Rachel Zook Memorial Speaker Series to debut during Nurses Week

Please plan to join us on Monday, May 6, 2024, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., for the first event in the Rachel Zook Memorial Speaker Series. Marcus Engel will present The Other End of the Stethoscope at The Ohio State University Fawcett Center, 2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus.

The Other End of the Stethoscope reminds healthcare professionals of the vital role they play in the healing process of patients. This keynote details the experience of a young patient during hospitalization, the care and compassion shown by health care professionals and the importance of health care professionals to be safe, secure and appreciated in their role within this sacred field.

Participants will also come away with an understanding of each patient and co-worker’s individuality, unique differences and appreciation for the role every health care employee plays in the healing of patients and their families. The patient and family experiences are absolutely vital in quality, competent health care.

There is no cost to attend and continuing education credit is available. The Mount Carmel community is invited to register early, before the event is opened up to other potential attendees. Watch your email for an invitation, or register online to attend.

Dr. Jami Nininger named Academic Dean

MCCN President Todd Ambrosia, DNP, MSN, MBA, FNP-BC, FANP, recently appointed Jami Nininger ’87, DNP, RN, to the position of Academic Dean.

“Having served in diverse leadership and faculty roles, Dean Nininger has been influential in shaping nursing education, aligning her efforts with Mount Carmel's mission to effectively prepare the next generation of nurses,” said Ambrosia. “As a proud alumna, seasoned nurse, and accomplished educator, Dean Nininger continues to foster academic excellence in the preparation of the next generation of nurses, aspiring to foster the growth of others while making a meaningful mark on the field of nursing education.”

TogetherTeam Care Model launched

Late last year, Mount Carmel launched a new care model—TogetherTeam Virtual Connected Care™—at Mount Carmel Grove City on the fifth and sixth floors. The care model is a three-person care team that includes a direct care RN, care partner (MST or LPN) and Virtual RN (vRN). All Virtual RNs works from a Virtual Nursing Hub located at Mount Carmel East. This is part of the MCHS commitment to providing the best patient care possible through innovative care models that benefit patients, families, nurses, and our communities.

"This model not only confronts the imminent challenges nurses face as clinicians through creativity and ingenuity but also enhances care delivery and bolsters job satisfaction—paving the way for the nurses of tomorrow. It is truly a pioneering strategy with a veritable team care model that will help us inspire a new era of nursing excellence," said Tauana McDonald, president, Mount Carmel Grove City.

WBNS 10TV highlight this innovative model for care. Watch the 10TV story.

Save the date!
MCAA 2024 Homecoming Celebration

November 2, 2024

Brookside Country Club
2770 W. Granville Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43235

• 5 - 6 p.m. - cash bar, class pictures, silent auction
• 6 – 9 p.m. - dinner and program

Watch for more details and registration information in the Summer LAMP!

Meet tomorrow’s nurses!

MCCN students are highlighted in a new Friday Focus feature on the College website. You can get to know more about tomorrow’s nurses, what motivates them, what challenges them, and how each of them aspires to deliver exceptional care.

Meet Justin G. Sayre ’02, MSN, RN, CPC-P

Professional highlights

I worked as a Senior Manager Medical Policy with Aetna. I've also taught for the last 15 years with Chamberlain College of Nursing and recently left teaching to return to the hospital as a Nursing Administrator at Marion General Hospital.

Original hometown

Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Current hometown

Pataskala, Ohio

When did you first feel the call to be a nurse?

Middle school. Knew I wanted to go into healthcare and mom was a nurse (Mount Carmel grad - 1970) so seemed like a good fit.

What television show do you have to DVR every week?

Chicago Med, Fire, PD

What is your favorite memory of Mount Carmel?

We were asked to participate in one of the city's mass disaster drills at the airport. Acting as a patient was a great experience.

What advice would you like to share with other nurses as they move from student to alumni of Mount Carmel?

Take what you've learned at Mt Carmel that will serve as a strong base as you begin your career, be open minded and learn all you can. Take excellent care of the people you have a chance to engage with.

In addition to his full-time position, Justin is an Eagle Scout and has been the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 279 for last 25 years. “I’ve had had 70 Eagle Scouts in that time, including my youngest daughter (middle above picture). I’ve also served as the Chief Nursing Officer for the last three National and World Scout Jamboree’s held in the US where 60,000+ scouts come together for a 10-day adventure,” said Sayer.

Meet new MCAA board member Karen (Holt) Powell 82, BSN, CCRN

Professional Highlights

So many... roles mainly as a charge nurse or care manager and as a manager for many years. In 1986 I was one of three Assistant Unit Directors under Pat Skunda ’72, ’10, ’14, MS, RN, and assisted in the re-creation of 5 South as the Cardiac Step-down at Mount Carmel West, which later became the Cath Lab Care Unit (CLCU). In early 2000’s, I presented at the NTI in San Antonio on our “She-Bleed” protocol, which assists in the prevention of bleeding complications post-heart catheterization. In 2009 - 2010, I assisted in the establishment of the cardiac program at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s. I was one of the first recipients of the “Daisy Award” at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s. I retired from there in March 2023.

Hometown

Columbus, Ohio

Current hometown

Westerville, Ohio.

When did you first feel the call to be a nurse?

I knew I wanted to work in the medical field was I was young. I received a scholarship from Ohio Dominican College and the plan was to double major in biology and chemistry and work in a hospital laboratory. My brother (who at the time was a Columbus fireman) said I should think about nursing. So, I applied, and the rest is history!!

What television show do you have to DVR every week?

I have to DVR CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley. I absolutely love it! Everything else revolves around sports - football and basketball.

My favorite memories always include the people I worked with and how together we managed difficult situations. Many of the staff are my best friends still today. I feel my best memories are a collection of how the procedures we performed have evolved and improved over the years and that I was actively involved in the successes.

What are you currently reading?

The book I’m reading is Prince Harry’s Spare.

What is your favorite memory of Mount Carmel?

I have always considered Mount Carmel my second home. I loved my work. I loved the colleagues I worked with. We always had a great team and the caring compassionate service we provided was excellent. I always felt the support to grow professionally with the many educational opportunities that were provided either through tuition reimbursement or through the Professional Nurse Advancement Program (PNAP) of which I was an active member and supporter for many years. My passion for my work allowed me to precept, coach, and mentor in many facets of my career.

What advice would you like to share with other nurses as they move from student to alumni of Mount Carmel?

The advice I would give to new students is to embrace this field of limitless opportunities that they are entering. They are fresh out of school with immense knowledge that they may share with others. Never underestimate their new skills and never stop learning! Enjoy this time and know that their compassionate care is so important to their patients who are at their most vulnerable time of their lives. They will never forget you or you them.