MUSC College of Nursing

Congratulations to our ABSN students who received their white coats and stethoscopes at last week’s ceremony. We are incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

In partnership with MUSC College of Nursing, we're so excited to introduce you to some of the Lowcountry's top nurses!

Today, meet Leigh Anne Panek, DNP, RN, Clinical Instructor, MUSC CON!

After 33 years of nursing, many patients have touched Leigh Anne Panek’s heart.

“When I was a new nurse in 1991, I took care of a young man who was 32 and fighting leukemia,” said Panek, DNP, RN. “One day, he and my supervising nurse engaged in a water pistol fight in the hallway. Many would say it was unprofessional or just plain silly, but for this man, it was a bright spot to another long hospitalization to treat a disease that he wouldn’t recover from.”

Panek knows that laughter truly is the best medicine, so she tries to find ways to joke with her patients if the situation is appropriate.

Read more about her here: https://healthlinkssc.com/south-carolinas-best-nurses/

As part of the Ph.D. Learning Intensives, our “Research Mentor Speed Dating” session offered a fresh and innovative approach to mentorship. During this session, Ph.D. students engaged in focused, one-on-one conversations with each faculty member, ensuring maximum exposure to a wide range of expertise. This dynamic format helped students connect with the right mentor, laying the groundwork for a successful academic and research career and empowering them to reach their full potential.

To support collaborative learning among our Ph.D. students, we hosted Learning Intensives that provided a unique opportunity for students to engage in scholarly discussions, present their research and receive valuable feedback from peers and faculty. These sessions were carefully designed to develop scholarly knowledge and skills, fostering a strong and connected community of nurse scientists. Our Ph.D. students didn't just gain knowledge; they also built lasting connections.

Last week's convocation was filled with unforgettable memories. We're incredibly proud of our graduates and thrilled to welcome them as our newest MUSC Alumni!

CON's Development Board supports and advances the college's mission through advocacy, education, philanthropy, community engagement and fundraising. We are immensely grateful for their dedication! Recently, we asked them: Why are you a champion for MUSC's College of Nursing? Read their inspiring answers here: https://bit.ly/4eQv0Ny

Mark your calendars! We're thrilled to announce our first-ever New Student Open House on Thurs., Aug. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the College of Nursing building. This optional event is a great opportunity to connect with your fellow students, meet faculty and staff, and start your journey with us. For more details, reach out to student services at [email protected] or (843) 792-8515. We can’t wait to welcome you to the CON family!

Navigating her newest role, Dean Catherine Durham recently reflected on her career path and four items that embody her journey. Read her story here: https://bit.ly/4cuWXZH

Starting in the spring semester of 2024, Dean Catherine Durham launched her Scrubs Tour to connect with CON’s ABSN students, learn about their clinical experiences and gain insight into their unique perspectives. For the summer semester, Durham continued the tour by visiting students who recently completed rotations at MUSC Health. We are immensely proud of our nursing students and their accomplishments!

As director for the Next Steps program, Dr. Amy Williams leads an innovative behavioral healthcare program that supports young patients through integrated and collaborative care. It’s just one of many ways that MUSC's College of Nursing is addressing the growing need for mental health care in South Carolina and beyond. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4cuyqUE

No matter where their adventures lead, our faculty always make sure to represent their college! From Dr. Kathy Lindell in Stockholm and Dr. Terri Fowler in Nashville to Dean Cathy Durham in Boston, they all made sure to wave CON’s flag with pride!

UPDATE as of Wed., Aug. 7: MUSC will return to normal business operations on Thurs., Aug. 8. Visit web.musc.edu/alerts for more information.

UPDATE: MUSC has decided to continue the campus closure through Thursday. Current forecasts predict a lessening of the rain by Thursday afternoon, but to ensure the flooding has subsided enough to make road travel safe, we will continue to be closed through Thursday.

