t has been another amazing year atAugustana in the Department of Nursing.Major projects have included the

ongoing integration of simulation and the QSEN(Quality and Safety Education for Nursing)competencies into the undergraduatecurriculum and graduation of our first Master’s-prepared Clinical Nurse Leaders. Changes haveincluded faculty comings and goings. Wewelcomed new faculty members PatriciaWaltman, Jean Herrmann, and Karla Abbott andreturning faculty Mary Isaacson after a fallsemester leave. We’ve had the joyousopportunity this spring to celebrate with MaryIsaacson the completion of a PhD from IndianaUniversity. We also welcome Mary Nelson to an80%+ position to continue teaching in thedepartment. You will read more about all ofthese happenings elsewhere in the newsletter.Noreen Reding has resigned her position withthe department to move with husband Dick toBemidji, Minnesota. And yes, I am still here foranother stint as department chair. How couldlife in retirement be any better than workingwith the wonderful students and colleagues

SUMMER 2009

I

DEP

AR

TMEN

TO

FN

UR

SIN

G

NEWSLETTER

AUGUSTANACOLLEGE

SIOUX FALLS, SD57197

www.augie.edu

GREETINGS FROM THE DEPARTMENT CHAIR

here at Augie? Well perhaps one day soon I willbe able to answer that.

We continue with the launching of ourMaster’s in Nursing program, Clinical NurseLeader track. We also continue to dream andplan for the renovation and expansion of GilbertScience Center, enhance our collaboration withnursing programs in Norway (four studentscoming from two Norwegian university collegesfor the fall semester) and other internationalsites, and expand service learning opportunitiesfor students and faculty.

How can you stay connected with us?

• Come for homecoming—or any other time for that matter.

• Consider returning to Augie as a faculty member to join a creative and energetic group of colleagues, committed to excellent preparation of undergraduate and graduate students.

ary successfullydefended herdissertation on March

23rd, 2009, at IndianaUniversity School of Nursing.Her dissertation, The Paradoxof Respect and Risk: Six LakotaAdolescents Speak, centeredon Lakota adolescents’personal stories. Her hope isto continue her collaborativework with members of the PineRidge reservation, focusing oninterventions to decrease high-risk behaviors among Lakota adolescents. Thephoto above was taken at the official graduationevent on May 10, 2009.

M

KUDOS TO DR. MARY ISAACSON

As if a PhD were notenough, Mary was alsohonored with the EmilyHolmquist Award from theIndiana University School ofNursing Alumni in April. Her“significant achievementsand outstandingcontributions to the field ofnursing along with herpotential for continued

excellence in nursingeducation and her strongcommitment to the field of

nursing academic practice” were noted as thebasis for this prestigious recognition.

continue article on page 2

Dr. Daniel Pesut, Associate Dean GraduatePrograms, Dr. Melinda Swenson,

Dissertation Advisor, and Dr. Mary Isaacson

2 AUGUSTANA COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT CHAIRcontinued…

A search is beginning for a new tenure-track faculty member to begin in the fall of 2010.Help us advertise this position.

• Contribute to our quest for nationally premier status ideas.We invite your input toward renovating and expanding Gilbert Science Center, enhancing program offerings, and fully equipping our classrooms and labs. At the top of our wish list are additional simulation manikins and additional new classroom tables and chairs. Your ideas and financial gifts are always appreciated.

• Send students our way by encouraging them to consider Augustana’s nursing program with a superb track record of completing the major in four years, passing the NCLEX, and finding excellent positions across the country.

We all look forward to your visits,your cards, and your emails; so do stay in touch!

Best regards,

Margot L. Nelson, Department Chair

t’s a first for South Dakota! Thefirst “Clinical Nurse Leaders” inSouth Dakota are completing

their Master’s-level preparation in thesummer of 2009, receiving their degreesfrom Augustana. The Clinical NurseLeader (CNL) is a new graduate nursingrole that has evolved in response to thewidespread emphasis on quality andsafety in healthcare. The CNL programarose from a national initiative launchedby a partnership between leaders innursing education and nursing practice.There are more than 102 nursing

education programs and 211 practiceorganizations engaged in providingnursing clinical expertise at the point ofcare; and as of January 2009, there wereover 600 certified Clinical Nurse Leadersin the nation.

Augustana College Department ofNursing and South Dakota StateUniversity College of Nursing workedtogether to develop a nursing curriculumto provide the necessary knowledge andskills for CNL practice. The CNL isprepared for leadership in increasinglycomplex care systems. The Clinical NurseLeader program of study preparesgraduates who:

• Can provide clinical leadership in all health care settings;

I• Will contribute to assuring patient-

centered and population-specific healthcare;

• Will implement outcomes-based practice and quality improvement strategies;

• Will engage in intra- and interdisciplinary clinical practice,contributing to the profession at their full scope of education and ability; and

• Will create and manage microsystems of care that will be responsive to the health care needs of individuals and families (American Association of Colleges of Nursing,2007).

