Spring into Action!
Advancing Research & Practice
The Sigma Organizational Call to Action 2023-2025 focuses on "Represent," a theme introduced by President Dr. Sandra C. Garmon Bibb. The initiative encourages nurses to embrace individuality and collective leadership through three actions: Reflect, Respect, and Respond. These actions promote self-care, care for others, and environmental advocacy. Sigma members are urged to lead with cultural humility, professionalism, and perseverance in addressing modern nursing challenges, such as burnout and staffing shortages. The initiative aims to transform global healthcare through empowered and connected nurse leaders.
For more, visit Sigma Nursing.
For more, visit Sigma Nursing.
Speakers
Dr. Sandra C. Garmon Bibb serves as the 35th President of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) for the 2023-2025 biennium. She has over 30 years of experience in senior and executive leadership positions in military, academic, and community settings.
Dr. Benita Chatmon, Assistant Dean for Clinical Nursing Education at LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing, was elected as the North America Region 6 Sigma Global Regional Coordinator in 2023. She has extensive experience in medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, nursing education, nursing research, and nursing leadership.
Dr. Benita Chatmon, Assistant Dean for Clinical Nursing Education at LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing, was elected as the North America Region 6 Sigma Global Regional Coordinator in 2023. She has extensive experience in medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, nursing education, nursing research, and nursing leadership.
Dr. Sandra Bibb
President & CEO
Sigma, international
Sigma, international
Dr. Benita Chatmon
Regional Coordinator
north america region 6
Sigma, international
north america region 6
Sigma, international
Thursday Pre-conference Schedule
8:00 AM
to 5:00 PM
to 5:00 PM
Clinical Nurse Educator Academy
Make sure you sign up to attend the LSU Health Clinical Nurse Educator Academy - to get the link, sign up for your Region 6 Spring into Action! conference tickets first. There is a separate link to register for the FREE CNE-cl prep course, it is included in your Spring into Action! event confirmation email.
To learn more about the background of the program visit http://nursing.lsuhsc.edu/cne
To learn more about the background of the program visit http://nursing.lsuhsc.edu/cne
6:00 PM
TO 8:00 PM
TO 8:00 PM
Sigma Region 6 Networking Social
The event social will be held on Thursday night at the 8 Block Kitchen & Bar see venue menu: (venue menu pdf).
The event will be located at the conference hotel Hyatt Regency New Orleans - https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/MSYRN/G-STTI
The event will be located at the conference hotel Hyatt Regency New Orleans - https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/MSYRN/G-STTI
Friday - Region 6 Event Schedule
7:30 AM
to 10:00 AM
to 10:00 AM
Registration (7:30 - 10:00)
Check in and get your badge! Grab a coffee and visit a bit with our sister chapter members.
7:30 AM
TO 8:30 AM
TO 8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast and Poster Viewing
Join us for breakfast before the events begin! Then grab a coffee and join us in the main room and find your seats.
9:00 AM
to 9:15 am
to 9:15 am
Conference Welcome
Conference Co-Chairs Gina Rhodes, Dr. Colette Baudoin, & Katherine Kreis
Conference Co-Chairs Gina Rhodes, Dr. Colette Baudoin, & Katherine Kreis
Conference Co-Chairs will open the day with a warm welcome, and by introducing our gracious hosting program leader
Dr. Demetrius Porche, DNS, PhD, ANEF, FACHE, FAANP, FAAN – Dean & Professor, LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, School of Nursing
Dr. Demetrius Porche, DNS, PhD, ANEF, FACHE, FAANP, FAAN – Dean & Professor, LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, School of Nursing
9:15 AM
to 9:50 am
to 9:50 am
Opening Address: Dr. Benita Chatmon
The Future of Nursing Leadership: Region 6's Call to Action
The Future of Nursing Leadership: Region 6's Call to Action
The opening welcome speech at the Sigma Spring into Action conference, hosted by Region 6, will emphasize leadership, collaboration, and innovation in nursing. The event will set the tone for an engaging series of sessions aimed at empowering nurses to lead and to advocate for meaningful change within their own organizations and communities.
