Newsletter
March 2019
Table of Contents
Our March issue features stories about:
Alumni Spotlight
- Erin Myers- Nursing Graduate
- Elizabeth Lay- Public & Community Health Graduate
Events
- West Kentucky Community and Technical College Partnership
- Name That Newsletter
Faculty Accomplishments
- ACHNE Annual Institute
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society
Faculty Spotlight
- Dr. Michael Perlow
Scholarships
- John Ryan Nursing Scholarship
Student Spotlight
- Michael Goss- Anesthesia Student
- Madison Jameson- Public & Community Health Student
- Spring 2019 Legacy Nursing Students
- Derek Shelton- DNP Student
Alumni Spotlight
Erin Myers
Erin Myers, one of our BSN graduates, was recently awarded the Norton Children’s Hospital Preceptor of the Year award. Please join us as we offer her our congratulations. This award is given out yearly to a nurse preceptor who receives exceptional reviews from students, newly hired registered nurses who are going through an orientation process, and individuals who shadow intensive care unit registered nurses. A nurse preceptor is a registered nurse (RN) who acts as a mentor and educator to newly hired RNs for a specific period of time.
When she isn’t helping to train new nurses, Erin and her husband Chip, also a Murray State University BSN graduate, love going to the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest to hike the many trails and explore the lakes with their two dogs. They enjoy horseback riding and occasionally compete in the Louisville, Murray, Paducah and Illinois areas.
Erin and Chip also love to travel. Their favorite locations are Florida; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; New Zealand, where they visiting the filming location of The Hobbit; and Mexico where they recently enjoyed zip lining, ATV riding, explored the jungles, and snorkeled in scenic Rivera Maya.
Elizabeth Lay
Elizabeth Lay knew early on she wanted a job in the health care industry. While many Public & Community Health graduates work at hospitals and health departments, Elizabeth decided to pursue a different path.
“Healthcare is a complex industry and it’s nearly impossible to know everything. My degree in Public and Community Health gave me a foundation I was able to build off of during my internship and current position,” Lay said.
Elizabeth currently works for Cerner Corporation as an IT Works Analyst at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY, and previously interned in St. Louis, MO at ROI (Resource Optimization & Innovation). Both positions contributed to her understanding of the complexities of the health care industry.
“I knew I wanted a job that would allow me to travel the country while I was still young, and that was an important aspect I considered when looking for a job,” Lay said. “I am thankful for the experiences I have been able to have while traveling with Cerner, and look forward to many more in the future.”
Elizabeth graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Public & Community Health with an Emphasis in Healthcare Administration. When asked what advice she would give to incoming students, “My greatest advice for incoming students is to find shadowing opportunities and internships early on in your college years. The more exposure that you have in this industry, the more you will benefit early in your career.”
Events
West Kentucky Community and Technical College Partnership
On February 25, 2019 Murray State University and West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) formed a partnership. This partnership allows students with an associate degree in Medical Information Technology (MIT) from WKCTC a seamless transfer of credits toward a bachelor’s degree into Murray State’s public and community health program.
“Healthcare is the largest industry in the United States and the second largest employer,” said Dr. Miranda Terry, Murray State Interim Chair of the Department of Applied Health Sciences and Assistant Professor and Director of Public and Community Health. “The new transfer agreement provides a seamless pathway between WKCTC and Murray State for those interested in the health field to expand their knowledge while exposing them to the different facets of the healthcare industry. This is a wonderful opportunity for students as well as the region to keep future health professionals in the area.”
More information about the agreement can be found at https://bit.ly/2XCeFEF.
Bottom picture from left to right: Dr. Marcia Hobbs, Dean of School of Nursing & Health Professions; Dr. Miranda Terry, Interim Chair of Applied Health Sciences; Susan Guess, Chair of Murray State Board of Regents; Dr. Robert L. Jackson, President of Murray State University; Dr. Anton Reece, President of WKCTC; Dr. Carrie Hopper, WKCTC Dean of Allied Health and Personal Services; Jo Ann Knapp, WKCTC MIT Program Director; and Larry Kelley, Chair of WKCTC Board of Directors. Top picture is of Dr. Jackson and Dr. Reece.
Name that Newsletter
You still have a chance to show off your creative side. Submit your idea for a name for our new newsletter today!
Names should be easy to remember, short (keep it under 35 characters, including spaces), relevant, and not already taken.
Please limit suggestions to one per person. Suggestions may be provided at https://bit.ly/2FLRemK
Faculty Accomplishments
ACHNE Annual Institute
Please join us in congratulating our School of Nursing faculty, Dr. Dana Todd & Mrs. Rachael Schmitz, on the acceptance of their abstract “Incorporating Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation into an Undergraduate Nursing Course” for being selected for a Podium presentation at the 2019 ACHNE Annual Institute, May 30 – June 1, 2019 in Phoenix, AZ.
