Q: Why does it appear some schools require a clinical/field experience in the BSN and some don’t – aren’t all BSN programs equal?

A: Some BSN programs call their clinical experience an “external learning experience” or something else. But, at the end of the day, it is still required hours the student enrolled in the program needs to complete at an off-site facility as part of a course requirement. What it is called is merely different wording. Trocaire only requires 135 hours of off-site Nursing experiences whereas some competitor schools that call theirs an “external learning experience” actually require 180 off-site experience hours – 45 more than Trocaire! Trocaire will also assist you in selecting your off-site location too, taking that stress off your shoulders.

**Check out each schools’ course descriptions for BSN course requirements in their catalogs carefully. You will often see these “external learning experiences” labeled as a “Practice Lab I, II, III” or something similar and the hours needed in each should be depicted. Know before you go!

Q: Trocaire doesn’t offer the same discount as some other schools for RN-BSN programs, why would I pay more?

A: Every school is unique, right down to tuition fees and financial aid. While some schools’ stated discounts may seem attractive, be sure to get a full financial aid award package put together for you from each school so you can truly compare final, out-of-pocket costs. A discount may be more at one school but that school’s tuition may also be higher, thus not being the lowest cost to the student. Every student’s situation will be unique for every school. See the example below:

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Trocaire offers a discount for RNs looking toward our BS in Nursing program, additionally there is an extra 30% discount off of 6 credits per year for Trocaire alumni, contact your financial aid advisor at Trocaire to see if you qualify and to get your FA award package so you can compare bottom line costs to you:

Terry Adamczyk
Financial Aid Advisor
716.827.2426 (last names beginning with D, R-Z)

Julie Smith����
Financial Aid Advisor
716.827.2416 (last names beginning with A-C, L-Q)

Emily Wahlgren��
Financial Aid Advisor
716.827.2404 (last names beginning with E-K)

Q: I heard Trocaire doesn’t take as many transfer credits as other schools, why should I take courses over again?

A: Trocaire recently reevaluated the upper level courses and equivalents for those required in the BS in Nursing program, offering more flexibility in transferring in credits than ever before. Many students have found they can bring in more transfer credits than previously known with these new equivalencies. Be sure to get an updated credit evaluation asap before you make any decisions. Stop by the Admissions office to get your credit evaluation rolling or email us at info@trocaire.edu

Q: Why should I choose Trocaire’s BS in Nursing Program?

A: There are lots of reasons! First of all, we would love to have you. Trocaire’s small size and huge ‘heart’ make this a learning environment our students can thrive in. If you are an RN alum the transition is an easy one – you already know the school, the faculty, the multitude of resources. If you are not an alum, we welcome you with open arms and will make the transition easy for you too. While the program is on-line it’s nice to know that if you needed face-to-face interaction or on-campus assistance you can easily get it without worrying that your school is 100-1000 miles away. And, let’s not forget about the WNY connection. Nurses are our home town heroes and Buffalo sure knows how to celebrate and employ them. We boast over an 80% job placement rate of our BS in Nursing students within 6-12 months of graduation. The employment opportunities in this community our exploding and doing our program over one in a different city or state means being placed in field experiences with potential employers in the community you want to work and live in.

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They presented on their project at the 2017 Online Learning Consortium Conference in Orlando, Fla. and the Daemen College Spring 2017 Academic Festival. In addition, they recently co-authored an article published in Nursing Education Perspectives, the peer-reviewed, research journal of the National Nursing League.

The project was developed for Daemen’s NUR 417, which focuses on leadership, inter-professional teamwork, and quality improvement to improve quality of health care services.��Students in the course observe nurse leaders within various nursing areas. Traditionally, the course has 140 students that need to meet the required hours.

The VCLE—designed by Fisher, Nirelli and Cody—was developed to help expose students to all aspects of leadership and change without requiring them to be onsite in an actual clinical setting.

“l�𲹻�鱷����” 101

In the VCLE, an unfolding case study incorporates decision making and critical thinking along with clinical reasoning, as the students need to determine the solution to the presented problems based on their role. It exposes students to a huddle that is occurring on a nursing unit as a pre-briefing experience before breaking down each step of the process.

