Dr. Jacqueline Killian interviews Sofia Aragon, Executive Director of the Washington Center for Nursing, about her journey. Sofia discusses her mother's influence, her multidisciplinary education in economics, nursing, and law, and her focus on health policy. She emphasizes the importance of advocacy in nursing leadership and the need to address social determinants of health in nursing education. Sofia also highlights the need for better data-informed policies and concerns about potential policy reversals under new federal leadership.
This episode features:
Dr. Jacqueline Killian, Associate Professor of the UNLV School of Nursing
Sofia Aragon, Executive Director of the Washington Center for Nursing
Dr. Emily Boyce and Justin LeMay, a UNLV School of Nursing double-alumnus, discuss the importance of data metrics and guidelines in patient care. They highlight the need for optimizing workflows without disrupting them. LeMay notes the impact of technology, such as Epic, on nursing workflows and the adaptability of younger nurses to new technologies. Finally, he advises nurses interested in process improvement to identify quality improvement departments and analyze their own workflows for potential improvements.
Dr. Henna Lee and Dr. Lissi Hansen, the 2025 Yucha Lecture Speaker, discuss palliative and end-of-life care in nursing. Dr. shares her career journey from Denmark to the U.S., her transition to palliative and end-of-life care research, and her focus on caregiver burden and treatment decision-making. She emphasizes the need for early palliative care integration, advocating for nurses to be trained in basic palliative care elements like pain management and spiritual support.
Carissa Hernandez, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at UNLV, shares her journey from a professional flamenco dancer to a nurse. Her DNP project focuses on using virtual reality (VR) to enhance med-surg nurses' confidence and skills in responding to cardiac arrests. Based on her findings, the training was practical for both first-time and experienced users, and it aims to expand to other specialties and rural clinics.
For American Heart Health Month, Dr. Dieu-My Tran, an associate professor at UNLV School of Nursing, discusses cardiovascular health, particularly heart disease. She highlights that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, especially post-menopausal, due to the loss of estrogen's protective effects. Dr. Tran emphasizes the importance of early education on heart health, especially for young adults and college students, as lifestyle choices formed during these years can impact long-term heart health.
In honor of Cervical Health Month, Dr. Janice Enriquez talks with Dr. Marguerite Brathwaite about cervical cancer screening and women's health. She explains that cervical cancer screening involves Pap smears to detect abnormal cervical cells and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Dr. Brathwaite emphasizes the importance of regular screenings and safe sex practices to prioritize cervical health.
Dr. Nirmala Lekhak, a UNLV School of Nursing assistant professor, shares how meditation can enhance cognitive function, memory, and psychological health in older adults, addressing issues like loneliness, depression, and anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of spirituality in improving mental well-being and has researched meditation's effects during COVID-19. Dr. Lekhak highlights the benefits of compassion, kindness, and self-awareness in daily life.
Minnie Wood, senior lecturer, is joined by Rebecca Colbert and Theron Nissen of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. They delve into the library's health kits, which include a touchless thermometer, wrist blood pressure cuff, and pulse oximeter. These kits, available in all library branches, aim to provide accessible health monitoring tools for the public. The Library District focuses on meeting the community where they’re at, including offering medical models and a ZSpace application for anatomy education that caters to high school nursing students, and digital resources for medical information.
Cassandra Taloma, Director of Marketing and Communications, sits with Michele Josue, an Emmy Award-winning Filipino filmmaker. Josue discusses her film "Nurse Unseen," which highlights the experiences of Filipino American nurses during the pandemic. Josue shares her journey into filmmaking and her passion for documenting personal and community stories, leading to her current work on "Nurse Unseen."
This episode features:
Cassandra Taloma, Director of Marketing and Communications at UNLV School of Nursing
Michele Josue, Filmmaker and Director
Recorded in July 2024, Dr. Imelda Reyes, Associate Dean of Advanced Education, interviews Carolyn Jones, a documentary filmmaker, who shares her journey through filmmaking and capturing global issues through storytelling. Her film "American Birth" explores the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S., highlighting midwifery as a solution. Jones was selected as the guest speaker for UNLV School of Nursing’s and Dr. Linda Silvestri’s annual Sylvestri Lecture. Jones emphasizes the importance of nurses being vocal and advocating for change.
This episode features:
Dr. Imelda Reyes, Associate Dean of Advanced Education at UNLV School of Nursing
Carolyn Jones, Filmmaker and Director
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Janice Enriquez and Minnie Wood sit together and discuss the importance of breast self-awareness, risk factors, and essential screening recommendations. Wood is a Senior Lecturer at UNLV School of Nursing and a breast cancer survivor. They discuss practical tips for performing self-exams, how to recognize changes, and the power of advocating for your health.
