Nursing | Today at Elon | 福利亚洲国产精品 /u/news Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:12:44 -0400 en-US hourly 1 Nursing faculty highlight health equity at international conference /u/news/2026/07/22/nursing-faculty-highlight-health-equity-at-international-conference/ Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:05:54 +0000 /u/news/?p=1051725 Preparing nurses to address health disparities in a globalized healthcare environment requires education that integrates theory with authentic experiential learning. At the Sigma Theta Tau 37th International Research Congress in Toronto, Ontario, Canada July 16-18, 2026, Nursing Department Chair Cathy Quay opened a podium presentation by sharing key dimensions of health equity competence.

Four people pose for a photo in front of a blue sign that is bordered with blue, purple, silver and white balloons. The sign says "Sigma Conference"
福利亚洲国产精品 Department of Nursing faculty at the Sigma Theta Tau 37th International Research Congress in Toronto, Ontario, Canada July 16-18, 2026

At the conference, faculty members Shirley Etienne, Jeanmarie Koonts and Lori Hubbard also highlighted unique features of the innovative Elon Nursing curriculum scaffolded to build equity competence through intentional community and global engagement. Nursing courses delivered across the sophomore, junior, and senior years focus on population health concepts, social and structural determinants of health, and patient advocacy.

Etienne, who recently championed an Advancing Equity Requirement (AER) designation for NRS 2000 Healthcare Relationships I, shared how students critically examine their own cultural identities, biases and values to understand how these factors influence practice. Experiential learning occurs through an Affinity Bias Analysis, cultural immersion activity, and Bridging Racial Health Disparities group project focused on advocacy and nursing interventions.

A person in a red dress poses for a photo in front of a research poster
Sigma Theta Tau 37th International Research Congress in Toronto, Ontario, Canada July 16-18, 2026

Hubbard expounded on students鈥 opportunities in NRS 4200 Population and Community Health to critically analyze community-level health disparities, identify barriers to equitable care, and develop and implement strategies to promote health during clinical rotations in the local community. Hubbard was also featured in a poster session with results from her study 鈥淐hildbirth Self-Efficacy and Factors Influencing Labor and Birth in the Dominican Republic.”

Koonts finished the presentation by describing how the preparatory seminar and both NRS 4300 (local) and NRS 4315 (global) Healthcare Relationships II foster intercultural awareness, ethical engagement, and global health literacy. Through the intentional design and sequence of these courses, Elon nursing students examine intersectionality and cultural influences on health outcomes. They develop responsibility as local and global citizens committed to reducing health disparities.

During the recent accreditation process, curriculum design to promote competence in health equity was highlighted as one of the most compelling features of the Elon Nursing program. Program outcomes demonstrate increased cultural humility, population health competency, and a deeper understanding of the structural determinants of health. This experiential, evidence-based model exemplifies how nursing programs can intentionally cultivate equity competence that bridges theory and practice to prepare nurses for inclusive, compassionate, and globally responsive and informed care.

]]>
Rivera-Serrano Lab publishes study on cancer-targeting viruses across epithelial cancer cells /u/news/2026/06/30/rivera-serrano-lab-publishes-study-on-cancer-targeting-viruses-across-epithelial-cancer-cells/ Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:38:32 +0000 /u/news/?p=1050141 Elon undergraduate student Ryder Hutchinson 鈥28, high school student Owen Carter, Elon alumna Charlotte Dagli 鈥25 and Efra铆n Rivera-Serrano, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, have co-authored an article published in the journal Viral Immunology.

The article, 鈥,鈥 continues the Rivera-Serrano Lab鈥檚 work exploring the potential of reoviruses as cancer-targeting agents. The study examined a panel of genetically distinct reoviruses across three epithelial cancer cell models. The work found that different reovirus strains showed cell line-dependent patterns of infectivity and cancer cell killing, with some reassortant viruses showing enhanced activity compared with parental strains. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of reovirus-based cancer-targeting approaches may depend not only on viral genetics, but also on the specific cancer cell context.

