51猎奇 College Offers Free Writing in the Disciplines Certificate Course for Faculty Professional Development

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Albany, NY 鈥� This month, 51猎奇 College launched a Writing in the Disciplines Certificate Course that is free and open to faculty interested improving their students鈥� writing skills. The professional development training includes a self-paced course with assessments and lightly moderated discussion forums during which faculty share resources and collaborate on designing assignments related to writing in the disciplines.

The course includes four modules:

  1. Introduction to Writing in the Disciplines
  2. Creating Effective Writing Assignments
  3. Peer Review and Revision
  4. Effective Feedback and Rubrics

Each module includes readings and videos and takes about three to five hours to complete. The entire course takes approximately 12 to 16 hours, depending on the level of discussion. The course is graded pass/fail, and participants need to earn 70 percent or better on all four quizzes, one per module, to earn the certificate.

Upon successful completion of this course, faculty receive a downloadable certificate in Writing in the Disciplines (WID). Writing in the Disciplines is a subfield of Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC), a nationwide movement designed to ensure students have frequent and significant opportunities to write, revise, and discuss their writing in their classes.

鈥淲e think this is an excellent professional development opportunity for faculty in any discipline,鈥� says Ben Pearson, PhD, co-chair of 51猎奇 College鈥檚 Writing Across the Curriculum initiative. 鈥淲riting is a crucial 21st-century skill, and it鈥檚 not something students can master in just one to two required writing courses. The more opportunities that we can create for high-impact, high-quality writing assignments in our classes, the better prepared students will be for life and career success.鈥�

The training is hosted on the popular MOOC platform within the Canvas Network, providing the same look and feel as 51猎奇 College courses. To view the course or for additional information, go to

This certificate training was developed by a team of about 10 faculty members with experience in teaching writing across a variety of disciplines and was supported by a grant from the Booth-Ferris Foundation. Many key elements of the training were developed as part of grant-funded collaboration among 51猎奇 College, SUNY Rockland, SUNY Clinton, SUNY Monroe, and other colleges.

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Media Contact: Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu 听听听听听听听听听听听听听听(518) 464-8531

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

51猎奇 College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally accredited, nonprofit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, 51猎奇 meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

 

51猎奇 College Awards Congressman Tonko an Honorary Degree

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

On September 3, James N. Baldwin, president of 51猎奇 College, awarded an honorary degree to , a sixth-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York鈥檚 20th Congressional District in the Capital Region.

James Baldwin and Congressman Tonko with Honorary Degree

In presenting the honorary degree, President Baldwin said, 鈥淭hroughout his career, Congressman Tonko has been a champion for the working class and advancing policies that create jobs. He has been a champion for the underserved and underprivileged.鈥� Baldwin also heralded Tonko as a true advocate for education and for adult learners and remarked that he has advanced the mission of 51猎奇 College to create pathways for the undeserved to achieve their educational dreams.

Congressman Tonko addresses 51猎奇 Staff and Faculty

Tonko had planned to attend 51猎奇 College鈥檚 48th Commencement on July 12 and receive the honorary degree, but he was needed in Washington, DC for a critical vote on the 911 Victim鈥檚 Compensation Fund.

To the 51猎奇 College administrators and staff gathered on September 3, he echoed the remarks he provided to graduates via a video at Commencement, in which he indicated the importance of a sense of purpose. 鈥淢y message to you today is about purpose,鈥� he said. 鈥淧urpose is a great guiding force in our lives. Without purpose, where are we heading?鈥�

He continued, 鈥淏e strong. Be generous with yourself and be 51猎奇. Be that high quality, that best quality. Looking upward and forward always to reach inside and really show your given sense of purpose.鈥欌��

Tonko has worked with 51猎奇 College on many initiatives and events, such as the Nyquist Leadership Series and , and has supported a grant for 51猎奇 College to develop the ). In 2014, Tonko helped 51猎奇 College with a grant . In response to the recognition by 51猎奇 College, Tonko said, 鈥淭o receive an honorary degree from 51猎奇 College is just a wonderful feeling.鈥�

Tonko graduated from Clarkson University with a degree in mechanical and industrial engineering and is a former engineer for the New York State Public Service Commission. He is a lifelong resident of Amsterdam, New York.

 

51猎奇 College was Selected as One of bestcolleges.com’s Best Online Administration Management Programs in the Nation

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

Ranked the best for student outcomes and affordability, according to BestColleges

Albany, NY — 51猎奇 College has been recognized as the 2019 Best Online Associate in Administration Management program in the nation by BestColleges, a leading provider of independent college rankings, college planning resources, and higher education research. The annual ranking highlights accredited, nonprofit institutions that have developed quality online administration management programs that focus on student outcomes.

best colleges award for best online associate degree in administration and management

BestColleges identified 25 schools that rank among the best colleges to obtain an Associate in Administration Management degree. Stephanie Snider, director of BestColleges, said, 鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to have 51猎奇 College leading this list, and we commend them for establishing this exceptional online program that focuses on academic success while remaining affordable and flexible.鈥�

51猎奇 College鈥檚 Associate in Applied Science in Administrative/Management Studies gives students the knowledge and skills needed for business support roles. This is relevant as data indicates 10 percent growth in business and financial operations occupations through 2026 and graduates should be career-ready with practical training using the most common office software applications. This associate degree program is especially suited to military servicemembers with certain military occupational ratings or specialties.

