NURSING EXCELLENCE IN BLACK HISTORY

This BEAUTIFUL DIVA is a trailblazer in the world of sisterhood and nursing! Nurse Beverly Morgan, created the first LPN Sorority, Lambda Psi Nu Sorority. We are so proud of this Queen 

Established 2019

Caring Compassionate Nurses

Beverly Morgan is the Founder and President of Lambda Psi Nu Nursing Sorority, Incorporated founded February 9th, 2019 in Bowie, Maryland.  Beverly M. Morgan a Licensed Practical Nurse, along with 4 other dynamic Licensed Practical Nurses. The original National Lambda Psi Nu board members are Beverly M. Morgan, President, Founder, CEO, Sandra Culpeper, Vice President, Renee Likong, 2nd Vice President, Daria Harris, Secretary, and Tina Johnson, Treasurer better known as the “Fabulous Five”.  Lambda Psi Nu is a nursing organization that is owned and operated by Licensed Practical Nurses.  

Beverly is an organization leader, change agent, strategist, and visionary with 30 years of progressively responsible healthcare experience leading innovative partnerships, population health and large-scale initiatives that drive improvements in care models, patient satisfaction, provider engagement, and profitability.

Lambda Psi Nu Nursing Sorority 2022 accomplishments were amazing.  We set out with the national initiatives and we executed them with dignity and grace. All in the spirit of being caring compassionate nurses with the mindset of giving back to and improving our communities.  In 2022 we accomplished the following:  we educated 1300 people about Advanced Care Planning and End of Life Care options,  educated 1030 people about Diabetes and connected them to resources, We gave over $8,000 in scholarships in 2022, educated over 500 people about Hospice and Palliative Care, We donated 28,000 hours of community service, educated 170 nurses on Diabetes Navigation, donated 750 back packs to deserving children, donated coats, hats and gloves to 550 people, We donated Thanksgiving  baskets to 5o families, and we donated Christmas gifts to 135 families.

Ms. Morgan’s passion and commitment to the nursing profession is demonstrated through her philanthropic giving of nursing scholarships.  She also works tirelessly as faculty for Vitas Healthcare & Hospice traveling the country providing education on End of Life Care and Palliative Services.  She also provides community outreach and education to churches and senior centers in the Washington, DC on Medicare vs. Medicaid and Advanced Senior Planning.

Beverly is and has served the nursing profession as a board member for several healthcare organizations such as:  President and Founder of Lambda Psi Nu Nursing Sorority,  Past President of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, President of the NALPN Education Foundation, Vice President of the Maryland Licensed Practical Nurses Association, Past Treasurer of the Black Nurses of Southern Maryland, National Treasurer for Black Nurses Rock, Foundation and Past Treasurer of National Association Health Service Executives, Washington, DC chapter.

She has a strong passion for advocating for healthcare professionals by providing them with the opportunity to be the best healthcare provider via advanced education, research, and fundraising for each organization in which she is affiliated.

Beverly is a long-standing advocate for quality healthcare by serving the patients needing healthcare with dignity and respect at all times in every healthcare setting across the con

Dr. Erica N. Francois, DNP APRN 

Nurses with a loving soul dedicate their professional careers to helping others feel and be beautiful. Nurses are a bountiful gift from God. Dr. Erica N. Francois, DNP APRN, is one of those beautiful gifts that God has blessed upon the earth. 

Nurse Erica has beautifully devoted her practitioner care to helping patients in need of bariatric services. 

Nurse Erica is a native of Tampa, FL. She is a high school graduate of Forest Lake Academy located in Apopka, FL. She was accepted into the University of Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2005. Her nursing career included working in the neuroscience and trauma intensive care units. Erica continued to pursue higher education in nursing by receiving a Master of Science in Nursing in 2012 and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2013. Upon graduation, she began working in vascular surgery for three years. Currently, Erica is the Lead Advanced Practice Provider of ambulatory and specialty services at Tampa General Hospital. She also works with patients who are pursuing bariatric (weight loss) surgery. She has helped hundreds of bariatric patients experience lifestyle transformation.

