Sigma Theta Tau
International Honor Society of Nursing
THE DELTA REPORT
DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER
Spring/Summer 2010
Editor – Marcia Cornell
Delta Omega Officers
President – Barb Brunt
[email protected]
President Elect – Kathy Rose
[email protected]
1st Vice President – Marlene Huff
[email protected]
2nd Vice President – Karen Mascolo
[email protected]
Immediate Past President – Dina Dornack
[email protected]
Treasurer – Peg DiMarco
[email protected]
Corresponding Secretary – Linda Shanks
[email protected]
Counselor – Lori Kidd
[email protected]
Archivist – Dina Dornack
[email protected]
Research Grants & Recognition Chair – Elaine Fisher
[email protected]
Leadership Succession Committee Chris Graor [email protected]
Externs –
Alicia Woo-Clark [email protected]
Allison Sabo [email protected]
Newsletter Editor – Marcia Cornell
[email protected]
The Delta Report is published three times yearly for Delta
Omega Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau, Inc. The Delta Report
welcomes information about members’ accomplishments in
research, promotion, publication, and/or presentation.
Correspondence to the Delta Report should be sent to the
editor Marcia Cornell via e-mail [email protected].
Sigma Theta Tau, International www.nursingsociety.org
Delta Omega http://www.uakron.edu/nursing/about-us/stti
Message from the Chapter President:
Barb Brunt
Delta Omega chapter
celebrated it’s 30th anniversary
immediately following the Induction
and Awards Ceremony on April 18th,
which was right after the Region 10
Research Conference in Ann Arbor on
April 16th and 17th. Those events
really made me proud to be part of
such an active chapter. Special thanks to the 30th
anniversary committee for a wonderful event.
Immediate past president Dina Dornack and committee
members Paula Thrasher, Michelle Perkins, Kelly
Haight, Cheryl Sadler, and Carolyn Sutter did a fantastic
job. See articles in this newsletter on those events.
This column will share information on the
Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on Redesigning
Continuing Education in the Health Professions.
Stakeholders in health care and continuing health
professional education met and determined that a
workforce of knowledgeable health professionals is
critical to the discovery and application of health care
practices to prevent disease and promote well being.
Today in the United States, the professional health
workforce is not consistently prepared to provide high
quality health care and assure patient safety, even as the
nation spends more per capita on health care than any
other country. The absence of a comprehensive and
well-integrated system of continuing education (CE) in
the health professions is an important contributing factor
to knowledge and performance deficiencies at the
individual and system levels (IOM, 2009). As members
of the Honor Society of Nursing, we can plan and
promote programs focusing on application of evidencebased findings on practice.
The report provides five broad messages:
1. There are major flaws in the way CE is
conducted, financed, regulated, and evaluated.
2. The science underpinning CE for health
professionals is fragmented and underdeveloped.
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3. Continuing education efforts should bring health
professionals from various disciplines together
in carefully tailored learning environments.
4. A new, comprehensive vision of professional
development is needed to replace the culture that
now envelops continuing education in health
care.
5. Establishing a national interprofessional CE
institute is a promising way to foster
improvements in how health professionals carry
out their responsibilities.
The new vision for CE will be based on an approach
called continuing professional development (CPD), in
which learning takes place over a lifetime and stretches
beyond the classroom to the point of care. In its current
form, CE often is associated with didactic, teacherdriven learning methods, such as lectures, conducted in
traditional settings, such as auditoriums. This more
holistic approach incorporates a broader variety of
learning methods and theories than does CE. It is
learner-driven, allowing learning to be tailored to
individuals’ needs. It includes such concepts as selfdirected learning and practice-based learning, and it
teaches both how to identify problems and how to apply
solutions.
The IOM report calls on the US Dept of Health and
Human Services to commission a blue-ribbon panel to
oversee the design and implementation of an
independent public-private Continuing Professional
Development Institute (CDPI) to guide efforts to
improve continuing professional development. The
institute will be neutral body, not embedded within any
agency, which promotes and catalyzes stakeholder
collaboration. Although the federal government would
initially oversee and coordinate the development of the
CPDI, the committee suggests that oversight
responsibilities ultimately be transferred back to the
stakeholders.
Among its charges, the CPDI should develop and
prioritize a national research agenda. The scientific
literature offers guidance about general principles for
CE, but provides little specific information about how to
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best support learning. The report offers five criteria for
prioritizing research: urgency of the problem, gaps in
current knowledge, opportunity to improve practice,
innovation in methods, and ability to advance the
science of continuing professional development.
The CPDI should focus on improving regulation,
including accreditation, certification, credentialing, and
licensure. Standardization of regulatory processes across
states and professions is important for consistent
delivery of high levels of learning. To help bring
stability to the field, the CPDI should investigate new
financing mechanisms that will support a broader-based
continuing professional development system while
avoiding potential conflicts of interest. A focus on interprofessional team learning and collaboration is
important. An independent public-private Continuing
Professional Development Institute will be key to
ensuring the entire health care workforce is prepared to
provide high quality, safe care.
Reference: Institute of Medicine. (2009). Report Brief:
Redesigning Continuing Education in the Health
Professions accessed January 9, 2010 at
http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2009/RedesigningContinuing-Education-in-the Health-Professions.aspx
~ Barb
Region 10 Collaborative Conference
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Members learned about
“Bridging Nursing
Leadership and
Research” at the Sigma
Theta Tau Honor
Society of Nursing
Region 10 Conference,
held in Ann Arbor,
Michigan on April 16 and 17, 2010. This two day
conference was a collaborative effort of all the chapters
in Region 10, which covers northern Ohio, Michigan,
and Ontario. Karen Morin, DSN, RN, ANEF, current
STTI President,(shown in the picture on page 2 with
Delta Omega chapter members) and Cathie Walker,
MSN, Region 10 Coordinator provided a welcome
Friday evening.
Graduate students gave presentations on Friday
evening. Kathryn Edmunds, PhD (c), RN, gave a
presentation on Working with Culture in Nursing
Practice: Maintaining the Status Quo and Kristen
Lethbridge, PhD (c), RN talked about Assessing the
Psychometric Properties of the Reflection Questionnaire.
Saturday morning, Dr. Morin talked about
Leadership in Global Communities and Beverly Malone,
PhD, RN, CEO of the National League for Nursing gave
an inspiring presentation on the Future of Nursing:
Leadership, Vision, and Power. There were concurrent
research break-out sessions both in the morning and the
afternoon. Participants could choose between two
sessions each 20 minute period for the breakout session,
so they could individualize the program to best meet
their needs.
There were a total of 14 paper presentations and
10 poster presentations on a variety of topics. Barb Brunt
MA, MN, RN –BC, NEBC presented a poster on
Assessing Evidence Based
Practice readiness coauthored with Eileen
Fleming MSN, RN, CNS
& Denise Kropp BS.
