Volume 3, Issue 2 July/August 2015

A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E D U Q U E S N E U N I V E R S I T Y
S T U D E N T N U R S E S ’ A S S O C I A T I O N

Above: Jess Vannucci, senior , celebrates the summer at Clearwater Beach, Florida 1
 Who We Are

We are members of the Duquesne University Student Nurses Associa-

tion. All views expressed are our own and do not represent the views
of Duquesne University or Duquesne University School of Nursing.

We are members of the BSN Programs at Duquesne University. We

love health! We love patients! We love to write!

The Scope is the proud recipient of the 2013 and 2014 Student Nurses
Association of Pennsylvania Excellent Newsletter Award.

We would love to hear your thoughts on our newsletter! Please email

the editor, Bridget, at dusnapublicity@hotmail.com. All letters to the
editor must include name, contact info, and major.

Like us on Facebook and check out our blog at

DuquesneScope.wordpress.com

2
Image from clk-
er.com
Table of Contents
New PA Bill Gives Terminally Ill Patients Hope Page 4
Bridget examines new Right to Try bills that are sweeping the nation

New Nursing Lab Page 5

Bridget discusses the career path of nurse education

Look out for Heatstroke this Sumer Page 6

Emily explains the dangers of heatstroke and how YOU can avoid it

SBAR, the Best Way to Communicate Page 7

Liz unveils the gold standard of nursing communication

Faculty Feature Page 8

Dr. Simko explains how nurses are the heart of healthcare

Interprofessional Insight Page 9

Julian looks at how the media can influence healthcare

News Page 10
NCLEX Nook Page 10
Monthly Recipe Page 10
Nursing Horoscopes Page 12

Photos compliments of Joelle

Augustine, Morgan Fisher,
Lauren Caffrey, and Duques-
ne School of Nursing

3
New PA Bill Gives Terminally Ill Patients Hope
Bridget Seelinger, DUSNA Publicity Chair, senior
A controversial, bipartisan piece of legislation that would allow easier access to experimental treatment
options for patients with terminal illnesses was introduced on the Pennsylvania state floor in early May of
this year. Titled HB 1104, this bill is among other bills across the nation that are known as “Right to Try”
bills.

In an interview with US News1, Victor Riches of the Goldwater Institute which is spearheading the cam-
paign for Right to Try nationally, says that this legislation can save lives. The law allows patients with ter-
minal illnesses to request drugs that have passed the first clinical trial, but have not been approved by the
FDA. From there, the patient’s physician then discusses the risks and benefits with the drug companies
and manufacturers to determine if the drug is safe to use for the given patient. In short, this piece of legis-
lation allows patients and physicians to bypass the bureaucracy of the FDA’s compassionate use provi-
sions and allow them freer access to
experimental medications.

Supporters of this legislation argue

that the FDA’s compassionate use
provisions take too long and delay
treatment. Take Josh Hardy, a seven
year old suffering from an adenovi-
rus infection in the ICU at St. Jude’s
Hospital. A new therapy had become
available that could possibly save his
life, but the company that distribut-
ed the therapy had stopped taking compassionate use requests because of the concern that they may be
unable to get full FDA approval. After an intense national campaign by Josh’s family to have the company
accept their request including appearances on CNN and the hashtag #SaveJosh on Twitter, finally the com-
pany accepted the request and after receiving treatment, Josh re-
covered. The issue at stake with this example is how the compas-
sionate use provisions were preventing a seven year old child to
receive treatment. Advocates for Right to Try say that there are
many more cases like Josh’s out there, but their families lack the re-
sources that Josh’s family had. Craig Handzlik of the Goldwater In-
stitute says, “Right to Try is something that will help people all over
the country.”2

Drug companies, however, are hesitant to distribute products un-

less they are approved by the FDA. “We have an obligation to follow
federal laws,” Kellie McLaughlin of Janessen Biotech, a pharmaceutical company, Picture from wikipedia.com

says. Since this law does not require drug companies to sell their drugs to patients requesting the drugs,
some worry that Right to Try will have no effect on whether patients get the drugs or not. 4

Continued on Page 11….