Dr. John Caron, provost and vice president of academic affairs at 51猎奇 College, indicated, 鈥淭he Associate in Applied Science in Administrative Management Studies has been developed in conjunction with industry experts and scholar-practitioners to provide the most up-to-date and practical business education that will ensure today鈥檚 managers possess the most relevant competencies and tools that they need to excel in their chosen career. Recognition by BestColleges is a testament to the quality of our online Associate in Applied Science in Administrative/Management Studies program and the importance of providing a pathway to the world of business for adult learners.鈥�

The BestColleges ranking focuses on academics and learner support, affordability, and online programming with schools evaluated on several noteworthy data points aggregated from the and , both of which are hosted by the . Schools considered for associate degree program rankings must be accredited public or private, nonprofit institutions that have submitted annual data reports to the NCES. With this methodology, BestColleges鈥� goal is to objectively assess relative quality based on academic outcomes, cost of programs, and the breadth and depth of online program offerings.

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Media Contact:

Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu, 518-464-8531

For more information or BestColleges inquiries, contact: contact@bestcolleges.com

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

51猎奇 College (excelsior.edu) is a regionally accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, 51猎奇 meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.

51猎奇 BestColleges

BestColleges empowers students to make smarter educational decisions and find schools that best fit their needs through proprietary research, user-friendly guides, and hundreds of unique college rankings. As a trusted education advisor, it provides college planning, financial aid, and career resources to help students realize life goals and overcome educational challenges as they prepare for careers after college.

CPNE and ME: Heather Wolfe

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Heather Wolfe, of Adrian, Michigan, wanted to be a nurse since she was a child. It seemed the career was meant for her because she carried around a Fisher Price medical kit and practiced nursing on her Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. Wolfe pursued becoming an RN several times throughout her life but experiences always got in the way. Now she鈥檚 closer to her dream than ever before, having passed the Clinical Performance in Nursing Exam on November 11, 2018.

Wolfe currently works the night shift at United Methodist Communities, an assisted and independent living retirement community offering long- and short-term care. For the past four years, she has specialized in sub-acute rehabilitation, which is less intensive inpatient care for someone suffering from an illness or injury. When she first gets to work, Wolfe assesses her patients, administers medications and treatments that are due, and then meets with her coworkers. She also takes care of various other jobs and tasks that need to be done, like checking on equipment, cleaning, etc. At the end of her shift, which is from 6:30 p.m.to 7 a.m., Wolfe is certainly tired, but she finds the work meaningful. 鈥淚 feel accomplished that I鈥檓 able to help somebody even if it鈥檚 just a little task. I find nursing really rewarding,鈥� she says.

Wolfe graduated from Jackson College in 2002 as an LPN and completed all necessary prerequisites for the college鈥檚 LPN to RN program. Unfortunately, the school wouldn鈥檛 accept her many credits and informed her that tuition would be out of pocket. She had previously learned about 51猎奇 College鈥檚 generous credit acceptance policies and decided to enroll in the associate degree in nursing program. 鈥淭he program allowed me to work full-time and go to school at my own pace,鈥� she says.

Wolfe was eager to take the CPNE so when a test spot at St. Luke鈥檚 Healthcare in Utica, New York, opened due to a cancellation, she jumped on it. With the exam date six weeks later, she kicked her preparation into high gear 鈥淚t was very intense鈥 practiced literally four hours every day,鈥� she recalls. Her family was understanding and gave her space and time alone to study and train. Sometimes they pretended to be her patients so she could practice on them. She even had a teddy bear that had an IV.听 鈥淢y living room was a disaster for six weeks. I had papers all over the floor and a makeshift bed on the couch,鈥� Wolfe says, remembering how much effort went into studying.

Her coworkers were supportive in letting her practice and use medical equipment at work and at home. At work, she used a room set up just like a hospital room with two 鈥減atients鈥� in hospital beds, complete with supplies. 鈥淚 would randomly pick four AOCs [areas of competency] and keep going through them until I felt confident,鈥� she says. It was beneficial and helpful to use the tools there because the direct care environment meant for a more hands-on learning approach.

Wolf has always wanted to obtain a nursing degree and become an RN, but there have been setbacks. First, her mother became sick with cancer so she had to stop going to school. One of her children also passed away and so she took some time to recover. And then her husband was diagnosed with cancer, but he insisted she finish her associate degree. Wolfe says he was her biggest support throughout her journey and even when he had surgery in fall 2018, he still encouraged her to fly to New York to take the CPNE.