Augustana and SDSU havecollaborated with Avera McKennanHospital and University Health Center,Sanford USD Medical Center, Rapid CityRegional Health System, and the SiouxFalls Veterans Administration Hospital indeveloping the CNL curriculum and inimplementing the clinical courses androle responsibilities of the CNL. Graduatenursing student responses to theprogram have been positive andproductive, with the new role of the CNLevolving and contributing to the qualityof care in participating care settings.Following are students’ insights andreflections about the program and therole:

Student Perspectives

The program seemed to meet my needs perfectly from the start. I love acute care,and the CNL program meant work at aMaster’s level that would benefit patients inthe acute care setting. I would not need tochange positions—just grow in [my]current role.

I had a great desire to [pursue graduate education], but I just wasn’t finding a”fit.”… I also realize that there is a need forclinical expertise at the point of care in anyarea of nursing.

THE CLINICAL NURSE LEADER:A NEW ROLE FOR NURSING & HEALTHCARE

Continued on page 3

First CNLs in the region

Standing L to R: Erica DeBoer, Sanford USDMedical Center and Jill Rye, Avera McKennan

Hospital and University Health Center.

Seated L to R: Janet Liefeld, Sanford Luverne, MN,and Linda March, Avera McKennan Hospital and

University Health Center

NURSING TENURE-TRACKFACULTY POSITION OPENING

See full job description at:www.augie.edu/admin/human_res/

Send inquiries and applications to:Margot L. Nelson, PhD, RN, CNLDepartment of NursingAugustana College2001 S. Summit Ave.Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57197

Phone: 605.274.4721Email: margot.nelson@augie.edu

CLINICAL NURSE LEADERcontinued…

Prior to the CNL program, Master’s-prepared nurses were [typically] in clinicsettings…away from “the bedside”…This program is a great way to focus onpatient outcomes, evidence-basedpractice and quality.

How has their practice changed in the course of the program?

I am able to identify the needs of the [patient care] unit and apply bestpractices. The program has helped us toevaluate the research and determine thebest course of action to benefit ourpatients. We have implemented severalpractice changes in our interdisciplinaryteams that have had a positive impact[on patient care].

The CNL program has opened my eyes to something bigger than I have known[and given me] the tools to apply

knowledge in my workplace to createbetter environments of care for patientsand staff.

Why would you encourage others to choose the CNL program?

The CNL program will take you wherever you want to go! It is flexible and able toprovide you with the knowledge to makea difference, no matter where yourexpertise lies…We have the opportunityto advance and support the art [andscience] of nursing, which will continue toassist nurses in providing the bestpossible care to patients.

Historically, [nurses with graduate preparation] have left the bedside…When they leave, their expert knowledgeand experience is taken with them. Weneed those talented individuals to stay atthe bedside…and utilize evidence-basedpractice to positively influence change.

The program is a great way to rekindle your passion for nursing!

Summary

The Clinical Nurse Leader is a new role that provides opportunities for nursesto pursue development of leadershipskills and clinical expertise while at thesame time contributing to theexcellence of care in their health caresettings. Through their courage andinitiative, the first CNL graduates arepioneering the role and helping tomore fully define and demonstrate itscontribution. The development of therole and the educational programnationally and regionally has created awin-win relationship betweeneducation and practice. The CNL rolemodels the innovative collaborationbetween nursing education andnursing practice that is essential fornursing to realize its potential toinfluence quality of care at the point ofcare.

3AUGUSTANA COLLEGE

For more information visit our website at www.augie.edu.

4 AUGUSTANA COLLEGE

NEW FACULTY IN THE NURSING DEPARTMENT

Three new faculty joined thedepartment in the fall, JeanHerrmann, Mary Nelson and

Patricia Waltman, and another in thespring, Karla Abbott.

Karla Abbott earned her BSN atMichigan State and her MA fromAugustana College. She team teachescommunity health nursing and public

health science. Karlais an enrolledmember of theCheyenne Sioux Tribeat Eagle Butte, SouthDakota, is a memberof the South DakotaUrban Indian HealthBoard the board of

the Multi-Cultural Center in Sioux Falls,and serves on the South Dakota LutheranSynod Diversity Committee. She has 15years of experience caring for cardiac andpulmonary patients at Avera McKennanHospital.

TJean Herrmann, CNRN, holds a BA

degree from Augustana College and aMSN in educationfrom RegisUniversity, Denver,CO. She teachesnursing therapeuticsand medicalterminology andassists with seniorinternships. Jeancame to Augustana

with 17 years of experience working withneurosurgeon Dr.Wilson Asfora and has aspecial interest in the area of deep brainstimulation.

Mary Nelson is a graduate of SDSUwhere she earned aBSN degree. She isenrolled in theMaster’s program innursing education atRegis University,Denver, CO. Maryteam teaches in thesenior level adult

health nursing course with Lynn Whiteand also offered the NCLEX review coursewith Dr. Jacqueline Howell. Mary has 15years of nursing experience in a variety ofadult health areas, including the surgicalrenal unit at Sanford USD Medical Center.

