[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING CHRIS GATLIN, 2009 LOUISIANA NURSE OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chris 
Gatlin, RN, OCN, MHA, a nursing director at the Baton Rouge General, 
for being named 2009 Nurse of the Year by the Louisiana State Nurses 
Association.
  Chris is a long-time nurse at the Baton Rouge General, and her 
colleagues and friends state that she is representative of a true 
leader. From her work as an oncology nurse, to her service to those 
well beyond the hospital walls, Chris demonstrates the art and caring 
as a nurse by her promotion of this profession through example and 
participation.
  In addition to being one of the most compassionate caregivers, Chris 
is involved with many programs, projects, and initiatives related to 
oncology nursing. From promoting her profession through college 
classroom visits and national speaking engagements, to teaching classes 
to help nurses at the Baton Rouge General receive the highest 
certifications in oncology nursing, Chris is a constant advocate for 
the profession and a mentor to many.
  But one of Chris' most important and meaningful achievements was 
spearheading an initiative to increase awareness about the management 
of pain for cancer patients. As an oncology nurse, Chris saw how pain 
affected the daily lives of those suffering with this terminal disease. 
With a simple commitment to help her patients, she shepherded resources 
and stakeholders--creating the Louisiana Pain Initiative. Through this 
group, she secured grant money from the Pain Foundation to conduct the 
first Survey on Pain in Louisiana. She was also able to gain support 
around the state and participated in countless interviews for the 
``Power Over Pain Louisiana Campaign.'' Chris continues to work closely 
with the group, making a difference in the lives of many in our state.
  Chris is also highly involved with the American Cancer Society (ACS). 
She participates annually, usually as a team leader, in the Relay for 
Life event and serves as a member of ACS's board of directors. She is 
also active in the community by promoting skin and prostate cancer 
screenings, breast self-exams, lung cancer awareness, and smoking 
cessation education.
  Anyone who knows Chris quickly learns of her excitement and 
enthusiasm for nursing and zest for life. Colleagues at the Baton Rouge 
General look to Chris as an example of how the power of one dedicated 
person can change the world for many. And though Chris would never seek 
out this type of recognition for her amazing work, everyone at Baton 
Rouge General believes she earns the right and privilege to be named 
Louisiana's Nurse of the Year.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Chris Gatlin for 
being named Louisiana's Nurse of the Year. This truly amazing and 
selfless individual has proven that one person can change the world for 
many.

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