BSN CLASS OF 2014

TH E UN I V E R S I T Y O F NO R T H CA R O L I N A AT CH A P E L HI L L SC H O O L O F NU R S I N G

Honors in Nursing

* Denotes Highest Honors

Lauren Elizabeth Allen* Advisor: Pat Mahaffee Gingrich, MSN, WHNP-BC

Breaking Barriers to Long Acting Reversible Contraception:Preventing Rapid Repeat Pregnancy in Latina Teens

I decided that I wanted to become a nurse because I love science and I love helping others. I wanted a career that would be fulfilling and that would give me the opportunity to interact with people from many different backgrounds and perspectives. I enjoy being with people through difficult times in their lives and caring for those who need extra compassion and support.

Laura Elizabeth Britton Advisors: Beth P. Black, PhD, RN & Cheryl B. Jones, PhD, RN, FAAN

The Impact of Abortion Policy on Patient Safety: How Is ItMeasured?

I chose to become a nurse after working in patient care and research at Planned Parenthood.I felt called to the role because as nurses we listen to our patients, honor their dignity, and help them to find their strength when they are suffering. We also see firsthand how policy affects health. With that insight from the bedside, we are well-positioned to be leadersthat identify structural inequality and work for social justice. I decided to pursue nursingresearch as a Hillman Scholar in order to work for health equity. My research interestsinclude health disparities among the LGBTQI population, end of life care, and reproductivejustice, particularly issues revolving around breastfeeding, contraception, and abortion. My doctoral work will focus on public policy and abortion access.

Ethan Cicero* Advisors: Beth P. Black, PhD, RN & Beverly B. Foster, PhD, RN

A Transgender Individual’s Lived Experiences: NavigatingDiscrimination and Stigma in Healthcare

Through my life I have enjoyed an enduring interest in healthcare. As an active child, I sustained various injuries that resulted in medical care. My curiosity about the humanbody grew with each health care visit. I was fascinated by the multi-disciplinary approachafforded to the patients and became aware that the compassion, respect, and empathy of the nurses was sometimes more therapeutic than any diagnosis delivered or medication pre-scribed. As an adult, I served as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. My mostfulfilling moments in this position came while working directly with patients to set them atease as they received treatment. I believe that my place in the health care field is workingwith patients during their time of need by being their nurse. The nursing profession providesme with a future filled with passion, purpose, and a commitment to the lives of others.

Martha Grace Cromeens, JD Advisor: Cheryl B. Jones, PhD, RN, FAAN

What Transitional Care Interventions Are Used in the Care ofBurn Patients. An Integrative Review

I earned an undergraduate and master’s degree in history, and later attended law school tohelp the underserved better navigate the legal system. I was drawn to nursing to developmeaningful connections with patients, their families, and communitieis. Nursing offerschallenging opportunities for learning and growth through a variety of exciting pathways. Ichose to enter the Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation to be an advocate formy community and to improve health care by blending health, law, and nursing research.

Emily E. Danforth Advisor: Pat Mahaffee Gingrich, MSN, WHNP-BC

The Dear Baby Project: An Interactive Journaling Tool forPregnancy Education

I was transitioning from a career in sociology, and I was ready to use my background in amore applied way. Nursing has allowed me to take my sociological perspective and use it asa tool for providing service to others while working to reduce health disparities. Previously, I did research and analyzed how different groups of individuals had different health outcomes. Now I have the chance to be out in the field and gain a broader idea of the context in which each person experiences "health." It is immensely rewarding to feel like I am an agent of change and to have a direct impact on people's lives and well-being.Beyond these reasons, I have found that nursing is personally empowering. I am able to be a better mother, wife, daughter, and friend.