Patricia Waltman earned an ADN and aBSN from Presentation College inAberdeen, South Dakota and is currentlyenrolled in the Clinical Nurse Leaderprogram atAugustana. Patriciateam teachescommunity healthand does clinical atthe Sioux FallsCatholic andLutheran schoolsand the VeteransAdministration Hospital in Sioux Falls.Patricia has worked as a medical nurse atAvera St Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, atthe Visiting Nurses Association in SiouxFalls, and most recently for the Sioux FallsSchool District as a school nurse.

he Augustana College, Department of Nursing invitesapplications for a tenure-track assistant professor withresponsibilities in the undergraduate and graduate

nursing programs. Augustana College promotes a dynamiclearning environment where faculty of differing backgroundscan successfully pursue their academic goals. The nursingfaculty believes that a high quality education integrates nursingwith the liberal arts and is their mission. The primaryresponsibilities are in the following areas:

• Grant Writing

• Research

• Teaching in the Clinical Nurse Leader Graduate Program

• Conducting a Feasibility Study for a Doctor of NursingPractice Program

This tenure-track faculty member is expected to be aneffective educator, a mentor for faculty, an active researcher

(publishing in journals), skilled at grant writing and aparticipating member of the college, professional, and localcommunities. The candidate will be evaluated on previousteaching experience along with leadership and organizationalskills, effective interpersonal and collaboration skills and thepotential for scholarly productivity in his/her area of expertise.

Candidate Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Nursing or a related field required

• Expertise in nursing practice, leadership, research and grant writing

• Teaching experience in baccalaureate and/or graduate nursing education required

• Additional desirable areas of expertise: gerontology,nursing informatics, healthcare policy and administration

T

AUGUSTANA COLLEGELOOKING FOR AN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR,TENURE-TRACK

BEGINNING AUGUST 2010

5AUGUSTANA COLLEGE

Mary Jo Kreitzer, PhD, RN, class of1973, is founder and director of theUniversity of Minnesota’s Center forSpirituality and Healing whose purpose isto “enrich health and well-being byproviding high-quality interdisciplinaryeducation, conducting rigorous research,and delivering innovative programs thatadvance integrative health and healing.”

Among her many scholarly andleadership endeavors, Mary Jo is currently

the co-principalinvestigatorof several NIHand BlueCross/BlueShield grants,including a 5-year $2.1millionclinical trial ofmindfulnessmeditationwith solidorgan

transplant patients, a clinical trial to studythe impact of an integrated residentialtreatment program on women witheating disorders, an evaluation of mind-body interventions for caregivers ofAlzheimer’s patients, and a grant tointegrate research and education inComplementary and Alternative Medicine(CAM).

Mary Jo has become a leading voicefor integrative health care, for expandingthe research evidence related tointegrative healing methods, forincorporating CAM approaches intointerdisciplinary health professionaleducation, and for transforming the UShealthcare system to embrace the scienceof health as well as the science of disease.Because of her reputation as a championand expert in holistic views of health, shewas invited to testify before theCommittee on Health, Education, Labor,and Pensions in Washington, D.C. inFebruary. For those of you interested inknowing more about her testimony, hereis the internet link to the hearing, chairedby Senator Barbara Mikulski:http://help.senate.gov/Hearings/2009_02_23/2009_02_23.html?zbrandid=4262&zi.

Dr. Kreitzer’s testimony beginsapproximately 53 minutes into thehearing.

Two Sioux Falls nursing alumnae wereawarded top honors in their field at the2009 YWCA Tribute to Women in April.This year the YWCA celebrated 36 years ofrecognizing women’s contributions to thecivic, economic, educational, and culturalof the Sioux Falls community.

Kristine Kreiter O’Connell, class of1979, was recognized for hercontributions to Government and Law.She is theseniorfemaleattorneyand partnerin the lawfirm ofWoodsFullerSchultz andSmith andwasselected as the Attorney of the Year by theWomen in Law organization at the USDLaw School. Kris often serves as a mentorand coach for new lawyers, drawing uponher experience as a critical care nurse. Sheserves as the attorney for the SouthDakota Board of Nursing.

June Peterson Larson, class of 1975,was recognized for her contributions toEducation. June is currently Assistant

Dean of theSchool ofHealthSciencesand formerChair of theNursingDepartmentat theUniversityof SouthDakota(USD). Herrecognitionidentified

her as an advocate for the nursingprofession and as instrumental in

AUGUSTANA ALUMNAE HONORS

securing a substantial federal grant toprovide nursing education to students inremote rural areas and to integrateculturally appropriate materialsthroughout the curriculum. She has beena leader in state and national nursingadvisory groups, including the SouthDakota Board of Nursing and the NationalLeague for Nursing (NLN). June led USD’sDepartment of Nursing in its designationas an NLN Center of Excellence forcreating environments that enhancestudent learning and professionaldevelopment.

