Author: Jamie Stoskopf

Dr. Justin Smith, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, published “Building Intergenerational Relationships With Older Adults” in American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Magazine May 1.

Abstract: Article highlights the partnership between the PT Department and Larksfield Place.

Rhonda Williams, RN-BSN program coordinator and teaching professor in the Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing, presented “Overcoming Obstacles: IRB Barriers in Multi-Institution Research Initiatives” at the Western Institute of Nursing Conference April 10.

Description: Rhonda Williams co-authored of poster presentation at the Western Institute of Nursing Conference.

Rhonda Williams, RN-BSN program coordinator and teaching professor in the Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing, was featured in:

• “Nurse Educator Tips for Teaching” in the “Nurse Educator” podcast
• “Transforming RN-Baccalaureate Education Using Insights From a National Faculty Needs Assessment” in Nurse Educator

Rhonda Williams, RN-BSN program coordinator and teaching professor in the Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing, presented about Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing’s position statement at AACN Essentials Champions meeting Aug. 27.

Rhonda Williams — RN-BSN program coordinator and teaching professor in the Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing — was featured in “Transforming RN-Baccalaureate Education Using Insights From a National Faculty Needs Assessment” in Nurse Educator.

The College of Health Professions has three patient-serving clinics that are open to the public. All clinics are accepting new patients and provide high-quality, affordable health care to the community. 

• The Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic provides speech-language and hearing services to people across the lifespan. The clinic faculty specialize in speaking, hearing, swallowing and spoken and written language impairments. The clinic offers a wide variety of audiology services, including hearing aid fitting and hearing aid repairs of all makes and models. 
• The Delta Dental of Kansas Foundation Dental Hygiene Clinic offers a wide range of low-cost preventative, therapeutic and educational dental hygiene services. 
• WSU’s General Dentistry’s services include cleanings, fillings, teeth whitening and dental implants. The dental clinic provides services in periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery and prosthodontics. The WSU General Dentistry Practice offers a discount for dental care to WSU students and their spouses and children. 

Rhonda Williams, RN-BSN Program Coordinator and Teaching Professor – Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing, published “Transforming RN-Baccalaureate Education Using Insights From a National Faculty Needs Assessment” in Nurse Educator May 1.

Abstract: Background: The recent American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials revision emphasizes direct clinical experiences across 4 spheres of care in RN-Baccalaureate (RN-B) education, creating challenges for online, asynchronous programs. Differentiating between prelicensure and postlicensure education complicates the integration of these requirements. Understanding RN-B faculty needs is critical for curricular transformation. Purpose: This needs assessment examines challenges faced by RN-B faculty in integrating the AACN Essentials into nursing curricula and provides resources critical for the transition to them. Methods: A web-based needs assessment was conducted with RN-B faculty across the United States. It included a demographic questionnaire, 5 quantitative questions, and 3 qualitative items. Results: The assessment revealed a need for enhanced academic support, resources, communication, and collaboration to facilitate implementation. Conclusion: This article offers insights, recommendations, and resources for RN-B faculty engaged in curricular transformation, emphasizing targeted support for adopting the AACN Essentials. Keywords: NCLEX crosswalk; completion program for registered nurses; curricular change; educational pathway.

Dr. Rhonda Williams, Dr. Stephanie Nicks; Theresa Cooper, Candace Grant, Terri Core, Brandy Jackson, Dorene Owen, Mary Faragher, faculty members in the Ascension Via Christi – Wichita State University School of Nursing, published “Cracking the Code: Admission Criteria and Predictors of Success in Nursing Programs” in Kansas Nurse April 21.

Abstract: This study investigated the effectiveness of traditional admission criteria in predicting first-semester success in prelicensure nursing programs. With increasing attention to fairness and accessibility in higher education, nursing programs must reassess the reliance on standardized tests and science grade point averages (GPA) to identify accurate predictors of student success.

Dr. Evan Ohlman, Department Chair and Program Director – Department of Physician Associate, published “Resident-led seminar and workshop on airway management for physician assistant students: Evaluating efficacy and memory retention.” in Journal of Physician Assistant Education Jan. 21

Abstract: Introduction: Physician assistants (PAs) should understand the implications and risks involved with airway management. Our study aimed to facilitate PA students’ familiarity with airway management with instruction from anesthesiology residents. We assessed the students’ knowledge of airway management both before and after a seminar to see if knowledge was retained. Methods: Physician assistant students participated in a seminar (didactic lecture and a hands-on workshop) on airway management led by anesthesiology residents. The students took a true-false pretest and repeated the test following the seminar. After four months, the students repeated the same true-false test to assess retention. We used Friedman test to analyze differences between the pretest, posttest, and retention tests, as well as performed an itemized analysis on the questions. Results: The students showed a significant difference between the pretest and posttest ( P < 0.001) and between the pretest and retention test ( P = 0.006). Students performed better per question on the retention test compared with the pretest, except for a question related to an indication for intubation (Z score = -2.757; P = 0.006). Discussion: Our results demonstrated that educating PA students in airway management with anesthesia resident direction resulted in a statistically significant increase in their knowledge on the topic four months after the training. Interactive learning seems beneficial for gaining knowledge on the basic principles of airway management.

Dr. Stephen Lewia, Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education – Department of Physician Associate, published “Characteristics and career effect on PA graduates of a doctor of medical science program” in Journal of the American Academy of Physician Associates (JAAPA) Jan. 14.

Abstract: Objective: This study examined the characteristics and effect of a doctoral degree on career metrics of physician associate/assistant (PA) graduates. Methods: This was a comparative analysis study of doctor of medical science (DMSc) program graduates. Characteristics from this survey were compared with program data and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Statistical Profile of Board Certified PAs for 2022. Results: Graduates self-reported that the DMSc degree was beneficial for receiving raises, promotions, and new leadership positions. Conclusions: The DMSc degree was considered a positive career benefit by graduates.