SPRING 2003 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 1 Southern Connections

our novice researchers. This year, thecompetition was intense and resulted in fiveawards. Two honorable mention awardswere given: one to Vicki Bingham from theUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham for herposter, “Spirituality: a part of familymanagement styles for Parkinson patientsand their families,” and one to SusanRasmussen from the University of NorthCarolina at Chapel Hill for her poster,“Adherence to protocol: Delivering the rightdose.” The third place poster award (and aprize of $50) was given to a second-timeposter winner, Stewart Bond from UNCChapel Hill, for his poster, “A comparison ofdelirium in hospitalized older cancer and non-cancer patients.” The $75 second prize wasgiven to Cathy Dunn, Belmont UniversitySchool of Nursing, for her poster entitled“Initial perceptions of quality of life in assistedliving.” The first place poster award and a$100 prize were won by Leah Bailiff,University of Louisville, for her poster,“Cerebral blood flow and pain in two pre-terminfants.” Congratulations to these graduatestudents as they demonstrate excellenceearly in their research careers!

outhern S Connections


The formal recognition of theresearch accomplishments andachievements of the members of theSouthern Nursing Research Society isone of the highlights of the annualconference. This year, the Board ofSNRS was delighted to make severalawards. First, Dr. Diane Holditch-Davis,Professor at the University of NorthCarolina at Chapel Hill, received theDistinguished Researcher Award foroutstanding contributions to ourunderstanding of preterm infants and tothe scientific basis for good nursing careof our smallest citizens. The contributionsof Dr. Ann Horgas, Professor at theUniversity of Florida, to the field ofgerontological nursing were recognizedas she was awarded the HartfordInstitute’s Geriatric Nursing Award. Dr.Kathleen Sawin, Associate Professor atVirginia Commonwealth University inRichmond received the Leadership inResearch Award. The work of each ofthese individuals leading to these awardsis described in this issue of SouthernConnections. The D. Jean Wood NursingScholarship Award was given to Dr.Charlotte Ward-Larson, AssociateProfessor at Union University inTennessee, for her conference paper,“The efficacy of facilitated sucking forrelieving procedural pain of endotrachealsuctioning in very low birth weightinfants.” Congratulations to each ofthese researchers for their notableachievements and contributions! The graduate poster session providesanother opportunity to recognize theefforts of the Society’s newest members–

2003 SNRS Award Highlights

SPRING 2003 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

2003 SNRS Award Highlights............... 1

Message from the President................... 2

2003 Conference Highlights................... 3

Distinguished Researcher Award..............4

Poster Session Scenes............................. 5

Leadership in Research Award................ 5

Hartford Institute Geriatric NursingAward.................................................... 6

Bylaws Changes Approved..................... 7

The Doctoral Student Corner................. 8(Continued on page 11)

SNRS Membership Update, ResearchInterest Group...................................... 9

SNRS Governing Board Members.......... 9

Articles Published in SOJNR ............... 10

Call for Awards.................................... 10

State Liaisons....................................... 11

SOJNR Call for Manuscripts............... 12

Southern Nursing Research Society

The University of Alabama

College of Continuing Studies

Box 870388

Tuscaloosa, Al 35487-0388

1-877-314-7677

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT 8GORDO, AL

This newsletter is published triannually by the Southern Nursing Research Society,The University of Alabama, College of Continuing Studies, Box 870388, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0388

(205) 348-6225, Toll Free (877) 314-7677, E-mail [email protected], Web site http://www.snrs.orgPlease duplicate and distribute for your nursing research colleagues.

FROM THE EDITORWe hope you will enjoy this issue ofSouthern Connections. We are beginning aneffort to update Southern Connection’s“look” through a variety of design features.This post-conference issue focuses onaward winners and reports from our annualmeeting in Orlando. We also are excited towelcome the first installment of The DoctoralStudent Corner. The newsletter will beposted on the SNRS web site as well asdelivered in hard copy to members. We areinterested in your feedback about this dualdistribution plan. Please send comments,suggestions and feedback on this issue ofSouthern Connections to Patty Gray, Editor([email protected]).

Journal of

ResearchNursing

SouthernOnline

Southern Online Journal of Nursing ResearchCall for Manuscripts

Research reports related to the knowledge base and practice of nursing are invited. Articles dealing with instrumenta-tion and methodology are also sought. Listed in CINAHL, accessible to all at SNRS website. Author guidelines andexamples of format are found at http://snrs.org/members/author-information.html

Submit manuscripts or inquiries to:

Barbara J. Holtzclaw, PhD, RN, FAAN, Editor,Southern Online Journal of Nursing Research,

School of Nursing, University of TexasHealth Science Center at San Antonio

Phone 405-321-8543, FAX: 405-573-0980.E-mail: [email protected]

Mail: 4009 Harrogate Drive, Norman, OK 73072

Awards for graduate posters would notbe possible without the efforts ofreviewers. This year’s reviewers, ledby Dr. Debra Wallace, included:Dr. Inez Tuck, Dr. Muriel Rice,Dr. Pamela Ark, Dr. Martha Tingen,Dr. Martha Alligood, Dr. Lou Gramling,Dr. Lazelle Benefield, Dr. Lynne Halland Dr. Kathy Kolar. Tellers were Ms.Patricia Crane and Dr. Susan Letvak.Thanks to each of these individuals fortheir time and effort.

SPRING 2003 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 1SPRING 2003 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 1

outhern S Connections2


THE DOCTORAL STUDENT CORNERBY BECKY BONUGLI (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8)

The 17th annual SNRS Conference in Orlando was a huge success with ourlargest attendance ever for an annual conference. We had approximately 573registrants. Dr. Marge Miles and the local planning committee, chaired by Dr. JanPeterson, are to be congratulated for the exceptional conference. I also wish torecognize the contributions of our management team, Dr. Buddy Herrington andhis staff, from University of Texas at Arlington. They did an exceptional job oforganizing the conference. The pilot testing of Power Point for podium presentationswas a success and will be continued at future conferences. I invite you to makeplans to attend and submit abstracts for the next conference to be held in Louisville,Kentucky February 19-21, 2004. The call for abstracts has already been mailedand the abstracts are due May 15, 2003. If you did not receive the abstract forms,please check our web site (www.snrs.org) or contact the University of Texas atArlington, (817) 272-2778, to request the information.

New officers and board members were inducted at the annual conference. Please find the contact information forthe entire Board elsewhere in the Newsletter. Outgoing officers and board members were also recognized. Onbehalf of the SNRS membership, I want to extend our thanks to Drs. Marge Miles, Michele Salisbury, and JeriDuncan for all of their contributions on the board for the previous two years. The membership approved by-laws changes and dues increase at the annual conference. The dues increase willbecome effective on July 1, 2003. The dues will increase to $75 for regular members and to $50 for student members.All of the Board members’ annual reports will be posted on our website. I hope that many will take advantage of our small grants program; applications are due April 1 of each year. Weaward two $2000 grants. Information related to the grant applications may be found on our web site. SNRS alsofunds an American Nurses Foundation (ANF) grant. Information for this funding opportunity is found on our web site.The due date for the ANF application is May 1, 2003. We are the only regional research society to fund a grant for ourmembers through ANF. Please consider nominating a fellow SNRS member for one of our numerous awards. It is a goal of SNRS to honorand recognize our members. It is very sad that we did not have nominations for all of our awards again this year.I encourage you to submit nominations. Additional information about awards is posted on our website and a summaryof available awards is found in this issue of Southern Connections. I look forward to continue serving as your President next year and to working with the new Governing Board. TheGoverning Board members are a highly committed group and together we hope to continue to foster the growth inSNRS while preserving our strong mentoring and scholarly research core. Have an enjoyable spring and send inthose abstracts and award nominations!

Jean McSweeney, President

MESSAGE FROM THESNRS PRESIDENT

One might assume because we areusing distance learning via live telecastwe would not have the closeness affordedin a traditional classroom setting. Thegeographical distance diminishesbecause of our connectedness and thecamaraderie we share. Thisconnectedness provides a foundation formutual respect and trust. Doctoral education is a uniqueexperience filled with challenges that arefrustrating, invigorating, and ultimatelygrowth enhancing. And this is what thiscolumn is all about. It is intended to beour space to share and connect with oneanother as we engage in the spiralprocesses of becoming passionatescholars!

Please contact Becky Bonugli [email protected]

References

Gray, D.P., Grams, K., Kosowski, M.,Dorman, R., Pless, B., Davis, S. & Sims, G.(1997). Spiral processes of becoming:women’s experiences within the context ofdoctoral education. Journal of NursingEducation, 36(2), 60-66.

Heinrich, K. T., Coffin-Romig, N. & Bennett,S. Mid-life doctoral women as passionatescholars: An exploratory study. Paperpresented at the American EducationalResearch Association 1998 Annual Meeting.San Diego, CA: 1998.

Kenty, J. R. (2000). Stress managementstrategies for women doctoral students.Nurse Educator, 25(5), 251 - 254.

van Dongen, C. (1988). The life experienceof the first year doctoral student. NurseEducator, 13(5), 19 -24.

