2009 Arkansas Times Nurse's Guide

advertising supplement to arkansas times

NURSEWhy you should become a

Small

2009

Advertising Supplement


Picture Yourself

Where will your future take you?You’ve taken the tests. You’ve made the grades. Now what? Consider an education that will prepare you for a nursing career in pediatrics at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Care more. Work with a growing team of medical professionals to care for the children of Arkansas. Seek more. Strive to find breakthroughs in patient care as a nursing researcher. Teach more. Continue your training throughout your career and pass your knowledge on to other nurses as well as patients and families. Change more. Help ACH develop programs and partnerships to keep kids safe, promote healthy habits and improve kids’ chances to grow and thrive. Do more by changing children’s lives.®

Nurse Recruitment 1 Children’s Way, Slot 607 TEL: 501.364.1398 Little Rock, AR 72202Apply online at archildrens.org EMAIL: [email protected]/Smoke-Free Workplace

Here


Top 5% of nearly 5,000 U.S. Hospitalsfor Clinical Excellence - 2009


WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A NURSE

Rachel Bond, Courtney Mullen, Brandie Soar, Emily Fulmer

Vito Chiechi Jr.

Recruiters, Arkansas Tech University

At Arkansas Tech, we believe nursing is a caring relationship that facilitates health and healing.

As the Nurse Recruiter for the Arkansas State Hospital, I look for quality nurses that have a stable work environment and experience in a psychiatric facility. It has always been important to us to find nurses that demonstrate compassion, integrity and the ability to work with patients that may need extra attention. If you are a nurse looking to work in a great new environ-ment with competitive pay, benefits and a sign on bonus please visit our website at arstatejobs.com.

Assistant Personnel Manager, Arkansas State Hospital

Dr. Sue McLarry

Our student-friendly environment with multiple routes leading to all RN licenses are offered at Jonesboro as well as three distant sites – ASU Beebe, ASU Mountain Home and MidSouth Community College; at graduate level, Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthetist. Distance education technologies are used throughout and courses in the AASN program are conducted using our video network and are web assisted. In the BSN program, courses are web enhanced and for the RN-to-BSN courses are online. Graduate courses are online, web assisted and traditional classroom. Contact Jenafer Wray at [email protected] or call 870-972-3074.

Chair, School of Nursing, Ark. State University

Melissa Jackson

BHSLR has nine programs of study in nursing and allied health fields. We feel like we offer something for everyone with our variety of programs ranging from one year certificates to a two year associates degree and several bachelors degrees in conjunction with our affiliate universities and colleges. We are looking for qualified applicants who are mature, caring, and want to make a difference in the lives of others. To find out more about our school please visit us at www.bhslr.edu or visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/bhslr.

Enrollment Coordinator, BAPTIST HEALTH Schools Little Rock

Sheila Wilson

We provide excellence in medical care for every patient, every time. We have been consistently recognized as having the highest RN satisfaction scores in the nation. Here, in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, our team approach offers excellent patient care and we are like family, celebrating successes together. We offer more than 33 specialized areas with Pillars of Excellence in open-heart surgery, orthopaedics, oncology, and women’s health, competitive compensation and a full benefits package. Apply online at www.baxterregional.org or contact me at (888) 723-5673 or send an e-mail to: [email protected].

Employment Coordinator, Baxter Regional Medical Center

Nurse Recruitment Team

The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS), one of the largest VA medical systems in the country, attracts new graduates and experienced nurses with innovative nursing pro-grams and evidence based practice. CAVHS enhances nurse and patient satisfaction by supplying nurses with a barcode medication administration system, computerized patient records, unit shared governance, and support to pursue higher degrees. Nurses select CAVHS as employer of choice to join the team of excellent nurses who provide excellent care to America’s Veterans.

From Left: Carol Hampton RN Nurse Recruiter, Cindy Dina Recruitment Assistant, Mahalia Stephens Recruitment Assistant, Dottie Gann MSN RN CRRN Recruitment Supervisor.

Barbara G. Johns, BSN, MA

As a nurse recruiter at the only children’s hospital in the state of Arkansas, I look for passion, enthusiasm and professionalism in nurses who truly want to make a difference and provide care, love and hope to children and families. Each nurse at ACH serves a diverse population ranging from pre-mature infants in the neonatal ICU to adults in the state’s only burn center. Whether your passion is well-child-care, care of the critically ill child, care of chronically ill adolescents, post-operative care or care of adults with very specialized health care needs, we have a place for you.

Director, Nursing Resources,Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Tracy Foltz

We are looking for someone with passion! Our mission is ‘to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ’…it is what we do everyday! We love new grads and have an excellent orientation program to help you be successful in your new career! If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, please apply online at www.christusstmichael.org.

Nursing Recruiter,CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System

Melanie Crnic, RN BSN

We are seeking dedicated professionals who are compassionate and possess a nurse’s heart for patient advocacy. Our ideal applicants would be nurses looking for long term employment in a family-oriented community, based in a hospital that is committed to employee satisfaction. We truly believe Conway Regional is one of the best places to work.

Professional Recruiter,Conway Regional Medical Center

Julie Shearin

We look for candidates that are motivated to work with a team of profes-sionals to provide quality to our community.

Human Resources Director,Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital

Rebecca Brosius

As the Nurse Recruiter for the premier faith based organization in Arkansas, I seek out nurses that exhibit our core values of reverence, integ-rity, compassion, and excellence. Whereas technical skills can be taught to an individual, it is very difficult to teach attitude. Nurses at St. Vincent Health System are at the core of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ that was started at this institution over 100 years ago. 501-552-3738, www.stvincenthealth.com.

Nurse Recruiter,St. Vincent Health System

Meet theRecruiters

Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System


205 E. Jefferson • Siloam Springs, AR(479) 524-4141

For employment opportunities, visit www.siloamspringsmemorial.com

Shane Johnson, R.N.Med/Surg Director

Don Wleklinksi, R.N.Emergency Room

Karl Foster, R.N.House Supervisor

Arkansas Tech University

Nursing Program

At Arkansas Tech University, you will gain

the knowledge and skills that you need for a

rich and fulfilling career in the field of

nursing. Our nursing faculty members pride

themselves on being exceptionally accessible

to students. They will be there to guide you

every step of the way.

If you are already in the nursing profession

and looking to take the next step in your

career, our Master of Science in Nursing

Administration and Emergency Management

might be your ticket to a better tomorrow.

Come to Arkansas Tech and meet your

future in the healthcare industry.

Bachelor of Science and Master of Science nursing

programs available in Russellville.

RN to BSN on-line program available for

registered nurses.

For more information, call 479.968.0383 or visit

http://www.atu.edu/nursing

Arkansas Tech University

Nursing Program

At Arkansas Tech University, you will gain

the knowledge and skills that you need for a

rich and fulfilling career in the field of

nursing. Our nursing faculty members pride

themselves on being exceptionally accessible

to students. They will be there to guide you

every step of the way.

If you are already in the nursing profession

and looking to take the next step in your

career, our Master of Science in Nursing

Administration and Emergency Management

might be your ticket to a better tomorrow.

Come to Arkansas Tech and meet your

future in the healthcare industry.

Bachelor of Science and Master of Science nursing

programs available in Russellville.

RN to BSN on-line program available for

registered nurses.

For more information, call 479.968.0383 or visit

http://www.atu.edu/nursing

At Arkansas Tech University, you will gain the knowledge and skills that you need for a rich and fulfilling career in the field of nursing. Our nursing faculty members pride themselves on being exceptionally accessible to students. They will be there to guide you every step of the way. If you are already in the nursing profession and looking to take the next step in your career, our Master of Science in Nursing Ad-ministration and Emergency Management might be your ticket to a better tomorrow. Come to Arkansas Tech and meet your future in the healthcare industry.


Theresa Phillips, RN and Cheryl Perry, BSN RN

Susan Erickson, RN, MNSc, BC, CHCR

There is a Circle of Excellence that surrounds everyone who works at UAMS. It starts with respect and ends with excellence and it’s what we expect from those who chose a career at Arkansas’s only academic medical center. We offer unique opportunities combined with salary & benefits plus the personal satisfaction you receive working at UAMS – it’s hard to beat. That’s why more than 10,000 employees enjoy a Career for Life. To join our team, log onto: www.uams.edu/jobs.

Nurse Recruiter,University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Osmonetta McRae

College recruitment starts early. My mission as the recruiter is to serve as the primary point of contact and to provide educational presentations at various events around Arkansas and the surrounding areas. My purpose is to assist prospective students with the admissions process and make them better prepared and more competitive when it is time to apply to UAMS CON. Anyone interested in a career in nursing is encouraged to contact me at 501.296.1040 or by email at [email protected].

Education Recruiter,University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Stephanie Sisk

White River Health System’s mission is to promote healthier communities and provide quality, efficient healthcare in an atmosphere of compassion, respect, and dignity. We are looking for nursing professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of our patients. Successful candidates should have exceptional clinical skills and a desire to serve and impact the lives of our patients – to a make a difference. WRHS is looking for the best and brightest! [email protected] or 877-779-7774.

Employment Coordinator,White River Health System

Sparks Regional Medical Center, the oldest hospital in the state of Arkansas, has always been a leader in excellence and innovation built upon the traditional values of respect, integrity, and accountability. We are proud to be represented by Nurses who share and enhance this vision of quality healthcare. If you are looking for a place to share your vision and ours while practicing nursing in a growing and changing environment, then consider becoming a member of our outstanding team. We believe in making life healthier – for our patients and our entire community . . . Join us!

Professional Recruiters,Sparks Regional Medical Center

Joyce Cloud

Pinnacle Pointe Hospital, 102 beds for behavioral health services for ages 5-17, is the largest children’s behavioral hospital in Arkansas. We provide acute services and residential services. The staff at Pinnacle Pointe are recruited for commitment to the emotional growth and success of children, and Pinnacle Pointe was awarded for the Best Hospital/Facility/Juvenile Program for 2007, 2008, and 2009. We celebrate our nursing staff as key members of the Pinnacle Pointe team. Please visit us online at www.pinnaclepointehospital.com.

Business Development Dir. /Physician Recruiter Pinnacle Pointe Hospital

None of the successes of JRMC would have been possible without a strong nursing staff, and we’re excited to see the talented people joining the field today. Nursing has changed substantially, but some things remain the same. As JRMC pediatrician Tom Ed Townsend says, “Good nurses are a gift from God.”

Nurse Recruiter,Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Pine Bluff

Debbie Robinson



n No matter what career path you choose, Arkansas’s hospitals and institutions of higher learning will help you get there. While last year hospitals were scrambling to find enough nurses to fill vacancies, that need has cooled in the last 12 months.

But that’s a short-term forecast, says sea-soned professionals. In the years to come, nursing should prove to be a stable career path, with great benefits and pay.

Because of their partnership with Arkansas State University, Mid-South Community College now offers an associate degree in applied science in nursing and bachelor’s degrees in nursing and radiologic technology.

Don Threm, the college’s publicity coordina-tor, says nursing is a big program.

“Nurses are still in demand,” he says. And the labor department agrees. According

to its website, health services and education are “projected to grow by 18.8 percent,” and add nearly 5.5 million jobs in the next five or so years.

But partnerships often go beyond the class-room. Arkansas State Hospital serves as a major rotation site for child/adolescent fellows from UAMS.

Carol Hampton, one of two nurse recruiters at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS), says there’s a need for RNs with advanced degrees such as BSNs, MSNs and PhDs. Advanced degree nurses coordinate nursing programs and promote evidence-based practices.

“We’re accepting applications and cur-rently need RNs for programmatic positions,” Hampton says.

The White River Medical Center in Batesville is looking for registered nurses (RNs) but they’re also trying to “grow their own.” The hospital is offering its licensed practical nurses (LPNs) the chance to further their careers through scholar-ship programs and tuition reimbursement.

“We are very aware of the research and trends in healthcare that encourage education and professional development of nurses so hos-pitals can deliver optimal patient care. Research shows that facilities with a higher concentration of registered nurses on their clinical staff have better patient outcomes,” says WRMC chief nursing officer Dede Strecker, RN, MSN.

Teresa Phillips, nurse recruiter at Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, says her hospital is hiring more RNs at this point than LPNs.

“RNs are preferred in most departments because they have more education and are

able to perform more bedside tasks,” she says.

For WRMC’s public relations coordinator Sheila Mace, filling positions is about more than just meeting a quota.

“It’s about having the right employees in the right posi-tion, and that includes nurses,” she says. “In the long run, the employee is happier, which in turn lowers turnover and the costs associated with retraining. It also creates a more efficient staff and ultimately raises overall patient care. It’s a win all the way around,” she says.

Arkansas State University isn’t the only four-year institu-tion that’s formed a partnership. For instance, the University of Central Arkansas is teaming up with Arkansas Tech University. These partnerships are allowing nurses from smaller communities to work toward a registered nurse degree without quitting their jobs or moving to a larger city.

Arkansas Tech University nursing department chair Dr. Rebecca Burris says given today’s growing and changing healthcare demands on professionals, she recommends “getting a bachelor degree if at all possible.”

Baptist Health Schools of Little Rock enroll-ment coordinator Melissa Jackson says they are seeing more out-of-state applicants, with the bulk of their students coming from central Arkansas and around the state.

“It says something about the quality of education in Little Rock,” she says. “They work hard to keep their standards high and offer programs that vary in length, including one-year certificates and two-year associate degrees. They also partner with several colleges and universities, such as Arkansas Tech, UCA, Harding, Henderson State, Pulaski Technical College and more.

The right stuffIt takes more than heart to be a nurse. A

nurse must be smart as well as compassion-ate.

