took a moment to talk with UofL News about the community impact of UofLā€™s School of Nursing. From her entrance into the school as a 17-year-old nursing student in 1976 to being named interim dean in 2022, the school has served asĢż bookends for DeLetterā€™s dedicated nursing career.

UofL News: Your history with the School of Nursing is almost as long as the schoolā€™s history. Tell us more about that.

DeLetter: I started at UofL as a first-year associate degree nursing student at age 17 in 1976. I stayed in the program two more years and graduated with a bachelorā€™s degree in 1980. After my graduation, I did work at different hospitals in Louisville, then moved to North Carolina where I obtained my master’s degree. I returned to Kentucky and after working in Lexington for many years, I was recruited to UofL in 2017, where originally, I taught part-time. I then became director of the RN to BSN program, then associate dean for academic affairs, and in 2022, was asked by the provost to serve as interim dean. As of 2024, thatā€™s a span of 46 years in nursing.

Itā€™s been a huge honor and privilege to have been in this School of Nursing at the beginning ā€“ two years into the start ā€“ and now to have held this position. For me to have come in this big circle and to be able to close the loop on my career, having had the privilege to serve at this level, is something I will always treasure.

UofL News: What makes UofLā€™s School of Nursing distinctive?

DeLetter: From the very beginning, expectations of students were high; we were strong, and our faculty were strong. We were right on the cusp of a shift in the profession from subservient to autonomous.

We were guided to really use our knowledge, our science, our critical thinking, our assessment skills to make decisions. I don’t think all schools were there yet.Ģż

We were encouraged to push forward in our education so that we would have a seat at the table with other health care professionals.

I learned at an early age that the patientā€™s family is whoever the patient says they are. It was the mid-70s and people didnā€™t all talk like that, but we were very open to diversity. We were ahead of our time. Today, we still have that vitally and strong commitment to our students and to the community.

UofL News: In addition to the massive technological and digital advancements from the ’70s through today, what are some of the most significant changes in the field?

DeLetter: I sometimes wonder how students still do it in a four-year degree. They’re spending the same amount of time now that we spent 40 years ago to learn so much more.

There are so many more drugs, medications, treatments, types of surgeries. When I first became a nurse, patients were admitted the day before a surgery, it could be something as simple as a carpal tunnel surgery, and they stayed for two or three days afterward. Now of course, for that and much bigger surgeries, they donā€™t stay.

We also have so much more knowledge about pathophysiology and treatment and outcomes. An important thing thatā€™s changed for nurses is our ability to monitor what we do and how we have an impact on the patient. We have evidence-based protocols, and nurses are now expected to monitor and prevent conditions from developing like pressure ulcers, falls, infection from urinary catheters or central line IV access or ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Simulation education is hugely different. We practiced injections on each other. Today, students have excellent training in simulation. We also have a more collaborative health care team than 40 years ago.

Another momentous change in nursing has been the educational level of the faculty. Years ago, a new dean came and told everyone they needed to get doctoral degrees. It was pivotal in reframing the School of Nursing to be recognized as a credible discipline in higher education.

UofL News: What challenges do todayā€™s nurses have that they didnā€™t have years ago?

DeLetter: The acuity of illnesses is greater. We are more challenged by societal problems of gun violence and domestic violence. Bills have gone before the state to decriminalize errors by nurses and to hold patients criminally liable when they assault nurses or other health care providers. The world is busier and more complicated.

Some students have bigger burdens to carry. Some are single parents or living in domestic violence situations. We have a student loan debt crisis. There’s discussion everywhere about the mental health crisis of many students on college campuses, not just ours, but across the nation.

UofL News: In what positive ways have you seen our nursing students change over the years?

DeLetter: Students have a broader view because of their access to the world, so they have a better understanding of global health. Also, they have a better understanding of the impact of the health of the community. We think broadly about social determinants of health that affect patients across the continuum of their health care. Ģż

UofL News: How has our nursing program impacted our community?

DeLetter: Weā€™ve graduated over 7,000 nursing students in the last 50 years so there’s no question our graduates are everywhere.

