Empower and engage with one another at Friends of Flo! Using the art and the science of nursing, Friends of Flo is a touchstone for nurses across the practice continuum, to share stories, exchange ideas, learn, and support one another.
Rebecca B. Porter, Ph.D., R.N.
Andrew Whitters, DNP, ARNP
Tess Judge-Ellis, DNP, ARNP, FAANP
Rebecca B. Porter, Ph.D., R.N.
Clinical Ethics for Nurses, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Through different media, Rebecca consults with practicing nurses as they meet their ethical challenges in everyday practice. This includes helping nurses maintain their moral compass in situations of moral distress; meeting the moral and spiritual competing demands of crisis care; professional grief; incivility; professional boundaries; and nursing unit ethical climate.
In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys time with her husband, studying piano, and playing with her golden retriever, Ruthie and pulling weeds in the garden.
Rebecca’s favorite line, “Keep your stick on the ice!” is a reminder to remain focused on caring for your patient and creating an environment that celebrates the work of Nursing.
Andrew Whitters, DNP, ARNP
Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Specialist – Medtronic
Driven by his passion for patient care, Andrew constantly strives to create strategies and tools through educating nurses to be and do their best. In his 16 years of nursing practice, Andrew has moved through hospital-based nursing as a staff nurse and then as a community care provider, nurse practitioner educator, and mentor. Andrew’s latest creative work with innovation and business of efficient care strategies and better outcomes has led to a position with Medtronic.
Andrew’s most important time is spent with his family hiking, biking, running, and fishing. Quieter moments are spent on art, including photography and ceramics.
Andrew’s favorite line, “innovate, agitate, and educate” is a reminder to push the envelope of creative thinking for caring for others and understanding outcomes.
Tess Judge-Ellis, DNP, ARNP, FAANP
Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Associate Professor (Clinical) University of Iowa College of Nursing.
College of Nursing Faculty Practice.
Lecturer, Fitzgerald Health Education Associates.
In both her very busy clinical practice and academic responsibilities, Tess’s Nursing practice and educational focus has evolved over 30 years towards an integrated and relationship-based model of care. In identifying and meeting the needs of these vulnerable populations, Tess engages with other healthcare providers and community leaders to bridge fragmented care gaps.
Tess most enjoys time with family and friends doing whatever happens to be on the agenda and downtime with a cat on her lap or dabbling in watercolor painting. She is a Lay Carmelite and a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Lay Carmelite in Iowa City.
Tess’ favorite line, “Keep your eye on the patient!” is a reminder that as nurses, we are ever the connector and advocate for the person through their health and illness transitions.