MAY 1 - MAY 31, 2026
Appreciating Our Nurses
WHO KEEP ARKANSANS HEALTHY
When we reflect on the health and wellness of our families, friends, and neighbors, we recognize the invaluable hearts and hands that tirelessly work to keep Arkansas thriving. Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, dedicating their time and expertise to ensure we receive the best care possible. My admiration for nurses runs deep, rooted in my family's personal experience as a child when my mother and I were hospitalized for months following a serious car accident. Later in life, I saw this dedication firsthand through my mother, who committed her adult life to this noble profession. She, and the nurses who cared for us, taught me the profound impact a compassionate caregiver can have on individuals and communities alike.Today, we celebrate the incredible nurses who embody this spirit of dedication, offering their skills and hearts to support our well-being. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to keeping us healthy and safe. We celebrate YOU this month and every day. —Brooke Wallace, Sales Director
What is your nursing specialty? I am a Board-Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner working in a hematology/oncology infusion clinic, where I serve as a supportive care provider for patients with multiple myeloma and other blood cancers. My role focuses on managing complex symptoms, supporting patients through intensive treatments, and providing holistic, patient-centered care throughout their cancer journey. Why did you choose that specialty? I chose acute care and hematology/ oncology because it allows me to combine advanced clinical knowledge with deeply meaningful patient relationships. Caring for patients with multiple myeloma undergoing chemotherapy regimens requires not only critical thinking and adaptability, but also compassion, patience, and courage. These patients face long, often difficult journeys, and I am honored to support them, not just medically, but emotionally and psychologically as well. Being part of their care during such a challenging time is both humbling and incredibly meaningful.
Why did you choose to become a nurse? I became a nurse after watching my father battle cancer and seeing the impact nurses had on both his care and our family. That experience inspired me to pursue nursing so I could provide the same level of compassion and support to others during difficult times.
What is your nursing specialty? Critical Care and Recruitment
Why did you choose that specialty? I wanted to help connect people to their dream job
What do you love most about being a nurse? What I love most about being a nurse is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives during some of their most vulnerable moments. Being able to provide both care and comfort to patients and their families is incredibly rewarding.
What qualities do you think are essential for being a nurse? A nurse who listens, advocates, and spends extra time with that one patient who really needs it.
Timbre Jones, BSN, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor UALR SCHOOL OF NURSING
Arkansas Center for Nursing, oard of Directors Treasurer Talent Acquisition Partner, Arkansas Children’s Hospital
What is your nursing specialty, or what are you teaching? My background is in emergency nursing, where I also worked on resource teams and floated across multiple units. That experience required adaptability, quick thinking, and the ability to function effectively in high-pressure environments. Currently, I teach critical care, which allows me to pass on both the technical skills and real-world insights I’ve gained throughout my career.
What do you love most about being a nurse? What I love most about being a nurse is the opportunity to care for patients on some of the worst days of their lives, particularly in the ER setting. In those moments, nurses have the ability to provide not only life-saving interventions but also reassurance, advocacy, and stability when everything feels uncertain. What qualities do you think are essential for being a nurse? Effective nursing requires strong clinical judgment and critical thinking, particularly in fast-paced environments. Clear communication is essential for coordinating care and improving patient outcomes. Emotional intelligence, empathy, resilience, and adaptability help nurses manage stress and connect with patients and families. Teamwork and attention to detail support collaboration and patient safety, while a commitment to lifelong learning ensures evidence-based practice. Maintaining professionalism alongside a sense of humor can also ease stress and enhance team dynamics. Successful nursing balances clinical expertise, emotional awareness, and composure under pressure.
Elevating Excellence: Stories of Compassion and Care
At UAMS, the DAISY Award recognizes nurses whose compassion and clinical excellence leave a lasting impact on the lives of patients and families. Through heartfelt nominations, we are proud to recognize nurses who exemplify what it means to provide exceptional, patient-centered care.
Rhonda Evans, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, AOCNS was recognized by a patient family member for her unwavering support and dedication throughout a complex and lengthy recovery journey. Serving as a consistent and trusted resource, she provided clear guidance, ongoing communication, and compassionate reassurance during times of uncertainty. Her commitment extended beyond routine care, as she remained accessible and attentive to both patient and family needs. Rhonda’s ability to anticipate challenges, offer thoughtful direction, and provide comfort along the way reflects the profound difference nurses make in the healing process and the continuance of striving for excellence in care.
Lori Horn, RN, RNC-NIC was recognized by the family of a young patient for the extraordinary compassion and connection she brought to their care experience. From their first interaction, she created a sense of comfort and trust during an overwhelming time. Through each stage of the journey, Lori offered encouragement, clear communication, and emotional support, ensuring the family felt seen and supported. Her ability to form meaningful connections and provide reassurance in difficult moments reflects the heart of nursing and the lasting impact of compassionate care.
