jefferson chronicle-fall/winter 2004

Carol M. Seavor, R.N., Ed.D.President

FeaturesTHE REID REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Student activities bring the Jefferson community togetherCommencement 2004

FACULTY PROFILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8What do William Faulkner and respiratory care have in common?Paul Lemons, R.R.T., M.A.Ed., M.S.

SPOTLIGHT ON PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Respiratory TherapyNew program director Sharon Hatfield, R.R.T., M.B.A., poised to lead into 21st century

NursingThe College’s largest program increases enrollment, prepares to offer graduate studies

JEFFERSON COLLEGE of HEALTH SCIENCES

J E F F E R S O N C H RO N I C L E 1

ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tina Williamson ’03President

Carolyn Mason-Murray ’98Vice President

Andrew Taylor ’01Secretary

COLLEGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stephen MusselwhiteChairman

William R. ReidImmediate Past Chairman

Robert C. LawsonVice Chairman

Nathaniel L. BishopMartha Bruce Boggs

Charles SaldariniPhilip Trompeter

F. Lee TuckerEllen Wade

Joseph Wright

COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION

Carol M. Seavor, R.N., Ed.D.President

Douglas Southard, Ph.D., M.P.H., P.A.-C.Dean for Academic and Student Services

Julian A. Moore, M.B.A.Dean for Administrative Services

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSLisa Allison-JonesHoward Ballentine

Brian BolandRebecca Clark

Katina CummingsDiane HaileyCarol Jordan

Anna Millirons

MAGAZINE EDITORKatina Cummings

ASSISTANT EDITORDiane Hailey

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSDarryle ArnoldIan BradshawRick Cregger

Julia DillDiane Hailey

DESIGNInprint, Inc.

PRINTINGSeckman Printing

COLLEGE ACCREDITATIONCommission on Colleges of the Southern

Association of College and Schools (SACS)

Jefferson College of Health Sciences is certified by the State Council of

Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Both SHARON HATFIELD, R.R.T., M.B.A., and LISA ALLISON-JONES, R.N., M.S.N.,Ph.D., have joined the College in the last two years to carry on the legacy of quality education at Jefferson. Hatfield has taken the helm for Respiratory Therapy as PaulLemons spends his pre-retirement year in the relative peace of faculty-only status.Nursing Department Chair Dr. Lisa Allison-Jones joined the College in 2003. She isworking closely with Associate Dean Rebecca Clark, R.N., M.S.N., Ph.D., to initiatethe Master’s of Science in Nursing.

DepartmentsAbout the cover...

CLASS NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15JEFFERSON ADVANCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Cover photo by Ian Bradshaw

A member of the Founding Family speaks at Commencement 2004

College’s Senior Faculty Member Retiring

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THE REID REPORT

2 V I S I T U S AT W W W. J C H S. E D U O R C A L L 8 8 8 . 9 8 5 . 8 4 8 3

Spring Picnic ’04: Marian Mader ’05 and President Carol Seavor.

Spring Formal ’04: Britney Whitlow ’05 and Mike Henson ’04, ‘05.

Spring Picnic ’04: Heather Morris ’02, ’04 and LaFaune Carter ’06.

Spring Picnic ’04: (l to r) Alan Bricelend ’06, Jon McKelvey ’05, and Adam Hughes ’04.

The 2004-2005 academic year set anenrollment record for Jefferson College ofHealth Sciences. Expanded marketingand recruitment initiatives, an increasedinterest in healthcare occupations, andJefferson’s reputation for quality health-care education have led to the largeststudent body in the history of the College.This year, there were over 32% moreapplications for admission than lastyear. This helped lead to the largestincoming class in the history of theCollege, with over 320 new studentspassing through the doors of JCHS to attend their first class. This was anincrease in new students of more than50% from the previous year. The new

student body is also more geographicallydiverse, with students coming from 15states. This shows that the College isgaining a reputation not only in SouthwestVirginia, but regionally and nationally as well.

Total enrollment at the College forthe 2004-2005 academic year is over 740students, approximately 15% over the 2003-2004 academic year. Every professionalprogram at the College was full, with manyrequiring wait lists. The largest increasein students over the previous year was inthe Biomedical Sciences program, whichhad approximately 88% more students.Other programs deserve recognition as well,including the Fire and EMS Technology

program, who welcomed their first full class, and the Physical TherapistAssistant program, which increasedenrollment by approximately 28%.Over the past five years, the College has increased total enrollment by 32%.The Associate of Science in Nursingprogram has led the way, increasing itsenrollment by 169% over the sameperiod. The future looks bright, as newprograms such as the Master’s inNursing program, increased capacity, andnew facilities take shape. These positivetrends are sure to continue, as JeffersonCollege of Health Sciences establishesitself as the premier source for alliedhealthcare education in Virginia. •

Fall 2004 Enrollment ReportBY HOWARD BALLENTINE, M.S., Institutional Research Manager

experienceThe Jefferson

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New Employees

Jefferson College of HealthSciences welcomes the arrival of anew academic leader. Dr. DouglasSouthard joins us as Dean forAcademic and Student Services,where he will oversee faculty andstudent activities related to teachingand student life. “It’s going to be abig job, particularly as the Collegegrows larger and adds graduate level programs. You have to realize,though, that growth is what highereducation is all about and I look forward to that challenge.”

