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“Graduate-Level Accreditation Across States” by Dr. John Lundeen featured in ACEN’s Bridges
ACEN’s quarterly publication, Bridges, has recently published an article from our own John Lundeen, EdD, RN, CNE, ANEF, MSN Program Director/Professor at Galen. In the article, John describes how Galen’s MSN program was designed to address the faculty shortage and the shortage of nurse leaders. He also discusses our experience moving through the accreditation process, lessons learned, and how ACEN’s support has been instrumental in our journey.
Pearl Clinic and Galen Open New Downtown COVID-19 Testing Center
Pearl Diagnostic Laboratory, in partnership with Galen College of Nursing, opened a new COVID-19 testing center in downtown Louisville on Monday, January 24th. The new testing center is located at 707 S. Third St., Louisville KY 40202. Right in the heart of downtown Louisville, this center will serve the residents and businesses in the area.
COVID-19 testing will be offered on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM, closing from 12-1 PM for lunch. Testing options offered will include nasal, oral, and The Yale School of Public Health SalivaDirect™ PCR tests. Results will be given by Pearl within 24-48 hours.
The partnership between Pearl and Galen is facilitated through a clinical affiliate agreement they have had for over a year. This agreement will afford individuals in the downtown area a much-needed centralized testing location and will also allow Galen’s nursing students practical hands-on clinical care with patients, as well as working in a medical practice setting.
Dr. Audria Denker Inducted Into The 2021 AADN Class Of Fellows
Congratulations to our own Executive Vice President of Nursing, Audria Denker, DNP, RN, for her induction into the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing (AADN) in November of 2021. The AADN was established to recognize those individuals who model exemplary dedication to associate degree nursing education and practice, and who have worked as change agents to advance health and education through associate degree nursing. Academy members are those actively engaged in associate degree nursing education or practice, with proven records of excellence in their institutions and a demonstrated commitment to the health of their communities.
“I am thankful and humbled to be among some of the best nurse educators in the country here at Galen,” exclaimed Dr. Denker. The honorary academy fellowship recognizes those individuals who have worked to transform health and education through associate degree nursing throughout the breadth of their careers. Honorary fellows have worked in education and practice, as well as other fields such as advocacy and service.
In the Fall of 2021, Dr. Denker was also elected as Director Southeast Region by the Organization of Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) for a two-year term. In addition, Dr. Denker has been appointed as an alternate member for a three-year term to the NCLEX® Examination Committee by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Board of Directors beginning on October 1, 2021.
After several decades of experience in clinical practice and healthcare management, Dr. Denker joined Galen College of Nursing in 2005. As Executive Vice President of Nursing, she is responsible for day-to-day program operations, staffing and workload, clinical operations, simulation, and student support; as well as additional academic responsibilities for campus expansions in partnership with Healthcare Corporation of America (HCA). During her tenure as EVP, all prelicensure RN programs obtained ACEN programmatic accreditation and all program pass rates have exceeded state and national averages.
Dr. Denker is an active leader in numerous civic and charitable organizations and holds a Kentucky Governor-appointed position on the Executive Committee of the Kentucky Board of Nursing since 2018. Dr. Denker received the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Pikeville (Kentucky) College (now the University of Pikeville), and the Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Bellarmine University in Louisville.
Dr. Audria Denker Elected to OADN Board of Directors
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Audria Denker, DNP, RN for her election as Director Southeast Region by the Organization of Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) for a two-year term.
OADN serves as the national advocate for the over 1,200 associate degree nursing programs across the country with the focus to advance excellence in nursing education and community college pathways into registered nursing careers. OADN is the only organization that advocates for associate degree nursing at the national level by using a collective voice to continue delivering opportunities for nurse educators, as faculty and leaders. Dr. Denker’s responsibilities as Director Southeast Region include the development and implementation of OADN’s strategic plan, and serving as a board liaison to southeast US healthcare communities and workgroups, and OADN member nursing programs.
In addition to her appointment with OADN, Dr. Denker has been appointed as an alternate member for a three-year term to the NCLEX® Examination Committee by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Board of Directors beginning on October 1, 2021. The responsibilities related to this appointment include advising the Board of Directors on matters related to the NCLEX® examination process, including examination item development, security, administration, and quality assurance to ensure consistency with the Member Board’s need for examinations, and develop NCLEX® prototype items that use technology-enhanced item types focused on measuring clinical decision making/judgment.
Dr. Denker joined Galen College of Nursing in 2005 after several decades of experience in clinical practice and healthcare management. She currently serves as Executive Vice President of Nursing (EVP). In her current position, she is responsible for day-to-day program operations, staffing and workload, clinical operations, simulation, and student support; as well as additional academic responsibilities for campus expansions in partnership with Healthcare Corporation of America (HCA). During her tenure as EVP, all prelicensure RN programs obtained ACEN programmatic accreditation and all program pass rates have exceeded state and national averages.
