Nursing Columns (2019-20)

70 VO LU M E 3

2 01 9 - 2 0

Northwestern State University, College of Nursing

YEARS of Heroes

Dean’s Message Hello Nursing Alumni and Friends: Welcome to the third issue of Northwestern State University’s (NSU’s) Nursing Columns. The 2017-2018 inaugural Nursing Columns theme was entitled Growth. The 2018-2019 theme was entitled Team. The 2019-2020 issue was scheduled for production in Spring 2020 and was originally entitled 70 Years of Nursing. However, the arrival of COVID-19, and the heroic work of our students, faculty/staff and alumni, led to both a delay in production and to the obvious need for a title change. To honor our alumni who fought, and those who remain fighting, in the battle against COVID-19, this issue of Nursing Columns is entitled:

Volume 3 - Year 2019-20

Inside this issue: Snapshot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Program Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 70th Anniversary Celebration. . . . . . . . . . 5 Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

70 Years of Heroes

Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

I would like to dedicate this third issue of Nursing Columns to a 2018 alumnus, Mr. Mike (Michael) Marceaux. Mike lost his life while working in a local hospital’s emergency room during the COVID crisis. The hospital he worked for stated to a local news agency, “…Mike rushed toward the crisis to provide care, instead of running away. He always had a smile, positive attitude and brought joy to others!” I am honored that Mike was one of us! That the education he received and the diploma he earned equipped him to care for those in need. I hope one day I am able to tell Mike how PROUD he made all of us to be NSU graduates and how he inspired us to keep going!

In Memoriam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

In 2019, prior to the arrival of the national pandemic, the College of Nursing’s focus was on having GRIT (Guts, Resilience, Integrity and Tenacity). We also re-evaluated/re-worked our Mission and Values to be congruent with changes to the University’s mission, to be inclusive of those with different life backgrounds and perspectives, and to describe our dedication to becoming key members of diverse interprofessional healthcare teams. Can anyone give a shout out to DIVINE PROVIDENCE for preparing us for things to come? I know I can.

In early 2020 our GRITTY and flexible faculty/staff team worked tirelessly to shift entire nursing programs from in-class, face-to-face environments to the on-line learning environment IN 3 DAYS! One day I will interview faculty so I can write a book entitled: How to gracefully move 800 clinical students and 2900 nursing students to online learning, in three days! It probably won’t be a bestseller, but it will definitely demonstrate the GRIT, caring, empathy, flexibility, compassion, dedication, and intelligence of the College of Nursing faculty and staff.

Despite the 2019-2020 academic year being disrupted by local, regional, national and international turmoil, I am pleased to report that over 504 nursing students received degrees from NSU in 2019; and that the Fall 2019 CONSAH enrollment represented 29% of the University’s total enrollment.

Our growth continues.

In this edition, we continue to spotlight an alumni-family and/or group who have positively impacted NSU’s Nursing Legacy (NSU Nursing Legacy), an outstanding nursing alumnus who is an influential representative of NSU nursing (Outstanding Alumnus), and a specific nursing program that is impacting healthcare and bringing eminence to the College of Nursing (Program Spotlight). I hope you enjoy reading about the 2019-2020 accomplishments of NSU Nursing Alumni, our Heroes!

Fork Em Demons!

Dana Clawson, DNS, WHNP-BC (1990, 1996, 2000) Dean

Northwestern State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialists, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Northwestern State University.

Northwestern State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, and veteran or retirement status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies (i.e., Title IX): Employees/Potential Employees – Veronica M. Biscoe, EEO Officer (318-3576359) and Students – Frances Conine, Dean of Students (318-3575286). For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns, contact the Disability Support Director at 318-357-4460. Additionally, Northwestern complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act. Information about NSU’s campus security and crime statistics can be found at http://universitypolice. nsula.edu/annual-security-report/. Full disclosure statement: http:// universityplanning.nsula.edu/notice-of-non-discrimination.

This public document was published at a total cost of $8,463. 9,525 copies of this public document were published in this first printing at a cost of $8,463. The total cost of all printings of this document, including reprints is $8,463. This document was published by Northwestern State University College of Nursing and printed by Cenveo Worldwide Limited, 200 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT 06902 to foster and promote the mutually beneficial relationship between Northwestern State University and its alumni, supporters and community partners. This material was printed in accordance with standards for printing by state agencies established pursuant to R.S. 43.31. Printing of this material was purchased in accordance with the provisions of Title 43 of the Louisiana Revised Statues.

SNAPSHOT ENROLLMENT GROWTH - FALL 2019 College of Nursing and School of Allied Health Enrollment: CONSAH is now

3,130

29% of the university.

Fall 2019 Total College of Nursing Enrollment:

Undergraduates:

Graduates:

2,435

287

2,722

6% increase from Fall 2018 and 44% increase since 2014!

Undergraduate Clinical Students

ENROLLMENT BY PROGRAM Enrollment by Program 1600

Shreveport 436

1407

1400

Natchitoches 60

1200 1000

854

Alexandria 154

800 600

Leesville 78

400 200 0

174 ASN

BSN

RN TO BSN

236 12 MSN

POST MASTERS

39 DNP

In the 2019-2020 Academic Year

THE COLLEGE OF NURSING AND SCHOOL OF ALLIED HEALTH AWARDED

486

101

undergraduate degrees

Abbi Sharpe

Alayna Austin Harris

Alexis Kochinskey

Amber Suttle

Amber Wallace Freeman Anna Robertson Parker

Ameera Ghannam

Alicia McNab

Alyssa Thomas

Amelia Wheeler, Janice Litton, Miranda Wells

1

SPRING 2020

graduate degrees

Amanda Eades

Amanda Mckee Saiz

Amber Martin

Amy Girtman

Angelica Valdez

Anna McKoin

SNAPSHOT #1 Producer of licensed

2019 Best of

registered nurses in Louisiana in 2019

Shreveport Nursing School Awards

(2019 NCLEX report)

(townranking decision.com)

#1 Producer of

US News and World Report

TOP 100

Nurse Practitioners in Louisiana

“best masters in nursing online program” 2020

(2019 LSBN Report)

#21 ranking of Best

#4 ranked Pediatric

Nursing Schools in the

Nurse Practitioner Program 2019

US (Study.com 2020)

#1 Nurse Practitioner

#40 ranking of

program ranking

Best BSN programs in the US (Study.com 2020)

(Intelligent.com 2020)

#9 ranked RN to BSN program in Louisiana

(TopRNtoBSN.com 2020)

Anne Mahloch, Erica Morris, Abbey Martin

Ashton Swanson Bonnette

Spencietta Ashton Ally Collins

Arneshia Brooks, Jasmine Jackson, Crystal Brown

Ashley Sepulvado

Ashley Strickland

Ashley Tisdale

Audrey Friesen

Audrey Rachel Smith

Bayleigh Piatt

Beth Buccola, Sumer Speake

2

SPRING 2020

Ashley Young, Mathew Currie, Christy Lummus

Bethany Bennett

Bobby Guichet Jr.

SNAPSHOT #4 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PCPNP) Program in the US

2019 NCLEX First-Time Pass Rates

Northwestern State University’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program was ranked fourth in the country by RegisteredNursing.org in 2019.

Nursing programs were assessed on several factors which represent how well a program supports students during school, towards licensure and beyond. You can learn more about the methodology used by visiting https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.

The highly revered and rewarding pediatric nurse practitioner role is a popular choice for nurses who want to make a difference in the health of children. This advanced nursing career can be achieved at NSU through our master’s level pediatric nurse practitioner program. The program is offered entirely online.

“Over the last four to five years we’ve had one to eight graduates each spring,” said Meredith Eastin, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner coordinator. “All of our graduates are employed in primary care clinics, pediatric specialty clinics, community health centers, and school-based health clinics.”

The field of pediatrics is a particularly rewarding one for advanced practice RNs. Building lasting relationships with children who are ill or injured is just one asset of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner care. Choosing the right Pediatric NP program is of great importance, and RegisteredNursing.org’s rankings of the

ASN national council licensure examination pass rates:

94.29%

(132 passed/140 tested)

BSN national council licensure examination pass rates:

95.15%

(157 passed/165 tested)

Total Undergraduate Nursing National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate

94.75%

(289 passed /305 tested)

ence in Nursing specialty program. The curriculum is comprised of 42 total credits, with 720 clinical hours required. Enrolled students take courses in Genomics for Nursing Practice, Family Dynamics, Research in Nursing and much more. Both part-time and full-time study options are available.

“All of our graduates are employed in primary care clinics, pediatric specialty clinics, community health centers, and school-based health clinics.”

