Published on December 12, 2011 by Philip Poole  

Students in Samford University's Ida  V. Moffett School of Nursing participated Nov. 19 in the most recent edition of Better World Theatre as a class project designed to help them better understand ethics in the nursing profession.

The students, all in their first semester of nursing school, produced three short plays highlighting a variety of ethical dilemmas in the nursing profession, including conflicts of interest, interpersonal relationships, and the use of social media. Following each play, the students led the audience in a discussion of the issues.

The project was coordinated by Donald Sandley, chair of Samford's theatre and dance department, and John Knapp, director of the Frances Marlin Mann Center for Ethics and Leadership. The Better World Theatre initiative encourages allows students to think critically about ethical issues in their field of study by acting out scenarios they are likely to encounter in the professional world. 

Actors were Rachel Brown, Midfield, Ala.; Anna Davis, Russellville, Ala.; Julia Ferrell, Jacksonville, Fla.; Martha Kate Goforth, Birmingham; Alex Ludvik, Montevallo, Ala.; Lindsay Plan, Hoover, Ala.; Stedman Poe, Odenville, Ala.; Sonya Ponder, Sylacauga, Ala.; and Mary Kathryn Price, Pleasant Grove, Ala. 

Facilitators included Lauren Churey, Boynton Beach, Fla.; Lindsay Corbin, Columbia, Ky.; Helen Degree, Birmingham; Lenni Enslein, Overland Park, Kan.; Noor Hussain, Carrollton, Texas; Jennifer Lackey, Helena, Ala.; Libby McCully, Hoover, Ala.; Wesley Nails, Vinemont, Ala.; Ify Osisioma, Houston, Texas; Chinonso Osuagwu, Houston, Texas; Ashley Staarman, Chester, Ohio; Zach Thomas, Oneonta, Ala.; Janet Washington, Bessemer, Ala.; and Alexandra Younger, Independence, Ore.

 This story includes information provided by Azalea Hulbert, Mann Center program manager. 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.