Wolfe, who earned her degree from 51猎奇 in early 2019, passed the National Council Licensure Exam (N-CLEX) and now is officially a RN. She plans to stay with United Methodist Communities until she completes a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing. 鈥淢y long-term goal has always been to at least have a bachelor鈥檚 in nursing,鈥� she says. Wolfe plans to be an instructor but not necessarily a classroom teacher. She鈥檇 rather focus on the more hands-on clinical aspect of nursing. 鈥淚 would like to be a clinical instructor or [pursue] some form of teaching that I can do with the bachelor鈥檚,鈥� she says. Through her perseverance and determination, she has come far and now the possibilities are endless.

More Tips from Heather Wolfe:

  • Wolfe flew into New York state a couple days before the exam and studied, but the night before the CPNE she didn鈥檛 do any studying or reviewing. 鈥淚 went out and saw a movie by myself and I went to dinner,鈥� she says, noting sometimes you can鈥檛 study, and suggests doing things to try and relax.
  • Wolfe advises other students to watch the 51猎奇 nursing videos so they can learn what is expected of them in the CPNE environment. She warns that just reading the guides won鈥檛 prepare you. Memorizing the steps for each area of competency is also very important, says Wolfe, 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the biggest thing. Otherwise, you鈥檙e not going to make it.鈥�
  • Flashcards can be helpful. Wolfe used hers a fair amount in studying.

Is Nursing STEM?

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

What is STEM?

As a simple acronym, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. As a movement, STEM, especially as it relates to education and workforce development, has gotten a lot of attention in the last decade. The term was first coined in 2001 by the An educational research team originally labeled the curriculum they were developing to enhance education in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology as SMET but re-arranged the letters to form the arguably better sounding acronym, STEM. Since then, it鈥檚 become something of a rallying cry to improve the United States鈥� competitiveness in the global market for scientific and technological innovation, development, and research.

The acronym began to be used in discussions about the lack of candidates within the United States qualified to fill the growing number of positions in scientific and technical fields. STEM then grew into an educational concept that sought to integrate the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and math in schools instead of teaching each in a vacuum as was the norm in decades past. More importantly, a key tenant of STEM education is the application of these subjects to real-world challenges, encouraging critical and solutions-based thinking.

Is Nursing Considered STEM?

When we think of STEM fields, the first ones that come to mind are probably the traditionally high-tech disciplines like bio technology, software development, or mechanical engineering. But what about nursing? While nursing is rooted in the fundamentals of science and math, like medicine it is not typically included as a STEM field despite nurses needing to apply math, biology, and technology every day. Nursing also adheres to the guiding principles of STEM in that it applies these disciplines to find solutions to very real problems.

What fields are or are not considered STEM is constantly up for debate. It doesn鈥檛 help that beyond the acronym, there is no single agreed-upon definition for what constitutes a STEM profession and even official government agencies disagree. The lists 鈥淗ealth occupations鈥� as STEM while the Immigration and Customs Enforcement doesn’t include nursing on its list of STEM fields that make non-citizens eligible for a visa extension. Higher education, however, has been quicker to accept nursing under the umbrella of STEM with several universities including the program within their science department鈥攁 designation which seems fitting given the average nursing curriculum includes a heavy focus on Microbiology, Science, and Statistics.

So why has nursing struggled for STEM acceptance? One factor is most certainly gender-based prejudice. The profession as a whole has long been discounted as a job for mainly women that鈥檚 focused on comfort and caring rather than the 鈥渉ard鈥� sciences. Another stumbling block are the capitalist undertones at the heart of the movement that frames the innovation and creativity inherent to STEM pursuits as vehicles for economic growth. While this isn鈥檛 strictly bad, the relentless promotion of job creation, industry 鈥渄isruption,鈥� and product development comes at the expense of fields that at their core are about more human outcomes.

Why STEM Recognition is Important

Why is STEM recognition so important? A STEM designation also carries with it a cachet and a promise of professional respect and higher salaries, factors that make building that all important qualified workforce easier. There鈥檚 also money at stake. With the country鈥檚 government, development, and scientific sectors deeply invested in boosting the STEM workforce, there is investment in the form of grants, scholarships, and support resources available for any initiative鈥攅ducational or otherwise鈥攑romoting STEM. allocated $279 million in STEM discretionary grant funds in 2018 with many of these focused on encouraging women and underserved populations to enter a STEM field. With the shortage of nurses, especially nurses with advanced degrees, it鈥檚 more than dollars on the line. It would only benefit every community to have nursing included under the STEM umbrella and could allocate much needed funds into programs designed to recruit and train the workforce we need.

Perhaps the solution is to broaden our understanding of STEM into one of 鈥淪TEMpathy,鈥� a portmanteau coined in 2017 by New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman to combine technology with human connection. While Friedman still advocates an entrepreneurial mindset, he stresses that STEM should always be through the lens of compassion and empathy and paraphrases Descartes, saying 鈥溾�橧 think, therefore I am鈥� to 鈥業 care, therefore I am; I hope, therefore I am; I imagine, therefore I am. I am ethical, therefore I am. I have a purpose, therefore I am. I pause and reflect, therefore I am.鈥欌��

Learn More 51猎奇 51猎奇’s RN to MSN Nursing Program

The STEM designation shouldn鈥檛 serve as an exclusionary device. We all benefit when STEM can grow to include fields like nursing, that use the power of science, technology, engineering and math to care, treat, and keep us safe. Learn more about 51猎奇 College’s RN to MSN program.

