Vol. 73, No. 3 Fall 2011 MNA Sets Centennial Convention On MPB .

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Vol. 73, No. 3Fall 2011Quarterly circulation approximately 50,000 to all RNs, LPNs, and Student Nurses in Mississippi.MPB Documentary Headlines GalaMNA Sets Centennial Convention onCoast October 19-22The Mississippi Nurses Association’s 100thannual convention, scheduled Oct. 19-22 at theMississippi Coliseum and Convention Centerin Biloxi, is packed with activities, continuingeducation sessions, politics, demonstrations,receptions, exhibitors, sponsors and a gala like wehave not seen in the last 100 years. The highlight ofthe convention plans is the premiere of a MississippiPublic Broadcast documentary of the association’s100 year history and its impact on professionalnursing in Mississippi.Tickets for the MNACentennial Gala are 75 andcan be purchased online atthe MNA MarketPlace or bycalling MNA at (601) 898-0670“The documentary will premiere at the Gala onFriday night,” said MNA Executive Director RickiGarrett, PhD. “The 30-minute film will focus onthe impact MNA and its members have had onprofessional nursing in Mississippi. It is genuinely alook at nursing over the last 100 years.”The documentary is sponsored by MemorialHospital of Gulfport, North Mississippi MedicalCenter, Baptist HealthCare Corporation, Memphis,Baptist Health Systems, Jackson, and St. DominicHealth Care.More than 300 registered nurses and 700 studentnurses from across the state are expected to attendthe 100th Mississippi Annual Nurses AssociationConvention Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 19-22, at theMississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Centerin Biloxi.“Rarely, are we aware that our actions will markhistory,” said MNA President Gayle Harrell ofPelahatchie. “In this, our centennial convention, theactions we take will mark the beginning of the nextcentury of MNA’s future. Today, we are much a partof the history of MNA as we are of its future. Let usbe mindful of the those who came before us andthose who will come behind us as we .reflect onthe past and look to the future.”From the pre-convention workshops scheduledWednesday, Oct. 19 from 1:30-5 p.m., to the lastfarewell wish at 5:15 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 22, thescheduled is filled with opportunities to network,learn and share experiences.The House of Delegates will have two extremelyimportant tasks on their agenda on Thursday,Centennial Convention continued on page 4InsideMNA Returns HomeThe Mississippi Nurses’ Association celebratedits 100th anniversary June 10 and 11 in Natchezwith a weekend event to beat the band.Page 5Town Hall MeetingsMNA will host a series of three regional townhall meetings focused at gathering clients,legislators and other community decisionmakers together to learn more about theservices and scope of practice offered by NursePractitioners, and what the future holds for NPsin Mississippi.Page 7Stipends Made Possible through Grantfrom the Department of Health’s Office ofTobacco ControlIn celebration of MNA’s Centennial, theMississippi Nurses Foundation is proud to offerMNA members an opportunity to attend the 100thMississippi Nurses Association Annual Conventionin Biloxi, MS. Thirty nurses from around thestate, on a first come, first serve basis, will havethe pleasure of attending convention through agrant from the Mississippi State Department ofHealth-Office of Tobacco Control. Each recipientwill receive a 400 stipend to attend the entireconference, October 19th-22nd. Pre-conference isrequired. The pre-conference speaker will be AnnM. Malarcher, PhD, MSPH, from the Center forcurrent resident orDisease Control.Purpose: To educate nurses about tobacco use inMississippi and the burden it places on the state’shealthcare system, as the number one cause ofpreventable death and disability. Approximately4,700 Mississippians die annually from tobaccorelated illnesses and nurses should be empoweredto intervene with those at risk from nicotinedependence and those exposed to second-handsmoke.The criteria are as follows: Must be an MNA member Must attend the entire conference, includingthe pre-conference Must have the attached applicationPresort StandardUS Postagecompleted and returned to the Foundation byPAIDSeptember 16, 2011Permit #14 Must register online www.MNA.org oncePrinceton, MNthe stipend has been received.55371 Must take a group photo after the preconference for publicationIn the event you are selected