Awards

Nursing PhD student receives grant from Sigma Theta Tau for research on preventing ICU delirium

Mary Cunningham — Mon, 01 May 2023 14:19:04 +0000

Nursing PhD student receives grant from Sigma Theta Tau for research on preventing ICU delirium Mary Cunningham Mon, 05/01/2023 - 10:19

Nursing PhD student Theresa Smith received the $5,000 Sigma Small grant from Sigma Theta Tau International’s Sigma Foundation for Nursing. The funds are awarded to nurses for the advancement of the profession via research. Smith is one of 16 recipients this year and says the grant will help further her dissertation research, titled “Weighted Blankets: An Intervention for Managing ICU Delirium.”

“[Intensive Care Unit (ICU)] delirium has such a negative effect on patients,” says Smith. “It not only increases morbidity and mortality but leads to other conditions, and it even impacts post-ICU admission post-traumatic stress disorder.”

Smith’s research seeks to identify if the use of weighted blankets has an effect on the symptoms of ICU delirium for patients who are mechanically ventilated. Delirium affects up to 87 percent of ICU patients, with those on a ventilator having the highest incidence. Smith hopes that an easily implementable intervention such as covering patients with a weighted blanket can contribute to better patient outcomes.

Smith credits Mason’s Nursing PhD Program with expanding her understanding of research and how she can have an impact on health care through her field of study. “My experiences with the faculty and my dissertation chair have been invaluable and have allowed me opportunities to present, publish, and network with experts in my field,” she says. “I strongly believe that this program has opened doors toward my future in nursing research.”

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Honoring Mason Nurses Awardees Announced

Mary Cunningham — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 20:24:45 +0000

Honoring Mason Nurses Awardees Announced Mary Cunningham Mon, 04/04/2022 - 16:24

The CHHS School of Nursing is proud to announce three award winners to be recognized at its Honoring Mason Nurses: Past, Present, and Future event:

Outstanding Nurse Champion Award: Ashley Frese, BSN '04, MSN '12
Outstanding Nurse Innovation Award: Anna Norwood, MSN '18

Outstanding Public Health Nurse Award: Kadija Conteh-Barrat, BSN '09, DNP '15

“On behalf of the School of Nursing, we are so proud to honor these three outstanding nurses for their contribution to the DC-area and the world. Their perseverance and determination to excel in their practice has improved the quality of care and lives of patients,” said Cheryl Oetjen, interim Director of the School of Nursing.

The April 28 event, hosted at Fairfax Country Club, recognizes the achievements and impact of Mason School of Nursing graduates, including Frese, Norwood, and Conteh-Barrat, for all they do to support the health and well-being of Northern Virginia residents and beyond.

The College welcomes all alumni, students, and friends of the School of Nursing to attend this event. We hope you will join us to honor these nurses and all Mason nurses. Tickets are now available here for Honoring Mason Nurses.

The College put out a call for colleagues, fellow alumni, friends, or family to nominate an outstanding Mason nurse. Once nominations were collected the Honoring Mason Nurses executive committee, comprised of School of Nursing alumna and faculty, reviewed each nomination by predetermined criteria to determine a winner. Learn more about the awardees below.

Outstanding Nurse Champion Award: Ashley Frese, BSN '04, MSN '12

The Outstanding Nurse Champion Award recognizes the exceptional courage and passion of a frontline nurse who breaks through barriers to advocate for patients, families, and their team while working on the frontlines of the health care industry.

Ashley Frese serves on the frontline as the director of the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Critical Care Fellowship at Inova’s Fairfax Medical Campus (IFMC), as well as the APP Director for the Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit. She has been a critical care nurse practitioner with the Medical Critical Care Services at IFMC for 10 years. Her areas of interest include hemorrhagic and distributive shock, with a focus on methodologies of massive volume resuscitation. Frese loves to teach and is the chair of the Education Committee for Critical Care at IFMC, and has been an adjunct faculty member at Mason since 2015.

