News from Nursing: Fall 2024

Healthcare Simulation Week

In September, the Department of Nursing hosted an open house in the Tilford Center to showcase the state-of-the-art nursing simulation suites where students practice what they’ve learned in the classroom.

Thanks to more than $500,000 in funding through the Nursing Simulation Lab modernization Grant from the Washington Student Achievement Council and E.L. Weigand Foundation, attendees saw the latest simulation equipment in action. Faculty and students demonstrated how this advanced technology enhances learning and ultimately improves patient safety. These tools bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real healthcare experiences.

Spotlight on: Simulations Operations Specialist Cara Smith

While attending Pacific Lutheran University, Cara Smith was an active member of the volleyball team. Her roommate and teammate were from Spokane, which led to frequent visits here before she ultimately decided to make it her home. The vibrant medical community in Spokane made her choice to become a radiology technician an easy one.

During the COVID pandemic, like many healthcare professionals, Cara experienced burnout and sought a new path. When she discovered a job posting for a simulation specialist at Gonzaga’s School of Health Sciences, known for its strong reputation in the Spokane community, she eagerly applied. This role allows her to leverage her medical and technical skills without the intensity of direct patient care. Cara loves her team and their innovative approach, and she takes great satisfaction in supporting students along their educational journeys.

Asked about her approach for maintaining positive relationships, Cara emphasizes the importance of listening when seeking to resolve disagreements. “For those of us who prefer to avoid confrontation, listening is one of the simplest yet most effective practices,” she says. “Often, conflicts arise from misunderstandings of different perspectives, so allowing others the space to fully express their concerns — and genuinely aiming to understand them — can significantly ease the resolution process.”

When it comes to work-life balance, Cara prioritizes exercise and time outdoors, particularly mountain biking and hiking. Balancing work and school can be challenging, so she highlights the importance of carving out time for herself. She reminds us that not everything has to be perfect and that it’s okay to take things one day at a time.

See this 2022 story about Cara’s ingenious work in creating suture pads.

Celebrating Resilience: The Inaugural Spike Award

Gonzaga’s Family Nurse Practice program is an online doctor of nurse practice (DNP) degree with students from a wide region. Students who primarily interact with faculty and one another via zoom came to campus for weekend immersion, culminating in one impactful experience in their last semester.

This fall, the Nursing Department introduced the Spike Award to honor graduate students who exemplify exceptional resilience and Zag spirit. This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding tenacity in overcoming challenges while pursuing a rigorous degree and working in the healthcare sector.

The first-ever Spike Award went to Brianna Torres, who, despite numerous challenges, maintained a positive and resilient attitude throughout the immersion. Brianna received the unique Spike bobblehead, a special, numbered keepsake that perfectly aligned with her inspiring journey.

Jaydon McIntyre and Jordan Harlow were the runners-up, both receiving certificates. Jaydon brought a “magical” wand that helped ease anxiety, while Jordan’s smile was a true highlight of the experience.

Learn about the post-baccalaureate DNP here.

Selfcare as Leadership

By Susan Edwards, MSN
Lecturer of Nursing, Director of Resource Simulation Center

At the Fall Essentials for Supervisors Series, offered by Gonzaga’s Human Resources department, one of the presenters offered a fresh perspective on Cura Personalis from an article in Forbes titled “Cura Personalis: What it is and why you need it at work.”

Author Paolo Gallo writes: “Cura personalis could become not only a way of defining our fitness in the conventional sense, but also a way of reminding ourselves that we need to ensure we are fit to lead authentic lives, where we are in control of our wellbeing, both in and out of the workplace. It’s part of ensuring that we live our lives on a speed and scale that is human, not part of an ever-spinning machine.”

I was struck by two things in this quote. I have the responsibility and power to ensure my own wellbeing and I should not expect myself to be more than human. I was complaining/contempla-ting recently on my busy work schedule, and after an intentional “pause,” I needed these to clear my mind; I reminded myself that I have a great deal of control over my schedule and should exercise it on my behalf. I am learning prioritize my own wellbeing and accept my human limitations.

One small thing I did this semester to improve my physical fitness and decrease stress was to join the faculty and staff water aerobics class Thursday evenings. It has been a delight to share this experience with nursing faculty and many others across campus. This one small activity in my week is a reminder of how selfcare can infuse energy into the rest of my work week. Noontime walks around campus are another way I can slow the pace of my day.

We all need to find that thing or two that helps us be “fit to lead authentic lives.”