Sigma Theta Tau
International Honor Society of Nursing
THE DELTA REPORT
DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER
Summer 2012
Editor – Amber Wick
Delta Omega Officers
Message from the Chapter President:
Kathy Rose RN, MSN
President –Kathy Rose
[email protected]
1st Vice President – Linda Shanks
[email protected]
2nd Vice President – Karen Mascolo
[email protected]
Immediate Past President – Barb Brunt
[email protected]
Treasurer – Peg DiMarco
[email protected]
Corresponding Secretary – Marlene Huff
[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]
Newsletter Co-Editor –Amber Wick
[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 president Barb Brunt via email at
[email protected]
Sigma Theta Tau, International www.nursingsociety.org
Delta Omega http://www.uakron.edu/nursing/about-us/stti
To begin this newsletter I am excited about being a
part of Delta Omega and the work involved with
this chapter. Two things I have participated in since
the last newsletter have given me further
understanding of chapter involvement both at the
local and regional levels. Those two things – the
Region 10 Conference and the recruitment for
chapter members – have been uplifting in my
responsibility as chapter president.
Region 10 Conference
The second biannual Region 10 conference in Ann
Arbor, Michigan proved to be another success. To
be a part of the planning committee was a learning
experience for me as well. As I reflect on the
progression of the teleconferences to put the
program together, I was better able to network with
others in my same position. A cohesive group
developed quickly and after the conference was
over, many planning committee members agreed to
work on the next conference which I found very
encouraging. Thank you to all who participated on
that committee.
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The title for the conference – Diversity and Civility
in Nursing: Connecting for Health – looked into
examining approaches to building safer, healthier
workplaces for nurses and advancing knowledge to
improve nursing student education and
patient/client outcomes. Even though the focus of
the conference was on diversity and civility, for the
first time nursing students introduced their research
projects to gain experience in disseminating
research information to other nurse researchers.
The Friday evening welcome session gave attendees
insight into graduate students’ development through
the research process. Kimberly Dobson, completing
her MSN, presented “Exploring the Health Issues of
Hidden Homeless IV Drug Users in a Mid-Sized
Canadian Community.” The second presenter,
Colleen Quinlan, PhD(c) presented her research
titled “Critical Influences on the Career
Development Experience of Canadian University
Women Presidents.”
Saturday information sessions gave understanding
for enhancing nursing education, broadened
understanding of the health challenges of
disenfranchised people, created supportive and safe
work environments and finally expanded
knowledge of innovative strategies to enhance
patient satisfaction. A nice wrap up for the
conference was delivered by Josephine Etowa, RN,
PhD, from the University of Ottawa who spoke on
the topic of “Fostering a health workplace for an
ethno-culturally diverse population.”
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Recruitment
Recruitment for new chapter members is an
ongoing process. Dr. Chris Hefner-Graor has done
an outstanding job in her appointment as Leadership
Succession chair. She is an innovative thinker and
follows up on prospective students/active members
to keep the chapter and its goals the focus of her
responsibility as leadership. She has volunteered to
mentor the incoming chairperson and we thank her
for doing so.
Contacts for recruitment come from many sources
with the primary contacts being our new inductees
in April. Once their induction is official, Dr.
Hefner-Graor follows up with email to make the
new members aware of what the organization does
at the local and national levels. Additionally, as a
chapter member, each member is considered to be a
leadership committee member, whether they are
employed in the clinical setting or in academia.
Even though board members have different titles,
each board member functions to some degree
recruiting or reactivating members and attempting
to get them actively involved with Delta Omega
committees. To that end, if anyone reading this is
interested in becoming involved in Delta Omega,
please contact Chris Graor at [email protected] or
myself at [email protected]. More information
about Sigma Theta Tau International can be found
online at www.nursingsociety.org.
Until the next newsletter I hope that you can
become actively involved in the Delta Omega
chapter and we can get to know each other and see
what our organization is about. I am wishing each
one of you a safe and happy summer!
Submitted by Kathy Rose, RN, MSN
President, Delta Omega Chapter, STTI
Summer 2012
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DELTA OMEGA INDUCTION
“TABLE INFORMATION”
by Marlene Huff, PhD, RN. The award recipients
are listed below.
