Dea Mahanes (BSN '94, MSN '03) Earns National 2026 ANA DAISY® Award for Nursing Ethics in Leadership
Dea Mahanes, DNP, APRN, CCNS, CCRN, CNRN, HEC-C, FNCS, APP-CNS for neuro-critical and neuro-intermediate care, received this national award that recognizes a nurse leader supporting professionals whose compassion and clinical practice demonstrate the importance of human values and ethics in nursing as defined in the ANA's Center for Ethics and Human Rights Code of Ethics for Nurses — and The DAISY Foundation’s focus on extraordinary, compassionate care.
Mahanes has been a neuroscience nurse for 30+ years, a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) for 22 years, and a member of the UVA Ethics and Moral Distress Consultation Service for more than a decade. Mahanes is also a triple Hoo: earning her BA in Psychology and returning to complete her BSN and MSN from the UVA School of Nursing. She received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2018. Mahanes specializes in neurocritical care, spinal cord injury, and clinical ethics — with a special focus on clinician-family communication supporting high quality care and shared decision making.
“I am so honored and humbled to be recognized by The DAISY Foundation and the ANA for ethics in leadership," says Mahanes. "This award affirms my belief that as a CNS and clinical ethicist, I can foster an ethical practice environment through systems-level contributions as well as working directly with patients, families, and teams." |
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Coin of Honor
On April 21, School of Nursing students presented Dr. Beth Quatrara with a coin plaque on behalf of Brigadier General Jamie Burke, chief of the Army Nurse Corps. This recognition was awarded in appreciation of Dr. Quatrara’s longstanding dedication to Army Nurse Corps students. Over her career, she has played a pivotal role in supporting officers in the CNS program, while also mentoring many in the CNS/NP dual degree path. What makes her contributions especially meaningful is her individualized approach to mentorship, as she works closely with students to develop tailored pathways that support their academic and professional success. Colonel Maria Pescatore, deputy chief of the Army Nurse Corps, and other military alumni also attended the presentation virtually in recognition of Dr. Quatrara’s leadership and mentorship. |
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Contemplating Compassion Across Contexts
The University of Virginia hosted its first pan-University Compassionate Care Research Symposium on April 17, bringing together over 50 interdisciplinary scholars, clinicians, and students to explore how compassion is conceptualized across diverse research domains. The half-day conference program included networking opportunities, a keynote address, podium presentations, and poster sessions featuring research from students and faculty from UVA Schools of Nursing, Medicine, Engineering, Education and the College of Arts & Sciences, as well as partner organizations.
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Closing the Gap It started with a feeling of helplessness. Working as a family nurse practitioner in the pediatric ICU, Maria McDonald, PhD, didn’t have a remedy for the depression she often observed among her patients and their families. It made her wonder about the biology of mental health challenges and how they may be passed down from generation to generation. That curiosity brought her back to UVA School of Nursing to become a nurse scientist. In 2023, she earned her doctorate. Today, Dr. McDonald is one of the school’s newest assistant professors, investigating maternal mental health and teaching nursing students about the latest findings.
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In the News . . .
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Sports Illustrated (4-17) From Air Force to UVA: CNL student Jake Marek’s Rise to Virginia’s Starting Goalie. Marek has become a critical part of UVA's success.
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UVA Health Connect (4-9) UVA Health Director of Advance Care Planning and School of Nursing alumna Candace E. Blades, JD, RN, (BSN '81) discusses the importance of encouraging and empowering the public to begin or continue Advance Care Planning conversations.
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Richmond Times-Dispatch (4-8) UVA School of Nursing DNP student Melanie Vella Guyer, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, wrote an op-ed: "Limiting SNAP purchases won't make Virginians healthier." The piece was published digitally and in print (4-12).
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UVA Today (4-8) U.S. News publishes the Best Graduate Schools rankings for 2026. Read a recap of the results across the University.
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UVA Health Connect (4-7) Community health stations are staffed on a rotating basis by School of Nursing faculty and students providing free blood pressure, blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1c screenings.