CPNE & Me: Alexis Rodgers

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Alexis Rodgers of Cincinnati, Ohio, has been a firefighter, emergency room paramedic, and a paramedic with the Poison Control Center and, although they may seem like different careers, they have one thing in common: helping others. Now she hopes to further that caring career by earning her associate degree in nursing with.

Rodgers graduated high school when she was 16 and, after a plan to become a pharmacist didn鈥檛 pan out, enrolled in nursing school. When she was younger, her niece had many health problems as an infant. 鈥淚 remember visiting her in the NICU and thinking how cool it would be to be a nurse, just to be able to help someone,鈥� Rodgers recalls. Rodgers was hired with the fire department shortly after she started nursing school, but eventually stopped attending because of the job鈥檚 demands. She then landed a job as an EMT with the Cincinnati Poison Control Center, where she still works today.

Rodgers works two 24-hour shifts a week, which can include taking phone calls and making emergency visits to peoples鈥� locations. 鈥淲hen it comes to fire and EMS and really just medical care in general, I love to be able to see the results of my work,鈥� she says, adding that she likes to be able to ease peoples鈥� minds, whether their problem requires treatment, intervention, or another kind of action. Being able to see the impact she has on people is very rewarding, says Rodgers.

Rogers loved firefighting and being a paramedic, but the desire to do something more was always there and lead her to become emergency room paramedic in the trauma ER on her days off from the Poison Control Center. She discovered 51猎奇 via a coworker at the ER and took a hybrid of courses and exams to complete her Associate in Applied Science in Nursing in June 2019.

Rodgers initially applied for the Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination (CPNE) in July 2018 and was placed on the wait list. 鈥淏eing with 51猎奇 for as long as I had, I knew what to expect as far as wait time鈥 was okay with it. I said I would take this time to prepare,鈥� she says. 51猎奇 seven months in, she began calling for cancellation dates, and suddenly, on a Tuesday in the last week of March 2019, she was informed she could accept a cancellation date for the following Friday.

Things were a whirlwind. Rodgers had plans to take her children to Disney World for the first time during days and she wondered if she was prepared enough to accept the exam date. That鈥檚 when she thought, 鈥淭here hasn鈥檛 been anything else in my life that I really, really wanted, that I鈥檝e known that I wanted, and that I wanted to push through to get.鈥� Plans to take off work, transportation, and caring for her kids all seemed to fall into place, too. All she had left to do was to keep studying.

Rodgers made sure to enjoy her time with her children in Disney World but studied into the night when the kids were tucked in. She practiced her care plans, AOCs (areas of competencies), charts, and more to ensure she was prepared for the exam. It all paid off, says Rodgers, when she passed the CPNE at Aurora Medical Center in Summit, Wisconsin. 鈥淚 was just ecstatic. I could not have imagined that would be what I would consider the grand finale to my 51猎奇 journey,鈥� she remembers, adding that 51猎奇 was with her every step of the way: 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 imagine a more supportive school, especially knowing this journey is unconventional for what people are usually used to. But just by having the resources available and wanting to succeed, you will.鈥�

Rodgers studied hard to make sure she understood all the material. She says, 鈥淚t was just me, the 51猎奇 resources, and some darn good discussion board posts.鈥� She interacted with other students a lot in her nursing courses. They would discuss care plans, patient scenarios, and share their charts and grids. Rodgers thinks that creating a network of people who have taken the exam is beneficial because you can talk to people who have been there and know what to expect.

Rodgers says, 鈥淭he knowledge that you need is there. The guides are excellent resources鈥verything鈥檚 written out for you, even down to the paperwork that you鈥檙e provided during the CPNE. If you utilize the resources and put time and effort into it, you鈥檒l be fine.鈥� She says that a lot of the challenge of the CPNE is that people psych themselves out, and adds, 鈥淚 think the easiest way to fail is to not be mentally sound with your ability to pass.鈥�

Rodgers passed the National Council Licensure Examination on July 15, 2019 and can officially say she is a registered nurse. She is looking into bachelor鈥檚 and RN to master鈥檚 programs in nursing, including those at 51猎奇, but for now is going to stay at the Poison Control Center. She isn鈥檛 ruling out a career change, though. What got her through the CPNE and what will get her through the next steps is her determination and grit. As she says, 鈥淢y profession as a firefighter has trained me to be able to know it鈥檚 go time and there鈥檚 no turning back, and okay, yes, failure can happen, but you can鈥檛 let that happen.鈥�

More CPNE Advice from Alexis Rodgers

On preparing for the CPNE:

  • Use the AOCs and town hall meetings videos that are available on 51猎奇鈥檚 nursing website. 鈥淚f you watch those videos that they have provided, you will not go wrong,鈥� says Rodgers.

