THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF NURSING

I hope you all are enjoying a happy and healthy start to 2016. It has already proved to be quite an eventful semester here at the College of Nursing!

For starters, I'm proud to announce that our college's online programs have been ranked among the nation's best once again by U.S. News & World Report. Our online graduate program ranked fourth (up from sixth in 2015) and Ohio State's online bachelor's programs were ranked seventh, which includes our RN to BSN program (up from eighth last year). These rankings serve as a testament to the innovative work of our faculty and staff, and the high-caliber programs they've built that empower our students to transform health and healthcare around the globe.

Speaking of transforming health, I'd also like to announce a new degree we'll be offering in autumn 2016: the Master's of Healthcare Innovation. This multi-disciplinary degree will prepare our students to understand, translate and lead complex healthcare organizations through the application of innovation and change, which are such crucial skills in today's healthcare world. Dr. Joyce Zurmehly will serve as program director, in addition to her role as director of the DNP program.

It is certainly an exciting time to be a part of our terrific college here at Ohio State—I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store! Go Bucks!

Fondly,

Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk, PhD, RN, CPNP/PMHNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN
Associate Vice President for Health Promotion
University Chief Wellness Officer
Dean and Professor, College of Nursing
Professor of Pediatrics & Psychiatry, College of Medicine
The Ohio State University

Study reveals one reason hospitals fall short on outcomes, costs

A study led by Dr. Bernadette Melnyk surveyed chief nurses to determine how evidence-based practice (EBP) ranks as a priority in their hospitals. Multiple studies support that EBP results in high quality care and lower costs, yet more than half of those surveyed said their organizations use EBP very little, with 30-40 percent of hospitals in the study reporting poor scores on key performance measures. Read more about the study which appears in this month's Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing.

Education opportunity

Back by popular demand, the college has re-launched its Massive Open Online Course, "Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare" available through March 26. Taught by internationally renowned experts, the course is self-paced and participants can sign up at any time.

Reunion giving numbers are in

In 2015, more than $304,800 was raised by all of the college's milestone classes (years ending in "0" or "5"). The Class of 1955 had the highest participation rate at 21 percent and the Class of 1970 raised the most with funds totaling $158,960. Sincere thanks to all who contributed!

We want your opinion!

The Academy for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (AcCELL) is interested in hearing about your continuing education needs. Take this brief survey and share your thoughts—we'll use your feedback to create new CE opportunities in the future.

Alumni Award nominations open

Ordinary Buckeyes do extraordinary things. Chances are, you know fellow alumni who qualify for one of the eight different alumni awards the university bestows each year. Nominations are due March 31. Submit yours today!

College awarded Jonas Center grant

The college has received a $30,000 grant from the Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare, which will help fund the scholarship of three doctoral nursing students in 2016. As a recipient of this grant, the college is part of a national effort to stem the faculty shortage and prepare the next generation of nurses.

Online nurse leadership program starts April 6

Strong nurse leaders are critical for the success of a redesigned healthcare system. Our top-notch Leadership Academy for Peak Performance starts April 6 and is 100 percent online. Log on to receive transformative education with access to experts, discussions and focused learning in leadership-rich, relevant content. Join real-time weekly meetings or complete content on your own time. Sign up today.

Bauldoff selected for NQF Standing Committee

The college is pleased to announce that faculty Gerene Bauldoff has been appointed to the National Quality Forum's Pulmonary and Critical Care Standing Committee. Bauldoff is a professor of clinical nursing at the college.

Williams joins Center for Women, Children and Youth

Karen Patricia Williams has joined the college as its new director of the Center for Women, Children and Youth. Williams will also serve as the Nursing Distinguished Professor of Women's Health.

Faculty selected as CCNE on-site evaluators

David Hrabe and Joyce Zurmehly have been selected to serve as on-site evaluators for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE is the premier accrediting agency for baccalaureate and graduate degree programs in nursing, and is nationally recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Hrabe is the college's executive director of academic innovations and partnerships, and Zurmehly directs the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program and the upcoming Master's of Healthcare Innovation Program.

Nursing student earns recognition award

DNP student Reginald Pryear is a recipient of the university's Board of Trustees' Student Recognition Award, which honors students who demonstrate commitment to excellence within and outside the classroom. Pryear was nominated by Dean Bern Melnyk. He currently serves as chief nursing officer for ambulatory nursing at Wexner Medical Center.

Bret Apple II, MSN, RN, CNL, CNOR

OSU degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 2011; Master of Nursing with a focus in Clinical Nurse Leader (MS) 2014

Current role: Operating Room staff nurse at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center with a primary focus in Neurological Surgery

Professionally, I am most proud of obtaining my master's degree as a CNL and earning specialty certification in the operating room. This has enabled me to provide high level nursing care while remaining at the bedside.

Interesting fact: Before pursuing a career in nursing, I had two previous career paths. The first was in NASCAR building engines for race teams. Later, I changed to Professional Golf Management at Ohio State to become a golf professional. I fell into nursing with the advice from my girlfriend (now wife) and have never looked back. My wife and I love to travel, especially to Europe, and we ventured to Italy with our seven-week-old, Luke, for two weeks this past August.

Take this to heart

February is American Heart Month. Preventing heart disease (and all cardiovascular diseases) means making smart choices now that will pay off the rest of your life.

2/27/16

Alumni Society Hockey Night

Featuring a tailgate catered by Schmidt's from 5 - 6:30 p.m. at Longaberger Alumni House followed by OSU vs. Wisconsin at the Schott at 7 p.m. More details.

3/10/16

Hospital Poets Series

Poet Jeanne Bryner will read from her works at 5:30 p.m. in Newton Hall Room 172. Book signing and reception to follow at 6:30 in the lobby. RSVP here.

6/2016

Regional Alumni Events

We're headed to your town! This summer, Dean Bern Melnyk and the CON's alumni staff will visit Akron (6/14) and Dayton (6/29) in hopes of strengthening alumni ties to the college and provide updates on new programs and initiatives. Details to come.

8/16/16

10th Annual Wine Tasting

Save the date for this annual event which benefits the College of Nursing Scholarship Fund. Join us at 6 p.m. at the Ohio Union Performance Hall. Visit the Alumni Events section of our website for updates.

9/30/16 - 10/2/16

Homecoming Weekend

Mark your calendars for Homecoming 2016 and reconnect with your fellow Buckeyes! This year we will honor all BSN, MS and PhD graduates from years ending in "1" or "6." Not a milestone year? Come anyway! Registration opens this summer.

View more upcoming events here.