10:00 AM
to 10:50 am
to 10:50 am
Grand Keynote Address - Dr. Sandra Bibb
Authentic Leadership and Sigma's 2022-2025 Organizational Call to Action
Authentic Leadership and Sigma's 2022-2025 Organizational Call to Action
Dr. Sandra C. Garmon Bibb, 35th President of Sigma, International will bring the 2023-2025 Organizational Call to Action and her outlook for the future of Sigma, International. Her vision centers on empowering nurses to lead with cultural humility, professionalism, and perseverance. She encourages nurses to reflect, respect, and respond to challenges in healthcare, fostering innovation and leadership globally.
For more, visit Sigma Nursing.
For more, visit Sigma Nursing.
10:50 AM
to 11:00 am
to 11:00 am
Coffee Break & Poster Viewing
11:00 AM
to 11:50 am
to 11:50 am
Breakout Session 1
Room 1024:
- The Measurement of Clinical Judgment in Second Semester Baccalaureate of Science Nursing Students using High-Fidelity Simulation – Dr. Gina Dudley & Dr. Shawn Buhrow
- Utilizing Simulation in Didactic Courses for Critical Skill Demonstration – Laura Zebreski DNP, RN, RNC-NIC
Room 1044:
- Feasibility of Enhancing the Gerontological Nursing Workforce Through Fast-Track Prelicensure Nursing Program – Stephanie Trotter, Ph.D., RN & MacKenzie Brazier
- Engaging the Learner Through the Use of Tablet Technology – Courtney Brandt, DNP, APRN, FNP-C & Cheryl Tucker, DNP, RN, CNE
- Reinforcing Student Content Retention in an Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Track – Andrea Archer, DNP, RN, CNE; Brandy Brown, DNP, APRN, GNP-BC;
& Cheryl Tucker, DNP, RN, CNE
Room 1044:
- Data Mining with Artificial Intelligence for Social Determinants of Health Factors Predicting Stroke Mortality – Dixie Rose, PhD, RN, ACUE; Richard E. Gilder, RN, MS; & Susan McBride, PhD, RN-BC, CPHIMS, FAAN
- Accelerated Doctoral Program in Executive Nurse Leadership: A Pathway to Transformative Healthcare Leadership – Laure Marino, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
- Barriers and facilitators to telehealth adoption among older adults – Heba Sadaka, PhDc, MSN, RN, CNE
12:00 PM
to 12:50 pm
to 12:50 pm
Lunch & Networking
Join us for a refreshing break.
1:00 PM
to 1:50 PM
to 1:50 PM
Poster Presentations
The poster session at the Sigma Spring into Action conference provides an opportunity for nursing professionals to showcase research, innovative practices, and initiatives. Attendees can explore diverse topics, engage with presenters, and exchange ideas to enhance leadership, education, and patient care within the nursing community.