to attendthe conference and cannot attend due tounforeseen circumstances, the stipendmust be refunded to the Mississippi NursesFoundation to be offered to another nurse.Stipends Made Possible continued on page 8New Cancer Policy Available forNurses through MNAMNA has completed a review of insurancepolicies offering protection for the expenses ofLong Term Care, Cancer and Disability IncomeReplacement to all licensed nurses.Centennial Coffee Table BookAvailable Online at MNAMarketPlacePage 7You can now purchase the MNA centennialbook, A Way to Serve: The Mississippi NursesAssociation, 1911-2011 by Seetha Srinivasanonline at the MNA MarketPlace.Page 10Join MNA Now!Visit us online!www.msnurses.org

Page 2 Mississippi RNSeptember, October, November 2011Executive Director’s ColumnBoard of Directorsby Ricki Garrett, Ph.D.Betty Ruth Hawkins,our Marketing andCommunications Director,whom I have known mostof my life, often remindsme that my motto is “Plantshade trees under whichyou know, full well, youwill never sit.” As wemove into our CentennialConvention October 19-22,I am reminded of howimportant that message isand how appropriate toremember at this time.Ricki GarrettThe remarkable womenwho in 1911 created theMississippi Nurses Association and who also madesignificant strides in establishing the educationaland regulatory requirements for nursing in our stateobviously knew something about shade trees, too.They understood that, although it was important totake care of the issues of the day and to take careof the patients of the time, it was also important tolook to the future and envision a nursing professionand association that could meet the needs of futuregenerations of nurses and patients. Although theyworked diligently to make their world better, theywere also visionary enough to see what wouldmake the future for nurses better as well. Since thatbeginning, other remarkable nurses have followedin their footsteps and have helped create a nurses’association of which everyone can be proud and anursing community in Mississippi that is the envy ofmany other states.In just a few weeks, the Mississippi NursesAssociation will celebrate one hundred years ofservice at our Centennial Convention, culminatingin a Centennial Gala on October 21 at the BeauRivage in Biloxi. The president of the AmericanNurses Association, Karen Daley, will join us, andwe will premiere the Mississippi Public Broadcastingdocumentary based on our history, A Way to Serve:The Mississippi Nurses Association 1911-2011, bySeetha Srinivasan. A political rally, featuring all ofthe candidates for statewide office will also be heldthat day. What a wonderful way to celebrate MNA’ssignificant past and highlight its influence withpolicymakers and the public.A brief glimpse into MNA’s history will convincethe most skeptical among us of the importance ofMNA throughout its history and the value of all nursesbelonging to their professional association. MNA’shistory is filled with examples of collaborative efforts,individual heroism, and political clout that have madenursing and the lives of nurses so much better. It hasalso contributed significantly to the healthcare of thestate’s citizens through individual efforts, task forces,and legislative lobbying.Come join past presidents of MNA as they sharesome of the highlights of MNA’s history and studentsas we look to the future of nursing through their eyes.As we begin a second century of taking care ofnurses and nursing in our state, I hope all nurseswill take this opportunity to join MNA. There isno better time to take those steps to develop yourown leadership and commitment to your professionthan now. As nursing moves into a future that isfull of change and challenge, we need the nursesof Mississippi to be at the forefront of healthcare,and the Mississippi Nurses Association can prepareyou for that leadership and open the doors for thoseopportunities. Our membership has grown sixty-eightpercent since 2004, as we have worked together tomove nursing forward in our state and nationally.Please join us as we “Reflect on the Past and Look tothe Future.”www.msnurses.orgPublished by:Arthur L. DavisPublishing Agency, Inc.PresidentGayle Harrell, NP-C, CWCNgayle.harrell@att.netVice PresidentCarl Mangum, RN, MSN,PhD, CHS, taryMichelle Burns, RN, MSNmjburns@umc.eduTreasurerJeffrey Hallman, MSN, RNjeffrey hallman@bellsouth.netCouncil on EducationCindy Luther, DSN, FNPcluther@son.umsmed.eduDirectorsCouncil on Nursing ResearchJuanita