Alumni in the News

Class of ’16 DNP alumna Florence Mandebvu honored with Distinguished Gerontological Nurse Educator Award               

Dr. Florence Mandebvu

Florence Mandebvu, DNP ’16, RN, GCNS-BC, DNP program coordinator and assistant professor at Upstate Medical University’s College of Nursing, received the 2022 Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Award from the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE).  This award recognizes nurse educators who have skills and expertise in the care of older adults and contribute to the preparation of the future nursing workforce in caring for an aging population. Mandebvu was honored at NHCGNE’s leadership conference in October.

The NHCGNE is a collaboration of national and international schools and institutions committed to enhancing the capacity and competency of nurses to provide quality care for older adults. Their mission is accomplished through advancing gerontological nursing science, providing faculty development, facilitating adoption of best practices, fostering leadership, and designing and shaping policy.

Mandebvu, a board certified gerontological clinical nurse specialist (GCNS-BC), has been a registered nurse for over 14 years and teaches undergraduate and graduate programs at the College of Nursing. After participating on the Acute Care of Elderly (ACE) Team and focusing on evidence-based practice for people with dementia, Mandebvu’s devotion grew. “I realized how precious they are. I realized that isolated, older patients with dementia have so much to teach me by their behaviors and patience that I was drawn to them, becoming enriched in their presence,” Mandebvu said.

Mandebvu was instrumental in implementing best practices for the care of older adults through the Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) program at Upstate University Hospital and began initiatives that focus on preventing and reducing delirium.

“Elderly patients are often misunderstood simply because people are not taking the time to listen to them. Ageism, or bias toward the elderly, clearly exists and is increasing,” Mandebvu said. “The aging baby boomer population is now. We have come a long way in geriatric education, but it is not where it should be. The silver tsunami is on the rise and will continue well into our future.”

Tammy Austin-Ketch, PhD, FNP, FAANP, dean of the College of Nursing, said, “Dr. Mandebvu has proven every day that she is an amazing educator and clinician. Her support of students and passionate presentation of geriatric clinical topics make her an outstanding educator.”

To better educate staff, Mandebvu developed and implemented a dementia care training program for staff in a long-term care setting after recognizing and extensively documenting the lack of knowledge and training for dementia care among nursing staff. Her conviction is that all staff who provide care for older adults with dementia should be competent in the skills they need in order to provide the best care for those suffering from dementia. She included evidence-based strategies that help staff to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

“Dr. Mandebvu exemplifies the qualities that are inherent in receiving the Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Award from the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence. All of us at the College of Nursing wish her the most heartfelt congratulations on receiving this prestigious national award,” Dr. Austin-Ketch added.

Expanding the definition of 'researcher'; encouraging nurse researchers at Upstate

Dr. Jolene Kittle

From Upstate News

Who asks the questions in medical and healthcare research? Who examines hospital processes and patient care practices? To Jolene Kittle, PhD, RN ’14, breaking down barriers to include a wider variety of medical professionals in research is the goal. Kittle has recently filled the position at Upstate Medical University as a research scientist nurse; working to help Upstate’s nursing staff through the process of creating scientific studies, conducting research, publishing academic writings, and presenting at conferences. The first barrier? Changing the mindset about who has the ability to conduct research. Read full article

College of Nursing alumna, faculty member, shares reason for obtaining DNP

Dr. Kathryn Holliday

In celebration of National Nurse Practitioner week, Kathryn Holliday, DNP, CPNP, CNE (MS ’13), assistant professor at the college, shares why she chose to further her education and obtain her Doctor in Nursing Practice degree. 

Dr. Holliday said, “I chose to become a DNP because I never wanted to be limited by my education. I wanted every possible opportunity and I thought that the best path for that was getting my DNP. I think it is most important for nurse practitioners to have kindness and compassion; empathy is a tremendous gift we can give to patients and families.”

Dr. Holliday added, “NP's bring a wealth of experience working as an RN and as an NP. NP's are excellent at collaboration as we have worked with many other healthcare professions. NP's also excel at patient/family education which is imperative for exceptional patient outcomes.”

Covid-19 Related Articles:

After 1st vaccinations in Syracuse, SUNY Chancellor celebrates Upstate's achievements during pandemic

Story by Andrew Donovan

From Albany, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras was watching as the first people were vaccinated against coronavirus at Upstate Medical University.

Malatras wants the community and state to celebrate not only the first shots in arms but Upstate’s role in developing the Pfizer vaccine.

