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UHHS -“Coming Up Daisy”
 The “Daisy Award” was developed in recognition of extraordinary nurses by a family in memory of their son, J. Patrick Barnes. While Patrick was ill, his family was awed by the skill, care and compassion of the nurses who cared for him. The resultant foundation was developed as a way to recognize the “unsung heroes," – nurses – for their education, training, brainpower, skill, and the care that goes into their daily work with patients.
The Daisy Award is presented in medical facilities throughout the United States on a regular basis. Nurses are nominated and selected based upon a “story” related to a patient experience. Each Daisy Award recipient receives a handsome certificate, signed by Mark Barnes of the Daisy Foundation and myself as the Nurse Executive for UHHS.
 They also receive a DAISY Award pin, a celebratory banner for the unit and a hand-carved Shona sculpture entitled “A Healer’s Touch.” The Shona serpentine sculptures are carved by artists in Zimbabwe. The artist’s renditions are especially meaningful as the Shona tribes revere their Shona healers who are regarded as treasures to the people that they serve and care for. The monies paid for the statues are sent back to Zimbabwe to help the artists and their families. Caring nurses are able to “reach around the world” through the DAISY Award Foundation.
In hospitals that have participated to date in this program, administrators state that as a recognition program, the DAISY Awards are “inspirational,” “an excellent tool for nurse retention” and “a mechanism to help develop role models” for other staff. Listen for those meaningful stories about a caring nurse who makes a difference; and, look for upcoming information on “How to” nominate a colleague or peer for the DAISY Award.
- Janet Harris, RN, MSN
System Chief Nurse Executive
Daisy Awards Honor Extraordinary Nurses
 The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at University of Mississippi Health Care honors the compassion and care bedside nurses provide their patients everyday.
What are the Daisy Awards?
The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at 33 of ITP, an auto-immune disease. The Barnes Family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for Patrick, so they created this national award to say thank you to nurses everywhere.
How do I nominate a nurse for the Daisy Awards?
The DAISY Awards, coordinated by Shared Governance Recruitment and Retention Subcouncil, will be presented bi-monthly.
Please look for nomination forms & criteria for the Daisy Awards to be posted soon on http://nurses.umc.edu/umhcnurses/umhcnurses-daisy-awards.shtml
UHHS honored by Mississippi Hospital Association Organization of Nurse Executives
Members of the University Hospitals and Health System team were recently recognized with two awards from the Mississippi Hospital Association Organization of Nurse Executives.
Janet Harris was awarded the Mississippi Hospital Association Organization of Nurse Executives Recognition Award
This award recognizes and honors a nursing leader who has made a significant contribution to nursing leadership through or in collaboration with the Mississippi Hospital Association Organization of Nurse Executives and has been actively involved in the advancement of nursing as a profession.
Tina Higgins, Rebecca Askew, and Janet Harris with the Innovation Award |
The LAMP (Leading through Applied Management Principles) Program received the Mississippi Hospital Association Organization of Nurse Executives Innovation Award.
This award recognizes and honors a group for innovation in nursing administration. To be considered as a recipient for this award, the team must demonstrate a creative approach to addressing a challenge or opportunity which resulted in a successful program or project.
Congratulations to Janet Harris, LAMP Project leader Rebecca Askew, the members of the LAMP Advisory Committee and the many facilitators of the LAMP classes.
Committee members: Rebecca Askew, Kaye Bender, Bess Blackwell, Linda Croff-Poole, Becky Egger, Terri Gillespie, Cathy Hansen, Tina Higgins, Janet Harris, Daryle Heath, Kim Hoover, Betsy Karr, Katrina Keeney, Olivia Martin, Dodie McElmurray, Sondra McNeil, Marcia Rachel, Cathy Smith, and Lisa Witt.
2009 Health Education Week and Annual Employee Health Fair
Sponsored by the Pathfinders Committee
 November 4, 2009
7:30 am -2:00 pm in the Clinical Sciences Hallway
The first 250 people will be eligible for free Blood Glucose and Cholesterol checks.
Registered Dieticians will available to check Body Mass Index.
Poster Contest
Show off your unit or department’s passion for patient education. Poster’s will be judged on content and creativity. This is also a great way to educate our UMHC family.
Patient Educator of the Year
Know someone who does a great job of educating patients? Nominate them for this award! View criteria and nomination forms which are located on the UMMC Yellow Pages under “Patient Educator of the Year." Deadline for submission is October 23.
Submit nominations and questions to Kimberly Rowzee, educator for L&D at 601.815.7289.
The Patient Educator of the Year and the winners of the poster contest will be announced at a reception immediately following the health fair.
Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to draw blood. Volunteers will be eligible for PDP points.
Contact Michelle Burns at 601.815.3860 with questions about the poster contest or volunteering.
Shared Governance Updates
Professional Development Program Subcouncil Update
This is a busy time for the PDP subcouncil. The end of the year is fast approaching and our primary focus is the review of hundreds of PDP maintenance (renewal) applications.
The subcouncil is requesting any PDP participant with a renewal deadline of December 31, 2009 to submit their completed portfolio on or before Tuesday, December 1, 2009. The subcouncil recommends that portfolios be placed in the Professional Development Program mailbox located in Nursing Service. This will ensure that your portfolio is received by the subcouncil for review.
Thirty portfolios were reviewed and approved in August and September -- 14 for advancement (new participants), 15 for maintenance (renewal) and one to maintain Circle of Excellence status. Congratulations to the following:
Advancement: Mindy Barham, Julie Bronson, Lauren Funchess, Amanda Hinkey, Sonia Jenkins, Amanda Moore, April Moses, Teri Porter, Patricia Sharp, Brenda Sims, Kristin Smallwood, James Smith, Jessica Wallace and Keli Wood.
Maintenance: Diane Alawine, Krystil Crick, Jonathan Depoyster, Rachel Fields, Debora Gibbs, Jennifer Hill, Christine Martin, Bianca Morgan, Wendi Nopper, Melissa Odom, Lori Oxley, Anita Pittman, Elizabeth Rainer, Jessica Reichert and Donnie Thweatt.
Circle of Excellence Maintenance: Michelle Palokas
- Stacey Houston, RNC, BSN
PDP subcouncil Chair
- Collaboration between School of Nursing and Volunteer Services to allow volunteerism at UMHC for community service.
- UMHC nurses can volunteer at the hospital on their time off to earn community service points for PDP. What better way to earn points than by helping our own patient community.
- Started a "Did you Know?" section in Notes on Nursing to share information that retention council nurses have asked.
- Investigated discrepancy in policy.
- Review policies related to education
- Started "Nurses in the Know....On the Go!", a monthly 30-minute information session on interesting nursing activities around the hospital. Meeting are every third Monday in 5A from 7:40 - 8:10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - noon. On October 19, the AirCare crew will share some interesting experiences they have had.
The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International
In 1922 six nurses founded Sigma Theta Tau at the Indiana University Training School for Nurses, now the Indiana University School of Nursing, in Indianapolis, IN. The founders chose the name from the Greek words Storgé, Tharsos and Timé meaning "love," "courage" and "honor." The honor society became incorporated in 1985 as Sigma Theta Tau International Inc.
Organizational Mission
The mission of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to support the learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide.
Society Vision
The vision of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International is to create a global community of nurses who lead in using knowledge, scholarship, service and learning to improve the health of the world’s people.
The Theta Beta Chapter is associated with UMMC School of Nursing. Membership is $85 per year. If you are interested in joining, contact Sonja R. Fuqua. 601-853-4440
srfuqua@att.net
Department of Hospital Education Celebrates PI “No Show” Report
The department of Hospital Education (HospEd) is pleased to report an all-time low rate of employee “no shows” to educational offerings offered by the department. The monitoring of the “no show rate started September 2008.
The rate jumped up so high in December 2008 (26%) to warrant immediate implementation of certain corrective action plans. The action plans included a presentation of the report at the Leadership Forum, continual notification of each manager of the “no show” status of the employee, and enforcement of the criteria constituting a “no show.” Below is the cumulative trending report from September 2008 to August 2009.
The decrease in “no show” in April to 17% did not last; nonetheless, following the spike in May to 24%, the rate has steadily descended the hill. In August 2009, the rate came down to a record low of 9%.
We are so excited to share this great news with all the participating departments/units, and want to say thank you for a job well-done. It is our expectation that the rate will continue to decrease. To avoid a “no show” status, managers should continue to notify HospEd of the employee’s proposed absence from the class.
- Joy Akanji, RN, MSN
Educator RN II
Adult GI Lab
Congratulations to Belinda Allen, RN, Adult GI Lab, for winning the $50 cash prize give away for participating in the Nurse Readiness for Evidence Based Practice Survey. She is shown here receiving her prize from Janet Harris, CNE, and Dr. Sheila Keller, Principal Investigator for the project. Thanks to Belinda and all of the nurses for their participation and making this project such a huge success!
- Sheila D. Keller
Senior Director of Research and
Evidence Based Practice
3 North
3 North would like to welcome all new grads and new nurses for UMHC:
*All new grads passed their boards the first time!
