Member News January 2022

Tari Dilks was honored with The DAISY Award for Lifetime Achievement. With McNeese State University and an intercollegiate consortium, Dr. Dilks led the creation of the first PMHNP program in the state of Lousiana. The program proudly counts almost 100 graduates since 2006. She also is an active presenter on mental health topics and a force among professional nursing organizations – including APNA, most recently as Immediate Past President on the APNA Board of Directors.

Jeremy Baker received The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. A grateful patient singled out Jeremy who built trust and gave hope to them during their hospital stay, guiding them from a manic episode to managing their bipolar illness.

Tamara Sullivan is the Unit Manager of the Behavioral Health Unit recognized with The DAISY Team Award for their devotion, even as circumstances around the pandemic exacerbate violent and abusive behavior. Special touches such as playing a hand of cards and remembering holiday treats exemplify the compassion woven into their care practices.

Amber Deere talks about impacts of pandemic-related isolation on persons living with severe mental illness in the North Star News.

These members were recognzied with a Book of the Year Award from the American Journal of Nursing:

Joyce Fitzpatrick co-author of Luminaries of the Past: Stories of Fifty Extraordinary Nurses.

Judy Sheehan and Joanne Matthew co-editors of Inpatient Psychiatric Nursing: Clinical Strategies, Medical Considerations, and Practical Interventions

Edilma Yearwood and Geraldine Pearson co-editors of Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health: A Resource for Advanced Practice Psychiatric and Primary Care Practitioners in Nursing