Arthur John Gribensk II* Advisor: Jennifer Leeman, DrPH

The Use of Smartphone Apps as a Weight-Loss Intervention

Growing up in a rural town in North Carolina, along with teaching in a low-income inner-city school, I have realized that education and empowerment are key to improving allaspects of one’s life. These tools were given to me by others, and as a result I have dedicatedmy life to helping others develop them as well. I chose to go into nursing because the profession allows me to share with patients the knowledge and the resources necessary totake control of their health and lead better lives.

Catherine HoodAdvisor: Sara L. Hubbell, APRN, MSN, NP-C, FCN

Caring Across Barriers: A Review of Literature ConcerningHispanic Women with Breast Cancer

I chose to go into nursing because it combines my passion for physiology while providingcare to those in need. What excites me the most is the relationships that I form with mypatients. As a nurse, I have the opportunity to be my patients’ primary care giver and advocate. I am eager to be a part of a field that piques my interest, is constantly evolving,and also allows me to foster rewarding relationships with others.

Krista LeeAdvisor: Christina Leonard, MSN, RN, FNP, CNL

Warfarin and Dietary Vitamin K: A Multidisciplinary Patient Tool to Improve INR Maintenance

After spending 15 years as a high school science teacher, I realized that teaching science was not really my passion, and I needed to change careers. I chose nursing because I knewit would allow me to continue to develop my love of biology and anatomy while continuingto share my compassion for those who are less fortunate. I feel that with a BSN many moredoors will be open to me for career advancement. It’s ironic that I am a Carolina Nursebecause when I was selecting a college for the first time, I really wanted to attend UNC-Chapel Hill. As an out-of-state resident though, I knew I did not have the grades. So now,after all these years, I am finally a Tar Heel!

RuthAnne McLendon Advisor: Christina Harlan, MA, BSN, RN

Nous Sommes Ensemble: We are Together—A NarrativeExposition on Cross-Cultural Nursing That Weaves PersonalExperiences With Research and Practical Guidelines.

While I have always been fascinated with healthcare, nursing specifically appealed to mebecause of the focus on evidenced-based practice, the deep level of involvement in patientcare, and the ability to care for vulnerable populations. I grew up with a strong interest inhealthcare and learning about health and disease. When I came to UNC, I decided to pursuenursing to follow that passion. I love nursing because I am able to build rapport withpatients while caring for them. I chose nursing because it gives me tangible and useful skills for working with underserved populations.

Jessica Sophia Murray Advisor: Diane Berry, PhD, ANP-BC, FAANP

Transitioning to a Computer-Based Intervention for Womenwith Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

I have always wanted to be a part of the health care atmosphere, but I didn’t know I wanted to go into nursing until my sophomore year of college. I applied for a job to be a researchassistant at UNC’s School of Nursing and Dr. Diane Berry exposed me to all of the amazingways nursing can change and grow. I was exposed to community health nursing and inpatient nursing, and I decided that nursing would be the best path for me. I am so excited that I chose nursing, and I cannot wait to start my career as a nurse.

Leanna Dawn Phifer Advisor: Julianne B. Page, RN, MSN

Daily Checklist: A Visual Aid to Increase Self-Efficacy inCongestive Heart Failure Patients

When I was a child, I remember seeing my mother give my grandfather his insulin injections. He also suffered from congestive heart failure and spent many nights in the hospital. The thing I remember most about my grandfather was how he would talk abouthis nurses. He would praise nurses who showed him they truly cared about him and hisrecovery. It was extremely hard for my family and me when my grandfather passed awayfrom a heart attack. Because of him, I chose to become a nurse. I want to be the type ofnurse my grandfather would praise, one who makes a difference in my patients’ and theirfamilies lives. I will always treat my patients with respect and unconditional positive regardbecause ultimately, these things are what patients remember at the end of their hospital stay.

