Volume 10 Issue 2 sunt hici il inctaturi Accepted Students Day 2023

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 TA B L E O F
CONTENTS
3 Veronica Phillipson
Publicity Chair
What will you find in the Scope?

4 Rachel Cusick
President
Class of 2027!

5 Tess Aumuller
Senior Nursing Student - Landing an
Emergency Department Position
Post-Graduation

6-7 Julia Strimling

Things to Do in Pittsburgh

8 Tara Vo
Junior Student’s Nursing School
Banana bread Recipe by Student Kayla Experience
Pavlock
NCLEX answer
9 Meet Your Student Success Coach!

10 Nursing Organizations

11 Living on Campus: An inside look

12 Abigail Weltman
Advice for Incoming Freshman Nursing
Students

13 Brianna Kotek
Why I Chose Duquesne Nursing School.

14 Why Do We Love Clinical?

15 Meetings & Credits

NCLEX question
DUSNA Board of Directors

16 Hannah Oglesbee
My First Semester at Duquesne University

17 Tanrak Ploykao
Cookie Recipe: One Bowl Chewy Double
Chocolate Chip Cookies
NCLEX answer
Interest in writing for the Scope

NEWS MAGAZINE 2
EDITORIAL

What will you

find in The
Scope?

T
he Scope is a magazine which publishes articles
featuring the perspective of nursing students
and faculty. My name is Veronica Phillipson,
and I am the Publicity Chair of the Student
Nurses’ Association (SNA)of Duquesne Universi-
ty. I collaborated with students and faculty to
create The Scope. This edition of the Scope features
the best experiences as a Duquesne Nursing Student and
all the opportunites that come along with it including,
city life, clinical experiences, and post-graduation
opportunities.
The Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania awar-
ded The Scope in 2013, 2014, and 2016 the Excellent
Newsletter Award. Past President Morgan Gruender and
Veronica Phillipson Vice President Emily Churchill established this awarded
Duquesne School of Nursing piece of work. The National Student Nurses’ Association
Class of 2023 awarded The Scope with the Newsletter Excellence Award
Publicity Chair
in 2020. Past Vice President Lauren Bliss and Publicity
Chair Hadley Mueller continued excellence of the Scope.
As nursing students, we have unique experiences to
share with others. Whether this be an incredible in-
ternship in the operating room, a fantastic class ex-
perience with a professor, a proficient score on an
exam, or a rapid response observation at clinical, the
stories told are for the Duquesne University School of
Nursing community to reflect on and learn from. The goal
is to continue this newsletter and to make The Scope a
magazine that all Duquesne nursing students should be
proud.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this newslet-
ter. Please email all comments and questions to me at
phillipsonv@duq.edu. Letters to the editor must include
your name, contact information, and major.
The views expressed in The Scope are individual and do
not represent the views of Duquesne University or Du-
quesne University School of Nursing. I look forward to
producing inspiring work that shares memorable stories.
Best,

Veronica Phillipson

NEWS MAGAZINE 3
 WELCOME
CLASS OF 2027!
RACHEL CUSICK
DUQUESNE SCHOOL OF NURSING
CLASS OF 2022
PRESIDENT

My name is Rachel Cusick, and I am the current President of the

Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) here at Duquesne. We are so exci-
ted to have you all here on campus to learn more about all the great
aspects of Duquesne’s School of Nursing. You should be extremely
proud of yourself for making it this far. It is a great achievement
that will set the tone for the rest of your future nursing career!
I started as a freshman in Duquesne’s Nursing Program back in 2019 be-
cause, after looking at many other programs, I felt Duquesne would be
able to offer me the best education in terms of curriculum as well as
in the clinical setting. Being surrounded by so many highly rated me-
dical centers has optimized my learning experience and exposed me, and
the other nursing students, to what the real life of a nurse is like!
Along with the extremely helpful professors and enrichened clini-
cal experiences, the other students who have gone through the BSN
program with me have truly made my experience all the more bet-
ter. I have gained so many friends in each of my classes who sha-
re the same interests as me, especially since we are all trying to
achieve the same goal. Having the support system of other studen-
ts has been extremely helpful especially when it comes to studying
for exams or working on group projects throughout the semester!!
Getting involved in the different clubs on campus, such as the Stu-
dent Nurses’ Association has also benefitted me throughout my four
years at Duquesne. The meetings give students, from all years
in nursing, the opportunity to share advice and other informa-
tion about what they are currently learning! It has also given me
the chance to get involved with the community and other organi-
zations on campus with all the different events that take place!
I hope Duquesne’s School of Nursing is what you have all been looking
for and more. I have enjoyed every second of my time here at this
prestigious university, and I would not have it any other way. I hope
it has the same impact on you as it did on me. Whether you choose Du-
quesne or not, I wish you the best with your future endeavors, and I
hope I get the chance to work alongside you in the future!
Best,

