In just a few days 28 baccalaureate degree students will graduate from the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing (IVMSON) and will enter the world of professional nursing. We are proud of all that these students accomplished during their time at IVMSON and look forward to following their future suc-cesses. Saturday’s commencement is particularly special to us as we will graduate our first class of Accelerated Second Degree BSN students. We are excited about the progress of our programs and congratulate all of our graduates. With Christmas quickly approaching, I want to thank our students, faculty, staff and alumni for con-tinuing to perpetuate Mrs. Moffett’s vision. During this special time of year, it is my hope that they know just how much they are appreciated for all that they do. In this issue of The Pulse, you will read about some of their recent service projects, but these are only a glimpse of the incredible work that is being done in communities across the country by individuals with a Moffett Nurse connection. As I read the quote above, it reminds me of the real reason for the Christmas Season. That is, God CARED so much for each of us that He sent His Son to earth to die for our sins so that we might be saved and have eternal life. I pray that you and your family take time to remember the Christmas story as documented in Matthew (chapters 1 and 2) and Luke (chapters 1 and 2) during this holiday season. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from

their sins.” Matthew 1: 21 As the year 2010 comes to a close and we reflect on the many accomplishments achieved during the year, we are reminded of how God has blessed and continues to bless the IVMSON – our students, faculty, staff, and programs. I want to thank you for your prayers, service, and gifts that are integral to our continued success. We appreciate all you have done to help us become the school that we are today. I hope that you will continue to support the IVMSON in 2011. May you have a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year,

Nena F. Sanders, DSN, RN Ralph W. Beeson Dean and Professor

Message from the Dean: The Golden Thread

In This Issue:

Give the gift

of education In Her Words:

Jessica Rogers and Paige Taylor

IVMSON to

graduate first cohort of ASD students

Students vol-

unteer at Thanksgiving lunch

SUANS elects

officers Faculty volun-

teer at Full Live Ahead camp

The Pulse

“Caring is the shining thread of gold that holds together the tapestry of life." Mrs. Ida V. Moffett

Follow Us Online!

To stay up to date on IVMSON news between issues of The Pulse, be sure to follow us on our social media sites!

IVMSON E-NEWSLETTER December 2010

Give the Gift of Education—IVMSON Holiday Cards

Seniors Present Capstone Projects

Graduating seniors in the baccalaureate programs presented their Capstone Projects on December 9 at Princeton Baptist Medical Center. Congratulations to Lindsey English, Briggs Macon, Jessica Rogers , Melissa Lockhart, Julie Loftin and Ashley Piper; their project, “Nurse Work Overload and Adverse Patient Outcomes” was honored with the first place award.

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Message inside: A generous donation has been made in your

honor to the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing at Samford University.

May peace, joy, hope and love be yours during

this Christmas season and throughout the new year.

Does someone on your holiday list still have you stumped? Not quite sure what to buy this year? Give the gift of education by making a donation in honor of a friend, colleague or family member. Contact Katie Stripling at 205-726-2265 or kstripli@samford.edu for details.

Message inside: A generous donation has been made in your

honor to the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing at Samford University.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with abundant blessings

Lindsey English, Briggs Macon, Jessica Rogers and Melissa Lockhart

Reminder: Commencement is

Saturday, December 18

at 10 a.m. in the Wright Center

I came to the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing as a transfer student two and a half years ago, and I was not very sure what to expect during my time in the program. As with any move and transition in life, there were multiple uncertainties and doubts that seemed to linger in my mind. However, looking back at my time at the IVMSON, I can whole heartedly say that my choice to be a part of this exceptional program was the best decision I could have made. The faculty and staff have gone above and beyond to make me feel like an integral part of this program, and they have truly become like family to me. The difference between IVM-SON and another program is not only the interactive learning style in the classroom setting, but how the faculty and staff get to know the students personally. To them, a student is not just a name in a grade book, but a unique individual with talents and ambitions. They go out of their way to help out the students in any way that they can in and outside of the classroom. The curriculum at the IVMSON is exceptional and exceeds expectations, and I have seen how the excellent reputation of IVMSON exists within the institutions around the Birmingham

area. Samford graduates of the IVMSON have a reputation for being very professional and exceptionally prepared nurses, and I can truly say that I feel like I will be able to carry out that reputation as I move to the next phase of my life.

The most important aspect of the IVMSON is their emphasis on the power of caring. It is more than appro-

priate that the nursing school building is named “The Center for Healing Arts,” because everything that is taught at the IVMSON encompasses the idea of holistic nursing care for patients. To the faculty, staff, and students at the IVMSON, patients are not just bodies, but a unique and specially made person with a soul who is made in the like-ness of God that deserves respect and dignity. The curriculum encompasses the idea that nursing is not merely a job, but it is a profession in which it is an honor to care and serve those in need. In every course of the curriculum, stu-dents are challenged to care for different populations of individuals, pushing them to step outside their comfort zones to serve others of all backgrounds.