Southard is no stranger to theCollege. After spending nine yearson the faculty at Virginia Tech, hejoined Jefferson in 1996 to developthe first physician assistant programin Virginia. Three years later the program was fullyaccredited and had graduated its first class of students. To date, the program has produced over 140 graduates,many of whom are now practicing in family or internalmedicine, cardiology, emergency medicine, and orthopedicsthroughout Southwest Virginia.

As Dean, Southard will supervise all academic programs including the new Master’s of Science inNursing. He’s had a lot of experience working withhealthcare professionals from a variety of backgrounds.Southard was trained as a physician assistant at JohnsHopkins, where he also obtained a master’s degree inpublic health. Because of his interest in how an individual’sthinking and behavior affect health, he later obtained hisdoctorate in clinical psychology from Virginia Tech.

He’s worked in a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, including Carilion Roanoke MemorialHospital, Duke University Medical Center, and JohnsHopkins Hospital. “For most of my professional life,

I’ve worked best when I’m a memberof an integrated healthcare teamhelping patients manage complexmedical problems such as heart disease and chronic pain. In a similarway, I believe we’re developing aclose-knit team of healthcare professionals here at the College to promote the growth of our academic programs.”

Southard is also an entrepreneurwho is not afraid to take risks andmake things happen. Five years ago,he started a company, now at the Virginia Tech Corporate ResearchCenter, that specializes in thedevelopment of Internet-enabledsoftware to help patients manageheart disease. The company is

currently testing a new computer game that uses patentpending technology to help children become more physically active. “Computer technology will becomeincreasingly important as we explore new ways to learn— whether it is an anatomy lesson for a beginning respiratory care student or discussing a healthy diet witha patient with advanced diabetes. As educators in highereducation, we must prepare our students to utilize technology, as it will be critical to their clinical success.”

Southard’s dual role as leader of academic functionsand student life keeps him close to teaching and learningon campus. He often can be found in the hallways andclassrooms talking to students and faculty. “You have tobe where it’s happening if you want to stay in touch withthe student experience. We’re hoping that alumni will beinterested in talking with our current students as well.Students need role models and the sage advice onlyalumni can provide.” •



A warm welcome to all of our new employees. Sharon Hatfield, R.R.T., M.B.A., respiratory therapy program director; ChasePoulsen, R.R.T., M.A., director of clinical education and assistant professor of respiratory therapy; Kathleen Williams, R.N., Ph.D.,associate professor of nursing; Haifa Al-Zubadi, M.Ed., assistant professor of mathematics; Bonny Dillon, Ph.D., BCC, assistantprofessor of humanities/social sciences; Stan Willenbring, Ph.D., assistant professor of science; Mark Raby, M.A., assistant professor ofdistance learning; Teresa Farley, R.N., B.S.N., teaching assistant and academic advisor for nursing and Patricia Airey, M.A., P.A.C.,assistant professor and clinical coordinator in the physician assistant program. We have also added many new adjunct faculty to ourteaching family and some very capable new staff members, including, Sarah Ross, admissions counselor; William Schaaf, admissionscounselor; and Michelle Wirt, program secretary. As the College family grows so do our diversity and experience. Welcome All! •

Douglas Southard ph.d., m.p.h., p.a.-c.

THE REID REPORTJEFFERSON COLLEGE of HEALTH SCIENCES WELCOMES

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THE REID REPORT


Nursing Honor Society Seeks Sigma Theta Tau StatusThe Nursing Honor Society of the Roanoke Valley (NHSRV)

is an organization of nurse leaders and students who worktogether to foster excellence in nursing practice.

The focus of the upcoming year is to achieve chapter status of Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society of nursing,to enhance the health of the communities we serve. There areover 100 members, all of whom hold bachelor’s degrees in nursingor higher. The purposes of the honor society are to:

1. Recognize superior achievement

2. Recognize the development of leadership qualities

3. Foster high professional standards

4. Encourage creative work

5. Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession.

Members of the Board of Directors are: Rebecca Clark,president; Lisa Allison-Jones, president-elect; Donna Bond,vice-president; Ava Porter, treasurer; Annette Strickland, faculty counselor; Penny Akers, secretary; and Ellen Harvey,Ann Montgomery, and Kay Trivett, nominating committee.

The Nursing Honor Society of the Roanoke Valley strivesto meet the needs of the community of nurses thoughemphasis on leadership, scholarship, and practice. •

Student Organization Hands of Healing

The Jefferson College of Health Sciences EHS-Paramedicorganization, Hands of Healing, is preparing a trip toTegucigalpa, Honduras, in Spring 2005. Our mission is to provide medical aid and education to those in desperate need.The shortage of basic medical attention is overwhelming, andas healthcare providers we feel it is our duty to help.

The organization is eight students strong and trained inemergency medicine as EMT’s. We are looking forward topracticing abroad and helping those less fortunate whilesharpening our skills to better serve our communities at home.

Most of these students represent local rescue squads andplan to continue working in Southwest Virginia after graduation.

