Guest post by Pathways Coordinator Shawnte Wilson

On May 23, 2019, the Pathways to Nursing Success Program celebrated the close of another academic and programming year. This year’s ending celebration was particularly sweet as we celebrated the first set of Pathways RN graduates.

In total, eight students (Brandy Barber, Kelli Carter, Tanasha Franklin, Samuel James, Huruy Medin, Lisette Mota, Jaisely Rolon and Herman Ssozi) graduated this academic year. Six are enrolled in Trocaire’s Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing program. The remaining two students already have bachelor’s degrees in other disciplines and will be going forward to pursue their Master’s of Science in Nursing degree.

The students in this program should be applauded. Beyond what is required of them academically, the Pathways program also requires them to engage in various additional academic, social, and programmatic supports throughout the academic year. It takes time management and commitment to keep up with all of the demands.

However students have reported that these additional requirements make them feel supported and “seen.” They also reported that this program is like a family, and that they have gained camaraderie  while in the nursing program and in some cases, lifelong friends.

What is Pathways and what is the end goal?

The Pathways to Nursing Success Program is made possible through the grant partnership between Ģ����ý and the Health Services Resource Administration. This grant’s effort is all about increasing the workforce diversity within nursing. Currently within the Western New York area, a little more than 50% of the population identifies as belonging to an ethnic minority group, yet only 6% of registered nurses in WNY identify as belonging to an ethnic minority group.

At Trocaire, the Pathways to Nursing Success Program enrolls up to 25 minority nursing students currently enrolled at the college. Students in the program receive nurse mentors, professional development training, academic support and financial assistance in an effort to decrease success disparities due to social determinant factors.

In the end, we hope that as Pathways students graduate from Ģ����ý and enter the nursing workforce, and that these professional disparities begin to decrease overtime.

Numerous studies on patient outcomes highlight increased chances at recovery and overall improved positive experiences in care settings where the patient has the ability to identify with the person caring for them.

This isn’t to suggest that nurses from other ethnic or racial backgrounds can’t identify and subsequently care for patients

who are different from them, however in such instances when there is a similarity,  barriers such as language, religion, and cultural practices are often better understood and therefore accommodated much sooner, resulting In overall increased patient satisfaction.

There is room for everyone!

Although the formalized program targets a certain student demographic and has a yearly cap on enrollment, the program’s big picture efforts are aimed at supporting all nursing students, faculty, and staff. There is truly a way for everyone to get involved! In this last academic year, the Pathways program has partnered with other offices across campus to create and develop new and exciting supports at Trocaire.

Supplemental Education

If you are a current nursing student and in need of some academic support, check out one of our Supplemental Education (SE) sessions. This past spring, the (PLC) and Pathways teamed up to offer SE, an academic support model developed by the University of Kansas City Missouri. In SE, students who were previously academically successful in a course assist current students with being successful.

SE is unlike typical tutoring in that it is focused on recapturing and breaking down the lecture and using group activity work in order to assist students in learning the material.

Current SE schedules are posted across campus and in the PLC.

Cultural Competency Certificate

Student Engagement, Human Resources and the Pathways Program, along with the support of key Trocaire faculty launched the Cultural Competency Certificate (C3) program in January. C3 allows participants to attend a series of interactive workshops in which they will learn about cultural competence, and gain insight on the “isms” (racism, heterosexism, sexism, classism, religious/cultural oppression and advocacy).

C3 is open to or both employees and students interested in learning how to be better prepared to handle various patient populations, enhancing their resume, or learning cultural humility. In the end, successful participants who complete the program will receive a certificate from Trocaire.

For a list of upcoming workshops or to sign up for C3, visit Trocaire’s Diversity and Inclusion page.

Other Options for Involvement

Nursing Students:

• Laptop Loan Program (students in need of a laptop for school can rent one free of charge)
• Textbook Library (donate your old textbooks or review materials and we will share them with students in need, or stop by and borrow a book)
• Get matched with a professional nurse mentor
• Attend a Nursing Immersion Event (topics include professional skill development and career exposure)
• Become a peer mentor (paid positon)
• Become a SE facilitator (paid position)

Nursing Faculty/Staff:

• Become a faculty mentor
• Host a SE course

Overall, we hope that Pathways to Nursing Success is simply the beginning. Long after the grant has expired, we hope that this program has acted as a catalyst for change not only on Trocaire’s campus but in the professional nursing workforce within WNY.

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One of the best parts about working at Ģ����ý is the ability to connect and engage with our Buffalo and Western New York communities. Whether it’s as a faculty or staff member, working here is the chance to be part of an institution that possesses a mission that truly encourages participation such as volunteerism, civic engagement, and other means of engaging and interacting with members of our community. This environment is influenced by our founders the , their , and because of their influence and the college’s heritage, it’s truly a great place to work.

As we are always looking for amazing people to join our college community, if you are interested in job opportunities with the college, !

