Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Dr. Elizabeth Dowdell cited in article on drug abuse


Dr. Elizabeth Dowdell, associate professor, Villanova University College of Nursing, was cited in an article on a recent report on teen drug abuse in the Christian Science Monitor. Dr. Dowdell is a specialist in parent-child health and forensic nursing.

To read Report: marijuana, prescription drug use up among teens click here:

Monday, December 7, 2009

Genetics expert to be national resource for nursing education

In December 2009, Suzanne Tracey Zamerowski, Ph.D., R.N., associate professor, was notified by the Genomic Healthcare Branch of the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health that she will be one of their genetics nurse education experts and an invited member of the Consultation Directory: Genetics/Genomics Education Exemplar Resources. The directory will provide a valuable resource for faculty to access and facilitate integration of genetics into their curricula and education programs. Her commitment extends through September 2010.

Dr. Zamerowski, on faculty at Villanova since 1979, has been teaching genetics for 40 years and integrating the content through her maternal-child health and health promotion specialty areas. Why this commitment? “Personally and professionally, I am dedicated to the role of genetics as a key determinant of health,” she says. “As the era of personalized health becomes a reality, genetic knowledge will be of paramount importance for individuals and health care professionals. Since nurses are widely represented in health care, they are in a key position to provide genetics assessment, education and care.” She explains further, “As a nurse educator, I want to do all that I can to ensure that nursing graduates emerge as well prepared professionals in this era of genomic medicine and contribute to the promotion of health and prevention of disease. Serving as a faculty champion will allow me to be a change agent in one of the most exciting times in health care.”

Her broad contributions thus far reflect her commitment to the arena of genetics which began at the start of her career after her son Tommy was born with a genetic disorder. “I have continuously advanced my genetic knowledge through pursuit of doctoral education, conducted genetic research, attended numerous educational conferences and professional meetings, and participated in training programs and continuing education offerings. Through my role as an educator, I have been able to apply this knowledge towards numerous educational initiatives to advance genetic knowledge, change attitudes about genetics and prepare genetically competent nurses.” For instance she developed the required undergraduate Nursing course Cell Biology and Genetics and the elective course Genetics for Health Care Professionals. Her goals will be furthered through her service as a faculty genetics champion in this national exemplar program.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Two talented teams…taking shots and giving them


Nursing students from the College of Nursing’s accelerated second-degree BSN program, along with faculty Diane Ellis, MSN, RN, administered H1N1 flu shots to the campus community on November 23, 2009 at the Jake Nevin field house. The men’s basketball team, led by Coach Jay Wright, were returning from the Puerto Rico Tip-off tournament and stopped for a “shot” with the nurses. Both groups are in their busy season…for the nursing students, the flu season and for the players, the college basketball season. Seen here with Coach Wright (center) and the team are (left to right) Susanne Brackin, Danielle McNett, Cynthia Mullane, Diane Ellis, Sarah Stephens, Bonnie-Ethel Obispo, Shelley Fox, Kelsey Schleider and Meghan Brown. The students were one of four clinical groups that administered immunizations that day for a total of 1140 given by Villanova Nursing clinical groups.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

It is estimated that globally, one in ten people lives with a disability and they represent up to 20% of the population living in poverty in developing countries. On December 3, the United Nations is once again promoting the worldwide observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities which it began 1992.

The College of Nursing has a long history of research in support of access to and delivery of quality care to people with disabilities, especially through its Health Promotion for Women with Disabilities Project supported by a grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb. The project involved research studies and lectures relating to such areas as osteoporosis, intimate partner abuse, and cardiac disease in women with disabilities.

The work continues by the Villanova Nursing faculty. Current examples include Dr. Suzanne Smeltzer, professor and director of the College’s Center for Nursing Research, who continues her scholarly work to improve education of health care providers about disability issues so that people/patients/clients with disabilities receive better health care. She is also endeavoring to broaden the content related to disabilities in nursing curricula. In addition, Dr. Nancy Sharts-Hopko, professor and director of the doctoral program, is studying women with vision impairment and Dr. Linda Copel, professor, continues her research in the area of domestic violence.

For more information about the College’s efforts, visit http://www.villanova.edu/nursing/community/womendisabilities.htm . To learn more about International Day of Persons with Disabilities, visit http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1484 .