Reoviruses are being studied as potential oncolytic agents, or viruses that preferentially infect and kill cancer cells. While much of the field has focused on one prototype strain, the Elon study highlights the importance of exploring broader reovirus genetic diversity. Because reoviruses contain segmented genomes, different strains can exchange genome segments through a process known as reassortment, generating viruses with new combinations of traits that may influence infection, replication and cytotoxicity.

Virus-infected epithelial cancer cells imaged as part of the Rivera-Serrano Lab鈥檚 work examining how genetically distinct reoviruses behave across tumor cell models. Green/yellow cells are infected with reovirus, whereas uninfected cells appear as red only. The nuclei of each cell was counterstained with DAPI. Scale bar = 200 碌m

The article reinforces the value of comparative screens in cancer virotherapy research. The study found that viral infectivity and cancer cell killing did not always fully overlap, suggesting that efficient infection alone does not necessarily predict how strongly a virus will reduce cancer cell viability. Instead, the findings point to a more complex relationship among viral entry, replication, antiviral responses and cell death pathways.

The project builds on ongoing research in Rivera-Serrano鈥檚 laboratory, where undergraduate students use cell biology, virology and immunology approaches to understand how viral genetics influence cancer cell susceptibility. Hutchinson, the article鈥檚 first author and Nursing major, contributed to experimental work and data analysis as part of his mentored research experience in the lab for three semesters and participation in Elon鈥檚 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.

Three students work in a science laboratory as one performs an experiment inside a biosafety cabinet while two classmates observe nearby.
Members of the Rivera-Serrano Lab study how reoviruses interact with cancer cells, including models of lung adenocarcinoma and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Carter, who performed research as a visiting high school student in the summer of 2025, contributed to data analysis, highlighting the lab鈥檚 broader commitment to expanding access to biomedical research experiences beyond the undergraduate level. Dagli, who recently co-authored a related study in Virus Genes on reovirus reassortants with enhanced activity against fibrosarcoma cells, also contributed to the current work as part of the lab鈥檚 continuing effort to evaluate how viral genetic diversity shapes oncolytic potential.

]]>
Making an impact: Students contribute more than 88,000 hours of service /u/news/2026/06/22/making-an-impact-students-contribute-more-than-88000-hours-of-service/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:15:54 +0000 /u/news/?p=1050331 During the 2025-26 academic year,聽thousands of students contributed their time and talents to address community needs, strengthen local organizations, and build meaningful partnerships through curricular and co-curricular community engagement. The infographic below highlights the powerful impact that students, faculty, staff, and community partners have made together.


Infographic showing 88,084 student service hours, 3,256 participants, 44,485 course-linked hours, and community impact by student groups.


Alongside this infographic, these stories highlight some of the positive impact across campus through community partnerships during the past academic year:

]]>
Nursing students reminded they have the 鈥榩ower to change lives鈥 in 2026 pinning ceremony /u/news/2026/05/21/nursing-students-reminded-they-have-the-power-to-change-lives-in-2026-pinning-ceremony/ Thu, 21 May 2026 16:38:56 +0000 /u/news/?p=1048250 Speaking before soon-to-be Department of Nursing graduates, Cyra Kussman, assistant teaching professor of nursing, administered the students鈥 final 鈥 and likely easiest 鈥 pop quiz.

Kussman, who retired from Elon this year, asked the graduates whether they were ready to change the world, whether their families were ready for them to enter the nursing profession, whether the faculty were prepared to continue supporting and encouraging them, and whether the administration was ready to send them into the world. Each question was met with a resounding 鈥測es.鈥

鈥淵our career can grow with you. Shift with you. Support you. Again and again,鈥 Kussman said. 鈥淎nd the answer is yes.鈥

Maha Lund, dean of the School of Health Sciences, welcomes the audience to the nurse pinning ceremony on May 20, 2026 in McCrary Theatre.

Thirty-eight Bachelor of Science in Nursing students were honored during a May 21 pinning ceremony in McCrary Theater attended by faculty, staff, family members and friends. The tradition of the nursing pin dates back to the Middle Ages. However, modern nursing symbolism is often associated with Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, whose nurses were identified by the Maltese cross displayed on their uniforms.

