GAMMA CHI CHAPTER, INC.

Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. Spring 2016

Southeast Regional Conference 2016

Inside this issue:

Basileus Corner

Legislative Day

2

Sisterhood 3

Desk of Parliamentarian 4

SER 5

Accelerated Membership 6

Gamma Chi Shines 7

In Memorial 10

Gamma Chi Chapter members attending the SER Conference

Gamma Chi Chapter members following Memorial Service

T he 63rd Annual Southeast Region-

al Conference was held March 9-

16, 2016 at Hilton Head Marriott

Resort and Spa in Hilton Head, SC. Zeta Chi

Chi was the host chapter. Robbin M. Har-

mon, EdD, BSN, RN, Regional Director.

Our SER kicked off with its opening ceremo-

ny held on March 11, 2016. Our 1st Assis-

tant Southeast Regional director Cathy

Badgett presided. Musical selections were

provided by our own SER choir. The keynote

speaker was Ms. Cheryl W. Capers ,Director

of Accreditation St Joseph/ Candler Health

System. She kicked off the conference with

her message referencing the three P's

( preparation, participation, and promotion).

There were greetings from various officials

and remarks from both our immediate past

Regional Director Dr. Robin Harmon and our

Supreme Basileus Dr. Elcedo Bradley.

First time attendees and neophytes were

recognized, as well as the members who are

the longest consecutive attendee. Gamma

Chi Chapter had the largest number of first

time attendees and neophytes. Soror Clara

Cabey of Gamma Chi Chapter received

recognition as having the longest consecu-

tive attendance. Soror Cabey has not

missed a Southeast Regional Conference in

more than thirty years.

Continue on page 5

Basileus Corner

S pecial thanks to everyone who attended

the Southeast Regional Conference in Hilton Head

S.C. Again, Gamma Chi brought home the award

for the most members present. Zeta Chi Chi Chapter put on an

exceptional conference. The weather was excellent, the ocean

view was so relaxing.

We now have new officers, South-

east Regional Director, Dr. Rhonda

K. Hollis; Grammateus, Vanessa Bar-

low; and Alice Jackson was re-

elected as Tamias.

Conference observers are

still talking about the positive ener-

gy and enthusiasm Gamma Chi del-

egation showed with their, "I’m so

excited" performance led by our 2017 SER Conference Chair-

person Georgia Jackson, Co-Chairs Treva Carter, and Angela

Ward.

Gamma Chi get ready, get ready, get ready as we prepare to

host the 2017 Conference in Atlanta at the Buckhead Westin

Hotel, Lennox Square. We will need all members engaged and

ready to make our conference the very best. Mark your calen-

dar now for March 15-19, 2017.

I’m So Excited!

Juanita Gibbons-Delaney Basileus

GNA Legislative Day at

State Capital

P rofessional Nurses and Student nurses gathered in the

2nd floor South Atrium of the Georgia State Capitol on

Thursday February 4, 2016, to participate in GNA Leg-

islative Day. We were given material by the GNA staff and vol-

unteers to inform us of the agenda for the day at the Capitol.

At 9:00 AM, the GNA morning program began. Several mem-

bers of the GNA Board of Directors spoke to the Professional

Nurses and Student nurses. GNA Legislative Director Richard

Lampier greeted us and expressed his gratitude to see so

many in attendance at the Capitol. GNA President Amiee Man-

ion thanked the nurses for their dedication in delivering quali-

ty care to the patients in Georgia. She spoke words of encour-

agement to all. GNA CEO Debbie Bartlett and other VIP Guests

spoke to the nurses. One member advised that all nurses

should get to know their Senator, House of Representative

members and Local Officials. We were encouraged to visit their

offices get to know our politicians and let them know us. It is by

being involved and knowing our political officials that our Agen-

da will be addressed by them. They stated that if we did not

“Put our Agenda on the Table, “We will be Eaten-up at the Ta-

ble. “ Their message is to, “Get involved and Stay involved.”

