Eliza Pillars - District V

07/31/2026

Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM) District V and the 20th State President proudly congratulates Shremer Smith, BSN, RN, Director of the Medical-Surgical Department at Merit Health River Oaks, on being named the recipient of the Merit Health River Oaks Nursing Excellence Award!

This well-deserved recognition celebrates a nurse leader who exemplifies the very best of our profession through compassion, servant leadership, teamwork, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.

Since joining Merit Health River Oaks in 2024 as a Clinical Coordinator, Shremer has demonstrated that excellence is not simply an achievement—it is a daily standard. Rising into the role of Director of the Medical-Surgical Department, Shremer has earned the respect of colleagues while inspiring others through professional integrity, clinical expertise, and a passion for advancing quality patient outcomes.

At EPRNM, we celebrate nurse leaders whose influence extends beyond the bedside to strengthen healthcare organizations, mentor future nurses, and elevate the nursing profession throughout Mississippi.

Congratulations, Shremer Smith, BSN, RN, on this outstanding accomplishment. May this honor serve as a reminder that your dedication, leadership, and compassionate service continue to make a lasting impact on your patients, your team, and our profession.

Your EPRNM family celebrates with you and wishes you continued success as you lead with excellence and purpose.

07/31/2026

Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM) District V and The 20th State President Congratulates Dr. Michael L. Jones

A Historic Milestone in Nursing Leadership

The Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi District V proudly extends our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Michael L. Jones on his historic appointment as Dean of the Hampton University School of Nursing.

As the first Black man to lead one of the nation's oldest HBCU nursing programs—and the oldest continuously operating school of nursing in the Commonwealth of Virginia—Dr. Jones continues to break barriers while inspiring the next generation of nurse leaders.

His appointment during Black Nurses Week (July 26 – August 1) serves as a powerful reminder that representation matters. Leadership rooted in excellence, scholarship, service, and equity strengthens our profession and expands opportunities for future generations.

Founded in 1891, Hampton University's School of Nursing has produced nurse leaders for more than 130 years. Under Dr. Jones' leadership, its legacy of academic excellence, innovation, compassion, and health equity is poised to reach even greater heights.

A proud Mississippi native and accomplished nurse leader, educator, researcher, and alumnus of Hampton University, Dr. Jones exemplifies the highest ideals of our profession. We also celebrate his upcoming induction into the inaugural class of Fellows of the American Association for Men in Nursing (FAAMN)—another well-deserved recognition of his extraordinary contributions to nursing.

Your leadership continues to demonstrate that history is not simply remembered—it is made.

Congratulations, Dr. Michael L. Jones!

May your tenure be marked by visionary leadership, transformative scholarship, and an enduring commitment to advancing nursing education and health equity.

Excellence is the standard. Legacy is the mission.

Calvin D. Bennett RN
EPRNM
20th State President

07/28/2026

🖤✨ Black Nurses Week | July 26 – August 1 ✨🖤

Honoring Our Legacy. Advancing Our Profession. Inspiring the Next Generation.

Black Nurses Week is more than a celebration—it is a recognition of the extraordinary contributions, resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment of Black nurses who have shaped healthcare for generations and continue to transform it every day.

As we celebrate, we also acknowledge an enduring truth: our work is not finished.

Black nurses continue to navigate disparities in opportunity, workplace bias, underrepresentation in leadership, and inequities that affect both healthcare professionals and the patients we serve. These challenges remind us why advocacy remains a cornerstone of our profession.

Today and every day, we remain committed to:
🖤 Promoting workplace fairness and equal opportunity.
🖤 Advancing professional respect and leadership.
🖤 Ensuring safe, equitable, and culturally responsive patient care.
🖤 Mentoring and empowering the next generation of nurses.
🖤 Building a stronger, more inclusive nursing profession.

Professional organizations are essential to this mission. Through mentorship, education, fellowship, scholarship, and advocacy, the Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi continues to cultivate leaders, amplify the voices of Black nurses, and preserve a legacy of excellence that extends across our state and beyond.

This week also honors the incomparable Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first African American nurse to earn a professional nursing diploma in the United States. Graduating on August 1, 1879, she opened doors that countless others have walked through with courage, compassion, and determination.

