house of delegates photos · denise danna & joeann clark ana president becky patton and...

Important date to remember

• 2010 Cruise, Thursday, November 4- Monday, November 8, 2010

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Inside this issue . . . .

President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Message from the Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . 3

2010 ANA House of Delegates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Nightingale Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5, 6

2011 Nightingale Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 8

A Tribute to Marie Primm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Call for Applications for LSBN Positions . . . . . . . .8

Call for Nominations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Welcome New Members of Board of Directors . .10

District News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-14

16th Annual LANP Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Come sail with us andearn your CEs!!!!

Page 5

National Award Named inHer Honor!

0

Vol. 66 • No. 3 September 2010

Circulation 65,000 to all Registered & Licensed Practical Nurses in Louisiana

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LOUISIANA STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION

Inside

LSNA Board Meeting Dates

September 11, 2010

Meetings are open to all. Please notify the LSNA office if you plan to attend as space is limited.

LSBN VacanciesDate for ApplicationsSeptember 15, 2010

Save the Date

2011 House of Delegates

April 15-16, 2011

House of Delegates Photos

Patricia LaBrosse

Marilyn Sullivan,Patricia LaBrosse,

Denise Danna &JoeAnn Clark

ANA PresidentBecky Patton andPresident-Elect

Jackie Hill

LSNA Representatives

Denise Danna andJackie Hill

See page 4 article – “House of Delegates”

• Pelican News September, October, November 2010

Louisiana State Nurses Association

Board of DirectorsPresident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DENISE DANNAPresident-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JACQUELINE HILLVice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DIANE WEBBSecretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GWENDOLYN GEORGETreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BARBARA MOFFETT

Chairs of Committees and CouncilsResolutions and Bylaws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NORLYN HYDEHealth Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LISA DEATONMembership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KEELEY DUPUYWorkplace Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DEBORAH FORDClinical Practice Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LUCY DOUGLASEducation Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CYNTHIA PRESTHOLDTLeadership/Management Council . . . . . . . . MELISSA STEWARTResearch/Informatics Council . . . . . . . SUSAN STEELE-MOSESImmediate Past President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PATRICIA LABROSSE

District PresidentsAlexandria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LISA LAUVEBaton Rouge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MICHELLE WALLEYBayou . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LINDA SONGYFeliciana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JANICE BONNER-DAVISNorthshore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARILYN SULLIVANLafayette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JARED AUCOINLake Charles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANETHA CRAFTMonroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EMILY DOUGHTYNew Orleans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JENNIFER COUVILLONRuston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BETH FIFEShreveport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAM HOLCOMBETangipahoa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JACKIE HUNT

Executive DirectorDr. Joe Ann ClarkLSNA StaffCAROL CAIRO, PROGRAM, 225-201-0994, [email protected] WILSON Office Manager, 225-201-0993CONTINUING EDUCATION, 225-201-0995, [email protected] Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.225-201-0993Fax [email protected]

For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington Street, PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081, [email protected]. LSNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement.

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the Louisiana State Nurses Association of products advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its use. LSNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of LSNA or those of the national or local associations.

LSNA President’s Message

Denise Danna

Denise Danna, DNS, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE

Dear Colleagues,It was an honor to serve as a

delegate representing the nurses of Louisiana at the 2010 ANA House of Delegates (HOD) that was held in Washington D.C. during the week of June 16, 2010. Louisiana had a total of six delegates attending and one delegate in-training. The ANA HOD was a wonderful opportunity for each of us to network and find out what other states are doing on such issues as member recruitment and retention activities, restructuring, or their particular state legislative agendas. I would also like to share with you several of the highlights that I found inspiring during the ANA HOD. President Barack Obama appeared before the HOD and nurses from across the nation were fortunate to hear the praises bestowed upon us from the President. He reminded us that nursing was the only healthcare organization that supported Medicare and how we continue to support healthcare initiatives, especially healthcare reform. Another highlight was the panel discussion from most of the past ANA Presidents. I found this presentation quite fascinating where we heard how the work on strategic initiatives and actions taken by previous Presidents and Board of Directors laid the foundation for subsequent Presidents and Board of Directors’ work. It was a great session and the past presidents were engaging, funny and

provided the HOD with a history lesson on ANA activities over the years – how did ANA get to where they are today!

The last highlight I would like to share is that LSNA submitted a reference proposal entitled, Addressing Health Literacy through Patient Literacy. At LSNA’s HOD in 2009, Dr. Melissa Stewart, LSNA Leadership/Management Chair presented this resolution to the LSNA HOD. The LSNA HOD made the recommendation to support the resolution and the decision was to submit this resolution to the next ANA HOD. The ANA HOD overwhelmingly supported this reference proposal and ANA resolved to do the following: a) promote collaborative nursing initiatives to address health literacy problems, b) utilize existing research findings to strengthen health literacy knowledge and skills in nursing school curricula and the workplace, and c) promote nursing research efforts to identify evidence-based practices that promote optimum health literacy. In speaking with Dr. Joe Ann Clark, LSNA Executive Director, it was the first time that she could remember that LSNA presented a resolution that came out of LSNA’s HOD at a national level. So I would like to thank Dr. Stewart for her hard work and dedication to this initiative.

In closing, we are beginning to prepare for our HOD that is fast approaching in spring 2011. I would encourage each of you to become involved, if you are not already and possibly run for an office or join one of the councils and/or committees. LSNA needs active members in order to accomplish our strategic initiatives and to continue to be the voice for nursing in Louisiana. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to thank you for all your efforts and commitment to nursing and to LSNA.

Due Dates for Pelican NewsArticles 2010

October 18

Louisiana State Nurses Association

Mission Statement

To provide leadership that promotes the profession and fosters the means to improve health care for all people.

Louisiana RN License Plates

SHOW PRIDE IN YOUR PROFESSION

andSUPPORT THE LOUISIANA

NURSES FOUNDATION.

All monies collected from the plates will go to the Louisiana Nurses Foundation to support nursing interests and continuing education.

DAISY Award RecipientCongratulations to Marcie Champagne, RN, for being

the 1st Quarter recipient, @OSAGH, to receive the DAISY Award. Marcie was recognized for excellence under pressure. “When Marcie’s fellow nurse became ill on a day shift and had to go home, Marcie had to step up to being in charge on a very busy, stressful day. The acuity was high, but she handled every situation with poise and a smile. Upon checking with patients the next morning, they were unaware of anything out of the ordinary. What makes this “DAISY” winner worthy is that she was a brand new RN!” Marcie started working here at OSA, in 2004 as a Mental Health Tech. She started working in Nursing Service in March 2009.

September, October, November 2010 Pelican News •

I have had a number of inquiries about what kind of articles/information we accept for publication in the Pelican News, and the format in which it should be submitted. To date, there have been no formal guidelines, as we have tried to remain free to choose articles we think would be of interest to the readers in a format/style that would compliment the content. In other words, we tried not to be restrictive as to length, content and writing style. Many research articles tend to be longer and are presented in a more formal manner of writing. Other articles, while still informative, possibly about a distinct field of nursing, would be written in a less formal style.Our primary purpose is to be informative about:

• ongoingactivitiesofLSNA,theDistrictsandtheirmembers,

Message from the Executive Director

Joe Ann Clark

• legislative issues which could impact healthcareand nursing both at the state and national level,

• achievements and activities of nurses, nursinggroups, healthcare agencies and hospitals throughout the Louisiana healthcare community,

• upcomingvacanciesontheLouisianaStateBoard,• upcoming elections on the LSNA Board of

Directors,• special events such as the LSNA Cruise, the

Louisiana Summit and its activities, and• The Nightingale Gala.

