Dr. Pamela Kay Rutar (59) passed away on May 22nd, 2018 at her home following a brief illness. During her time at the School of Nursing, Dr. Rutar dedicated herself to nursing education and furthering the capabilities of student nurses to ensure they were accomplished professionals when they graduated. Dr. Rutar's legacy of molding great nurses will continue to grow and prosper with your help.
Dr. Rutar was an Associate Professor and the Associate Dean of Research and Collaborative Partnerships within the School of Nursing. Her clinical focus was neonates (specifically NICU), Obstetrics and Pediatrics. She held several positions in the service sector as a Registered Nurse and as a Nursing Manager in these specialty areas with the latest being at Metro Health Medical Center.
Her scholarship focused on the:
- use of technology with simulation and problem-based learning in the area of Obstetrics and Pediatrics
- transition from that of student nurse to registered nurse with the provision of mentors for new graduate nurses, underwritten by HRSA with funding totaling 1.4 million over several years
- and chronic disease prevention and management at the community level, which includes the Area Health Education Center (now entering its 4th year and recently refunded for an additional $475,000), and the Community Health Worker (CHW) program (now entering its 5th year, which was initially funded by HRSA, St. Lukes, and most recently, the Centers for Disease Control/Reach for almost $900,000)
Dr. Rutar was a member of the National League for Nursing, the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society, and the Ohio League for Nursing. She also authored several journal articles and book chapters on obstetrics, pediatrics, and leadership. She had several presentations (paper and poster) at the regional and national levels.
She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she was a lay minister. Her hobbies included golf, travel, friends, and family.
Dr. Rutar's legacy will continue not only through the AHEC and the CHW program, but also through an endowed scholarship in her name. Your contribution to grow this fund provides scholarships for undergraduate nursing students in need. Thank you!