Renee Freeman, marketing coordinator at Conway Regional Medical Center in Conway (CRMC), says they have no problem keeping their hospital staffed. Conway Regional offers scholarships, tuition reimbursement, intern-ships and part-time jobs to help nurses reach their education goals.

John Patton, CRMC spokesman, says edu-cation is popular at the Conway hospital. A recent survey showed that 64 of the hospital’s

unlicensed personnel were currently working on a degree, with 60 LPNs working toward an RN degree.

For those who want a career in nursing, there are plenty of opportunities for students to find their calling in the nursing profession, says Arkansas State Hospital assistant administrator Becky Webber. There are lots of jobs outside the traditional hospital setting: nurses are needed in private practice, community clinics, assisted living, schools, psychiatric hospitals and more. For those who are interested in teaching at the college level, educators are needed as well.

The mental health field, says Webber, has its own unique challenges but is very reward-ing work.

Hard work pays offIt was not long ago that Chad Cornelius,

director of nursing at Pinnacle Point Behavioral Care System, was a staff nurse working on the floor.

“I graduated nursing school in 2006, and immediately went to work here,” he says.

Cornelius quickly rose through the ranks of the nursing staff. A few months after going to work for Pinnacle Point, he had the title of supervisor. Just one year later, he went to work as a field clinical assessor. In the summer of 2009, he was named director of nursing.

Working in the mental health field “takes a special person with patience, compassion, and

love,” Cornelius says.No matter what field you choose, oppor-

tunities are out there. Carol Hamption, nurse recruiter at Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in North Little Rock, says nurses are needed in a variety of fields, including women’s health, outpatient, clinics, infection-control, and informatics.

But many professionals believe nursing offers more than just a stable work environment and rewarding job opportunities.

Joyce Cloud, business development direc-tor at Pinnacle Point Behavorial Care System, says they not only promote from within, but offer nurses competitive benefits packages, performance-based bonuses and education support.

According to Dr. Sue McLarry, department chair and associate professor of nursing at ASU, the profession comes with a certain satisfaction that is exemplified in the traditional pinning ceremony.

“You have to be a graduate of a given school to wear its pin,” says McLarry. “Now that nurses rarely, if ever, wear caps, the pin has acquired the significance of the cap, really becoming the badge of being a trained and qualified nurse.”

“Today, graduates have to pass licensing exams before they can practice, but the pin-ning ceremony at ASU signifies that they have acquired the knowledge and skills they need to practice,” McLarry says. n

Planning ahead

Katherine Drewery, MSN/FNP, an instructor at the JRMC School of Nursing, demonstrates the SIM Man manikin to a newly recruited student.


Nursing Unit Level Shared Governance-promoting direct involvement in major decisions about

nursing care.

Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System

CAVHS offers excellent benefits including 10 paid holidays, up to 26 vacation days, Federal Retirement Plan Competitive salaries and more!

CAVHS offers several initiatives to enhance the educational preparation

of its nursing staff, including scholarship

and reimbursement programs.

For more information visitwww.littlerock.va.gov

College of

Nursing and Health Professions

Donald W. Reynolds Center for Health Sciences

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY - JONESBORO

http://www.astate.edu/conhp/

NursingPhysical TherapyRadiologic SciencesCommunication DisordersClinical Laboratory SciencesSocial WorkHealth Science

www.astate.edu

Touch meetsTechnology


The degrees of nursingn Where you go to college and

how far you go in the world of nurs-ing is completely up to you.

Both private and public two and four-year colleges and universities offer registered nursing programs that are divided into two categories: a two-year associate degree, or a four-year baccalaureate degree. Before going to work, the graduate is required to pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

In addition to the traditional route, there are two-year diploma certificate programs offered through hospitals such as Baptist Health in Little Rock and Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff.

In Arkansas there are more than 46,000 licenses issued by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing in the following categories: LPN (licensed practical nurse); RN (registered nurse); LPTN (licensed psychiatric technical nurse); RNP (registered nurse practitioner); APN (advanced practice nurse); ANP (advanced nurse practitioner); CNM (certified nurse mid-wife); CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthe-tist); and CNS (clinical nurse specialist).

There are 29 LPN, 25 RN and 3 APN pro-grams approved by the board located through-out the state. Only those licensed by the board, or those holding a license from a compact state

which is their primary state of residence, may practice nursing in Arkansas.

Programs in nursing are open to men and women without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, marital status, national origin, age, or handicap.

Many institutions in Arkansas are offering online classes as well.

Think aheadIf you’re planning to pursue a nursing career,

here are some valuable things to consider:*Contact the school of your choice for help

in planning a course of study. Ask about specific entrance requirements such as tuition costs, housing and financial aid.

*Take the required entrance exam as early as possible. You’re required by law to have a high school diploma or GED prior to admission to nursing school.

*If you’re an RN transfer or post baccalau-reate student, have your transcripts sent to the school of your choice for evaluation.

Baccalaureate Degree (a four-year degree)

Baccalaureate programs are accredited by associations and approved by the board of nurs-ing. At the completion of a program, the student is awarded the degree of bachelor of science (BS) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). At the completion of an Arkansas State Board of Nursing-approved program, the student is granted a diploma. The graduate is eligible to take the NCLEX and upon successful comple-tion, the graduate will become a RN.

Associate Degree (two-year degree)

Associate degree programs, offered by two- and four-year colleges and universities, are

accredited by a regional accreditation associa-tion and approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. At the completion of a program, the student is awarded an associate of science (AS) or associate of science in nursing (ASN). At the completion of an Arkansas State Board of Nursing approved program, the student is granted a diploma. The graduate is then eligible to take the NCLEX.

Practical NursingBoth private and public two and four-year

colleges and universities offer practical nursing programs, which generally take one year to complete. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing approves the practical nursing programs and upon completion of the program, the student receives a certificate.

Continuing EducationAfter completing the basic nursing pro-

grams, you might want to consider an advanced degree. Like LPNs and RNs, there are classes that must be taken and specific licensure examina-tions that must be passed.

For instance, RNPs must complete a nurse practitioner program in addition to an RN program. To be licensed as an APN, an RN must complete an advanced practice nurse program and hold certification from a national entity. And LPTNs must pass a specific state licensure exam. n


n With today’s easy Internet access, smarter healthcare prac-tices and a better-trained nurse population, it’s not surprising that the very nature of nursing – and what’s expected of today’s profes-sional staff – is changing.

“We need nurses who can stand on their own two feet and who are critical thinkers,” says Kimberly Porter, assistant professor of nursing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) and Arkansas for Nursing president.That sentiment is echoed by Tammy Jones, the UAMS Magnet Program director.

“Patient care can’t be dictated by old prac-tices, the status quo. Instead, we must adapt our

care to the new research,” she says. This incorporation of the latest informa-

tion into practice is called evidence-based practice, or EBP.

According to Yale University’s web site, “the idea of evidence-based practice for nursing has grown out of the evidence-based medicine movement. Evidence-based practice can be thought of as ‘integrating individual clinical

expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research.’”(Sackett, 1996)

In other words, evidence-based practice gives nurses the latest and best options avail-able in medicine - all based on research and, at times, clinical trials right in the nurse’s own hospital setting.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program embraces the latest knowledge, innovations and improvements and insists that hospitals with Magnet status do the same.

“We’re looking at the best information to shape our care,” Jones says. “If a nurse comes across a situation and believes there is a new or better way to do a job, then that nurse should be willing to do the research to prove their position.”

For example, for years nurses would dry newborns immediately after birth and put the baby under a warmer. Despite long-held beliefs, “research showed that placing them skin-to-skin with the mother is better for the baby,” Jones says.

Jones feels it is each nurse’s professional responsibility “to look at the best evidence, appraise the process and then integrate it and evaluate the outcome.”

Joyce Cloud, business development director at Pinnacle Point Behavioral Care System, says evidence-based research is part of everyday life at the Little Rock hospital.

“We have an enhanced residential program, started this year, that reduced special procedures by 75 percent,” she says. “While our program is superior to most, you can always make a good record better.”

This program was developed by hospital personnel, including the nursing staff.

“We operate from a team perspective and we want to get our entire team involved,” Cloud says.

Cindy Kugel, chief nursing officer at Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital, says they have incorporated evidence-based practices into their day-to-day operations for several years.

“It produces better patient outcome because it focuses on the patient,” Kugel says.

Angela Green, director of nursing at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, says evidence-based practices are part of their professional practice model for nursing at ACH.

As such, they see it as critical to achiev-ing excellent outcomes in patient and family-centered nursing care.

“To help nurses build expertise in EBP, the Nursing Research Department offers quarterly education for beginners and additional courses to help nurses build expertise, including a six-month EBP mentoring program that we call the EBP Academy,” Green says.

“Nursing staff at ACH have a powerful impact on patient care through their EBP activi-ties. For example, this year, one of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse practitioners, Luann Jones, led a multidisciplinary team that developed an evidence-based pathway to help infants in the NICU transition from tube feed-ings to oral feedings.”

This was a major change that allowed nurses to take a more active role in helping infants learn to feed orally. Data shows that as a result,

We’ve been a trusted part of our community since we became Arkansas’ first hospital in1887. At Sparks, we skillfully combine advanced technology, expert care, clinical researchand a commitment to patient safety to keep our patients in excellent health.

Sparks Nurses stand out through their dedication to excellence, innovation and teamwork.Traditional values of integrity, accountability and respect are apparent in the care theydeliver as well as in relationships with their peers.

We have employment opportunities available for new graduate Nurses, as well asexperienced Nurses, who exemplify these qualities. If you are looking for a dynamic, yettime-honored place to base your practice, consider becoming a Sparks Nurse!

If you would like more information, call Theresa Phillips, Recruiter, at 479-441-5458 or visit our web-site at www.sparks.org. All applications are submitted on-line.

Sparks Collage Ad 9/21/09 4:51 PM Page 1


The best of nursing

BEST, continued next page


n While relatively unknown in Arkansas, hospital and medical cen-ters across the nation are reaching new heights through the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program.

According to ANCC’s web site, the program “was developed by the ANCC to recognize health care organizations that provide nursing excellence. The program also provides a vehicle for disseminating successful nursing practices and strategies.”

There are 348 healthcare facilities in the U.S. that have earned the designation, and Arkansas is one of five states without a Magnet hospital.

In central Arkansas, the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in North Little Rock is farthest along in their journey to Magnet excellence.

The hospital applied for the program in February and plans to turn in their Magnet Document (proving a facility meets Magnet standards) in October of 2010.

Once received, the document is assigned to Magnet Appraisers.

“Their role is to review the document, and score it to show whether the facility meets the program’s ‘excellent standards.’ Then there’s formal visit,” says Jean Zehler, MSE, RN-BC, NE-BC, the VA hospital’s Magnet coordina-tor.

The Magnet team spends three-to-four days at a facility talking to staff and looking at programs, processes and clinics.

“That team reports to the Magnet Commission, and they make the decision,” Zehler says.

Michelle Bishop, nurse director and Magnet coordinator at White River Medical Center (WRMC) in Batesville, agrees the program is already improving patient care. WRMC started working toward Magnet status in 2007.

“The reality is that it helps any facility offer better care because of the individual compo-nents of Magnet requirements. Through the process, you’re forced to evaluate your hospital,” she says. “Ultimately, the journey is well-worth taking. It’s already made us a better facility.”

CHRISTUS St. Michael in Texarkana is also actively seeking Magnet recognition through the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program.

The hospital’s vice president and chief nurse executive Nancy Keenan, RN, MBA, MSN, VP/CNE, believes in the benefits of Magnet status so whole-heartedly that she was willing to return to school. Although she had a bachelor’s in nursing and a master’s degree in business, she returned to school to obtain a specialization in leadership and management, which she completed in 2008.

She believes her job at the Texarkana hospital is to support the hospital’s nurses. The hospital’s administration also strongly supports and encourages the individual pursuit of profes-sional development.

“We’re not seeking Magnet recognition for the sole purpose of the award. We’re seeking this recognition because having Magnet status conveys to our customers that we meet the current high standards of nursing excellence,” Keenan says.

Magnet recognition, she says will show our customers that “this hospital is where nurses want to work, where doctor’s want to practice, and where patients seek excellence in health care,” she says.

Dede Strecker, RN, MSN, chief nursing offi-cer at WRMC, says, “Our Magnet journey is not a fad,” she says. “The process involves the entire hospital staff and is already improv-ing patient care throughout the facility. It’s a patient-care process that’s being lead by nurses.”

“The program is shap-ing the vision of profes-sional nursing throughout the country,” says UAMS Magnet Program Director Tammy Jones.

Magnet designation is the “gold standard” in the industry. Originally, the program was based on research conducted by the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) in the 1980s, a time when the country was experiencing a critical nurse shortage.

The organization wanted to find out why some hospitals weren’t struggling to recruit and retain nurses, so they looked at 41 healthcare facilities that had low turnover and high nurse satisfaction.

Through conversations and interviews, the organization determined common practices.

Their findings from this research provided the framework for establishing a Magnet culture.

But obtaining the designation is easier said than done, says Jones.

It’s a rigorous set of criteria based on quality indicators and standards of nursing practice as defined in the newly revised 3rd edition of the ANA Nursing Administration: Scope & Standards of Practice (2009).

From the boardroom to the bedside, all con-cerned parties are work-ing together to become internationally recognized as a center of excellence. Being a Magnet hospital means the staff offers great care, with Magnet facilities consistently outperforming others.

“It’s the highest recog-nition a nurse can receive, and a reflection of the pro-fessional environment of an entire facility,” Jones says. “And it’s not just a give-me. It’s like the Pulizer Prize for hospitals.”

