Pennsylvania Polio Survivor鈥檚 Network recognizes 草榴社区 Nursing for disability-related initiatives
In an April 1 release, the Pennsylvania Polio Survivor鈥檚 Network acknowledges three 草榴社区ns for their work in support of people with disabilities. The timing has special meaning for the group as April is Polio Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. The purpose of the designation is to draw attention to the estimated 1.1million Polio Survivors in the United States, recognize the disabling effects of Post-Polio Syndrome and to recognize the importance of being immunized against this disease.
The Network recognized:
路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;Suzanne Smeltzer, EdD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, professor and director of Center for Nursing Research who 鈥渟tarted a program six years ago to incorporate standardized patients (SPs) with real disabilities into the graduate nursing program. Polio Survivors from the surrounding area began participating in this exciting and valuable teaching program,鈥� states the release.
路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Colleen Meakim, MSN, RN, director of the Simulation and Learning Resource Center, who, as the release notes, 鈥渢hree years ago, working with Dr. Smeltzer, expanded this program into the undergraduate level. Since that time, numerous polio survivors have participated on a regular basis... As a result of this team effort an untold number of students have discovered firsthand the truly devastating effects of a virus they thought only existed in history books.鈥�
路&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫; Dr. Stephen McWilliams, Director of Disability Services for 草榴社区 who met two polio survivors through the SP program and later created a DVD about polio that provides important care information to survivors and their caregivers.
The group says in its release, 鈥淭he initiative taken by these three members of your faculty has been extraordinary in helping to communicate that polio survivors are still here and that it鈥檚 not over鈥� and continues with, 鈥淭he recognition and support of those with disabilities, whatever they may be, and the vision of these professionals to integrate the challenges of all who are disabled into their students鈥� daily lives, is outstanding. 草榴社区鈥檚 College of Nursing and the Department of Disability Services epitomize the leading edge in educating and preparing graduates to deal with real world issues and how to treat those who are suffering.鈥