On taking the CPNE:

  • Rodgers suggests having an organized approach and to write down steps you have to take. 鈥淲ell, I have to do abdominal, I have to do neurological assessment, and oxygen management. I鈥檓 going to do them in this order,鈥� she says. Knowing and going with your own personal flow will help. Unless you鈥檙e doing something wrong, no one is going to interrupt you, she adds.
  • 鈥淗aving that template, having my PCS [patient care scenario]鈥攖his is what I was given, and this is how I鈥檓 going to execute. That was a huge help for me.鈥�
  • Don鈥檛 make things more complicated. Rodgers says, 鈥淚f you know you have the AOC assigned, why are you looking for extra interventions? I heard that in a town hall. If you have an AOC that鈥檚 been assigned to you, that you can use as an intervention for your nursing diagnosis, then you should use it. Don鈥檛 think far out of the box鈥nterventions for the patient should coincide with their needs.鈥�

Sailor Balances Service and Family to Earn Three Degrees

Posted on by Dana Yanulavich

As every sailor knows, staying on an even keel is important for stability. And Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dorothy Jimenez discovered firsthand that this state of balance applied to her personal life, too. Now a three-time 51猎奇 grad, Jimenez cites a drive to keep pushing forward in life and school with helping her succeed. She credits not only her family with bringing balance to her life, but learning as well. 鈥淪eeking to learn kept me thinking outside the box. I always thought this [earning a degree] is bigger than me, so it kept me focused; it helped me stay balanced,鈥� she said.

But Jimenez鈥檚 life hasn鈥檛 been without its ups and downs. Although enrolled in a local university following high school, she was not progressing as she had hoped. A single mom, she was looking for stability for both herself and her son and an opportunity to continue her education. A meeting with a Navy recruiter on campus launched her 20 plus year military career.

Once enlisted, a visit to the Navy college office started her on a path to her first degree, an Associate in Applied Science (Technology) in 2007. She recalled, 鈥淚 was so excited with 51猎奇, because they pretty much took all college credit for my military experience. And they helped me with a plan.鈥� Marriage to an active duty spouse Daniel and having another child were other milestones in Jimenez鈥檚 life, but she also wanted to continue with her educational goals. 鈥淚 stayed focused, going after my dreams, and kept moving toward my goals.鈥� And graduate again she did, in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies.

When both husband and wife are enlisted, family life and educational pursuits can be challenging, especially when responsibilities take the two in different directions. Once Dorothy had to attend six months of training when Daniel was called to a surge deployment. On another occasion, Dorothy was deployed and her husband was recruiting. 听Both times, their respective parents stepped up to the plate to help care for the growing family of four children, ages 7-23.

When Daniel deploys, Dorothy notes that she is basically a single mom again. 鈥淭hat is challenging because serving my country is a priority balanced with the priority of raising our children alone. It is tough, I have to make sure that our children are supported in every way possible. I had to make time to study, self-care, and commit to fitness goals. Some goals were easy and some I struggle with, but learned life lessons and experienced spiritual growth. Purposely, resilient in action, but there were many scrapes and sacrifices!鈥�

Despite these challenges, Jimenez continued to press forward with her studies. She tips her hat to the help from 51猎奇鈥檚 advisors and faculty. Admitting to missing some deadlines and repeating a course or two, Jimenez credits her advisor with vital coaching advice, offering her skills that she still uses to this day. She stayed in touch with her professors and found that 鈥渢hey understood that I was active duty military, I was a mom, and that I was trying to accomplish something.鈥� She also credits her current chain of command for their continued support for education. One of her current Navy commands visions is 鈥淪uccess achieved through synchronized operations, empowered by calculated risk and continuous learning.鈥� When she saw the light at the end of the tunnel with her bachelor鈥檚 degree classes, she was determined to continue and enroll in a master鈥檚 degree. But it wasn鈥檛 as easy as simply signing up for the program; she needed to prove to the dean that she had the right stuff. Her success in an initial class was all that was needed to start her on completing her dream of a graduate degree.

While Jimenez appreciates her undergraduate 51猎奇 degrees, she feels her Master of Public Administration earned in 2018 is the foundation on which to build on her life鈥檚 ultimate ambition: helping others. She hopes to draw on her favorite MPA courses, mediation and arbitration, to make a difference, perhaps as a public servant in the cyber community.

