Medicaid Services Unit (MSU) had nine nurses to graduate from the healthcare management nursing leadership practicum on November 2, 2015. This is a 12-month course of study for MSU nurses where the focus is to enhance leadership skills and develop career goals. The nurses receive mentoring by their area nurse supervisors.  They assist them with self-directed areas of interest. Nurses from various parts of the state completed the leadership practicum. These were the following graduates and their area nurse supervisor mentor: Vicki Blevins, R.N., Sara Decker, R.N, area nurse supervisor, Donna Munyon, R.N.; Jann Wilson, R.N., area nurse supervisor, Jane Armstong, R.N.; Dennis Martin, R.N., Mary Ann Merrill, R.N., area nurse supervisor, LeaAnn Cook, R.N.; Shannon North, R.N., area nurse supervisor, Linda Alexander, R.N.; Petrina Davis, R.N., area nurse supervisor Brenda Nixon, R.N.; Tracey McKee, R.N., area nurse supervisor, Dana Underwood, R.N.; and Rogna Ferguson, R.N., area nurse supervisor Patty Casey, R.N.

The leadership practicum not only provides mentoring but coaching, personal development through developing new skills, and exploring career progression in nursing. “The nurses are responsible for their own professional development in the MSU but participants in this course of study benefit from a structured curriculum,” says Lou Bigger, RN, Nursing Programs Assistant Administrator.

Megan Haddock, Medicaid Services Director, sent a congratulatory letter to each graduate, which said, “Your continued growth and professionalism is what we have expected from you and you have not faltered in anyway. She also said, “We are so proud knowing that you continue to achieve with great results in spite of the hard times and challenges.” This is the second year for Aging Services to coordinate the leadership practicum; the 2014 class had 12 nurses to graduate.