Erica believes that transformation begins in the mind. A person who believes in themselves can never be defeated. The positive impact that Erica has made on her patients, birthed the beginning of her brand, Keyz of E. Through Keyz of E, she is taking her message of hope, empowerment, and personal responsibility beyond the medical office to a world that could use a little support and motivation. She serves as a healthcare advocate for the obesity population, and provides the necessary tools, such as diet planning, appetite suppressants, and emotional support to those with the disease of obesity.

Erica has created apparel to promote her brand and obesity. Her most notable t-shirt that has been promoted by thousands is “Love God Love People.”

Although Erica stays active with her career, she likes to take time out to spend with her husband, Pierre, and two children Nathan and Morgan.

Instagram: drmrsfrancois

LinkedIn: LinkedIn/keyzofe

Facebook: Dr Erica Francois DNP APRN

Email: keyzofe@gmail.com

Dr Erica Francois DNP APRN, you are a phenomenal nurse leader. We, at Black Nurses Magazine, salute and honor you. Thank you for all you've done, are doing, and will do #forthrculture, for nursing, and for the healthcare profession. Thank you for being a Beautiful Nurse.

In her words...

The significance of a nursing foundation is not only of national importance but a global necessity. Being able to convey that nursing is not just a task or skill fulfilled profession, but is a holistic profession which requires well rounded knowledge!

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After reading about this Beautiful Nurse, please visit her website and donate to her life changing non-profit. After donating, stop by social media and LIKE/FOLLOW NYCHCPA https://m.facebook.com/nychcpa/?mibextid=LQQJ4d  Nurse Karline told us to tell you, Thank you. 

Nurse Karline Barthe, whose career spans over 26 years, has served as a Head Nurse Manager, many times over. Recently, she received a beautiful career growth from being an Infection Preventionist at a great Health Hospital in New York City, to a new role that embodies her gift of community service advocacy. Nurse Karline's new role is DON (Director of Nursing) for FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center). FQHC has 14 health centers across New York City and serves more than 80,000 unserved patients annually. 

Nurse Karline's Non-Profit...

Nurse Karline is the Co-Founder and Vice President of NYC Health Care Professionals Association – NYCHCPA Care, Inc., a rising non-profit doing great things within the New York City community. 

In 2019 Ms. Barthe and her business partner, Mr. Fontaine Joseph, a RRT Registered Respirator Therapist, founded NYCHCPA Care, Inc.  They brought their vision of community health into fruition. They believed that all disciplines in healthcare under one umbrella can provide, allocate resources, and advocate community centered care to the underserved and vulnerable communities. They also believed in mentoring and supporting novice healthcare professionals in sustaining autonomy, thus benefiting health organizations with retention and confidence in their employees. 

Nurse Karline is an award winning nurse who has been recognized for her accomplishments. One of her most proudest awards was being an honoree of the Schneps Media Power Women of Brooklyn 2022.  Being a Schneps Media Power Women of Brooklyn honoree, places her in a sisterhood of great women impacting the global stage of service. NYCHCPA Care, Inc. received the Brooklyn Borough President Covid Hero’s Citation 2021, and on September 23,2022 received a Proclamation  for “ NYCHCPA Care, Inc. Day Of Celebration by former Brooklyn Borough President, and now, NYC Mayor  Mr. Eric Adams, for their life saving programs and events especially during the height of the Covid -19 pandemic. NYCHCPA is also the recipient of “The Mayoral Service Recognition Award 2020 “ given by former Mayor Bill de Blasio. 

Nurse Karline has collegiate degrees from CUNY Medgar Evers College, CUNY School of Professional Studies and SUNY Farmingdale State University. She is currently attending CUNY SPS graduate school in studies towards her MSN in Organization Leadership with advance studies in Education. She is Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Leader, former CUNY School of Professional Studies  Ace Scholar, and Nurse Career Mentor for the CUNY Research Foundation. 

Here's a beautiful view of Nurse Karline sharing her nursing journey. 

https://youtu.be/hJoovxYXSN8

Nurse Karline serving and giving back to the community of her country 

https://www.facebook.com/cunysps/videos/10154439511907681/?vh=e 

NYCHCPA is excited to host their 2nd Annual Black Tie Candle Light Soirée, "THE GIFT OF LIFE", Saturday, April 8, 2023.  