“She is a voice for advanced practice nurses, bedside nurses, and, above all, for our patients. Whether it be staying past her shift to ensure a plan of care is instituted correctly, taking time to educate a peer or staff nurse, or speaking on the behalf of nursing to administration, she is always tirelessly advocating for nursing and patients,” said one of the multiple people to nominated Freese.

Frese graduated from the George Mason University/George Washington University Collaborative Nurse Practitioner program and will graduate with her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2023.

Outstanding Nurse Innovation Award: Anna Norwood, MSN '18

The Outstanding Nurse Innovation Award recognizes a nurse who demonstrates innovation in creating a better workplace, patient care, device, or business opportunity to enhance the health and wellbeing of their community.

Anna C. Norwood, MSN, RN, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner and the founder and owner of Kinetic Medical Group, a physical medicine and rehabilitation group which serves over 15 skilled nursing facilities, long term care facilities and assisted living facilities in Virginia and Maryland. After graduation, Norwood worked in skilled nursing facilities where she developed a love for high-quality geriatric care. Seeing gaps in care, she started Kinetic Medical Group to improve orthopedic and pain management care at the facilities where she serves. She is a recognized expert and a successful nurse entrepreneur who has created an innovative medical group.

“There is no doubt that Anna is the best candidate to receive the Outstanding Nurse Innovation Award as she truly demonstrates medical knowledge and compassion as a nurse and entrepreneurship by starting her own practice, and surpasses co-workers by taking additional time to educate staff and share current research in her field with other health care professionals,” said one of many people who nominated Frese for the innovation award. “I hope that you will consider celebrating this leader in the field of nursing, Anna Norwood, who is a true entrepreneur, healthcare hero, and inspiration to myself and so many others.”

Norwood has advanced certifications in orthopedics, including advanced training in nerve blocks and intra-articular injections. She is a specialist in a range of conditions that impact physical function including musculoskeletal conditions, neurologic conditions, and end-of-life pain management. She is licensed to provide Suboxone treatment and has a passion for treatment of addiction. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Mason with a Nurse Practitioner concentration.

Outstanding Public Health Nurse Award: Kadija Conteh-Barrat, BSN '09, DNP '15

The Outstanding Public Health Nurse Award recognizes a nurse who makes outstanding contributions to the field of public health, including social justice, health equity, and the delivery of public health care and services.

Kadija Conteh-Barrat is the founder and CEO of Manak Community Health Organization (MaCHO), founded in 2020 to advance health equity and drive better health outcomes in the most underserved communities in Sierra Leone. Conteh-Barrat’s work to help those in crisis and to increase access to quality health care in Sierra Leone was inspired by her life-changing experiences during Sierra Leone's civil war and as a refugee in Guinea.

“Kadija's medical missions and community clinic are helping to address health care needs in Sierra Leone, advance health equity, decrease mortality, and improve health outcomes in these hard-to-reach communities,” said one of her nominators.

In March 2022, Conteh-Barrat completed her second medical mission in Sierra Leone and established a health clinic in the Yurika community, serving 84 villages. She has partnered with US non-profits and the local health district to ensure sustainability, increase capacity, expand care in isolated communities, and provide lifesaving medications, ongoing chronic disease management, and maternal childcare.

Conteh-Barrat is working toward a postgraduate certificate in Psychiatric and Mental Health at Mason and is an adjunct faculty member in the College of Health and Human Services. In 2021, she was recognized as an Emerging Leader in Healthcare by United Health Group.

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MAP Clinics Recognized by Prince William County Chamber of Commerce for Innovative Partnership to Battle COVID-19

John Brandon Cantrell — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 14:05:42 +0000

MAP Clinics Recognized by Prince William County Chamber of Commerce for Innovative Partnership to Battle COVID-19 John Brandon C… Wed, 03/02/2022 - 09:05

Topics

MAP Clinic

Mason and Partners (MAP)

School of Nursing

CHHS

coronavirus; covid-19

Awards

Mason and Partners Clinics and Prince William Health District Partner to Deliver Vaccine and Testing to Underserved Residents

Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics received the Innovative Practice or Partnership of the Year award from the Prince William County (VA) Chamber of Commerce 2022 Business Awards for its trailblazing work with the City of Manassas Park Public Health Department and Prince William County Health Department (PWHCD).