Tanika Pittman UAMS
Michael Stramiello, BSN, RN
UA Little Rock School of Nursing Welcomes New Faculty
The UA Little Rock School of Nursing is proud to announce the addition of four new dynamic educators to its faculty. Each brings a unique clinical background and a shared dedication to the school’s mission of providing quality education.
Clinical Assistant Professors and Their Visions:
Timbre Jones, BSN, RN: A former emergency nurse, Jones now teaches critical care. Inspired by her mother’s hospitalizations, she emphasizes the stability nurses provide. "Nurses have the ability to provide not only life-saving interventions but also reassurance and advocacy," Jones says.
Lauren Banks, MSN-Ed, RN: Specializing in medical-surgical nursing, Banks focuses on first-year RN students. She views nursing as a legacy of care passed down from her grandmother. For her, she values the moments when something “clicks” for a student, and they suddenly realize the impact they can have as a nurse.
Kencia Stanley, MSN, RN: With a background in behavioral health and a career that began as a CNA, Stanley champions holistic healing. She is dedicated to watching students develop the resilience and emotional intelligence needed to advocate for patients' mental and physical needs.
Katie Harp, MSN, RN, RNC-OB: A specialist in labor and delivery, Harp joined the profession after the birth of her first daughter. She teaches OB with a focus on professional pride, noting, "Taking pride in what you do influences the standard of how you show up for patients..." Please join us in welcoming these talented professionals as they help shape the next generation of nurses.
Nationally ranked as one of Arkansas’ Best Places to Work for nearly a decade, Conway Regional Health System offers a supportive environment where young nurses can confidently begin their careers. As one of the first hospitals in Arkansas to achieve Magnet Recognition, Conway Regional has built a strong foundation for nursing excellence, supported in part by its robust preceptorship program.
More than 90 nurses on staff bring over 20 years of experience across medical-surgical care, surgery, labor and delivery, emergency medicine, intensive care, mental health, and other critical areas. Together, that represents nearly 2,000 years of collective nursing experience, creating a depth of knowledge that directly benefits new nurses entering the field. This expertise plays a key role in Conway Regional’s Nurse Residency Program, where preceptorship is an essential component.
Located in one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, Conway Regional is deeply rooted in the community, with more than a century of service to Faulkner County and the surrounding region, bringing specialized care to communities across eight counties in north central Arkansas.
What is your nursing specialty? My specialties have evolved over the years, starting as a cardiac nurse when I was at the bedside, an educator and simulation leader when I was in higher education, and now a nonprofit nursing advocate focusing on accessible data and building relationships across the state to support the Arkansas nursing workforce.
Why did you choose that specialty? When I started my nursing career, I chose cardiac as I found hearts to be fascinating and I had an opportunity to pursue cardiology in a nursing residency program. Teaching was always something that interested me even when I was in nursing school, so when the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance. Within my higher education journey, simulation quickly became something I fell in love with. Simulation is such a unique and incredible way to teach. It coupled my interests in cutting-edge technology and experiential learning while making me feel like I was making a lasting impact on the next generation of nurses. I am not sure if working in the nonprofit nursing space was something I chose or if it chose me. Much of the experience I have gained over the last 13 years as a nurse seemingly came together in my current role with the Arkansas Center for Nursing. I love the focus on bringing folks together, building relationships, and ensuring Arkansas nurses are represented and supported.
Joanna Hall, MNSc, RN, CHSE Executive Director, Arkansas Center for Nursing
Conway Regional Health System
QUALITY & AFFORDABLE EDUCATION
Traditional RN, LPN/Paramedic Transition - Simulation-based education
RN to BSN online, complete in two semesters
Nursing Specific Scholarships Available
Honoring Excellence in Arkansas Nursing
At Baptist Health, we’re grateful for the nurses and leaders who care for our patients and communities every day. This National Nurses Week, we celebrate the difference you make in so many lives. Your compassion, skill, and dedication touch lives in ways that can never be measured. We are honored to walk alongside you as you help our patients and their families live healthier, fuller lives.
Appreciating Our Nurses
Honoring Excellence in Arkansas Nursing
At Baptist Health, we’re grateful for the nurses and leaders who care for our patients and communities every day. This National Nurses Week, we celebrate the difference you make in so many lives.
We are inspired by the stories of nurses like Rhonda Finnie, whose dedication has been recognized with the Arkansas Nursing Legacy Award. We also celebrate the bright future of nursing through our team members named among Arkansas’ 40 Nurse Leaders Under 40 Their commitment to caring for others is a gift to our community.
Cynamon Johnson, MSN, RN, CEN, NREMT Associate Director of Nursing
Maryah Bates, BSN, RN, MEDSUG-BC Conway Regional Health System
What do you love most about being a nurse? What I love most about being a nurse is supporting my team, and helping ensure that we deliver safe, high-quality care. Being able to impact both patients and staff gives me a strong sense of purpose. Nursing is meaningful to me because it combines compassion, critical thinking, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact every day.