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Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (4-7) UVA alumnae Morgan McDowell (DNP '22) and Melody Noble (MSN '19) have begun leadership roles with VCNP. Morgan was also named to AANP's 2026 Loretta Ford Visionary Leadership Program cohort.
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Our CommunitySchool of Nursing Culture and Climate Survey
The LAMP culture and climate survey for students, faculty, and staff at the School of Nursing is now open! Please check your school email to participate. Emails with the survey link were sent on April 1, April 10, and April 20. The survey takes about 12 minutes to complete and is available on mobile devices. All responses are anonymous, confidential, and voluntary. The survey deadline is May 15, 2026.
School of Nursing Alumni Spotlight
As UVA School of Nursing celebrates 125 years of nursing excellence, we wish to spotlight alumni who inspire others through their work, mentorship, compassion, and leadership. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to nominate a UVA School of Nursing alum who made a lasting impact on them. Nominees may be featured on UVA School of Nursing's website, newsletters, and social media. Help us celebrate the nurses who carry on the legacy of UVA School of Nursing excellence and whose influence continues to ripple across generations. We will obtain permission from the nominee before publishing any information submitted.
CCI Yoga in Scrubs
Free, all-level yoga session led by Laurel Geis, open to UVA School of Nursing faculty, staff, and students.
Tuesdays, 4-4:50 PM, McLeod Hall 2010
CCI Guided Meditation with Betty Mooney
Thursdays, 1 PM, on Zoom
Haney Compassionate Care Collaborative: Caring for You: Mind, Body, and Soul
Discover simple, powerful tools for caregivers, through short videos and a guided discussion with UVA School of Nursing’s Paula Sherwood. Free and open to all.
Apr. 27, 12-1 PM, on Zoom
Healthcare Research from Across the Globe
Join Sini Puustinen, MSc, PT, from the University of Eastern Finland to hear about her research in meaningful factors of therapeutic relationship in adults with chronic pain. She will also reflect on key insights gained during her time as a visiting scholar at the UVA School of Nursing. Lunch will be provided.
Apr. 30, 1-2 PM, CMNEB 1120
3rd Annual Well-Being Walk
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, UVA faculty, staff, and students are invited to step away from the day-to-day and into a space of reflection, connection, and support. The event will begin with a light lunch (limited quantity) and time to connect through resource tables and brief remarks from our partners. We’ll then move together through a one-mile guided walk across Grounds. Space is limited to 150 participants. Registration is encouraged.
May 6, 12-1 PM, Contemplative Commons
UVA Retirement Webinar
Join Erica Wheat, Manager of Benefits, Leave, and Payroll with UVA Human Resources, and Nathan Dixon, Workplace Financial Consultant with Fidelity Investments, to build your understanding of retirement savings options and feel more confident navigating your choices.
May 6, 4:30-5:30 PM, on Zoom
Apply now for the UVA Health Leadership Institute
The UVA Health Leadership Institute’s (HLI) cohort leadership program is ready to welcome a new class of emerging leaders. Applications for cohort five are open now. Interested candidates should complete their application, essay, and submit a letter of recommendation via the HLI application portal. Additional details about the HLI curriculum, application process, and more are available on Connect.
May 8 application deadline
Influence and Impact Professional Development Series
This new series by the UVA Health Leadership Institute will feature dynamic leaders from UVA Health, the University, and beyond in an intimate, interview-style format and aims to nurture the professional development of UVA Health team members by highlighting insights and key learnings from a diverse slate of proven leaders. All team members are invited to join the inaugural session featuring UVA Health CEO Mitch Rosner, MD. Register on Eventbrite.
May 18, 12-1PM, virtual
4th Annual UVA Health Interdisciplinary QI/PS Showcase
UVA Health Patient Safety event to recognize local improvements in quality improvement and patient safety (QI/PS) from all disciplines. If you wish to participate, please email your abstract to QIPSShowcase@uvahealth.org by Monday, May 4, at 11:59 PM.