Now at a crossroads in her life, Jimenez is eligible to transition. And, of course, there is her continued need for growth and to press forward with her education. Seriously considering pursuing cybersecurity law as her next step, she plans to take the LSAT this year. 鈥淪erving others is my passion. I hope that all I learned in the Navy is combined into something excellent and great to serve others. If it does not help anyone, I don’t think it’s worth doing.鈥�

Jimenez said that she is humbled by all of her accomplishments. Growing up in a small town in Georgia with nine siblings, she noted that she did not have a lot of stability in her life. She credits first her faith, amazing husband and kids, hometown family, and mentors with encouraging her to set her mind on achieving her goals, telling her, 鈥淣o matter what you’ve gone through in your life, you can always shoot for the stars and to be whoever you want to be.鈥�

Reflecting on her three degrees, Jimenez said, 鈥�51猎奇 is a college that will work with you, that will support you no matter what you’ve been through in your life. When you take that first step, 51猎奇 will take the other steps with you. They were with me every step of the way with my degrees and I am forever grateful.鈥�

 

Leading By Example

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Kathleen Gallo Uses Multiple Skills to Succeed in Her Career

Kathleen Gallo of Ridgefield, Connecticut, never thought about being a nurse when she was younger. Her plan was to become a successful businesswoman. As her best friend pursued nursing, Gallo started to follow the same path and soon discovered she enjoyed nursing鈥檚 independent work and science background. Over the years, Gallo has been able to apply both her clinical and business skills in a variety of nursing settings, and today she is executive vice president and chief learning officer at , and dean of Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies.

With her best friend鈥檚 encouragement, Gallo made the career switch after working in business in Manhattan and enrolled in the LPN program at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City to see if it would be right for her. 鈥淚 thought, let me see if this is a profession that I want to devote my career to鈥攁nd I loved it right away,鈥� she recalls. When she graduated, Gallo worked at the Hospital for Special Surgery.听 Feeling the need to be challenged more, she went to work at Elmhurst General Hospital in Queens, where she 鈥渇ell in love with the patient population and the complexity of the patient care that was needed.鈥�

Eventually, Gallo married and had two children, and decided to continue her education. That鈥檚 when she discovered 51猎奇 (then Regents) College. 51猎奇鈥檚 distance learning was beneficial to her because she is a good independent learner, she says, adding that 51猎奇鈥檚 nursing program fit in with her life: 鈥淭hat program was just perfect for my learning style and it allowed me to accomplish what I needed to accomplish while I had a growing family.鈥� She earned an associate degree in nursing in 1980 and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing in 1986. She credits her 51猎奇 degrees with preparing her to go on to earn a master鈥檚 degree in nursing at Stony Brook University and a PhD and MBA at Adelphi University. She says, 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know what the outcome would have been if it wasn鈥檛 for Regents at the time. Eventually I would have gotten to where I wanted to go but at a much, much later stage in my life and, of course, that would have impacted on my career and where I am today.鈥�

While going back to school for her undergraduate degrees and caring for two young children, Gallo worked every other weekend at North Shore University Hospital in the emergency department. She liked the emergency department and trauma because of many 鈥渕oving parts鈥� and making decisions based on good information, as well as working in teams. Gallo moved on in her career, eventually becoming the director of the emergency department at Stony Brook University Hospital, and then becoming system administrative director of emergency medicine at North Shore-LIJ Health System (now Northwell Health) in 1996.

Northwell Health is the largest health system in New York State with 66,000 employees, 23 hospitals, and more than 700 outpatient facilities. In 2001, as the Chief Learning Officer, Gallo led the creation of the Center for Learning and Innovation, which focuses on workforce development, leadership development, and includes business courses. The Center also has a significant interprofessional clinical simulation center and a bio-skills education center for clinical education. In 2015, Gallo became the founding dean for the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. 鈥淏etween Hofstra and Northwell, the resources for our nurse practitioner, PA, and medical students are quite significant and impactful,鈥� she says.

Gallo leans on her nursing and business experience gained during her various jobs throughout the years. She says in her current roles, she has a bigger impact on patient care: 鈥淎s a clinician, you can affect one, maybe two patients at a time; where as an administrator you can aim to make an environment such that multiple staff are affecting multiple patients with good outcomes.鈥�

Gallo enjoys helping students become successful and seeing the impact her team has made on the lives of students and patients. Though retirement is in her near future, Gallo wants to continue to build nursing programs and expand the Center for Learning. She doesn鈥檛 want to slow down or stop building, and she鈥檚 ready to face anything. 鈥淚f there isn鈥檛 a challenge, I鈥檓 not interested鈥here鈥檚 nothing better than a challenging role,鈥� she says.

More from Kathleen Gallo:

Best podcast/book/magazine:

鈥淚鈥檓 a big Harvard Business Review reader. I also read the Wall Street Journal. I like the Sunday New York Times.鈥�

Most important skills in being a leader:

鈥淣o. 1 is hire the right people and have programs in place so they can advance their skills and competencies鈥here鈥檚 nothing better than having your employees working at the top of their potential.鈥�

Best advice received about being a chief learning officer:

鈥淚t鈥檚 all about the people; it鈥檚 not about the chief learning officer. And you鈥檙e there to strategize on how to be able to advance the organization through the power of its employees.鈥�

What is Nursing Informatics and What Jobs Can I Get?

Posted on by 51猎奇 Staff

Nurses know that more data and better information leads to better health outcomes for their patients, and in today鈥檚 health care landscape, we have more sources of information than ever before as medical records and patient data are digitized. As this quantity of data increases, so does the need for qualified informaticists with the ability to interpret the numbers and help health care providers make better decisions. So, if you鈥檙e a nurse who鈥檚 looking to integrate your passion for patient care with a talent for data and analytics, look no further than a career in nursing informatics.