There may also be a lot of other things that could and should be included, and we want to remain free to consider any article and format that we believe would get the message across and be of interest. In this edition, we have information from the ANA House of Delegates; a call for applications for two LSBN positions; notice of the upcoming 2011 LSNA House of Delegates; a call for

nominations for the Nightingale Gala; and information about the Districts’ activities.

These are more or less the “essentials” that must be included in this edition if we are to inform everyone within the necessary time frame. After those things are placed, as space allows, we will include other articles and information. Sometimes there isn’t enough space for everything, and then we hold an article back until the next edition.

I hope this information is of help to individuals who are considering submitting an article. We welcome them! If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to call or send me an email. (225-201-0992) [email protected].

Our thanks to everyone who has taken the time to submit something in the past! Now, do it again or send an update to the last article.


2010 ANA House of DelegatesThis 2010 ANA House of Delegates was held in

Washington, D.C. June 16 – 19, 2010. While many of the LSNA Delegates had not attended before, they were well prepared to vote on the many resolutions and proposed Bylaws changes. It is a lot of work to get ready for the ANA House of Delegates. Also, to attend all of the meeting and hearings requires not only preparation and study, but especially - physical stamina. I hope that the Louisiana nursing community will acknowledge the diligence and dedication of the 2010 LSNA delegates! They are:

Denise Danna, LSNA PresidentMelissa Stewart, LSNA BOD and Leadership/

Management ChairDebra Shelton, Co-Chair of the LSNA CE CommitteeSherri Ellis, Past President of the Baton Rouge District

Victoria Johnson, Past President of the Louisiana Student Nurses Association

Joe Ann Clark, Executive Director, LSNAJacqueline Hill, LSNA President Elect and

Delegate in Training.

Louisiana was well represented on the ANA Board of Directors—Marilyn Sullivan, Past President of LSNA served as Treasurer and Patricia LaBrosse, Past President of LSNA was there as a member of the ANA Bylaws Committee. They both were very busy ladies throughout the House of Delegates and we were very proud!

Highlights!• President of the U.S. Addressed ANA House of

Delegates President Barack Obama spoke to an estimated crowd of more than 1,000 nurses and guests. He thanked the nurses and the ANA for their support during the health care debate, and emphasized the importance of the nursing profession.

• ANA Nurse Delegates Considered Proposals designed to improve the nursing profession and advance the public’s health The proposals addressed issues such as workforce abuse and harassment, health literacy, health care for undocumented immigrants and its affect on public safety, the successful integration of new nurse graduates into the work environment and barriers to care by advanced practice registered nurses. Of special interest to Louisiana nurses, the resolution on health literacy was prepared by Melissa Stewart, LSNA Leadership/Management Chair and presented to the ANA Resolutions Committee by the Louisiana State Nurses Association. It was especially well received by the House of Delegates.

• Nurses participated in Lobby Day during the House of Delegates The first day of the ANA House of Delegates was “Lobby Day” on Capitol Hill. More than 1400 nurses took part in the effort to educate their lawmakers on nursing issues. Many personally met with their policymakers in House and Senate offices, while others participated online. One of the major messages was to ask representatives to support the “Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act.” Sherri Ellis and Deborah Shelton, LSNA Delegates, were among those who went to the Capitol.

• Election of Officers The following officers of the ANA Board of Directors were elected to two-year terms:

Karen Daley, Massachusetts State Nurses Association – President of ANA

Karen Ballard, New York State Nurses Association – First vice-president

Kin Armstrong, Washington State Nurses Association – Second vice-president

Teresa Gene Stone, Oregon Nurses Association – Secretary

Teresa Haller, Virginia Nurses Association, – Treasurer

The ANA House of Delegates (HOD) had a number of Resolutions which it took action on at the June 2010 HOD. One of those resolutions was to remove the sunset clause from the Dues Escalator. All businesses have the challenge of keeping up with the cost of living. The Dues escalator is how ANA has managed to maintain services and support to its members as the cost of living has increased.

From 1989 to 2001, ANA did not have any dues increase. While this was nice from a financial perspective for the membership, it forced ANA to cut programs, staff, and operate with a deficit at times. In 2001, the ANA HOD passed a $35 per year increase in dues. This large increase did not make a lot of its members very happy and ANA did lose some members. The HOD also tasked the ANA Board of Directors (BOD) with the task of developing a process of on-going financial needs analysis.

To preserve the value of the dues dollar against rising costs of living, the ANA BOD brought forward the Dues Escalator proposal which was passed by the HOD in 2004. To ensure that this process works, the HOD put a sunset clause in the resolution which said that this process would only be in effect until 2010. As a result, this meant that after 2010 ANA would have no way to keep up with inflation, thus putting the association at risk of having to cut programs and services to its members.

The Dues Escalator simply raises the dues for members based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U). While the CPI-U has increased over 20% since 2002, ANA dues have only increased by a little over 12% since there is a cap of 2% increase in dues per year. While the CPI-U is calculated each year, the dues increase only occurs every three years. There have been two dues

SLUSON/SELAHEC CNE Programs Fall, 2010

September 22, 2010—Covington, LA.“Cancers of the Gastrointestinal Tract”SELAHEC/SLUSON—Contact Marie Billings at [email protected] or call 985-549-5090.3.25 contact hours

October 1, 2010—Baton Rouge, LA.“Psychiatric Nursing Trends in the Emergency

Department”SELAHEC/SLUSON—Contact Marie Billings at [email protected] or call 985-549-5090.3.25 contact hours

October 5, 2010—Hammond, LA.“The Fantastic Four and the Silver Surfer Challenge Dr. Doom in the Battle Against Diabetes.”SELAHEC/SLUSON—Contact Marie Billings at [email protected] or call 985-549-5090.5.25 contact hours

November 4, 2010—Lacombe, LA.“Women and Their Quest for Health and Well Being”SELAHEC/SLUSON—‚Contact Marie Billings at [email protected] or call 985-549-5090.3.25 contact hours

November 9, 2010—Hammond, LA.“Personality Pathways: A Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Workshop”SELAHEC/SLUSON—Contact Marie Billings at [email protected] or call 985-549-5090.5.25 contact hours

December 2, 2010—Bogalusa, LA/Hammond, LA.“Healthcare Update”SELAHEC/SLUSON—Contact Marie Billings at [email protected] or call 985-549-5090.3.25 contact hours

ANA House of Delegates Passes Resolution to Help Ensure Financial Stability for ANA

increases while the Dues Escalator clause has been in effect. The first increase in 2005 was for $6 per yearly membership and in 2008 there was an increase of $8 for a yearly membership.