AlabamaLynda Harrison, RN, [email protected]

ArkansasPao-Feng Tsai, [email protected]

FloridaCarolyn B. Yucha, RN, PhD,[email protected]

GeorgiaEunice Bell, PhD, [email protected]

KentuckyRosalie [email protected]

LouisianaYvonne [email protected]

Maryland* Need volunteer. Contact Dr. JoAnne Youngblut [email protected]

MississippiDebra Copeland, RN, [email protected]

North CarolinaJanice K. Janken, RN, [email protected]

OklahomaAnita All, RN, [email protected]

South CarolinaJudith Alexander, RN, [email protected]

TennesseeMargaret Harvey, RN, MSN, [email protected]

TexasBarbara Camune, CNM, WHNP, [email protected]

VirginiaDoris Glick, RN, [email protected]

West VirginiaRoseAnn Dimaria-Ghalili, RN, PhD, [email protected]

STATE LIAISONSThere are 14 states in the Society region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia,and West Virginia. In 1991 the boundaries were expanded to include the Caribbean, Latin America and the Bahamas. Additionally, members who move out of the region sometimes electto remain a member of SNRS. Thus, you will see a State Liaison from Oklahoma. State Liaisons are the first contact for members with suggestions, questions, or concerns. They assistwith member recruitment and follow-up of non-renewing members.

An outstanding annual conference....remarkable and committed service by outgoingBoard members....opportunities for funding....approval of Bylaws changes....duesincrease....opportunities to honor and recognize our members.




The 2003 annual SNRS conferencewas another record-breaking meetingwith 573 registrants–the largest number yetto register for this annual event.The meeting was held at the spaciousRosen Centre in sunny and warm Orlando,Florida. We were welcomed to Orlandoby Dr. Mary Lou Sole, Interim Directorat the host school, University of CentralFlorida. The theme of the conferencewas Research Mentoring. Dr. CorneliaBeck, University of Arkansas, gave thekeynote address, entitled “MixedMetaphors for Mentoring.” Dr. Beckhelped us imagine having alreadyachieved substantial outcomes as a resultof effective mentoring programs andchallenged us to create and enact suchprograms. She also reminded everyonethat mentoring and being mentored arelifelong opportunities. Dr. BeverlyRobinson, University of Texas-San Antonioand Dr. Donna Hathaway, University ofTennessee, Memphis then responded tothe keynote address. Questions from theenthusiastic audience were addressed. Eleven symposia, 96 papers, and over125 posters plus 130 graduate posterswere presented by members of SNRS.Topics crossed the life span from preterminfants to the elderly and included aspectsof health promotion, chronic and acuteillness management and care of the dying.There also were many methodologicalsymposia and papers. For the first timethis year, we had two regular postersessions to allow us to accept moreposters and to allow participants moretime to review them. The posters werealso clustered thematically. The secondresearch ethics presentation was onEmerging Issues in Data Integrity,Management, Safety and Monitoring byDr. Karen Hassey Dow, University ofCentral Florida, and Patrick McNees,Global Health Security Network, Inc.

Once again the program included afunding panel, a roundtable opportunity tomeet the editors, research interest grouproundtables, and an NINR roundtable. Apreconference workshop focused on

“Cultivating Scholarship after the PhD.”SNRS was excited to serve as the host forthe first National Institute of NursingResearch workshop on “Advancing your R01into a Program of Research.” The DoctoralStudent Mentoring Marketplace was veryexciting with four workshops plus a special“Writing a Successful NRSA” workshop thatwas developed by student members.

A NOTE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT:

Putting this program together is an awesomeand complex process. I wish to thank thelocal program committee, particularly, JanicePeterson, chair, and Karen Dow, co-chairand abstract review chair. Maureen Covelliwas responsible for the student posters and

2003 CONFERENCE A HUGE SUCCESSCALL FOR AWARD NOMINATIONS

RECOGNIZE YOUR COLLEAGUES!

The following is a listing of awards given by SNRS, along with a brief description of theaward and due dates for the nomination packet. Complete directions for preparing andsubmitting nomination packets can be found at www.snrs.org

Members are encouraged to participate in the awards process by submitting nominationsof those who are eligible for the various awards. Members may nominate themselves orothers. Though we have many outstanding and accomplished members, each year someawards are not given due to lack of nominations. Please help us bring visibility andrecognition to the achievements of our members!

Hartford Institute Geriatric Nursing Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize the contributions of an individual whoseestablished program of research has enhanced the science and practice of geriatricnursing in the Southern region. The completed nomination packet must be received byOctober 15, 2003.

Award for Research in Minority Health

The purpose of this award is to recognize the contributions of an individual or groupconducting and/or promoting research that has significance for improving the healthcare of minorities and other under-represented groups in the Southern region. Thecompleted nomination packet must be received by September 15, 2003.

Leadership in Research Award

This award is to recognize outstanding leadership, contribution, or promotion of nursingand health care research. This award is bestowed on an intermittent basis at the discretionof the Board of Directors. Nominations may be made at any time.

Distinguished Researcher Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize the contributions of an individual whoseestablished program of research has enhanced the science and practice of nursing inthe Southern region. The completed nomination packet must be received by September15, 2003.

D. Jean Wood Nursing Scholarship Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize the contributions of a researcher who hasenhanced the science and practice of nursing in the Southern region. Candidates forthis award are those who have had their paper or poster abstracts accepted forpresentation at the SNRS annual conference. Completed submissions must be receivedby November 1, 2003.

Glenn Hagerstrom coordinated thehospitality efforts. I also wish to thankall of the abstract reviewers whoworked with them. Finally, I thank theprogram committee which included:Janice Peterson, University of SouthFlorida, Local Planning Chair (LPC);Elizabeth Reifsnider, University ofTexas-San Antonio (past LPC); LindaH. Freeman, University of Louisville(2004 LPC); Carolyn Yucha, Universityof Florida; Joe Burrage, University ofAlabama Birmingham; and MonaNewsome Wicks, University ofTennessee Memphis, members atlarge, and Martina Gallagher,University of Texas-San Antonio,doctoral student member. What anawesome group!Margaret S. Miles, UNC Chapel Hill,

VP, and Chair, Program Committee

Next year’s program will be hosted bythe University of Louisville, in Lousiville,Kentucky. We are very excited by thehotel arrangements and are alreadyworking with the local planningcommittee to make the 2004 meetingeven better (if that is possible). Thanksagain to members of the 2003Conference Local PlanningCommittee: Janice Peterson, Chair,Karen Dow, Maureen Covelli, GlennHagerstrom, Emma Brown, JacqualineByers, Angela Bushy, Patricia Connell,Karen Dennis, Linda Hennig, LygieHolcomb, Jean Kiject, Barbara Lang,Elizabeth Rash, Judith Ruland,Frances Smith, Mary Lou Sole, LindaSperanza and Diane Wink.

Discovery . . .Interaction . . . Online!

SOJNR brings you new researchdiscoveries and insights with electronicease and timeliness. Log on to theSNRS website at http://snrs.org, clickon the SOJNR access link to view ordownload articles. Interact with authorsand SOJNR Editor by Internet. Recenttitles include:

• Issue 1, Vol. 3, 2002

Women’s Experiences During the FirstYear Following Diagnosis of BreastCancer.MA Lyons, SS Jacobson, B Prescott,D Oswalt

• Issue 2, Vol. 3, 2002

Leadership Frames of NursingChairpersons and the OrganizationalClimate in Baccalaureate NursingPrograms. NR Mosser, RT Walls

• Issue 3, Vol. 3, 2002

An Exploratory Study of SupportiveCommunication During Shift Report.MM Hays

• Issue 4, Vol. 3, 2002

Smoking Patterns Among RuralElderly. RC Stotts, CK Smith

• Issue 5, Vol. 3, 2002

Food Choice in the Rural DwellingOlder Adult. S Souter, CS Keller

• Issue 1, Vol. 4, 2003

Gender Differences in Goal Setting forHIV Prevention among CollegeStudents. JE Soet, C DiIorio,W Dudley, TM Woodring

Journal of

ResearchNursing

SouthernOnline

The conference registrationwas a record-breaking 573.Eleven symposia, 96 papers,

and over 125 posters plus 130 graduate posters

were presented bymembers of SNRS.


SPRING 2003 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 1 SPRING 2003 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 1


DISTINGUISHED RESEARCHER AWARDIDENTIFICATION OF DEVELOPMENTAL RISK IN INFANTS

WITH MEDICAL PROBLEMS: A PROGRAM OF RESEARCH

I am pleased to receive the SNRS

Distinguished Researcher Award at aconference whose theme is mentoring.Mentoring was essential to mydevelopment. Joellen Hawkins andCarol Daisy, during my masters programencouraged me to get a doctorate.Consequently, while still in my mastersprogram, I enrolled in a PhD program indevelopmental psychobiology. In mydissertation, using data from EvelynThoman’s Connecticut LongitudinalProject, I first became interested in howthe interactions of premature infants withtheir mothers might affect theirdevelopment. Evelyn also gave me themother-infant systems conceptualframework that I use to guide my studiesto this day. Since joining the faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill, my career has benefitedfrom other mentors and colleagues. Allmy studies have had their origins indiscussions with Sandy Funk.Margarete Sandelowski, my firstcollaborator, provided me with theopportunity to perfect my skills inobserving mother-infant interactions.Most of all, I want to acknowledgeMargaret Miles. Marge has been thebest type of a mentor, one who allowedher role to evolve to that of an equalpartner. With the help of these individuals andothers, my program of research hasfollowed four threads: identifyingparental psychological distress,developing measures of biological risk,predicting developmental outcomes, andimproving developmental outcomes. Ihave explored these threads in differentpopulations of high-risk infants and

particularly in premature infants. Thesethreads are important because about 50%of high-risk preterm infants showdevelopmental problems by school age.However, prediction of outcome forindividuals is currently impossible becausechild development is due to both the child’sneurological competencies and the ongoinginteraction of the child with the socialenvironment. Medically at-risk infants maybe particularly vulnerable to the effects of anunsupportive environment. For example, wefound that cognitive development in infantsof HIV-positive mothers was in the normalrange in the first year of life but decreasedin the second year probably due to poverty.