Her legacy reminds us that every patient cared for, every nurse mentored, every barrier broken, and every voice raised in advocacy moves our profession forward.

Together, we honor those who came before us.
Together, we strengthen those serving today.
Together, we prepare those who will lead tomorrow.

We are resilient.
We are advocates.
We are leaders.
We are Eliza Pillars Strong.

— Calvin D. Bennett, MPH, RN
20th State President
Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi

07/27/2026

A message from one nurse to another...

Not every person wearing scrubs represents the standard our profession deserves, and not every nurse you work beside is someone you should automatically follow, imitate, or trust professionally.

A nursing license grants the privilege to practice. It does not automatically reflect integrity, sound judgment, accountability, compassion, or professionalism. Those qualities are demonstrated every day through our actions.

Patients place their lives in our hands. Families trust us during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. That trust is earned with every assessment, every medication administered, every act of advocacy, every ethical decision, and every time we choose to do the right thing—even when no one is watching.

As nurses, we must also be discerning about who influences us professionally. Choose to surround yourself with nurses who:
• Protect patients above all else.
• Practice with integrity, even when it's inconvenient.
• Hold themselves accountable before blaming others.
• Share knowledge instead of gatekeeping it.
• Correct with respect and encourage growth.
• Lead with humility rather than ego.
• Never compromise ethics for convenience, popularity, or personal gain.

At Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi, we believe being a responsible nurse means more than holding a license—it means embracing a lifelong commitment to excellence, accountability, advocacy, and service.

The strongest nursing teams are not built on personalities or popularity. They are built on trust, competence, integrity, and a shared commitment to protecting our patients and advancing our profession.

Let's not simply wear the title of "Nurse." Let's honor it. Let's be the nurse our colleagues can trust and the nurse our patients deserve.

Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi
"Nursing Beyond the Bedside – Advancing Health through Collaboration, Innovation, and Impact."

07/25/2026

Looking for our Meridian area Nurses who want to be part of an amazing ministry of honoring our fallen colleagues

07/25/2026

💙 EPRNM | Stories That Inspire

It's never too late to answer the call to nursing.

John Adesoye's journey reminds us that purpose has no expiration date.

After years as an electronics technician, he chose to follow a new calling—serving others through nursing. While working full-time as a health care assistant, he returned to school, attended classes alongside his son, and, at the age of 64, proudly became a Registered Nurse.

His story is about far more than earning a degree. It is a testament to perseverance, faith, resilience, and the belief that our greatest contributions are not limited by age, background, or circumstance.

As nurses, we understand that every patient deserves compassionate, knowledgeable care. That calling can begin at 20, 40, 60, or beyond. What matters is the willingness to learn, grow, and serve.

John's words challenge each of us:

"Don't listen to people who say you're too old. If I can do it, others can too. People are more brilliant than they think, and they're stronger than they think."

At Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM), we celebrate every individual who dares to pursue excellence in nursing. Whether you are a student, a new graduate, a seasoned nurse, or someone considering a career change, remember this:

Your age does not define your potential. Your purpose does.

Keep learning. Keep serving. Keep leading.

Because nursing is not just a profession—it is a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others.

07/24/2026

District V | Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM)

💙 District V EPRNM proudly celebrates one of our own!

Please join us in congratulating Julius Heidelberg, RN, a valued District V member, on being named to the Meridian Star’s Top 20 Under 40.

This distinguished recognition honors young professionals whose leadership, service, and commitment are making a lasting difference in our communities. Julius exemplifies the excellence, compassion, and professionalism that define the nursing profession and the mission of District V EPRNM.

As nurses, our influence extends far beyond the bedside. We serve as leaders, advocates, mentors, and champions for healthier communities. Julius’ recognition is a testament to the impact nurses have when they lead with integrity, purpose, and a heart for service.

District V is honored to call Julius one of our members, and we celebrate this well-deserved achievement. We look forward to witnessing his continued leadership and contributions to the nursing profession and the citizens of Mississippi.

Congratulations, Julius! Your District V EPRNM family is incredibly proud of you. Continue to lead, inspire, and make a difference.

