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The Louisiana Pelican News - July 2021

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the<br />

<strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong><br />

Vol. 77 | No. 3<br />

<strong>July</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LSNA & LOUISIANA NURSES FOUNDATION<br />

Quarterly newsletter written for the 66,076 nurses in <strong>Louisiana</strong><br />

Follow Us On<br />

INSIDE<br />

From Your President<br />

From Your President Page 1<br />

New <strong>2021</strong>–2023 Board Members Page 2<br />

New <strong>2021</strong>–2023 Elected Committee Members Page 2<br />

Nursing Excellence Celebrated at<br />

Ochsner Medical Center Page 3<br />

District <strong>News</strong> Pages 4–9<br />

National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses<br />

(NAON) Press Release Page 10<br />

Ochsner Health’s 13th Annual<br />

Evidence Based Practice and Nursing Research<br />

Conference Call for Abstracts Now Open! Page 11<br />

LSNA Leading the Way Awards <strong>2021</strong> Page 12<br />

What Nurses Need to Know About<br />

Blood Donation Discrimination Page 13<br />

New Nurses’ Corner Page 14<br />

Honoring 100 Nurses Lost<br />

Between April 2019 – April <strong>2021</strong> Page 15<br />

Greetings, dear<br />

colleagues!<br />

It is with tremendous<br />

pride and gratitude<br />

that I recognize the<br />

tremendous work that<br />

is happening around the<br />

state. This past quarter,<br />

the <strong>Louisiana</strong> State<br />

Nurses Association<br />

held our first virtual<br />

Membership Assembly.<br />

Ecoee Rooney This important meeting,<br />

where the voice of our<br />

members set the course for the two years until our<br />

next meeting, set our agenda for action. During the<br />

two meetings over 100 delegates from around the<br />

state voted on over 30 bylaw revisions submitted<br />

by the Bylaws and Resolutions committee and<br />

adopted five resolutions.<br />

<strong>The</strong> five resolutions that were authored by<br />

members and adopted by the delegates at<br />

Membership Assembly were:<br />

• COVID Vaccination for Nurses and<br />

Healthcare Professionals authored by<br />

Lesley Tilley (District 02) and Tamara<br />

White (District 07)<br />

• Mental Health and Wellbeing for Nurses<br />

authored by Patricia La Brosse (District<br />

04) and Ruth Kain and Charette Thomas<br />

(District 07)<br />

• Addressing Racism in Nursing authored<br />

by Kendra Barrier, Aimme McCauley and<br />

Ecoee Rooney (District 07)<br />

• Nurse Diversity Workforce authored by<br />

Ahnyel Burkes, Benita Chatmon (District<br />

07) and Justin Fontenot (District 04)<br />

• Violence Against Healthcare Workers<br />

authored by Yvonne Pellerin (District 02)<br />

In addition, our members elected new<br />

members to our Board of Directors and<br />

several elected Committee Positions. We<br />

wholeheartedly welcome Benita Chatmon<br />

back to the Board as President Elect, Denise<br />

Hancock as a second term as Treasurer,<br />

Brandy Borden as Secretary, Ken Cochran<br />

as the Director of Professional Development<br />

and Leadership as well as Lxchelle Arceneaux<br />

as the new Director of Organizational<br />

Advancement. Shelley Upshaw was appointed<br />

by the Board to assume the vacancy from<br />

Benita Chatmon’s elected position as the<br />

Director of Membership. We welcome Sarita<br />

James to the Nominating Committee as the<br />

Member at Large, Penny Winfield as the<br />

Southern <strong>Louisiana</strong> Delegate and Christy Book<br />

representing North <strong>Louisiana</strong>. Additionally,<br />

Christy Ready Book will represent North<br />

<strong>Louisiana</strong> on the Audit Committee and Jennifer<br />

Barrow will represent South <strong>Louisiana</strong> on the<br />

Audit Committee.<br />

This past quarter, we also actively<br />

participated in the legislative session, where<br />

LSNA advocated for three additional seats<br />

for nurses on boards and commissions, and<br />

worked very hard to garner support for HB495<br />

that did not pass, however, LSNA saw 6,000<br />

letters sent to representatives and legislators,<br />

and shifting gears to ensure our legislators<br />

were informed about the Future of Nursing<br />

2020-2030 recommendations in Charting a<br />

Path to Achieve Health Equity, published in<br />

May, <strong>2021</strong>. Further, the committee requested<br />

a concurrent resolution to address the actions<br />

that HB60 proposed to address workplace<br />

violence and this CR was passed! I would like<br />

to personally acknowledge Ahnyel Jones-<br />

Burkes for her leadership and her Health Policy<br />

and Advocacy Committee for coming into<br />

this session prepared to show up for nurses<br />

across <strong>Louisiana</strong>. We owe them all a debt of<br />

gratitude for their passionate commitment to<br />

our profession.<br />

This quarter, LSNA Board of Directors will<br />

meet to create a new strategic plan based on<br />

the voice of our members during Membership<br />

Assembly, and work to continue to create<br />

an inclusive, welcoming organization that<br />

represents the voice of ALL nurses across<br />

<strong>Louisiana</strong>.<br />

current resident or<br />

Non-Profit Org.<br />

U.S. Postage Paid<br />

Princeton, MN<br />

Permit No. 14<br />

Nurses!<br />

<strong>Louisiana</strong> has a large list of nurses to keep updated and we want to reach you all.<br />

Please be sure to email lsna@lsna.org with address changes /<br />

corrections or if the nurse listed is no longer at this address.<br />

Subject Line: <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> Address Change / Removal – Last, First Name


Page 2 • <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> <strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong><br />

Executive Director’s Message<br />

<strong>The</strong>a Ducrow<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Louisiana</strong> State<br />

Nurses Association is<br />

heating up this summer.<br />

Following an incredibly<br />

successful legislative session<br />

led by Dr. Ecoee Rooney and<br />

Dr. Ahnyel Burkes, we are<br />

turning our focus on new<br />

opportunities. Lisa Colletti<br />

and her Nurses on Boards<br />

Committee are working<br />

hard to vet <strong>Louisiana</strong> nurses<br />

to submit to Governor<br />

John Bel Edwards’ office for selection on boards and<br />

committees. All <strong>Louisiana</strong> nurses are eligible to serve.<br />

After a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, the<br />

<strong>Louisiana</strong> Nurses Foundation and the <strong>Louisiana</strong><br />

State Nurses Association are proud to announce that<br />

the <strong>2021</strong> Nightingale Gala will be held virtually on<br />

Saturday, October 23. It will be a fun time celebrating<br />

the amazing work and resilience of <strong>Louisiana</strong> Nurses.<br />

If you know a nurse or employer that exemplifies the<br />

best in nursing, please submit an award application at:<br />

https://lsna.nursingnetwork.com/page/95313-awardnominations<br />

543 Spanish Town Road | Baton Rouge, LA 70802<br />

P: 225-605-3090 | F: 225-381-0163<br />

www.lsna.org<br />

LNF Board of Trustees<br />

President............................................................................... Denise Danna<br />

Vice-President.....................................................................Chad Sullivan<br />

Treasurer.........................................................................Barbara Morvant<br />

Secretary............................................................................. Barbara McGill<br />

Trustee.........................................................................Cynthia Prestholdt<br />

Trustee....................................................................Ahnyel Jones-Burkes<br />

Trustee..................................................................................Ecoee Rooney<br />

Trustee.............................................................................. Benita Chatmon<br />

Trustee................................................................................. Jamie Wiggins<br />

Trustee....................................................................................Chad Sullivan<br />

LSNA Board of Directors<br />

Executive Board<br />

President..............................................................................Ecoee Rooney<br />

President-Elect.............................................................. Benita Chatmon<br />

Secretary..............................................................................Brandi Borden<br />

Treasurer.......................................................................... Denise Hancock<br />

Transition into Practice...................................................Austin Nelson<br />

Director of<br />

Clinical Practice, Health Policy.....................Ahnyel Jones-Burkes<br />

Membership, Recruitment, & Retention..............Shelley Upshaw<br />

Nursing Leadership &<br />

Professional Development............................................. Ken Cochran<br />

