Transcription
Vol. 81, No. 1Quarterly publication direct mailed to approximately 62,000 RNs and LPNs in Mississippi.Spring 20192019 Nightingale Awards GalaThe stars of healthcare from Mississippi celebratedthe achievements of nurses at the Nightingale AwardsGala co-hosted by the Mississippi Nurses’ Associationand Mississippi Nurses’ Foundation on March 4th atthe Marriott Downtown Jackson. This preeminentevent emphasized 17 award categories with nomineesbeing recognized from across the state. In addition,an induction into the distinguished MississippiNurses’ Association Hall of Fame was announced.Jeff Good, President Mangia Bene RestaurantManagement Group, served as the Master ofCeremonies for this celebration of nursing excellence.Attendees enjoyed entertainment provided by thetalented Elise McDonald from New Stage Theatre.Conversation flowed as guests enjoyed highlights frompast awards galas providing a preview of the night tocome.Nurse of Distinction AwardMelissaH.King,DNP, FNP-BC, ENP-BC,of Flowood, MS, eMDTelehealth Solutions, tookhome the most prestigioushonor of the evening, the2019 Nurse of DistinctionAward presented by BobbieFord, the 2017 Nurse of theYear.Mississippi Nurses’ Association Hall of Famefor 2019Elizabeth“Libby”Mahaffey,PhD,RN,FAADN of Raymond,MS, Hinds CommunityCollege, was inducted intothe Mississippi Nurses’Association Hall of Famefor 2019 presented by MNAPresident, Debra Allen.A Message from the PresidentDebra Allen, MSN, RNIn a 2011 Health and Safety survey of more than4,500 nurses, RNs listed the acute and chronic effectsRecentlyIwasof stress and overwork as their No. 1 concern. Strongcautioning a group ofevidence supporting links between job stress, safetynursing students to beand health in general and within different types ofprepared for the stressnursing populations exists. High stress levels can leadthey will likely experienceto nurses engaging in unhealthy behaviors, such aswhen they enter the nursingstress eating, along with lack of adequate sleep andprofession. Nursing is aexercise. Stress is a serious issue that requires that wechallengingprofessionembrace programs that focus on health and wellness.with both physical andWe can take better care of our patients and familiesemotionaldemandswhen we are at our optimum performance.coupledwithethicalWhat are some of the ways we can cope with stress?considerations within aThere’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but all of us cancomplex, rapidly evolvingbenefit from a healthier diet. Stress reduces digestiveenvironment. To effectively Debra Allen, MSN, RNeffectiveness by shunting blood to more vital organs,manage this level of stress,which promotes poor digestion and reduces nutrientI encouraged each student to identify strategies to absorption. So eating a nutrient-dense diet of highincorporate into daily routines. After this session, Iquality whole foods is even more vital during stressfulreflected on our efforts to reassure nursing studentsperiods. When we’re stressed, eating unhealthy foodsthat each of them can take steps to manage stress, but such as vending machine staples seems convenient. Ifas practicing nurses we often fail to make changes towe are prone to grabbing an unhealthy snack, we needcope with stress in our lives. We ignore stress-relatedto develop a habit of keeping healthy options suchoutcomes such as depression, sleep issues, irritability as nuts or a piece of fruit handy for when a cravingand somatic disturbance. How many of us have saidstrikes.at the end of the day, “I’m physically exhausted andExercising on a regular basis is also important.mentally drained?” How many of us have activelyAll forms of exercise, including yoga and walking,sought to reduce our stress so we are not quite so can ease depression and anxiety by helping the brainexhausted?release feel-good chemicals and by giving the body achance to practice dealing with stress. Walking,taking the stairs, or even stretching will help usPresort StandardUS Postagerelax.PAIDSharing our concerns with supportive,Permit #14empathetic colleagues can reduce our stressPrinceton, MNand frequently provide us a fresh perspective.current resident or55371Likewise, everyone needs someone to laughwith, and this is especially true when we’restressed, as laughter lowers