February 20, 2012 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
For the incoming inductees to acquire additional
information or to have their questions answered
regarding Delta Omega Chapter of Sigma Theta
Tau International there was a different approach
taken by the Board Members this year. Instead of
the pizza and soda information session a table was
set up inside Mary Gladwin Hall with the banner,
Journal of Nursing Scholarship issues, cords and a
drawing for Starbuck’s mug and gift cards.
Approximately 17 inductees stopped by during the
session to inquire about the society. Many thanks go
out to those who assisted with staffing the table,
Barbara Brunt and Lori Kidd.
Second Vice President Karen Mascolo, DNP, MSN,
RN, NE-BC read the list of inductees who were
greeted into the Chapter by President Kathy Rose.
The inductees came forward to receive their
certificates and official Sigma Theta Tau honors
cords. Following the ceremony, all were invited to
enjoy a reception featuring cake, coffee, punch, and
cookies. Congratulations to all our new members.
We are proud of you and welcome you to Delta
Omega, Sigma Theta Tau International!
2012 DELTA OMEGA AWARD OF
EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS
2012 Delta Omega Induction
Ceremony
Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award
Lainie Ward, RN, MBA, NE-BC
Delta Omega’s 2012 Induction Ceremony was held
Sunday, April 15 at 2 pm. The ceremony took place
at The College of Nursing in Mary Gladwin Hall’s
large classroom. Sixty-three students, or 32% of
those eligible for induction, joined Sigma Theta Tau
International this year. About two dozen graduate,
basic and accelerated undergraduate, and RN/BSN
students attended the induction ceremony.
Following a welcome by Associate Dean Dr. Kathy
Ross-Alaolmolki, new members were addressed and
given their charge by Chapter President Kathy
Rose, MSN, RN. Award recipients were announced
Lanie Ward currently is the CNO/Vice President of
Patient Care Services for Summa Akron City/St
Thomas Hospitals and is the system CNO for
Summa Health System. She has extensive
leadership experience in a variety of settings.
Before she came to Summa, she served as Chief
Nursing Officer at North Broward Hospital District,
a community health system that encompassed more
than 30 healthcare facilities, including 4 hospitals.
In her role at Summa, she has been the executive
lead for three joint ventures (orthopedics, LTAC,
and rehab), and she improved patient and nurse
satisfaction, decreased RN agency use, and
improved patient outcomes and nurse-physician Page 3
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collaboration. During her tenure at Summa she has
demonstrated transformational leadership skills,
which helped SUMMA achieve Magnet ™
designation in January of 2011. She developed
scorecards for clinical quality, patient care services,
and each clinical unit. Her leadership within the
organization has significantly contributed to
SUMMA having designated Centers of Excellence
in Bariatrics, Stroke, Chest Pain, and re-designation
for Trauma. Congratulations Lanie Ward!
Excellence in Nursing Education Award
Karen Fitzgerald, MSN, RN, CRNP
Karen Fitzgerald is an instructor at The University
of Akron, College of Nursing and loves kids! She
has taught in both the pediatrics and the community
setting as she helps students address important
growth and development and health and wellness
needs of children. She is a previous recipient of a
Service Learning Grant from the University of
Akron, Teaching Learning Institute and conducted a
project that involved partnering with Summit
County Preschool Programs to build interprofessional teams – nursing students, school
nurses, school psychologists, and teachers to help
preschoolers understand their feelings and
behaviors at school. She is a staunch advocate for
children in crisis and provides serve to the
community. Congratulations Karen for being an
excellent nursing educator!
Excellence in Nursing Education Award
Sheau Huey Chiu, PhD, RN
Dr. Chiu would never identify herself as a mentor
but she is just that. Her expertise in statistics is well
known by her colleagues and students. She is a
behind the scenes type of person. Sheau is generous
with her time and efforts and always up to the
challenge of a statistical problem. She works
shoulder to shoulder with her colleagues as she
mentors. If she does not have an immediate answer,
be assured by morning she will have an email
tucked into your box that does. Mentoring is
growing and shaping individuals and sharing your
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expertise. It carries an implied excellence in an area
and sharing this excellence with others.
Congratulations Dr. Sheau Chiu as we recognize her
for her Excellence in Mentoring!
