Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

07/30/2026

New research by Assistant Professor Patrina Sexton Topper, PhD, MS, RN, and collaborators highlights the critical role care coordinators play in supporting caregivers of transgender and gender-diverse youth, not only by sharing information but also by creating spaces for understanding, guidance and partnership.

Read the article to learn more.

Villanova University

Transgender and gender diverse youth (TGDY) face significant health disparities due in part to barriers to respectful, competent care. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in facilitating acc...

07/29/2026

Michelle Kelly, PhD, CRNP, CNE, FAANP, FAAN, professor and co-director of the Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health and the Environment, was on the latest episode of the Institute for Childhood Preparedness' podcast, Early Childhood Chats, to explore the hidden factors that shape children's physical, emotional and cognitive well-being.

Filled with practical insights and research-based strategies, this episode is a must-listen for educators, childcare professionals, healthcare providers, parents and advocates.

Watch here: bit.ly/4h0tE6x

Villanova University

🎙️ New podcast episode is live!

What if the biggest influences on a child's development are the ones we can't see?

This week on Early Childhood Chats, Andy Roszak sits down with Dr. Michelle Kelly, pediatric and neonatal nurse practitioner and nationally recognized researcher, to discuss how premature birth, toxic stress, environmental health, air quality, lead exposure, and early childhood experiences shape lifelong outcomes.

One of our biggest takeaways:
"Children are not doomed by their circumstances. The right support at the right time can change everything."

Whether you're an educator, childcare provider, healthcare professional, or parent, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

🎧 Listen now: https://childhoodchats.transistor.fm/
➡️ Watch here: https://youtu.be/uGYc8eRgUS0

07/28/2026

Our Second Degree Accelerated BSN 14-Month Express program culminated with presentations of their Health Promotion clinical work in partnership with local healthcare systems, senior facilities, community centers and elementary schools.

Working with diverse populations ranging from young children to senior citizens, our student nurses tailored their clinical projects to meet patients’ unique needs and circumstances, gaining valuable experience in delivering compassionate, holistic care.

Through interactive educational lessons, health screenings and therapeutic communication, students built meaningful relationships with patients, fostering trust and creating opportunities for personalized support.

We are proud of their commitment to serving communities and advancing the practice of patient-centered care.

Next up? Their NCLEX preparation course!

Villanova University

Waverly Heights Penn Medicine Carousel Connections West Chester Area Senior Ctr St. Agnes School North Light Community Center

07/27/2026

We're excited to share that Clinical Associate Professor LaKeetra Josey, PhD, RN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, was featured by the American Nurses Association for her fight against youth substance use and how her work reflects The Power of Nurses™.

07/24/2026

There's still time to start our MSN–Nurse Practitioner program this fall. Submit your application by August 1 to be considered.

Choose from our in-demand specializations: Adult Gerontology, Family, Pediatric and Psychiatric-Mental Health.

Apply now: bit.ly/4v3p7Uj

Villanova University

07/23/2026

Professor Elizabeth Dowdell, PhD, RN, AFN-C, IVES-C, FAAN, was recently on Global News’ 730 CKNW Mornings with Simi to discuss the benefits and struggles of the “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban.

Dr. Dowdell explains that the ban is effective in schools that teach digital and media literacy. However, it doesn’t always address the underlying issues, ultimately causing potential challenges for students. Listen to learn more: bit.ly/4bbX7Xs

Villanova University

07/22/2026

During a Health Promotion clinical rotation, students in the Second Degree Accelerated BSN program visited Waverly Heights, a Life Plan Community in Gladwyne, Pa., to share information about heat safety and hydration with its residents through an interactive program including watermelon and refreshments.

The experience was part of Community and Population Health, a clinical rotation facilitated by Susan Meyers, PhD, RNC, CNE, CPNP-PC, Clinical Associate Professor, and Catherine Curley, PhD, RN, Clinical Assistant Professor. Through the course, students put classroom learning into practice while working to improve health and wellness in the community.

Photo (from left): Albernia Franguel, Ella Heckman, Annie Nikolic, Lucy Farmen, Frederique DeMito, Matthew Morrow, Gina Labricciosa and Julia Mustin

Villanova University

07/20/2026

Villanova University has established the Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal, a new international honor that will recognize individuals whose leadership has advanced sustainability, ecological responsibility, and integral human development. The inaugural medal will be presented by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, during the Villanova International Sustainability Conference in Rome this October.

The event is developed in close dialogue with key institutional partners, including the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Laudato si' Center for Higher Education.

Learn more: https://www.villanova.edu/university/sustainability-medal.html

07/18/2026

Earlier this week, our MSN-Nurse Educator (MSN-NE) students participated in two immersive days in our Simulation Center, putting into practice what they’ve learned during the Simulation in Higher Education and the Healthcare Professions course this semester.

Throughout the course, students conducted needs assessments within their work environment and collaborated in small groups to design simulation-based exercises that address real educational needs.

The simulation exercises ranged from precepting a simulated student dealing with an infiltrated IV for the first time to responding to using a high-fidelity manikin to simulate a cardiac event, teaching newly graduated nurses how to respond effectively in a critical situation.

Our MSN-NE students are working nurses from local hospitals, specializing in clinical areas such as pediatrics, cardiology, labor and delivery, orthopedics, critical care, primary care and oncology.

Villanova University

07/17/2026

Dr. Ruth McDermott-Levy, Professor Emeritus, shared her expertise on the health risks associated with wildfire smoke and poor air quality yesterday on CBS Philadelphia. She noted that the tiny particles in wildfire smoke can contain toxins that are inhaled deep into the lungs and may even enter the bloodstream, posing health concerns, particularly with long-term exposure.

Dr. McDermott-Levy is co-director of the Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health and the Environment.

Watch the segment (Dr. McDermott-Levy's insight begins at :59): www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvuDxpJWVIc