Dr. E. Jane Martin, PhD, 88, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Stonerise Nursing Center, Morgantown, following a brief illness. Martin earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from WVU in 1963. She later served as dean of the WVU School of Nursing for 15 years, from 1992-2007, and filled in as WVU’s interim provost from 2008-09.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, members of the Monongalia County Health Department began brainstorming about community partners who could support their efforts in contact tracing, providing vaccinations, education and more.
Nine WVU School of Nursing students recently traveled to London as part of a study abroad trip to learn more about Britain’s healthcare system and to experience a new culture.
As a WVU School of Nursing student, O’Neal learned about Rural Undergraduate Shadowing in Healthcare (RUSH), an experience designed to provide participants with insight into what it is like to practice a health profession in rural West Virginia.
In a recent study, WVU researchers looked at burnout among community faith leaders. Appalachia Health News Reporter, Emily Rice, sat down with Angel Smothers, associate dean for community engagement, and clinical associate professor at the WVU School of Nursing, to discuss the study’s findings.
Processing and grieving an ongoing loss – such as a child with a devastating injury or disability – does not fit neatly into traditional models of grief. Dr. Brad Phillips discusses his research around ambiguous loss or loss without closure.
As part of her capstone, Holly Perkins has connected with veterans to share her own story of substance use disorder. She has provided facts around SUD to dispel myths and encouraged people to feel safe and supported in asking for help when they are struggling. She has also compiled a resources list with treatment locations, meeting times, contact information, and steps on how to get started.
James and Nicole Messer, both masters-prepared nurses and WVU School of Nursing-trained Faith Community Nurses, have been working to improve mental health for members of the Jenny’s Creek Gospel Church and the broader community of Kermit in Mingo County.
“The nurse practitioner role was created, in part, to increase access to care. Now we need a workforce that’s representative of the populations we serve. That’s the direction we’re heading.” — Billie Vance, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor, West Virginia University
Faith community nurses and other leaders play integral roles in the holistic health of rural residents, yet they are not immune to stress and burnout, according to a West Virginia University study.