, EdD, MSN, RNC Temple University 3307 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19140 Work 215-707-4624 patdigia@temple.edu EDUCATION: EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP DOCTOR IN EDUCATION 2017 Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN NURSING 1997 Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING 1982 University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware EXPERIENCE: Undergraduate Program Director, Temple University s (July 1, 2014 present) College of Public Health, in the Department of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Responsibilities include: Course Scheduling Coordinate with program directors, fieldwork coordinators. Assess projected enrollment, Problem solve for special situations. Being liaison between department and OESS regarding scheduling. Work effort Assignment Coordinate course assignment with full time faculty, hiring and supervising adjunct faculty. Coordinate orientation day twice a year for clinical faculty. Clinical Site Placements Coordinate clinical site placements with full time and adjunct faculty. Assess for new clinical site opportunities for inpatient and outpatient area. Lab Collaborate with the Director of the Nursing Resource Lab with lab /simulation sessions and assessment of equipment needs. Curricular Implementation Coordinate with Director and course director s curricular changes and implementation processes as it relates to work effort and course scheduling. Ensure compliance with the Pennsylvania. State Board of Nursing Regulations, CCNE, and clinical site placements. Marketing and Admission liaison Assist with admission criteria and admission process. Assist in open houses in the fall semester for prospective students. Coordinate spring semester accepted nursing students open houses.
Page 2 Student Liaison Meet with current and incoming students as needed. Communicate nurse externship and new GN opportunities to student body, nursing scholarships, compliance with American Data Bank annual submissions, conduct annual Student Assembly meetings, Student Awards/Pinning Ceremony and Career Fair. Student Preparation Assess student outcomes for nursing courses, NCLEX preparation needs throughout the curriculum. Track NCLEX pass rates and implement changes based on outcomes. Nurse Advisor Supervisor Work with the nurse advisor on DARS reviews, fall and spring registration, summer incoming freshmen orientation, graduation preparation, and assessment of available lab times for all science courses. Collaborate with advisor on increasing student engagement activities, tutorial needs, Disability Resources and Services (DRS), and counseling needs. Work with advisor to seek out all services available to our nursing students to increase student success. Implement progression policy with the assistance of nurse advisor and faculty team. Coordinate with student advising and faculty team the fly in four program and at risk students. Assistant Professor, Temple University s College of (January 2007 present) Health Professions & Social Work, in the Department of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Responsibilities include: Teaching Assignments - Maternal and Child Health, Adult Medical Surgical Course, Health assessment labs, Fundamental labs, Healthy Life Styles Course, Senior Seminar, and Faculty Advisor role. Course Leader in the Care of the Developing Family Course (2008 Current) o Assisted with the hiring and orienting clinical adjuncts. o Obtain clinical placement sites, create and update student assignments, and teach the theory component of the course. o Incorporated on line learning in the course. o Redesigned the course and incorporated primary health care initiatives in the Women s Health Course. Course Leader in the Healthy Life Styles Course (2012 present) o Redesigned the course and incorporated a two week on line component, added a Dietician to team teach nutrition content, created student fieldwork assignments, clinical orientation day, and clinical lab competency. o Obtain clinical placement sites and fieldwork experiences. Incorporated a Poverty Simulation and Health Fair in the course. o Teach the theory component of the course.
Page 3 Course Leader of the Adult Client System Course (2009 2011) o Assisting with the hiring of clinical adjuncts, orienting them to their role and ongoing support during the semester. o Redesigned course to incorporate long term care clinical fieldwork. o Obtain clinical placement sites, create student assignments, and teach the theory component of the course. o Incorporated primary health care initiatives in the Fundamental Adult Course. Curriculum Projects o Responsible for the planning and implementation of the curriculum redesign of the Adult Client and Care of the Developing Family Courses. o Actively participated in the redesign of the undergraduate nursing curriculum which included going from a two year upper division to a four year undergraduate nursing program. o Created OB simulation scenarios with the resources from the Innovative Teaching Grant 2013 2014. o Responsible for developing and presenting curriculum updates in the nursing curriculum through the College and University Committees. Once approved, complete a Crosswalk for Proposed Curriculum Changes and submit to Penna. State Board of Nursing for approval. o Responsible for developing Interprofessional Programs (IPE) with IPE Committee members and obtaining support from faculty members to incorporate (IPE) for the junior and senior nursing students. These activities include (2) annual educational sessions and group activities that involve medical, pharmacy, physical therapy, and dental students. In addition, one IPE simulation with pharmacy, medicine, and senior nursing students utilizing a standardized patient. NCLEX Preparation served as an active role in the redesigning and implementation of the NCLEX preparation for the students. The NCLEX pass rate increased from 84% (2008) to 97% (2012). Current pass rate 90% (2016). Member of the Interprofessional Education Committee Health Science Campus. Active members include Faculty members from Pharmacy, Medicine, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Dental, and Podiatry. (January 2014 to current) Meet monthly to plan IPE activities for the academic year. Assist in creating the IPE activities and update on an annual basis. Participate in education of nurse faculty facilitators to their role in the IPE activity. Coordinate all of the nursing students schedules and nurse faculty facilitators for the IPE programs throughout the academic year. Evaluate current IPE programs.