In the words of Ida V. Moffett, R.N., “Compassion means taking action. Compassion means that we will

take some of a patient’s burden on ourselves. Compassion means extra effort, attention to the invisible need as well as the obvious one… Compassion means a willingness to transfer some of our own comfort and convenience to one in need.” Ida V. Moffett’s legacy of compassion and caring lives on through the IVMSON within the hearts of every faculty, staff, and student, and will continue throughout the years. This program teaches that caring for patients will require self sacrifice and personal inconvenience in order to make someone else’s situation better. Through my experience, I feel that no matter what hardships I have to go through as a nurse, if I am able to show the love of Christ to someone through my compassion and mercy towards them, then I have done my job of service well to the glory of God. Each individual faculty member and every clinical experience that I have encountered during my ex-perience at the IVMSON have placed a solid foundation of compassion and caring that I will take with me through-out my entire life as a nurse and as a human being.

The IVMSON has been such an integral part of my life for the past 2 ½ years, and I feel so incredibly blessed to have been able to be a part of this program. Graduating from this stellar program is somewhat of a bittersweet experience—I am leaving behind such wonderful times and memories, but I know that I am more than prepared for the road of life ahead of me. To me, the IVMSON is not just a school of nursing, but rare academic setting that strives to prepare individuals to care for patients at the highest level of compassion possible, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. It really has been a home for me during the past 2 ½ years. There is something truly unique and special about the IVMSON, and I challenge anyone to see for themselves by becoming a part of this pro-gram. After being a part of the IVMSON, I feel like I am not only a better nurse from being here, but a more well- rounded, sincere, and compassionate person from being a part of this program.

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In Her Words: Jessica Rogers, BSN 2010

IVMSON E-NEWSLETTER December 2010

Jessica will graduate on Saturday, December 18th. She will begin the Internship program at UAB Hospital in January. Congratulations Jessica!

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Nina McLain, CRNA, PhD recently presented lectures at the ALANA Fall meeting entitled "Anesthesia In Remote Locations: Leaving the OR Behind" and "Mission or M*A*S*H, You Can Make a Difference!" John Lundeen recently received the inaugural Emerging Leader in Nursing Award from the University of West Alabama. The award was established to recognize graduates from the Ira D. Pruitt School of Nursing who have dem-onstrated excellence or leadership in the nursing profession. Lundeen re-ceived the award during University of West Alabama Homecoming festivities. Dr. Gretchen McDaniel and Dr. Sharron Schlosser will present “DNP Cap-stone Projects: Pathways to evidence-based clinical excellence" at AACN's 2011 Doctoral Education Conference in San Diego, CA. Dr. Sharron Schlosser and Dr. Jennifer Coleman recently received recertifi-cation as Certified Nurse Educators.

Marilyn Swindle, DNP 2010, recently accepted a position as the Chief Clinical Officer of Kindred Health-care. Lyndsey Smitherman, CRNA, MSN, 2010, lectured on "Perioperative Beta Blockers” at the ALANA Fall

meeting.

ACCOLADES, HONORS, AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS—ALUMNI

IVMSON E-NEWSLETTER December 2010

ACCOLADES, HONORS, AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS—FACULTY AND STAFF

SUANS ELECTS NEW OFFICERS FOR 2011

President: Bryan Wimbish Vice President: Callie Davis Secretary: Caroline Kirkner

Public Relations: Hannah Wilhoite Community Service: Courtney Hammaker

Historian: Cindy Spiker Chaplain: Aaron Emmons

Congratulations to the 2011 Officers of the

Samford University Association of Nursing Students (SUANS)

Nina McLain

John Lundeen

IVMSON to Graduate First Class of Accelerated Second Degree Students

IVMSON E-NEWSLETTER December 2010

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Pictured Right: Graduating Seniors Rae Smith,

Aubrey Stoner McClendon, Christina Elliott, Ra-

chel Cunningham, Meredith Rutledge, Amanda

Falk, Catie Calus, Paige Taylor, Ka’Trevia Kirk,

Markay Ramsey and Chaitali Patel.

On Saturday December 18, IVMSON will celebrate the graduation of its first class of accelerated baccalaureate students. These students completed a 15 month (4 semester) program to earn their Bachelors of Science in Nursing. The rigorous program has attracted students from several states who wish to pursue a nursing career. All students in the program hold a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing; some of the fields repre-sented include business, biology, biochemistry, psychology and nutrition. The accelerated program is under the direction of Dr. Janet Alexander. The second cohort of students began in August 2010 and will graduate in December 2011. Applications for the class entering in Fall 2011 will be accepted until February 15. Application materials and deadlines are available online at http://nursing.samford.edu.

“As a Christian school, Samford faculty encourages students to

practice nursing with compassion and respect and to be com-

mitted to our patients.”