New Year, New Lab: DUSON Gets an Upgrade
Chelsea Kwong, senior
The School of Nursing experienced an exciting change this summer,
the addition of a state of the art nursing lab. Gone are the days of
cramming in the hallways of Fisher waiting to enter the lab. On the
fifth floor of Libermann, nursing students are able to focus on learn-
ing instead of bumping elbows with their colleagues in an attempt to
view a demonstration.

Rosanna Henry, the director of the new simulation center, says that
all of this was possible without raising tuition.

“We were able to make the new sim lab happen through the generos-
ity of the President/CEO of Pocket Nurse, Anthony Battaglia,” Hen-
ry says, “He was responsible for providing much of the high tech
equipment and learning materials.”

Much of the equipment in the new lab also came from the Keystone
Simulation Center that shut down last year.
New nurse caddies help students prac-
Lined along one hallway are “standard patient rooms” which are built to tice scanning and administering medica-
tions
simulate patient rooms in doctors’ offices. In the main simulation lab, there
are multiple babies, as well as over five patient beds, each with their own
unique patient. Ample space allows for large groups of students to practice at once, and room to rotate
amongst stations. New features of this lab include a stocked central supply room, a medicine cart equipped
with a computer (which mirrors the ones used at such facilities as those of UPMC), and a linen shelf. The
oxygen ports on the walls deliver actual oxygen, thus further delivering the “real” hospital experience. Pro-
fessors can sit in a high-tech control room, which allows for them to record the simulation, and react to var-
ious interventions that students may implement. After the simula-
tion, a large debriefing room (which looks like a standard meeting
room) features a television screen that plays back the simulation
recording, and thus facilitates discussion of interventions, and po-
tential improvements to the performances of individual students.

Everyone can surely get hyped about the new nursing simulation
lab, and the learning opportunities that it promises to offer. We
are all a part of an exciting big step for the DUSON, and will be
reaping major benefits!

Check out pictures of the new

lab on page 15!
New monitors help students
to observe and discuss simu- 5
lations
Look out for Heatstroke this Summer
Emily Kinley, DUSNA President, senior

It is a hot summer day and you are walking down the street, when suddenly you see a runner who appears
confused and is having trouble breathing. After deciding to intervene, you begin to assess the runner and
recognize that his temperature is extremely high and his heart rate is rapid with a bounding pulse. You call
911 while assisting the runner into shade. When medical attention arrives they say the runner is suffering
from heatstroke and your keen observations may have helped save his life.

With summer in full force, it is a peak time for the serious condition known as heatstroke. It is important to
know the causes and recognize the signs and symptoms of this horrific condition before it’s too late. This
most serious form of heat injury can occur when the body temperature rises to 104˚F or higher. This steep
rise in internal temperature is usually caused by prolonged exposure or physical exertion in high tempera-
tures. If the symptoms are not caught early enough, it can quickly cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys,
and muscles. The longer it takes to receive treat-
ment, the more serious complications become,
possible even leading to death.

So, what are the signs and symptoms to look out

for? There are various symptoms that occur with
heatstroke with increased body temperature be-
ing the main symptom. Other key symptoms in-
clude altered mental state or behavior including
confusion, slurred speech, and seizures, an altera-
tion in sweating, nausea and vomiting, flushed
skin, rapid and shallow breathing, headache, and
Runner cools down after the Pittsburgh Marathon in May/
a racing heart rate brought on by the stress on the
Photo by Pittsburgh Marathon
body and its attempt to cool itself. If any of these signs
or symptoms are presented in any combination and it is suspected that someone may be suffering heat-
stroke, immediate medical attention is imperative! While waiting for medical help to arrive, take action to
cool the person who has overheated. Assist the overheated person to shade or indoors, remove any exces-
sive clothing, and attempt to cool the person with any available resources— try a sponge with cool water,
placing cold packs or towels on the head, neck, armpits, and groin, or spraying with a hose. Any and all at-
tempts to cool the person are valuable!