cortisol andboosts endorphins. Being a member of MNAprovides you the opportunity to expand yourprofessional and social network by interactingwith your nursing colleagues from across thestate. Cultivating strong relationships withconfidants who have listened to me and laughedwith me is one of the aspects of MNA that I mostvalue.What better way to reduce stress than to “giveback” through service learning! Nurses activelyparticipating in community engagement projectsbecome more aware of community health needs andcan develop solutions to meet those needs. Researchershave found that people who gave their time to helpothers through community and organizationalinvolvement had greater self-esteem, less depressionand lower stress levels than those who didn’t. Agreat way to become involved in service learningis to participate in your MNA District communityengagement projects. Serve as a volunteer for anestablished project or assist in identifying a newproject for your district.These are just a few ways to cope with stress. Eachof us must find what works best for our personalityand mind-set. Let’s also recognize that many of ourcolleagues are struggling with stress as well. By workingtogether we can serve as a support group for eachother. It’s always easier to walk the stairs, eat healthy,and work on a community project with an encouragingcolleague. By improving how we handle stress, we candevelop an overall work-life balance and success.ReferencesBea, S. (2016, November 15). Wanna Give? This Is YourBrain on a ‘Helper’s High’. Cleveland Clinic.Retrieved from: ood-for-your-health/.Moninger, J. 10 Relaxation Techniques That Zap StressFast. WebMD. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com /balance/g uide/blissing-out-10 , R.K. & Grubb, P.L. (2013, May 21). TheConsequences of Nursing Stress and Need forIntegrated Solutions. Rehabilitation Nursing, 39(2):62-69. Retrieved from: nj.97.Trossman, S. (2019, February 6). An issue of weight: Callingall nurses to get healthy and reverse a trend. TheAmerican Nurse.Wilson, D.R. & Dillard, D.M. (2013, September). Eatingbetter to help manage chronic stress. AmericanNurse Today, 8(9).
Page 2 Mississippi RNMarch, April, May 2019Board of DirectorsEVENT2019 APRN Spring ConferenceDATE & LOCATIONNatchez Convention Center - Natchez, MSApril 12-13, 2019NRCME/FMCSA DOT Medical ExaminerCourseControlled Substances SeminarNorth MississippiSpring 2019Mississippi Center for Nursing - Madison, MSMay 20192019 Annual ConventionMS Coast Coliseum & Convention Center - Biloxi, MSOctober 22-25, 20192019 TRAVEL TOURSSouth Pacific Wonders Featuring FijiAugust 6-18, 2019Exploring Scotland & IrelandOctober 6-18, 2019Sunny PortugalDecember 6-15, 2019PresidentDebra Allen, MSN, RNdallen@deltastate.eduVice PresidentTonya Moore, PhD, RNtonyamoore2010@gmail.comSecretaryJohnnie Sue Wijewardane,PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANPjwijewardane@umc.eduTreasurerCarl Mangum, PhD, PMHNPcmangum@umc.eduDirectorsCouncil on Nursing EducationTomekia Luckett, PhD, RNtluckett@wmcarey.eduCouncil on Nursing ResearchJanie Butts, PhD, RNjanie.butts@usm.eduCouncil on Health AffairsAlena Lester, DNP,APRN, FNP-C, ONP-Caalester@muw.eduCouncil on Nursing PracticeDebra Rhinewalt,BSN, CHPNdebra.rhinewalt@bmhcc.orgCouncil onOrganizational AffairsDeloris Slade, DNP, RN, FNP-BCdelorisslade@aol.comCouncil onAdvanced PracticeShonda Phelon, DNP, RN,FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, GNP-Bshondaphelon@msn.comMNA StaffExecutive DirectorTeresa Malonetmalone@msnurses.orgFinance Administrator/Membership CoordinatorDeborah Normandnorman@msnurses.orgExecutive AssistantLaGina Walkerlwalker@msnurses.orgDirector of Events& MarketingDana Walkerdwalker@msnurses.orgAdvanced Practice Coordinator/Publishing CoordinatorDionne Inmandinman@msnurses.orgMNA District PresidentsDistrict 1:Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, andWilkinson countiesBrenda Collinsbcollins@alcorn.eduDistrict 16:Clarke, Kemper, andLauderdale countiesLinda Toddltodd@bellsouth.netDistrict 2:Amite, Copiah, Lawrence, Lincoln,Pike, and Walthall countiesTammy Livingstontlivingston@kdmc.orgDistrict 18:Choctaw, Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee,Oktibbeha, Webster, and WinstoncountiesSally Pearsonshpearson@muw.eduDistrict 5:Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, andStone countiesDeborah Mauffraydebmauffray@gmail.comDistrict 6:Jackson, George, and Greene countiesRobbie Burnsedrene1461@yahoo.comDistrict 7:Covington, Forrest, Lamar, Perry,Jefferson Davis & Marion countiesLinda Holmeslholmes@forrestgeneral.comDistrict 8:Jasper, Jones, and Wayne countiesEmily PhillipsEmily.phillips@jcjc.eduDistrict 11:Simpson and Smith countiesTeresa Windhamtwindhamdon@yahoo.comDistrict 12:Claiborne, Issaquena, Sharkey, andWarren countiesDebbie HooverDebbie 0401@yahoo.comDistrict 13:Hinds, Rankin, Madison andYazoo countiesBeverly Oliveroliver59beverly@icloud.comDistrict 21:Humphries, Sunflower, andWashington countiesKaffie Burns-Denleyeiffak67@yahoo.comDistrict 23:Bolivar, Coahoma, Quitman,Tallahatchie, and Tunica counties.Shelby Polkspolk@deltastate.eduDistrict 25:Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun,Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee,Monroe, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tippah,Tishomingo, and Union countiesRobbie Jonesrjones8001@gmail.comDistrict 28:DeSoto, Marshall, and Tate countiesPhyllis Chambersphyllischambers960@gmail.comDistrict 31:Lafayette, Panola, and YalobushacountiesMorgan Waltermdwalterl@gmail.comDistrict 32:Attala, Carroll, Grenada, Holmes,Leflore, and Montgomery countiesHeather Wilkeyhwilkey@bellsouth.netDistrict 15:Leake, Neshoba, Newton, and ScottcountiesCassandra orgPublished by:Arthur L. DavisPublishing Agency, Inc.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, sales@aldpub.com. MNA and the Arthur L. Davis PublishingAgency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility forerrors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of priceof advertisement.Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by theMississippi Nurses’ Association of products advertised, the advertisers, or theclaims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product offeredfor advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or thatthis association disapproves of the product or its use. MNA and the Arthur L.Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequencesresulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles appearingin this publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of MNA or those of thenational or local associations.Mississippi RN is published quarterly every March, June, September and December and is the official publication of the Mississippi Nurses’ Association,31 Woodgreen Place, Madison, MS 39110, a constituent member of the American Nurses Association.
March, April, May 2019Mississippi RN Page 3Congratulations to the 2019 Nightingale Awards NomineesAdvanced Practice Nurse of the Year Mindy Jo Edna Byrd, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP-C,Jackson Heart Clinic Kate Fouquier, PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM,University of Mississippi Medical Center Schoolof Nursing Michelle Goreth, DNP, APRN, RN-BC,CPNP-AC, CCRN-P, CTRN, CPEN, TCRN,University of Mississippi Medical CenterChief Nursing Officer of the Year Susan Russell, MSN, CCRN-CSC, SingingRiver Health SystemFaculty Member of the Year Karen Nabors, RN, MSN, EdD, MississippiUniversity for Women Rebecca Newton, DNP, RN, CHSE,University of Southern Mississippi Karen Winters, PhD, RN, University ofMississippi Medical Center School of NursingHospital of the Year Baptist Memorial Hospital – DeSoto,Southaven, Mississippi Singing River Health System, Pascagoula,MississippiNurse Educator of the Year Megan Boyer, BSN, RN, Mississippi BaptistMedical Center Candace Doddridge, MSN, BSN, RN, BaptistMemorial Hospital – DeSoto Brittany Ransom, DNP, RN, University ofMississippi Medical CenterNurse in Non-Traditional Setting Teresa Fink, BSN, RN, CPN, University ofMississippi Medical Center Brandi Ware, MBA, BSN, PMP, RN-BC,Mississippi Baptist Medical CenterInpatient Clinical Practice Nurse of the Year Heather Bell, BSN, RN, CCRN, MississippiBaptist Medical Center Sarah Gilbert, BSN, RN, University ofMississippi Medical Center Dawn Sanders, BSN, RN, Baptist MemorialHospital – DeSotoNurse Innovator/Researcher of the Year Robin Christian, DNP, FNP-C, University ofMississippi Medical Center School of Nursing Nina McLain, PhD, CRNA, University ofSouthern