VO LU M E 2
2 01 8 - 1 9
Northwestern State University, College of Nursing
Dean’s Message Hello Nursing Alumni and Friends, Welcome to the second issue of Northwestern State University’s (NSU’s) Nursing Columns Alumni Newsletter. The 2017 inaugural issue’s theme was entitled Growth. This issue’s theme is entitled Team. The Team theme developed during the Summer 2018 American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Leadership Development Seminar which was attended by NSU College of Nursing and School of Allied Health’s (CONSAH’s) administrative team. The focus of the seminar was how to create a Team with GRIT (Guts, Resilience, Integrity and Tenacity). What a timely and exciting topic! After all, for nurses to thrive in today’s healthcare environments they not only need to be Caring, Skilled, and Educated, they also need to be able to work in Teams and exhibit GRIT. CONSAH’s administrative team embraced the idea of creating cohesive nursing faculty teams, who were empowered to create new TEAM oriented graduates who are a touch GRITTY! In the Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 semesters nursing faculty Teams were developed. Each campus and each program named their faculty Team and adopted one of the College of Nursing’s values. You will see the Team names on page 17 of this issue. You, our Alumni, are also a huge part of the College of Nursing’s team. The Alumni Team is named Team LEGACY, because of each Alumnus contributes to NSU’s legacy of excellence in nursing. The reputation of our current graduates is built upon and enhanced by the reputation that you created for NSU. If we think of nursing as a Team sport, the sport would be a relay race. Each generation hands the baton to the next generation of nurses to run their best race and to represent the NSU nurse. The race is won at each graduation ceremony. In 2018, over 480 nursing students graduated from NSU, successfully completed a licensure or certification examination, and began representing YOUThe Northwestern Nurse. Way to go TEAM! In this edition three new sections were added to honor NSU Nursing: (1) NSU Nursing Legacy, (2) Alumni Spotlight, and (3) Program Spotlight. The NSU Nursing Legacy section will discuss how an alumni-family or group have positively impacted NSU’s Nursing Legacy. The Alumni Spotlight section will describe how one alumnus has represented or is representing NSU Nursing, and the Program Spotlight section will discuss how a specific nursing program is impacting healthcare and bringing eminence to the College of Nursing. Next year’s edition of the Nursing Columns will describe the Celebration of 70 years of NSU NURSING, or 70 years of winning the race. Now that is a GRITTY TEAM! Thank you for your contribution to the legacy of NSU Nursing. I hope you enjoy reading about the 2018-2019 accomplishments of your Team. Enjoy and Fork Em Demons!
Dana Clawson, DNS, WHNP-BC (1990, 1996, 2000) Dean
Volume 2 - Year 2018-19
Inside this issue: Snapshot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Program Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 What’s New at NSU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 In Memoriam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Northwestern State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialists, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Northwestern State University. Northwestern State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, and veteran or retirement status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies (i.e., Title IX): Employees/Potential Employees – Veronica M. Biscoe, EEO Officer (318-357-6359) and Students – Frances Conine, Dean of Students (318-357-5286). For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns, contact the Disability Support Director, Catherine Faucheaux, at 318357-4460. Additionally, Northwestern complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act. Information about NSU’s campus security and crime statistics can be found at http://universitypolice.nsula.edu/annual-securityreport/. Full disclosure statement: http://universityplanning.nsula. edu/notice-of-non-discrimination.
This public document was published at a total cost of $8,578. 10,500 copies of this public document were published in this first printing at a cost of $8,578. The total cost of all printings of this document, including reprints is $8,578. This document was published by Northwestern State University College of Nursing and printed by Cenveo Worldwide Limited, 200 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT 06902 to foster and promote the mutually beneficial relationship between Northwestern State University and its alumni, supporters and community partners. This material was printed in accordance with standards for printing by state agencies established pursuant to R.S. 43.31. Printing of this material was purchased in accordance with the provisions of Title 43 of the Louisiana Revised Statues.
SNAPSHOT ENROLLMENT GROWTH - FALL 2018 Total College of Nursing Enrollment:
7% increase from previous year
2,577
Undergraduates:
Graduates:
2,315
262
Undergraduate Clinical Students Shreveport 462 Natchitoches 85 Alexandria 133 Leesville 68
GRADUATES FOR 2018 UNDERGRADUATE GRADUATE TOTAL PER SEMESTER
OUR
SPRING 2018
SUMMER 2018
FALL 2018
124 66 190
107 1 108
180 4 184
Rankings
1
#1
Ranked ASN Nursing Program in US (NCLEX Press Release)
#1
Producer of Licensed Undergraduate Nurses in LA (2018 NCLEX Report)
#1
Producer of Nurse Practitioners in LA (2018 LSBN Report)
SPRING 2019
SNAPSHOT NSU Online NP
During 2018 the College of Nursing had a
#3 Best Online Masters
99% certification
of Science in Nursing Nurse Practitioner Degree Program
pass rate for Nurse Practitioner Students
in nation Best Online Nurse Practitioner Program award. https://www. onlinemasters.com/best-degreeprograms/msn/nurse-practitioner/
NSU Online DNP
99%
#8 Best Valued School
in U.S. for 2019 (based on information from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics website) https://www.bestvalueschools. com/cheap/online/dnp/
(these include Family Nurse Practitioners, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners)
NSU Online RN to BSN
#16 Best Valued School in U.S. for 2019, ranked the best by at two factors: accreditation tenure and tuition. https://www.bestvalueschools. com/rankings/low-cost-online-rnprograms/
NSU and LA Tech ranked
#1
ASN programs in the nation
THe NCSBN ranked LATech and NSU 1st in the nation for their associate of science in nursing programs. Both had 100% first-time passage rate on the National Council Licensing Exam during two testing cycles.
ASN faculty celebrate when reached
100% pass rate #1 ranking 2
SPRING 2019
SNAPSHOT NCLEX First Attempt Numbers NSU 241 tested, 230 passed total.... 95.40% Louisiana Registered Nursing Deans at Summer 2018 LACANE meeting. These Deans helped Louisiana to Rank #1 in the nation for first time NCLEX pass rates.
