Author: Jamie Stoskopf

Dr. Morgan Scholtes, Advanced Education in General Dentistry dental resident, was recognized with 2024 Sandra Mitchell Award for Community Service from American Board of General Dentistry.

Dr. Dean Elledge, program director and specialist prosthodontist in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, was recognized with 2024 Dentist of the Year from Kansas Dental Association.

Julie Slade — Associate Program Director, Assistant Clinical Professor, and Director of Clinical Development and Operations in the Department of Physician Associate — was appointed as a board member from Kansas Academy of Physician Associates (KAPA).

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.