MSN Program · Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid “Overall, student feedback has been great,” Eastin said. “Students felt a close connection with instructors. They feel well prepared when entering clinical practice and they recommend our program to future students. Students report they liked the small size of the class. They are able to communicate with one another and learn together as a team.”

top online/hybrid Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs help students find their perfect fit.

Northwestern State trains the next generation of Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners through its Master of Sci-

Brandon Eberts

Bandy Lynn Corbett

BreAuan Case Loveless

Breonda Simmons

Brianna Ellis

Bridgette Derena Bell

Brittney Lynn Garcie

Brooke Bourbonais

Brooke Spector

Bryan Waits

Caitlin Dauzat

Caitlin Jones Fursov

Caitlin McLane

Cami Jorio

Camika Price

Candy Allen Eddington

3

SPRING 2020

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT Military Medic/Paramedic to ASN Program

New Post Master’s Certificate Program In 2019, the new concentration of the College of Nursing’s Post Masters Certificate Program: AdultGerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) admitted its first student cohort. Louisiana and the nation have a shortage of advanced practice registered nurses who possess specialized nursing knowledge and advanced nursing skills to provide quality health care to adults, older adults and the elderly who: are critically or chronically ill; have urgent or emergent conditions; have a traumatic injury; and, who are at risk for life-threatening instability or rapid physiologic health deterioration.

The program length varies for each person because the program director performs an individual analysis of the gap between student’s previous master’s degree and the AGACNP requirements. This analysis allows current NPs to earn the certificate in as little as three to four semesters.

To maximize flexibility, most of the courses are available online. For more information on the program contact Dr. Angela Hardy at hardya@nsula.edu.

In 2019, the first cohort of students were admitted into NSU’s Military Medic/Paramedic to Associate of Science in Nursing program. This program is an accelerated program which provides eligible Military Medics or Paramedics the ability to obtain their ASN degree faster than the traditional route. Once students complete required courses in the program, they receive credit for approved military medic or paramedic experience.

The program was developed after the College of Nursing was approached by legislators, veterans, paramedics, and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing Logan Moore about creating an accelerated route for military medics and paramedics to become registered nurses. Nursing faculty, under the guidance of the Undergraduate Director, Mrs. Pam Holcombe, worked diligently to develop a program that meets the needs of military veterans and first responders who are uniquely prepared by nature of their experiences as medics in the United Stated Armed Forces, or Paramedics who have served as first responders in their local communities.

The program has been well-received by students and faculty! According Jennifer Radar to Lisa Wilhite, Non-Traditional ASN Program Coordinator, “We have been blessed to teach a wonderfully diverse group of medics and paramedics. The students have enhanced our program and healthcare with a wide variety of experiences and attributes. We are looking forward to gaining many more wonderful medics and paramedics in the future to assist us in shaping the future of healthcare.” Another lead lab faculty, Sharon Walker, states “It was such an honor to have been a part of this first medic/paramedic class. I have been impressed by their high level of competency, depth of experience, as well as their professionalism. I have no doubt they will make fantastic nurses and patient advocates.”

The new track to the ASN degree was implemented on the Shreveport and Leesville offcampus learning sites to accommodate the large military presence in Caddo, Bossier, and Vernon parishes. If anyone desires information on the program please contact tidwellj@nsula. edu or wilhitel@nsula.edu.

RN to BSN Program Flat Rate Tuition The RN to BSN program has established a FLAT RATE for TUITION AND FEES of $6,750.00 ($225 per credit hour). The program remains 100% online and allows working, ASN prepared registered nurses to obtain their baccalaureate degree in as little as 12 months. The $225/credit hour rate also applies to the general education courses needed for program completion. The BSN is often the first step towards a Master’s of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree where nurses are prepared to become advanced practice registered nurses, nurse educators or nurse administrators. For more information or to apply for NSU’s RN to BSN, contact Dr. Deshotels at (318) 613-4990 or deshotelsa@nsula.edu

Carleigh Makenna Byrd

Carolyn Knebl

Carson Custis

Casi Killan

Cassie Jemison Griffin

Catie McCauslin

Cavonte Jones

Celeste Carbo Cantu

Charles Reyes

Chase Powell

Chelsea Jene’

Chelsea Morra

Chelsey McBroom

Cheryl Elliott Cook

Christain Yancy

Christy Humphrey

4

SPRING 2020

70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION NSU’s College of Nursing hosted Events to Commemorate the College of Nursing’s 70th Anniversary

In 2019

, the College of Nursing (CON) celebrated 70 years of nursing education and the creation of more than ten-thousand registered students! Receptions were hosted on both Alexandria and Shreveport off-campus learning sites to celebrate the CON’s 70th Anniversary.

It was in the mid-1940s when a visionary nursing community in Shreveport Louisiana recognized the need for a collegiate-based nursing program. Following the recommendations of a national consultant, five hospitals in the Shreveport region phased-out their diploma nursing programs in preparation for nursing’s move to the collegiate level. This opened the door for NSU to create a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. In 1949, the first baccalaureate nursing students were admitted to NSU, making it the oldest state supported baccalaureate nursing program in Louisiana.

During the early years NSU’s CON students were given two options for program entry/graduation: (1) they could exit the program at the end of three years of study with a diploma or, (2) they could complete a fourth year and earn a baccalaureate degree. The diploma option was phased out in the late 1950’s.

Today, the CON offers five-degree programs with over 20 routes/tracks to facilitate students seamless degree/ certificate completion.

Both of the Anniversary receptions were well-attended and recognized Northwestern State and its community partners’ contributions in producing quality healthcare providers for seven decades!

Dr. Dana Clawson, dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health, recognized Louise “Lou” Murphy (1953, BSN-1955, MSN-1976) as the earliest nursing graduate in attendance.

Claire Chester Wardell

Cobi Bolen Doyle

Colton Steadman

Connie Belsha, Summer Cooley

Courtney Kite

Crystal “CJ” Claunch

Crystal Brown

Crystal Pye

Danielle Hynes, Charles Reyes

Danielle Hynes

Dasmon Mose

Dave Marquis

Dawn Moss

Deanna Kamphuis

Dene’ Stelly

Denise Killen

5

SPRING 2020

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Class of 1968 Reunite

It

WAS MAY 1968. We were young, educated, newly graduated, and excited to enter the healthcare workforce.

We thought we knew everything we needed to know about nursing and life! In truth, we weren’t even close! We gave up dorm-living for apartment-living and traded nursing school uniforms for the fashion choice of the moment, “mini-skirts.”

We had big plans! We had no idea that it would be many, many years before we would see some of the people we had lived with for the past four years.

Fast forward to Fall 2019, and we are all now living in the world of social media. We began reaching-out to our former classmates and reconnecting. Then, one classmate said “we should get together.” We decided to reunite in Shreveport. A weekend in October was chosen, and the party was on!

It was a perfect weekend for eight young-at-heart women to renew friendships, catch up on fifty-one years, and remember our NSU Nursing adventures! Susan turned her home into a bed and breakfast, and we all gathered for catered meals and lots of visiting.

A highlight of the weekend was a guided tour of NSU’s Shreveport Nursing campus by Dr. Clawson, Dean of CONSAH, who graciously met us on a Saturday morning and gave us a tour and a presentation about the vision for the nursing programs. Afterward, we visited many places that we had not been to in years.

We never stopped talking and laughing, just like when we were in school!

Here is a snapshot of what happened to these eight nursing classmates from NSU’s Class of 1968: • All of us married and raised families (a total of 20 children amongst us!) We live in Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Texas, and New Hampshire.

• We’ve worked in Medical/Surgical, Neurology, ICU, CCU, and Pediatric units. We worked in ORs, Recovery rooms, and Day Surgery units. We became Case Managers, Discharge Planners, Nurse Recruiters, Public Health nurses, Clinic nurses, Group Home Healthcare Managers, and Hospice nurses.

• Six of us became Nurse Educators! We taught Fundamentals, Pediatrics, Research, and Informatics. Two of us earned MSN degrees and one earned a Doctorate. We earned Certifications in Wound/Ostomy Care, Nurse Education, and Faith Community Nursing.

• We all love serving others and have a combined 400 years of nursing practice experience, and it all began at NSU! The 1968 mini-reunion included Mary Frances Elias (Shreveport), Connie Potvin Engelke (Manchester, New Hampshire), Suzy Thompson Gates (McKinney, Texas), Royce Thibodeaux Goforth (Waco, Texas), Eileen Parker Lafitte (Shreveport), Dottie Stone Maziarz (Shreveport), Dr. Susan Pierce (Shreveport), and Gayle Harvey Sherrill (Ft. Smith, Arkansas). ARTICLE BY DR. SUSAN PIERCE

Destini Sweet

Diana Corley

Dita Walker

Donna Gayle Vogel

Kelly Novak

Dorothea Scruggs

Emily Lawrence

Emily Odom

Eric and Candi Henley

Erin Huckabay

Erin Lanae Rivers

Erin McDonnell

6

SPRING 2020

Dylan Carter

Emily Holley

Erin Rivers, Lauren Jeansonne, Haley Sepulvado

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT CENLA - Alexandria Off-Campus Learning Site Michelle Butler MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC • Can you tell me a little bit about yourself, why you chose nursing as a career?