The major focus of my research is ondeveloping measures of biological risk inpremature infants. I have chosen to examinethe development of sleeping and waking.Sleep and waking require integration ofneuronal populations from the brain stem tothe cerebral cortex. I have conducted twolongitudinal studies to explore the possibilitythat the sleep-wake development may be amarker of brain functioning. In both studies,we used the general linear mixed model tocalculate developmental patterns for each

behavior. The mixed model estimates thegroup developmental patterns plus eachindividual’s deviations in slopes andintercepts from the group pattern in asingle statistic. The predicteddevelopmental patterns were quite similarin the two studies. Another focus of my research programis on identifying parental psychologicaldistress. For example, we found thatmothers of preterm infants have elevateddepressive symptoms and that the levelof depressive symptoms was more closelyrelated to maternal characteristics than toinfant illness severity. Mothers ofpremature infants may also develop post-traumatic stress disorder. When the infantwas 6 months corrected age, mostmothers reported intrusive thoughts,avoiding reminders of the NICU, andheightened arousal, indicated byoverprotection of the infant or generalizedanxiety. Finally, I am interested in predictingdevelopmental outcomes. For example,we found that although parenting isunrelated to development in the first yearin healthy infants, parenting is correlatedwith Bayley Mental DevelopmentInventory in medically fragile infants andthis relationship is stronger for infants withneurological problems. Increasingly, my current and futureresearch is focusing on improving thedevelopmental outcomes of high-riskchildren. In two new studies, I am involvedin testing interventions to improveparenting and thus the developmentaloutcomes of infants. In addition, I am nowon the other side of mentoringrelationships, and my mentees willcontinue to be involved in the future ofnursing science.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

by JERI DUNKIN, Ph.D., RN,

Outgoing At-Large Board Member

SNRS currently has 1195 members. Thetotal membership number is down slightlyfrom last year; however, membership ofstudents has increased over the past 12months, from 28% to 33% of the totalmembership. A survey related to membership benefitswas included in the Fall 2002 newsletter.Those members who returned the surveyindicated that the most important benefitswere the network of research colleagues,followed by the annual conference, andthe web page. The least importantbenefits were discussion groups, themembership brochure, and the reducedsubscription rate to RINAH.

RESEARCH INTEREST GROUPSUPDATE by JENNELL CHARLES, Ph.D.,RN, At-Large Board Member, RIGSCoordinator The Research Interest Groups (RIGs) mettwice during the 2003 Annual Conference.Based on attendance at the RIG meetings,interest lay largely in the substantive areasof: Aging/Gerontology, Perinatal/Neonatal,Family and Parent/Child/Adolescent Health.Methodological areas of greatest interestwere those of Qualitative, Biobehavioral, andResearch in Clinical Settings. Suggestions were made to combine Familywith Parent/Child/Adolescent Health; andStress and Coping with Social Support.Other suggestions included: (a) identify agroup facilitator for each RIG, (b) choose afocus for discussion for each RIG throughoutthe year, (c) develop a list serve of the RIGmembers to facilitate ongoing networkingand dialogue among RIG participants, and(d) invite an expert/nurse leader within eachof the RIG areas to discuss research and

Jean McSweeneyPresident [email protected]

Donna HathawayPresident-elect [email protected]

Suzanne YarbroughVice-President 2003-2005Chair, Program [email protected]

Sharon LockSecretary 2002-2004Nominating Committee [email protected]

Marti RiceTreasurer [email protected]

funding opportunities during the RIGsessions. There is much concern among themembership about the ResearchInterest Groups, with interest inreevaluating the goals, structure, andprocess of the RIGs. I invite you to emailme your suggestions, ideas andconcerns at [email protected] look forward to sharing your feedbackwith the members of the SNRSGoverning Board.

UPDATES ON MEMBERSHIP ANDRESEARCH INTEREST GROUPS

SNRS GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS 2003-2004

Jo Anne YoungblutAt-large 2003-2005Membership ChairState Liaison [email protected]

Jane NeeseAt-large 2003-2005Chair, Communications [email protected]

Judy C. MartinAt-large 2002-2004Awards Committee [email protected]

Jennell CharlesAt-large 2002-2004Research Interest GroupsBy-Laws, Policies & [email protected]

Martha AlligoodArchvist, Chair, Ad Hoc ArchivistCommitteemartha [email protected]

Patty GrayNewsletter [email protected]

Kathy SawinChair, Nominating [email protected]

Barbara HoltzclawEditor, [email protected]

Craig StottsManaging Editor, [email protected]

DIANE HOLDITCH-DAVIS, Ph.D., FAAN

With the help of MargeMiles, Sandy Funk, MargareteSandelowski, Evelyn Thoman

and many others, myprogram of research

has followed four threads:identifying parental psycho-logical distress, developingmeasures of biological risk,

predicting developmentaloutcomes, and improvingdevelopmental outcomes.

Collins (SNRS), Drs. Patricia Grady and Lynn

Amende (NINR) as the members of the

planning committee for the National Nursing

Research Roundtable in 1997. The NINR

State of the Science conferences grew out

of the National Nursing Research

Roundtable activities.

In addition to her activities facilitating

research in SNRS, Dr. Sawin has been

actively involved in promoting research in her

specialty organization, the Association of

Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN). Dr. Sawin has

been the Vice-Chair

and Chair of the

R e h a b i l i t a t i o n

Nursing Foundation

(RNF), the research

arm of ARN. In this

capacity, she

provided leadership

to three research

symposia sponsored

by RNF. She was a member of a task force

which identified research priorities for

rehabilitation nursing. Under her guidance,

RNF also designed a database for research

synthesis and undertook the development of

its first evidence-based guideline which

subsequently was published.

Dr. Sawin has been a leader in the

development of national standards of

practice through both ARN and the American

Nurses Association. Her contributions have

been recognized both by the National

Academies of Practice and the American

Academy of Nursing. Dr. Sawin’s program

of research has addressed adaptation

outcomes in individuals with disabilities or

chronic conditions as well as outcomes of

their families. She has a special interest in

exploring resilience and protective processes

in children, adolescents and women.



LEADERSHIP IN RESEARCH AWARDKATHLEEN SAWIN, DNS, RN, CS, FAAN

Kathleen Sawin, DNS, RN, FAAN,

Associate Professor at Virginia

Commonwealth University, was awarded

the 2003 SNRS Leadership in Research

Award. During her career, she has

provided leadership to the research efforts

of several nursing organizations, most

notably SNRS and the Association of

Rehabilitation Nurses. Additionally, she

has provided leadership through her own

program of research and through the

application of research by facilitating the

development of

n a t i o n a l

standards of

nursing practice.

Dr. Sawin has

served in

n u m e r o u s

capacities within

SNRS. Perhaps

her most lasting

impact was as the Vice President for two

terms (1993-1997). With Dr. Sawin’s

leadership as Program Committee Chair,

the organization moved from an institution

based local planning committee structure

to an organization-wide program planning

committee. Dr. Sawin served with Dr. Beth

5


THE DOCTORAL STUDENT CORNERBY BECKY BONUGLI

Please welcome to the pages ofSouthern Connections a new feature,the Doctoral Student Corner, and itseditor, Becky Bonugli. Ms. Bonulgi, adoctoral student at the University ofTexas Health Sciences Center atSan Antonio says: “This column wasconceived by the Ad HocCommunication Committee with theintent of increasing dialogue amongdoctoral students in SNRS. With this ismind, it is our hope you participate withus in the evolution of this column. Manythanks to Patty Gray for her support,guidance and patience as this projectunfolded.” Perhaps the best way to begin thiscolumn is to ask a question to stimulatethought and dialogue. So here it is: “Justwhat happens to a doctoral student fromthe first day of contemplating taking onthis educational endeavor to the day weall await, the successful defense of ourdissertations?” Yes, this is a loaded question but oneI think is important to consider for severalreasons. First, as a psychiatric clinicalnurse specialist, I believe insight andself-awareness are essential forpersonal growth. Secondly, I am acutelyaware of changes in the way I perceiveand respond to professional andpersonal life experiences directlyattributable to the doctoral educationexperience. Consequently this led me toexplore the literature related to this topic.What I found confirmed what I felt andexperienced but had not articulated andis outlined below. How is the experience of doctoraleducation described? Early studies,done primarily with women, reveal theexperience as having negative impacts

