FROM THE DIRECTOR, PAM MOORE

Greetings!

I hope that this finds you thriving, healthy and enjoying your nursing practice.  We continue to think of you with a deep sense of pride and appreciation that you are out there representing Louisiana Tech University.  From the faculty, staff, and students, I wish you continued success.  For the good of nursing, I remain

Your colleague and friend,

Pam Moore

NIGHTINGALE AWARDS

Louisiana State Nurses Foundation Nightingale Gala
Saturday, January 12, 2008 - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The Louisiana State Nurses Foundation Nightingale Gala was held on Saturday, January 12, 2008 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

AWARDS WON

Ramona Guin
Outstanding Nurse Researcher of the Year

Beth Fife
Outstanding Community Service by a Registered Nurse

Nancy Darland
Nurse Educator of the Year

GRANTS AWARDED

Louisiana Tech University was awarded money for three projects from the ULS Serves Sub-Grant in 2008.  Louisiana Tech Nursing faculty members Ramona Guin, Elizabeth Fife, Lena Brown, and Shirley Payne are project directors for a grant entitled "Integrating Community Resources for Disaster Preparedness in Lincoln Parish" for which they received $24,000.  The project will involve partnering Louisiana Tech nursing faculty and students with the Ruston Fire Department, Ruston Police Department, and the Lincoln Parish Incident Command to provide disaster preparation training for potential nurses and EMS personnel.

The Louisiana Tech Divising of Nursing was awarded $25,000 from the Promise of Nursing for Louisiana grant sponsored by the Louisiana Nursing Foundation and NSNA (National Student Nurses Association).  The grant entitled "METI Program for Nursing Curriculum Integration" was written by Nancy Darland, Beth Fife, Ramona Guin, and Shirley Payne and will be used to purchase the PNCI (Program for Nursing Curriculum Integration), a software program for use with the METI Human Patient Simulator.  The College of Applied and Natural Sciences and the Division of Nursing have provided the additional funds necessary for purchase.

GRADUATE NEWS

November 2008

Sarah Fields Hart ('01) is a CRNA in Baton Rouge, LA.

Judy Parks ('01) works for Dr. Koepke in Monroe, LA as a staff nurse.

Tanna Crain Higdon ('01) works as a Nurse Liaison for Louisiana Home Care Group.

Christy Wyatt ('05) is still the Med. Surg. Nurse Manager for Winn Parish Medical Center, for almost 2 years now. "I still find that each day brings new challenges not just in this role, but as a nurse in general and as a wife and mother.  This life has taught me that no matter what each day holds, there is always tomorrow.  After completing my Associates degree at Louisiana Tech, I have found that once you set your mind to doing something and you complete what you set out to do, there isn't much you can talk yourself out of.  Thanks to all of you there at Louisiana Tech for instilling in us the values, principles, and stamina required to make it in today's society." Her plans are still in progress for completing her BSN, then MSN and hopefully to return to Louisiana Tech one day to teach.

Ken Sturdivant wrote after passing the NCLEX "I feel as though my education at Louisiana Tech absolutely prepared me well for this test.  I was used to the style of questions, and how to pick the BEST answer from all of the right answers.  Keep up the good work.  As far as work goes, I'm so busy I don't know whether I'm coming or going some days.  I am at CVRU at St. Francis, and believe me, my education continues.  We have a great deal of responsibility there.  We do our own labs, have standing orders an inch thick, and more autonomy than I thought.  I like that aspect; I'll like it better when I know more.  I continue to learn every day.  I have already had to call a code with one of my patients, but the good news is we got him back, and some of the things from school just automatically popped in my head.  I was actually telling other people what to do!!!  It was after the code was over that I realized that I had done that.  My preceptor actually said she was impressed by how I reacted and handled the situation.  I credit that to the experiences and education I received at Louisiana Tech.  I know that you are busy, but I just wanted to pop in and keep in touch.  You have built a sound program there at Tech, and I am a proud alum.  Keep up the good work.  Keep the standards high because on the floor or in the unit even new nurses are expected to meet a certain level of competency skills-wise and knowledge-wise.  I know I have much to learn pertaining specifically to my job, but I do feel I was properly prepared to meet the challenge."

