Nursing Faculty, Mentors, and Students Present at Scientific Sessions

Faculty and students from the Wegmans School of Nursing were well-represented at the Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS) 33rd Annual Scientific Sessions.

The ENRS is comprised of RNs and other medical professionals interested in promoting nursing research in the eastern region of the United States. The scientific sessions aim to explore innovative programs of nursing research that have made significant contributions to science, generate creative strategies to promote health and equity and inclusion, and examine the impact of methodological perspectives that are transforming nurse science.

Johannah Acito, BA, BSN, presented a poster on intervention options to reduce nurses’ moral distress in the intensive care unit. Acito is a current clinical nurse specialist student in the master’s program and was mentored by Dr. Tara Sacco and Dr. Heather McGrane Minton.

Melissa Bourne, M.S., RN, NPD-BC, ONC; Suzanne C. Smeltzer Ed.D., RN, FAAN; and Michelle M. Kelly, Ph.D., CRNP, CNE, (Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing), presented a poster about the analysis of clinical teacher self-efficacy. Bourne’s poster is a portion of her doctoral work.

Lindsey Michaud, BSN, RN, BMTCN, presented a poster about the use of chlorhexidine products to present central line-associated bloodstream infections in hematology-oncology patients. Michaud is currently a family nurse practitioner student in the master’s program and was mentored by Dr. Lori Dambaugh and Dr. Tara Sacco. Michaud was the first place winner in the Master’s of Science-level Individual School Selected Poster Awards.

Michelle Van Kirk, DNP, PMHNP-BC, presented a poster about the employee wellness pilot program. Van Kirk’s presentation was her doctor of nursing practice project with the College. She is a 2020 graduate of the Doctor of Nursing Practice/Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner post-baccalaureate doctoral program and was mentored by Dr. Tara Sacco and Dr. Donna Tydings.

Sarah M Miner, Ph.D., presented a paper that explores medication management with home health care called, “How am I Going to Understand That.”

Michelle M. Kelly, Ph.D., CRNP, CNE (Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing), and Tara L. Sacco, Ph.D., RN, CCRN-K, ACCNS-AG (Wegmans School of Nursing), co-presented a paper about the nursing faculty experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, College participation in the scientific sessions more than doubled compared to previous years.