Jun 9, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, Education Resource Center Room A
Students: Apply for Sigma Beta Kappa Membership
This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a prestigious global network of over 100,000 nurse leaders, dedicated to advancing excellence in nursing. Apply today and take the next step in your professional journey! Application criteria if you are a current UVA Nursing Student: 1) Students must be in good standing within the university; 2) Students must be at least ½ way through their program of study; and 3) Students must have a GPA of at least 3.5 or higher. Apply online.
Office for Nursing Research office hours
Connect, ask questions, and receive guidance from the ONR team.
Second Tuesday of each month, 10-11 AM;
Fourth Thursday of each month, 1-2 PM
McLeod 5th floor ONR Library
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Continuing Education Presented by the School of Nursing and UVA Health
HRT 101: Intro to Prescribing Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hot flashes aren't just a hot topic on social media: they're symptoms 80% of women experience lasting on average 7-10 years! Join Carolyn Saunders, MSN, WHNP-BC, UVA Health Obstetrics & Gynecology, for a review on hormone replacement therapy: who can safely take them, how to prescribe them, and what products are available.
May 5, 4-5 PM, on Zoom
Adventures in Nursing: Promoting Staff Health in Humanitarian Aid
Building on two decades of nursing, alumna Emily Timmreck, director of health operations at Catholic Relief Services in Baltimore, Maryland, will share experiences combining acute care and tropical medicine with a passion for humanitarian aid.
May 7, 4-5 PM, on Zoom
2026 Johns Wooten Neurology Symposium
Bringing together faculty from UVA Department of Neurology, this will include focused updates in multiple sclerosis, restless leg syndrome, and Parkinson’s Disease, as well as novel therapeutics in brain tumors.
May 9, 7:30 AM-5:30 PM, UVA Student Health & Wellness
Bridging the Gap: Innovative Strategies for Promoting Long-Term Exercise in Chronic Illness
Dr. Windy Alonso, associate professor of nursing and chair of the department of nursing research, explores the challenge of initiating and maintaining long-term exercise among individuals living with chronic conditions.
May 21, 4-5 PM, on Zoom
Congenital Heart Disease Across the Lifespan: What Every Nurse Should Know
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a complex, life-long condition. There is an increasing number of patients living worldwide with repaired congenital defects. This lecture examines what nurses need to know about CHD including common patient presentations, underlying physiology, management, and future research perspectives. The goal is to provide a useable and manageable approach to understanding CHD through the lens of a nurse.
Jun. 2, 4-5 PM, on Zoom
Over the Counter Medicines: A Wilderness to be Explored
Over the Counter (OTC) medication usage continues to increase over time, and healthcare providers are faced with challenges in not only recognizing OTC medications, but also analyzing their appropriateness and safety profile for their patients. Join Lauren Lam, PharmD, BCACP, and Donna White, RPH, BCACP, CDECES, for this one-hour CE presentation that dives into the basics for differentiating OTC medications from prescription agents and understanding drug fact labels, and then briefly reviews common conditions treated by OTC medications including pain, allergies, cough/cold, oral contraception, and vitamins/supplements. They will also review some tools and tips that healthcare providers can use to analyze the safety of OTC products and identify appropriate resources to support OTC regimens for diverse patient populations.
Jun. 4, 4-5 PM, on Zoom
Advancing Care in Cardiac Amyloidosis: Modern ATTR Drug Strategies
This presentation will review the pharmacologic management of cardiac amyloidosis, with emphasis on therapies targeting transthyretin (TTR) production, stabilization, and amyloid clearance. This session, led by Craig Thomas, MSN, ACNP, CHFN, will examine the mechanisms, clinical trial data, and practical clinical use of TTR silencers and stabilizers including. Emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at amyloid fibril removal and disease modification will also be discussed.
Jun. 11, 4-5 PM, on Zoom |
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Charted is published every other Monday by UVA School of Nursing. To submit a news item, please email cab4s@virginia.edu by close of business Wednesday the week before publication. |
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