July 2008

Elizabeth Pratt recently graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing Education from Walden University.  She was promoted to Assistant Professor at Southern Arkansas University teaching in both the ADN and BSN programs including the LPN-RN Transition Program.  She also serves as a Student Nursing Association Advisor.  She created the ADN Student Orientation now mandatory for all incoming students to attend as part of the acceptance process.  She writes ..."The program at Louisiana Tech prepared me for advancing both in my career and in further educational pursuits.  The faculty that taught me will always have a special place in my heart.  Thank you."

January 2008

Jareta Lawrence is working at the Arthritis and Diabetes Clinic, Inc. with Dr. Rangaraj and Dr. Hull.  She is planning to work on her BSN online and "hopefully" her Masters in the future.  She writes "...I want to tell the staff "THANK YOU!!  After working in the field and being exposed to other graduates from other institutions, LA Tech graduates are #1 hands down.  Thank you for teaching us the "RIGHT WAY".

November 2007

Stacy Brazzel is serving on the South Arkansas Community College Advisory Board for the LPN program.  She writes ..."Just wanted to thank you and the team at Tech for the education I received there ... Cultural change is the wave of the present and future in long-term care.  Please let your students know that caring for the elderly is not like it was even 10 years ago.  The baby boomers are forcing a great change and I am excited to be a part of it.  There are so many different areas in long-term care that demand RNs and it is rewarding."

October 2007

Christina (Kelley) Tootle is now working as a school nurse with high school students in North Little Rock, AR.

IN MEMORIAM

The Division of Nursing extends sympathy to the family and friends of Martha Lou Butler Gallemore, a Louisiana Tech Division of Nursing alumnus who passed away on April 10, 2008.  Martha had completed the necessary requirements to become a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner with her MSN degree from University of South Alabama at Mobile.  Her professional positions included being an RN at Lincoln General Hospital, Director of Nurses at Green Clinic, and Director of Nurses at Alpine Guest Care.  Her obituary in the Monroe NewsStar World stated "Martha held her family and friends closest to her heart, but also reserved a genuine desire for her patient's care, justice, and dignity grounded in Christian values."  She will be missed.

FACULTY KUDOS

November 2008

Elizabeth Fife and Pam Moore attended the NLN (National League for Nursing) convention September 17-20, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas.  Elizabeth Fife presented a poster entitled "Innovative Instruction Using Cinema Films".

Norlyn Hyde and Pam Moore attended the N-OADN (National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing) annual meeting November 14-16, 2008 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Mrs. Hyde gave a presentation (invited) entitled "Let's go to the movies: Mental Health Case Studies Based on Cinema Films".

Norlyn Hyde was recognized with a National Award at the N-OADN convention - 2008 Educator of the Year Award.  Dr. Virginia Pennington, President of the Foundation of the National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing presented the award to Norlyn at the Awards Banquet on November 15, 2008, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  This is a national award presented yearly at the national convention to a faculty member who has excelled in Associate Degree Nursing Education.  It comes with a plaque and paid registration to next year's convention.

June 2008

The Louisiana Tech University Up 'till Dawn Executive Board is awarded the "Most Improved Chapter award at the annual St. Jude Collegiate Leadership Seminar.  Current Executive Directory Hillary Guin, Executive Director for Louisiana Tech University and Ramona Guin, RN, MSN Assistant Professor of Nursing Student Advisor accepted the ward on behalf of the college's Executive Board.  Consideration for this award was based on the amount of money raised for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through the Up 'till Dawn semester-long program, creativity and effectiveness in raising awareness for St. Jude, and overall success in implementation of the campaign.

April 2008

Donna Hood and her daughter recently presented "Living with Type 1 Diabetes" to the Ruston District Nurses Association.  Mrs. Hood will be attending the Psychiatric Nursing Conference in Philadelphia this spring and will be participating in a medical mission trip to Nicaragua later this summer.  She looks forward to incorporating this experience with her Child Health Maintenance students.

Patsy Bourgeois, Nancy Darland, Beth Fife, Ramona Guin, and Norlyn Hyde attended the annual Beta Chi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Banquet on April 18, 2008.  Patsy Bourgeois received the "Image of Nursing" award and Norlyn Hyde was recognized with the Outstanding Educator Award.