Excellence in Nursing Practice Award
Allison Hesse, RN
Allison Hesse has worked at Summa since she
received her BSN from the University of Akron’s
accelerated nursing program in August of 2007. As
the staff nurse representative to the System
Initiative Delirium Committee, she assisted with the
development of interdisciplinary interventions for
the delirium initiative. Additionally, Allison
conducted a research study on the incidence and
prevalence of delirium before and after
interventions which she implemented first on a
nursing unit and then more widely disseminated this
program within the hospital. She has been promoted
to a Clinical Ladder III nurse- a distinction
associated with being recognized for developing
programs to ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Allison is an active member in the system-wide
nurse practice council and her unit clinical practice
council. Her leadership has influenced quality
patient care. Congratulations Allison Hesse!
Excellence in Nursing Research Award
Annette Mitzel, DNP, RN
Annette Mitzel is a Senior Instructor at The
University of Akron, College of Nursing. As part of
her doctorate in nursing practice program, Annette
has been actively engaged in research. Her research
has focused on comparing two types of heat
therapies to reduce pain and increase comfort in
individuals with subacute low back pain. To be a
researcher requires persistence, curiosity and more
persistence. The research path can be fraught with disappointment especially when data does not tell
us what we hope to see. In addition, Annette has
participated in developing a research protocol for
hand massage to evaluate the effects of comfort in
cancer patients and most recently worked with Summer 2012
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McGill University as an expert consultant on
complementary and alternative therapies. Annette
demonstrates the spirit of a researcher by her
commitment to improving the health and wellness
of people. Congratulations Annette Mitzel!
Excellence in Utilization of Nursing Research
Patricia Walter, RN
Patricia Walter graduated Summa Cum Laude from
her undergraduate program at the University of
Akron and holds a master’s degree from Kent State
University. Because of her expertise and
knowledge, she is frequently used as a resource by
staff members for cardiac and critical care issues.
Patricia provides education and practice pointers for
critical care nurses. She bases these pointers on the
latest research findings and always reviews the
literature for the most current information. Patricia
validates her research studies and conference
presentations using evidenced based research.
Congratulations Patricia Walter!
This year we recognize three student recipients for
this award, Elizabeth Carver, Jordan Danish, and
Elizabeth Householder. These students’ conducted a
study to investigate the prevalence of depression
and the relationship between depression,
psychological well –being, self-care activities, and
emotional distress in uninsured adults with diabetes.
They worked together as a team. Each recipient is
an excellent student who is part of the Honors
College at The University of Akron. Each has been
on the Dean’s List every semester which is no small
feat. These young women are our future nurse
leaders and researchers. We celebrate their success
for being recognized for their excellence this year as
outstanding undergraduate students.
Outstanding Graduate Student(s) Award
Kerry Doyle, RN; Gloria Ocejo, RN
This year’s excellence award is given to two
graduate students. Kerry Doyle and Gloria Oceola
are “excellent and passionate” Master’s students at
The University of Akron in the pediatric nurse
practitioner program. The students sent a survey to
members of the Ohio Nursing Association of
Pediatric Advanced Nurse Practitioners to identify
their practices to assess concussions. Kerry and
Gloria then compared this information to their
knowledge using a case study approach. They have
presented their project at a graduate poster session.
Their preceptors identify them as excellent nurses
who provide quality care to their young patients.
Congratulations Kerry and Gloria!
Outstanding Undergraduate Student(s) Award
Elizabeth Carver, Jordan Danish, Elizabeth
Householder
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Congratulations 2012 Inductees!
