Ellen Smithline

Background

About Ellen Smithline

I am currently in a newly developed position as the Director of Nursing for Clinical & Support Options, including the Friends of the Homeless (FOH) Program. My mission has been to create a nursing presence embedded in the shelter to improve health by breaking down barriers to medical care access, including all things COVID, for the unhoused. CSO developed a nursing presence within FOH after completing the Alternative Care Tents of Springfield (ACTS); a safe space created for those exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19 requiring a safe place to quarantine or isolate. As Manager of ACTS, our Nursing Team, CSO, and the City of Springfield developed a new way of caring for the unhoused. It has been one of the most rewarding things I have done. During COVID, while caring for the unhoused, I was awarded the J&J Nursing Top 10 Nurses Pioneering Innovative COVID-19 Solutions; It focused on my contribution and collaboration with the UMASS Amherst COVID-19 Response Team's development of the low-cost face shield during the PPE crisis. In addition, I also successfully defended my PhD dissertation,"Perseverance, An Focused Ethnographic Study of the Emergency Triage Nurse"; the study identified factors that influence the decision-making process of the Emergency Triage Nurse. Finally, I was awarded the honor of Student Speaker at the 2021 Graduate Commencement.I have been a nurse for over 35 years, with 26 years as an Emergency Nurse, including an educator. I have developed a successful ED Nursing Residency Program and provided opportunities for learning at the bedside, in simulation labs, debriefing, and thru interactive presentations. My life as a PhD student (who knew a midlife crisis would lead to this?) provided the opportunity to teach & mentor undergraduate nursing students in traditional and accelerated programs - preparing them for their professional practice. UMASS Amherst College of Nursing gave me the tools to answer my questions and nurture the Nurse Scientist that I am today.