Major General Linda Hemminger,class of 1974, retired from a celebratedcareer in the U.S. Air Force this summer.She most recently served as mobilizationassistant tothe DeputySurgeonGeneral atBolling AirForce Basein theDistrict ofColumbia.Her nursingeducationafterAugustanaincludedearning a Family Nurse Practitionercertificate, MSN from University ofNebraska Medical Center, and AD inHealth Care Administration from DesMoines Area Community College. Duringher military service, she received severalhonors, including the DistinguishedService Medal, Defense Superior ServiceMedal, Legion of Merit, MeritoriousService Medal with oak leaf cluster, andAir Force Commendation Medal with twooak leaf clusters.

Major General Hemminger’s daughter,Livia Fisher, will begin the clinical coursesin the nursing major at Augustana this fall.

6 AUGUSTANA COLLEGE

he focus of Community Health ison the nurse-community processin care of families, groups, and

communities. Cultural diversity andsocially relevant issues interconnectedwith health are also explored in relation toquality of life from the communityperspective.

Students in the Community Healthcourse have a variety of clinicalexperiences provided throughpartnerships between communityagencies and the department of nursing.“Special Populations”partners include theCenter of Hope, DakotAbilities, GoodShepherd Center, Urban Indian Health,Lutheran Social Services,The Center forActive Generations, and Volunteers ofAmerica-Joe Foss Daycare. Partners forthe school health experience includeSioux Falls Public School District, SiouxFalls Catholic Schools, and Sioux FallsLutheran Elementary Schools. In additionto these experiences, the departmentresponded to several requests from

T

COMMUNITY HEALTH UPDATESINCLUDE SIMULATION

community entities for assistance withhealth screenings, flu shot clinics, andhealth education/promotion. Studentsprovided service to Capital Card Services,Citibank, and the Augustana Women’sWalk. These partnerships have providedstudents with a diverse background forcommunity health practice. We arepleased to announce a new partnershipwith the Veteran’s Administration (VA) inSioux Falls, beginning this fall.

A new component of the course wasintegration of a Community BioterrorismSimulation scenario created by PatriciaWaltman and Lynde Rainboth. Thesimulation setting was designed as aschool health office and students were toimplement the comprehensive publichealth responses to a bioterrorism threat.A poster presentation for the BioterrorismSimulation was shared during the JuneNEDDS (Nursing Education Deans andDirectors of South Dakota) faculty retreatin Mitchell, SD.

GALAXY NURSING AT ST. HALO HOSPITAL

s part of a conference for middleschool and high school girls,Professors Isaacson, Rainboth and

Abbott created an innovative workshop,Galaxy Nursing at St. Halo Hospital. The“hands on”opportunity was designed tohighlightnursing as afuture career.Studentparticipantslearned basicuse of astethoscope,how tofunction as ateam, culturalelements ofcare for an illpatient, and application of criticalthinking skills. The EYH (Expanding YourHorizons) Conference, held in Pierre inApril, was designed to encourageadolescent girls to pursue careers in the

Asciences, math or technology.

Following their workshop debut, thepresenters from Augustana’s NursingDepartment were invited by the regionalcoordinator of GEARUP (Gaining EarlyAwareness and Readiness for

UndergraduatePrograms) to sharetheir presentationin Rapid City.GEARUP isdesigned toincrease thenumber ofAmerican Indianstudents preparedto enter andsucceed inpostsecondary

education, and this second conferenceemphasized both the sciences andhumanities. Galaxy was presented tonearly 200 male and female high schoolstudents in Rapid City in July.

Nursing FacultyReceive Service-Learning Grants

Professors Mary Isaacson andVickie Reiff were the recipients ofservice-learning grants for the fallsemester 2009. Dr. Isaacson’s$1,000 grant will be used fornursing students’ immersionactivities and travel to Pine Ridgeto complete school healthscreenings.

Professor Reiff received twogrants. One $1,000 grant will beused in conjunction with nursingstudents’ experience in Pine Ridgeto offer child birth educationclasses, which she will coordinatewith Augustana nursing alumnaand certified nurse mid-wife,Mandy Younger Hill (2004).Professor Reiff’s second grant for$1,000 will be for the purchase of amobile data projector which willbe used in her course, Nursing 324:Health Assessment. Nursingstudents enrolled in this course willprovide health promotion classesto elders at Bethany Meadows inBrandon, SD.

7AUGUSTANA COLLEGE

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

International Nursing Student Exchange Continues with Norway

nternational nursing studentexperiences continue to developat Augustana. Student exchanges,

faculty collaboration, presentations, andmeeting with the US ambassador werehighlights of the year. In August 2008, tenNorwegian senior nursing students andone graduate nursing student arrived atthe Sioux Falls airport from twoUniversities in Norway, Bodø UniversityCollege and Høgskolen Diakonova inOlso. They were welcomed by faculty,staff and senior nursing student mentors,Johanna Gronewold and HeatherWeiszhaar.