Wanda J. Franklin
PhD, RN presented a
poster on Spiritual Well
being, stress and coping
in never smoking, exsmoking, and current
smoking African
American Women.
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Mary Wheeler, Med, RN, PCC Author &
Partner of Donnerwheeler Career Planning and
Development Consultants, did a Coaching Skills
Development workshop in the afternoon.
This
inaugural region 10
conference was very
successful and
educational.
Special thinks
to Dina Dornack and
Marcia Cornell, who
served as Delta
Omega
representatives to the planning committee for this event.
In two years, the region plans to have another
collaborative program. If anyone would like to be a part
of the planning committee for that program, please let
Barb Brunt know.
2010 International Year of the Nurse
- Submitted by Barb Brunt
The International Year of the Nurse is the
centennial year of the death of modern nursing’s founder
– Florence Nightengale - who lived from 1820 – 1910.
To celebrate this historic milestone the 2010 IYNurse is
planned as a sustained public awareness initiative to
actively involve the world’s nurses – estimated to be
more than 15 million- in a celebration of commitment to
bring health to their communities worldwide.
The name of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910)
has been revered and respected across the world for
more than a century. Even today, her contributions to
nursing theory, education, practice, research, statistics,
public health, and healthcare reform are foundational
and inspirational. And her contributions to human
health continue to be revealed.
Nightingale as a consummate health policy
advocate influenced the world’s political leaders of her
time. She was an ardent environmentalist who changed
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conditions that caused disease. She was a global
networker who corresponded with thousands of people
around the world about furthering and promoting health
issues.
She was an effective communicator and media
expert who impacted upon the public awareness to
change how people understood and valued health. She
knew the critical importance of self care and renewal.
From her own deep and prolonged experience with
personal health issues, she advocated for all nurses to be
continually renewed to sustain their effective,
compassionate and caring practices. She called all these
approaches “Health Nursing.”
Today in our 21st century ‘global village,’ these
broader insights from Nightingale can influence
innovative approaches developed by nurses who seek to
impact the factors which will determine and sustain the
health of humanity in our time.
The IYNurse, in recognition of the United
National Millennium Development Goals, seeks to
recognize the contributions of nurses globally and to
engage nurses in the promotion of world health. The
UN Millennium Development goals are:
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and all
communicable and non-communicable diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development
The IY Nurse goes well with our current
president, Karin Morin’s, call for action “Connecting
through Knowledge for Global Health.” The general
areas of focus in her call are:
• Creating Welcoming Environments
• Contributing to Global Health
• Enhancing Knowledge Resources and
Networks
• Creating a Legacy of Personal
Leadership
See the article in the Fall 2010 newsletter for more
specific details of her call.
Reference: Nursing – Making Difference in Global
Health – Florence Nightingale. Accessed April 17, 2010
from
http://www.2010iyearnurse.net/Florence_Nightingale.as
px
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Spring Induction 2010
Inductees:
Community Leader:
Linda Mussey
Graduate Students:
Jessica Angell
Amelia Austin
Jason Ayapana
Joanna Bodmann
Kristi Carpenter
Ellah Chinyere
Lorrie Durkin
Sandra Lavelle
Linda Lee
Julie Maldonado
Karen McDaniels
Holly McMahon
Jolene Mullen
Bernadette Pejic
Stacie Schreiner
Lakeisha Simmons
Jennifer Snyder
Hsin-yu Wu
Undergraduate Students
Brandon Belock
Corina Bingham
Rhonda
Birckbichler
Jonathan Born
W. Kathleen Burke
Joy Calel
Nicole Cieslak
Dianna Copley
Jennifer Dorsey
Leslie Gunion
Jean Habermehl
Sharon Hamann
Ashlee Kosenski
Nicole Kraynick
Emily Kreuz
Sheila Matosky
Patricia McCormick
Maud Meulstee
Steven Mould
Melissa Northeim
Deborah Painter
Cristine Ragone
Jamie Rohrich
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the Delta Omega Chapter. Kelly worked closely with
Board members who recognized her enthusiasm for new
knowledge as well as her excellence in academic
achievement and leadership activities. Congratulations to
Kelly and we look forward to her entry into practice.
Jennifer Smigel
Andrew Smith
Stacie Sprague
Amy Tin
Sara Uhl
Amanda Uhler
Jessica Van Epp
Ryan Wells
Amber Wick
Jessica Wyse
Nursing Practice Award - Sarah Cord, RN, SUMMA
At the April
Induction
Ceremony
awards were
given to
recognize the
contribution
of nurses in
the areas of
practice, research, mentoring, and leadership. Please
congratulate these individuals when you see them. Also,
keep in mind for next year a colleague who is equally as
deserving of recognition for their contribution to nursing
excellence. The award criteria are posted on the website
at http://www.uakron.edu/nursing/about-us/stti/
under the category Recognition Awards. Your
nomination is welcome and can be submitted to the
Research Grants and Awards Chairman. Again, 2010
awardees our heartfelt congratulations on a job well
done.
The Excellence in Nursing Practice Award recognizes a
nurse with advanced knowledge, who is creative in her
approach to nursing practice as she delivers and
influences quality patient care in her area of practice.
This individual also serves as mentor and preceptor—a
wise nurse who inspires her peers. Sarah Cord began
her journey in nursing as a nursing assistant and ward
secretary. She earned her nursing degree in 1988 and
currently works as a staff nurse in the ICU at SUMMA
where her role involves participating in interprofessional rounds to assist in formulating
individualized plans of care for patients. The person
nominating Sarah said, “Sarah works closely with the
patient and family members each day to improve
satisfaction with their stay and make their experience at
Summa a memorable one. She is often referred to for
assistance with families. She is very compassionate and
spends time with families at their most difficult times.”
Sarah completed a clinical ladder project whereby she
developed pocket cards for staff to take to stroke teams
in special procedures and has done stroke education with
her team. Sarah was the recipient of the Cameo of
Caring Award which carries the role of nurse
ambassador. Sarah is a highly respected interprofessional team member and epitomizes excellence in
Nursing practice.
Outstanding Undergraduate Student – Kelly Haight,
The University of Akron
Nursing Education Award - Patti Purcell, Faculty,
The University of Akron
The outstanding undergraduate award
is given to a student who
demonstrates excellence in areas of
nursing practice, academic
achievement, research or leadership
activities. It is easy to get lost in
nursing studies and perhaps not look
forward to one’s future as a nurse and how one’s
practice and leadership will impact Nursing. It was not
the case for Kelly Haight. Kelly was the first intern for
The Excellence in Nursing Education
Award recognizes excellence in
teaching as evidenced by student and
peer evaluations. Teaching is more
than standing up in front of a group
of students. It embodies bringing the
essence of nursing alive, bring theory
and research to the classroom and
applying it to everyday care for
patients. Pattie Purcell is just that -
Awards of Excellence
Dr. Elaine Fisher
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an excellent educator that challenges students to use this
knowledge to provide quality care. Patti is an instructor
at the University of Akron and in pursuit of her doctoral
degree. She has held many positions which have
allowed her to travel extensively nationally and
internationally. She brings the flavor of her experiences
to the classroom and brings nursing alive to her students.