Kathleen Ackerman
Lauren Agnew
Amanda Allmon
Megan Anderson
Molly Arnold
David Barasa
Phyllis Barnett-Lieberth
Sarah Boznick
Matthew Cavallaro
Shannon Clapp
Camilla Cullis
Tony Denicola
Moira DeWalt
Elizabeth Dixon
Brenna Elliott
Rachel Fear
Amy Fitzwater
Susanne Fly
Jennifer Frost
Michelle Gibson
Laura Hall
Michele Holbrook
Elizabeth Householder
Alenna Jones
Lucy Jury
Katherine Koehler
Jill Larrivee
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Kristen Lecerf
Randi Leuchtag
Dana Lucarelli
Amanda Malecky
Kelly Marcus
Amanda Mazur
Maura McDermott
Shannon McHugh
Theresa McMillan
Marissa Montalvo
Melissa Morgan
Rochelle O’Connor
Angela Palmentera
Joshua Peck
Christine Perebzak
Christopher Rankin
Ashley Resh
Donny Rowe
Katharine Rowlands
Seana Rutherford
Karah Schroeder
Lindsay Schroeder
Kristen Shaughnessy
Kelly Simkins
Kyle Smith
Madeline Spahr
Jennifer Spies
Ashley Staron
Andrew Strobl
Korto Sulongteh-Nelson
Jessica Swartz
Leah Tackaberry
Cheryl Thoerner
Riane Thrashe
Maria Tomaro
Amanda Wilson
Carrie Williams
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
The 64TH Western Reserve District 5
Science Day
March 17, 2012
Each year Delta Omega is one of the sponsors for
this Science Fair. There were 52 projects in the
Medicine and Health Category. Each student who
presented their information to the judges (Kathy
Rose and Dina Dornack) was enthusiastic about
their projects. Many of the participants worked with
health care personnel at one of the local urban
hospital research facilities. The winners for this
year’s presentations were:
 Trishna Desai for her research on “Malaria:
An Age Related Correlative Study of
Plasmodium Falciparum Antibodies in
Endemic Population”
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 Angela Blatz for her research on “Preterm
Infant Stress: A Description of Dermal
Cortisol Levels”
 Alex Pianalto for her research on “ECM
Derivatized Hydrogels for Cartilage Defect
Repair”
Miss Pianalto wrote a very nice thank you note to
the Chapter for her award. In her note she stated:
“Thank you so much for the award for Best Nursing
Related Medicine/Health Project! That was very
generous of you and I enjoyed presenting my
project to your representatives at the fair. I look
forward to continuing my research at The
University of Akron next year! Thank you again! “
This year’s science fair had an unusually large
number of entries. The Delta Omega Board
members decided to add more judges for next year.
Too, the participants needed time to review their
findings to judges in order to verify their research. It
was an exciting time for the researchers and the
judges. Thank you to all the student researchers
who participated! The judges are looking forward to
next year as well!
NEWS FROM AREA
INSTITUTIONS
Summa Akron City/St Thomas
Submitted by Barbara Brunt, Reporter
Summa Akron City/St Thomas had multiple
celebrations during Nurses Week. There was a
concert presented by administrative personnel and
managers, and Rod Myerscough gave a presentation
on mindfulness multiple times. Lori Kline, RN,
CNOR, RNFA was the RN preceptor excellence
award winner for Summa Akron City and Barbara
Rohn, RN-BC was selected as the St Thomas award
winner. Summa presented 10 RN-BSN and 4
MSN-RN full tuition scholarships to the following
nurses. Nancy Benko, Jill Bunnell, Kirston Cal,
Evan P. Deighan, Ida “Lynn” DiCaudo. Sandra
Harris, Amy Hoover Ronald Lux, Amy Palmer, and
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Patricia Wells received BSN scholarships and April
Bowe, Kristin Ferrell, Linda Preebe, Michelle
Gonser, and Wanda Simmons received MSN
scholarships.
Other awards presented during nurses weeks were
multiple Care Beyond awards and several rookie of
the year awards. The Sheldon Traeger Education
Award went to Susan Rump and Mary Cupett. The
Wilber and Florence Weaver Education Awards
went to Allison Barnes and Brandy Gabriel. Sharon
Boggs, Laura Miller, and Amy Johnson each
received a Sheldon Traeger Advanced Education for
Leadership in Nursing award, and Brenda Kovacik
received the Wilber and Florence Weaver Advanced
Education for Leadership in Nursing Award. In
addition TJ DeAngelis and Sarah Schutte each
received the Wilbur and Florence Weaver
Performance and Service Excellence Award.
Laura Isakov, BSN, RN, CHPN, Holly Klein, BSN,
RN, CHPN and Rob Myerscough, PhD presented
“The Wholeness Project: Building a Systematic
Process to Identify and Prevent Compassion
Fatigue” at the National Hospice and Palliative Care
Organization conference in March.
Janice Weinhardt, MSN, RN, GCNS-BC and
Kristine Jacobson, MSN, RN, CCNS, CNRN, CBIS
published an article on “Stroke Assessment in the
Perioperative Orthopaedic Patient,” which appeared
in the January/February 2012 issue of Orthopaedic
Nursing.