Also, nurses are found to be more satisfied in

Magnet hospitals. ANCC studies find that nurses in Magnet hospitals are more empow-ered, and feel that they have a voice in patient care.

“Our profession is evolving. In the past, it was driven by doctor-ordered tasks, but now it is more of a team effort. It’s a new standard we’re all going to have to work toward,” Jones says.

Lori Brown is the senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Arkansas Children’s

Hospital (ACH). She believes that the Magnet program is already making a big difference at the state’s only children’s hospital.

“We learned early on that we had a lot of the necessary requirements in place, and we embraced the ideals and the tenants of the program,” she says.

Like the hospital, she says one of the pro-gram’s goals is to achieve excellence in nursing, a philosophy that ACH’s nursing department holds in high regard.

“The program is creating a great fervor and excitement” within the nursing department, Brown says.

“Magnet status requires a more highly-educated nurse population, and our nurses are looking at the educational options more closely,” she says.

In order to support their nurses, the hospital offers a tuition reimbursement program.

The public may not fully realize the implica-tions of a Magnet children’s hospital, Brown says. But she believes as Arkansans become more aware of the program, “they will appreciate the designation.”

Maria Whitt, director of nursing excel-lence and education at St. Vincent says the Magnet program is really about providing excellent care.

“Through shared learning and team work, nurses make changes and determine nurs-ing practices through our shared governance structure,” she says.

The benefits of working at a magnet hospital are apparent. Nurses have expressed apprecia-tion for the educational opportunities provided, the clinical ladder program, and the encourage-ment and financial assistance for professional development. n


infants display a shorter transition time to oral feedings and stay in the nursery for a shorter period of time.

Another major practice change focused on decreasing the pain associated with needle sticks. “Carol Wright and the Patient Care Services Quality Management Council devel-

oped an evidence-based protocol and order set that incorporated both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions to decrease needle stick pain,” Green says.

As a result of this change, nurses are using pharmacologic interventions more frequently and children are reporting lower pain scores with their needle sticks.

Arkansas Tech University Professor Cheryl

Smith says her students learn to incorporate EBP into their classes and clinicals.

She wants her nursing students to learn how to research best practices, and “to stay actively involved in research” long after graduation because health care is always evolving.

For nursing students at UALR and Arkansas State University, EBP is the norm.

“We teach it to our students as we go along,”

says Dr. Sue McLarry, chair of the school of nursing at ASU.

“It has been found to be the best practice and forces students to think about why they are doing what they’re doing. EBP research is more than a concept. It should be an integral part of every nurse’s day,” McLarry said.

It’s a concept that Jones says is changing the nature of nursing. n

The Magnet Attraction

BEST, continued

n n n

“Our profession is evolving. In the

past, it was driven by doctor-ordered tasks, but now it

is more of a team effort. It’s a new

standard we’re all going to have to

work toward.”UAMS Magnet Program

Director Tammy Jones

Hospitals across the state are working to achieve excellence in nursing through magnet recognition programs.


n While everyone knows the economy took a down-turn last year, it seems things are, at least for the moment, turning around. Like other industries, nursing felt the effects of the recession, but Arkansas’s health care professionals predict a brighter future.

“The economy has slowed the demand for nurses but that’s expected to change in the future,” says UAMS nurse recruiter Susan Erickson.

Not only are there fewer elective procedures and surgeries, but baby boomers are delaying retirement, she says. That means there are less job openings, but the need for “experienced” registered nurses in intensive care, the nursery and delivery still exists.

Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital chief nursing officer Cindy Kugel agrees and says while they don’t have a shortage, “We always need a few good nurses.”

Despite the slowdown most healthcare professionals are optimistic, including Paul Cunningham, senior vice president of the Arkansas Hospital Association.

“Hospitals aren’t immune from the econ-omy,” Cunningham says. “But while there’s not a rush to hire at this time, nursing remains a great choice in the long run. It’s a good, stable choice and the need for healthcare workers, in general, will grow.”

In some areas of Arkansas, such as Fort Smith, there is a need for nurses.

“We need nurses and are processing appli-cations every single day,” says Theresa Phillips of Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith.

While there is a need for LPNs (licensed practical nurse), there is a greater need for RNs (registered nurse).

Kimberly Porter, assistant professor of nurs-ing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and Arkansas For Nursing president, tells her students that although it’s slow right now they shouldn’t get discouraged.

“When I graduated there were no jobs to be found, but six months later there was a shortage,” she says.

In order to better meet the needs of their staff, the Arkansas State Hospital in Little Rock now has part-time positions. Unlike other hos-pitals or health care providers that have few to no openings, ASH is actually hiring RNs.

Carol Hampton, one of two nurse recruiters


The economy of nursing

Delbert McCutchen, RN views equipment/information related to a stroke victim at the BRMC Cline Emergency Center. ECONOMY, continued next page



Our nurses work as partners with physicians and technicians, utilizing the very latest technology to provide the best possible care for our patients. From the cardiac cath lab to the OR, nurses are

no longer bystanders…they are on the front lines of advanced medical care.

A signed employment agreement is required. For further details, contact Debbie Robinson, Nurse Recruiter: 870-541-7774 phone [email protected]

JRMC Full Time Positions Offer: Up to $25/hr for full time new grad RN • Up to $16 /hr for full time new grad LPN • Incentive bonus up to $4,000 for RNs in hard to fill areas • Shift differential • Weekend differential

Jefferson Staffing Solutions – In-House Agency Offers (with hospital experience): Up to $40 per hour for RN’s • Up to $27 per hour for LPNs • Weekend options • Per Diem – 6013 pool

NURSING IS MORE THAN BEDSIDE CARE…IT’S A 21ST CENTURY CAREER

at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, says there’s always a need for licensed nurses at CAVHS.

“We accept applications from APNs (advanced practice nurses), RNs and LPNs.

According to the Labor Department, the demand will continue to grow for the next decade or so, driven in part by the aging baby boomers. As the country’s largest demographic hits old age, they put a strain on the healthcare system.

Susan Hanrahan, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professionals at Arkansas State University, believes the demand for “all health professionals” will continue into the future.

And unlike many other professions, nurs-ing is full of exciting choices. According to Hanrahan, nurses work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, schools, clinics, adult daycare, nursing homes, rehab centers - the list goes on, she continues.

In response to this need and rising enroll-ment rates, ASU graduates more nurses than any other public institution in the state, and continues to expand its College of Nursing and Health Professions.

This fall, the program will be relocated to the newly opened Donald W. Reynolds Center for Health Sciences building.

Baxter Regional Medical Center at Mountain Home is so sure of a bright future it has teamed up with Accelero Health Partners - a Pittsburgh, Penn. based firm specializing in the coordi-nation and delivery of care related to bones, muscles and joints. It will enhance the hospital’s orthopedic and rehabilitation services and create a musculoskeletal program of distinction for the greater Mountain Home community.

The partnership will focus on providing superior clinical outcomes, optimizing coor-dination of care and achieving exceptional patient satisfaction results. To reach this goal, the newly established Baxter Regional Medical Center Human Motion Institute will develop a comprehensive program for orthopedic care, including prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries.

The need for nurses at the facility, like others across the state, will continue into the future.

Also, their Telehealth eICU will be in place before year’s end with “Intensivists working hand-in-hand with specially trained nurses and physicians to monitor our patients 24/7.” Once again, the hospital needs a highly-educated nurs-ing staff to make this program possible.

Perhaps the biggest draw of all is the state of the art technology found within the corridors of BRMC. This 268 bed not-for-profit hospital is community-supported through generous donations and fundraising, and has all of the advantages of hospitals found in larger cities, says Donna K. McMullen with the hospital’s marketing department.

Baptist Health Schools of Little Rock has the largest nursing program in the state. Founded in 1921, the school is seeing a marked increase in the number of students enrolling in its nurs-ing program, with 549 students signing up this fall.

Melissa Jackson, enrollment coordinator for Baptist Health Schools of Little Rock, says she believes the rise in enrollment is directly related to the economy. Many say they have lost their job due to layoffs or want better job security.

“Nursing is somewhat recession/depression-proof,” Jackson says. “Unlike so many other occupations it’s a relatively stable field.” And like other jobs in the health care industry, she believes nurses will remain in demand for

years to come.Not suited for the city?Many of Arkansas smaller cities have big

opportunities.For instance, CHRISTUS St. Michael was

named one of the “100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare” by Modern Healthcare for two years in a row.

This award is largely based on a satisfaction survey that gauges how employees feel about their organization, its programs, values and work environment.

“Our nursing staff is a large part of our workforce at CHRISTUS St. Michael, “explains Chris Karam, CHRISTUS St. Michael CEO/president. “The award showcases the Texarkana region as having outstanding career opportuni-

ties in healthcare and that Texarkana is a great place to live.”

“Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare program identifies and recognizes healthcare organizations that have success-fully built workplace excellence and enabled employees to perform at their optimal level,” explained Fawn Lopez, publisher of Modern Healthcare.

Jefferson Regional Medical Center’s School of Nursing is also proving its commitment to the Pine Bluff community. The hospital just completed a $1 million campus expansion and is now offering the most advanced edu-cational technology to students in southeast Arkansas.

The JRMC School of Nursing, which is

approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, Inc., has added classroom space and audio/visual equipment that includes capabilities for distance learning – an important tool for facilities outside of major metropolitan areas.

The expansion also added a skills lab com-plete with the latest training tools including simulation manikins. The life-sized manikins, called SIM Man and SIM Baby, are controlled by computers and can be programmed to simulate hundreds of medical conditions.

This allows nursing students to respond to real-life situations and practice techniques such as catheter insertion and administration of intravenous medication. n

ECONOMY, continued


ArkAnsAs College/University yeArs/PUbliC PrivAte

CAlendAr degree offered length of ProgrAm living ArrAngements Aid deAdline sCholArshiP deAdline reqUired exAms APPliCAtion deAdline Comments/home PAge Address

bACCAlAUreAte

Arkansas State University, Jonesboro • 870-972-3074 4 yr public Semester AASN, BSN, MSN varies on campus housing July 1st February 15th ACT or SAT or COMPASS or ASSET varies Nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. www.astate.edu

Arkansas Tech University, Russellville • 479-968-0383 4 yr public Semester BSN, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN BSN-4yrs, RN to BSN-1yr, MSN-2yrs on campus housing varies varies BSN-ACT or COMPASS, RN to BSN-None, MSN-GRE

March 1 and June 30, other programs vary RN to BSN can be completed in as little as 1 year. Excellent Faculty. www.atu.edu/nursing

Harding University, Searcy • 1-800-477-4407, 501-279-4682 4 yr private Semester BSN, RN-BSN, LPN-BSN BSN 4 yrs on campus housing Rolling Rolling ACT or SAT Rolling/$40 Quality nursing education with a focus on Christian service and professionalism. www/harding.edu

Henderson State University, Arkadelphia • 870-230-5015 4 yr public Semester BSN 4 yrs on campus housing June varies ACT, SAT, COMPASS Februrary 15 The school with a heart. Small classes. CCNE Accredited. www.hsu.edu/nursing

University of Arkanasas, Fayetteville • 479-575-3904 4 yr public Semester BSN, RN-BSN, LPN-BSN, MSN 4 yrs*** on campus housing March 15th April 1st SAT, ACT Dec 1, for Fall admission; June 1, for Spring Nursing is a dynamic career, meeting the health care needs of society. http://nurs.uark.edu/

University of Central Arkansas, Conway • 501-450-3119 4 yr public Semester BSN, MSN*** 4 yrs/BSN, MSN varies, PMC varies on campus housing July 1st January 8th SAT or ACT none www.uca.edu

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith • 479-788-7861, 1-888-512-LION 4 yr public Semester BSN 4 yrs for BSN/Varies for RN-BSN on campus housing Priority March 15th Feb. 1st ACT/COMPASS Oct. 1st for Spring/ April 15th for Fall RN-BSN is an Online Completion Program. www.uafortsmith.edu/Nursing/BachelorOfScienceInNursing & www.uafortsmith.edu/Nursing/RNToBSNOnlineCompletionProgram

University of Arkansas at Monticello • 870-460-1069 4 yr public Semester LPN-RN, AASN, BSN, RN-BSN 1 to 4 yrs on campus housing none March 5th none LPN-RN, RN-BSN-March 1, BSN-April 1 Excellent NCLEX-RN pass rates! Achieve your nursing goals with us. www.uamont.edu/nursingprograms.htm

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing, Little Rock 501-686-5374

4 yr public Semester BSN, MNSc, Ph.D, Post Masters options available BSN generic: 2 yrs+1 summer/ RN to BSN: 1 yr full time/ MNSC& Ph.D:students have up to 6 yrs to complete

degree requirements

on campus housing varies, visit nursing.uams.edu. Click on scholarships

varies, visit nursing.uams.edu click on scholarships

TOEFL for int’l students, MNSc-MAT or GRE, PhD-GRE

BSN generic: February 1/ RN to BSN: March 1 & Sept. 1/ MNSC: Sept. 1 & April 1/ PhD: Jan 2; $50.00 application fee

www.nursing.uams.edu

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff • 870-575-8220 4 yr public Semester Generic, BSN, LPN/LPTN-BSN, RN-BSN 4 yrs on campus housing Priority April 15 (Generic), Spring/Oct 15 (LPN/LPTN-BSN, RN-BSN

NCLEX Fall/March 15, Spring/October 15 The Dept. of Nursing is accredited by the National League For Nursing Accrediting Comm. and approved.