MississippiNurse Manager of the Year Molly Dyer, RN, Baptist Memorial Hospital –DeSoto Greg Hamm, BSN, RN, CEN, MississippiBaptist Medical Center Deborah "Cissy" Lee, DNP, RN, University ofMississippi Medical Center Elizabeth Townsend, RN, OCN, NorthMississippi Medical Center OncologyNurse Mentor of the Year Tammy Evans, RN, Baptist Medical Center –Leake Mildred Gordon, RN, Baptist MemorialHospital – DeSoto Chalon Huffman, ADN, RN, CCRN,Mississippi Baptist Medical CenterNurse Preceptor of the Year Gween Adams, ADN, RN, Mississippi BaptistMedical CenterNurse Rookie of the Year Paul Alexander “Alex” Harvey, BSN, RN,Mississippi Baptist Medical Center Kevin Lott, BSN, RN, Merit Health Central Lillie Mae McKay, RN, University ofMississippi Medical CenterNurse Team of the Year Baptist DeSoto Women’s Service, BaptistMemorial Hospital – DeSoto, Southaven,Mississippi Baptist OneCare (Epic) RN CredentialedTrainers, Mississippi Baptist Medical Center,Jackson, Mississippi Singing River Health System Med/SurgLeadership Team, Singing River Health System,Pascagoula, Mississippi St. Dominic's Community Health Clinic, St.Dominic’s Hospital, Jackson, Mississippi University of Mississippi Medical CenterMother Baby Unit, University of MississippiMedical Center, Jackson, MississippiOutpatient Clinical Practice Nurse of the Year Tonya Ball, BSN, RN, OCN, Mississippi BaptistMedical Center Lauren Hillary Basden, BSN, MSN, RN,University of Mississippi Medical CenterOutstanding Community Achievement Award Janet Harris, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, University ofMississippi Medical Center School of NursingSchool of Nursing of the Year, ADN Southwest Mississippi Community College,Summit, MississippiNurse of Distinction Award Mattie Caulder, MSN, RN, Baptist MemorialHospital – DeSoto Phyllis Chambers, DNP, RN, NE-BC, BaptistMemorial Hospital – DeSoto Melissa King, DNP, FNP-BC, ENP-BC, eMDTelehealth Solutions Tina Magers, PhD, RN-BC, Mississippi BaptistMedical CenterThe Mississippi Nurses’ Association and Foundation wish to thank the2019 Nightingale Awards Sponsors for making this event a success:FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL COMPLEXYAZOO CITY, MISSISSIPPIWe have current openings for MedicalOfficers, Clinical RNs, NPs, and PAs.Optional early retirement (any age with 25 years service orat age 50 with at least 20 years of service)Pre-tax retirement savings w/matching governmentcontributions up to 5% of base payRNs & LPNs WE NEED YOU!Facility Staffing/Home Care StaffingDon’t confuse theBest with the RestCelebrating 30 yearsof statewide serviceto MississippiStudent loan repayment of up 10,000 per year availableRecruitment/Retention bonuses up to 25% of base salaryavailableExcellent health and life insurance optionsThe Federal Bureau of Prisons is an Equal Opportunity EmployerApply online at www.usajobs.gov or contact the HumanResources department at 662-751-4800 for more informationPCNURSING.COM1.800.844-4298Emry Oxford, RN, CEO/Owner
Page 4 Mississippi RNMarch, April, May 2019Congratulations to the 2019 Nightingale Awards RecipientsAdvanced Practice Nurse of the YearKate Fouquier,PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM,University of MississippiMedical Center School ofNursingChief Nursing Officer of the YearSusan Russell,MSN, CCRN-CSC,Singing River Health SystemHospital of the YearFaculty Member of the YearNurse Rookie of the YearRebecca Newton,DNP, RN, CHSE,Paul Alexander “Alex” Harvey,BSN, RN,University of SouthernMississippiMississippi Baptist MedicalCenterNurse Innovator/Researcher of the YearNurse Team of the YearRobin Christian,DNP, FNP-C,University of MississippiMedical Center School ofNursingNurse Manager of the YearDeborah “Cissy” Lee,DNP, RN,Baptist DeSoto Women’s Service,Baptist Memorial HospitalSouthaven, MississippiOutpatient Clinical Practice Nurse of the YearUniversity of MississippiMedical CenterTonya Ball,BSN, RN, OCN,Mississippi Baptist MedicalCenterNurse Mentor of the YearBaptist Memorial Hospital – DeSotoSouthaven, MississippiChalon Huffman,ADN, RN, CCRN,Mississippi Baptist MedicalCenterInpatient Clinical Practice Nurse of the YearHeather Bell,BSN, RN, CCRN,Mississippi Baptist MedicalCenterNurse in Non-Traditional Setting of the YearBrandi Ware,MBA, BSN, PMP, RN-BC,Mississippi Baptist MedicalCenterOutstanding Community Achievement AwardJanet Harris,DNP, RN, NEA-BC,University of MississippiMedical Center School ofNursingSchool of Nursing of the Year, ADNNurse Educator of the YearBrittany Ransom,DNP, RN,University of MississippiMedical CenterNurse Preceptor of the YearGween Adams,ADN, RN,Mississippi Baptist MedicalCenterSouthwest Mississippi Community College,Summit, Mississippi
