Nursing School honors McEvoy
During a special dedication ceremony, the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing School-Based Health Program was named to honor former faculty member Jane McEvoy. McEvoy, FNP, died Sept. 20 from stomach cancer. She was 39.
She joined VUSN in 1995 as a family nurse practitioner and lecturer. In 1998, she began working as one of the clinic nurse practitioners at Fall-Hamilton Elementary School as part of the VUSN faculty practice.
“She worked at Fall Hamilton on Thursday mornings,” said her husband, Dr. Joseph Gigante. “It was the highlight of her week going to the school-based program. I feel privileged that it has been named after her.”
The ceremony served as a time that faculty could share special memories of McEvoy.
“When we think of our school-based programs, we think of Jane,” said Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., dean of the School of Nursing.
“This program started on a wing and a prayer,” she said. “It was our intent to establish the program in hopes of improving the health of children and the outcome of their education. It’s the faculty’s love of this program that has helped keep it strong.
“That was clearly seen in Jane. It is fitting that we honor her in this way.”
Patti Scott, RN.C, MSN, PNP, was a fellow nurse practitioner with McEvoy at Fall-Hamilton School.
“I think she epitomized all of nursing, not just school health,” Scott said. “The students loved her. She really made a difference in the lives of children and families.”
In addition to her husband, McEvoy is survived by two daughters, Catherine Isabelle and Cecilia Marie Gigante.