How I’m Involved- National Federation for Just Communities of WNY (NFJCWNY)

One of the ways I am active in my community is as a Board of Directors member of the (NFJCWNY). All of the organization’s programs promote understanding and respect among people of all races, religions, and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution, and education. In accomplishing our work, we seek first to raise awareness and then to educate and empower our youth, as well as emerging and community leaders to become agents of change in transforming our society. To accomplish our goals requires the dedication of the organization’s hard working staff, my fellow board members, and volunteers, as well as the support of individuals, corporations, and foundations. We actively open dialogue in the community others may be hesitant to discuss in safe, respectful forums. This work is meaningful and crucial given today’s divisive political and social climates.

The NFJCW recently and it was a wonderful opportunity to hear a bit about his personal and professional journey, and how he has made an impact within higher education and our community. Individuals are awarded this citation based in part to their devotion to the spirit of human relations. In addition to Dr. Deeb, this year’s honorees were: Pamela Jacobs Vogt (Community Leader), Gary P. Hall (WTS, Inc.), and Dr. Sol Messinger (Community Leader). Each are inspirational leaders and it was a wonderful celebration of their contributions to our community. Ģ����ý was honored to be included in the festivities!

I’m very proud of my board membership and of the activities and events of the NFJCWNY. They are truly working towards greater understanding within our community, and the work they do could not be any more important than it is today. If you’d like to learn more about them, make sure to check out their website or on and !

What it all Means to Me

When I began my work at Ģ����ý, I had no idea how the five critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy would affect me so deeply. Getting to know the mission and values of Trocaire and seeing them in action every day on the job while working with staff, faculty, and students, I recognize now that I identify with and care deeply about those critical concerns and feel passionate about making sure that I weave them into my everyday life and work. That’s why I’m involved with organizations like the NFJCWNY and that’s why I’m proud that my college community encourages my active participation.

Working toward greater good in Buffalo and Western New York makes me happy and makes me feel as though I am putting my skills and education to good use, making a positive impact and a difference in my community. Working at Trocaire allows me to do that and so much more. I am working somewhere that changes people’s lives. That is because our students choose their individual career-oriented path here, and through hard work and perseverance they go on to change the trajectory of their lives and that of the members of their families, many of them going on to have one-on-one contact in the healthcare professions, taking care of our citizens and making their own unique positive impact on our community and the world.

Coming to work every day is challenging, rewarding, and a wonderful way to make an impact and I’m glad to be a part of this very unique college community.

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“Forget about the stigma. The pay is great, the opportunities are endless and you end up going home every day knowing that you did something very positive for someone else.” — Jorge Gitler, 50, oncology nurse manager; former business owner ()

Trocaire offers a number of healthcare pathways for men including LPN, RN, and BS, Nursing program offerings. The college is also focused on supporting students and helping them understand the challenges of the industry. That’s why Trocaire recently hosted a “Men in Nursing Mentoring” event to discuss men in the nursing field. Leading the event were two guest speakers, Steve Marks, MS, RN, Vice President of Clinical Education & Professional Development for Catholic Health System, and Jon Delay, BSN, RN, a Nurse Manager of a Medical Surgical Unit at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo.

The two shared insight and their personal experiences in the field, helping Trocaire students get a glimpse into what their career paths can look like.

Speaker Bios

Steve Marks, MS, RN, is the Vice President of Clinical Education & Professional Development for Catholic Health System. With 30 years of clinical and administrative experience, Steve’s career path has included roles in critical care nursing, nursing and clinical recruitment, emergency medical services, and staff training/education. At Catholic Health, he is responsible for all aspects of clinical training and professional development to help clinicians maintain and enhance their skill set.

Steve is completing a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education, specializing in Educational Technology from Walden University in Minneapolis. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Science degrees in Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino. He also holds additional undergraduate degrees in Nursing from Loma Linda University and Emergency Medical Services from Crafton Hills College.

Steve came to Catholic Health from Mount Carmel Health System, a multi-hospital system located in Columbus, Ohio. He served as Regional Director of the System’s Center for Innovative Learning, a clinical skills and simulation center he developed in 2012. His responsibilities included simulation-based learning, education and training development, and continuing medical education.

Steve has published and presented nationally on different topics related to simulation-based learning, career progression, and interview preparation.

Jon Delay, BSN, RN, is a Nurse Manager of a Medical Surgical Unit at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. Jon graduated with his Associates Degree in nursing from Ģ����ý in 2009. After graduation he accepted his first nursing job on a Surgical Oncology unit at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester N.Y. where he performed the role of a bedside RN for 5 years. In 2014 Jon then stepped into the role of an Assistant Nurse Manager and one year later accepted the position of Nurse Manager on that same unit. In 2016 Jon achieved his BSN from the University of Rochester and then returned home to Buffalo to be closer to family. Currently Jon is considering returning to school to achieve his Master’s Degree in Nursing Leadership.

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The Citation Banquet is an annual event that gives public recognition and honor to those whose achievements contribute to the advancement of the NFJC’s objectives and mission. Individuals are awarded this citation based in part to their devotion to the spirit of human relations.

