EMD Serono supports the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) Nightingale Awards to fund research driven by Multiple Sclerosis nursing professionals around the world.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
The 2024 IOMSN Nightingale Award is seeking MS nursing professionals:
- with nursing experience either in MS or a related field
- practicing in the United States
- member in good standing in IOMSN and MS certified nurse will be given priority consideration (but NOT required)
- not currently employed by a pharma company
2024 Statement of Need
In 2023, we conducted a needs survey of our clients and aquatic therapy was the most requested new program. This program will benefit patients in many ways. “Research on individuals with multiple sclerosis suggests that aquatic exercise is effective for improving flexibility andrange of motion, cardiovascular endurance, fatigue level, muscle strength, mobility function(including gait and balance), quality of life, and psychological wellbeing. Whether you are interested in a high-level aerobic workout, moderate cardio/strength training, or gentle, slow-moving form, aquatic exercise can be adapted to all levels of physical abilities. (MSAA Tip Sheet #1: Getting Started)
Partnership with the YMCA benefits the local community in promoting wellness. This particular YMCA was chosen as the physical environment such as stairs with a railing as preferred pool entry method, individual accessible changing rooms and a knowledgeable instructor who understands how to adapt activities for people with disabilities. In addition to the aquatics classes, participants can utilize other physical fitness opportunities at the YMCA. Financial barriers for those with MS often deters fitness opportunities, so offering this program free of charge is essential.
Goals:
Expected outcomes for patients will be measured on a survey and include: building strength and endurance in physical wellness, learning how to develop a consistent exercise routine and train for a specific goal, increased self-esteem, development of new friendships and MS community.For me personally, I continue to have career satisfaction helping meet the chronic care needs of those with multiple sclerosis. I can offer hope to people despite a challenging health condition.
2021 Award Recipient
Michelle Keating, RN, MSCN, of Bridgeton, MO, received her second consecutive Florence Nightingale Award to support a Dance Movement Program for people with MS for her MS Bright Spots of Hope organization.
Program:
Inspired by Dr. Erika Mitchell’s work and her 2020 Florence Nightingale award, and the IOMSN news publication “The Benefits of Dance Therapy for Managing Multiple Sclerosis”: http://iomsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/IOMSN_News_Fall2020_FINAL_Vol4Issue3_NoAds.pd, I reached out in December 2020 to Tricia Zweier, Associate professor at Lindenwood University. Using her background in kinesiology and dance, she developed an 8-week series, a dance movement program with goals to improve balance, cognition, and foster a creative opportunity for participants to connect with a great community featuring positive MS role models: MS Bright Spots of Hope. In a collaborative partnership, students at her university and professional dancers with a well-known professional modern dance company worked together to deliver a movement experience each week over Zoom to 24 persons with MS, during the February-March 2021.
With positive results from this “pilot,” as an MSCN and president of MS Bright Spots of Hope, I would like to offer continued dance movement programs beginning with an in-person/Zoom 6-week dance series in July/August 2021 and a fall series in October/November. Collaborating with another MS nurse, Lynsey Lakin and her nonprofit MyStrengthWellness, this program will be offered to a larger MS community. This program will promote my professional skills in patient advocacy and education.
Results from this include continued dance series twice yearly with most recent in March-May 2024
2020 Award Recipient
Michelle Keating MS Bright Spots of Hope Bridgeton, MO for Bright Spots Adaptive Cycling Adventure in Colorado Springs, see this video: