Student Affairs and Alumni news

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

RN-BSN student shines on national level

Bernesha Pope, an RN-BSN student, was elected secretary/treasurer of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA).

Pope is also chair of NSNA’s Finance Committee. “I look forward to sharing ideas with NSNA members, state associations and local chapters while collaborating with my fellow NSNA board members to strategize ways to increase membership and create new revenue streams,” she said.

Pope, who graduated from East Mississippi Community College in December 2022, is secretary/treasurer of the Mississippi Association of Student Nurses board and served in the same role for East Mississippi’s chapter. 

“Bernesha has not let off the gas since she began her journey of becoming a nurse,” said School of Nursing assistant professor Dr. Tara Price. “Persistence and perseverance are needed when entering health care today, and I would say she certainly possesses both."

Four DNP graduates published in the Journal of JBI Evidence Implementation

The latest JBI Evidence Implementation Journal featured four of our recent DNP alumni in their June issue. Dr. Shanda Sandridge coauthored her article titled "Nursing staff communication with pediatric patients and families in a pediatric transitional care unit: a best practice implementation project." with Dr. Michelle Palokas and Anna Odom (DOI: 10.1097/XEB.0000000000000363). Dr. Jessica Sinclair and Dr. Palokas authored their article "Conflict resolution in a pediatric inpatient unit: a best practice implementation project." (DOI: 10.1097/XEB.0000000000000364). Dr. Ashley Longwitz coauthored her article titled "Diabetes self-management education for adults with Type 2 Diabetes via Telehealth in conjunction with remote patient monitoring: a best practice implementation project." along with Dr. Palokas (DOI: 10.1097/XEB.0000000000000360). Dr. Christy McGregor and Dr. Palokas authored their article "Preprocedure care for outpatients in the cardiac catheterization lab in an acute care hospital in central Mississippi: a best practice implementation project." (DOI: 10.1097/XEB.0000000000000358). All articles are deliverables of their DNP student projects working with the Mississippi Centre for Evidence-Based Practice: A JBI Centre of Excellence and US Cochrane Affiliate.

Attention Students

Students: As a reminder, please update your emergency contact information in Workday.

Service learning upcoming events/opportunities

School of Nursing Groundbreaking - Wednesday, June 28, Jackson

Duke's Pantry First Annual Back-to-School Giveaway - Friday, July 21, Jackson

Alzheimer's Association - ongoing opportunity, Ridgeland

Compassus Volunteers - ongoing opportunity, Flowood

Evers Care Monthly Food Distribution - ongoing opportunity, Jackson

Jackson Free Clinic - ongoing opportunity, Jackson

Mercy Delta - ongoing opportunity, Rolling Fork

Little Light House School - ongoing opportunity, Jackson

Love Packs - ongoing opportunity, Oxford

Mustard Seed, Inc. - ongoing opportunity, Jackson

Mississippi Blood Services - ongoing opportunity, Oxford

Volunteering at Children's Hospital - ongoing opportunity, Jackson

UMMC Volunteer Reserve Pool - ongoing opportunity, Jackson

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

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