Our goal is to take medical supplies and hope to Honduranswho cannot afford quality health care. Many Hondurans,especially children, die from completely preventable diseasesor illnesses that could be cured easily with American over-the-counter drugs.

The Honduran group facilitating the trip is SociedadAmigos de los Ninos. The group’s liaison with JCHS isKaren Maffucci, R.N., Home Care Coordinator withCarilion Health System.

If you would like more information on the project, please contact Brian Boland at [email protected] or call 540-985-8317. •

PREPARES for MEDICAL OUTREACH

BY BRIAN BOLAND, R.N., N.R.E.M.T.-P., Coordinator of Clinical and Field Externships

Sandra Anders, R.N., M.S.N., assistant professor of nursing, and Charles Moore, Ph.D.,assistant professor of math and science, wereawarded the 2003-2004 Teaching Awards by the student body. Moore was honored for hiswork in the classroom, and Anders was honored for her work in e-teaching in the distance learning department.

Teaching Awards

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Jefferson College of Health Sciences is pleased toannounce that in January 2005, a new administrativecomputer system will be online for student use. In 2003,a search process was begun for a new system after itbecame apparent that our current system is no longer ableto serve our students, alumni, faculty, or staff in the highlyefficient manner that we expect. A team was assembledto closely investigate software systems available and torecommend the best fit for our College. The groupselected the PowerCAMPUS product offered by SCT(Systems & Computer Technology Corporation). Weexpect to have all of the baseline modules implementedby early 2005.

The benefits offered by PowerCAMPUS are enormous.A major benefit is that the financial aid area will beinterfaced with the rest of the College. That means thatinformation will be readily available to allow studentfinancial aid to be processed much more quickly andaccurately due to the elimination of many manual stepsin multiple offices. Financial aid awards will be placed onstudent accounts in a timelier manner and any resultingrefund checks will be processed quickly.

The effectiveness of student advising will be enhancedbecause the system provides a wealth of information tofaculty on a real time basis on their desktop.

Another major enhancement will be a web-basedproduct, IQ Web, that will allow potential students tocomplete and submit self-service inquiry forms onlineand request more information about the institution.

It will also allow prospective studentsto submit the admission applicationonline and pay application feessafely and securely online with acredit card. Prospective studentshave the convenience to begin their admission application, save it,and come back to complete it at a later time.

Current students will also enjoy manybenefits of IQ Web. Students will have access to academic information such as their course schedules,grades, unofficial transcripts, current balances, accounthistory, and financial aid. The program will allow students to develop and view academic plans online.This feature lets students view degreerequirements for any actual or “what-if ”versions of their academic plans.Students will also be able to registerand make payments on-line.

PowerCAMPUS also contains an alumni module,which allows the College to keep in touch with our graduates and allow them tokeep in touch with the Collegeand their peers. This modulewill also help facilitate our fund-raising efforts. •

BY ANNA MILLIRONS, M.B.A., C.P.A., Director of Business Services

THE REID REPORT

As part of the physical plantimprovement project for Reid Center,the Learning Resources Center (LRC)was updated and improved in 2003.The $50,000 project has been lauded bystudents, faculty, and staff as a muchneeded improvement for one of themost utilized spaces within Reid Center.

“Although we’ll be moving to thelarger Community Hospital building inseveral years, we still feel that we needto provide this generation of students

the best facilities that we can,” saidPresident Carol M. Seavor.

In late summer 2003, constructionbegan in earnest and the 26-year-oldorange carpeting was one of the firstLRC icons to go.

The walls were repainted, the furniture reupholstered, counters andcubicles built, a group study area created, new computer desks for the labwere brought in, and new carpet wasinstalled.

LRC Director Jose Elacate is happywith the improvements, “The libraryhas always been the heart of any educa-tional environment, and when an insti-tution improves its library, it improvesthe learning experience.” •

Learning Resources Center Gets a FaceliftBY CAROLE JORDAN, LRC Representative

The Administrative Computer System Gets an Upgrade

The following is an article that ran May 21, 2004, in the Lexington News-Gazette. It is a touching tribute to the hard work that our students and their familiesinvest in the College.


Comme

On May 14, 2004, 185 Jefferson students becamealumni at the College’s 21st Commencement ceremony. Class Speaker Nannette Borling ‘04told her inspiring story of life changes and juggling college work with family responsibilities.Special guest speaker was Hugh Trout III, M.D.,FACS, who represented the College’s foundingfamily. The 1,000 attendees of the ceremonyheard the story of the founding father’s journeyto building the first nursing school in Roanokeand learned more about the future of healthcare.

End of a Journeyby Chris Floyd

I did something last Friday I, as a rule, abhor.

I blew off work, electing to skip the baseball and

softball games at Parry McCluer. Before the readers

start a march to The News-Gazette offices to punish

the delinquent sports editor, let me say that I had a

perfectly good reason for playing hooky. At game time

Friday I was sitting at the Olive Garden, celebrating

with the family. You see, Friday was graduation day

for my wife, Missy. She received her associate’s

degree in nursing from Jefferson College of Health

Sciences, completing a long two-year journey that

has been tough on all of us in the Floyd home.