ASN 98 tested, 94 passed ................. 95.92% BSN 143 tested, 136 passed ............. 95.10%
NSU’s ASN program receives accolades Northwestern State University’s Associate of Nursing (ASN) program was ranked first of 24 RN programs, including all ASN, Bachelor of Science and diploma programs in NSU’s licensing jurisdiction from April 2017 to March 2018. The program ranked first of 1,166 of all similar ASN/RN programs across every jurisdiction in the U.S. and its territories and first of 2,056 of all ASN, BSN, diploma RN programs of every jurisdiction across the U.S. and its territories. In addition, NSU’s College of Nursing reported a 100 percent pass rate for 84 ASN graduates taking the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) during the same time of the evaluation from April 1, 2017-March 30, 2018. One other school in Louisiana had 44 ASN graduates take the NCLEX for a 100 percent pass rate. All boards of nursing in states and territories of the U.S. require candidates to pass this exam for licensure as a registered nurse. NSU Administrators say that quality nursing faculty play a large part in student success. “Our wonderful faculty work diligently with students to ensure each student is successful,” said Dr. Dana Clawson, dean of NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health.
Largest number produced of any nursing program in LA. * All Louisiana School pass rate was 94.4% - highest in the nation; the national pass rate is 88.3%.
Clawson said she consistently receives positive feedback about the quality of nurses NSU is producing from nursing professionals and their colleagues. “Our graduates are prepared to join the nursing workforce to deliver quality nursing care, and exhibit caring nursing behaviors towards every patient. This is often a difficult combination to achieve in only four semesters of an ASN program, and yet our faculty make that happen!” she said. Northwestern State’s College of Nursing has consistently earned high rankings in recent years from Nonprofit Colleges Online, BestNursingColleges.com, U.S. News and World Report and other sources. Earlier this year, the nurse practitioner program was ranked the seventh best program in the U.S. by guidetoonlineschools.com. Last year, NSU’s graduate nursing program was ranked first in the U.S. by Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration. NSU was the first public college in Louisiana to offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1951. In 2002, the program was recognized as the first Louisiana RN to BSN program that was offered online. NSU offers an Associate of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, LPN to ASN, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN program, Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Classes are available on Northwestern State campuses in Shreveport, Alexandria, Leesville/Fort Polk, DeRidder and Natchitoches.
“The two student cohorts that scored 100% were composed of all clinical applicants that met admission criteria. We did not rank and take the best students to achieve this goal. Instead, we treated each student as if they were capable of succeeding, found qualified faculty, accepted all students meeting admission criteria, worked diligently to retain these students, and achieved the 100% pass rate. These students are from Shreveport, Natchitoches, Alexandria and Leesville campuses.”
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SPRING 2019
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
In
the Fall of 2017 NSU’s College of Nursing admitted the first cohort of students into the newest concentration of the Masters program : Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Students who pursue the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner sequence take core Nurse Practitioner courses, a family-dynamics course, clinical courses, clinical practicums, Nurse Practitioner Role courses, advanced physical assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, psychopharmacology, and neurobiology. By the time this newsletter reaches many of you, Over 19 students graduated from the first PMHNP cohort and became eligible to apply for the American Nurse Credentialing Center’s (ANCC’s) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner examination. Upon becoming certified these new PMHNPs will provide psychiatric and mental health care in primary care settings to people of all ages. The PMHNP program was developed because of Louisiana’s overwhelming need for psychiatric-mental health care providers. Louisiana’s mental health care system is severely fragmented and even more severely under-funded.
https://expo.nola.com/news/erry2018/09/75833429e32870/louisianas-mentalhealth-care.html
#1 The #1 cause of disability worldwide is . (national institutes of health)
depression
It is estimated that over 634,000 Louisiana adults have a diagnosable mental illness or a substance abuse disorder.
1 in every 5 adults
. That is Unfortunately, the majority of these individuals cannot receive the on-going mental health care they need, due to a lack of psychiatric mental health care providers.
In September 2018
Louisiana was ranked 45th in the nation for access to mental health care
Even more distributing is that there are an estimated 39,000 people with schizophrenia and 79,000 people with severe bipolar disorder in Louisiana (Treatment Advocacy Center. Many of these end up homeless and untreated; especially in the rural areas of the state.
4%
Only 4% of America’s 234,000
Advanced Practice Nurses are certified in psychiatric-mental health nursing. (AANP 2017 Survey)
4
SPRING 2019
$193 BILLION $193 billion are lost in earnings due to serious mental illness in America
EACH YEAR
(American Journal of Psychiatry)
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
NSU, SOWELA formalize nursing 2+2 Administrators from Northwestern State University and SOWELA Technical Community College signed an articulation agreement that will allow students who begin their RN career with an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing at SOWELA to transfer those credits towards the Bachelor of Nursing degree at NSU. The 2 + 2 agreement creates a seamless pathway for nurses seeking a four-year degree. From left are Carson Stringer, Isaac Rodriguez, Nursing Professor Dr. Valarie Waldmeier, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Dr. Paula Hellums, Dean of Nursing & Allied Health Dr. Wendi Palermo, SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall, Northwestern State University President Dr. Chris Maggio, Dean Dr. Dana Clawson, RN to BSN Director Dr. Danita Potter, Denika Savoy and Johnny Owens.
NSU, LDCC sign nursing 2+2 Northwestern State University and Louisiana Delta Community College formalized an agreement that will allow nurses to advance their professional careers and increase the number of nurses in the workforce who hold bachelor’s degrees. NSU and LDCC signed the 2 + 2 articulation that will allow students who complete an associate degree in nursing at LDCC to transfer those credits towards a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State. Sherita Williams, director of nursing at LDCC worked closely with Dr. Danita Potter, director of NSU’s ASN to BSN program, to coordinate curriculums so that LDCC students are rigorously prepared to pursue their bachelor’s degree through NSU. Potter said she will work with students individually as they enroll in the program. Northwestern State’s ASN to BSN program is offered online and can be individualized to accommodate working professionals. The degree can be completed in as little as one year with flat rate tuition costs. Information on NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health is available at nursing.nsula.edu. Information on Louisiana Delta Community College is available at ladelta.edu.
Dr. Danita Potter speaks to group about the 2+2 articulation.
Signing from left are Dr. Dennis Epps, chancellor at LDCC, Dr. Chris Maggio, and Dr. Dana Clawson
5
SPRING 2019
WHAT’S NEW AT NSU NSU Cenla Campus on England Airpark Cenla Campus Fall Enrollments Fall 2015
152
Fall 2016
165
Fall 2017
246
Fall 2018
294
Spring 2019
378
Classes Offered: Nursing (all levels) ASN and BSN, Phlebotomy Technician, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, Math, History, Fine Arts, Communication, Biology, Psychology, Social Work, Geography, Accounting, Chemistry, Radiologic Sciences
Classrooms: NSU Cenla Campus on England Airpark has a total of 20 dedicated classrooms. 6 classrooms are send/receive sites for Compressed Video and 4 classrooms are receive only sites for Compressed Video. We have 2 dedicated computer labs.
