Elliott Takes Over as President of Nephrology Nurses Association

Dr. Rowena Elliott, associate professor at The University of Southern Mississippi School of Nursing, assumed the reins as president of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) during the organization's 42^nd annual National Symposium on March 29 in Boston, Mass.

An active member for the past 14 years, Elliott becomes the organization's first African-American president. She has also served as national secretary for two years and president-elect for one year.

In her presidential address Elliott challenged her colleagues with the theme: “Dare to Soar.” She emphasized that only those who exhibit the characteristics of an eagle could emerge as effective leaders.

Elliott, a Chicago, Ill., native, has been a registered nurse (RN) for 29 years and a nephrology nurse for 17 years with clinical experience in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. She is a certified nurse educator (CNE) and board certified in nephrology nursing and gerontological nursing. She joined the Southern Miss nursing faculty in 2008.

The American Nephrology Nurses Association has a membership that exceeds 12,000 in 106 national chapters. The organization's mission is to advance nephrology nursing practice and positively influence outcomes for individuals with kidney disease through advocacy scholarship and excellence.

To hear Elliott's presidential address visit the ANNA Web site at www.annanurse.org