What exactly is 鈥渘ursing informatics?鈥� Despite the role being indispensable to nearly every major health care system, informatics remains an 鈥渋nvisible health hero鈥� to most people outside of the industry.

The Health Care Information and Management System Society (HIMSS) defines nursing informatics as 鈥渢he specialty that integrates nursing science with multiple information management and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage, and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. Nursing Informatics supports nurses, consumers, patients, the inter-professional healthcare team, and other stakeholders in their decision-making in all roles and settings to achieve desired outcomes. This support is accomplished through the use of information structures, information processes, and information technology.鈥�

A nurse informaticist acts as a liaison between the technical and clinical aspects of a project or a problem to improve processes, decision making, and health outcomes as well as reduce errors, costs, and care delays. For example, a nurse informaticist may be asked to examine data to identify possible sources of patient readmissions (ie. lack of support at home, difficulty in understanding written care instructions, or a hazardous job) and then work with a hospital鈥檚 IT department to develop technological processes that flag those factors to health care providers helping them deal with possible issues before they result in additional trips to the hospital.

Nurse informaticists most often work in hospitals or other health care facilities but are increasingly being employed by consulting firms, universities, corporations, and the government. Job titles often reflect the blending of health care with information technology and career paths could include:
鈥⑻� Clinical Systems Analyst

  • Database Specialist
  • Electronic Heath Records (EHR) Informatics Liaison
  • Clinical Informatics Nurse
  • Clinical Informatics or Applications Specialist
  • Pharmacy or Nutrition Informaticist
  • Chief Medical Information Officer
  • Health Data Scientist or Researcher
  • Professor of Informatics
  • Health Information Technology (IT) Project Manager

To break into this fast-growing career, you鈥檒l need to start as a registered nurse. And because of the specializations of the field, informaticist positions usually require higher levels of education. The 2017 Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey reported that 57 percent of respondents currently working in the field have a post-graduate degree and 41 percent reported that they planned to pursue additional informatics education and training within the next year.

Nursing informatics is a rewarding and complex job but you can expect a higher than average salary in return. The HIMSS 2017 Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey asked respondents to identify their base salary as of December 1, 2016. Twenty-five percent of respondents鈥� salary ranged from $86,000 to $100,000 while 24 percent ranged from $61,000 to $85,000. Nearly half of respondents indicated a salary of over $100,000. There were increases from the 2014 survey for each salary range over $100,000.

The most successful candidates will need strong project management, analytical, and problem solving skills as well as a talent for critical thinking and creativity. Think you have what it takes for a career in informatics? 听Check out 51猎奇鈥檚 MS program in Nursing Informatics today.

 

How to Write a Cover Letter

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

With a well-crafted cover letter, you can introduce yourself in a memorable, personal way on a job application. Some hiring managers consider it to be the most important part of your job application. It is a great opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all other candidates.

Following are some things you should and should not include in your cover letter.

What Is Cover Letter?

听Your resume lays out the facts to potential employers, but your cover letter conveys your personality. The Society for Human Resources surveyed organizations on resumes, cover letters, and interviews and found the top three things that must be included in a cover letter are: how a candidate鈥檚 work experience meets job requirements, how a candidate鈥檚 skills meet job requirements, and why a candidate wants to work at the organization.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

听Successful cover letters include these sections:

  • Contact Information: Your details, plus those of the target company.
  • Salutation:听Address your cover letter听like a professional. While it is fine to use 鈥淒ear Sir/Madam鈥� or 鈥淭o Whom It May Concern鈥� when addressing the recruiter, taking the time to find out to whom you are addressing your letter makes a much stronger impression.
  • The 鈥淚ntro鈥� Paragraph: Your听cover letter introduction should grab the reader鈥檚 attention. Consider introducing yourself with a snappy first sentence that highlights your excitement about the company, your passion for the work you do, or your past accomplishments. Check out examples of听in an engaging, attention-grabbing way.
  • The 鈥淏ody鈥� Paragraphs: A good cover letter has body paragraphs that showcase your abilities & how you fit into the company鈥檚 future.
  • Call-to-Action: The best cover letter CTA lets the hiring manager know when you鈥檙e available to interview, and that you will follow up if necessary.
  • The Sign-off: A cover letter closing should consist of 鈥淪incerely,鈥� 鈥淩egards,鈥� or 鈥淏est Regards,鈥� and your name.

How to Craft Your Cover Letter

听When writing your letter, you should write like yourself, but you should also pick听the appropriate voice and tone听for the company you鈥檙e applying to.听For instance, the tone of a letter for a legal consulting firm will likely differ from听a graphic design firm. Be sure to also add some word variation to help you stand out against other applicants. Instead of describing yourself as creative, try imaginative. Instead of saying you鈥檙e determined, say you鈥檙e tenacious. These word variations show that you can think beyond what the average applicant can.