Meeting Space: NSU Cenla Campus on England Airpark has available a large meeting space that can accommodate up to 100 participants. The room is equipped with compressed video capability, large monitors with fixed screen, audio surround speakers and multi media options for presentations. Classroom space is also available for use upon request.
6
SPRING 2019
WHAT’S NEW AT NSU Shreveport Student Health Clinic Opening
The Shreveport Campus Health Clinic held their open house on October 16, 2018. The clinic’s collaborating partner is Willis Knighton Quick Care/Work Kare. The clinic offers free nurse visits, free OTC meds, free condoms, free feminine hygiene products, free testing (glucose, pregnancy, urine dip, flu, HIV, gonorrhea, & chlamydia), and free TB skin tests. The clinic offers reduced cost doctor visits ($20) at any Willis Knighton Quick Care with referral and clinical exams ($100 for exam; Hepatitis B, Rubella, & Varicella titers; & TB skin test). Clemy Moore is our nurse and the clinic hours are 8-430 Monday-Friday.
Shreveport Campus Bookstore Re-Located
Shreveport students and faculty are so excited that the Bookstore has been moved from the basement of the Line Avenue building to the new modern location next to the coffee shop in the main entry of the nursing campus building.
7
SPRING 2019
WHAT’S NEW AT NSU iPads: Creative Solutions to Program Growth Problems by Dr. Donald Johnson
Tasked with doing more with less, the nursing leadership team simply said, “Challenge accepted!” In Fall 2017, the extraordinary increase in nursing enrollment forced the college to find a solution to the lack of testing space and equipment needed for on-line testing. After consulting with NSU’s technology department, the College of Nursing decided the most cost-effective, innovative solution was to bring the testing equipment to the students. Since iPad technology has been used in educational settings with success since 2010, a solution was found in iPads. iPad testing began in Spring 2018, with the incoming firstlevel BSN cohort. Faculty were not only tasked with using the iPads for course testing, but to also increase students’ utilization of the iPads by finding teaching-learning tools that could be used on the iPads. E-Textbooks, note-taking applications, professional organization applications, and applications specific to course content were pre-installed on the iPads. NSU
is also actively working with the primary organization the College of Nursing uses for testing, to offer secured iPad testing. The ultimate goal of iPad use is to facilitate online testing and provide students digital tools which facilitate learning. Currently three BSN clinical levels are using iPads in the classroom and in the clinical setting. Within a year all ASN and BSN clinical students will be using the iPads!
NSU Nursing Faculty Awarded “All of Us” Grant
In June of 2018, NSU’s nursing faculty, led by Dr. Donald Johnston, applied for and received a grant of $15,000 from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and National Institute of Health (NIH) to educate the public about the “All of Us” campaign which focuses on precision medicine research. The event was such a success that NSU was asked to replicate the event in South Louisiana and was awarded a second grant of $25,000 to complete that task. In a collaborative effort, nursing faculty from NSU, University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL), and Southern University in Baton Rouge, planned and executed three events across southern Louisiana to promote precision medicine research.
The events were held on January 23rd in Lafayette on the ULL campus and January 24th on the Southern campus in Baton Rouge. Over 700 students, community leaders, and health practitioners attended the three events. The event on the Southern University campus in Baton Rouge was part of a large health fair, with local and state representatives of the “Jaguar Nation” in attendance. Both events were a tremendous inter-collegiate success and laid the groundwork for future endeavors between Louisiana’s Nursing Colleges.
8
SPRING 2019
OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS
Maxine Johnson MY CAREER DASH Having been selected to be the featured alumna for this issue of the Nursing Columns is an incredible honor and I am so grateful to those responsible for choosing me from a plethora of distinguished alumni! However, this tribute has presented me with one of the greatest challenges ever—that of writing about myself! In reflecting on my lifelong career as a nurse, I recall so many meaningful memories of people who have led me, supported me, encouraged me and nudged me along the way. Therefore, I decided to attempt to describe some of the most important events and people that have influenced my career along the way—my “CAREER DASH.” If you are not familiar with the “dash” story, it is derived from the dates representing
the beginning and end of a life inscribed on a tombstone, the dates separated by a dash; the dash represents the lifetime lived by the deceased person. While I am not quite there yet, my career is surely nearing its sunset, and I am so thankful for all of God’s blessings along the way. Like so many of you, my siblings and I were blessed with the support of wonderful, hard working parents who believed in education and inspired each of us to greater academic achievements than theirs---there was never a thought of “if you go to college,” rather, a underlying philosophy that was constitently communication through expectation and anticipation was “when you go to college.” Little did I know what great opportunities would be opened for me by those four years of nursing education at Northwestern! Not only did I gain a career that would provide the means by which I could thrive, it opened new pathways and opportunities of which many only dream! Following great clinical and learning experiences on NSU’s Baton Rouge Campus, I became a maternity nurse. Holy cow, what a life changing experience that was for me, in that I fell in love with the entire field of maternal-child nursing! My subsequent master’s degree led my dear friend, Ellienne Todd (Tate) and me right back to Baton Rouge where we assumed teaching positions at our beloved NSU. Ellienne moved on to a wonderfully successful career as Dean at Southeastern; we followed very similar pathways, I remained at NSU. I could never have envisioned that my first teaching job would have led to a lifetime of employment at NSU—by the time you
1962
1964
1972
Bachelors in Nursing, Northwestern State
Master’s in Nursing, Commissioned University of Maryland Captain, US Army; Chief Nurse, 807th Medical Brigade, US Army Reserve
1986
1989
Promoted to Colonel in Appointed to LSBN by US Army 1986 Governor Roemer
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SPRING 2019
read this, I will have completed 54 wonderful years at our beloved Alma Mater! Faculty Career-DASH: While in the BSN program, Ms. Hilda Burnham was the Dean of Nursing. She was wonderfully kind, caring and bright lady, who encouraged us to pursue higher aspirations in our nursing careers. Several years later, having completed graduate school, I was hired by Dean Etta Ann Hinker at NSU. With two exceptions, my student-faculty tenure at NSU provided me the privilege of experiencing the leadership of every College of Nursing dean at NSU. Also included were Ms. Frances Pingrey (interim), Dr. Peggy Ledbetter, Dr. Arlene Airhart, Dr. Norann Planchock, and the current dean, Dr. Dana Clawson—we are so fortunate to have had a succession of highly qualified and capable leaders that have maintained excellence and leadership in nursing education! Few Colleges across the nation can boast of their school offering the associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees! Nursing continues to be the largest College at NSU, which is largely attributable to the strong leadership and commitment of our deans over the years. Both the Baton Rouge and Shreveport nursing campuses are surrounded by faculty and highly qualified and experienced mentors who provided invaluable support, council and leadership for younger faculty members. With such support, untold numbers of nurses have developed into outstanding faculty, leaders, and professionals. Support and encouragement to become involved in professional organizations at the local, state and national levels provided networking