鈥淭he world you are graduating into is complicated. Healthcare is changing. Systems are stressed and overwhelmed. And real trust is rare,鈥 Kussman told graduates. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 why you matter so much. Because when a patient is scared, they don鈥檛 ask for a flow chart, they don鈥檛 ask for a piece of paper 鈥 they ask for a nurse.鈥

In 2021, Elon launched both a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and a 16-month accelerated program for students who had already completed a bachelor鈥檚 degree. The Class of 2026 marks the second cohort to graduate from the university鈥檚 four-year BSN program.

Related Articles

Taylor Girard 鈥26, who introduced Kussman during the ceremony, described her as a professor who 鈥渃reates a learning environment where students feel supported, challenged and genuinely seen.鈥 Kussman also reminded graduates of the 鈥渇our Cs of nursing鈥 emphasized throughout their time at Elon: competence, caring, communication and cultural awareness.

鈥淵our patients may not remember the medications, they may not remember the procedures, but they will remember that kindness,鈥 Kussman said. 鈥淎nd when they rang that bell, somebody showed up who knew what to do.鈥

Student speaker Maiah Giampietro 鈥26 reflected on the close bonds formed within the cohort and the importance of becoming 鈥渇lexible, creative people,鈥 a phrase students heard often throughout the program. That adaptability, she said, helped carry them through both the challenges and successes of nursing school.

鈥淣o shift goes exactly how you plan it. No patient is exactly like a textbook example. Rarely does anything work out exactly how you plan it,鈥 Giampietro said. 鈥淏ut we are now equipped with the skills, the knowledge and the confidence to put plan B into action 鈥 whatever that may look like. This is what makes us ready.鈥

Maiah Giampietro 鈥26 speaks to her cohort during the nurse pinning ceremony on May 20, 2026 in McCrary Theatre.

Following the presentation of pins, led by Kussman and Jeanmarie Koonts, assistant professor of nursing, graduates and registered nurses in attendance recited the Nursing Professional Oath, led by Elizabeth Tonaj 鈥26. Giampietro reflected on the significance of the pledge in her remarks.

鈥淚t represents the kind of nurses we have spent the last four years learning about,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he nurses who advocate. The nurses who listen. And the nurses who care even on the hardest of days. We are those nurses.鈥

As the ceremony concluded, Cathy Quay, chair of the Department of Nursing, reminded graduates of both the responsibility and impact of their profession.

鈥淥ur healthcare system needs you, our communities need you, our world needs you,鈥 Quay said. 鈥淏ecause nursing, perhaps more than any other profession, holds the power to change lives.鈥

Jeanmarie Koonts, assistant professor of nursing, presents graduation cords to a nursing student on May 20, 2026 in McCrary Theatre.

Department Awards

Academic Achievement Award: Allison Schult 鈥26
This award is presented to the students with the highest overall GPA and has a commitment to academic excellence.

Trailblazer Award: Victoria Whetstone 鈥26
This award is presented to a senior nursing student who exemplifies integrity, accuracy and innovative leadership. Nominated and voted on by students and faculty, the recipient shows outstanding leadership, listens and guides others, is dedicated to driving change, raising awareness of social justice issues, and fostering an equitable campus community.

Heart of the Cohort: Eamonn Gallagher 鈥26
This award is presented to a senior nursing student who inspires their peers and demonstrates a commitment to encouraging and supporting fellow students. Nominated and voted on by students, the recipient is known for their positive attitude, ability to motivate others, and perseverance throughout the program.

Phoenix Award: Allison Schult 鈥26
The Phoenix Award is given to a senior nursing student who excels in supporting peers and the Elon Department of Nursing throughout their program. Nominated and voted by students and faculty, the recipient demonstrates outstanding academic achievements, excellent character and interactions, active involvement in university organizations and significant community services, all while promoting the nursing profession and enhancing student life.

福利亚洲国产精品 Class of 2026 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students following their pinning ceremony on May 20, 2026.