Heatstroke can be prevented if the right measures are taken to keep the body cool. Preventative measures
include wearing loose-fitting and lightweight clothing, drinking ample amounts of fluid, protecting skin
from sunburn, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, and being aware of one’s on
body and its limitations.

This summer, do not fall victim to heatstroke and its vicious repercussions. Protect yourselves and others
by remaining alert and taking all necessary precautions to keep the body cool and protected! 6

Heatstroke. (2014, July 12). Retrieved June 14, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/basics/definition/con-20032814
 SBAR, the Best Way to Communicate
Elizabeth Ladd, senior
Situation. Background. Assessment. Recommendation. SBAR, it’s a tool that has found its way into the heart
of most nursing classes. Almost from day one, nursing students are educated about this technique and in-
formed they are to use it when communicating with physicians during clinical.

SBAR really is something that even nursing students need to know how to use. We don’t talk to physicians
all that much right now, but SBAR is really far more encompassing
than what nursing school has pigeonholed it to be. How many times
in a day do nurses discuss care with other nurses? How many times
do they quickly transfer care before going to lunch or leaving the
floor for some other task? Now, how many times do those nurses
transfer care by stating: the most pertinent problem, some back-
ground about that and/or the patient, what the nurse’s impression is
at the present moment, and what the nurse needs to have done while
she is away? Take this for example:

Mary: Hey, Mike, can you take care of my patient in

room 3 while I go to lunch? [situation]

Mike: Sure, Mary.

Mary: Okay, now Mr. Smith is in room 3. He has a histo-

ry of uncontrolled diabetes with PVD and had a stroke
within the last year. He’s here because he’s developed
skin breakdown around his ischium and has two infected diabetic ulcers on his right foot. I
just gave him his IV pain medications, but he has a PRN if he needs more. [background] Other-
wise, I would just keep checking on Mr. Smith. I think he’s working through some feelings of
resentment and guilt about his current visit with us [assessment], and he may need some ex-
tra support and education if he seems ready for it. [recommendation]

Should this be heard at any point while at clinical, tell your nurses they are fantastic! Not using an SBAR for-
mat for discussing patients with all providers isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it may not be the quickest
way to present the most amount of information either. The conversation above could easily have looked like
this:
Image from saferhealthcare.com Mary: Hey, Mike, can you take care of my patient in room 3
while I go to lunch.

Mike: Sure, Mary.

Mary: Okay, he’s here to be treated for three different skin

breakdown areas. I just gave him some IV pain meds, but he has a PRN. Keep an eye on him,
especially because he seems kind of down. Thanks!

You see, this didn’t exactly have the same type of detail as the last one. Now, poor Mike will be left to figure
out the extent of the patient’s condition on his own and there is the possibility that he could be missing out
on some very important information.