I just hope she knows how proud we all are of

her accomplishment. She doesn’t see it as that big of

a deal, but it really is. I’ll tell you why. Missy is one

of 40 percent of the graduating class from the school

that’s married with children. She also is one of us

thirty-somethings now, and went back to school after

being away from the academic circle for a long time.

That in itself had to be terrifying. Yet she shook

off the fear and went back to school. As it turned out,

she was a much better student the second time around

and earned the praise of many of her fellow students

and her instructors. Not only did she juggle the family

and the books, but she also kept her own business up

and running. Missy is a dance instructor and chief

executive (here’s the shameless plug) at the

Shenandoah Academy of Dance.

She teaches at least three times a week and

recently turned in another flawless performance with

the Washington and Lee Dance Ensemble. I don’t

know how she does it.

But she did, and she did it well. Her business

continues to grow and the family is still together and

happy. On Friday, she even graduated with Latin

words behind her name and a gold Honor Cord

around her neck.

“Melissa Belcher Floyd, Cum Laude,” is what

Ava G. Porter said when she announced my wife’s

name. I almost cried as my chest swelled, and I wanted

to jump out of the balcony, race to the stage and give

her a big hug.

I kept my composure and saved that for later,

though. I also told her how proud of her I was. Now

I’m telling everybody else.

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Jefferson College of Health Sciences Inauguration


an excerpt...

encement 2004Hugh Trout, III, M.D, FACS, spoke to an overflow crowd at The JeffersonCenter, site of the 2004 Commencement ceremony. Trout is a vascular surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland and the grandson of Hugh H. Trout, Sr.

My grandfather, Hugh H. Trout, Sr., was born in 1878 inStaunton, Virginia. He attended the University of Virginiaand went on to graduate from its medical school. As wasthe practice at that time, after medical school he spentconsiderable time traveling around Europe furthering histraining. He worked beside the greats of medicine, FrankLahey, Alton Ochsner, and Charlie and Will Mayo. He alsoknew Osler, Halsted, and Cushing, three giants in the historyof medicine. He spent a year training at Johns Hopkinswith Hugh Young, the founder of the specialty of urology.As he was becoming a major force in surgery in his ownright, he founded a hospital in a bustling little railroadtown called Roanoke in 1908.

By the standards of his day he was exceptionally welltrained but had his limits because of the lag in terms of thedevelopment of anesthesia, inadequate equipment, and alsothe absolute primitive understanding of physiology at thetime. He made a number of contributions to the healthcarefield. He certainly improved healthcare in Roanoke, bothtechnically and also in terms of his extraordinarily highethical standards reflected in both his hospital as well asin the Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing, one of theprecursors for our celebration today.

I suspect that in 2050, medical historians will break downthe evolution of modern health care delivery into three50-year segments. The first, from 1900-1950, whichessentially spans the time my grandfather was most active,was a time of discovering medical treatments and beginningto implement them.

The next 50 years, bringing us to 2000, was mainlydevoted to refining treatments and expanding technology,especially monitoring and imaging equipment. For example,the radical mastectomy evolved into less mutilating modifiedmastectomies, lumpectomies and adjuvant therapy.

Between now and 2050, medicine will be largely devotedto prevention and devising ingenious ways to retard andstop the growth of cancerous cells in the body.

It is amazing to think that the past 100 years has far surpassed the previous 3,000 years in the massive acceleration in acquisition of knowledge and ability totreat complex disorders. The next 50 years promise to be even more exciting, as we delve into a much clearerunderstanding of diseases and figure out elegant ways of countering or curing many disease processes.

“Inever meant to go into allied healthcare or respiratory therapy,” explains Paul Lemons, retiring professor of respiratory therapy

and former long-time program director.

“I was a graduate student in English in 1972, and I went into Bowman Gray School of Medicine to get a custodian job to pay

the rent and support my wife and two kids. I left that day as a respiratory therapist in training. At that time, the respiratory care

field was so new, they paid respiratory therapists to go to school in the mornings and practice in the afternoons under the supervision

of the doctors and nurses.”

FACULTY PROFILE


Paul Lemons R.R.T, M.A.Ed. M.S.

BY DIANE HAILEY, Coordinator of Communications and Media Relations

As a self-described “spoiled hippie,”the reality of hospital mortality rates wasoverwhelming for him, and he describeshis first year in healthcare as “depressing.”

“The infant mortality rate in theneonatal intensive care unit where I workedwas about 60 or 70 percent. I saw a lot ofbabies die. That was a big shock to me asa kid who had led a pretty easy life as anEnglish major. I really had nowhere to goemotionally but into a deep state ofdepression,” Lemmons continued.

“ I learned during that time respiratorycare wasn’t just for the elderly, it’s vital topremature babies who die if they don’tget help breathing.”

He worked through the emotionalpain by seeing his new profession as a way to be a part of a solution to respiratory diseases.

Lemons decided while at BowmanGray to stay in respiratory care but continue to do graduate work in creativewriting and education for personal growth.“My dream of becoming a writer was no longer viable at that point, since I discovered I couldn’t write worth a damn.But, I was smart enough to realize I waswell-positioned at Bowman Gray to bepart of major medical advances in a shortperiod of time.”