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IVMSON E-NEWSLETTER December 2010

In Her Words: Paige Taylor

As I reflect on the 15 months that I have spent at Samford University, I can

honestly say that there is a positive and significant difference in both my ca-

pabilities and my perspectives of what is required of a registered nurse. Not

only has Samford educated me on how to be an RN, but it has also molded

my attitudes and beliefs as to what is truly required in this profession.

As a Christian school, Samford faculty encourages students to practice nursing with compassion and

respect and to be committed to our patients. We were taught in all courses to look beyond what de-

fines a patient socially, religiously, or economically and to focus on the greater task at hand, caring for

the patient. We learned the importance of protecting our patients’ health, safety and rights.

We have learned that as nurses we must remember that not only do we owe our patients the highest

level of care, but we also must remember to care for ourselves. This does not necessarily imply only

the physical aspect, but in other areas as well. Samford has encouraged us to nurture our minds by

encouraging us to continue our education beyond the university, both professionally and academically.

We are instructed to not only take accountability for ourselves and our patients, but also for the

health care organization where we are employed. This was extremely evident in many of the commu-

nity settings, which required us to provide quality care to patients whether or not the usual resources

were available.

After spending this time at Samford, it is impossible for me not to desire to continue to seek profes-

sional advancement. By being leaders and role models to their students, the faculty has set an excel-

lent example of how education and knowledge development can bring about personal and professional

growth. I honestly believe that the education I have been provided is the most significant contributing

factor to the nurse that I will be in practice, and because of this, I am extremely grateful to Samford

University for giving me this opportunity.

Paige is a part of the inaugural class of Accelerated Second Degree BSN students and she will graduate on Saturday, December 18. Congratulations Paige!

Faculty Volunteer at Full Life Ahead Camp

IVMSON E-NEWSLETTER December 2010

Faculty members Dr. Jill Cunningham and Belinda Isley recently served as volunteer nurses at the Full Life Ahead camp at Children’s Harbor at Lake Martin. The camp is a retreat for families with children, youth or young adults with developmental disabilities. It is fully handicap accessible and counselors spend one on one time with chil-dren and young adults while their parents attend lectures and educational seminars on various topics. According to their website, the Full Life Ahead Foundation exists to “infect” individuals with disAbilities and their families and communities with Hope. The hope to live the life of their choice. Hope to dream and to use your own unique gifts to succeed. We find ways through our HOPE network to open doors of opportunity to live and work in your own community making it possible to live a life that is FULL of choices! For more information please visit http://www.fulllifeahead.org/.

On Tuesday, November 23 IVMSON students served more than 200 mental health consumers from Bryce Hospital, Piper Place, and Jefferson Blount Community Mental Health Center. After finishing their classes students took time before their holiday to ensure that this vulnerable population could enjoy a Thanksgiving meal and program. According to Judith Vinzant, IVMSON associate professor, all of the community volunteers and agency directors were absolutely impressed and could not say enough about how outstanding the students were. These students truly represented the ideals of IVMSON and Samford University. Vinzant said that the students were a true reflec-tion of Mrs. Moffett’s belief that “compassion means taking action even at the sacrifice of one’s own convenience and comfort.” Students participating in the project included Joanna Haas, Natalie Murphy, Alyssa Vanderslice, Courtney Ham-maker, Cindy Spiker, Caroline Kirkner, Samantha Bridges, Irene Cantu, Andie Mears, Kelly Miles, Cole Hallman, Keaten Reves, Katelyn Nolen, and Brian Wimbish. In another project, facilitated by SUANS, twenty IVMSON students gathered to make blankets for babies in the

NICU at St. Vincent’s hospital. The project was coordinated by Misty Emmons, and the group made 39 blankets.

Students Participate in Holiday Service Projects

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If you have any student, fac-ulty, or alumni awards, presen-tations, conferences, scholar-

ships, photographs or any other announcements, etc.

that you would like posted in the next edition of The Pulse,

please send them to kstripli@samford.edu or call 205-726-2265

...to all who participated in providing information for this newsletter.

“Caring is the shining thread of gold that holds together the tapestry of life.” Mrs. Ida V. Moffett

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SPECIAL THANKS Share Your News!

December 17: Pinning, Reid Chapel, 1 p.m. December 18: Com-mencement December 23-31: Univer-sity Closed for Christmas Holidays

NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Important Dates

Remember to Follow Us!

Katie Stripling kstripli@samford.edu 205-726-2265

800 Lakeshore Drive

Birmingham, AL 35229

Phone: 205-726-2872

http://nursing.samford.edu

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

IVMSON wishes you

and your family a

blessed holiday season

filled with peace,

hope and love.

As 2010 comes to a close, we invite you to celebrate a year of blessings and suc-cess by making a gift online. Your gift

will help prepare the next Moffett Nurses and it may be designated to the fund of your choice—scholarships, pro-

grams, simulation, etc. Visit http://www.samford.edu/giving/nursing.aspx

for a detailed IVMSON “Wish List.” Thank you for your consideration!