Faculty and staff achievements

The School of Nursing is proud to highlight the achievements of faculty and staff since the last Vital Signs issue.

Farrar selected as 2023 DAISY Faculty Award recipient

Congratulations to Marlie Farrar, assistant professor, for being selected out of 15 nominees to be the School of Nursing's DAISY Faculty Award recipient for 2022-2023. The DAISY Faculty Award is given to a faculty member that not only makes an impact on students entering nurses, but also shows enthusiasm for teaching, learning, and the profession. The nominees' exemplification of the school's core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diversity and integrity) are also rated.

Her nomination read "[Mrs. Farrar] is a wonderful faculty member in the SON. Over the years she has built a strong relationship with preceptors and nurse managers/educators not only within UMMC, but surrounding hospitals. She also is never afraid to try something new for the benefit of our students. Whether it's an escape room, new simulation, teaching strategies, or group activities; [she] is flexible and willing to adapt. One specific time, she was helping out in a course she wasn't even required to teach in. She spent her entire weekend preparing this creative scavenger hunt all over the SON and Classroom Wing to help the students refresh on content she has a passion for — hematology/oncology.

Other faculty nominations for the DAISY Faculty award included Dr. Chelsey Andries, Dr. Tina Ferrell, Dr. Marilyn Harrington, Dr. Neeli Kirkendall, Jennifer Laub, Presly Lowry, Dr. Carl Mangum, Dr. Sarah McGraw, Deidra Morgan, Jessica Pickens, Dr. Tara Price, Allison Princiotta, Dr. Kathy Rhodes, and Monica White. Kudos to all of the other nominees! We thank you all for your commitment and service to our students!

McBride obtains CNE certification

Congratulations to Melissa McBride, instructor, for obtaining the Certified Nurse Educator certification this year! She joins fellow faculty faculty members Dr. Chelsey Andries, Dr. Kimberly Douglas, Dr. Angela Duck, Marlie Farrar, Dr. Tina Ferrell, Rachel Gambill, Dr. Katie Hall, Lisa Hosey, Emeriti faculty Dr. Jennifer Robinson, Dr. Christy Savell, Dr. Eva Tatum, Lesley Thweatt, and Dr. Amanda Weeks with the CNE credentials.

Hosey selected for MAST

Instructor Lisa Hosey started the Mississippi Academy for Simulation Training (MAST) program this month. The Hearin Foundation grant-funded program's mission is to "provide statewide simulation educator training, access to UMMC Simulation Centers through the Office of Interprofessional Simulation, Training, Assessment, Research & Safety (ISTARS), and communicate a statewide expectation for recognition of the value of pedagogically-advanced training curricula, contemporary educational/workplace communication techniques, and the highest ethical standards in the use of simulation in healthcare education." Congratulations and thank you for your dedication to enhancing simulation!

Lopez selected to 2023 MNF Leadership Institute

Congratulations to Dr. Eloise Lopez, assistant professor and simulation faculty, for being selected to the 2023 Mississippi Nurses Foundation Nurses Leadership Institute. The cohort started their leadership training this month getting to know each other and exploring their potential projects. The program includes five leadership development sessions and the cohort will be recognized at the MNA Convention later this fall. The leadership institute "targets staff nurses, nurse managers, and nurse educators who desire to expand their knowledge of leadership and enhance their role as a leader."

Palokas and Upchurch participate in Green Belt training

Dr. Michelle Palokas, associate professor and assistant dean for accreditation and evaluation, and Dr. Linda Upchurch, associate professor and director of the DNP program, continued their Green Belt training with the UMMC Office of Operational Excellence. The program started last October and aims to address process improvement tools and methodology while the candidates work on performance improvement projects. Palokas is serving on the project to improve the prior authorization process in the cath lab, while Upchurch is on the project to improve the resilience scorecard for Well-Being at UMMC. All green belt projects are projected to be finished by this June. Once training is completed, the candidates will be certified and will provide guidance on efficiency of resources and reduction of waste leading to enhance quality and patient satisfaction.