with a passion for adolescent health care.
Caroline Peltz, PhD, MSHSA, RN,
CNE is no stranger to EMU School of
Nursing. Caroline received her BSN
from the University of Michigan, her
MSHSA from the University of Detroit,
and her MSN in Adult Health Nursing
and PhD in Educational Studies from
Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Peltz
has taught clinical courses at EMU
School of Nursing over many years and most recently comes
from Wayne County Community College where she was
faculty for 16 years. Dr. Peltz is passionate about mentoring
nursing students and future nurses! In her spare time, Dr.
Peltz enjoys traveling and is very active with the American
Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Susan Bushinski, DNP, RN, FNP-BC,
ACNP-BC, comes to EMU School of
Nursing from Wayne State University
College of Nursing where she was
the Program Director for the AdultGerontology Primary Care Nurse
Practitioner program. Dr. Bushinski
received her diploma in nursing from
Albany Occupational Center, her
A.D.N. and B.S. in Sociology from Regents College Degree
Program, her MSN from Old Dominion University and
her DNP from the University of Alabama. Dr. Bushinski
continues to practice as a nurse practitioner at the Hope
Clinic in Ypsilanti, MI. In her leisure time, Dr. Bushinski
enjoys researching genealogy history of her family and
reading.
Farewell & Welcome
After many years as the Senior Secretary, Hedy
Ricciardio, retired the summer of 2014. We wih Hedy
farewell and best wishes on the new phases of her life.
We are also pleased to have Silisa Proffitt join us as our
new Senior Secretary. Welcome Silisa!
Hedy Ricciardio
Silisa Proffitt
311 Everett L. Marshall Building
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Donors make a difference…
Please consider making a donation to
support current EMU Nursing students’
educational experience. Your gift will be
used for the School of Nursing to train
exceptional nurses of tomorrow. Follow the
link to make a gift: https://www.emich.edu/
foundation/give/?fund=00448
Thank you!
Barbara Scheffer Endowed Scholarship Awarded
A special fund at the EMU School of
Nursing was created in 2013 to honor the
legacy of Dr. Barbara Scheffer, Ed.D., RN,
who retired July 12, 2013. A generous
gift was made to establish the Barbara
Scheffer Endowed Scholarship Fund,
which will annually support a scholarship
to a graduate nursing student in the
PhD in Educational Studies—Nursing
Education program at Eastern Michigan
University. Barbara Scheffer devoted 37 years of her career to
advancing nursing practice and education by preparing and
mentoring nurses to provide care to patients and families in
the community and those with psychiatric and mental illness.
She began as an Instructor of Nursing and progressed to the
rank of Full Professor; she retired as the Associate Dean of
the College of Health & Human Services.Dr. Scheffer has
a passion for teaching and has passed on this love to many
other nurses.
Her teaching, scholarly endeavors and doctoral degree
have all revolved around critical thinking in nursing
and the best practices to develop critical thinking in
nurses as well as best practices for faculty to teach critical
thinking in nursing. Dr. Scheffer was instrumental in
establishing the interdisciplinary PhD program between
the School of Nursing and the Department of Teacher
Education. "Dr. Scheffer influenced hundreds of nursing
students over her career and likewise influenced faculty
colleagues who had the privilege of teaching with her
and learning from her,” said Michael Williams, Director
of EMU School of Nursing.” This year, we are pleased to
award the first Barbara K. Scheffer Endowed Scholarship
to Marva Brooks, MSN, RN, PhD student in the PhD
Educational Studies/Nursing Concentration program at
EMU,” Williams noted. Ms. Brooks is entering her final
semester of the program and is studying “An Exploration of the Life Histories of African American Registered
Nurses.” Congratulations Marva!