We are well known in hospitals and other agencies for our quality graduates. We contribute to dozens of community activities every year. We provide service to people through our community health courses, we have students in schools, homeless shelters and in all kinds of agencies providing care to clients. When you have students doing something for them, and they wear that UofL shirt, thatā€™s going to have a positive impact. The university is socializing students to care about others.

UofL News: What is one thing that you hope to see happen in nursing in the next 50 years?

DeLetter: I hope we reach a point where the workforce shortage is not so dire.
Another thing I would like to see is the continued proliferation of the research and evidence-based practice changes in patient care. We continue to give diligent care as bedside clinicians; we continue to advance the science and we continue to serve the communities where we live and work.

Tinker, who earned her degree in nursing, is from San Diego, California. Originally from China, she was adopted by an American family as a child. ā€œA big part of my story is being adopted from China,ā€ she said. ā€œSo coming from that and being an orphan to being commencement speaker at an amazing university is something Iā€™m very proud of and grateful for.ā€

She found her college home at UofL after discovering a new career path during the pandemic. At UofL, Tinker became involved in several groups, including serving as president of the Student Nursing Council. Her involvement helped her grow as a leader and set her up for success after graduation.

UofL News had the opportunity to speak with Tinker ahead of graduation to find out more about her experience at UofL and her plans moving forward.

UofL News: Why did you choose UofL?

Tinker: I chose UofL because I wanted an out-of-state school with both great academics and school spirit. I wanted research opportunities and a strong health care environment, but also a tailgate scene and things like that.

ĢżUofL News: Why did you decide to on nursing as your career path?

Tinker:ĢżI went to school in D.C. until COVID hit. I had interned for the House of Representatives and I was really into the Capitol Hill vibe. (But) I switched over to nursing. I was inspired by seeing what the nurses did during the pandemic. I just kind of made a big decision to change my path to nursing.

UofL News: How has the School of Nursing at UofL helped you?

Tinker:ĢżThe School of Nursing is very, very special. I have a lot of friends in other majors and we’ll chit-chat about the relationships they have with faculty and ā€¦ the faculty of the School of Nursing is by far the most supportive. They take an interest in their students individually. Just the mindset, there is always growth, so I feel like everyone’s always trying to make the School of Nursing the best that it can be.

UofL News: What professor had the greatest impact on you?

Tinker:ĢżI would say Imelda Wright. She was my first medical surgical nurse and she’s just an angel on Earth. She always comes to class in really cool high heels and just is the epitome of a strong woman role model. The other one would be Paul Clark, he is just the most supportive, positive professor. He focuses on mental health in a way that I feel like most professors just don’t. Love them both.

UofL News: What was your most memorable moment at UofL?

Tinker:ĢżI would probably say rushing the field at the Notre Dame football game. We were right there at the front and my friends and I stormed the field and I got elbowed in the eye really hard. My contact popped out ā€¦ I was running with one eye closed and it was just really fun.

UofL News: What are your plans after graduation? What type of nurse are you aspiring to become?

Tinker:ĢżI have accepted a job in the UofL Hospital Emergency Department, a Level 1 trauma center.

UofL News: How has UofL helped you grow?

Tinker:ĢżUofL has helped me grow through tough classes, clinical experiences, involvement like SGA, opportunities like the Research Scholars Program, leadership roles like being president of Nursing Student Council, etc. I filled my schedule to the max because of so many opportunities from classes to extracurriculars; Iā€™ve grown from being pushed to my limits – usually in a good way! Iā€™ve learned what Iā€™m capable of.Ģż

Kentucky has a severe shortage of health care providers, with at least some portion of 113 of the stateā€™s 120 counties designated as , including parts of Jefferson County.

ā€œThese kinds of workforce pipeline grants are truly transformative and will make a lasting and tangible impact on the health and wellness of Kentuckians for generations to come,ā€ said Interim Provost Gerry Bradley. ā€œOur highly trained and committed nursing faculty are advancing the work that enables us to continue in our effort to expand access to high quality and diverse health care across the entire Commonwealth.ā€Ģż

School of Nursing Interim Dean Mary DeLetter says sheā€™s proud of the nursing faculty who worked tirelessly to secure these grants that benefit nursing students, the nursing profession and ultimately, citizens across the state.