And, specifically Why you chose NSU nursing on the CENLA campus?

Attending nursing school at NSU in CENLA allowed me to move closer to home. My late father had multiple health problems at a young age. Moving back home to finish nursing school allowed me to spend treasured time with him between classes. During my senior year at NSU, I donated a kidney to him that greatly improved his overall health. My father is one of the biggest influences over why I knew early on I wanted to take care of people by being a nurse.

• What has happened in your nursing career since graduation?

Following graduation, I moved to Houston and worked at the Texas Medical Center at the Methodist Hospital. There I grew as a novice nurse, learning from world renowned medical professionals. During this time, I co-authored a publication in Nursing Research Study on “Chlorahexidine Bathing in the ICU” and authored a nomination that led to our Surgical ICU receiving the AACN Beacon Award.

After a few years at the bedside, I began attending Texas Women’s University. There I completed my Acute Care Nurse Practitioner education with honors and continued to grow as a nurse.

• Where are you now?

After graduating with my masters, my husband and I were able to move back to our roots in CENLA and the Louisiana culture we loved. I began working in my current position with the Rapides Regional Physician Group in Trauma and Critical Care Surgery. I help manage patients from their sickest moments following a tragic accident, through recovery on the trauma unit, until they are discharged to their homes. This has been my passion for the last eight years. I continue to love serving the CENLA community. I’m also an active member of the Louisiana Emergency Response Network Region 6 Board and a Hope House of Central Louisiana Board Member. I’m thankful for my early nursing experiences at NSU giving me the foundation needed to grow my career and serve those in need.

“I’m thankful for my early nursing experiences at NSU giving me the foundation needed to grow my career and serve those in need.”

–Michelle Butler

Michelle, we are thankful that you chose NSU. Thank you for making us proud!!

Erin Schwartz

Erin Wood Schoth

Esther A. Kennedy

Freddie Thomas

Fredricka Seawood

Gail Batson

Hailey McGehee

Halei Golden Stebbins

Haley Shepherd

Hallie Glick

Hannah Aslin

Hannah Brevelle

Hannah Crnkovic

Hannah Ellis

Hannah Everett

Hannah Longo

7

SPRING 2020

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Leesville Off-Campus Learning Site Megan Fulton, CRNA -- ASN Class of 2014 • Megan, can you tell us about your experiences at NSU, specifically on the Leesville campus?

I attended the Leesville, LA campus as an ASN student and served as the president of our campus Student Nurses Association. I knew I wanted to become a CRNA before I ever started nursing school. NSU fully prepared me to pass the NCLEX and begin my RN experience. I enjoyed being a nursing student at the Leesville campus because of the smaller class size, amazing instructors, and great classmates!

• What happened to your nursing career after graduating from the ASN Program in 2014?

After graduation I began working as an ICU nurse at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, LA. After a year, my husband and I moved to Monterey, California. While I worked as an ICU nurse in Santa Cruz, CA and Salinas, CA, I completed NSU’s online RN to BSN program. In 2016, after 2 ½ years of ICU experience, I was accepted into Texas Wesleyan University’s Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA) program, and graduated in December 2019. Since graduation, I have worked as a CRNA at a Level 2 Trauma hospital and GI center in California. I work as an independent anesthesia provider with no anesthesiologist supervision.

• What advice do you have for ASN students to help them be successful in nursing school and in their future nursing careers?

To successfully complete a nursing program, I would recommend: Adopting smart study habits; Adjusting study techniques after each exam to fix what didn’t work; Managing time wisely; Asking your instructors for help; Finding a senior nursing student who is willing to mentor you; and, Communicating to family and friends that school is your top priority. Lastly, take care of yourself and never give up on your dream to become a registered nurse. You will impact the lives of thousands of individuals in your community and country. I am proud to be a member of the nursing community as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist!

Megan, We are proud you chose NSU and so proud of your nursing accomplishments!

“... take care of yourself and never give up on your dream to become a registered nurse. You will impact the lives of thousands of individuals in your community and country.”

– Megan Fulton

Hannah Schoth

Hannah Spicer

Heather Sorton

Henry Bohn

Hollie McCullough

Holly Pitarro

Hope Brown Pulley

Ingrid Cook

Jackie Strug

Jacqueline Tate Henson

Jalisa Neal

Jamie Greer

Jared Jagneaux

Jarred Sepulvado

Jasmine Jackson

Jasmine Pace

8

SPRING 2020

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Shreveport Off-Campus Learning Site Dr. Stephen Hernandez BSN, MSN, PhD, Colonel U.S. Air Force Reserve Dr. Stephen Hernandez was selected as the focus of the Shreveport Off-Campus Learning Site’s Alumni Spotlight.

Dr. Hernandez earned his BSN degree from NSU in 1995, and his MSN degree in 2001. In 2012 Dr. Hernandez completed his PhD in nursing through the University of New Mexico.

For 11 years, before he earned the titles of Dr. and Colonel, Stephen worked as assistant professor of nursing at NSU! In 1997 he joined the Army Reserves, was assigned to the 94th Combat Support Hospital, and was deployed to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Stephen returned from his deployment, to find a portion of his unit deactivated. He then decided to join the Air Force Reserve and served with the 307th Medical Support Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base.

In 2013 Stephen accepted an assistant professor position with the University of New Mexico and transferred to an Air Force Reserve unit in Colorado, the 302nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron. Dr. Hernandez has served as the Unit’s Chief Nurse, Interim Squadron Commander and currently serves as the Unit’s Deputy Commander.

In 2018, Dr. Hernandez was promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure at the University of New Mexico and in 2019 he was promoted to the rank of Colonel. Currently Dr. Hernandez is assigned as the Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Dean of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

This year, when COVID-19 descended on many areas of our country, Dr. Hernandez was deployed to New York where population Stephen Hernandez, right density and other factors made it the hardesthit metropolis in the United States. Stephen led his unit’s work with other health care professionals at Lincoln Hospital in support of the Department of Defense COVID-19 response in the Bronx, N.Y. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio greeted and thanked Hernandez and his military medical colleagues in U.S. Northern Command for their military support in helping the communities in need.

Dr. Hernandez’s 22 year career is quite impressive, but what is even more impressive is that the college of nursing faculty still mention how much they enjoyed working with him!

We are proud to call Dr. Stephen Hernandez one of our outstanding Alum!

Pinning ceremony with family

Jayme Freeman

Jenni Grisham

Jennifer Newberry

Jennifer Sunderland

Jeri Jordan

Jessica Hammersla

Jessica McAlpin

Jessica Thompson

Jill Vidrine

Joe Gouthiere

Joe Michael Rush

John Nance

Joie Isgitt

Jonathan Edie

Jonshonique Taylor

Jordan Ann Beeman

9

SPRING 2020

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Natchitoches Campus

Nursing Alumni/Athletes

For over 60 years, if a student-athlete wanted to major in Nursing at Northwestern State, they would have to stop participating in collegiate athletics and transfer to one of NSU’s off-campus learning sites that offered BSN didactic/clinical courses. NSU leadership recognized that by not offering the BSN on the main campus in Natchitoches they were preventing the University from being able to recruit and/or retain student-athletes who wanted to earn a BSN. In 2017 things changed and NSU began offering the BSN program on the Natchitoches campus! This year, NSU graduated the third cohort of BSN students who completed their entire nursing education on the NSU’s main campus, and two of those graduates were student-athletes: Channing Burleson (Women’s Volleyball) and Brandon Eberts (Football).

According to Athletic Director Greg Burke, “Having one of the top nursing programs in the nation is a definite selling point for athletic department coaches during the recruiting process. The partnership between the College of Nursing and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center provides student-athletes the opportunity to continue competing while also being enrolled in clinical nursing courses. I am proud of the athletic program’s student-athlete nursing graduates who will use their education, and skill set gained through athletic participation, to impact lives on a daily basis.”

Dr. Dana Clawson, Dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health seconded Director Burke’s statement and said “When I first heard that NSU was losing athletic recruits because the athletes wanted to major in nursing, I thought – this is fixable, and we will find a way to make this work. NSU student-athletes should not have to choose between being a nurse and competing at the collegiate level. The College of Nursing initiated discussions with the athletic department and local healthcare agencies to find a way for NSU to offer the BSN program on the main campus in Natchitoches. Our Natchitoches Campus Coordinator, Mrs. Tamara Baxter and dedicated Natchitoches nursing faculty such as Shaun Wheat worked tirelessly to adjust class/clinical/mentoring/tutoring schedules and give student-athletes every opportunity to be successful in our BSN program!