“Our collaboration with the MAP Clinics has enabled the Prince William Health District to expand its vaccination and testing programs, and to reach individuals who may be hesitant to be tested for COVID or receive the vaccine,” said Prince William Health District Director Alison Ansher.

The Clinics have innovated their services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to provide health services to underserved populations in Northern Virginia. In 2021, MAP Clinics supported the PWCHD with its vaccination efforts and provided free COVID-19 testing to uninsured and low-income community members. From July 2020 through June 2021, the Clinics provided more than 41,300 vaccinations at Clinics and 3,7000 mobile vaccinations. As another example of innovating to meet the need of the community, the health district and the MAP Clinics vaccinated thousands of early childhood educators. Then-Virginia First Lady Pamela Northam praised the MAP Clinics for their work as frontline workers supporting other frontline educators.

"I am so proud of all of the MAP Clinic and Health District staff who work together to find new ways to provide excellent care each day to members of our community. We are grateful to the City of Manassas and Prince William County Health District for their partnership, helping us achieve our goals to support and uplift the community,” said, Rebecca Sutter, DNP, APRN, BC-FNP, Director, MAP Clinics, and Associate Professor of Nursing.

The MAP Clinics, operated by the School of Nursing, provide opportunities for Mason students to receive firsthand, guided experience in giving interprofessional care to patients and responding to community-based needs.

“Through the work of these partnerships, our students truly understand the social determinants of health,” said Cheryl Oetjen, interim Chair of the Department of Nursing. “The magic in student learning is visible when what may have been stigma becomes empathy.”

Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics are a network of no-cost bridge health care clinics supported by the School of Nursing and the College of Health and Human Services at George Mason University. These academic-community partnered interprofessional clinics serve the underinsured and uninsured communities within Prince William and Fairfax counties by providing low barrier access to acute and chronic health care services, school physicals and childhood immunizations, screenings, and mental health services for vulnerable populations. The ambulatory clinics address the social determinant needs for the community and help navigate individuals through community referrals, resources, and case management for medical home placement; wellness and integrated care; and nurse-led follow up for chronic disease management and education.

The Innovative Practice or Partnership of the Year award is awarded to a member business, not-for-profit organization, or government entity that has demonstrated outstanding vision and groundbreaking solutions in the last year. The Prince William Chamber Business Awards are held annually to honor the best of local businesses to recognize excellence in business, innovative practices, outstanding contributions to the community, and organizations that stand out among their peers.

The Washington Post-American Nurses Association and The Washingtonian Magazine Recognize Mason Nursing Excellence in Local Awards

John Brandon Cantrell — Mon, 10 May 2021 15:32:49 +0000

The Washington Post-American Nurses Association and The Washingtonian Magazine Recognize Mason Nursing Excellence in Local Awards John Brandon C… Mon, 05/10/2021 - 11:32

2021 Star Nurses Finalists

Excellence in Nursing Awards

Topics

In This Story

Caroline Sutter, DNP

Martha (Marti) Y. Kubik, PhD, RN, FAAN

Local Nursing Awards Recognize Mason Alumni.

As we continue to celebrate National Nurses Month, the American Nurses Association has dedicated the week of May 10 to May 14 as a time to recognize and celebrate the dedication, commitment, and contributions nurses provide to their patients, colleagues, and communities.

Caroline Sutter, Mason alumna, professor, and co-director of the Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics, was named one of the 2021 Star Nurses from the Washington Post and American Nurses Association (ANA).

At George Mason University, the School of Nursing prepares nurses to become leaders in their field through extensive practical and academic training. Mason Nursing excellence has been recognized through two local awards.

This year, three Mason alumni (including one faculty member) were selected as 2021 Star Nurses finalists by the Washington Post, in partnership with the American Nurses Association.

