June 16, 2011 | A longtime neonatal intensive care nurse who recently passed away has donated $100,000 for nurse education at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH).

Pam McMillian, a registered nurse at UAMS and ACH for nearly 30 years who recently died after battling cancer, left $100,000 to be split evenly between the two NICU’s where she spent her career. McMillian also attended the UAMS College of Nursing.

“She was one of our most experienced and most educated nurses, and her passing has left a big hole in the lives of those who knew her and in the workplace she was so dedicated to,” said Kristine Palmer, M.D., medical co-director of the UAMS NICU and associate professor of pediatrics. “She was a true role model for a lot of our nurses and staff; her generous gift will ensure that her high ethical standards and commitment to the profession will live on.”

The $50,000 gifts to the UAMS and ACH NICU floors will be used to send staff to annual conferences and continuing education seminars to obtain and keep the highest level of certification available for registered nurses working in neonatal intensive care units.

The NICU staff dedicated a plaque to McMillian at a June 16 unveiling that identifies a nursing work station in her name in the UAMS NICU. A heartfelt reception for the donor’s family, friends and co-workers was also held at UAMS. Several former colleagues and family members told emotionally charged stories about the hard-working and dedicated McMillian.

“Pam’s compassion for her patients and families was clearly evident in everything she did in the NICU,” said Lori Brown, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at ACH. “She was equally passionate in her commitment to her fellow nurses, serving as a valued mentor and respected teacher among nurses. This gift will benefit not only her peers in nursing, but also all the patients these nurses treat each year.”

Palmer said McMillian’s impact is still felt.

“What a wonderful way to be remembered,” Palmer said. “She was a mentor to so many of our registered nurses and staff, and she will continue to teach us even after she’s gone.”