Barbara Brunt, MA, MN, RN-BC, NE-BC had an
article “Breaking the Cycle of Horizontal Violence”
published in the March 2012 issue of Ohio Nurse.
She also was a contributing author for a section on
grant-writing in a book, The Path to Stress-Free
Nursing Professional Development, published by
HCPro.
Carol Kridler, MSN, RN, CCRN, SANE-A and
Tara Snyder, BSN, RN assisted with a workshop at
the International Meeting for Simulation in
Healthcare in San Diego in January.
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Nancy McManus, BSN, M.Ed., RN-BC, CGRS copresented with Stephanie Clubbs, MSN, RN from
Akron General at the March meeting of the
Pentagon Council of Staff Development Educators;
the title of the program was Determining Outcomes
for CNE: The Next Steps.
In June of 2012 Jennifer Doyle, MSN, RN, WHNP,
CNIII, will be awarded the 2011 Best of JOGNN
award for her paper, “A performance improvement
process to tackle tachysystole,” which was
published in volume 40 of that journal. Her paper
was chosen by the members of the Editorial
Advisory Board for the originality of the work,
clarity and scholarliness of the writing, potential to
significantly affect the care of women, infants
and/or childbearing families, and the
interdisciplinary importance of the work.
Jennifer Foster, will be presenting “Four Year
Progression: Hospital Distribution of Formula
Company Sample Packs in the State of Ohio” at the
Fourth National Conference of
State/Territorial/Tribal Breastfeeding Coalitions in
August.
Suzanne Hughes, MSN, RN, and many other
individuals authored an American College of
Cardiology Foundation paper titled “2012 Health
Policy Statement on Patient-Centered Care in
Cardiovascular Medicine.”
Janice Weinhardt presented two paper presentations
at the International Stoke Conference in New
Orleans in January: “Dysphagia ScreeningInterdisciplinary Practices” and “Interdisciplinary
Post-Stroke Care Management.
Tim Norman, RN, CCRN and Eileen Fleming,
MSN, RN, CNS, NE-BC presented “Below the
Benchmark to Zero Occurrences: Reducing
Infection Rates in the Intensive Care Patient Using
Chlorhexidine Bath Wipes,” Lisa Ray, BSN, RN
presented “Reducing Hypoglycemic Episodes in the
Intensive Care Population with Nurse Driven
Protocols,” and Barbara Brunt, MA, MN, RN-BC,
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NE-BC presented “Classifying Staff Development
Competencies by Level of Expertise” at the 18th
Annual Nursing Research Day at Robinson
Memorial Hospital.
Carolyn Holder, MSN, RN, GCNS-BC received the
Delta Omega award of excellence for Summa
Akron City/St Thomas Hospitals.
Barbara Brunt, MA, MN, RN-BC, NE-BC
presented “Classifying Staff Development
Competencies by Level of Expertise” at the
Pentagon Council of Staff Development Educators
in May.
Nancy McManus, BSN, M.Ed., RN-BC, CGRS
received the Barbara L. Mims Distinguished Nurse
of the Year award from the Summit & Portage
District of the Ohio Nurses Association at the May
meeting of the group.
The University of Akron
Submitted by Kathleen Tusaie, Phd, APRN, BC
University of Akron graduate psychiatric-mental
health nursing track shifts to Family PsychiatricMental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMH-NP)
There is a critical shortage of trained child /
adolescent psychiatric and mental health providers.
According to the National Institute of Mental
Health, one in 10 children in the United States
suffers with a mental disorder severe enough to
cause impairment. Yet only about 50% (50.6%) of
children with mental disorders receive treatment.
Furthermore, the treatment among US youth with
depression has actually decreased between 20042008. In Ohio, these national trends are echoed.
The Ohio mental health boards reported there are
only about half the number of child/adolescent
psychiatrists needed. One way to begin meeting this
tremendous need for child mental health services is
to encourage nurses to return to school to become
Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.
Currently, only 0 .06% (N = 381) of the 6,513
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certified Nurse Practitioners in the United States are
in Family Psychiatric NP role. Of the 2,010 certified
Clinical Nurse Specialists, only 0.03% ( N= 24) are
certified to work with children and adolescents with
psychiatric problems (ANCC, 2011).