Patti is described by the individual who nominated her
as a person who “teaches with her heart and soul. Her
style is different from the traditional lecture or
question/response type of class. She is very animated as
she tells the students personal stories to accentuate a
principle or encourage critical thinking. Her skill at
eliciting thoughtful reflections about Nursing is
evidenced in student writing and verbal expressions.”
Patti took on the challenge of implementing a program
called e-portfolio. This program allows students to place
examples of their work and resumes electronically on
file. She was one of the first faculty to use an on line text
book. Following her passion for humane and quality
patient care, Patti organized a day course on End of Life
and Palliative Care for faculty with the idea of “passing
the knowledge on” to students. Patti is a creative and
excellent nurse educator.
Nursing Leadership Award - Dr. Kathy RossAlaolmolki
The Nursing Leadership Award
recognizes nursing leaders whether they
are in education, practice, administration
and/or research. This person creates an
environment that enhances the image of
nursing and nurses. The awardee, Dr.
Kathy Ross-Alaolmolki, is a Professor
at The University of Akron, College of
Nursing and is in the business of
developing nurse leaders. Kathy has directed the College
of Nursing through exciting and changing times. Her
enthusiasm and belief in her faculty is unwavering. She
challenges each to be the best in what they are and
identifies and supports faculty strengths as well as builds
weaknesses. She is a faculty and students’ best
cheerleader. Her nominator said, “She is objective in the
way she critically analyzes situations before offering
possible solutions for consideration.” Kathy spearheaded
the College of Nursing’s accreditation team whereby the
college received an unprecedented 8-year approval of
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nursing programs. She has led curricular changes in the
undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. She
likewise has written grants to support students in College
of Nursing programs as well as grants to expand
curricular offerings. Dr. Kathy Ross-Alaolmolki is an
advocate for students, faculty, and community services.
She is a role model who practices positive leadership
skills.
Nursing Research Award - Kathy Wright, Geriatric
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS),
SUMMA
This award recognizes an individual
who conducts scholarly research
and disseminates these findings to
impact practice. Kathy Wright has
20 years experience as a Geriatric
CNS at SUMMA. She holds
certification as both a Geriatric CNS
and an Adult Psychiatric Mental
Health CNS. She has recently been
accepted into the gerontologyfocused PhD program at the University Of Utah, College
Of Nursing. Kathy was accepted as a mentee into Sigma
Theta Tau’s Geriatric Nursing Leadership Academy,
where Dr. Rose Beeson serves as her mentor.
Kathy has been actively involved in research, with her
most recent study being on medication compliance with
the elderly. Kathy functions as an advanced practice
nurse in the Health Services Research and Education
Institute for a National Institute of Health (NIH) grant
on, “After Discharge Management of Low Income Frail
Elderly known as the AD-LIFE project. She also
completed an NIH/National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) funded program to study
the effectiveness of post-stroke case management by an
advanced practice nurse and interdisciplinary team.
Kathy has disseminated her findings through
presentations at the regional, national and international
level and publications in varied papers and a book
chapter.
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Nursing Mentoring Award- Eileen Fleming,
Coordinator, Nursing Research Division, SUMMA
or transferred employees to the critical care division,
based on the Essentials of Critical Care Orientation
(ECCO) program through the American Association of
Critical Care Nurses. She works collaboratively with the
Virtual Simulation Lab Coordinator to reinforce content
and provide practical experience in the skills needed to
function effectively in the critical care areas—this is an
important role given the time in orientation has been
significantly reduced.
Here is what her nominator said about Carol. “Carol
consistently applies nursing research findings in her
teaching, and documents utilization of nursing research.
She is very active in the development of critical care
policies and procedures for the division and specific
policies for eleven different critical care units. She
always uses the latest research findings as a guide for
practice issues or concerns. “ Carol is committed to
evidenced based practice.
This award is given to an individual
who actively shapes and promotes
the development of the career of a
nurse by freely sharing resources for
the growth and development of the
individual and maintaining this
relationship over time. This year’s
recipient is Mrs. Eileen Fleming.
Eileen has served as the Coordinator of the Nursing
Research Division, at SUMMA since 1999. As the chair
of the Nursing Research Committee, she provides
outreach and education to staff, and also manages the
Clinical Ladder Nurse III Clinical Research projects.
Eileen has guided and mentored nurses on over 35
projects at the Clinical Nurse III level. She likewise
serves as the liaison to extramural researchers and
promotes collaboration among researchers.
Eileen describes herself as a “nurse with a mission and
passion to mentor others, especially the novice with
promoting scholarly activities, such as improving the
quality of patient care through the application of
evidenced based practice.” The person nominating her
for this award describes her as, “always very willing to
help others develop their clinical ideas or research skills.
Eileen often works with staff nurses or others who have
not gone through project development or the research
process and guides them. She assists with development
of ideas, getting approval through the Institutional
Review Board, data collection, analysis and the
dissemination of results through paper/poster
presentations and publication.” Since 1989 Eileen has
mentored over 350 registered nurses to complete clinical
scholarship, care outcomes, or clinical research projects
and activities that enhance patient care or unit
operations.
Outstanding Contribution to the
Chapter - Marcia Cornell MSN,
RN, EMT-P, Summa
The recipient of the award for
Outstanding Contributions to the
Chapter is selected by the Board to
recognize an individual who has gone
above and beyond in donating time and energy to the
chapter. Marcia was selected for her commitment to
sharing information with the membership through the
Delta Omega newsletter; since she became newsletter
editor in the fall of 2007, she has solicited and edited
information for three newsletters each year. She also
served as a member of the Region 10 planning
committee for the inaugural research/leadership program
in Ann Arbor in April of this year, facilitating getting the
needed information for the continuing education forms,
and putting together handout packets of information, etc
Utilization of Nursing Research - Carol Kridler, RN,
SUMMA
Research Funded: The Emotional Distress of
Infertility
The Excellence in Utilization of
Nursing Research recognizes the
efforts of an individual who
applies nursing research findings
from administration, education, or
clinical practice. Carol Kridler
currently coordinates the critical care curriculum for new
Congratulations to Dr. Patrice
McCarthy who received funding
for her grant entitled, “Women’s
support needs related to the
emotional distress of infertility.”
This qualitative research project
focuses on exploring the support
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needs for women related to infertility in the aftermath of
unsuccessful treatment. Dr. McCarthy’s project will
enhance our understanding of what women felt were
supportive and non-supportive experiences as they lived
through infertility.
