Nursing faculty and student manuscript acceptance
Join us as we congratulate Dr. Janice Thurmond, Dr. Summer Cross, Dr. Dina Byers, Dr. Dana Todd, Dr. Jennifer Rogers, Dr. Kristin Reid, and Emily Winstead, BSN student, on their recent manuscript submission acceptance. Their manuscript, “A Descriptive Study Examining Undergraduate Student Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic” was accepted into the International Journal of Nursing and Health Care Science.
Pictured right is Dr. Janice Thurmond.
Pictured first row, left to right are Dr. Summer Cross, Dr. Dina Byers and Dr. Dana Todd.
Pictured second row, left to right are Dr. Jennifer Rogers, Dr. Kristin Reid and Emily Winstead.
Carolyn Tinsley
Join with us as we congratulate Carolyn Tinsley on her recent poster presentation abstract acceptance at the Nurse Tim Nuts and Bolts conference. The presentation title is, “Think on Your Feet Care Planning Using Peer Assisted Learning.”
Misty Jones
Misty Jones graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1996 and her Master of Science degree in nurse anesthesia in 2002, both from Murray State University. After obtaining her master’s degree, Jones decided to form her own LLC in 2002 and contract out as a freelance anesthesia provider.
“I really enjoyed the autonomy this business model offered in the clinical setting as well as the flexibility in regards to my family life,” said Jones. “Being a CRNA is not a 9-5 job. There are days you may be at a particular facility for 12 or more hours if a complication arises. Other days, cases may get cancelled and you go home early.”
After 18 years working as an independent anesthesia provider Jones was presented with a business opportunity in the summer of 2019.
“A former colleague with whom I had provided anesthesia services to in the past reached out to inquire if I would be willing to manage the staffing, billing and anesthesia contract at a new pain facility in town,” said Jones. “Although the business side of anesthesia was unchartered territory for me at the time, I was intrigued by this new opportunity. After giving it some careful thought, I decided to totally immerse myself in the task at hand. Looking back, I’m glad that I took the risk.”
Jones’ business has continued to grow, and Jones Anesthesia, LLC is now managing anesthesia contracts for several dental offices, a pain clinic and surgery centers throughout Kentuckiana. Prior to opening her business and obtaining her master’s degree Jones also worked as a registered nurse (RN) in the coronary critical care unit at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, in the open heart recovery unit at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida, and as a research nurse with the Tampa Neuroscience Institute.
When asked what she thought set her business apart from similar businesses Jones said, “I think the main thing that sets Jones Anesthesia, LLC apart from similar businesses is the fact that my company can provide anesthesia for a multitude of specialties and facilities. The anesthesia teams that work with us are top notch and have a variety of backgrounds in multiple settings.”
Jones said she prefers to be very hands on with her business and doesn’t expect her providers to do anything she wouldn’t be willing to do herself. She handles everything including administration, marketing, quality assurance and billing as well as filling in when needed as an anesthesia provider.
“When it comes to the business of anesthesia, no job is too menial or unimportant,” said Jones. “I also make frequent visits to each facility to ensure that the physicians and staff members involved in performing surgeries and procedures are satisfied with our services.”
When asked about the key to succeeding in her field, Jones said, “The key to excelling in this field is flexibility. You should also find a mentor you not only admire, but trust. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to have my friend, colleague and preceptor Debbie Barber, DNP, CRNA as my mentor and biggest supporter. I truly could not have accomplished the business side of anesthesia without her advice. I admire her for all that she has contributed to our profession. Additionally, you should always have a backup plan and a check list, and you must be willing to take risks in business. I had to step out of my comfort zone and take some financial risks and explore the unknown. The first few months proved to be a challenge; however, patience and perseverance proved to be essential for success.”
For more information about Jones Anesthesia, LLC you can contact Misty Jones by email at, jonesanesthesiallc@gmail.com. You can also read more about Jones in The Voice-Tribune’s article found here.
Photo (cropped) is of Misty Jones. Original photo taken by Andrea Hutchinson.
Dr. Elizabeth A. Gordon
Join us in welcoming Dr. Elizabeth A. Gordon as the new program director for public and community health at Murray State University. In addition to her role as program director, Gordon will serve as an assistant professor in the department. Gordon is a west Kentucky native and received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Murray State University in 2008. She attended the University of Louisville’s School of Public Health and Information Sciences where she completed their Master of Public Health program. She is a certified public health professional with over 10 years of experience in the field.
Gordon started her career with Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky serving as a program specialist for the multi-million dollar grant Norton Cancer Institute received from the National Cancer Institute’s Community Cancer Centers program. She supported initiatives across the continuum of cancer care, including increasing access to clinical trials and biospecimen donation, addressing health care disparities, improving quality of care, and advancing survivorship and palliative care.
In 2012 Gordon returned to the University of Louisville to pursue her doctoral studies. She received the prestigious University Fellowship award to complete her degree in molecular, cellular and developmental biology. Her research in the field of behavioral neuroendocrinology evaluated the effect of elevated levels of testosterone on brain development and behavior in a mouse model of autism.
After completing her degree in 2016, Gordon relocated to Nashville, TN, to expand her skill set at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She served in roles with the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, managing effective operations of cross-disciplinary programs. She supported a large portfolio of National Institute of Health (NIH) grants, as well as the development, management, and evaluation of projects and programs.
Gordon joined the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 2019 where she worked at the intersection of science and patient advocacy, translating scientific strategy and patient insights into programs to accelerate research discoveries and save lives. She helped to lead the development of new scientific programs and initiatives, particularly those focused on metastatic and aggressive breast cancers, breast cancer disparities, big data, clinical trials and research advocacy.
With the recent spotlight on the field of public health brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gordon is eager to draw attention to the public and community health program and bring current events into the classroom.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Murray State and bring my real-world experiences to help train the next generation of public health professionals,” said Gordon.
Gordon and her husband, Josh, live in Murray, Kentucky where they enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling and visiting with family.
School of Nursing & Health Professions
Our school offers many different health careers that offer you the opportunity to influence the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Website: http://www.murraystate.edu/sonhp
Location: 120 Mason Hall, Murray, KY 42071
Phone: 270-809-2193
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSU-School-of-Nursing-Health-Professions-100228168258965
Twitter: @MsuSonhp