Norwegian students participated in anorientation course, coordinated by

Professor Pamela Schroeder, prior to thebeginning of the fall semester. Theyvisited clinical agencies to introduce themto similarities and differences between USand Norwegian health care, andprofessional nursing roles. They wereoriented to the Quality and SafetyEducation for Nurses (QSEN—see earlierdiscussion) competencies of patient-centered care, teamwork andcollaboration, evidence-based practice,quality improvement, safety, andinformatics. Students were especiallyintrigued with the differences betweenprivatized and universal healthcarebenefits. Professor Vickie Reiff provided acomprehensive health assessmentseminar focused on refining the students’health assessment skills, since in-depthphysical assessment is not included in theNorwegian nursing scope of practice.

Upon successful completion of aclinical simulation for skillvalidation, each student receiveda QSEN card to serve as a“passport into clinical practice.” Aseminar focusing on theAmerican Indian populationprovided opportunities forcomparing Norway’s Sami peoplewith American Indians. Several studentsthen traveled with Nursing Professor KarlaAbbott to the Cheyenne River Reservationwhere they experienced a Pow Wow,traditional foods, music and a Peace PipeCeremony.

A highlight of the fall semester was avisit by Professors Wenche Sørfonden, Lars

Westvig and HelgaFinstad from BodøUniversity College.They attended classes,visited their students inclinical areas, and gavepresentations onchronic illness andnursing research fornursing students andfaculty. They leftAugustana feeling verypositively about theirstudents’experiencesat Augustana and were

particularly impressed with the students’involvement in clinical simulation.Conversations between Augustana andBodø faculty will continue regardingvisiting professor opportunities andcollaborative research projects.

A trip to Norway in January allowedPamela Schroeder and other collegecolleagues to evaluate the nursing studentexchange experiences and to discussfuture opportunities for students. Pam,along with Michael Nitz, Coordinator ofNorwegian Studies and Donn Grinager,International Director, made presentationsto faculty and students at TelemarkUniversity College in Porsgrunn;Høgskolen Diakonova in Olso; BodøUniversity College, University of Stavanger,and Stord/Haugesund University Collegein Stord. The international students whoattended Augustana during the fall

semester and the Augustana seniornursing students who completed nursingleadership experiences in Norway duringJanuary 2009 reflected that they “had tripsof a lifetime that changed our lives andprovided us with a better understandingof nursing and health care. We encourageother students to be involved in thisimmersion experience.” We welcomedfour students from Bodø and Hedmark,Norway in August.

I

Professors Wenche Sørfonden & Lars Westvig

Nursing Leadership Practicum in the Dominica Republic

n another part of the world, foursenior students, Katelyn Ley,Morgan Sonstegard, Malory

Eichman, and Erika Wolner, participated ina mission trip to the Dominica Republicfor their clinical leadership experience inJanuary, accompanied by nursing facultymember Vickie Reiff. They were part of a14-member team sponsored byVolunteers in Medical Missions (VIMM).The team may not have completely“roughed it,”but they did sleep in bunkbeds with eight in a room and onerestroom in a hostel-type setting in SanJuan. The base also had a small clinicwhere surgeries were performed 16hours/day by a surgical team fromAtlanta, Georgia.

Each day the group embarked to adifferent village in need of medicalattention. Although the countryside wasastonishingly beautiful with rolling hillsand large palm trees, the villages were

small and very poor with rocky roads andsmall wood or cinderblock shacks forhomes. Clinics were often set up in achurch or abandoned building. Hundredsof people, many looking extremely

malnourished, stoodpatiently all dayawaiting care.Toddlers had swollenbellies, some fromworms and othersfrom malnutrition, andmost adults wereliterally skin andbones. One of themost challenging dayswas at the villages ofBatey Seis and SantaMaria because thesecommunities hadpopulations of bothHaitians andDominicans, requiring translation not onlyinto Spanish but also French and Creole.

Students quickly engaged in care atthe triage station, the pharmacy,deworming and vitamin station, and inassisting the clinicians. They realized the

need for education and initiated anarrangement whereby each patient wouldbe counseled by one of the studentsbefore leaving the pharmacy to ensureunderstanding of directions for takingtheir medications. They were quick toimprovise in finding solutions for care inan austere setting with minimal supplies.

For example, in caring for a young manwho was burned by scalding liquid spilledonto his foot, they applied ophthalmicantibiotic gel to his wound prior to thedressing.

The most common ailments were pain,parasites, and high blood pressure. Other

cases included burns, openwounds, rare skindisorders, and metastaticcancers. The group did seea suspected case of leprosyin a woman who had theflattening facial features ofa lion, a classic symptom ofthe disease. Anotherhealth concern in thevillages was the number ofpregnant fourteen year oldgirls who often already hadone or two babies.

On the last night of thetrip, the group stayed atthe Barcelo Capella Hotel.They met on the beach toshare their individualexperiences. It was evidentthat all were moved in

various ways and many madecommitments for future mission trips. Themission ended in the way it did each nightat the Guest House – with prayers andthanksgiving for the opportunity to serve.

I

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

8 AUGUSTANA COLLEGE

Hi Alums!It has been another very exciting year!