2026 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Graduates

Gia Agrawal
Gabrielle Carlson
Grace Dias
Leah Freeman
Jillian Freglette
Eamonn Gallagher
Maiah Giampietro
Taylor Girard
Skye Greene
Julianna Hood
Eva Korn
Meredith Korwan
Haley Kyle
Kalia Lilly
Amelia Loughlin
Kali Mahoney
Louisa Manthe
Jake Marion
Caroline McCormic
Emily McNamee
Olivia Minchello
Sara Morrison
Lauren Murray
Lauren Noble
Katherine O鈥橬eill
Jenna Petrarca
Eva Rashkovsky
Katherine Richer
Julia Ricker
Lathan Rubant
Emily Sabad
Allison Schult
Alexandra Simon
Elizabeth Tonaj
Paris Van Dyke
Victoria Whetstone
Dylin Wilson
Alaina Witter

]]>
Commencement 2026: Allie Schult 鈥26 embodies the ‘heart and future of nursing’ /u/news/2026/05/13/commencement-2026-allie-schult-26-is-the-heart-and-future-of-nursing/ Wed, 13 May 2026 13:38:39 +0000 /u/news/?p=1046439

Related Articles

When she initially applied to Elon, Allie Schult 鈥26 was planning to join Elon鈥檚 accelerated physician assistant program.

鈥淚 got waitlisted for it,鈥 Schult explained. 鈥淎nd when I was on the waitlist, my mom was like, 鈥榃ait, what about the nursing program?鈥 I was like, 鈥楴o, you have to apply. I can鈥檛 just ask,鈥 but she told me to just do it.鈥

Schult always knew she wanted to work in the healthcare sphere, so she emailed the Department of Nursing explaining that she had interviewed for the physician assistant studies program, but was now interested in becoming a nursing major. After verification of her test scores, she was switched into the program, and the rest was history.

鈥淎nd so, then I had to tell my mom, 鈥極h, you were right. I did just have to ask!鈥 But I鈥檓 really glad I did, and I鈥檝e loved every second of it.鈥

On campus, Schult has held various positions related to her journey in the health sciences, starting as an anatomy lab teaching assistant and later becoming a human physiology tutor. Additionally, Schult works once a week with fellow nursing student Lathan Rubant 鈥26 to answer any questions for younger nursing majors through PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) sessions.

鈥淲e say, 鈥楤ring any muddy points that you鈥檙e confused about,鈥 and they come in. We help them talk through things and clear up points that might not have been completely clear in class,鈥 said Schult. 鈥淚 feel like that鈥檚 probably the biggest thing I do in relation to nursing.鈥

Schult also shadowed Lori Hubbard, assistant professor of nursing, who works as a lactation consultant on the labor and delivery floor of Cone Health Alamance Regional Hospital. This inspired her to explore the pediatric route of nursing.

鈥淚 used to work in a daycare, I like working with kids,鈥 Schult explained. 鈥淏ut then this past summer, I went out on a limb and applied to an externship at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, so I got to work in an adult hematology oncology unit, which is adults with blood disorders and cancer.鈥

This introduced her to a different side of medicine, which she combined to find her post-graduate position at Children鈥檚 Healthcare of Atlanta, working in pediatric hematology oncology.

鈥淚 never thought about doing oncology at all, but then after my summer, I realized these are the best people, and there are good victories,鈥 Schult explained.

In commending her accomplishments in the nursing program, Hubbard noted the social media series Schult conducts to motivate fellow nursing students.

“Allie embodies the heart and future of nursing. She will bring immense knowledge as well as seasoned talents in peer mentorship and collaboration to the profession,鈥 said Hubbard. 鈥淗er social media series that she films to encourage and inform other nursing students about study habits and test-taking skills for successfully navigating nursing school is the perfect representation of her character and compassion.鈥

As she prepares to graduate from Elon on May 22, Schult credits the closeness of her nursing cohort, class sizes and professors in shaping her experience.