Being both a nursing student and a student-athlete is a natural combination; after all nursing and athletics share many common values such as perseverance, dedication, communication, endurance, teamwork, sacrifice, and inclusiveness. I am proud of both our nursing and athletics programs in bringing baccalaureate nursing to the Natchitoches campus.

Congratulations to our first nursing-athlete graduates: Channing Burleson and Brandon Eberts.”

CHANNING BURLESON: Nurse-Athlete Sport: Women’s Volleyball

Channing Burleson was an outside hitter on the Lady Demon Volleyball team from 2015-2018, while she pursued a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her ultimate goal is to become a nurse anesthetist. While attending Midland Senior High School in Midland Texas, Channing was a Four-year Letterwinner, District 3-6A Outside Hitter of the Year, and Academic All-District Member. During her tenure at NSU, Channing was ranked 2nd in Career Digs (1,879); 3rd, 4th, and 7th in single-season digs (573, 572, 492) and FirstTeam All SLC in 2018 as well as 2nd Team All Louisiana in 2018. She was also the 2018 Southland Conference “Libero of the Year”.

According to athletic director, Greg Burke “Channing was a great volleyball player!”

Channing graduated from the BSN program in 2019 with a GPA greater than 3.5!

Channing passed her licensure examination and currently works at Baylor University Medical Center in Downtown Dallas on the Medical Intensive Care Unit which is one of the main COVID units.

Jourdan Ray

Judy Rambin

Julie Paulk-Odom

Kaitlin Michelle

Kali Hodges

Kamryn Bedsole Malmay

Kara Eubanks

Kara Knippers

Karisma Jones

Katelyn Feazell

Kathy Wild

Kaycie Clark Posey

Kayla Edwards

Kaylin Smith

Kelby Friday

Kelley Vetkoetter

10

SPRING 2020

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT WE ASKED CHANNING TO ANSWER A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS: • How was your journey through nursing school and how did nursing support you as a student athlete?

NSU is one of the few schools I know of that allows student athletes to pursue their education in nursing simultaneously.

• How do you feel nursing and athletics worked with you and your schedule so you could do both?

Both the nursing and athletic department played key roles in ensuring my success by working with me and keeping my schedule flexible to help me achieve both of my goals.

• What advice do you have for someone who is a student athlete in the nursing program?

My advice would be to find someone in the program who is in a similar situation, such as a fellow student athlete.

Some other key advice I would give is to find a support system within the nursing staff and fellow classmates that will be there if you have to miss class for sports. Getting any notes that I may have missed or having someone record the lecture and send it to me to listen made a huge difference for me and my success. I will be forever grateful for NSU letting me live out two of my dreams simultaneously while ensuring my success in both athletics and education.

Nursing is a very rewarding profession and I owe it all to those who helped me get where I am today!

Kelly DeAnn Vazquez

Kristen Berry

BRANDON EBERTS: Nurse-Athlete Sport: Football

Brandon Eberts’ position on NSU’s football team was Long Snapper. Brandon is from Mandeville, Louisiana and attended St. Pauls High School. In High School Brandon was a four-year letterman, three years in powerlifting, one year in track and one year in rugby. As a senior, Brandon was named team captain on the football and powerlifting teams and was an honorable mention all-district running back. Brandon helped lead St. Paul’s to three district titles and four playoff appearances.

Brandon was a three-time, top-six finisher at state powerlifting and was ranked Number 1 in the nation in the 198-pound weight class. In 2016 Brandon was redshirted and in 2017 he was the long snapper in the final two games against McNeese and SFA, after an injury to the starting snapper. Brandon snapped on nine punts in those two games, averaging nearly 35 yards per attempt. Brandon graduated in 2019, with a GPA greater than 3.5 and passed his national Registered Nurse licensure examination. Brandon currently works at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in the intensive care unit and neuro-intensive care unit.

WE ASKED BRANDON TO ANSWER A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS: • How was your journey through nursing school and how did nursing support you as a student athlete?

Looking back, I can’t be more grateful for the NSU nursing staff, NRMC staff, and my classmates for helping me get through nursing school. Without them I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. I could not be happier in the job/work that I do and every day that I work, I look forward to the opportunity to continue to learn and help people • How do you feel nursing and athletics worked with you and your schedule so you could do both?

I feel like nursing and football both did everything they could to give me the chance to do both. It was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced, but persevering and doing both made me a better person.

Kelly Flores, Emily Cecil, Lily Vanegas, Edith Talamayan, Joy Anne Talamayan, Emily Rideout, Yao Wang, Natalie Hirsch

Kristen Clark

Kristen Davis Hall

Kelsey Hall

Keymon Houston

Kira Stewart

Kourtney Horton

Krisi Amsden, Erica Ducote, Presley Gilley

Kristen Smith

Kristen Warke

Kymberly Elrod Strange

Kyrsten Freyou

LaKina Sanders

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OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS

Wayne McCullen MY JOURNEY

It

is an honor to have been chosen by the College of Nursing as the 2019-2020 Outstanding Nursing Alumnus!

I appreciate the opportunity this honor has given me to reflect on my Nursing education and the foundation it gave me to continue with Post-graduate study in Anesthesia.

I’m from the small rural town of Springhill, Louisiana, just an hour north of Shreveport.

I grew up in a home with loving and supportive parents of modest means, who realized the value of education, and encouraged me to take advantage of educational opportunities not afforded to them. When I was 15 years old, I was admitted to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. Not being familiar with

Lakyn Smith

Lauren Simmons Ford

Lakyn Ward, Angie Nguyen

Lauren Willis-Sanders

Laura Mayeaux

anything medical, I was a little unnerved until I talked with the anesthetist who would put me to sleep for the operation. I was immediately impressed and glad she made such an effort to put me at ease with her confident voice and explanations for everything! I knew when I left the hospital that I wanted to be an Anesthetist. I enrolled in the Nursing program at Northwestern after high-school graduation, knowing it was the first step in several years of my career preparation.

From the first day in 1965, when I first walked onto the campus of Northwestern State College, I can honestly say I have loved Northwestern and Natchitoches.

Campus was fun, maybe too much, and friends quickly became family. Travel was not the norm in 1965 but I liked it that way!

Campus was alive with a juke box in the student union, good food, football games on weekends and a concert almost every Saturday night! I never dreamed that my life’s journey would eventually bring me back, and I would call Natchitoches “home.” I’m still enjoying good football and great Saturday night entertainment in this special place!

The College of Nursing faculty quickly became “formidable” mentors as I moved into clinical practice in Shreveport. The curriculum was tough, but I soon adjusted with the help of some outstanding nursing educators, who became my role models, and later friends. Dr. Etta Ann Hinker, Beth Hayes, Barbara Dickerson and many others gave us the tools we needed to live up to Northwestern’s reputation as the “Best Nurs-

Laurashae Brown, Taylor Helton Byrd

Leah Moses Nicholson, Amy Billings Beauregared

Leanne Young, Melissa Owers, Tracy Whitney Form 12

ing Program in the State.” With exemplary leadership and dedicated faculty, Northwestern has continued to be a leader in producing quality nurses, who excel in their chosen specialties.

As I reflect on my nursing education, I realize how technology and other innovations have altered nursing practice; but something else has changed over the years. A large percentage of undergraduate nursing students are male! When I entered, less than 1% of nursing students were men. Last year as part of our 50th school reunion, I attended graduation ceremonies and there were a large percentage of graduating male nurses.

Nursing has become a premier healthcare profession that offers its professional members the ability to serve others, have stable employment, and provide for those you care about.

Following graduation, with a bachelor’s degree in hand, I accepted a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force.

I spent 2 years in active duty and 4 years in the Air Force Reserve, earning the rank of Captain. I am honored to have served my country and played a small role in the Vietnam Era. I value the time I spent in the military and appreciate how military service refined me personally and professionally.

Not only did my military tenure fulfill my military obligations, it also fulfilled the 2 years of nursing experience, prerequisite requirements, needed for admission to Anesthesia School.

I was further honored with the Air Force Commendation Medal for medical service.

In 1972, I left the Air Force thinking that I had survived my

Lauren Martin

Lauren Bourgeois, Elizabeth Tuma

Lauren Norris

Lauren Ortiz

Leslie Desadier Murphy

Lindsay Warner

Lindsey Hagan

Logan Webb

SPRING 2020

OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS biggest life challenges, but a much larger challenge was ahead, Anesthesia School!

During my interview for admission to the University of South Alabama’s Anesthesia program, one of the physicians reviewing my application commented: “I see you are a graduate of Northwestern State Nursing School. That is a great nursing program!”

Again, NSU had opened a door along my career journey.

