President’s Greetings
Greetings to all Beta Mu Chapter members!
Your board has already kicked off the year’s activities with an orientation meeting. We have many goals
to accomplish this year and have opportunities for you to join us. It’s due to your support and the work
of the board that we can proudly announce Beta Mu has been honored with its 9th Chapter Key Award this year!
President-Elect Donna Velasquez and I will receive the award at the upcoming Sigma Theta Tau International
Biennial Convention. The convention is open to all members so please look for registrationinformation at
nursingsociety.org if you’d like to attend.
Speaking of what a dynamic chapter we have, did you know…
Beta Mu is among the 25% of chapters that hold the most (six or more) non-induction events each year.
We have meetings most months and will be sponsoring at least four programs. Our annual calendar will be posted
here soon.
Beta Mu is among the 69% of chapters that communicate at least quarterly with members. In the past year
we have enhanced our communication by publishing announcements in several of the monthly electronic STTIConnect
editions and utilizing blast emails.
Beta Mu is among the 63% of chapters that participate in community service activities. Each year we identify
at least one event that members may be interested in supporting. Last year it was the Susan G. Komen Race for the
Cure. We welcome new ideas for other meaningful service opportunities.
Have you joined The Circle? Sigma Theta Tau’s social networking service is a great way to learn what’s happening
internationally in nursing. I’m a member of a few discussion groups and have enjoyed receiving messages from
around the globe.
In closing, this is your chapter so if you are ready to lend a hand volunteers are being recruited for the following
activities: Membership, Mentoring, Fundraising, and Communication.
If you have other interests or talents we’d like to hear from you too. Board members and contact information are
available on the website so please contact any of us with questions or to find out how you can get involved.
2010 - 2011 Newsletter
Spring 2011 - Exciting News from the President
Hello members and those interested in joining Beta Mu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI).
I am Mary Doyle, Beta Mu Chapter President, serving from 2011-2012. STTI has introduced the Circle
Network that is designed to connect all of our STTI Chapters. Those who are members can use the
STTI Circle site to network with other members, share resources and participate in discussions.
Use the Members Only link to get started.
If you are not a member please click on the following link http://betamu.org/memberinfo.htm
and use the Join STTI link to access more information about becoming a part of this outstanding
organization that is a testament to the advancement of nursing.
Thank you and welcome to our Beta Mu Chapter and Circle Network
Induction Banquet
On
April 13 nearly 200 chapter members, new inductees, and guests gathered at the
Viscount Hotel for the annual induction banquet. Seventy-seven new members were
inducted including several Community Leaders.
Go here
to see the Induction Banquet Program to see all the new members, transferred members and the new Beta Mu Chapter Officers.
Please enjoy the photos of the Induction
Banquet taken by Stephanie Donovan.
Five Awards of Distinction
and the Graduate Student of the Year award were announced. Three transfer
members and three members with dual chapter membership were recognized. One
research award was announced.
The results of the election were
announced: Vice President—Kimberly Shea Treasurer—Sharon Morgan
Leadership Succession Committee—Patty Wilger Governance Committee—Pam Cherry,
Judy Nolen, Jackie Kern
Another successful Silent Auction was coordinated
by Mary Ann Szeja and Pat Goldsmith. The evening was an enjoyable opportunity to
meet old and new friends. I hope many of you will plan to join us in 2012.
Tucson Nurses Week Foundation Recognizes Beta Mu Members. Five chapter
members were recognized this year as Fabulous 50 nurses. Those honored are Norma Battaglia, Pam Cherry, Carol Mangold, Pat McCoy and Elizabeth Woodrich.
Congratulations to each of you!
Please enjoy the photos of the Silent
Auction taken by Stephanie Donovan.
2011 Beta Mu Chapter Awards of DistinctionExcellence in Leadership
Elizabeth (Betty) Falter, RN,MS, NEA-BC is the 2011 Beta Mu Excellence in Leadership recipient. Betty is passionate about leadership and believes that sound and effective leadership creates a better work environment, improves patient safety, and enhances care. Betty developed her own consulting practice, Falter & Associates, Inc., in 1990. The focus of her practice was integrating leadership training with nursing operations. In 2001 Betty relocated from New York to Tucson and re-incorporated Falter & Associates, Inc. establishing a relationship with the Arizona Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2004. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the Arizona Healthcare Leadership Academy, a not for profit educational program for front line and middle healthcare managers. In addition to her administrative duties, Betty is an instructor in both the basic and advanced courses. Betty brings a unique blend of operations knowledge and outstanding presentation skills to create a positive, highly interactive and real learning environment. She has been published in numerous professional journals and is a frequent presenter and educator. Betty is the issue editor and published author in the February, 2011, issue of AONE’s "Nurse Leader." Her article is entitled, “RN CEOs: The Arizona Experience.” It will be the subject of a podium presentation at AONE’s 2011 annual meeting. Betty also serves on the board of Nursing Administration Quarterly and was the book review editor managing her own column for over five years.
