HPU SCHOOL OF NURSING DEAN AND FACULTY PRESENT RESEARCH AT 2025 SIGMA EDUCATION DAY

HPU School of Nursing Dean Edna Magpantay-Monroe, Ed.D., and HPU Assistant Professor Derek Cegelka, Ph.D., recently presented their research at the 2025 Sigma Education Day, hosted by Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH). The event highlighted the theme of "Service, Interprofessional Collaboration, and Global Mentorship in Action" and featured insightful presentations from Sigma Theta Tau Gamma Psi at-Large Chapter scholarship recipients and members. HPU Nursing Professor and Sigma Theta Tau Gamma Psi at-Large Chapter President Patricia Burrell, Ph.D., delivered the event's closing remarks. HPU School of Nursing is one of the founding members of the chapter, which represents University of Hawai‘i Manoa School of Nursing, University of Hawai‘i Hilo and CUH School of Nursing.

Sigma scholarship recipient Cegelka presented his study, co-authored by HPU Associate Professor Jessica Nishikawa, DNP, titled "End-of-Life Training in U.S. Nurse Practitioner Programs: A National Study," to a fully engaged room. Their research builds upon prior work originating at the University of Toledo, where Cegelka’s dissertation focused on end-of-life training for internal medicine students. Subsequent studies extended the research to oncology residents and physician assistants.

Collaborating with Cegelka and Nishikawa was Victoria Wagner-Greene of Stephen F. Austin State University, and Xavier Heidelberg, a Master of Public Health graduate with an interest in end-of-life education. The team examined the integration of end-of-life education in nurse practitioner (NP) programs.

Their study surveyed NP program directors nationwide to assess the current state of end-of-life education and address critical gaps in palliative care training. Given that NPs frequently manage patients with life-threatening conditions, strengthening their preparedness in palliative care is essential. The project received funding through a Sigma Theta Tau Gamma Psi at-Large Chapter scholarship grant, which facilitated improved survey response rates and enhanced data collection.

Magpantay-Monroe co-presented with Alexandrea Cole Patino, a former student research mentee from CUH, on "From Inquiry to Impact: Conducting Menstrual Health Research as an Undergraduate Scholar." Their work began with a systematic literature review on menstrual poverty, which was later presented at both regional and national conferences. Patino continued her research on menstrual health and later earned a bachelor's degree in community public health.

Their research had a community engagement component, aligning with the introduction of Senate Bill 2820, which sought to address menstrual poverty and its impact on educational access. The bill, now enacted into law, underscores the significance of equitable access to menstrual products in promoting academic success for students.

Reflecting on her dedication to student mentorship, Magpantay-Monroe stated, "I am deeply committed to mentoring students. I am currently collaborating on two manuscripts with former students and actively mentoring an HPU biochemistry student with a pre-health concentration. While my role as Dean entails significant leadership responsibilities, I find great fulfillment in mentoring and contributing to Sigma Theta Tau Gamma Psi at-Large Chapter, where I serve as the research committee chair."

Sigma's mission, as stated on its website, is to "develop nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere." The organization strives to connect and empower nurse leaders while advancing healthcare through research, education, and practice. Sigma operates across six global regions, with North America further divided into 15 geographic subregions.

To learn more about Sigma Theta Tau Gamma Psi at-Large Chapter and its events, click here.