Speaker====
Dee is a sought after conference and workshop speaker on topics including, “The Vitals of Writing,” “Exploring the Arts, Inviting Healing” and “Light Your World: A Charge to Nurses,” among others.
Her contributions to nursing have been reported in the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses publication, Med-Surg Matters, in the Newsletter of the American Association for Long Term Care Nursing, Advance for Nurses, and the Sigma Theta Tau publication, Reflections in Nursing Leadership in 2008.
Writer====
Dee received her Master’s in Nursing from Wilmington University, Delaware, in January 2008. Her research enabled her to write a culmination of her life and work experiences called “Journey to Reflection: A Guided Journal for Nursing Students.”
Another writing milestone occurred in 2007, with the recording of Dee’s original composition, “Nurses’ Anthem.” The song has received acclaim from nursing faculty around the country and has been covered in news articles in The Baltimore Sun, The Virginian-Pilot, and The Delaware Times.
The “Anthem” has been adopted into many nurse graduations and other honorary inductions because of how its lyrics uniquely capture the heritage of nursing. Dee has received positive feedback from struggling nurses in far-away places like India, where nursing is not a highly regarded profession for women. “Nurses’ Anthem” was a result of initiatives issued by the NIGH organization (Nightingale Initiatives for Global Health), for which she has a strong affinity.
Vocalist====
Singing has been a natural extension of Dee’s skills and talents. She incorporates music and journaling in her care of patients at the Perry Point VA Hospital in Perryville, MD, where she is a Care Coordinator for Home Telehealth.
Dee uses her vocal abilities in many venues. She has appeared with gospel music artists Andre Crouch, Larnelle Harris, and Sandi Patty during the Young Messiah Tour. Dee also performed with the National Christian Choir and the Fox 45 Morning Show.
Early Years====
Growing up in Portsmouth, Virginia, Dee was part of a musical family. She began singing at an early age, and knew as a child that she wanted to become a nurse. Her nursing career came to fruition much later than her musical aspirations. She received her Bachelor’s degree in nursing while in her 30’s. Over the years, Dee has weaved her vocal talents into workshop and speaker engagements worldwide. Yet her favorite audience remains the U.S. veterans, who enjoy all the patriotic standards.
Her Inspiration====
A resident of Havre de Grace, Maryland, Dee enjoys life with her husband of 29 years; Wilbur Jones, Jr. (retired Army). They have 3 children and 1 grandson. Dee is committed to making decisions and using her skills in a way that honors God and her family. Her message of hope, love, and encouragement casts a promising light for those in challenging circumstances.==THE==END