To bring some uniformity to the regulation of
Advanced Practice Nursing (APRN), The National
Council of State Boards of Nursing and many
national nursing organizations have been meeting
for over 2 decades. The product of these meetings,
The Consensus Model for APRN: Licensure,
Accreditation, Certification & Education (LACE),
defines advanced nursing practice, describes a
proposed regulatory model, identifies advancedpractice titles, defines “specialty,” and describes
how new roles and population foci might develop
(APRN Joint Dialogue Group, 2008). In October
2011, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
Board endorsed this document.
In response to the national changes outlined in the
LACE statement, there is now one track available
for those seeking advanced practice nursing in
psychiatric-mental health nursing at The University
of Akron. This curriculum change is coordinated
with ANCC’s decision to have one certification
examination for advanced practice psychiatric
nursing by 2014, the Family Psychiatric-Mental
Health Nurse Practitioner.
To maximize flexibility for students, all courses
now cover the lifespan and summer courses will be
either intensives or on-line. The University of
Akron has had a FPMH-NP track for 3 years but
previously, most students preferred the Adult
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner track. This has been
a national trend resulting in an extreme gap between
children and adolescents needing psychiatric
treatment and Advanced Practice Nurses prepared
to provide this treatment.
Our track has been awarded a two-year grant from
Ohio Medicaid to partially fund student
scholarships as well as the necessary curriculum
changes and evaluation of graduates’ resiliency.
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The team working on this project include Kathleen
Tusaie, Marlene Huff, Jillian Javac and Patti
Purcell. This grant is part of a state wide project to
train more than 1000 health professionals across
disciplines and 6 universities. The expected
outcome is to provide more quality treatment for the
Ohio Medicaid population. For information about
the FPMH-NP program contact Kathleen Tusaie at
[email protected].
Evidenced Based Practice
Submitted By Annette Sues-Mitzel, DNP,RN,CNS
Basing practice decisions and actions upon evidence
is considered state of the art nursing practice. The
words “evidence based practice” sound logical,
even appropriate, but what do they mean? Evidence
Based Practice (EBP) is the conscious use of the
best information or evidence provided in sound,
well conducted research, for clinical decisions.
Clinical choices for interventions rise from critical
thinking and reasoning using the data (information)
determined to have relevance to a positive clinical
outcome. There are seven levels of evidence,
ranging from the opinion of experts and authorities
to Meta-analysis. (Table 1)
Table 1: Levels of Evidence
Level 1: Evidence from systematic reviews and
Meta- analysis.
Level 2: Evidence obtained from random control
trials (RCT).
Level 3: Evidence from control trials with
randomization.
Level 4: Evidence from case control and cohort
studies.
Level 5: Evidence from systematic reviews of
descriptive and qualitative studies.
Level 6: Evidence from a single descriptive and
qualitative study.
Level 7: Evidence from the opinion of expert
groups and authorities on a subject.
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The evidence can be external or internal. External
evidence is from the appraisal, analysis and
synthesis of current quality research. Random
control trials (RCT) and cohort studies are used as
sources for external evidence. Internal evidence
generates from observed outcomes, quality
improvement projects, evaluation of what works
and does not work in a given clinical situation.
A Meta- analysis produces the strongest level of
evidence upon which to base clinical decisions. The
Cochrane Review is one source of Meta analysis
data. A Cochrane Review is a scientific
investigation and systematic review of original
studies of mostly RCT and clinical control studies.
The methods for analysis are pre-planned and the
data are synthesized using care to limit bias and
random error. The design and characteristics of a
study are carefully reviewed as data is synthesized
and the results analyzed. Each review in a
Cochrane Review is conducted by a team with
support from librarians specializing in the field.
When exploring clinical subjects and creating the
research question the Cochrane website
(http//://www.cochrane.org/Cochrane/ccbroch.htm#cc) holds a wealth of information about
clinical studies and use of the database. There are
tutorials and many aids for the novice and expert
researcher. Being inquisitive about a clinical issue
or dilemma begins the search which leads to the
research question. The Cochrane database is an
excellent place to begin the search.
SAVETHEDATE
Delta Omega Fall Program
Wednesday October 3, 2012
Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements
regarding the location and time of the Fall Program!
