Joan Thomas, PhD, MSN, PMHCNS-BC, RN Associate Professor
Phone:  901-678-2004 Fax:  901-678-4906 E-mail:  jthomas1@memphis.edu Office:  204 Newport Hall

Research:

Dr. Thomas' program of research focuses on nursing administration and health policy. She completed a study that examines how to evacuate a hospital during a natural disaster. Along with other nurse scholars and clinicians she co-authored a White Paper that examines health policies related to youth in the juvenile justice system with mental health disorders. She works with area health systems on projects related to nursing management and leadership.

Publications:

Thomas, J., & Herrin, D. (2009). Care model transformation: A necessity, not an option.  JONA, 39(11), 453-456.

Thomas, J., & Lackey, N. (2008).  How to evacuate a psychiatric hospital: A hurricane Katrina success story. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, 46(1), 35-40.

Thomas, J., & Herrin, D. (2008).  The Executive Master of Science in Nursing Program: Competencies and learning experiences.JONA, 38(1), 4-7.

Thomas, J., & Herrin, D. ( 2008).  Executive Master of Science in Nursing Program: Incorporating the 14 forces of magnetism. JONA, 38(2), 64-67.

Thomas, J. & Herrin, D. (2008). The Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellows Program: A model for learning in an Executive Master.  JONA, 38(3), 112-115.

Thomas, J., Herrin, D., Collins, A., Daffer, D., Collins D., & Gabriel, J. (2008). The language of business:  A key nurse executive competency. Nursing Economics, 26(2), 122-127.

Bonham, E., Delaney, K. R. ,Pearson, G.S., Shelton, D, & Thomas. J.D. (2008). Meeting the mental health needs of youth in juvenile justice. Paper presented to the International Society of Psychiatric Nurses Board.

Thomas, J., Gourley, G.K., & Mele, N. (2004). The impact of managed behavioral health care on youth in the juvenile justice system. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 8(4), 135-142.

Teaching:

Dr. Thomas recently co-developed a new graduate program known as the Executive MSN program. The program admitted students in Fall 2008. She teaches courses in both the Executive MSN and Nursing Administration programs. She has also taught in the Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator MSN concentrations. She taught Psychiatric Nursing for BSN students for several years.

Service:

Dr. Thomas formerly chaired the Student Affairs Committee. She served on the Research and Awards Committee of the Beta Theta Chapter-at-Large, Sigma Theta Tau International. She served on the Boards of Girls Inc., Commission on Missing and Exploited Children, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill—Memphis, and Court Appointed Special Advocates. She is currently on the Board of Directors of Hope House. She was the first Advanced Practice Nurse employed by the Church Health Center.

Scholarship:

Completing a Health Resources and Services Administration grant to provide additional funding for the Executive MSN program (grant will range from 1-1.2 million dollars)