1990
1991
1992
Member, Advisory Council to Chief, Army Nurse Corps for Reserve Affairs
President, Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Appointed to LSBN by Governor E. Edwards
continued on page 10
OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS opportunities with nurse leaders at all levels. Such opportunities continue to provide faculty with avenues by which to move upward in leadership roles in LSBN, ANA/LSNA/ district/specialty, and other organizations. What an honor to been a part of the effort to establish and become a charter member of Beta Chi, the first Sigma Theta Tau chapter in Louisiana—this organization is now synonymous with the name of our own Dr. Pat Thompson and others! One’s cherished faculty experiences could never be worthy of praise without having had super faculty colleagues with whom to work and learn. How fortunate I am to have been positively influenced by so many like Mattie Reinberg, Beth Farnell, Barbara Dickerson, Beth Hayes, Carol Allen Peters, Beth Hayes, Diane Graham Webb, Billie Bitowski, Dr. Pam Simmons, Terry Kevil and oh, others too many to name! Thanks colleagues! Likewise, one cannot be a faculty member without STUDENTS!! So many wonderful students-registered nurses have become an indelible part of ME and my life!! Your clinical, academic, leadership, and professional achievements in nursing have given us a source of longlasting pride—and you have made us look good too! Thank you for continuing to represent us so well and for upholding the wonderful reputation of NSU nursing throughout the state, nation, and world! Military Career-DASH: Within my near 54 year NSU tenure, I was also supported by MANY people at
NSU, including Presidents, Deans, and faculty colleagues, throughout my 28-year tenure in the Army Reserve. It is with a great sense of pride that I served in the Army Nurse Corps! I think I gained much more from these experiences than I contributed. Notable among these gains were a great respect for those who serve(d) in the Armed Forces and the sacrifices (some the ultimate) that they and their families make every day for our great country! I experienced true acts of discipline: following a chain of command; how to lead and how to follow those with whom you work. Another was recognizing “soldiers first,” as they are the true backbone of the military services! The true test of leadership and its importance was evident on a daily basis, in both officer and enlisted ranks. Did any of these “gains” carry over into my faculty career? You bet!! I certainly matured in many ways- Gaining the ability to value and respect others and life itself. Most importantly I learned that each person is critical to the overall functioning of the greater organization--just as in a university, college, or classroom! Professional Career-DASH: In retrospect, I cannot adequately describe the contribution that my participation on the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, in the Louisiana State Nurses Association, and in Sigma Theta Tau has made to my career in nursing. Having been appointed by three governors to the Board of Nursing (Roemer, E. Edwards, Foster) was a tremendous honor and privilege for me. Again, I gained more
than I gave, which seems to be a recurring theme for me!! Serving on the regulatory board for nursing with the goal of protecting the public is a significantly different posture from the role of service in voluntary professional organizations. With a wonderful mentor in Barbara Morvant, I learned the role of Administrative Law in State government, got involved in the legislative process, and came to know how the regulatory statutes impact nursing and the health professions. What a learning curve that was and one that I will cherish forever! From the standpoint of the voluntary nursing organizations (ANA/LSNA/ SDNA) and Sigma, the whole focus is on advancing the profession of nursing, which presented an entirely different vantage point. Sigma is a huge driving force for the profession and advances nursing through its supportive activities in the areas of scholarship, research, and leadership. Since I was inducted in graduate school, I grew up with Beta Chi as a young educator and was able to grow in those areas which are also crucial to the faculty role. ANA/LSNA/SDNA, while also supportive of the above nursing roles provided me with a different perspective related to the legislative process; these important organizations have a distinct organizational and legislative initiative to serve, advance, and protect the roles of nursing and the profession. Although my career dash is not completed, I must say the ride thus far has been more than I could ever have envisioned. I want to thank NSU and each and every one of you I have encountered along this journey. . . you have made it a memorable one!
1994
1996
1999
1999-2007
2004
2005
2007-2009
2017
President, LSBN
Appointed to LSBN by Governor Foster
Inducted into Order of Military Medical Merit
Chair, LSNA Health Policy Committee
Inducted into LSNA Hall of Fame
Inducted into NSU Long Purple Line, Hall of Distinction
Vice President, LSNA
Designated a LSNA Fellow, Charter class
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SPRING 2019
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT NSU Alumni Class of 1957:
Mrs. Patsy (Pat) Sanders Rusk
April of 2018 while lobbying for COMPACT licensure, a NSU nurse was spotted working in the Baton Rouge Capital building’s First Aid Office. How did we know this nurse was a NSU graduate? She was wearing her Northwestern Nursing Pin! Immediately we knew this person would be in our ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT! Meet Mrs. Pat Sanders Rusk, NSU Nursing class of 1957. After completing her 3-year (1955-1957) program nursing degree as a NSU student at Baton Rouge General, Mrs. Pat began working in her first nursing job at a Pediatrician’s office. Working at the Pediatrician’s office was followed by a long career, 1961 to 1998, as a RN on 2West and many other surgical units. Mrs. Pat even opened a new surgery unit on 5NW and became a team leader at Baton Rouge General. Before she retired, Mrs. Pat was named Unit Manager of Orthopedics! Like many NSU graduates, retirement did not last long for Mrs. Pat. She returned to her nursing roots two years after retirement by joining the Ladies Auxiliary of Baton Rouge General Medical Center and volunteering at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center for 12 years. Currently, Mrs. Pat serves as Nurse of the Capital, and has since 2000.
A short conversation with Mrs. Pat and you will know that she has the GRIT of a NSU nurse! When asked to share a story about her NSU nursing education, Mrs. Pat stated, well the best story is... “In 1955 you were not allowed to be married and attend nursing school, but I knew I wanted to be a nurse and be married. So, in 1956, during the Christmas break before I was scheduled to graduate, I got marriedand guess what- I graduated anyway!” When asked to name the one thing she loves most about being a nurse, Mrs. Pat answered... “The sense of fulfillment and the ability to help others. Being a nurse at the Capital is exciting. No day is the same. I just have to be prepared for whoever walks through the door of First Aid. This includes legislators, staff, and the general public. The staff always warmly greet me each year.” When asked what the legacy of being a NSU nurse means to her, Mrs. Pat answered... “The legacy of being a NSU nurse is a feeling of pride. It is recognized as one of the leading nursing schools. I feel I received a superior education that prepared me ‘for the real world’.” As Mrs. Pat was answering these questions, she quickly stated she had to... “get to work, it is the first day of session at the Capita!” Thank you, Mrs. Pat Rusk, for contributing to the Legacy of NSU Nursing. You make us proud!