鈥淭here are such small class sizes, and with 39 of us in the nursing cohort, we鈥檝e been together since freshman year. We did our Elon 1010 together, so we鈥檝e been together since the beginning. I think it鈥檚 just nice that you get to spend so much time together, and they really get to know you, and the professors do too,鈥 Schult explained.

Assistant Professor of Nursing Jeanmarie Koonts served as Schult鈥檚 advisor in the nursing program.

鈥淪he has really seen me through it all, all of my dilemmas with things,鈥 Schult explained. 鈥淚 went to her when I was debating what kind of nurse I wanted to be and what I wanted to do for my senior practicum, and she just sat down with me and let me talk through all of my thoughts.鈥

“Allie exemplifies what it means to be both an outstanding scholar and an impactful, servant leader. Her academic excellence is matched by her dedication as a peer tutor and PALS leader, consistently uplifting others with patience, insight, and a collaborative spirit,鈥 said Koonts. 鈥淭his dedication is evident not only in her work but also in the genuine care and concern she brings to her patients, friends, and colleagues.鈥

In discussing the program, Schult attributed the size of Elon to creating a more individualized experience.

鈥淚 think all the professors have been instrumental in their own ways. I think that鈥檚 the great thing about being here, is that they all know you,鈥 said Schult. “You鈥檙e not just a number, you鈥檙e a person.鈥


Ahead of 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 136th Commencement on May 22, 2026, Today at Elon is highlighting several graduating seniors who have made the most of their Elon experience.

]]>
Elon student research on virus-based cancer treatments featured in Burlington Times-News /u/news/2026/05/04/ryder-hutchinson-28-featured-in-burlington-times-news-for-research-on-virus-based-cancer-treatments/ Mon, 04 May 2026 19:56:14 +0000 /u/news/?p=1046252 福利亚洲国产精品 student Ryder Hutchinson 鈥28聽was recently featured in a highlighting his research into the use of viruses as a potential tool in cancer treatment. The story focuses on Hutchinson鈥檚 early involvement in laboratory research examining how viruses can be engineered to target and destroy cancer cells.

Hutchinson began research shortly after arriving on campus and is working alongside Assistant Professor of Biology Efrain Rivera-Serrano to study how certain viruses interact with the immune system.

鈥淎s a nursing major, I have always wanted to make a meaningful difference in people鈥檚 lives,鈥 he said. 鈥淢y interest in cancer research became more personal after my grandmother was diagnosed with leukemia. Although leukemia was not the direct model used in my current project, that personal experience motivated me to pursue cancer-focused research more broadly.鈥

The article emphasizes that Hutchinson鈥檚 work is part of a broader effort to develop innovative cancer therapies that complement traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. By understanding how viruses trigger immune responses, researchers hope to create more targeted and effective approaches to fighting the disease.

Hutchinson presented his research at Elon’s Spring Undergraduate Research Forum on April 28.

]]>
SURF Stories 2026: Ryder Hutchinson 鈥28 researches how to fight cancer with viruses /u/news/2026/04/22/surf-stories-2026-ryder-hutchinson-28-researches-how-to-fight-cancer-with-viruses/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:50:37 +0000 /u/news/?p=1044843

Related Articles

For Ryder Hutchinson ’28, impactful research was not something to be completed towards the end of his college experience. The nursing student began research on how to fight various cancers with different viruses after only his first semester at Elon.

鈥淲e use a type of virus that does a really good job at not killing your healthy cells but does a really good job at killing cancer cells,鈥 Hutchinson said. 鈥淭hey use this technique at clinical trials right now for common cancers such as breast and colon cancer in combination with chemotherapy drugs. But my big question was: what about the other cancers?鈥

Hutchinson began this research with Efrain Rivera-Serrano, assistant professor of biology. While taking his cell biology course, Hutchinson began shadowing Rivera-Serrano weekly in the lab as he worked with other students on research projects. Hutchinson was then accepted by Rivera-Serrano as a research student, in addition to his acceptance into Elon鈥檚 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, where he stayed on campus over the summer of 2025 with a grant to continue research on the project.

