Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

10/30/2026

More moments from an evening to remember!

Last week, our community came together to honor Linda H. Aiken, PhD, RN, FAAN, FRCN, professor of Nursing and Sociology and founding director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania, with the 2026 M. Louise Fitzpatrick Award for Transformative Leadership.

Dr. Aiken presented a lecture, "Translating Research into Improved Nurse Retention and Patient Outcomes," examining the drivers of bedside nursing care shortages in hospital systems.

Along with College leadership, faculty, staff and students celebrating Dr. Aiken were her mentees, whose careers she has helped shape, a reminder of her influence through both research and mentorship.

Explore the full album as we look back on this recognition of Dr. Aiken’s extraordinary contributions to nursing. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Villanova University Penn Nursing

10/29/2026

Six traditional undergraduate BSN students—Saniyah Nelson, Carolyne van Deventer, Anna Levy, Katie King, Linnea Clay, and Abigail Dinsmoor—participated in a seven-day cultural immersion and service trip in Ghana as part of the 4200 Nursing seminar course. They were accompanied by Clinical Assistant Professors Michelle Lockett, DNP, RN, and LeRai Carter Martin, EdD, MSN, RN.

The group stayed at the Orthopedic Training Center (OTC Ghana) in Nsawam-Adoagyiri, run by Sister Elizabeth Newman, where they learned about healthcare in the region and spent time with children who had congenital anomalies or had lost limbs in traumatic accidents.

Students learned how prosthetics are made and fitted for children and adults, and how the Center sustains itself through its college for aspiring orthopedic professionals.

At a Catholic clinic and a public hospital, the group observed high-quality nursing care delivered with extremely limited resources. They identified needs for CPR training, education on helmet use and crucial medical supplies, including incubators for the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.

Beyond their healthcare experiences, the group explored the Canopy Walkway in Kakum National Park and visited Cape Coast, a key departure point for the transatlantic slave trade and a sacred landmark for people of the African diaspora.

Villanova University

10/29/2026

The Wall Street Journal's recent article examines how burnout, understaffing and workplace violence are pushing nurses out of bedside roles, and what their departure means for patients and the colleagues who remain.

“You have people in their most vulnerable times of their life, and their call button’s not getting answered because the nurse is overworked, their loved one’s not being seen,” says Amy Witkoski Stimpfel, PhD, RN, associate professor at the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. “It’s bubbling up from a system that’s sort of broken.”

Read the article to learn more.

The field can command six-figure salaries, but understaffing and persistent violence are pushing nurses off the front lines.

10/28/2026

After 38 years at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Sally Poliwoda ’87 FCN reflects on how Villanova shaped her career in pediatric nursing, community advocacy and global health. Today, she prepares nurses to work alongside healthcare teams around the world while drawing on her experiences to inspire the next generation.

Read more: https://www.villanova.edu/university/advancement/regional-development/blue-white-spotlights.html

10/28/2026

Our MSN–Nurse Practitioner students and faculty provided sports physicals for 31 students at Catholic Partnership Schools. By bringing these services directly to students, we're helping remove barriers to participation in sports and school activities while supporting their overall health and well-being.

We're grateful for the opportunity to partner with CPS in service to our community.

Photo (left to right): Emily Baughman, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner student; Rebecca Mueller, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, CRNP, Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Nurse Practitioner Programs; Jameka Walker, Executive Director of Catholic Partnership Schools; Melissa McBride, MSN, PMHNP-BC, APN, Adjunct Clinical Instructor; and Nina Moore, PMHNP, Adjunct Faculty.

A heartfelt thank-you to Villanova University’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing for coming to CPS to provide sports physicals for our students!

This year, 31 students received sports physicals, a 24% increase compared to last year!

By bringing these essential services directly to our schools, you help ensure that more students have access to the care they need to participate in sports and other school activities.

We are deeply grateful for your generosity, dedication, and continued investment in our students’ health and well-being.



Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

10/27/2026

At Villanova’s Tech Expo 2026, our simulation colleagues showcased SimConverse, an AI simulation platform that gives learners the opportunity to practice therapeutic communication with virtual patients and family members, as well as difficult conversations with colleagues. Lumeto, a virtual reality headset and screen-based platform, was also demonstrated.

The University-wide event brought together students, faculty and staff to explore technology that supports teaching, learning and research. For Villanova Nursing, it was a chance to share how simulation can support nursing education and invite colleagues across disciplines to explore collaboration opportunities.

Thank you to Jim Mendez, PhD, CRNP, ANP-BC, Clinical Professor; Carlene McLaughlin, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, Clinical Associate Professor; Jaclyn Parkinson, MSN, RN, PCCN, CHSE, Clinical Assistant Instructor; Gwendolyn D. Morris, PhD, PMHNP-BC, Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Faculty Director of Second-Degree BSN Programs; Gail Furman, PhD, RN, CHSE-A, Executive Director of the Simulation Center; and John McGarry, Simulation Operations Technician II, for representing the College and sharing their expertise!

Villanova University

10/26/2026

Congratulations to Julia Lanouette ’11 BSN and Tracy Brala '90 VSB, both members of the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Board of Consultors, on being named 2026 Alumni Association Signature Award recipients!

Villanova University Villanova University Alumni Association

10/24/2026

10/23/2026

Last night, University and College leadership, faculty, staff, students, community members, colleagues and former mentees gathered to honor Linda H. Aiken, PhD, RN, FAAN, FRCN, with the 2026 M. Louise Fitzpatrick Award for Transformative Leadership. Together, we celebrated her extraordinary contributions to nursing and the people whose lives and careers she has influenced along the way.

Dr. Aiken, professor of Nursing and Sociology and founding director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania, has helped change how the world understands and values nursing. Her lecture challenged the “nursing shortage” myth, examining what is driving shortages in hospital systems and inviting us to think more deeply about the changes needed.

Donna S. Havens, PhD, RN, FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor, Provost Patrick Maggitti, PhD, and Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, RN, FAAN, M. Louise Fitzpatrick Endowed Professor of Community and Home Health Nursing, presented the award to Dr. Aiken.

Thank you, Dr. Aiken, for your leadership, your mentorship and your commitment to nurses and the people they care for. We were honored to celebrate you.

A few moments from last night, with more photos to come next week!

Penn Nursing Villanova University

10/22/2026

Registration is now open! Join fellow alumni, students and parents for a lively evening of networking, dinner and drinks at our 10th Annual Villanova Nursing Dinner in NYC on Monday, November 16, at Rossini’s Restaurant. Networking will take place from 5–6 p.m., with dinner from 6–8:30 p.m.

Hear the latest updates from Donna Sullivan Havens, PhD, RN, FAAN, ’83 MSN, the Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor of the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, and connect with Villanova Nursing alumni and friends.

Register today: vuevents.villanova.edu/website/100065/

We hope to see you there!

Villanova University