Organizational Advancement..........................Lxchelle Arceneaux<br />

Non-Voting Board Members<br />

Immediate Past-President...................................... Georgia Johnson<br />

LASN President.............................................................Christina Hebert<br />

LANPAC.........................................................................Patricia La Brosse<br />

LNF.......................................................................................... Denise Danna<br />

District Presidents<br />

Alexandria..........................................................................Debra Hickman<br />

Baton Rouge.................................................................... Yvonne Pellerin<br />

Northshore.................................................................... Georgia Johnson<br />

Lafayette.................................................................................. Elsie Meaux<br />

Lake Charles........................................................... Peggy Hershberger<br />

Monroe.................................................................................. Debra Walker<br />

New Orleans...................................................................... Kendra Barrier<br />

Ruston.................................................................................. Kathy Roberts<br />

Winnfield......................................................................................... VACANT<br />

Shreveport................................................................................ Lisa Wilhite<br />

Tangipahoa............................................................................. Laura Lucky<br />

Bayou........................................................................ Renata Schexnaydre<br />

Feliciana............................................................................ Yvonne Pellerin<br />

LSNA OFFICE STAFF<br />

Monday-Friday | CALL FOR APPOINTMENT<br />

Executive Director<br />

<strong>The</strong>a Ducrow, Ph.D. | executivedirector@lsna.org<br />

Nurse Lead Planner<br />

Kim Cheramie<br />

cne@lsna.org<br />

Administrative Assistant<br />

Tiara Battieste | lsna@lsna.org<br />

Head of Finance Committee<br />

Denise Hancock, PhD, RN, LCCE<br />

Article Submission<br />

Submission Deadlines for <strong>2021</strong> Editions of the <strong>Pelican</strong><br />

March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1, <strong>2021</strong><br />

(submissions by end of the business day)<br />

We appreciate your continued cooperation in adhering to the<br />

submission guidelines so we can ensure the <strong>Pelican</strong> remains<br />

a professional, highly regarded publication and resource for<br />

all professional nurses in <strong>Louisiana</strong>. LSNA looks forward to<br />

hearing from you and if you know of anyone who would like to<br />

submit an article please forward this information to them.<br />

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING ARTICLES<br />

• Send all submissions to lsna@lsna.org<br />

• Subject line: <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> Submission: Name of Article<br />

• All submissions are subject to editing by the LSNA Executive<br />

Director<br />

• Only electronic submissions are accepted and they must be<br />

an attachment to an email (Microsoft Word only).<br />

• A submission cannot be in the body of an email<br />

• Must include the name of the author(s) and a title in the<br />

document.<br />

• All pictures must have a caption with names of all persons<br />

depicted. Names must be complete and submitted at time of<br />

picture<br />

• Pictures cannot be embedded in article; submit with the<br />

article but in a separate format (png,.tif, .jpg)<br />

• LSNA reserves the right to pull or edit any article / news<br />

submission for space and availability and/ or deadlines.<br />

• If requested, notification will be given to authors once the<br />

final draft of the <strong>Pelican</strong> has been submitted<br />

• LSNA does not accept monetary payment for articles<br />

• Any submissions after the deadline will be considered for the<br />

following issue<br />

Please email lsna@lsna.org with all inquiries regarding the<br />

<strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong>.<br />

Advertising<br />

For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L. Davis<br />

Publishing Agency, Inc., PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-<br />

4081, sales@aldpub. LSNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc.<br />

reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in<br />

advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of<br />

advertisement.<br />

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the<br />

<strong>Louisiana</strong> State Nurses Association of products advertised, the advertisers,<br />

or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product<br />

offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks<br />

integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its use.<br />

LSNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable<br />

for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s<br />

product. Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of<br />

the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or<br />

membership of LSNA or those of the national or local associations.<br />

<strong>Louisiana</strong> <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> is published quarterly every January, April, <strong>July</strong><br />

and October and is the official publication of the <strong>Louisiana</strong> State Nurses<br />

Association, a constituent member of the American Nurses Association.


<strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> • Page 3<br />

Nursing Excellence Celebrated at<br />

Ochsner Medical Center<br />

<strong>The</strong> 3rd annual Nursing Excellence awards<br />

were held on May 5th, as part of the Nurses<br />

Week celebration at Ochsner Medical Center<br />

– New Orleans. <strong>The</strong> awards were created in<br />

2019 to recognize exemplary nurses working in<br />

diverse roles. Nine winners were chosen from 55<br />

nominations.<br />

<strong>The</strong> winners included:<br />

• Nurse of the Year is Valerie Jackson, BSN,<br />

MSHCM, RN-BC, from the Primary Care<br />

Center.<br />

• Nurse Educator of the Year is Maira Harris,<br />

MSN, RN-BC. Maira works as an RN<br />

Clinical Educator in Nursing Professional<br />

Development.<br />

• Patient Care Technician Preceptor of the<br />

Year is Kendra Lampton from the Cardiology<br />

Stepdown Unit.<br />

• Nurse Preceptor of the Year is Jill Buisson,<br />

RN, BSN in the Pediatric ICU (not pictured).<br />

• Outstanding Community Achievement by a<br />

Nurse is Ahnyel Burkes, DNP, RN-BC. Ahnyel<br />

is the Unit Director for the 7 West Tower<br />

nursing unit.<br />

• Rookie of the Year is Austin Yelverton, RN,<br />

BSN. Austin is a clinical RN working on the 7<br />

West Tower unit (not pictured).<br />

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse of the<br />

Year is Leesa Suzanne Lanks, MS, RN, CRNP,<br />

in Hospital Medicine.<br />

• Clinical Practice Nurse of the Year is Alicia<br />

Strickland, RN on the Orthopedic Pre-<br />

Op/Post-Op unit. Alicia is part of the<br />

nursing team at the Ochsner Hospital for<br />

Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (not<br />

pictured).<br />

• Nurse Leader of the Year is Tia Vilardo, MSN,<br />

RN, CMSRN. Tia is the Unit Director of the<br />

Internal Medicine/Telemetry unit.<br />

<strong>The</strong> winners are featured in the attached<br />

photograph with chief nursing officer Debbie Ford.<br />

To join our Team,<br />

apply @ Amedisys.com<br />

L to R: CNO Debbie Ford, RN Valerie Jackson, RN Maira Harris,<br />

PCT Kendra Lampton, APRN Leesa Suzanne Lanks, RN Tia Vilardo,<br />

RN Ahnyel Burkes, CEO Brad Goodson<br />

WE<br />

OUR CLINICIANS<br />

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and Practical Nurses Licensed<br />

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Call Shawanda Gordon at (318) 484-6331 for more information.


Page 4 • <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> <strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong><br />

District <strong>News</strong><br />

District IV <strong>News</strong><br />

Elsie Meaux, RN, BSN, MHA<br />

President- District IV<br />

District IV has had a very busy few months. We<br />

ended the year with a reception in honor of Patricia<br />

Labrosse to acknowledge her LSNA Nursing Hall of<br />

Fame Award. LSNA President, Ecoee Rooney, attended<br />

and personally presented the award to Patricia.<br />

Patricia’s husband and nursing friends attended and<br />

we zoomed the presentation to her children and<br />

grandchildren.<br />

In January we had the installation of our new board<br />

members. Newly elected were Ali Klentzman-Vice<br />

President, Lisa Broussard-Secretary, Christy Lenahan<br />

-Board Member and Meghan Mattison-returning board<br />

Elsie Meaux member. Continuing are Elsie Meaux-President, Kevin<br />

Besse-Treasurer, Carllene Macmillan & Justin Fontenot<br />

-Board members and Patricia Labrosse as Past President.<br />

We were happy to be a part of the <strong>2021</strong> Membership Assembly. We had<br />

several members attending as virtual delegates and are proud as Elsie Meaux<br />

served as the chair of the Nominations committee and announced the slate for<br />

officers and excited to have one of our own District members, Kenneth Cochran,<br />

elected as the Director of Nursing Professional Development and Leadership.<br />

