Nursing News

College of Health and Human Services and ServiceSource Establish a Center on Aging with a Focus on Healthy Aging and Workforce Development

Mary Cunningham — Wed, 18 May 2022 20:55:33 +0000

College of Health and Human Services and ServiceSource Establish a Center on Aging with a Focus on Healthy Aging and Workforce Development Mary Cunningham Wed, 05/18/2022 - 16:55

In This Story

Dr. Cathy Tompkins

Healthy aging is more important than ever in the U.S. as everyone in the Baby Boomer generation nears retirement age.

Post-doctoral student Hyun Kang, Associate Dean of Faculty and Staff Affairs and Professor Cathy Tompkins, Assistant Professor Michelle Hand, and Chair of the Department of Social Work Emily Ihara at the opening of the Wellness Center for Older Adults.

College of Health and Human Services and ServiceSource, Inc. (SSI) have established a Northern Virginia Center on Aging, which will be recognized as a satellite center with the Virginia Center on Aging (VCoA). The center will provide services, programs, and activities for older adults and workforce development and continuing education for health care professionals who support older adults. Faculty and students will be actively involved and are excited for this new opportunity.

The Center on Aging will expand the VCoA’s mission of being an interdisciplinary study, research, information, and resource facility for the Commonwealth of Virginia utilizing the full capabilities of faculty, staff, libraries, laboratories, and clinics for the benefit of older Virginians and the expansion of knowledge pertaining to older adults and aging in general. VCoA is a statewide agency created by the Virginia General Assembly.

“Healthy aging is now more important than ever as our over-65 and over-85 populations continue to grow in the coming decades,” said Associate Dean of Faculty and Staff Affairs and Professor Cathy Tompkins. “This collaborative program will help prepare the current and future geriatric workforce to optimize opportunities to maintain and improve physical and mental health, independence, and quality of life throughout a person’s life.”

By 2030, every person in the Baby Boomer generation will be 65 or older. With this generation being larger than generations before it, more resources are necessary to support the population.

The new center will provide workforce training to students across the College’s departments through practicums, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities on how to effectively work with older adults. Additionally, the Center will partner with other community organizations to provide continuing education and training for frontline workers and licensed professionals. College faculty will have opportunities to evaluate current interventions implemented by SSI staff and community partners.

The Northern Virginia Center on Aging will be housed at the new Wellness Center for Older Adults (WCOA), which is less than four miles from Mason’s campus.

The College is home to the Department of Social Work and leads research and workforce development initiatives focused on healthy aging. Other departments actively involved in the new Northern Virginia Center on Aging include the School of Nursing and the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies.

SSI’s mission is to facilitate services, resources, and partnerships to support people with disabilities and it offers a wide range of services to serve the community, including operating the WCOA.

Other WCOA community partners supporting the Center include AARP Virginia, The Alzheimer’s Association American Health Care Professionals, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, INOVA Community Health, Insight Memory Care Center, Northern Virginia Community College, Shenandoah University, the Shepherd’s Center, and the Parkinson Social Network.

About Mason

George Mason University, Virginia’s largest public research university, enrolls 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2022, Mason celebrates 50 years as an independent institution. Learn more at http://www.gmu.edu.

About the College of Health and Human Services

The College of Health and Human Services prepares students to become leaders and to shape the public's health through academic excellence, research of consequence, community outreach, and interprofessional clinical practice. The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in its nationally-recognized offerings, including 6 undergraduate degrees, 13 graduate degrees, and 6 certificate programs. The college is transitioning to a college of public health in the near future. For more information, visit https://chhs.gmu.edu/.

Topics

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies

Nutrition News

The Washington Post-American Nurses Association and The Washingtonian Magazine Recognize Mason Nursing Excellence in Local Awards

John Brandon Cantrell — Mon, 10 May 2021 15:32:49 +0000

The Washington Post-American Nurses Association and The Washingtonian Magazine Recognize Mason Nursing Excellence in Local Awards John Brandon C… Mon, 05/10/2021 - 11:32

2021 Star Nurses Finalists

Excellence in Nursing Awards

Topics

In This Story

Caroline Sutter, DNP

Martha (Marti) Y. Kubik, PhD, RN, FAAN

Local Nursing Awards Recognize Mason Alumni.

As we continue to celebrate National Nurses Month, the American Nurses Association has dedicated the week of May 10 to May 14 as a time to recognize and celebrate the dedication, commitment, and contributions nurses provide to their patients, colleagues, and communities.

Caroline Sutter, Mason alumna, professor, and co-director of the Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics, was named one of the 2021 Star Nurses from the Washington Post and American Nurses Association (ANA).

At George Mason University, the School of Nursing prepares nurses to become leaders in their field through extensive practical and academic training. Mason Nursing excellence has been recognized through two local awards.