As students are actively engaged in the unfolding case study, they must answer questions in order to progress to the next scene. Upon completion of the VCLE, students complete and submit a reflection assignment to their instructor for the course.

The VCLE allowed for both summative and formative assessment of the student’s learning and application abilities of communication, inter-professional teamwork, quality improvement, and change within the health care setting,” Fisher explains. “Students openly expressed their thoughts and feelings with the experiences within their assigned learning circles, allowing for debriefing to occur with students and clinical instructors.”

Q&A with Nirelli and Fisher

Fisher and Nirelli share some takeaways from the experience of designing “l�𲹻�鱷����” and how it’s shaped their own careers and education.

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What are you proudest of in regards to this project?

Nirelli: Creation of low-cost collaborative education platform; shows promise for opportunities future in nursing curricula; and that the complex subject material and unique educational platform may have a positive effect on student licensure pass rates.

Fisher: My proudest moment was seeing all of the components come together at the end. While tutoring at Trocaire, I was involved in the nursing labs with students and was able to identify the value and importance of putting what was learned into practice. I was able to take that knowledge and focus on the virtual simulation design and functionality for the project, while utilizing the Cognitive Load Theory.

When I first agreed to the project, I had the “what am I getting myself into” thoughts. There were many elements of the project that I was inexperienced with. Through many long nights and early mornings, we were able to pull the project together. From start to finish, we completed the project in roughly 1 year, including developing a product starting in the middle of the Spring 2016 semester to have the project implemented in a summer course of NUR 417, having time to make revisions by the October conference in order to present, and collecting the final data in the Fall 2016 semester.

Then it was time for the data analysis and number crunching—was there differences in learning outcomes between the VCLE and the traditional clinical experience? As part of the funding we received, we needed to produce a publication worthy article to submit to the Think Tank committee. The decision was made if we needed to already produce an article, why not submit it for publication. After having to make minor revisions, we are waiting for the final publication to occur! Having the chair of the nursing department of Daemen College along with the faculty and community members in the room while presenting was a huge accomplishment. The kudos from the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Think Tank Committee was like no other.

How did this project contribute to your Masters in Nursing education?

Nirelli: This Think Tank project was well planned and was put into place on time with great success. This has allowed me the opportunity to present this project nationally and is receiving great recognition within academia.

Fisher: Although completing a thesis or project was a requirement for completing my Master’s degree, the end product and all of the steps from start to finish allowed for more than a requirement but an opportunity for growth and stepping out of my comfort zone. Part of the funding requirements include presenting findings at a conference. Again, we decided we might as well go big.

The process and ins and outs of presenting really allowed me to take a step back and look at the importance of not only growth and development for nursing and for education but also the professional development that occurred for myself. Nursing education is constantly changing, and as educators, we too need to change. Clinical sites can be difficult to secure and additional learning experiences such as virtual simulation can help close the gap between the classroom and clinical settings.

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How has it impacted your work as an educator at Trocaire?

Nirelli: I was offered and accepted the position of Director of Nursing Laboratory and Simulation-Based Learning at Trocaire in January 2019, partly as a result of my experience gained while working on this VCLE. In this position, I will be able to create a student experience that will incorporate key concepts throughout the nursing curriculum that will support critical to system level thinking.

Fisher: Being part of the project has afforded me a great deal of information, knowledge, and experience that I can incorporate into my teaching. I completed my education practicum at Trocaire while I was finishing my degree. I was able to help make some changes to open lab and simulation lab, in particular, help to develop and incorporate new scenarios. Developing the VCLE helped to identify the barriers that can occur when trying to develop a scenario. There are so many more ways to learn than inside of the classroom. The VCLE helps take information students have learned in class and apply it to practice. The learning activity allows for experimental learning while providing students with rationales and the “whys.” Using adaptive learning places some of the responsibility of learning to the student.

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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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Congratulations to Nursing faculty member and Trocaire alumna Tiffany Cole ’08, MSN, RN on being named to Buffalo Business First’s inaugural list!