At 10:00 AM we gathered on the 2nd Floor North Steps of the

Capitol and took pictures with Gov. Deal. Afterwards we visited

the House/Senate Gallery on the 4th Floor of the Capitol and

watched the Day’s Sessions. One Senator acknowledged the

Nurses in the Gallery. She stated that there were over 1,700

Sorors Delaney, Henderson, Braimah, Mills and Rawls

Soror Mills and Rawls with Legislator and Gov. Deal welcoming the nurses

GNA CEO Debbie Bartlett and GNA President Amiee Manion with Sorors

nurses and student nurses at the Capitol for Legislative Day.

After lunch we attended Committee meetings in the Coverdale

Building and tried to connect with our individual Officials. Our

day at the Capitol ended after 3:00 PM. The day was exciting

and informative. In attendance were Soror Juanita Delaney,

Soror Miriam Henderson, Soror Janet Braimah, Erica Mills,

Karen Rawls, and 3 other Gamma Chi Sorors.

Submitted by Soror Miriam Henderson

BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION

G amma Chi Chapter celebrated Black History Month

with a Black History Trivia Quiz, presentations by

Soror Georgia F. Jackson and Soror Vickie Spann-

Reeves. Sorors showed their regal beauty by wearing African

Attire. Soror Jackson is chairperson for the Black History Pro-

gram.

Sisterhood Celebration

T he Annual Sisterhood Luncheon was held February

13, 2016, at the 57th Fighter Squadron located on

Clarimont Road in Brookhaven, GA. The chairpersons

for the luncheon was Sorors Betty Fayoe and Eula Carroll. The

luncheon was filled with fun, food, and fellowship. It was fan-

tastic to have so many participants from Gamma Chi taking

part in the activities. This was our first year at the Squadron

but hopefully not our last.

Sisterhood Photos

Legislator speaking with RNs and nursing students.

From the Desk of the Parliamentarian

Submitted by Soror Clara Cabey

T he Memorial Service at the 2016 SER Celebrated the

life of Soror Verdelle Bellamy. The 2016 SER Memorial

Service celebrated the life of our believer Soror

Verdelle Bellamy, who departed this life on April 22, 2015. She

was the 10th Supreme Basileus (1973-1977). Although it was

somber occasion, with all sorors attired in black, it allowed our

new sorors to appreciate the depth of our sorority, as all chap-

ters joined in the exercise to remember our deceased sorors.

This year’s choir was particularly dedicated. Gamma Chi also

remembered one of our Charter Members, Soror Betty L.

Bryson. The event took place from 7:30-8:30pm and was well

attended, although it made for a long day. (Memorial report

submitted by Soror Claudette Rainey).

O n Saturday March 12, 2016, the Sorors and Fraters

convened for a delightful luncheon and fellowship at

the signature Anita K. Bass luncheon. The room was

filled with a sold out crowd of members, family, scholarship

award recipients, and the recipient of the charitable donation.

The food and atmosphere were great, and there was a spectac-

ular array of classy green attire, some of

which was topped off with dynamic and styl-

ish hats. Nursing students were presented

with scholarship awards and the charitable

donation was presented the Union Mission,

which provides services for the homeless pop-

ulation. Robbin Harmon, SER Director

acknowledged past SER Directors, including

Catherine Binns and Georgia Faye Jackson.

She presented a plaque and a bouquet of

flowers in appreciation for their past service.

Gamma Chi Chapter was presented the

award for having the most members pre-

sent. There were 31 Gamma Chi members

present; three being first time attendees: Sandra Leonard, Son-

jile James, and Margaret Henry of The 8 Wonders. Our very

own Soror Janerio Farrington was the second place winner of

the Beta fundraiser, and she won a prize of $100.

After the event, the members of Gamma Chi joined the other

Georgia chapters outside to take a group picture. (Luncheon

report submitted by Sorors Treva Carter and Donna Carroll )

Sorors Treva Carver, Sandra Leonard, Sonjile James, Margaret Henry ,

and Georgia F. Jackson

Soror Farrington

Sorors Cabey, Lewis, Carroll, Carter, Jackson , Ladson, Perdue

Southeast Regional

Conference

2016 National Initiative:

Accelerated Membership

Intake Pilot.

I n response to significant feedback that the Supreme Basil-

eus has received over the years regarding the need to

increase the organization’s overall membership, Sorors

Treva Carter and Constance Hendricks were appointed by the

Supreme Basileus and charged with the task of developing a

process to improve the current Membership Intake procedure.