This year, three Mason alumni (including one faculty member) were selected as 2021 Star Nurses finalists by the Washington Post, in partnership with the American Nurses Association.

With over one hundred nominees, the Washington Post and American Nurses Association (ANA) selected the top candidates who represent the “epitome of skill, professionalism, and care” as they work in the frontlines to provide care in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia Metropolitan area. Of the 2021 Star Nurses, six nurses will be named as Nightingale Award winners on May 26.

Among the nurses selected is two-time Mason alumna, Caroline Sutter (MSN ’01, DNP ‘12), who is also the co-director of the Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics and associate professor in the School of Nursing.

“I am humbled by this recognition and have loved every minute of my nursing career,” Sutter said. “I am proud to be a Mason nurse, where we encourage innovative thinking and allow ideas to blossom into initiatives that make a difference. I am particularly proud of the work we do at the Mason and Partner Clinics to improve the health of the most vulnerable in our communities and to offer hands-on learning opportunities that prepare our students to thrive in the health care workforce.”

Along with Sutter, Mason alumnus Kenneth Daniel (BSN ’00) and alumna Donna Thomas (MSN ’17) were selected as 2021 finalists.

“We’ve always known that Mason nurses are special and that they bring passion, competency, and resilience to their careers,” said Marti Kubik, director and professor of the School of Nursing. “I particularly want to congratulate Carrie Sutter for the well-deserved honor and to thank her for her tireless work in the community.”

In addition to the Mason nurses selected as the 2021 Star Nurses, eight Mason alumni were featured in the Washingtonian’s 50 Exceptional Nurses list to honor nurses who “go above and beyond every day for their patients and colleagues.” In this recognition, Mason alumni represented 16% of nurses on the list.

Laila S. Bailey, BSN ’85, MSN ‘10; Meghan K. Bozzelli, BSN ’07; Christine M. Chaney, BSN ’02; Susan E. (Sue) Frank, BSN ’78, MSN ’96; Lauren J. Keane, BSN ’11; Kimberly A. Miller, MSN ’15; Myra B. (Connie) Wisnaes, BSN ’93; and Michelle J. Vassallo, MHA ’15 were among those who received the Exceptional Nurses honor.

“It’s wonderful to see our faculty and alumni recognized in the community through initiatives like the Washington Post/ANA Star Nurses and Washingtonian Magazine Excellence in Nursing Award,” Kubik said. “Thank you to all nurses – we appreciate your many contributions.”

Mason and Partners Clinics Expand Telehealth Capabilities to Meet Growing Demand for COVID-19 Care

mthomp7 — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 14:50:33 +0000

Mason and Partners Clinics Expand Telehealth Capabilities to Meet Growing Demand for COVID-19 Care mthomp7 Tue, 04/14/2020 - 10:50

Support MAP Clinic initiatives like COVID-19 testing and telehealth expansion.

Francisco Morin, DNP Student, Pam Fine, Faculty School of Nursing and Rebecca Sutter, Co-Director MAP Clinics.

Underserved communities are connected to life-saving services through rapid response remote care

We live in a world where literally everything we know- going to school or work, taking the bus, seeing a ball game—has been turned on its head by COVID-19. The dramatic shortage of masks and other vital personal protective equipment (PPE) coupled with the stay-at-home order limit providers’ ability to deliver medical care, particularly for underserved populations who may not have insurance or a primary care provider.

However, despite all these changes, patients can still rely on the Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics (a network of 10 no-cost bridge health care clinics supported by the College of Health and Human Services at George Mason University) for the care they need thanks to the rapid deployment of expanded telehealth capabilities. By expanding the MAP Clinic’s telehealth capabilities, the MAP Clinics can now directly combat the pandemic by screening for COVID-19 while helping their patients battle chronic conditions, treat substance use disorders, and address behavioral health issues such as anxiety and stress.

The nurse-managed MAP Clinics rapidly deployed HIPAA-compliant telehealth units to meet the demand of underserved communities in our region where there remains limited access to COVID-19 screening. MAP Clinic co-directors have chosen to focus more resources in Prince William County where seven of the 10 clinics are located and significant unmet demand exists among very vulnerable populations: the uninsured, those experiencing homelessness, and those being released from jail and possibly at higher risk of opioid overdose. While Fairfax County is also home to three of 10 MAP Clinics, Fairfax has existing infrastructure for testing and treatment.

Existing patients from all 10 of the MAP clinics were transitioned to telehealth visits, and the clinic has coordinated care for 700 patients in the past two weeks. Each unit consists of a tablet pre-loaded with HIPAA-compliant apps, consent forms, and teaching packets to help the end-users at each site effectively screen for COVID-19 symptoms. “The MAP Clinic telehealth initiative is the best example of teamwork and partnership I’ve ever seen. Our students and faculty from across the College are working with community partners to serve our most vulnerable patients even we cannot physically be with them,” says Dr. Rebecca Sutter, co-director of the MAP Clinics and associate professor of nursing at Mason.

The expanded telehealth model and revised protocols allow MAP Clinic staff to use their limited PPE to treat the highest-risk patients. The MAP Clinics continue to serve their existing patients, walk-ins, and those referred by the Prince William Health Department in-person two days a week at the Manassas Park MAP clinic. In addition to fighting COVID-19 head-on, this MAP Clinic also continues to provide on-going care including suboxone treatment and chronic disease panels for diabetes, depression, anxiety, and hypertension. Telehealth visits, combined with in-person care, allows nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and social workers to connect with patients regularly to see how their medications are working and provide support – especially during this stressful time. In addition to providing life-saving care for patients, the MAP Clinics provide students pursuing degrees in health informatics, nursing, and social work with experience in serving rural populations and in deploying a fully operational telehealth unit.

“It has been amazing to see the MAP clinic team coordinate the transition to telehealth quickly and responsibly while also giving students the opportunity to continue their clinical learning during this time,” says Caroline Sutter, co-director of the MAP Clinics and associate professor of nursing at Mason.

The MAP clinics are working toward point-of-care testing, which will provide results in 45 minutes. “This will be a game-changer for our patients,” says Rebecca Sutter. “Right now we can only do presumptive positive treatment, given that it can take 10 days to get test results.”

The Washington, D.C. region is considered a “hot spot” for future peaks in COVID-19 cases, and the MAP Clinics are further expanding telehealth and training capabilities to meet expected surge in demand for testing and care. Technology critical in connecting rural clinics with expertise and services they may not have on onsite--support can range from consulting on protocols and policies to helping provide services.

“AT&T firmly believes in the power of technology to connect patients with critical health care services and is proud to provide financial resources that support the expansion of the telehealth capabilities in the MAP Clinics.”

Garrett McGuire, AT&T

“There are incredibly tough weeks ahead of us and we seek to engage our community and be responsive to their needs. And technology is our connector,” says Rebecca Sutter. And though COVID-19 has unleashed many uncertainties, the MAP Clinics will always remain an important constant in the lives of the patients who rely on its services and relationships.

The MAP Clinic telehealth initiative is made possible by a $500,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture Telehealth grant and a $25,000 gift from AT&T. “AT&T firmly believes in the power of technology to connect patients with critical health care services and is proud to provide financial resources that support the expansion of the telehealth capabilities in the MAP Clinics,” says Garrett McGuire of AT&T.

To support MAP Clinic initiatives like COVID-19 testing, telehealth expansion, and supporting rural communities please give today.

Mason Receives $500,000 USDA Grant to Expand Rural Telehealth Capabilities Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

mthomp7 — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 13:02:54 +0000

Mason Receives $500,000 USDA Grant to Expand Rural Telehealth Capabilities Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic mthomp7 Tue, 04/14/2020 - 09:02

Fairfax, VA—The George Mason University College of Health and Human Services has received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement the Rural Opioid Telehealth Project, which will serve an estimated 177,000 rural, low-income residents of Virginia and West Virginia. The project will train medical professionals on how to appropriately prescribe opioids, screen for and identify the risk of opioid use disorder, and deliver treatment.

The telehealth initiative will be carried out through Mason and Partners Clinics and the new Population Health Center, which will serve as hub-sites for the telehealth training. The grant will enable Mason to connect medical professionals with low-income residents of Virginia and West Virginia who have limited access to specialized care, yet are in high-risk areas for opioid use disorder and chronic conditions. In addition to the main goal of addressing opioid dependency in rural areas, the grant will also help provide other telehealth services to underserved patients.

By expanding the MAP Clinic’s telehealth capabilities, the MAP Clinics can now directly combat the Coronavirus pandemic by screening for COVID-19 while helping their patients battle chronic conditions, treat substance use disorders, and address behavioral health issues such as anxiety and stress.

Thanks in part to the USDA Grant, the nurse-managed MAP Clinics were able to rapidly deploy HIPAA-compliant telehealth units to meet the demand of underserved communities where there remains limited access to COVID-19 screening and on-going care for chronic diseases. Each unit consists of a tablet pre-loaded with HIPAA-compliant apps, consent forms, and teaching packets to help the end-users at each site effectively screen for COVID-19 symptoms. The grant allows MAP Clinics to partner with rural organizations—like the mobile care provider The Health Wagon—to serve patients despite financial and transportation barriers and to reduce in person visits that can spread COVID-19 in rural parts of the Commonwealth.

In 2017, West Virginia had the highest of opioid-involved overdose deaths at a rate of 49.6 deaths per 100,000 people. In 2018, an average of three Virginia residents died of an opioid overdose daily. Despite a decline in opioid deaths in 2018, there is still a need for opioid treatment--especially for medically underserved counties throughout these states.