After much debate, the ANA 2010 HOD saw the value of ANA maintaining its buying power and removed the sunset clause so that the Dues Escalator will continue as long as the HOD feels that it is needed. The next dues increase is scheduled to occur January 2011 and is expected to be about a $4 increase in the yearly membership fee. This increase is around one penny per day per member, which is a real bargain when you look at all the services that are available to the members.

Some states have also implemented a state dues escalator to keep pace with the cost of living. As more and more state associations struggle to maintain their services, a state dues escalator may be considered. Interestingly, Louisiana has not increased its state portion of the dues in several decades. The Louisiana State Nurses Association has decreased its number of personnel, located cheaper office rental, and instituted a number of other cost-reducing strategies to keep a balanced budget.

Professional nursing associations (specialty and ANA) are essential to ensure that nurses have standards of care and ethical guidelines to ensure the delivery of safe nursing care. To do this, nursing associations must take the steps that are needed to stabilize their financial status. This is a challenging task in today’s unknown economic world. By continuing the Dues Escalator, the ANA HOD has taken the steps to ensure that ANA will remain a financially viable organization that will continue to provide support to nurses and the health care system.


Tenth Annual Louisiana Awards Gala for Nursing and HealthcareSponsored by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation and Louisiana State Nurses Association

Saturday, FEBRUARY 19, 2011 7:00pmat the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

It is that time again! Time for Nominations and Sponsorships for the10th Annual Nightingale Awards! The BEST of the BEST!

It is time for you to nominate those who most deserve the award.Event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge.

The Nightingale Awards will recognize excellence in the followingcategories:

Hall of Fame Inductees Nurse of the Year Nursing Educator of the Year Outstanding Nurse Researcher Clinical Practice Nurse of the Year Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year Nursing Administrator of the Year Mentor of the Year, Rookie of the Year Nursing School of the Year, Nursing School Administrator of the Year Outstanding Community Service by a Registered Nurse Outstanding Employer or Facility of the Year (Other than a Hospital) Hospital of the Year (100 beds or more) Hospital of the Year (fewer than 100 beds)

ADDITIONAL NIGHTINGALEINFORMATION

★ There is no cost to nominate and you may make as many nominations as you wish.★ All nominations must be in by Friday, January 7, 2011.★ ONLY Hall of Fame nominees will be notified if they will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. All other categories will not know the outcome until the night of the event.★ A time to dress up and celebrate (black tie optional) event. No jeans please!★ Tickets are $500 for a table of 10 and $55 for individual tickets.★ Reserved table placement is based entirely on the date the reservation is received at the LSNA office. Sponsor tables will be up front. There will be “open seating tables” throughout for individual tickets.★ Event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge★ Cocktail hour will begin at 6:00 pm. Doors will open at 7:00 pm and event begins promptly at 7:10 pm.

PLEASE MAIL THE NOMINATION FORMS TO:Louisiana Nurses FoundationAttention: Carol Cairo, RN

5713 Superior Drive, Suite A-6Baton Rouge, LA 70816

If faxing, fax to: (225) 201-0971E-mail: [email protected]

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION$3000.00 $2000.00★ Level recognized in promotional materials ★ Level recognized in promotional materials★ recognized in the media as supporting sponsor ★ recognized in the media as supporting sponsor★ presenter at the award ceremony ★ presenter at the award ceremony★ three tables of ten at the gala ★ two tables of ten at the gala

$1500.00★ Level recognized in promotional materials★ recognized in the media as supporting sponsor★ presenter at the award ceremony★ one table of ten at the gala

Nursing Educator of the Year Outstanding Nurse Researcher Clinical Practice Nurse of the Year Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year Nursing Administrator of the Year Mentor of the Year, Rookie of the Year Nursing School of the Year, Nursing School Administrator of the Year Outstanding Community Service by a Registered Nurse Outstanding Employer or Facility of the Year (Other than a Hospital) Hospital of the Year (100 beds or more) Hospital of the Year (fewer than 100 beds)

ADDITIONAL NIGHTINGALEINFORMATION

$3000.00 $2000.00★ Level recognized in promotional materials★ recognized in the media as supporting sponsor★ presenter at the award ceremony★ two tables of ten at the gala

$1500.00Level recognized in promotional materialsrecognized in the media as supporting sponsorpresenter at the award ceremonyone table of ten at the gala


2011 Nightingale GalaTenth Annual Louisiana Awards Gala for Nursing and Healthcare

Application Information for Nominations

Remember, this application is the only information the judges will see—please answer all criteria

Individual Award Criteria:All Individual Nominees must be a registered nurse in

Louisiana or retired from nursing having worked in the state of Louisiana.

Please note there are additional requirements for the Hall of Fame nominees. All Hall of Fame nominees will be notified prior to the event whether or not they are selected for induction into the Hall of Fame. All other nominees for awards will be announced at the Gala.

All Individual Nominations must answer:♦ Number of years in practice as a registered nurse.♦ All academic degrees.♦ All current certifications such as ACLS, RN C.♦ Current position and years in position.

In addition it is suggested that additional information be added as appropriate:

♦ Participation in professional nursing organizations including LSNA. Participation in work related professional organizations such as Policy & Procedure, Chair, Nursing Leadership Council, Recruitment committee, member. Participation in non-work and other professional organizations such as Sigma Theta Tau, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, etc.

♦ Participation in Community activities related organizations, such as League of Women voters, Church, volunteer organizations, missionary trips, etc.

♦ Impact on the nursing profession in the state: promotes and advances nursing, supports colleagues, collaborates with other health care professionals, has made a difference in outcomes for colleagues and patients.

Please comment on and give examples of the nominee’s achievements/accomplishments in relation to the specific award for which he/she is nominated.

♦ Hall of FameThis prestigious award recognizes a Registered Nurse’s

lifelong commitment to the profession of nursing and its impact on the health and/or social history of the state of Louisiana. The Registered Nurse who has practiced in Louisiana for at least 10 years and has achieved national prominence will be considered on an individual basis. Up to three nurses may be inducted per year. Hall of Fame inductees may be living or deceased.

Award Criteria—please address the following:1. preparation in a formal nursing program2. demonstrated leadership which has affected the

state’s health and/or social history3. lifelong contribution to nursing practice, education,

administration, research, economics, or literature4. enduring achievement, having value beyond the

nominee’s lifetime5. significant length of time in the profession6. participation in professional organizations including

LSNA/ANA.

♦ Nurse of the YearThis award honors the registered nurse best

exemplifying the art and science of nursing during the previous year.

Award Criteria—please address the following:1. impact on local/or statewide healthcare and nursing2. demonstration of the art/science of nursing

3 demonstration of the science of nursing (clinical expertise)

4. evidence of continuing education5. evidence of mentoring6. participation in professional organizations.

♦ Nursing Educator of the Year (Faculty, School of Nursing)

This award is given to an outstanding nurse educator involved in formal undergraduate or graduate nursing program based in Louisiana.

Award Criteria—please address the following:1. impact on students entering the profession or

seeking a higher degree in nursing2. excellence in classroom presentation or other

instructional modalities3. excellence in clinical expertise4. comments from students5. participation in professional organizations.

♦ Outstanding Nurse ResearcherThis award recognizes a registered nurse who has led

significant formal or informal nursing research which has impacted healthcare or community.