Our thanks to Patricia Labrosse who also served on Bylaws committee.<br />

Our District IV Board put forth several nominations for LSNA awards in<br />

conjunction with the Membership Assembly in April. We are very proud that<br />

our District won the Outstanding Community Service Award for the second<br />

consecutive time. Elsie Meaux was awarded outstanding District president<br />

and was recognized as an LSNA Fellow for multiple years of service to the<br />

organization. Our board member, Justin Fontenot, received his Doctor of<br />

Nursing Practice this spring and graduated with honors. He will continue to<br />

mentor our future nurses as a nursing instructor.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Region 4 Action Coalition (RAC) has remained very active throughout<br />

all of the COVID shutdowns and Mary Broussard and Shelia Pritchett have<br />

represented us well at these meetings. RAC Leads and Core Leadership<br />

meetings were held with each group discussed plans to move forward including<br />

collaboration opportunities with both HOSA and SWLAHEC.<br />

On May 7th, we FINALLY had our 2020-21 Acadiana Celebrates Nursing<br />

Awards banquet. After postponing it three times over the past 18 months, it<br />

was a huge success as we celebrated our 25 outstanding nurses in the Acadiana<br />

region. We were pleased to have Ecoee Rooney, our LSNA president as our<br />

Mistress of Ceremonies for the presentations. It was held in the Grand Ballroom<br />

of the Doubletree Hilton with 236 family and friends in attendance. A video of<br />

local nurses in action over the past year was also presented to honor all nurses<br />

for the Year of the Nurse.<br />

Senior Nursing student, Tristan Lollis, was announced as the recipient of the<br />

<strong>2021</strong> Celina Haynie Nursing Scholarship which awarded a $1000 scholarship in<br />

recognition of his leadership and scholarship while completing his BSN degree.<br />

<strong>The</strong> award was presented by Randy Haynie in honor of his mother and our<br />

Scholarship chair, Dr Lisa Broussard.<br />

Our May meeting was held both in person and by Zoom and we had a<br />

presentation entitled “Legislative Update: Where Are We & What Do We Need<br />

to Do?” by Dr. Ahnyel Jones-Burke & Patricia Labrosse, MSN. We learned about<br />

upcoming bills in the legislature and how to provide our support. Later that<br />

week, Elsie and Shelia traveled to Baton Rouge for the House vote on House Bill<br />

495 which was passed and moved on to the Senate. <strong>The</strong>y were able to speak to<br />

both the bill authors and local representative.<br />

2020-<strong>2021</strong> Acadiana Celebrates Nursing Award recipients<br />

2020-<strong>2021</strong> Acadiana Celebrates Nursing Award Recipients<br />

Allison Aymond<br />

Angela Brown<br />

Carmen Cetnar<br />

Pamela Fontenot<br />

Jody Hover-Off<br />

Kyle Lavergne<br />

Charles Olinger<br />

Cheryl Turner<br />

Sharon Boudreaux<br />

Karen Buroker<br />

Consuella Charles<br />

Stacey Frederick<br />

Clarissa Jackson<br />

Andrew LeBlanc<br />

Laura Beth Popeck<br />

Bridget Waldrup<br />

Paula Zeanah<br />

Karl Broussard<br />

Ryan Butcher<br />

Linda Douglas<br />

Tonya Gaspard<br />

Debbie Jefferson White<br />

Penny Navarre<br />

Cynthia Suire<br />

Kassandra Williams<br />

Members of the Acadiana Black Nurses Association celebrate with their<br />

member honorees Angela Brown and Consuella Charles.<br />

District IV members Lucille Woodard,<br />

Lisa Broussard, Mary Broussard, Elsie Meaux, and Laurence Vincent join<br />

LSNA president Ecoee Rooney in toasting the election of Patricia Labrosse to<br />

the <strong>Louisiana</strong> Nurses Hall of Fame.


<strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> • Page 5<br />

District <strong>News</strong><br />

Randy & Daynese Haynie with Celina Haynie<br />

Scholarship recipient, Tristan Lollis and his family<br />

Acadiana Celebrates Nursing: Ecoee Rooney,<br />

LSNA president, Elsie Meaux-District I president,<br />

Dr. Paula Zeanah-recipient, Dr. Melinda<br />

Oberleitner, Dr. Lisa Broussard, Patricia Labrosse<br />

District IV member Shelia Pritchett and Elsie<br />

Meaux celebrate passage of House Bill 945 with<br />

Health Policy Director, Dr. Ahnyel Jones-Burke,<br />

and LSNA President, Ecoee Rooney.<br />

Elsie Meaux and Ali Klentzman present honoree<br />

Cynthia Suire with certificate and ACN pin<br />

WE ARE HIRING!<br />

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VISIT US AT: WWW.FAMILYHOMECARE.NET


Page 6 • <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> <strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong><br />

District <strong>News</strong><br />

Baton Rouge District Nurses Association Celebrates Nursing <strong>2021</strong><br />

Karen Loden, MN. RN(ret), BRDNA member<br />

<strong>The</strong> Baton Rouge District Nurses Association<br />

(BRDNA) held its 32nd annual Celebrate Nursing<br />

Banquet May 3, <strong>2021</strong> at Boudreaux’s Reception Hall<br />

on Government Street. <strong>The</strong> event honors Registered<br />

Nurses from the Baton Rouge area and surrounding<br />

communities. This year the theme was Year of<br />

the Nurse and Midwife 2020-<strong>2021</strong>. <strong>The</strong> American<br />

Nurses Association extended the Year of the Nurse<br />

and Midwife to <strong>2021</strong> because of the pandemic.<br />

<strong>The</strong> month of May is again designated Month of<br />

the Nurse. Over 140 nurses, family, friends and<br />

colleagues attended the event.<br />

Dr. Rachel Tidwell, chair of the banquet, was<br />

mistress of ceremonies. Pattie Jackson, BRDNA<br />

Treasurer, provided the Invocation. Dr. Yvonne<br />

Pellerin, BRDNA president, brought greetings from<br />

the district and recognized the 2020 honorees: Laura<br />

Attleson, Iesha Bethley, Raymond Boudreaux, Ashley<br />

Campbell, Kristie Cowart, Loretta Craighton-Davis,<br />

Desiree Dillon, Jake Gaudet, Maurice Harris, Tiffany<br />

Huffman, Bridget Jones, Katherine Hillis, Corrie<br />

Presley, Shawn Simmons, Deisy Olivas Marques,<br />

and Shawn Wolkart, Our Lady of the Lake Regional<br />

Medical Center; Jaclyn Aucoin and Sharai Hurst Neal,<br />

Baton Rouge General Medical Center; Miriam Everett,<br />

Lane Regional Medical Center; Lakaisha Jackson and<br />

Paula O’Neill, Woman’s Hospital; Leigh Schexnaydre,<br />

Our Lady of the Lake Ascension; and Jamie Graham<br />

Waguespack, Southern University and A & M College,<br />

School of Nursing. <strong>The</strong> 2020 banquet was cancelled<br />

because of the pandemic, but each honoree received<br />

a certificate and lapel pin at their respective work<br />

places given by Lisa Deaton and members of the<br />

Board of Directors.<br />

Dr. Valerie Schluter and Alison Rone presented the<br />

<strong>2021</strong> honorees: Lauri Allen, Heather Best, Brandon<br />

Bridges, Lori Chauvin, John Deshotel, Jr., Leigh “Jill”<br />

Fenn, Leanne Jubin, Beverly Nipple, Todd Pellitieri,<br />

Lacey Tidwell, Sarah Wilson and April Wolleson, Our<br />

Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center; Kevin Triche,<br />

Our Lady of the Lake Livingston; Julie Blanchard and<br />

Jessica Tate, Baton Rouge General Medical Center;<br />

Russell Arceneaux, Alexandra Gabor, Neil Manuel,<br />

Margaret Moore and Stephen Yeh, Lane Regional<br />

Medical Center; Claire Elfert, Kristin O’Neal and Angela<br />

Toney, <strong>The</strong> Spine Hospital of <strong>Louisiana</strong>; Terrie Edwards,<br />