Sorors Carter and Hendricks co-chaired the Accelerated Mem-

bership Intake pilot (CAMIPP). The pilot modified the current

intake process which takes approximately six months and accel-

erated certain phases, which decreased the overall process to

approximately seven weeks. There were five chapters in the

Southeast Region and one chapter in the Middle West Region to

participate in the pilot. Omicron Chi from Sumter, South Caroli-

na was the first chapter to complete the Accelerated process,

and their two new members attended their first SER Confer-

ence. Due the overwhelming feedback the Supreme Basileus

received from other chapters wanting to participate, Sorors

Treva Carter and Constance Hendricks have been asked to start

a second pilot for the Accelerated process.

Front row: L-R: Arkeyra Aklin-Coles and Shanetta Ancrum-Lee- New

Members Back row: L-R: Treva Carter, Lorraine Singleton, and Con-

stance Hendricks

Gamma Chi Shines

D r. Sarah Killian, Assistant Professor of Nursing at

Georgia State University School of Nursing partici-

pated in a work shop titled “Preparing Nursing to

Become Global Citizens, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Atlanta,

Georgia. The workshop was sponsored by the International

Nursing Education

Consortium, of which

Dr. Killian is a mem-

ber of the Advisory

Board. Dr. Killian’s

presentation ad-

dressed evaluation of

a study abroad expe-

rience for student

nurses. The purpose

of the presentation

was to show not only

the importance of

having students

study abroad, but to

validate the outcome of the experience for the participants,

and determine if stated objectives were met. The presentation

showed accomplishment of stated objectives and the outcome

of student nurse learning, evidenced by student prepared pow-

er points and comments.

Other presenters included the President of the Multicultural

Nurses Society of Los Angeles, California, The Chair of the Inter-

national Programs and Projects of a national nursing organiza-

tion and the Director of the International Nursing Education

Consortium.

Dr. Killian is working on publishing the information gained

through evaluation of a study abroad experience, so that the

necessity and urgency of study abroad for student nurses may

be shared with other progressive institutions of learning with

nursing programs.

D r. Erica Mills was elected as the

2016-18 Chairperson of the

Metro Atlanta Chapter of the

Georgia Nurses Association. Soror Mills

has served as Chair-elect and as education

coordinator for the Metro Atlanta Chapter.

She has worked tirelessly to ensure Continuing Education Units

are presented at each chapter meeting as CEUs has become

mandatory for licensure renewal for RNs in Georgia.

S oror Claudette Rainey was nominated for the “Church

Woman of the Year” award from the Church Women

United (CWU) of

Georgia, Macon, GA on Febru-

ary 13, 2016. This is the eight-

eenth awards luncheon where

women from nine cities in GA

are recognized for their life

contributions to society. Soror

Rainey was the honoree from

the Atlanta unit, which meets

monthly. CWU is a women’s

movement which was formed

in 1941 during World War II

when it became necessary for

women to organize as their

husbands went off to war. It’s

a national volunteer Christian ecumenical women’s movement

initiated and carried out by women in the US and Puerto Rico.

Soror Rainey has been a member of CWU since March 2007

and has served as Vice President of the CWU Atlanta Unit since

2012. During 2015, she served as the catalyst to have the histo-

ry of the unit recorded by Story Corps by a number of members

of CWU Atlanta Unit. This history has found its way into the

Library Congress.

Soror Rainey relocated to the US in 1968 as a Registered Nurse

and Certified Nurse Midwife. She has been a member of Chi Eta

Phi Sorority Inc. since 1970.. An Adult Nurse Practitioner since

1973 she earned The State Excellence award from the Ameri-

can Academy of Nurse Practitioners in 1993. She was the Basil-

eus of Chi Chapter from 1996 to 2001 and earned Chi Eta Phi’s

National Special Achievement Award in July 1999.

The support of family and friends were evident. Forty people

including her pastor, Toni Belin – Ingram, family members from

Georgia, Rochester and Connecticut, Sorors Karan Lindo and

Janerio Farrington all boarded a bus bound for Macon. It was

a good day to be alive!