March, April, May 2019Mississippi RN Page 5Executive Director’s ColumnTeresa MaloneThis year marked the 25th anniversary of MNA’sLegislative Nursing Summit, with over 900 attendeesfrom across the state coming together at the JacksonConvention Complex to celebrate this milestone eventand participate in discussions impacting legislation,advocacy and leadership. The Summit is renownedfor providing a unique opportunity for registerednurses, advanced practice registered nurses, andnursing students to learn more about the importanceof the nursing profession being engaged in the politicalprocess. The Summit began with an inspirationalrendition of the “The Star Spangled Banner” sung bythe talented Taylor Moore, a student at Murrah HighTeresa MaloneSchool and recipient of the 2018 Mississippi MusicTeachers Association Gold Medal. We were honored to have Governor PhilBryant open the Summit by expressing his appreciation for the many contributionsof registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses that improve thehealth status of Mississippians. Mental health in Mississippi is of concern to allnurses and we appreciate Ta’Shia Gordon, Special Assistant Attorney General,Bureau of Victim Assistance, providing an in-depth presentation on the statusof mental health in Mississippi, including an update on legislative changes beingReceipt of the MS RN does not meanyou are a member of MNA.Every Mississippi licensed registered nurse and advanced practice registerednurse receives the MS RN publication FREE; however, receipt of thispublication is not confirmation of your membership in the Mississippi Nurses’Association.Join now during our Spring Membership Drive! By being a member ofMNA, you are actively supporting our work to promote excellence and protectprofessional nursing practice in Mississippi. Members will attest, supportingMNA - your professional nursing organization - is supporting your professionand protecting it for the future. Join during our membership drive and beplaced in a drawing for great prizes. Visit our website at www.msnurses.organd use our easy on-line application, or contact MNA at 601-898-0670.pursued by the Mental Health Task Force. Representative Becky Currie, RN andRepresentative Donnie Scoggin, FNP, RN discussed their experiences as nursesserving in elected office, and encouraged attendees to become informed on thelegislative and policy issues impacting nurses and to be advocates for the nursingprofession. Representative Scoggin also provided suggestions for successfullyinteracting with elected officials.Always charismatic, Pam Confer served as our luncheon presenter with a focuson one of the most important aspects of the nursing profession – leadership – andhow one’s presence and demeanor impact a leader’s success. All nurses and soonto-be nurses should be knowledgeable of the regulations governing the nursingprofession in Mississippi. We appreciate Phyllis Johnson, Executive Director of theMississippi Board of Nursing highlighting key requirements of the regulations andencouraging attendees to routinely review the regulations.Dr. Alena Lester, Director of the Council on Health Affairs, discussed thesignificance of the MNA Political Action Committee (PAC) and its criticalimportance during this election year as the PAC supports those candidates whochampion the nursing profession. We must support candidates that endorse effortsthat benefit the nurses and patients in our state. The PAC hosts an annual LobbyDay and Legislative Reception providing nurses the opportunity to interact withlegislators. Dr. Lester encouraged all attendees to contribute to the PAC and be apart of meeting the 2019 PAC Goal of raising 15,000.The Summit Voter Registration Booth was once again coordinated by Dr.Tonya Moore, MNA Board Vice-President, and provided the necessary forms tostudent nurses with instructions for submitting forms to