Nurse Karline you are a phenomenal nurse leader. We, at Black Nurses Magazine, salute and honor you. Thank you for all you've done, are doing, and will do #forthrculture, for nursing, and for the healthcare profession. Thank you for being a Beautiful Nurse. 

Michelle Greene Rhodes, MHS, RN

CEO, MRRN GLOBAL LLC

In her words...

I became a Nurse because of my Mother Mary, who served as a CNA, on the night shift for many years.  That was my foundation learning from her...

...she challenged me to go further, go harder, and to go for my community. 

The world of nursing & the healthcare profession has received a BEAUTIFUL dose of needed WELLNESS on a global platform because of this award winning and dynamic nurse.  We are honored at Black Nurses Magazine to highlight this Beautiful Nurse! 

Michelle Greene Rhodes, MHS, RN is a 10 time Award-winning Nurse, International Speaker, Healthcare Writer, 8 x Author and Executive Coach.  Michelle is an entrepreneur, and is the Founder of “The Color of Wellness” Digital Media Brand. 

Known for making wellness a motivational thing, organizations turn to her for energetic ways to motivate and engage communities, innovative thinking, and the ability to move populations toward positive change in business, leadership, and wellness. She has been featured on Sirius XM radio, NPR radio, AARP blog and ANA blog.

She serves as an Opinion Columnist at CEO World Magazine, a Healthcare Writer at GoodRx, and her writing has been featured on Medium, Blavity, Entrepreneur.com.  Michelle is married to Air Force Veteran Albert, and has 2 children, Jon and Ali. In her meantime, you can catch Michelle on the beach, reading a good book and dancing to great music. 

Please click link to view her digital publication 

https://colorofwellness.co/

Laura Allison, LPN, Entertainment Nurse

In her words...

Laura truly loves what she does and does what she loves.

...it was the right time to “give back” to them and others the way they gave back to her and her mother. 

Nurse Alison started a nursing career when her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The prognosis for her mother was terminal and sadly, Laura's mother passed away. The heartbreaking death of her mother would be followed by a resiliency of Nurse Power within Laura. The beauty of healing others would insidiously breathe a life of caring within Nurse Laura. She made it her business to be the caring nurse that she saw displayed by those who took care of her mother. 

Since the loss of her mother, Nurse Laura has blossomed within the nursing profession. She has worked in various capacities as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She has worked in long term facilities throughout Staten Island, NY, and has also held a regional position for a national nursing organization.

During the pandemic, Nurse Laura expanded her knowledge base by pursuing an additional career path. That career path would be entertainment. Launching her gifts within the entertainment community allowed her to have a leadership role for upcoming movie and musical productions. She was able to meet and work alongside an array of  Hollywood movie and music stars. 

While working in entertainment during the Covid Crisis, Nurse Laura received a beautiful opportunity to work for the same hospice company that took care of her mother many years ago. This truly was beautiful and soul touching for Nurse Laura. She felt it was the right time to “give back” to them and others the way they gave back to her and her mother. 

Nurse Laura has been in health care for 27 years. She has worked as a medication technician, and a program liaison for the MICA program. The MICA Program (Mentally Ill & Chemical Abuse) helps individuals with services who suffer from mental health and chemical abuse disorders. 

Before becoming an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) in 2013, Nurse Laura worked as a mental health technician for both adult and adolescent clients.  Also, before becoming an LPN, she worked closely with her union, 1199 SEIU. The Union, 1199SEIU (United Healthcare Workers East), has a beautiful slogan that they stand for, QUALITY CARE AND

GOOD JOBS FOR ALL. Nurse Laura served as a union delegate for 1199 SEIU. She would attend contract negotiation sessions for citywide employees and helped assist newly joined local union members to reach their first bargaining agreement. 

Undoubtedly, as you've read, Nurse Laura is versatile in her career goals. Social Justice and Healthcare Advocacy are important too. She has attended both healthcare and social justice rallies. Nurse Laura was chosen twice to represent her hospital on union member teams, lobbying US congressional senators on various health care issues. 

