6 May 1999 • Volume 1 • Number 8
Formerly “Topics”

Nurses specialize in education, compassion and quality of life

In an era in which technology can extend the length of life, nursing helps ensure the quality of life.
This week, KU Medical Center celebrates this and more as it observes National Nurses Week. The theme, "Nursing: Healing from the Heart," aptly describes the care provided by KUMC nurses, said Ann Babb, vice president and chief nurse executive.

Photo by Leslie Champlin

Susan Rader, RN, Neonatal Intensive Care nurse, takes time to provide high-touch-as well as high-tech-care.

"In our tertiary health care center in Kansas City, we have the unique ability to combine our learning environment with that of a high-tech, high-touch environment," she said. “Our nurses do it best."
KUMC nurses are known for combining science with compassion to meet their patients' needs. As an integral part of an academic medical center, KUMC nurses also bring health promotion and education to the forefront and exhibit a consistently high level of expertise in the healing arts.
That level of expertise begins with the quality of education provided by the KU School of Nursing. With a solid foundation in liberal arts, the health care sciences and clinical applications, KU nursing students bring an extensive educational background in comprehensive health care to their careers.
"Our students are among the best and brightest in higher education," said Karen L. Miller, RN, PhD, FAAN, dean and professor, School of Nursing. "Their enthusiasm for a career in professional nursing combined with the exceptional expertise of our faculty ensures that anyone who receives health care from a KU School of Nursing graduate will truly have healing from the heart."

Nurse practitioners reach out
KUMC nursing also leads the way in providing advanced practice nursing in medically underserved counties across Kansas. Beginning in 1993, the KU School of Nursing planned, developed and implemented the Kansas Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Under the leadership of Helen Connors, RN, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs at the School of Nursing, the program combined faculty expertise from KU, Fort Hays State and Wichita State Universities.
The program now includes Pittsburg State University and an outreach site of the KU School of Nursing in Garden City. Since 1994, the program has graduated 344 family nurse practitioners, 202 of whom work in medically underserved counties. Recently, the Kansas Legislature passed a law expanding nurse practitioners' authority to write prescriptions.

Nominate your favorite nurse
In tribute to our nurses, KUMC has placed display ads in local newspapers for National Nurses Day, May 6, and has scheduled a variety of events throughout the week. Nurses have received several gifts and treats and can earn free continuing education credits at two programs May 6. A lunch to recognize Department of Nursing employees is also planned for May 6 and again on May 8 for weekend staff.
You also have time to nominate your favorite “best”nurse for the 1999 Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare Award. Sponsored by the KU School of Nursing, this annual award honors 10 registered nurses from across Kansas and the metropolitan Kansas City area for their exceptional patient care and professional leadership. This is a major event recognizing excellence in nursing.
Nominees can be nurses who provide clinical care in hospitals, physician clinics, schools, public health agencies or any other place a nurse may be practicing.
Contact Kari Ziblut, ext. 1616, for a nomination form or go to http://www2.kumc.edu/son/nursing.htm for an on-line nomination form. The deadline for nominations is May 21. Winners will be selected in early July. The 10th annual awards banquet is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18.

Dean Miller says . . .
Nurses help humanize health care
KU School of Nursing is recognized as a national leader in nursing education and research. And Dean Karen L. Miller, RN, PhD, FAAN, dean and professor, is a progressive health care leader and educator, advocating for changes in the delivery of health care. During National Nurses Week and the graduation season, Dean Miller provides insight into and recognition of nurses and their achievements.

Nursing: Healing from the Heart Our students are among the best and the brightest in higher education. Their enthusiasm for a career in professional nursing combined with the exceptional expertise of our faculty ensures that anyone who receives health care from a KU School of Nursing graduate will truly have healing from the heart. Karen L. Miller, RN, PhD, FAAN, Dean and Professor, KU School of Nursing