Rachel Cusick

NEWS MAGAZINE 4
 Senior Nursing Student - Landing an Emergency
Department Position Post-graduation

TESS AUMULLER

I
DUQUESNE SCHOOL OF NURSING
CLASS OF 2023

will gra- ths of medical-surgical a trauma tech there since

duate in May patient care tech (PCT) August 2022, and I have
2023 from the experience, I became an gained experience and en-
School of Nur- emergency room tech at dless knowledge that be-
sing as well UPMC Shadyside Emergency came extremely useful in
as the School Department for nine mon- our Critical Ill course.
of Liberal Arts. Af- ths. Before I knew it, I Currently, I am finishing
ter graduation, I plan was going into the sum- up the last steps to be-
on working full-time as mer before my senior year gin as a registered nurse
a registered nurse at and decided to apply for there starting in May. I
UPMC Mercy Emergency De- the UPMC Student Nurse couldn’t be more excited
partment. I fell in love Internship program and for this opportunity be-
with emergency medicine was accepted. I spent cause I love everyone I
going into my sophomo- three months at UPMC Mer- work with at Mercy. Star-
re year here at Duques- cy Emergency Department ting in a specialty such
ne when a close friend performing the role of a as the emergency depart-
told me to apply for an registered nurse under ment right after gradua-
EMT summer course to get the direct supervision tion is often discoura-
my EMT license. I pas- of my preceptor. I also ged. However, my advice
sed my EMT boards that gained trauma experien- to younger students in
summer which included ce that came along with the program is that if
endless clinical hou- constant adrenaline. My you have a passion for
rs at the fire department love for emergency medi- a certain specialty and
and the local emergen- cine and trauma grew that gain some experience and
cy department. I loved summer, and I transfer- confidence in that spe-
the adrenaline rush from red to UPMC Mercy Emer- cialty, nothing should be
working in emergency me- gency Department to be a stopping you!
dicine. After nine mon- trauma tech. I have been

“If you have a passion for

a certain specialty and gain
some experience and confidence
in that specialty, nothing
should be stopping you!”

NEWS MAGAZINE 5
 Things to do in Pittsburgh
JULIA STRIMLING
DUQUESNE SCHOOL OF NURSING
CLASS OF 2025

PITTSBURGH: A SPORT’S CITY

Duquesne students have access to
Duquesne University athletic com-
petitions with their student ID.
Men’s basketball games are the most
popular on campus sporting events,
and the student section is lots of
fun. In addition, Duquesne’s con-
venient campus location allows Du-
quesne students to support Pitts-
burgh’s outstanding sports teams.
The Penguins, Pittsburgh’s hockey
team, play at the PPG Paints arena
which is located right next to Du-
quesne’s campus. Students can ea-
sily commute to the arena to watch
Penguins games. Additionally, the
arena hosts many popular artists,
such as Harry Styles, Billie Ei-
lish, Imagine Dragons, Journey,
John Mayer, 21 Pilots, and Shawn
Mendes. The Pirates, Pittsburgh’s
baseball team, play at PNC Park,
which Duquesne students can con-
veniently access using the free
subway line. Lastly, the Steelers, BARNETT, BRETT. “MY VIEW FROM THE SECOND DECK: FIRST TRIP TO PNC PARK FOLLOWING COVID.” BUCS DUGOUT, 4 JUNE
2021, WWW.BUCSDUGOUT.COM/2021/6/4/22466091/PITTSBURGH-PIRATES-MY-VIEW-FROM-THE-SECOND-DECK-PNC-PARK-
Pittsburgh’s football team, play COVID-ADAM-FRAZIER-BRYAN-REYNOLDS.
at Heinz Field, which can also be
reached using the free subway ser-
vice within Pittsburgh. I highly
recommend attending sports events
both on and off campus!

