Clinical Assistant Nursing Professor JoAn Kivlehan, along with several nursing students, provided blood pressure screenings and education about managing hypertension to the 91直播 community at the Wellness Expo on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. 

The students participated in experiential learning while applying clinical skills, the nursing process, and making a positive impact on health outcomes. 

Professors Hartch and Kivlehan have been actively leading a variety of SNHS initiatives designed to foster leadership, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent activities include a Sigma networking event with alumni, blood pressure screenings at the Wellness Expo, a vaccine clinic in partnership with SHAC, and clothing donations supporting the Clark Center Homeless Run. We’re now looking forward to hosting Dr. Nicholas Cagliuso, Founding Director of the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program, who will speak with Population Health students and Student Nursing Association members on November 14, 2025. Finally, we are especially excited to celebrate the scholastic achievements of our nursing students at the Sigma Induction Ceremony on April 15 at 5:00 p.m. in the West Room.

We invite you to learn more about the School of Nursing and Health Sciences Programs at 91直播

Our mission is to prepare our current and future students to become transformative healthcare professionals.

Whether it’s your first time attending college or you’re a certified health professional looking to expand your professional opportunities, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers patient-centered degree programs grounded in clinical practice.

Future healthcare leaders, holistically trained patient advocates, and ethically responsible health professionals will be given the tools to grow in 91直播’s high-tech, high-care nursing and health professions programs.

Nursing and Health Professions Education at 91直播

Informed by the Caritas philosophy, students in our undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs graduate capable of performing necessary tasks and procedures and of fostering moments of healing and care with patients.

91直播’s modern approach to nursing and healthcare education develops inter-professional collaborators who can respond to the changing landscape of their fields. Our Caritas healthcare professionals can perform tasks while being completely present and centered with the patient and balance high-tech with high-touch care.

As we celebrate the achievements of our nursing graduates, it is vital to acknowledge the personal journeys that led them here.

Irving Escobar stands out with a path marked by resilience, heartbreak, and the unwavering support of loved ones. His story not only highlights the challenges many faced during turbulent times but also captures the spirit of perseverance within the 91直播 community. Irving's peers selected him to share his story at their Nurse Pinning Ceremony, reminding us of the power of determination in overcoming adversity. He was also at Commencement on May 17, 2025.

Good morning, distinguished faculty, proud family members, and of course, my nursing classmates. I am beyond honored and grateful to stand before you this morning on this very special and memorable day.

Today, we celebrate a major accomplishment that we have worked extremely hard to attain. For some of us, this journey began four years ago in 2020 as college freshmen, when there was unprecedented disruption and change, and for others, we transferred to Mville from another institution. Either way, it was a time of uncertainty and resilience. I applaud each of you and say, “Congratulations!” You crossed the finish line. 

And still, for others sitting here today, pursuing a second degree was part of their journey, to which I also say Congratulations! Having one bachelor’s degree is most definitely something to be proud of, but having two shows immense dedication and commitment to your education. 

I commend you for enhancing your knowledge and securing this accomplishment. 

As for me, my journey has been a bit different. Eight years ago, at age 26, I started with the goal of eventually becoming a nurse. By that time, I had already spent five years as a medical assistant, and to be honest, I had begun to feel like there was more I should be pursuing. And my beautiful wife felt the same way. She would tell me, “I think you should go to school to become a nurse you are so smart and so caring with your patients”. She saw something in me that I struggled to see at the time. 

I’ll also admit that I had doubts about becoming a nurse, especially when I realized I would have to start my college journey from the very beginning. With just a few college credits to my name, I felt like it would take forever to finish all the prerequisites before I could even start applying to nursing programs. I made the decision to take the first step by enrolling in a community college and starting the required classes.  At the time, I needed to continue to work full-time and go to school at night. I had a little family of my own, and it wasn’t realistic for me to attend school full-time. This continued for about four years, taking us into 2020. 

As I mentioned earlier, 2020 brought disruption and change for all of us. In March of that year, my little boy was born, and I was also completing my final science requirement, Medical Microbiology. Following that beautiful moment of a new life being born, it felt as though my entire world came to a sudden halt. 

On April 8th, I lost my best friend to COVID. Two days later, on April 10th, my wife lost her grandmother to the same virus. Then, on April 23rd, I received the heart-wrenching news that my mother had been murdered while on vacation.  I recall that moment clearly, freezing up as I tried to process what I was hearing on the phone. I was in denial for about twenty minutes before the harsh reality was confirmed. A flood of thoughts ran through my mind when I finally accepted that there was nothing I could do, only to keep moving forward. 