Page 4 Nursing Faculty Advisor for Institute for Health Care Improvement (IHI) Open School Chapter. Current members include nursing, pharmacy, medicine, physical therapy, and dental students. Chair of the Student Affairs Committee (2008 Fall 2016) o Conduct monthly meetings with a multidisciplinary committee to review student concerns, awards, and programs and policies. o Responsible for planning and implementing new nursing student programs which included the first nursing convocation ceremony (August 2009), annual 4 year undergraduate nursing meeting (2011) and annual student program for externship opportunities. Faculty Advisor for the Student Nurse Association Pennsylvania (SNAP) Temple University Chapter (2007 2014). o Increased student enrollment from 40 to 100 members with the four year curriculum, increased student participation in the annual state conference including sophomore nursing students became delegates (first time at Temple University), increased fundraising opportunities and community outreach programs both locally and globally. o Worked with student leaders to host an annual student program to review interviewing skills, resume development, and nurse externship and job opportunities. o Increased student involvement in student NCLEX bowls at the state and local levels. Temple University SNAP students competed against 16 Pennsylvania nursing programs and won the NLCEX bowl at the Pennsylvania SNAP conference 2012 & 2013). o Created a Blackboard site for the SNAP group to enhance communication between all four undergraduate classes. o Assisted with the creation of the Temple University Department of Nursing SNAP website. o Supported the SNAP leaders to become a student club at the Health Science Campus which allows the students to receive annual funding for their SNAP and recruitment conference. Co- chair of the Task Force for Primary Health Care Curricular Design (2008 2010). o Developed a document that outlined the process for curricular redesign that is consonant with the Primary Health Care position statement that led to the optimal education of a Temple BSN graduate who can perform in a generalist primary provider role. o New clinical sites were obtained, community homes initiated, and student assignments were created to reflect the primary health care curriculum. This curriculum redesign was completed and the new curriculum was initiated in 2010. Member of the Admission Committee for Nursing Students (2007 2009). Member of the PAR Test and PAR Score Task force. (2007 2009).
Page 5 Educator, Lansdale Abington Hospital (May 2002 June 2015) (formerly called Central Montgomery Medical Center), Lansdale, Pennsylvania Responsibilities include: Oversee the general orientation and continuing education needs of nursing department employees in a 150-bed community hospital. Coordinate educational activities to assure that all staff are adequately prepared for their responsibilities in the provision of nursing care. Review patient education programs, equipment, and medical products. Coordinate a hospital wide mandatory education programs. Serve as a clinical resource person to specific nursing, department, and hospital committees. Ensure compliance with JCAHO, Department of Health Standards, and Medicare Regulations. Member of Pharmacy Committee, Interdisciplinary Patient Care Committee Selected Accomplishments: Chaired the Documentation Task Force Committee which was responsible for generating, reviewing, and updating documentation forms based on research and evidence based practice standards. Chaired the Pain Management Team: includes multidisciplinary group to develop and review pain management policies. Developed a PCA and Epidural policy and provided education to nursing staff, physicians, and pharmacy staff. Developed and presented a Hospital Wide IV Therapy Program for all nursing and radiology staff. Developed and implemented a hospital wide fall education program as well as a Fall Prevention Policy. Since initiation of program, patient falls have decreased at CMMC. Developed and implemented computerized medication administration record, numerous presentations on safe medication practice, and active member of the Medication Variance Committee. Participated as a planning committee member of a tri hospital educational consortium, a local Educator group committed to offering educational conferences to the nursing staffs of Central Montgomery Medical Center, Grand View Hospital, and Doylestown Hospital. Coordinated all of the mandatory education programs including CPR, ACLS, NALS, Basic Dysrhythmia, Point of Care Testing, and educational labs.
