FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2008
Contact: Jessica Wong and Sheila Humphrey
(662) 329-7119

Smyth to speak at nurse practitioner convention; Curtis inducted into MNA Hall of Fame

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Mississippi University for Women’s Master of
Science in Nursing Director Patsy Smyth has been asked to speak at the
Mississippi Nurses Association Nurse Practitioner Spring Convention in
Natchez on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26.

Her speech will focus on the pediatric field, which is titled “The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Lead Levels in Children.” Dr. Smyth will present her speech twice, once each of the two days of the convention.

The convention allows for nurse practitioners to network, discuss legislative needs for the profession and discuss issues that nurses confront in their practice. Many seminars and speeches are given by various nurses across the state addressing different topics concerning the medical field.

The convention also provides continuing education units (CEUs) for all
practicing nurse practitioners. All nurse practitioners are required to update their education with 20 CEUs a year.

Dr. Symth’s speech is influenced by the discovery of low lead levels seen in children patients and the current trend of lead found among toys imported from China.

“I wanted to speak on these children that we were seeing who have low level lead values that are not at high enough levels to be treated (over 10 dL.) but still show the consequences in behavior such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, decreased IQ, etc.” Smyth said.

Her presentation will also cover the pathophysiology of lead in the human body, unsuspected sources of lead, such as toys from China, lead crystal, plumbing, jewelry, candles and lead paint in houses built before 1972 and women who have become pregnant from other countries, or in the United States, who have lead deposited in their bones from exposure to lead and how that lead causes lead poisoning in the fetus.

Dr. Smyth was formerly a pediatric nurse before becoming a family nurse
practitioner. She also works as a nurse practitioner in the Columbus Health Center, Lower Crossing Medical Clinic in Sherman and for Dr. Lowry's in Columbus. She is currently chair of the Department of Graduate Nursing at MUW.

In other nursing news, Dr. Mary Pat Curtis, retired MUW nursing professor and alumna, was inducted into the MNA Hall of Fame. She was honored at the Mississippi Nurses Association and Foundation fourth annual Nightingale Awards Gala held in February in Jackson.

Alumna Ricki Garrett, executive director of the MNA said, “The Nightingale Awards distinguish those men, women and organizations that have made a special effort to excel in the area of healthcare.”

Curtis served as chair for the MSN program at MUW for 10 years, was on
faculty for 15 years and was a 1979 MSN graduate. She retired in June
2003. Curtis was one of only three inductees into the hall of fame.

The MNA Hall of Fame awards are based on a nurse’s impact on the field extending beyond their own employment or lifetime. They are recognized for a lifelong commitment to the profession of nursing as well as making an impact on the health of the state of Mississippi.

An excerpt from Dr. Curtis’ nomination packet read, “Dr. Curtis has worked tirelessly and successfully for nursing in the state and in the nation. She was a master teacher for 23 years at Mississippi University for Women in the classroom and clinical arenas. She always went the extra mile with her students and compassionately worked with them. She was a visionary nursing leader and was greatly respected by both faculty and students.”

Other MUW alumnae receiving awards were:

Paula Brown, 1991 BSN graduate, Nurse Mentor of the Year award
Lisa Marie Byrd, 1996 MSN graduate, Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year award
Debrynda Dean, 1977 BSN graduate, Community Service Nurse of the Year award
Pamela Hodges, 1988 BSN graduate, Nurse of the Year award