on the lives of the participants. van Dongen’s(1988) qualitative study identified themes ofchange, loss, stress, vulnerability anduncertainty experienced by women duringdoctoral education. A later study focused onstress management strategies for doctoralstudents (Kenty, 2000). A qualitative studyby Gray, Grams, Kosowski, Dorman, Pless,Davis & Sims (1997) explored women’sexperiences of being doctoral students. Theauthors capture the essence of theexperience of being a doctoral student andmetaphorically describe it as the “spiralprocesses of becoming.” The authorsidentify three components of the processes:confidence, support and self-discovery. Thisdescription captures the fluidity of a processcharacterized by numerous paradoxesresulting in growth and expansion of ourawareness affecting all aspects of our lives. Conceptualizing the doctoral experience asa process is significant as the term impliesmovement and change. This movement is

both forward and backward. We have allexperienced success and failure, stress andeuphoria, self-doubt and overwhelming self-confidence during this educationalexperience. How many times you haveasked yourself “Why am I doing this?” onlyto realize how much you would miss theenthusiasm and rush you experience asresearch findings unfold and insights aregained! Are we gluttons for punishment oras Heinrich, Coffin-Romig, Bennett (1998)identified as “passionate scholars”? As we elect to pursue this path, maybe wemust be both gluttons for punishment andpassionate scholars. I qualify the former

when I experience an inordinate amountof stress and run for the chocolate as Iattempt to balance multiple roles andresponsibilities while digesting copiousamounts of thought provoking information!However most of us persevere (with orwithout the support of family, significantothers, friends, peers and faculty) as weprogress through our programs in theprocess of becoming passionate scholars.Self-confidence may wax and wane inresponse to internal and external factors.Who can forget the anticipation and doubtas we went through our interviews andawaited notification of admission? Self-discovery involves growth andthoughtful reflection leading to newinterpretations and meanings in both ourprofessional and personal lives (Gray et.al., 1997). How vividly I recall the dialoguewith my peers regarding feminism orgrappling with questions such as “Is thereonly one truth?” This type of interchangeis challenging and stimulating leading toincreased awareness and growth. Resonating throughout this process isconnectedness. In my cohort, consistingof a culturally diverse group of women, ofvaried ages, and geographicallyseparated from the southernmost tip ofTexas to the northern plains of thepanhandle, there is a very strong feelingof connectedness. I clearly remember thefirst day we met at orientation, allstrangers, and feeling very overwhelmedby what now had become a reality. Wequestioned ourselves as to the wisdomof selecting this path. We were frightenedand at the same time excited. It was onthis day that we made an agreement wewould support one another and finish theprogram. We continue to work towardsthat goal today. Through many ups anddowns, both personal and professional,we remain bonded.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 11)

And how meaningful isa word of praise comingfrom a valued mentor!

Dr. McSweeney and Dr. Sawin

POSTER SESSIONSCENES

Dr. Sawin’s accomplishmentsinclude organizational leader-

ship to promote research,leadership through her

own program of research,and leadership to encourage

application of researchfindings to practice.



HARTFORD INSTITUTE GERIATRIC NURSING AWARDANN L. HORGAS, RN, PH.D

Dr. Ann Horgas has developed a

program of research that she describesas community based and focusing onpain in late life and its relationship tocognitive functioning, physicalfunctioning, and mental health. Her work,largely with elders residing in long–termcare settings, is heavily influenced by hertraining in adult development and agingand lifespan developmental psychology.She goes on to state: “My research is atthe interface of the clinical sciences andthe social and behavioral sciences.” All of Dr. Horgas’ research work hasdirect implications for the care of elderlyadults, particularly concerning issues ofpain and pain management. This is aproblem that affects approximately 75%of the community-dwelling elderlypopulation and has direct implications forquality of life and functioning.Additionally, care providers, especiallythose in nursing homes, often lack the

knowledge and skill to effectivelymanage pain in this vulnerablepopulation. Thus, her recent work hasfocused on developing strategies forassessing pain among elders withcognitive impairment. Although cognitively-impaired eldersverbally report less pain, this may be

largely due to memory losses associated withdementia. To date, there is no scientificevidence to indicate that elders withdementia feel less pain. She emphasizes:“We need better tools to assess pain,including the observation of objective, painbehaviors. This work has implications for painmanagement in other populations of elderswho are less able to verbally report thepresence of pain, such as those with aphasiaor other disorders.” Moreover, Dr. Horgas has been active intranslating her research into educationalexperiences for all levels of health careproviders. She has been directly involved indeveloping training programs to help nursingassistants provide better care to nursinghome residents. She has also engagedstudents across educational levels anddisciplines and helped them to apply skillsand information towards improving care forelderly adults. In summary, Dr. Horgas is committed to

improving the lives of elderly adults—vulnerable and often overlooked membersof our society—by more effectively managingtheir pain, by improving their memory orfunctioning, and by educating their careproviders and the next generation ofresearchers.


BYLAWS CHANGES APPROVEDBY JENNELL CHARLES, AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER,

BYLAWS AND POLICY AND PROCEDURES CHAIR

The following bylaws changes wereapproved at the annual SNRS BusinessMeeting held on Friday, Feb.14, 2003 inOrlando, Florida. The changes includedadding an expanded scope for the bylawscommittee (policy and procedures) andadding a Communications Committee andNewsletter Subcommittee, includingspecification of their responsibilities. Seewww.snrs.org for the complete revisedbylaws.

Change #1: (name change of BylawsCommittee and addition of newCommunications Committee)A. Bylaws and Policy/Procedures CommitteeB. Finance CommitteeC. Nominating CommitteeD. Program Committee, andE. Communication Committee

Change #2: (editorial and expansion ofduties)Article XI: Standing Committees,Section 3. Bylaws and Policy/ProcedureCommittee

7

A. The Bylaws and Policy/ProcedureCommittee shall be composed of a Chair,who is a member-at-large of the governingboard, and two members appointed by theGoverning Board. (includes change in title &rewording of description)

B. The duties of the Bylaws and Policy/Procedure Committee shall be to review theBylaws, policies and procedures of theSociety, prepare requisite amendment, andpresent them to the members for action.(includes change in title and expansion ofduties regarding policies and procedures)

Change #3: (description of duties for newcommittee and subcommittee).Article XI: Standing Committees,Section 7. Communications Committee

A. The SNRS Communications Committeeshall be composed of the Chairperson, whois a member of the Governing Board, fourmembers from general membershipappointed by the Governing Board, onestudent member appointed by the GoverningBoard, the outgoing chairperson of theCommunications Committee, and three ex-officio members (the editor of SOJNR, the

managing editor of SOJNR, and theSouthern Connections Newsletter editor).

B. A subcommittee shall be theNewsletter Subcommittee and shall bechaired by the Newsletter Editor. TheGoverning Board shall appoint theNewsletter Editor. The Newsletter Editormay appoint 2 members to thissubcommittee.

C. The Communications Committee’sresponsibilities shall be to:1. Initiate, develop, evaluate, and revisepolicies and procedures for the SNRSCommunications Committee.2. Recommend and initiate annualchanges to the website on an “as need”basis to the Governing Board.3. Review and recommend issuesrelated to website information and/orweb site design and submit theserecommendations to the President andGoverning Board.4. Evaluate and propose changesnecessary to maintain an efficient andeffective web site.5. Review and recommend any changesin the quantity and content covered inthe Southern Connections newsletter.6. Recommend procedures regardingcost and use of advertisement inSOJNR, the Southern Connectionsnewsletter, and SNRS website.

D. The Newsletter Subcommittee’sresponsibilities shall be to:1. Compile and format information forthe Southern Connections newsletter.2. Submit information to printer.3. Critique and evaluate SouthernConnections newsletter prior to finalprinting.

Pain affects approximately 75% of community dwellingelders and reduces quality of life and functioning.

Pain management knowledge and skills of care providersof the elderly are often inadequate.

Dr. McSweeney, Dr. Horgas and Dr. Martin

Interested in reading more?Selected references from the work ofDr. Ann Horgas:

•Horgas AL. Dunn K. Pain in nursing

home residents: comparison of residents’self report and nursing assistants’perceptions. Journal of GerontologicalNursing 27(3):44-53, 2001.

•Horgas AL. Margrett JA. Measuring

behavioral and mood disruptions innursing home residents using theMinimum Data Set. Outcomes Manage-ment for Nursing Practice. 5(1):28-35,2001.

•Dunn KS. Horgas AL. The prevalence of

prayer as a spiritual self-care modality inelders. Journal of Holistic Nursing.18(4):337-51. 2000.

•Horgas AL. Wilms H. Baltes MM. Daily

life in very old age: everyday activities asexpression of successful living. Geron-tologist. 38(5):556-68, 1998.

•Horgas AL. Tsai P. Analgesic drug

prescription and use in cognitivelyimpaired nursing home residents. NursingResearch. 47(4):235-42, 1998.

•Horgas AL. Prescription drug use and

drug-drug interactions in nursing homes:prevalence, predictors and healthoutcomes. Doctoral dissertation: ThePennsylvania State University. 1992.

•Cohn MD. Horgas AL. Marsiske M.