Page 6 Acted as a liaison for the nursing schools that utilize our facility for their clinical rotation including Gwynedd Mercy College, Montgomery County Community College, and Drexel University. Created and presented a mandatory education program to all nursing students for their orientation clinical day. Topics include Restraint Management, Fall Prevention, Safe Medication Practice, and Infection Control, Blood Glucose Monitoring, and Mandatory Codes. Developed and implemented a grant - funded universal hearing screening to all newborns born at Central Montgomery Medical Center as well as community newborns born at other hospitals that are referred to by a health care provider. Chaired the Cesarean Section Task Force Committee. The goal of the committee was to move the Cesarean Section patients from the main operating room to the delivery room. This multidisciplinary team met to review standards, process, equipment, and staff for this transition. Responsible for developing the education for OB nurses to include operating room training in their orientation. Adjunct Instructor, Temple University s College (March 2003 January 2007) of Health Professions, in the Department of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Provided clinical supervision to nursing students in the Maternal Child Health rotation including Labor and Delivery, Nursery, Mom/Baby, and NICU. Adjunct Instructor, Jefferson College (September 2003 May 2005) of Health Professions Department of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Provided clinical supervision to nursing students in the Maternal Child Health rotation including Labor and Delivery, Nursery, Mom/Baby, and NICU. Participated in the maternal child health skills lab to prepare the nursing students for their clinical rotation. Nurse Manager Family Birth Center, (February 1987 May 2002) North Penn Hospital, Lansdale, Pennsylvania Responsibilities included 24-hour management of a 14 bed Obstetrical/Gynecological Unit, Nursery, and Antenatal Testing Unit, and a 5 bed Labor and Delivery Suite in a 150-bed acute care hospital. Accountable for an annual operating budget of 2.5 million dollars and the clinical supervision of 45 employees. Established, reviewed, and maintained standards of patient care for the department. Responsible for initiating various patient education and support groups.
Page 7 Ensured compliance with JCAHO, Department of Health, AWHONN, ACOG, and AAOP standards. Experienced with program planning on a multi-hospital level. Lectured on a wide range of topics to professional and community groups. Member of numerous medical, hospital, and nursing committees. Other responsibilities included Director of the Prenatal Education and relief nursing supervisor (administrator). Selected Accomplishments: Implemented a shared governance philosophy of management on the unit, which created a nurturing and supportive environment for staff, with a strong emphasis on professional accountability, critical thinking and decision-making, clinical expertise, continuing education, and specialty certification. Chaired the OB Policy and Procedure Committee which was a multidisciplinary group including nursing, physicians, and pharmacy. o This committee developed/reviewed departmental administrative policies and forms based on evidence based practice from AWHONN, ACOG, AAOP, and Anesthesia Standards. o Incorporated a family centered philosophy and Mom/Baby Unit. o Became a model hospital in the Philadelphia area to change from a traditional nursing model to the Mom/Baby Couplet care. Initiated the Patient/Family Education Committee to develop/review patient education materials. o This committee was responsible to standardize patient education from the OB offices, prenatal education, inpatient, and home care services. This was a positive change that enabled the patient to receive updated patient educational information that was consistent in the continuum of care. Expanded the Obstetrical services to include the Bryn Mawr Neonatology and Temple Perinatology outpatient program and Lactation Consultant Services. These additional services increased standards of care and improved patient outcomes. Enhanced the Prenatal Education Program to include a comprehensive, variety of educational programs to meet the need of our community. o o o Implemented a widely acclaimed New Mom s Support Group to attend after discharge from the hospital. Developed a Car Seat Workshop for the community, Baby Day Celebrations, and Women Health Fairs. Collaborated with the Focus on Motherhood Adolescent Pregnancy Program.