Upstate coordinated people to be participants in the vaccine trial and its chief infectious disease doctor, Dr. Stephen Thomas, was the lead principal investigator in the study.

Watch WSYR-TV video here

Upstate’s Dr. Stephen Thomas to participate at FDA vaccine hearing

Stephen Thomas, MD

Story by Emily Kulkus

Upstate’s chief of infectious disease, Stephen J. Thomas, MD, will participate at a public hearing Thursday as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers whether to issue an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Thomas is the coordinating principal investigator for the world-wide Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine trial, which is showing more than 94 percent efficacy in preventing COVID-19. Upstate serves as one of the global phase three vaccine trial locations.

Read more.

 

FNP '06 Alumna, Army Reserve colonel discusses care of Covid patients in NYC in podcast

Story from Upstate's HealthLink on Air

An Upstate nurse practitioner who is a colonel in the Army Reserve spent two months at Queens Central Hospital, caring for patients with COVID-19 when New York City was hardest hit by the pandemic. Patricia Goodyear tells about her experience and how it differed markedly from the type of care she is used to delivering in Central New York. Listen to her podcast here.

 

Upstate’s new 419 graduates have first-ever virtual commencement

Story from Upstate News

Upstate Medical University conducted its first-ever virtual commencement on May 1st conferring degrees on 419 students who graduated from the Colleges of Nursing, Health Professions, Medicine and Graduate Studies.

Interim President Mantosh Dewan, MD, praised members of the class of 2020 for their resilience and dedication to a field centered on helping others.

“More than ever, we need each and every one of you,” Dewan said. “Close your eyes and walk across a splendid stage and out into a temporarily troubled world as a graduate and a hero.” 

New York Health Commissioner Harold Zucker, MD, JD, was the ceremony’s featured speaker.  The ceremony included a message from Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon who congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to stay and work in Central New York. Also addressing graduates were Dean of Student Affairs Julie White, PhD; College of Nursing Dean Tammy Austin-Ketch, PhD, FNP; College of Health Professions Dean Katherine Beissner, PhD, PT; College of Medicine Dean Lawrence Chin, MD; and College of Graduate Studies Dean Mark Schmitt, PhD. Student speakers included Heather Bedard, College of Nursing; Amber Walker, College of Health Professions; Yaa Takyiwaa and Jared Sweeney, MD, College of Medicine; and Adam Blanden, College of Graduate Studies. Read more.

 

A message from your Upstate Nursing Alumni Association

One of our alumni recently emailed to say, "As the world changes, I remind myself gently that we need to get through this. We will rise to face these incredible challenges."

The Covid-19 situation has reawakened that need that led all of us into health care in the first place, a fundamental desire to help others.

SUPPORT UPSTATE STUDENTS

Many of you are leading the way on the front lines, and for that we are profoundly grateful.

If you are among those in a position to help, your support is needed. Our students are facing many sudden and unexpected challenges, which may go on for some time. Some of our nursing students are being furloughed from their jobs and may find it very difficult to continue their nursing education.

Upstate's Student Retention Emergency Fund #44555 will help address some of these student needs, such as housing, transportation, food, technology for remote learning, and other basic needs. 

THANK YOU for all you do, every day, whether you're in the thick of it or isolating at home.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

VISIT UPSTATE'S EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WEBSITE FOR MORE COVID-19 INFORMATION AND UPDATES HERE.

 

Nursing Alumni COVID-19 Updates: Information, resources, news and more:

Third group of Upstate nurses head to Long Island to help in fight against coronavirus

Story from cnycentral.com

The third team of nurses from Upstate University Hospital headed to Stony Brook University hospital on Long Island to help in the fight against the coronavirus. The team is filled with 13 intensive care unit nurses who headed to Long Island on Tuesday, April 28th. They are expected to stay for 2 weeks. Read more.

Pandemic creates additional challenges for those being treated for substance use

Story from Upstate's HealthLink on Air

The COVID-19 pandemic, with its stresses and abrupt changes, might create conditions that threaten the recovery of people being treated for their use of alcohol or other drugs. Alumnus John Ringhisen, PMHNP '19 from Upstate's Addiction and Pain Service explains how caregivers continue to provide tele-health appointments and in-person appointments during the outbreak. He also talks about the risks of using tobacco products and/or alcohol, especially now. Listen to his interview.