AssoCiAte degree

Arkansas Northeastern College , Blytheville • 870-762-1020 2 yr public Semester AAS, Certificate of Practical Nursing RN-2 yrs, LPN-1 yr commuter campus Priority April 15 Priority March 15 ASSET, COMPASS, or ACT, PAXRN, PAXPN RN- March 31, PN- March 31, LPN- March 31 ANC offers both the RN and LPN programs www.anc.edu

Arkansas State University, Jonesboro • 870-972-3074 4 yr public Semester Traditional LPN-AASN (AASN offered at ASU Mountain Home, ASU Beebe, West Memphis)

varies commuter campus varies varies ACT, SAT, COMPASS, NET, or ASSET varies Our mission is to prepare students for beginning and advanced practice.

East Arkansas Community College, Forrest City • 870-633-4480 2 yr public Semester AASN 2 yrs commuter campus April 15th varies ACT, ASSET / Nursing Pre-entrance exams varies Allied health program offering RN-Nursing degree (basic students, LPN completion). www.eacc.edu

National Park Community College, Hot Springs • 501-760-4290 2 yr public Semester AS in Nursing 2 yrs commuter campus open open ACT, SAT or COMPASS March 1st Options for LPN and new High School graduates. FT evening/weekend option available www.npcc.edu

Mississippi County Community College, Blytheville • 870-762-1020 2 yr public Semester AAS in Nursing 2 yrs commuter campus Priority April 15 - Rolling Priority April 15 PAX-RN March 31st www.mccc.cc.ar.us

North Arkansas College, Harrison • 870-743-3000 2 yr public Semester AAS in nursing-traditional. LPN, LPN-RN 1-2 yrs commuter campus Pell Grant June 30, 2010 June 15th ACT, ASSET, COMPASS varies with program NorthArk’s students receive excellent healthcare education leading to rewarding careers in nursing.www.northark.edu/academics/nursing

Northwest Arkansas Community College, Bentonville 479-636-9222, 800-995-6922

2 yr public Semester AAS, RN 4 semesters commuter campus May 1st April 1st ACT or COMPASS March 1st The college of the NWA community, member of Northwest Arkansas Nursing Education Consortium nwacc.edu/academics/nursing

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, Helena, Dewitt 870-338-6474 x1254 or 1-870-946-3506 x 1611

2 yr public Semester AAS, technical certificate/PN AAS 72 credit hrs, PN 54 credit hrs commuter campus none none none for admission RN 1-Jun, PN 14-May or 14- Oct RN Program, NLNAC accredited. www.pccua.edu

Southeast Arkansas College, Pine Bluff • 870-543-5917 2 yr public Semester AAS/RN, Technical Certificate/PN:LPN/Paramedic to RN-AAS

1 yr/RN, 11.5 mos/PN commuter campus open none ACT, COMPASS, PAX for PN, ATI Fundementals of Nursing

Second Friday in March Changing lives…one student at a time! www.seark.edu

Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia • 870-235-4040 4 yr public Semester ADN, Online RN-BSN Completion 2yrs/ADN, 2-4 yrs online RN-BSN Completion program on campus housing July 1st Priority March 15, Final August ACT, ADN HESI Admission September 30 or February 28 for nursing application SAUM has an LPN to RN track for current LPNs or Vocational Nurses. www.saumag.edu/nursing

University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville 870-793-7581, 800-508-7878

2 yr public Semester AAS-LPN to RN-traditonal and online tracks PN Program (Technical Certificate) (Generic RN Program wil begin

in Fall 2010)

11 mos commuter campus varies March 1-High school Academic : July 15-Others

ASSET, ACT, SAT or COMPASS** NET PN May 1 - LPN to RN Nov 1 UACCB’s nursing programs are among the top programs in the state. www.uaccb.edu

UALR, Department of Nursing, Little Rock • 501-569-8081 4 public Semester AS in Nursing and BSN in Nursin 4 semesters for AS; 3 semester for BSN on/off campus housing March 1st Feb. 1st ACT, SAT for general university acceptance; NET test for nursing

Priority Application Deadline Feb 28/ Applications accepted until class full LPN/Paramedic option (May to May). Accelerated traditional option (18 months). Traditional option (2 years) BSN: 3 semesters or up to five years. www.ualr.edu/nursing

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith • 479-788-7861 • 1-888-512-LION 4 public Semester AAS 2 years on campus housing Priority March 15th Feb. 1st ACT/COMPASS/NLN-PAX May 15th for Fall/April 15th for LPN/Paramedic Transition Program for Summer www.uafortsmith.edu/Nursing/AssociateDegreeOfNursing

Baptist Health Schools of Nursing, Little Rock • 501-202-6200, 800-345-3046

private Semester diploma/LPN, diploma/RN RN traditonal track 3yrs. RN express track 2yrs. LPN 1yr. RN Accelerated 1yr (LPNs or Paramedics).

commuter campus March 1st priority varies ACT Varies www.bhslr.edu

Jefferson Reg. Med. Center School of Nursing, Pine Bluff • 870-541-7850 private 3 years diploma/RN 1 year pre-requisites + 2 years nursing courses commuter campus none none ACT November $30 Length of program recently changed. See webpage for details. www.jrmc.org/nursingschool.htm

PrACtiCAl nUrsing

Arkansas Tech University - Ozark Campus, Ozark • 479-667-2117 public Semester Certificate 3 semesters commuter campus Priority April 15 varies COMPASS, NET June 1, October 1 Clinical experience in hospitals of varying size, physicians’ offices and geriatric facilities. http://atuoc.atu.edu

Arkansas Northeastern College, Burdette 870-763-1486 Paragould 870-239-3200

public Semester Certificate of Practical Nursing 13 mos commuter campus 2 wks prior to first day none ASSET, NET April 7th Variety of clinical experiences. Accept 20 students for each of the two campuses. www.anc.edu

ASU Technical Center, Jonesboro • 870-932-2176 public Semester LPN 11 mos commuter campus none none ASSET, NET June 1 & November 1 Combines classroom instruction with clinical experience. Graduates eligible to take NCLEX.

Arkansas State University, Searcy • 501-207-4014 public Semester Certificate LPN 3 semesters commuter campus varies June 1st ACT, COMPASS, WONDERLIC and Questionnar

Call for further information ASU-Searcy, where careers begin. www.asub.edu

Northwest Technical Institute, Springdale • 479-751-8824 public Semester diploma/PN 3 sem. & 1 Summer session (includes Pre-Reqs) commuter campus July 1/Fall, December 1/Spring June 1/Fall, December 1/Spring NET, COMPASS November 1st Bilingual scholarships available- www.nwansged.org

Ouachita Technical College, Malvern • 800-337-0266 ext 1200 2 yr public Semester Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing, Associate Degree in Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistant, Medication

Administration Program

1-3 semesters commuter campus open Fall-May1, Spring-Dec 1 COMPASS October 5th / Spring, March 1st / Fall Mrs. Nikki Lackey, Acting Division Chair, [email protected] www.otcweb.edu

Ozarka College, Melbourne 870-368-7371

2 yr public Semester LPN, LPN-RN 11-18 mos commuter campus none March 1st Wonderlic, NET, LPN GAP April 1/Fall, November 1/Spring August 31 - RN Providing life-changing experiences through education. www.ozarka.edu

University of Arkansas Comm. College at Morrilton • 501-354-2465 2 public Semester LPN-certificates AAS-LPN, RN 3 semesters - 2yr commuter campus prior to semester April 1st COMPASS, NET Gap LPN-June 1st, AASLPN-Oct 1st, RN-Aug 31st Enrollment limited to 20 each admission for LPN. www.uaccm.edu

Pulaski Technical College, North Little Rock • 501-812-2200 2 yr public Semester technical certificate in Practical Nursing/PN 11 mos traditional track/ 22 mos non-traditional track commuter campus March 1st varies ACT or COMPASS and NET March 1st Visit our new Allied Health Education Center on the Pulaski Tech Campus. www.pulaskitech.edu

St. Vincent School of Practical Nursing, Little Rock • 501-552-4890 private Trimester PN 12 mos commuter campus none none Pre Entrance exam July 31st Approved by AR State Board of Nursing. www.stvincenthealth.com

SAU Tech, Camden • 870-574-4500 2 yr public Semester Certificate of Proficiency, Technical Certificate, Associate varies commuter campus April 1st June 1st ASSET, NET, Practical Nursing June 1st Two Applications required: Admissions and Nursing www.sautech.edu

South Arkansas Community College, El Dorado 870-864-7142, 870-864-7137

2 yr public Semester ADN,LPN 11 mos commuter campus none Priority April 1 ACT, ASSET, or COMPASS open SouthArk: Where students come first. www.southark.edu

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith • 479-788-7861, 1-888-512-LION 4 yr public Semester Technical Certificate 12 mos on campus housing Priority March 15th Feb. 1st ACT/COMPASS/NLN PAX-PN June 1st for Fall www.uafortsmith.edu/Nursing/LicensedPracticalNursing

mediCAl Assisting

Eastern College of Health Vocations, Little Rock • 501-568-0211 private monthly diploma/medical assistant varies commuter campus to be determined varies High School Diploma or GED monthly 26 yrs as an AR established business, hands-on training and job placement assistance, as well as financial aid opportunities to those who qualify.

Education America Southeast College of Technology, Little Rock 501-312-0007

private monthly diploma/medical assistant 8 mos commuter campus none none C-PAT monthly Excellent career opportunities available. Day and evening classes. www.educationamerica.com


INFORMATION CURRENT AS OF SEPT. 2009. *** for Basic nursing education; Varies with previous coursework or nursing license; MSN program = 2 yrs. TO COMPLETE THIS, FORMS WERE SENT TO EVERY QUALIFIED COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO RETURN BY A SPECIFIED DEADLINE. SCHOOLS NOT MEETING THE DEADLINE WERE REPEATED FROM LAST YEAR. EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO GATHER AND VERIFY THE INFORMATION.

Paying for School

Don’t let the current economy stop you from pursing a degree. There’s plenty of financial help out there. Talk to the schools listed about scholarship oppor-tunities or consider the following options:

Nursing Student Loan Program

Arkansas Act 85 of 2003 established the

Nursing Student Loan Program to provide

financial assistance to Arkansas students

either enrolled or accepted for enrollment

for full-time study in an approved Arkansas

nurse education program. The loans may

be changed to scholarship grants if the

students works full time as a registered

nurse or licensed practical nurse at qualified

institutions. Up to 100 percent of the loan

may be forgiven.

State Financial AidArkansas offers a number of financial aid

programs to assist students. Program informa-

tion with eligibility guidelines, deadlines and

applications can be found at the Arkansas

Department of Higher Education, www.adhe.

edu, or 1-800-54-STUDY (371-2050 in the

Little Rock area).

U.S. Department of Education

The DOE offers Pell and Supplemental

Education Opportunity grants, and Perkins

Loans, PLUS Loans, Stafford Loans and

Direct Loans. The federal student aid por-

tion of www.ed.gov is a great place to get

informed on all these options. Plus, find out

aid qualifications and eligibility.

Other National Sources

The website www.FinAid.org, sponsored

by the National Association of Student

Financial Aid Administrators, provides valuable

information about scholarships, fellowships,

grants, and loans geared to traditional and

nontraditional students.

NURSING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES:


ArkAnsAs College/University yeArs/PUbliC PrivAte

CAlendAr degree offered length of ProgrAm living ArrAngements Aid deAdline sCholArshiP deAdline reqUired exAms APPliCAtion deAdline Comments/home PAge Address

bACCAlAUreAte

Arkansas State University, Jonesboro • 870-972-3074 4 yr public Semester AASN, BSN, MSN varies on campus housing July 1st February 15th ACT or SAT or COMPASS or ASSET varies Nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. www.astate.edu

Arkansas Tech University, Russellville • 479-968-0383 4 yr public Semester BSN, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN BSN-4yrs, RN to BSN-1yr, MSN-2yrs on campus housing varies varies BSN-ACT or COMPASS, RN to BSN-None, MSN-GRE

March 1 and June 30, other programs vary RN to BSN can be completed in as little as 1 year. Excellent Faculty. www.atu.edu/nursing

Harding University, Searcy • 1-800-477-4407, 501-279-4682 4 yr private Semester BSN, RN-BSN, LPN-BSN BSN 4 yrs on campus housing Rolling Rolling ACT or SAT Rolling/$40 Quality nursing education with a focus on Christian service and professionalism. www/harding.edu

Henderson State University, Arkadelphia • 870-230-5015 4 yr public Semester BSN 4 yrs on campus housing June varies ACT, SAT, COMPASS Februrary 15 The school with a heart. Small classes. CCNE Accredited. www.hsu.edu/nursing

University of Arkanasas, Fayetteville • 479-575-3904 4 yr public Semester BSN, RN-BSN, LPN-BSN, MSN 4 yrs*** on campus housing March 15th April 1st SAT, ACT Dec 1, for Fall admission; June 1, for Spring Nursing is a dynamic career, meeting the health care needs of society. http://nurs.uark.edu/

University of Central Arkansas, Conway • 501-450-3119 4 yr public Semester BSN, MSN*** 4 yrs/BSN, MSN varies, PMC varies on campus housing July 1st January 8th SAT or ACT none www.uca.edu

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith • 479-788-7861, 1-888-512-LION 4 yr public Semester BSN 4 yrs for BSN/Varies for RN-BSN on campus housing Priority March 15th Feb. 1st ACT/COMPASS Oct. 1st for Spring/ April 15th for Fall RN-BSN is an Online Completion Program. www.uafortsmith.edu/Nursing/BachelorOfScienceInNursing & www.uafortsmith.edu/Nursing/RNToBSNOnlineCompletionProgram

University of Arkansas at Monticello • 870-460-1069 4 yr public Semester LPN-RN, AASN, BSN, RN-BSN 1 to 4 yrs on campus housing none March 5th none LPN-RN, RN-BSN-March 1, BSN-April 1 Excellent NCLEX-RN pass rates! Achieve your nursing goals with us. www.uamont.edu/nursingprograms.htm

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing, Little Rock 501-686-5374

4 yr public Semester BSN, MNSc, Ph.D, Post Masters options available BSN generic: 2 yrs+1 summer/ RN to BSN: 1 yr full time/ MNSC& Ph.D:students have up to 6 yrs to complete

degree requirements

on campus housing varies, visit nursing.uams.edu. Click on scholarships

varies, visit nursing.uams.edu click on scholarships

TOEFL for int’l students, MNSc-MAT or GRE, PhD-GRE

BSN generic: February 1/ RN to BSN: March 1 & Sept. 1/ MNSC: Sept. 1 & April 1/ PhD: Jan 2; $50.00 application fee

www.nursing.uams.edu

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff • 870-575-8220 4 yr public Semester Generic, BSN, LPN/LPTN-BSN, RN-BSN 4 yrs on campus housing Priority April 15 (Generic), Spring/Oct 15 (LPN/LPTN-BSN, RN-BSN

NCLEX Fall/March 15, Spring/October 15 The Dept. of Nursing is accredited by the National League For Nursing Accrediting Comm. and approved.