Nurse Laura, we want to thank you at Black Nurses Magazine for being a beautiful example of showing the world that nurses are just not unilateral in their career style, but they can be flexible in their gifts and within the community. Thank you for all you've done, are doing, and will do #fortheculture. You are a Beautiful Nurse. 

Carissa M. bolden, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

In her words...

I feel like nursing is a career of gratitude. As a Nurse Practitioner at NuCare Medical, we utilize the latest and most innovative evidenced based research when providing care for our clients. We take pride in offering  the best customer service and experience. Each day I stand with the notion "God will supply my every need". I am so grateful for all the blessings that I have and are coming my way. There are a million things I can complain about but I choose to be thankful and grateful. I take time to be thankful and to be present and enjoy each day as it comes. Life is about creating memories and sharing moments. As a Family Nurse practitioner and Co-Owner of Nucare Medical and Weight Loss Center, LLC, I am committed to delivering high-quality care to our clients. 

Carissa Bolden-Windham, CEO/Partner of NuCare Medical and Weight Loss Center, LLC, is a native of Wiggins, Mississippi. She graduated with honors in 2018 with a Masters Degree in Nursing and is currently completing the Doctoral program. She is licensed to practice as a mid-level provider in Mississippi, California, New Jersey, and Virginia.  She also practices as a subcontractor for the CDC and the Department of Defense as a Civil Surgeon Examiner. She has also worked as a Hospitalist for Operation Welcome Allies and Team Hope. She has served as a provider for a local Federally Qualified Health Center here on the MS Gulf Coast. Having more than four years of diverse experience as a Nurse Practitioner, and 15 years as a Registered Nurse, she has the experience to complete the job. She serves her community with compassionate care. Carissa graduated School with a focus in Adult Health and Primary care. Carissa cooperates with many other doctors and specialists on the Mississippi Gulf Coast providing a foundation for life-long health. She is certified with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and a member of the Mississippi Association of Nurse Practitioners. Lastly, She is the mother of Staven Kinnard jr. and the wife of Mr. Shermaine Windham, both of Wiggins, Mississippi.  

Nurse Carissa, we are very proud and honor you for all the work you do. We thank you for all you've done #fortheculture, healthcare, and the nursing profession. You are a Beautiful Nurse. 

Alisha Childs-Foster RN, MSN, OCN 

This phenomenal and award winning nurse, has contributed beautifully to the world of nursing. Nurse Alisha is a nurse leader who has impeccable clinical and professional skills. She is truly an unsung hero within the world of nursing, and oncology nursing.

Nurse Alisha has been a Registered Nurse for almost 14 years. Her entire career has been in Oncology in a number of different roles. Alisha graduated with her Master’s degree in Nursing Administration from Kaplan University. She has validated her knowledge in her specialty by obtaining her OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) certification.

Nurse Alisha is currently working as a Nursing Service Coordinator at a leading facility in Atlanta, GA where she leads the nursing teams in 10+ Radiation Oncology clinics.

She began her pre nursing career during nursing school as a summer intern at Duke University assisting a researcher who was studying the burden of prostate cancer among African American men. It was of great interest and she knew that she wanted more; she knew that Oncology had her interest. The following summer she completed an externship shadowing a RN on the Bone Marrow Transplant unit at UNC Healthcare. She fell more in love with the specialty, the team, and most of all the relationship that she established with the patient population. Once she graduated her experience in oncology expanded, she took on multiple travel assignments, and landed herself in multiple Oncology roles (BMT, Research, Pediatrics, Infusion, Navigation, leadership, etc.).

She has been a nominee and recipient for multiple awards in her career. Most recently, she was nominated for the Atlanta Journal Constitution Nursing Leadership Excellence Award by her nursing team. She is also a previous recipient of the Daisy Award, again nominated by her nursing team. This award is given to recognize the compassion, clinical skills, and support that nurses and leaders provide. These nominations from her team members are just a few that show the character, compassion, and leadership that she provides on a daily basis. Other nominations in her career include the NSH RN Excellence Award, Mark Award and March of Dimes Nurse of the Year.

She serves as a member of several national professional organizations including ONS (Oncology Nursing Society), SROA (Society for Radiation Oncology Administrators), ABSA (American Brachytherapy Society), and AONL (American Organization for Nursing Leaders).

