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Touch Point Online Magazine - Kent State University College of Nursing
Summer 2019 · Volume III, Issue 2

TOUCH POINT is an online magazine, released four times a year, for Kent State University College of Nursing alumni, faculty and friends. View this issue in your web browser »

Alumna Reconnects to Passion of Nursing While Volunteering in Africa

WRITTEN BY Mariah Gibbons
PHOTOS BY Shawn Thompson

Nurse Shannon Gardiner examines a ticklish patient in the ward of the Africa Mercy in Guinea, West Africa
Shannon Gardiner, BSN ’09, RN, CCRN, always knew she wanted to help people, but also longed for a career that would
provide flexibility along the way. After a few years working in a pediatric ICU, followed by some time as a travel nurse, a Google search for volunteer opportunities led her to Mercy Ships, who own and operate the largest non-governmental hospital ship in the world.

Student Actors Bring Realism to End-of-Life Simulation Experience

WRITTEN BY Mariah Gibbons
PHOTOS BY Bob Christy

Theatre student actors depict end-of-life patients and their families for nursing students
Kara Simon
Ronda McCaskey and Caitlyn Horvath

ICU Nurses Ronda McCaskey and Caitlyn Horvath went through the Nursing program together at Kent State Geauga. They also happen to be mother and daughter.

Meet this duo ›››
Three nursing students at the NSNA convention

In April, six Kent State College of Nursing students attended the 68th Annual National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) Convention in Salt Lake City, UT.

Hear from students ›››
Joel Hukill performing a procedure on a patient mannequin

The Alaskan landscape is much different from Green, Ohio, where Joel Hukill, BSN ’14, RN, grew up. Now, he’s no stranger to the Last Frontier, where he battles the conditions to save lives.

See his impact ›››

Research
   AT THE LEADING EDGE
Dr. Denice Sheehan
Dr. Denice Sheehan
 
As an oncology nurse and later, a hospice supervisor, Denice Sheehan, Ph.D., RN, FPCN, noticed that adolescents with a parent in hospice rarely interact with the health care
team and could benefit from more effective strategies to manage grief during and after the loss of a parent.

In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Sheehan and her colleagues identified processes adolescents use to manage their lives while a parent is in hospice and after the parent's death. They also found that although adolescents often assume caregiving roles while a parent is in hospice, support by health care professionals for adolescents’ involvement is lacking...

Watch your Email to Participate in Important Research

You will soon receive an email invitation to participate in an important research study conducted by KSU College of Nursing researchers to test a new instrument about spiritual uncertainty among nurses. If you are a licensed nurse who has cared for a patient with a serious illness, you may be eligible to participate. Several Amazon gift cards will be raffled among participants. Questions can be forwarded to Dr. Pam Stephenson at pstephe2@kent.edu.

Awards & 
Achievements
 

Please join us in congratulating our alumni, students, faculty and staff members on their recent recognitions, publications, presentations and awards.

Recognitions

Faculty | Students | Alumni

Publications

Faculty

Presentations

Faculty | Students | Alumni

Grants & Awards

Faculty/Staff | Students
flashes give back
Winners of the 6th Annual Race into Finals

More than 160 runners and walkers participated in Kent State University College of Nursing’s 6th Annual Race into Finals 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun run on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The course, with its paved pathways and a few small hills, allowed racers to experience Kent State University’s scenic, springtime views all while supporting a good cause.

See who won the race ›››
Award recipients

Kent State is committed to making its physical and digital environments accessible and inclusive. On May 3, one nursing advisor and three nursing faculty members were recognized for making the university a welcoming and accommodating place for students with disabilities.

Learn about their impact ›››

Feedback and Suggestions

We want TOUCH POINT to be a valuable resource for you. Please share your feedback and suggestions by emailing us.

Share Your Story With Us

We want to celebrate your success! You are invited to share your personal stories, memories, honors and accomplishments by emailing us.

Touch Point Online Magazine

TOUCH POINT is the online-based magazine of Kent State University College of Nursing and is produced quarterly

Editors
Mariah Gibbons and Kathleen Norman

Design
Corey Moore

Writers
Michaela Bann, Estelle R. Brown, Mariah Gibbons, Denise Karshner and Melissa Griffy Seeton

Photography
Bob Christy, Mariah Gibbons, Jeff Glidden and Shawn Thompson. Uncredited photos were submitted by the article’s subject(s).


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Street Address: Henderson Hall, 1375 University Esplanade, Kent, OH 44242
Mailing Address: College of Nursing, PO Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001
Phone Number: 330-672-7930  |  Email: touchpoint@kent.edu

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