Award Criteria—please address the following:1. demonstrated research capabilities2. impact of research on profession or community3. ability to procure funding4. description of completed or ongoing research

(within the last two years).

♦ Clinical Practice Nurse of the YearThis award recognizes a registered nurse delivering or

fostering exemplary direct patient care. (Staff development personnel or others who foster excellence in clinical practice are eligible to be nominated in this category)

Award Criteria—please address the following:1. impact on patient outcomes through application

of nursing knowledge, dissemination of quality education programs, or application of leadership skills.

2. comments from patients3. interpersonal/communication skills4. technical expertise5. evidence of continuing education6. participation in organizational (employer) affairs7. participation in professional organizations.

♦ Advanced Practice Registered Nurse of the YearThis award honors an Advanced Practice Registered

Nurse licensed in Louisiana for outstanding direct patient care. This category includes: Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Midwives, Nurse Anesthetists, and Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Award Criteria—please address the following:1. impact on patient outcomes2. comments from patients3. interpersonal/communication skills4. technical expertise5. evidence of continuing education6. furtherance of the role of advanced practice nursing

in the community7. participation in professional organizations.

♦ Nursing Administrator of the YearThis award recognizes a registered nurse who

administers the business/patient care activities of a health organization and/or who manages other personnel.

Award Criteria—please address the following:

1. comments from facility registered nurses2. interpersonal/communication skills3. evidence of mentoring4. reactivity in leading/administering nursing care

delivery5. evidence of continuing education6. participation in professional organizations.

♦ Mentor of the YearThis award honors a registered nurse who assists a

colleague to advance in the profession.Award Criteria—please address the following:1. comments from employers, colleagues and mentees2. interpersonal/communication skills3. demonstration of professional awareness4. success of mentees5. participation in professional organizations.

♦ Rookie of the YearThis award honors a registered nurse who, while

practicing for less than two years, exhibits awareness of the practice of nursing and professionalism while delivering nursing care.

Award Criteria—please address the following:1. job experience2. comments from administrator/colleagues regarding

nominee’s professional growth3. demonstration of the art and science of nursing4. evidence of continuing education5. participation in professional organizations.

♦ Nursing School Administrator of the YearThis award recognizes a registered nurse who is

responsible for the administration of a school of nursing or division within a school of nursing.

Award Criteria—please address the following:1. evaluation comments of students2. comments of faculty colleagues3. significant accomplishments for the school of

nursing administered by nominee4. evidence of innovative leadership5. participation in professional organizations.

♦ Outstanding Community Achievement by a Registered Nurse

This award recognizes achievement of outstanding community service by a registered nurse.

Award Criteria—please address the following:1. demonstration of leadership in volunteer community

activities (school, church, etc.)2. demonstration of significant accomplishment for the

community3. participation in professional organizations.4. impact on the health and welfare of the community

or its citizens.5. comments from the organizations or the citizens

served.

Organizational Award Criteria:In addition to the “award criteria information” below,

please answer for all Organizational Nominees:♦ Length of time organization has been in business♦ History of the organization♦ Description of the organization’s most significant

contribution to the healthcare industry/nursing profession

Please comment on and give examples of the

Organizational Award Criteria continued on page 8


organization’s achievements/accomplishments in relation to the specific award.

♦ Outstanding Employer or Facility of the Year (Other than Hospital)

This award recognizes an employer of registered nurses that demonstrates recognition for professional nursing and innovation in leadership.

Award Criteria—please address the following:1. comments from RN staff2. RN recognition within the organization3. support of RN professional development4. turnover of RN staff.

♦ Nursing School of the YearThis award recognizes a school of nursing offering

formal education for entry into practice as a registered nurse.

Award Criteria—please address the following:1. comments of graduates2. comments of graduates’ employers3. comments of faculty4. first-time passage rate on NCLEX-RN5. accreditation status6. activity of alumni association7. support of student organization8. innovations in education/teaching.

♦ Hospital of the Year (100 or more beds) and Hospital of the Year (fewer than 100 beds)

This award recognizes a hospital employer of registered nurses that demonstrates recognition of professional nursing and innovation in leadership.

Award Criteria—please address the following:1. comments from RN staff2. RN recognition within the organization3. RN participation in decision-making/management

decisions4. demonstrated community support for the

organization5. innovation in leadership/management within the

organization.

Organizational Award Criteria continued from page 7

A Tribute to Marie PrimmMarie Cecile Primm, former LSNA Executive

Director, passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2010. She was a retired Registered Nurse, Educator and Administrator. Ms. Primm received her diploma from Mather School of Nursing of southern Baptist Hospital, her Bachelors Degree in Nursing Education from L.S.U. School of Nursing, and her Master’s Degree from Teacher’s College of Columbia University, New York. She held teaching and administrative positions at Northwestern State University School of Nursing and was head of the Department of Nursing at Nichols State University.

She served as Assistant Executive Director of the Louisiana State Nurses Association from 1970 until 1972 and as Executive Director of the Association from 1972 until 1983. The following article is “A tribute to Marie Primm.”

A Tribute to Marie PrimmWhen a student hears of a teacher who has passed

away, it leavers one with a feeling of sadness like this could not have happened. But as we all know it does when we least expect it. It’s almost like something very sacred has been taken away, something that all of a sudden becomes a memory imbedded in the past. Such is the case with the passing of Marie Primm, founder and Department Head of Nicholls School of Nursing.

Marie Primm came to Nicholls in 1968 where she began developing one of the areas newest departments, nursing. She worked tirelessly with state and local officials in generating financial and community support for the newly formed Associate Degree Nursing Program. This was the first of its kind in this area. Miss Primm, as she was affectingly known, knew that one day this school of nursing would provide Registered Nurses for the future needs of the tri parish area. Although walls of resistance were present, she was a

persistent leader, and pushed on to see the development of what it is today. She laid the foundation to building one of the finest nursing schools in the state.

Few nursing students would have ever heard of her, other than seeing her picture hanging on the wall of the school of nursing. Miss Primm was a “visionary.” She was not afraid to face challenges and stand by her commitment. She believed that nursing was a profession that helped people at a time when they needed it the most. Her rewards were seeing her students achieve their goals and becoming nurses of quality and compassion towards their patients. This was all the reward she needed. She projected this philosophy of caring and compassion to her students as an educator, a leader, and mentor, while keeping the human element alive, which is so essential to nursing today.

Challenges in nursing were not new to Miss Primm. When she left Nicholls State University, she took on an even more challenging role, that of Executive Director of the Louisiana State Nurses Association. Under her leadership, she united nurses throughout the state. She stood guard against political forces that would allow unlicensed nurses to practice. This of course did not happen under her leadership. She worked tirelessly with other nursing boards and nursing organizations to seal the fate of registered nurses throughout the state. She was a champion for nurses!

Miss Primm will be remembered by those of us who knew her. She was a kind and lovely lady, always willing to help her students become the very best they could be. When asked how she felt about nursing, she would say, “I want to give back to nursing what nursing has given to me.”

May she rest in peace in her heavenly home!