In her beautiful words...

I am nothing but clay in the hands of The Potter.  I have never viewed myself as a "career" woman; rather, I am a black woman who seeks aligned Purpose. Muse or nurse -- even as mother, daughter, sister, or friend -- all function as part of the same artful spectrum. To clothe, feed, nurture, and comfort; to communicate, to probe, question, and understand; to dance and create; to hear and see others; to live and LOVE; these are my commissions. God has great reasons for encasing me within this dark-hued melanated shell. At age four, I told my dad that I wanted to be a nurse! Little did I know what that would entail! By age five, I discovered the piano and thus began my lifelong love affair with music. It was not until many years later, after the crumbling of my second marriage, that I decided to rekindle my flame for my latent dream. I entered the world of nursing by going back to school, beginning as an emergency room nurse at the dawn of the Covid-19 pandemic! Since then, I continue to work in fields which draw me nearer to humanity. 

I pray that God allows me to continue to serve in all capacities with integrity, precision, compassion, and grace. Thank you, BNM, for taking a peek into the life of this loving nurse...I pray that God allows me to continue to serve in all capacities with integrity, precision, compassion, and grace. Thank you, BNM for taking a peek into the life of this loving nurse..." 

ROBIN FAY MASSIE is a professional violist based in Atlanta, GA. She completed her education in Viola Performance after attending the following schools: The University of Maryland, College Park; New England Conservatory; and The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University.  

She has performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, as Assistant Principal Viola with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, and as Principal Viola with the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra in Philadelphia. As a recording artist, she has appeared in concert, both live and on television, with notable artists such as: Jill Scott, Clay Aiken, Aretha Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Earth Wind & Fire, Ruben Studdard, Phillip Phillips, Maysa Leak, and Stevie Wonder. Recent backup performances include live appearances with Alfie Boe and Pete Townshend of The Who on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2017), with Eminem at the Firefly Music Festival (2018), Two Feet in his network television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2018), the late Mac Miller on NPR’s Tiny Desk summer concert series (2018), and Ms. Lauryn Hill at the Hollywood Bowl (2019). Additionally, Ms. Massie performed on the soundtrack to director Spike Lee’s eight-part docuseries, NYC Epicenters 9/11 – 2-21 ½ (2020), recorded in Nashville, TN.

With a heart for service, she founded Musicians of Mercy (MOM) in January 2010 – a collective of musicians and artists which produces benefit concerts to raise funds for humanitarian causes – and serves as its Executive Director. Also, an active chamber musician and soloist, Ms. Massie maintained a small private studio for area students.

As an interesting twist in her career, Ms. Massie also works nights as a Neonatal ICU nurse in Atlanta, GA. She served on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic as an emergency department registered nurse at a hospital in Baltimore, MD. She has also worked with oncology patients, guiding infusions of chemotherapy and biotherapy. She was recently featured in a short film by Aaron Dworkin – An American Prophecy – winner of a Michigan Emmy Award for its artistic depiction of the stories of frontline healthcare workers. In all areas, she strives to provide the highest level of joy, compassion, and artistry. 

In her beautiful words...

"I choose nursing because of the diversity of nursing specialties. With this being Black History Month, I am proud to be a Black Nurse of 28 years and encourage others to pursue this rewarding career."

Dr. Sabrina Dean, DBA, R. N. is a dynamic, decisive, and versatile professional who can navigate the perplexity of life and healthcare.

Dr. Sabrina Dean, who is from Dayton, Ohio, is the CEO of Dr. Sabrina’s Healthcare Consulting, LLC for healthcare organizations, the Founder of 

Dr. Sabrina Dean, who is from Dayton, Ohio, is the CEO of Dr. Sabrina’s Healthcare Consulting, LLC for healthcare organizations, the Founder of Sabrina’s Consulting, where she helps individuals fulfill their holistic and health desires, and the Co-Founder of the African American Women Giving Circle, Dayton, OH. Dr. Sabrina is the former Director of Quality, Infection Control, Regulatory and Accreditation, Employee Health, Risk Management at several healthcare organizations, and she is an Adjunct Professor at Franklin University, Columbus, OH for their doctoral program. Dr. Sabrina is an experienced Registered Nurse with a demonstrated history of working in the healthcare industry. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Wright State University and a Doctor of Business Administration focused on Healthcare from the Northcentral University.  Dr. Sabrina has spent the last 15+ years as a healthcare executive for several short term and long-term acute care hospitals. In her new healthcare consulting program, she assists healthcare organizations achieve 90th percentile with their Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) value-based purchasing quality measures. The healthcare organizations will leave this program with an impressive percentile ranking that will keep their organization in the black and not the red.