ā€œThese programs support opportunities to enhance clinical training and bring superior nursing care to all corners of the Commonwealth, from rural Appalachia to urban Jefferson County to rural western Kentucky counties,ā€ she said.

Of the total grant funding, $3.9 million was awarded to Heather Mitchell, associate professor and interim associate dean for the undergraduate and pre-licensure programs, and her team to develop an accelerated LPN-to-BSN pathway for nurses in medically underserved areas of Kentucky. The program is a statewide collaboration between the UofL School of Nursing and the , and will also include academic-practice collaborations with three large health systems across Kentucky ā€”, and . The grant will support scholarships for up to 83 students to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Ģż

ā€œOur objective is to address the shortage of practice-ready registered nurses by increasing access to baccalaureate nursing education across Kentucky. This collaborative effort will provide an opportunity for licensed practical nurses to accelerate their pathway to RN licensure and meet workforce needs in medically underserved areas of Kentucky,ā€ Mitchell said. ā€œWhen I think about the impact we will have on nursesā€™ and patientsā€™ lives, and for generations to come, knowing that we are making a difference out in those communities is so meaningful to me. This is why I do what I do.ā€

A second $2.6 million HRSA grant was awarded to Sara Robertson, associate professor and interim associate dean for the DNP and APRN programs, for ā€œAdvancing Diversity and Health Equity in the Primary Care and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Workforce.ā€ Robertson is partnering with the , , and Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation. The goal is to increase the education of nurse practitioners from diverse populations, including underrepresented minorities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

ā€œWe want the nurse practitioner workforce to more closely mirror the population of Kentucky in terms of diversity and enable NPs from rural areas in the state to earn an APRN degree and provide high quality health care in their own rural areas across the Commonwealth,ā€ Robertson said. ā€œTo be able to offer scholarships for students whose dream is to work with vulnerable and rural populations is impactful. This funding will help make their dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner a reality and at the same time, improve access to quality health care across the state of Kentucky.ā€

View the from the Dec. 4 press conference.Ģż

Kindred Hospitals, a division of ScionHealth, invested $900,000 to renovate and build-out the new facility at the universityā€™s Health Sciences Center. The new Student Collaboration Center has become the heart of the student educational program in the School of Nursing.

“Our nurses are frontline heroes, and these new facilities will only improve their experience and training. Thank you to our partner ScionHealth for investing in UofLā€™s School of Nursing and our communityā€™s next generation of nursing leaders,” said UofL President Kim Schatzel.

The Student Collaboration Center opened for student use in fall 2022. The 3,485 square foot space positions UofL nursing students for success by encouraging them to engage with one another, share ideas, study in groups and socialize.

“We are proud to support the development and training of the next generation of nurse leaders through our investment in UofLā€™s School of Nursing. Our intention is to support well-trained caregivers and positively impact the health and well-being of our entire community,ā€ said Rob Jay, ScionHealthā€™s chief executive officer. ā€œWe are fortunate in this community to have UofLā€™s School of Nursing, and we are confident that their programs will benefit our Specialty and Community Hospitals nationwide.”

The new Student Collaboration Center features spaces to support collaboration in both open and private places, including an open kitchen area built to resemble a modern cafƩ. The area allows students an area to rest, eat and engage in between long classes, as well as study for exams.

“At the UofL School of Nursing, we are committed to providing our students with the right academic environment for studying and collaborating,” said Mary DeLetter, interim dean of the School of Nursing. “This investment from ScionHealth helps us to provide students with an unrivaled nursing education environment. We can attract and retain the best nursing faculty to guide our students through todayā€™s healthcare challenges. Great cities have great health sciences complexes, and this project is a catalyst for the University of Louisville School of Nursing to contribute excellent graduates to the community.”Ģż

.Ģż

UofL News: Please describe some of the health disparities that directly impact the older adult population.Ģż

Harrington: Ageism is a collective result of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination based solely on age. This is a relevant barrier to health care equity and patient safety. Our mindset of ageism must change. Human life means growing older across the life span without self-exclusion. The burden of preventable disease, mistreatment and inequity in access to and the provision of quality health care impedes opportunities to achieve optimal health. Optimal aging begins in early life and continues across the lifespan.