the appropriate countycircuit clerk. Thank you to the members of the Mississippi Association of StudentNurses for their assistance in registering attendees and providing information atthe Voter Registration Booth. We extend our sincere appreciation to the attendees,exhibitors, presenters and volunteers who made the 25th MNA Legislative NursingSummit an anniversary event to remember!Executive Director’s Column continued on page 13Calling all Registered Nurses andAdvanced Practice Registered NursesSupport Your Nursing Profession! Take Part in theMississippi Nurses’ AssociationSpring 2019 Membership ChallengeFebruary 15—March 31, 2019When spring is in the air, it seems as if anything is possible.With your help, we know it’s possible to increase MNA’smembership and make our voice even stronger!For Every Application received by March 31st,Recruiting Members and New Members will beplaced in a drawing for great prizes.Visit our website at www.msnurses.org for details.Encourage your colleagues to Join MNA!Be a part of MNA’s legacy of taking the Lead in advancing the nursing profession!By working together, we will continue to Succeed in Mississippi!Join the Challenge!Blackston Consulting PLLCa business consulting and health law firmExceptional Business Consulting & Health Law ServicesOur service offerings include, but are not limited to the following: Contract Review and Negotiation Business Planning and Start Up Assistance Representation Pertaining to ProfessionalBoard Matters CMS Reimbursement Disputes Regulatory Filing Prep & Submission{state and federal} 501c3 Formation Compliance Consulting Risk Management Assessments Mergers & Acquisitions Employment Agreements Compliance Training {including, butnot limited to all manner of regulatoryrequirements, HIPAA & HITECHcompliance, use of Social Media,appropriate documentation, etc.} Collaboration Agreements Human Resource Management Contract Enforcement Certificate of Need Applications Advanced Directives Wills & Trusts Other General Legal MattersInitial consultations are provided at no cost. Please reach out with anyquestions, concerns, or to schedule your consultation:Lyndsey B. Blackston, MBA, JD, LLM Health Lawlyndseyblackston@blackstonconsulting.comJoseph W. Blackston, MD, JD, 223 blackstonconsulting.com
Page 6 Mississippi RNMarch, April, May 2019Alena Lester, DNP, FNP-C, ONP-CDirector, Council on Health AffairsPower in Numbers! Lobby Day, 2019, was atremendous success and a great demonstration ofjust how powerful the nursing force can be whenwe stand together. Each year nursing students,Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice RegisteredNurses gather at the Capitol to meet with their locallegislators, develop and strengthen relationships withthese legislators, and with each other.MNA is honored to host such an event,along with the Mississippi Council of Deansand Directors and the Mississippi School NurseAssociation. We greatly appreciate our Mississippilegislators who took the time to welcome us tothe Capitol, join us in the Rotunda, and schedulemeetings with our state nurses and nursingstudents. We would like to extend our appreciationto the many schools of nursing represented at theCapitol, who encouraged their students to attendthis event.Lobby day allows attendees to experience thepolitical process in action, and to witness howthis process can affect the nursing profession. Itoffers nurses and future nurses the opportunity tobuild the leadership skills necessary for advocacy,strengthen political partnerships, and improveknowledge of issues that impact nursing practiceand patient outcomes in Mississippi. My firstexperience in the political arena was Lobby Day.It can leave an everlasting impression upon a newnurse or nursing student. It can fuel a passion forpolicy change and practice or patient advocacy inboth the novice and experienced nurse.I encourage each of you to get to know yourlocal and state elected officials, and to meet withthem regularly to strengthen these relationships.MNA continues to work and advocate for thenursing profession. Please join us in improvingpractice, strengthening the nursing work force, andbuilding professional relationships with our statelegislators. We look forward to seeing you all at thenext Lobby Day!Graduate Academic