From the Editor
Carol Toussie Weingarten , PhD , RN , ANEF
As soon as he began to deliver his campaign speech , audience members realized the young man running for president of the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania ( SNAP ) was beginning a career of leadership at the highest levels . His inclusive and inspiring words set the tone for what would be his successful tenure as president of SNAP . Fast forward 30 years to November 2017 . As president of PSNA , Mark Crider addressed the 2017 state SNAP convention as the leader he had indeed become . Today , he represents PSNA widely .
SNAP nurtures leaders from the earliest days of nursing education ; PSNA offers a welcome and opportunities for education , professional development , and connections to nurses regardless of specialty . The Young Nurse Professionals ( YNP ), which is now thriving and growing with in-person and virtual events , was specifically created for nurses within five years of their graduation .
One of the greatest supporters of professional development was M . Louise Fitzpatrick , EdD , RN , FAAN . The founder of Villanova ’ s chapter of the Student Nurses Association , her own professional involvement , mentorship , and support for others was legendary . At only 35 years old , she became a dean and the only female dean at Villanova University . She served an extraordinary tenure of nearly 40 years until her death on September 1 , 2017 . Her vision , advocacy , and remarkable understanding of complex organizations expanded the College of Nursing ’ s academic programs to include accelerated BSN , master ’ s , and doctoral programs , distance learning and clinical simulation initiatives , and Centers for Nursing Research , Global and Public Health , and Obesity Prevention and Education .
M . Louise Fitzpatrick , EdD , RN , FAAN
Beyond Villanova , Dean Fitzpatrick was deeply committed to nursing and healthcare on a local through global scale . She was generous with her time and served as a mentor and friend to nurses around the globe . Her many achievements can be summarized by the recognition she earned : induction into the Academy of Nursing and awards such as the Leader of Leaders Award from the National Student Nurses Association , the first Lifetime Achievement Award from SNAP , and an honorary degree from Villanova University . In 2018 she will be inducted posthumously into the American Nurses ’ Association ’ s ( ANA ) Hall of Fame .
Dean Fitzpatrick ’ s impact on generations of nurses was so immense , that the College of Nursing at Villanova University was named the M . Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing in December 2017 . The naming of an entire college in tribute to a nurse educator is rare and affects nurses everywhere . This honor not only recognizes Dean Fitzpatrick , but also demonstrates how the impact of a nurse and nursing is recognized at the highest levels .
Pennsylvania Nurse is now available online to everyone . With a world of readers , the journal addresses the diversity of members ’ interests by including articles that relate to a broad audience . As Daniel Edgar notes in his article , Bell ’ s palsy ( BP ) is frequently confused with stroke or other medical conditions . Using a case study focusing on a 27-year-old male , he explains BP , its treatment , and implications for nursing . Regardless of specialty , nurses should know about BP because it occurs throughout the population and has visible effects that can affect individuals and their families during and beyond the acute episode . This article , which is approved for continuing education , is free as a benefit of PSNA membership and for a small fee for nurses who are not members of PSNA .
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Issue 3 2017 Pennsylvania Nurse 4