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This site provides you with an even greater ability to network with chapter members, upload photos, share documents, participate in chapter discussions, and learn about chapter events.
We've done it again!!
We won the Chapter Key Award
Upcoming Events
A new year and a new line up of exciting events! Here's an overview. First up we have a research webinar planned for February 16th at 6pm on Zoom. The presenters are our last two recipients of our chapter's Research Award. Dr. Patricia Lawrence and Dr. Monica Tennant.
First Event - Research Webinar
Link to Webinar: https://gsu-edu.zoom.us/j/84341166302?pwd=kryP4VuG153JMU1f191a2QF0x9R1Uy.1
Here's our Speakers!
Dr. Patricia Lawrence
Presents: "Perceived Long-Term Benefits of an Intervention to Improve Health Equity of Minority Grandparents Raising Grandchildren"
Her presentation will describe results from a qualitative study to explore and describe grandparents' long-term benefits of having participated in Project Healthy Grandparents between 5 and 10 years ago, and which of the four intervention components were most crucial to their lives and the lives of their grandchildren.
Bio: Dr. Patricia Lawrence is Director of Project Healthy Grandparents and Research Assistant Professor at the School of Public Health at Georgia State University. As an experienced pediatric nurse practitioner caring for vulnerable populations and as an emerging researcher, Dr. Lawrence’s primary contributions are in developing clinical programs and conducting research in collaboration with other disciplines to improve the health of children and families, particularly those with disabilities. Over the course of her career, her overarching goal has been to address the challenges of underserved populations and their caregivers and improve health equity through innovative clinical and research programs that enhance child development, reduce hospitalizations and complications, and improve care access and quality. She has presented locally, nationally, and internationally, mentors students and new PNPs, and publishes in clinical and research journals. Dr. Lawrence received her BSN from the University of Rochester, her MSN from Boston College, and her PhD from Georgia State University.
Dr. Monica Tennant
Presents: “Why do you do it? The live experiences of medical surgical registered nurses.” This qualitative study explores how experienced BSN-prepared medical-surgical nurses use mindfulness in bedside practice and why they remain despite adversity, highlighting themes of feeling like a real nurse, presence, fulfillment and challenge with implications for retention, satisfaction and patient outcomes.
Bio: Dr. Monica Nelson Tennant is currently clinical faculty at Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University, developing a new ASN program for Georgia Piedmont Technical College, and teaches mindfulness meditation and yoga classes for Cabana by EvenHealth. During her extensive experience as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the healthcare sector, she has presented locally, nationally, and internationally, and published articles on evidence-based practices, programs improving geriatric and adult patient outcomes, and advances in holistic nursing practice. Dr. Tennant has taught for public and private schools of nursing across Georgia as faculty and simulation/lab coordinator. It is her belief that nurses who engage in self-care embody the nursing profession and as a result, provide better patient care and peer support. Dr. Tennant received her BSN from Florida State University, her BS in Food and Nutrition Sciences from Florida State University, her MSN from Georgia Baptist College of Nursing at Mercer University, and her PhD from Georgia State University.
Here's the link to sign up: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FID95_qIpUIjub7uMX0yBlmS_UTvWkFrmwr2hGHPaSM/edit?usp=sharing
su.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5hA2zdCFQbNWjs2
https://gsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5hA2zdCFQbNW
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Polly Willis, MSN, RN-BC, PCCN
We are proud to feature our January 2026 Spotlight Member, a distinguished alumna and legacy member inducted over 40 years ago. She will also be recognized as an honoree during our 45th Anniversary Celebration. Her interview follows.
What was it like attending Georgia State University?
When I attended GSU, the average student age was about 28. Many of my nursing classmates were older than I was, highly focused, and deeply committed to their studies. Most had children and had returned to school with a clear purpose—they knew nursing would always offer job security and meaningful work.
My teachers and professors were outstanding. Looking back, I wish I had listened more closely to their guidance. Many of my instructors had extensive experience beyond academia, and their life advice was profound—if only I had fully appreciated it at the time.
I was at GSU during a period when the university was expanding its identity beyond being known primarily as a night school with a strong business program. I was active on campus, a member of a sorority, and became an Inceptor. Our public health clinical experiences took us throughout downtown Atlanta, and I never once felt fear or hesitation—it was an exciting time of learning and growth.
What clinical experiences did you have, and what was your major?
My clinical experiences included Grady Memorial Hospital, Crawford Long Hospital, Northside Hospital, and what is now Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital while I was completing my BSN. On my very first day of nursing school, I didn’t realize that I had serendipitously discovered my life’s work. Nursing is not something you stop being when you leave your place of employment—it becomes part of who you are.
Academically, I earned a degree in Sociology, followed by my BSN, and later my MS in Nursing, as it was titled at the time.
You mentioned being nominated for Miss Georgia State University in 1976. What was that experience like?
It was an incredibly exciting moment. I was completely surprised to win. I was very involved in campus life, and the recognition was both humbling and memorable.
Where do you currently work?
I currently work PRN at Emory University Hospital. Prior to that, I served for more than 20 years as the Magnet Program Director at Saint Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta, before it became Emory Saint Joseph’s. More recently, I served as the Magnet Program Director for Emory University Hospital and Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital.
It is truly an honor to have you as a member at Epsilon Alpha Chapter since you were originally inducted in 1980, we look forward to working with you.