"Nurses help to humanize a health care environment that is often frightening to people," Dean Miller said. "Our graduates learn to decrease the vulnerability that patients feel. They are able to support the capacity of an individual to heal . . . all the while juggling the complexities of our current health care system.
"Graduation is the beginning of a nurse's life as a professional. With the education and preparation they receive at the KU School of Nursing, our nurses are well equipped to meet the challenges that await them in a dynamic health care field. There will be many adjustments as they gain experience, but their education has prepared them to see learning as a lifelong endeavor," Dean Miller counseled.
Dean Miller continued, "Graduation is an opportunity to celebrate each graduate's accomplishment, with friends and family, who have supported and encouraged the student through his or her education. It is a symbol of achievement and a new beginning as a professional.
"Here at KU, graduates of the School of Nursing are our best ambassadors. They remain connected to the School through a sense of loyalty and appreciation for the quality education they received. We value their continued involvement and support," she concluded.

Anna Betts, RN, Post Anesthesia Care Unit.
Sandy Owen, RN, Neonatal ICU	Unit 43 nurses, clockwise from upper left: Martha Powell, RN, Sue Ann Cullen, RN, Teletha Hay, RN, and Ramona Vogt, RN.
Brad Peck, RN, GI Endoscopy.	Amy Graham, RN, Pediatric ICU.
Coordinating the distribution of National Nurses Week gifts of donuts, candy and tins of popcorn, are (L-R): Dawn Walters, BSN, assistant nurse manager for Pediatric ICU; Ann Gardner, BSN, MA, nurse manager for Same Day Surgery, GI ENDO and PACU; Tim Mulloy, RN, BSN, E.T. nurse, and Thu Janes, BSN, nurse manager, department 41/45.

Registration deadline is May 19
Fun, friends and KU spirit
part of Corporate Challenge
You can have fun, make new friends, get healthier, and help KU win all by taking part in the 1999 Kansas City Corporate Challenge.

Corporate Challenge is the annual, city-wide competition that encourages individual physical fitness, employee well-being and a team concept. It allows everyone to participate in a sport, whether it be tennis, bicycling, fishing, swimming or any other competitive endeavor. Everyone who completes an event earns a point for KUMC, and additional points are awarded based on individual or team performance. Any open entry slot is a missed opportunity to score points, so join the team now! The deadline for signing up is May 19. Openings still exist for several individual and team events. To be a part of the KUMC team, contact Jan Schmidt, ext. 7703, or stop by the Kirmayer Fitness Center to pick up an entry form.

KU Hospital to treat employees
for National Hospital Week
KUMC is known for its leading edge medical technology and the many clinical, research and academic programs it fosters. Yet behind the multi-million dollar equipment and ever-expanding facilities, one thing more than any other determines the quality of services provided to both patients and staff-the people who work here.

Each year, KU Hospital recognizes the expertise, dedication, accomplish-ments and contributions of employees during National Hospital Week. To celebrate this year's National Hospital Week, May 9 through 15, the hospital will treat all employees to a free pancake, sausage and orange juice breakfast on May 12. The buffet will be served 7-9:30 a.m., in a tent outside the Main Cafeteria.

Ann Cobb serves through nursing, art, anthropology
A love of health care. An avocation in art. Expertise in anthropology. These areas give rise to the community contributions of Ann K. Cobb, RN, PhD, professor at the KU School of Nursing and this year's School of Nursing distinguished alumnus.

Dr. Cobb, who earned her bachelor of nursing degree and her doctorate in anthropology from KU, is known for her ability to link her disparate interests for the good of others. She has led grief seminars at the Menninger Foundation, curated two KU Museum of Anthropology exhibits, and taught anthropology and nursing around the world. A 1997-98 Fulbright scholar, Dr. Cobb taught at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Notre, Natal, Brazil, and has lived on the Amazon River, where she studied, learned from and brought health care services to the region's indigenous people.
This year, Dr. Cobb is helping recruit artists and funding for Van Go Mobile Arts, a Lawrence based not-for-profit that provides arts programs for at-risk and underserved children.
"This summer, we’re launching a jobs program for teens, in which they work under the direction of professional artists to design and carry out community arts projects,” said Dr. Cobb, a member of the Van Go board of directors. "The professional artists will be mentors for young people, not only in creating art, but in learning how to work with others, be on time and accountable, and how to complete a project.
"I'm always looking for ways of integrating art, nursing and anthropology," said Dr. Cobb, an artist who has sold several paintings made during her trips overseas. "I think art heals.”

