Student Affairs and Alumni news

Division of Student Affairs Update: upcoming events, impressive student and alumni accolades, student support services and wellbeing resources, and alumni updates and accomplishments.

Lobby Day at the State Capitol

After two years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Mississippi Nurses’ Association (MNA) was able to reconvene at the Mississippi State Capitol for Lobby Day on January 25, 2023. Lobby Day is held annually and invites nurses from Mississippi to meet at the capitol and speak to their congressional representatives about health care issues that impact the residents in our state. Although RNs and APRNs attend Lobby Day, student nurses are also encouraged to participate. This year ninety-four traditional BSN senior nursing students along with Debi Fatherree, Dr. Candon Garbo, and Dr. Carl Mangum participated in Lobby Day.

Attendance at Lobby Day is integrated into the curriculum of Nursing Management in Healthcare Systems, a senior level course, which allows students to participate in the political process and broaden their perception of how they can be advocates for themselves and quality patient care. Prior to Lobby Day, the senior nursing students determined what district they lived in and identified their state representative and state senator. The students’ assignment also included emailing their senator and representative requesting an appointment on Lobby Day. Before Lobby Day MNA presented pertinent house bills for students to become familiar with and use as “talking points” with the legislators. These bills included full practice authority for APRNs in Mississippi without a collaborating physician, nursing scholarships and tuition assistance available at all levels of nursing education, and the need to fill nursing faculty vacancies to accommodate an increased number of admissions to nursing schools. The students learned that these bills are important for closing the gap of health inequities and decreasing the critical nursing shortage in Mississippi. Many students were successful at meeting with their legislators and immensely enjoyed the opportunity.

"It is important for our students to understand all aspects of the nursing profession, which includes regulatory and legislative issues that impact nursing," said Dr. Sharon McElwain, assistant dean for undergraduate programs. "This experience will provide hem with a well-rounded perspective on the role of nursing in advocacy for our profession."

At the conclusion of the day, Teresa Malone, lobbyist, and Chief Executive Officer of MNA, spoke with the students about the importance of increasing their awareness of political activism through active participation and gave the students a chance for any questions.

At UMMC SON we feel that as our nation continues the debate on health care reform, now, more than ever before nurses need to be a powerful voice in the politics of health care. Therefore, we believe our students need exposure to policy and social actions to navigate the complexities of the political and legislative process. Students learned that engaging with political leaders provides an opportunity for student nurses to develop their professional interpersonal skills and to strengthen their advocacy role, for their profession and for the patients they serve. We are thankful that MNA supports this opportunity and leads the way for nurses of Mississippi.

Student Ambassador Spotlight

• What are your interests/hobbies?
  • I enjoy shopping, watching new movies, and spending time with the people most important to me.
• What drew you to become a nurse?
  • I became a nurse because I saw a lot of mistreatment with hospitalized patients and underserved communities when I was growing up. I strive to be the light and source of encouragement in a patient’s health care experience!
• Why did you choose UMMC School of Nursing?
  • I chose UMMC SON because it’s the best program in the state! Here, I am able to learn and grow into a fully confident and competent nurse while being encouraged by staff!
• Where do you want to work after graduation (type nursing/unit)?
  • I believe that I would enjoy working on an Adult Medical-Surgical unit when I graduate.
• Future educational plans
  • After obtaining my BSN, I would like to obtain my Masters in Public Health.

Service learning upcoming events/opportunities

A Night to Shine (special needs prom) - Feb. 10th Noon, Oxford

University Heart and SON - BP screening stations - Feb. 16th 11:00, Jackson

Puckett High School Health Fair - Feb. 21st Noon, Jackson

Love Packs - ongoing opportunity, Oxford

Mississippi Blood Services - ongoing opportunity, Oxford

Volunteering at Children's Hospital - ongoing opportunity, Jackson

UMMC Volunteer Reserve Pool - ongoing opportunity, Jackson

Jackson Free Clinic - ongoing opportunity, Jackson

Students, check GiveGab for more information and to sign up!

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