Fall 2011 The Sequoia Sun San Francisco State University Sequoia Welcome to SFSU Canada Campus ~Updates about what students are doing and future events~ Orientation Recap We had a successful orientation at Sequoia Hospital on August 5 th and we enjoyed meeting the incoming students of nursing cohort 8. Students were introduced to many individuals responsible for coordinating, funding, and assisting our program including: Lee Mikelson (Sequoia Health Care District), Karen Kruegar (Sequoia Scholarship), Nancy Jones (Employee Health Services), Dr. Skip Davis (Program Coordinator), future instructors and many more. Although many of you appeared overwhelmed and excited, it was not too long ago we, the Nursing Student Association (NSA) and cohort 7, were in your shoes. Starting nursing school can be intimidating, but we know you can do it. We are here to help you adjust to being a nursing school student and support you in any way we can. Please, also remember to sign up for the student mentor program, Big Sister/Big Brother, to ask students in cohort 7 for help, advice, and lean on for support. Welcome to San Francisco State University School of Nursing Sequoia Canada program. It ll be a great year full of fun activities, volunteering and hard work. August 23 Sept. 5 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 14 Nov. 21-25 Dec. 13-19 Important Dates First day of Instruction Labor Day Holiday NO INSTRUCTION Halloween BRN Visit Kaplan/ATI Exam Thanksgiving--Holiday NO INSTRUCTION Finals Week Dec 19-Jan22 Winter Break Holiday NO INSTRUCTION January 23 First day of Instruction
Fall 2011 Recent Happenings 14th Annual Arts & Olive Festival at Canada College SFSU students had the opportunity to work with the College of San Mateo medical assistant students, and Canada College Health Center employees to provide over 200 flu shots to students, staff and the community. Canada College hosts this festival to fundraise scholarships and provide much needed financial assistance to students. NERT Training A group of students were certified by the San Francisco Fire Department to assist as Neighborhood Emergency Response Team volunteers. Project Homeless Connect On Wednesday October 5th at Bill Graham auditorium in San Francisco SFSU student s assisted homeless individuals receive many services such as health, dental, food, and housing assistance. An estimated 6,000-12,000 people are homeless on any given night in San Francisco. PHC brings the necessary services to those most in need, in the community where they live. Hepatitis B Screening & Parade Before the start of the semester, a few students volunteered at the Pistahan Festival on August 13th at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. 350 400 million people in the world are chronically infected with hepatitis B and the majority of those infected are Asian. Asian Americans tend to be infected at a much higher rate, with 1 in 10 Asians chronically infected with hepatitis B, compared to 1 in 1000 in the general population (San Francisco Hep B, 2011). SFSU students had the opportunity to march in a parade, screen and educate many Asian Americans about this disease, importance of screening and free treatment centers. 2
Fall 2011 Good Samaritan House Students recently waited in line for dinner at the Samaritan House to get a better understanding of what the hungry and homeless feel. Being on the other end of charity was an eye opening experience for most of them and one that will help to shape the way they move forward in the community setting. Having the capacity to serve those in need while maintaining their independence and dignity is an essential nursing function. Teacher s Assistants Skills Lab Several Cohort 7 members have been giving back to their program in the form of helping out in the Skills and Assessment Lab classes for Cohort 8. They assist Sandy Frojelin, RN, MSN, in supervising check offs for skills and system assessments, give feedback to the students, and guide the students during practice. This experience has encouraged a strong connection between the two cohorts, as well as allowed the Cohort 7 students a small glimpse of what leadership entails. After a semester of not being on inpatient units, this has also helped Cohort 7 to refresh some of their skills. St. Vincent s In San Francisco students folded hundreds of towels, sheets and blankets used by the shelter. We also plated and served dinner to the homeless who eat at the shelter s kitchen. Immunization and Screening Clinic On Sunday, November 6, students volunteered at San Augustine Catholic Church in South San Francisco, under the supervision of Dr. Davis, for the first of two Hepatitis B screening and immunization events provided by the San Mateo Hep B Free outreach program. The students assisted community members in completing paperwork, drew blood for antibody and surface antigen testing, and gave immunizations. Second Harvest Food Bank This fall many students volunteered at the food bank, which distributes food to 200,000 people each year. Students sorted, measured and packaged food at the food bank. Students also had the opportunity to distribute food to those in need. Sequoia Wellness Spring Training Fit, Fun Power Hour! Program Students joined groups including the Sequoia Health and Wellness Center, Power Play, and the UC Cooperative Extension to lead various Redwood City elementary school students through fun physical activities and to encourage good nutrition. Meals on Wheels Throughout this fall semester, students have delivered meals weekly to homebound individuals from Burlingame to East Palo Alto. Meals on Wheels delivers over 200 meals per day. Becoming involved with this program helped students realize how many people are in need of assistance within our own community. 2 3