P O I N T S TAT E PA R K
The Point is where the Monon-
gahela River and the Allegheny
River merge, forming the Ohio Ri-
ver. Point State Park is a beau-
tiful park right next to downtown
Pittsburgh. It is the perfect spot
to have a picnic, walk, bike, ska-
teboard, run, or read. The best
time of year to run to Point State
Park is the Fall because of the
beautiful foliage on the trails.
Additionally, the Fort Pitt Mu-
seum, which is located next to the
Point, is open daily from 10am to
5pm. With a valid student ID, ad-
mission to the Fort Pitt Museum is
only $4.50.

PALKO, JANICE. “PITTSBURGH’S HEART: POINT STATE PARK.” POPULAR PITTSBURGH, 8 JULY 2019, POPULARPITTSBURGH.
COM/PITTSBURGHS-HEART-POINT-STATE-PARK/.

NEWS MAGAZINE 6
P E O P L E ’ S G A S H O L I D AY M A R K E T
The People’s Gas Holiday market
brings holiday cheer to the Pi-
ttsburgh community. The small
village of local vendors located
in Market Square opens daily at
11am from mid-November through
December 23rd. The market is only
a ten-minute walk from Duquesne’s
wonderful campus. Local craftsmen
sell a variety of products, in-
cluding handmade pottery, jewel-
ry, clothing, accessories, and
kitchenware, which makes finding
the perfect holiday gifts easy.
During shopping hours, Market
Square also hosts live entertain-
ment. When I explored the holi-
day market with my friends, there
were live holiday dance perfor-
mances. Lastly, after finding the
perfect presents for your loved
ones, you can hop in line for some
fresh hot apple cider and other
sweet treats! DAUGHERTY, HALEY. “TIS THE SEASON TO GET FESTIVE WITH THESE LOCAL HOLIDAY MARKETS.” PITTSBURGH MAGAZINE, 10
NOV. 2021, WWW.PITTSBURGHMAGAZINE.COM/TIS-THE-SEASON-TO-GET-FESTIVE-WITH-THESE-LOCAL-HOLIDAY-MARKETS/.

I C E S K AT I N G
During the holiday season, the
UPMC Rink at PPG Place is open
for public ice skating. Located
right next to Market Square, the
rink is only a ten-minute walk
from Duquesne’s campus. You can
bring your own skates or rent
a pair. No matter your skating
ability, you are sure to have a
magical experience. The rink is
open from 11am to 10pm Sundays
and most weekdays, and it stays
open until midnight on Fridays
and Saturdays. Additionally, on
Wednesday nights, admission is
only $5.50 with a valid student
ID. Ice skating at PPG Place is a
tradition for many Duquesne stu-
dents!