Dr. Sabrina is an award-winning

Registered Nurse who has been recognized by:

• Dayton Business Journal, 40 Under 40 Award

• Northcentral University Community Service Award

• Amazon Best-Selling Author

For speaking, please contact: Sabrina@drsabrinashealthcareconsulting.com www.drsabrinashealthcareconsulting.com Dr. Sabrina's Healthcare Consulting, LLC

Dr. Scharmaine Lawson, DNP, FNP, PMHNP, FAANP, FAAN, has a nursing career that spans thirty years, with twenty-three of those years being an advanced practice nurse. Her innovative way of educating the youth about the role of the nurse practitioner has elevated the Advanced Practice Nurse. Through a series of educational tools such as dancing mascots, and interactive play, she orchestrates an entire learning production when she visits elementary schools across the country. Her largest show drew greater than 1000 students from Shreveport, La. Nola The Nurse® and Dr. Lawson have also been featured on several national TV outlets and other media. With greater than 30 titles to date, some translated in Spanish and French, Nola The Nurse® will soon be animated via Nola The Nurse® TV in the Spring of 2023.

In addition, Dr. Lawson started the first nurse practitioner owned Housecall practice in the State of Louisiana. With greater than 100,000 home visits, it has transformed to meet the widespread needs of the underserved communities of Louisiana. To further extend the reach of her work, she has written a best-selling book, Housecalls 101: The only book you will ever need to start your practice, that outlines how to start a successful house call practice. She details in the book strategies to maintain a house call practice, systems to establish healthy outcomes in underserved communities, and offers inspiration to other nurse practitioners.

Future endeavors for the DrLawsonNP brand include a new TelePsych practice launched across multiple states and a Podcast entitled Nite Nite Nurse: Sleep is Self-Care, soon to be released on Spotify, Anchor, Apple, and other podcast platforms. 

Please follow and support Dr. Lawson @ 

https://www.facebook.com/DrScharmaineLawsonNP

 @Dr_lawson_np IG

@drlawsonnp twitter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlawsonnp/

Here's a beautiful video that features Dr. Lawson 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upBu_Py-rZo

Male Nurses are an endangered species within the world of nursing. We are extremely proud to recognize this brother, James Sampson, RN, who is an excellent representation for the nursing profession and black history. His expertise and presence in nursing offers a safe space for black patients, and provides an example of excellence for men who nurse while being black.

Many may say, what does it matter? Why do you specifically acknowledge black nurses? Color is just color. Well, this is not true with every occurrence. Often, black men do not matriculate in nursing specialty areas they may love because of fear. They know there is a great possibility of not being hired, or even considered. There was a black male nurse who wanted to work in pediatrics. He went through a battery of interviews. He actually interviewed more than all of the interview candidates.  Unfortunately, he was not hired, although he interviewed extremely well, had more years of nursing experience. and provided impeccable references. Therefore, yes, it is important to recognize men of color within healthcare, as they have a struggle that others will never understand. 

After becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse fifteen years ago, Nurse James received his Associate Degree in Nursing. In his own words, Nurse James stated, "It was a daunting task at my age to say the least. But with the support of my wife and family, the task was completed".

Nurse James has assisted State and Federal healthcare organizations by providing competent critical based nursing care.  He enjoys working with healthcare professionals as a team to produce the best healthcare outcomes for patients. 

Nurse James, we thank you for being a man who nurses in a beautiful way. 

K Our featured nurse today is, Kimberly Fields, MSN, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Nurse Kimberly has been a registered nurse for over 30 years, 15 of which she has been practicing as a Nurse Practitioner. She enjoys working with adults that have psychiatric disorders.