As technology in the field advancedquickly, the nurses in the hospitals couldno longer facilitate the diagnostic tests andno longer had time to learn. Respiratorycare was fast becoming its own industryand was outgrowing the hospitals.

A few people at Community Hospitalof Roanoke Valley had been tracking thistrend and were beginning the process ofcreating the first hospital-sponsoredhealthcare college in the South. The yearwas 1981 and Lemons, who had recentlycompleted his master of arts in education,was ready for a teaching position.

“I came up to Roanoke and sat down with Dr. Jeremy Cohen, Bill Reid,and Dr. Cassell. They told me they hadacquired the building space and they feltsure they would have plenty of students,but they needed someone who wouldcome in and build the respiratory careprogram. At that time, there was only

one registered respiratory therapist in the whole valley. Cohen, Reid, andCassell knew, as I did, this career willalways be in demand.”

In 1982, the Carlton Terrace was still, in large part, an apartment building; therefore, there were no classrooms, nooffices, and no lab space. “Even withoutall of that, my first class of students wasprobably the most remarkable class, as awhole. They really overcame the odds

and have all been successful. Not manystudents today would have stayed a weekback then.”

Lemons sees many differences betweenstudents of 20 years ago and the studentshe sees now in his classroom.

“Technologically, the students todayare bringing far more skills with them onthe first day of class. I’m constantly amazedat how easily they learn the machines anddiagnostic testing tools. Our challenge asan institution of learning, however, is toteach these students how to care for theirpatients as people. It’s too easy for newpractitioners in healthcare to see patientsas just a lab report or chart, but we needto show them that patients have emotionalneeds too.”

Lemons continues, “As a College weencourage our students to balance theirclinical schedules with the social sciences.These classes teach students to appreciatetheir fellow human being and to see thatpeople who need them are in a crisisthrough no fault of their own. It broadenstheir scope of each individual’s life.”

And what about those degrees inEnglish? Have they been of service tohis students? “I use a lot of literary andphilosophical references which may elude my students from time to time.But,” he continues, “I think the liberalarts training teaches students how to careand how to keep their place in the world inperspective. When you graduate studentswho are technically skilled but have nocontext of where they fit into the world,they are not able to be functional in society as a person with an advanceddegree should.”

Dean for Academic and StudentServices Dr. Doug Southard agrees,“The well-rounded student has a strongbackground in the liberal arts and this iswhat sets us apart from the technical orcommunity college. Our baccalaureategraduates must complete 30 hours in liberal arts courses. This makes them betterhuman beings and better employees whenthey go into the working world. Graduateswith liberal arts education are already inan advanced stage of their development as caring healthcare providers.” •



as technology in the

field advanced quickly,

the nurses in the

hospitals could no

longer facilitate the

diagnostic tests and

no longer had time

to learn. respiratory

care was fast becoming

its own industry and was

outgrowing the hospitals.

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SPOTLIGHT ON PROGRAMS


“Based on my experienceas director of programs inthe San Francisco Bay area,Georgia, and North Carolina,I firmly believe that changeis necessary and beneficialfor a program to keep pacewith the ever-changingmedical environment,”says Hatfield.

She is anxious to gaugehow the College can facili-tate positive change in thehealthcare situation in theRoanoke Valley throughoutreach initiatives andclinical opportunities. “My

job is to assess the needs of community leaders in respiratorytherapy to see what they desire in our graduates, and to usethis information to prepare our graduates to function asextremely knowledgeable and highly skilled professionals whohave problem solving and decision making skills.”

Hatfield continues, “The public is not aware of our profession.Our students hope to change that by participating in communityservice. Recently, our program formed a partnership with theAmerican Lung Association to provide asthma education forour local school children.”

There is a critical shortage of respiratory therapists in

Virginia and across the nation. Respiratory therapists are theprimary managers of life support ventilators. “Virtually everyoneexperiences someone in their circle of friends or family whohave had trouble breathing or have been on ventilators,” sheexplains. Respiratory therapists help patients with asthma,emphysema, COPD, and pneumonia. They also manage lifesupport for premature babies, accident victims, post surgerypatients, and heart patients.

Respiratory therapists also monitor and analyze EKG’s, readchest x-rays, and take arterial blood. Because of their diversifiedjob description, medical professionals agree that respiratorytherapists are the most multi-skilled healthcare providers inthe hospital. They are trained to act as a technical resourceperson for both physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Hatfield is a firm believer in the well-rounded respiratorygraduate entering the field with a working knowledge of thefinancial side of healthcare. “I understand the importance ofthe business aspect of healthcare. Quality performanceimprovement, cost-saving measures, billing, and reimbursementneed to be taught along with medical training.”

Respiratory therapists are at the forefront of bringing palliative care to the Roanoke Valley. In fact, respiratory therapists were implementing palliative care into long-termdelivery of care before the term was even coined. “We have beeninvolved in long-term care and making patients comfortablesince respiratory started as a field. We help patients breathecomfortably in non-invasive ways. Quality of life is importantto us when we care for our patients.” •

Sharon Hatfield has an

M.B.A in Healthcare

Administration from

City University, a B.A.

in Health Services from

St. Mary’s College and

an A.S. in Respiratory

Therapy from Ohlone

Junior College.