Given his grandmother鈥檚 diagnosis of leukemia, Hutchinson was initially interested in exploring this specific type of cancer. However, given the difficulty in testing certain types of cancers, the pair compromised and used existing research and expanded upon it with Hutchinson鈥檚 desire to help cancer patients.

鈥淚t was a different way of using what he knows, with what I know, and making a really cool research project out of it,鈥 Hutchinson said.

Ryder Hutchinson 鈥28 (center) at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research from April 13-15 in Richmond, Virginia.

When describing the various types of viral strings, Hutchinson compared them to 鈥減ersonalities,鈥 for the layman viewer of his project to understand.

鈥淭his one virus can have many different strings, or as I like to say, many different personalities,鈥 Hutchinson said. 鈥淎nd they鈥檙e using a specific string or specific personality in clinical trials, but there鈥檚 so many more out there. So, I did testing on 35 different strings and found that within the rare cancers I tested on, the one I found is different than the one in clinical trials, and it shows to be better at killing than the one鈥檚 they鈥檙e currently using.鈥

During SURF Day on April 28, all other campus activities are suspended so the Elon community can come together around students鈥 creative endeavors and research efforts. Undergraduate research is also one of the five Elon Experiences, which provides a natural extension of the work students do in the classroom and ensures that Elon graduates are prepared for both graduate school and careers.

After he presents at SURF, Hutchinson plans on conducting more specific research to the field of nursing with chemotherapy patients at Cone Health hospital that align more closely with his goal of a profession in nursing.

In addition to his research project, he is in the process of receiving feedback for two professional articles: one of which he is publishing himself, and another in which he is the co-author.

鈥淚 have always wanted to have a purpose,鈥 Hutchinson said. 鈥淚 wanted to make an impact, and I feel like I鈥檓 slowly doing that, or headed in the right direction of making a difference or impact on people鈥檚 lives.鈥

]]>
Elon nursing students represent university at national convention, present policy resolution /u/news/2026/04/21/elon-nursing-students-represent-university-at-national-convention-present-policy-resolution/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:38:15 +0000 /u/news/?p=1044874 Six members of 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 Student Nurses Association (SNA) executive board recently represented the university at the 74th Annual National Student Nurses鈥 Association (NSNA) Convention, held April 8鈥11, 2026, in Houston, Texas.

The convention brought together more than 2,000 nursing students, educators and healthcare leaders from across the country for four days of leadership development, professional networking and policy engagement. Centered on the theme 鈥淚gnite, Innovate, Lead,鈥 the event provided students with opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills while contributing to national conversations shaping the future of nursing.

Elon was represented by senior nursing students Victoria (Tori) Whetstone, founding SNA president; Lathan Rubant; and Katherine O鈥橬eill, along with junior executive board members Taylor Rae Spurgeon, Katie Pescatore, and Sarah Vinges. The group was accompanied by faculty advisor Professor Jeanmarie Koonts and faculty member Elizabeth Van Horn.

A highlight of the conference was Elon students鈥 active participation in the House of Delegates, the governing body of the NSNA. Whetstone and Rubant served as official delegates, while O鈥橬eill participated as an alternate delegate. Together, they contributed to national discussions on policy and professional issues affecting nursing students and the broader healthcare system.

The Elon delegation authored and presented a resolution titled 鈥淎ddressing Bias by Changing 鈥楻efusal鈥 Language in Clinical Documentation.鈥 The resolution calls attention to how language used in healthcare documentation can unintentionally introduce bias and impact patient care. Rubant served as the lead author, with Whetstone and O鈥橬eill contributing as co-authors. The students formally presented and advocated for the resolution before peers from across the nation.

In addition to presenting their own resolution, Elon delegates participated in voting on multiple proposed resolutions, parliamentary matters, and the election of the 2026鈥27 NSNA national executive board.

For Whetstone, the experience marked a meaningful milestone in her leadership journey and in the growth of Elon鈥檚 SNA chapter.