Nabila Siraj Rattani Advisor: Theresa Swift-Scanlan, PhD, RN

Deconstructing Breast Cancer Heterogeneity: ClinicalImplications for Women with Basal-like Tumors

I have always had a great interest in medicine and a genuine desire to help others. In middle and high school, I volunteered in special education classrooms and spent over 400hours immersing myself in the hospital environment through volunteering. After coming toUNC, I continued volunteering at UNC Hospital through Carolina Pediatric Attention, Love,and Support (CPALS). I gained invaluable experience interacting with patients and familiesfrom diverse backgrounds. It was there that I met a remarkable young girl who had acutelymphoblastic leukemia and embarked with her and her family on their journey. This experience opened my eyes to the pivotal role that nurses play from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up care. I can think of no career more fulfilling than one that allowsme to make a difference in people’s lives and provide exceptional care for them during some of their most vulnerable times.

BSN CLASS OF 2014

TH E UN I V E R S I T Y O F NO R T H CA R O L I N A AT CH A P E L HI L L SC H O O L O F NU R S I N G

Honors in Nursing

* Denotes Highest Honors

Sarah Emily Rich Advisor: Cheryl Woods Giscombé, PhD, PMHNP-BC

Reducing the Risk of Diabetes: The Role of Self-Efficacy in aMindfulness-Based Intervention

While completing my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I volunteered as a child advocate forthe Guardian ad Litem program. I was deeply affected by the vulnerability of the families,and I felt empowered in my ability to incite change in the lives of others. My service as aGuardian ad Litem compelled me to pursue nursing because it allows me to continue to be an advocate for vulnerable individuals. I also aspired to utilize my background in psychology to provide holistic care that addressees both physical and mental health. I amexcited to embark on a career that will be personally and professionally rewarding.

Erin C. Richardson* Advisor: Catherine Ingram Fogel, PhD, WCHNP, FAAN

The Experience of Pregnancy for Women with BipolarDisorder: An Exploratory Study

I love helping people during exciting and challenging moments of change that occur everyday in a hospital, along the spectrum from birth to death and illness to wellness. As nurses,we care for our patients and walk alongside them during these moments, and that is anincredible privilege. I realized that I loved working with people during my work in psychiatricresearch prior to nursing school. I chose nursing because I also wanted concrete skills with which to help them. I look forward to a career that provides opportunities for caring for people, learning, and doing good each day.

Meredith Robbins Advisor: Catherine Ingram Fogel, PhD, WCHNP, FAAN

The Incarcerated Pregnant Woman: Care Throughout theChildbearing Cycle

I chose to pursue a career in nursing because I am drawn to the intimate and holisticapproach of nursing care. When I made this decision, I was working exclusively in researchand knew I wanted to change my career to something with more patient contact. Nursingprovides that contact and allows me to develop relationships with both patients and familiesin a healing environment.

Melissa Robinson* Advisor: Rhonda K. Lanning, RN, MSN, CNM, IBCLC

Kangaroo Care: Creating a Video Teaching Tool for Parents andNeonatal Nurses

I have always been interested in the health care field, and nursing care has been an activepart of my life for many years. As a patient at UNC Hospitals, my UNC nurse practitioner andI cultivated a strong, trusting relationship. She provided compassionate, patient-centeredcare, and her positive outlook and passion for nursing inspired me to be a nurse. I am eagerto deliver this same standard of care to my future patients and build my own personal rela-tionships with patients and families.

Hannah Roy Advisor: Deborah K. Mayer, PhD, RN, AOCN, FAAN

Exercise as a Fatigue Intervention for Breast Cancer PatientsReceiving Treatment

I have always had a passion for helping people and for science. These passions led me tochoose nursing due to its vast areas of interest, direct hands-on patient care, and its holisticview of health. I am drawn to nursing because it is a service-oriented field and allows me tomake a difference on a personal level.

