February 03, 2020

Mount Carmel Celebrates Excellence in Nursing Awardees

The Mount Carmel Excellence in Nursing awardees from MCCN were recognized at a special ceremony held Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Renaissance Hotel in Westerville. In its 15th year, the Excellence in Nursing Awards event is sponsored by Mount Carmel College of Nursing and Mount Carmel Patient Care Services and recognizes outstanding nurse educators, nurses, nurse leaders, advanced practice providers and physicians who exemplify devotion to patients, dedication to the nursing profession and diligence in providing outstanding, evidence-based care.

Congratulations, again, to the MCCN Excellence in Nursing nominees:

Graduate

Toni Chops, MS, RN, CNE
Roxanne Oliver, DNP, RN, APN, FNP-BC

Undergraduate

Lori Hill, MS, RN, CNP
Kim Loscko, DVM
Margaret Stinner, MS, RN
Nathan Kessler, MSN, RN
Erin Searle, BSN, RN

2020 Nurses Day at the Statehouse

The next Nurses Day at the Statehouse is scheduled for Wednesday, Mar. 11. More than 200 nurses and nursing students from around the state of Ohio will gather to learn more about legislative issues and visit legislators. There are only a few spots left, so if you are interested in attending, please send an email to Pat McKnight, MS, RDN, LD, FAND, assistant professor, at pmcknight@mccn.edu by Monday, Feb. 10.

Message From the President

It’s February and this new year is getting off to a great start with celebrations galore!

As you know, our inaugural White Coat Ceremony was very well-received and 190 sophomores including our new Second Degree Accelerated Degree Accelerated Program (SDAP) students received a white coat along with the MCCN gold lamp pin. It’s so appropriate that we began this new tradition in the College’s 30th year as it creates yet another milestone to celebrate.
We congratulate and celebrate members of the College’s faculty and staff who were honored at the 2019 Excellence in Nursing Awards program, which had been postponed from last fall to last week, January 29, 2020.
And, the celebrations continue as we look forward to next week’s graduation of the 13th Cohort of our Second Degree Accelerated Program on Feb. 7 at COSI. A total of 79 students will be graduating.

As I’m sure you’re aware, the demolition and construction on our Franklinton campus continues – everything is moving along and, once completed, will enhance our environment. The majority of the staff and faculty moves are complete and you’ll be informed

So for the College and for the Mount Carmel Health System, this year will be all about back to basics. For the College and the system back to basics means: focus on people, building a culture of safety and high reliability and operational excellence. The College is launching renovations to improve our classrooms and learning environment, we are incorporating Zero Harm training and use of error prevention tools throughout the curriculum and we are using your feedback to improve our communication and availability of services including food. I will keep you updated as we make progress in our journey to back to basics in the College and throughout the system.

Stay focused on your studies and keep an eye out for chocolate coming your way – of course I’m planning to share my personal sweet treats with you on Valentine’s Day on February 14.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ann Marie Brooks

Ann Marie Brooks, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN, FACHE, FNAP
President, Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Parking Garage Safety

The following are tips from MCCN Security on how to keep yourself – and your valuables – safe in the Parking Garage.

When you leave your vehicle, lock it and leave it empty. Remove all items of value, including cell phones, electronic devices, CDs, clothing, briefcases, sunglasses, and even accumulated loose change. Remember the glass in your vehicle is meant to easily shatter when struck; it provides little or no protection for any valuables you leave in the vehicle.
If you have used your cigarette lighter or auxiliary plug for a device, make sure you replace the lighter and close the flap on the auxiliary plug before you leave your vehicle. Failure to do so could be a sign to a potential thief that an item of value may be in the car.
Become familiar with the locations of security cameras and emergency call buttons throughout the facility.
Report suspicious activity or persons to the Security Department at 614.896.1489, or Columbus Police off Campus at 614.645.4545).
When returning to your vehicle, have your keys ready as you approach.
Be aware of what/who is around the area you parked as you approach and do a quick walk around of your vehicle.
Look inside your car before you unlock the door and get in; if you are concerned for any reason, simply walk past it and find help.
Lock your vehicle immediately after entering and leave as soon as everyone is situated and seatbelts are fastened.
Keep doors locked and windows up.
Remember to not let anyone “piggyback” you into the garage.
Always remember to register your vehicle with security and always wear you ID badge on campus.

The Columbus Foundation Scholarships

The Columbus Foundation is offering the following scholarships to nursing students. Click here to apply today!

W.A. and Margaret E. Buehler Scholarship

Candidates must be a graduate of a Franklin County high school, pursuing a degree in nursing at a central Ohio college or university, and have a minimum 2.75 grade point average in their current program.

