Clinical Manager of Adult ICU at Flower Hospital, Sylvania, OH

Alumna Arlene Ford-Bond chose her career at a young age. “When I was a small child, I suffered from asthma requiring me to spend lots of time in the hospital. The nurses made me want to be ‘like them’ and comfort others.”

Today, she is doing just that as Nurse Manager at The University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC). Having worked nearly three decades in the nursing field (at Toledo and Flower Hospitals), she is now responsible for the day-to-day functioning of two pre-op and two recovery rooms as well as 40 employees. She also has the job of caring for the immediate post-surgical patients.

Arlene spends time preparing tomorrow’s nurses as well. As a Lourdes nursing instructor, she says she teaches “as a way of giving back and preserving the profession I love.”

What advice does she offer her students? “Stay positive by surrounding yourself with positive people (like my own mentors - my parents and peer Linda Hutchison, a nurse educator at Toledo Hospital). Volunteer at a local hospital. Learn the role of nursing research and stay on top of best practices. Finally, keep learning and stay focused on your goals!”

Registered Nurse, Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Mount Carmel West Hospital, Columbus, OH

Improving the health of others
“The Lourdes nursing program focuses heavily on the holistic care of patients,” begins Damian Gonzalez. “As a graduate, I know that nursing care goes beyond the obvious medical requirements of the patient and addresses other important needs that improve the patient’s ability to cope, heal, recover, and maintain health.”

As a Registered Nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Mount Carmel West Hospital in Columbus, OH, Damian works with a patient population that has experienced traumatic injuries, sometimes requiring extensive surgeries. “By far, the greatest benefit of my work is knowing that during my shift, I am making a difference in my patients’ health and assisting their families with their emotional distress and knowledge of what is occurring and why.”

His parents played the greatest role in helping him achieve his dream. “They sacrificed so much to insure I received a quality education and satisfying career.” Damian immigrated to the United States with his mom and stepdad a week before he turned 11. His father had already moved from Cuba and had settled in Columbus, paving the way for the others to follow suit and leave a country where “communism has depressed the economy.”

Damian credits the Columbus City Schools’ English as a Second Language (ESL) program for helping to make the transition as smooth as possible. He recalls attending history and science classes, listening to instructors but not understanding anything they were saying. At the end of each school day, he would then attend his ESL class and begin the long process of learning English. Ironically though, he says he learned English the fastest by watching cartoons.

Last year, Damian realized two dreams – he became a U.S. citizen and received his nursing degree. He says he owes his success to his parents. In addition to his parents, he is grateful to his fiancée Rachel. “Her strong work ethic and unwavering belief and interest in my dreams have been of great importance to me.” The couple met in high school and has supported each other throughout their educational pursuits. In spring, Rachel completed her own educational dream – obtaining her doctorate in physical therapy. The couple plans to marry this year.

For those pursuing a nursing degree, Damian says the rigorous coursework and schedule are daunting. In the end though, he says it is all worth it. “In high school, I remember how fascinated I was to learn what was possible through the health sciences. Today, my nursing degree allows me to care for people at their bedside and utilize the health profession to truly improve their physical and emotional health.”

Registered Nurse, St. Charles Hospital, Oregon, OH

Leading with compassion
“Nursing is a profession for those who find love in helping others,” begins Lisa Hawthorne-Price. A Registered Nurse and Clinical Staff Professional at St. Charles Hospital, Lisa has definitely chosen the correct profession.

Part of her daily routine is assisting with activities of daily living (ADL); monitoring vital signs, lab values, and dietary intake/output; collaborating with physicians; educating patients on the importance of self-care management in the areas of nutrition, diet and exercise; comforting patients who are experiencing role strain, depression, aggression, repressed behaviors, and fear of unknown outcomes; and keeping the health care area safe and clean, free from trip hazards, and other environmental care.

Motivated by the patients she takes care of, Lisa prides herself on providing the best physical, social, emotional and environmental patient care as possible. “As individuals, we sometimes can become complacent in our ability to think and move without much effort. However, when you get to know your patients and see the struggles they had to overcome; especially after a cerebrovascular or other debilitating accident, you learn that your expertise and compassion as a medical professional can help improve their outcome.”