Page 8 Researched and facilitated the development of the redesign of the Family Birth Center Unit. o Responsible for a $ 1 million renovation project that included transitioning from a traditional OB Unit to a state of the art LDR, Mom/Baby, and Nursery. o Actively participated in marketing strategies and program development to stay competitive in the obstetrical arena. o Won a marketing award from Hospital Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) because of our comprehensive OB package. Renovation project was the first in the Philadelphia area. Established a comprehensive bereavement program which included visiting patients who experienced a neonatal loss, follow up after discharge, development of support packet and community resource guide, staff education related to bereavement and cumulative grief. Planning committee member of an annual memorial service for all families that have had a neonatal loss. Staff Nurse Preceptor, Pennsylvania Hospital, (October 1984 February 1987) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Responsibilities involved various patient care functions including the antenatal testing unit, operating room, emergency room, recovery room, and a high risk labor and delivery unit. The preceptor role included an in depth orientation with a new staff nurse. Charge nurse duties included supervising 10 15 staff nurses as well as scheduling daily unit procedures. Scholarly Work, Grant, and Presentations: DiGiacomo, Patricia. (2017-2018). 2018 Nurses for Tomorrow Scholarship Program Grant. Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Philadelphia, PA. Dissertation: DiGiacomo, P. (2017). Evaluating the use of a Postpartum hemorrhage Simulation as a Teaching Strategy in an Undergraduate Nursing Program: successfully defended June 2017. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. DiGiacomo, P., Gresko, S., Duffy, J. (October 2016). Bringing Technology to the Classroom Pediatric Safety Scenario. College of Public Health Showcase. DiGiacomo, P., Kaplan, L. MD, Reifler, D., MD, Rotz, M. Pharm D, BCPS, & Sinnott, M., PT, DPT. (April 2016). Professional Identity Formation in an Interprofessional Setting from Tribalism to Teamwork. Academy for Professionalism in Health Care, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Page 9 DiGiacomo, P. (April 2016). Campus Safety Initiative: Increasing Alcohol Awareness. Pennsylvania Higher Education Nursing Schools (PHENSA) Spring Meeting, Penn Stater Conference Center, State College, Pennsylvania. DiGiacomo, P. & Elkind, E. (SFY 2013 2014). College Health Professionals and Social Work at Temple University (CHPSW) Innovative Teaching Grant for Obstetrical Simulation Lab. McKeever, A., DiGiacomo, P., Hark, L. & Larkins, K. (2012). Chapter 4 Nutrition from Pre-conception Through Lactation. In Hark, L., Ashton, K., & Deen, D. (Second Edition), The Nurse Practitioner s Complete Guide to Nutrition (pp. 45 78). Iowa: Wiley Blackwell Publishing, DiGiacomo, P. & McKeever, A. (June 2012). From Policy to Practice Change: Nursing Partnerships in Practice to Change Low Income African American Initiation of Breastfeeding Rates. AWHONN National Convention National Harbor, Maryland. McKeever, A., DiGiacomo, P., & Klein, C. (SFY 2011 2012). Breastfeeding and Birthing Hospital and Birthing Centers Initiative Small, No-Bid Grant, Pennsylvania Department of Health. DiGiacomo, P. (June 2011). Redesigning the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs to better prepare them in primary health settings. ACHNE Annual Meeting, Chicago, Illinois Black, K., DiGiacomo, P., & Morin, K. (2011). Submitted chapter: Complications Related to Labor and Birth for nursing obstetrical textbook. This chapter was received positively by the reviewers and was scheduled for release in 2014. Project was cancelled. Clark, M., DiGiacomo, P. & Jelic, M. (December 2010). Evidence Based Practice Approaches to Primary Health Care Curricular Redesign. Temple University Department of Nursing Evidence Based Practice Conference, Philadelphia, Penna. DiGiacomo, P., Jelic, M. & Rothman, N. (June 2010) Creating a Community Health Fair: A first community assignment ACHNE/ASTON Joint Meeting Alexandria, Virginia.
Page 10 AWARDS: 2013 Innovative Teaching Grant Award, Temple University 2006 Finalist, Category Teaching, Nursing Spectrum Excellence Awards 2006 ACLS Team Achievement Award, Central Montgomery Medical Center 2005 Nightingale Award of Pennsylvania Nursing Education Nominee 2004 Nursing Excellence Award, Central Montgomery Medical Center 1997 Recipient of a Governor s Highway Safety Award 1997 Recipient of Hospital Breastfeeding Award, Pennsylvania Coalition 1997 Recipient of Temple University Nursing Faculty Recognition Award Highest GPA CERTIFICATIONS: BLS Instructor Certified in Inpatient Obstetrical Nursing Completed Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education Fall 2014 Temple University Poverty Simulation Facilitator PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: AWHONN Member International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) Member NLN Member Golden Key International Honor Society Member Temple University College of Education s Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) Member Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Secretary, Kappa Chi (2010 2013) Leadership Succession Chair, Kappa Chi (2013 current) COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION: Board Member of CTC Wellness Foundation (focus on increasing student awareness of alcohol poisoning prevention) Member, Health Services Advisory Committee/Philadelphia Reviewed August 2017