AssoCiAte degree

Arkansas Northeastern College , Blytheville • 870-762-1020 2 yr public Semester AAS, Certificate of Practical Nursing RN-2 yrs, LPN-1 yr commuter campus Priority April 15 Priority March 15 ASSET, COMPASS, or ACT, PAXRN, PAXPN RN- March 31, PN- March 31, LPN- March 31 ANC offers both the RN and LPN programs www.anc.edu

Arkansas State University, Jonesboro • 870-972-3074 4 yr public Semester Traditional LPN-AASN (AASN offered at ASU Mountain Home, ASU Beebe, West Memphis)

varies commuter campus varies varies ACT, SAT, COMPASS, NET, or ASSET varies Our mission is to prepare students for beginning and advanced practice.

East Arkansas Community College, Forrest City • 870-633-4480 2 yr public Semester AASN 2 yrs commuter campus April 15th varies ACT, ASSET / Nursing Pre-entrance exams varies Allied health program offering RN-Nursing degree (basic students, LPN completion). www.eacc.edu

National Park Community College, Hot Springs • 501-760-4290 2 yr public Semester AS in Nursing 2 yrs commuter campus open open ACT, SAT or COMPASS March 1st Options for LPN and new High School graduates. FT evening/weekend option available www.npcc.edu

Mississippi County Community College, Blytheville • 870-762-1020 2 yr public Semester AAS in Nursing 2 yrs commuter campus Priority April 15 - Rolling Priority April 15 PAX-RN March 31st www.mccc.cc.ar.us

North Arkansas College, Harrison • 870-743-3000 2 yr public Semester AAS in nursing-traditional. LPN, LPN-RN 1-2 yrs commuter campus Pell Grant June 30, 2010 June 15th ACT, ASSET, COMPASS varies with program NorthArk’s students receive excellent healthcare education leading to rewarding careers in nursing.www.northark.edu/academics/nursing

Northwest Arkansas Community College, Bentonville 479-636-9222, 800-995-6922

2 yr public Semester AAS, RN 4 semesters commuter campus May 1st April 1st ACT or COMPASS March 1st The college of the NWA community, member of Northwest Arkansas Nursing Education Consortium nwacc.edu/academics/nursing

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, Helena, Dewitt 870-338-6474 x1254 or 1-870-946-3506 x 1611

2 yr public Semester AAS, technical certificate/PN AAS 72 credit hrs, PN 54 credit hrs commuter campus none none none for admission RN 1-Jun, PN 14-May or 14- Oct RN Program, NLNAC accredited. www.pccua.edu

Southeast Arkansas College, Pine Bluff • 870-543-5917 2 yr public Semester AAS/RN, Technical Certificate/PN:LPN/Paramedic to RN-AAS

1 yr/RN, 11.5 mos/PN commuter campus open none ACT, COMPASS, PAX for PN, ATI Fundementals of Nursing

Second Friday in March Changing lives…one student at a time! www.seark.edu

Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia • 870-235-4040 4 yr public Semester ADN, Online RN-BSN Completion 2yrs/ADN, 2-4 yrs online RN-BSN Completion program on campus housing July 1st Priority March 15, Final August ACT, ADN HESI Admission September 30 or February 28 for nursing application SAUM has an LPN to RN track for current LPNs or Vocational Nurses. www.saumag.edu/nursing

University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville 870-793-7581, 800-508-7878

2 yr public Semester AAS-LPN to RN-traditonal and online tracks PN Program (Technical Certificate) (Generic RN Program wil begin

in Fall 2010)

11 mos commuter campus varies March 1-High school Academic : July 15-Others

ASSET, ACT, SAT or COMPASS** NET PN May 1 - LPN to RN Nov 1 UACCB’s nursing programs are among the top programs in the state. www.uaccb.edu

UALR, Department of Nursing, Little Rock • 501-569-8081 4 public Semester AS in Nursing and BSN in Nursin 4 semesters for AS; 3 semester for BSN on/off campus housing March 1st Feb. 1st ACT, SAT for general university acceptance; NET test for nursing

Priority Application Deadline Feb 28/ Applications accepted until class full LPN/Paramedic option (May to May). Accelerated traditional option (18 months). Traditional option (2 years) BSN: 3 semesters or up to five years. www.ualr.edu/nursing

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith • 479-788-7861 • 1-888-512-LION 4 public Semester AAS 2 years on campus housing Priority March 15th Feb. 1st ACT/COMPASS/NLN-PAX May 15th for Fall/April 15th for LPN/Paramedic Transition Program for Summer www.uafortsmith.edu/Nursing/AssociateDegreeOfNursing

Baptist Health Schools of Nursing, Little Rock • 501-202-6200, 800-345-3046

private Semester diploma/LPN, diploma/RN RN traditonal track 3yrs. RN express track 2yrs. LPN 1yr. RN Accelerated 1yr (LPNs or Paramedics).

commuter campus March 1st priority varies ACT Varies www.bhslr.edu

Jefferson Reg. Med. Center School of Nursing, Pine Bluff • 870-541-7850 private 3 years diploma/RN 1 year pre-requisites + 2 years nursing courses commuter campus none none ACT November $30 Length of program recently changed. See webpage for details. www.jrmc.org/nursingschool.htm

PrACtiCAl nUrsing

Arkansas Tech University - Ozark Campus, Ozark • 479-667-2117 public Semester Certificate 3 semesters commuter campus Priority April 15 varies COMPASS, NET June 1, October 1 Clinical experience in hospitals of varying size, physicians’ offices and geriatric facilities. http://atuoc.atu.edu

Arkansas Northeastern College, Burdette 870-763-1486 Paragould 870-239-3200

public Semester Certificate of Practical Nursing 13 mos commuter campus 2 wks prior to first day none ASSET, NET April 7th Variety of clinical experiences. Accept 20 students for each of the two campuses. www.anc.edu

ASU Technical Center, Jonesboro • 870-932-2176 public Semester LPN 11 mos commuter campus none none ASSET, NET June 1 & November 1 Combines classroom instruction with clinical experience. Graduates eligible to take NCLEX.

Arkansas State University, Searcy • 501-207-4014 public Semester Certificate LPN 3 semesters commuter campus varies June 1st ACT, COMPASS, WONDERLIC and Questionnar

Call for further information ASU-Searcy, where careers begin. www.asub.edu

Northwest Technical Institute, Springdale • 479-751-8824 public Semester diploma/PN 3 sem. & 1 Summer session (includes Pre-Reqs) commuter campus July 1/Fall, December 1/Spring June 1/Fall, December 1/Spring NET, COMPASS November 1st Bilingual scholarships available- www.nwansged.org

Ouachita Technical College, Malvern • 800-337-0266 ext 1200 2 yr public Semester Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing, Associate Degree in Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistant, Medication

Administration Program

1-3 semesters commuter campus open Fall-May1, Spring-Dec 1 COMPASS October 5th / Spring, March 1st / Fall Mrs. Nikki Lackey, Acting Division Chair, [email protected] www.otcweb.edu

Ozarka College, Melbourne 870-368-7371

2 yr public Semester LPN, LPN-RN 11-18 mos commuter campus none March 1st Wonderlic, NET, LPN GAP April 1/Fall, November 1/Spring August 31 - RN Providing life-changing experiences through education. www.ozarka.edu

University of Arkansas Comm. College at Morrilton • 501-354-2465 2 public Semester LPN-certificates AAS-LPN, RN 3 semesters - 2yr commuter campus prior to semester April 1st COMPASS, NET Gap LPN-June 1st, AASLPN-Oct 1st, RN-Aug 31st Enrollment limited to 20 each admission for LPN. www.uaccm.edu

Pulaski Technical College, North Little Rock • 501-812-2200 2 yr public Semester technical certificate in Practical Nursing/PN 11 mos traditional track/ 22 mos non-traditional track commuter campus March 1st varies ACT or COMPASS and NET March 1st Visit our new Allied Health Education Center on the Pulaski Tech Campus. www.pulaskitech.edu

St. Vincent School of Practical Nursing, Little Rock • 501-552-4890 private Trimester PN 12 mos commuter campus none none Pre Entrance exam July 31st Approved by AR State Board of Nursing. www.stvincenthealth.com

SAU Tech, Camden • 870-574-4500 2 yr public Semester Certificate of Proficiency, Technical Certificate, Associate varies commuter campus April 1st June 1st ASSET, NET, Practical Nursing June 1st Two Applications required: Admissions and Nursing www.sautech.edu

South Arkansas Community College, El Dorado 870-864-7142, 870-864-7137

2 yr public Semester ADN,LPN 11 mos commuter campus none Priority April 1 ACT, ASSET, or COMPASS open SouthArk: Where students come first. www.southark.edu

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith • 479-788-7861, 1-888-512-LION 4 yr public Semester Technical Certificate 12 mos on campus housing Priority March 15th Feb. 1st ACT/COMPASS/NLN PAX-PN June 1st for Fall www.uafortsmith.edu/Nursing/LicensedPracticalNursing

mediCAl Assisting

Eastern College of Health Vocations, Little Rock • 501-568-0211 private monthly diploma/medical assistant varies commuter campus to be determined varies High School Diploma or GED monthly 26 yrs as an AR established business, hands-on training and job placement assistance, as well as financial aid opportunities to those who qualify.

Education America Southeast College of Technology, Little Rock 501-312-0007

private monthly diploma/medical assistant 8 mos commuter campus none none C-PAT monthly Excellent career opportunities available. Day and evening classes. www.educationamerica.com


INFORMATION CURRENT AS OF SEPT. 2009. *** for Basic nursing education; Varies with previous coursework or nursing license; MSN program = 2 yrs. TO COMPLETE THIS, FORMS WERE SENT TO EVERY QUALIFIED COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO RETURN BY A SPECIFIED DEADLINE. SCHOOLS NOT MEETING THE DEADLINE WERE REPEATED FROM LAST YEAR. EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO GATHER AND VERIFY THE INFORMATION.



n Nursing is still a good, stable career choice. People are coming into the profession from other careers and some are returning to nursing after a hiatus.

For any industry, surviving the recession, layoffs, a changing job market and the technol-ogy revolution is tough. Many who thought they were set for life are now starting over. And for those who have been out of college for a while, or never went in the first place, stepping onto a college campus can be a ter-rifying experience.

Before signing up for classes, check out the local educational options, such as public or pri-vate two or four-year colleges, and ask whether you need an advanced degree or certificate to achieve your goals.

Before settling on a career path, those in-the-know recommend looking at a field, like health care, that is in high demand now and will be in the future. The Department of Labor’s web site offers a short and long-term look at national employment trends. The ideal situation is to select a field that’s growing and is in need of people to fill empty slots for some time to come, says Kimberly Porter, assistant professor of nursing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Arkansas For Nursing president.

Melissa Jackson, the enrollment coordina-tor at Baptist Health Schools of Little Rock (BHSLR), says the there has been an increase in the number of students who are signing up. The college offers seven health care programs, which is a big draw for new students, many of whom are nontraditional.

“Our fall enrollment has increased by 14% since last fall. This increase is mostly in the school of nursing, particularly in Registered Nursing. We are receiving an increase in applica-tions this year also. We continue to encourage those interested in pursuing a career in the medical field to check us out and apply early,” Jackson says.

Dr. Sue McLarry, chair of the college of nursing at Arkansas State says they are also seeing an increase in the number of students. At the main campus in Jonesboro, she sees more traditional students, but says there has been an influx of nontraditional students at the school’s satellite campuses.

Teresa Phillips, nurse recruiter at SPARKS Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, says she’s seeing more second-career nurses. In her area, people who suddenly find themselves in the unemployment line are making the most of their unfortunate situation through continued education.

For many, it’s a chance “to do a job they always wanted to do,” she says. “A lot of our recent applicants have said that they are chang-ing careers or have lost jobs due to the economy. They see healthcare as a more stable source of employment. My advice to those who are thinking about making a change or may be fresh out of high school and thinking about entering

the healthcare field is to talk to people who are already working as nurses, laboratory techni-cians, therapists, etc. Schedule an appointment to talk with admissions representatives to find

out more about the school you are interested in and what it takes to be a qualified applicant,” Jackson says.