After graduation, I received several job offers from numerous Southern states, but Louisiana was home. So, we returned to Shreveport, then shortly after we moved to Natchitoches. The quality of life Natchitoches offered won me over, and I knew Natchitoches was my new home. I had a rewarding 27-year career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Natchitoches Parish Hospital and its surrounding communities. I served as Anesthesia department head from 1974, until I retired in 2000. During those years I was very involved in the Natchitoches community and Northwestern State. I served as President of the NSU Foundation Board and NSU Athletic Association, President of the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce, a Chamber board member, Charter president of the Dixie Youth Baseball Program, and 20 years as Councilman at Large for the city of Natchitoches. In 2000, I was elected Mayor of Natchitoches for three consecutive terms.

In 2012, I retired again after serving 32 consecutive years in city government, longer than any other elected city official!

I was honored to receive the “Nth Degree” from NSU and to be inducted into the Long Purple Line, the highest honor given

to any NSU alumnus. I will always be deeply appreciative to Northwestern for this special recognition.

Although I am grateful for two long, rewarding careers, a career is only as good as the support one has in that career. I could not have been given a better support system than My Family. My The McCullen family of Natchitoches initiated a scholarship to benefit Northwestern State University wife of 50 years, San- nursing students through a donation to the NSU Foundation. From left are David and Beth McCullen, dra, has been by my Brandon and McCall McCullen, Wayne and Sandra McCullen and Michelle and Rob Posey. Of the seven are Northwestern graduates. The scholarship commemorates the 50th anniversary of side since we started eight, Wayne and Sandra’s graduation from NSU and their 50th wedding anniversary.

Nursing school. We are blessed with three wonderful children, Nursing Scholarship. We want this scholDavid, Brandon and Michelle and eight arship to support nursing students who beautiful grandchildren. David and Brantruly want to care for others and change don are both NSU Nursing graduates and the world, by becoming A NURSE! practicing CRNAs. Michelle, a graduate of I am extremely excited that NSU is planLSU, is District Manager for Novo Nardisk ning to offer a new graduate education Pharmaceuticals. Each of my children marprogram; the BSN to Doctor of Nursing ried NSU grads, so I consider us all a part of Practice-Nurse Anesthesia. I wish them the NSU family. the best and am proud that they continue I believe when we are blessed with opto be on the forefront of innovative learnportunity and support, we should be “paying. ing forward” and “giving back.” I attribute In 1965 I could never have imagined any leadership ability I have to the perwhere my journey, as part of the NSU sonal and professional life skills learned family, would take me. “Thank You” to each throughout my nursing education. Makof you whom I have met along the way, ing a difference in the life and career of and for the special memories we have deserving students gives me joy. Recently, made together. No one person makes on the 50th anniversary of mine and Santhe journey alone. I’m looking forward to dra’s graduation from NSU, my family esseeing NSU Nursing’s awesome future! Go tablished the McCullen Family Endowed Demons!!

Lori Phillips

Luis Vazquez

Lundyn Joffrion

Lyndi Taylor

Maddie Everett

Madeline Juneau

Madeline Thompson

Madison Budnik

Madison Jones

Madison Robertson

Mallie Anderson

Mallory Gilbert, Hannah Hughes

Mallory Halford

Mandi Keith Cumpton

Mariah Hester

Marlicia Thomas

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ALUMNI MAKING NEWS Our Heroes in Action As healthcare professionals and support personnel around the globe stand on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, the Northwestern State University family offer thanks to NSU alumni and the dedicated doctors, nurses, radiologic technologists, med techs, pharmacists, first responders and hospital workers who are sacrificing so much to help so many. Hundreds, if not thousands, of NSU graduates in healthcare and support professions have put their lives at risk during the unprecedented COVID-19 public health crisis.

Several alumni were deployed to New York City and other cities in the northeast where they worked on the frontlines to fight COVID-19. Diana Corley and Ingrid Cook worked in New York, where population density and other factors made it the hardest-hit state in the United States.

Corley, a graduate of NSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, was among those mobilized by the U.S. Navy to serve in New York public hospitals. She worked in ICU at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn.

“We had at least 150 patients on ventilators that were all COVID infected. It was pretty grueling. I had not worked in ICU in 18 years but it was like riding a bike. It was really sad,” she said. “I was honored to serve my country and represent our loved profession.”

Cook, who earned a master’s degree in nursing and psych mental health post-master’s certification, also assisted in New York.

“It was unbelievable up here in NYC. I worked on the COVID palliative care team at Northern Central Bronx Community Hospital. There were approximately 200 Navy medical reservist providing support to about 10 community hospitals throughout NYC where COVID had hit the hardest. There were about 100 deaths at my hospital in one month. It was so sad,” Cook said.

Elsewhere in the U.S. alumni from NSU’s College of Nursing, School of Allied Health and School of Biological and Physical Sciences remain working on the frontline of healthcare.

Ingrid Cook Diana Corley

Megan Bouchie

Megan Delrie

Melissa Wood Harmon

Michael Cade

Megan Wagley

Megan Willie

First Lieutenant Shaina E. Newton, BSN Class of 2016 During Nurses Week 2019, 1LT Shaina E. Newton was awarded the People’s Choice Daisy Award after receiving 13 Daisy Award Nominations from various patients. 1LT Newton received this award while assigned as an Army Med-Surg and Charge Nurse at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland.

After graduating from NSU, Shaina was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the US Army with over 14 years of Active Duty Service. In February 2019, she earned ANCC Medical-Surgical Nurse Certification. In July 2019, 2LT Newton was hand-selected to serve as the Aide-de-Camp to the first female Commanding General of Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, TX. Aide-deCamp is prestigious position of trust and authority.

Dozens of applicants undergo a rigorous screening process, but only one person is selected to represent each Strategic Leader.

In October 2019, Shaina graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership and Health Care Systems Degree with a 3.9 GPA, and was inducted into the Nu Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. 1LT Newton’s current duty assignment is Aide-deCamp to the Regional Health Command – Central (RHCC) Commanding General. However, in February 2020, Shaina was selected to become a Company Commander at the 14th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) , and will relocate to Fort Benning, GA in October 2020 to begin this assignment.

Congratulations 1LT Shaina E. Newton, we are so proud of you and your many accomplishments!

Thank you for making NSU proud!

Meghan Wallace

Michele Dore’, Lonna Hassan, Sydney Shannon, KK McCormick Michelle Lee Garlington

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SPRING 2020

Melissa Hollis

Melissa Lewing

Melissa Pannebaker

Mikaela Sedberry

Mike Waits

Misty Dalme

ALUMNI MAKING NEWS Two NSU Alumni Named to VP Positions with Willis-Knighton Health System

Renee has served patients in many positions: staff nurse, nurse educator, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse educator, assistant director of rehabilitation, Chief Nursing Officer at WK Rehabilitation Institute, and Chief Nursing officer of WK Medical Center. Renee has also taught nursing as an adjunct faculty member at Northwestern State University College of Nursing.

Mrs. McCuller remains active in professional organizations such as Shreveport District Nurses Association, Louisiana State Nurses Association and Louisiana Organization for Nursing Leadership.

Both of these nursing leaders are dedicated to improving patient care and believe NURSES, and the empowerment of nurses, play key roles in the delivery of quality patient care.

Congratulations Claire and Renee, we are so proud to call you NSU Alumni!

Two nurses, Claire Rebouche, RN, MSN, CPPS, and Renee McCuller, RN, MSN, APRN-BC, CRRN, were named Vice Presidents of Willis-Knighton Health System. Together these two nurse-leaders bring 70 years of healthcare expertise to the health system’s leadership team.

“Having two of our valued nurses as part of the administrative team reinforces not only our respect for our nursing staff throughout the health system but also the importance of nurses to key initiatives throughout our organization,” said President and CEO James K. Elrod.

Mrs. Claire Rebouche, earned a BSN from Vanderbilt University and a MSN from Northwestern State University. She joined Willis-Knighton in 1985 as a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit. However, Mrs. Rebouche’s history in the health system started long before 1985. Her greatgrandfather was Dr. Joseph E. Knighton, for whom the health system is named, and her grandfather was the architect of many Willis-Knighton buildings.

After working as a RN in the neonatal intensive care unit, Claire went on to become the floor manager of the motherbaby unit at Willis-Knighton South. In 1994 she was named Education Director for the health system and served in that role until 2008 when she became the Director of Patient Safety and Quality Mrs. Rebouche will now serve as Vice President of Quality and Clinical Performance.

Renee McCuller, a 1984 Northwestern State University graduate, is now the WK Vice President of Nursing. Mrs. McCuller continued her education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning a Master of Science in Nursing, and later returned to Northwestern State to complete post-masters certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Ed Price (1981) was appointed Chief Nursing Office of Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, California. He joined the team there in February.