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SPRING 2019
ALUMNI MAKING NEWS Teresa Kevil, NP, Volunteer since 1997 It was 1997 when Teresa Kevil, or Terry as friends call her, moved back to Shreveport to accept a faculty position at NSU. Shortly after moving back Terry called MLK Health, formerly on Sprague Street, to begin volunteering to maintain her board certification. What started out as a few Saturdays a month eventually transformed into a passion project. “My impression of the clinic when it was housed on Sprague St. was that it was truly medicine “in the trenches”. We only had two very small exam rooms that were simultaneously used as storage rooms.” But MLK’s impact was undeniable to Terry. She could see that MLK was serving patients who would otherwise be left behind; patients who were literally falling through the cracks of our healthcare system. What was remarkable to her was that the MLK center’s work extended beyond the walls of the MLK clinic on Sprague Street. “Sprague St. was in an area of town where prostitutes were located, and I was very impressed that MLK had identified a need to hand out free condoms to the prostitutes to protect the health of these patients.” Terry noticed something else that was different about MLK Health’s approach to healthcare: compassion. “We also had several patients who had been seen at LSU who were treated very poorly, including one obese diabetic patient who started crying when she told me that she was trying to follow the diet LSU had given her, but every time she went, they told her that they knew she was untruthful about this since her numbers didn’t change. This lady had taken in two severely disabled children to foster (one a teenager and one an infant) who she later adopted, had grandchildren of her own that she sometimes kept, and had really bad knees that made it difficult for her to move around much . We promised her that we would never accuse her of lying to us and we would work with her to improve her numbers which she did. She cried years later when she qualified for Medicare and had to change providers.” Terry worked with NSU College of Nursing to establish a partnership between NSU and MLK Health that allows NSU faculty to bring our NP students to clinic days at MLK Health. For over 13 years now, NSU’s Nurse Practitioner students have been a critical part of clinic day operations. Although Terry plans to retire sometime in the near future, she will still volunteer with MLK Health because she believes “MLK Health truly cares about the healthcare status of the people who make up the communities we serve. “To quote Dr. Robert Jackson, ‘I have always received more from the patients in our clinic than I ever gave.’ No truer words could be spoken.” Thank you Terry for your dedicated service to MLK Health, NSU Nursing, and the health of our community!
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SPRING 2019
ALUMNI MAKING NEWS Logan Webb named Louisiana Nurses’ Foundation “Rookie of the Year” Logan Webb, who graduated from NSU as valedictorian of his BSN class in December 2016, was named “Rookie of the Year by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation. Logan was honored at the Nightingale Gala held in Baton Rouge on March 16, 2019. The Gala is held annually to honor Louisiana’s most trust health care providers, its nurses. Logan has been employed in the Oshner LSU Health Medical Center ICU since January of 2017. He is a certified critical care registered nurse, certified in PALS, ACLS, BCLS/AED and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy. The “Rookie of the Year” honors a nurse in the first year of professional practice who has demonstrated (l) job consistency, (2) ongoing growth in professional practice, (3) excellence in clinical practice, (4) continuing education and learning, and (4) participation in profession/community organizations. We are proud of you, Logan – thanks for carrying on the NSU Nursing Legacy!
Dana Clawson Named LSUHSC Outstanding Alumni Dana Clawson, Dean of the College of Nursing and NSU alum, was inducted into LSUHSC School of Nursing Alumni Association’s 2018 Inaugural Celebration of Outstanding Alumni Honorees at the 85th Anniversary Gala Celebration in Baton Rouge. Clawson was also awarded LSUHSC New Orleans Commencement Speaker Fall 2018.
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NSU NURSING LEGACY Three Generations of NSU Nurses Ima “Jean” Williams Nowlan (NSU Diploma Supervised Program 1951; 1932-2018) Kathy Leigh Hendricks (ADN, 1987) Aimee Leigh Sandifer (BSN 1997; MSN 2002; DNP 2016)
“My mother was a natural carenursing degree, while being a giver. I’m sure that is why she ensingle mother to three young rolled into Northwestern’s nursing children. By watching my mothprogram in the early 1950s. She er achieve her dream of being a wanted to take care of others” states nurse, I knew that I was also very Kathy Hendricks, RN (Associate capable to achieve my dreams.” Degree in Nursing, Class of 1987), Aimee said she knew nursing was daughter of Jean Nowlan, RN and in her DNA and that she wanted mother of Dr. Aimee Sandifer, RN, to deliver quality nursing care to WHNP-BC, DNP (Bachelor of Science people in need, at the highest in Nursing, 1997; Master of Science educational level possible. Aiin Nursing, 2002; Doctor of Nursing mee achieved those goals and in Practice, 2016) 2016 graduated in the inaugural Mrs. Hendricks further describes class of Northwestern State Unihow her mother, Jean, worked a versity’s DNP program. short time as an office nurse for a Dr. Aimee Sandifer’s Schollocal Shreveport doctor and then arly Practice Change Project that Aimee Leigh Sandifer | Kathy Leigh Hendricks | Ima Jean Williams Nowlan began working for Doctors Hospital she completed to earn her DNP in 1969. She retired as Head Nurse of degree involved developing, Ima Jean ’s gradua the Cardiopulmonary Department implementing, and evaluating 1950s ting class after 35 years. “I pretty much grewthe impact of Group-Centered ok o rb ea Y up at Doctors Hospital watching my Adolescent Prenatal Care Clinics ’s Ima Jean mother work in her 5th floor office on pregnant adolescents’ perand I think growing up around nursceptions of social support and Kathy ing and watching my mother care satisfaction with prenatal care. for others inspired me to become a Aimee demonstrated the posinurse. I never thought of working in tive impact of these NP managed any other profession. Nursing was group clinics on pregnant adolesthe only thing I’d ever wanted to do. I cents. Aimee has practiced as a wanted to help others like my mothWomen’s Health Nurse Practitioer did. So, in 1984, I decided to enroll ner since 2002 and is currently a in Northwestern’s nursing program WHNP with a large private pracmyself. I graduated in 1987.” After tice at Willis Knighton Piermont graduating, Kathy worked in the LSU OB-GYN Specialists. Trauma unit for over 10 years before When asked to describe what retiring to become a stay-at-home she believes to be her family’s grandmother. contribution to NSU’s Nursing Aimee, daughter of Kathy and Legacy and to future NSU nurses, Kathy’s Graduation granddaughter of Jean stated, “like she stated: “Education empowmy mother I grew up watching my ered us to do what we all three grandmother work and often times visited her at Doctors hoswanted to do: Care for people and make a difference in peoples’ pital. I also witnessed my mom working so hard to obtain her lives by delivering quality healthcare.”