POWELL, ALBRECHT. “SKATING IN DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH’S PPG ICE RINK.” TRIPSAVVY, 15 JAN. 2021, WWW.TRIPSAVVY.
COM/ICE-RINK-AT-PPG-PLACE-2708179.
KENNYWOOD
Kennywood is an amusement park
located just 25 minutes away
from Duquesne’s campus. During
spooky season. Kennywood hosts
Phantom Fright Night every Fri-
day, Saturday, and Sunday. Va-
rious Duquesne clubs and organi-
zations plan trips to Kennywood
for its fear-filled haunted hou-
se, rollercoasters, and other
great attractions during the
month of October. Tickets that
are bought through Duquesne Uni-
versity organizations typically
include transportation, saving
students the hassle of arran-
ging their own. Kennywood is a
great amusement park, and it is
even better to experience with
other Duquesne students!
Y
SCANGA, MARIA. “KENNYWOOD PARK OPENS WITH NEW ROLLER COASTER, UPDATED COVID-19 POLICIES.” THE PITT
NEWS, 23 JUNE 2021, PITTNEWS.COM/ARTICLE/165816/ARTS-AND-ENTERTAINMENT/KENNYWOOD-PARK-OPENS-WITH-
NEW-ROLLER-COASTER-UPDATED-COVID-19-POLICIES/.
NEWS MAGAZINE 7
 A JUNIOR STUDENT’S
NURSING SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
TARA VO
H
DUQUESNE SCHOOL OF NURSING
CLASS OF 2024
ello! My name in nursing school, but
is Tara Vo, and in the end, they become
I am a junior worthwhile. I feel as
nursing stu- though it has changed
dent at Duques- me as a person and my
ne. I have had perspectives on heal-
a rewarding experience thcare. When you expe-
in the nursing program. rience it firsthand in
I have had a rewarding clinical, it begins to
experience at Duques- come together. The rea-
ne and being a part of lization of the changes
various organizations you can make by making
like DUSNA, ATD, ASA, proper and justified
etc. I have met many decisions because it
peers involved in the pertains to an entire
organizations and par- life and lives affec-
ticipated in events and ted by that life can
programs to help and bring clarity to those
become more involved in who are lost. Being in
the community. I joi- nursing school brin-
ned DUSNA and ATD to gs me clarity on heal-
meet more nursing stu- thcare decisions even
dents and become a part hard ones. When lear-
of an organization that ning about a bochdalek
impacts those around hernia that I have had
healthcare. I chose Du- for an unknown amount
quesne nursing because of time, I realized I
I heard of the program have a serious health
from friends at home condition and further
and wanted a smaller complications that I
classroom setting as a need to figure out. Even
learning environment. though I am going to be
I love this beautiful a nurse, I can still
city and the people it be a patient despite
has brought me. Overall, that role because I am
I have enjoyed Duques- also human. I am still
ne nursing and would trying to figure out
recommend the program what I need to do be-
to rising freshmen and cause of outside fac-
those looking to go to tors affecting my own
nursing school. The- healthcare. I am trying
re will be what feels to find answers from the
like endless long ni- resources I have avai-
ghts of studying, early lable to create a plan.
mornings, and long days Nurses help save lives.
NEWS MAGAZINE 8
Perhaps being in nur-
sing school to become
a nurse will help save
my life as well. People
need to take care of
themselves before being
able to care for someo-
ne else. I eventually
want to be able to help
someone else who I can
further empathize with
because I have been in
their shoes. If you are
planning on attending
nursing school, remem-
ber that not all ex-
periences will be the
same. This is just part
of my story and expe-
rience. Regardless of
any hardships or battles
you may face along the
way—you will still find
the positives to keep
going and be able to
bring that good energy
into others. There are
hospitals everywhere
here. Life feels like
it is in constant motion
because of the opportu-
nities available. The-
re is always something
that you can learn in
clinical and people
you’ll meet along the
way. Take those oppor-
tunities because you’re
here for a reason. Take
a chance like me, give
Duquesne a try, and you
may find the answers to
what you are looking
for here.
 Meet your Student Success Coach!
DR. DELUCA, DR. SNYDER, ALANA HARTEIS, KAREN BOVA, AND
EMILY LOTTES

Dr. Kate DeLuca EdB, MBA, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the School of Nursing
My name is Dr. Kate DeLuca and I am the Associate Dean of Student Affairs
in the School of Nursing. One of my goals is to help students transition to
college, but more specifically, to help them transition into the School of
Nursing. I have always believed that the best things about Duquesne are the
people and the relationships that students, faculty and staff build. I work
to build and strengthen relationships with students, faculty, and staff in
the School of Nursing and around campus to better serve our students throu-
gh programming, support services, and scholarship management. I encourage
all students to reach out and connect with our office, or stop by for candy!

Dr. Torrie Snyder PhD, RN, Clinical Assistant Professor and Chair of Undergraduate Program

My name is Dr. Torrie Snyder, and I am the Undergraduate Programs

Chair. I have been an adult medical-surgical nurse for 20 years and an edu-
cator for 10 years. My goal as the Undergraduate Program Chair is to monitor
courses in the program for quality and consistency. I also ensure that our
curriculum aligns with the Duquesne School of Nursing mission and vision,
as well as those of our accrediting bodies. I also address students’ aca-
demic concerns and provide them with academic resources and support. I am
always happy to speak with nursing students, so please feel free to stop by
my office at any time!