I chose to take a break from school that fall because I wasn’t mentally prepared to start applying to nursing schools. It turned out to be the right decision, as I had no idea that another tragedy was waiting for me. Just six months after my mother’s death, my stepfather, who had been in my life since I was three, passed away from "COVID." But honestly, I believe it was from a broken heart. Once again, I froze, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a "black cloud" hanging over me. I was just trying to live a somewhat normal life, yet it seemed like obstacle after obstacle kept getting in my way. 

A few months went by, and by 2021, if I’m being honest, applying to nursing school was the furthest thing from my mind. I gradually began to lose myself as depression, anxiety, and anger took control. Despite all the emotions I was battling, I knew I had to start applying. That year, I submitted applications to four nursing schools, and all four rejected me.  My confidence was shattered, and I started to entertain the thought that maybe becoming a nurse just wasn’t meant to be, that I had been fooling myself all these years. 

At the start of 2022, I applied to two more nursing schools, only to face rejection once again. By this point, I had decided I was done chasing this dream, as it had turned into a nightmare. I told myself I must not be good enough. I was ready to give it all up, but there was someone who never gave up on me, then and still doesn't—my wife. My wife has been my best friend, my biggest supporter, and most importantly, my soulmate. I remember her on the phone saying, “You’re not giving up. In fact, you’re going to apply to this school, and you’re doing it today!” The school was 91直播, about an hour from my home. I did exactly as she told me, expecting to receive a rejection letter. But as you can observe, I'm standing here today—because that rejection letter never came! 

You see, from that moment on, God removed all rejection from my life. I say God because, without Him, I wouldn’t be standing here speaking to all of you today. All those other doors that stayed closed were meant to be, because 91直播 was the door He had left open for me. And I wouldn’t change that for anything. I used to think there was a black cloud hanging over me because of all the adversity I faced. I doubted my own abilities after all the rejections, and I wondered if I would ever have the chance to become a nurse. But I was wrong. God shaped me, made me stronger, more resilient, and most importantly, taught me to stop just thinking and start truly believing. 

I share this in the hope that someone needs to hear it: "Success isn't determined by the obstacles you face, but by the strength you find to overcome them. Keep pushing forward—your breakthrough is nearer than you realize." 

To my nursing classmates, I want to leave you with this: You are exactly where you're meant to be. If you’ve ever had doubts, let them go—your path has already been written, and you’re living it right now. This is just the beginning. Each of you is destined to become an incredible nurse. Thank you, and may God bless you all.  

-Irving Escobar

About the 91直播 School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Our mission is to prepare our current and future students to become transformative healthcare professionals.

Whether it’s your first time attending college or you’re a certified health professional looking to expand your professional opportunities, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers patient-centered degree programs grounded in clinical practice.

Future healthcare leaders, holistically trained patient advocates, and ethically responsible health professionals will be given the tools to grow in 91直播’s high-tech, high-care nursing and health professions programs.

Nursing and Health Professions Education at 91直播

Informed by the Caritas philosophy, students in our undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs graduate capable of performing necessary tasks and procedures and of fostering moments of healing and care with patients.

91直播’s modern approach to nursing and healthcare education develops inter-professional collaborators who can respond to the changing landscape of their fields. Our Caritas healthcare professionals can perform tasks while being completely present and centered with the patient and balance high-tech with high-touch care.

Visit Campus Apply Now

Dr. Sandra Maldonado's article, "The Folkloric Practices of Dominican Women in Managing Bacterial Vaginosis", was published in the April Journal Nurses for Women's Health Journal.

Abstract

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by changes in the vaginal flora caused by an elevated pH, resulting in symptoms of vaginal discharge, odor, and irritation. BV affects all women, including Dominican women who have specific cultural beliefs regarding vaginal health hygiene. Due to the prevalence of this condition and cultural norms that may influence how women respond to the diagnosis of BV, it is important to understand the factors that may promote the development of BV and that may influence women's choices of treatment options. Amsel's criteria are the most commonly used clinical approach for the diagnosis of BV. Recurrent BV is common and affects women's lives to varying degrees. Discussion about cultural norms and hygienic practices may provide information that may decrease the recurrence of BV. Nurses can provide support and evidence-based information in a culturally sensitive manner to help Dominican women manage BV.

About the School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Our mission is to prepare our current and future students to become transformative healthcare professionals.

Whether it’s your first time attending college or you’re a certified health professional looking to expand your professional opportunities, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers patient-centered degree programs grounded in clinical practice.