Behavioral management training fornurse aides: is it effective? Journal ofGerontological Nursing. 16(11):21-5,1990 Nov.



HARTFORD INSTITUTE GERIATRIC NURSING AWARDANN L. HORGAS, RN, PH.D

Dr. Ann Horgas has developed a

program of research that she describesas community based and focusing onpain in late life and its relationship tocognitive functioning, physicalfunctioning, and mental health. Her work,largely with elders residing in long–termcare settings, is heavily influenced by hertraining in adult development and agingand lifespan developmental psychology.She goes on to state: “My research is atthe interface of the clinical sciences andthe social and behavioral sciences.” All of Dr. Horgas’ research work hasdirect implications for the care of elderlyadults, particularly concerning issues ofpain and pain management. This is aproblem that affects approximately 75%of the community-dwelling elderlypopulation and has direct implications forquality of life and functioning.Additionally, care providers, especiallythose in nursing homes, often lack the

knowledge and skill to effectivelymanage pain in this vulnerablepopulation. Thus, her recent work hasfocused on developing strategies forassessing pain among elders withcognitive impairment. Although cognitively-impaired eldersverbally report less pain, this may be

largely due to memory losses associated withdementia. To date, there is no scientificevidence to indicate that elders withdementia feel less pain. She emphasizes:“We need better tools to assess pain,including the observation of objective, painbehaviors. This work has implications for painmanagement in other populations of elderswho are less able to verbally report thepresence of pain, such as those with aphasiaor other disorders.” Moreover, Dr. Horgas has been active intranslating her research into educationalexperiences for all levels of health careproviders. She has been directly involved indeveloping training programs to help nursingassistants provide better care to nursinghome residents. She has also engagedstudents across educational levels anddisciplines and helped them to apply skillsand information towards improving care forelderly adults. In summary, Dr. Horgas is committed to

improving the lives of elderly adults—vulnerable and often overlooked membersof our society—by more effectively managingtheir pain, by improving their memory orfunctioning, and by educating their careproviders and the next generation ofresearchers.


BYLAWS CHANGES APPROVEDBY JENNELL CHARLES, AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER,

BYLAWS AND POLICY AND PROCEDURES CHAIR

The following bylaws changes wereapproved at the annual SNRS BusinessMeeting held on Friday, Feb.14, 2003 inOrlando, Florida. The changes includedadding an expanded scope for the bylawscommittee (policy and procedures) andadding a Communications Committee andNewsletter Subcommittee, includingspecification of their responsibilities. Seewww.snrs.org for the complete revisedbylaws.

Change #1: (name change of BylawsCommittee and addition of newCommunications Committee)A. Bylaws and Policy/Procedures CommitteeB. Finance CommitteeC. Nominating CommitteeD. Program Committee, andE. Communication Committee

Change #2: (editorial and expansion ofduties)Article XI: Standing Committees,Section 3. Bylaws and Policy/ProcedureCommittee

7

A. The Bylaws and Policy/ProcedureCommittee shall be composed of a Chair,who is a member-at-large of the governingboard, and two members appointed by theGoverning Board. (includes change in title &rewording of description)

B. The duties of the Bylaws and Policy/Procedure Committee shall be to review theBylaws, policies and procedures of theSociety, prepare requisite amendment, andpresent them to the members for action.(includes change in title and expansion ofduties regarding policies and procedures)

Change #3: (description of duties for newcommittee and subcommittee).Article XI: Standing Committees,Section 7. Communications Committee

A. The SNRS Communications Committeeshall be composed of the Chairperson, whois a member of the Governing Board, fourmembers from general membershipappointed by the Governing Board, onestudent member appointed by the GoverningBoard, the outgoing chairperson of theCommunications Committee, and three ex-officio members (the editor of SOJNR, the

managing editor of SOJNR, and theSouthern Connections Newsletter editor).

B. A subcommittee shall be theNewsletter Subcommittee and shall bechaired by the Newsletter Editor. TheGoverning Board shall appoint theNewsletter Editor. The Newsletter Editormay appoint 2 members to thissubcommittee.

C. The Communications Committee’sresponsibilities shall be to:1. Initiate, develop, evaluate, and revisepolicies and procedures for the SNRSCommunications Committee.2. Recommend and initiate annualchanges to the website on an “as need”basis to the Governing Board.3. Review and recommend issuesrelated to website information and/orweb site design and submit theserecommendations to the President andGoverning Board.4. Evaluate and propose changesnecessary to maintain an efficient andeffective web site.5. Review and recommend any changesin the quantity and content covered inthe Southern Connections newsletter.6. Recommend procedures regardingcost and use of advertisement inSOJNR, the Southern Connectionsnewsletter, and SNRS website.

D. The Newsletter Subcommittee’sresponsibilities shall be to:1. Compile and format information forthe Southern Connections newsletter.2. Submit information to printer.3. Critique and evaluate SouthernConnections newsletter prior to finalprinting.

Pain affects approximately 75% of community dwellingelders and reduces quality of life and functioning.

Pain management knowledge and skills of care providersof the elderly are often inadequate.

Dr. McSweeney, Dr. Horgas and Dr. Martin

Interested in reading more?Selected references from the work ofDr. Ann Horgas:

•Horgas AL. Dunn K. Pain in nursing

home residents: comparison of residents’self report and nursing assistants’perceptions. Journal of GerontologicalNursing 27(3):44-53, 2001.

•Horgas AL. Margrett JA. Measuring

behavioral and mood disruptions innursing home residents using theMinimum Data Set. Outcomes Manage-ment for Nursing Practice. 5(1):28-35,2001.

•Dunn KS. Horgas AL. The prevalence of

prayer as a spiritual self-care modality inelders. Journal of Holistic Nursing.18(4):337-51. 2000.

•Horgas AL. Wilms H. Baltes MM. Daily

life in very old age: everyday activities asexpression of successful living. Geron-tologist. 38(5):556-68, 1998.

•Horgas AL. Tsai P. Analgesic drug

prescription and use in cognitivelyimpaired nursing home residents. NursingResearch. 47(4):235-42, 1998.

•Horgas AL. Prescription drug use and

drug-drug interactions in nursing homes:prevalence, predictors and healthoutcomes. Doctoral dissertation: ThePennsylvania State University. 1992.

•Cohn MD. Horgas AL. Marsiske M.

Behavioral management training fornurse aides: is it effective? Journal ofGerontological Nursing. 16(11):21-5,1990 Nov.

Collins (SNRS), Drs. Patricia Grady and Lynn

Amende (NINR) as the members of the

planning committee for the National Nursing

Research Roundtable in 1997. The NINR

State of the Science conferences grew out

of the National Nursing Research

Roundtable activities.

In addition to her activities facilitating

research in SNRS, Dr. Sawin has been

actively involved in promoting research in her

specialty organization, the Association of

Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN). Dr. Sawin has

been the Vice-Chair

and Chair of the

R e h a b i l i t a t i o n

Nursing Foundation

(RNF), the research

arm of ARN. In this

capacity, she

provided leadership

to three research

symposia sponsored

by RNF. She was a member of a task force

which identified research priorities for

rehabilitation nursing. Under her guidance,

RNF also designed a database for research

synthesis and undertook the development of

its first evidence-based guideline which

subsequently was published.

Dr. Sawin has been a leader in the

development of national standards of

practice through both ARN and the American

Nurses Association. Her contributions have

been recognized both by the National

Academies of Practice and the American

Academy of Nursing. Dr. Sawin’s program

of research has addressed adaptation

outcomes in individuals with disabilities or

chronic conditions as well as outcomes of

their families. She has a special interest in

exploring resilience and protective processes

in children, adolescents and women.



LEADERSHIP IN RESEARCH AWARDKATHLEEN SAWIN, DNS, RN, CS, FAAN

Kathleen Sawin, DNS, RN, FAAN,

Associate Professor at Virginia

Commonwealth University, was awarded

the 2003 SNRS Leadership in Research

Award. During her career, she has

provided leadership to the research efforts

of several nursing organizations, most

notably SNRS and the Association of

Rehabilitation Nurses. Additionally, she

has provided leadership through her own

program of research and through the

application of research by facilitating the

development of

n a t i o n a l

standards of

nursing practice.