Graham, RN, MSNJuanita.graham@msdh.state.ms.usCouncil on Health AffairsAnn Barnes, RN, BSNabarnes@pcnursing.comCouncil on Nursing PracticeRomeatrius Moss, BSN, MSNrmoss@mgcbna.orgCouncil onOrganizational AffairsAmy Forsythe, BSN, MSN,NP-Camyforsythe@bellsouth.netCouncil onAdvanced PracticeMichele McLeod, RN, MSN,C-FNPmfmcleodnp@yahoo.comMNA StaffLobbyistBetty DicksonExecutive DirectorRicki Garrett, PhDEvents and ContinuingEducation CoordinatorAngela WeathersbyMarketing/CommunicationsDirectorBetty Ruth HawkinsFinance Administrator/Membership CoordinatorDeborah NormanAdvanced Practice CoordinatorMary PittmanMNA District PresidentsDistrict 1:Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, andWilkinson countiesDiane Blancharddianehb@alcorn.eduDistrict 15:Leake, Neshoba, Newton, andScott countiesJan Toddjan workbcc@yahoo.comDistrict 2:Amite, Copiah, Lawrence,Lincoln, Pike, and WalthallcountiesMelinda Sillsmklsills@yahoo.comDistrict 16:Clarke, Kemper, and LauderdalecountiesMaxine Puckettgrannyhw@bellsouth.netDistrict 5:Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River,and Stone countiesArlana Hargraveadhargrave@hotmail.comDistrict 18:Choctaw, Clay, Lowndes,Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster,and Winston countiesJohnnie S. Wijewardancejohnniesue.cooper@gmail.comDistrict 6:Jackson, George, and GreenecountiesTerrie Goregore.tlgore@gmail.comDistrict 21:Humphries, Sunflower, andWashington countiesMelanie Grahammgraham@deltaregional.comDistrict 7:Covington, Forrest, Lamar, Perry,Jefferson Davis and MarioncountiesMiriam Cabanamiriam.cabana@usm.eduDistrict 23:Bolivar Coahoma, Quitman,Tallahatchie, and Tunicacounties.Michelle (Mimi) Pixleymimitippitt@wildblue.netDistrict 8:Jasper, Jones, and Wayne countiesDonna Scoggindonna.scoggin@jcjc.eduDistrict 25:Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun,Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee,Monroe, Pontotoc, Prentiss,Tippah, Tishomingo, and UnioncountiesChristina Nunnallycknunnally@yahoo.comDistrict 11:Simpson and Smith countiesTeresa Windhamtwindhamdon@yahoo.comDistrict 12:Claiborne, Issaquena, Sharkey,and Warren countiesDebbie HooverDeborahLionist@bellsouth.netDistrict 13:Hinds, Rankin, Madison andYazoo countiesKeith Hodgesjkhodges@umc.eduDistrict 28:DeSoto, Marshall, and TateCountiesEmily Ashworthemilyashworth@yahoo.comDistrict 31:Lafayette, Panola, and YalobushacountiesMorgan Waltermdwalter1@gmail.comDistrict 32:Attala, Carroll, Grenada, Holmes,Leflore, and Montgomery countiesBrandy Smithbrandygsmith@yahoo.comFor 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 Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement.Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the nextissue or refund of price of Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by theMississippi Nurses Association of products advertised, the advertisers, orthe claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a productoffered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its use. MNAand the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable forany 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 ofMNA or those of the national or local associations.Mississippi RN is published quarterly every March, June, September andDecember and is the official publication of the Mississippi Nurses Association, 31 Woodgreen Place, Madison, MS 39110, a constituent member ofthe American Nurses Association.

September, October, November 2011Mississippi RN Page 3A Report from the President.LPN & RNOPPORTUNITIESby Gayle Harrell, PresidentAs many of you know,this is MNA’s 100thyear anniversary. Ourmost recent event washeld June 10th and 11thin Natchez. The cityof Natchez welcomedMNA for our CentennialCelebration in realSouthern style. Thekickoff reception at theVisitors’ and ConventionBureau was exceptional.The food and artists werefabulous. We were thentreated to an eveningGayle Harrelltour of the cemeterywhere we learned of the part that nurses andphysicians played in not only Natchez’s history, butMississippi’s as well. On Saturday morning the tourof the city included the catastrophes of fires andyellow fever that killed and threatened the lives ofmany. During the tour we passed the “Towers.” Iwas not able to visit The Towers, once the homefor nursing students of Charity Hospital. I plan tomake that a priority on my next visit there. Saturdaynight concluded our activities with a reception atThe Prentiss House, previously known as “TheGentlemen’s Club.” The