Her family’s love and support and God play vital roles in Lisa’s life. “I can name so many people who have been instrumental in my life from my mom for the love she provides, to my co-workers who provide guidance, and past Lourdes classmates for their encouragement.” On those rare occasions when she needs a little extra care, she says she “always turns to the word of God and finds instructions, love, comfort and guidance.”

Lisa not only exhibits compassion in a health care setting but also in her community. She volunteers for community service programs offered through her church Friendship Baptist. As the Performing Arts Instructor in Dance and Mime, the troupe inspires and educates youth and adults. As the Director of Fitness for Get Fit Solutions, she and others provide hands-on approach to assist individuals in achieving better health. “We have organized various events including a diabetes awareness walk and a ‘stop the violence’ workshop to encourage individuals to make healthier choices.”

Next on Lisa’s agenda is a business plan. “My husband and I want to provide an outlet for our area youth in the areas of health, education and training for future employment. Once that is in place, she will then move on to the next goal – pursuing a master’s degree in nursing.”

Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit, ProMedica Bay Park Hospital, Oregon, OH

“I enjoy helping people and I know that I can make a difference in someone’s life,” states Joseph Hauser, who chose to pursue nursing as an LPN because he loved teaching, helping others, and the sciences. “To me, nursing is comprised of all these ingredients. Even when there are crazy busy nights, I crave the adrenaline release and the continual education this career provides.”

Joseph received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Lourdes in 2010. Today, as a Critical Care Nurse, his days are devoted to providing complex care and support to patients; communicating with the healthcare team to facilitate holistic care; and administering treatments, assessments, and medication to critical patients. He also coordinates and implements plans of care that are patient and outcome-focused.

Dedicated to lifelong learning, Joseph returned to Lourdes for his Masters of Science in Nursing in Education and is scheduled to graduate in 2013. Of his Lourdes BSN degree, he says, “Lourdes gave me the tools I needed to succeed in the nursing profession. As a graduate, I also believe in the Franciscan values and make an effort every day to stay true to them.”

Thankful to his parents, siblings and friends who encouraged him while he was pursuing his undergraduate degree, Joseph advises current nursing students to “never give up. Take nursing school one day at a time, one test at a time, and one semester at a time. It is a challenge but with hard work and dedication, anything can be achieved.”

Director, Nurse Anesthesia Master of Science in Nursing Program, Lourdes University, Sylvania, OH

Returning home
Nurse Anesthesia Administrator and CRNA Jill Liebnau has come full circle; returning to Lourdes to lead the way in nurse anesthesia. “Lourdes is the perfect fit for this type of intense program that has a potentially high rate of failure for students,” notes Professor Liebnau. “Here at Lourdes, I know that every care will be taken to help these students succeed.”

Born and raised in Toledo, Jill graduated from Whitmer High School. Her passion for a caring profession first crystallized at the age of 13. As a gymnast she suffered an injury and required knee surgery. “From that moment, I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon,” she says with enthusiasm. “As time passed; however, I realized that nursing was my true calling.”

Her career has included extended stints as an RN in the operating room and serving as a member of Associated Anesthesiologists of Toledo for St. Vincent Medical Center, and Assistant Director and Interim Director of the Anesthesia School in Panama City, FL. She returned to her hometown, working with her educational mentor Janet Robinson, PhD, who was serving as Lourdes’ Provost.

For the next several months, Jill met and began working with Judy Didion, PhD, Dean of Nursing and Deborah Vargo, PhD, MSN Director to make the nurse anesthesia program a reality. The process was arduous but well worth it.

As an educator and mentor, Professor Liebnau stresses to students that nurse anesthetists must be vigilant, be good critical thinkers, compassionate, and great communicators so they can quickly get to know and care for their patients. In the end, she maintains, the nurse anesthetist is the patient’s advocate – “you become the voice of the patient once they are under anesthesia.”

With a drive to never rest long, Jill already had her next goals in sight – to receive her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Iowa and to take the Lourdes MSN Nurse Anesthesia program to the doctoral level. “In 2025, all nurse anesthesia programs must be converted to doctoral programs and by 2018, all faculty teaching these programs must be doctorally-prepared.”

Anyone who knows Jill has faith that she will accomplish these and any other future goals she sets.