'Putting On The Ritz'
Alums honor four in weekend celebration
The Country Club Plaza's elegant Ritz-Carlton Hotel is the venue for two KU alumni banquets this weekend. The School of Medicine assembles Friday, May 7, to present Marc A. Asher, MD, 1962, professor of orthopedic surgery, as distinguished alumnus, and Paul R. Schloerb, MD, professor of surgery, as honorary alumnus.

Marc A. Asher, MD,                     Paul R. Schloerb, MD

Ann K. Cobb, RN, PhD                Helen B. Connors, RN, PhD

The School of Nursing gathers Saturday, May 8, to recognize Ann K. Cobb, RN, PhD, 1967, professor of nursing, as distinguished alumnus, and Helen B. Connors, RN, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs, as honorary alumnus. Both celebrations begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing in the Grand Ballroom.
Other events this weekend include:
Friday, May 7:
·     The Peter T. Bohan Lecture, presented by Marjorie Sirridge, MD, dean of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, noon, Lied Auditorium.
·     Open house hosted by the Alumni Relations Office, 1 to 2 p.m., 1028 Murphy.
·     Free health check for alumni and spouses, 2 to 3 p.m., Murphy Building lobby.
·     Open house and book signing by Loren Humphrey, MD, PhD, former chair of surgery at KUMC and author of Medical Blemishes, 2 to 4 p.m., KUMC Bookstore.
·     Panel discussion presented by the KU Endowment Association, 2 to 4 p.m., Lied Auditorium.
·     Alumni reception hosted by the Department of History and Philosophy of Medicine, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Clendening Library foyer. The library foyer will also house a special exhibit on Logan Clendening, long-time physician and faculty member at KU School of Medicine.
Saturday, May 8:
·     Tours of KU Hospital beginning at 9 a.m.
·     Open house at Kirmayer Fitness Center, 11 a.m. to noon.

Rehab survey highlights campus-wide teamwork
When the Department of Rehabilitation Services was faced with preparing for an on-site survey by the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission (CARF), they asked for-and received-help from a variety of KUMC departments. As a result of that team effort, the two-day review process was highly successful, according to Sara Dale Brandt, PhD, director of rehabilitation services.
"We received a tremendous amount of support house-wide," said Dr. Brandt. "In particular, Facilities Management and Environmental Services did a tremendous amount of work."
Dr. Brandt noted that Mike Wood, associate director of facilities management structural maintenance, and Dave McElfresh, physical plant supervisor for exterior construction, "did a magnificent job" refurbishing the head injury room. She also cited staff contributions from the Information Services, Legal, Dietary, Infection Prevention and Control, Medical Records, and Safety Offices for responding quickly and efficiently to every request for documentation needed for the survey.
"We also received messages house-wide from people who knew about the survey, saying, 'good luck,' " Dr. Brandt said. "Everyone was very supportive."
The on-site survey team cited the department's experienced and dedicated staff, excellent patient care protocols, good team interaction and excellent medical direction. The survey report will go the CARF Board of Trustees, which will determine the department's final score. Dr. Brandt should receive the report in about eight weeks.

Nursing students salute four
Excellence in classroom teaching is the hallmark for four School of Nursing professors to be recognized during the School of Nursing Teacher Appreciation Banquet, May 6, at the Student Union on the Lawrence campus. The professors were selected by students as part of the annual KU Center for Teaching Excellence recognition program. To be honored are Patricia Fazzone, RN, DNSc, assistant professor; Nancy Hoffart, RN, PhD, associate professor; Janet Pierce, RN, DSN, and Cynthia Teel, RN, PhD.

Hearing and Speech Department celebrates 50 years

Celebrating past success and looking to the future are the hallmarks of the L.B. Spake Hearing and Speech Department's 50th Anniversary event May 8. The celebration will feature symposia on speech-language pathology, audiology and deaf education at KU Medical Center with KUMC faculty and distinguished alumni presenting. An evening gala banquet will be at the Ritz-Carlton.