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LaToia Bolton-New Grad-New RN
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Christy Luckett-New Grad-New RN
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Christina MacCarty-New Nurse for UMHC
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Genevieve Osborne-New Nurse for UMHC
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Marlo Hollingsworth-New Grad-New RN
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Kristi Terry- Formal LPN-New Grad-New RN
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Kelly Anderson- New Grad-New RN
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Ashley Longwitz-New Nurse for UMHC
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Katie Phillips-New Grad-New RN
3 North would like to take this time to thank all staff members who are aiding in the orientation of our new staff members. We would also like to congratulate the following employees on their accomplishments:
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Glenda Lee, BSN, RN,BC - passed Medical-Surgical Board Certification
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Kedra Turner, RN, BSN – recently obtained her BSN degree from Alcorn State University
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DeCynthia Haynes, RN- for 10 years of dedicated service to UMHC
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Roderick Simmons, LPN - celebrates his 14th year of service here at UMHC.
-Glenda K. Lee
Educator RN I- 3 North
5 North
5 North would like to welcome the following new employees:
- Wendy Luscomb, new graduate RN
- Christy Hawn, new graduate RN
- Brittny Robinson, new graduate RN
- Mary Sillo, RN
- Erica McMillan, new graduate RN
- Andrea Jackson, NA
Thank you to all the 5 North staff for the hard work you do each and every day.
Also, congratulations to Neal Loving, RN! He and his wife welcomed a baby boy in August.
-Jennifer Robinson Hargett
Nurse Educator
Labor and Delivery/Women’s Urgent Care Center
Women’s Urgent Care Center welcomes Lakesha Brown, RN to the team.
Yukonda Buckley recently transferred from Nursing Assistant to Unit Secretary in Labor and Delivery. We welcome Emma Behl, as a Nursing Assistant.
We would like to recognize the Nursing Assistants for L&D/WUCC: Emma Behl, Kendra Dixon, Takeisa Harmon, Sherondia Kelly, Janean Mason, Jennifer Nail, and Jacqueline Robinson. They were recently treated to a special workshop. We appreciate all of their hard work and dedication. They play an invaluable role on our units.
Tara Martinez, RNC-OB, recently passed her NCC certification exam in Inpatient Obstetrics. Congrats Tara!
-Kimberly Rowzee
Nurse Educator
Batson Administration
Brent Lovitt, Clinical Director Batson Administration, is co-presenting "Optimizing Patient Flow Through Initiatives That Really Work!" at the 2009 NACHRI (National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida from October 11-14. His co-presenters are Chandra Cashen and Robert Conrad from Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, TX. The presentation is one of three "featured special learning sessions" in the four-day conference that runs October 11-14.
3 South - Cardiac Step-Down
Cardiac Step-Down welcomes RN graduates Yana Nikitina and Diane McBride, and new employees Crystal Henry, C.N.A., Shalane Green, C.N.A. and Doneyl Fischer, US. We also want to congratulate Delane Pressley, RN and her husband on the birth of their son Zane Clark Pressley.
Congratulations to the Cardiac Stepdown staff for their performance in making a tremendous improvement in increasing call light response times. Way to go! They are recipients of this month’s patient satisfaction and quality trophies.
A special recognition to the following members of the Inpatient Cardiac Rehab Team for their dedication to ensuring quality care is given to patients and families in their progression for a healthier heart. They are integral members of the team and we appreciate their hard work and dedication.
Cardiac Rehab Team: Fairest Stevenson-Matthews, RN, MSN, Nurse Manager; James McGee, EP, and Russ Morgan, EP.
- Letitia Newman
Nurse Manager
4C
Congratulations to Robin Tanner, PCT who recently tied the knot on September 12! We wish you much happiness in your marriage, Robin!
Hope Dixon, RN celebrated 10 years of service with us in August. Thank you, Hope, for your positive energy and encouraging spirit. You are a fabulous nurse and coworker and we are so thankful that you are part of this team.
Congratulations to Priti Dubey and Denise Carraway, who just became certified in Pediatrics. We are so proud of you! We now have over 25% of our nurses certified and are continuing to set the bar higher!
Robin Tanner, PCT |
Hope Dixon, RN
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Denise Carraway, RN II |
Ashley Cassidy, US was voted June 2009 Employee of the Month by her 4C peers. Ashley is a true team player who often changes her schedule to meet the unit's needs and goes above and beyond to make sure we stay organized. She also keeps us laughing with her playful sense of humor! Congratulations Ashley, you deserve it!