30th Anniversary Party
The 30th Anniversary
Celebration was a
wonderful gathering of old
and new friends joined
together through their
combined experiences of
Nursing Leadership with
Delta Omega. Cathy
Walker the Region 10 coordinator joined us for the
celebration as did many charter members and past
presidents.
The celebration luncheon was a time for fellowship
between old and new friends and was enjoyed by all.
Thank you Letter
Dina,
Thank you so very much for arranging the grand Sigma
Theta Tau Anniversary Celebration. It was wonderful to
see long-time friends and to watch the initiation of
the newest members. The entire event was simply
lovely. I am still enjoying the beauty of the gorgeous
roses and the delightful surprises in the silver bag.
Thank for the splendid Sigma Theta Tau presents. The
letter opener was so grand that I placed it in my living
room curio cabinet rather than relegating it to a desk
drawer. I shall think fond thoughts of you and the
celebration for years to come.
Thank you for a most special celebration.
Barbara A. Venesy
Attorney at Law
[email protected]
Spring Program
Practice Pearls
Submitted by Barb Brunt
Our May 2010 program entitled
“Practice Pearls” focused on a several
clinical evidence-based practice presentations and a
report from the student that the chapter helped support to
go to Haiti for disaster relief.
The 30th
Anniversary
Celebration
Planning
Committee led the
toast to our
success and for
many more years
to come.
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Jean Morgan, MSN, RN, PNP, ANP, talked about
Evidence Collection for Sexual Assault. She shared the
process for evidence collection, using the Ohio
Department of Health Sexual Assault/Abuse Evidence
Collection Kit, and the work that the SANE (sexual
assault nurse examiner) nurses do as part of their
assessment and documentation..
Ryan Wells, BSN, shared his experiences and some
pictures taken when he was providing disaster relief in
Haiti. He lived in Haiti for seven weeks in the summer
of 2009 and returned in February of 2010 to assist after
the disaster. He was in an area where the average
income was $250.00/year in American money.
He indicated he relied heavily on the
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knowledge base he had developed over his years in
nursing school, and shared some of his experiences
providing care. HE hopes to return to Haiti this summer.
Diane Lorenzen, MSN, RN, talked about a Clinical
Instructor Program: A Component of Nursing Practice.
This innovative facility-based clinical instructor program
was designed to address the pediatric clinical faculty
shortage. Schools of nursing who use the hospital for
clinical experiences can contract to have hospital-based
nurses serve as faculty. The nurses are familiar with
hospital policies and procedures and can provide a good
learning experience for the nursing students. Since the
initiation of this program, students have reported
increased satisfaction with the hospital as a clinical
training site.
Special thanks to Marlene Huff for providing the
refreshments for this free program for our members.
continues to be a big hit. We’ve also become quit
efficient – must be the
nurses in us! Much
fun was had by all.
We are planning to do
two dates next year.
Hopefully once in the
Spring and once in the
Fall. Please plan to
join us next year.
Thanks to the following members and potential members
for volunteering: Joan Baumgardner, Stefanie Bodjanac,
Beverly Bokovitz, Barb Brunt, Monica Caruso, Peg
DiMarco, Dina Dornack, Jackie Guhde, Lori Kidd, Paula
Lett, Juli McKenzie, Debbie Peepers, Rebecca Rosario.
A special thank you to Katie for joining her mother Juli
McKenzie.
Science Fair Award Given
Community Corner
.
Hot Lunch at OPEN-M
Submitted by Dina Dornack
On Monday, March
29, 2010 members of
the chapter served
134 plates at
Opportunity Parish
Ecumenical
Neighborhood
Ministry (OPEN-M)
in Akron. This is our
fifth year serving
lunch to the OPEN-M community and our taco salad
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Submitted by Barb Brunt
Delta Omega provided a sponsored award for the best
nursing-related health/medicine project for the Western
Reserve District science fair. The winner was Karen
Kruzer from West Geauga High School in Chesterland,
Ohio. Her poster was “Reducing Troponin Turnaround
Time Through the
Applicatio n of
Lean/Six Sigma
Processes and
Evaluating Public
Response Time to
Heart Attack
Symptoms.” She
surveyed 1,125
adults on their knowledge of heart attack symptoms and
the length of time they said they would wait before
seeking treatment. She then worked with personnel in
the lab to apply lean/six sigma principles to reduce the
turnaround time for troponin levels.
There were a variety of other posters represented at the
fair done by students from the 5th grade through 12th
grade. Some of the topics are listed below:
™ The Application of Selenium to Generate
Salubrious Effects on Cancer Patients
™ Shiny Teeth and Shiny Eggs
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™ In Vitro Characterization of Novel Gene
Therapy for the Treatment of Cardiovascular
Disease
™ The Cancer Genome Anatomy project
™ Effects of Sugar: Diabetic Versus Nondiabetic
™ Gluten Free in the Way to Be
™ Severity of Asthma in Women
™ Which Substance Mummifies a Hot Dog in the
Least Number of Days
™ The Effects of Acid on Tooth Mass
™ Reausable Shopping Bags: Is “Going Green”
Making you Sick
™ Which lotion Retains the Most Mosisture
Research Corner
New Research Guidelines
Grant Guidelines Revised
This year the Research Grants and Awards
Committee reviewed the research grant proposal
guidelines. We as a committee are committed to
funding researchers at all levels of expertise who
present strong proposals. To strengthen proposals
we welcome your inquiry to discuss your grant idea
and allow you to ask questions or receive guidance.
Within the guidelines we have expanded the space
to five single spaced pages and provided general
guidelines for budget requests. Please see the
complete Research Grant Guidelines listed at the
end of the newsletter. We look forward to your next
grant submission to improve quality patient
outcomes.
Focus on International Collaborative Research
Submitted by Barb Brunt
Ten years ago, the Institute of Medicine Report, To Err
is Human, urged healthcare organizations to examine
and improve patient safety (Kohn, Corrigan, &
Donaldson, 2000). Did you read the second quarter
2009 Journal of Nursing Scholarship? There was an
interesting article about perceptions of workplace safety
culture among nurses employed in long-term care (LTC)
settings in the United States (U.S.) and Canada. The
Delta Omega chapter is part of Region 10, which
includes chapters in Canada. This is the first study to
indicate data on workplace safety culture perceptions of
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licensed nurses from two national samples. The Sigma
Theta Tau International/American Nurses Foundation
Scholar grant provided funding for this study.
Long term care settings included nursing homes, assisted
living facilities, continuing care facilities, retirement
homes and home care agencies. A cross sectional survey
was given to licensed nurses with membership in
gerontological nursing professional organizations in the
United States (n=296), Canada (n=251) and other (n=3).
Respondents from the U.S. were distributed across the
country, although 35% resided in the Northeastern
states. Canadian respondents were also distributed
across Canada, although half the sample was from
British Columbia.
Participants were given a questionnaire which included
the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture, as well as
questions on individual and institutional characteristics.