RespiratorySharon Hatfield, R.R.T., M.B.A., has a lot of experience

in bringing fresh ideas to established programs. As the new

program director for one of the College’s oldest programs,

she is confident the outlook for the respiratory therapy program is as

exciting as it was in 1982. “This program has played a vital role in

community health in the Roanoke Valley, and we will continue that

tradition,” says Hatfield.

“Sharon brings a wealth of professional and managerial experience

to the program. Her energy and singular enthusiasm is just what the

program needs, and I feel confident she will do an extraordinary job

for the College,” says Paul Lemons, former director for the program.

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Gordon Blake began teaching respiratory therapy at Jefferson afew months after his own graduation. “Many of the academicstruggles were the same then, and the students were eager tolearn and do what was required of them to become good healthcare professionals. Just as is the case now, many of the studentswere also juggling commitments to family and jobs while goingto school.”

Blake has been part of the technological revolution, seeingteaching change from manual to high-tech. “It was the filmstripprojector instead of PowerPoint,” he explains. “Although such

tools have made teaching easier,in many ways it seems to takemore to keep the student’sinterest and attention now, and, subsequently, studentstoday require multi-mediateaching aids.”

He has seen technology changerespiratory therapy as well,although it has not opened theeyes of the general public.“New and refined medicationshave expanded our scope ofpractice, but we still lack someof the recognition we deserve.The general public has a fairlyclear idea of what a nurse orparamedic does but may havenever heard of respiratory therapy. A comment I hear is ‘I guess you folks help peoplebreathe.’ In fact, we’re involvedwith almost all aspects of healthcare from neonatology to criticalcare and sleep studies.”

The broad range of learning makes clinical practice important.“The College’s affiliation with Carilion is absolutely critical. We evolved into a partnership with the clinical affiliates withboth parts taking responsibility in the education process of thestudents. In the early years, we were viewed as an intrusion orinconvenience to the RT departments, and staff members were oftenuncomfortable or resentful of having students around. This haschanged dramatically over the years, and hospital staff membershave become teachers who love having students to work with.” •

Chase Poulsen has been in clinical practice as a respiratory therapist since 1993. Before coming to Jefferson in August 2004,he worked for a state-funded college in Maine for six years,teaching respiratory therapy, medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology. “I also stayed current in the field by working at Eastern Maine Medical Center, overseeing studentclinical experience, as time would allow,” explains Poulsen.

There were many factors that encouraged him to move his family to Roanoke. “At first, I was drawn to the climate change,and having a winter without months of bleakness. That’s whatmade me respond to therecruitment ad. But it was really my conversationwith President Seavor thatsealed my interest. Shereally impressed me withher vision for the future ofthe College. After workingfor state-funded institutionsfor so long, it’s a relief tocome to a private institutionwith the independence tomake educating students thetop priority,” says Poulsen.

He continues, “TheCollege’s strengthenedrelationship with ouraccrediting body (SACS)also made the leap an easyone. Colleges who get the nod of approval formaster’s offerings from arigorous accrediting body are moving toward greater things andbeing a part of that is exciting. Having master’s level programsstrengthens the College as a whole.”

Poulsen is also excited about the future for respiratory care.“It’s changing every day, faster than ever before. Respiratorycare professionals are even more in demand now than they werejust a year ago. When I began my career in the field, therapy waslimited to vent checks, O2 rounds, and floor therapy. Within thelast decade I have seen an explosion of responsibilities and roleswithin the field,” says Poulsen. •




Gordon Blake,’84, r.r.t., m.ed.retired director of clinical education

and associate professor of respiratory therapy

Chase Poulsen, r.r.t., m.a.director of clinical education for respiratory therapy

and assistant professor

“Having master’s level

programs strengthens the

College as a whole.”

— Chase Poulsen

“The general public has a

fairly clear idea of what a

nurse or paramedic does

but may have never heard

of respiratory therapy.”

— Gordon Blake

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ARTICLES BY DIANE HAILEY, Coordinator of Communications and Media Relations


Associate of Science in Nursing Program

• Accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission

• Designed for students without previous nursing experience

• Coursework may be completed in two years of full time study or up to four years of part time study

• Graduates are prepared to take the national licensingexam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN)

• 48 nurses graduated in Spring 2004

• 120 students admitted for Fall 2004

• 71 students entering the second year of the program

• More than 60 students enrolled in prenursing classes preparing to enter in Fall 2005

LPN to Associate of Science in Nursing

• Accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission

• Designed for LPNs or LVNs who wish to earn an associate of science in nursing degree

• Coursework may be completed in three semesters once prerequisites are met

• Graduates are prepared to take the national licensing exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN)


• 17 students currently enrolled in the LPN to associate degree in nursing program

Nursing

The Jefferson nursing faculty stand ready to educate more students and to add graduate nursing education.

Advancing Your Nursing Career at Jefferson

BY DR. LISA ALLISON-JONES, Nursing Department Chair

Jefferson College of Health Sciences offers a variety of educational pathways and nursing programs designed to support studentsas they advance in their nursing career through continued education in accredited, quality nursing programs. The nursing facultyis committed to our mission - to prepare within a scholarly environment ethical, knowledgeable, competent, and caring nurses whoalso value professional development. Our caring faculty work together to deliver three degree programs: the associate, bachelor,and, in Fall 2005, the master of science in nursing.