food, music, fellowship andbook signing by Seetha Srinivasan, author of A Wayto Serve completed this extra special weekend. TheCentennial Committee, our executive director RickiGarrett, and the MNA staff did an outstanding jobputting this event together. If you missed it, youmissed a once in a lifetime experience. We even hadtwo nurses from Wisconsin attend with us. Theystated, “Mississippi really knows how to throw aparty.”Setting the celebrating aside, MNA has been busyplanning far the upcoming elections of the stateand legislature. The MNA-PAC, Dr. Garrett, boardmembers, and NP Council members have beenplanning and implementing plans to address waysto educate and guide candidates on the issues thatwill be important to nursing and the health careof Mississippi. Three things are important to mostcandidates: how many people do you represent,does our request affect them or someone in theirdistrict and how can we assist them financiallyand politically. MNA has the history to show thatwe are willing to work with the legislators, otherorganizations, and the people of our state toimprove nursing and health care. As previouslymentioned, we also must have the numbers andfinances to be effective in achieving your goals tokeep nursing at the table, especially now. Some willsay, “MNA will get it done even if I’m not a memberor if I don’t give to the MNA-PAC.” Unfortunately,when nurses don’t speak as one, getting somethingdone at the RIGHT time when YOU need it maynot happen. Having a large percentage of thenursing population and ready funds to make ithappen usually does not occur unless all of us cometogether and support each other and MNA.The important issues for the coming year willinclude: allowing nurses to practice at their fullscope, continuing education, student nursingretention and graduation success, and smokefree environment issues. Of course, there may beunforeseen issues as well. Please contact MNA forinformation to share with the candidates in yourarea, join MNA, and give to the MNA-PAC. Healthcare is changing and we must be involved tokeep nursing and health care a top priority. Helpmake your profession the best it can be. We needeach other to make a real difference. BECOME AMNA MEMBER and HELP KEEP THE VOICE OFNURSING HEARD.Skilled NursingatRuleville Nursing& RehabContact Tina Alexander, Executive Director662-756-4361ms58ed@tarahc.comHome Care/Facility StaffingPrime Care Nursing is Mississippi’sLargest Nurse Owned Staffing Agency.Prime Care has been serving the state ofMississippi for over 20 years!From the Gulf Coast to Memphis.We staff hospitals, clinics & medicaloffices, long-term care facilities andall areas of home care.RNs & LPNs – We need you! Excellent Pay Flexibility inScheduling Referral Bonus All Specialties Guaranteed/Per Diem ShiftsMeets Joint Commission Standardswww.pcnursing.com800-844-4298Discover why Memorial healthcaresystem is a great place to work. Competitive salaries Continuing education Great benefitsGulfport, MississippiVisit us online to apply for current job openings.www.gulfportmemorial.comEOE.M/F/d/ V

Page 4 Mississippi RNCentennial Convention continued from page 1Oct. 20 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. First, they willvote on four board positions: president; vicepresident; director, Council on Nursing Education,and director, Council on Organizational Affairs;and elect three members to the Committee onNominations. Second, they will act on a resolutionsupporting mandatory continuing education fornurses as a requirement for licensure.The Keynote Luncheon will feature a panelof past MNA presidents. Current President GayleHarrell will moderate the discussion focused at“Preparing for the Future by Learning from thePast.”Following the continuing education sessions from5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 20 the Universityof Mississippi Medical Center School of NursingAlumni Association will sponsor simultaneousreceptions.The MNA District Presidents will gather for theirannual breakfast at 7 a.m., Friday, Oct. 21 and willset goals for a statewide membership campaignscheduled to begin in January 2012.Face-Reader Ann Marks will be featured in theMNA/MASN Joint Session beginning at 8 a.m.,Friday, Oct. 21. Marks is the business partner ofMac Fulfer, MD, who highlighted, to great reviews,the 2011 Nurse Practitioner Spring Conference inPoint Clear, Ala., in April.The Council on Nursing Research will sponsorits first competitive poster session from 10 until 11a.m., also on Friday in the Convention Center Niche.Now, in its seventh year, MNA’s Developing NurseLeader program will run from 3-5 p.m., Friday.September, October, November 2011Former DNL Participants under the leadership ofTonya Moore, MSN, BSN, RN will guide aspiringnurse leaders through an intense session thatprovides registered nurses with knowledge, skills,and experience necessary to grow and matureleadership skills.The University of Southern Mississippi’s Chapterof Sigma Theta Tau–Gamma Lambda will host theannual honor society’s luncheon from 11:30 a.m.12:45 p.m., on Friday.Chef Rob Stinson returns to the healthy cookingstage with a presentation and luncheon from 11a.m.