Carol Jenkins Nursing Scholarship

Candidates must already have a valid, unencumbered RN nursing license in Ohio and be accepted in an Ohio Board of Nursing approved program in their first or second year.

Marr/Griesbeck Scholarship

Candidates must be working toward a BS or AD in nursing at a Franklin County, Ohio school; have a minimum of two years of full- or part-time work experience in a hospital or skilled-nursing facility; plan to work as a direct-care RN; and be 23 years of age

Jane Tschappat Nursing Advancement Scholarship

Candidates must already have a valid, unencumbered RN nursing license in Ohio, and be pursuing an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) qualification at an Ohio Board of Nursing approved program.

Mandatory Masking in Place for Flu

Columbus Public Health has determined the current influenza level is widespread, which means there is an increased number of flu cases in our community. As we continue on our journey to becoming a high-reliability organization through ZeroHarm, Mount Carmel is taking immediate steps to protect the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff (colleagues, volunteers, physicians and clinicians).

Effective immediately and until further notice, Mount Carmel is:

Implementing the mandatory masking portion of the Contagious Diseases policy found in Policy Tech (search Contagious Diseases). All students, faculty and staff who didn’t receive a flu vaccination (even those with exemptions) are required to wear a mask at all Mount Carmel sites. The mask requirement is part of a comprehensive prevention strategy that will create a healthier, safer environment for anyone who visits or works in a Mount Carmel facility. Colleagues may wear a simple surgical mask obtained throughout the hospitals, through Material Management or from the front desk at the CSC.
Placing visitor restriction signage at all main and ED entrances to our hospitals. The signs request visitors to seek immediate care if they exhibit flu-like symptoms or abstain from visiting. Refer to Page 2 of the overview/FAQ document for exceptions.
Offering flu vaccinations to students, faculty and staff. Visit @MC for Employee Health hours and contact information.

Students, faculty and staff with confirmed cases of flu should follow the Contagious Diseases Policy and stay home until free of fever for 24 hours and without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Free Fitness Facilities

All students, faculty and staff have access to the following fitness facilities:

Angela Hall on MCCN-Franklinton campus. A variety of fitness equipment is available, along with a yoga area and shower.
Ohio Dominican University has a fitness facility on its campus on Sunbury Road. Show your badge for access – you may even bring a workout buddy!

Second Degree Accelerated Program Graduation Ceremony

The Second Degree Accelerated Program (SDAP) will hold its graduation ceremony on Friday, Feb. 7, at 5 p.m. in the Medical Staff Building (MSB) Auditorium. Join us to congratulate the newest MCCN alumni!

Lunch & Learn: Creating Learning Environments to Promote First Generation College Student Success

First generation students experience unique challenges to learning. On Tuesday, Feb. 11 from noon to 1 p.m. in the gym, faculty and staff are invited to hear from a presenter who will work through real world examples to build skills to promote student success and increase awareness about first generation student struggles. It is critically important to create a cohort of nurses with a wide variety of experiences and backgrounds to meet the healthcare needs of our diverse communities. Please check your email to sign up.

Lunch & Learn: How to Stand Up to Sexual Harrassment in the Workplace

Students are invited to attend a lunch and learn on Tuesday, Feb. 18 from noon – 1 p.m. about how to stand up to sexual harassment in the work place. Nurses experience high rates of sexual harassment in the workplace. Knowing how to spot the signs of abuse empowers nurses to create a workplace that promotes nurse professional success and ensures the best care for patients. This lunch and learn will take place in the gym.

Volunteers Needed: 2020 Arnold Sports Festival

Mount Carmel Health System has been named the Official Medical Partner for the 2020 Arnold Sports Festival. Held Mar. 5-8 in Columbus, the Arnold Sports Festival is the largest event of its kind in the world, hosting more than 22,000 athletes each year. Mount Carmel will oversee teams of medical personnel covering the event at nearly all the Arnold Sports Festival’s 85 sports and activities. We are honored to serve in this important role and invite faculty, staff and students to volunteer for a variety of health-related positions. To sign up, visit bit.ly/2TB450S and please make sure to indicate (under credentials listing) that you are from Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

For more information, please contact Kathie Williamson, PhD, RN, MCCN academic dean, at kwilliamson3@mccn.edu.

Women’s Self-Defense Classes

Westerville Division of Police is offering self-defense classes to women ages 14 and older with varying levels of experience. All sessions are held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 29: Westerville Senior Center (310 W. Main St.)
Saturday, Apr. 18: Westerville Senior Center (310 W. Main St.)
Saturday, June 6: Westerville Senior Center (310 W. Main St.)
Saturday, July 18: Westerville Community Center (350 N. Cleveland Ave.)
Saturday, Sept. 26: Westerville Community Center (350 N. Cleveland Ave.)
Saturday, Nov. 14: Westerville Community Center (350 N. Cleveland Ave.)