More information about the ACHNE Annual Institute can be found at www.achne.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3571
Picture from left to right, Dr. Dana Todd, Mrs. Rachael Schmitz.
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society
Please join us in congratulating our faculty for the acceptance of two abstracts for poster presentations at the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society of Nursing for their 45th Biennial Convention. Dr. Tonia Mailow, Dr. Dina Byers, Dr. Dana Todd, Dr. Nancy Armstrong, Dr. Janice Thurmond, Mrs. Lori Ballard, and Mrs. Anna Fowler had their abstract, “Improving Student Outcomes and NCLEX-RN Success Utilizing a Mentoring Program,” and Dr. Jessica Naber had her abstract, “It's Good to be Blue: Nursing Study Abroad Blue Zone Experiences in Italy and Greece” accepted for presentation.
It was noted, “The abstract you submitted for 45th Biennial Convention (16-20 November 2019)… has been selected for a poster presentation. The abstracts submitted were exceptional! The presentations selected are an excellent reflection of current nursing trends and timely issues. We look forward to your participation in this prestigious event. The opportunity to collaborate with nursing scholars from around the world who are involved in the advancement of nursing science promises to be rewarding and stimulating.”
For more information on the STTI 45th Biennial Convention visit www.sigmanursing.org/connect-engage/meetings-events/convention Top pictures are of Dr. Mailow and Dr. Byers.
Dr. Todd & Dr. Armstrong
Dr. Thurmond & Mrs. Ballard
Mrs. Fowler & Dr. Naber
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Michael Perlow
Doctor Michael Perlow joined us at Murray State University in the fall semester of 1984. During his time at Murray State Dr. Perlow has taught courses throughout the nursing curriculum, from first semester students to senior practicum. He spent four years as the nurse administrator, including one year as interim dean of the newly formed School of Nursing.
“I enjoy working with young people” Perlow said “and enjoy watching them develop into the role of registered nurse. I am appreciative of our students, pleased to watch them grow, and am proud of their successes.”
Before coming to Murray State he taught high school science in Kentucky, completed his BSN and MSN degrees, and taught in the University of Evansville’s BSN program. He finished his Doctor of Nursing Science degree from Indiana University in 1987.
Dr. Perlow’s early clinical practice was in the area of adult health. He then moved to mental health practice and completed his clinical career working with chronically ill, adult patients. His favorite area remains in working with adult medical-surgical patients with a wide variety of diagnoses.
In his spare time Dr. Perlow enjoys playing golf, tending his summer garden, rugby union football, Racer Basketball, really old movies, especially silent films, and spending time with his two grandchildren whom he considers to be some of his greatest treasures.
Scholarships
John Ryan Nursing Scholarship
“This scholarship will help many students fulfill their dreams of completing their nursing degree while providing a living legacy for John. John’s work in the nursing world impacted so many. I am honored to be a small part of this effort and look forward to meeting future scholarship recipients,” Dan Ryan, John’s brother.
John Ryan, a Lincoln, IL native, was active in Sigma Nu fraternity and met his wife, Martha Vargocko Ryan, on campus at Murray State University. John earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Murray State in 1974. John and Martha enjoyed 40 years of marriage, during which time they were blessed with two children and six grandchildren. He served his country with honor in the United States Army Reserve for 21 years and was part of both the 807th M.A.S.H (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) and the 933rd Forward Surgical Team respectively.
“I worked side-by-side with him while serving in the Army. John was an extremely caring and hard-working nurse,” said Marcia Hobbs, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions at Murray State University.
The scholarship will be available to full-time junior or senior students at Murray State, who have been admitted to the nursing program and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The School of Nursing Scholarship Committee will choose the recipients. Preference will be given to male students, who are underrepresented in the nursing field.
Donations can be sent to the Murray State University Foundation (please write “John Ryan Nursing Scholarship” in the memo line) and mailed to Murray State University Foundation c/o, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, KY 42071. Online gifts can be made at www.murraystate.edu/givenow. For more information, contact Jennie Rottinghaus in the Office of Development: 877-282-0033, 270-809-3406, or jrottinghaus@murraystate.edu.
Student Spotlight
Michael Goss
Michael Goss, a first year anesthesia student in the School of Nursing, has been recognized as Murray State University’s new Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GNSA) Liaison. GNSA Liaisons volunteer their time to engage, and serve as a point of contact, for their fellow students.