So the next time a brief transfer of care—or, really, any rapid patient discussion—needs to occur, try using
SBAR. Not only does it encourage every nurse to package a complex person into the best description, but it
also forces the nurse to really think about what needs to be shared for best patient continuity of care. 7
 Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare
Dr. Lynn Simko PhD, RN, CCRN
Nursing is the profession that is with the patient 24/7. We do complete physical assessments on
the patient at least every four to twelve hours, we know if they are in pain, have to go to the bath-
room, or need repositioned for comfort. We check on them every hour and let them know that we
care about their well being. Yes, Nursing is the heart of patient care. The physician only comes
once a day, assesses the patient and gets the report from the Registered Nurse (RN) as to how the
patient did the previous 23 hours of the day. They
look at the lab work, X-rays and other tests to help
plan the care of the patient. They write their or-
“ Yes, nursing is the heart of
ders and then leave the hospital to visit more pa- patient care and you should
tients in other hospitals or in their offices.
love it as a profession”
Having worked in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
setting for all of my professional years I have
learned a great deal about the nursing care needed in a Coronary Care ICU. I have resuscitated pa-
tients by defibrillating them before the code team and physician arrived. I have saved lives with the
nursing care I have developed over the years. Coronary Care ICU usually sees patients with heart
attacks (Myocardial Infarctions), congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism,
heart transplant candidates, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), ventricular assist devices
(VAD), and extracorporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We also get patients with cardiogenic
shock, septic shock, and hypovolemic shock. We treat these patients with
Duquesne celebrates nursing at the vasopressor agents that help increase the Blood Pressure (BP) so that the
Image of Nursing Event in April/ Im- patient doesn’t end up with permanent brain damage from inadequate
age from DUSON
cerebral blood flow. Patients in cardiogenic
shock may need an intra-aortic balloon pump
(IABP) inserted to help with coronary artery
perfusion and to decrease afterload which
makes it easier for the left ventricle to pump
out its contents and helps increase cardiac out-
put. The Cardiovascular ICU usually sees pa-
tients post open heart surgery. They may have
had coronary arteries bypassed or have had a
valve replacement or both. They also see pa-
tients post-operatively from aortic aneurysm
resections, peripheral artery bypasses, pneu-
monectomy (for lung cancer), heart transplant,
and other vascular surgeries. So the cardiovas-
cular ICU is a post-surgical ICU, where as the
Coronary Care ICU is a medical type ICU. The
skills required in a cardiac ICU can be transferred to care of other patients in other types of ICUs. I
work at West Penn Hospital and I float to the Cardiovascular ICU, Medical-Surgical ICU and the Burn
Trauma ICU.

Continued on page 11….

8
Healthcare Journalism: Leading the way to Change
Julian Routh, Editor in Chief Duquesne Duke and Off-the-Bluff Magazine, senior
When the government removed all state wards from one of Illinois’s most recognizable residential
treatment centers earlier this year, it wasn’t doing so out of the good faith of honorable health care. It
did so because Sadie Waterford Manor – just outside of Chicago – was the target of an extensive inves-
tigation; not by the government, but by three veteran reporters from the Chicago Tribune. In a thor-
ough five-part series called “Harsh Treatment,” the major metro daily revealed a culture of sexual as-
sault, abuse and neglect in Sadie Waterford and other centers, which treat hundreds of troubled chil-
dren.
The media – not only traditional print – has always been able to alter the inner workings of the health
care industry, changing the way people think about practices, influencing legislation and sometimes
saving lives. Health care journalism spawned from American consumerism. When the number of med-
icines on the market grew exceedingly larger, buyers turned to medicine magazines for information.
Miracle doctors crammed the airwaves. There were more advertisements for magic pills than magic
politicians.
But there was always something lacking. Thorough analyses were few and far between, and most me-
dia outlets didn’t have the space, time or money for
extensive coverage. “With these newfound
That changed, though, in the late part of the 20th cen-
tury, when investigative reporting took on new life measures came a greater
with unlimited space on the web. Then came a bar-
rage of undercover reports, honest medical infor- need for accountability”
mation from experts and, of course, advertisements.
In 2012, PBS Frontline and the Center for Public Integrity put out “Dollars and Dentists,” an honest,
brutal look at the broken dental care system. A year later, Elizabeth Rosenthal of the New York Times
dedicated a series to why the United States has the most costly health care in the world.
With these newfound measures came a greater need for accountability from the industry’s biggest rep-
resentatives. Some succeeded, others failed.
When health care giant UPMC vowed to bar 182,000 patients from
“Will there be a place its facilities in its feud with Highmark, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
was on the front lines. The newspaper continued to press UPMC
in news for healthy on its questionable tactics, only to be barred from its gift shops.

dialogue?” “Maybe we’ll just add some news boxes near the hospitals,” the
Post-Gazette responded in an editorial, while numerous comment-
ers – most of which were UPMC employees or family members – came to the paper’s defense.
A news stand next to a hospital represents much more than a source for waiting room entertainment.
A stack of papers serves as a constant reminder that someone is watching.
The future of healthcare journalism depends on the future of the art itself; will extensive, investigative
journalism remain sustainable in a climate that is so uncertain? With staffs getting smaller and money
tighter, will there be a place in news for healthy dialogue?
There better be, because lives depend on it.