Several Division of Nursing faculty members received awards and made presentations at the annual College of Applied and Natural Sciences Research Day on April 17, 2008.  Beth Fife was awarded the John D. Griffin Outstanding Service Award and Nancy Darland received the Outstanding Educator for 100 and 200 level courses.  Tanya Sims and Nancy Darland did a poster presentation entitled "Promotion of Cultural Diversity in the OB Setting".  Carol Owens did a poster presentation entitled "Implications of the Nursing Shortage".

February 2008

Lena Brown, Debra Craighead, Nancy Darland and Ramona Guin attended the METI HPSN 08 International Conference in Tampa, Florida in February 2008.  They were able to attend numerous workshops on simulation using the METI Human patient simulator, and saw new products available for simulation showcased.  Interestingly, during one of the presentations, the Louisiana Tech Division of Nursing's Disaster Drill video from our web page was shown to the attendees as an example of simulation and moulage.

Nancy Darland, Beth Fife, Ramona Guin, Norlyn Hyde, Pam Moore, and Debra Craighead participated in the annual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Radiothon on February 11-12, 2008 at Super One in Ruston.  Over $150,000 was raised for the hospital.

November 2007

Norlyn Hyde and Beth Fife won first place out of 22 poster presentations at NOADN this year with a poster entitled "Let's Go to the Movies!  Mental Heath Case Studies Based on Cinema Films".  There were 492 professionals registered at the event.

October 2007

Nancy Darland and Tanya Sims presented Maternal/Newborn Community Outreach Projects at the "Louisiana Tech Serves" program on September 18.  The program provided an opportunity for faculty who have successfully implemented and benefited by incorporating service learning into their academic courses to present their methods to students and faculty.  Two Nursing 212 students, Travis Warren and Regina Masters, spoke as student representatives about Service Learning during the presentation.

Beth Fife and Ramona Guin attended the annual Emergency Room Nurses' Association Convention in Lafayette, LA along with the Nursing 216 students.

September 2007

Beth Fife and Ramona Guin along with the Nursing 216 students participated in the annual Red Cross Health Fair at Trinity United Methodist Church.

Debra Craighead returned to a full time position as Assistant Professor for the Louisiana Tech Division of Nursing this fall.

SNA NEWS AND STUDENT NEWS

New Officers for 2008-2009

President: Cynthia Prewitt
Vice-President: Sheena Battles
Secretary:  Brittani Creed
Treasurer:  Jordan Dauzat
Parliamentarian:  Jessica Bond
Community Service:  Wina Elrod
Historian:  Megan Joiner

SNA was involved in raising money for the March of Dimes Walk that was held on April 26, 2008.  A total of $4,720.00 was raised by students, teachers and friends.

Cynthia Prewitt did a poster presentation entitled "Prematurity Awareness: It can Happen to Anyone! A Service Learning Project" for ANS Research Day on April 17, 2008.

Career Day was held January 15, 2008 at the Student Center.  Over 30 exhibitors representing area hospitals were in attendance.

Scott Temple and Allyson Ouzts participated in an oral presentation on Disaster Nursing at the LASN (Louisiana Association of Student Nurses) convention in October 2007.

SCHOLARSHIPS

An Endowed Professorship and an Endowed Scholarship have been established in honor of Dr. Virginia Pennington upon her retirement from Louisiana Tech University.  Dr. Pennington was also given the distinction of Professor Emeritus by President Dan Reneau.  Dr. Pennington was the first director of the Division of Nursing and provided outstanding leadership and dedication for 27 years.  A resolution was also given in honor of Dr. Pennington by the Louisiana Organization for Associate Degree Nursing in recognition of her contributions to associate degree nursing education and lifelong commitment to excellence.  Dr. Pennington was a founder and the first president of the Louisiana Organization for Associate Degree Nursing.  Contributions to the Dr. Virginia Pennington Endowed Scholarship may be made through the Louisiana Tech Foundation and specified for this scholarship.  Funds should be directed to LA Tech Foundation, P.O. Box 3183, Ruston, LA  71272.

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