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Accelerated Track for Paramedics and Respiratory Therapists

• Designed for Respiratory Therapists and Paramedics who wish to earn an associate of science in nursing degree

• Coursework may be completed in three semesters

• Graduates are prepared to take the national licensing exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)


• 18 students currently enrolled in the Accelerated Track

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (RN to BSN)

• Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

• Designed for registered nurses who wish to further their career

• Curriculum builds on previous nursing education to provide a seamless experience

• Most students pursue their degree on a part-time basis while working full-time as RNs

• Courses are offered with a predictable schedule to accommodate work scheduling

• Nursing courses are supported by distance learning to increase flexibility

• Small class size enhances student/faculty relationships

• 19 graduates in Spring 2005

• More than 80 students currently enrolled in the RN to BSN program

Master of Science in Nursing Program

• The College has been granted approval for graduate education by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

• Classes will begin in Fall 2005

• Curriculum will emphasize core concepts of Quality Improvement, Patient-Centered Care, Informatics, Interdisciplinary Practice, and Evidence-Based Practice

• Two Tracks will be offered

Nursing Education Track— For nurses who want to teach in schools of nursing or in facility continuing education departments

Nursing Management Track— For nurses who wish to work in healthcare management •

Andrew Taylor never realized his education at Jefferson Collegeof Health Sciences would be so prevalent in day-to-day activities.“The education I received from JCHS does not just apply topatient care, but to every relationship I have in my life.”

You are probably not surprised by this statement if you haveseveral years of experience in the healthcare field, but for Taylorit was one of his biggest surprises after entering the world offull-time employment. After graduating from Jefferson, Taylorstarted his career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at VirginiaBaptist Hospital in Lynchburg. In June 2003, he received a nurseaid instructor position, and he currently serves asdirector of the nurse aideprogram for GenerationSolutions, Inc. inLynchburg and Roanoke.“I never realized howmuch I would enjoy educating others in thefield of nursing. It is sorewarding to graduate aclass of students who youknow will be excellent care givers.”

Although Taylor finds hiswork to be rewarding, deal-ing with the demographiccomposition of his staffproves to be his greatestchallenge. Since nursing isa lifelong career for mostindividuals who enter thefield, Taylor says it can bedifficult to manage other professionals who have been in the fieldso many years before him. “I consider the experienced nurses tobe a resource for me. I like working on the same level as those I manage and I am not afraid to go to them for help when needed.It strengthens the working relationship tremendously.”

Taylor adds, “My education prepared me to be a better and moreethical decision maker.” He states his education allows him toutilize critical thinking patterns and has afforded him theopportunity to think beyond the present and consider the future whenever he needs to make a decision. “My instructorsexemplified exactly what I wanted in life - to be a good nurse. I was always so impressed with their wealth of knowledge and expertise.” •

Andrew Taylor, r.n., ’01by KATINA CUMMINGS, director of institutional advancement

“My education prepared

me to be a better and more

ethical decision maker.”

— Andrew Taylor

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VISION FOR GRADUATE HEALTHCARE EDUCATION

At Jefferson College of Health Sciences we are healthcare

practitioners and healthcare educators. We face the challenge

of keeping up with the expanding knowledge and improving

the healthcare that we provide to the community.

How do we do this? How do we provide education to meet

the healthcare needs for today and tomorrow? Jefferson College

of Health Sciences has a long history of educating healthcare

practitioners, beginning with associate degrees in 1982. We

have grown as the demands for practitioners evolved. In 1997,

we added bachelor’s degrees in nursing, physician assistant

and occupational therapy.

In response to the needs of these graduates and the

community, we are now embarking on a new stage in our

educational development. We will be offering graduate

education, with our first students entering in Fall 2005.

Our first graduate program is in nursing, with a focus on

education and management. The need for this program is

evident on both state and national levels. Nursing vacancies

in hospitals go unfilled due to the shortage of nurses; however,

nursing programs cannot educate additional students due to

the shortage of nursing faculty. Our new graduate program

will provide nurses with the education and experience they

need to teach the nurses of the future.

Management and leadership in healthcare have become

increasingly complex, with emphasis on technology, teamwork,

fiscal responsibility, and quality improvement. In the graduate

nursing program, nurses will learn the skills required to manage

in today’s healthcare environment.

We continue to grow and will now provide healthcare

education for those seeking advanced degrees in nursing.

Our vision does not end here. We will continue to expand our

educational offerings to meet the needs of our community of

students and healthcare environments.

We will keep you posted about the developments as we grow.

In health,

NursingD

ear Alumni, Students, and Friends of Jefferson College of

Health Sciences:

These are exciting times for us at JCHS as we embark on a

journey to provide graduate nursing education beginning Fall 2005.

This venture reflects the commitment of the College to meet expanding

needs for advanced education in healthcare. It also reflects your support

and confidence in our ability to provide this quality of education.