Registered Nurse, Progressive Care Unit East, St. Charles Hospital, Oregon, OH

A nurse in the U.S. Army Reserves 256th Combat Support Hospital in Twinsburg, OH, Captain Sarah Matuszek has dedicated herself to helping others both here and abroad. In 2009, shortly after receiving her master’s degree in nursing, she departed for Iraq with the 256th where she served as a flight and critical care nurse in the emergency room. While stationed in Iraq, she was in charge of infection control in the ER and patient safety for the entire hospital.

Upon completion of her 1-year tour, Captain Matuszek returned to the States and is now working with patients in St. Charles Hospital’s Progressive Care Unit East. In this position, she provides care for three 3 to 4 patients, and works with the interdisciplinary team to carry out the plan of care for her patients. In her role as an Army Nurse, she works as an ICU, ER and flight nurse, caring for military service members, coalition forces, and civilians.

Assistant Professor of Nursing, Lourdes University, Sylvania, OH

“The need to make a difference and the strong desire to help people” is what guided Kristin Oneail to nursing. Her path to her “dream job” has included an associate degree in nursing from Owens Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Lourdes, and a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree from The University of Toledo. Today, she is pursuing her doctorate in nursing at Wayne State University.

When not studying, Ms. Oneail is an Assistant Professor at Lourdes University in the College of Nursing teaching undergraduate courses, serving as Coordinator of the Student SUCCESS nursing program, and Project Director of the HRSA grant for Nurse Education, Quality, Safety and Retention. Ms. Oneail says she never gave up on her professional goals. “Even when it seems you cannot continue, never give up. If being a nurse is what you are meant to do, you will achieve your goal.”

Staff Development Coordinator, The University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH

Be involved, mentor others, and try to make a difference
“Nursing is a stable and respected profession that has fit comfortably in my life,” notes RN Greg Shannon. Although initially aspiring to be a physician, he would later realize, “With medicine, you have to give up time and years of your life. With nursing, you don’t.”

Greg’s path to nursing began in high school, where he was employed as an orderly for a local nursing home. “I really enjoyed working with the elderly. Once I became a full-time RN, I really took pleasure in what I was doing and the thoughts of medical school subsided. The personal satisfaction of helping and being compassionate towards people has been the most beneficial aspect of my career. Some people are born with compassion, some have to learn it, and there are those that never get it. I’m thankful to my parents who taught me to be compassionate as a child.”

His education includes an Associate in Applied Science degree from then Owens Technical College now better known as Owens Community College, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Lourdes College in 1997. In 2011, he obtained his Master of Science in Nursing degree from The University of Toledo.

Throughout his career, Greg has made a positive difference in people’s lives. Today, he is the Staff Development Coordinator at The University of Toledo Medical Center and has been in nursing staff development since 2009. He began his career in 1987 as an RN at then Medical College of Ohio in the oncology unit. His other assignments have included being staff nurse on medical surgical units, in pre-op surgery and recovery; assistant nursing director; nursing house supervisor; and staff development specialist.

Greg credits his Lourdes education with preparing him for grad school. “I remember sitting in classes with others and I could just see the fear on their faces as they were assigned huge papers to write or presentations to complete. They definitely struggled but this was just the expectation from our profession… you will write long papers, read numerous articles, speak in front of people, and go on to grad school.”

“It only takes a few teachers to believe in you and with just that, you can accomplish anything,” adds Greg. “My Lourdes nursing professors encouraged me and believed that I could go out there and do ‘great things’ and that’s what I’m doing today. Now it’s on to my Ph.D.!”

He is most grateful to one Lourdes nursing professor in particular – Dr. Janet Robinson – who would later go on to become the institution’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost and Interim President. “She not only saw me as a student but also as a person,” asserts Greg. “I had just started classes when my youngest brother Michael died unexpectedly. Dr. Robinson really helped me. My hope is to one day become a nursing professor and teach in retirement. I want to inspire and teach with the same values she exhibited.”

Greg’s advice to those currently pursuing their nursing degree is simple. “Have goals and most importantly, have a plan. Vincent Van Gogh said ‘great things are not done by impulse but by a series of small things brought together.’” Greg also cautions students to be prepared for lifelong learning. “Don’t become nurses who just do three 12’s per week and expect everyone to call you a professional. If you want this type of schedule, then don’t consider nursing. Professionalism is being involved in our profession, mentoring others, and trying to make a difference.”