As we are tracking Hurricane Debby, campus will be closed beginning at 3 p.m. today. MUSC’s campus, including the library and Wellness Center, will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. We will continue to update you as we track the storm's path and expected flooding.

CON graduate Hailey Nocera recently experienced a full-circle moment in her nursing career.

She has taken on a position at MUSC Health and is now working alongside Mia Bevier, a nurse at MUSC Health who was once her preceptor during her student days. Remarkably, Bevier has transitioned from being Nocera’s preceptor as a student to now guiding her as a colleague.

“It has been a wonderful experience with her. She built up my confidence so much as a student, and now gives me so much confidence on the job. I look forward to work every day, and I'm so lucky to have found the perfect unit for me,” said Nocera.

Congratulations to Nocera on her achievements and the meaningful experience she gets to shares with Bevier!

Paws your scroll Pet Therapist Thursday! 🐾

Our Patient Animal Wellness Service (PAWS) Team spent an afternoon at MUSC College of Nursing, bringing tail-wagging happiness to our hard-working students and faculty!




MUSC Volunteer Services

Recently, we hosted a summer-themed end-of-semester celebration to honor the dedication of our exceptional nursing students and to offer them a chance for relaxation and camaraderie before their final exams. The event featured a visit from MUSC Health therapy dogs, chair massages and the unveiling of CON’s new Cabana Pod — a cutting-edge virtual reality relaxation booth.

The Cabana Pod delivers an immersive virtual reality experience crafted to offer nursing students support in managing stress and anxiety. This innovative initiative was made possible through a generous grant from The Duke Endowment.

We extend our best wishes to all our students as they tackle their final exams!

We're so lucky to have wonderful nurses in the Lowcountry! And in continued partnership with MUSC College of Nursing, we have the pleasure of highlighting some of them!

Meet Sarah Miller, PhD., RN, Medical University of South Carolina. 🙌

Dr. Sarah Miller has always loved puzzles, especially puzzles that require her to figure out creative solutions. Puzzles are one reason that she became a scientist; she wanted to solve the scientific questions that were bothering her.

Recently named the interim assistant dean of MUSC’s Ph.D. Nursing Science program, Dr. Miller brings her insatiable desire to solve scientific puzzles and a mentorship philosophy to her dual roles as an administrative leader and an educator.

“Of course, mentorship is an expected responsibility of our profession, but it’s more than that, it is aligned with my personal core values of curiosity, connection and empowerment,” Dr. Miller explained. “It is important to me to connect with my mentees, empower them to be their best selves and most importantly, cultivate a spirit of inquiry.”

Learn more about Dr. Miller here: https://healthlinkssc.com/south-carolinas-best-nurses/

When Veteran Breana “Bre” Wilken entered the College of Nursing’s Accelerated BSN program last fall, it was the fulfillment of a dream that began over a decade ago when she first joined the Air Force. Learn more about her story here: https://bit.ly/4bvcE1P

The 14th annual Janelle Othersen Visiting Professorship Lecture was a great success! Thank you to Dr. Regina Cunningham for presenting “Empowering Excellence: The Art of Nurse Leadership,” and all who attended to learn from the renowned nurse leader, scientist and educator.

Since 2010, the Othersen Lecture has broadened the educational experience of MUSC nursing students and faculty by hosting engaging and influential health care professionals on campus.

Our students and faculty recently had the pleasure of having lunch with Dr. Regina Cunningham, CEO of Penn Medicine. Dr. Cunningham shared her inspiring journey and unique experiences as a nurse CEO, offering invaluable insights into leadership. We are deeply grateful for her wisdom, story and knowledge.

In honor of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)'s Bicentennial, MUSC's College of Nursing is spotlighting alumni who magnify our legacy with their professionalism, passion and purpose. Alumna Theresa Morgan, CRNA, MHS, ’99, has dedicated her professional career to MUSC’s mission, working as a certified registered nurse anesthetist at MUSC's Main Hospital for more than 20 consecutive years, with additional stints in the MICU, Neonatal ICU and GI floor. Learn more about her story by visiting the link below.