Programs· Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) Research Focused Program· Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)BSN to DNPAdvanced Practice Roles New: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care or Primary Care New: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Nurse Anesthesia Primary Care Family Nurse PractitionerAggregate, Systems, and Organizational Roles: Executive Nurse Leader Public/Community HealthPost Masters DNP· Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Clinical Nurse Leader Nurse EducatorPursue your DNP degree at the only nursing school within an academichealth science center that is the only recognized National League forNursing Center of Excellence for Nursing Education in Louisiana.For more information, please contact Office of Student Affairs: nsstuaffairs@lsuhsc.edu
March, April, May 2019Mississippi RN Page 7Report from Council on Advanced PracticeShonda Phelon,DNP, RN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, GNP-BCDirector, Council on Advanced PracticeA new year brings a newlegislative session and asusual there are many billsand proposals regardinghealth care in Mississippi.Nurses are the largest votinggroup in the state and havegreat interest in health careissues. Whether or not thelegislature is in session, thereis one issue that is paramounttoAdvancedPracticeRegistered Nurses (APRNs).That issue is full practiceShonda Phelon,authority,whichsimplyDNP,RN, FNP-BC,means allowing the nurse toPMHNP-BC,practice to the full extent ofGNP-BCeducation and training asallowed by the licensing body which is the MississippiBoard of Nursing. This year as in years past, the issueof granting full practice authority to APRNs is onethat will be debated and considered.Studies indicate that APRNs provide very safecost effective primary health care. Advance PracticeRegistered Nurses are qualified and willing to fillhealthcare gaps in Mississippi. When APRNs areavailable, the number of people without access toprimary care providers decreases. Unnecessaryemergency room visits for primary care issues decreaseas well. Numerous researchers over the past 40 plusyears have evaluated the effectiveness and safetyof care delivered by APRNs. The results of thesestudies indicate that APRNs provide safe and qualityhealth care, and that the care provided by APRNs iscomparable to care delivered by physicians. A 2011Institute of Medicine study concluded that restrictivestate scope practice laws prevent more patients fromseeing health care providers and restrict access tohigh quality health care. These strict laws are a majorroadblock to making health care more accessible to alarger number of patients, especially those who lackresources and already have health care disparities.Throughout the country legislative bodies inmany states have decided that allowing advancedpractice registered nurses to practice at the full extentof their education and training provides efficient,comprehensive, and high quality health care fortheir citizens. Twenty-two states and the District ofColumbia have removed barriers related to APRNpractice which has enabled their citizens greateraccess and choice in health care. The VeteransAdministration has also granted full practiceauthority to nurse practitioners, nurse midwives andclinical nurse specialists. However, Mississippi is stillconsidered a reduced practice state in that APRNs arerequired by law to maintain a regulated collaborativeagreement with a physician in order to practice. Thisrule restricts the APRN as well as the physician.There continues to be debate in health care circlesas to whether or not Mississippi—a state that oftenranks at or near the bottom in many areas — willcontinue to restrict APRN practice and limit healthcare choice for citizens. There is rumor that manynurses and even APRNs are not in favor of fullpractice authority. Some people say that nurses arefearful that they will be forced to open thei
Covington, Forrest, Lamar, Perry, Jefferson Davis & Marion counties Linda Holmes lholmes@forrestgeneral.com District 8: Jasper, Jones, and Wayne counties Emily Phillips Emily.phillips@jcjc.edu District 11: Simpson and Smith counties Teresa Windham twindhamdon@yahoo.com District 12: Claiborne, Issaquena, Sharkey, and Warren counties Debbie Hoover
