News

August-October 2002

With the fall season well underway, here’s a re-cap of many events that have occurred that are celebratory and significant to our Nurse-Midwifery Education Program.

Class 02 completed their course of study and celebrated a completion ceremony at the KUSON on July 27, 2002. Our guest speaker Stephenie Moore, wife of Congressman Dennis Moore and KUSON alumni, presented a wonderful challenge to them to always speak out for women and families and to become politically involved during their professional career. During their studies, all seven students in this class received substantial financial awards to assist with their education. The entire class sat for the National Board Certification exam on October 18, 2002. We are very proud of these seven program completers and wish them the best as they expand the practice of Nurse-Midwifery in our surrounding area and internationally.
Class 03’s five students began their summer moving steadfastly through the Antepartum course, and taking a brief respite before beginning Intrapartum and Newborn courses this fall. The student make-up includes two ARNP-FNPs and three generic masters students who represent rural and urban areas in Kansas and Missouri. As is our tradition, Class 03 served as hostesses for the completion ceremony of Class 02. Susan Cohen, Terrah Rothfuss and Hatsie Mallicoat greeted guests, served cake/punch, and did the clean-up. In addition, Class 03 presented a maternal/child statue to members of Class 02. This was an inspirational sharing of friendship and experiences among the students! • Class 04 currently includes three students, one from UMKC and two from KU. We are anticipating expansion of this class by the March 2003 enrollment deadline with additional post-masters students.
Sherry Payne and Susan Cohen, both from Class 03, worked together to provide an exhibit at KUMC cafeteria to promote National Nurse-Midwifery week in October. Over 100 individuals stopped by to learn more about CNMs and their scope of practice. • On October 8th, 2002, KUMC fully credentialed Ginger Breedlove and Judie Wika, CNMs, as allied health staff with privileges to deliver women at KU Hospital. Collaborating physicians include the KU OB department. Plans are underway for set-up of a clinical practice site with hope for deliveries in spring 2003.
Surveys went out to Class 01 graduates and employers to provide feedback related to the Nurse-Midwifery Program’s course of study. The data from these surveys will be used by a committee of faculty, staff and students to evaluate the program for potential revision of course hours, program objectives, and mission.
Important Announcement: KU School of Nursing Nurse-Midwifery Program was awarded the first HETC federal grant in Kansas. This three year grant amounts to over $800,000 and will serve to enhance the awareness of students from medicine, nursing, and allied health to better understand vulnerable and underprivileged populations, as well as increase continuing education for health care professionals and community workers in Kansas. Lynn Grylls, CNM and Denise Fryzelka, CNM will be joining the project team to help administer the project objectives. Thanks to Marta Skalacki for her tireless work on this grant!
Congratulations to: Angel Schmutz, Terrah Rothfuss, Susan Cohen, and Hatsie Mallicoat, Class 03 students, for the receipt of federal traineeships, scholarships and financial awards for their midwifery education.
Financial Scholarships: Make sure you check the ACNM website for additional financial scholarships to apply for throughout the year at www.midwife.org. Also, check your KUMC e-mails for regular announcements from the Student Services Office about new scholarship/grant opportunities.