On December 9th, 2009, KILN scholars (classes of 2012 and 2013) along with Tutors and Project Staff celebrated the holiday season. Everyone shared ways of celebrating different holidays and enjoyed a delicious meal. It was a great way for everyone to learn about each other. Faculty member and KILN Mentoring Coordinator, Donna Cullinan, shared her holiday tradition of dressing up as Santa Claus and delivering gifts. Enjoy the photos!
Happy Holidays!
This event was run by the MaSNA board members and consisted of pertinent information. During this event, general information about the organization was shared and shortly after, Dean Read spoke, as well as Dr. Mahmoud Kaddoura. His presentation was comprised of what we, nurses, needed to know the most about the upcoming NCLEX exam. He stressed the importance of practicing these questions and familiarizing ourselves with the actual test. Throughout the presentation, he quizzed the audience by asking some questions, which he assured us, would be on the test. The presentation then broke up into two parts: one consisting of starting a SNA chapter on a collegiate level and the other learning more about the MaSNA.
The part that I enjoyed the most was Dr. Kaddoura’s presentation, reason being mainly because his background story was so inspiring. He received his BSN from the American University of Beirut and additionally worked as a lecturer and Academic Courses’ Coordinator for the Ministry of Health Schools of Nursing in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai). I loved the cultural aspects he brought into the presentation, which made it unique and interesting in it’s own way. I also liked when he quizzed us on NCLEX questions because I learned more than I thought I would. Some of the information I learned even helped me with clinical material for the following week. This was critical for me, given that I am now able to remember this information more readily than if I hadn’t learned it during this presentation.
This event provided a new understanding by helping me realize how important it is to succeed and practice for the NCLEX in order to prove my skills as a nurse. This test requires critical thinking and as a nurse, that’s one of the most important tools used on a daily basis. As far as leadership, this event taught me that it’s important to take initiative and inform my nursing peers of the importance of preparing early for the NCLEX and to begin practicing as soon as possible. The health aspect ties directly to the knowledge necessary to apply to the healthcare setting while working with patients, which must be both learned and studied for the NCLEX. Last but not least, Dr. Mahmoud Kaddoura taught me how important diversity is and that just because you come from another area of the world or English may not be your first language, it doesn’t mean you don’t have the potential to succeed in what you do. As long as you put the time and effort, anything is possible. And most importantly…practice!
On October 24th, 2009, I went to the MaSNA Conference which was hosted by Boston College. It took place in Higgins 300. The MaSNA Board of Directors discussed the benefits and process of starting an official collegiate NSNA chapter. The conference started with an introduction from Dean Catherine Read followed by a discussion from Professor Mahmoud Kaddoura’s, Assistant Professor at MCPHS School of Nursing. He spoke about the “New NCLEX” and identified the areas where new graduates needed improvement. I like the fact that he gave examples and practice questions as we worked on the problems together. He stressed that practicing everyday was the best way to pass the NCLEX. As we get used to this type of questions, we will have better chances of passing.
After Professor Kaddoura spoke, we were divided into two sessions: A and B. Session A was for students and faculty who currently do not have an NSNA chapter. Session B was for students and faculty who already have NSNA chapters. I, of course, went to Session B since Boston College already has an existing chapter. There was a PowerPoint presentation by UMass Dartmouth SNA students. We also had a discussion on how to improve and maintain existing chapters. I found it difficult to engage in the discussion since I had never gone to a SNA meeting on campus. However, being at the conference made me realize how much I wanted to be a part of NSNA. I spoke to my mentor, Ariana Chao, and she told me that she is part of the Nursing Senate and that I could start joining a group by just sitting in a meeting and seeing how much I like it. Actually, I will be going to a Senate meeting this Thursday.