Working with both our Augustana nursingstudents and the international studentsfrom Norway continues to be veryenergizing and rewarding. It has beenvery exciting to be involved in developingglobal educational opportunities for ourstudents. I continue to teach both in boththe junior and senior levels includingPathophysiology, Adult Health Nursingtheory/clinical, Interdisciplinary PalliativeCare, Leadership and Nursing Internships.As QSEN project director, it has been veryrewarding to be actively involved inintegrating clinical simulations into ournursing curriculum and be able tocontinue with further developments inPhase III as a QSEN Facilitator. Summerhas been a wonderful time to enjoyvarious activities and vacations with our

family and friends. I hope that many ofyou will return to the Augustana for VikingDays and visits throughout the year.

~Pam Schroeder

Greetings Alums!This has been an exciting and

interesting academic year, beginning inthe fall with a degree completion leave.While on leave, I actually did write andcomplete the bulk of my dissertation,while at the same time leading a service-learning trip to Pine Ridge and loading theN451 (Leadership) course into the onlineplatform called “Moodle.”Along with 4 senior community healthnursing students, I traveled to thereservation over fall break where thestudents quickly immersed themselvesinto the Lakota culture by visiting with

and listening to families on thereservation. Students Christa Fishel, DarcyHaas, Brendon Groen and Denise Phillipalso received hands-on instruction in thecreation of dream catchers and porcupinequill bracelets. The students concludedtheir visit by completing school healthscreenings on over 60 students in the RedShirt School.

Over interim, I traveled back to thereservation with two senior nursingstudents for the N451 Leadership course.Megan Gulden and Bethany Fleischhackercompleted their 80 hour practicum at theIndian Health Service facility in Pine Ridge.During their off time, Bethany and Megan

Continued on page 10

9AUGUSTANA COLLEGE

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

Interim 2009: Nursing Leadership Within the Arctic Circle

ever bad weather only badclothes.” Senior nursing studentsDarcy Haas, Johanna Gronewold

and Heather Weiszhaar learned how thisstatement applies to Norwegian healthcare as they helped manage a clinical caseof hypothermia. It was part of theirnursing leadership course at BodøUniversity College. Professor WencheSørfonden supervised the students’experiences with the assistance ofProfessors Lars Westvig, Helga Finstad andthe Norwegian Air Force.

Throughout the four-week leadershipand cultural experience in January 2009,the students learned about similaritiesand differences between the Americanand Norwegian healthcare systems with aprimary focus upon the culturalimplications for nursing leadership andquality patient care. They provided carefor individuals across the lifespan invarious health care agencies in NordlandCounty. Primary healthcare, healthpromotion and wellness activities wereclearly evident as the most important

elements in the Norwegian health system,contrary to the emphasis on high-techacute care in the US. Althoughcommunication was “one of the mostsignificant barriers,”the students notedthe importance of “being in-tune to thepatient’s body language and other formsof nonverbal communication”to assesspatient needs. The Norwegian nurses alsoencouraged the students to sing to thepatients and involve them in various “sing-along”activities to develop trust.

The students, along with visitingfaculty Pamela Schroeder and Michael Nitzfrom Augustana were able to experiencea“breath from the Tuvsjyen / SaltstraumenNorwegian Stoneage,”the site of Norway’sfirst settlement. They engaged in theunique cultural practices of those firstsettlers through demonstrations andstory-telling, were treated to a traditionalNorwegian meal, and watched the“Northern lights dance across the sky.”

The hypothermia clinical experiencewas a highlight of the students’ leadershipcourse at Bodø University College. After

donning appropriate clothing and hikingseveral miles, the students and NursingProfessor Lars Westvig set up camp,secured water, cut firewood, and prepareda tasty meal including whale meat. Theyendured an overnight campingexperience as the temperature dropped tominus 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Early thenext day they effectively managed ahypothermia clinical case.

Another unique aspect of winter inNorway was the lack of daylight (only 4hours of “winter twilight”), since Bodø islocated above the Arctic Circle.Participating in the Norwegian healthcaresystem left a lasting impression upon thestudents. Darcy, Heather and Johannaagreed that their experiences werewonderful and that they hope to return toNorway again. As they watched thePresidential Inauguration in Norway andon “You-Tube,”they remarked,“We werevery proud to be Americans andAugustana nursing students in Norway! “

N“

GREETINGS FROM THE FACULTY

10 AUGUSTANA COLLEGE Continued on page 11

attended immersion activities at the PineRidge Retreat Center, gaining a greaterappreciation for and a fullerunderstanding of the Lakota culture.Teaching assignments for the comingyear bring changes once again. I will leadthe N450 (Research) course and also co-teach a Capstone leadership course withShelly Gardner from the BusinessDepartment. Interim will be N451 (and thereservation) and spring will be N352, ChildHealth Nursing.