The Student Success Coaches

Ms. Alana Harteis, Mrs. Karen Bova, and Ms. Emily Lottes make up the Un-
dergraduate Academic Advising team for the School of Nursing. Our focus is
to develop interpersonal relationships with each of our students not only
to ensure that they meet their academic goals and become nurses, but also
to support them through unexpected challenges that they face. We also love
to celebrate successes that arise throughout their time at Duquesne. Stu-
dents are assigned to their Undergraduate Academic Advisor based on their
last names: A-F with Ms. Harteis, G-N with Mrs. Bova, and O-Z with Ms.
Lottes. We are all located in the Student Affairs Suite – 550 Fisher Hall.

NEWS MAGAZINE 9
 Nursing Organizations
SNA
Looking for a professional organization with lots of leader-
ship opportunities? DUSNA is the place to be.! With everything
from politics to creative writing, DUSNA is the organization
that creates the nursing-themed apparel (which is not availa-
ble in the bookstore) and travels to conventions in exciting
places like Phoenix, Arizona and even Disneyworld. DUSNA is
a great way to get involved in the profession of nursing and
make career connections! It’s also fun! Social activities
such as holiday parties and classes at the gym make DUSNA a
very well rounded organization. There are also plenty of ser-
vice activities such as, making dinner at the Ronald McDonald
House and helping with blood donation. DUSNA is the perfect
way to navigate the School of Nursing during your freshman
year and in the years beyond.
A L P H A TA U D E LTA
Looking for a professional organization with more of a
fraternity vibe? Check out ATD! ATD is one of three fraterni-
ties within the School of Nursing. Requirements for joining
include having a GPA of at least 2.5 and completion of one
semester of nursing school. ATD is a wonderful way to get to
know fellow nursing students and complete some fantastic ser-
vice projects. It is also an excellent opportunity for leader-
ship. Join ATD!
C H I E TA P H I
A recently reactivated organization on campus, CEP is one
of three fraternities within the School of Nursing. Repre-
senting diverse individuals, CEP continues the history of
diversity and acceptance that is a common theme at Duquesne.
CEP is a great organization for networking and advancement
of the profession of nursing. CEP completes many service
projects as well as socials that make this organization very
beneficial.

SIGMA- THE HONORS SOCIETY FOR NURSES

Sigma is an international organization that includes many
faculty, as well as students. Students must be in the top 35%
of their class to be considered for acceptance into the orga-
nization. Sigma provides many opportunities for advancement,
including research scholarships and free continuing educa-
tion units for licensed RNs. This organization is a valuable
organization to be a part of since it is one of the largest
nursing fraternities and offers many networking opportuni-
ties. Students who are in Sigma are given special cords at
graduation and once accepted, attend a special induction ce-
remony in the spring.
S T U D E N T R E P R E S E N TAT I O N
Students have the opportunity to represent their class as
Class Representatives and as Student Ambassadors planning
projects and fundraising within the School of Nursing. The
School of Nursing has several Student Government Association
positions where students can represent the School of Nursing
to the whole university. These are just a few ways that stu-
dents can get involved and be successful while developing
professionally!

NURSES CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Does your faith play a large impact in who you are? Do you
wish to spread the Christian message with likeminded people?
NCF is the home for you! NCF meetings include discussions on
pertinent issues within the profession of nursing and parti-
cipation in service activities that spread the Good News! A
recent project that NCF completed was the creation of blanke-
ts for The Children’s Home, an organization that supports
adoption and promotes the health of the entire family. NCF is
a fun organization to be a part of, no matter which type of
Christianity you come from. All are welcome!

NEWS MAGAZINE 10
 Living on Campus: An Inside Look
BRIANA GAVIN
DUQUESNE SCHOOL OF NURSING
CLASS OF 2019

ASSUMPTION
Assumption Hall is set up in an L shape. Each
side of the dorm has its own RA and there are ele-
vators located in the center. On the ground floor
there is a laundry room for the whole building. As-
sumption is the honors college and generally there
are mainly freshman living here with the occasio-
nal upper classmen. Guys and girls are located on
alternating floors. There are lounges on each floor
where you can hang out with your friends. A great
perk of living here is that each room is actually
bigger than the rooms in the other living learning
centers.