UofL News: What are some ways to overcome these challenges?Ģż

Harrington: We must take a collaborative all-hands-on-deck approach. There is a strong body of research showing patient outcomes are best when inter-professional teams work together. Our patients are begging for access to high-quality health care.

UofL News: Louisville is home to multiple aging care businesses and city leaders hope we can be innovators for improving quality of life for the growing population of older adults throughout the United States. How do you see your work (both in research and teaching) contributing to this effort?Ģż

Harrington: Ensuring that all our primary care nurse practitioner graduates acquire the knowledge and skill to care for our older adults in the community and long-term care settings is my highest priority as a nursing educator. Disseminating content for student and practicing nurse practitioners on the most complex medical conditions will hopefully help them improve their patientsā€™ outcomes.

I and my medical and computer science and engineering colleagues also are working to change the most confounding social problems affecting older adults with Alzheimerā€™s disease and their caregivers using artificial intelligence and innovative product design. This exciting research has substantial social and policy implications.

UofL News: As someone with decades of geriatric nursing experience, explain how your research has helped improve the health and well-being of family caregivers of those withĢżAlzheimer’s disease/Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD).Ģż

Harrington: From the 30,000-foot perspective, the gaps are vast in every area of aging. Fifteen million family caregivers of those with ADRD and 12 million ADRD care recipients are potentially impacted by research and innovative practice models adopted by health care professionals. It is difficult to separate research in aging into disease-based categories because they are all interconnected. My defined program of nursing scholarship and creative activity focuses on older adultsā€™ and their caregiversā€™ health disparities and power inequity in the context of heart failure, Alzheimerā€™s disease and Alzheimerā€™s disease related dementias, and ageism.

UofL News: What are some of your significant areas of geriatric research?ĢżĢżDescribe for us some of the outcomes.

Harrington: Yes, in the context of the fellowship with the academy, there are several:

• 5 million individuals who reside in long-term care have heart failure. My innovative heart failure evidence-based guideline remains the only nurse-driven practice guideline of its kind since 2006, and has received national and international recognition through citations and inclusion of content. I created the ACE (Assess, Collaborate, Engage) Delirium Superimposed on Dementia practice model to improve how we approach delirium superimposed on dementia that impacts 20 million hospitalized older adults with ADRD yearly. That research recently published in .
• I believe education for quality health care for older adults requires a multi-prong approach that reaches health science students, health science professionals and families in the community. The possibilities for nursing innovation are infinite with inter-professional collaboration and begin with identifying the problems in care provision or care delivery. Redesigning the Medicare Annual Visit process for a 45 office Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), prompted leading an inter-professional team in the development and production of an innovative desktop application for comprehensive geriatric assessment with custom reporting capabilities for FQHCs.
• The outcome of the first population-based study of 1,500 older adults in eastern North Carolina identified family caregiversā€™ need and desire for the knowledge and skill to be optimal caregivers for those with Alzheimerā€™s disease. We also realized how unrealistic it is to expect farmers to lose critical daylight hours to seek preventive health care, so we connected them to AgriSafe nursing services who visited them on their farms. The population-based community research led to delivering person-in-context dementia simulation to caregivers as an educational method to improve their understanding of dementia and their family membersā€™ daily challenges and multiple educational workshops in collaboration with area agencies on aging.
• Between 2015 and 2017, I conducted two research studies that successfully eliminated academic silos in inter-professional geriatric education. The outcomes were an innovative and sustained Two-As-One Preceptor Model and the Troika InterProfessional (TIP) Gerontology ³ÉČĖÖ±²„ Model impacting over 300 third-year medical, primary care nurse practitioner and physician assistant students. The TIP outcome model was designed for a student team of three primary care professionals who learn and apply gerontology knowledge in a virtual clinic environment. All faculty reported students maintained proficiency in the content over time. These skills impact approximately 8 million older adults these individuals will serve when extrapolated over a 20-year career.

UofL News: What is the future of geriatric health care?Ģż

Harrington: We currently have approximately 680,000 adults over the age of 65 in Kentucky. The majority of the stateā€™s counties, 81 of 120, are medically underserved. This void is compounded by many primary care physicians who are approaching retirement. Nurse practitioners are critical to the care quality of our older adult population and will remain critical for at least the next 30 years. Enacting legislation to remove the practice barriers and allowing nurse practitioner to practice collaboratively at the full scope of our educations, experience and training is growing more so each year. This is imperative to our ability to impact the wide-range of health disparities our older adults experience.