~Mary Isaacson

Dear Alums:We have completed another

stimulating year of study and service.Congratulations to all who have written toinform us of your acceptance into thegraduate programs of your choice. I knowyou will do us proud. I attended a NursingEducation Deans & Directors (NEDDS)faculty retreat at Dakota WesleyanUniversity in Mitchell. Dr. Gayle Preheimfrom Colorado was the keynote speaker. Iappreciated the opportunity to keep upon the cutting edge of the latest trends innursing education. Janell Christenson andI enjoyed having the internationalstudents in our behavioral health nursingcourses last fall. They enjoyed their tour ofour state-of-the-art Behavioral HealthHospital. I’ve been at Serendipity, myTudor cottage in the historic district forten years now, so am busy with necessarymaintenance and restoration chores. Itook a summer jaunt to Missouri andArkansas this summer, to take in summertheatre and musical productions, picnic,and appreciate southern comforts likegrits and sweet potato pie. Don’t forget tostop by GSC for a chat if you are in thearea!

~Karen Fritz

Greetings Alumni and Students! I’m privileged and excited to begin my

4th year as a faculty member here atAugustana. I am keeping busy in theSimulation lab, as well as with teachingAdult Health II and Pharmacology. Thissummer, I taught the first offering ofPharmacology Online. I am fortunate tohold a joint appointment with Avera

Quality and SafetyEducation Initiative-Augustana Selectedfor Phase III

The Robert Wood JohnsonFoundation (RWJ) demonstrated acontinued commitment to nursingeducation and clinical practice byfunding QSEN (Quality and SafetyEducation for Nurses) Phase III. Twogrants totaling $4.2 million willsupport innovative projects aimedat preparing nurses to continuallyimprove quality and safety ofpatient care. The grants are beingadministered by The University ofNorth Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)and the American Association ofCollege of Nursing (AACN).

Assistant Professor PamelaSchroeder was invited to serve asone of the thirty QSEN Phase IIIfacilitators. In June she attendedthe initial Phase III conference inPortland, Maine, focused oncurricular materials and teachingstrategies for regional facultydevelopment conferences. Duringone of the work sessions, she waspleased to be able to collaboratewith another facilitator andAugustana nursing alum, ProfessorMary Blegen, University ofCalifornia-San Francisco.

The QSEN III goals are threefold.The first goal is continuedinnovation and dissemination ofmethods to develop studentknowledge, skills and attitudes inthe six Institute of Medicine (IOM) /QSEN competencies. Second,faculty expertise will be developedto facilitate the learning andassessment of quality and safetycompetencies in all types ofnursing programs. Third,mechanisms will be developed tosustain the changes throughtextbook content, accreditationand certification standards,licensure exams and continuedcompetency requirements.

McKennan as a Simulation Specialist,which allows me to work with both newgraduates and experienced nursing staffin the arena of simulation and practice. Ialso continue to work for the Avera BoneMarrow Transplant Program as a ClinicalNurse Specialist.

This summer I’ve enjoyed spendingtime with my family – my husband Jeff,and daughter Shayla (9), sewing andreading. The long summer days alwayspass too fast, but I’m looking forward togetting back into the routine of class andclinical. I love to hear from alumni –please let me know how you are doing!

~Lynn White

Greetings Alums!I have now completed my second

academic year and I still love every minuteof it. Our wonderful students continue toamaze me with their professionalism anddrive to excellence in the classroom,clinical experiences, and labs. I again wasblessed to teach the Introduction toProfessional Nursing, MedicalTerminology, coordinate the skills lab andco-coordinate the simulation lab. Havingthe ability to be a part of all coursessophomore through senior year has beenan enriching and honored experience. Inaddition to my faculty responsibilities, Ihave been working slowly towards mydoctorate at South Dakota StateUniversity. Over the summer I have trulyenjoyed playing and keeping up with mythree young children. I wish you all thebest.

~Lynde Rainboth

Greetings Alums!It has been another exciting year and

another year of wonderful nursingstudents! They have far exceeded ourexpectations in regards to the NCLEX passrate. Unfortunately, many are stillsearching for employment in this time ofeconomic crisis. Please keep them in yourthoughts and prayers.

I continue to teach at both the Juniorand Senior levels including HealthAssessment and Nutrition and Maternaland Reproductive Health. As a CertifiedNurse Midwife, my passion is the area ofWomen’s Health and also service to thoseless fortunate. As part of our Nursing

FROM THE FACULTYcontinued…

I am very proud of you and seeing theamazing NCLEX results that reflect yourhard work and dedication. Blessings toyou all. If you are in the GSC area-pleasestop in!

~Patricia Waltman

Leadership course I took four Seniornursing students to the DominicaRepublic with the Volunteers in MedicalMissions (VIMM).

This summer I worked for Avera as aCNM. Not only do I get to experience themiracle of birth, but I have been workingalongside a few Augustana grads. Ofcourse, they are the best on the unit!!

~Vickie Reiff

Greetings to all Augie nursing alumni.As my second year of teaching Nursing

Therapeutics approaches, I am filled withexcitement and trepidation. We areconstantly striving to update skills andsimulation labs for students. This past yearthrough utilization of simulationmannequins, students were able todevelop their assessment skills, gainconfidence with performance skills anddevelop problem solving capabilitiesthrough scenarios with patient interviews,providing technical skills and problemsolving with a diabetic patient in ahyperglycemic state.