“My goals as Murray State University’s Liaison are to help connect graduate students to career leadership opportunities, to network at a national level, and help them stay up to date with the latest news, policies and publications,” Goss said.
Michael currently works at UK Healthcare in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit where he helps with post-op heart and thoracic recovery and heart and lung transplant patients, as well as with critical care and MCS devices. He is CCRN certified and achieved a sub-specialty in Cardiac Surgery Certification. Michael was also a travel nurse in critical care and trauma ICUs at Vanderbilt and Centennial Medical Center. He is currently employed with “on call” status since starting graduate school at Murray State.
“Growing up I really wanted to be a filmmaker, but I also had this internal drive, this desire to help others, and eventually that dream won out. As a nurse anesthetist I will be able to continue following that dream.”
As an undergraduate student Michael was a member of the Delta Psi chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau honor society, and served as a class representative during his last year. He received UK’s Nursing Education Award Scholarship, and completed a summer externship: Student Nurse Academic Practicum. In 2015, Michael graduated with honors from UK, earning his BSN degree.
Michael married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth, in 2017. He is an avid outdoorsman and historian, a member of the Frankfort Bourbon Society, and loves to do CrossFit. Michael also enjoys writing for newspapers, magazines and his personal outdoor blogs.
More information about GNSA Liaisons can be found at www.aacnnursing.org/GNSA/Leadership/Liaisons.
Photograph is of Michael and Elizabeth Goss.
Madison Jameson
Madison Jameson came to Murray State University from a small town in Graves County, Kentucky where she was proudly raised by her mother. When she came to Murray State she wasn’t sure what path she would pursue. In her sophomore year, things changed. That’s when she decided to pursue a degree in Public & Community Health with a focus on Health Care Administration.
“I was an undeclared major for my first two semesters at Murray State University. It was not until I was skimming through the majors posted online that I read about the Public & Community Health degree. I knew instantly that’s where I belonged. That it would allow me to grow into the woman I wanted to become,” said Jameson. “My favorite parts of my major are the endless opportunities, and the close-knit community of students.”
Madison made the Dean’s list with a 4.0 GPA for the last three semesters, and is a member of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Last semester she attended the Kentucky Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (KAHPERD) Lonnie Davis Scholarship Student Leader Workshop as a representative from Murray State University.
As a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority she serves as Scholarship Chair and previously served as Historian. She is also a Health and Wellness Peer Educator for Murray State University. After graduation Madison hopes to manage a health care nonprofit organization, an adult day care center, or a nursing home/assisted living home with hopes of eventually owning such a facility.
“We never know what the future holds, however I feel this major is going to prepare me for whatever comes my way!”
Spring 2019 Legacy Nursing Students
Legacy students are students whose parents are graduates from the Murray State University nursing program. Our spring 2019 legacy nursing students, from left to right: Carson Christian, Kaitlyn Prow and Lakyn Rye.
Carson’s dad, Todd Christian, RN-BSN, works at Lourdes Hospital and graduated from Murray State in 1993.
Kaitlyn’s Mom, Melissa Prow, RN-BSN, works at Continue Care Hospital Madisonville and graduated in 1995.
Lakyn’s mom, Lori Mathis Miller, RN-BSN, works at Lourdes Hospital and graduated in 1996.
Derek Shelton
Derek Shelton, one of our upcoming spring 2019 DNP graduates, has been named as the Clinical Operations Officer for Orthopaedic Associates in Evansville, Indiana.
“As we’ve continued to grow over the last decade, we realized a senior level position was needed to help our staff stay focused on patient care and positive outcomes,” says Jerry Blanton, Chief Executive Officer at Orthopaedic Associates. “Derek’s background as a provider allows him an important perspective on maximizing patient experience, with efficiency and consistency.”
Derek has been with Orthopaedic Associates for eight years as a Nurse Practitioner. As the Clinical Operations Officer he will manage and oversee the daily operations of the clinical practice with administration of clinical protocols, integration of clinical process with affiliate health systems, and Human Resource management of direct reports including Scribes, Clinical Assistants, Advanced Practice Providers, and Radiology Techs.
Derek is a father of three, and has been married for 17 years. In his free time he enjoys baseball, jiu Jitsu yoga, and mediation. His professional interests include regenerative medicine, and the bundle payment plan offered by Orthopaedic Associates. He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree at University of Southern Indiana, and is completing his Doctor of Nursing Practice at Murray State University.
School of Nursing & Health Professions
Our school offers many different health careers that offer you the opportunity to influence the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Website: http://www.murraystate.edu/sonhp
Location: 120 Mason Hall, Murray, KY 42071
Phone: 270-809-2193