Tag: College of Nursing

NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission Heals Hearts, Smiles

From July 17 to July 22, 2023, a remarkable event took place in St. Mary, Jamaica, as Nova Southeastern University (NSU) embarked on a transformative medical/dental mission. This interdisciplinary mission brought together professionals and students from various healthcare fields, including Medicine, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Optometry, Occupational Therapy, and a host of volunteers. Their collective efforts not only provided much-needed health-care services but also left a lasting impact on the lives of the local community.

The mission was organized by NSU in collaboration with Women of H.O.P.E., a local non-profit organization that provides healthcare and education to women and children. Its primary objective was to extend a helping hand to the underserved population in St. Mary, who faced limited access to medical and dental services. The mission’s diverse team of dedicated healthcare practitioners aimed to address a range of health issues, including dental problems that often went untreated.

The dental component of the mission was particularly remarkable. Three experienced dentists, along with 12 talented dental students, came together to deliver vital dental care to those in need. Over the course of the mission, these compassionate professionals provided dental services to an impressive 275 patients, ranging from cleanings to more complex procedures like fillings and extractions.

What made the NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission even more exceptional was the generosity of the team and their supporters. With more $175,000 in donated services, this mission truly exemplified the power of altruism and the positive impact it can have on underserved communities. The donated services not only alleviated immediate health concerns but also contributed to the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Apart from providing hands-on care, the medical and dental teams also conducted informative presentations on various health-related topics. These presentations covered crucial aspects of oral and general health, including preventive measures, hygiene practices, and the importance of early detection and treatment. The mission aimed to create a sustainable impact by educating the community, and empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.

The NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission was about more than just medical and dental treatments; it was a mission of healing hearts and smiles. The warmth and compassion exhibited by the team left a lasting impression on the patients they served. Beyond the physical healing, the mission also fostered emotional and psychological healing, reminding the community that they were not forgotten and that they mattered.

The impact of this interdisciplinary mission extended far beyond the week it took place. The team not only treated patients but also formed valuable connections with the local healthcare providers and organizations. Collaborative efforts like these can create a lasting change in healthcare infrastructure and access in underserved areas.

The success of the NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission 2023 was a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and the spirit of giving back. By coming together, these professionals and students were able to make a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals, leaving a legacy of care and compassion that will be cherished by the community for years to come.

The NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission 2023 was a remarkable endeavor that showcased the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. Through the efforts of Medical, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, students, and volunteers, the mission delivered critical services, educational support, and compassion to the people of St. Mary, Jamaica. It was a shining example of how healthcare can be a force for good, transcending borders and bringing healing to the hearts and smiles of those in need.”

Posted 07/30/23

NSU’s Graduate and Online Programs Shine in Latest National Rankings

The 2023 U.S. News & World Report higher education rankings are out, and Nova Southeastern University continues to be ranked among the nation’s best in several important categories.

The “Best Graduate Schools” category includes NSU’s highly ranked physician assistant program (M.M.S. in Physician Assistant) offered in Fort Lauderdale through the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences.

NSU’s Shepard Broad College of Law topped the U.S. News & World Report “Best Law Schools” list for its highly regarded “Health Care Law,” “Legal Writing,” and “Trial Advocacy” programs, and both the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine and Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine were recognized as national leaders in “Diversity” among the “Best Medical Schools.”

The “Best Online Programs” category features NSU’s information technology program (M.S. in Information Technology) offered through the College of Computing and Engineering, and nursing (M.S.N.) program offered through the Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, which earned high national rankings.

“As NSU continues to forge ahead in its path to preeminence, such national recognitions are a product of a culture dedicated to providing top-notch educational opportunities and innovative academic and research programs on its many campuses,” said NSU President and CEO George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D.

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. By collecting school data annually, U.S. News & World Report presents the most current figures on enrollment, job placement, faculty and other critical quality indicators that help prospective students make informed decisions.

NSU routinely has been ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report. University-wide, in 2022-2023, NSU was recognized as a top “National University,” a “Best Value School,” and among the best colleges for “Social Mobility.”

NSU Receives Funding to Address Nursing Shortage

Nova Southeastern University has been awarded more than $3.5 million in funding from the State of Florida ($1.75 million) as well as three healthcare partners ($1.75 million) – HCA/East Florida, Baptist Health/South Florida, and Memorial Healthcare System – to address our state’s critical nursing shortage. NSU will use this funding to provide dozens, if not hundreds, of student scholarships, mentorship opportunities, clinical faculty appointments and equipment upgrades that will continue to put NSU at the forefront of nursing education.

In 2022, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 2524, creating the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (“LINE”) funding program. The LINE Fund was created to incentivize collaboration between nursing education programs and health care partners to combat the growing nursing shortage in the state. The Legislature allocated $19 million for LINE funding and of that amount, $4.6 million was earmarked for private colleges and universities, via a competitive grant process. Nursing programs seeking funding are required to partner with, and obtain funding from, a healthcare provider. The State – through the Florida Department of Education – then matches the healthcare partner funding on a dollar-to-dollar basis.

In October 2022, NSU’s Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing submitted its LINE Program application for $1,762,621. This amount was to match a commitment of funds from private donors:   $500,000 from HCA, $1,062,619 from Baptist, and $200,000 from Memorial Healthcare System. On December 16, 2022, the Department of Education issued Prioritized Funding List, scoring the 26 applications from private colleges and universities that applied for funding. NSU tied for the second-highest score among 26 private colleges and universities and received the third-highest award amount of $3,525,242 as a result of the match.