2:00 PM
to 2:50 PM
to 2:50 PM
Breakout Session 2
Room 1024:
- How Stressful is Nursing School? A Pilot Study Exploring Stress & Coping among BSN Students – Cheryl Slaughter-Smith Monfee, PhD, RN & Katherine Mann, BSN, RN
- Differences in Nurses' Perception of the Work Environment – Alexis Hayes PHD, APRN, FNP-BC; & Joanne Muyco DNP, RN, NE-BC, CNOR
- The Effect of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Estimator Implementation on Statin Initiation – Brittany Burris, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Room 1044:
- Interactive Learning and Dosage Calculation Performance – Tricia Templet, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, FNP-C; Robin Beacom, DNP, APRN, FNP-C; & Cynthia Watson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
- Modified Medication Administration Safety Assessment Tool (Modified MASAT), a competency evaluation instrument for simulation use – Katherine Kreis, MSN, RN, CHSE; Michael Holmes, MSN, RN
Room 1046:
- Implementing Evidence-Based Education Initiatives: Advancing Nursing Practice - Lenis Sosa DNP, RN, CCRC
- A Summer Student Nurse Camp: Establishing a Pathway to Nursing Education for Marginalized Youth to Increase Diversity in Nursing – Lisa M. Jones, DNP, MPH, RN, CNE-cl, CHES; Jennifer J. Jones, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC; Tiffany Flood, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC, CNE; & Michelle Jamison, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
- Improving Student Engagement Among High School Learners – Kaitlyn Rody & Lisa K. Morris, DNP, RN
2:50 PM
to 3:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Afternoon Break
3:00 PM
to 3:50 PM
to 3:50 PM
Podium Presentation Speakers
- Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Integration into Advanced Practice Nurse Education – Bridget Plesich, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC; Jennifer Rader, DNAP, CRNA; & Michael Anders, PhD
- From Awareness to Action: The Impact of Poverty Simulation on Bias Among Pre-Licensure Healthcare Students – Mona Cockerham, PhD, MSN, RN, CPHQ, EBP-C, ACUE Fellow; Simon Camel, PhD, RDN, LD; & Mary L. Williams EdD, ATC, LAT
4:00 PM
to 4:45 pm
to 4:45 pm
Region 6 Awards, Poster Awards, & Closing Announcements
Dr. Benita Chatmon, Region 6 Leaders, & Conference Co-Chairs
Dr. Benita Chatmon, Region 6 Leaders, & Conference Co-Chairs
The closing address at the Sigma Spring into Action conference will celebrate regional and chapter leaders, and highlight key insights gained from the symposium. Awards for Region 6 and Poster winners will be announced.
Conference Location
The conference sessions will be held at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSU HSC) Human Development Center.
The LSUHSC School of Nursing is also home to the Epsilon Nu at-Large chapter of Sigma, International.
The LSUHSC School of Nursing is also home to the Epsilon Nu at-Large chapter of Sigma, International.
Physical address for LSUHSC Human Development Center:
411 S Prieur St, New Orleans, LA 70112
411 S Prieur St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Thursday Evening Social
The event social will be held on Thursday night from 6 pm - 8 pm at the 8 Block Kitchen & Bar on the third floor of the hotel.
NOTE: A shuttle bus will be available between Hyatt Regency and the conference site to help attendees travel safely between the sites. Recent construction along the route (between hotel and conference locations) and sidewalk conditions make foot travel temporarily inadvisable.
NOTE: A shuttle bus will be available between Hyatt Regency and the conference site to help attendees travel safely between the sites. Recent construction along the route (between hotel and conference locations) and sidewalk conditions make foot travel temporarily inadvisable.
Hotel Information
Hyatt Regency New Orleans (Partner hotel, fully booked)
601 Loyola Ave,
New Orleans, LA 70113
601 Loyola Ave,
New Orleans, LA 70113
NOTE: A shuttle bus will be available between Hyatt Regency and the conference site to help attendees travel safely between the sites. Travel between Hyatt and Homewood is along a well lit route.
However, recent construction along the route and sidewalk conditions make foot travel between Hyatt and Conference location inadvisable.
However, recent construction along the route and sidewalk conditions make foot travel between Hyatt and Conference location inadvisable.
Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans
901 Poydras St,
New Orleans, LA 70112
901 Poydras St,
New Orleans, LA 70112
There are no conference agreements on rates at this location, and rooms will be taken quickly, don't delay.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/msyhwhw-homewood-suites-new-orleans/
Travel between Hyatt Regency and Homewood Suites is along a well lit route, and is only a brief distance.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/msyhwhw-homewood-suites-new-orleans/
Travel between Hyatt Regency and Homewood Suites is along a well lit route, and is only a brief distance.
Sponsor Recognition
Contact Us
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