Excellence in Research
The 2010 award for Excellence in Research was awarded to Elaine Jones, PhD, RN, Associate Professor at The University of Arizona College of Nursing. Dr. Jones is a passionate advocate for the deaf community and has maintained a program of research for over 25 years with a focus on improving the quality of life for deaf individuals. She has published extensively in this area. Some of her publications in the last 5 years include: Jones, E., Renger, R. & Firestone, R. (2005). Deaf community analysis for health education priorities. Public Health Nursing, 22 (1), pp 27-35. Jones, E., Ouelette, S., & Kang, Y. (2006, Spring). Perceived stress among deaf adults. American Annals of the Deaf. 151 (1): 25-31. Jones, E., Mallinson, K.R., Phillips, L. & Kang, Y. (2006). Challenges in language, culture, and modality. Nursing Research,55(2), 75-81. Jones, E., Renger, R. & Kang, Y. (2007). Self efficacy for health-related behaviors among Deaf adults. Research in Nursing & Health. 30, 185-192. Crogan, N., Jones, E.G. & Kang, Y. (2007). Nutritional health among deaf adults. JADARA (Journal of the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association), 40(1): 49-72. Trinh, H. & Jones, E.G. (2007, fall). Fruit and vegetable intake among Deaf adults and risk of heart disease. Journal of Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship. Harrington, J., Jones, E., & Badger, T. ( Mar,2009), Creating and Testing a Deaf- Friendly, Stop-smoking Web Site Intervention. American Annals of the Deaf 155 (1): 96-102. Jones, E. & Boyle, J.S. (2011). Working with Translators and Interpreters in Research: Lessons Learned. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. XX(X) 1-7. Additionally, Dr. Jones is recognized as an expert in translating questionnaires from written English into visual American Sign Language.
Excellence in Education
The 2011 winner for Excellence in Education is Ms. Roxanne Moutafis, Roxanne Moutafis has been a faculty member at The University of Arizona College of Nursing for over 19 years and created the Summer Student Nurse Externship Program for senior nursing students for University Medical Center (UMC) in 1998 which she continues to coordinate and oversee each summer. On a national level, Roxanne was appointed as the academic representative from The University of Arizona in 2001 to assist in the development of a post Baccalaureate Nurse Residency Pro/gram. This program was initiated in June 2001 as a national demonstration project supported by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and University Healthsystems Consortium. The program supports new BSN-prepared nurses throughout their first year in practice and encourages leadership development in clinical nursing. In 2008, Ms. Moutafis was appointed as a national site evaluator for the Commission on Colligate Nursing Education (CCNE), a nationally recognized accrediting body responsible for the evaluation of post-baccalaureate nurse residency programs. She participated as a member of the evaluation team involved in the evaluation of the initial institutions receiving national accreditation. Currently Ms. Moutafis serves as an appointed member of the Arizona State Board of Nursing Education Committee. Ms. Moutafis is widely recognized for her expertise in new graduate nurse residencies and is an invited speaker for national program training sessions and consults nationally for the program. Excellence in Clinical Practice
The 2011 honoree for Excellence in Clinical Practice is Mary Anne Kinne. Ms. Kinne is an integral part of the Critical Care Team at Tucson Medical Center (TMC), and exemplifies skill and professionalism in her daily practice. Mary was the primary clinician in the development and implementation of the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in the 40 bed Intensive Care Unit at Tucson Medical Center. Her patient population encompasses emergency department admissions, medical/surgical, cardiac and neuro patient. She expertly assesses, diagnosis, formulates and implements a treatment plan for these patients, and has become a highly sought after nurse practitioner who has earned the respect of both her nursing and physician colleagues. She leads the rapid response team on the night shift, and not only expertly cares for the patient, but provides comforting support to the family as well. She is a widely sought after resource by nurses and physicians. Ms. Kinne is an adjunct clinical instructor for the University of Arizona College of Nursing and St. Louis College of Nursing for advanced practice nurses and teaches residents as a member of the non-physician faculty for the training and evaluation of transitional research for the Tucson Healthcare Medical Education Program. Additionally, she teaches "Fundamentals of Critical Care" for the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Ms. Kinne has been actively involved in TMC's first bedside nursing research study, entitled "Measuring Nurse Satisfaction with Bar Code Medication Administration," the results of which will be presented TMC’s April Research Symposium.