Alumni Profiles: Theresa Morgan Alumna Theresa Morgan, CRNA, MHS has dedicated her professional career to MUSC’s mission.

Meet Kaitlin Epperson, the new director of development at MUSC College of Nursing! She is excited to spotlight the incredible work of students, faculty and staff and to share the meaningful impact donors can make on the future of the college. Read more: https://bit.ly/4cKCa3X

This summer, we were thrilled to welcome a special guest to campus: Doug Chamberlin, grandnephew of MUSC College of Nursing’s first Dean, Ruth Chamberlin. A visionary leader, Dean Chamberlin oversaw a transformative time at the college, including the establishment of a four-year collegiate program, which would confer the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and the opening of its flagship building at 99 Jonathan Lucas Street in 1956.

Fun fact: Dean Chamberlin authored the definitive history of the college, The School of Nursing of the Medical College of South Carolina: Its Story, and her grandnephew inherited the writing gene: he’s a well-known screenwriter (including Toy Story 2!).

Learn more about the college's rich history here: https://bit.ly/3zCe9he

CON recently piloted an innovative clinical group assignment and collaboration between MedSurg I faculty and the Simulation Program. Tasked with creating an educational skills kit related to specific nursing topics utilizing 3D printing technology and an accompanying educational video, ABSN students in MedSurg I let their expertise and creativity shine while teaching complicated nursing concepts to their peers.

“This pilot assignment exceeded our expectations, exemplifying the innovative outcomes when simulation faculty and course faculty collaborate to optimize university resources,” said Dr. Dawn Terzulli, a CON instructor. “The students took the assignment to an exciting level with such creative 3D printed deliverables and palpable classroom engagement during the activity. It was truly fulfilling to see each group actively share their work with such enthusiasm. Big high five to our students and a huge thank you to our library partners.”

Lifelines is Online!⠀
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The 2024 issue of Lifelines Magazine is now available to read online. Don’t miss stories highlighting Dean Cathy Durham’s first year (including her new Scrub Tour!), our student innovators, the first floor transformation, faculty trailblazers, the CON Unity Quilt and more! Special Feature Section: How MUSC College of Nursing is addressing the growing need for mental health care in South Carolina and beyond.⠀
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Read now: bit.ly/MUSCLifelines or link in bio.⠀
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MUSC College of Nursing SGA proudly hosted a successful fundraising event last semester at KOR4 to support You KEEP HOPE ALIVE, a non-profit founded by the West family to support families after pregnancy loss. “In June, we had the honor of presenting a check with the funds raised to the West Family,” said CON SGA president Alexis Simon. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and generously donated to our cause. Your support makes a difference!"

Announcing the 2024 Palliative Care Showcase!

Mark your calendars to join MUSC College of Nursing on November 19 for the 3rd annual Palliative Care Showcase, spotlighting “Interprofessional Palliative Care: Advancing Education, Practice and Research.”

November 19, 2024
MUSC College of Nursing
99 Jonathan Lucas Street
Charleston, SC 29425-1600

2-4 p.m. Hybrid Presentations
4-6 p.m. In-person Poster Session

Featuring Keynote Speaker Cara L. McDermott, PharmD, PhD, MSc, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Duke University School of Medicine.

Visit nursing.musc.edu/palliativecare for updates.

Co-sponsor: MUSC Center on Aging

Welcome to CON!

What an incredible day hosting students from the Orangeburg High School for Health Professions! To get a taste of the undergraduate nursing school experience, they took part in a skills station, high and low fidelity simulations, and a shadow experience at Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. Along the way they had the opportunity to learn more about the nursing profession from a few of our engaging faculty and MUSC Health nurses, who love to inspire the next generation. A special thank you to Dean Cathy Durham for fostering this partnership and initiating this successful visit.

Come back soon!


Orangeburg High School for Health Professions