School of nursing news
New U-M School of Nursing study shows prescription drug misuse is related to later substance use disorders
Sep 13, 2019
A new University of Michigan study shows that the frequency and age at which older teens and young adults misuse prescription drugs are two predictors of substance use disorders later in life, especially alcohol misuse.
The study examined annual misuse patterns for prescription opioids, stimulants and sedatives/tranquilizers in the same individuals from age 18 to 35 to learn which prescription drug use trajectories predicted later symptoms of substance use disorders.
“We found that any misuse predicted substance-related problems, but when annual misuse... Read more
U-M School of Nursing launches 3 online master’s programs
Sep 09, 2019The University of Michigan School of Nursing is now offering three of its Master of Science in Nursing degree programs online, with courses beginning in fall 2020.
In addition to traditional residential programs, students will have the opportunity to complete their MSN in the Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Leadership, Analytics and Innovation specialties through immersive online courses.
These specialty programs were identified for development in a digital framework because they cross the spectrum of nursing... Read more
U-M School of Nursing researcher plays key role in new National Poll on Healthy Aging
Sep 04, 2019Most people over age 50 say they’re ready for natural disasters and emergency situations, but a new national poll shows that many haven’t taken key steps to protect their health and well-being in case of severe weather, long-term power outages or other situations.
These findings and other new data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging suggest that older adults and their loved ones and health care providers should take time to focus on key steps recommended by emergency preparedness professionals, and planning for how they will cope and communicate in an... Read more
UMSN names new associate dean for undergraduate studies
Aug 19, 2019Following a vigorous search process that engaged a strong community of faculty, staff and students, Dana Tschannen, Ph.D., RN, has been named the next associate dean for undergraduate studies in the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN).
“I am honored to be named the next associate dean for undergraduate studies,” said Tschannen. “Our undergraduate faculty, staff and students are extraordinary and passionate about patients, families, communities and the nursing profession. I can think of no better place to be as we learn, grow and transform undergraduate... Read more
Faculty impact: Breaking stigmas and improving care for mental health and addictions
Aug 09, 2019
“Human beings are complex and interesting entities; I’ve always found the human mind to be fascinating.
Stephen Strobbe, Ph.D., RN, PMHCNS-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN, FAAN, knew he had found his niche in his first job as a psychiatric aide in a residential treatment facility for mentally ill young adults. When he transferred to a hospital, he found his calling as a nurse.
“Once I got into that setting and saw how smart, strong and compassionate the nurses were, I wanted to do that,” he said.
Now a University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) clinical... Read more
Research study expands to help Flint-area residents
Jul 30, 2019A University of Michigan research program designed to support people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is expanding from Ann Arbor to Flint.
Difficulty breathing, coughing and wheezing are some of the symptoms that can make daily activities difficult for people with COPD. In addition, people with COPD have an increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and other conditions.
While there is no cure for the disease, University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) researchers are finding ways make life with COPD more manageable. UMSN... Read more
Carol Ann and Jim Fausone selected for David B. Hermelin Award
Jul 29, 2019The University of Michigan School of Nursing celebrates the selection of alumna Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone (ret.) and her spouse, James G. Fausone, by the University of Michigan as 2019 recipients of the David B. Hermelin Award for Fundraising Volunteer Leadership. Carol Ann and Jim are being recognized for their boundless enthusiasm for the University of Michigan and years of modeling public service for the public good in fundraising efforts across multiple areas of the university.
Carol Ann is a 1975 BSN graduate of the School of Nursing, and achieved the highest U.S.... Read more
All nurses aren’t the same. Is it time to stop measuring them like they are?
Jul 23, 2019The way nurses are evaluated could be heading for a change.
“Think about it, in our healthcare system nursing care is counted like sheets or meals,” said University of Michigan School of Nursing Associate Professor OIga Yakusheva, Ph.D. “I think it undervalues nurses. I’m trying to break through the stereotype that ‘a nurse is a nurse is a nurse.’”
Currently, most health care professions, such as physicians, are evaluated individually. However, nurses are usually assessed by unit-level staffing measures. Nursing care is billed to insurance companies on a... Read more
Staff spotlight: From political refugee to advocate for adolescent health
Jul 23, 2019Tanaka Chavanduka was just four years old when his family fled from persecution in Zimbabwe. His father, Mark Chavunduka,* was a prominent journalist and founding editor of The Zimbabwe Standard, an independent newspaper that offered an alternative to government-owned media. His outspoken advocacy for freedom of the press and government transparency earned him widespread respect from fellow journalists and Zimbabwean citizens. However, it also made him a target of the government.
In 1999, Chavunduka and one of his reporters, Ray Choto, published an article claiming nearly two... Read more
Faculty impact: Caring for children with cancer paired with evidence-based practice to help parents
Jun 17, 2019A health scare as a teenager turned into lifelong inspiration for Elizabeth “Beth” Duffy, DNP, RN, CPNP, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN). She had abnormal blood cell counts and there was concern she might have leukemia.
“I didn’t have cancer, but it really opened my eyes to what I wanted as a career,” said Duffy. “I had the opportunity to see pediatric nurses working with this fragile population and they were extraordinary. I was already sure I wanted to work with children but that’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse.”... Read more