Dr. Sawin has

served in

n u m e r o u s

capacities within

SNRS. Perhaps

her most lasting

impact was as the Vice President for two

terms (1993-1997). With Dr. Sawin’s

leadership as Program Committee Chair,

the organization moved from an institution

based local planning committee structure

to an organization-wide program planning

committee. Dr. Sawin served with Dr. Beth

5


THE DOCTORAL STUDENT CORNERBY BECKY BONUGLI

Please welcome to the pages ofSouthern Connections a new feature,the Doctoral Student Corner, and itseditor, Becky Bonugli. Ms. Bonulgi, adoctoral student at the University ofTexas Health Sciences Center atSan Antonio says: “This column wasconceived by the Ad HocCommunication Committee with theintent of increasing dialogue amongdoctoral students in SNRS. With this ismind, it is our hope you participate withus in the evolution of this column. Manythanks to Patty Gray for her support,guidance and patience as this projectunfolded.” Perhaps the best way to begin thiscolumn is to ask a question to stimulatethought and dialogue. So here it is: “Justwhat happens to a doctoral student fromthe first day of contemplating taking onthis educational endeavor to the day weall await, the successful defense of ourdissertations?” Yes, this is a loaded question but oneI think is important to consider for severalreasons. First, as a psychiatric clinicalnurse specialist, I believe insight andself-awareness are essential forpersonal growth. Secondly, I am acutelyaware of changes in the way I perceiveand respond to professional andpersonal life experiences directlyattributable to the doctoral educationexperience. Consequently this led me toexplore the literature related to this topic.What I found confirmed what I felt andexperienced but had not articulated andis outlined below. How is the experience of doctoraleducation described? Early studies,done primarily with women, reveal theexperience as having negative impacts

on the lives of the participants. van Dongen’s(1988) qualitative study identified themes ofchange, loss, stress, vulnerability anduncertainty experienced by women duringdoctoral education. A later study focused onstress management strategies for doctoralstudents (Kenty, 2000). A qualitative studyby Gray, Grams, Kosowski, Dorman, Pless,Davis & Sims (1997) explored women’sexperiences of being doctoral students. Theauthors capture the essence of theexperience of being a doctoral student andmetaphorically describe it as the “spiralprocesses of becoming.” The authorsidentify three components of the processes:confidence, support and self-discovery. Thisdescription captures the fluidity of a processcharacterized by numerous paradoxesresulting in growth and expansion of ourawareness affecting all aspects of our lives. Conceptualizing the doctoral experience asa process is significant as the term impliesmovement and change. This movement is

both forward and backward. We have allexperienced success and failure, stress andeuphoria, self-doubt and overwhelming self-confidence during this educationalexperience. How many times you haveasked yourself “Why am I doing this?” onlyto realize how much you would miss theenthusiasm and rush you experience asresearch findings unfold and insights aregained! Are we gluttons for punishment oras Heinrich, Coffin-Romig, Bennett (1998)identified as “passionate scholars”? As we elect to pursue this path, maybe wemust be both gluttons for punishment andpassionate scholars. I qualify the former

when I experience an inordinate amountof stress and run for the chocolate as Iattempt to balance multiple roles andresponsibilities while digesting copiousamounts of thought provoking information!However most of us persevere (with orwithout the support of family, significantothers, friends, peers and faculty) as weprogress through our programs in theprocess of becoming passionate scholars.Self-confidence may wax and wane inresponse to internal and external factors.Who can forget the anticipation and doubtas we went through our interviews andawaited notification of admission? Self-discovery involves growth andthoughtful reflection leading to newinterpretations and meanings in both ourprofessional and personal lives (Gray et.al., 1997). How vividly I recall the dialoguewith my peers regarding feminism orgrappling with questions such as “Is thereonly one truth?” This type of interchangeis challenging and stimulating leading toincreased awareness and growth. Resonating throughout this process isconnectedness. In my cohort, consistingof a culturally diverse group of women, ofvaried ages, and geographicallyseparated from the southernmost tip ofTexas to the northern plains of thepanhandle, there is a very strong feelingof connectedness. I clearly remember thefirst day we met at orientation, allstrangers, and feeling very overwhelmedby what now had become a reality. Wequestioned ourselves as to the wisdomof selecting this path. We were frightenedand at the same time excited. It was onthis day that we made an agreement wewould support one another and finish theprogram. We continue to work towardsthat goal today. Through many ups anddowns, both personal and professional,we remain bonded.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 11)

And how meaningful isa word of praise comingfrom a valued mentor!

Dr. McSweeney and Dr. Sawin

POSTER SESSIONSCENES

Dr. Sawin’s accomplishmentsinclude organizational leader-

ship to promote research,leadership through her

own program of research,and leadership to encourage

application of researchfindings to practice.




DISTINGUISHED RESEARCHER AWARDIDENTIFICATION OF DEVELOPMENTAL RISK IN INFANTS

WITH MEDICAL PROBLEMS: A PROGRAM OF RESEARCH

I am pleased to receive the SNRS

Distinguished Researcher Award at aconference whose theme is mentoring.Mentoring was essential to mydevelopment. Joellen Hawkins andCarol Daisy, during my masters programencouraged me to get a doctorate.Consequently, while still in my mastersprogram, I enrolled in a PhD program indevelopmental psychobiology. In mydissertation, using data from EvelynThoman’s Connecticut LongitudinalProject, I first became interested in howthe interactions of premature infants withtheir mothers might affect theirdevelopment. Evelyn also gave me themother-infant systems conceptualframework that I use to guide my studiesto this day. Since joining the faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill, my career has benefitedfrom other mentors and colleagues. Allmy studies have had their origins indiscussions with Sandy Funk.Margarete Sandelowski, my firstcollaborator, provided me with theopportunity to perfect my skills inobserving mother-infant interactions.Most of all, I want to acknowledgeMargaret Miles. Marge has been thebest type of a mentor, one who allowedher role to evolve to that of an equalpartner. With the help of these individuals andothers, my program of research hasfollowed four threads: identifyingparental psychological distress,developing measures of biological risk,predicting developmental outcomes, andimproving developmental outcomes. Ihave explored these threads in differentpopulations of high-risk infants and

particularly in premature infants. Thesethreads are important because about 50%of high-risk preterm infants showdevelopmental problems by school age.However, prediction of outcome forindividuals is currently impossible becausechild development is due to both the child’sneurological competencies and the ongoinginteraction of the child with the socialenvironment. Medically at-risk infants maybe particularly vulnerable to the effects of anunsupportive environment. For example, wefound that cognitive development in infantsof HIV-positive mothers was in the normalrange in the first year of life but decreasedin the second year probably due to poverty.

The major focus of my research is ondeveloping measures of biological risk inpremature infants. I have chosen to examinethe development of sleeping and waking.Sleep and waking require integration ofneuronal populations from the brain stem tothe cerebral cortex. I have conducted twolongitudinal studies to explore the possibilitythat the sleep-wake development may be amarker of brain functioning. In both studies,we used the general linear mixed model tocalculate developmental patterns for each

behavior. The mixed model estimates thegroup developmental patterns plus eachindividual’s deviations in slopes andintercepts from the group pattern in asingle statistic. The predicteddevelopmental patterns were quite similarin the two studies. Another focus of my research programis on identifying parental psychologicaldistress. For example, we found thatmothers of preterm infants have elevateddepressive symptoms and that the levelof depressive symptoms was more closelyrelated to maternal characteristics than toinfant illness severity. Mothers ofpremature infants may also develop post-traumatic stress disorder. When the infantwas 6 months corrected age, mostmothers reported intrusive thoughts,avoiding reminders of the NICU, andheightened arousal, indicated byoverprotection of the infant or generalizedanxiety. Finally, I am interested in predictingdevelopmental outcomes. For example,we found that although parenting isunrelated to development in the first yearin healthy infants, parenting is correlatedwith Bayley Mental DevelopmentInventory in medically fragile infants andthis relationship is stronger for infants withneurological problems. Increasingly, my current and futureresearch is focusing on improving thedevelopmental outcomes of high-riskchildren. In two new studies, I am involvedin testing interventions to improveparenting and thus the developmentaloutcomes of infants. In addition, I am nowon the other side of mentoringrelationships, and my mentees willcontinue to be involved in the future ofnursing science.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

by JERI DUNKIN, Ph.D., RN,

Outgoing At-Large Board Member

SNRS currently has 1195 members. Thetotal membership number is down slightlyfrom last year; however, membership ofstudents has increased over the past 12months, from 28% to 33% of the totalmembership. A survey related to membership benefitswas included in the Fall 2002 newsletter.Those members who returned the surveyindicated that the most important benefitswere the network of research colleagues,followed by the annual conference, andthe web page. The least importantbenefits were discussion groups, themembership brochure, and the reducedsubscription rate to RINAH.

RESEARCH INTEREST GROUPSUPDATE by JENNELL CHARLES, Ph.D.,RN, At-Large Board Member, RIGSCoordinator The Research Interest Groups (RIGs) mettwice during the 2003 Annual Conference.Based on attendance at the RIG meetings,interest lay largely in the substantive areasof: Aging/Gerontology, Perinatal/Neonatal,Family and Parent/Child/Adolescent Health.Methodological areas of greatest interestwere those of Qualitative, Biobehavioral, andResearch in Clinical Settings. Suggestions were made to combine Familywith Parent/Child/Adolescent Health; andStress and Coping with Social Support.Other suggestions included: (a) identify agroup facilitator for each RIG, (b) choose afocus for discussion for each RIG throughoutthe year, (c) develop a list serve of the RIGmembers to facilitate ongoing networkingand dialogue among RIG participants, and(d) invite an expert/nurse leader within eachof the RIG areas to discuss research and

Jean McSweeneyPresident [email protected]

Donna HathawayPresident-elect [email protected]

Suzanne YarbroughVice-President 2003-2005Chair, Program [email protected]

Sharon LockSecretary 2002-2004Nominating Committee [email protected]

Marti RiceTreasurer [email protected]

funding opportunities during the RIGsessions. There is much concern among themembership about the ResearchInterest Groups, with interest inreevaluating the goals, structure, andprocess of the RIGs. I invite you to emailme your suggestions, ideas andconcerns at [email protected] look forward to sharing your feedbackwith the members of the SNRSGoverning Board.

