Ladonna Gaines

LaDonna Gaines has extensive experience in the healthcare field, specifically in the area of poison control. LaDonna has held various roles at different organizations throughout their career.

From 2006 to 2007, LaDonna worked as a Staff Nurse in Hematology/Oncology at UAB Medicine, where they provided patient care and administered medications and chemotherapy.

LaDonna then joined Children's Hospital- Regional Poison Control Center in 2007 as a Specialist in Poison Information, where they provided accurate information about poisonings to consumers, healthcare providers, and other agencies. LaDonna also kept records on inquiries and recommendations and served as a resource for poison information and prevention.

In 2008, LaDonna joined Vanderbilt University Medical Center- TN Poison Center as a Certified Specialist in Poison Information. In addition to providing poison information, they also developed and presented educational presentations to healthcare professionals and participated in public education events.

In 2011, LaDonna transitioned to Travelers Insurance, where they worked as a Medical Case Manager. In this role, they coordinated medical care for injured workers, developed medical management strategies, and facilitated return to work plans.

In 2013, LaDonna joined Children's of Alabama as an Administrative Director for the Alabama Poison Information Center (APIC). LaDonna was responsible for directing the operations of the center, including staffing, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. LaDonna also assisted with the development of toxicology education and research programs.

Throughout their career at Children's of Alabama, LaDonna held additional roles such as a Certified Specialist in Poison Information, Nursing Manager, and Supervisor. In these positions, they supervised poison center staff, evaluated their performance, and provided training and mentoring.

Overall, LaDonna Gaines has a diverse range of experience in poison control and has played a vital role in providing accurate information, education, and support in poison prevention and treatment.

LaDonna Gaines, DNP, MPH, RN, CSPI completed their Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Health Systems and Administration-Informatics at Samford University from 2018 to 2020. Prior to this, they received their Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in Environmental Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham between 2015 and 2017. LaDonna began their educational journey by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 2002 to 2006. Additionally, LaDonna Gaines holds certifications as a Registered Specialist in Exposure Decision Analysis from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), obtained in March 2016, and as a Certified Specialist in Poison Information from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, obtained in May 2009.