S T. A N N ’ S

St. Ann’s is one of the freshman living learning

centers and it is a very fun first dorm! You enter
the building on the second floor; here there is a
nice lounge with couches and tables and as well as
one or two vending machines and a bathroom. After
you swipe your I.D. at the desk, the doors are un-
locked for you; the left side is girls side and the
right side is the boys side. There are 6 floors to-
tal. This dorm has free laundry machines (just like
every other dorm) and study rooms! Each floor has a
large common room that is a great place to hang with
friends and study together. The bathrooms are loca-
ted in the center of the hallway and on either side
there are 3 bathroom stalls and three sinks. Along
the back there are 6 private showers, each with
their own drain and curtained area where you can dry
off and get changed. St. Ann’s is a really calm dorm
and it makes for a great first home away from home!

TOWERS

Towers is the biggest of the living learning centers. It

is also where Hogan Dining Center and The Campus Market
are located. This is a great perk when it is cold outside
and you do not have to leave the dorm for food. In addi-
tion to just food, in Towers there is also the mail cen-
ter, the swimming pool, and a computer lab for printing.
There are 3 wings total in towers A, B, C. On each wing
there are multiple bathrooms and a small kitchen that has
a sink, some cabinets, a table and a refrigerator. Each
wing has a small lounge with tables and chairs where you
are able to do homework, study and hang with friends.
Washer and dryer units are also located on each wing.
In addition to these units, there is also a room on the
17thfloor that has about 6 washer and dryer units. Towers
is a great living learning center that has everything you
could need without walking outside in the winter when you
only have to take an elevator to the gym while they have
to walk through the blizzard to get to the Power Center!
Usually the floors are separated by gender. On each floor
is a nice lounge with a TV and couches, a laundry room on
each floor with one washer and dryer, and a nice study room
in the back. The building is the square one with all the
dorm rooms on the outside and the bathrooms in the center.
The bathroom has lockers on both sides, 8 bathroom stalls,
6 sinks and 6 large showers in the back. St. Martin’s is
a really fun dorm and you will have fun getting to know
everyone on your floor.
NEWS MAGAZINE 11
 Advice for Incoming Freshman Nursing Students

ABIGAIL WELTMAN
DUQUESNE SCHOOL OF NURSING
CLASS OF 2023

As a senior nursing student, I have learned many things throughout

my time at Duquesne that have helped to shape me into the student
and person I am today. Here are some of the things I wish I knew or
would tell myself if I was an incoming freshman again.

1. Try and figure out early on what your study style is - this was
my biggest struggle during my freshman and sophomore years. I was
sometimes more overwhelmed about how I should study over what I
was actually studying. Sometimes it does take trial and error, but
once I finally understood how to retain and understand information
the best I saw a consistent increase in my grades, and my ability
to apply information improved!

2. Do not compare yourself to others - sometimes it is hard when

peers share grades with each other or you notice how much/little
you study over someone else. Try not to compare because everyone
has different study tactics and classes/topics that they are good or
bad at. Once I learned to focus on what I was doing and not compare
myself to others, I felt so much better! Remember, you are all in
the same boat and just trying to get through this program!

3. Take time for self-care - I overlooked this aspect of my life

so much during my first two years. I would stress about going to
the gym or taking a long study break because it is time I could be
studying. I would say self-care is just as important as the work
aspect of school. Burnout is a very real thing, and taking the time
to do things for yourself will help you in the long run!

4. Take advantage of every resource the school of nursing has to

offer - I would go to my professors for extra help. I went to the NAP
tutors all the time. It helped me so much when I needed a different
or deeper explanation of a topic! Creating bonds with professors
also helped when I needed recommendation letters for internships
and the nursing honors program!

NEWS MAGAZINE 12
 Why I Chose Duquesne Nursing School.

