Message from Dean Warner

Dean Warner has asked me to post this message to the nursing school here on the blog in hopes we can improve our communications. Please leave comments on the blog, by pushing comment on the bottom of this entry, to thank Dean Warner or offer up any further suggestions. --Thanks UPSNA


For the UPSNA blog:
Greetings to each of you as we anticipate the start of Spring 2009. For some of you this is your final semester, for others one more step along the way, but for all I hope it is a great learning about nursing, health and yourself.

I have enjoyed several opportunities for student conversations near the end of fall semester - when individual students came to my office, a dean's forum I held where about 7-8 students came, and a forum advertised vigorously by UPSNA that yielded about 30+. Thank you for taking time to provide input into our program. To close the communication loop, I want to share information on what I've done with what I heard and ask for a few next steps with you.

Attitude and culture: Faculty held a forum discussing teaching strategies and ways to improve our learning outcomes. This was already planned before my forum with you, but I saw it as an opportune time to share your concerns about the learning environment with large classes and the desire for passion for learning rather than intimidation. It was a great conversation that included your feedback. We have another session scheduled in January with two experts from the School of Education that will continue working with us as we...just like you....continue growing as competent professionals.

Communication: This posting on your UPSNA site is an experiment away from email - the venue that you said doesn't work any more. The Dean's Council (deans of all UP schools) is working with IS demoing twitters, chats, and other instant or contemporary venues. We want to change with the times, and I'm thinking about how we communicate with one another.

ATI concerns are being discussed by faculty in an upcoming meeting. The idea of an academic review board is on the Executive Committee agenda. We are considering and reconsidering OPT, looking for ways for you to understand that it is a process of thinking that permeates our discipline, not a form for paperwork. Our intent is to have greater clarity so that it isn't about lack of consistency but rather about how to internalize a way of thinking that directs our practice. We hear your concerns and have already had a vigorous conversation about this.

Please know you were heard. These steps and more were taken (and some were already planned before our forum). "Continuous quality improvement" is always happening here and the faculty and staff do more than is visible to you all so they stay current and excellent in their work.

My request: I was honored during the last forums to primarily listen. Sincere listening is a profound gift to give others and taking action based on the listening elevates the message even more. Know this has happened. I want another forum (or more) whereby I can share some of my perspective and can help you shape your role in culture formation and perception. We are all co-creators of our environment, and I want you to fully realize your power in a learning/work environment. I will work with the UPSNA Board to make this happen and look forward to your participation.

Cheering for you to have a stunning semester of learning and growth - Dr. Warner

PRE-ORDER Your Fleece!

Hey guys the fleece samples are here and can be tried on tomorrow about 11-2ish on the 3rd floor of BC.

They are 100% polyester, zip up front, collared. The design on them is the SON seal, which is the design on the pin we get at graduation. They say "University of Portland"
...seal...
"school of Nursing" below the seal.

Your choices are Black with white writing or Dark Gray with purple writing.

Prices: $30 UPSNA members and $35 for nonmembers and faculty.

The sizes range from XS to 6XL. The sizes are mens sizes so they are running big. I am 5' tall and drowning in the small, if that helps you decide. If you don't know stop on by tomorrow and try one on. We have S-4XL to try on.

So there's the low down! We are taking pre-order with payment tomorrow!

Please look at the pictures posted of the fleece with the sizing chart (which I'm not gunna lie is hard to understand, but its what they sent me)


Merry Christmas!!
--UPSNA

P.S. If you know you really want one and can't make it to bring us a check please send UPSNA an e-mail with your NAME, PHONE NUMBER, SIZE, COLOR (gray or black)! upsna@up.edu


Don't forget PARENTS and GRANDPARENTS LOVE this sort of thing! You can give them a picture of one for Christmas and tell them its coming!

All you NEED/MUST know for Finals Week Success!

YEAH we made it to finals week, now if we all just make it through it!

A few things--
1. Muffins and coffee can be found on the 3rd floor starting at 8am Mon-Thurs brought to you by UPSNA

2. T-Shirts will be sold at periodic times throughout the week generally in the afternoon. They are ADORABLE/HANDSOME :) The t-shirts have a spandex so they are more fitted the long sleeves are cotton. Both are $12 and come in black or white. (see the picture posted on the site.)

3. Fleeces: Justus is picking up one of each size so you can see them and try them on for pre-orders! Prices are $35 non member and $30 member. Come by to Pre-order when you buy your shirt!!!!!

4. Adopt a Family!!!! Please bring your unwrapped gifts and put them in the bins on the 3rd floor. Please help us make this successful!



We wish you all the best on Finals!!

--UPSNA

Families for Giving--Note From Courtney

IT’S HOLIDAY SEASON!!!
A time to support others, love one another and help out in every way you can!

WHAT: UPSNA and the SON has adopted FIVE families who are in need of some help this holiday season with gifts! Please find a way to scrounge up some extra cash to help these families out!

HOW: Pool money with friends, talk to your family, talk to your neighbors, take a few bucks out of your own account to help these families in need!

WHEN: Donations accepted NOW through December 12th

WHERE: Drop off donations in the large bins on the 3rd floor of BC

WHO: Anyone and everyone can donate! And here are the families we are supporting with their wish list attached!

Family S4 (Freshmen): 4 month old boy: Size 6-9 months, shoes size 3-T, high chair, Johnny-jump-up, entertainment mat; Parents: $25 Gift Card

Family S8 (Sophomores): 2 year old girl: Size 3T, shoe size 6, learning toys, Barbies, baby dolls, she likes Princess girly stuff, clothes; Parents: $25 Gift card

Family S9 (Juniors): 3 year old girl: Size 6T pants, 5T shirts, shoes size 12, Dr. Seuss books, puzzles, Barbies, baby dolls, Sponge Bob DVD's, play dishes, play vacuum& broom, baby doll stroller, hair accessories; Parents: $25 Gift card to where a CD player can be bought, or a CD player

**This family identifies themselves as Native American, in case this helps you in making culturally appropriate choices. For example, if a child’s wishes include a doll or story books, perhaps you can find something that resembles the family's culture, race, or ethnicity.

Family P3 (Seniors): 7 year old girl: Size 14 shirt and pants, shoe size 3, boots (needs badly), Hannah Montana books, bed set twin (sheets& blankets), learning toys, puzzles, coloring , art, robe; 3 year old girl: Size 5-6, shoe size 10, any Dora the Explorer learning, coloring, toys, playsets; Parents: $25 Gift card to a location that has TV sets, TV set

Family S12 (Freshmen and Sophomores): 20 month old boy: Size 20-24 months, shoe size 6-7, books that make noise, cars that light up, outfits; Parents: $25 Gift card

Questions:
Maren Nelson (nelson10@up.edu), Courtney Wong (wong09@up.edu),
Kelsey Lemons (lemons09@up.edu)

Sweater Meeting Pics

THANK YOU!

UPSNA would like to extend a huge thank you to all that attended the forum with Dean Warner today. There were about 40 people in attendance. Issues were brought up that Dr. Warner was aware of and was able to offer clarity and insight to them. Students also brought forth issues that she was unaware of, which she thanked us for.

All in all very successful! THANK YOU!

--UPSNA

Suggestion Sheet

Hey Guys I promised I'd put this up again. Please fill it out and e-mail it to the UPSNA email and we will get it to Dean Warner! upsna@up.edu

Please comment on this blog in this fashion:

Issue:_________________________________________________
What you would like to see (goal):__________________________________________________________
How do you suggest we achieve this goal (intervention):________________________________________________________________