Dr. Sarah Killian

Erica Mills, PhD, RN

Gamma Chi Shines

O n March 20, 2016 Sorors Juanita Gibbons-

Delaney, Georgia Faye Jackson, and Juanita

Smith were newly inducted into the National

Council of Negro Women, Greater Atlanta Section. Our

Sorors Verdelle Bellamy and Catherine Binns were in-

ducted as honorary members.

Soror Louise Perdue is a new member of the DeKalb

Chamber of Commerce.

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

The committee did blood pressure screenings at

Ebenezer Baptist

Church on February 22,

2016. There was follow

up done for the three

(3) person with abnor-

mal blood pressures.

The Gamma Chi Stompers are preparing for the May 14,

2016 Relay for Life at Tri-Cities High School. This year’s

financial goal is $1,000.00

Soror Louis Purdue Published

Soror Purdue was recently published in Stroke Magazine

in affiliation with the American Heart Association and

the American Stroke Association.

International Stroke Conference Moderated Poster

Abstracts Session Title: Nursing Moderated Poster

Tour

Abstract TMP79: Inter-professional Implementation

of an Evidence-based Bedside Swallow Screen

Shelley Nichols1; Scott Russell1; Stacy Perrin1; Ash-

ley DePriest1; Jackellyne Calderon2; Louise Per-

due1

Abstract

Background: Swallowing difficulties can affect 85%

of acute stroke patients. A bedside swallow screen is

standard of practice to establish whether potential

acute stroke patients can safely swallow before re-

ceiving oral intake including medications. An inter-

professional performance improvement team con-

sisting of a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Speech Lan-

guage Pathologist, Registered Dietitian, Stroke Coor-

dinator, Unit Educator and Clinical Manager was

formed. The purpose of the team was twofold; to

standardize the process of performing a swallow

Sorors G. Jackson and Soror Juanita Smith

screen in stroke patients in response to a recent de-

cline in the screening compliance, coupled with the

directive to implement an evidenced-based tool.

Methods: A review of practice and policy identified

insufficient evidence for our three sip swallow test.

A literature review indicated a need for a defined

volume. The volume dependent screen detects the

more specific harm event, aspiration versus dyspha-

gia. Throughout the literature 3 ounces was demon-

strated to be the most frequently referenced vol-

ume. The Plan-Do-Study-Act model was then used to

implement a new process for swallow screening. Re-

educating the staff was paramount to the success of

implementing a new process. Nursing staff along the

continuum of care were educated with 91% current-

ly trained on the new process. Essential to the pro-

cess was updating the electronic medical record sys-

tem to ensure accurate and consistent practice.

Results: The team approach utilizing collaboration,

open communication and problem solving resulted

in the timely implementation of an evidence based

tool. In addition, there was an increase in the aver-

age swallow screen compliance from 78% for 2014

to 84% for first quarter 2015. Currently, intensive

weekly reporting of swallow screen compliance re-

viewed by the inter-professional team allows timely,

individualized education as part of our ongoing mon-

itoring.

Conclusion: The inter-professional team proved to

be an effective method to identify gaps in our prac-

tice and policy which led to a change in the defined

volume for the swallow screen. The team approach

resulted in the successful implementation of a new

process utilizing an evidence-based tool and in-

creased swallow screen compliance.

Gamma Chi’s Website

The website for the Chi page is: gammachi-chietaphi.org.

The email address for the chi page is:

Gammachixho@gmail.com

The gmail phone number associated with the gmail account is:

4045941778

This is a chapter effort, any info that members want on the site

should be emailed to the gammachixho@gmail.com account or

sent to the chapter Grammateus who can then email the

gammachixho@gmail.com account Submitted by Soror Ophra Odugbela

90th Birthday

S oror Iona

Ladson is a

bright shining star

within Gamma Chi.

Your sisters of Gam-

ma Chi send you

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

wishes as you cele-

brate your 90th

Birthday! Soror Iona Ladson

Betty Bryson Charter Member, Gamma Chi Chapter

January 30, 2016

Careen Lee

Gamma Chi Chapter /Mu Phi Chapter

February 01, 2016

Special Thanks

Deborah Davis

Juanita Gibbons-Delaney

Louise Perdue

Clara Cabey

Andrea Lewis

Georgia Jackson

Gail Stafford

Oprah Odugbela

Treva Carter

Janerio Farrington

Claudette Rainey

Tabitha Dumas

Gamma Chi Chapter