ā€œMagnet recognition provides our community with the ultimate benchmark to measure the quality of patient care,ā€ said Shari Kretzschmer, UofL Health senior vice president and chief nursing officer. ā€œAchieving Magnet recognition reinforces the culture of excellence that is a cornerstone of how we serve our community. Itā€™s also tangible evidence of our nursesā€™ commitment to providing the very best care to our patients, of which we are extremely proud.ā€

With this credential, UofL Hospital and Brown Cancer Center join the global community of Magnet-recognized organizations. Just a small and select group of U.S. health care organizations have achieved Magnet recognition. In Kentucky, UofL Health is one of just five health care systems with nursing teams worthy of the acknowledgement.

ā€œMagnet designation is both a well-deserved honor for our UofL Hospital and Brown Cancer Center nurses and a promise to our patients,ā€ said Tom Miller, UofL Health CEO. ā€œWhen you have a high-quality nursing team, patients get high-quality care. Iā€™m proud of our nurse leadership and all the nurses on this achievement.ā€

Research demonstrates that Magnet recognition provides specific benefits to health care organizations and their communities, such as:

• Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information
• Lower risk of 30-day mortality and lower failure to rescue rates
• Higher job satisfaction among nurses
• Lower nurse reports of intentions to leave their positions

ā€œThe opportunity to be recognized as a Magnet organization is a wonderful reminder of the great work that we do,ā€ said Jill Beierle, UofL Hospital ICU nurse and Nursing Congress chair. ā€œAs a nurse, with more than 30 years of experience, at UofL Hospital, Magnet recognition means that we all do our best for every patient and that we are constantly striving toward excellence in care.ā€

Magnet recognition is a factor when the public judges health care organizations. U.S. News & World Reportā€™s annual showcase of ā€œAmericaā€™s Best Hospitalsā€ includes Magnet recognition in its ranking criteria for quality of inpatient care.

The Magnet Model provides a framework for nursing practice, research and measurement of outcomes. Through this framework, ANCC evaluates applicants across a number of components and dimensions to gauge an organizationā€™s nursing excellence.

The foundation of this model comprises various elements deemed essential to delivering superior patient care. These include the quality of nursing leadership and coordination and collaboration across specialties, as well as processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care.

ā€œI am humbled and honored to be named as a Fellow inductee of the American Academy of Nursing. I consider myself a change agent and enjoy challenges promoting innovative effectual change. I will eagerly lend my experience, passion and time to the Aging Expert Panel to develop policy recommendations that eradicate age-related health disparities, systemic racism, and ageism contributing to poor health equity,ā€ Harrington said.Ģż

The academy is an honorific society that recognizes nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, practice, administration and academia. Academy Fellows, from nearly 40 countries, hold a wide variety of influential roles in health care. Induction into the Fellowship represents more than recognition of one’s accomplishments within the nursing profession. Fellows contribute their collective expertise to the academy, engaging with health leaders nationally and globally to improve health and achieve health equity by impacting policy through nursing leadership, innovation, and science.ĢżĢżĢż

ā€œDr. Harrington was recruited to the university because of her expertise in the care of older adults. Recognition with the awarding of fellowship in the academy is one of the highest honors a nurse can receive. It signifies the level of esteem to which she is held by her peers,ā€ said Mary DeLetter, interim dean of the School of Nursing.Ģż

Harrington has 37 years of experience as a nurse leader and has had regional, national and international impact on nursing practice, interprofessional health science and intraprofessional nursing education, and knowledge-generating research.ā€ÆShe earned a diploma in nursing in 1982 from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Charlotte, North Carolina, a BSN from Gardner Webb University in 2002, an MSN with an adult gerontology nurse practitioner concentration from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2005, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Vanderbilt University in 2011.ĢżHarrington earned a PhD in Nursing in 2018 from East Carolina University and completed a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing ³ÉČĖÖ±²„ at the same institution in 2019.Ģż

Through a competitive, rigorous application process, the academyā€™s Fellow Selection Committee reviewed a record number of applications, representing a 30% increase from the previous year, to select the 2022 Fellows. Harrington was one of 250 individuals selected to be inducted. The 2022 Fellows represent 35 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 17 countries.ĢżĢż

The 2022 inductees will be recognized for their significant contributions to health and health care at the academyā€™s annualĢż, taking place on October 27-29, 2022 in Washington, DC at the Marriott Marquis during the Induction Ceremony on the evening of October 29. Once the newest Fellows are inducted, the academy will be comprised of more than 3,000 leaders who are experts in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia that champion health and wellness, locally and globally.Ģż

UofL News: When did the local National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) chapter begin?

