For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901/678-2843

The Loewenberg School of Nursing at the University of Memphis will host its sixth annual Distinguished Lecture Series this year.  It will feature the research team of Dr. Marlene Kramer and Claudia Schmalenberg, who will discuss improving the quality of work environments for nurses.  The first of their free, public presentations will be Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. in the Michael D. Rose Theatre on the University of Memphis campus. 

Registration is not required. Paid parking will be available in the Zach Curlin garage.

“Essentials of a Healthy Work Environment” is intended for novice nurses and undergraduate and graduate nursing students.  Kramer and Schmalenberg will describe the eight essential elements for a productive, satisfying work environment with the focus on the frontline bedside-care nurse working in an acute care setting.

On Friday, Sept. 26, the two researchers will speak on “Best Practice Leadership for Management in a Healthy Work Environment” during the Nursing Leadership Symposium.  That presentation, which will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Francis Hospital’s Longinotti Auditorium, is geared toward current and future nursing leaders.

The speakers have worked together since 1974.  Kramer is vice president of Health Science Research Associates in Arizona, a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and a recipient of the Living Legend Award from the American Academy of Nursing.  Schmalenberg is a research associate and consultant with Health Science Research Associates in California and is a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement and Distinguished Service Award from the University of North Dakota.

To register, or for more information, call Jeanette Faulkner of the Nursing Institute of the Mid-South at 901-516-8244.