-12:45 p.m., Friday, featuring Flavorful Foodsthat will Fool You.Once every four years, MNA hosts its StatewidePolitical Rally, this year from 1-2:30 p.m., Friday.Every candidate running for statewide office hasmade plans to join MNA and speak about his or hercampaigns.The two-hour Controlled Substances Workshopfor nurse practitioners will be from 2:45-4:45p.m., Friday, and there will be five RoundTable Discussions 4-5 p.m., Friday, October 21.Participation in the round table discussions is on a“first-come-first-serve” basis. Wine and popcorn willbe served.The Centennial Gala will begin at 6 p.m., Friday,with a reception at the Beau Rivage sponsoredin part by USM School of Nursing recognizingthe sponsors of the MNA documentary, “A Way toServe,” produced by Mississippi Public Broadcasting.Dinner will follow at 7:30 p.m., and will featurethe American Nurses Association’s President KarenDaley and the premiere of “A Way to Serve.”On Saturday, the Nurse Practitioners Fall Updatewill be held beginning at 7 a.m., with registrationand a Continental Breakfast.This year there will be two special hands-onworkshops featuring Joint Injection Training andContraceptive Implant Training.Karen Daley, ANA’s President will be the featuredspeaker at the NP Luncheon.MNA Hall of Fame Recipient CelebratedGulfport Memorial Hospital celebrated theinduction of the late Emma Burdonne Young, RN,into the Mississippi Nurses Association’s Hall ofFame with ceremonies July 19. Dr. Ricki Garrett,MNA executive director officially presented thehospital with an engraved bowl in honor of Mrs.Young’s contributions, service, and dedication to theprofession of nursing.Mrs. Young became a registered nurse atMemorial Hospital in 1950 and held numerouspositions throughout her career including headsurgical nurse and nursing director. The hospitaland its foundation honored her at her first attemptat retirement with a scholarship in her name to beawarded to dependents of Memorial employees whoare entering health- related careers. In 2000, shebecame a guest relations specialist in the emergencydepartment.Mrs. Young was named to the Hall of Famein March at the annual Nightingale Awards. Thisprestigious award recognizes a Registered Nurse’slifelong commitment to the profession of nursingand its impact on the health and/or social historyof the state of Mississippi. Hall of Fame inducteesmay be living or deceased. Other inductees intothe Mississippi Nurses Association Hall of Famefor 2010 include: Brenda Castleberry, MSN, BSN,RN, of Jackson–Mississippi Baptist Health Systems;Edrie J. George-Royals, EdD, MSN, BSN, of Jackson–University of Mississippi Medical Center School ofNursing, Mary Holyfield, RN, BSN, MSN of Jacksonand the late Mickey Aldridge, RN, MSN, NP-BCformerly of Starkville–University of MississippiMedical Center Holmes County-Lexington.David Dell, GulfportMemorial Hospitalvolunteer, leads thegathering in a chorusof Forever Young inclosing ceremonieshonoring MNA Hall ofFame Inductee EmmaBurdonne Young.From left, Gulfport Memorial Hospital President/CEO Gary Marchand, MNA Executive DirectorRicki Garrett, and Gulfport Memorial HospitalVice-President, Patient Care Services/ChiefNursing Executive Jennifer Dumal show the bowlpresented to the hospital on behalf of the MNAHall of Fame Inductee Emma Burdonne Young.You, To a Higher Degree.The Online RN to BSN DegreeThe University of Memphis LoewenbergSchool of Nursing offers an online Bachelorof Science in Nursing (BSN) degree forRegistered Nurses. Advance your careerwhile working closely with faculty, nursesand patients — at times and locationsthat are most convenient for you.All students are eligible for in-state tuition.To apply and learn more about one of thenation’s top nursing programs, log on eduEasy & ProfitableLoewenberg School of NursingPreparing leaders. Promoting health.