UPDATES ON MEMBERSHIP ANDRESEARCH INTEREST GROUPS

SNRS GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS 2003-2004

Jo Anne YoungblutAt-large 2003-2005Membership ChairState Liaison [email protected]

Jane NeeseAt-large 2003-2005Chair, Communications [email protected]

Judy C. MartinAt-large 2002-2004Awards Committee [email protected]

Jennell CharlesAt-large 2002-2004Research Interest GroupsBy-Laws, Policies & [email protected]

Martha AlligoodArchvist, Chair, Ad Hoc ArchivistCommitteemartha [email protected]

Patty GrayNewsletter [email protected]

Kathy SawinChair, Nominating [email protected]

Barbara HoltzclawEditor, [email protected]

Craig StottsManaging Editor, [email protected]

DIANE HOLDITCH-DAVIS, Ph.D., FAAN

With the help of MargeMiles, Sandy Funk, MargareteSandelowski, Evelyn Thoman

and many others, myprogram of research

has followed four threads:identifying parental psycho-logical distress, developingmeasures of biological risk,

predicting developmentaloutcomes, and improvingdevelopmental outcomes.




The 2003 annual SNRS conferencewas another record-breaking meetingwith 573 registrants–the largest number yetto register for this annual event.The meeting was held at the spaciousRosen Centre in sunny and warm Orlando,Florida. We were welcomed to Orlandoby Dr. Mary Lou Sole, Interim Directorat the host school, University of CentralFlorida. The theme of the conferencewas Research Mentoring. Dr. CorneliaBeck, University of Arkansas, gave thekeynote address, entitled “MixedMetaphors for Mentoring.” Dr. Beckhelped us imagine having alreadyachieved substantial outcomes as a resultof effective mentoring programs andchallenged us to create and enact suchprograms. She also reminded everyonethat mentoring and being mentored arelifelong opportunities. Dr. BeverlyRobinson, University of Texas-San Antonioand Dr. Donna Hathaway, University ofTennessee, Memphis then responded tothe keynote address. Questions from theenthusiastic audience were addressed. Eleven symposia, 96 papers, and over125 posters plus 130 graduate posterswere presented by members of SNRS.Topics crossed the life span from preterminfants to the elderly and included aspectsof health promotion, chronic and acuteillness management and care of the dying.There also were many methodologicalsymposia and papers. For the first timethis year, we had two regular postersessions to allow us to accept moreposters and to allow participants moretime to review them. The posters werealso clustered thematically. The secondresearch ethics presentation was onEmerging Issues in Data Integrity,Management, Safety and Monitoring byDr. Karen Hassey Dow, University ofCentral Florida, and Patrick McNees,Global Health Security Network, Inc.

Once again the program included afunding panel, a roundtable opportunity tomeet the editors, research interest grouproundtables, and an NINR roundtable. Apreconference workshop focused on

“Cultivating Scholarship after the PhD.”SNRS was excited to serve as the host forthe first National Institute of NursingResearch workshop on “Advancing your R01into a Program of Research.” The DoctoralStudent Mentoring Marketplace was veryexciting with four workshops plus a special“Writing a Successful NRSA” workshop thatwas developed by student members.

A NOTE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT:

Putting this program together is an awesomeand complex process. I wish to thank thelocal program committee, particularly, JanicePeterson, chair, and Karen Dow, co-chairand abstract review chair. Maureen Covelliwas responsible for the student posters and

2003 CONFERENCE A HUGE SUCCESSCALL FOR AWARD NOMINATIONS

RECOGNIZE YOUR COLLEAGUES!

The following is a listing of awards given by SNRS, along with a brief description of theaward and due dates for the nomination packet. Complete directions for preparing andsubmitting nomination packets can be found at www.snrs.org

Members are encouraged to participate in the awards process by submitting nominationsof those who are eligible for the various awards. Members may nominate themselves orothers. Though we have many outstanding and accomplished members, each year someawards are not given due to lack of nominations. Please help us bring visibility andrecognition to the achievements of our members!

Hartford Institute Geriatric Nursing Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize the contributions of an individual whoseestablished program of research has enhanced the science and practice of geriatricnursing in the Southern region. The completed nomination packet must be received byOctober 15, 2003.

Award for Research in Minority Health

The purpose of this award is to recognize the contributions of an individual or groupconducting and/or promoting research that has significance for improving the healthcare of minorities and other under-represented groups in the Southern region. Thecompleted nomination packet must be received by September 15, 2003.

Leadership in Research Award

This award is to recognize outstanding leadership, contribution, or promotion of nursingand health care research. This award is bestowed on an intermittent basis at the discretionof the Board of Directors. Nominations may be made at any time.

Distinguished Researcher Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize the contributions of an individual whoseestablished program of research has enhanced the science and practice of nursing inthe Southern region. The completed nomination packet must be received by September15, 2003.

D. Jean Wood Nursing Scholarship Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize the contributions of a researcher who hasenhanced the science and practice of nursing in the Southern region. Candidates forthis award are those who have had their paper or poster abstracts accepted forpresentation at the SNRS annual conference. Completed submissions must be receivedby November 1, 2003.

Glenn Hagerstrom coordinated thehospitality efforts. I also wish to thankall of the abstract reviewers whoworked with them. Finally, I thank theprogram committee which included:Janice Peterson, University of SouthFlorida, Local Planning Chair (LPC);Elizabeth Reifsnider, University ofTexas-San Antonio (past LPC); LindaH. Freeman, University of Louisville(2004 LPC); Carolyn Yucha, Universityof Florida; Joe Burrage, University ofAlabama Birmingham; and MonaNewsome Wicks, University ofTennessee Memphis, members atlarge, and Martina Gallagher,University of Texas-San Antonio,doctoral student member. What anawesome group!Margaret S. Miles, UNC Chapel Hill,

VP, and Chair, Program Committee

Next year’s program will be hosted bythe University of Louisville, in Lousiville,Kentucky. We are very excited by thehotel arrangements and are alreadyworking with the local planningcommittee to make the 2004 meetingeven better (if that is possible). Thanksagain to members of the 2003Conference Local PlanningCommittee: Janice Peterson, Chair,Karen Dow, Maureen Covelli, GlennHagerstrom, Emma Brown, JacqualineByers, Angela Bushy, Patricia Connell,Karen Dennis, Linda Hennig, LygieHolcomb, Jean Kiject, Barbara Lang,Elizabeth Rash, Judith Ruland,Frances Smith, Mary Lou Sole, LindaSperanza and Diane Wink.

Discovery . . .Interaction . . . Online!

SOJNR brings you new researchdiscoveries and insights with electronicease and timeliness. Log on to theSNRS website at http://snrs.org, clickon the SOJNR access link to view ordownload articles. Interact with authorsand SOJNR Editor by Internet. Recenttitles include:

• Issue 1, Vol. 3, 2002

Women’s Experiences During the FirstYear Following Diagnosis of BreastCancer.MA Lyons, SS Jacobson, B Prescott,D Oswalt

• Issue 2, Vol. 3, 2002

Leadership Frames of NursingChairpersons and the OrganizationalClimate in Baccalaureate NursingPrograms. NR Mosser, RT Walls

• Issue 3, Vol. 3, 2002

An Exploratory Study of SupportiveCommunication During Shift Report.MM Hays

• Issue 4, Vol. 3, 2002

Smoking Patterns Among RuralElderly. RC Stotts, CK Smith

• Issue 5, Vol. 3, 2002

Food Choice in the Rural DwellingOlder Adult. S Souter, CS Keller

• Issue 1, Vol. 4, 2003

Gender Differences in Goal Setting forHIV Prevention among CollegeStudents. JE Soet, C DiIorio,W Dudley, TM Woodring

Journal of

ResearchNursing

SouthernOnline

The conference registrationwas a record-breaking 573.Eleven symposia, 96 papers,

and over 125 posters plus 130 graduate posters

were presented bymembers of SNRS.




THE DOCTORAL STUDENT CORNERBY BECKY BONUGLI (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8)

The 17th annual SNRS Conference in Orlando was a huge success with ourlargest attendance ever for an annual conference. We had approximately 573registrants. Dr. Marge Miles and the local planning committee, chaired by Dr. JanPeterson, are to be congratulated for the exceptional conference. I also wish torecognize the contributions of our management team, Dr. Buddy Herrington andhis staff, from University of Texas at Arlington. They did an exceptional job oforganizing the conference. The pilot testing of Power Point for podium presentationswas a success and will be continued at future conferences. I invite you to makeplans to attend and submit abstracts for the next conference to be held in Louisville,Kentucky February 19-21, 2004. The call for abstracts has already been mailedand the abstracts are due May 15, 2003. If you did not receive the abstract forms,please check our web site (www.snrs.org) or contact the University of Texas atArlington, (817) 272-2778, to request the information.