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FACULTY Anna Morris named NSU Nurse of the Year
Faculty Doctorates Earned Nancy Alexander – Doctorate of Nursing Practice, December 2018, Northwestern State University LeeAnn Young – Doctorate of Nursing Practice, December, 2018, Northwestern State University Mary Rocks Zapczynski – Doctorate of Nursing Practice, December, 2018, Northwestern State University
How does it feel to be nominated and chosen by your peers as “NSU Nurse of the Year”? I felt honored just to be nominated! It was surreal when they called my name as there were many worthy candidates! I’m pretty sure I cried! What do you think has contributed to your success as a nurse and faculty? I truly believe this is where God wants me to be! He has sent me many wonderful mentors that have guided me throughout my career! I also have a great support system with my family and friends! What advice do you have for current nursing students? Never give up but ask for help when you need it! When I was an undergraduate, I failed chemistry- and not by a little bit! I struggled through the whole semester because I was too embarrassed to admit I needed help and thought I could pull out a passing grade. The next semester I took it again, but this time I used the campus tutors and visited my professor when I needed help. Although chemistry is still NOT my favorite, I didn’t give up and let it become a barrier to my success!
Kathleen Tate (L) – Grambling State University Rebecca Weston (R) – Grambling State University
What has been your most rewarding nursing experience so far? My nursing background is labor and delivery, so being a part of bringing new life into the world is such a privilege! I also find it meaningful to be a part of a student’s journey to becoming a nurse. Being a nurse educator is the best of both worlds! What would tell someone if they wanted to become a nurse? Nursing is a great career! You have flexibility in the discipline and setting you choose, you earn decent pay, and you can make the difference in someone’s life EVERY DAY! It’s awesome!
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Faculty Listed Among Great 100 Nurses Congratulations to Danita Potter, Ann Deshotels, and Star Booker for being honored at the Great 100 Nurses Celebration of Louisiana.
FACULTY Faculty Goals
100%
of Nursing Faculty will obtain national certification as nurse educators. In 2018, 36% of nursing faculty are/became certified nurse educators: Dana Clawson Pamela Simmons Tamara Baxter Ann Deshotels Rebecca Harrell Pamela Holcombe Windy Jaep Anna Morris Linda Nichols Leah Pearce Alyea Pollard Melissa Cox Rennie Calli Roberts Kathy Tate Rebecca Weston Mary Zapczynski Nancy Alexander
Looking back at 2018-2019 Nursing Administration Retreat
Nurses Day at the Louisiana Legislature
Faculty Christmas PJ Party
Faculty Changes Promotions:
Dr. Danita Potter promoted to Professor Dr. Julie Gayle promoted to Associate Professor
Retirements:
Katheryn Arterberry Suzanne Garcia Teresa Kevil
NSU’s 2018 Nurse Impact Award Winner
New Faculty:
Graduate Program: Alice Blue Aaron Stigers Undergraduate Program: Jessica Amsden D J Cochran Ramona Guin Amber Klock Myla Landry Barbara McGill Courtney Reger Brooke Richardson Kori Sicuro Krystyna Tabor Shaun Wheat Lisa Wilhite
Dr. LeahAnn Young and Jamie Usie
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SPRING 2019
Left to right: Whitney House, Callie Roberts, Reggie Lofton(winner), Dana Clawson, Chenelle Pillette
FACULTY
TEAMS Alexandria Team “Purple Power” Alexandria Faculty
Undergraduate Nursing Team “PEARLS” Shreveport Faculty
Leesville Team - “Leesville Lifesavers” (from left to right) Ramona Guin, Stacey Joslin, Linda Nichols, and Deborah Hickman
Graduate Faculty Team “Movers, Shakers, Master Makers”
Natchitoches Team - “Demon Diamonds” (from left to right) Shaun Wheat, Tamara Baxter, Chari Addison, and Amber Klock
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FACULTY
Faculty Accomplishments
of community-dwelling individuals with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis. International Association for the Study of Pain 17th World Congress. Boston, MA
Star Booker • Cluff Aging Research Award (paper competition, $1200)- Oak Hammock Institute for Learning in Retirement/University of Florida
Invited: Booker, S. (August 22, 2018). Steps to Success: Wakan[you] da to craft a unique and strategic career for your future in nursing. Fayetteville State University- Fall Nursing Convocation. Fayetteville, NC
Barbara McGill • Current President of the National Organization of Alternative Programs
Booker, S., Herr, K., Tripp-Reimer, T., & Fillingim, R. (Accepted, April 4, 2019). Trends in Opioid Use for Chronic Joint Pain in Mid- and LateLife Black Adults: Results from a Mixed Methods Inquiry. American Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting. Milwaukee, WI
• Presenting at the National Org. of Alternative Programs next week. “National Trends: Self Care, Hostile work environment and Medication Assisted treatment for addictions.” • Secretary for the Board of Trustees for LA Nurses Foundation
Booker, S. (November 8, 2018). Predictors of Engagement in Recommended Self-Management Behaviors for Osteoarthritis Pain. Movement is Life- 2018 National Caucus Addressing Musculoskeletal Health Disparities. Washington, DC
Alyea Pollard • Recertified as a Certified Nurse Education • Selected as a mentee in the Second Cohort of Sigma Nursing Global Leadership Mentoring Community
Booker, S.Q., Cardoso, J.S., Terry, E.L., Sibille, K.T., Bradley, LA., Goodin, B.R., & Fillingim, R.B. (November 2018). Perceived Stress Predicts Function and Movement-Evoked Joint Pain in Aging African Americans with Osteoarthritis. Gerontological Society of America 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting. Boston, MA. Innovation in Aging, 2 (Suppl. 1), 485.
