Sarah Bogard
Congratulations to Sarah Bogard on her winning presentation. Bogard’s poster presentation, “Proposal of Ketamine Infusion in the Opioid Tolerant Patient for Improved Post-Operative Pain Control,” was selected as the winning poster presentation at the Kentucky Association of Nurse Anesthetist (KyANA) virtual spring 2021 meeting. The project focused on the opioid crisis in Kentucky, with special concern given to increased prevalence in rural counties, and the role of the medication Ketamine in post-operative pain control of opioid tolerant and dependent patients.
“Ketamine is a routinely used medication in the field of anesthesia,” said Bogard. “It uses alternate pharmacological pathways for the management of pain that differ from pathways utilized by opioid pain medications. For this reason, evidence-based literature recommends its use as a one-time, intraoperative infusion in opioid tolerant patients for improved, immediate and long-term pain control following surgery. Dosages recommended in my scholarly project were derived from the evidence-based literature as well as the American Society of Anesthesiologist’s guidelines.”
Bogard is a former reservist in the United States Army Nurse Corp and graduated from Murray State University in 2010 with her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She is currently enrolled in the Baptist Health/Murray State University nurse anesthesia program and expects to graduate with her doctorate this August. The project is one of the completion requirements for her degree and was completed under the advisement of Dr. Nancy Armstrong.
“I am very honored to have had the opportunity to represent Murray State University in this way, and I am very grateful to Dr. Armstrong for her guidance throughout the development of this scholarly project,” said Bogard.
Pictured below is Bogard’s poster.
Dr. Tonia Mailow
Help us to congratulate Dr. Tonia Mailow on her recent recorded oral presentation, “Hearing, Seeing, Doing. Strategies to Help Students Learn.” The presentation pertains to how Dr. Mailow teaches NUR 202 assessment and basic interventions and is featured in Murray State’s strategies for teaching and learning online course. More information about the presentation is available through the Murray State Faculty Development Center. Murray State faculty and staff can view the presentation by logging into MyGate and joining the Faculty Development Academy.
Community vitality research accepted for presentation
Congratulations to Dr. Jessica Naber, Dr. Amelia Dodd, Dr. Janice Thurmond, Dr. Lauren Roberson, Dr. Oluwabunmi Dada, Dr. Summer Cross, Dr. Esther Malm, Dr. Kristin Reid, Ms. Caroline Szczepaniak, Mrs. Lori Ballard, and Dr. Kathy Stanczyk. Their abstract, “Community Vitality: A Healthy Life for Everyone; A Four-Part Interdisciplinary Research Project” was recently accepted for presentation at the 47th Annual Professional Nurse Educators Group (PNEG) national conference: Innovate.Educate.Motivate. The conference is to be held virtually on Thursday, Sept. 30 and Friday, Oct. 1.
Abstract Purpose: A group of faculty from nursing, exercise science, nutrition, psychology and occupational safety has been working on a four-part research project that investigates healthy lifestyles of centenarians in the world’s Blue Zones. The project’s aim is to educate people about concepts of centenarian lifestyles and compare and contrast with habits of Americans.
They plan to share the results of the study later this year. The link will be made available at that time.
Pictured right is Dr. Jessica Naber.
Pictured below, left to right, first row: Dr. Amelia Dodd, Dr. Janice Thurmond and Dr. Lauren Roberson.
Second row: Dr. Oluwabunmi Dada, Dr. Summer Cross and Dr. Esther Malm.
Third row: Dr. Kristin Reid, Ms. Caroline Szczepaniak and Mrs. Lori Ballard.
Matthew Allen
Welcome to Matthew Allen who has recently joined us as an instructor in public and community health. He is currently teaching a personal health course as well as courses in consumer health, foundations of public and community health, human sexuality, and education for drug abuse prevention. Prior to Murray State he served as a graduate teaching assistant, a patient representative working with Medicaid eligibility, and a graduate assistant for leadership and inclusion.
Allen graduated from Murray State in 2018 with his Bachelor of Science degree in public and community health with a concentration in healthcare administration. In 2016 he was recognized for his philanthropic achievements, and was named as the public and community health outstanding student in 2018. After a brief time away, he returned to Murray State and completed his master’s in public administration with a concentration in public and community healthy in 2020. Allen is currently enrolled in the doctor of education program in P-20 and community leadership with a specialization in postsecondary leadership at Murray State and expects to graduate in 2023.
“My favorite aspects of teaching are helping students find their passion in the industry and developing the knowledge needed to pursue their goals, whether it be working in the field or through research,” said Allen. “I also enjoy having a mentoring connection with students. Hearing from our program alumni about their personal achievements reinforces my love for the field and for teaching.”
He has presented in numerous state level conferences such as the Kentucky Public Health Association, and was recently accepted to a D.C. Health Communication Conference (DCHC) scheduled for April 23 and 24 where he will present his ongoing research project, “Social Media: Can it Facilitate Positive Social Support & Encourage Eating Disorder Recovery?” The study looks at social media to see if it can facilitate eating disorder recovery. It also aims to inform healthcare professionals about incorporation and changes of practice. Allen’s favorite areas of research and study include minority health, health equity disparities, health programming, and health policy, specifically policy development on programmatic efforts with minority population buy in.