During second semester I had theopportunity to enjoy and work with astudent group taking an online MedicalTerminology course, a junior clinical groupon a surgical floor and seven seniorstudents completing hospital internships.The growth observed in our hard workingand dedicated Augie nursing students isinspiring and heart warming.

On a personal note, I graduated fromAugustana in 1974 with my BAN and fromRegis University, Denver, Colorado inSpring 2008 with an MSN in Nursing andEducation. My husand Tom and I haveraised four children with the last twograduating from college this past year. Forfun I continue to work on a limited basiswith Dr.Wilson Asfora, Neurosurgeon,programming deep brain stimulators. Inaddition I worked with Sanford VisitingNurses this summer honing my ownpersonal skills and increasing thatknowledge base. All the new changes intechnology that can be delivered in thehome are amazing. On that note I wishyou all a blessed year and hope to see youat Homecoming.

~Jean Herrmann 11AUGUSTANA COLLEGE

FROM THE FACULTYcontinued…

Hello AlumsI completed my first year with

Augustana College teaching CommunityHealth and taking students on clinicals tothe schools and guiding them throughspecial populations and family visits. I alsoparticipated in the InterdisciplinaryPalliative Care Seminars. It was a learningexperience for me and I can truly say that Ilearned a great deal from many of you! Iwill continue to teach at the senior level inCommunity Health again and assist withIPC Seminar. I am excited to venture intothe VA system this coming year with thestudents and am working on a variety ofclinical sites for the Community Healthclinical experience.

On a personal note I am continuing mydegree completion and will be veryexcited when that is done! I was able toget away to the Bahamas with myhusband to celebrate our 15th weddinganniversary-no my children did notaccompany us! We did also take them ontheir mini-vacation-I guess they needsome fun too! I was busy being the driverto all the baseball, softball, soccer, and golfevents during the summer.

HOW ARE YOU DOING?Family…work…grad school…

we’d love to hear about you!

karla.abbott@augie.edudebbie.anderson@augie.edu

karen.fritz@augie.edujean.herrmann@augie.edumary.isaacson@augie.edumary.moline@augie.edu

margot.nelson@augie.edumary.nelson@augie.edu

melynda.rainboth@augie.eduvickie.reiff@augie.edu

pamela.schroeder@augie.edupatricia.waltman@augie.edu

lynn.white@augie.edu

www.augie.edu

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSIOUX FALLS

SOUTH DAKOTAPERMIT NO. 5

As alumni of Augustana’s nursingprograms, you are the very bestambassadors for the college. Pleasecontinue to share the Augustana storywith prospective students and faculty,and contact us if there are individualswith whom you would like us to havecorrespondence. We appreciate yourongoing support and connection!

So that we don’t lose touch with you,please let us know when you have achange of address. Call us at605.274.4721 or contact any of thefaculty and staff via email.Or write to us at:

Augustana CollegeDepartment of Nursing2001 S. SummitSioux Falls, SD 57197

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

he Augustana Symposium, like theancient meeting recorded by Plato,is a collegial gathering intended to

foster the investigation and discussion ofimportant matters. The structure of theSymposium emulates a traditionalacademic conference, and Augustanastudents are invited to present theiroriginal research on any topic in thisforum.” As one of the newer Augustanatraditions, the Augustana Symposiumprovides a forum for student scholarship,as reflected in the quotation from itsmission above.

Alan E. Guttmacher, Acting Director ofthe National Human Genome ResearchInstitute provided the keynote address,The Human Genome Project: Why all theFuss? Guttmacher’s address was a fittingcelebration of the 55th anniversary ofWatson and Crick’s publication of themolecular structure of DNA. Seniornursing majors and graduate students

T“ were among the 70 student presenters atthe symposium this past spring andincluded those listed below (with theirfaculty sponsors in parentheses)

Morgan Sonstegard & Megan Gulden,senior undergraduate students,“Learningto Appreciate Diversity ThroughExperimental Immersion Experiences”(Mary Isaacson & Vickie Reiff)

Megan Jerke & Megan Gulden, seniorundergraduate students,“Evidence-BasedPractice Recommendations for thePrevention of Thromboembolism in AdultPatients”(Margot Nelson)

Jessica Limke & Brandy Schug, seniorundergraduate students,“ZAP the VAP(Ventilator Acquired Pneumonia)”(MargotNelson)

NURSING STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN AUGUSTANA SYMPOSIUM

Erica DeBoer, graduate student, “SurvivingSepsis by Influencing Early Identificationand Goal Directed Therapy Protocols”(Margot Nelson)

Linda March, graduate student,“TheClinical Nurse Leader: Impact on Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections”(Margot Nelson)

Jill Rye, graduate student,“InterdisciplinaryFall Prevention” (Margot Nelson)

Their presentations were well-received,highlighting the scholarly work of ournursing programs. The Symposiumprovided the opportunity to showcase thevalue of translational research (translatingresearch findings into practice) andcontributions of the nursing discipline toquality healthcare.