Eddie Hebert, RNFormer student

The terms of the following members of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing will expire on December 31, 2010:

• Patricia Johnson, RN, MN, CNAA who serves in a position dedicated to “Nursing Administration” as set forth in La. R.S.37:914 (C) (1) (a). Ms. Johnson is eligible for reappointment for a second term.

• Deborah Olds, MS, RN, CPHRM who serves in a position dedicated to “Other Area of Nursing Practice” as set forth in La. R.S.37:914 (C) (1) (a). Ms. Olds is not eligible for reappointment for a second term.

Louisiana Revised Statute 37:914 (C) (1) (b) requires the Louisiana State Nurses Association to submit names of qualified applicants for each Louisiana State Board of Nursing position to the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions. The Governor then selects one person for each position.

Call for Applications for LSBN Positions!Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:916 A (1-4) state the

following qualifications for each member of the LSBN:

1) Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Louisiana for one year immediately prior to appointment.

2) Hold a current, unencumbered, unrestricted Louisiana license to practice as a Registered Nurse.

3) Have had three years experience in the respective field of practice (nursing service administration for the Nursing Administrator position, nursing education for the Nursing Educator position, advanced practice for the Advanced Practice position, or other areas of nursing practice for the Other Area of Nursing Practice position).

For a nominee to be considered, all required documents must be received in the LSNA office by September 15, 2010. All applicants will be interviewed by the Louisiana State Nurses Board of Directors at a time and place to be determined. Applications are available on the LSNA website at www.lsna.org or from the LSNA office.


Call for Nominations!Elections for

2011 Board of Directors

Elections for the following LSNA Board of Directors and ANA Delegates will be held at the 2011 LSNA House of Delegates which will be held Thursday, April 15 and Friday, April 16, 2011. The ballot will include the following positions. If you are interested in running for one of the positions or know someone who is interested, just write your name in and send it to us—or call the LSNA office at 225-201-0993. ([email protected])

Officers

President Elect (2 year term) _________________________________

Vice President (2 year term) _________________________________

Secretary (2 year term) _________________________________

Treasurer (2 year term) _________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

Committee/Council Chairs

Health Policy Committee _________________________________ Chair (4 year term)

Practice Council _________________________________ l Chair (4 year term)

Research Informatics _________________________________ Chair (4 year term)

Membership Committee _________________________________ Chair (4 year term)

__________________________________________________________________Nominating Committee (4 members – 2 year terms)

____ appt. by the Board _____________________________________________

____ elected from South La. _________________________________________

____ elected from North La. _________________________________________

____ elected from membership at large ________________________________

Audit Committee (4 members – 2 year terms)

___ appt. by the LSNA Board _______________________________________

___ elected from South Louisiana ____________________________________

___ elected from North Louisiana ____________________________________

___ elected from membership at large ________________________________

Responsibilities/duties of Each Office President Elect:

1. Chair the Administrative Committee.2. Orient to the duties of president.3. Serve as alternate representative of LSNA to the ANA Constituent Assembly.4. Assume other duties as requested by the president.5. Assume duties of the LSNA President in the president’s absence or at the

discretion of the president.6. Serve as the president of the Louisiana Nurses Foundation

Vice President:1. Chair the Program Committee.2. Assume other duties as requested by the president.

Secretary:1. Chair the Archives Committee.2. Be accountable for record keeping and reporting of meetings of LSNA.

Treasurer:1. Chair the Finance Committee2. Be responsible for monitoring the fiscal activities of the association.3. Provide reports and interpretation of LSNA’s financial position quarterly to

the Board of Directors and annually to the LSNA House of Delegates and membership.

Health Policy Committee Chair:(serves on the LSNA Board of Directors)

1. Initiate legislative action under the direction of the Board of Directors as appropriate to promote nursing or improve healthcare to the citizens of Louisiana.

2. Recommend a position on legislation related to nursing and healthcare issues to the Board of Directors.

3. Develop and disseminate lobbying strategies for LSNA.4. Keep membership informed about important legislation pertinent to nursing.

Membership Committee Chair:(serves on the LSNA Board of Directors)

1. Advise the Board of Directors on membership status of the association.2. Develop and promote strategies for membership recruitment and retention.3. Coordinate the promotion of membership strategies.

Council Chairs:(serves on the LSNA Board of Directors) Practice Council\ Research/Informatics Council

Responsibilities of Councils:1. provide a community of peers and a principal source of expertise in areas of

interest and serve as a forum for discussion of relevant issues and concerns.2. monitor existing standards, develop positions and policies, and make

recommendations to the Board of Directors.3. promote increased understanding of the healthcare needs of culturally diverse

populations.4. serve as a resource regarding ethics and human rights as they relate to nursing.5. accept any additional responsibilities and/or tasks as assigned by the Board of

Directors.

Nominating Committee: (2 year term. The Chair is the person who receives the most votes.) The Committee’s responsibilities are:

1. Six months prior to convention request names of candidates for elective offices of LSNA and ANA delegates from DNAs.

2. Three months prior to convention, receive from DNAs the name of candidates for consideration in developing the ballot.

3. Two months prior to convention, the Nominating Committee shall meet and prepare a ballot consisting of at least two or more nominees for each office to be filled.

4. Prepare a ballot, including the names submitted by the DNAs and other members.5. Publish the slate of candidates at least 60 days in advance of elections.

Audit Committee: (2 year term. The Chair is person who receives the most votes.) The Committee’s responsibilities are:

1. Conduct an annual audit of LSNA income and expenses, with the assistance of the certified public accountant, if needed.

2. Provide for an audit by an external firm every five years and/or when there is a change in the Executive Director.

3. Report findings and make recommendations to the Board of Directors annually and to the House of Delegates at convention.

4. Submit a report to the membership annually in the Pelican News.

Nominations for ANA Delegateswill be taken from the floor!

Louisiana State Nurses Association5713 Superior Drive, Suite A-6

Baton Rouge, La 70816


National Award Named in Her Honor!

Dr. Cheryl Taylor

A new national award by the federal Centers for Disease Control’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) was presented to Dr. Cheryl Taylor, Southern University School of Nursing’s Director of Nursing Research. This new award entitled the “Dr. Cheryl Taylor Award for Leadership and Vision” recognizes her efforts to eliminate disparities in the delivery of healthcare to various racial and ethnic groups.

Dr. Taylor has worked with REACH since its inception in 1999. The REACH initiative has contributed significant evidence-based health outcomes and community-based participatory approaches to the goal of advancing health equity. The REACH board voted unanimously to name the award after Taylor as a reminder to researchers of the character, values, integrity, compassion and determination one must bring to their work. “The work that Dr. Taylor contributed to the National REACH project and the Imperative is unparallel,” Eleanor Hinton Hyott, president and CEO of the Imperative said. “In 2005, Hurricane Katrina threatened the work of this project. But, even in the face of catastrophic disaster, Cheryl stayed the course and kept our vision of eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities in New Orleans intact. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of receiving this award and being its namesake.”

The REACH award is another major citation that Dr. Taylor has won over the past year. She was chosen the 2009 international winner of the prestigious Daniel J. Pesut “Spirit of Renewal Award” for Nursing Excellence from the Honor Society of Nursing of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI).