The safety culture survey included key aspects of safety
culture, such as work setting, supervisor support,
communication about errors, and frequency of events
reported. The 12-item questionnaire developed by the
investigators included questions regarding work
characteristics, such as position, education, hour of work
per week, and total years of nursing work experience, as
well as institutional characteristics regarding ownership
type, level of care, and state or province.
Most respondent graded resident safety as very good
(53.3%) or acceptable (31.3%). However, almost 20%
of the sample stated that they submitted 21 or more
incident reports during the previous year. One
noteworthy finding is that nurse managers reported
significantly more positive safety culture perceptions
compared with licensed staff nurses. Additionally,
licensed nurses employed in government-run facilities
had significantly less positive safety culture perceptions
compared with those working in nonprofit organizations.
Nurse managers play a critical role in supporting safety
culture. The concept of teamwork, which is a key factor
in a patient safety culture, is enhanced by clear
leadership expectations between nurse managers and
front-line nursing staff. Facilitating communication
between these two groups is critical. Nurse leaders have
the ability to foster an environment in which nursing
staff feel comfortable with identifying and reporting
safety issues. Managers can also use safety assessment
results to evaluate and to identify where critical needs
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exist. Interventions designed to improve safety culture
in long term care settings may facilitate improvements in
resident safety. Assessment of workplace safety culture
is the first step in identifying barriers that nurses face to
provide safe resident care.
program. A continuing education scholarship was
presented to Christine Belknap, RN from CCU.
Umansky scholarships were presented to Mark Knaus,
RN from SCVICU and Brenda Kovacik, BSN, RN from
CCU.
References:
RN Preceptor excellence awards were announced for
both the Summa Akron City and Saint Thomas
campuses. Shirley Dretke, AD, RN from Center 5 Psych
was the recipient for the St Thomas campus, and
Marjorie Yannucci, RN, from Same Day Surgery was
the recipient for the Akron City campus.
Kohn, L. T., Corrigan, J. M., & Donaldson, M. S.
(2000). To err is human: Building a safer health System.
Executive Summary. Washington, DC: National
Academy Press.
Wagner, L. MN., Capezuti, E., & Rice, J. C. (2009).
Nurses’ perceptions of safety culture in long-term care
settings. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 41(2), 185192.
Member News
Marcia Cornell newsletter editor graduated May 15,
2010 from Kent State University College of
Nursing with a Master of Science in Nursing, Adult
Health Clinical Nurse Specialist.
News from Summa Health System
Reporter: Barb Brunt
Summa Health System had a weeklong celebration for
Nurses Week. Donuts were delivered one morning,
pizza was delivered another day, many nurses received
“Care Beyond” awards, there was a CE presentation on
“Our Knowledge We Share...With Quality We Care,”
staff members received contact hours for viewing
Evidence-Based posters, and there were concerts where
the administrators and divisional management teams
sang and danced for the staff. In addition, all nurses
were given a subscription to CE Direct, which provides a
variety of online continuing education for nurses, and a
Care Beyond t-shirt.
Allison Sabo, BSN, RN from 5 North received the
Sigma Theta Tau award for Nursing Excellence.
Summa awarded a full-tuition nursing scholarship to
Tiffany West to continue her education in a RN
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Linda Kramer, RN received the 2010 Barbara Donaho
Distinguished Leadership in Learning Award from Kent
State University.
There were 9 posters presented by nurses at the
American Geriatrics Society annual scientific meeting in
Orlando Florida in May. Nurses involved in the posters
were: Carolyn Holder, MSN, RN, GCNS-BC; Pat
Gossett, RN; CNP; Susan Hazelett, MS, RN; Allison
Sabo, BSN, RN; Lyn Benedict, MSN, RN, CNS; Sandy
Germano, BSN, RN; Linda Mussey, BS, RN-BC; Kathy
Wright, MSN, GCNS-BC, PMHCNS-BC; Eileen
Fleming, MSN, RN, CNS; Jan Weinhardt, MSN, RN,
GCNS-BC; and Trish, Enos, BS, BSN, RNC, CPHQ.
Poster topics were:
• The Role of a Geriatric Consult Team in
Improving Delirium Outcomes
• The Role of Pharmacists in Delirium Prevention
and Treatment in the Acute Care Setting
• Poly-Management Syndrome: Lessons from the
AD-LIFE Trial
• Outcomes of an Acute Delirium Detection,
Prevention and Treatment Intervention
• The Sensitivity and Specificity of the of a Six
Item Screener© in Identifying Patients at Risk
for Delirium on an Acute Care for Elders Unit
• Effect of Caregiver Stress and Connectedness on
Patient Outcomes and Caregiver Stress in
Physician House Calls Program
• Improving Transitions of Care: Efficiency of a
Transfer From in Communicating Patients
Wishes
• Aspiration Pneumonia and Compliance with
Dysphagia Screening Standards
• Clarifying Confusion: Education Intervention to
Improve Delirium Recognition
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Several Summa nurses received awards from Delta
Omega - see story in another section of the newsletter.
Marcia Cornell, MSN, RN-BC, EMT-P received the
award for Outstanding Contributions to the Chapter.
Diane Duff, CRNP had an article on “Incorporating
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring in Management of
Hypertension” in the April 2010 issue of The American
Journal of Nurse Practitioners.
Pam Banchy, RN, Lanie Ward, BSN, MBA, RN, NEABC, and Linda Gleespen, BSN, RN had a poster on
“Technology Empowered Transformational Advances
for Genuine Nursing-Rich Interdisciplinary and
Collaborative Care” at the American Organization of
Nurse Executives Exposition in Indianapolis in April.
Carol Kridler, MSN, RN, CCRN from Staff
Development received the Excellence in Educational
Technology Award and Liz O’Grady from Summa
Barberton and Wadsworth-Rittman Hospitals received
the Excellence in the Roles of the Professional
Development Facilitator, Change Agent, and Consultant
Award from the National Nursing Staff Development
Organization (NNSDO). These awards will be presented
at the NNSDO Convention in San Diego in July.
Barbara Brunt, MA, MN, RN-BC, NE-BC and Eileen
Fleming, MSN, RN, CNS presented paper presentations
on “Assessing Readiness for Evidence-Based Practice”
at the KSU program Driving the Future 10 in March and
at Robinson’s Research Day in April. They also had
poster presentations on that same topic at the Region 10
STTI Collaborative program on Bridging Nursing
Leadership & Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan and the
ONA Staff Development/CE Conference in Columbus in
April, 2010.
Barbara Brunt, MA, MN, RN-BC, NE-BC had an article
on “Facilitating the Establishment of a Just Culture”
published in the June 2010 issue of Briefings on
Evidence-Based Staff Development. She also coauthored a book Nursing orientation program builder:
Tools for a successful new hire program, which was
published by HC Pro.