Dr. Denker is an active leader in numerous civic and charitable organizations and holds a Kentucky Governor-appointed position on the Executive Committee of the Kentucky Board of Nursing since 2018. Dr. Denker received the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Pikeville (Kentucky) College (now the University of Pikeville), and the Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Bellarmine University in Louisville.
Pearl Clinic Now Open At Louisville Campus
We are pleased to announce the Pearl Clinic is now located at our Louisville campus!
Available to all Galen faculty, staff, and students, this permanent on-campus feature is designed to be a convenient and valuable resource to help everyone in the Galen family stay healthy and safe. Located in room 336, the Pearl Clinic is equipped to provide vaccinations and titers. Out-of-pocket expenses may vary.
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
By appointment only
Call 502-410-6506 to schedule
DAILY COVID PCR TESTS ARE ALSO NOW AVAILABLE
The Pearl Clinic will also provide access to daily COVID-19 PCR tests to all Galen faculty, staff, and students. This test detects the virus’s genetic material using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results are available in 48-72 hours. No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins welcome!
For questions, please contact the Pearl Clinic at 502-410-6506
Cincinnati Campus Honors 2021 Clinical Nurse Education Award Winner
Galen College of Nursing recently launched a new award to recognize the nurses who demonstrate excellence, compassion, and professionalism during the clinical education of Galen students. Named the Clinical Nurse Education Award (CNEA), this high honor is given during Nurses Week from May 6th – May 12th to compliment the spirit of the week’s celebration and recognition of the vital nursing community.
We are thrilled to announce that Lauren English, RN has been named the CNEA winner at our Cincinnati campus! Lauren is a staff RN on Jewish Hospital’s 5th floor, a neuro specialty. When she realized she was the person being honored, she was so touched that it brought tears to her eyes and a huge smile to her face. During the award presentation, Lauren’s manager summed up Lauren’s exceptional character and humble spirit by stating, “Lauren would say she was just doing her job as educating our future nurses.”
Lauren was nominated by Galen nursing student, Janelle Johnson. In her nomination essay, Janelle wrote,
“During my last day of clinical Lauren made my experience at Jewish Hospital an enjoyable experience all around. She was extremely welcoming and easy to talk to with her upbeat and easy-going personality. Her focus was to show and include me in what my role as a nurse would be like. During the shift, I made a couple of small errors…Lauren never criticized me the entire shift. Lauren reassured me that it is common and that I would learn over time, which helped my anxiety decrease. Whatever question I had; she had an answer for it. She also showed amazing compassion for all her patients equally and showed quality bedside care. The great qualities she has as a nurse is something that can’t be taught, she a natural and makes it look easy. I hope I can work with her in the future.”
Supportive student experiences in the clinical setting enhance learning and are invaluable to our students’ success. Galen College of Nursing highly values and appreciates the support of our healthcare partner staff nurses and is pleased to recognize nurses who go above and beyond to educate our students and future nurses. All CNEA nominations are submitted by Galen students in any nursing program, and at any level. To learn more about our annual award and the criteria for consideration, visit https://galenstaging.mystagingwebsite.com/cnea.
Tampa Bay Campus Honors 2021 Clinical Nurse Education Award Winner
The announcement of Galen’s Clinical Nurse Education Award (CNEA) winner at our Tampa Bay and Cincinnati campuses is one of the many reasons why Nurses Week (May 6th – May 12th) is one of the best times of the year. Galen recently launched this special award to recognize nurses who demonstrate excellence, compassion, and professionalism during the education of Galen students and future nurses. A high honor, indeed!
We are extremely excited to announce Kathleen Bailey, RN has been awarded this year’s CNEA winner at our Tampa Bay campus! Kathleen began her nursing career at the Medical Center of Trinity in January 2020, immediately after graduating from nursing school. She works in Unit 4 West and is described by many Galen students as “amazing, compassionate, professional, and patient”. She was nominated by Galen student, Zach Newkirk, who is currently in NUR 230.
With nominees from 15 hospitals throughout the Tampa Bay region, Kathleen stood out as an exceptional nurse who consistently went above and beyond to help Galen clinical students learn and grow on their nursing journey. She is well known for her love of nursing and love for Galen students.
“Kathleen is a wonderful asset and resource for our Galen students. Her passion and love for working with students are unmatched.”
– Christina Hall, Tampa ADN Faculty
All CNEA nominations are submitted by Galen students in any nursing program, and at any level. Nominees are evaluated on their ability to demonstrate excellence in compassionate care and professional mentoring. To learn more about our annual award and the criteria for consideration, visit https://galenstaging.mystagingwebsite.com/cnea
Glen Cornwall named Dean of Tampa Bay Campus
We are pleased to announce that Glen Cornwall, MSN, RN has been named Dean of Galen College of Nursing’s Tampa Bay campus, effective July 6, 2020.