Vicki Hines-Martin: The original KYANNA Black Nurses Association of Louisville started in 1986 as a local organization whose membership were interested black nurses in Jefferson County or southern Indiana. I was a faculty member at Jefferson Community College when we began. The current KYANNA Black Nurses Association of Louisville became an affiliate chapter of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) in 1994.

UofL News: Describe the climate at the time and the impetus for starting this organization.

Vicki Hines-Martin: As with many community settings and among health care, there was little focus on minority populationsā€™ needs or an understanding of the importance of diversity within the health care industry. I frequently brought attention to these absences and the impact on health care outcomes. I was one of very few African Americans throughout college and during my early career as a clinician or educator. I felt isolated and wanted to know if others also felt that, so I invited AA nurses I knew to a meeting at my house and discussed their experiences and explored their interest in forming an organization to educate other nurses and provide mutual support. It grew from there over the years. I was the first president and other committed nurses followed.

UofL News: How has the KYANNA Black Nurses Association of Louisville supported nurses of color throughout the years?

Vicki Hines-Martin: We have always provided support through our annual conferences in the past and later through the more recent gala events. During those events, we provided professional development, recognized excellence among our membership and provided scholarships for nursing students who applied for funding to continue their education in nursing (from LPN through PhD). Over the years KYANNA has provided almost 50 scholarships.

UofL News: The National Black Nurses Association this year celebrates 50 years at the upcoming annual conference in Chicago, July 26 – 31. Several UofL nursing faculty and students will be in attendance. What does it mean for our students to be a part of this historic celebration?

Vicki Hines-Martin: I am certain that students will be excited to see and hear the history of black nurses and their contributions to the advancement of healthcare in the United States. Many nurses they have read about will be present and NBNA is noted for its welcoming and inclusive activities for all attendees, especially the students. This attitude lays a foundation for students to be attracted to membership in a professional organization that reflects their experiences and their future goals. They will have the opportunity to network and meet other students who will later become colleagues. Although they might not fully understand the historic nature of this yearā€™s conference, over time it will be an experience they will reflect on and have greater appreciation for their involvement this event.

UofL News: What do you hope will be the future of the local NBNA chapter?

Vicki Hines-Martin: I am hopeful that the organization will continue to be active in the community, provide mutual support and recognition for nurses of color and to increase its ability to provide financial and mentoring support for future nurses and those who are advancing their educations. Through all these activities, KYANNA will continue to build a solid reputation as a professional organization that is one exemplar of the best in nursing.

UofL News: Anything else youā€™d like to share?

Vicki Hines-Martin: Iā€™m very proud of the organization and although I wonā€™t be able to attend the convention, it gives me great joy to know that UofL nursing faculty and our students will be a part of this historic event and will represent UofL, KYANNA, and myself as well as other nurses in our community very well.

The gift is part of continued renovation to the building that includes classroom, simulation lab and student lounge upgrades that make the School of Nursing a competitive destination for students.

The School of Nursing provides students with a nursing education experience while attracting and retaining top nursing faculty to guide students through todayā€™s health care challenges. Great cities have great medical complexes, and this project will be a catalyst for the school to create healthier communities.

“We are so thankful to the Gheens Foundation for their investment in our students, programs and facilities,” said UofL Interim President Lori Gonzalez. “Donors like the Gheens Foundation make it possible for the University of Louisville to better prepare our students for promising futures.”

Ellen Tinker, a third-year nursing student has experienced first-hand the impact of donors like the Gheens Foundation.