For more information, contact Jennifer Kennedy at jennifer.kennedy@westerville.org or 614.901.6860.

Mount Carmel Healthy Living Center Winter Programs

The Healthy Living Center has many exciting new upcoming programs this winter. Please see the newsletter for additional information. To Register, please call our Main Line at 614-234-4660 or visit www.mountcarmelhealth.com/hlc.

Ann E. Schiele Presidential Endowment Application Period NOW OPEN

Do you have a big idea that you think could move health care to the next level, improve the academic experience at MCCN, advance nursing research or enhance the community? If so, please consider applying for funding of your idea from the Ann E. Schiele Presidential Endowment fund. The application period – for funding in three key areas – is open from Feb. 1 to March 1. The application will be emailed to all faculty and staff.

Ann E. Schiele, PhD, RN, president and dean emeritus, was employed at the College for a total of 50 years, serving as president and dean for 28 years. In honor of Dr. Schiele’s incredible vision and impact on the College, the MCCN Board of Trustees established the Ann E. Schiele Presidential Endowment Fund in 2014. The fund recognizes her unparalleled commitment and dedication to the field of nursing education with focus on four key areas: Collaborative Initiatives, Academics & Research, Community Partnerships, and Student Scholarships.

For more information, please contact Kim Kessler, Foundation operations director at kimberly.s.kessler@mchs.com or 614.546.4279.

Retreat to Chicago for a weekend of Wellness and Renewal!

Campus Ministry invites all students to attend a winter retreat from Friday, Feb. 14, through Sunday, Feb. 16, at Techny Towers Retreat Center, just north of Chicago. Re-energize your mind, body and spirit with time for prayer, meditation, play, and workshops to learn and practice skills for focus and rest!

The cost is only $25 per student with the remainder paid for through a grant from the Downtowners Campus Ministry. Space is limited, so contact Ellen O’Shaughnessy, D Min, director of Campus Ministry, at 614.582.7790 to reserve your spot today!

“I come that you might have life and have it in abundance.” The Gospel of John 10:10.

RN Referral Program

Through Feb. 29, 2020, Mount Carmel Health is pleased to offer an exciting new colleague referral program to encourage our most valued assets — our colleagues — to assist in bringing new nurses to Mount Carmel.

We’re looking for full-time, part-time and casual bedside RNs with at least one year of acute care experience to join our teams at MCE, MCGC, MCNA, MCSA and our FlexChoice program. Referring colleagues will be eligible for referral bonuses of $5,000, $2,500 or $1,000 per hire, depending on the type of placement that is made (outlined below):

Full-time, benefited bedside RN: $5,000
Part-time (0.40-0.80 FTE) bedside RN: $2,500
Casual bedside RN: $1,000

Please contact your campus HR business partner with any questions about the colleague referral program. Information about the program can be found on @MC (HR > Job Information).

Student Volunteer Opportunity at Camp PossAbility

Camp PossAbility exists to give young adults with physical disabilities a week to empower the mind, body, and spirit through social enrichment and outdoor adventure. Camp PossAbility provides one week of summer camp for young adults age 18-35 who use a wheelchair and have a typical high school diploma. Most campers have a diagnosis of spinal cord injury, with others having a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, or Muscular Dystrophy.

Camp PossAbility is looking for a total of 40 volunteers, who can earn more than 100 service learning hours and amazing disability-related experience in just one week – click here to view the staff video. Registration is just $25 plus the cost of a background check (varies by state). All meals, lodging and two t-shirts are provided free of cost. Click here to register. If you have questions, please contact Shannon Russell, volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@camppossability.org.

Achievements: Congratulations Faculty and Staff

Roxanne Oliver, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, director of Graduate Programs, and Lindsey Luther, MS, APRN, FNP-C, assistant professor, will have their article titled, “Flipping the Graduate Nursing Classroom: An Integrative Review” in the Journal of Nursing Education.

Library Update

Library Hours

Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Congratulations SDAP Cohort 13

We want take time to congratulate SDAP Cohort 13 as they prepare to graduate this month. It has been a real pleasure collaborating and assisting with your studies here at Mount Carmel. We wish you all the best as you embark on careers in nursing.

Warm Up on these Cold Days

Stop by your Library’s Refreshment Station and make a cup of coffee or tea. Fruit-infused water is also available. You can bring your own "K-Cup." Please use lids for all drinks.

Library Services

Professional Library staff is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We offer Librarian On Demand Service – click here to schedule a time.

Connect with us by chat/text, e-mail or phone, and you are more than welcome to visit us anytime. Most of the answers you can find at our Website: https://library.mchs.com.