“The College is committed to combating COVID-19 and the opioid crisis—within the region and beyond. The Rural Opioid Telehealth Project is a tremendous opportunity to use telehealth capabilities to advance public health,” says Rebecca Sutter, principal investigator for the grant and co-director of the Mason and Partners Clinics and the Population Health Center.

About the College of Health and Human Services

George Mason University's College of Health and Human Services prepares students to become leaders and shape the public's health through academic excellence, research of consequence and interprofessional practice. The College enrolls 1,917 undergraduate students and 950 graduate students in its nationally recognized offerings, including: 5 undergraduate degrees, 12 graduate degrees, and 11 certificate programs. The College is transitioning to a college public health in the near future. For more information, visit https://chhs.gmu.edu/.

About George Mason University

George Mason University is Virginia's largest and most diverse public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls 38,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. For more information, visit https://www2.gmu.edu/.

Thank You for Your Support on Giving Day – We Are Continuing Our Efforts to Keep Students at Mason

dhawkin — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 19:40:40 +0000

Thank You for Your Support on Giving Day – We Are Continuing Our Efforts to Keep Students at Mason dhawkin Fri, 04/10/2020 - 15:40

On Giving Day, April 2, 2020, the Mason community came together in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to support students in financial crisis. Together, we received more than 130 gifts totaling more than $27,000 to help CHHS students stay at Mason.

Over 50% of donations received were from CHHS faculty and staff members; a true embodiment of “Patriots Helping Patriots”. Odette Willis, faculty member in the School of Nursing shared that she supports this fund because “sometimes a little extra assistance can go a long way” for a student in need.

These funds can help students purchase groceries, pay for rent, or cover other costs to ensure CHHS students don’t have to drop out of school due to financial obstacles. With your contributions, we will be able to offer aid where it is needed most.

To date, CHHS has received 16 applications to the CHHS Student Emergency Assistance Fund, requesting a total of $13,600 dollars. While we have made significant progress toward our goal, the need has risen significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we anticipate additional applications in the coming months.

We will be continuing to collect donations to help these students in financial crisis. If you didn’t get a chance to make your gift and would still like to participate, please visit our giving page. If you have already donated, thank you – we truly appreciate your dedication to CHHS students and we hope you will let others know how they could help support the future health workforce.

A Thank You from the Dean: To Our Nurses, Social Workers, Public Health Professionals, and Others Battling This Pandemic

dhawkin — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 21:37:33 +0000

A Thank You from the Dean: To Our Nurses, Social Workers, Public Health Professionals, and Others Battling This Pandemic dhawkin Tue, 04/07/2020 - 17:37

Mason faculty and staff pictured outside the Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinic responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Liz McGrath, MAP Nurse Practitioner; Rebecca Sutter, co-director of the MAP Clinics; Bridget Jennison MAP Clinic Coordinator)

Dear Mason Colleagues, Students, and Alumni:

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the best in so many and has provided countless opportunities for leadership, community spirit, and generosity. I am so very proud of the work that all our alumni, students, staff, and community partners are doing to combat this disease. It will take all of us to prevail.

I wanted to take a moment to spotlight the work of our nursing and public health workers–faculty, staff, students, and alumni–who are helping deliver health care in our community. Our MAP Clinics and Population Health Center have rapidly expanded telehealth services at this time of crisis to make a difference in the lives of many, including our most vulnerable populations. While our care related to COVID-19 is front and center, I’ve not lost track of the importance of managing complex chronic diseases, substance misuse and preventive services among so many other issues.

As we celebrate the Year of the Nurse and Midwife in 2020, I think back to the start of my career as a nurse where I worked largely in surgical specialty units and renal dialysis. Since I was in school full-time, I worked second shift and had limited resources relative to the day shift, despite it being the time of day when many patients’ health took a turn for the worse.

Watching the news has made me realize how many resources I actually had at my disposal relative to what nurses and others have to work with today in battling this pandemic. Across all outbreaks and pandemics, nursing and public health workers are essential in not only controlling spread but in helping affected individuals and communities recover. Nursing and social work are time-honored professions. Throughout the 21^st century, annual Gallup polls report that nurses have the top rankings for ethics and honest—higher than that for physicians, pharmacists or dentists. A recent Gallup poll reported that “…the nursing profession continues to serve as the very lifeblood and connective tissue of the U.S. healthcare system.” All of you are a part of this fabric.

To all faculty, staff, and alumni continuing to practice your profession and to our students faced with learning skills that earlier cohorts escaped, I applaud you. Be safe, be well and know you’re appreciated.

With pride and thanks,

Germaine

Germaine M. Louis, PhD, MS
Professor and Dean
College of Health and Human Services