ā€œWe will be learning, laughing and crying in these spaces,ā€ said Tinker. ā€œAs a Cardinal Nurse, I am very grateful for the gifts they contribute to the nest that we have here in the School of Nursing. One of the most important parts of nursing school is the togetherness and collaboration we all get to feel in these newly renovated spaces.ā€

After donating $2 million to the universityā€™s strategic plan in 2019, the Gheens Foundation has proven to be an important part of the university and studentsā€™ success. The donation was used for many campus improvements, including campus safety and security, employee onboarding, and tools forĢżstudent recruitment and retention.

Established in 1957 by philanthropists and entrepreneurs C. Edwin and Mary Jo Gheens, the Gheens Foundation has provided more than $130 million in grants to improve the quality of life for the residents of Metropolitan Louisville, particularly in the areas of education and human services.

ā€œThe very existence of The Gheens Foundation is a testament to the legacy of love and generosity of its founders, Edwin and Mary Jo Gheens, for the citizens and the institutions of this community,ā€ said Barry G. Allen, president and treasurer of the Gheens Foundation. ā€œI am confident they would be most pleased with the trusteesā€™ decision to make this grant for the benefit of the vital mission of the School of Nursing, especially given the urgency and necessity to attract, recruit and educate the next generations of nurses.ā€

The latest donation from the Gheens Foundation adds to the $2.5 million already invested by various donors toward the School of Nursing improvement project.

Her desire to work in health care stems from the empathy and compassion nurses showed her during one of the most difficult times in her life. Abdulnur shares with UofL News more about her story and future career goals.

UofL News:ĢżDescribe how nurses influenced your decision to pursue the profession.

Abdulnur:ĢżDuring my hospitalization for a [SLE] flare-up, I lost a lot of hope that I could pursue nursing due to my new diagnosis. However, I had a specific nurse, her name was Taylor ā€“ I could never forget ā€“ who encouraged me to keep going. Her words really inspired me and was most of the reason I decided to pursue nursing.

Nurses are so empathetic and compassionate, and seeing a first-hand example of this really widened my perspective and increased my respect towards the profession. I also observed the same when my grandmother was hospitalized for a severe stroke, and the nurses comforted us during an emotional time.

I was already considering a nursing major during that time due to my family history ā€“ my mom was a nurse in England, her mother in Jamaica, and there is just a long line of nurses in my family. I also have a passion for giving others hope and bringing them to their best selves.Ģż

ĢżUofL News:ĢżWhat has surprised you about nursing school?

Abdulnur: I knew that nursing school would be hard, but no one really talks about how hard it can be mentally. There are so many things in our personal lives that can occur alongside school, and it almost feels like you are trying to juggle everything and stay afloat. Sometimes I find myself trying to take it day by day, or week by week because everything is so overwhelming. Things can be completely calm one week, and then the next it’s like you have three exams, eight assignments and a paper due within days. It really keeps you on your toes, especially when you are trying to balance school with aspects of your personal life.

UofL News:ĢżWhy did you choose UofL?

Abdulnur:ĢżI chose UofL for two reasons: the proximity and scholarships. I am from Louisville, and I felt too connected with my family to be hours away from home. It’s nice to be able to separate my personal life from my school life and still be able to drive 15 or 20 minutes to see my family. It was also extremely helpful that UofL offers the Porter Scholarship for African-American and Hispanic students.

UofL News:ĢżWhat is it like to be in nursing school during a pandemic?

Abdulnur:ĢżIt is extremely challenging. A major roadblock I hit was at the beginning of the pandemic when all classes were online. I do not learn well from recorded lectures; I have to physically be there in class. Because of this major change, my grades plummeted. I still passed, but it was a major setback. I had to completely modify how I learned and how I studied just to fit around the changes being made due to Covid. All of my classes are in person this semester, but even clinicals are altered, as we cannot shadow critical care units, the specialty I was most looking forward to, since I want to be an ER nurse.

UofL News:ĢżWhat advice would you give someone considering nursing school?

Abdulnur:ĢżI would tell them it is definitely worth it. Sometimes nursing can be challenging, but no good thing ever comes easy. There are so many rewarding moments, even as a student in clinicals where you realize that you love what you do. If you have a passion for nursing, all the studying and exams and stress will be worth it in the end ā€“ it already is worth it for me!

Adrianne Kelly contributed to this story.