What qualities do you find necessary to be a nurse? I believe the most important qualities in nursing are compassion, communication, and critical thinking. You must connect with patients while also communicating effectively with the care team. Flexibility to different medical situations, and a little hard-earned grit is especially important in fastpaced settings. Accountability and teamwork are important to ensure safe, high-quality care. As a clinical coordinator, I’ve seen how these qualities impact patient outcomes and our team’s success.
Your compassion, skill, and dedication touch lives in ways that can never be measured. We are honored to walk alongside you as you help our patients and their families live healthier, fuller lives.
We are inspired by the stories of nurses like Rhonda Finnie, whose dedication has been recognized with the Arkansas Nursing Legacy Award. We also celebrate the bright future of nursing through our team members named among Arkansas’ 40 Nurse Leaders Under 40. Their commitment to caring for others is a gift to our community.
Whitney Eagle Assistant Professor of Nursing, Baptist Health College
Cynamon Johnson, MSN, RN, CEN, NREMT Associate Director of Nursing
Whitney Eagle Assistant Professor of Nursing, Baptist Health College
Zena Hill Unit Educator, Center of Learning and Professional Development
Lea Meserole, MSN, RN, CCRN Sims Lab Coordinator
Lea Meserole, MSN, RN, CCRN Sims Lab Coordinator
Jennifer Smith, MSN, RN Unit Educator & Academic Coordinator
Jennifer Smith, MSN, RN Unit Educator & Academic Coordinator
Taylor Starks, RN Medical Surgical Supervisor
Taylor Starks, RN Medical Surgical Supervisor
Ann Marie Mahan, RN, CMSRN, OCN Unit Educator Med Surg/Oncology
Ann Marie Mahan, RN, CMSRN, OCN Unit Educator Med Surg/Oncology FOR YOU. FOR LIFE. baptisthealthcareers.com
Becky
Parnell, PhD,
Why did you choose to become a nurse? I chose to become a nurse after a pivotal childhood experience. In fifth grade, my grandfather—one of the most important people in my life—was diagnosed with cancer. I vividly remember the emotion in his eyes when he shared his diagnosis. That moment profoundly influenced me and inspired a lifelong commitment to caring for individuals during vulnerable times.
What is your nursing specialty? My nursing specialties include Adult Health as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nursing Education. These roles reflect both my clinical background and my passion for developing future nurses.
Zena Hill Unit Educator, Center of Learning and Professional Development
APRN, ACNS-BC
Arkansas Center for Nursing, Board of Directors Secretary Simulation Coordinator, Henderson State University
Why did you choose that specialty? My foundation in medical-surgical nursing as a novice nurse was instrumental in shaping my clinical practice. It provided the knowledge and confidence necessary to transition into high-acuity environments such as the emergency department and intensive care unit. These experiences offered continuous learning and professional growth. Over time, I discovered a deep passion for nursing education. Supporting students as they develop clinical competence—particularly witnessing their “aha” moments—is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
What do you love most about being a nurse? What I love most about being a nurse educator is the opportunity to shape and support the next generation of nurses. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch students grow in confidence, develop their clinical judgment, and begin to connect classroom knowledge to real patient care. I especially value those moments when something “clicks” for a student or when they realize the impact they can have as a nurse. Knowing that I play a role in preparing safe, compassionate, and competent nurses who will go on to care for countless patients is what I find most rewarding. What qualities do you think are essential for being a nurse? Essential qualities for being a nurse include compassion, critical thinking, strong communication skills, and adaptability. Nurses must be able to think quickly in complex situations while remaining calm and empathetic. Integrity, attention to detail, and a commitment to lifelong learning are also crucial for providing safe and effective care.
Banks, MSN-Ed, RN
Lauren
Clinical Assistant Professor UALR SCHOOL OF NURSING
Celebrating the People Behind UCA Nursing’s Simulation Center Accreditation
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) School of Nursing is proud to announce that the Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation - Integrated Health Sciences (NCHS-IHS) has been granted full accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). SSH is the world’s largest organization committed to healthcare safety and performance of healthcare professionals. Through the rigorous, peer reviewed, evaluation process, the NCHS-IHS formally validated their commitment to teaching excellence and quality simulation education.
The NCHS-IHS utilizes high-fidelity manikins, simulated clinical environments, and standardized participants to provide students from the majority of the departments within the College of Health and Behavior Sciences with critical hands-on experiences to prepare them for their future role as healthcare professionals. This safe, controlled setting allows students to practice crucial skills, teamwork, and critical thinking before encountering real patients. During the Academic Year 2024-2025, the NCHS-IHS provided over 15,500 student learning hours to both undergraduate and graduate future healthcare professionals.
With the designation of full accreditation in both Core Standards and Teaching/Education, the NCHS-IHS is the first university in the state of Arkansas with this designation.
UCA School of Nursing is immensely proud of the simulation team and educators for this significant milestone and for the commitment this designation represents.
