Explore the transformative journey of Dr. Misty Wilkie, PhD, RN, FAAN, in this episode of PX Space with host Linda Robinson. As a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Dr. Wilkie's pioneering research centers on supporting minority nursing students, particularly those from American Indian/Alaska Native/Indigenous backgrounds. Gain insights into her impactful role as the Founder/Director of Niganawenimaanaanig, securing $4.2 million to empower American Indian/Alaska Native/Indigenous nursing students.

Delve into the complexities faced by American Indian communities, addressing historical injustices like the Indian Relocation Act and the enduring impact of the boarding school era. Dr. Wilkie challenges the notion of easily overcoming profound historical traumas, emphasizing the lasting effects on present-day issues. Host Linda Robinson navigates the discussion through Dr. Wilkie's dedication to Niganawenimaanaanig, providing holistic support for students, and the program's expansion at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.

Discover the success stories of Niganawenimaanaanig, graduating 19 American Indian/Alaska Native nurses with BSNs and expanding to support DNP and Ph.D. candidates. Dr. Wilkie's programs aim to address the historical underrepresentation of Indigenous healthcare providers and empower nurses to return to their tribal homelands. The episode unfolds the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing efforts to support minority nursing students, intertwining historical context, personal experiences, and the transformative power of dedicated programs.

Dr. Wilkie also shares her involvement in creating the first American Indian digital clinical experience with Shadow Health, emphasizing cultural nuances in healthcare. The simulation incorporates practices like burying the placenta at homelands, unique communication styles, and the significance of eye contact. The dialogue underscores the importance of cultural competency in nursing education and the transformative power of mentorship.

The podcast concludes with Dr. Wilkie emphasizing the impact of visible role models and encouraging aspiring nurses to overcome barriers with perseverance and a strong support system. Tune in to this illuminating episode, where culture, healthcare, and education intersect, fostering a dialogue that transcends boundaries.

In this PX Space episode, Chief Veterans Experience Officer John W. Boerstler discusses his journey from the U.S. Marine Corps to leading the Veterans Experience Office at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He emphasizes human-centered design, addresses trust discrepancies among veterans, and highlights efforts to improve experiences for diverse veteran groups.

He delves into challenges identified through feedback from younger veterans, emphasizing non-clinical concerns like parking and facility navigation. Boerstler introduces initiatives, including the Red Coat Ambassador program and "Own the Moment" training, aiming to enhance patient experiences. The episode concludes with insights into addressing social determinants of health, improving patient care processes, and breaking down departmental silos, resulting in increased satisfaction and trust among VA patients. Satisfaction reached 79.3%, and trust in outpatient experiences reached 90%.

You won't want to miss the insights shared by our distinguished guest this week on the podcast!

In this week's heartwarming holiday episode of PX Space, host Linda Robinson speaks with Mayo Clinic Rochester's Animal-Assisted Services Coordinator, Whitney Romine, MPH, C-AAIS. With a remarkable 13-year tenure as a hospital-based therapy animal program advisor and volunteer coordinator, Whitney brings a wealth of experience and passion to the discussion.

Whitney's journey unfolds with vivid tales of her discovery of the Volunteer Services profession and hands-on involvement in an Animal Assisted Support program, where volunteers, accompanied by their dogs, provided heartwarming visits to patients. As she reflects on her early experiences, Whitney fondly recalls coordinating her first Pet Partners evaluation event and attending a life-changing conference where a leader in animal-assisted therapy shared an inspiring story of how he and his parrot connected with patients. Her firsthand account of these events emphasizes the dedication required to cultivate positive human-animal relationships and ensure the success of therapy dog teams.

Whitney shares her commitment to advancing animal-assisted programs beyond traditional models, envisioning collaborations with clinicians and integration into treatment activities. Her enthusiasm for innovation is paired with a strong emphasis on ensuring the welfare and enjoyment of the animals involved.

Tune in for heart-warming stories of transformation, compassion, and the extraordinary impact that animal-assisted support programs can have on individuals seeking comfort and support in healthcare settings.