Allen is from a very small town in southcentral Kentucky called Tompkinsville. Outside of work he loves hiking, playing with his dogs, Knox and Nala, and cooking, and especially enjoys experimenting with international cuisine. He cannot wait to be able to travel again and aspires to visit Greece.
Amy Lawrence
Join us in welcoming Amy Lawrence as the new medical surgical clinical instructor in nursing. Prior to Murray State Lawrence worked at Murray Calloway County Hospital as a medical surgical nurse for 21 years, and for six years as a nurse in the ambulatory surgery center at Henry County Medical Center. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in Martin in 1999 with her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher,” said Lawrence. “It wasn’t until I saw the interaction between a nurse and my sister during her recovery in the hospital that I realized a large part of being a nurse is teaching. As the weeks continued, I witnessed that nurse’s compassionate, caring manner as she used her nursing skills. She taught my sister, my mother and myself how to physically and mentally aid in my sister’s recovery. This interaction made me realize that being a nurse would be so rewarding and would incorporate both clinical skills and teaching. It was during this time that I knew I would try my hardest to become a part of this profession.”
As a charge nurse on the medical-surgical floor, she developed confidence, leadership and continued to improve her clinical skills. Over the years Lawrence said she has had the opportunity to take care of a wide variety of wonderful people and has worked, and continues to work, with some amazing co-workers and physicians.
“I have always loved med-surg and pre-operative nursing and the skills, organization and patient interaction they provide,” said Lawrence. “In January, I decided to change my career path after 21 years. I heard about the job position posting for the Murray State nursing program from a friend and took a leap of faith and applied. The opportunity to take what I have learned and teach that to students in the clinical setting was, to me, the perfect job. I am so honored to be a part of the nursing program here at Murray State. I have been very welcomed by all the nursing faculty and know that I am now a part of a remarkable team. My hope and goal is to teach strong clinical skills to students so that as they graduate and enter the nursing profession they are prepared and confident.”
Lawrence has two teenage boys, Hunter and Fisher, and a supportive and loving husband, Tony. They have been married for 21 years and currently reside in Paris, Tennessee. Her oldest son, Hunter, is a senior in high school, captain of his high school swim team and is also an Academic all American. Her youngest, Fisher, is a freshman in high school, plays football and is currently working towards his Eagle Scout. Together they have a dog, Bear, who is the ruler of the household.
In her free time Lawrence enjoys being outdoors, and in the summer loves to go boating and skiing on Kentucky lake with her family and friends. She sets a yearly goal of completing the St. Jude half-marathon and has achieved that goal during the past four years.
Commencement
Commencement for spring and summer 2021 degree candidates and 2020 graduates will be held at the CFSB center. Ceremonies will also be streamed live the day of the ceremony.
- Friday, May 7, 7 p.m. – Masters, specialist, and doctoral graduates
- Saturday, May 8, 8 a.m. – Undergraduate ceremony I
- Saturday, May 8, 11 a.m. – Undergraduate ceremony II
- Saturday, May 8, 2 p.m. – Undergraduate ceremony III
If you plan on participating in an in-person ceremony you must sign up no later than Friday, April 23 by 4:30 p.m. Selected graduates will receive four digital tickets for their guests. For the most recent information on commencement, how to sign up, as well as updates, visit murraystate.edu/commencement.
Nursing will also have an in-person recognition ceremony on the evening of Friday, May 7 at Hardin Baptist Church. Specific time and details to come.
Pictured are fall 2019 graduates.
Dr. Michael Perlow
“Time management is one of the biggest challenges for students, especially nursing students. Probably the best suggestion that I have is to set up a schedule and stick to that schedule as best you can. A schedule not only helps you to focus, it makes sure that you don’t end up missing something important.
“The second thing that I think is of help is to make lists of things you need to do each day. You can make that list on a post-it note or in your planner. Then, as you finish a task, draw a line through that task and move to the next one. You might also think about putting that check list in priority order so you do the most important one first. Best of luck!”
Dr. Michael Perlow
Dr. Miranda Terry
“I think most of the public and community health students and faculty who attend my work-life balance sessions will know my recommendations:
- Create SMART goals (i.e. specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and time-oriented)
- Self-care is vitally important.
- Financial literacy (i.e. budgeting).
- Print a weekly calendar and document all of your activities (e.g. meal prep, class, study time, gym, sleep).
“You prioritize things that you make time for. If you need to get more sleep, then you should set yourself a bedtime and create a bedtime routine. If you want to exercise more, schedule time for it on your weekly calendar. If you want to spend more time with your friends, schedule ‘friend time’ or a social hour on your weekly schedule. And most importantly, don't forget to schedule ‘me time’ on your weekly schedule – read, meditate, take a bath, take a walk – do something that helps you take care of you. You cannot help others or be at your best if you are sick, tired or stressed out. Time management is one of the best ways to address these wellness aspects.”
