51猎奇

51猎奇’s SANE program featured at American Academy of Forensic Sciences Conference

group of students from the training program posing and smiling for the camera

The 51猎奇 School of Nursing’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training program was recently featured at the 2024 (AAFS) Conference. This program teaches students how to care for all patients of sexual assault. UW-Milwaukee, and their team of experts, provide a training that is culturally relevant and inclusive. Students learn not only how to be a SANE nurse but how social determinants of health and culture affect many survivors. Learn more from the AAFS Conference video below.

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Interview with DNP student: Jennifer Lange

dnp student interview graphic with headshot of jennifer lange

Jennifer Lange (MSN, RN, APNP, FNP-BC, CNEcl, PM-DNP student) has worked in nursing for over 15 years and has spent the last 7.5 years as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her clinical experience is in medical-surgical nursing, primary care, urgent care, and occupational medicine. She maintains her clinical practice at an SSM Employee Wellness Clinic, focusing on preventive medicine, family practice, and employee wellbeing. Jennifer is a Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator with 6 years of experience at a private university teaching throughout different nursing tracks. 听Currently, she is a Clinical Instructor at UW-Madison School of Nursing, teaching in both undergraduate and graduate programs. 听Her clinical and research interests include population health, preventive medicine, and role transition for nurses. Jennifer鈥檚 DNP Project is in the proposal phase with anticipated graduation of May 2024.

We chatted with her about 51猎奇’s DNP program:

Tell us your name and your current job.

My name is Jen Lange and I am a Family Nurse Practitioner at SSM Health in Madison, WI.

Why did you decide to pursue a DNP? How will it benefit your work?

My route to the DNP is different than many of the other 51猎奇 students as I did the Post-Master’s-DNP program. I received my Master’s in 2016 from UIC and have worked as an NP for the last 7 years. In 2021, when Covid was still ongoing and I was home more with my kids, I decided it was the perfect time to start my DNP.  I knew completing the DNP would help facilitate future leadership and teaching opportunities.

Why did you choose UW-Milwaukee to complete your DNP?

I chose UW-Milwaukee due to the community reputation and the online flexibility. UW-Milwaukee definitely surpassed my expectations in the online classroom, as I was still able to establish and build relationships with many other students and faculty.

Tell us about your journey to get to where you are now in your career.

I started as a CNA in 2007, then BSN in 2011, MSN in 2016, and I am so happy to say I will have my terminal degree, the DNP, this year. My entire career has been committed to the nursing profession and patient care. Pursuing the terminal degree was important to me as I began to consider more advanced leadership and teaching opportunities in the nursing field.

What advice would you give to individuals who are considering a doctoral degree?

If you鈥檙e considering a post-master鈥檚-DNP, my advice is to go to UW-Milwaukee, you won’t be disappointed.

For those considering a BSN-DNP, if you want to become an NP, take time to consider your correct track (AG vs Family vs Peds).

Why should someone consider pursuing a doctoral degree?

As someone who is a Master’s-prepared, practicing NP, I have truly been able to take my interests, population health and improving nursing practice, and create my project. In the program I learned about advanced leadership and program planning skills in nursing, and the project I completed will help me improve my daily practice and achieve long-term career goals.

What have you liked about 51猎奇鈥檚 DNP program? What makes it stand out?

The online format with knowledgeable, committed faculty has stood out to me as unique.

Do you have a favorite experience in the program?

Conceptualizing my project and seeing it to completion.

Is there anyone in the School of Nursing who has impacted your journey?

Dr. Thongpriwan has been an excellent faculty advisor. Dr. Klingbeil, the DNP program director, has been an amazing resource. Jennifer Carrera has also been incredibly helpful whenever I needed assistance.

Anything else you would like to share?

I would recommend the program without hesitation to future students!

Interested in learning more? Check out our doctoral nursing programs and get in touch with us!