BRIANNA KOTEK

H
DUQUESNE SCHOOL OF NURSING
CLASS OF 2026

ello! My name is Brianna On top of what I have men-

Kotek. I am a freshman
nursing student at Du-
quesne University! A year
ago, I was in the posi-
tion that most of you are
in of choosing where I would fur-
ther my education. I remember si-
tting at accepted students’ day
for nursing and the speakers te-
lling everyone to pick a campus
that checks all your boxes of
what you would want in college
and the experience.
I knew that I wanted to stay
close to home but still far enou-
gh away. I looked at schools in
Pittsburgh. As soon as I ste-
pped foot on Duquesne’s campus,
I knew it was the right school
for me. I could see myself on
campus. At the other schools I
toured, I could not picture my-
self on their campuses. Duques-
ne has something special that
no other school has. Duquesne
has the city feel, where you can
walk down the street and be in
the heart of downtown but still
be away at the same time.
tioned and the main reason why
I choose Duquesne is because
of its amazing nursing pro-
gram. Duquesne’s nursing pro-
gram stood out to me among the
other nursing programs. First
off being in Pittsburgh you are
surrounded by hospitals. This
gives you many opportunities
during clinical. In fact, one
is right next to campus! Se-
condly, Duquesne’s nursing
program offers students many
opportunities to succeed star-
ting as soon as you walk throu-
gh the doors. You start taking
nursing classes as a freshman.
None of the other programs I
looked at had this. By taking
nursing classes freshman year
you get a feel for what it is
like.
Each person has a reason why
they choose what school they
will attend. I found what I
wanted on campus at Duquesne. I
hope that you find what you are
looking for at Duquesne.

GO DUKES!

“Duquesne has something special

that no other school has.
Duquesne has the city feel,
where you can walk down the
street and be in the heart of
downtown but still be away at
the same time.”

NEWS MAGAZINE 13
 Why Do We Love Clinical?

Fundamentals
During this clinical, you will get to learn a lot and have many “firsts”. On
my rotation, I completed my first medication pass to patients, took my first set of
vitals, gave a bed bath to a patient, learned how to chart, and much more! This is
a great time to soak in all the skills you are learning from Fundamentals lecture
and Health Assessment to apply to your patient care. It might seem overwhelming
at first, but do not worry. The skills will come with time because before you know
it, taking blood pressure will be a breeze!
- Taylor Neiburg

Adult Health and Illness

This clinical primarily focuses on medical-surgical nursing. Although this
class and clinical comes with many challenges, including introduction to complex
material, this is the chance to expand your knowledge after taking the Funda-
mental course. You will be using many skills learned in fundamentals while also
learning more about disease processes and appropriate nursing interventions. Ove-
rall, it was a great experience and helped me gain confidence in myself as a student
nurse.
- Veronica Phillipson

Maternal-Newborn
Many students find this clinical fascinating because this is the first time that
they get to experience a birth in the role of the student nurse. Additionally, you
will get to take care of mom and baby on the postpartum unit. I had this clinical
at UPMC Magee, and I felt that this clinical was an amazing opportunity to have new
and unique experiences. Every student has a different experience and story to tell
about this clinical. This clinical solidified my desire to specialize in neonatal
nursing.
- Veronica Phillipson

Pediatrics
You will learn about various health problems and their treatments specifically
geared towards children. This clinical will focus on growth and development of
the child and how illness plays a role. Clinicals take place at UPMC Children’s
Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Community Health
This clinical focuses on the health of the community. You will find yourself at
various clinical sites throughout Pittsburgh such as PAAR in Southside, soup kit-
chens, nursing homes, wastewater treatment plants, and outpatient clinics.

Gerontological Nursing Practice

Your spring semester will bring you back to Medical-Surgical nursing and ca-
ring for the older adult. You will be introduced to illnesses and health problems
specific to the older adult population and gain experience caring for chest tubes,
trach tubes, giving oxygen and suctioning. Some clinical sites are UPMC Mercy, UPMC
East, and Allegheny General Hospital.

Behavioral Health
During this class and clinical component, you will learn about the various psy-
chiatric illnesses and how to promote mental health in patients. A common clinical
site is Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and the VA Medical Center.