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Delta Omega’s “Practice Pearls”
Program
Akron General Medical Center
Monday, May 14, 2012
Submitted by Linda Shanks, 1st Vice President, Delta
Omega Chapter
Delta Omega’s spring program, “Practice Pearls,”
featured three excellent speakers: Barb Brunt,
Annette Mitzel, and Jennifer Huth. The program
began with a dinner, time to network with others,
and was by followed three 20 minute presentations.
Twenty-four nurses attended the program.
Our first speaker, Barbara Brunt, MA, MN, RN-BC,
NE-BC, is Director of Nursing Education and Staff
Development for Summa Health System in Akron,
Ohio. Barb presented her research on “Classifying
Staff Development Competencies by Level of
Expertise.” She discussed the classification of staff
development competencies based on Benner’s
novice to expert framework.
Annette R. Mitzel, DNP, CNS, RN, is the Director
of The Nursing Center for Community Health and a
faculty member of the College of Nursing. Annette
just recently completed her Doctor of Nursing
Practice (DNP) degree and presented the results of
her dissertation research. Her talk was entitled,
“The Effectiveness of Infrared Heat on Sub Acute
Low Back Pain.” She compared infrared heat with
the type of heat generated by a typical heating pad.
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The third speaker, Jennifer Huth, has been
employed at Akron Children’s Hospital from 1975
to the present and has worked as a staff nurse in the
Burn Center, Float Staff, Post Anesthesia Care Unit,
and the Craniofacial Center. She presented on “Shift
Worked, Quality of Sleep, and Elevated Body Mass
index in Nurses,” and described the relationships
among these three variables. She used the Neuman
Systems Model as a framework for her study.
We are very thankful to Barb, Annette, and Jennifer
for sharing their expertise, and to Akron General
Medical Center for allowing us to hold our dinner
program at their facility. The venue, food, and
presentations were excellent!
SAVE THE DATE
Volunteers needed!
Delta Omega Chapter is in need of volunteers to
serve lunch at OPEN-M on October 26, 2012 at
10:00am. Please contact Dina Dornak at
[email protected] with questions 
SAVE THE DATE
Research Grant Deadline
September 15, 2012
Volunteer now!
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REPORT

Delta Omega has a call for committee
volunteers. Please read the volunteer form for a
description of the committee work and return to
completed volunteer form. Terms are generally for
2 years and begin at the annual conference.
Please return to [email protected] with subject
titled “Volunteer_CommitteeName_Lastname”
Delta Omega Chapter
Sigma Theta Tau International
Honor Society of Nursing
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE: This is made up of two
elected chapter members, plus the counselor. This
committee is charged with overseeing the bylaw
compliance, makes recommendations for bylaws changes,
and oversee member eligibility issues. The counselor
serves as the chair of this committee
LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION/NOMINATING
COMMITTEE: Develops members in organizational
leadership roles, mentors members to assume
organizational board and officer positions, selects
nominees, and prepares and sends the ballot to the board
of directors four weeks prior to a scheduled election.
AWARDS COMMITTEE: Oversees the development,
review and judging of the chapter’s award applications, and
assists with coordination of the preparation and
submission of regional and/or international award
applications on behalf of the chapter.
BYLAWS COMMITTEE: Oversees the bylaws amendment
process and submits the Chapter’s bylaws to headquarters.
INDUCTION COMMITTEE: Assists with the planning and
coordination of the annual induction process and the
induction service and oversees the preparation of the
annual induction ceremony.
NEWSLETTER/WEB COMMITTEE: Oversees the
development and implementation of strategies to maintain
and increase the chapter’s visibility through venues such as
Web sites and newsletters.
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PROGRAM COMMITTEE: Plans, develops, coordinates
and implements chapter meeting programming; also
oversees the CE process for all programs and meetings.
WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE: Works with the
chapter treasurer as needed with fund-raising strategies,
and the coordination, implementation and evaluation of
chapter fund-raising projects and events.
I am willing to serve on the following committees:
TERM ONE YEAR
 AWARDS COMMITTEE
 BYLAWS COMMITTEE
 INDUCTION COMMITTEE
 NEWSLETTER/WEB COMMITTEE
 PROGRAM COMMITTEE
 RESEARCH GRANTS COMMITTEE
 WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE
Name and Credentials:
Home Address:
Home Phone: _____________________
Mobile Phone: ______________________
Business Title:
Business Address:
Business Phone:
E-Mail Address:
I prefer that mail be sent to my
 home  office