-Michelle Palokas
Nurse Manager
4 North
We would like to welcome our new team members: Tara Bell, RN; Linda Bunzy, CNA ; Latoya Davenport, CNA ; Shane Eskridge, CNA; Mikesia Gibson, RN; Vennice Gibbs, CNA; Andrea Parker, US; Stefani Lapointe, RN; Sophia Odenwald, RN; and Sandera Walker, CNA.
We extend congratulations to all of our nurse graduates who have passed boards: Donna Carpenter, RN; Sara Moak, RN; and Sarah “Niki” Spencer, RN.
Also we would like to congratulate Shane Eskridge, PCT for his promotion and completion of the PCT program. Latoya Davenport, CNA is currently in the PCT program. We wish her luck and look forward to celebrating with her when she completes the program. We are so proud of all of them.
4 North held an employee appreciation lunch and dinner for their staff’s hard work and continued support as the unit continues to develop and train all of their staff.
4 North was the first place winner for the Adult House in the poster contest during the Infection Prevention Dept’s hand hygiene campaign. Our theme was “4 North Knocks Their Germs Out Of the Park”. Thank you to the Infection Prevention Dept for our pizza party.
On an ending note, hats off to our leader and nurse manger, Nikki Harvey. She was elected to the Office of Treasurer for MNA District 13.
- Pamela Lee
Nurse Educator
Artificial Kidney/Acute Dialysis Unit
The Artificial Kidney/ Acute dialysis unit celebrated Nephrology Nurses Week Sept. 13 - 19, 2009.
The theme was " Light The Way." We touch likes everyday and make a positive different in the lives of patients and their families.
Sharon Brown, RN was chosen by the Magnolia Charter of ANNA as an outstanding
Nephrology Nurse for 2009. She is the Charge Nurse in AKU.
The Artificial Kidney/Acute Dialysis unit welcome new employee Paula Lambert, RN
I would like to give praise to the entire staff for making a smooth transition form a full time contract unit to UMHC's very own Inpatient Dialysis unit. Thanks to all for the dedication and hard work.
- Mary A. Luckett
Shift Supervisor
We welcome Christina Hossley as our new Unit Educator! In addition to being well-acquainted with the staff and patient needs of our floor, she brings a new perspective and enthusiasm to help us maintain competencies and meet growing educational needs.
Kimberly Hart, RN, begins orientation with us this month. She is a new graduate and recently passed boards. We are excited to have her join our team!
Surgical Sweethearts in July were Kristen Privett, RN, and Dr. Jason Stacy, Peds Surgery Resident. Chosen in August were Kay Williams, PCT, and Dr. Nathan Maples, Peds Surgery Resident.
- Grace Applewhite
Nurse Manager
Chemotherapy Nursing
Currently UMHC has five adult chemotherapy nurses. Their role is to oversee, administer, and educate every patient receiving chemotherapy. They are Biotherapy/Chemotherapy certified and three of the chemotherapy nurses are certified in oncology nursing with the other two nurses sitting for the certification exam in February, 2010.
(L to R) Felicia Johnson, RN; Rhea Williams, RN OCN; Sheronne Williams, RN; Tonja Mingo, RN, OCN; and Angela Calvin, RN OCN. Please welcome Felicia Johnson, RN to the chemotherapy nursing team.
- Pam Farris
Nurse Manager
Apheresis Nursing Department
These Apheresis nurses are highly specialized nurses trained in plasma pheresis and red blood cell exchange. They go all over UMHC, including Batson, Wiser, Critical Care Tower and the Adult hospital. They also have a department on the 5th floor of the critical care tower where they also see outpatients. They do a wonderful job and deliver a service, such as red cell exchange and stem cell harvest, which is not offered in any other hospital in the state of Mississippi.
(L to R) Connie Nichols, RN MSN HP(ASCP); Virginia Horton, RN; and Marcia Gates, RN BSN OCN.
- Pam Farris
Nurse Manager
Bone Marrow Transplant
 The Bone Marrow Transplant unit has been very busy keeping a full house of pediatric and adult patients and also adding eight new nurses to our nursing team. We look like we are going to have another record year with transplants. Last year we transplanted 12 pediatric and 55 adults patients. This year it looks like we will transplant 15 pediatric patients and more than 60 adult patients.
We have also had a donation from the Mississippi Braves for the remodeling of the Activity Room on our unit. It is almost complete and it is awesome.
Pictured above are three of our new nurses in the new Activity Room.
(L to R) Ashley Smith, RN; Lindsey Nelan, GN; and Lauren Callaway, RN.
Our new nurses not pictured are Jana Neely, RN; Ashley Peden, RN; Heather Walker, RN; Susan Thompson, RN; and Hart Wylie, RN. We are so glad they are with us.
- Pam Farris
Nurse Manager
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