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Sigrid Barrett, the first Filipino-American Dean at UNLV School of Nursing discusses her background and culture with UNLV nursing alumnus and Ph.D student Joseph Cadiz in celebration of Filipino American History Month. Dean Barrett shares her journey from immigrant to leader, reflecting on her passion for mentorship and representation in nursing. The conversation dives into the importance of diverse leadership, the challenges of stepping into roles of authority, and the vital role mentorship plays in shaping future nurse leaders. Dr. Barrett explores how her Filipino heritage influences her leadership style and commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices in the profession.
This episode features:
Dr. Sigrid Barrett, Dean of UNLV School of Nursing
Joseph Cadiz, UNLV alumnus and Ph.D student
In honor of National Midwifery Week, Dr. Jennifer Vanderlaan, Dr. Janice Enriquez, and Sara Richins discuss the role of nurse midwives, emphasizing their diverse responsibilities, including primary care, sexual and reproductive health, and maternity care. They highlight the unique aspects of midwifery, such as the ability to provide care in various settings, including hospitals, homes, and birth centers. Dr. Vanderlaan discusses her research, which focuses on improving maternal health systems. Sara shares her experience as a student in UNLV’s midwifery program and its personalized approach, strong community partnerships, and flexible learning options.
This episode features:
Dr. Jennifer Vanderlaan, Assistant Professor at UNLV School of Nursing
Dr. Janice Enriquez, Assistant Professor in Residence at UNLV School of Nursing
Sara Richins, UNLV School of Nursing Master of Science, Certified Nurse-Midwife Program student
Dr. Jackie Killian, an associate professor at the School of Nursing, talks with Tenile Pritchard, a direct-entry MSN student, to discuss her inspiring journey. Tenille, originally from Boston, pursued a career in dance and business before transitioning to nursing after a life-changing experience with a cancer diagnosis. Tenille is now in her first semester of the MSN program, balancing studies, work, and volunteering as a doula. Dr. Killian and Tenille discuss the importance of knowing one's body and being proactive in health care.
This episode features:
Dr. Jackie Killian, Associate Professor at UNLV School of Nursing
Tenile Pritchard, UNLV School of Nursing Direct-Entry, Master of Science in Nursing Program student
Understanding identity and sexual orientation is important in creating safe and respectful healthcare environments for patients. In this episode, Dr. Rocky Rockstraw welcomes returning guests to share their experiences and highlights the importance of inclusive practices and the "repair process" for addressing mistakes.
This episode features:
Dr. Rocky Rockstraw, Professor at UNLV School of Nursing
Dr. Samuel Hickson, Health Behaviorist, Ph.D., LMSW, CSW-I, MSSA, MBA, ACE-CHC
Kalvin Byrd - Founder, Uncloak (uncloakfoundation.org)
Brie Starks - Lawyer, civil rights activist, social activist, and founder of unRelatable
How can we avoid implicit bias as a health care provider? Recorded during Pride Month, Drs. Janice Enriquez and Samuel Hickson explore the minute behaviors in primary care providers that stigmatize LGBTQIA patients. The topic was the subject of Dr. Hickson’s dissertation, and recognizes the importance of asking inclusive questions.
This episode features:
Dr. Janice Enriquez, Assistant Professor in Residence at UNLV School of Nursing
Dr. Samuel Hickson, Health Behaviorist, Ph.D., LMSW, CSW-I, MSSA, MBA, ACE-CHC
Creating safe spaces for patients is an element of patient-centered care healthcare professionals should provide. Recorded during Pride Month, UNLV School of Nursing faculty, Drs. Janice Enriquez and Rocky Rockstraw speak with community leaders Kalvin Byrd and Brie about their experiences with providers and how to create safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community going forward.
This episode features:
Dr. Janice Enriquez, Assistant Professor in Residence at UNLV School of Nursing
Dr. Rocky Rockstraw, Professor at UNLV School of Nursing
Kalvin Byrd - Founder, Uncloak (uncloakfoundation.org)
Brie Starks - Lawyer, civil rights activist, social activist, and founder of unRelatable
Gerontology may not be the first choice for young nurses choosing a specialty, but it's arguably among the most important nursing fields. UNLV Nursing professor Kayla Sullivan returns to the show to talk gero and what makes it a vital role.
Burnout among nurses is unique in that it's not just a cause of anxiety and strife but also an effect. UNLV Nursing professor Susan VanBeuge returns to the show to talk about new numbers on reported cases; what nurses and their organizations can do to reduce burnout; and how nurse educators can prepare their students as best they can.
Keila Haynes joined UNLV Nursing's accelerated second degree program after a career in business. See why she made the transition, including the dramatic moment that made her realize nursing was her calling.