She and the other 24 honorees will be honored at��a March 28 event at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo, and they will also be featured in a special publication within BBF’s March 29 issue.

Though she usually shies from the spotlight, Tiffany said receiving the honor was humbling.

“I never thought of being recognized for what I love to do, and that’s being a nurse,” she said. “I have quickly learned to embrace the recognition and let my light shine through. I’m just honored that someone thought I was deserving of the nomination and the award and will try to continue to pursue excellence in nursing and healthcare.”

Tiffany returned to her alma mater as a beloved assistant professor in 2016, all the while working as a nurse on the cardiac/neuro floor of Sisters of Charity Hospital. She has also took on the role of mentor in Trocaire’s Pathways to Nursing Success Program, which works to increase the diversity of the local nursing workforce by providing a cohort of minority students with additional support in areas like financial aid; academic tutoring; peer, faculty and professional mentoring; and nursing immersion events.

Tiffany has also volunteered her time mentoring students at Buffalo’s Bryant & Stratton College, Leonardo Da Vinci High School, and George K. Arthur Community Center.

In addition to her two day jobs, Tiffany recently extended her compassion, caring and considerable skills to Haiti, where she has completed in both 2017 and 2018. She traveled with a local ministry group to the Port-au-Prince area, providing free medical care for scores of impoverished Haitians over the course of just a few days.

We are lucky to count Tiffany as a member of the Trocaire family. Congratulations!

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“Nursing is a Work of Heart”

She works at , a facility that provides patients with rehabilitation, long-term care and skilled nursing services, as well as palliative, respite and memory care. Phillips-Soso is a clinical instructor for several groups of Trocaire students, including those in Practical Nursing and the AAS in Nursing program. She loves passing on her knowledge and skills to Trocaire’s nurses-in-training, and helping them learn how to put their compassion into action as a future professional.

“Nurses are teachers, advocates, exceptional caregivers, critical thinkers and innovators, and I am honored to be a part of this healthcare sector,” she said. “Knowledge is power, and there is no better way to show my passion for nursing than being a Nursing Clinical Instructor. When I am teaching, my goal is always to empower my students the best way I can so they will feel comfortable practicing in the clinical setting.””

Great Need for Clinical Instructors

Trocaire is currently recruiting qualified nursing clinical instructors like Phillips-Soso, and clinical instructors across all healthcare disciplines. Pediatric clinical instructors are especially in demand.��

Clinical instructors are paid a highly competitive rate ($43-48/hour), and are part of how Trocaire helps educate the next generation of qualified and caring healthcare professionals. Those in this role supervise care provided by a group of students while they complete their clinical rotation in the instructor’s area of specialty.

“The goal of clinical education experiences at Ģ����ý is to provide nursing students with multiple applied opportunities for demonstrating and integrating safe and professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes while engaged with a variety of patients and healthcare professionals,” the reads.

These learning experiences occur under the supervision and mentorship of clinical��faculty, who have the��responsibility for teaching and evaluating the performance and competencies of the students.

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ness. John Williams’ “Somewhere In My Mem��ory” and “Christmas Star” always brings me close to tears.

It’s not lost on me that one of the scenes where the song plays is when Kevin, the main character, stops outside the New York Children’s Hospital on Christmas Eve and sees a child looking out his hospital room window. What the movie doesn’t show is the hospital staff taking care of that child.

Trocaire’s 60^th Commencement ceremony was held on Monday, Dec. 17, and with 156 of the 173 students graduating from the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Home Alone 2 in the back of my mind, I thought about how many of these graduates will be caring for the ill during many holidays. These graduates will be caring for patients during Christmas, Yom Kippur, Eid Al-Fitr, and Diwali, to name a few.

The levels of self-sacrifice that Trocaire students make really astonishes me. From my interactions, I witness how many of our students put aside what they value in life to study healthcare, business or technology. Then, after completing their degree, our students continue to make sacrifices related to their professions. I believe it takes a special kind of person to be a Trocaire student.

