Faculty Recognition
The Utah Academy of Health Science Educators renewed Dr. Sue Chase-Cantarini as a Fellow of the Academy for five years, extending through April 2029. Involvement in the Academy is instrumental in creating a culture of collaboration and exceptional education within University of Utah Health.
Community Engagement
Drs. Diane Chapman, Mandy Al-Khudairi, Zoe Robbins, and Doctor of Nursing Practice students, Lisa Bell and Hailey Sommerfield, attended the 2024 AANP Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. Utah was formally recognized for its recent move to 'green,' meaning that Utah is a full-practice authority state in which nurse practitioners may practice to the full extent of their experience and education. The group met with staff in Senator Mitt Romney and Senator Mike Lee's offices, as well as district representatives.
Student Success Story
Ryan Jamora, a second-semester prelicensure student, was recognized for his exceptional critical thinking and clinical reasoning during his acute care clinicals at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. When making rounds on the Telemetry unit, the clinical instructor learned that the previous day Ryan had identified a serious medication-related adverse effect that others missed. A charge nurse described a patient who was experiencing visual changes. During rounds, when the provider asked if there were any questions, Ryan confidently asked, "Is there a chance the visual changes could be from his new Digoxin?" The provider admitted they had not considered that possibility, expressing gratitude for Ryan's insightful input.
This experience demonstrates the impactful influence and dedicated efforts of prelicensure faculty. Prelicensure faculty are continually committed to foster clinical judgment in all students, which is reflected in Ryan's exemplary demonstration of critical thinking and proactive engagement in patient care.
In the Media
Drs. Shawna Sisler, Mandy Al-Khudairi, and Sara Hart published Rebranding “Sick Leave” to “Health Leave” in the Utah Nurse, the official publication of the Utah Nurses Association. They proposed changing terminology used in the state of Utah – renaming "sick leave" as "health leave." Drs. Sisler, Al-Khudairi, and Hart emphasized the importance of words and ideas, asserting that time and actions focused on health and healing are acts of wellness rather than sickness, that language can transform societal attitudes, organizational health cultures, and behaviors; and that terminology changes reflect commitment to holistic health and a departure from the disease-centered model traditionally used in human resources. Starting with the 2024 Utah legislative session, they encourage nurses to support legislation regarding “health leave,” asserting that nurses, informed by firsthand patient care experiences, can play a crucial role in advancing this initiative.
Dr. Lynn Reinke was featured on the Palliative Perspective Podcast, where she spoke on mentoring, taking risks, and engaging in opportunities that led to her being elected as 2024 President of the Board of Directors for the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) and for the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation (HPNF). Dr. Reinke also shared her enthusiasm for HPNA Strategic Plan, and her focus on building a strong community of hospice and palliative care nurses.
Dr. Sara Bybee published Opinion: Utah Will Only Achieve Housing Justice if We Prioritize People Over Profits in the Salt Lake Tribune. She underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy in Utah's housing policies, emphasizing housing justice that prioritizes people over profits. While acknowledging Gov. Spencer Cox's plan for 35,000 new starter homes, she recommended a multifaceted strategy, including a state-funded housing voucher program for extremely low-income households. Dr. Bybee called for addressing eviction policies that disadvantage vulnerable groups, and noted the influence of legislators involved in real estate. She stressed the urgency of changing housing policies, practices, and programs, which can prevent the negative consequences associated with forced displacement and evictions.
Publications
Beck SL, Smith R, Mindes J, Beck K, Leah Kim J, Weitzman M, Stone JAM, Veleber S, Dudley WN. Feasibility and usability of EnergyPoints: A mobile health app to guide acupressure use for cancer symptom management. Integr Cancer Ther. 2024;23.
https://doi.org/10.1177/15347354231223965
Bybee SG, Sharareh N, Guo J-W, Luther B, Grigorian E, Wang C-Y, Wong B, Wallace AS. A secondary data analysis of technology access as a determinant of health and impediment in social needs screening and referral processes. AJPM Focus. 2024;3(2):100189. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.focus.2024.100189
Kaiser J, Huntsman-Jones C, Woods L. Kinesiology tape in outpatient settings. J Nurse Life Care Plan. 2024;XXIV(1):15-19.
Sisler S, Al-Khudairi M, Hart S. Rebranding “sick leave” to “health leave.” Utah Nurse. 2024;33(1):2.
Unroe KT, Towsley GL. Learning from the experience of dementia care for nursing home residents during the pandemic. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2024. Epub ahead of print. doi: 10.1111/jgs.18771
Presentation
The Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) featuring Dr. Sara Bybee for its Scientist in the Spotlight: Social Scientist program. During her presentation – Detecting and Preventing Housing Injustice – she explored the impact of state eviction laws on the physical and mental health of the population. Dr. Bybee showcased the tools used to link data on evictions and health, described first-hand accounts from those who have experienced eviction, and provided ways in which people can have a positive impact on their community.
Alumni Recognition
The Georgia Nurses Foundation announced the 2024 inductees for the Georgia Nursing Hall of Fame. These 10 individuals are exceptional registered nurses who have contributed or are contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession on a local, national, and/or international level. Mary Gullatte, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, AOCN LSSYB, FAAN, an alumna of the PhD program, is one of 10 inductees. The initiative honors nurses who have become legends in Georgia and brings them into the spotlight.