Different degreesNot all of the programs at BHSLR require

a four-year college degree. “Our programs vary in length. There are

one-year certificates and two-year associate degrees,” Jackson says.

For those who are LPNs or paramedics, BHSLR will be offering an online degree this

January.One problem, Jackson says, is that there

is a shortage of nursing instructors. Although BHSLR is set, other institutions aren’t doing so well. Many institutions are encouraging experienced nurses to move to the front of the class.

Teaching hospitals and colleges are also

experiencing a nurse educator shortage as more students sign up for classes in response to the nursing shortage reported by Arkansas’s medical community.

Working as a nurse instructor at one of Arkansas’s teaching hospitals or colleges is a rewarding way to pass along experience and knowledge. And as more students enroll in nursing programs, the need for more instructors grows. Both Baptist Health and UALR are on the lookout for qualified nurse educators.

“It’s a great option for those looking for a change of pace,” says Porter.

Before you get startedFor high school students or those who

aren’t sure about a career in nursing, Jackson recommends attending one of their Career Nights or Spotlights.

“We have on-campus events for prospective students to see the campus and talk with our faculty about the different programs of study we offer,” Jackson says.

Also, for those on the fence about nursing, Jackson recommends shadowing a nurse.

“It will give you an idea of what nursing is all about,” she says.

UAMS offers an externship program. The eight-week summer program is specifically designed for students who have completed a foundation course, one clinical rotation and

Second time around

SECOND, continued next page

n n n

“Don’t discount your dreams. Nursing offers a stable, great-paying job.

At the end of the day, you feel like you’ve done something

that counted.”Melissa Jackson, enrollment coordinator at

Baptist Health Schools of Little Rock

For those facing unemployment or just want a career change, it’s a great time to consider nursing.


Mountain Home, Arkansas888-723-5673 | www.baxterregional.org

Discover the possibilities

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at BRMC.At Baxter Regional Medical Center, you can have it all – quality of life and career. Located in beautiful Mountain Home, Arkansas, we offer our employees a progressive environment to practice their professions, along with value-based leadership and professional opportunities. All of this is backed with a strong network of technology, tools and resources in a community that offers superior quality of life for individuals and families.

World-class recreation and fishing are minutes away from Mountain Home, with access to two lakes, Bull Shoals and Norfork, and two rivers, the White and Buffalo. Golfing is available at Big Creek Country Club and Twin Lakes Golf Course in Mountain Home and Rivercliff Golf Club in nearby Bull Shoals. The Mountain Home School District offers quality education, as does Arkansas State University – Mountain Home.

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For more information, contact Sheila Wilson, Employment Coordinator, at 888-723-5673 or [email protected]. View complete job listings and apply online at www.baxterregional.org.


plan to work at UAMS after graduation.Each student accepted into the program

is required to work the same schedule as their assigned preceptor, or mentor.

This means they will be expected to work 12-hour day or night shifts, with weekend schedules, and students are required to attend bi-weekly two-hour seminars.

This program isn’t for the weak or faint-hearted.

“These are my shining stars,” says UAMS nurse recruiter Susan Erickson. “It is a serious, no-nonsense program, and student nurses are expected to work hard.”

This program is also a benefit a student’s future employer. The student is already familiar with the work environment – the demands, staff, various hospital departments and more.

In other words, it’s the kind of firsthand knowledge a student can’t learn by reading a book.

With second-career students there are a dif-ferent set of concerns, including worries about meeting classroom or technological demands, and they often need night or weekend class times and online options.

Often, returning students are hesitant and don’t feel very confident, but despite their inexperience most professionals agree these students often prove themselves when it comes to academics.

Because of the real-world experience, Jackson says, “they often prove to be the best students.”

“Don’t discount your dreams,” Jackson says. “Nursing offers a stable, great-paying job. At the end of the day, you feel like you’ve done something that counted.”

New nurses at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff now have one more chal-lenge to meet before working the floors on their own. JRMC recently opened the Nursing Education Transitional Unit , better known as the NET-U.

Patients in this four-bed unit are cared for by new nurses as well as trained RN preceptors who monitor and assist the new hires.

Their goal is to make sure new employees are properly trained, not only in nursing skills but in JRMC’s specific policies and procedures. As a result, nurses will feel more confident when they begin their individual assignments, and patient care and satisfaction will also increase.

The hospital has also launched a support group for new nursing graduates, to provide a venue for open discussion about the questions and concerns that arise during the first year of a nursing career.

Both of these new programs are extremely beneficial to nurses who have been out of the work force for a number of years and are returning to JRMC.

The bottom lineAt some point when a nontraditional stu-

dent is looking at college options, the question of cost is bound to rear its ugly head.

While most people are aware of financial aid, whether state aid, loans or scholarships available to high school students, many nontraditional students lack an awareness of the financial aid that’s available to them.

There are several options for the nontradi-tional student, and anyone who is considering a training or degree program should talk with

a professional about financial aid.Also, ask about financial aid that is specific

to your circumstances. For instance, there are programs designed specifically for high school graduates, parents, mothers, members of the military and more.

Besides programs such as Arkansas Career Pathways and student loans, many employers offer to foot the bill for part, or all, of college classes their employees successfully complete.

Each year, the White River Health System Foundation awards scholarships to LPNs study-ing to become RNs.

The goal of these scholarships is to relieve some of the financial burden of students seeking

career advancement and encourage education among men and women who devote their careers to saving lives and improving the lives of others through nursing.

“It’s a great way for LPNs to advance their careers,” says Batesville’s White River Medical Center’s, Nurse Director and Magnet Coordinator Michelle Bishop, RN, MSN.

In central Arkansas, the UAMS College of Nursing is leading an innovative effort to raise the number of college-educated geriatrics nurses in Arkansas nursing homes thanks to $250,000 awarded by the national Partners Investing in Nursing’s Future (PIN) program to a col-laboration led by the Arkansas Community

Foundation (ARCF).The bulk of the funds will go to the UAMS

College of Nursing. “Nursing homes in Arkansas already are in

great need of nurses with baccalaureate degrees and geriatrics expertise. Without significant effort, we risk neglecting a generation of seniors who will need those specially trained nurses,” said UAMS’ Claudia Beverly, Ph.D., R.N., who will oversee the project.

“That’s why I am so excited about this grant. We have an opportunity to really strengthen the quality of care and quality of life in nurs-ing homes through a better prepared geriatrics nurse work force.” n

SECOND, continued



n For many nurses in central Arkansas, a 40-hour work week simply isn’t enough. Nurses vol-unteer their talents and time to a variety of causes - whether lending a helping hand when it comes to administering mass flu vaccines, lending a hand to the Red Cross, running a race for charity or col-lecting boxes of cereal.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is big on volunteerism and proudly points to the work its nurses are doing throughout the community.

Pat Torvestad, vice chancellor for commu-nications and marketing and former co-chair of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, says UAMS is a race sponsor and about 1,500 employees sign up to participate each year.

“Nurses take cancer very seriously. We see patients every day and they are so brave and positive. This is our tribute to their struggle and support,” she says. “Nurses give all day and then turn around and give again.”

Marcie Cole, RN, Conway Regional Health System Gynecology Unit, found volunteering her time was a life-changing experience. She, along with several other members of the hos-pital’s staff and local medical community, flew to Succotz, Belize with The iguana SQUAD, a non-profit humanitarian organization. After raising the money to pay for their own airfare, volunteers work long days to help the town’s poor population with their construction, medi-cal or dental needs.

“At the four-day clinic, we saw over 1,000 patients who needed a wide array of attention,” Cole says.

Cole’s daughter Chelsea, a pre-biology stu-dent at the University of Central Arkansas, volunteered not only her time, but 23 pounds of badly-needed clothes. She plans to go again next June.

While Cole is working in another country, Rhonda Dixon volunteers her time a little closer to home. Dixon, a same-day surgery registered nurse at Conway Regional Health System, serves on the board of the Conway Interfaith Clinic.

“It’s my passion,” she says. The clinic isn’t free, but their prices are

affordable and make doctor’s visits possible for Faulkner County’s uninsured.

They see as many as 300 patients a month on the medical side of the clinic and nearly that many on the dental side.

To help pay the bills, the clinic has held two fundraisers including a family bike tour event and a golf tournament.

In addition to her role as board fundraiser, Dixon teaches nursing two days a week at the University of Central Arkansas and is a part-time school nurse.

“You can work a lot and still volunteer,” she says.

Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital chief nursing officer Cindy Kugel says her nurses also volunteer in a number ways, including

participating in community programs like the Heart Walk and Brown Bag Luncheons. They also volunteer for mass vaccination efforts and a number of public education events.

Extending a handFor Cheryl K. Schmidt, Ph.D., a certified

nurse educator, it’s about paying it forward.Early in her life, her mother and sisters, all

nurses, were a positive influence. “They were always ready to extend a hand,”

she remembers.Nurses, in general, are the first to raise their

hands when there’s a job to do. “You do it because it’s needed,” says Schmidt,

who has been an American Red Cross nurse since 1974. She has served as Arkansas state nurse liaison to the American Red Cross and developed an accelerated disaster training model to prepare nursing students to respond to disasters.

She routinely volunteers for mass vaccina-tion clinics, military kids camp, health fairs, school screenings and has won numerous awards for her work.

But Schmidt says her volunteer work isn’t all that unusual.

“Health care workers, in general, have that volunteer spirit,” she says.

That’s what drives Deborah Spadoni. By day, Spadoni, R.N, B.S.N., C.C.RN., is

a critical care nurse in E4 Intensive Care, but in her spare time, she helped organize “The Power of IC You!”

Approximately 100 nurses are putting their time and know-how together to volunteer for this cleverly-named program.

“One person can’t do too much, but as a group, we can make a difference,” Spadoni says. Nurses often work long hours and have families,

but like so many others, they want to work to make their community a better place to live.

“By working together as a cohesive team, we raised $500 for the Arkansas Foodbank Network and collected 206 boxes of cereal for this summer’s THV Summer Cereal Drive,” she says.

The group plans to make a donation to the Arkansas Foodbank Network next Christmas as well.

“It teaches us to be more giving,” Spadoni says.

Sharing the loadNot all the work is done by the nurses

alone. In many instances, such as at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) in Little Rock, the entire medical facility is working to improve the quality of life in central Arkansas.

Last spring, ACH helped unveil Arkansas’s first Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. Inside this 40-foot long, 30,000-pound truck, a dental team travels to selected elementary schools in the area to treat children who desperately need dental care.

This is done at no cost to the child’s family, says Hilary DeMillo, with the hospital’s public relations department.

Arkansas’s Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is among 36 such trucks in the world. An initial grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) helped with start-up expenses. Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Delta Dental of Arkansas sponsor a percentage of all remain-ing and future costs of the program.

“Approximately 1,000 children will receive treatment in the care mobile each year,” DeMillo says.

Also, ACH recently started a new “wayfind-ing” program, which helps families navigate

the growing campus. A small thing to be sure, but for families who are already stressed and may be unfamiliar with ACH’s grandeur, it’s a blessing.

Families will find better signage when they arrive on campus than ever before. Each patient parking lot is labeled with a large crayon statue.

“So, it’s easy to say, ‘Park in the purple crayon lot,’” DeMillo says.

Buildings are designated with massive Lego-like structures that have their names on them, large maps located outside buildings and elevators tell patients and their families where to go.

“This is making it much easier to find your way around ACH,” she says.

As part of the wayfinding program, a large “Arkansas Children’s Hospital” sign was recently added to the side of the building that faces I-630. The sign is flanked by large lighted building block sculptures that hang on the side of the building.

“It’s a very easy way for families coming to us from outside Little Rock to know when they’ve arrived,” she says.

Sometimes reaching out to the community through its professionals has a ripple effect that can’t be measured. Last spring, Baxter Regional Medical Center hosted a workshop entitled, “When Stroke Strikes…Act FAST. Dr. Pat Black of BRMC and Rick Washam, health educator at the UAMS/Center for Distance Health, presented vital information on strokes including signs and symptoms and why it’s so important to respond quickly.

It’s impossible to know the number of lives that will be saved because of free training pro-grams like this.

Paying it forward

Many volunteers, including members of the Conway Regional Health System staff, found their work with iguana SQUAD a life-changing experience.

PAYING, continued next page


Psychiatric recoveryOur Nurses believe it and know what it takes to help our patients achieve it.

501.686.9000

HopePersonal

Responsibility

Support Education

Self Advocacy

Arkansas Department of Human Services

ArkAnsAs stAte HospitAl


Switching jobsEleven years ago, Alesa Garner received

the terrible news that she was in the very early stages of breast cancer. One of her first stops was the New Outlook Cancer Recovery Program at St. Vincent hospital. Garner, who works at St. Vincent, was so impressed with their services she later decided to transfer from the microbiology department at the hospital to New Outlook.

“New Outlook is housed in the oncology department at St. Vincent, but our services reach the entire state of Arkansas,” she says.

It doesn’t cost the patient anything – whether they’re getting treatment at St. Vincent’s or

not.“We offer custom ordered wigs, scarves,

makeovers, counseling, support groups, mas-tectomy fittings, lymphedema treatment, stress management classes, education and more,” Garner says.

Many of the hospital’s nurses volunteer their time at New Outlook.

“Each one of our nurses is a part of this program,” she says. “All of them can offer each patient and family the entire realm of services,” she says.

While this was always personal for Garner, it has become more so in the last few years as her sister and husband both have battled cancer.

“It’s a great service, and there’s not another one like it in the state.”