9
 News & Announcements
DUSNA School of Nursing
 DUSNA members going into their
 Dean Mary Ellen Glasgow was inducted into
senior year began summer
the National League for Nursing’s Academy
internships at hospitals across the
nation of Nursing Education as a Fellow
 Mars High School welcomed
 Duquesne Nursing ranked in the top 10 for
Chelsea Kwong as she spoke to
US News and World Report’s Best Online
students about why they should
pursue nursing Program for Veterans
 DUSNA readies for the incoming
 New nursing lab is scheduled to open for the
freshman class
2015-2016 school year

NCLEX Nook
Question is from Pearson, Answer on page 14

Older clients experiencing anginal pain with complaints of fatigue or weakness usually are medicated with which of the
following types of medication?

A. Sublingual Nitroglycerin

B. Cardiac glycosides

C. HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

D. Morphine sulfate

Summer Breeze Smoothie

From: The National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute
What You Will Treat yourself with a smoothie that
Need:
tastes good for half of the calories!
1 cup yogurt, plain, nonfat
6 medium strawberries
1 cup pineapple, crushed,
canned in juice
1 medium banana Place all ingredients in blender and puree until
1 teaspoon vanilla extract smooth.
10
4 ice cubes Serve in frosted glass.
 Right to Try...Cont. from Page 4
Others, such as Dr. David Gorski, a surgeon blogger argue that Right to Try is just bad health policy. “The en-
tire justification for “right to try” laws seems to rest on a misperception that there are “miracle drugs” out
there that we will have to wait years for because the FDA is too slow to approve them…right to try” laws risk
undermining our entire clinical trial enterprise, which is a major part of the scientific basis for evidence-based
medicine…“right to try” laws are far more likely to harm rather than help patients with cancer and terminal
diseases.”3

Darcy Olsen, the CEO of the Goldwater Institute says, “This is about saving lives…People know that when their
mortality hangs in the balance they ought to have the right to try these potentially lifesaving drugs, no ques-
tion.”
1, http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/11/18/right-to-try-laws-allowing-patients-to-try-experimental-drugs-bypass-fda

2, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/11/us/patients-seek-right-to-try-new-drugs.html?_r=0

3, http://healthaffairs.org/blog/2014/08/27/rescue-me-the-challenge-of-compassionate-use-in-the-social-media-era/

4, https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/right-to-try-laws-and-dallas-buyers-club-great-movie-terrible-public-policy/

The Scope is
Heart of Healthcare...Cont from Page 8 looking for
And, on some occasions, I work in the Neonatal ICU with premature babies or drug writers and
addicted infants. I only go there
interprofes-
when they are very short staffed,
because I use to work full time in sional con-
that unit in the late 1980’s, before
some of you were born. tributors! If

Yes, nursing is the heart of patient you want to

care and you should love it as a
profession. We stay with patients
join our
in their happiest times (after a birth of a child), and in the darkest of times (death of team, email
a patient). I love nursing and I hope that you will too!!!
Bridget at
dusnapublici-
ty@hotmail.c
om We can’t
wait to hear
from you!
11
 Caner– Virgo (July and August)

Cancer, my friend, you have the sign of water and are read through the position of the Moon. You func-
tion best when working with a group and tend to be more reserved unless someone you love is being
threatened. Quick to listen and an open book, you are trusted by all those who meet you. Continue to em-
brace your gift by letting your patients come to you with their struggles and needs. In a time of trial and
fatigue, your patients will turn to you for a shoulder to cry on. All the same, your need to function as part
of a group can work for and against your benefit. Continue to assist your co-workers with the work load,
yet do not be afraid to vocalize your concerns if you are feeling overwhelmed. Remember, each personal-
ity type has a voice and plays a part. Don’t hold back what is on your mind out of fear; your stance may
be a matter of life or death (literally or metaphorically). The Nursing Guru has faith in you!