Ochsner Medical Center, Baton Rouge; Davina Jacobs,<br />

Pinnacle Care Holdings Home Health; Dell Mars,<br />

Southeastern <strong>Louisiana</strong> University School of Nursing;<br />

and Cindra Schneider, Franciscan Missionaries of Our<br />

Lady University.<br />

Also recognized at the banquet were Dr. Schluter<br />

for receiving the LSNA Fellow award and Dr. Cynthia<br />

Prestholdt for receiving the Karen Loden Volunteer<br />

of the Year award at the recent <strong>Louisiana</strong> State<br />

Nurses Association membership assembly.<br />

<strong>The</strong> evening was marked by many comments<br />

from family, friends and colleagues on how much<br />

the honorees had given of themselves during the<br />

pandemic. It was inspiring to hear what the nurses<br />

had accomplished in providing patient care during<br />

a pandemic that none of them had ever imagined.<br />

Although they saw more deaths in a few weeks than<br />

most nurses would see in years, they did not falter or<br />

become overwhelmed with feelings of helplessness,<br />

they continued to be supportive of one another and<br />

their patients and families. It was an uplifting evening<br />

for all professional registered nurses!<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>2021</strong> Celebrate Nursing Committee included:<br />

Rachel Tidwell, Chair, Yvonne Pellerin, Valerie Schluter,<br />

Lisa Deaton, Clara Earl, Denise Hart, Kristal Henson,<br />

Nikki Honore, Pattie Jackson, Michelle Jeter, Sheralyn<br />

Long, Alison Rone, Lacey Tidwell and Lesley Tilley.<br />

Comprising the <strong>2021</strong> Selection Committee were: Sheila<br />

Allen, Barbara Anthony, Lisa Deaton, Mary Dudley,<br />

Clara Earl, Denise Hart, Nikki Honore, Pattie Jackson,<br />

Charla Johnson, Karen Loden, Sheralyn Long, Cynthia<br />

Prestholdt, Alison Rone, Valerie Schluter and Rachel<br />

Tidwell.<br />

Photography by Cleve Brown<br />

Pictured from the left sitting: Lauri Allen, Russell Arceneaux, Julie Blanchard, Brandon Bridges, Lori Chauvin, John Deshotel,<br />

Terri Edwards, Claire Elfert, and Alexandra Gabor.<br />

Standing from the left: Davina Jacobs, Leanne Jubin, Beverly Nipple, Neil Manuel, Dell Mars, Margaret Moore, Kristin O’Neal, Todd Pellitieri,<br />

Cindra Schneider, Jessica Tate, Lacey Tidwell, Angela Toney, Kevin Triche, Sarah Wilson, April Wolleson and Steve Yeh.<br />

Not Pictured: Heather Best and Leigh ”Jill” Fenn.<br />

BRDNA members at 32nd Annual Celebrate Nursing Banquet.<br />

Sitting from the left: Alison Rone, Clara Earl, Dahab Ghebreg<br />

Standing from the left: Lisa Deaton, Dell Mars, Lorinda Sealey,<br />

Cynthia Prestholdt, Valerie Schluter and Karen Loden<br />

BRDNA past and present Presidents:<br />

Standing from the left, Karen Loden, Clara Earl, Valerie Schluter,<br />

Lisa Deaton and current president Yvonne Pellerin.


<strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> • Page 7<br />

District <strong>News</strong><br />

Baton Rouge, District 2 (BRDNA) has been busy this<br />

year. A transition meeting and induction of officers was<br />

held in January and many of our Board of Directors<br />

is new. We have been learning our roles and bylaws.<br />

Lisa Deaton Past President, Yvonne Pellerin President,<br />

Sheralyn Long President Elect, Heather Runnels Vice<br />

President, Michelle Jeter Corresponding Secretary,<br />

Nikki Honore Recording Secretary, Patti Jackson<br />

Treasurer, Rachel Tidwell Professional Practice, Valerie<br />

Schluter Health Policy, Denise Hart Membership, Alison<br />

Rone Public Relations, Charla Johnson Nominating<br />

Committee. <strong>The</strong> board represent many areas nurses<br />

can choose to practice. <strong>The</strong> board has conducted<br />

engaging, educational meetings, and hosted the 32nd<br />

annual and first Post-COVID-19 Celebrate Nursing<br />

Banquet.<br />

Goals were established to align BRDNA with<br />

the goals, visions, values, of the LSNA and ANA,<br />

increase engagement of membership, grow<br />

Board committees to encourage participation and<br />

continue to use technology as an outreach tool to<br />

increase participation among our membership and<br />

to collaborate with <strong>Louisiana</strong> Action Coalition and<br />

the Regional Action Coalition to increase diversity in<br />

nursing.<br />

Activities so far this year were: partnered with<br />

LSNA to distribute donated salon shampoo to<br />

<strong>Louisiana</strong> Nurses, recorded a message through Vizient<br />

to honor nurses in <strong>Louisiana</strong> during nurse’s week; held<br />

CNE sessions focused on current concerns of violence<br />

and opioids and addiction. We also had 30 delegates<br />

participate in LSNA Membership Assembly. We<br />

submitted a resolution focused on violence against<br />

nurses. A resolution is one way we share a voice and<br />

request actions for our district.<br />

District 2 Spotlight<br />

After summer recess we<br />

have many more activities<br />

planned to begin with<br />

CNE September 9th “Find<br />

your Brave,” October 14th<br />

“Remote Workforce,” and<br />

November 11th a panel<br />

discussion focused on<br />

“Impact of Contract Staffing.”<br />

Veteran recognition is<br />

planned for November 11th.<br />

If you are interested in dialing in for one of the sessions<br />

or want more information regarding BRDNA email<br />

presidentbrdnalmd@gmail.com.<br />

Chad A. Sullivan, RN, JD<br />

Keogh, Cox & Wilson, LTD.<br />

Baton Rouge, LA • 225-383-3796<br />

Offering Disciplinary Defense<br />

to Registered Nurses<br />

Email: csullivan@keoghcox.com<br />

keoghcox.com<br />

Leadership Scholars Academy<br />

Designed for Current and Emerging Leaders in All Settings<br />

“Leading from Within Using the Science and Art<br />

of Leadership and Management”<br />

<strong>The</strong> goal of the Leadership Scholars Academy Program is to provide a transformational<br />

learning experience that further develops personal and professional leadership<br />

knowledge, skills, and guidance critical for success in leadership roles. Participation<br />

in the Leadership Scholars Academy Program aims to maximize performance while<br />

increasing personal engagement in nurturing a high performing organization.<br />

Participation in this interactive leadership program will include, but<br />

is not limited to the following:<br />

• Coaching and mentoring (includes two 30 minute personalized sessions)<br />

• Increased self-awareness, • Evidence-based quality improvement<br />

mindfulness & self-care<br />

• Budget development and management<br />

• Leadership development and skills • Effective communication techniques<br />

• Leading people and processes • Business management<br />

• Networking opportunities<br />

Participants must commit to all days for successful completion of the program.<br />

Dates: September 16, October 14, November 5, 11, & December 10, <strong>2021</strong><br />

Location: LSUHNO School of Nursing – Continuing Nursing Education Classroom<br />

All-inclusive fee of $2,000 includes:<br />

• Several assessment instruments, leadership library of<br />

books and professional folio<br />

• 40 hours (5 days) of instruction (lunch provided each day)<br />

• Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credit for RNs<br />

• Parking available<br />

• Celebration with presentation of certificates of completion<br />

and membership into LSUHNO Leadership Scholars<br />

Academy on the last day.<br />

We also offer:<br />

• Varied Continuing Nursing Professional Development Programs<br />

- New courses added frequently<br />

For more information on the Leadership Scholars Academy and other<br />

LSUHNO SON nursing continuing professional development programs<br />

and courses visit:<br />

http://nursing.lsuhsc.edu/ContinuingEducation<br />

or email: nsgconted@lsuhsc.edu<br />

Looking for a Seal of Approval? – We Have It!<br />

<strong>Louisiana</strong> State University Health New Orleans School of Nursing Faculty<br />

Development Continuing Nursing Ed & Entrepreneurial Enterprise is accredited as<br />

a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses<br />

Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.<br />

Continuing Nursing Education, Faculty Development & Entrepreneurial Enterprise<br />

1900 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70112<br />

www.facebook.com/nursecontinuingeducation


Page 8 • <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> <strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong><br />