Founded in 1949, the department has graduated more than 2,000 students in conjunction with the Lawrence campus through the KU Intercampus Program. "Many of our graduates have gone on to gain national and international prominence in research, education and patient care," said John Ferraro, PhD, chairman of the department. The banquet will help raise funds for a scholarship to honor one of the department's founders, June B. Miller, who died Oct. 12, 1998. That fund's goal is to raise $100,000 to support scholarships for graduate education, of which more than $30,000 has been donated. The department was recognized last year by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top ten communication disorder programs in the country. Along with Miller, community leader LaVerne B. Spake was critical in founding the department that now bears his name. Many of its programs are based in the building named in Miller's honor. Contributed by Randy Attwood

Auxiliary honors members, elects officers
Recognition of members, scholarships for students and installation of new officers were among the activities at the KUMC Auxiliary Guest Day Luncheon, April 28 at the Kansas City Club. Ann Nelson and Dorothy Ebner received Honorary Memberships for their significant contributions to the Auxiliary, while nine students from the Schools of Allied Health and Nursing received scholarships. The Slate of Officers for 1999-2000 were also announced. They are: Jolee Fishback and Carolyn Warren, co-presidents; Marilyn Lucas, recording secretary; Celia Arnold, corresponding secretary; Jean Kimmel, treasurer; Lisa Hardin, assistant treasurer, and Peg Cramer and Virginia Pugh, members at large.

Li-Mon Cheung, right, Auxiliary president, presented the undergraduate student awards during the Guest Day Luncheon. Photo by Susan Mong

University offers customer relations training
KU employees will have an opportunity to share their experiences, skills and ideas for promoting excellence in customer service at Encore Customer Service, a four-hour customer relations program. Through group discussions, role play and group exercises, participants focus on skills and techniques to improve communication, create positive public impressions and deal effectively with issues of confidentiality and difficult situations. Presented in two segments, the first is Tuesday, May 18, 9 to 11 a.m., and repeats at the same time Thursday, May 20. The second session is Wednesday, June 2 and again Thursday, June 3, 1 to 3 p.m. The location will be announced. To enroll, or for more information, call ext. 5099.

Free day of fitness during flashback to the '70s
All KUMC employees, faculty, and students are invited to join in a free day of exercise Wednesday, May 19, during the "Fitness Flashback Journey" to the 1970s at Kirmayer Fitness Center. During the day, exercise enthusiasts will enjoy the fitness trends of the 1970s as they work out. The first 70 people to enroll or renew memberships through payroll deduction or annual membership will receive a free month during this one-day promotion. For more information, call Lynette Henkel at ext. 7706.

Workplace violence prevention training
In a joint presentation Wednesday, May 12, from 2 to 4 p.m., the University Department of Human Resources and the University Police Department offer "Preventing Violence in the Workplace." The location will be announced. To enroll, or for more information, call ext. 7542.

SOTA sponsors food drive
The Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is joining Harvesters to end hunger in the Kansas City community by sponsoring a food drive. Non-perishable food items and household items may be placed in donation barrels in the Occupational Therapy Office, 3033 Robinson, and outside the KUMC Bookstore in Stoland Lounge. The drive will continue through May 11.