Upstate plays crucial role in managing emergency COVID-19 hospital at Javits Center in NYC

Story from Upstate News

Emergency Medicine physician Christopher Tanski, MD, MSEd, is working as the chief medical officer and Director of Nursing Recruitment and Retention Rebecca Milczarski, MSN, RN, MBA, NEA-BC, is working as chief nursing officer at the Javits Center. Division Chief of Hospital Medicine Housam Hegazy, MD, MLS, SFHM, FACP, CHCQM, is also on site assisting his Upstate peers. Read more.

Second group of Upstate employees leaves to treat COVID-19 patients on Long Island

Watch video

A second group of staff members from Upstate University Hospital left for Long Island to treat patients suffering from COVID-19. This group includes twelve additional nurses, two respiratory therapists, three pharmacists and five pharmacy technicians.

SUNY Upstate sends nursing staff to assist Stony Brook University Hospital

Story from localsyr.com

Chief Nursing Officer, Nancy Page, MS, RN, NEA-BC said 22 registered nurses will head to Long Island to answer Stony Brook’s call for help. The nurses left for Stony Brook on April 9, 2020. These staff members are from various emergency room departments and intensive care units. Watch Video.

Alumna's story written for Sirius XM host is tweeted to 200,000 followers

Michael Smerconish is a host on Sirius XM. He and the President of the United States host a program on CNN. Recently, Smerconish shared an essay on Twitter written by Patricia L. Carroll, RN-BC, RRT '77, MS, "The Hidden Heroes of COVID-19: Respiratory Therapists." Pat Carroll began her career as a respiratory therapist then, became a nurse. Read her story here.

Read the Corona Virus Special Edition of Upstate Health magazine here.

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Since its inception in 1992, the Nursing Alumni Association has awarded nearly 400 scholarships.  The association also provides support for continuing education, professional development, and other needs of the students, faculty and alumni of the College of Nursing. Many alumni will remember receiving their first white coat as a gift from the alumni association.

The mission of the Nursing Alumni Association is to enhance educational excellence and scholarship for nursing students of the Upstate Medical University campus, and promote collegiality among nursing alumni, students and faculty.  We hope you will join us in this effort.

Rotary Club of Eastwood honors recent nursing scholarship recipient

From left, Jonathan Yost, Shelly Whyland, Bernie Bregman, Ed Molloy of The Rotary Club of Eastwood

The Rotary Club of Eastwood honored scholarship recipient and Upstate College of Nursing alumna, Taralynn Kochanek, MSFNP '18 (not pictured) as she completes her Post Master's Advanced Certificate in Family Psychiatric Mental Health. Thank you to everyone at the Rotary Club of Eastwood, for their continued support, and a wonderful luncheon.

 

New job opportunities posted

Just a reminder that new job opportunities are posted periodically on our website.

On the side menu, choose 'Job Opportunities', 'Search Job Postings' and click 'Search' to view the full list!

 

Upstate opens state-of-the-art simulation center to enhance patient safety and improve quality

Story from UpOnline

Upstate Medical University has opened a new $11 million teaching center that will simulate real-time responses to medical emergencies—in the ICU, labor and delivery, the operating room and in any setting where health care is delivered.

The aim of the Upstate Simulation Center is to improve patient safety and patient care, as well as build highly-trained multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

This new and sophisticated learning environment, totaling about 8,600 square feet will become a hub of teaching and training for students from all areas of the health professions. The center will also be dedicated to improving the competency of health care providers as well as training them in new techniques. Read more.

 

Congratulations are in order!

Scott Jessie MS '07, RN, NEA-BC will begin a new role as Executive Director of Nursing effective March 22. Scott currently serves as the nursing director for emergency services across both of our campuses. Please welcome Scott into this role that will be pivotal to Upstate Nursing’s journey to continued success in staffing models enabling high RN engagement and effectively meeting bed capacity needs. Scott’s prior role with critical care and emergency nursing, his strong nursing identity and data driven approach will be an asset for our institution and continue to position Upstate to meet our patient care needs for the region.

 

Online Bachelor of Science Program

The Future of Nursing is Taking Shape Now

 

Research has shown patients do better when cared for by RNs who have earned a Bachelor of Science. Upstate Medical University’s Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is an opportunity for Registered Nurses to improve their skills and expand their  horizons in health care.

The Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers unprecedented flexibility for full-time and part-time students, including working nurses.

Questions? Email admissfa@upstate.edu or call 315-464-4570    Read more!