District <strong>News</strong><br />

New Orleans District Nurses Association, Region VII<br />

WELCOME<br />

New Orleans District Nurses Association welcomes<br />

our new officer, Dr. Lxchelle Arceneaux,<br />

Director of Communications.<br />

Dr. Kendra M. Barrier<br />

President, NODNA<br />

Dr. Lxchelle Arceneaux<br />

Director of<br />

Communications,<br />

NODNA<br />

PROUD MOMENTS<br />

Thirty Five (35) delegates represented NODNA,<br />

District VII, at the <strong>2021</strong> LSNA Membership Assembly;<br />

voting to change current By-Laws and accepting five<br />

resolutions. Of the five resolutions, NODNA members<br />

were co-authors of four (4) resolutions.<br />

- NODNA made a $500.00 donation to Ending<br />

Period Poverty/Nurse Nikki, founder of Bloom’s<br />

Maternal Health<br />

What is Period Poverty? Period Poverty refers<br />

to a lack of access to menstrual supplies and<br />

education, is one of the hidden and destructive<br />

impacts of COVID-19 pandemic and many<br />

women are faced with choosing between<br />

personal care items and their next meal.<br />

- NODNA’s donation helped provide donations<br />

to Kingsley House, Phyllis Wheatley School,<br />

and the homeless population of the Greater<br />

New Orleans Area.<br />

NODNA’s NEEDS<br />

NODNA has open positions for: Director of Events /<br />

Student Nurses Night, and Director of Organizational<br />

Advancement. Anyone interested, please contact Kim<br />

Guilbeau, Director of Membership, Recruitment, and<br />

Retention.<br />

WE'RE HIRING RNs<br />

• In-house training with career<br />

advancement.<br />

• Tuition reimbursement program<br />

• Affordable benefits including<br />

major medical, dental, vision,<br />

and retirement<br />

• Family oriented workplace with<br />

flexible schedules<br />

• Great work family atmosphere<br />

• Competitive wages<br />

• Great opportunity to gain<br />

experience in all facets of<br />

healthcare<br />

Apply: www.allenhealth.net • 337-738-2527<br />

CONGRATULATIONS<br />

New Orleans District Nurses Association Student<br />

Nurse Leadership Award | NODNA presented<br />

leadership awards to the following leaders:<br />

Alexis Sims (May <strong>2021</strong>) and Shondra Casby (May<br />

2020), Dillard University; Melissa St. Germain,<br />

Chamberlain University; Kiesha Brown, Charity<br />

School of Nursing Delgado Community College;<br />

Madison O’Grodnick, LSU Health New Orleans<br />

School of Nursing; Mariella Faasch,<br />

University of Holy Cross


<strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> • Page 9<br />

District <strong>News</strong><br />

Kiesha Brown, Charity<br />

School of Nursing<br />

Alexis Sims, Dillard<br />

University (May <strong>2021</strong>)<br />

MEETINGS AND PROGRAMS<br />

NODNA has several exciting programs coming<br />

up. We welcome all members to join us in fun<br />

engaging social events by attending the meetings<br />

and programs. Our meetings and programs are<br />

all via Zoom so attending meetings and programs<br />

may be done from the relaxing environment of your<br />

home. Please visit www.nolanurses.org and follow<br />

us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for<br />

programming updates. NODNA provides nurses an<br />

opportunity to earn CE Credit and network with other<br />

nurses throughout the New Orleans Metro Area.<br />

I would like to thank each nurse for their<br />

membership, as our membership continues to grow.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Board of Directors and I want our members to<br />

know that each member is in our daily thoughts,<br />

knowing that our members will remain resilient as<br />

they continue to face daily challenges during the<br />

pandemic and drastic weather changes. I also know<br />

that your families, employers, and communities<br />

appreciate everything you do. Lastly, NODNA<br />

encourages our members to educate themselves<br />

about the COVID vaccine, share the facts about<br />

the vaccine with your community, so people are<br />

able to make informed vaccine decisions based<br />

on evidence and not myths. Vaccine information<br />

is located on the LA Department of Health (LDH):<br />

https://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine/ and the Centers<br />

for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://<br />

www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html.<br />

Thank you for your support. All the best,<br />

Kendra M. Barrier, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE<br />

President, New Orleans District Nurses Association<br />

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY<br />

for RN CHARGE NURSE in<br />

Long Term Care Facility • Jonesboro, LA 71251<br />

Shondra Casby, Dillard<br />

University (May 2020)<br />

Madison O’Grodnick,<br />

LSUHNO SON<br />

<strong>Louisiana</strong> School<br />

Nurse Organization<br />

(Affiliate of NASN)<br />

Through our specialized, evidence-based<br />

practice, we autonomously strive to protect<br />

and promote student health, facilitate optimal<br />

development, and advance academic success.<br />

Join LSNO today and help us forge the future<br />

of our profession @ www.lsno.org<br />

EXCELLENT SALARY & BENEFITS<br />

Fulltime 3pm-11pm<br />

Full time benefits include:<br />

• Life Insurance and Health Insurance offered<br />

• Long and Short Term Disability<br />

• Paid Vacation and Holidays<br />

• 401K<br />

Facility also offers part time RN positions.<br />

Contact Facility if interested at<br />

318-259-2729 or stop by<br />

171 Thrasher Drive Jonesboro, LA 71251<br />

Visit nursingALD.com today!<br />

Search job listings<br />

in all 50 states, and filter by location and credentials.<br />

Browse our online database<br />

of articles and content.<br />

Find events<br />

for nursing professionals in your area.<br />

Your always-on resource for<br />

nursing jobs, research, and events.


Page 10 • <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> <strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong><br />

National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses<br />

(NAON) Press Release<br />

For Immediate Release<br />

Contact: Kristin Tamkus (800) 289-6266<br />

Charla B. Johnson, DNP, RN-BC, ONC Assumes Role<br />

as President of the Executive Board for the National<br />

Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON).<br />

CHICAGO – June 7, <strong>2021</strong> – Charla B. Johnson,<br />

DNP, RN, ONC will assume the role of President for<br />

the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses<br />

(NAON) for <strong>2021</strong>-2022. In her role as President,<br />

Ms. Johnson will work with the Executive Board to<br />

provide strategy and direction to meet the needs of<br />

its membership.<br />

“As I reflect on my professional journey and<br />

career path there have been defining moments<br />

that have guided me to this place. I have been<br />

surrounded by exceptional role models in nursing<br />

and orthopaedic nursing has always been part of<br />

my purpose and calling. My theme for <strong>2021</strong>-22 is Dare to Lead.” <strong>The</strong> theme<br />

was inspired by a quote from Rumi, a Persian Poet, ‘Be a lamp, a lifeboat, a<br />

ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a Shepherd.’<br />

I challenge each nurse to believe in yourself and dare to lead” stated Ms.<br />

Johnson.<br />

Ms. Johnson’s nursing experience includes more than thirty-three<br />

years with a record of continuous dedicated service, achievement, and<br />

professional advancement. She has been an active member of NAON<br />

since 1990 with local membership in the <strong>Louisiana</strong> Chapter, SC-045. She<br />

has served in all Officer roles at the Chapter level and as a Director at the<br />

national level. Ms. Johnson has also published in the Orthopaedic Nursing<br />

Journal, authored Clinical Practice Guidelines, served as a reviewer, and<br />

presented numerous times at NAON events.<br />

In addition, she has served on several Boards and Steering Committees<br />

at the regional/national level which are affiliated with the care of patients<br />

with musculoskeletal conditions such as the Arthritis Foundation, <strong>Louisiana</strong><br />

