Building a Culture of Caring: Transform Your Workplace for Better Relationships and Well-Being

The University of South Carolina is saying goodbye to three remarkable faculty members this year: Robin Dail, Cindy Corbett, and Jeanne Cavanaugh. Each has made a significant impact in their fields, from improving care for premature infants to advancing chronic illness research and nurturing future nursing leaders. Though they are retiring, their influence will be felt for years to come.

Robin Dail’s Legacy in Neonatal Care

In 1999, Robin Dail, a neonatal nurse practitioner, discovered a small study that made her wonder: Could wrapping premature babies in plastic bags keep them warm? Her research showed that this simple act could protect tiny lives by stabilizing their body temperatures better than standard methods. Today, this treatment is a global standard, saving countless newborns from hypothermia.

Dail joined the University of South Carolina in 2017, where she became the director of the Perinatal, Pediatrics, and Family Research Center. This center, formally recognized in 2022, emphasizes a holistic approach to neonatal health, recognizing the long-lasting effects premature births have on families. Dail states, “The challenges of being a premature infant affect the family for a lifetime.” It’s a reminder that maternal health is crucial, as a mother’s well-being often influences the baby’s health.

Even as she prepares for retirement, Dail continues to lead significant research. She has received an R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health for a collaboration examining how stress might affect the development of autism in preterm infants. Statistics show that preemies have a higher risk of autism, something Dail aims to understand better in her study.

Cindy Corbett’s Focus on Chronic Diseases

In South Carolina, chronic diseases affect 60% of adults, contributing to a staggering 90% of healthcare costs nationwide. Cindy Corbett, who joined USC’s College of Nursing in 2017, is dedicated to improving chronic disease management. She founded the Center for Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and Innovation (ACORN). This initiative aims to boost research capabilities and foster collaboration among different faculties.

“Bringing together experts allows us to be more successful in our research,” says Corbett. ACORN has grown to include 26 members and emphasizes creating a supportive environment for researchers. The center has also partnered with local organizations like the Humanities Foundation, aiding community wellness and research dissemination.

Corbett is proud of her mentorship role. She hopes that her guidance will continue, creating a ripple effect as her mentees become mentors themselves.

Jeanne Cavanaugh: Nurturing Future Leaders

Jeanne Cavanaugh’s journey into nursing began with her father’s commitment to community health. After 38 years at Prisma Health, she joined USC in 2016, where she created the Center for Nursing Leadership. This center focuses on supporting and empowering the next generation of nurse leaders through programs like the Cockcroft Fellowship. Over 300 fellows have completed this program, many of whom now hold influential roles in healthcare.

Cavanaugh’s collaborative approach has strengthened ties with healthcare systems across South Carolina. By understanding the needs of chief nursing officers, Cavanaugh and her colleagues have relaunched student placement programs and strengthened the future healthcare workforce. The idea is simple yet powerful: by caring for others, nurses can create positive change in their communities.

As these three leaders step away, they leave behind a legacy of passion, mentorship, and collaboration. Their work has changed lives and will continue to inspire the next wave of healthcare professionals.

Source link