Helen E. Ahearn
Assistant Professor of Nursing
M.S., Boston University; B.S., St. Joseph's College; Diploma, Catherine Laboure School of Nursing
Office hours: By appointment only
Office: Marian Hall, Room 403A
Phone: (617) 735-9840
E-mail: ahearn@emmanuel.edu
The professional nurse represents healing, knowledge and caring to people. This has not changed over the years. Nursing practice is an opportunity to improve the quality of a person's life during times of suffering , convalescence or death, through compassion and the application of knowledge and high level skill sets. It is a way for me to be true to the scholarly pursuit of my highest cognitive and affective aspirations. Comforting the sick, whether in the body, mind or spirit enhances the quality of life for everyone. I know this from my professional practice with patients and from my students for the past fifty years. Teaching nurse healers reaches many more patients than could ever be cared for in a single lifetime. Knowing that inspires me to be as good a nurse and teacher as I can possibly be.
Academic Interests
Areas of professional expertise include Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing; Nursing Theory; Community Health Nursing; Holistic Nursing including Therapeutic Touch and Reiki; and Diversity. Other interests include the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, Parish Nursing, and political action committees of professional nursing organizations. Writing interests include essays on nursing concepts such as caring, listening, and compassion.
Courses Taught
- NURS3101 - Concepts of Professional Practice
- NURS3113 - Diversity in Health Care
- NURS3115 - Contemporary Healing Interventions
- NURS4169 - Professional Nursing Roles in the Community Practicum
- NURS4170 - Health Promotion in Nursing Practicum
Professional Highlights
- American Nurses Association, Member
- Massachusetts Association of Registered Nurses, Member
- American Holistic Nurses Association, Member
- National League For Nursing, Member
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Pi Epsilon Chapter-At-Large, Member and President
- Voice Of The Faithful, Member
- Child Abuse Prevention Team, RCAB, Member
- Health Care Committee Member, Falmouth Town Democratic Committee
- Citizen Advisory Committee ALS/MS, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Medical Reserve Corp Program of the Office of the Surgeon General, Member
Significant Publications/Presentations
- Fall, 2009, "Reflections on a Trip to Buchenwald: The Value of Caring." Emmanuel College Magazine; Newsletter from the Values-Based Education Program
- May 17, 2007, "Teaching Reflective Artistic Expression to RN/BS Students," International Association for Human Caring Annual Convention, St. Louis, MO
- September 24, 2004, "Spirituality in Nursing Practice and Education" to the Massachusetts/Rhode Island League For Nursing, Sutton, MA
- January 9, 2004, "Depression and Dementia," to the Chatham Men's Retirement Club in Chatham, Massachusetts
- January 5, 2004, "Protecting God's Children," to the Student Life Staff, Counseling Staff and Campus Ministry Staff of Emmanuel College
- June 14, 2003, "Protecting God's Children," St. Athanasius Parish CCD Teachers, Reading, MA
- December 2002, "The Magic of Compassion," Nursing Spectrum, Vol. 6, No. 25
- March 14, 2002, "Parish Nursing," National Association of Catholic Nurses, Mother Cabrini Chapter, St. Mary's Parish, Winchester, MA
- March 13, 2002, "Therapeutic Touch," St. Athanasius Parish Nurses, Reading, MA
- February 11, 2002, "Relaxation Techniques for Care-givers and Care-Recipients," St. Athanasius Parish, Reading, MA
- January 18, 2001, "Therapeutic Touch: A Comfort Measure," Lahey Clinic Hospital Staff, Burlington, MA, as part of a Mind, Body, Spirit Workshop
- January 1999, "Listening With Intent," Nursing Spectrum, Vol. 3, No. 2
- Fall 1998, "Stress Management," Transitions course, Emmanuel College, Boston, MA
- Spring 1998, "Wellness Techniques," Wellness Fair, COF, Boston, MA
- February 1998, "Caring Made a Difference," Nursing Spectrum, Vol. 2, No. 3
