Happy Monday everyone! I am so thrilled to feature a very special nurse, educator, and woman on the “SoulShine Series today! Dr. Lachel Story is one of the most dynamic, fun, and knowledgeable nursing educators I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Dr. Story was one of my very first nursing instructors when I was a student at USM. She listened while I stumbled (tearfully, mind you) over my whole “why I want to be a nurse” spill during nursing orientation. She sat with me and gave me a granola bar on my first day of clinical at the nursing home. I blamed my tears and jitters on my blood sugar, while she silently understood that my patient reminded me of my grandmother who passed away right before I started nursing school. She provided that same listening ear when I cried about having to repeat Pathophysiology (the class she taught.) She offered me help that I was too “proud” to take. She cheered for me and my classmates. She taught me the art of the dance party, that nursing exams are better with a candy bucket, and more about poop than I ever wanted to know. She also was the instructor who pinned me at my pinning ceremony and told me that my grandmother was proud of me. I have never forgotten that. Here is more about my instructor, mentor, and friend Dr. Lachel Story:
Dr. Lachel Story is an Associate Professor as well as the Assistant Dean for Research and Evaluation, Interim Chair for the Department of Advanced Practice, and PhD Program Director at The University of Southern Mississippi College of Nursing in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Dr. Story has been teaching at Southern Miss for 12 years in the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral programs. Dr. Story started her nursing career 21 years ago as an LPN. She received her BSN and MSN from Southern Miss and her PhD in Nursing from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Her program of research includes funded community-based participatory research projects with a focus on Community Health Workers and health disparities. In 2015, Dr. Story was accepted into the AACN Leadership for Academic Programs Fellowship. She has multiple publications and presentations regarding her research, innovative teaching strategies, and program evaluation. Additionally, she is working on the 3rd edition of a pathophysiology textbook reflecting her unique pedagogy.
So, here is to you “Princess of Poop!” Thank you for everything you do! Please help me in thanking Dr. Lachel Story for “being the light!”
Great tribute and blog. Dr. Story continues to inspire and teach me about the essence of true caring in our honored profession. Nightingale would so LOVE your blog. And her legacy of light in blog name!
Thank you, Dr. Lundy! I really appreciate you! Dr. Story is truly one of the best! It’s funny that you mentioned Nightingale (I was wondering who would catch on to that as being part of the inspiration behind the motto and mission!) Thank you again!