Leo, beautiful and brilliant you are—ruled by the Sun and represented by fire. As your planet has shined
as of late, so has your presence been recognized by those around you. You are a natural born leader, pro-
tective, courageous, calm and organized; you are surely destined for great things in high places. Howev-
er, in the world of healthcare sometimes it may not seem as though your hard work and your loving
heart are appreciated. Often times Leos feel underappreciated if those around them do not recognize the
love they have for family and friends and, in this case, patients. Use these times when your Sun is shining
bright to recognize how important you and your actions are to those around you so that you can hold on-
to these memories and those who appreciate you when the Sun goes down.

Hello, Hello! I know I place called… eh em. Excuse me… Hello, Virgo! As it is always refreshing to be re-
minded of our roots, let me remind you that you are of the Earth sign and ruled by planet Mercury. ’Tis
very fitting indeed that you should choose the field of nursing because of the Virgos’ strong interest in
health. You are a hard worker, calm and collected on the outside and contemplative and calculative intel-
lectually. You are always thinking and one with the will to help others which makes you a fantastic nurse
and a team player; however, your love for helping others can quickly overwhelm you when taking on too
many tasks. It is important to learn that, at times, you must say ‘no’ to others in order to take care of
yourself and your own patients. As easy as it is to immerse yourself in work and in helping your cowork-
ers when they insist, keep in mind that there is life outside of work and that your health
is just as important as the health of those you care for and work with.

Futures divined by: Lady Hydrochlorothiazide, filtering through your fu-

ture with a daily dose of dire etiquette.

Check back next month for what the future holds for Libra and Scorpio ...
12
 What is SNAP?
SNAP stands Student Nurses Association of Pennsylva-
nia. SNAP is the state level version of DUSNA. It is an ex-
cellent way to network as well as get to know nursing
students from all over the state of PA. The annual confer-
ence is in mid to late November. If interested in running
for office, email the NEC West at
NECWestSNAP@gmail.com!

What is NSNA?

NSNA stands for National Student Nurses Association and is the na-
tional version of DUSNA. NSNA is active in federal and state health pol-
icy and has close ties to the American Nurses Association, the national
association for all nurses. The annual conference takes place in late
March early April and is a great way to network and get to know nurs-
ing students from all over the country. Contact the NEC East at
NECEast@NSNA.org if interested in running for office!

Photo from Student Nurses of Rhode Island

How can I be involved in DUSNA?

If you’re looking for ways to be more involved, join a committee! The board of directors is always
looking for help. Legislative committee is an excellent way to get involved if you have an interest in
health policy. Social and Service are regularly needing help with organizing activities. The Scope is
always looking for writers and bloggers. DUSNA is an excellent way to get to know other nursing
students and have FUN. The more involved you are the more fun you will have! Contact anyone
from the board!

13
 NLCEX Nook Answer: A

Angina frequently is managed with sublingual

nitroglycerin, which causes vasodilation and in-
creases blood flow to the coronary arteries. Car-
diac glycosides are used to treat heart failure,
and morphine is used to treat myocardial infarc-
tion. The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are
used for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Own a business and want to get the

word out? Place your advertisement
here! Contact Bridget Seelinger at
dusnapublicity@hotmail.com for details

DUSNA BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
 President– Emily  Service– Rachel
Kinley Keto
 Legislative
 Vice-President–
Coordinator–
Caroline Miller
Amanda Matkovic
The Scope is looking for writers and in-
 Secretary– Allison
 Fundraising–
Erceg terprofessional contributors! If you want
Monkia Spagenburg
 Treasurer– Joelle to join our team, email Bridget at
 Recruitment– Julie
Augustine
Herr dusnapublicity@hotmail.com We can’t
 Social Co-Chairs–
 Publicity– Bridget wait to hear from you!
Tara Shipe and
Seelinger
Mikayla Dongell

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