Doing double dutyBatesville’s White River Medical Center

(WRMC) Auxiliary always finds time to vol-unteer at the hospital, but now they’re teach-ing others to do it too. Last summer WRMC sponsored 19 teenagers, allowing them to learn as well volunteer at the hospital.

The goal of the Volunteens program was to expose young adults to health careers and to promote the philosophy of volunteerism. The teenagers worked with hospital staff at all levels.

It’s a great opportunity for teenagers to get a realistic look at hospital life, says Michelle Bishop, RN, MSN, WRMC nurse director and magnet coordinator.

Their duties included visiting patients, making deliveries throughout the hospital and working in the gift shop, information desk and the admissions department.

“They really made the patients and their families feel more comfortable,” Bishop says.

But WRMC isn’t the only hospital to culti-vate a culture of volunteerism.

As a not-for-profit organization, Jefferson Regional Medical Center at Pine Bluff invests heavily in the community and places a signifi-cant emphasis on volunteering.

JRMC nurses are involved in hundreds of charitable activities each year, in both personal and professional capacities. Nurses work at health fairs, volunteer with churches and serve community organizations as board and commit-tee members. Over the last year, JRMC nurses have contributed more than 10,000 volunteer hours throughout Southeast Arkansas. n

An Iguana SQUAD medical clinic volun-teer helps with the hundreds of people seen over a four-day period.

PAYING, continued

After raising the money to pay for their own airfare, iguana SQUAD volunteers sleep in dormitories and work long days in a medical or dental clinic.



n It isn’t enough for a hospital to grow by simply adding more walls and beds; administrators around the state are realizing that education, patient care and a knowledgeable staff are essential components of a successful health care system.

The future is nowAs Jefferson Regional Medical Center in

Pine Bluff has integrated the Eclipsys electronic medical records system over the past several years, nurses have played an increasingly vital role in the development and implementation of the program. Not only have nurses learned an entirely new skill set through utilization of the program, but a number of nurses have been re-assigned to the Clinical Informatics and Clinical Applications department, where they have learned to develop, configure and teach computer programs to serve the specific needs of JRMC. This new role for nurses at JRMC continues to grow and develop, and will offer more and more opportunities in the coming years.

JRMC’s commitment to advanced tech-nology is also being recognized on a national level. Nurses and administrators from hospitals around the U.S. are visiting JRMC to see how the Eclipsys system is used. The hospital has also been recognized by HIMSS (Health care Information and Management System Society) Analytics as a Stage 6 facility for implementation of the program. There are less than 50 hospitals in the United States which have attained this status, and JRMC is the only one in tArkansas to do so.

Planning aheadDr. Sue McLarry, the chair of the College

of Nursing and Health Professions at Arkansas State University, believes the demand for “all health professionals” will continue to grow in the future. To meet this continued need, the university’s College of Nursing and Health Professions recently moved to the newly opened Donald W. Reynolds Center for Health Sciences building.

The “fantastic growth” of the univer-sity’s nursing program fueled the need for the 50,000-square-foot facility, says Susan Hanrahan, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professionals.

“Our college had grown tremendously and we were out of space,” she says.

The new building doubles the square foot-age available for the health care programs, and houses the general nursing center, com-plete with simulation rooms, laboratories and classrooms.

The facility also includes a speech and hearing clinic and the Beck Pride Center for America’s Wounded Veterans. The second floor features a 104-seat auditorium and a 45-station computer lab, while the stimulation labs are located on the third floor.

The expansion offers students greater oppor-tunities for learning before they begin caring for patients in a clinical setting.

“It’s a very exciting time at ASU,” Dr. McLarry says.

Stroke Center of ExcellenceThe CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System

Stroke Team wants you to be aware of a new campaign to help recognize stroke systems. It’s called Act F.A.S.T., and it was developed by the National Stroke Association. F=Face - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? A=Arm - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S=SPEECH - Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange? T=TIME - If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately!

The program is part of an effort by the CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System’s Stroke Team Committee and Stroke Response Team members to enhance our methods of caring for acute stroke patients.

The 6 South nursing unit is a dedicated Stroke Unit, working to optimize patient care. It’s all part of a plan to maximize long-term outcomes, ultimately making CHRISTUS St. Michael a Stroke Center of Excellence.

The hospital is also equipped with a team of dedicated therapy professionals to help stroke patients gain back their independence. Treatment is supplemented with a continuing Stroke Support Group that meets on the second Thursday of each month at the CHRISTUS St. Michael Rehabilitation Hospital’s Woodland Café.

Meeting demands of the futureArkansas Tech University (ATU) is seeing

a surge in student enrollment, whether on campus or online.

Rebecca Burris, Ph.D. RN, is head of the nursing department and chair of the university’s masters program. She says a lot of students are returning to college.

“Many already have a degree but want to further their education,” she says.

In response to the demand, her department is now offering a 30-hour registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing degree, also known as RN-to-BSN at the university.

“It’s completely online,” Burris says. That means a student who has a job can

complete the class work at home when its con-venient and do clinicals at the local hospital—where students often work.

By offering nurses a chance to build upon their education, Burris says, “this will have a positive impact on Arkansas’s health care in the future.”

It would take something on the scale of a terrorist attack or the threat of a pandemic flu to bring emergency management to the forefront of public consciousness. But in response to a growing need, ATU offers a nursing program designed to prepare students who are planning to enter health care administration, leadership or emergency management.

New technology at workWhite River Medical Center (WRMC) in

Batesville recently announced the addition of digital mammography, and is now able to offer women the latest in imaging technology. For those who travel to central Arkansas for the procedure, it offers convenience and personal service one would expect from Arkansas.

Digital mammography has superior image quality and allows the radiologist to magnify,

adjust and change the contrast of an image while reading it. By using digital imaging, instead of conventional film, radiologists can better analyze an image and focus on areas of concern.

“As a regional hospital, our goal is to bring the latest technology, such as digital mam-mography or the da Vinci Surgical System, to the community where people live, says the hospital’s chief nursing officer Dede Strecker, RN, MSN.

Also, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville is offering a LPN (licensed practical nurse) to RN (registered nurse) degree that is benefiting WRMC’s personnel.

“We’re a clinical site and feel like this degree program will help us raise the percentage of RNs compared to the number of LPNs we have,” says the hospital’s inpatient rehab director Michelle Bishop. Classes are available online.

Healing more than heartsConway Regional’s Wound Healing Center,

specializing in the treatment and healing of chronic wounds, opened last year.

The wound center treats chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions and offers hospital-based outpatient wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. These wounds are caused by diabetes, circulatory disease, radia-tion burns, and other conditions. The center serves as an adjunct to the care provided in the physician’s office.

Physicians practicing in the Wound Healing Center have had specialized training in wound

healing, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy. They are experts in treating diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and various other wounds.

The center treated 54 active patients in August with three regularly undergoing hyper-baric oxygen therapy.

Conway Regional Wound Healing Center is a National Healing Corporation Wound Center, which has earned The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification for wound care.

“We chose National Healing Corporation as our partner because the specialized expertise they bring to our Wound Healing Center makes us a better partner for physicians in caring for your patients,” says Jim Lambert, Conway Regional president and CEO.

Back to the futureStarting with the spring 2010 semester,

Baptist Health Schools Little Rock School of Nursing (BHSLR-SN) will offer an accelerated track program for licensed practical nurses (LPN) or paramedics to pursue a registered nurse (RN) degree. It will blend traditional classroom face-time with online classes.

“It’s a hybrid option,” says Baptist Health Schools of Little Rock enrollment coordinator Melissa Jackson.

During the first semester, the college’s online courses will be limited to 20 students and there will be no additional fees for hybrid courses

Great expectations: A look at the future

Arkansas’s hospitals are implementing programs completing expansions for the health of residents.

FUTURE, continued next page



at this time. “It will allow students who already have the

basic skills to build upon them,” she says.The college facility believes hybrid pro-

grams, with traditional clinical labs, lectures and online classes, is the wave of the future.

“Our students have expressed interest in a program like this,” Jackson says.

Also, for those who already have a degree or college hours behind them, the college is offering an accelerated express track RN program.

“This is a great option for students who have their science hours or other prerequisites. They might be able to finish their degree in two or two-and-a-half years,” Jackson says.

Meeting demands todayThe University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s

assistant professor of nursing, Kimberly Porter, says the future is here now.

“We’ve started an online BSN (bachelor of science in nursing), that can be done completely online,” she says. “It’s been so well-received that our enrollment numbers have exceeded our expectations.”

One of the requirements of the program is that the student be employed as an RN (regis-tered nurse) but “you don’t have to live in central Arkansas to get a degree,” she says.

Also, the program can be completed in 12 months.

In addition to the changing technological expectations of today’s students, this program will be able to fill the growing demand for BSNs in the health care workplace.

“With several Arkansas hospitals going for Magnet status, they will have a need for more BSNs,” she says.

Arkansas’s hospitals, she explains, need nurses who are well-trained in the latest tech-nology the health care industry has to offer, can work as part of a team and are able to think critically.

“The best nurses can stand on their own two feet. They know their stuff and are accountable for their decisions,” Porter says.

Changing the face of careAt Arkansas State Hospital the nursing

staff is playing an integral part in the care of its patients. In fact, Bryan Hall, a registered nurse with a master’s degree in health care administration helped design their successful Therapeutic Mall patient program, of which he is now Program Director.

“Basically it’s a recovery program that allows patients to choose a program they’re interested in,” says Hall.

Day-to-day, patients are allowed to pick the program in which they participate. By select-ing the program instead of being assigned an activity, Hall says, “patients are more likely to participate.”

Programs include art, drama, dance, music, gardening, general recreation and more.

“Art has been our most successful program, and in August we had our first art show,” Hall says. Not only was the show open to the public, but all 35 pieces on display were sold.

“The proceeds (about $3,000) went to the artists,” he says. One patient, who had never picked up a paintbrush before, found he had

an artistic flare - the public agreed, buying all of his pieces for a total of $400.

The show gave the patients a few posi-tive strokes, as well as “helping bridge the gap between the public and mental illness,” says Hall.

“We’re just getting started. Maybe we’ll have a concert or play, or both, next spring.”

Saving livesBeginning in April, Baxter Regional Medical

Center, the UAMS Center for Distance Health, the Arkansas Department of Health and Sparks Regional Health System in Fort Smith began a partnership to establish Stroke Assistance through Virtual Emergency Support (SAVES), also known as AR SAVES.

AR SAVES was imple-mented in rural areas with the goal of improv-ing patient health while saving money. Through the program patients can receive immediate care from a specialist without traveling a long distance.

Typically, patients are rushed to emergency rooms where neurolo-gists are not available. AR SAVES can significantly reduce disability or death resulting from stroke by providing access to specialized care when it is most urgent.

First responders are trained in stroke assess-ment and can alert the emergency room physi-cians that such cases will be arriving. Once there, doctors and nurses trained in stroke assessment examine the patient.

The physician can then call a hotline that will link the on-call neurologist to the physician in the emergency room.

This partnership provides “telehealth” services to stroke patients using a video com-munications system that can monitor patients 24 hours a day.

“This is an important part of UAMS’ mis-sion, reaching out to rural areas of the state

and helping local physicians identify stroke patients and improve those patients’ outcomes,” says Salah Keyrouz, M.D., Arkansas SAVES director and assistant professor of neurology at UAMS.

The future of nurse careIt was a little over two years ago, that

Central Arkansas Veterans Health care System (CAVHS) was named a recipient of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE).

The grant was to be used as part of a nationwide program, Transforming Care at

the Bedside (TCAB), and CAVHS was one of 68 hospitals – and one of only four VA hospitals - across the nation to participate.

“We are extremely proud of these hospitals who have committed to join AONE and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in our TCAB dissemination project,” says AONE president Linda Q. Everett.

TCAB is designed to improve the quality and safety of patient care in medical and surgical units, to increase the vitality and retention of

nurses and to improve the effectiveness of the entire care team.

“It’s been a wonderful opportunity,” says the hospital’s Nurse Executive Julie Brandt. Both patients and nurses scored the program with high marks.

The program engages nurses to develop interventions and design new processes that improve care and lead to better staff morale. AONE will disseminate a set of practical, easy-to-use tools to help hospitals redesign delivery of care processes in order to improve patient care.

While the program wrapped up this summer, she says they’re in the process of implementing the program throughout the hospital.

Cutting edgeSparks Health System’s Service Line Concept

in health care is a horizontal matrix of inde-pendent clinical units that focus on specific patient populations and clinical expertise. Product line strategy targets institutional areas for focused clinical specialty growth in order to improve continuity of care, to develop innova-tions in service delivery, and to focus resource allocation to services that support patient care strategies.

Sparks Health System offers a compre-hensive line of cardiac, cardiopulmonary/vascular services and programs that include: cardiovascular, valvular and minimally invasive surgery units; a medical/surgical cardiovascular intensive care unit; three cath labs including electrophysiology therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, and pulmonary rehabilitation; and a 13-bed cardiovascular/vascular unit. Acute inpatient units are part of the service line with 40 post-op, post-coronary inpatient beds.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary outpatient services are consolidated in the rehabilitation unit, adding a much-needed capacity for the service line once the patients are discharged. A new Health and Wellness program managed from the Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center will offer employees, as well as the community, programs ranging from smoking cessation to weight loss, healthy eating habits to diabetic care/education as well as care-giver programs and exercise programs.