After our discussion, all the groups reunited back in Higgins. Speaker Cidalia Vital, a previous MaSNA President (2002-2003) and a current Perianesthesia Clinical Nurse Specialist, talked about the importance of professional development. She also discussed the professional benefits of participating in MaSNA and stated that it was important to branch out and meet other professionals in the group. She said that a lot of nursing students tend to have their heads in the book and forget about a world outside of their nursing bubble. I find that as I network and talk to different people, I become a well-rounded nursing student, which I believe is necessary for nurses giving care to diversified patients.
Overall, I enjoyed the conference. I learned that it is important to maintain a chapter because you get opportunities to do community outreach. You can get access to professional role models and it is a career building experience. We also build strong relationships as we advance further into our career paths. Attending these conferences motivates me to be not just a better nurse but a better person.
On October 17, 2009, I attended the Philippine Nurses Association of America’s (PNAA) Eastern Regional Conference held at The Hyatt Regency in Cambridge. PNAA is a national organization, which has local chapters as well. Attendees came from different areas of the United States ranging from Alaska to New England. Its mission is to “promote professional excellence and contribute to significant outcomes to healthcare and society”. This year’s theme is “Celebration of Excellence, Collaboration, and Innovation through PRISM” (PRISM stands for Professional linkages, Regulatory and legislative agenda, Interagency collaboration, Services and program development, and Managing organizational resources). As a Filipino nursing student at BC, I found the 7-hour education seminar to be very engaging and informative. I also got the opportunity to have BC alumnus and speaker at the conference, Rollie Perea MS, RN, ANP-BC, as my guide for the day.
Speakers discussed current trends, best practices and issues affecting the nursing practice and healthcare delivery system. The topics I enjoyed most were “Retrogression Act and the Future of Recruitment of Foreign Educated Nurses” and “Anatomy of an Error: The Basis of Medical Errors”. As a minority, Filipino nurses are highly affected by the Visa Retrogression Act and it was interesting to learn more about immigration and politics regarding this issue. It was also fascinating to hear about the basic principles and elements of medical negligence through an interactive breakout session.
Further, not only did I have the opportunity to observe the PNAA community, but I was also able to do some networking myself. Mr. Perea introduced me to representatives from my hometown of New Jersey and to the organization’s board members. The event provided me with a new understanding about nursing and diversity. Although Filipino nurses may be a small percentage of the overall nursing population, there are so many initiatives they are taking to project themselves as not just national, but global leaders. Overall, it was truly a great experience not just for the educational value, but for the cultural value as well.
More information about the PNAA can be found at: http://www.philippinenursesaa.org.
On October 15, 2009, KILN Scholar Sabianca Delva, Debra Pino, and I attended The 22nd Annual Historically Black College and Career Fair held at Boston College. We got the opportunity to talk with hundreds of Boston-area high school students, many of whom were interested in nursing. We look forward to keeping in touch with the students we collected information from and to seeing their applications to the School of Nursing at Boston College in the years to come!
Freshmen: Terry Bustos, Sandra Dickson, Haley Gaeta, Leyna Gomez, Mary Keeley, Jei Wen Lei, Stephanie Mui, Jieun Park, Siobhan Tellez, Malika Weekes
Sophomores: Morine Cebert, Selina Chan, Nguyet Chau, Sabianca Delva, Anna Diane, Jennifer Etienne, Paulina Miklosz, Tiffany Otto, Cecelia Suh, Gio Trilleras
Juniors: Djerica Lamousnery, Shiva Moshtagh, John Sok, Jessica Fenty-Scotland, Sania Beckford
The Connell School has renewed its commitment to developing and nurturing a diverse nursing workforce through the formation of a Diversity Advisory Board. The Diversity Advisory Board will provide insight and guidance as the school plans and implements programs that reflect a commitment to advancing and sustaining an organizational culture that fully welcomes diversity and inclusiveness. The members of the board (pictured from left to right) are:
Linda Battle, DNP, MSN, PHCNS-BC: Director of Nursing Education, Career Centers of Texas, Fort Worth
Eva Gomez, RN, MSN: Staff Development Specialist, Children’s Hospital Boston, facilitator for the Multi-Cultural Nurses Forum, member of the Children’s Hospital Diversity and Culturally Competent Care Council
Norma Martínez Rogers, PhD, RN, FAAN: Associate Professor-Clinical, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Rolando Perea, RN, MSN, CS: Clinical Director, Emergency Department at Fatima Hospital, Clinical Director of Provider Services for Medical Strategies and Management Systems
Deborah Washington, RN, MSN: Director, Diversity Patient Care Services, Massachusetts General Hospital
Angelleen Peters-Lewis, RN, PhD: Director, Women and Newborn’s Nursing and Clinical Services, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Pictured from left:
Debra Pino: I am the Project Coordinator for the KILN program and a BC alumnus (CSOM ’08). I am enthusiastic about being part of a program that aims to reduce the health disparities existing in the current health care system. There is a strong need for culturally competent nurses to provide quality health care. I look forward to seeing the KILN Scholars become nurse leaders.