On February 9, 2023, the Department formally issued its award notification to NSU for the State’s matching funds. The College of Nursing is working diligently to implement its clinical adjunct faculty recruitment measures, purchase and integrate new equipment, and – most importantly – to identify and begin issuing scholarships to eligible NSU students in partnership with HCA, Baptist, and Memorial.

Posted 03/12/23

Nursing Graduate’s TikTok Exam Reveal Goes Viral

Shannon Rosen

Shannon Rosen, a recent Nova Southeastern University nursing graduate from Lee County, posted a reaction video of her and her father viewing my “passing” NCLEX score and the video has now been featured on many news stations as well as been shared on Good Morning America.

Rosen, a 26-year-old from Estero, Fla., attended NSU’s Fort Myers campus. Her TikTok video last month showing her and her father crying and hugging went viral, racking up more than 620,000 views since March 10.

Read the story and see the video.

Posted 04/21/22

NSNA Jack & Jill Children’s Center Donation Drive

Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing’s National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) hosted a donation drive for the Jack & Jill Children’s Center. It is the oldest non-profit organization in Broward county that provides childhood education and family resources. In the past, they have partnered with NSU for community nursing clinical rotations and therefore we were motivated to help them collect supplies during such a troubling time. The nursing college collected food, diapers, gift cards, children’s clothing, cleaning supplies, and more necessary items for the organization. The donation drive surpassed expectations and had over 60 students plus administration and faculty from multiple NSU campuses donate to the organization. It is wonderful to be able to help such a wonderful organization that helps so many people in our community. Thank you so much to everyone that donated!

Fort Myers Student Nurses Association Breast Cancer Walk

The Fort Myers Student Nurses Association (FMSNA) organized and hosted the “Walk Your Way” community service activity with Lee County Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The students hosted a closed event to students, faculty and their families on October 11, 2020, in which they walked 2 miles. During the month of October, FMSNA sponsored many fundraising activities, including “Penny Wars” between nursing cohorts, T-shirt sales, and donations. They raised $628 for Breast Cancer Research and Awareness. Our local TV station, WINK News, provided coverage of the event the Wednesday before the walk to inspire others to sponsor their own “Walk Your Way” event.

Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing’s National Student Nurses Association Angel Tree Gift Donations

Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing’s National Student Nurses Association (NSNA), Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus, hosted a donation drive with Angel Tree to collect holiday presents for local children with incarcerated parents. In total, 100 presents were collected for 50 local children! The donation drive was such a success that the original goal of 30 presents was reached on the first day, and we continually surpassed each goal until we reached 100 presents! The enthusiasm shown by the nursing students to participate was inspiring. NSNA is grateful to be a part of a wonderful project sharing joy and kindness within the community. Thank you so much to everyone that donated!

National Student Nurses Association Host a Virtual Event with Handy, Inc.

Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing’s National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) hosted a 3-day virtual event with Handy, Inc. to promote healthy habits and nursing careers to local youth. Handy, Inc. is a nonprofit organization in Broward county that guides the education and career development of local at-risk youth from disadvantaged backgrounds and the foster care system. The 3-day virtual event consisted of a daily Zoom call where NSU nursing students and faculty volunteered to describe the pursuit of a nursing education and provided health promotion on diet, exercise, hygiene, flu shots, mental health, and health maintenance. The event was a great success and on the last day all Handy participants answered nearly 100% correctly when asked about the information taught during the event. Thank you to the NSU students and faculty that volunteered, and we are grateful to have shared this experience with Handy, Inc!

National Student Nurses Association Host the Thanksgiving BENA Food Drive

Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing’s National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) hosted a Thanksgiving food drive with the Broward Emergency Nurses Association. There were 470 items donated from students and faculty from both the Davie and Palm Beach campuses. The contributions were donated to The Pantry of Broward, which serves seniors who live on low fixed incomes, and grandparents who raise their grandchildren. Sarah Koplow, PhD, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, who serves as the NSNA E-Board’s faculty advisor, collected the donations during the food drive in a safe manner and has been a wonderful support during these times. Fins up for the NSNA team, and a huge thank you to all who contributed to this food drive!

 

 

 

May 2020 B.S.N. Graduates Present at National Nursing Conference

Jennifer Gray, B.S.N., Chloe Hollands, B.S.N., and Nicole Proto, B.S.N., graduates from the B.S.N class of 2020, gave a virtual podium presentation at the Association of Community Health Nurse Educators Annual Institute, June 3-June 5, 2020.

The title of the presentation was “Creative Approaches to Teaching Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Healthy Nutrition”. The students created this tool and associated technique during a Community clinical rotation in the fall of 2019.  The clinical took place at an alternative high school and the population they served was adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Gray, Hollands, and Proto served as educators for adults with IDD as part of a study, “The Effects of Fit 5 and Gardens on Adults with Intellectual Disabilities” was awarded a President’s Faculty Research and Development Grant (PFRGD). Mary Ellen Michell-Rosen, Ph.D., M.S.N., R.N., the PI of the study, worked along with Special Olympics International for the development of the study and served as the faculty advisor for the students. Holly Evans Madison, Ph.D., M.S.(N), R.N. was a member of the research team and provided faculty support.

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