September, October, November 2011Mississippi RN Page 5MNA Returns Home To NatchezThe Mississippi Nurses’ Association celebrated its100th anniversary June 10 and 11 in Natchez with aweekend event to beat the band.“Returning to Natchez this weekend has ameaning to most everyone who is here,” saidMNA President Gayle Harrell, NP-C, CWCN ofPelahatchie. “Among us are some of the mostknowledgeable of all the nursing historians inMississippi and some of the most interested inlearning about the storied past of Mississippi nurses.The history of our association mirrors the progressof the profession of nursing in the state. As we haveall learned more about our association’s history,the more we are impressed with the courage andforesight of founding mothers and fathers.”The Natchez Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, theUniversity of Mississippi Medical Center School ofNursing Alumni Association and the Office of theDean of the UMMC School of Nursing sponsored awelcome reception for MNA and guests in the CVB’sheadquarters overlooking the Mississippi River.Natchez craftsmen and artists were on hand to selltheir work and visit with guests. The MississippiOrgan Recovery Agency was also a contributor tothe reception.An exclusive night time tour of the Natchez CityCemetery, sponsored by Delta State UniversityRobert E. Smith School of Nursing, followed thereception. Bee Byrnes of Natchez, a longtimecemetery docent, conducted the tour filled withstories highlighting some of the cemetery’s mostnotable guests among who were three incrediblenurses: Hattie Godbold Bauer–the first Mississippigraduate from the Natchez Charity Hospital TrainingSchool and a charter member of MNA, Lena Mullinsand Charlotte Benoist.MNA hosted a Centennial Nursing History CityTour on Saturday morning, which included some ofNatchez’ most historic spots including the site of theNatchez Charity Hospital, Trinity Episcopal Churchand St. Mary’s Basilica.Following the city tour, MNA guests touredStanton Hall and lunched at the Carriage House.The luncheon was sponsored by MNA District 13.The Centennial Celebration featured aSaturday evening gala at the famed Prentiss Club.Guests were greeted on the steps of the historicgentlemen’s club with the sounds of the second linejazz band, Bayou Connection, under the leadershipof Mr. Kimble Funchess. Chef Bingo Starr of theCarriage House prepared heavy hors d oeuvres.The gala was sponsored in part by the Delta StateUniversity Robert E. Smith School of NursingThe highlight of the evening was a presentationby Seetha Srinivasan, author of MNA’s centennialhistory book, A Way to Serve: The Mississippi NursesAssociation, 1911-2011. Srinivasan recounted herresearch in writing the book and spotlighted somebe healthy.work healthy.We offer nurses a challenging healthy careerwith growth opportunity, work-life balance,fringe benefits and on-site walking tracksand fitness center. Blue Cross & Blue Shieldof Mississippi encourages and supports ouremployees’ professional growth throughchallenging and rewarding work, andour culture promotes health andwellness. We are seekingnurses for exciting full-timewellness opportunities.Please visit our websiteat www.bcbsms.com tosubmit an application.of the more poignant stories of nursing who createdMNA’s history. She signed books for guest followingher presentation.Event attendees were welcomed to the soundsof the Bayou Connection, under the leadership ofMr. Kimble Funchess.Bess Blackwell, left, has her copy of A Way toServe: The Mississippi Nurses Association, 19112011 signed by author Seetha Srinivasan.Bee Byrnes of Natchez, a longtime cemeterydocent, conducted the tour filled with storieshighlighting some of the cemetery’s mostnotable guests among who were three incrediblenurses.Student nurses from Alcorn State University’sSchool of Nursing depicted nurses from the pastwith period uniforms.RNsUp to 40/hr Contract/PRN All Specialties Housing/Travel Option Benefits Available(985) 359-3057www.dstaffhealthcare.comUniversity of South AlabamaCollege of NursingOnline BSN-DNP Adult-Geron NPwith Palliative Care SpecialtyThe University of South Alabama is now offering an onlineBSN-DNP Adult-Geron NP track with a Palliative Caresubspecialty. 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Our team works closely with you to develop a treatment plancustomized to the patient’s needs - caregivers are available from a few hours a dayto 24/7.Our caregivers undergo extensive screening to ensure they have the experience andknowledge required to provide the utmost in patient care. Screening includes a FBIcertified fingerprint background check, reference verification and CPR certification.ServicesSouthern Healthcare provides RN, LPN or CNA caregivers based upon the level ofcare required.Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company,is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 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Page 6 Mississippi RNSeptember, October, November 2011MNA Members ReceiveAANP State AwardsMNA’s Gena Vail of New Albany and JackieWilliams of Ridgeland were among nurse practitionersto receive the prestigious American Academy ofNurse Practitioners State Awards for Excellence at theacademy’s 26th National Conference in Las Vegas June22-26.Vail received the State Award for Nurse PractitionerExcellence, which recognizes an NP in a state whodemonstrates excellence in practice, research, NPeducation, or community affairs. In 1993, the StateAward for Nurse Practitioner Advocate was added torecognize the efforts of individuals who h

MNA has completed a review of insurance policies offering protection for the expenses of Long Term Care, Cancer and Disability Income Replacement to all licensed nurses. Page 7 Centennial Coffee Table Book Available Online at MNA MarketPlace You can now purchase the MNA centennial book, A Way to Serve: The Mississippi Nurses