Dr. Miranda Terry
Dr. Summer Cross
“My study recommendations are:
- Get a real paper calendar and fill in class times, clinical times, exam dates, and paper and assignment due dates first. Then plug in study time.
- Skim your textbook before class, then go back and review notes and read further in depth after class. Next, start taking some practice questions in Evolve using the Saunders NCLEX review book.
- Come prepared to class. Ask questions, answer questions, share your experiences. The more engaged you are, the better you will understand the material being presented.
- The week before the test make a study guide based on reading and class notes and continue reviewing.
- Do NOT stay up all night the night before the test. Cramming last minute will only cause fatigue and slowed thought processes.
- Eat before the test. This is important. You need good nutrition to allow for clear thinking.
- Meet with your instructor if you have questions and always review your exam after the test to see what you missed and why.
- Reach out to the Bridge to Success coaches, such as Dr. Rogers and myself, if you need additional help.
- Make sure to take some time for self-care whether that is exercise, crafting, time with friends and family or pets, hobbies, or even just time to relax and unwind with Netflix, reading a book or listening to music.
- Be flexible and persistent.”
Dr. Summer Cross
Amy Lawrence
“For me, time management and effective study habits are all about discipline and organization. I find that organization is the key and discipline is the driving force. Everyone is so busy in every aspect of their lives. However, if we develop small habits we can save so much time. Calendars are a must for me. Whether it’s a desk, phone, or pocket calendar, having one place you can list events or activities can help you to visualize what needs to be accomplished. A calendar also helps keep you from being overwhelmed, double scheduling or adding too much to one day’s schedule.
“Secondly, reminders are a large part of staying organized. Sticky notes, phone reminders, alarms, or just placing objects in areas that will cause you to notice them can help you remember what needs to be accomplished. Early preparation is another key aspect of time management and forming effective study habits. Think ahead to what needs to be done and when you have any free time, go ahead and do it. As this last year has shown us, we never know what will happen tomorrow.
“Most importantly, remember that if you want to improve your time management and studying skills, it will take practice. Once you develop these skills, you will find that by saving time you appreciate and enjoy your time more, have reduced anxiety and feel more confident.”
Amy Lawrence
Dr. Jessica Naber
“Time management is really one of the most important skills you can learn in college. It is a major key to success. I recommend keeping a detailed calendar. Look at the calendar as a whole for the semester, but focus on it one week at a time. Keep in mind that that whole semester can be overwhelming to look at all at once. You have a lot of time to accomplish those things, so try not to get overwhelmed by it. Schedule your days by giving yourself time to study as well as free time for yourself. You have to remember that taking time for you, whether it be exercise, meditation, prayer or recreation, is important to your well-being.”
Dr. Jessica Naber
Dr. Jennifer Rogers
“I strongly recommend having a working calendar you look at and use daily. Time management is an important part of success in the nursing program. The amount of studying in nursing school can be overwhelming. Writing down daily tasks that are realistic and manageable will help keep you focused and let you feel like you’ve accomplished something at the end of the day. This also helps to avoid ‘cramming’ the night prior to exams. Additionally, this practice will help you manage your time as a registered nurse on busy 12-hour shifts after graduation.”
Dr. Jennifer Rogers
Dr. Dana Todd
"Studying in nursing school can seem overwhelming. Here are a few suggestions I have. First, it is important to study a little every day. Cramming in nursing school doesn’t work. Scheduling study time every day is important. Reading is important before class. Review the course objectives and content outline before class and take notes. This will help to better prepare you for class discussions. You can then follow up with questions in or after class. Finally, communicate with your faculty members. If you have questions about content or are having personal issues that are creating a challenge to study time, discuss this with your faculty members. They can’t help if they don’t know what questions you have or what barriers you are facing."
Dr. Dana Todd
Dr. Priscilla Maghrabi
“Operating as if things were ‘normal’ during a pandemic is as wise as operating a vehicle using cruise control during a traffic jam. We all know using cruise control in that situation would be a bad idea, so why are we trying to operate as if things were normal during a very abnormal time? The pandemic is hopefully a once in a lifetime event that has given us the opportunity to determine what is meaningful, what we should be putting our efforts into, and how to best use our precious time on earth.
“Success in academics is one part of life and a very enriching experience that needs to be adjusted. Adjustment may mean being more intentional in our relationships, creating a calendar and actually using it, being interdependent with an accountability partner, or being more mindful of our mental health. Perhaps all of those things and more.
“Learning to take a pause, to give your eyes a break from the screen or book, is essential. I’ll go beyond that. Get up every hour for at least five minutes, even if it is just to use the restroom and refill your cup. Take the break! The book, screen or work will be there when you return. Take the time to care for your body, brain and heart. Draining yourself down to your last bit of patience, or to your last second of awake time or cognitive power is not healthy. We are all forced to think of what is safe and unsafe related to COVID, however what is safe and unsafe related to our own wellbeing is not discussed often enough in academic circles. My advice to students is to find your balance, accept what you can give to your studies, and be grateful you have another day to pursue your dreams.”
Dr. Priscilla Maghrabi
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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSU-School-of-Nursing-Health-Professions-100228168258965
Twitter: @MsuSonhp