Additionally, The Louisiana Nurses Foundation and the Louisiana State Nurses Association named Taylor the 2010 recipient of the ‘Outstanding Nurse Researcher’ Award. The award recognizes a registered nurse who has led significant formal or informal nursing research which has impacted healthcare or the community.

Dr. Cheryl Taylor

Following the resignations of Ramona Guinn, LSNA Practice Council Chair, and Evelyn Wills, LSNA Research/Informatics Council Chair, the LSNA Board of Directors has appointed two excellently qualified individuals to serve out the remainder of their terms, which will be completed in April, 2011. Please welcome:

Lucy Douglas: Lucy has accepted the position as LSNABoard Member and Chair of the Nurse Practice Council. She is an Assistant Professor at Louisiana Tech and her background in nursing is primarily in adult med – surgnursing. She works p.r.n. at the Women’s Center at Northern

Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston and is a Certified Diabetes Educator and works for a local home care company in her “Free time.” She has previous experience on the LSNA Board of Directors serving as Chair of the Clinical Practice Council and received the Nightingale Award for Clinical Practice in 2006.

Lucy is married with 3 children – Emery 20, a student at ULM, Raine 18, who will enter Savannah College of Art & Design, and Will 17, a senior in high school. Lucy, welcome back!

Welcome to New Members of the LSNA Board of Directors!

Dr. Susan Steele-Moses. Dr. Steele-Moses has accepted the appointment as LSNA Board Member and Chair of the Nursing Research/Informatics Council. She is the Program Director for Nursing at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. She is also a part-time adjunct faculty

member at Southern University and an on-line facilitator for the University of Phoenix. She began her career as an associate degree nurse in the Oncology Unit at Baton Rouge General Medical Center and is an oncology clinical nurse specialist. Susan’s research background is in the field of adult health with a primary focus in oncology prevention and early detection. She is actively engaged with bedside nurses to foster evidence-based practice and nursing research at OLOL.

Susan’s vision for the Research/Informatics Council is to develop a clinical nurse research Nightingale award, specific to the research studies led by bedside nurses. She would also like to develop a collaborative relationship with Dr. Cynthia Bienemy at the Louisiana Nursing Center to continue to promote nursing research throughout the state. Additionally, she aspires to include more informatics nurse presence on the Council as the nursing workforce continues to be more electronically savvy. It is with great pleasure that we welcome Susan to her new role on the LSNA Board of Directors as the Research/Informatics Council Chair!


District News

District IV NewsOn March 6, 2010, in recognition of National Nurses’

Week, District IV of the Louisiana State Nurses’ Association held its twelfth annual Acadiana Celebrates Nursing event at the Petroleum Club in Lafayette, LA. The event spotlights twenty five nurses nominated by their peers and blindly selected by the district who exemplify the core of nursing through their unending commitment to patient well being.

The twenty five nurses honored this year include: Patti Lafosse, Arlene Brasseaux Darbonne, Mark Melancon, Natashia Washington, Evelyn Goodrow, Ella Menard, Rachel Myers, Betty Alford, Teresa Margaglio, Kirk Carbo, Sherry Courville, Rebecca Benoit, Edward Johnson, Melissa Nunez, Shayna Guidry, Shayla Bernard, Elizabeth Little, Deedra Harrington, Alice Stansbury, Jan Hiatt, Karen Comeaux, Valarie Monte, Jana Edney-Poole, Carolyn Delahoussaye, and Brenda Broussard.

District IV would like to thank these nurses for taking the extra steps to make their nursing practice consistent with caring, knowledge, empathy, and professionalism.

In addition, Dr. Evelyn Wills was presented with an award at the ceremony for her life-long commitment to the profession of nursing and her unmatched mentoring skills for new and upcoming nurses. Dr. Wills has retired from her teaching position at UL Lafayette and has resigned her post as Research and Informatics Chair at the LSNA. We wish Dr. Wills a long and happy retirement.

Wills: Dr. Denise Danna, LSNA President (right) presents Dr. Evelyn Wills (left) with an award for her service to LSNA and nurses and patients in the Acadiana region.

Honorees: Acadiana’s Top 25 Nurses for 2010 (not pictured Carolyn Delahoussaye and Evelyn Goodrow).

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW ORLEANS DISTRICT NURSES ASSOCIATION(ORLEANS, JEFFERSON, PLAQUEMINES, ST. BERNARD, ST. CHARLES,

ST. JAMES, and ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISHES)

Information in this section is the domain of theNew Orleans District Nurses Association.

On behalf of the 2009-2010 Board of Directors of the New Orleans District Nurses Association (NODNA), I would like to take this opportunity to thank our 281 members for their input on the NODNA SWOT Analysis for our strategic planning purposes in spring 2010. Your thoughts are important to the leadership of our organization and will mold our future activities and organization goals.

The past year has been a whirlwind of excitement as our program committee lead by Ellen Beyer planned the fall event at the New Orleans Museums of Art. The focus was, “The Art of Caring at Angola State Penitentiary.” In January the request for proposals was announced and the organization is proud to fund this year’s recipient. In March, NODNA celebrated our 90th Anniversary of the New Orleans District Nurses Association at the annual Student Nurse Night at Chateau Golf and Country Club. In May, NODNA enjoyed the “Beyond All Boundaries,” Sacrifice and Service—Celebrating nurses roles throughout history,” and honoring Nurses in WW II, Vietnam War and Desert Storm at the World War II Museum. In addition, NODNA invited 402 new graduates to join the organization and awarded over 8 leadership awards to the various nursing schools in the New Orleans community.

In 2010-2011, NODNA looks forward to having a rolling research grant submission program, a fall program at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum in October, the Annual students nurse night in March, a legislative activity when the legislators are in session in April and a spring program in May. Details to all of our events will follow. Please accept our invitation to join us in these unique events. Each offers a new perspective and will renew your spirit in the nursing profession.

Lastly, I would like to thank our members for their continued contribution to the organization. NODNA is whole because each of our members gives of their time, talent and treasure to participate in our organization. As a Board of directors we value each member and we know we are only as strong as the members and the community we serve. We are a part of something bigger than ourselves. Thank you for choosing NODNA and nursing!

As the year progresses, please let us know if we can assist you in anyway. Contact us anytime.

Jennifer Couvillon, RN, PhD, CNEPresident New Orleans District Nurses [email protected]

NODNA Picture Gallery

Celeste Carter, COL Assistant Chief Nurse 4010th US Army Hospital, NOLA, Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, LSUHSC-SON; Marjorie B. Kraus, MS, RN, BC, Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, LSUHSC-SON; Patricia M. Prechter, R.N., M.S.N., Ed.D., Professor of Nursing, Our Lady of Holy Cross College Associate Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs; Chair of the Department of Nursing and Allied Health Colonel (retired), Louisiana Army National Guard

2010-2011 Calendar of Events

Sept 14, 2010 Board of Directors Meeting, 9-10 am, LSUHSC SON

Oct 13, 2010 Fall Program, TBA, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Nov 9, 2010 Board of Directors Meeting , 4-5 pm, LSUHSC SON

Jan 11, 2011 Board of Directors Meeting, 12-1 pm, LSUHSC SON

Mar 16, 2011 Board of Directors Meeting, 9-10 am, LSUHSC SON

March 30, 2011 Student Nurses Night, TBA, Chateau Golf and Country Club

April 2011 Legislative Activity, TBAMay 7, 2011 Spring Program, TBAMay 11, 2011 Board of Directors Meeting, 4-5 pm,

LSUHSC SON

Do you want to be a speaker and represent your nursing profession? NODNA is seeking nurses who will speak on their nursing profession, opportunities, and/or health related topics. This information will be made available to the community to ensure a nursing voice at career days, health fairs, and political events. If you are interested, please contact Anne Troy, [email protected], with your area of expertise and your information.