• President-Elect for the Beta Chi Chapter of Sigma Nursing here at NSU. Mary Rocks Zapczynski • Received the Sigma Theta Tau award for Outstanding Doctoral Student Dr. Pamela Simmons
Clawson, D. & Curtis T. (2018). Radiologic science students’ perceptions of educators’ caring. The Journal of the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, 23(), 3-16.
• Elected CCNE Board of Commissioners for 2018-2020
Gayle, J., Clawson, D. & Chambers, W. Improving specialty care to the underserved. International Journal of Nursing and Health Care Research, 29(01). doi: 10.2011/UNHR-168, 10068
Faculty Presentations Adair, C. (2018). The effect of an electronic chart alert on providers’ rate of obesity diagnosis. International Journal of Nursing and Health Care Research, Volume 2018, Issue 9.
Hale, C. (2019). Reactive Attachment Disorder: The Need for Emotionally Available Nurturance, BAOJ Med Nursing, 5(1), doi: https://bioaccent.org/medical-nursing/article-in-press
Booker, S.Q. (February 28, 2019). (Dis)Concordance between Survey Responses and Narratives on Pain Interference, Function, and Movement in Aging African-Americans. Southern Nursing Research Society, 33rd Annual Conference.
McGill, Barara. Trends in Addiction Nursing. Florida State Nurses Association and Intervention Project for Nurses
Completed Research
Cardoso, J.S., Terry, E.L., Booker, S.Q., Fillingim, R.B. (September 2018). Perceived control over stressors is associated with higher resilience, lower catastrophizing, and lower clinical pain in an ethnically diverse sample with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis. International Association for the Study of Pain 17th World Congress. Boston, MA
Star Booker Research completed: Research on osteoarthritis pain selfmanagement in older African Americans; Racial differences in Movement-evoked pain in Black and White adults with knee osteoarthritis
Booker, S.Q. (June 26, 2018). Movement-Evoked Pain (MEP) in Older African Americans with Osteoarthritis. North American Pain School, Quebec Pain Research Network, Montebello, QC, Canada.
Mary Rocks Zapczynski Conducted and presented a quality improvement project: Implementation of a Checklist to Improve the Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease in the Safety Net
Terry, E.L, Booker, S.Q., Cardoso, J.S., Fillingim, R.B. (September 15, 2018). Neuropathic pain symptoms in a diverse cohort
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS Austin Nelson BSN-Alexandria Campus 4th Level Student Sigma Theta Tau Beta Chi Chapter 2019 Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award NSU Nurses Peer Mentor-Alexandria Campus AACN Lagniappe Chapter Student Liaison
Emily Arnaud
I would like to thank my awesome nursing instructors for selecting me for this award and for all they have done in helping me grow so that I can be the best nurse I can possibly be following graduation and of course thank you to my family and friends for their constant support and understanding when I cannot spend time with them when I am studying!
Each year, Cleco partners with the Central Louisiana Community Foundation to award scholarships to children of current Cleco employees to help them reach their educational goals. Emily Arnaud from Bunkie received one of the four scholarships awarded. She is attending Northwestern State to pursue a degree in nursing and considering a specialization in pediatrics or labor and delivery.
Karen Williams Karen Williams, a recent Northwestern State graduate, received a Rotary Club Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a recipient based on service beyond themselves.
Thank you for choosing me for the alumni feature. I want to give a very special thanks to my instructors and staff, and everyone who aided me to get where am today. “I hope to make you all proud.”
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STUDENTS Fur Thursday
During final exams, we have a group of therapy dogs that LOVE to visit hospitals they come to visit our students. This allows the students to de-stress during final exams (even if only for a moment).
Crawfish Boil
End-of-the-semester event for students to enjoy crawfish.
Geaux Green Day
Geaux Green Day: Students volunteered on Earth Day in conjunction with a local community service initiative to clean up our campus.
Taco Tuesday
Provided lunch for students and promoted camaraderie.
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STUDENTS College of Nursing assists with disaster preparedness
Other student activities Wind-Down Wednesday (5/9): A stress-free zone provided to students during final exams where they can enjoy tea, stress balls, and soft music.
by Anna Morris, RN, MSN, Assistant Professor
W
Thoughtful Thursday (5/10): An event during final exam week where students can unwind with coloring and soft music.
henever disaster strikes in Louisiana, the Office of Public Health is there to help maintain and restore health. Their nurses and nurse practitioners, along with others employed at local health units, will be tasked with staffing shelters in the event of hurricanes or other disasters. According to Yolanda Chandler, Regional Nurse Manager, it is important for the nurses to stay up-to-date on their skills because they never know what type of health issues they will find in shelter inhabitants. That’s where the College of Nursing was able to help! Assistant Professor of Nursing Anna Morris and Lab Coordinator Debbie McInnis, created a skills fair for the public health nurses to practice their IV and catheter insertions, wound care, and insulin administration. Five senior nursing students (Alexandria Collier, Kali Hodges, Shawna Longoria, Samantha McGee, and Lauren Richardson) and Assistant Professor of Nursing Bethany Shirley also helped give demonstrations and short lectures to the twenty-eight nurses. The nurses were from Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Natchitoches, Bienville, Sabine, DeSoto, and Red River Parish’s Health Units. After the lectures, the nurses were able to refresh their skills using mannequins with the students as their guides.
Clinical Orientation (8/15): SSGA Officers greeted incoming clinical students and provided gift bags. SNA hosted a school supply drive for the Providence House and collected several pounds of supplies. Ice Cream Social (8/21): SGA purchased ice cream, which consisted of a mix of ice cream sandwiches, dipped cones, and bars. Students were able to mingle and enjoy ice cream treats. Week of Welcome BBQ (8/22): SGA hosted this back to school event and had 274 attendees. SNA also designed a shirt and sold them at the event. GLOW Zumba (8/23): One of our faculty, Terry Jackson, was the instructor for this exercise-dance class. SGA purchased glow accessories and water was provided. Color Chaos (8/24): This paint war consisted of large cans filled with different colors of paint, paint-filled water balloon, and regular water balloons. SGA also designed and purchased a t-shirt for the event to provide to the first 30 attendees, along with protective goggles and plastic caps for hair. CONSAH-ween Halloween Party (10/29)- Event for students and faculty, appropriate costumes encouraged.
“For years, our students have been trained by the Public Health Offices during their community health rotation. It was rewarding for us to be able to return the favor and help update their skills.” —Anna Morris
Holiday Party (12/3): Relaxed atmosphere for students to engage in holiday festivities and treats before final exams. Mardi Gras Mambo (2/25): Celebration of Louisiana culture with food and music for students. Black History Month Celebration (2/21): Black History Month Celebration-students and faculty.