The 2019 66th Annual Citation Banquet held on Wed. April 3, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo honored Dr. Bassam Deeb (Ģ����ý), Pamela Jacobs Vogt (Community Leader), Gary P. Hall (WTS, Inc.), and Dr. Sol Messinger (Community Leader). Their individual stories and accomplishments were inspiring, and reflect the values and mission of the NFJCWNY.

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• Karen Clinton Jones, Ph.D., Chief Diversity Officer/ Title IX Coordinator at Buffalo State College
• Wookoo Kim, MSW, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the SUNY at Buffalo School of Social Work
• Michael Martin, Executive Director of Native American Community Services
• Casimiro Rodriguez Sr., President of the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY Inc.
• Thomas Vane, MS, Director of Student Engagement at Ģ����ý

Click here for full bios on all the panelists.

“With a focus on power, privilege, and oppression, panelists will discuss efforts to build a more just culture on our campus, in our communities, and as a nation,” explained Director of Student Engagement Thomas Vane. “An anonymous Q&A session, facilitated by technology, will follow the discussion to continue the dialogue.”

This workshop, as part of the C3 program, will be livestreamed through Zoom. To receive the link to the livestream, please email Tom Vane.

*Reminder: this panel is open to the entire Trocaire community. You do not have to be registered in the C3 program to attend.

The post C3 Committee to Host Panel on Social Justice, Racism on March 28 appeared first on About.

Student Life Update: January 2019

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to be a tour guide on a public art bus tour with a non-profit organization co-founded by Trocaire Director of Marketing and Public Relations Emily Perryman. Unite by Night dedicates a year of volunteerism, professional and community service to different local nonprofits that align with what the group believes in, such as diversity, fighting racism and bias and collaborating to create a greater good.

During our tour we took the participants to murals such as the Freedom Wall, Homeland and Peacemakers; the  and several other stops. It was a fantastic opportunity that showed both beautiful and meaningful art by local and national artists. Seeing this city, the one where most of our students come from and stay in, reminds me that we really are a City of Good Neighbors. We’re not perfect at all–there are still major issues such as gentrification and segregated neighborhoods. Fixing these issues takes major systemic change, but there are organizations, such as PUSH Buffalo and Unite by Night, that are working towards improving Buffalo for everyone, especially the institutionally oppressed.

The tour came at a good time professionally, as Student Life, along with Academic Affairs and Human Resources, has just gone live with the , what we’re calling C3. This program is open to the entire Trocaire community with the purpose of increasing cultural awareness not only in our professional lives, but also in our personal lives. Its key components involve knowledge gathering, skill-building, and community integration. For students, to be able to note on their resumes they received a certificate that shows their intercultural fluency truly adds to their likelihood of career success.

The program can be started at any time: you don’t need to start with the C3 Introductory Workshop. All of the workshops needed to complete the certificate will be held every semester. We estimate that by attending 2-3 workshops per semester, the certificate can be completed in 1-2 years. Keep an eye on the webpage, as we will continue to add more workshops as the semester progresses.

We believe that C3 will not only make Trocaire a more culturally competent place to work and study, but will influence the Buffalo community for the better. If you have questions, please email Maeve Spiegler.

by Tom Vane, Director of Student Engagement at Trocaire

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Unite by Night was founded in 2017 by Perryman and three friends, aiming to collaborate, communicate and use their creativity and professional skills to help support local nonprofits that align with their values. They believe in the value of diversity and inclusion efforts, having frank but respectful conversations about divisive topics to identify common ground, and fighting against racism, bias and discrimination. The organization recently partnered with the Brew Bus Buffalo to launch Buffalo Public Art Tours in 2019, with all ticket profits donated to the SSJ Sister Karen Klimczak Center for Nonviolence. To learn more check out:

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“The original grant outline allows Pathways to fully support 25 minority nursing students, but year 1 showed us that there are so many more students who also need support,” said Pathways Program Coordinator Shawnte Wilson.

One way to provide that support is through scholarships. Because the grant that sponsored Pathways (awarded through the federal Health Resources Service Administration) focuses on academic needs as well as social determinant factors, the Pathways scholarship allows recipients to identify what they need most.  This ensures the awarded funds help defray student costs in areas that are purposeful and beneficial to them.

Wilson said that based on applicant information, these scholarship awards are often the difference between being able to register for classes the next semester or having to take time off from school. There are also some students who are in need of funds to live day-to-day.

“These awards not only assist with tuition but also assist with deferring the costs of much-needed school supplies like textbooks and uniforms,” she said. “Many students cut down on hours at work or stop working all together to focus on school. Social determinant scholarships acknowledge that and also allow students to also use awarded funds to pay rent, buy groceries, pay utility bills, manage school-based transportation costs and ultimately maintain for a little longer.”

The Pathways program is all about giving back to the student body. Though it specializes working with minority nursing students, there are many opportunities for any student to get involved, such as professional development workshops, mentoring, and other paid positions such as the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) program and work study.

For more information on how to become involved, students can email wilsons@trocaire.edu, call 716-827-2440 or visit the Pathways homepage.

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