NODNA continued on page 12


Northshore District Nurses Association

(St Tammany and Washington Parishes)Meeting Dates for 2010

September 21, 2010November 16, 2010

Both meetings will be held at Abita Brewery Restaurant in Abita Springs. Dutch treat dinner starts at 6 pm followed by business meeting. For more information call Marilyn Sullivan at 985-290-9292

District NewsNODNA continued from page 11

Research CornerNODNA is pleased to announce $2000 research grant

that will be awarded to Tanya P. Schreiber, RN, MSN, ACHPN, PH-CNS for her doctoral work with Hospice Nurses.

LSUHSC Nursing Alumni Association proudly announces Bonnie J. Adelsberg, MN as the 2010 Alumnus of the Year. Ms. Adelsberg, an advanced practice nurse in private practice, provides psychiatric mental health nursing care to individuals, couples, and groups. She also provides counseling to LSUHSC nursing students as well as other students in professional programs at LSUHSC. Ms. Adelsberg has received many awards, including the 2003 Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year Award at the LSNA Nightingale Gala, and has served on the board of Mental Health Association of Greater New Orleans.

Ruston District Nurses AssociationThe Ruston District Nurses Association has elected new

officers for the year 2010-2011. These officers are President Beth Fife, Vice President Debbie Spann, Secretary Pam Moore, Treasurer Lucy Douglas, Nominating Committee Chair Shirley Payne, and Board Members Norlyn Hyde, Nancy Darland, Carol Owens, and Sue Billberry. Our meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:15pm. The speaker at the January, 2010 meeting was Rose Johnson. She shared her experiences when she participated in the “People to People Ambassador Program” in China. The information she shared about health care in China was most informative. The speaker at the February, 2010 Meeting was Debbie Spann who shared about her role with the LA Emergency Response Network (LERN). Ms. Spann’s role is Tri-Regional Coordinator (Region 8) for LERN in which she enhances communication between the EMS Hospitals and the system. Carol Owens was the speaker at the March, 2010 meeting. Her presentation was “Multitasking with Robotics”. She demonstrated ways to use time wisely and get work done in a timely manner. Dr. Laurie Stoff, history faculty at Louisiana Tech University, was the speaker at the April 2010 meeting. She spoke on “Russian War Time Nursing Experience in WWI”. On May 3, 2010, the RDNA celebrated Nurses Week with a banquet in the Waggoner room at Louisiana Tech University. The speaker for the banquet was Lou Murphy who gave an inspiring talk on “Facing Your Giants.” Lucy Douglas was instrumental in organizing and serving as Emcee for the banquet. Graduating nursing students from Louisiana Tech University were given an invitation to the banquet and several attended. The RDNA has continued to be involved with collecting items and sending several boxes troops in Iraq, as well as participating in St. Jude Children Research Hospital Radiothon, Relay for Life, and March of Dimes fundraisers. RDNA also assisted Student Nurses to attend the National Student Nurse Convention. Some goals for the coming year include raising membership and reaching out more to the community.

One of the nurses serving in Iraq that benefited from a 2008 shipment brought the Nurse Day banner back to the RDNA. He is a Louisiana Tech graduate and he recognized the signatures of several Tech faculty in the banner. He and his wife brought it back to Ruston during the summer of 2009. It was wonderful to know that the nurses appreciated our thoughts and prayers for them while they are serving the country.

The upcoming 2010-2011 year meeting plans include the following:September 21, 2010 Knox Andres: “Emergency

Preparedness”October 19, 2010 “Breast Cancer Awareness”November 16, 2010 Rose Johnson: “LAVA”December 14, 2010 Christmas PartyJanuary 18, 2011 “Bariatric Treatment”February 15, 2011 “Cardiac Care”March 15, 2011 “March of Dimes”April 19, 2011 “Cancer Awareness Relay for Life”May 10, 2011 Celebrate Nurses Week

The NDNA Christmas Party will be held on December 7, 2010

at 6 pm.

Place TBA

$10 gift exchange and

LOTS of FUN!!

Great occasion to come and

meet members. All guests welcome.

For more info call

985-290-9292.


District News

Tangipahoa Parish Nurses Association (TDNA)Recognizes Their “Top Nurses” for 2010

Tangipahoa Parish Nurses Association (TDNA) honored eight of their nurses at their annual “Tangi’s Top Nurses’

Awards Gala” on May 11, 2010, at Twelve Oaks Cafeteria on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University. Dr. Barbara Moffett, Dean, College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Southeastern Louisiana University gave the opening remarks. The TDNA board of directors recognized each of the honorees for their

exceptional service to the profession of nursing and our community. Here are the eight nurses TDNA is proud to announce as their 2010 Top Nurses:

Sherry Collura (Patient Safety Director,North Oaks Health System)

Sherry has helped pioneer the disaster prepardenss in our community and continues to lead nurses to understand and embrace the patient safety initiatives. Her vast experience and knowledge base is what she offers to any and all nurses as a resource and guide to best clinical practice.

To her employees, Sherry is a gentle, steady guide and they are immensely proud to have her as their leader. She sets the “bar” high due to her own determination to continue to improve and to adapt to the new health care challenges.

Sherry’s community contributions are numerous. As a hospital volunteer she can be found in the first aid booths in events like the Strawberry Festival, Ladies’ Basketball Top 28 and the TARC barbeque cook off.

However, on of Sherry’s hidden traits is why she is definitely a “top nurse.” Sherry is a tireless advocate for nursing. Having been in the profession for enough time to witness the evolution of nursing, Sherry is the first to point out nursing started at the bedside and grew, but will never lose its’ “roots.”

Terry Compton (Nursing Instructor,Southeastern Louisiana University)

Terry as advanced the nursing profession through her tireless efforts with diabetes education. She has shared her expertise with countless patients and their families as well as students and peers. Dr. Moffett remembers first meeting Terry after Hurricane Katrina. Several patients and their family members had shared with Dr. Moffett their profound respect for Terry as a compassionate nurse that was a guiding light in their dark times.

Terry served on the Professional Practice Committee for American Association of Diabetic Educators and was part of the team for “AADE Guidelines for the Practice of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Training (2009).” She maintains her certification as a Diabetic educator.

One example of Terry’s mentoring began approximately four years ago when Terry campaigned and started a new summer elective course for nursing students that would allow them to participate in diabetes camp for a week (with instruction occurring before the camp). Terry’s passion for the idea was shown when she volunteered without pay to instruct if needed.

Terry also mentored students with community projects that received community notoriety, including the Prom Night, drinking and driving activity with local high schools and recent texting and driving program at the Mandeville High School publicized by WWL-TV.