Chapter and Movement is Life.<br />

Ms. Johnson has been certified in Orthopaedics since 1991. She<br />

has served on the Orthopaedic Nurse Certification Board through the<br />

Recertification Committee and a two-term Director. <strong>The</strong> majority of her<br />

nursing career has been aimed at the promotion of musculoskeletal care<br />

and the advancement of Orthopaedic nursing in her region, state, and at<br />

the national level through life-long learning and leadership. Community<br />

outreach, nursing research, nursing professional development have been<br />

embedded throughout her career.<br />

## #<br />

WE ARE<br />

WAITING<br />

FOR YOU!<br />

About the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON)<br />

<strong>The</strong> National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) is a nonprofit,<br />

volunteer-run organization that exists to enhance the lives and careers<br />

of orthopaedic nurses. Formed in 1980, NAON was designed to promote<br />

the highest standards of nursing practice by educating its practitioners,<br />

promoting research and encouraging effective communication between<br />

orthopaedic nurses and other groups with similar interests. NAON<br />

membership consists of more than 5,000 RNs, LPNs, LVNs, student nurses<br />

and associate members from across the country and around the world who<br />

share an interest in musculoskeletal healthcare. For more information visit<br />

http://www.orthonurse.org/.<br />

Glenwood Regional Medical Center is a 278-bed, state-of-theart<br />

hospital located in West Monroe, <strong>Louisiana</strong>.<br />

RN Medical and Cardiovascular Telemetry<br />

$7,500 Sign-on Bonus<br />

RN Behavioral Health $2,500 Sign-on Bonus<br />

New Grad $5K Sign-on Bonus with a 2 year commitment.<br />

Competitive Rates, Benefits and Shift Differentials<br />

New Grads welcome to apply<br />

APPLY TODAY by visting www.glenwoodregional.org<br />

Please contact our Nurse Recruiter!<br />

Tommy Adams<br />

318-329-4518<br />

tommy.adams@steward.org<br />

Glenwood Regional Medical Center<br />

503 McMillian Rd. West Monroe, LA 71291


<strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> • Page 11<br />

Ochsner Health’s 13th Annual Evidence Based Practice and<br />

Nursing Research Conference Call for Abstracts Now Open!<br />

Maria Nix, MSN, BSN, RN<br />

Ochsner’s <strong>2021</strong> Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)<br />

Nursing Research Conference will be held virtually<br />

on November 5, <strong>2021</strong>, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. <strong>The</strong><br />

conference theme is Nurses Shaping Healthcare:<br />

Retaining the Nursing Workforce. <strong>The</strong> day-long<br />

virtual conference will include a keynote address,<br />

poster viewing, and presentations by healthcare<br />

vendors. Conference attendees will hear from<br />

keynote speaker, Dr. Karen Hill, RN, DNP, NEA-<br />

BC, FACHE, FAAN, Editor in Chief for the Journal<br />

of Nursing Administration, in a talk entitled<br />

Nursing Retention: What does the evidence say?<br />

About the EBP/Nursing Research Conference –<br />

Ochsner’s EBP/Nursing Research Conference<br />

was developed to provide a forum for nurses to<br />

disseminate scientific evidence and to engage<br />

nurses at all levels in scholarly discussion about<br />

improving the patient experience, promoting<br />

population health, and reducing healthcare<br />

delivery costs. Attendance has grown each year,<br />

along with participation from healthcare providers<br />

across the nation.<br />

About the 2020 conference program – In 2020,<br />

Ochsner hosted a virtual, self-paced conference<br />

celebrating the theme, Year of the Nurse:<br />

COVID-19 and Beyond. Due to the COVID-19<br />

pandemic, the 2020 conference was offered in<br />

a virtual format, opened to an internal audience,<br />

and presentations were made available online<br />

for Ochsner employees, allowing staff to view<br />

at their convenience. <strong>The</strong> conference featured<br />

27 presentations including a keynote talk, panel<br />

discussion, student presentations, nine posters,<br />

and 15 speakers. In pre-recorded talks, speakers<br />

from across Ochsner Health shared key learnings<br />

from their work during the COVID-19 pandemic as<br />

well as projects unrelated to COVID-19.<br />

2020 conference attendees learned evidencebased<br />

techniques to reduce distress from keynote<br />

speaker, Dr. Jacklyn Ruhl, clinical psychologist,<br />

Ochsner Health, in her talk entitled Create Calm<br />

Quickly, Building Distress Tolerance During<br />

COVID-19. <strong>The</strong> conference also included a<br />

panel discussion on the Social Determinants of<br />

Health, Diversity, Equity, and their Implications<br />

for Quality in Healthcare. <strong>The</strong> panel featured<br />

Ochsner Health’s Deborah Grimes, RN, JD,<br />

MSHQS, VP Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Eboni<br />

Price-Haywood, MD, MPH, FACP, Medical<br />

Director, Ochsner Xavier Institute for Health<br />

Equity and Research, Associate Professor,<br />

Ochsner Clinical School-University of Queensland,<br />

Sylvia Hartmann, MN, RN, Director of Nursing<br />

Academics, and Dr. Richard Guthrie, MD, Chief<br />

Quality Officer Center for Quality Excellence, who<br />

offered perspectives regarding the opportunities<br />

for healthcare organizations to address health<br />

disparities that have been highlighted by the<br />

pandemic.<br />

Save the date and call for abstracts – Each<br />

year, the conference offers nurses and other<br />

providers the opportunity to share best practices<br />

and to learn and network with colleagues. <strong>The</strong><br />

<strong>2021</strong> conference is open to Ochsner employees<br />

and non-Ochsner employees and the call for<br />

abstracts is now open. Ochsner looks forward to<br />

seeing you at the conference this year! Please<br />

consider submitting an abstract by the deadline,<br />

September 3rd, <strong>2021</strong>. To submit an abstract,<br />

scan the QR code below to access the submission<br />

form. Please visit Ochsner’s nursing research<br />

website to find out how to register in coming<br />

months: https://research.ochsner.org/nursingresearch<br />

For questions, please contact conference<br />

chairperson, Jessica Peterson, PhD, Ochsner<br />

Center for Evidence Based Practice and Nursing<br />

Research at jessica.peterson@ochsner.org,<br />

conference co-chair, Maria Nix, MSN, BSN,<br />

RN, Ochsner System Nursing Professional<br />

Development at marie.nix@ochsner.org, or email<br />

nursing.research@ochsner.org.


ttttttoooooo goooooo<br />

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Page 12 • <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> <strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong><br />

<strong>2021</strong> Nightingale<br />

Awards and Gala<br />

Presented by <strong>Louisiana</strong> Nurses<br />

Foundation & <strong>Louisiana</strong> State<br />

Nurses Association<br />

Gala will be held virtually in October.<br />

General Instructions for<br />

Nominations<br />

Please see our website at<br />

www.LSNA.org for detailed<br />

instructions.<br />

Application deadline is<br />

August 31, <strong>2021</strong>.<br />

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IIIInnnnntttttteeeeeennnnnssssiiiiveeeeee OOutttttt-PPaaaattttttiiiieeeeeennnnntttttt::<br />

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General instructions include:<br />

• Please go to our website at www.LSNA.org for<br />

all instructions. Information can be found on<br />

the home page under “<strong>News</strong>.”<br />

• All material must be received by August 31,<br />

<strong>2021</strong><br />

• Each nomination must have a separate<br />

application that includes all required<br />

information.<br />

• For individual submissions, contact<br />

information is required to allow contact with<br />

the nominee (name, street address, phone<br />

number). This must be their home contact<br />

information. Information cannot be sent to<br />

employment address. If it is an organization<br />

submission, please include a contact person.<br />

• Applications are to be complete when<br />

submitted by the deadline noted and will be<br />

presented to the judges as such. No additional<br />

information will be added after submission to<br />

the judges. LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE<br />

ACCEPTED.<br />

• <strong>Louisiana</strong> Nurses Foundation will not contact<br />

nominator or nominee for missing information.<br />

<strong>The</strong> LSNA Fellow Award Recognizes<br />

outstanding association contributions and is<br />

the most prestigious award an LSNA member<br />

can receive.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se awards recognize the importance of<br />

the outstanding performance, leadership<br />

and involvement of the LSNA membership as<br />

officers and volunteers. With this recognition<br />

we demonstrate our appreciation to the<br />

membership of LSNA.<br />

LSNA Fellow Demonstrates:<br />

• Long-term dedication and leadership<br />

commitment of our members at the<br />

State and District Level<br />

• Longevity of at least twenty years’<br />

membership in ANA/LSNA<br />

◦ State level Officer, Director, LNF/<br />

LANPAC BOD, committee/project<br />

chair, and/or<br />

◦ District level Officer, Director,<br />

Committee/special project chair, LSNA<br />

delegate<br />

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NursingALD.com<br />

can point you right to that perfect<br />

NURSING JOB!<br />

In September, each nominee will be contacted by<br />

<strong>Louisiana</strong> Nurses Foundation to notify them of their<br />

nomination.<br />

Any questions please contact:<br />

Tiara Battieste<br />

(225) 605-3090 lsna@lsna.org<br />

NursingALD.com<br />

Free to Nurses<br />

Privacy Assured<br />

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<strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> • Page 13<br />