Price was previously at Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch, California, where he had served as Chief Nurse Executive since July 2018. Prior to his time there, he served as CNO for Tenet Healthcare facilities’ Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, Alabama; Florida Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center in Florida.

“The best thing about working with talented and esteemed caregivers is seeing their devotion and commitment to caring for each patient with dignity and grace,” said Price.

Price holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from NSU, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Regis University, Colorado.

Retiring as a major in the United States Air Force in 1997, Price provided service to the U.S. for 17 years. He was a worldwide consultant for the Department of Defense for hyperbaric nursing and an instructor for the Air Force Flight Nurse School and Combat Nursing Course.

Monica Holloway

Morgan Hudson

Natalya Zeagler

Natasha Furlow

Neely Morin

Nikita E. Miles

Jennifer Thornton, Misty Lister

Owanna Shepherd

Pamela G. White

Patience Stanford

PetraAnne Carpenter

Peyton Ebarb, Trevor Metoyer

Quine Johnson

Rachael Vickers

Rachael Watson

Rachel Rogers Laliberte

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NSU NURSING LEGACY Three Generations of NSU Nursing Graduates Harriett Hoot-Scott (BSN, 1968) Nancy Driggers-Grappe (BSN, 1981) Ellen Grappe (BSN, 2019 and is currently working on her MSN) “My mother and my great aunt are intelligent, observant, funny, and the most caring women you could ever meet. Their kindness inspires me every day, but the time my mother spent as a caregiver to my grandmother with Alzheimers disease will forever be a testament to my mother’s compassion,” states Ellen Grappe, RN (BSN, Class of 2019), daughter of Nancy DriggersGrappe (BSN, 1981) and great-niece of Harriett Hoot-Scoot (BSN, 1968).

Nursing is Ellen’s second (professional) career. Her first career was working to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Ellen stated “Although I loved my neuroscience studies, I found that something was missing. I spent hours in the research lab, pouring over pipettes and gel electrophoresis, but I missed the human interaction that came with, not curing, but easing the fear that comes with Alzheimer’s confusion. Although I’m so grateful for everyone who chooses to spend those long hours in the lab, searching for a cure, I knew my place was face-to -ace with the people and family that face this terrible disease.”

Ellen is currently employed with Ochsner’s Neurosurgical ICU where she is able to combine her neuroscience background with nursing.

Ellen is also continuing her education with NSU and is enrolled in the MSN program with a population focus of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Nancy, Ellen’s mother, began working as a RN at Bossier Medical Center, and currently works as a labor and delivery

Harriet Hoot-Scott, Bernie Grappe-Driggers, Ellen Grappe nurse at Willis Knighton South. Harriet, Ellen’s great-aunt moved to Fort Worth after graduating in 1968 with her BSN, and worked in cardiovascular ICU, assisting with heart surgeries, and working in cardiologists’ offices.

Ellen shared this about her mom, Nancy: “She (Nancy) has met so many of my classmates, and she loves to teach them.

My classmates would come back to me and tell me how sweet and patient she is (like I didn’t already know!).

While anyone can become an excellent nurse with hard work, I believe the women in my family raised me to have all the tools I needed to excel.

They taught me to be curious, caring, thorough, and flexible.”

I believe the women in my family raised me to have all the tools I needed to excel. They taught me to be curious, caring, thorough, and flexible.” –Ellen Grappe

Thank you Ellen, Nancy and Harriett for choosing NSU Nursing! We are Proud to call you our alumni!

RaShanna Beard

Raveen Robbins

Raynell Shield

Rebecca Phillips

Reid Rogers Mottet Hannah Barmore Smith

Robert Aaron Tummons

Robynn M. Jett

Rosaline Caldwell

Roxy Ramirez, Hayden Gray

Ryan Broussard

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Rene Chiasson

Rick Haggard

Sadie Alexis Perkins, Rachel Humphries

Sara Stone

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SPRING 2020

FACULTY Diane Graham Webb Selected for Louisiana State Nurses Association Hall Of Fame College of Nursing faculty member, Diane Graham Webb was selected for induction into the Louisiana State Nurses Association’s Hall of Fame. This prestigious award is presented to Registered Nurses who make significant, enduring contributions to the profession of nursing, Louisiana nursing, and Louisiana healthcare. Diane certainly meets these criteria!

After earning a Diploma in nursing from Columbus School of Nursing in Great Falls, Montana, Diane earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Nursing degrees. In the 1980s, she became involved in professional Diane Graham Webb nursing education activities and for 12 years served as the Director of Education at Bossier Medical Center.

Subsequently, Diane became a full-time nurse faculty member at NSU where she served in numerous faculty roles and administrative positions for over 28 years! During her tenure at NSU she earned the rank of Associate Professor and served as RN to BSN Director and Director/Associate Director of Nursing Continuing Education.

Diane has been engaged in several research projects which were selected for presentation at local, state, national and international professional nursing venues. Diane’s excellence in producing quality Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) events at NSU, and her passion for ongoing professional development/learning led to her 20 plus year involvement in LSNA’s continuing education Program Committee. In 2016, after 49 years of nursing practice, Diane retired from full-time nursing. Until her retirement she held the distinction of Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). Today, Diane continues to serve NSU nursing by assisting faculty with course work and acting as co-editor of the last two editions of Nursing Alumni Columns. NSU is so proud of Diane and are happy to call her “one of our own”! CONGRATULATIONS, DIANE! Alyea Pollard was selected to participate in a mentor-mentee dyad in the Global Leadership Mentoring Community (GLMC) of Sigma Nursing. This new community is comprised of distinguished nurse leaders from practice and education from all Global Regions. The one-year program is designed to engage global nurse leaders and emerging nurse leaders in a relationship to encourage leadership development! The program culminated with members of the GLMC making a symposium presentation at the Sigma Nursing 45th Biennial Convention held in Washington, DC in November 2019. The symposium title was “Mentoring for Global Leadership: Experiences of Mentors and Mentees Through Sigma’s Global Leadership Mentoring Community. Pollard’s presentation was entitled “Global Education as a Focus for Mentoring.” Pollard currently serves as President of Beta Chi Chapter of Sigma Nursing.

Faculty Who Received Doctorates in 2019-2020 Dr. Myla Landry, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, received DNP degree from NSU College of Nursing December 2019 Dr. Terry Jackson, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, received DNP degree from NSU College of Nursing December 2019 Dr. Ann Deshotels, Associate Professor, College of Nursing, received EdD degree from ULM December 2019 Dr. Linda Nichols, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, received EdD degree from ULM December 2019

Samantha McGee

Samantha Frederick Destany Mixon

Sarabeth Bright, Haley Doyle

Daryl and Sandy Jeane

Sarah Kaitlyn Heard

Scott James Davis

Scott Wagley

Shanna Pierson

Shannen Blaire Theriot

Shannon Holford

Shannon Woodson Bergeron

Shar-Brittni Boston

Sharniece Jones Kathy Carl Leyco

Shawna Longoria

Shawnice Rene

Shay Ball

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SPRING 2020

FACULTY NSU College of Nursing and School of Allied Health’s

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR Ms. Patti Akins, MSN

How does it feel to be nominated and chosen by your peers as NSU’s Educator of the Year?

I am very honored and surprised. I love teaching the art and science of nursing and am so proud of my profession! I was overwhelmed and could only think of how I came to nursing education and the many nursing educators who have mentored me – Sylvia Rayfield, Maxine Johnson, Pat Thompson and Billie Bitowski to name a few.

What do you think has contributed to your success as an educator, nurse and faculty member?

Those people mentioned above, and many others, made significant contributions to ‘how’ I teach, but ‘the why’ is the love of the profession and caring for people and their families. As a new nurse I was mentored by Joan McIver, a Scot, who taught me what it is to be a critical care nurse and a caring professional. Working in critical care and bringing those experiences into the classroom have been major Dr. Drake Owens presented contributors to what and how I teach.

Patti with her award As a new faculty I was mentored

by Sylvia Rayfield. She lit the spark that has guided me in the use of several learning theories and styles in nursing education. Dr. Pat Thompson taught me the mechanics of building a teaching framework. She taught me that every interaction with a student is an opportunity to teach something and an opportunity to learn something.

how is improved by going to educational conferences, taking educational classes, and finding a faculty mentor whose style is similar to your own. Learn as much as you can about adult and generational education, curriculum building with a framework, and the scholarship of teaching. Don’t be afraid to try new things and even old things that didn’t work “back then.” Finally, Keep Listening!

• Listen to students and their concerns and challenges.

• Listen to the hospital nurses whose experiences can add so much (good and bad) to what you teach students.

Listen to faculty who have been there done that and have the t-shirt. Value their experience and opinions.

What has been your most rewarding faculty experience so far?