The objective for the Sparks’ Cardiac/CV service line is to integrate all stakehold-ers involved in cardiac/pulmonary/vascular diseases in the medical system to focus and achieve the following goals: improve cardiac, cardiovascular and endovascular case volume; improve efficiency in the care of heart and vascular patients with decreased length of stay and hospital costs; develop regional marketing for new and unique clinical services; develop community outreach clinics and telemedicine infrastructure for rural hospitals; develop a combined heart and vascular non-invasive service; and to provide community education/screening programs.

The importance of nursesJoyce Cloud, business development director

at Pinnacle Point Behavioral Care System, says the hospital’s nursing staff has been “instru-mental in our achievement of “Award Winning Facility” for the past three years.

Pinnacle Point was also named hospital of the year by the Arkansas Therapeutic Recreation Association (ARTA) and facility of the year by the Arkansas Psychological Association (APA). The facility is no stranger to such honors. The APA named Pinnacle Point hospital of the year in 2007. It was also named facility of the year by the ARTA in 2008.

“As we continue to be the largest behavioral health facility for children in Arkansas, we are seeking only nurses who share our goal of giving these children care from the heart. Our belief in balance of life is evidenced by our focus on retention of quality staff in areas such as outpatient and community-based services, day-treatment education and professional and community education,” says Lisa Evans, Pinnacle Point Chief Executive Officer.

In 2010, Pinnacle Point has plans for a 22-bed expansion. n

Great expectations: A look at the future

RN Sharon Bussard takes a look at Conway Region Medical Center’s new hyper-baric chamber.

FUTURE, continued

CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System’s Stroke Response Team mem-bers work to enhance their care.



n Today’s hospitals attempt to reach out and acknowledge their outstanding nurses through various awards and programs. Most nurses agree that it’s nice to have your hard work appreciated, nationally or locally.

Marilyn Caldwell, a registered nurse in the endoscopy lab at UAMS, recently earned a DAISY Award, a nationally recognized award presented by the DAISY foundation. But she doesn’t believe she deserves any special atten-tion. Instead, she says, “I never expected to get rewarded for doing what makes someone else feel better.”

Caldwell had a patient who was diagnosed with end-stage small cell carcinoma of the lungs.

“My patient had been there for a couple of weeks, and his wife rarely left the room,” she says.

With no transportation to her home more than 50 miles away, she had no clean clothes and her hair needed to be fixed.

After two weeks, Caldwell had a girlfriend pick up some essential beauty supplies and hair products for the woman. She also asked volun-teer services to buy her some new clothes.

After the makeover, Caldwell says, she returned to her husband’s bedside. The look on his face was one of absolute delight.

“He told her how beautiful she looked and it made us all cry,” she says. “I’ll never forget the look of adoration and love in his eyes. The price of a perm was a small price to pay to see that look. The last thing he saw was how beautiful his wife was. He drifted off into a deep sleep later that evening and never woke up,” she says.

“Marilyn would tell you, ‘I was just doing my job,’” says UAMS nurse recruiter Susan

Erickson, R.N., M.N.Sc., B.C., CHCR.In one way, the DAISY Award was a way

of saying “good job,” but in another, the award recognizes every nurse who puts on the uniform and shows compassion and kindness. The award celebrates their hard work, dedication and professionalism.

“It’s a very positive award for nurses,” says Becky Kersten, RN, a nursing director at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. Only RNs can be nominated for and receive the DAISY Award.

According to the Daisy Foundation Website, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognizes the compassionate care of registered nurses (RNs). There are three criteria for select-ing recipients, including their compassionate quality and family-centered care. These nurses “serve as a role model by representing the profession of nursing and upholding excel-lence in standards of practice” and the award “demonstrates that caring and compassion are integral to providing patient care.”

DAISY Award nominations can be submit-ted by co-workers, patients, family members and physicians, which makes the award even more valuable to the nurses.

“They’re very excited and very humbled at the same time,” Kersten says.

Erickson hands out the DAISY award on a monthly basis and admits she cries every time she recognizes an RN.

“Nurses are humble and look at service as part of their job,” she says.

In May, UAMS was one of three Little Rock hospitals, including Baptist Health and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, visited by the DAISY organization.

“We were honored,” Erickson says.The DAISY isn’t the only recognition

Arkansas’ nurses are earning. Last year, Gordon Low, an advanced practice nurse at UAMS, earned the 2008 NPWH (Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health) Inspirations in Women’s

Health Award at the NPWH clinical confer-ence in Seattle.

Low, who works with the UAMS ANGELS (Antenatal and Neonatal Guidelines, Education and Learning System) Program, helped create and launch two unique programs that use telemedicine technology to improve access to care for rural Arkansas women and women in prison.

Telemedicine provides live, two-way inter-active video between a remote location and UAMS’ sub-specialists.

At the Arkansas State Hospital in Little Rock, the administration wanted to recognize their nurses so badly that they decided to raise money to fund a program. After an annual survey of the hospital’s nurses, management realized one component missing was a way to recognize the outstanding work of their nurses, says ASH assistant administrator Becky Webber.

Since the hospital is a state agency, they can’t use tax money for awards. Instead of giving up the idea, they went to work selling flowers for Valentine’s Day and candy baskets at Easter.

“It made us feel good,” Webber says about the fund-raising effort.

The Outstanding Performance Award recip-ients are selected by the employee celebration committee members.

There are two areas of recognition: excel-lent performances in life saving situations and recognition from patients for outstanding care given.

So now, twice a year the hospital recog-nizes outstanding nurses at a celebration cer-emony.

They receive a pewter pin, a certificate for their wall and one for their personnel folder.

“It’s raised our nurses’ spirits,” Webber says.

The awards also had an unintended effect, including improved staff morale and a reduc-tion in the number of sick days taken by the hospital’s nurses.

Most importantly, Webber says it allows the administration to say “good job” to their nurses.

“Our nurses do an amazing job. They’re all awesome,” she says.

The White River Medical Center in Batesville recognizes its staff for individual efforts through its Employee of the Month program.

The employee gets a choice parking spot for a month and dinner at the restaurant of their choice, on the hospital’s dime of course.

“It’s a great program,” says Michelle Bishop, RN, MSN, WRMC nurse director and Magnet coordinator.

While the White River administration was busy recognizing its employees, the hospital has been garnering recognition of its own.

It was one of eleven organizations recog-nized by the Governor’s Quality Award Program for performance excellence last fall.

The goal of the Governor’s Quality Award Program is to encourage Arkansas organizations to engage in continuous quality improvement and to provide significant recognition to those organizations that perform well, Bishop says.

In addition, White River Health System recently received a number of awards from the Arkansas Hospital Association, includ-ing a Diamond Award, three Certificates of Excellence and two Judges’ Merit Awards for outstanding hospital advertising, marketing and public relations.

Sometimes a simple “thank you” is all that it takes. It may not seem like much to some, but to the staff of CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, those two little words go a long way.

“We have a Helping Hand program that allows patients to nominate caregivers who have made a difference in their care while at our hospital,” says the program’s coordinator Susan Landreaux.

The brand new program recognizes “a caregiver for going the extra mile,” she says.

Once nominated, the nurse, doctor or other caregiver is recognized during a department meeting. They receive a Helping Hand pin and certificate and, since June, Landreaux has handed out 15 awards.

“It’s real exiting for our associates to be recognized,” she says. n

Getting their just desserts

ASH staff members Myka Chumley, Emily Baggett, Debbie Chambers, Kelly Collins and Indira Thompson received the Outstanding Performance Award.

UAMS Endoscopy Department team members include (from left) Sandra Sellers, Endoscopy Assistant; Lajoya Wiley, Endoscopy Assistant; Marilyn Caldwell, RN; Daisy Recipient George Daulton, RN; Cynara Bennett, RN.


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n Long before her sisters joined the ranks of Arkansas’s nurses, Sharon Brandt Andersson dreamed of being a nurse.

“I knew I wanted to be a nurse since the first grade,” she says. As a child, she had been impressed by the school nurse, who she describes as “a professional, kind lady.”

She remembers her mother’s work as a candy striper. It was Gwendolyn Brandt’s com-passionate nature that influenced four of her six daughters - there were four boys, too - to choose nursing.

“Our mother was our inspiration,” Andersson says. “She always took good care of us.”

As the youngest, Andersson watched her sisters become nurses. Jill Blankenship is cur-rently an RN at Conway Human Development Center and Tammy Lauterbach is a former RN turned homemaker in Boston, Mass.

A third sister, Kim Brandt, became a radio-logical technologist at Conway Regional Medical Center and her brother, Brian Brandt, works for Beckman Coulter, servicing hospital lab equipment in Mississippi.

While Andersson briefly flirted with other career options, she says she kept returning to nursing. Since becoming an RN, she has worked in labor and delivery, surgery and now works as a quality assurance nurse.

Andersson believes it was her mother’s compassionate nature that led so many in the family to nursing.

Gwendolyn Brandt died last year, but she left behind a legacy of caring. Andersson says her sisters share their mother’s kindness and concern for others, and their decision to go into nursing was a tribute to their mother.

“It’s an honor to her,” she says.

Maybe it’s in the bloodWhile Dede Strecker, RN, MSN, and chief

nursing officer at White River Medical Center (WRMC) entered college undecided about her major, it wasn’t long before she settled on nursing.

Her mother, Denise Foster, has been a nurse for over 30 years. She started working at WRMC about two decades ago. Growing up, Strecker says she could always tell her mother loved nursing. Her aunt, Ruth Stewart, is also in the business. She works as an LPN at WRMC.

When Strecker announced that she had decided to go into nursing, Foster was pleased and proud.

“She was very encouraging,” Strecker says. “Also, nursing just fit my personality.”

Strecker started her career as a patient care technician. Her son, Jordan Strecker, has fol-lowed in her footsteps. He works as a patient care technician at WRMC while attending the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, and is planning to major in nurs-ing.

“When he told me that he had decided that he wanted to be a nurse I was proud and impressed,” Strecker says. “Nursing is often thought of as a female occupation and we need more young men to realize that it isn’t.”

Once he became comfortable with nurs-ing, Strecker says, it was obvious the patients really loved him and that he loves interacting with them.

“Nursing is a great career choice,” Strecker says. “But you can’t be a part of it if you don’t love it.”

Getting an early startFrom her start as a candy striper volunteer

at age 13 to becoming director of surgical services at Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital, Danette Cripps’ life has revolved around caring for others.

Cripps’ long history with SSMH was influ-enced by her mother, Mary Beth Draper, RN.

“When I was little, mother would bring my brother, my sister and me to the hospital while she worked in the OR,” Cripps said. “We would sit in central supply and the staff taught

us to fold towels.”Now a 20-year nursing veteran, Cripps

was named the Patient Choice Nursing Award winner for 2009. She was nominated for the honor by a patient who she comforted before a procedure.

The award honors excellence in nursing. Nurses are nominated by former patients and their families. Cindy Kugel, chief nursing officer at SSMH, says her staff is among the best.

“Danette sets a great example for all of our nurses,” Kugel says. “She always puts patients first, she is kind and compassionate and wants her patients to have a great experience while in her care. I am very pleased that Danette was chosen for this award.”

Cripps says she just enjoys helping peo-ple.

“I consider nursing a profession and not just a job, and I’m glad to carry on the family tradition,” she says.

Looking for a better wayVirginia Revere decided to become a nurse

a long time ago. In the 1950s, she watched as her mother became ill and received less-than-stellar care. Virginia decided there had to be a better way to care for a patient. That observation shaped not only her life, but the lives of her daughters, and now a granddaughter.

This year, Revere is proud to say she’s been an RN for 44 years. And at 68, she’s not ready to retire from St. Vincent’s surgical recovery unit.

In addition to compassion, she says a good nurse needs “to be a people person to succeed in this business.” And, she continues, “you can never give up on yourself or your patient.”

Nursing was a perfect fit for Revere and her daughters. Karen Medanich is now an RN in Louisville, Ky., and Michele Revere is an RN in the surgical ICU at St. Vincent.

“I was happy that they followed in my foot-steps,” Revere says.

Michele Revere says she didn’t plan on going into nursing, instead she was considering a career in music or history. She remembers her mom saying to her, “You need to be a nurse. Try it, you’ll like it.” Now, she’s an RN, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“I’ve always enjoyed the challenge,” she says.

Michele Revere wasn’t the last to sign up. Virginia Revere’s granddaughter Krysten Kleinsorge is also an RN, working at St. Vincent in the orthopedic department.

Revere says she was “delighted” when she learned of Kleinsorge’s decision.

One of the advantages of nursing, Revere says, “You always have work if you want it and there are endless opportunities.” n

A lifetime of dreams

Sisters Jill Blankenship and Tammy Lauterbach at their nursing school gradua-tion.

Wilfred and Gwendolyn “Gay” Brandt on their 50th wedding anniversary at Hendrix College in Conway, While Gwendolyn Brandt was a candy striper, four daughters followed in her footsteps, becoming nurses.




A career in nursing at UAMS can include:

If you want to be a nurse or you’re already a nurse and you’re interested in a place that will give you the opportunity to grow in your profession and

where excellence is a way of life, then you need to visit with us at UAMS.

Whether you’re interested in a bachelor’s degree in nursing, enhancing your nursing career with a master’s or Ph.D. degree, or want to work in an exciting clinical setting, there’s only one

place in Arkansas to be...UAMS. It’s Where Medicine Lives.

• Scholarships and financial aid • Competitive salaries with exceptional benefits package

• The opportunity for growth and advancement within specialty areas • Nationally recognized CEU provider • Flexible work schedules • Tuition discounts at all University of Arkansas System colleges

College of NursiNg: www.nursing.uams.edu • Nurse reCruitmeNt: www.uams.edu/don • 24-hour job liNe: 501/686-5691

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2009 Arkansas Times Nurse's Guide

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