Kim Nottingham, BSN, RN had a novel titled The Path
that Led me Here, which was inspired by a true story,
published by Halo Publishing.
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Carolyn Holder, MSN, RN, GCNS-BC presented a
webinar on “An Interdisciplinary Model for Delirium
Management” through NICHE Online Connect in April.
Jan Weinhardt, MSN, RN, GCNS-BC presented a paper
on “Tool Development: A Dysphagia Screening Tool
for Nurses” at the Annual Cleveland VA Clinical
Nursing Conference in May.
Kathy Wright, MSN, GCNS-BC, PHMCNS-BC, GNLA
Fellow was one of eleven nurses in the country to be
selected as a 2010 – 2012 John A. Hartford Foundation
Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity
(BAGNC) Scholar. The purpose of the BAGNC
scholarship program is to prepare geriatric nursing
faculty and promote academic leadership through
mentorship, national networking and skills development.
Local News Reporters
As the new editor of the Delta Report I am seeking
reporters who are willing to provide updates about
nursing and their organizations. The Delta report
comes out three times a year and is published on the
Delta Omega website.
Reporters are needed for the following:
Barberton Citizens Hospital
Akron General
University of Akron
I currently have listed the following reporters:
Children’s Medical Center of Akron Anne Marie
Brown
Robinson Memorial
Jan Balhe
Summa Health System
Barb Brunt
If any of the information is incorrect or if you
would like to volunteer as a reporter, please contact
Marcia Cornell at [email protected]
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Save the Date!
Delta Omega Fall Program
Wednesday October 6, 2010
6pm at Akron Children’s Hospital Cosidine Building
“Celebrating Nursing Contributions
To Global Health”
We will be celebrating our contributions to Global Health and the International Year of
the Nurse.
More information to come regarding program and fundraiser to support a Global Health
Activity.
Posters Wanted!
We want to showcase what we are doing locally, nationally, and
internationally to promote Global Health.
What are you doing to contribute to Global Health?
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Achieve universal primary education
Promote gender equality and empower women
Reduce child mortality
Improve maternal health
Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and all communicable and non-communicable diseases
Ensure environmental sustainability
Develop a global partnership for development
17. Address health needs of vulnerable populations.
Examples:
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host walks and runs that create awareness for and raise funds to support various
health issues
Explore member volunteer opportunities with other community and health care
organizations such as the Special Olympics, the Muscular Dystrophy Association,
FNIF Girl Child Education Fund, and Safe Sitter.
Contact Marcia Cornell – [email protected]
For more information regarding poster presentation.
Sigma Theta Tau International Delta Omega Chapter Calendar of Events 2010‐2011 Date Time August 23, 2010 5:00pm September 15, 2010 Event Board Meeting Research Grants Deadline Board Meeting Fall Program Board Meeting Board Meeting Winter Program Board Meeting Information Session Research Grants Deadline Board Meeting Awards Deadline March Program Board Meeting Induction /Awards Page 14
September 27, 2010 October 6, 2010 October 25, 2010 November 22, 2010 January‐To be Determined January 24, 2011 To be Determined February 15, 2011 February 28, 2011 March 15, 2011 To be Determined March 28, 2011 April – To Be Determined 5:00pm Location MGH 101 MGH 101 Considine Building 6:00p Registration
6:30‐8:30p Program Akron Children’s Hospital Newsletter deadline 5:00pm 5:00pm MGH 101 MGH 101 5:00pm 12:00 noon MGH 101 MGH 306 Newsletter deadline 5:00pm MGH 101 5:00pm MGH 101 Spring
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Board Meeting April 25, 2011 5:00 pm MGH 101 Spring 5:30pm TBA May – To Be Program\Business Determined Meeting Newsletter deadline Board Meeting May 23, 2011 5:00 pm MGH 101 Transition Meeting June 27, 2011 5:00pm MGH 209 Visit the Calendar of Events on our website for important deadlines and upcoming events:
http://www.uakron.edu/nursing/about-us/stti
Sigma Theta Tau, International
Delta Omega Chapter
Guidelines for Submission Of Nursing Research Proposal
05-2010
The Research Committee of Sigma Theta Tau, Delta Omega Chapter is committed to assisting researchers
to develop quality proposals that contribute to the body of nursing science. Should you have questions
regarding proposal development, we extend an invitation to contact the research committee chairman to
discuss ideas and issues related to the proposal development process. Please refer to the website to
determine the current committee chairman.
The research proposal is to follow the format described below.
1. Submit the original and five copies to the Chair of the Nursing Research Committee of Delta
Omega Chapter by the dates designated on the website (Fall & Spring submission) for
consideration.
2. The research proposal should not exceed 5 single-spaced typed pages excluding references. Use
only letter quality print in Font Style Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, font size 12. Margins
are to be 1 inch. Use APA format for references.
3. Cover Page should list the following:
a.
Title
b.
Name, position, and contact number of the Principal Investigator (PI).
c.
Health care facility/research institution with complete address.
d.
Identify whether the research proposal is a full scale or pilot project.
e.
For the remainder of the proposal, follow the format and incorporate the
subheadings specified:
4. Abstract: Provide an elementary review of the proposal content (significance and relevance to
practice, specific aims, design, & method). The abstract is to be 200 words or less.
5. Specific Aims: Summarize the objectives of the planned research, including questions to be
addressed and/or hypotheses to be tested.
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6. Background/Preliminary Studies: Discuss the relevant background studies and if available, any
preliminary studies that support the proposed study.
7. Significance: Describe the significance of the proposed research to nursing and the health care
system including patients.
8. Methods:
a. Describe the study design. Provide rationale for why the design is appropriate to answer
the posed research questions. Identify the dependent and independent variables if
appropriate. Address protection of human subjects, informed consent, and IRB approval
information.
b. Describe the sample and if appropriate provide sample justification information (power
analysis). Include inclusion and exclusion criteria.
c. Describe data collection methods. Include a description of instruments. Printed copies of
the instruments are to be included in the appendices.
d. Plans for analysis of data described in enough detail to give the reader an understanding
of how you will answer the study questions or test the hypotheses.
9. Eligibility.
a. To be eligible for support under this solicitation, the PI must be a nurse and a current
member of Sigma Theta Tau, International.
b. Funding preference will be given to members of Delta Omega Chapter.
10. Investigator Qualifications.
a. Create an abbreviated curriculum vitae (CV) or resume for each investigator of no more
than 4 pages per investigator.
b. Describe in detail each investigators contribution in grant development and the role each
investigator will play if the grant is funded.
c. Include a personal statement briefly describing why your experience and qualifications
are particularly well suited for your role in this project.
d. Include in the CV/resume: educational information; no more than 5 publications where
possible relevant to your proposed research.
e. List current grant submissions to other funding agencies and status of these applications.