Administrative Director, ProMedica’s Center of Nursing Excellence, Toledo, OH

Dedicated to the professional development of nurses
Barb Tassell promotes patient-care and the professional development of nurses in her role as Administrative Director for ProMedica’s Center of Nursing Excellence. She began her duties in September 2011 after having built a substantial career in nursing with 25 of those years in some form of education.

Attending The University of Toledo, Barb became a Clinical Nurse in Obstetrics at Toledo Hospital in 1982, shortly after receiving her BSN degree. She held that job for several years and would later become a Clinical Instructor for Owens Community College, Staff Development Educator, Education Coordinator and the Director of Staff Development for the hospital. She points out, “As an individual committed to education, I believe in life-long learning. I pursued my master’s degree at Lourdes and am now studying for certification in Nursing Professional Development. It’s essential that nurses realize the importance of professional development – it’s a never ending pursuit with the current speed of change in health care.”

At the Center of Nursing Excellence, her days revolve around collaborative efforts to expand and standardize the Professional Development of nearly 4,000 nurses employed in the ProMedica Health System. These efforts include a residency for new graduate nurse’s orientation, oversight of continuing education efforts as well as working with colleagues at various hospitals to set up educational and professional development programs.

The ProMedica Center of Nursing Excellence strives to support ProMedica’s nurses and advance the art and science of nursing. The Center’s vision is to collaboratively shape nursing practice and professional development for patient-centered care through shared governance, leadership, practice, professional development, research, and informatics.

Barb is grateful to her education mentor and colleague at ProMedica, Rebecca Zechman, a former Dean of the Lourdes Nursing program. Realizing the value a mentor provides, she in turn mentors nursing students and nurses she works with and encourages them to “find your passion and pursue it.”

When Barb is not pursuing her own professional passion at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and family. “I love spending time with my grandkids, scrapbooking and singing in the music ministry at our church – Monclova Road Baptist.”

Instructor of Nursing, Lourdes University, Sylvania, OH

As a young child, Linette Will was inspired by the nurse in her pediatrician’s office. “I wanted to be just like her,” she remembers. Her dream to become a nurse never waived as she even wore a nurse’s cap and uniform nearly every Halloween. Today, Linette is living her dream as an undergraduate nursing instructor, and an advisor and recruiter for the graduate nursing program at Lourdes University.

In these roles, she counsels nursing students on the benefits of advanced degrees in nursing. Linette teaches RN students who are returning to college to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. She instructs her students on the benefits of a BSN. “Having a BSN degree can increase opportunities for advancement, career progression, and personal achievement.”

Linette also tries to impart on her students that nursing is both an art and a science. While advising RNs who are contemplating returning to school to earn their Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN), Linette describes the implications of an RN receiving an MSN go beyond patient care. “They will receive education in nursing theory, research, statistics, health care policy, current trends in nursing, which can allow an MSN to achieve greatness in the field of nursing.”

Although she counts several nurses and instructors as her mentors, Linette is especially thankful for Ann Smith, PhD, who was her first instructor in graduate school. “She made me fall in love with nursing again and reintroduced me to Florence Nightingale.” Dr. Smith taught her students including Linette about guided imagery and the role it can play in keeping an individual in a relaxed, focused state, especially when taking tests, and working in the nursing profession. Another influential instructor for Linette was Lynne Zajac, PhD. “She is a great mentor to me, still, and has more passion for nursing education than anyone I know.”

Linette has taken the next step in this process and is currently pursuing her certification as a holistic nurse. American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) defines holistic nursing as a specialty practice that guides nurses in becoming therapeutic partners with people in their care. The AHNA believes this practice “recognizes the totality of the human being” and is in line with the beliefs of Florence Nightingale, considered to be one of the first holistic nurses.

Echoing the AHNA’s sentiments, Linette teaches and advises nursing students that in order to be successful they must be “compassionate, patient, confident and a good communicator. The art of nursing comes with time and experience. A nurse learns how to care for their patient and give 100% without taking the job home.”