Glen was appointed to serve as Interim Dean in December 2018; since then, Glen has been a dedicated leader and team player, which has contributed to the continued success of the Tampa Bay campus. Glen started at Galen in 2013 as a faculty member and has proved to be a valuable asset as he has developed as a nurse educator and leader.
Before coming to Galen, Glen held various roles in nursing education, nursing practice, and emergency medical services, both in the Florida community and abroad in Antigua. Additionally, he served as a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy. Glen’s varied experiences and skills are of great value and benefit to his role at Galen.
Glen is currently awaiting to defend his dissertation in order to complete a Ph.D. in Nursing from Barry University. We look forward to celebrating his success with him in the very near future!
Please join us in congratulating Glen on this promotion!
Dr. Tracy Ortelli Announced as the Newly Elected President of The New Jersey League for Nursing (NJLN)
Executive Vice President Tracy Ortelli, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF to Lead New Jersey League of Nursing as New President
June 18, 2020 – Louisville, KY – The New Jersey League for Nursing (NJLN), an affiliate of the National League for Nursing proudly announced their newly elected President, Tracy Ortelli, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF. Dr. Ortelli, Executive Vice President Postlicensure Nursing Education at Galen College of Nursing, will serve a two-year term through spring of 2022.
“As a college dedicated to expanding access to quality nursing education, we are proud and honored that Dr. Ortelli extends her commitment to nursing education beyond our walls to support the nursing profession and quality care in our country,” said Mark Vogt, CEO Galen College of Nursing. “Dr. Ortelli brings not only professional excellence, but passion for nursing and nursing education to all she does. She will serve the NLJN with the same dedication and remarkable leadership.”
The New Jersey League of Nursing is a state constituent league of the National League of Nursing, with membership open to and representing all levels of nursing from practicing nurses, students, and retirees, as well those who provide health care services, schools and consumers. The NJLN is responsible for shaping nursing education and providing resources and scholarships for the Nurses of New Jersey.
Dr. Ortelli served as a board member, Treasurer, then President-Elect prior to her new role. “I am honored to move in to my role as President with the New Jersey League of Nursing as we celebrate 105 years of support and dedication to the nursing profession,” said Ortelli. “As an organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of nursing education, we look forward to continuing to build a community of support for nurses at all levels and to recognize those who have made a difference. Now more than ever, it is imperative to build relationships in the healthcare community, and to expand our reach to strengthen our ability to impact the lives of those who dedicate themselves to nursing and healthcare in our country.”
The New Jersey League for Nursing supports and implements the mission of the National League for Nursing to promote excellence in nursing education to build a strong and diverse nursing workforce to advance the nation’s health at the constituent level. The NJLN is a premier nursing Organization in the State, with more than 105 Years of promoting the positive image of nursing. The New Jersey League for Nursing believes in the professional advancement of nursing education and practice through programs, scholarships, and opportunities that address the needs of diverse students, faculty and practicing nurses in a rapidly changing healthcare environment while promoting collaboration and forming partnerships. For further information on the NJLN, or to become a member, please visit www.njln.org.
About Galen College of Nursing
Founded 30 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education and a mission to expand access to nursing education, the College offers master’s, baccalaureate and associate degree education and practical/vocational nursing (PN/VN) programs to over 6,000 students on its campuses in Louisville, Ky., Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Tx., Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Oh., and Online. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galenstaging.mystagingwebsite.com.
Honoring David Jones Sr., Co-founder of Humana
Much has been written this past week about the legacy David Jones Sr. has left to our community and to health care in general. However, there is another that will affect thousands of people, both regionally and nationally. Thirty years ago, David Jones Sr. initiated a strategy to provide nurses with consistent skills to deliver quality, compassionate care to patients in Humana hospitals. Humana Health Institutes opened its doors in 1989, in Louisville, San Antonio, and Tampa Bay.
Today, those schools are known as Galen College of Nursing, the largest educator of nurses in Kentucky and the largest nursing educator in the South. The College continues a dedication to the initial commitments since its founding–expanding access to nursing education and a culture of care and continuous improvement. The College also continues to be dedicated solely to nursing education.
Today, the once small school on Fourth and Chestnut Streets in Louisville, and its sister locations, is proud of almost 20,000 graduates, began its first Master’s degree program this month, and offers nursing education to students all over the country.
David Jones Sr. and Wendell Cherry were early to recognize the critical nature of nursing to achieve better outcomes for Humana hospital patients. David’s vision to create a program of nursing education has impacted thousands of lives and influenced thousands of nurses, as well as the people for whom they care. This contribution should be recognized as an important part of his legacy that will continue to change lives and shape the future of nursing.
Kathryn M. Mershon, MSN, RN, FAAN
Board of Directors Chair
Galen College of Nursing
Photo courtesy of the Courier-Journal