What Nurses Need to Know About<br />

Blood Donation Discrimination<br />

Justin Fontenot, DNP, RN, NEA-BC<br />

Many nurses are not aware of the discriminatory<br />

practices that affect blood donation in the<br />

United States (US). In 1983, the Food and Drug<br />

Administration (FDA) implemented a lifetime<br />

ban prohibiting the donation of blood or blood<br />

products by men who have sex with men (MSM),<br />

women who have sex with MSM, and transgender<br />

people (Food and Drug Administration [FDA],<br />

2020). Numerous experts considered this ban<br />

necessary, as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)<br />

testing was inadequate in the US. However, this<br />

ban did not consider the implausible but realistic<br />

possibility at the time that any person, regardless<br />

of gender or sexual orientation, who engages in<br />

risky sexual behavior can carry HIV or other bloodborne<br />

diseases. Despite testing improvements,<br />

this ban continued for three decades until 2015. In<br />

2015, the FDA revised the ban to defer any donors<br />

who self-reported MSM activity within the past<br />

year (FDA, 2020). <strong>The</strong> COVID-19 pandemic fueled<br />

the need for donor blood. Thus, the FDA further<br />

revised these restrictions to the current ban, which<br />

excludes MSM donors unless they’ve been sexually<br />

abstinent for three months despite having one<br />

sexual partner, even if that partner is HIV negative<br />

(FDA, 2020).<br />

A recent study provided noteworthy results<br />

to understand further the current ban’s impact<br />

on the American blood supply—Clackett et al.<br />

(2020) surveyed nearly 1,500 people identified<br />

as MSM. <strong>The</strong> results indicated that approximately<br />

77% of the participants were unwilling to abstain<br />

from sexual activity with their partners but would<br />

donate blood should the current FDA ban lift<br />

(Clackett et al., 2020). Further, evidence in the<br />

literature points to HIV incidence in the blood<br />

supply similar before and after the year-long<br />

deferral policy (Grebe et al., 2020). In fact, HIV<br />

testing in this country continues to improve as<br />

testing can detect exposure as early as 11 days<br />

post-exposure (Kleinman, <strong>2021</strong>). With the ongoing<br />

availability of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP),<br />

gay men are aware of their status and have new<br />

tools and methods to limit exposure (Grant et<br />

al., 2010). Give the current realities of the HIV<br />

epidemic in this country, the current FDA ban<br />

leaves us questioning why donor deferral is limited<br />

to MSM?<br />

Due to recent and ongoing discussions<br />

regarding these, what appears to be, on the<br />

surface, discriminatory policies, the FDA requested<br />

more relevant empirical data to consider a rollback<br />

on this current ban. As such, the largest blood<br />

donation centers in the country are preparing to<br />

roll out a study entitled Assessing Donor Variability<br />

and New Concepts in Eligibility (ADVANCE)<br />

Study (Advance Study, <strong>2021</strong>). This study seeks<br />

to test the blood supply in areas of high HIV<br />

incidence without the current deferral policies.<br />

As such, Baton Rouge, <strong>Louisiana</strong>, is a site for the<br />

ADVANCE study. While this is good news, studies<br />

like these can take years to conclude. Meanwhile,<br />

the pandemic continues, and the American blood<br />

supply continues to face shortages.<br />

What can nurses do to help? Nurses find<br />

themselves in unique positions as patient<br />

advocates, and Americans widely trust nurses. We<br />

can use our influence to educate our legislators<br />

at local and grassroots efforts. We can immerse<br />

ourselves in the literature surrounding this<br />

topic first to inform ourselves so that we can,<br />

in turn, inform the broader public. Upholding<br />

discriminatory practices does nothing to protect<br />

the US blood supply further as all people with risky<br />

sexual behavior require screening, not just MSM.<br />

Changing this screening can improve access and<br />

increase the blood supply is safe and effective<br />

ways. Speak up, educate, and inform!<br />

References<br />

ADVANCE Study. (<strong>2021</strong>). Eligibility. Retrieved from<br />

https://advancestudy.org/#eligibility. Accessed on<br />

6/28/<strong>2021</strong><br />

Clackett, S., Seed, C. R., Prestage, G., Hammoud,<br />

M. A., Hoad, V., Saxton, P., Haire, B., Holt, M., Jin, F.,<br />

Bourne, A., Maher, L., & Kaldor, J. (2020). Attitudes<br />

and willingness to donate blood among gay and<br />

bisexual men in Australia. Transfusion, 60(5), 965–<br />

973. https://doi.org/10.1111/trf.15768<br />

Grant, R. M., Lama, J. R., Anderson, P. L., McMahan,<br />

V., Liu, A. Y., Vargas, L., Goicochea, P., Casapía, M.,<br />

Guanira-Carranza, J. V., Ramirez-Cardich, M. E.,<br />

Montoya-Herrera, O., Fernández, T., Veloso, V. G.,<br />

Buchbinder, S. P., Chariyalertsak, S., Schechter, M.,<br />

Bekker, L.-G., Mayer, K. H., Kallás, E. G., … Glidden,<br />

D. V. (2010). Pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis for<br />

hiv prevention in men who have sex with men. New<br />

England Journal of Medicine, 363(27), 2587–2599.<br />

https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1011205<br />

Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Revised<br />

recommendations for reducing the risk of Human<br />

Immunodeficiency virus transmission by blood and<br />

blood products: Guidance for industry. Retrieved<br />

from https://www.fda.gov/media/92490/download.<br />

Accessed on 6/28/<strong>2021</strong><br />

Grebe, E., Busch, M. P., Notari, E. P., Bruhn, R.,<br />

Quiner, C., Hindes, D., Stone, M., Bakkour, S., Yang,<br />

H., Williamson, P., Kessler, D., Reik, R., Stramer, S. L.,<br />

Glynn, S. A., Anderson, S. A., Williams, A. E., & Custer,<br />

B. (2020). HIV incidence in US first-time blood<br />

donors and transfusion risk with a 12-month deferral<br />

for men who have sex with men. Blood, 136(11), 1359–<br />

1367. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2020007003<br />

Kleinman S. (<strong>2021</strong>). Risk of HIV from blood<br />

transfusion. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.<br />

com/contents/risk-of-hiv-from-blood-transfusion.<br />

Accessed on 6/28/<strong>2021</strong><br />

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Page 14 • <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> <strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong><br />

New Nurses’ Corner<br />

Austin Nelson, BSN, TCRN, CCRN<br />

Ever heard someone say, “If only I knew then what I know now”? Before<br />

the ink on my hard-earned BSN degree was dry, I started my career as a new<br />

graduate of Northwestern State in a Level 1 Trauma center Surgical/Trauma<br />

ICU. Throughout the past year and a half, I cannot tell you how many times I<br />

have said to myself, “If only I knew then what I know now.” I am here to share<br />

some of the things I wish someone had told me as a new graduate nurse.<br />

1. It Is Okay Not to Know Everything<br />

It is likely that during the first few days or even hours during that first<br />

shift, you will be asked to do or explain something that you do not know or<br />

do not feel confident about; this is okay! Take that opportunity to learn from<br />

an experienced colleague what the answer or proper method is and keep<br />

what you learn from this experience in your toolbox for next time. If you are<br />

like me, you are quick to criticize yourself and beat yourself up over your lack<br />

of knowledge of the concept or skill. Even after a year and a half, I still see<br />

and learn new things on a nightly basis. <strong>The</strong> difference is that I have trained<br />

my mind to see those mishaps I experience as a learning opportunity. I do my<br />

best to stay positive as I seek more knowledge about the matter. Using this<br />

method will keep you emotionally resilient and result in better outcomes for<br />

your patients.<br />

2. Start Training Yourself to Control Your Emotions, Instead of Letting<br />

<strong>The</strong>m Control You<br />

It is 2 A.M., and you just got the call that you are getting a deteriorating<br />