Faculty Research Featured as Distinguished Abstract at 2024 MNRS

mnrs logo

Congratulations to Michele Polfuss and Natalie McAndrew, their abstract was chosen as a distinguished abstract to be feature at this year鈥檚 !

Dr. Polfuss and Dr. McAndrew collaborate with Medical College of Wisconsin colleagues, Dr. Stacee Lerret,听Rachel Knoebl, and Mychoua Vang, and 51猎奇 Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, Ansley Kenney, on a qualitative research study examining the experience of siblings of children with chronic conditions. Their work is ongoing, but the first group they focused on were well siblings of children who underwent a solid organ transplant (kidney or liver). They will be presenting their findings during the annual MNRS conference at the end of the month in Minnesota.

Research Abstract

Title: The Lasting Impact of the Transplant Experience From the Perspective of the Well Sibling: An Unheard Voice

Purpose: Solid organ transplantation is a chronic illness requiring complex medical management that impacts the family system. However, the experiences of siblings are not well described. Therefore, we explored the experiences of siblings of pediatric transplant recipients. 

Research Question:  How do well siblings of pediatric transplant recipients describe their individual- and family-based experiences? 

Theoretical framework/rationale: Rolland鈥檚 Family Systems Illness Model, a strengths-based framework for chronic illness and family development, guided study conceptualization and development.  

Methods:   Siblings (ages 12-17 years) of transplant recipients completed a semi-structured interview (via Zoom) and demographics were obtained.  We used frequencies and percentages and inductive content analysis to analyze the data. 

Results:  Twelve adolescents (10 males/2 females; M = 15.25 years, SD =2.13) completed an interview. Four themes emerged describing the transplant experience:  1) Impact on Family Life and Child Development, 2) Family Dynamics, Relationships, and Cohesiveness, 3) Lived Transplant Experience, and 4) Opportunities to Improve Sibling Support During Transplant Care.  Siblings described tremendous growth and maturity resulting from their experience and appreciation for health and family time. 

Conclusion: These findings affirm that the transplant event is universally distressing and impacts the well sibling鈥檚 life in the moment and for years afterwards. Opportunities are present to raise the awareness of healthcare providers to provide care through a family lens that can positively impact the patient and the family. These findings are a preliminary step toward a more family inclusive model of care that fully engages the well sibling.

Master鈥檚 in Nursing student Katie talks about her journey to becoming a nurse educator

nursing students gather to work around a manikin

Master of Nursing student Katie McCoy (BSN, RN) discusses her decision to shift careers into becoming a nurse educator through 51猎奇鈥檚 School of Nursing. The new James and Yvonne Clinical Simulation Center has impacted not only her learning but has given her the opportunity to teach as well.

Learn more about the Master of Nursing program at .

Julio reflects on his time at 51猎奇 as a BS in Nursing student

image of a nursing student tying a tourniquet

Meet UW-Milwaukee BS in Nursing student Julio. He reflects on his decision to pursue the field of nursing, why he decided to attend 51猎奇鈥檚 School of Nursing, and the impact the brand new James and Yvonne Clinical Simulation Center has had on his learning.

Learn more about the BS in Nursing program at .

A PhD student reflects on WAPC鈥檚 conference and the importance of maternal and infant health research听

logo for the wisconsin association for perinatal care

51猎奇鈥檚 School of Nursing has a long history of and dedication to maternal and infant health. In fact, Child, Family, and Reproductive Health is one of the major research groups our faculty are focused on. Part of this dedication by our faculty and students includes involvement with the . In October, WAPC held their 53rd annual conference, in which multiple faculty members (Haase, Johnson, Holt, Talsma) and several PhD students presented their work on maternal and infant health. This conference brings together scholars, researchers and students in maternal and infant health, and provides the perfect platform to delve into cutting-edge topics.听