So many! Being a part of the team at Baylor in developing a Preceptor course, a Case Study Based Medical-Surgical course, and a Critical Care Course was exciting. Going through the process of establishing a new educational focus driven by Problem-BasedLearning was a great experience.

What would you tell someone if they wanted to become a nursing faculty member?

It is a rewarding and challenging nursing role. There’s nothing like “seeing the lightbulb go on” in a student’s eyes and knowing that you had a little something to do with the future of nursing. It’s exhilarating and humbling when you consider the ripple Patti with her son effect you have on nursing students, who Michael, graduate of our BSN program go out and care for others and teach others what you taught them! Knowing that I might have made a difference in a student’s life, is worth all the sacrifices involved with being an educator.

What advice do you have for new nursing faculty?

Keep learning! As a nurse, you know what to teach but the

Shay Houston

Sheila Wright

Sheree Jordan Stephens

Steven Clinger

Tamara McAdams

Tammy Berry, Shannon Ebarb

Sheree Procell

Sheri Prothro

Shuanna Ewing

Sierra Foster

Stephanie Hankins Jimes

Tara Workman

Tasha DuBois

Taylor Alexander, Karli Freeman

Teresa F. Cox

Terri Guin

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SPRING 2020

FACULTY NSU’S NURSE OF THE YEAR Dr. Julie Gayle, DNP, WHNP-BC

Nurse Practitioner Day at the Legislature in 2016, while in DNP program

Dr. Julie Gayle graduated with her Bachelor of Science in nursing degree in 2000 from Louisiana State University. In 2006 she earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree with a role/concentration focus of Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) from Northwestern State University (NSU). Dr. Gayle returned to NSU, earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in 2016, and was selected as NSU’s DNP Student of the Year. Dr. Gayle’s scholarly practice project that she completed during the DNP program was entitled IMPROVING SPECIALTY CARE ACCESS to the MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED. Articles describing her practice change project were published in the International Journal of Nursing & Health Care Research, and the Iris Journal of Nursing Care.

Dr. Gayle remains active as a WHNP and donates her professional services to Martin Luther King Community Health Center and the Philadelphia Center. Dr. Gayle is an active member in numerous professional nursing organizations such as Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, the Louisiana State Nurses Association, the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health.

Thank you, Dr. Gayle, for representing all the qualities one expects in an NSU Nurse!

Congratulations! You make us proud!

How does it feel to be nominated and chosen by your peers as NSU’s Nurse of the Year? I am very honoredparticularly when I think about all the excellent nurses that I have and had the privilege to work with.

What do you think has contributed to your success as a nurse and as a faculty member? Without a doubt faculty, mentors, and colleagues have contributed to my success as a nurse and as a faculty member.

What advice do you have for current nursing students? The more YOU put into your education and practice, the more YOU get out of it AND never stop learning!!

What has been your most rewarding nursing experience so far? Working with medically under served patients and establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships with my patients, students, and peers.

What would you tell someone if they wanted to become a nurse?

Being a nurse is not just a job or a career, but a lifelong commitment to learning and serving humanity.

Shreveport District Nurses Association State Delegate (2017)

Theresa Jernigan

Theresa Manry, Kandee Lopez

Tiffany Copeland

Tiffany Patton Henderson

Todd Heard

Tiffany Turner

Tiffany Patton

Toni Eddleman

Toni Thompson-Johnston

Tonya Steele

Tori Kessler

Tori Mitchell

Tron Carter

Tyler Clifford

Tyler Gardner

Valerie Bell

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SPRING 2020

FACULTY

Faculty Scholarly Work M’Lou Barnett, MSN, MBA, FNP-BC Integrative Medicine Fellow Virtual Presentation at 2020 Biennial Sigma Theta Tau International Beta Chi Regional Nursing and Evidence Based Practice Conference, Presentation entitled: Herbal Pharmacy

Dr. Donald Johnston, PhD, RN-MHS, RRT Virtual Presentation at 2020 Biennial Sigma Theta Tau International Beta Chi Regional Nursing and Evidence Based Practice Conference, Presentation entitled Addiction in Health Care Professionals: He Who is Without Sin, Cast the First Stone

Dr. Debra Clark, EdD, CNE Became a Certified Nurse Educator

Dr. Myla Landry, DNP, RN-BC, NPD-BC Received Nursing Professional Development Certification from ANCC May 2019.

Dr. Ann R. Deshotels, EdD, RN, CNE Ed.D completed in August 2019 at University of Louisiana Monroe

Received DNP degree from NSU College of Nursing December 2019

Published: Deshotels, A. R. (2019). Nursing educators' perceptions of teaching information literacy to support evidence-based practice: A mixed methods study (Publication No. 13903199). [Doctoral dissertation, University of Louisiana at Monroe]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Virtual Presentation at 2020 Biennial Sigma Theta Tau International Beta Chi Regional Nursing and Evidence Based Practice Conference, Presentation entitled Location, Location, Location: Can Food Deserts Contribute to Poor Health Outcomes

Podium presentation of Dissertation at Quality Improvement: A Standard of Excellence at NSU on November 15, 2019

Dr. Linda Nichols, EdD, RN, CNE, CCRN-K Ed.D completed in August 2019 at University of Louisiana Monroe

Podium presentation of Dissertation at Mid-South Educational Research Association (MSERA) Annual Meeting in New Orleans on November 7, 2019 Poster presentation of Dissertation at NurseTim Inc. NurseThink for Nurse Educators Next Gen Learning: Fundamentals, NCLEX, and Beyond on February 14, 2020.

Alyea Pollard, MSN Sigma Nursing 45th Biennial Convention held in Washington, DC in November 2019. The symposium title was “Mentoring for Global Leadership: Experiences of Mentors and Mentees Through Sigma’s Global Leadership Mentoring Community. Pollard’s presentation was entitled “Global Education as a Focus for Mentoring.”

Podium Presentation of Dissertation at Hypertension Updates, NSU Pharmacology Update Conference, September, 2017.

Dr. Robyn Ray, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE Became a Certified Nurse Educator

Virtual presentation of Dissertation at The 2020 Biennial STTI Beta Chi Research Conference Minding Nursing Through Service, Research, and Best Practices originally scheduled in March in Shreveport, LA. Presented online in June, 2020.

Dr. Pamela Simmons, PhD, FNP-BC, CNE Virtual Presentations at National Webinars for CCNE on Preparation of Self-Study Documents Standard III and Standard IV in June 2020 Elected for a second term on the CCNE Board of Commissioners Elected to serve a second term as vice chair for the CCNE Board of Commissioners.

Virtual Presentation of Nursing Educators Perceptions of Teaching Information Literacy and Evidence-Based Practice Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Innovate 2020 Conference originally scheduled March 31- April 3, 2020 in Chicago, IL. Presented June 26, 2020

Appointed to serve on the CCNE Substantive Change Review Committee (SCRC) in January 2020.

Dr. Julie Gayle Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner: Guidelines for Practice and Education 8th Edition

Appointed to the MLK Board in May 2020 Susan Snell, MSN Contributed to Maternal Newborn Nursing Made Insanely Easy! By Loretta Manning ICAN publishing 2020.

Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health Guidelines Task Force Team Rebecca Harrell, MSN, RNBC & Deborah Hickman, MSN, RN, CNE Virtual Presentation at the 20th Annual Nurse Educator Institute on Assessment and Evaluation of Student Performance in Clinical Education. April 16, 2020.

Dr. Kathleen Tate Selected as member of the Governor’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force Subcommittee.

Dr. Rebecca Weston, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE Virtual Presentation at 2020 Biennial Sigma Theta Tau International Beta Chi Regional Nursing and Evidence Based Practice Conference, Presentation entitled The Past, Present, and Future of Nursing Research.

Dr. Terry Jackson, DNP, APRN, ACNPC-AG Received DNP degree from NSU College of Nursing December 2019 Virtual Presentation at 2020 Biennial Sigma Theta Tau International Beta Chi Regional Nursing and Evidence Based Practice Conference, Presentation entitled The Effects of Using ACES Assessment Tool for Early Recognition of ACEI Induced Angioedema on Reducing Diagnosis Time and Hospital Admission

Mrs. Shaun Wheat, MSN, CNE Became a Certified Nurse Educator

20

SPRING 2020

STUDENTS Undergraduate Nursing Handwashing (Hand-Dedication) Ceremonies The purpose of the ceremony was to allow faculty and program administrators to “bless the hands” of the students immediately prior to their graduation. Each student who chose to participate in the ceremony had water poured over their hands by a faculty member or administrator, while the faculty stated: “May your hands provide skillful nursing care, May a spirit of compassion and gentleness guide your hands, and May your hands bring comfort and promote healing to all who come into your care.” Each participate received a commemorative NSU College of Nursing towel that was used to dry their hands during the ceremony. The ceremonies were well-received by students. In fact, over 90% of students who participated in the ceremony strongly encouraged the College of Nursing to continue this dedication process with future nursing classes.

