Big step for Dobbins chief nurse

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stan Coleman
  • Public Affairs
Lt. Col. Loretta Jackson Brown, a reservist and chief nurse at the 94th Aeromedical Staging Squadron here, was recently elected as the Southeast vice president of the American Nephrology Nurses' Association (ANNA) for 2008 thru 2010.

Colonel Brown's nursing experience includes 10 years of active duty nursing in the Air Force. She has served at Dobbins for 10 years. As the 94th ASTS chief nurse, her duties include evaluation, training and the professional development for 80 medical technicians and 20 nurses and nursing support for physical exams.

"After college, nursing in the military seemed more rewarding and had more appeal than civilian nursing," said Colonel Brown. "I was introduced to nephrology while I was assigned to Keesler AFB in Mississippi."

Nephrology involves the care for dialysis patients (patients with kidney disease and kidney transplant patients.) When an individual's kidney fails that person is unable eliminate excess water and toxins, produce red blood cells or maintain an acid base balance. The dialysis machine helps the helps the body maintain water balance, removes toxins and medication is administered to produce red blood cells.

As ANNA's regional vice president, Colonel Brown is responsible for managing the organization's day-to-day activities in the southeast region. She serves on the board of directors and is a liaison between the board and the 12,000 local, regional and national members and committees within ANNA. She will also serve as project manager on special projects.

"My professional development and leadership experience in the Air Force provided the background for me to take on leadership positions in the civilian world," she said.

"As a regional vice president, my goals include expanding the vision of nephrology nurses to be active in their communities and create an awareness regarding our field and the services we provide," said Colonel Brown. "Also, I look forward to being a voice for nephrology patients and nurses for improved health care practices in the nephrology environment."

Colonel Brown's hometown is Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. She achieved a bachelor's degree in nursing from Florida State University and a master's degree in nursing at the University of Southern Mississippi and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Georgia State University and is an advanced practice clinical nurse consultant.