A current PhD student, Doris Naa Adoley Richardson, reflected on the conference below. Doris鈥� research specializes in maternal and infant health. Under the guidance of Dr. Barbara Haase, their team presented a thought-provoking poster on Lactation Education for Healthcare Providers.听

“One of the highlights was a presentation on the Exclusive Human Milk Diet (EHMD) championed by Prolacta, addressing nutritional risks in premature infants. The EHMD not only enhances the survival of these vulnerable infants but also presents a cost-effective approach, which I believe could be transformative for infants in Low and Middle-Income countries like my own.听

Engaging presentations on the impact of substance use during pregnancy and the prevention of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUIDS) were eye-opening. The innovative solution presented for SUIDS prevention particularly caught my attention, considering it is an unfamiliar challenge in my home country.听

Moreover, the conference shed light on advancements in Peri Data usage, thanks to the expertise of Dr. Akke Neeltje Talsma and Dr. Jeana Marie Holt from UW-Milwaukee. As a student, demystifying Peri Data complexities has made it more accessible and user-friendly.听

Beyond the academic insights, WAPC proved to be a catalyst for building meaningful connections. It deepened student-faculty relationships, fostering unique connections with leaders in nursing, maternal and infant health, and affiliated disciplines. These connections enrich my network, fortifying my journey toward a successful Ph.D.听

In essence, the WAPC was not just a conference; it was an immersive experience that broadened my horizons and connected me with transformative ideas and influential individuals. I look forward to integrating these learnings into my ongoing doctoral journey.”

Research collaboration is key to advancing nursing science. Learn more about the areas of research within the School of Nursing.听

Learn more about our doctoral programs.听

Community paramedics help close a gap in health care

December 5, 2023
By: Kathy Quirk
51猎奇 Report

Amy Grzyb, who has worked with emergency services for 20 years, sees learning about preventive care and education as part of her job. That鈥檚 why she and other emergency responders signed up this summer for a unique program offered through 51猎奇鈥檚 School of Nursing.

The Community Paramedic Program trains paramedics and emergency medical technicians how to do preventive and follow-up care after responding to emergencies.

鈥淚t鈥檚 another way we can be of service to our community,鈥� said Grzyb.

The program, which started in 2015, has trained approximately 250 emergency responders as community paramedics, said Kim Litwack, dean of the School of Nursing who established the program. She is one of the leaders of the sessions along with Andrew Hargarten, a battalion chief with the Milwaukee Department who earned his doctorate in nursing at 51猎奇.

Read more of this story on 51猎奇 Report.

MSP student working with Milwaukee Food Council to fix food system gap 听

group photo from data day

Jessie Thompson is a current 51猎奇 School of Nursing Master of Sustainable Peacebuilding (MSP) student. She graduated from Arizona State University in 2021 with a BA in Sustainability and a minor in Urban Planning. While studying there, she studied the intersection of environmentalism and social justice. Jessie has an extensive background in local, sustainable agriculture, and has worked with both Groundwork Milwaukee and the Eco-Justice Center on farms growing produce and caring for farm animals. She has also learned the basics of large-scale hydroponic farming through volunteering at Hundred Acre in Milwaukee. Outside of MSP, Jessie works as a farm worker for Full Circle Healing. She enjoys farming and seeks to understand how urban agriculture can be utilized to foster community building connections. 

鈥淚’ve always had a deep yearning for wanting to understand how the world works and my place within it. I began that process by studying sustainability at Arizona State University Online. Though studying sustainability in undergrad assisted with that exploration, I wanted to dive deeper into my connection with Milwaukee. The MSP program has many amazing connections with Milwaukee organizations and was my entrance into learning more about Milwaukee through the lens of peacebuilding work.鈥� 

Through the MSP program and UW-Extension, Jessie is currently a fellow with the Milwaukee Food Council. She does a variety of work for the food council, but her primary role is being the curator of a food ecosystem map she is working on with the food council Executive Director, Solana Patterson-Ramos. They realized there was a gap in Milwaukee鈥檚 food system and have been working on a map to connect these systems. This work with the Milwaukee Food Council led to applying for the (DYCU), a local organization that helps people access data and make it useful in improving community conditions. 