Fall 2011 Nursing Student Association COHORT 7 Secretary: Angela Smith: I'm a nursing student, Starbucks barista and wife. I enjoy activities that I can do while sitting; knitting, reading, drinking wine and eating cheese and other snacks. I also really love babies and traveling. Historian: Gavin Raftery: Although I only take the pictures, I am also in charge of coordinating graduation photos. I prefer to be surfing when not studying or at school. Hopefully I ll work in the ER or ICU. Public Relations: Anne Hamilton I help coordinate the volunteer activities and work closely with the rest of the NSA to distribute information to the cohort. Besides being a student, I also work as a nanny. I enjoy running, cooking, traveling, and spending time with my husband and family. President: Andrea Starhia I'm a biological mom of two children and a den mother of sorts to cohort vii :) I believe that the best strategy to staying sane in nursing school is to prioritize and realize that life will go on even of you get a C. My favorite quote in general, "life is too short", and the one that gets me through the tough spots..."this, too, shall pass." Webmaster: Adam Tweed and Minh Ho: I maintain and update the website. I provide help wherever needed and facilitate the clinical lotteries. I like the life as a student. For me, I'm all about slow and steady. Life is a marathon. I like long runs and bike rides. My refueling choice of food - chocolate. I'm also a big fan of visuals. Vice President: Liza Ferreira: My role in the NSA is mainly one of support, meaning that I end up doing a little bit of everything. I love working with children and if I wasn't going to be a Pediatric Nurse, I would be an elementary school teacher. One of my dreams is to one day have a room in my house that is all mine and I can fill with a big comfy chair to read in, arts and crafts types of goodies, and a sewing machine. Treasurer: Tricia Harris: I am the NSA treasurer. I am the mother of a 5 year old named Scarlet and a 6 year old dog named Bailey. When I am not at school or studying (which is pretty much, never) I enjoy drinking wine, traveling and cooking. 4
Fall 2011 Did You Know? We had several spooky Halloween parties, but even spookier is what can be found on your cell phone. According to a recent study (University of London, 2011), it s rather creepy what can be found on these not so smart devices. The study found that 92% of phones have bacteria growing on them, most likely transferred from your hands or face. Surprisingly, E. coli, bacteria found in feces, was found on 16 % of phones and hands. So, wipe down your phone frequently and more importantly, wash your hands! Dr. William Kennett Memorial Scholarship Mrs. Gloria Kennett started a nursing scholarship on behalf of her late husband. Dr. Kennett was a man dedicated to his family, patients, and community. This scholarship is specific to our SFSU Canada Sequoia program and provides over $86,000 to students in need. All members of cohort 8 are encouraged to apply for this scholarship next spring. Congrats to 2011 recipients: Matt E., Nikki F., Minh H., Janelle C., Anne H., Samantha C., Marjorie R., Rachel C., Gavin R., and Jessica B.. Future NSA Cohort 8 President: Michelle Ribotta Vice President: Ashley Binger Treasurer: Jennifer Wong Public Relations: Candice Nguyen Historian: Laura Perry Secretary: Sheila Ashtiani Webmaster: LaDell Jorgensen 5
Fall 2011 Future Events Expanding Your Horizons Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) is a math-science conference for girls that seek to encourage the success of women in science- and math-related fields and to promote education as a means for young women to achieve a desirable lifestyle. EYH at Skyline College has received National and State recognition. Math and science were chosen as a conference focus to help break down sex-stereotyping regarding the success of females in traditionally male-dominated careers and to provide role models and encouragement for the young women attending. The conference targets girls because the number of women in scientific and technical fields is not proportional to the population. Sandy Frojelin is leading the workshop for EYH and will be teaching students about the profession of nursing, nursing school, and nutrition. The topic is Food for thought: Learn how the food you eat can affect your health. See how food and nutrition is linked to heart disease, diabetes and other diseases. The workshop will include a jeopardy game, short lecture, and interactive stations with hands on demonstrations about nutrition, diet, food choices, heart disease and more. Support the Canada SFSU Nursing Program Need a gift for a family member or friend? Consider purchasing one of the pictured items below. All proceeds support the Canada SFSU Nursing Program. For more information contact Tricia Harris (lupi1971@gmail.com). If you aren t involved, but would like to be part of the workshop please contact Sandy (sfrojelin@comcast.net). The next planning meeting will be held on December 15 th at 1:00pm in the skills room at Canada. The actual workshop will be held at Skyline College on Saturday, March 17, 2012 (all day). First Annual SFSU Sequoia 5K Feeling sluggish and unsure if you re going to fit into your ski bunny costume this winter? Or, so energetic you had to go on a run midway through reading this newsletter? Do the 5K! Both cohorts are invited to run or walk the inaugural Sequoia/SFSU 5K in Palo Alto. While we don t have an exact date yet (currently set for early January ), it s not too early to start training! Participants can look forward to stretching their gams through November and December at the Palo Alto Baylands and Canada College. Stay tuned for upcoming group training run/walks. You re Feeling Very Sleepyyyy. Oh, the joys of nursing school all nighters! Whether you re up late writing a paper or training for the night shift most of us will inevitably face, we are all familiar with the delirium lack of sleep can cause. Fear not! A sleep event is being planned. This will include Sequoia Sleep Center s sleep technician and a panel of former night shifters. What you ll get out of it: the best sleep pattern to adopt with a night schedule and insight into how to balance you life and a night schedule. Stay tuned for the date and come prepared with questions. Don t let the bedbugs bite! 6