USF College of Nursing faculty attended Synapse Summit 2020 at Amalie Arena, Feb. 11-12, with an eye towards sparking collaboration and inspiration. Drs. Theresa Beckie and Ponrathi Athilingam showcased their mobile apps that help patients promote a healthy heart.

In February, the USF College of Nursing celebrated Black Heritage Month with two events.

On Feb. 6, a panel of male health care providers discussed the challenges of being in the health care field, and on Feb. 27, a health care expo showcased information from a diverse group.

USF College of Nursing students led interactive lessons in nutrition and fitness to school-aged children during a Mini Teach-in at Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School on Feb. 20 as part a USF Health Service Corps volunteer opportunity.

USF College of Nursing assistant professor Paula Cairns, PhD, RN, accepted the Bronze Snapshot Award during the Society of Critical Care Medicine's 49th Critical Care Congress, Feb. 16-19 in Orlando.

Dr. Cairns received the research award based on her abstract titled, "SAF-T Intervention for PTSD in Family Caregivers of Critically Ill, Mechanically Ventilated Adults."

The USF College of Nursing presented reference librarian Randy Polo with a certificate of appreciation during the Faculty Council meeting on Feb. 21.

Polo, who is retiring, was recognized for his years of dedication and service as the college's liaison at the Shimberg Health Sciences Library.

If you were one of the intrepid runners in the 2020 Gasparilla Distance Classic, you might have seen these three USF College of Nursing professors at the race start.

Congrats to Denise Maguire, Cheryl Zambroski, and Connie Visovsky for joining the thousands of landlubbers on race weekend. Drs. Maguire and Visovsky ran the 5K, and Dr. Zambroski completed the Lime Challenge, running a 15K, 5K, and a half marathon.

USF College of Nursing hosted Visiting Scholar Carla Rash, PhD, as part of an ongoing lectureship series.

Dr. Rash, an assistant professor at UConn Health, presented "Using Contingency Management Interventions to Motivate Behavior Change in Disadvantaged Populations" on Feb. 13.

Members of the USF College of Nursing nurse anesthesia program attended the 7th annual Sand & Surf Anesthesia Symposium in Orlando, Feb. 7-9.

The conference, hosted by the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists, featured a weekend of workshops aimed at helping nurse anesthetists navigate the changing field, including tips on how to open an anesthesia practice.

Student nurse anesthetist Sergiy Omelayenko is headed to the AANA Mid-Year Assembly on April 19 in Washington, D.C. where he will participate in the Student Mentoring Program.

USF College of Nursing CRNA program administrators recommended Omelayenko for the opportunity based on his leadership qualities and interest in nurse anesthesia advocacy. He plans to shadow an experienced CRNA during a day of presentations, open forums, and other events.

USF College of Nursing student advisor  Rebecca Gubernick was awarded a Certificate of Merit in the Excellence in Advising - Advisor, Primary role category for Region 4 of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

Gubernick accepted the award during NACADA's Southeast Region 4 conference in Tampa, March 1-3.

USF College of Nursing assistant professor Ivonne Hernandez, PhD, RN, IBCLC, attended the National Association of Hispanic Nurses' (NAHN) Third Annual Latino Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C., Feb. 7-9.

Dr. Hernandez attended as president of the WestFL NAHN chapter. The event gives Latino nurses the opportunity to become engaged professionals and to take action to build their leadership skills.