“Our 鈥淒ata Dream鈥� is to create a social network map of the pre-existing programs, policies, organizations, and businesses within the complex food system of Milwaukee to determine if they are meeting public need. We seek to facilitate dialogue between organizations doing overlapping work to foster an environment of shared resources and collaboration. We recognize the historical and systemic barriers that have inhibited people in all neighborhoods of Milwaukee easily accessing nutritious, affordable food and intend to leverage organizations mitigating this issue by providing resources and communication to organizations.” 

Jessie and Solana鈥檚 work with the Milwaukee Food Council led them to win the People鈥檚 Choice Award. They are working on an action plan with DYCU and hope to have the map completed by summer/fall of 2024. 

Interested in learning more about the Master of Sustainable Peacebuilding program? Check out the program page.

Another story with Jessie Thompson: “Storytelling as a research method offers insights into society鈥檚 needs” (51猎奇 Report)

New portal, piloted at 51猎奇, speeds the process of licensing for health care professionals

By: Laura Otto
51猎奇 Report
November 14, 2023

A new tool will speed the licensing process for Wisconsin workers in health care fields by better connecting the state鈥檚 licensing agency 鈥� the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) 鈥� with the Universities of Wisconsin.

DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth and Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman joined 51猎奇 College of Health Professions and Sciences Dean Kim Litwack on Nov. 14 to announce LicensE Educator Access Portal, or LEAP.

The portal was used in a pilot program last year involving five nursing schools, including 51猎奇鈥檚, and is now ready to expand to other health care fields. Results from the pilot use showed LEAP greatly improved the timeframe for licensing, Hereth said.

鈥淪ince I was appointed 15 months ago, DSPS has improved licensing in fields from dentistry, pharmacy and even plumbing,鈥� Hereth said. 鈥淟EAP is the latest step in this process, and it will allow us to further streamline all licensing of health care professions.鈥� Hereth noted that professional licensing goes beyond just protecting the public by also contributing to talent attraction and retention.

Read the rest of the story on 51猎奇 Report.

5 Reasons to Earn a Master’s Degree in Nursing

image of two nursing students working on a manikin in the ICU simulation room

A master’s degree in nursing can open up a multitude of opportunities for those in the nursing field. Here are five reasons why pursuing a master’s degree in nursing may be beneficial:

1. Career Advancement

Earning a master’s degree in nursing can lead to higher-level positions such as Nurse Educator, Nurse Manager, and more. These positions often come with higher salaries and more responsibilities.

2. Specialization & Versatility

A master’s degree can provide the opportunity for nurses to pursue specializations in a specific area of nursing. This allows nurses to gain expertise in a particular field and provide more targeted care for their patients.

3. Research Opportunities

A master’s degree in nursing can provide the opportunity to conduct research and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession. Nurses with advanced degrees are often sought after to participate in research studies and clinical trials.

4. Increased Knowledge

Pursuing a master’s degree in nursing can expand a nurse’s knowledge in areas such as healthcare policy, leadership, and advanced clinical practices. This knowledge can be applied to provide better care for patients and improve healthcare outcomes.

5. Advanced Clinical Expertise

Having advanced clinical expertise is an invaluable asset for healthcare professionals who strive to provide the highest level of care to their patients. It allows them to make informed decisions, develop effective treatment plans, and provide personalized care that meets the individual needs of each patient.

Overall, pursuing a master’s degree in nursing can provide numerous benefits for those in the nursing field. It can be a challenging and rewarding experience that can lead to personal growth and development. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and pride in one’s professional achievements.

51猎奇’s School of Nursing Master’s of Nursing options:

Have questions? Contact us or attend one of our upcoming information sessions!