NEWS MAGAZINE 14
Meeting & Credits
Upcoming Meetings
March 13th at 9pm
April 17th at 9pm

Credit Opportunities Coming Up

Duqathon SNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
School of Nursing Food Pantry 2022-2023
Nursing Sticker Sale
President - Rachel Cusick
Vice President - Olivia Lavin
Secretary - Taylor Neiburg & Mackenzie Wolff
NCLEX PRACTICE QUESTION Treasurer - Olivia Antonucci & Alivia Stumpf
Social - Isha Patel & Abby Fischer
A patient is diagnosed with an iron
deficiency anemia. Which major cause Service - Mary Ballas & Olivia Hendricks
of iron deficiency will influence a Fundraising - Emily Coblish
focused assessment by the nurse?
Legislative Coordinators - Larisa Samryk &
A. Metabolic problems
Grace Milone
B. Inadequate Diets
Recruitment - Emily Pangonis & Emma Parkhurst
C. Malabsorption Publicity - Veronica Phillipson
D. Hemorrhage

NEWS MAGAZINE 15
 My First Semester at Duquesne University

HANNAH OGLESEBEE

I
DUQUESNE SCHOOL OF NURSING
CLASS OF 2026

chose Duquesne for many reasons, but the main one

was its incredible nursing program. I visited the
nursing lab in the summer. During one of the Accep-
ted Student Days, the faculty kindly answered all
my questions! The nursing students showing the lab
were nice and helpful! Fast forward to after my first
semester, I realized Duquesne had lived up to everything
I expected during my first semester of college. I took 12
credits in my first semester of college. Some of the cour-
ses were nursing courses like Professional Nursing and Nu-
trition. These courses challenged me, but success was not
unattainable. Being challenged in my courses made me proud
when I succeeded because I knew that I had to work hard for
it. The professors in my courses were also great. The pro-
fessors genuinely want you to do well in their course, and
ultimately the nursing program. They provide support and go
above and beyond to ensure that you have the knowledge and
resources to do well. Lastly, I was surprised at how much
support I received during my first semester at Duquesne. My
student success coach was a very big help in my first semester
of college. Your student success coach is specific to your
major, so mine was very knowledgeable about nursing. She
helped me make a plan specific to my needs and helped plan
a schedule where I could succeed and thrive. The Financial
aid office is also quick to respond to any questions or con-
cerns I have. The RAs in the residence halls help with any
concerns that you might have with rooms and living situa-
tions. Overall, I felt well supported in my first semester,
which ultimately led to my success at Duquesne University.

“Overall, I felt well supported

in my first semester, which
ultimately led to my success at
Duquesne University.”

NEWS MAGAZINE 16
Cookie Recipe: One-Bowl Chewy
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup refined coconut oil, solid, packed
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk
1/3 cup Dutch processed cocoa powder
3 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
¾ tsp baking soda
½ tsp instant coffee granules (optional)
½ tsp salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
5.3 oz dairy-free dark chocolate, chopped

Directions:
In a large bowl, cream together the coconut oil and brown sugar using a fork.
Then add the milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda,
instant coffee, and salt. Mix well. The mixture might look a bit clumpy,
and that’s okay.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Add the flour to the bowl and stir until just com-
bined. Careful to not over-mix.
Then gently fold in the chopped chocolate.
Form little balls out of the dough and evenly distribute, about 2 inches (5 cm)
apart, on a lined baking tray.
To decorate, add a few bits of chopped chocolate to the top of each cookie. Bake on
the middle rack of the oven for 12 - 14 minutes.
Let cool on the tray for a bit before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy!

Tanrak Ploykao
Duquesne School of Nursing
Class of 2024
PICK UP LIMES. (2018, MARCH 9). ONE-BOWL CHEWY DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES. PICK UP LIMES. RETRIEVED NOVEMBER 8, 2022, FROM HTTPS://WWW.PICK-
UPLIMES.COM/RECIPE/ONE-BOWL-CHEWY-DOUBLE-CHOCOLATE-CHIP-COOKIES-199

Y
NCLEX practice answer
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A diet deficient in iron causes iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, the
answer is inadequate diet. Foods rich in iron include spinach, dark leafy greens,
meat, nuts, beans, and fortified breads and cereals.

Interested in writing for the Scope?

I am always looking for new writers!
Contact Veronica Phillipson.
phillipsonv@duq.edu
NEWS MAGAZINE 17
NEWS MAGAZINE 18