THE NEED FOR ADVANCED HEALTHCARE EDUCATION

The need for healthcare professionals who can address the changes in patient demographics and evolving practice requirements continues to grow. Healthcare practitioners are challenged to utilize the increasingknowledge about new and improved health promotion and treatment advances. They must be able to use advanced clinical technology for improved treatment options. The need for advancedand on-going education has never been more critical.


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1940SJulia E. Hambrick, ‘45, of Petersburg,entered Army Nurse Corp in March 1945 and served 26 years. She has served asdirector of ministries at her church for the last 20 years.

1950SNina Frances Richardson Derby, ‘58,married William L. Derby in 1987, after thepassing of her husband, Eugene Ogle, in1983. Nina received her BSN and MA,retired in 1991, and is currently director ofan LPN school. Nina has two daughters andtwo grandsons.

1970SCarol Kehn Bayne, ‘74, of Woodbridge,is employed by Fairfax Hospital.

Patricia G. Crowder, ‘77, of New Castle,is a Clinical Team Leader on 9 WestOrthopedics at Carilion Roanoke MemorialHospital. Patricia has one daughter(Kimberly Crowder), who is a student atGeorge Washington University.

1990SMitzi L. Ferguson Keeley, ‘94, ofRoanoke, was married to Chris Keeley in May 1998 and has two girls, Courtney (4) and Megan (2).

Kathleen Field Michael, ‘95, of Bedford,is a stay-at-home mom, married to RichardMichael and has two children - Nathan (3)and Travis (6 months). Kathleen would love to get in touch with Barrie Knox,Charity Smith, Donna Scott, Tonia GallemoreSteed, Lisa Sutphin, and Mildred St. Leger.

John D. Williamson, ‘95, of Roanoke,completed his MBA in 2003 and is currently the Manager of 7 East at CarilionRoanoke Memorial Hospital (Vascular Med-Surgery).

Leslie Hutchinson Loving, ‘97, of Roanoke,is Director of 10 Mountain Surgical PCU atCarilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

2000SDugger Overbey, ‘00, of Altavista, celebrated the birth of first child WilliamBrent Overbey on January 8, 2004.

Christy A. Sergeant, ‘00, of Danville, has been volunteering with Danville LifeSaving Crew as a paramedic and has beenawarded ALS Member of the Year twice.Christy was promoted to EmergencyDepartment Nurse Manager at PersonMemorial Hospital in Roxboro, NorthCarolina, and would like to extend a specialthanks to all of her instructors (especiallyClaudia Huddleston) for their support andencouragement while attending JCHS.

Lemuel Green, ‘01, of Lynchburg, married Allison Green on July 6, 2002, and they have one son - Lemuel James “LJ”born on February 2, 2004.

Heather Deane Bayers, ‘01, ofCharlottesville, is working part-time to allow time to enjoy her two children.

Connie N. Slusher, ‘01, of Lynchburg, is employed with Rehabilitation Associates of Central Virginia in Forest.

IN MEMORIAM______________________________________

Betty Joe Finney Joines, ‘51, of Galax,died February 2, 2004.

CLASS NOTESJEFFERSON COLLEGE of HEALTH SCIENCES



Phyllis McIsaacsBloodgood, ’51

Lillie Pate Embrey, ’51

Mary Lou HankleyDeHaven, ’51

Patsy CopenhaverBynaker, ’51

Four members of the class of ’51 loaned the College several items tophotograph and archive. The items were the traditional cape and cap,displayed here by Dr. Lisa Allison-Jones.

Annual giving is one of themost powerful ways thatalumni, parents, and friends

can demonstrate their belief in themission of the College and supportstudents and faculty. JeffersonCollege of Health Sciences is not astate-supported higher learninginstitution and therefore relies ontuition income to provide fundingfor operating expenses. Tuition paysmuch less than the costs of operatingthe College each year.

The Jefferson College of HeathSciences Education Foundationneeds to grow to provide more significant and consistent scholarships and other support for our deserving students. During fiscal year 2003-2004, several scholarships were not provided due to lack of donations or contributions toward to thescholarship fund. Most JCHS students rely on financial aid andscholarships for tuition assistance.

Your support of the College as an alumnus, parent, or friend will continue the legacy and vision of the humble beginnings of Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing. In addition to providing aid and scholarships, your gift will help defray the costs of operating the programs of the College.

Annual giving of unrestricted funds provides resources that can be used immediately to meet the College’s most importantneeds and opportunities — including financial aid and scholarships, faculty recruitment and retention, library resources, and maintenance and renovations of facilities. Your annual giving allows JCHS to solve problems as they arise and to seizeunexpected opportunities.

As an alumnus of JCHS, you have the opportunity to be a leader of the College — the opportunity to share what you havelearned, to support the next generation, and to show others the path for success. Your gift can change the future of healthcareeducation. Your support will begin the tradition of annual giving at JCHS. Your donation will offer resources to continue the impressive healthcare education and training that you once received.

To make a donation to the Jefferson College of Health Sciences Education Foundation - Annual Gift, please contact Katina M.Cummings, Office of Institutional Advancement, at 888-985-9766 if you have any questions.

JEFFERSON ADVANCEMENTTHE IMPACT OF ANNUAL GIVING


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jefferson chronicle-fall/winter 2004

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