Dr. Dana Clawson, Dean of the College of Nursing, was fully supportive of the endeavor. Both parties agreed the event went well, and they will continue to collaborate in the future!
Financial Literacy Seminar (3/18): Provided to our students to help them borrow smart and build better financial security; discussed money management and provided tips and resources.
SNA Career Fair Career Fair (10/8): SNA does a lot of community projects, but we they also like to do things to help the NSU College of Nursing students succeed. We normally have 12-18 representatives and hiring managers who represent facilities all across the state present. Our students were able to come with their resumes ready and some even left with a job offer.
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STUDENTS
Boquete’ Panama summer 2018 Written by Mary Zapczynski
Faculty and students from NSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program traveled to Panama as part of the Global Health Policy course. The purpose of the trip was to learn about the structure and function of the health care system. We examined accessibility to health care, quality of care and experienced the some of the disparity within the system. The trip was coordinated with Jamie Jett, RN, founder of non-profit organization Pick It Forward for Orphans. The organization has raised funds to provide equipment, a space for teaching life skills, and a full time staff member for the Trisker Orphanage in Boquete’. During this visit, donations of shoes, umbrellas and rain ponchos collected by students, faculty and Pick It Forward were distributed to students attending boarding school on the Ngabe’ Bugle Comarca (pronounced nah-bay boo-glay). The Comarca is a residential territory akin to tribal reservations in the U.S. The indigenous population that live on the Comarca are the poorest of the poor. Children may walk for hours or days to reach the boarding school. Aided by three young, enthusiastic translators, the DNP students taught the basics of handwashing to the children at the orphanage. HIV prevention education was presented to about 100 teenage students at the boarding school. Our experiences were shared with DNP students at home via daily email blog. The experience was rich and rewarding.
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STUDENTS CONSAH students recognized at alumni dinner TeShundrea (Shea) Frederick
Temitope Buraimoh
Nursing Senior (ASN) New member of Beta Chi, newly elected board member of Beta Chi serving as secretary, Rising Star going to Washington DC Beta Chi’s 2019 Outstanding Student Nurses award
Joseph Michael
ASN Nursing, Senior Hometown: Shreveport, La. Served as SSGA Commissioner of Elections 2018-2019 Wife, Jennifer is radiologic science Faculty at NSU. Recipient of rotary club scholarship and Willis Knighton scholarship. An Air Force veteran that served in Enduring Iraqi Freedom.
Alexandra Piedrahita
BSN Nursing, Level 2 Junior Hometown: Baton Rouge, La. Serves as SGA Corresponding Secretary No family has graduated from NSU
Raynell Shield
BSN, Senior Hometown: Haughton , La
BSN Nursing, Senior Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria Member of the Honor Society of Nursing (Beta Chi Chapter). 1st generation NSU student Beta Chi’s 2019 Outstanding Student Nurses award
Serves as Vice President of SGA and Student Nurses Association New member to Beta Chi No family has graduated from NSU
Lauren Callis (Leesville) : Served as SNA Secretary 2017 Served as SNA President 2018 & 2019 Husband is an Army physician. I’ve accepted a Nurse Residency position at CHRISTUS Cabrini in the ER & my goal is to become a CRNA. Bobby Guichet (Leesville): Served as SNA Treasurer 2017-2018 Served as SNA Vice President 2018-2019 LASN Region 1 Director since October, with plans this October to run for State President.
Recognition Ceremony-Spring 2018 and Fall 2018
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Northwestern State University, College of Nursing
In Memoriam Barbara Futch Scurlock BSN, 1960 (El Dorado, AR) Mina Ann Stephenson Kirkham BSN, 1960 (Ruston, LA)
Largest corporate donor Total donations made to the College of Nursing during 2018.
$1.4 million was donated by corporate donors.
Follow us on Social Media! Facebook: Twitter: Instagram:
@NSULANursing @NSULAShreve @nsulashreveport
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Largest individual donor: John and Becky Luster $130,677 was donated by individuals.
Northwestern State University, College of Nursing Mark your 2019-2020 calendar now and don’t miss these important dates!
SUMMER 2019 CE events: •
LSNA DON Bootcamp July 24-25, 2019 Location: Paragon Casino resort in Marksville, LA
FALL 2019 events: •
Fall Back to School Faculty Development August 16, 2019 Location: NSU CONSAH-Shreveport Topic: Disrupting the System: Innovation in Translation and Research Speaker: Daniel Weberg PhD, MHI, BSN, RN
•
Beta Chi GPS Lecture Date and Location to be Announced
•
Shriners Annual Pediatric Conference “Helping Hands: We Care for Kids” Date to be announced, usually the first Friday in November every year (Nov 1st) Location: Shriners Pediatric Hospital in Shreveport, LA
•
DNP presentations November 15, 2019 Location: NSU CONSAH-Shreveport
SPRING 2020 Events: •
Beta Chi Research Conference Date and location to be announced
•
APRN Pharmacology Update and Skills Day Date to be Announced
Are you an alumnus of NSU nursing and have information you would like to share with us? If so, please complete the form below, place it in the enclosed envelope and mail it back to us OR email us at nursingnews@nsula.edu.
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_____ADN/ASN
SPRING 2019
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Northwestern State University Nursing Columns Natchitoches, LA 71497
Help us to continue to GROW New Building Campaign Fund
$40,000
Due to the rapid growth of nursing and allied health, over 30% growth in the past three years, we have outgrown the Nursing Education building on the Shreveport campus. Primary areas that are lacking in space are the clinical laboratory where students learn to perform patient caretaking skills and computerized testing labs. Further, CONSAH does not have an area for students or faculty to maintain their own health, while learning to provide healthcare for others. In other words, we need a wellness facility, where students and faculty can engage in physical fitness and mental fitness exercises. Additionally we need around 15 faculty offices, 6-8 modern large interactive compressed video classrooms, a meeting space large enough to accommodate all students, faculty and staff, and a modern library that utilizes only digital technology. The overall goal is to provide a contemporary, spacious learning campus designed for students to practice their clinical skills, engage in interactive learning, become experts in use of modern patient-care technologies, and become enthusiastic members of a caring, holistic, professional collegiate community. The building will enlarge the Shreveport campus footprint and add more than 40,000 square feet of space to accommodate growth. The building will be located on Elizabeth avenue across from the existing Shreveport buildings. If you would like to contribute to this fund, go online at: northwesternstatealumni.com/donations/nursing/ or use the enclosed envelope. For more information contact: Kimberly Gallow at gallowk@nsula.edu or (318) 357-4435.