11. Budget.
a. Provide an itemized budget with a detailed justification for items listed.
b. If funding has been requested from multiple sources, identify how SST funding will be
distinct from other budgets submitted.
c. Note: Usually funding for grants ranges between $500 and $2500. Budget requests in the
past have covered reasonable travel costs pertaining to data collection, consultant fees,
and specialized computer software that is directly related to the project. Equipment that is
not readily available from other sources and supplies related to the research are also
covered. What has typically not been covered by funding are costs related to research
dissemination, e.g., travel to conferences and materials needed for poster and paper
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presentation, transcription fees, equipment that is commonly available from other
sources.
12. Attachments. Attachments include: references (APA format), support letters, and study
instruments.
13. IRB Approval. Prior to funding, a letter of approval from the appropriate Institutional Review
Board (IRB) must be submitted.
14. Investigator Responsibility. Investigators are to complete an annual report until the study is
completed describing study progress and dissemination of findings. At the end of the study, a
final written abstract is to be submitted to the Chair of the Research and Awards Committee.
Sigma Theta Tau International
Delta Omega Chapter
Annual Reports 2009-2010
President’s Report
Submitted by Barbara Brunt, MA, MN, RN-BC, NE-BC
Goals for previous year and Details of Their Accomplishment (dates, times, locations, people
involved and numbers of people involved as necessary):
Please list each goal and tell how it was accomplished and/or where improvements can be made for
future.
1- Continue to work on activities for the Key Award – we have 34 points for this year’s activities
2- Update the listserv – done
Celebrate our chapter’s 30th anniversary – celebration was on April 18th
3 -Collaborate with other chapters/organizations on programs – collaborate with Children’s Hospital for
our Oct 09 program, Northeast Ohio Chapter for our Jan 2010 program and Region for leadership and
research conference in Ann Arbor in April 2010
4- Continue to support service projects – adapted a family for Christmas and served hot lunch at OPENM; donated money from Silent Auction to ACCESS; supported student to go to help in Haiti; members
have one several presentations to school children & community members1
5– Continue to support students – sent student member to Leadership Summit; provided a scholarship for
Germany trip for a student; helped support Delta Omega student member to attend Nursing Student
Association annual meeting; provided science fair awards to students
6– Continue to support scholarly endeavors – provided $3,000 research grant; supported two members to
attend Convention
7- Review criteria for intern/extern program after first intern completes her term - done
Goals for 2010_-2011
List goals and their approximate dates for accomplishment.
Also begin to list the potential costs attached to various goals and activities from the experiences you had
this past year.
1- Review and update strategic plan
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2- Continue to work on activities for Key Award
3 - Work on developing a better tracking system of member’s accomplishments
1st Vice President Report
Submitted by Marlene Huff, PhD, RN
Provide a minimum of 4 educational programs. This goal was met.
October 2009-Energize your Practice: Evidence-Based Strategies to Keep Your Patients Safe; Delta
Omega’s fall program, co-sponsored with Akron Children’s Hospital, was well received by participants.
Pat Posa, BSN, MSA, RN spoke on “Energize your Practice: Evidence-Based Strategies to Keep your
Patients Safe.”
January 2010- Seven chapters in Northeast Ohio (Alpha Mu, Delta Omega, Delta Xi, Iota Psi, Nu Delta,
Pi Chi, and Rho Nu at large) collaborated on a winter program, which was held January 14th at Ursuline
College. The speaker, Lauren Burnett from the Center for Inner Quality, spoke on “Emotional
Intelligence: Raising the Level of Service.”
April 16, 17, 2010 , “Bridging Nursing Leadership and Research”
This was a collaborative program for Region 10 held at the Four Points Sheraton in Ann Arbor Michigan.
May24, 2010 - Practice Pearls: Evidence Based Practice. Three nurses presented topics about clinical
nursing: Diane Lorenzen, “A Clinical Instructor Program: A Component of Nursing Practice; Ryan Wells,
Disaster Nursing: Experiences in Haiti; Jean Morgan, Evidence Collection for Sexual Assault.
Goals for 2010_-2011:
Provide a minimum of 4 programs during this year.
October
January
March
May
2nd Vice President Report
Submitted by Paula Thrasher, MSN, RNC
Goals for 2009 - 2010:
1. Refine process for membership information sessions provided to students.
-Achieved
-Information session rescheduled for mid-day (lunch) and held in January, thus allowing feedback
to students regarding candidacy
2. Continue to survey new inductees about their membership experience approximately 6 months
following induction. Update survey questions.
-Achieved
-Survey completed
-Content modified slightly
3. Redesign induction ceremony process/procedures.
-Achieved
-Induction moved to Sunday afternoon with refreshments provided at no cost
-Honor Cords provided only to those attending induction ceremony
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Goals for 2010 - 2011: (current year)
1. Continue to refine induction process so as to attract candidate attendance.
2. Continue to plan membership information sessions with intent to maximize
accessibility to membership information and personnel.
Treasurer Report
Submitted by Peg DiMarco, PhD, RN, CPNP
Goals for previous year and Details of Their Accomplishment
1. Monthly Report to Board- accomplished monthly
2. Beginning this year file IRS short form electronically (Information and website is located in the
notebook under IRS tab) Due in November- accomplished 11-09 and 5-10
3. Entire Board is Bonded for three years (will need to be renewed in 2011)
4. All STTI deposits are made electronically- three deposits > than last year
5. Be sure everyone completes and expense voucher for all checks you write-need to improve for
next year
6. Two board signatures should be used for checks over $1000.00- accomplished 4-10 we added
Barb Brunt’s name
7. CD’s – 3 at National City Bank- interest appears on electronic statements
8. 1 MM and 2 additional CD’s at Charter One in Dina and Peg’s name.
9. Annual Report is due August 1 each year (Filed electronically with STTI) 2008-2009 has been
filed.
10. Pay $800 per year to STTI to sustain the DeYoung Leadership Grant Scholarship- accomplished
11. Monitor Budget- (Proposed budget is based on previous years income and expenses) – Overall
this year we increased our payments from STTI because of increased membership from
$13,833.23 to $16,390.02 but we also spent more money with the 30 year anniversary and grants
awarded from 08-09 $11,414.98 to 09- 10 $19,067.83. However, our checking and investments
remain stable at:
CHECKING
$13,605.57
INVESTMENTS
$34,868.71
TOTAL ACCOUNT
BALANCES
$48,474.28
Goals for 2010_-2011 (current year)
1. Monthly Report to Board
2. File IRS short form electronically (Information and website is located in the notebook under IRS
tab) Due in November
3. Entire Board is Bonded for three years (will need to be renewed in 2011)
4. All STTI deposits are made electronically
5. Be sure everyone completes and expense voucher for all checks you write- need to show
improvement here.
6. Two board signatures should be used for checks over $1000.00
7. CD’s – 3 at National City Bank- interest appears on electronic statements
8. 1 MM and 2 additional CD’s – need to put Barb Brunt’s name on also
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9. Annual Report is due August 1 each year (Filed electronically with STTI) – will need to file
2009-2010.