Melanie Hornsby (Charge Nurse, Telemetry Unit at North Oaks Medical Center)

Melanie has always represented nursing in a positive way. She is always “upbeat” and supportive of her coworkers. Melanie encourages nursing students to nursing and go forward to the next education level to further their career.

Melanie is extremely encouraging to new nurses. Her personality allows them the confidence to ask her questions, express their concerns, and sometimes “just vent.” Because of Melanie’s natural ability to be calm and reassuring she is a natural leader. Her greatest legacy thus far is the use of critical thinking from nurses under her tutelage.

Mitzie Meyers (Nursing Instructor,Southeastern Louisiana University)

Mitzie represents the best of holistic nursing care. She is kind and patient yet has high expectations of herself and students. She gently coaxes the best from everyone around her. She has written on several topics of significance to nursing including parents being with children during code situation and spirituality among those who have lost love ones to suicide. Mitzie practices holistically and she lives a spiritual, reflective life, an example to us all.

Mitzie has worked at Children’s Hospital as a preceptor to new graduate students and she teaches pediatric care. She has spear headed the initiation of critical appraisal and evidence based practice in the pediatric clinical course.

Mitzie volunteers in numerous projects, including: mentoring new college faculty, AHA heart walk, bulletin boards in Mims Hall, Senior/Junior day at SLU, health with Honors Convocation, Rho Zeta (Sigma Theta Rho) induction, service learning projects in pediatric clinical. Mitzie is also active member of the missions team at my church that coordinate and carry out quarterly local mission projects; a member of Ronnie’s Life Ministry; volunteers at her daughter’s school; volunteers at local animal shelter and an active member of the St. Tammany Outreach for Prevention of Suicide.

Jennifer Pittman (Founder, Pink Warrior Foundation)Jennifer has worked in several community health

settings, including home health and rural school based health clinics. Her professional casts a positive image of nurses and the profession in underserved areas.

Jennifer serves as a mentor to high school students at Sumner High School. She works with students, who have a desire to pursue nursing as a career, to develop senior projects in career exploration. Jennifer has established the Pink Warrior Foundation. This is an organization assists local families affected by cancer and other major illnesses. She is also involved in North Tangipahoa Relay for Life which is a American Cancer Society fundraising effort.

Megan Richardson (Nurse Manager,Restoration House Resource Center)

Megan Richardson is an extraordinary nurse. She is the

TDNA Awards continued on page 14


nurse manager of the pregnancy crisis center (Restoration House Resource Center) in downtown Hammond, but she wears many hats (including: performing ultrasounds, writing/updating all policies and procedures, keeping up with best practices, managing and recruiting volunteers and even janitorial duties when needed). Megan never passes on an opportunity to invite nurses and/or nursing students into Restoration House and guides them in ways to volunteer and better our community. When a nurse commits to volunteering, it is Megan that mentors the nurse.

In the community, Megan teaches parenting classes and donates her time to her church. She is especially active in the youth programs and hosts the group in her home. Megan is the proud mother of a beautiful daughter (and another lucky child is on the way) that she is teaching by example on how to be a caring, compassionate person with a desire to make the world a better place. Megan embodies what nursing is!

Brinette Thompson (Emergency Room Supervisor, Lallie Kemp Medical Center)

Brinette has filled numerous roles at Lallie Kemp Medical Center since 2001 but has made great strides in her latest role as Emergency Room Supervisor. Brinette works hard to improve and provide quality patient care to the patients.

District NewsTDNA Awards continued from page 13 Brinette holds numerous certifications including, TNCC

and ENPC. She is also an instructor for the American Heart Association BLS, ACLS and PALS courses. Through her role at Lallie Kemp she is involved in the community through job fairs, LA Emergency Response Network, Florida Parishes Human Services and LOPA. She also serves as a member of the Emergency Department work group for St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes.

Dr. Matthew Bernard, Lallie Kemp Emergency Department’s Medical Director, stated: “Brinette Thompson is an outstanding leader, coworker and nurse. Her persistence and dedication are unrivaled. She leads by example and is a true superstar at our facility.”

Elizabeth Wagner (retired, consultant for group homes)Elizabeth has been a nurse for many, many years. She

started as a Charity Hospital diploma nurse then went back to SLU for her BSN degree (while having her five children). Elizabeth as always worked in the nursing field and now is a consultant for area group rooms.

Elizabeth has mentored for students for over thirty years. Many of these students work as LPN(s) and many have become RN(s). There has never been a time she has not been available to for advice for her current or former students.

Elizabeth’s volunteer efforts show her dedication to nursing. She is the Chairperson of the Louisiana Technical College Allied Health Advisory Board. She is the past-chairperson of Options and remains dedicated to volunteering in the care of persons with mental handicapped. Elizabeth is a CPR instructor, a volunteer with Tangipahoa American Heart Association and an active member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

AprilKaren Bess Alyce KantnerDana Broaddus Brenda KellyTimothy Cotita Connie Lewis Tracey Deegan Jacqueline LoydJeanne Dispenza Elizabeth MarcotteJessie Ellis-Jamison Kenesha MatthewsBruce Firmin Therese MendezDana Gilbert Rose SchaubhutTressa Glasper Linda ShowersShawanna Guillory Kristine TaylorCynthia Hallam Desley WashingtonLarry Hopkins Heather WhiteKimberly Jenks Tina WillsAdrian Jones

Louisiana Association Nurse Practitioners

16th Annual LANP Primary Care Conference 2010

Shreveport Convention Center

October 8 – 10

Online Conference Registration

Now Available!

www.LANP.org

A printable form for mailing is also available.

Needed volunteers please contact

the LANP offi ce.

Register early to assure course selections.

We look forward to seeing YOU there!

LSNA Board of Directors thanks:

• RamonaGuinnwhoservedasChairoftheClinicalPractice Council and on the LSNA Board of Directors since April, 2007. She recently resigned her position due to pressures of work and graduate school (many of us have been there!) We thank her for all she has done and appreciate her efforts!

• Dr. Evelyn Wills who has served on the LSNABoard of Directors and Chair of the Research/Informatics Council since April, 2003. In May, 2010 Dr. Wills resigned due to her retirement from the ULM School of Nursing faculty, and her decision to move to Minnesota to be near family. We thank her for her support and all those wonderful Poster Presentations she put together. She will be missed!

We would like to welcome our newest members of the LSNA: 2nd Quarter 2010

MayKaren Baldwin Kalisha GussJennifer Beck Shelly HoardJennifer Campbell Sharon PorterFrankie Carver Melissa ShubertLisa Colletti Joy ThierryKandy Collins Brinette ThompsonMeshawn Cook Jennifer VitellaroHolly Delatte Debra Young

JuneTandi Ballard Katheryne Lewis Andrea Bourque Terrell ManuelTammy Cannon Shenita PaynesNancy Costa Jeffrey SallotAntonieta Dousay Phyllis SimmonsJana Edney-Poole Twayna Spann-BrownRose Ferina-Wynn Timothy SternMary Hall Loree TownsDona Hill Chloe VillavasoMelissa Kelly Sheri WilsonCarletta Lamb

Thank you!!

house of delegates photos · denise danna & joeann clark ana president becky patton and...

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