March 19, 2026 – Research College of Nursing launched its Women’s History Month programming with a Women in Leadership Panel highlighting accomplished nursing leaders from across HCA Midwest Health. The event offered students a firsthand look at the realities of leadership in modern healthcare, emphasizing professional growth, resilience, and patient advocacy.
Throughout the discussion, panelists shared perspectives on building confidence, navigating career pathways, and supporting both patients and clinical teams. Speakers underscored that effective leadership is shaped through daily actions and consistent professional integrity rather than formal titles alone.
Representatives from multiple HCA Midwest Health facilities participated in the panel, including:
- Amy Townsend, EdD, RN, CNE — Research College of Nursing
- Julie Filbeck, RN, MSN — Research Medical Center
- Ashley Garcia, RN, BSN — Research Medical Center
- Katie Murphy, RN, BSN — HCA Midwest Health
- Lisa Norder, DNP, RN — HCA Midwest Health
- Lindsey Goldammer, RN, MSN — Belton Regional Medical Center
- Ishani Akpovona, RN, MSN — HCA Midwest Health
- Theresa Kading, RN, MSN — Menorah Medical Center
The event served as both an educational opportunity and a celebration of the impact women leaders have within the nursing profession. The panelists’ commitment to mentorship and professional excellence continues to support the development of future nurse leaders within the RCoN community.
March 19, 2024
Research College of Nursing proudly celebrates Certified Nurses Day on March 19th by honoring certified nurses on faculty and within our alumni community.
The following faculty are recognized for their professionalism, leadership, and commitment to excellence:
(not all pictured)
- Margaret Bjelica, Associate Professor, DNP, ACNS-BC, CRRN
- Rebecca Cahill, Professor, DNP, RN, CPHQ, CENP
- Jo Ellen Collette, Assistant Professor, DNP, APRN-BC
- Maithe Enriquez, Professor; Associate Dean for Graduate Education PhD, APRN, FAAN
- Zadi Gillman, Assistant Professor, DNP, FNP-BC
- Terri Kirkland, Assistant Professor, MS, RN, CNE
- Nicole Kreimer, Assistant Professor, MSN, RN, APHN-BC
- Alexandra Lee, Assistant Professor, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
- Anne Longhibler, Assistant Professor, MSN, RN, RNC-NIC
- Jill Morsbach, Assistant Professor, MSN, RN, RNC-MNN
- Erin Newton, Assistant Professor, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
- Julia Payne, Assistant Professor, MSN, RN, RNC-OB, CNE
- Rebecca Saxton, Provost, PhD, RN, CNE
- Sarah Schlanker, Assistant Professor, MSN, RN, CNOR
- Faye Vandendaele, Assistant Professor, MSN, RN, CPNP, FNP-C
- Camille Williams, Assistant Professor, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
- Donna Zimmerman, Assistant Professor, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
There are many nursing certification specialties that RCoN grads may pursue after earning their degree, including medical-surgical, pediatric, pain management, cardiac vascular, oncology, hospice, case management, emergency nursing, critical care, and many others.
We love watching alumni find their path within the range of specialized nursing care. Maryalice Williams (Accelerated BSN ’15) shared with us her journey of recently becoming a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse.
Hospice was Maryalice’s passion for more than 15 years, since serving as a VITAS Hospice pet therapy volunteer. She was motivated to share the hospice mission and philosophy with as many people as possible. This led to a career as a hospice marketing representative.
Finally, she made the change and earned her nursing degree at RCoN. After four years in St. Luke’s cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), she decided to pursue her goal of becoming a hospice RN. She reflects on the past three years as highly rewarding and fulfilling working as a bedside RN at the Kansas City Hospice House.
Please join us in honoring RCoN faculty, alumni like Maryalice, and all the Certified Nurses dedicated to excellence in nursing!
January 26, 2024
Nurses have been recognized, for 22 consecutive years, as the Most Ethical Profession in the United States. Research College of Nursing is honored to be the region’s leading institution dedicated exclusively to nursing. Our graduates become leaders in practice, service and advocacy — upholding the ethical standards synonymous with the profession.
According to Gallup’s 2023 Honesty and Ethics poll, 78 percent of Americans believe nurses have high honesty and ethical standards. This ranking highlights the pivotal role nurses play across healthcare teams and the communities they serve.
“Our communities trust us to care for them and their loved ones during their most vulnerable times. This ranking proves that we continue to hold our profession to high standards and are trusted to do the right thing for our patients,” says Patton Rainey, instructor. “Hearing that nursing is ranked “the most ethical profession” to me reassures why I chose to become a nurse. Providing safe, timely, and compassionate care to all patients is what I strive to do. Nursing is unique because patients quickly become “family,” forming those patient connections is my favorite aspect,” says Emma Howell, student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
We celebrate our exceptional nursing faculty who serve as leaders and role models for the next generation. We applaud RCoN alumni and their contributions to advancing health and health care. Looking toward the future, we recognize our nursing students for their commitment to excellence that embodies the nursing profession.