Future healthcare leaders, holistically trained patient advocates, and ethically responsible health professionals will be given the tools to grow in 91直播’s high-tech, high-care nursing and health professions programs.

About 91直播

We Are Valiant

Since 1841, 91直播 has provided a transformative educational experience.  As a private liberal arts institution, 91直播 roots its education in a rich history of academic excellence and innovative programs. With more than 55 undergraduate programs, 70 graduate programs, and a doctoral program, we empower every student to cultivate their intellectual curiosity, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and strive for a more just world.

By the Numbers

125+ Undergraduate and graduate programs

24 Division III sports teams

11:1 Student-faculty ratio

Our History and Legacy

Since its origins as a Catholic boarding school to its present day as a non-denominational, co-ed private university, 91直播 has evolved to meet the needs of students who seek a more just world. A haven for independent thinking and socially conscious values, our interdisciplinary education is rooted in the liberal arts and experiential learning. 

Founded in 1841 in New York City as a boarding school and parochial school for women, 91直播 has consistently strived to expand higher education to all sectors of society. Under the visionary leadership of President Grace Dammann, R.S.C.J., 91直播 voted to admit African-American students in 1938 and we have continuously worked to create a more inclusive student body. Today, over a third of our students identify as first-generation, and even more consider themselves BIPOC. We are also a designated Hispanic Serving Institution, a reflection of our increasingly diverse community. 

We have also grown in other ways. When 91直播 officially took over the former estate of diplomat Whitelaw Reid in Westchester in 1952, we cemented our role in the educational development of the region. The U.S. News and World Report named us as the #1 private college for social mobility in New York. Students volunteer over 30,000 hours of community service through the Clark Center for Social Justice. The School of Education offers the highest number of programs and additional support through the Changing Suburbs Institute’s network of Professional Development Schools. Nursing candidates complete clinic hours in local organizations, providing patient-centered care to the area. 

We are proof of how academic excellence, a commitment to social justice, and a global outlook can transform students and, by extension, society. 

Explore Mville History 

Location

91直播 benefits from both the peaceful beauty of Westchester County and the vibrant, non-stop energy of New York City. The 100-acre campus provides a safe and comfortable environment where every student’s intellectual life can blossom with the unparalleled professional opportunities of a world-class city, only 30 miles away. 

Reid Castle, a 19th-century architectural gem, anchors the campus and houses the Welcome Center, Admissions, Financial Aid, and several event spaces. Designed by famed Central Park architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, the picturesque green quad hosts our academic buildings and centers, the university library, four performance facilities, and fifteen new or renovated science and nursing labs.

The campus also boasts two historic chapels. The architect Maya Lin restored one, Lady Chapel, to include a glass roof, located near the new Ohnell Environmental Center, a non-invasive structure that reflects 91直播’s commitment to sustainability. Our newest building, the Richard A. Berman Student Center, received a LEED gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

In addition to our four residence halls and dining hall, students enjoy amenities like a campus market and store and comprehensive athletic facilities, including a fitness center, tennis courts, an ice rink, a baseball and softball field, and an indoor turf facility. 

We are a short car, train, or bus ride from New York and the city’s main airports. We are also easily accessible by car from anywhere in the TriState area and can also be reached via the Metro North Railroad from NYC Grand Central Terminal or Westchester’s Bee-Line bus. 

Visit Campus            

Professor Christa Hartch presented the results of her Randomized Controlled Trial Study entitled “Effects of a Medication Adherence App Among Medically Underserved Adults with Chronic Illness: A Randomized Controlled Trial” at a Medisafe business meeting.

She utilized the Medisafe app in her independent research, a global digital platform with over 12 million subscribers.

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 13, 2024 / A novel randomized control trial conducted by Vanderbilt University researchers and published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine explored the effect of smartphone applications on medication adherence in a medically underserved population. The trial concluded that Medisafe's free and accessible app provides a transformative impact on medication adherence and medication self-efficacy, a measure that indicates an increase in user's confidence to manage their medications within the first month of use.

Lower-income, medically underserved communities have been found to have inadequate rates of adherence to oral medications. Inadequate adherence is thought to be influenced by social determinants of health (SDOH) and contribute to health disparities. "We found that for participants who used Medisafe, 43.3% demonstrated a reliable increase in adherence scores compared to only 9.7% in the control group. Given that our population focused on patients with chronic illnesses at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), this is an important finding," said Christa Hartch, PhD, RN, FNP-C Tenure-Track Assistant Professor School of Nursing and Health Sciences, 91直播 College. "The personalized audible and visual reminders were thought to have an impact on increased medication adherence and support the widespread use of this technology within the studied patient population."

The randomized control trial also emphasized the positive impact Medisafe had in increasing participants' self-efficacy, referring to the individual's belief in their ability to successfully perform specific health-related behaviors, which in turn may improve health outcomes, based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) framework. The integration of audible and visual reminders into participants' daily lives was postulated to be a key facilitator.

The findings of this research suggest a large-scale benefit of implementing the commercially available, free Medisafe app in FQHC clinical settings, which serve over 30 million patients annually in community health centers across the country. This technology could positively enhance medication adherence and impact chronic disease management for medically underserved populations in the United States.

"Empowering patients through increased medication adherence and self-efficacy, isn't just our goal-it's our proven impact", said Omri Shor, Chief Executive Officer at Medisafe. "Our commitment to enhancing health outcomes for those with chronic illnesses is evident, solidifying Medisafe's support to patients, caregivers, providers, payers and life sciences companies."

Medisafe's industry-leading digital solutions can support your organization. For further information or media inquiries, please contact us at info@medisafe.com.

The company put out a press release highlighting her work here:  as well as here:  

About the School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Our mission is to prepare our current and future students to become transformative healthcare professionals.

Whether it’s your first time attending college or you’re a certified health professional looking to expand your professional opportunities, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers patient-centered degree programs grounded in clinical practice.

Future healthcare leaders, holistically trained patient advocates, and ethically responsible health professionals will be given the tools to grow in 91直播’s high-tech, high-care nursing and health professions programs.

Professor Ezequiel Ayala Santos recently attended the Association of Educators in Radiologic Technology of the State of New York, Inc. conference. During this event, he was honored with the prestigious Drago Scholarship.

This scholarship is specifically tailored for X-ray technologists aspiring toward or in educational careers who are actively pursuing an advanced degree. His receipt of this scholarship is a testament to his commitment to excellence in teaching and his ongoing contributions to the field of radiography. 

Learn more about 91直播's Radiologic Technology program.

91直播’s four-year radiologic technology degree program consists of a selective, focused curriculum that imparts the skills needed to consistently and effectively use ionizing radiation technology to produce images that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Through classroom instruction and hands-on learning in both simulated and actual clinical environments, radiologic technology majors learn how to accurately position and use imaging equipment, how to protect patients and operators against radiation, and how to be stellar caregivers who are responsive to all patients.

Kudos to Professor Hartch

Dr. Christa Hartch and Associate Dean Orhan Hakli pictured with Jorge Lujan and Jingqiu Lopez who presented their Holistic Nursing Creative Projects at the 91直播 Expo.

The School of Nursing & Health Sciences nursing students, faculty & staff provided a Candy Cart for the nurses to enjoy at Blythedale Children's Hospital for nurses week. We love to celebrate nurses with our clinical partners!

Kudos to Amanda Delerme, clinical coordinator, and Teresa Mandarino, clinical education coordinator along with students Sally Cangialosi who handed out candy and Sofia Lomedico who decorated the cart.

School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Our mission is to prepare our current and future students to become transformative healthcare professionals.

Whether it’s your first time attending college or you’re a certified health professional looking to expand your professional opportunities, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers patient-centered degree programs grounded in clinical practice.

Future healthcare leaders, holistically trained patient advocates, and ethically responsible health professionals will be given the tools to grow in 91直播’s high-tech, high-care nursing and health professions programs.

EXPERT FACULTY. STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES.

Message from Dean Debra Simons, PhD, RN

I am delighted to welcome you to the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) at 91直播. You have embarked upon a wonderful transformative journey by taking the first steps in pursuit of your goal to become future healthcare professionals. Our mission is to educate health professionals from a holistic framework in preparation to meet the needs of humanity in a complex health system locally, nationally, and globally. Nursing and Health Sciences are complementary to 91直播’s rich history in the liberal arts. Students who graduate from 91直播 will be design thinkers, patient-centered, high tech high care, holistically educated professionals who will influence health care institutions seeking to improve safety and health outcomes while enhancing the patient experience and achieve magnet status.

Our faculty are experts in their respective clinical fields of practice, holistic health, and contributions to healthcare. The healthcare professional, as an agent of change, is a stellar inter-professional collaborator, who incorporates design thinking as a practical method for innovation and problem-solving. It is through our mission that, together, we collaboratively learn and grow.

About 91直播

We Are Valiant

Since 1841, 91直播 has provided a transformative educational experience.  As a private liberal arts institution, 91直播 roots its education in a rich history of academic excellence and innovative programs. With more than 55 undergraduate programs, 70 graduate programs, and a doctoral program, we empower every student to cultivate their intellectual curiosity, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and strive for a more just world.

By the Numbers

125+ Undergraduate and graduate programs

24 Division III sports teams

11:1 Student-faculty ratio

More Facts and Figures

Our History and Legacy

Since its origins as a Catholic boarding school to its present day as a non-denominational, co-ed private university, 91直播 has evolved to meet the needs of students who seek a more just world. A haven for independent thinking and socially conscious values, our interdisciplinary education is rooted in the liberal arts and experiential learning. 

Founded in 1841 in New York City as a boarding school and parochial school for women, 91直播 has consistently strived to expand higher education to all sectors of society. Under the visionary leadership of President Grace Dammann, R.S.C.J., 91直播 voted to admit African-American students in 1938 and we have continuously worked to create a more inclusive student body. Today, over a third of our students identify as first-generation, and even more consider themselves BIPOC. We are also a designated Hispanic Serving Institution, a reflection of our increasingly diverse community. 

We have also grown in other ways. When 91直播 officially took over the former estate of diplomat Whitelaw Reid in Westchester in 1952, we cemented our role in the educational development of the region. The U.S. News and World Report named us as the #1 private college for social mobility in New York. Students volunteer over 30,000 hours of community service through the Clark Center for Social Justice. The School of Education offers the highest number of programs and additional support through the Changing Suburbs Institute’s network of Professional Development Schools. Nursing candidates complete clinic hours in local organizations, providing patient-centered care to the area. 

We are proof of how academic excellence, a commitment to social justice, and a global outlook can transform students and, by extension, society.

Location

91直播 benefits from both the peaceful beauty of Westchester County and the vibrant, non-stop energy of New York City. The 100-acre campus provides a safe and comfortable environment where every student’s intellectual life can blossom with the unparalleled professional opportunities of a world-class city, only 30 miles away. 

Reid Castle, a 19th-century architectural gem, anchors the campus and houses the Welcome Center, Admissions, Financial Aid, and several event spaces. Designed by famed Central Park architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, the picturesque green quad hosts our academic buildings and centers, the university library, four performance facilities, and fifteen new or renovated science and nursing labs.

The campus also boasts two historic chapels. The architect Maya Lin restored one, Lady Chapel, to include a glass roof, located near the new Ohnell Environmental Center, a non-invasive structure that reflects 91直播’s commitment to sustainability. Our newest building, the Richard A. Berman Student Center, received a LEED gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

In addition to our four residence halls and dining hall, students enjoy amenities like a campus market and store and comprehensive athletic facilities, including a fitness center, tennis courts, an ice rink, a baseball and softball field, and an indoor turf facility. 

We are a short car, train, or bus ride from New York and the city’s main airports. We are also easily accessible by car from anywhere in the TriState area and can also be reached via the Metro North Railroad from NYC Grand Central Terminal or Westchester’s Bee-Line bus. 

Visit Campus

Congratulations to 91直播's Inaugural class of Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) who graduated this January. We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. It is also with great joy that we announce that Priscilla Villavicencio, a member of the inaugural class passed the ANCC Exam and is now a Board Certified FNP. Congratulations Priscilla and all of our FNP Valiants! 

91直播’s online Master of Science (MS) in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree program is a gateway to engage in a wide scope of practice and provide direct care as a licensed family nurse practitioner (FNP) in New York State and beyond. Students use Fitzgerald’s proven FNP certification review course in their final semester to achieve ANCC/AANP certification. Fitzgerald was founded in 1989 to help nurse practitioners prepare for their certification exams through in-depth review courses and testing. To date, Fitzgerald has helped over 140,000+ NPs achieve certification. Designed to deliver students the experience needed to sit for exams by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), 91直播’s Master of Science in Nursing, FNP degree program is flexible, primarily online, and affordable.

Joining 91直播’s online Family Nurse Practitioner master’s degree program ensures students receive the high-touch nursing leadership experience and practical knowledge prerequisite to becoming an FNP in private practice or hospital clinical settings.

Designed according to the latest professional guidelines, our FNP program provides credentialed nurses the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in nursing and acquire an in-depth theoretical and applied clinical understanding of advanced nursing roles and responsibilities. With this, graduates are eligible to pursue local and national licensure and progress their nursing careers in a new direction.

Family nurse practitioners are some of the most highly qualified and talented members of the nursing profession. Grow to meet the need for practicing FNPs in today’s healthcare system and for many years to come.