FOR SALE:
Complete 55 gal. fish tank (filters, pumps, gravel, stand, etc.), $200. Call 888-4155 after 4:30 p.m.
Antiques: china cabinet, buffet, TV stand, dinette & six chairs, desk & chair, dresser, $2,750 OBO for all; two chaise lounges, $350/pair or $200 ea.; bunk bed w/mattresses, matching single bed w/mattress & dresser, $800 OBO; three dining chairs, $35. Call Monica at 281-0218.
AUTOMOTIVE:
1992 Ford Tempo GL sedan, four-door, 80K miles, $1,800. Call 789-8173.
1996 Honda Accord EX, black, AM/FM cassette, sunroof, in-dash cellular phone, 25K miles, exc. cond., $14,000. Call 677-1446.
1983 Chevy truck, black, auto, A/C, camper shell, runs good, rebuilt motor & trans., new power steering pump, $2,800. Call 350-7400 after 5:30.
HOUSING:
Roommate Needed: Beautiful two story Cape Cod house eight min. from KUMC, Plaza, downtown, private room, own bathroom, office space, basement storage, large privacy fenced back yard, indoor cats or outside restricted dogs welcome, $375/month plus ½ utilities and deposit. Call 236-7845.
For Sale: 2BD poss. 3BD, 1BA, new carpet, linoleum, new paint inside and out, new gutters, two driveways, fenced back yard, large deck, central A/C and heat, full basement and walk-in storage attic, all newer appliances included, landscaped, FHA/CHIPS qualified, 38th and State Ave. in KCK, $34,500. Call Rob, 371-6180.
For Rent: 4BR, 2BA house, 1 car garage, walk to KUMC, perfect for students. Call 932-5539.
STUDY SUBJECTS:
Volunteers needed for GERD treatment study
The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology is seeking volunteers for a research study testing an investigational treatment of heartburn symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This treatment with omeprazole is designed to diminish gastric acid secretion and improve heartburn. Participation requires three-four visits over a period of eight weeks. Qualified participants will receive study-related exams (endoscopies, lab work, etc.) and study medication at no charge with stipend for those who qualify for treatment. Participants must be at least 18 years old, have daily heartburn symptoms, and should not be receiving any prescription medication for heartburn symptoms at present. For more information, call Susanne, ext. 3934.

coming
up

Friday, May 7:
•    Mason's Day luncheon, "Detection and Treatment of Prostate Cancer" 8:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Student Center.
•    Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Grand Rounds, "A Case Study in Child Psychiatry," 10:30 a.m., Clendening Auditorium.
•    KU Pain Resource Committee Lecture Series, "Current Therapeutic Approaches to Chronic Pain," noon-1 p.m., Sudler Auditorium.
Monday, May 10:
•    Alzheimer's Disease Caregivers Support Group, noon-1:30 p.m., Cottonwood Room, Delp Cafeteria.
Tuesday, May 11:
•    Associated Youth Services plant sale, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Auxiliary Garden.
•    Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment, 1-2:30 p.m., Family Medical Center Conference Room.
•    Center on Aging Lecture, "Experience of Replacement Therapy in Dopamine Deficiency Syndrome," 4-5 p.m., Clendening Auditorium.
•    Kansas Cancer Center Telemedicine Cancer Management Series, "Taking Care of Yourself," 7:30-8:30 p.m., G567 KU Hospital.
Wednesday, May 12:
•    Diabetes Self-Management Series, 9-11 a.m., 1107 KU Hospital.
•    Breast Cancer Research Round Table, "Laser Interstitial Therapy of Primary Breast Cancer," noon, Lied Auditorium.
•    KUMC Interfaith, noon -1 p.m., 3041 Wescoe.
Thursday, May 13:
•    Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver's Workshop, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Delp Cafeteria.
•    Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30-7 p.m., Wahl Hall West.
•    Manic Depressive/Depression Support Group, 7 p.m., Cottonwood Room, Delp Cafeteria.

IN THE CENTER
Donald Hagen, MD - Executive Vice Chancellor KUMC
Irene Cumming - CEO and President KU Hospital
Ken Arnold - Editor
Leslie Champlin - Writer
Jim Burton - Graphic Designer

IN THE CENTER is the employee and student publication of the University of Kansas Medical Center. It is published weekly by the office of Public Relations and Marketing. The deadline for submitting news briefs is noon on the Thursday before they are to appear. Send story ideas to Ken Arnold, editor, G114 Hospital, or e-mail: <karnold> or call ext. 1298.

Ad Policy
Send or bring your ad to G114 KU Hospital, or fax to ext. 1225, or e-mail: <karnold> by noon Thursday of the week before it is to run. Ads run free of charge for employees, students and volunteers. For-sale ads are limited to three items. All ads must include the advertiser’s name and work extension (or medical student box number) for verification. Only home phone numbers–no pager numbers or KUMC extensions–will be published. No ads for commercial services or pets for sale will be accepted. Ads will not be taken by telephone. Only one phone number per ad. Ads may be held a week of space is limited.

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