Chelsea Schwartz Advisor: Julianne B. Page, RN, MSN

Pressure Ulcer Healing and the Impact of NutritionalIntervention

I view nursing as a calling more than a career choice. I cannot imagine myself doing anything else! Growing up with both parents working in health care and a grandfather who was a victim of a debilitating stroke, I was constantly surrounded by all things medicine! While visiting my grandfather, I watched his nurses transform both our family and his health. They made a difference. I realized I wanted to continue to createmeaningful impact in others’ lives, just as my grandfather’s nurses had done for my family. I have grown to love nursing because at its core, it encompasses the complexities of human nature: people at their worst, at their best, and everywhere in between. Nursing is a profession that fulfills both my personal and professional needs. It is a career that isselfless yet endlessly rewarding because nurses are constantly making a difference in the pivotal moments of others’ lives.

Adria SpinelliAdvisor: Gwen Sherwood, PhD, RN, FAAN

Prevalence, Incidence and Impact of Sexual and Gender-BasedViolence in Areas of Humanitarian Conflict: A Systematic Review

Human suffering infuriates me and is the core of one constant in my life: my desire to helpothers. Until a few years ago, I was completely irresolute of how to utilize the composite ofmy skills and interests to serve others. Over the last three years, I concluded that nursing isthe ultimate response to my deeply rooted career aspiration of serving those in need. Nursingcoalesces my natural organizational abilities with my gift for comforting and caring for others while allowing me to serve those in need. Nursing school opened my eyes to thecountless opportunities as a nurse. Thus, as I look to my future, the decision to dedicate mylife to nursing has been confirmed because I know that my career can evolve alongside myinterest in serving others.

Jaime Michelle Stanton*Advisor: Janna Dieckmann, PhD, RN

Management Strategies During Pregnancy to Prevent NeonatalHerpes: An Educational Intervention for Health Care Providers

I chose nursing because of the profession’s founding principle – caring. There are manybenefits that come with being a nurse, including the ultimate reward of bettering the lives of individuals and families. Not only do I desire to improve the health of others, but I alsowant a career where I am able to spend time with patients and develop a relationship withthem. Nursing is truly my calling.

Ashley Vaughan Advisor: Christina Leonard, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CNL

A Nursing Tool to Promote Patient- and Family-Centered Carein Adult Critical Care: The Family Care Assessment

My primary motivation for choosing a career in nursing is a desire to pursue meaningfulwork that will help others. The amount of time nurses spend with their patients allows them to have valuable insight about patients’ health. I am excited that I will have theopportunity to serve and advocate for my patients by recognizing their unique needs andplaying an active role in identifying solutions to their challenges.

Carra Lee Wainwright* Advisor: Rhonda K. Lanning, RN, MSN, CNM, IBCLC

Female Genital Cutting: A Maternity Nurse’s Guide toProviding Culturally Competent Care

Since I was young, I have wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. A career in nursing will allow my dreams to come true. My aspiration for nursing was sparked by my personal experience as a patient. The care and compassion a nurse showed me while I washospitalized influenced me and led me to pursue a career in nursing. I desire to make a positive impact in the lives of my patients, just as one nurse impacted me.

Laura Katherine Wert Advisor: Shielda Rodgers, PhD, RN

An Analysis of Communication Between Nurses andPhysicians: Evidence from the Literature

I have always known that I wanted to do something in the health care field, even on my first day in kindergarten when I dressed up as a doctor in my father’s scrubs. As I grew upthough, I realized it was my mom’s profession that better aligned with how I wanted to dedicate my life to helping and caring for people. Interacting with patients is my favoritepart of nursing, but caring for patients at some of their best and worst moments of life keepsme passionate for this profession. It was not until nursing school that I truly understood the value of caring and realized that it is what drove me to go into nursing.

Brittany Lynn White Advisor: Meg Zomorodi, PhD, CNL, RN

Perceived and Actual Noise Levels in Critical Care Units

I chose to pursue nursing because it seemed to be the nucleus of the health care team. Inaddition to constant critical thinking and problem-solving, nurses must have compassionand sympathy for the sick and the suffering. As a nurse, I will advocate for my patients whileupholding their dignity through their most intimate and vulnerable circumstances. I feelfortunate to enter such a noble profession!