Helen E. Ahearn
Assistant Professor of Nursing
B.S., St. Joseph's College; M.S., Boston University
Office hours:
All by appointment only
Office: Administration Building Room 225
Phone: 617-735-9840
Email: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.
Areas of professional expertise include Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing; Nursing Theory; Community Health Nursing; Holistic Nursing including Therapeutic Touch and Reiki; and Diversity. Other professional 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
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
Publications
December 2002, "The Magic of Compassion," Nursing Spectrum, Vol. 6, No. 25
January 1999, "Listening With Intent," Nursing Spectrum, Vol. 3, No. 2
February 1998, "Caring Made a Difference," Nursing Spectrum, Vol. 2, No. 3
Presentations
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
March 13, 2002, "Therapeutic Touch," St. Athanasius Parish Nurses, Reading, MA
March 14, 2002, "Parish Nursing," National Association of Catholic Nurses, Mother Cabrini Chapter, St. Mary's Parish, Winchester, 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
Fall 1998, "Stress Management," Transitions course, Emmanuel College, Boston, MA
Spring 1998, "Wellness Techniques," Wellness Fair, COF, Boston, MA
Professional Activities
- American Nurses Association, Member
- 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 Faculty Counselor
- 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