Excellence in Ethical Behavior and Professional Commitment
Mary Steele, Director of Hospice/Palliative Care Services, received Beta Mu's 2011Exceptional Ethical Behavior, Professional Commitment award. Ms. Steele’s leadership is based on a foundation of personal and professional values. An example of compassion (honoring body, mind, and spirit) is the leadership role she takes with a community initiative entitled Caring for the Caregiver. Mary makes sure there are activities provided within her institution that support the community initiative, but also provide balance and levity for the caregiver. She works diligently to assure that everyone has an opportunity to participate in such activities. She is a frequent presenter at community churches, academic facilities, community groups e.g. Rotary Club and Eldercare, on the topics of palliative care and end of life issues. She has been a long term member of the American Heart Association, and served as a team leader for fundraising at Tucson Medical Center, Chair of the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women Luncheon, and has been a Board member for the Direct Caregivers Association. She is committed to professionalism and excellence, and is an effective mentor to her staff and managers. Mary indeed honors the legacy left us by our fallen colleagues in whose honor this award was created.
Graduate Student Award
Dr. Melanie Logue received the 2011 Beta Mu Graduate Student Award. She entered the DNP program at the University of Arizona in 2007.
By the end of the first semester, she decided that she was also drawn to research so transferred to the PhD program. In 2010, the College of Nursing began to offer a Dual Degree option, allowing students to obtain both a DNP and a PhD and she became the first nursing student to graduate with the dual doctoral degree in May, 2011. Melanie demonstrates leadership within student or professional groups. She is chair of the Graduate Faculty Committee at Grand Canyon University, where she is currently an Assistant Professor. She is
President Elect of Arizona Nurses' Association Chapter 6. She is a member of Arizona Nurses' Association Political Action Committee and a member of the Nursing Research and Quality Improvement Committees at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Professionally, she holds memberships in the Arizona Nurses' Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Western Institute of Nursing, Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science and the National League for Nursing. Her membership and contributions to both clinical and professional organization provide
evidence of her commitment to her profession and her practice.
April 2011 - The Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure by Kimberly Shea
On April 10, 2011, Beta Mu nurses, family and friends ran
and walked among the thousands who support the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure. After a rainy, windy
and cold Saturday, we were worried that we would be miserable but it was beautiful. As we briskly walked
past the cheering crowd that were on the side lines, they noticed our pink nursing caps and shouted go Beta Mu!
There were different speeds among us, so many were not in the photo at the finish line. Next year we
will
get our picture before the event and hope you are there to join us! Our honorary nurse, Jill Bullock, raised the most donation money for Breast Cancer. There were 11,000, walkers/runners in the Komen Breast
Cancer event this year!
October 2010 - Beta Mu Member Presents at Mexican Nursing Conference
Beta Mu member Rudy Valenzuela, PhD, NP was an invited keynote speaker at the 1st Congreso International de Enfermeria held October 1 and 2, in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico.The conference was sponsored by the Colegio Sonorense
de Enfermeras A.C., one of three state nursing organizations in Sonora.
The theme of the conference was “Cuidado, Calidad, Certificación” (Caring, Quality, Certification). The title of Dr. Valenzuela’s keynote was “Enfermeria, Calidad, y Globalización in Latinoamerica” (Nursing, Quality and Globalization in Latin America). Dr. Valenzuela is the President and CEO of Camillus Health
Center in San Luis, Arizona and Clínica Santa Maria de Guadalupe in San Luis, Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico.
October 2010 - Chapter President and President-Elect Meet with Nursing Leaders from Sonora, Mexico
Mary Doyle and Donna Velasquez were invited guests on October 1 at the 1st Congreso International
de Enfermeria in Puerto Peñasco. This conference was co-sponsored by the State of Sonora.
Sonora state government representatives included the Secretary of Health, Secretary of Education and Culture, and the head of professional licensing. Several Mexican nursing programs were represented: Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Universidad de Sonora, Universidad Autonoma de Guanajuato and
Universidad del Desarrollo Profesional.
We had the pleasure of meeting the secretary of Tau Alpha Chapter in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Over a late lunch, Mary, Donna, and Rudy met with Martha Soto Alapizco, president,and Magda Vasquez. past president,
of the Colegio de Profesionales de Enfermeria and Alma Tirado Duarte, President of the Colegio Sonorense
e Enfermeras A.C. The two nursing associations equivalent to the Arizona Nurses’ Association. Additional
introductions were made to the Dean of the nursing program at the Universidad de Sonora, and faculty member
Rosa Salazar Ruibal. Each expressed an interest in traveling to Arizona to discuss mutual interests in
promoting excellence in nursing practice and lead-ership. For more information or if you are interested
in participating in future activities with Mexican nurses contact Mary Doyle at mdoyle6@cox.net.
Sigma
Theta Tau Beta Mu · College of Nursing · 1305
N. Martin · Tucson, AZ 85721-0203