China Whitwer, a senior nursing major, has been named as a recipient of a Student Veteran Leadership Award by G.I. Jobs Magazine. The magazine recognized Whitwer for efforts to assist fellow students in navigating the process of enrolling in classes, putting together a degree plan and accessing their maximum amount of financial aid benefits. Whitwer will complete her bachelor’s degree in nursing in summer 2020 and then plans to continue her education to earn a master’s and doctorate in nursing and pursue a career as an instructor.

Beta Chi members, Alexandra Piedrahita, Teshudrea Frederick, and Cynthia Robertson (not pictured) were selected as Beta Chi Chapter Rising Stars for Sigma Nursing. They also presented a poster on their research, Cancer and Cell Phone Usage: Risks Among College Students, at Sigma’s 45th Biennial Convention held in Washington, DC in November 2019. Completing an entire research project and attending an international convention as undergraduate nursing students was a rewarding experience where the students made valuable connections and increased your knowledge of the nursing profession. Teshundrea Frederick completed the ASN program in May 2020, has successfully passed the NCLEX-RN, and is currently enrolled in the RN-BSN program. Alexandra Piedrahita will complete the BSN program in August 2020. Cynthia Robertson plans to Alexandra Piedrahita and Teshudrea Frederick continue studying in the ASN program.

2019 Community Disaster Drill Interprofessional Emergency Preparedness Event Nursing and Radiologic Science students, faculty, and staff participated in an Interprofessional Emergency Preparedness Community Disaster Drill. The purpose of this event was to educate health care students, from multiple disciplines, on the importance of emergency preparedness and disaster response training and to increase self-confidence and critical thinking when caring for victims of mass casualty incidents (MCIs).

Everyone involved stated they gained new knowledge of the various roles healthcare disciplines plan in providing care in MCIs. Additionally, students involved in the event felt their level of empathy increased and they gained more in-depth knowledge of how to save lives in MCIs Compliance and regulatory agencies of the aviation and healthcare industries require emergency preparedness training involving community partners and multiple organizations.

During the 2019 event, NSU students and faculty worked with professionals from twenty-nine local agencies and organizations in the full-scale disaster drill. Nursing and radiologic students were assigned to present as patients at the numerous local emergency departments and at the airport. The students first met at Warrington for “moulage training” and then reported to their assigned location. Students were given symptomology cards and matched moulage to their scenario and vitals.

NSU’s students, faculty and staff found this interdisciplinary learning experience to be extraordinary and were grateful to Dr. Tammy Curtis for including them in this event!

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SPRING 2020

STUDENTS Orientation Day -- New Clinical Students

FALL 2019 - Natchitoches and Alexandria off campus learning sites

Brandon Cockerham, a 2014 graduate of North Desoto High School, graduating from the BSN program in August 2020, was awarded the Community Healthcare Education Network Scholarship (CHEN) scholarship. Brandon has already accepted a job working in the surgical intensive care unit at WillisKnighton North.

ASN and BSN Fall 2019 Shreveport

December 2019 Recognition Ceremony

BSN Recognition Ceremony Summer 2019

Congratulations Brandon!

Students Giving Back Volunteering to feed frontline workers during COVID-19

Hero Day Students dressed up in hero costumes and delivered hand-written letters of encouragement to patients at Shriner’s Hospital Shreveport in conjunction with 818 Ministries.

22

SPRING 2020

STUDENTS Other Community Engagement Activities 2019-2020

Supply Drive School supply drive to benefit a local elementary school (Midway Elementary School in Shreveport).

• Delivered canned food and clothing during the LASN convention in October 2019 to benefit the Cajun Navy.

• Volunteered at the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission.

• Participated in a canned food drive to benefit the NWLA Food Bank.

• Facilitated Career Fairs in September 2019 and March 2020 to connect students with potential employers • Conducted a supply drive to benefit The Hub Urban Ministries.

• Volunteered at the American Heart Association’s Go Red event in February 2020 • Hosted a therapy dog event and a back to school BBQ.

LASN Convention 2019

Volunteer Time Volunteered at the Fuller Center Christmas store (a Christmas store for low-income families).

Fall Fest A joint event between SGA and SNA, was held October 28th, as a fund raiser for three students to attend Sigma Theta Tau International’s Rising Stars of Research and Scholarship Program.

23

SPRING 2020

IN MEMORIAM

Sharon Barnett November 27, 2019

Karen Faye “Faith” Watkins Beaner May 24, 2020

Patricia Sanders Dehoney (1962) April 1, 2020

Mattie Doris Meridith August 10, 2019

Lucy Abramson Brainis (1982) June 2, 2019

Rachel Maines Gardiner (1962) October 2019

Dr. Frances C. Dalme January 29, 2020 Former faculty member

Michael Marceaux (2018) April 16, 2020

Kathleen Rene Fenton Miles October 19, 2019

Gladys Dolores L. Page February 4, 2019

Ray Franklin Patton February 2018

Merle Payne Raborn (1962) March 21, 2020

Susan T. Parmer May 18, 2020

Please make sure we have your latest contact information so that you can receive upcoming issues of the Nursing Columns. In addition, send us news and upcoming events to nursingnews@nsula.edu.

24

SPRING 2020

Michael “Mike” Marceaux Scholarship for ASN established

CCNE SITE VISIT “Hello NSU College of Nursing Constituents, This announcement is to officially notify you that Northwestern State University College of Nursing is preparing for an accreditation review of its BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), Post Master’s Certificate (PMC), and DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) programs by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) on September 14th - 16th, 2020.

During CCNE’s review of these programs, the evaluation team will consider any third-party comments related to the standards of accreditation.

At no time during the review process are the thirdparty comments shared with the program, the Accreditation Review Committee, or the Board. As a College of Nursing constituent, CCNE requires that we notify you of the opportunity to submit written comments about any of the nursing programs under review.

All third-party comments must be submitted to CCNE (not NSU). Comments submitted to CCNE must be written in English, consistent with CCNE’s policy of Conduct of Business in English and submitted

by August 24, 2020 to thirdpartycomments@ ccneaccreditation.org

The Michael “Mike” Marceaux Scholarship to benefit ASN students has been established in Mike’s memory. Mike, 49 years old, passed away on April 10, 2020 after contracting the coronavirus while working in the Emergency Room at Christus Highland-Shreveport.

Mike graduated from NSU’s Associate of Science in Nursing program in 2018. He was an Air Force veteran, who retired as an E-7 Master Sergeant after serving 22 years. He was a fuel operation supervisor and worked on B52s. Mike was married to Dunia Marceaux and had four sons, Drake Marceaux, Colton Marceaux, Hunter Marceaux, and Kevin Rivera-Castillo Marceaux.

Mike is described by his colleagues as “a selfless guy,” “always having a smile and positive attitude,” and “a great guy who will be missed.”

Those wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund, send checks payable to: NSU Foundation, Attn: Laura Vienne, 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497 for the Michael Marceaux Scholarship, or make contributions online at: https://www.northwesternstatealumni.com/donations/make-a-gift/

Facebook: @NSULANursing

Twitter: @NSULAShreve

Instagram: @nsulashreveport

Are you an alumnus of NSU nursing and have information you would like to share with us? If so, please complete the form below, place it in the enclosed envelope and mail it back to us OR email us at nursingnews@nsula.edu.

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SPRING 2020

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Northwestern State University Nursing Columns Natchitoches, LA 71497

Help us to continue to GROW New Building Campaign Fund

$80,000

Due to the rapid growth of nursing and allied health, over 40% growth in the past five years, we have outgrown the Nursing Education building on the Shreveport campus.

Primary areas that are lacking in space are the clinical laboratory where students learn to perform patient caretaking skills. Further, College of Nursing is preparing for the addition of a Nurse Anesthesia program and will need additional clinical learning space.

Additionally, the nursing school needs eight modern, large, interactive, compressed video classrooms. A modern library that only utilizes digital technology is also needed.

The overall goal is to provide a contemporary, spacious learning campus designed for students to practice their clinical skills, engage in interactive learning, become experts in use of modern patient-care technologies, and become enthusiastic members of a caring, holistic, professional collegiate community.

The building will enlarge the Shreveport campus footprint and add more than 40,000 square feet of space to accommodate growth. The building will be located on Elizabeth avenue across from the existing Shreveport buildings.

If you would like to contribute to this fund, go online at: https://northwesternstatealumni.com/donations/nursing/ or use the enclosed envelope.

For more information contact: Cindy McGuire, College of Nursing, Director of Grants and Planning, at mcguirec@nsula.edu or (817) 366-9268.