Nurse  Kimberly graduated with a master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Her most cherished role as a Registered Nurse was working in the Emergency Department at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, and the Medical College of Virginia Hospital, which is currently known as Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health Systems.

Kimberly credits working as an Emergency Department Nurse, in being the catalyst that propelled her to consider training as a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry. As an ER Nurse she had the opportunity to provide care to many complex patients that exhibited significant psycho-social issues which affected their quality of life. Her belief was that in the role of Nurse Practitioner, she could better serve the population that seemed to have the greatest disparities. "I wanted to be proactive rather than reactive, so I made the move to Mental Health." Nurse Kimberly's current assignment is as rewarding as her service was in the ED.

Nurse Kimberly is currently employed in an all-Black private practice, Unique Holistic Care, LLC. They serve the community and have a special heart for those that suffer with access to quality care. There are many disparities in this community, all from varied sociocultural backgrounds and demographics. Working with clients who have experienced trauma is my most passionate area or practice. 

In her own words, Nurse Kimberly states, "I am able to connect with my clients in a compassionate manner because of my own personal experiences. It is important to my community of clients that I am a Black provider. Being able to build rapport and connection gives way to improved trust and compliance in the treatment process. We have all struggled with some form of trauma in our lives and, having someone that can be in the process with you makes a significant difference. My life experiences have given me an innate ability to see the whole person. It is a gift to be able to offer W-holistic integrative care, and therapeutic interventions along with medication management".In her words, "My ultimate goal is to be able to provide complementary and alternative medicine treatment to all my patients. I enjoy opportunities to educate the community on the benefits of mental health treatment and help decrease the stigma of treatment in our Black communities. I fully believe that people are resilient and must strive towards wholeness in order to heal and grow. Most importantly, I get to be a part of their process of growth and healing"  Kimberly Fields, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Nurse Kimberly you are a BEAUTIFUL NURSE! We here at Black Nurses Magazine, thank you for your outstanding work and for being a beautiful legacy in the community. We are thankful for your BEAUTIFUL. 

The next time you reflect or dialogue on civil rights, fair justice, healthcare advocacy, nursing education, and overall  nursing excellence, Black Nurses Magazine would like for you to please remember this Beautiful Nurse, Dr. Maija Anderson, DNP, APRN, SAMFE

Dr. Anderson is currently an Assistant Professor, and Director of Nursing at Morgan State University. 

Dr. Anderson has forged an amazing legacy of change. Public health has been her her torch of valor and she is an intentional voice that has worked for social justice, human civility, and nursing excellence. Her nursing career has not only been dedicated to direct patient care and nursing education, but she has dedicated her life to advocating for the voiceless, poor, and helpless, to ensure that their civil rights, particularly those of black and brown people, are protected. 

While working in the Emergency Department at a  hospital located in the heart of Chicago, she witnessed black men that came into the emergency room under arrest, were disproportionately being brought into the hospital by law enforcement having been beaten during the arrest and sustaining injuries that accompanied matchless and unexplainable explanations. Dr. Anderson would question the officers and demand answers as to why this extreme level of violence had been perpetrated on her patient.  During those sad moments she began to realize that this country had an even deeper hidden and often unspoken public health crisis. Dr. Anderson has been featured in many publications and has actively worked in forensic nursing as well. The beating and killing of black victims are disproportionate due to many reasons, and the minimal awareness because of specific populations, needed attention with permanent solutions. 

Dr. Anderson has been featured in many publications. Her writings often focus on the public health crisis of police brutality and violence. One of our favorite articles, here at Black Nurses Magazine, by Dr. Anderson, was featured in Academia EDU, in lieu of George Floyd's death. Our favorite publication was featured in August 2020, and the title was, Maryland Nurses Responsibility to Victims of Police Violence. This powerful piece educates the public on a disparaging public health crisis of police violence toward black and brown people. In the article she offers excellent solutions for the crisis. Nurses should be highly aware of how to care for patients whom they feel have been the victim of police brutality. 

In our dedication to honor Black Nurses this month, we beautifully choose Dr. Anderson, as our first nurse of recognition. We thank you Dr. Anderson for your BEAUTIFUL. You are a BEAUTIFUL NURSE!