patient from the OR involved in a multi-vehicle MVC. Other nurses in the<br />

unit have been busy all night, and your other patient is touch and go on<br />

vasopressors and multiple other drips. If you are an adrenaline junkie, you live<br />

for this. If not, like most of us, every muscle in your body is tightening up and<br />

you may feel a drop of sweat roll down your back. While this is normal, just<br />

know that what you do next is vital to your own performance as a nurse and<br />

will be crucial to that patient’s outcome. Take. A. Breath.<br />

Control those emotions and those negative thoughts that are screaming in<br />

your ear, trying to tell you that you’re not prepared for this. You are ready for<br />

this, and your coworkers are going to help you get through it. Easier said than<br />

done, right? Emotional intelligence is said to be a more significant predictor of<br />

success than one’s IQ score. If you do not believe me, look it up, and then start<br />

working on training your mind and growing your emotional intelligence. You<br />

will begin to thrive in these situations if you stick with it. It will also help you in<br />

all other aspects of your life.<br />

3. Do Not Forget About Those Things You Love<br />

It is easy to get consumed with work and how draining those 12-hour shifts<br />

can be. I cannot stress it to you enough that you have to take care of yourself<br />

if you want to be successful while taking care of others. When you have days<br />

off, go to the gym, read that book that has been on your shelf since you started<br />

nursing school, or go on a weekend trip with your friends. As nurses, it is easy<br />

for us to regularly find ourselves consumed with the sadness, grief, and stress<br />

surrounding us in the workplace on a regular basis. But we mustn’t allow that<br />

to carry over into our personal lives and become detrimental to our own wellbeing.<br />

So, go visit your family that lives in another state or call that friend that<br />

you have not heard from in months because you must remember who and<br />

what makes you happy so you can be the best you can be for your patients.<br />

4. Join A Nursing Organization and Get Involved<br />

Are you looking for a sense of belonging, positive role models,<br />

opportunities to get involved in the nursing community, or networking with<br />

like-minded individuals? <strong>The</strong>se are all of the benefits of joining a nursing<br />

organization and others like the <strong>Louisiana</strong> State Nurses Association (LSNA).<br />

You have the opportunity to have your voice heard and serve as an advocate<br />

for you and other nurses. Serving on the Board of Directors for LSNA<br />

has allowed me to meet other like-minded nurses from all across the state<br />

that come from various backgrounds. I have learned what it means to be a<br />

contributing member of an organization that works diligently to serve and<br />

empower our workforce so that we can continue advancing patient care.<br />

Nursing organizations like LSNA served as a spokesperson for all nurses in<br />

the state of <strong>Louisiana</strong> as we faced staff and supply shortages during the<br />

COVID-19 pandemic. So, I strongly encourage you to join and stay involved in<br />

nursing organizations so that you can stay informed about ongoing changes<br />

that shape our practice, benefit from the various education opportunities,<br />

and develop your skills as a leader in nursing.


<strong>July</strong>, August, September <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Pelican</strong> <strong>News</strong> • Page 15<br />

Honoring 100 <strong>Louisiana</strong> Nurses Lost<br />

Between April 2019 – April <strong>2021</strong><br />

LSNA requested submissions of names of those nurses who lost their lives between<br />

April 2019 – April <strong>2021</strong> whose memory should be honored. We received 100 names.<br />

Pauline Ackel, APRN<br />

Sandra S. Adams, RN<br />

Elizabeth Ahern, RN<br />

Sharon Allen<br />

Larrice Anderson<br />

Larrice <strong>The</strong>resa Irving<br />

Anderson<br />

Myrtis Anderson, RN<br />

Irma Andrus<br />

Dominique Anotine, RN<br />

Olivia Arrant, LPN<br />

Mary Lori Avault, RN<br />

Annemarie Barber, RN<br />

Annette Barnes, LPN<br />

Edith Grace Barnhill, RN<br />

Roland Becnel, APRN<br />

Eloise Grandison Blunt,<br />

RN<br />

Ted Bosch, RN<br />

Tammy Bradford, APRN<br />

Cindy Bridges, RN<br />

Diane Westley<br />

Brocado, RN<br />

Grace Terracina<br />

Shaw-Broussard, RN<br />

Kathelena Brown, LPN<br />

Mary Ann Burnett, RN<br />

Lisa Caffrey, RN<br />

Jackie Carr, RN<br />

Myrna Harris Cassimere, RN<br />

Anne Marie Chatelier, RN<br />

Chelsea Frances<br />

Coleman, RN<br />

Billie Collins, LPN<br />

Anetha Jane “Corky”<br />

Snider Craft, RN<br />

Dianna Crenshaw, RN<br />

Rosa Mary Hollins<br />

Daily, LPN<br />

Margie Davis, RN<br />

Marjorie Dawson<br />

Barbara Deprato, LPN<br />

Judith Dowling, RN<br />

Christy Dumas, RN<br />

Pamela Fleniken, RN<br />

Cheryl Fontenot, RN<br />

Cassandra Frasier, LPN<br />

Catherine Fusek, RN<br />

Linda Garrett, LPN<br />

Travis Garman, LPN<br />

Allison Mills Gaudet, RN<br />

Susan Gray, Rn<br />

Donnell Hargrove, LPN<br />

Francis Harris, RN<br />

Irma Mimes Hayes, LPN<br />

Elaine Hebert, RN<br />

Jimmy Hebert, RN<br />

Ruth Hinchee, APRN<br />

Maya Rowden Hollis, LPN<br />

Lauren Horridge, RN<br />

Candy Jensen, RN<br />

Diane Johnson, RN<br />

Miguel Jolivette<br />

Jean Lively, RN<br />

Tina Beavers Manshack<br />

Michael Marceaux, RN<br />

Rhonda Maricelli, RN<br />

Steffany Martin, RN<br />

Veronica Meyers, LPN<br />

Catherine Miller, LPN<br />

Lora Minton, RN<br />

Tammy Moore, RN<br />

Romy Morvant, RN<br />

Debbie Neff, RN<br />

Elizabeth “Betty” Fried<br />

Olsen, RN<br />

Elizabeth D. Ours, RN<br />

Veronica Peel, RN<br />

Christopher Pena, RN<br />

Lynell Pinkozie, RN<br />

Lena Tiesti Porche, RN<br />

Carolyn Prejean, RN<br />

Desiree “Des” Raffo, RN<br />

Tanya Rich, RN<br />

Lisa Rodavich, RN<br />

Donna Ardoin Rossner, RN<br />

Jean Sanders, RN<br />

Jeanette Savoie, RN<br />

Col. Andrea Schaifer, RN<br />

Joyce Shilling<br />

Pam Sharp, RN<br />

Carrie Hausey Shorter, RN<br />

Daphne Sivils, RN<br />

Diana Bones Smith, RN<br />

Richelle Hammond<br />

Soniat, RN<br />

Mica Fitzhugh Sood, APRN<br />

Hamilton Sparks, RN<br />

Michael “Casey”<br />

Thompson<br />

Patricia Ann Thomas<br />

Lynne Truxillo, RN<br />

Brenda Turk, RN<br />

Shannon Valmore, RN<br />

Barbara Walker, RN<br />

Dorothea Waller, LPN<br />

Phyllis Wilkins, RN<br />

Gwendoline Wilkinson, RN<br />

Katrina Nicole<br />

Williams, RN<br />

Marie Young, RN<br />

Join Compass in choosing to improve lives by passionately serving others!<br />

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(Opportunities at Various Locations)<br />

• Full time positions with $10k sign on bonus<br />

• Excellent salary and benefits commensurate with experience.<br />

• 12-week assignment at a rate of $45/hr for RNs<br />

Compass Health, LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants<br />

Apply at www.compasshealthcare.com or<br />

email your resume to brjohnson@compasshealthcare.com<br />

Now Hiring Nursing Staff<br />

LVNs, RNs, and more!<br />

Working at Evergreen Life Services<br />

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Evergreen, in our mission to serve, provide for<br />

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Competitive salary, sign on bonus, set<br />

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Positions available throughout the state,<br />

including in Shreveport, Hammond, Alexandria<br />

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Apply today at<br />

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