Allyssa Harris, RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: Hello! I’m the Public Health Nursing Workforce Coordinator for KILN and also a faculty member for the graduate Women’s Health NP program. There are numerous health problems affecting our communities and it is only through leadership in the public health workforce will these health issues be efficiently resolved. Nurses who are involved in community health are essential to address health disparities.
Judith Vessey, PhD, CRNP, MBA, FAAN: I am the Evaluator for the KILN program and the Lelia Holden Carroll Professor of Nursing at Boston College. As the evaluator, my job for KILN is to figure out how we can implement this program in the very best way possible. I am excited to work with the KILN Scholars in helping make their college experience the best it can be.
Donna Cullinan, MS, RN, FNP-BC: I am the Mentoring Coordinator for the KILN program and an Associate Clinical Professor at the Connell School of Nursing at Boston College. I am a Community Health Nurse involved in many aspects and levels of teaching in the nursing program but feel that my greatest contribution is mentoring students. I am privileged to work with the KILN scholars as these future nurses leaders help to reduce health disparities.
Cathy Read, PhD, RN: I am the Project Director for the KILN program and the Associate Dean for the Undergraduate Nursing Program at Boston College. My passion is watching incoming freshmen be transformed into professional nurses, and I am grateful for this opportunity to work specifically with the KILN Scholars. They are the future of nursing and our hope for quality health care for all.
Angela Amar, PhD, APRN, BC: I am the Summer Immersion Program Coordinator and an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Boston College. I am involved in activities on campus that support student formation. The KILN program presents an exciting opportunity to work with our future nursing leaders.
Holly Lopes: I am a senior in the Connell School of Nursing and the Undergraduate Research Fellow for the KILN program. I have great interest in working to rectify healthcare disparities and believe the primary step is increasing nursing workforce diversity. I am excited to be part of the development of such a valuable program.
Michele Mendes, PhD, RN: I am the KILN Program Pre-Entry Outreach Coordinator and an Assistant Professor in the Connell School of Nursing. My goal is to plan outreach activities to acquaint High School Students with the nursing school and the KILN program, as well as to recruit students who will be successful KILN Scholars.
Welcome to the first edition of our “Keys to Inclusive Leadership in Nursing” (KILN) blog! The Boston College (BC) William F. Connell School of Nursing is proud to have received $937,247 over the next three years from HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) to develop a diverse group of nurse leaders. This year, 25 BC nursing students selected as KILN scholars will receive stipends, scholarships, mentoring, and leadership training. We hope that you will enjoy following the progress of our scholars over the next few years!
Why is the federal government funding this program? The fact is, many cities (including Boston) experience alarming health disparities along racial and socioeconomic lines. For example, Black and Latino Bostonians have higher rates of preterm birth, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, hospitalization, cancer mortality, and premature death, and Asian Bostonians have higher rates of tuberculosis and hepatitis B. All citizens with limited economic resources, regardless of race, lack adequate care for a broad range of health problems. There is evidence that having a healthcare workforce that is representative of the population improves the health of communities. The KILN program will prepare nurse leaders from diverse backgrounds to make a difference in underserved communities.