鈥淚t has been such an incredible honor to serve as the founding president of the Student Nurses Association, and I could not be more proud of how far we have come,鈥 Whetstone said. 鈥淲hat started as a vision has grown into a thriving, passionate community of student nurses dedicated to leadership, advocacy, and service.鈥

Since its founding, Elon鈥檚 SNA has rapidly expanded its impact, growing to more than 70 members in its first year and engaging in a wide range of initiatives. These include professional development programming, mental health awareness efforts, community-building events, and fundraising to support organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, and the National Black Nurses Association.

Participation in the NSNA Convention reflects Elon nursing students鈥 commitment to leadership beyond the classroom鈥攅ngaging in policy, advocacy, and professional development at a national level while preparing to enter the nursing workforce.

As the organization continues to grow, its student leaders remain focused on advancing patient-centered care, fostering professional excellence and development, and shaping the future of nursing through advocacy and innovation.

]]>
Elon Nursing faculty present innovative simulation work at state conference /u/news/2026/03/30/elon-nursing-faculty-present-innovative-simulation-work-at-state-conference/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:04:08 +0000 /u/news/?p=1042464 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 Department of Nursing was recently represented at the North Carolina statewide simulation conference, 鈥淏eyond the Manikin,鈥 where Jeanmarie Koonts, assistant professor of nursing; and Cyra Kussman, assistant teaching professor of nursing, presented innovative work focused on expanding the boundaries of simulation in healthcare education.

Their presentation, 鈥淯sing Simulation to Bridge Faith and Health in a Non-Traditional Setting,鈥 highlighted a unique, interdisciplinary approach to simulation design that integrates healthcare, ethics and religious studies. Developed as part of Koonts’ Bridging Faith and Health work, in collaboration with interdisciplinary partners Elon faculty members Brian Pennington and Helen Orr, and supported by Interfaith America, the project addresses a growing need to prepare future nurses to navigate complex patient situations where religious beliefs, patient autonomy and evidence-based practice intersect.

The session showcased a multi-module educational initiative and an accompanying simulation experience designed to foster interprofessional collaboration, communication, and clinical judgment in ethically challenging scenarios. By engaging learners in realistic, non-traditional simulation environments, the project aims to strengthen students鈥 ability to deliver patient-centered care while respecting diverse values and beliefs.

Conference participants responded enthusiastically to the presentation, particularly its emphasis on:

  • Addressing moral distress in clinical practice
  • Enhancing interprofessional education (IPE)
  • Expanding simulation beyond traditional clinical settings
  • Promoting culturally and spiritually sensitive care

This work is part of a broader, Interfaith America grant-funded initiative that will continue over the next two years, with plans to expand the simulation model and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in faith-health integration and simulation-based education.

The conference brought together educators and simulation specialists from across the state to explore emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and innovative teaching strategies. Elon鈥檚 contribution reflects the department鈥檚 ongoing commitment to excellence in nursing education, leadership in simulation and preparation of practice-ready graduates.

]]>
Elon student-athlete featured by WSOC for bone marrow donation /u/news/2026/03/09/elon-student-athlete-featured-by-wsoc-for-bone-marrow-donation/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:23:34 +0000 /u/news/?p=1041121
Jake Marion 鈥26

福利亚洲国产精品 football player and nursing student Jake Marion ’26 was recently for donating bone marrow through the National Marrow Donor Program鈥(formerly Be The Match)

The national nonprofit agency works to spread awareness of the need for bone marrow donation and to increase the number of participants in the聽bone marrow聽registry.鈥疻hile聽Elon Football has worked聽with the organization for several years, Club Nursing聽joined聽in 2024聽for an annual awareness and registry event.

Marion joined the registry through Elon Football in 2022. He was almost matched in previous years, but blood testing revealed it was not a high enough match necessary for donation. That all changed this year when he got a call in January to begin the donation process, which was completed this spring.

鈥淗e鈥檚 a part of me now, and I鈥檓 a part of him,鈥 Marion said of the recipient. 鈥淢y cells are inside his body and hopefully they鈥檙e doing their job, and they鈥檙e helping him, so it鈥檚 hard. I鈥檓 just praying he鈥檚 going to get better, and I鈥檓 rooting for him.鈥

]]>