Magnet Journey to
Re-designation

Now that we have begun our Magnet journey, each month we will feature a magnet nurse champion from a different nursing unit to provide information on our Magnet re-designation. Please stay tuned to the "Magnet Moment" for more information.

Kristy Simmons, Magnet Nurse Champion Chair	Carol Powell, Carolyn Alexander, Krista Mauroner Amy Wallace, Lou Cangelosi, Tanya LeBlanc

Amy McCurdy, Belinda Campbell, Amy Edington, Lori Denstel, Susan Dupont, Chrystal Deslatte, Rachel Simmons Leslie Roy, Cindy Bonafanti, Joelle Lemoine, Monica Hunt, Kristy Simmons

Congratulations Nurses
Several Woman's nurses were honored at the 20th Annual "Celebrate Nursing" Banquet. This event is held every year by the Baton Rouge District Nurses Association and recognizes area nurses who have contributed to nursing, healthcare and/or their community. Congratulations to Janice Windham, Jennifer Vautrot, Janet Connolly, Beth Duff, Stacie Knippers, Paula Levert and Marsha Kaun.  We will be profiling each of the ladies in Small Talk in the coming months so stay tuned!

Marsha Kuhn
Starting her career as a nurse tech on L&D in 2002, Marsha went on to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing from OLOL College of Nursing in 2003 and has remained on the L&D unit.  In addition to her own professional development, she has made significant contributions to the professional development of other nurses at Woman's. As a member of the L&D Education Committee, Marsha has been very instrumental in the nursing skills lab and simulations. 

Marsha has served as the L&D representative to the hospital's Clinical Practice Committee for the last year.  Her responsibilities include discussing clinical practice issues, ensuring that hospital policies and procedures are evidence-based and voting on recommended changes in clinical practice.  As Chair of the L&D's Institute for Healthcare Improvement Committee, Marsha was instrumental in the development of the "Crimson Kit", now being used on the L&D unit for and in the anticipation of postpartal hemorrhages.

Stacie Knippers
The following words are often used by staff, physicians, and patients to describe Stacie: fair, good, honest, conscientious, trusting and respectable. As a charge nurse in the L&D unit, Stacie oversees the nursing care of 10 - 15 registered nurses each shift and makes outstanding contributions to the professional development of nurses at Woman's.  She always finds time to assist new nurses with clinical skills coaching and mentoring.

Stacie has been certified in Inpatient Obstetrics by the NCC since 1991 and is a member of  AWHONN.  In addition to being certified as a ACLS provider by the American Heart Association, she is also a member of the Labor and Delivery Interview Committee. Well respected by her peers, Stacie is describes as a great role model for anyone in professional nursing.

Paula Levert
Described as a natural teacher, Paula has a calm and reassuring manner. As Clinical Educator, she has the ability to teach nurses in a way that motivates them to learn and to develop to their full potential.  Paula has worked on the development and implementation of centralized nursing orientation for new graduates and is viewed as a resource to other educators and nurses within the hospital. 

She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society and the local Baton Rouge Oncology Nursing Society.  As a member of the Nursing Education Council and Clinical Practice Council, Paula provides valuable input in the development of procedures, standards of care and continuing education programs.  She has conducted continuing education presentations on Reconstructive Breast Surgery and Bariatric Surgery.  She presents IV Therapy and IV Medication Administration classes for new graduates and is certified in inserting PICC catheters and teaches BLS.