07/24/2026

District V | Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM

Investing in Nursing Today. Strengthening Mississippi Tomorrow.

District V EPRNM proudly celebrates the 592 nursing students participating in the 2026 Mississippi Summer Student Nurse Externship Program. Through hands-on clinical experiences at 44 hospitals across Mississippi, these future nurses are developing the knowledge, confidence, and clinical judgment that will shape the future of healthcare in our state.

Programs like this are more than summer opportunities—they are strategic investments in Mississippi's healthcare workforce. By pairing nursing students with experienced nurse mentors, we strengthen the transition from the classroom to the bedside, improve workforce readiness, and help address the growing demand for highly qualified registered nurses across our hospitals and communities.

The future of our profession depends on preparing, mentoring, and supporting the next generation of nurses. Today's student nurses are tomorrow's bedside clinicians, educators, advanced practice nurses, leaders, researchers, and advocates.

District V EPRNM applauds the Mississippi Hospital Association, the MHA Health, Research and Educational Foundation, the Mississippi Council of Deans and Directors, the Mississippi Hospital Association Organization for Nursing Leadership (MONL), the participating hospitals, and every nurse mentor who is investing their time and expertise to develop our future colleagues.

Together, we continue to build a stronger nursing profession and a healthier Mississippi.

Learn more about the program: Mississippi Summer Student Nurse Externship Program

🎉 Nearly 600 nursing students are building Mississippi's health care workforce this summer!

A total of 592 nursing students are gaining hands-on clinical experience through the 2026 Mississippi Summer Student Nurse Externship Program, working alongside experienced nurse mentors at 44 hospitals across the state.

Administered through a partnership of the MHA Health, Research and Educational Foundation, the Mississippi Council of Deans and Directors, and the Mississippi Hospital Association Organization for Nursing Leadership (MONL), the program helps prepare the next generation of nurses while strengthening Mississippi's hospital workforce.

Investing in future nurses today means stronger patient care for Mississippi tomorrow. 💙

Learn more: https://mhanet.org/Online/MCQW/Workforce.aspx

07/24/2026

Congratulations, Dr. Michael L. Jones!

The members of District V, Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM) extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Michael L. Jones, PhD, MBA/HCM, RN, FAAN, on your acceptance into the inaugural class of Fellows of the American Association for Men in Nursing (FAAMN).

This distinguished honor is a testament to your unwavering commitment to nursing excellence, visionary leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for the profession. Your work continues to inspire nurses across the nation while advancing health equity and strengthening the future of nursing leadership.

Our 20th State President Calvin Bennett was honored to welcome you as a keynote speaker during the 41st Annual EPRNM Conference. Your wisdom, authenticity, and passion left a lasting impression on our members, and we celebrate this well-deserved recognition with great pride.

As you prepare for your induction at the 2026 AAMN Annual Conference, please know that your EPRNM District V family is celebrating alongside you. Thank you for continuing to lead with purpose, serve with excellence, and pave the way for future generations of nurses.

Congratulations on this historic achievement!

With pride and appreciation,
District V and 20th State President
Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM)

07/23/2026

🕊️ EPRNM District V Honors the Legacy of Dr. Barbara L. Nichols

District V of the Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM) join the nursing community in mourning the passing of Dr. Barbara L. Nichols, RN, FAAN, a pioneering nurse leader whose influence transformed the profession of nursing.

As the first Black President of the American Nurses Association, Dr. Nichols broke barriers, championed health equity, and demonstrated what visionary and courageous leadership looks like. Her unwavering advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and excellence in nursing created pathways for countless nurses to lead, serve, and inspire.

Dr. Nichols' life exemplified the very principles upon which EPRNM was founded: service, advocacy, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of equity within healthcare and the nursing profession. Her impact will continue to resonate through every nurse who dares to lead, challenge inequities, and uplift communities beyond the bedside.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues, and the entire nursing community.

Rest in Power, Dr. Barbara L. Nichols.
Your legacy will forever remain woven into the fabric of nursing history, and your light will continue to guide future generations of nurses.

"We stand today because pioneers like you chose to go first."