 

Nursing student to present research at Australia conference

Story by Jim McKeever. Follow him at http://blogs.upstate.edu/withdistinction/author/mckeevej/

  Upstate nurse Taylor Solak, BS, RN, CCRN, will present her research this month at an international conference in Melbourne, Australia. Taylor is a graduate student pursuing her Nurse Practitioner master's degree in the College of Nursing. Photo by Robert Mescavage.

Taylor Solak, BS, RN, CCRN, a master’s degree student in the College of Nursing, will travel to Australia this month to present her research on Upstate’s collaborative efforts to boost its number of bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) prepared nurses.

Taylor, an Upstate employee on the burn intensive care unit, earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Upstate in 2017 and is pursuing a master’s degree in the Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. 

The College of Nursing Alumni Association provided financial support for Taylor’s travel. Read more.

 

Upstate focus of collaboration with SU is sleeping infants in neonatal intensive care unit

 

Associate Professor Karen Klingman, RN, PhD, holds a doll that was used in the project with SU bioengineering students to design a sensor that monitors infant sleep positions.

—Story provided by Syracuse University

Premature newborns often require special care from nurses in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as their tiny bodies develop. Nurses want babies to sleep on their backs before they go home, but while they are in the NICU, Associate Professor Karen Klingman from Upstate Medical University’s College of Nursing says newborns often need to be repositioned to aid their growth.  read more 

 

Career Fair for NP students!

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Dinosaur Barbeque

5pm - 8pm

Attend this annual career-planning event to meet with representatives from leading healthcare organizations across the country. Residents and fellows in all years of training and all medical specialties are encouraged to attend. A complimentary buffet will be served.

For guests arriving at 5pm or later, complimentary parking is available in the gated lot located across the street from the venue. Please let the lot attendant know you are attending an event upstairs at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.  More details!

 

New York governor signs BSN in 10 into law for nurses

Why is New York so important?  There are 297,331 RNs with a license in New York.  That is 8% of all RNs in the U.S. This one state will set a precedent for others attempting to pass similar.  The American Nurses Association House of Delegates adopted a motion in 1964 supporting baccalaureate education as educational foundation for the registered nurse, and reconfirmed that position in 2000.

Read more!

College of Nursing receives $1.8 million federal grant to meet a community need

From left, Bambi Carkey, DNP, PMHNP-BC, NPP; Alice Boyce; Joyce Scarpinato, DNP, PCPNP-BC, FNP-C; and Karen Klingman, PHD, RN.

A four-year grant of more than $1.8M to the College of Nursing at Upstate Medical University from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be used to increase the number of family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (FPMHNP) in rural communities and in medically underserved communities, such as Syracuse.

Read more.

 

I Remember

I remember my first, last clinical course!!!
Oh God thank you, I prayed, I never have to take another clinical course again!!!

I Remember, that was so long ago, older than my children, and I am sure older than most of you
who are graduating today.

I Remember, two Master’s and a Doctoral degree, and so many more clinical courses later...
I Remember… and, Today, I Remember You!
Eager to learn, anxious, confident, and so, so wanting that fast track to Graduation.

I Remember, your calls each day of that first clinical course,
“Am I in the right clinical? Will I learn what I need to know? Am I OK here?”
“Am I, am I, am I?”
I Remember my mantra: “You are in the right place, You will get what you need, and,
You will be just fine! You will, you will, you will!!!
Oh yes, I Remember!

I Remember Theories -- Scientific Theories Nursing Theories, Systems Theory, and Theories of Human
Growth and Development, and
I Remember Systems -- Body Systems, Family Systems, Organizational Systems,
And Health Care Systems!

I Remember Chief complaints and HPIs and
PMH’s & EKGs, LFTs, MRIs, MSEs and so many other diagnostic screens,
and so much more alphabet soup!
Oh yes, I Remember!

I Remember heart sounds and lung sounds, and cries of pain and sighs of relief,
the joy of laughter, and the tapping of fingers flying over the keyboard late at night
in order to get that assignment in!
I Remember!

I Remember readings, discussion boards, reflective journals, presentations,
scholarly papers (oh those papers), OSCES (yes, the dreaded) OSCES
Oh yes, I Remember!!!

I Remember the DNP Project, the clinical hours, the IRB, the re-writes, the meeting with your
Committee, the re-writes, the re-writes, and finally, the pride of completion!
I do Remember!!!

And one day, just like the DNP graduates who are here today…
You will Remember that this might be your first, last clinical course, after all!

Congratulations!