With over one hundred nominees, the Washington Post and American Nurses Association (ANA) selected the top candidates who represent the “epitome of skill, professionalism, and care” as they work in the frontlines to provide care in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia Metropolitan area. Of the 2021 Star Nurses, six nurses will be named as Nightingale Award winners on May 26.

Among the nurses selected is two-time Mason alumna, Caroline Sutter (MSN ’01, DNP ‘12), who is also the co-director of the Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics and associate professor in the School of Nursing.

“I am humbled by this recognition and have loved every minute of my nursing career,” Sutter said. “I am proud to be a Mason nurse, where we encourage innovative thinking and allow ideas to blossom into initiatives that make a difference. I am particularly proud of the work we do at the Mason and Partner Clinics to improve the health of the most vulnerable in our communities and to offer hands-on learning opportunities that prepare our students to thrive in the health care workforce.”

Along with Sutter, Mason alumnus Kenneth Daniel (BSN ’00) and alumna Donna Thomas (MSN ’17) were selected as 2021 finalists.

“We’ve always known that Mason nurses are special and that they bring passion, competency, and resilience to their careers,” said Marti Kubik, director and professor of the School of Nursing. “I particularly want to congratulate Carrie Sutter for the well-deserved honor and to thank her for her tireless work in the community.”

In addition to the Mason nurses selected as the 2021 Star Nurses, eight Mason alumni were featured in the Washingtonian’s 50 Exceptional Nurses list to honor nurses who “go above and beyond every day for their patients and colleagues.” In this recognition, Mason alumni represented 16% of nurses on the list.

Laila S. Bailey, BSN ’85, MSN ‘10; Meghan K. Bozzelli, BSN ’07; Christine M. Chaney, BSN ’02; Susan E. (Sue) Frank, BSN ’78, MSN ’96; Lauren J. Keane, BSN ’11; Kimberly A. Miller, MSN ’15; Myra B. (Connie) Wisnaes, BSN ’93; and Michelle J. Vassallo, MHA ’15 were among those who received the Exceptional Nurses honor.

“It’s wonderful to see our faculty and alumni recognized in the community through initiatives like the Washington Post/ANA Star Nurses and Washingtonian Magazine Excellence in Nursing Award,” Kubik said. “Thank you to all nurses – we appreciate your many contributions.”

Celebrating the 2021 Faculty and Staff Honorees

John Brandon Cantrell — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 17:16:54 +0000

Celebrating the 2021 Faculty and Staff Honorees John Brandon C… Tue, 04/27/2021 - 13:16

2021 CHHS Faculty and Staff Award Winners

Topics

In This Story

Dr. Cathy Tompkins

Robert M. Weiler, PhD, MPH

Congratulations to all the winners recognized at the 2021 College of Health and Human Services Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony on Monday, April 26.

The ceremony celebrated the continued commitment and accomplishments of the College’s faculty and staff throughout a challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, 17 members from the College received an award to acknowledge their dedication in their areas of teaching excellence, community engagement, research, innovation, and leadership.

For a complete list of this year’s winners, please visit the 2021 CHHS Faculty and Staff Award page.

Robert Weiler, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, congratulated the honorees, as well as the College’s faculty and staff, for their hard work and dedication this past year. He applauded the College’s resilience and grit during what was a challenging year for many faculty, staff, and students.

Cathy Tompkins, Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, celebrated not only the winners and their accomplishments but also the work of all faculty and staff—acknowledging the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the move to virtual instruction.

Tompkins also recognized College faculty and staff who received awards throughout Mason, including those recognized at the Celebration of Distinction, such as P.J. Maddox who received Mason’s Faculty of the Year Award.

Congratulations to all faculty and staff award recipients for instilling excellence and sustaining the College’s mission.

How are award winners chosen?

Every year, colleagues send in nominations to their department chair, in which the department chair decides on who will receive the nomination. Once the nominations from the departments are decided, an ad hoc committee comprised of last year’s winners determines who receives the award.