10. Pay $800 per year to STTI to sustain the DeYoung Leadership Grant Scholarship
11. Monitor Budget- (Proposed budget is based on previous years income and expenses) – Note we
have had increase in monies from STTI over the past one year due to increase membership
Secretary Report
Submitted by Linda Shanks, PhD, DNP, RN
Goals for previous year and Details of Their Accomplishment.
1. To prepare and maintain meeting minutes for Board meetings.
This was done for each meeting of the 2009-2010 academic year.
2. To post meeting minutes and other announcements to the Delta Omega website.
Meeting minutes and other announcements are continually updated and posted to the website.
3. To serve on the website task force.
The College of Nursing implemented a new website in Spring 2010. Old website content from
Delta Omega was updated and transferred to the new website.
4. To assist with maintaining chapter website.
Linda Shanks now has access to the new website and it able to post minutes and announcements.
John Gurnak is still a resource when problems occur.
5. To assist the President with chapter correspondence, especially requests for information about
chapter membership.
L. Shanks has answered emails that have arrived through frontpage, regarding chapter
membership or grants.
Goals for 2010_-2011:
1.
2.
3.
4.
To prepare and maintain meeting minutes for Board meetings.
To post meeting minutes and other announcements to the Delta Omega website.
To maintain the chapter website.
To assist the President with chapter correspondence, especially requests for information about
chapter membership.
Governance Committee
Submitted by: Michelle L. Perkins MSN/MHA, RN
Achieved in 2009-2010:
1. Clarification of Membership criteria to match national; created updated bylaws for the website to
reflect this.
2. Maintained the shadow information box in MGH.
3. Held information sessions for potential inductees into STTI.
4. Represented STTI and Delta Omega chapter at job fare and Dean’s leadership awards ceremony
Goals for 2010-2011:
1. Continue to ensure membership criteria is up-to-date and information publicized for students.
2. Maintain shadow information box with current data. Disseminate information through faculty members
as needed.
3. Assist with information sessions and induction ceremony.
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4. Represent the Delta Omega chapter of STTI at the leadership and job fare opportunities within the
college and university.
Archivist Report
Submitted by Carolyn Sutter, PhD, RN
Goals for previous year and Details of Their Accomplishment
1.
2.
3.
4.
Inventory of chapter stock of sale items maintained and chapter sale of items completed at events.
Fall event: Silent Auction set up and Auction bid sheets made. Pictures taken.
Pictures of Board members taken
Anniversary and Induction pictures taken, placed on a DVD
Goals for 2010_-2011:
The newly elected archivist will establish goals for the upcoming year
Research Grants & Awards Committee
Committee membership: Drs. Elaine Fisher, Chairman; Marlene Huff; Kathy Tusaie; Tracy Riley; SheauHuey Chiu
1. Six grants were reviewed for the 2009-2010 period (3 fall; 3 spring).
• One grant in the amount of $3000 was awarded to Dr. Patrice McCarthy for her grant
entitled, “Women’s support needs related to the emotional distress of infertility.”
2. A grant review form was developed for systematic review of proposals. The mechanism of
feedback to the person submitting the grant was modified to include strengths and weaknesses of
the proposal with suggestions for revision.
3. Grant criteria were reviewed, revised and submitted to the Sigma Theta Tau – Delta Omega
Board for consideration. Changes were made in the areas of :
• Consultation while developing the grant.
• Length of pages increased to 5 single spaced pages.
• Clarification of what is usually fundable/not fundable and the typical range of
funding.
• Abbreviated vitae/resume relevant to the proposed research.
• Clarification of the roles of co-investigators.
4. Awards were given to the following individuals:
• Outstanding Undergraduate – Kelly Haight
• Nursing Practice - Sarah Cord, RN, SUMMA
• Nursing Education - Patti Purcell, Faculty, The University of Akron
• Nursing Leadership - Kathy Ross Alaolmolki, Faculty, The University of Akron
• Nursing Research - Kathy Wright, Geriatric CNS, SUMMA
• Nursing Mentoring - Eileen Fleming, Coordinator, Nursing Research Division,
SUMMA
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Utilization of Nursing Research - Carol Kridler, RN, SUMMA
• To review and revise current Research Grant Criteria.
Rationale: Grants are being submitted with major deficits and sections omitted, e.g., data analysis
missing, design issues, inconsistencies between goals and methods. Committee consensus was
that being available for consultation to assist new and seasoned researchers develop quality
proposals may enhance the quality of grants submitted for funding. Revision of current
application process.
OUTCOME: New research grant guidelines were developed and submitted to the Board for
approval.
• To review the nominations process for Recognition Awards.
OUTCOME: Recommendations to the Board to have Delta Omega Chapter Members vote on
Awards rather than Award Committee selection. To have Award recommendations submitted
throughout the year to enhance the number of nominations. To place a reminder in the newsletter
with every publication
A recommendation from committee was to have the Delta Omega Chapter membership vote on
awardees.
Goals for 2010_-2011
1. To increase the number of nominations for Recognition Awards.
2. To evaluate the effect of new guidelines for research grant proposals by monitoring the number of
contacts prior to submission and completeness and quality of the grants submitted.
Newsletter Report
Submitted by: Marcia S. Cornell RN, MSN, EMT-P
Goals for 2009-2010:
1. Continue to publish the Newsletter online three times a year.
The Newsletter was published Spring 09, Fall 09, and Winter 10.
2. Newsletter to document chapter activities for chapter key award.
Goals for 2010-2011:
1. Continue to publish the Newsletter online three times a year.
2. Continue to provide effective documentation of chapter activities for chapter key award.
Leadership Succession Committee Report
Submitted by: Wand Franklin, PhD, RN
This year brought about a very successful development of a Delta Omega Leadership Intern/Extern
Program under the direction of Wanda Franklin, Leadership Succession Chair. The selection of Kelly
Haight as the Leadership Intern was fortuitous. Her mentors included the President, Vice Presidents, and,
Leadership Succession Chair. . Kelly’s activities included participation in the organization of the Delta
Omega Chapter’s 30th Anniversary Program. During her undergraduate senior year, Kelly attended local
Delta Omega Board Meetings and networked at research and other business meetings of Delta Omega
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Chapter and the National Leadership Summit Conference in Atlanta this past April, 2010 via chapter
sponsorship. The Delta Omega leadership was happy to recognize Mrs. Haight as the “Undergraduate
Student of the Year” for 2010. The College of Nursing, The University of Akron named Kelly to the
“Mary Gladwin Hall of Fame.”
Goals for 2010_-2011:
The primary goal for the 2010-2011 year is to continue the Delta Omega Leadership Intern/Extern
Program with the addition of a leadership extern. A smooth transition between committee chairs and
stronger involvement with undergraduate students.
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