Things to Remember

  • Keep it short. In general, don鈥檛 go over a page for resumes or cover letters. In one survey, more than two-thirds of employers said they prefer a cover letter around 250 words. Check out these听to a page or less.
  • Dishonesty on your cover letter听isn鈥檛 in your best interest. Don鈥檛 imply or indicate you have a skill that you don鈥檛 actually have. It might come back to bite you.
  • Don鈥檛 apologize. When you don鈥檛 meet all the job requirements, you may be tempted to say something like, 鈥淒espite my limited experience as a manager鈥︹�� Instead of drawing attention to your weaknesses, emphasize the strengths and transferable skills you do have.
  • Consider testimonials. Sometimes feedback听from former co-workers, managers, or clients can go a long way in illustrating your passion or skills. Just don鈥檛 go overboard.
  • Don鈥檛 be afraid to brag. Do you have a hard time writing about yourself? Try this tip: What would your favorite boss, your best friend, or your mentor say about you? Write the letter from their point of view.
  • Finish strong. Your closing paragraph is your last chance to emphasize how you鈥檇 be a great fit for the position. You can use the end of your letter to add other important details, too. Check out some examples of closing lines you want to avoid at .
  • Edit and proof. Remember to edit your cover letter and have a friend take a look. Use the to see how it sounds out loud and edit accordingly. Ask a friend if your letter sells you as the right person for the job. If it doesn鈥檛, you might have more work to do.

Remember that a cover letter is your chance to impress the potential employer and let them know you鈥檙e excited to be part of their company. It鈥檚 your opportunity to tell about you! For more helpful tips about writing cover letters, visit , , and . Also, be sure to visit 51猎奇鈥檚 Career Center at for more advice on job searching, resume writing, interview tips, military and veteran transition, and more.

51猎奇 Presents Webinar on Military Mental Health Issues

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Mental health care is an important and growing part of our national discussion, but did you know that mental health issues disproportionately affect over 18 million U.S. veterans and their families? The statistics are staggering.

  • The Department of Veterans Affairs鈥� National Center for PTSD estimated that 1 in 20 of the nation鈥檚 5 million surviving World War II veterans suffers from PTSD as well as:
    • 31 percent of Vietnam veterans
    • 10 percent of Gulf War veterans (Desert Storm)
    • 11 percent of veterans from the war in Afghanistan
  • According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there were 40,056 homeless veterans living in the U.S. in a single night in January 2017.
  • Less than 50 percent of returning veterans suffering from mental illness receive treatment.
  • 20 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States.

On May 9, 51猎奇 College held a webinar to discuss some of the health issues unique to military populations. Presented by Sandra Butterfield, 鈥�86 , Jessica Cheverie, 鈥�02 , and James Ketzler, 鈥�00, the webinar focused on the multitude of reasons for the higher rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder , depression, and Traumatic Brain Injury among veterans as well as barriers to care and how to get help.

Because of their long-term exposure to high-intensity kinetic conflict, uncertainty, combat-related injuries or death, loss of control, and long separations from their loved ones, veterans often return from military service with significant mental health challenges as they transition back to civilian life. All too often, these issues trickle down to other members of their families as well.

Recognizing the signs of mental distress early is key to diagnosis and treatment. Some warning behaviors could include:

  • Prolonged sadness, anxiety, or strong feelings of anger
  • Extreme emotional highs or extreme lows
  • Social withdrawal
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • Delusions or hallucinations
  • Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Denial of obvious problems
  • Excessive substance use

The institutional stigma surrounding mental illness within the military community causes many servicemembers to avoid seeking treatment for fear of professional consequences as severe as dishonorable discharge. Until recently, the military had limited mental health screenings available and the armed forces does not require servicemembers to disclose mental health problems to their chain of command.

Fortunately, the military has changed many of its policies in recent years to encourage better mental health and the Department of Defense states that they realize untreated mental health conditions pose a greater safety risk than mental health conditions for which the person is seeking treatment. A 2014 rule states that receiving a diagnosis or seeking treatment can not affect your career, even if your doctors need to disclose your condition.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness or the transition to civilian life, the below resources could help:

  • Veterans Crisis Line at
  • Confidential counselors available for military and their families through at 1-800-342-9647
  • Real Warriors at
  • After Deployment at
  • In Transition at or 1-800-424-7877
  • My HealtheVet at

If you鈥檙e interested in learning more, a recording of this webinar is available for our alumni community by logging in here: . Visit our Alumni Events Page to see what webinars we have coming up at听 /alumni/alumni-events/.

 

2016 Graduate Jeromie Cook Recognized for his Dedication to Military Service

Posted on by Alicia Jacobs

51猎奇 College grad, Jeromie Cook, received a Master of Business Administration in technology management with highest honors from 51猎奇 College in 2016. Recently he was recognized in Marquis Who鈥檚 Who Biographee for his dedication to military service. 听听Mr. Cook has earned two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, four Navy Achievement Medals, plus numerous other personal and unit awards. Cook is a retired U.S. Navy veteran and a nuclear master chief. He excels as the manager of emergency preparedness for Fluor Marine Propulsion LLC and the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, with which he also works as the principal compliance engineer.听听

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