New officers and board members were inducted at the annual conference. Please find the contact information forthe entire Board elsewhere in the Newsletter. Outgoing officers and board members were also recognized. Onbehalf of the SNRS membership, I want to extend our thanks to Drs. Marge Miles, Michele Salisbury, and JeriDuncan for all of their contributions on the board for the previous two years. The membership approved by-laws changes and dues increase at the annual conference. The dues increase willbecome effective on July 1, 2003. The dues will increase to $75 for regular members and to $50 for student members.All of the Board members’ annual reports will be posted on our website. I hope that many will take advantage of our small grants program; applications are due April 1 of each year. Weaward two $2000 grants. Information related to the grant applications may be found on our web site. SNRS alsofunds an American Nurses Foundation (ANF) grant. Information for this funding opportunity is found on our web site.The due date for the ANF application is May 1, 2003. We are the only regional research society to fund a grant for ourmembers through ANF. Please consider nominating a fellow SNRS member for one of our numerous awards. It is a goal of SNRS to honorand recognize our members. It is very sad that we did not have nominations for all of our awards again this year.I encourage you to submit nominations. Additional information about awards is posted on our website and a summaryof available awards is found in this issue of Southern Connections. I look forward to continue serving as your President next year and to working with the new Governing Board. TheGoverning Board members are a highly committed group and together we hope to continue to foster the growth inSNRS while preserving our strong mentoring and scholarly research core. Have an enjoyable spring and send inthose abstracts and award nominations!

Jean McSweeney, President

MESSAGE FROM THESNRS PRESIDENT

One might assume because we areusing distance learning via live telecastwe would not have the closeness affordedin a traditional classroom setting. Thegeographical distance diminishesbecause of our connectedness and thecamaraderie we share. Thisconnectedness provides a foundation formutual respect and trust. Doctoral education is a uniqueexperience filled with challenges that arefrustrating, invigorating, and ultimatelygrowth enhancing. And this is what thiscolumn is all about. It is intended to beour space to share and connect with oneanother as we engage in the spiralprocesses of becoming passionatescholars!

Please contact Becky Bonugli [email protected]

References

Gray, D.P., Grams, K., Kosowski, M.,Dorman, R., Pless, B., Davis, S. & Sims, G.(1997). Spiral processes of becoming:women’s experiences within the context ofdoctoral education. Journal of NursingEducation, 36(2), 60-66.

Heinrich, K. T., Coffin-Romig, N. & Bennett,S. Mid-life doctoral women as passionatescholars: An exploratory study. Paperpresented at the American EducationalResearch Association 1998 Annual Meeting.San Diego, CA: 1998.

Kenty, J. R. (2000). Stress managementstrategies for women doctoral students.Nurse Educator, 25(5), 251 - 254.

van Dongen, C. (1988). The life experienceof the first year doctoral student. NurseEducator, 13(5), 19 -24.

AlabamaLynda Harrison, RN, [email protected]

ArkansasPao-Feng Tsai, [email protected]

FloridaCarolyn B. Yucha, RN, PhD,[email protected]

GeorgiaEunice Bell, PhD, [email protected]

KentuckyRosalie [email protected]

LouisianaYvonne [email protected]

Maryland* Need volunteer. Contact Dr. JoAnne Youngblut [email protected]

MississippiDebra Copeland, RN, [email protected]

North CarolinaJanice K. Janken, RN, [email protected]

OklahomaAnita All, RN, [email protected]

South CarolinaJudith Alexander, RN, [email protected]

TennesseeMargaret Harvey, RN, MSN, [email protected]

TexasBarbara Camune, CNM, WHNP, [email protected]

VirginiaDoris Glick, RN, [email protected]

West VirginiaRoseAnn Dimaria-Ghalili, RN, PhD, [email protected]

STATE LIAISONSThere are 14 states in the Society region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia,and West Virginia. In 1991 the boundaries were expanded to include the Caribbean, Latin America and the Bahamas. Additionally, members who move out of the region sometimes electto remain a member of SNRS. Thus, you will see a State Liaison from Oklahoma. State Liaisons are the first contact for members with suggestions, questions, or concerns. They assistwith member recruitment and follow-up of non-renewing members.

An outstanding annual conference....remarkable and committed service by outgoingBoard members....opportunities for funding....approval of Bylaws changes....duesincrease....opportunities to honor and recognize our members.

our novice researchers. This year, thecompetition was intense and resulted in fiveawards. Two honorable mention awardswere given: one to Vicki Bingham from theUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham for herposter, “Spirituality: a part of familymanagement styles for Parkinson patientsand their families,” and one to SusanRasmussen from the University of NorthCarolina at Chapel Hill for her poster,“Adherence to protocol: Delivering the rightdose.” The third place poster award (and aprize of $50) was given to a second-timeposter winner, Stewart Bond from UNCChapel Hill, for his poster, “A comparison ofdelirium in hospitalized older cancer and non-cancer patients.” The $75 second prize wasgiven to Cathy Dunn, Belmont UniversitySchool of Nursing, for her poster entitled“Initial perceptions of quality of life in assistedliving.” The first place poster award and a$100 prize were won by Leah Bailiff,University of Louisville, for her poster,“Cerebral blood flow and pain in two pre-terminfants.” Congratulations to these graduatestudents as they demonstrate excellenceearly in their research careers!



The formal recognition of theresearch accomplishments andachievements of the members of theSouthern Nursing Research Society isone of the highlights of the annualconference. This year, the Board ofSNRS was delighted to make severalawards. First, Dr. Diane Holditch-Davis,Professor at the University of NorthCarolina at Chapel Hill, received theDistinguished Researcher Award foroutstanding contributions to ourunderstanding of preterm infants and tothe scientific basis for good nursing careof our smallest citizens. The contributionsof Dr. Ann Horgas, Professor at theUniversity of Florida, to the field ofgerontological nursing were recognizedas she was awarded the HartfordInstitute’s Geriatric Nursing Award. Dr.Kathleen Sawin, Associate Professor atVirginia Commonwealth University inRichmond received the Leadership inResearch Award. The work of each ofthese individuals leading to these awardsis described in this issue of SouthernConnections. The D. Jean Wood NursingScholarship Award was given to Dr.Charlotte Ward-Larson, AssociateProfessor at Union University inTennessee, for her conference paper,“The efficacy of facilitated sucking forrelieving procedural pain of endotrachealsuctioning in very low birth weightinfants.” Congratulations to each ofthese researchers for their notableachievements and contributions! The graduate poster session providesanother opportunity to recognize theefforts of the Society’s newest members–

2003 SNRS Award Highlights

SPRING 2003 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

2003 SNRS Award Highlights............... 1

Message from the President................... 2

2003 Conference Highlights................... 3

Distinguished Researcher Award..............4

Poster Session Scenes............................. 5

Leadership in Research Award................ 5

Hartford Institute Geriatric NursingAward.................................................... 6

Bylaws Changes Approved..................... 7

The Doctoral Student Corner................. 8(Continued on page 11)

SNRS Membership Update, ResearchInterest Group...................................... 9

SNRS Governing Board Members.......... 9

Articles Published in SOJNR ............... 10

Call for Awards.................................... 10

State Liaisons....................................... 11

SOJNR Call for Manuscripts............... 12

Southern Nursing Research Society

The University of Alabama

College of Continuing Studies

Box 870388

Tuscaloosa, Al 35487-0388

1-877-314-7677

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT 8GORDO, AL

This newsletter is published triannually by the Southern Nursing Research Society,The University of Alabama, College of Continuing Studies, Box 870388, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0388

(205) 348-6225, Toll Free (877) 314-7677, E-mail [email protected], Web site http://www.snrs.orgPlease duplicate and distribute for your nursing research colleagues.

FROM THE EDITORWe hope you will enjoy this issue ofSouthern Connections. We are beginning aneffort to update Southern Connection’s“look” through a variety of design features.This post-conference issue focuses onaward winners and reports from our annualmeeting in Orlando. We also are excited towelcome the first installment of The DoctoralStudent Corner. The newsletter will beposted on the SNRS web site as well asdelivered in hard copy to members. We areinterested in your feedback about this dualdistribution plan. Please send comments,suggestions and feedback on this issue ofSouthern Connections to Patty Gray, Editor([email protected]).

Journal of

ResearchNursing

SouthernOnline

Southern Online Journal of Nursing ResearchCall for Manuscripts

Research reports related to the knowledge base and practice of nursing are invited. Articles dealing with instrumenta-tion and methodology are also sought. Listed in CINAHL, accessible to all at SNRS website. Author guidelines andexamples of format are found at http://snrs.org/members/author-information.html

Submit manuscripts or inquiries to:

Barbara J. Holtzclaw, PhD, RN, FAAN, Editor,Southern Online Journal of Nursing Research,

School of Nursing, University of TexasHealth Science Center at San Antonio

Phone 405-321-8543, FAX: 405-573-0980.E-mail: [email protected]

Mail: 4009 Harrogate Drive, Norman, OK 73072

Awards for graduate posters would notbe possible without the efforts ofreviewers. This year’s reviewers, ledby Dr. Debra Wallace, included:Dr. Inez Tuck, Dr. Muriel Rice,Dr. Pamela Ark, Dr. Martha Tingen,Dr. Martha Alligood, Dr. Lou Gramling,Dr. Lazelle Benefield, Dr. Lynne Halland Dr. Kathy Kolar. Tellers were Ms.Patricia Crane and Dr. Susan Letvak.Thanks to each of these individuals fortheir time and effort.

Documents

SPRING 2003 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 1 Southern Connections