As we enter winter break, I hope everyone enjoys their time to relax and spend time with family and friends. And, if you get the chance, watch Home Alone 2.

– Tom Vane, Director of Student Engagement

The post Student Life Update: December 2018 appeared first on About.

The three students honored were Safra Bacchus, Felicia Herrmann and Harpreet Khera.

As an opportunity college, it is important to be supportive of students who may be facing personal or financial challenges in their lives while on the road to a career-oriented education,” Trocaire President Dr. Bassam Deeb said. “Scholarships like the ones being presented today by KeyBank are part of that support system, and we are thankful for their assistance and encouragement of our students, knowing that they will soon be part of our local healthcare community, helping those in need.”

Ron Sutton, KeyBank’s senior vice president fiduciary strategist and senior trust officer, was on site to congratulate Safra, Felicia and Harpreet.

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Nora Durham

Nora Durham was born and raised in the Buffalo area and intends to stay in the area working in Medical Surgical/Telemetry. Her end goal is to become a Wound Care Nurse.

While studying at Trocaire, Nora held three jobs, working as a Nursing Assistant and at two private home care operations. While completing her degree Nora was also heavily involved in Student Life, holding the position of co-president of the Student Nursing Association. She is incredibly grateful for her time being involved on campus, having found it very rewarding.

Nora started attending Trocaire directly after high school and she does not regret that decision. Her time at Trocaire has taught her patience, diligence, and motivated her to be a better student. Looking back at her accomplishments throughout the years, Ms. Durham can truthfully say that she is ready to become a successful nurse.

Michelle Reardon

Michelle Reardon has been a life-long Buffalonian who went to high school at Immaculata Academy. After completing high school, she continued her studies at two other institutions before finding the correct path for her at Ģ����ý. Trocaire was a perfect fit for Ms. Reardon as she balanced being a full-time parent and student.

As a Nursing student at Trocaire Michelle became active in Student Life. Ms. Reardon has held the position of secretary for the Student Nursing Association, is part of the Alum from Day One program, and is currently the president of the Student Association. Michelle intends to stay at Trocaire to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is very happy to announce that she will be a full-time graduate nurse at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, NY in the Telemetry unit.

Michelle was chosen to give a student address due to her dedication to student success, her campus involvement, and her academic achievements. Michelle does not hesitate to drop whatever she’s doing to work on Student Association tasks and putting her fellow students first.

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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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Ģ����ý is a sponsor of this year’s event, which is “an afternoon of fashion, food and friends, benefiting the women and girls in our community.” On Nov. 2, attendees will enjoy lunch, a runway show featuring pieces from some of Buffalo’s local, women-owned boutiques and a silent auction featuring unique items and experiences.

The mission of WNY Women’s Foundation is “to create a culture of possibility so each woman and girl can live, grow and lead to her fullest potential. We believe that when women and girls are secure, entire communities are stronger.”

Trocaire Nursing students Michelle Reardon, Nora Durham and Safra Bacchus have signed on to participate in the runway show, which this year bears the theme “What’s YOUR Superpower?” Check out Michelle’s and Nora’s answers below!

Michelle Reardon

My Superpower: Persistence and drive

Bio:�� I am a single mother who works hard to support my son Hunter and advance my education so I am able to continue to support him. I work full time in the day and I am a fourth semester Nursing student at Ģ����ý who is set to graduate this December. At school I am also the Student Association President and the Student Nursing Association Secretary.

Nora Durham

My Superpower: Fun-loving. I try to always bring some sort of positive energy to the table, and make light of certain situations. It’s very uplifting to know that as a future nurse I have the potential to make a difference in the lives of others, and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.

Bio: I am an aspiring nurse who plans on graduating from Ģ����ý with my Nursing degree in December 2018. While attending Trocaire I have done work study through the Admissions office, and I am proud to say that I am also currently co-president of the Student Nursing Association. I really enjoy representing my school, and I am honored for every opportunity I can to do so. While going to school part-time, I also work as a nursing assistant at St. Joseph Campus, and do home care for a sweet and caring elderly woman.

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