The Florida Nurse - May 2021

THE FLORIDA NURSE

President’s Message

Your Voice – Be Part of the Solution

George Peraza-Smith, President FNA

Most people would agree that there are so many issues and challenges in today’s world. Things seem to be falling apart all around us. There is so much anger and distrust of institutions and each other. Sometimes you may feel like giving up or isolating yourself from the world. This is a time for bold action. This is a time for each of us to be part of the solutions that will improve our daily lives, work environments, and health care. We cannot simply stand on the sidelines and wait for the world to change hoping it will be for the positive. Become a change agent. A change agent is a person who is a catalyst for change that transforms an organization or cause. The Florida Nurses Association is committed to championing nurse ideas and solutions. However, we cannot do that alone or in isolation. We need your voice to be the catalyst for positive change.

We need you. We need your perspective. We have all heard the saying “If you are not at the table, then you are on the menu.” This is your time to join us at the table. FNA has several work groups focused on social justice, diversity and inclusion, as well as pandemic and disaster preparedness. Join one or any of these initiatives to lend your voice to the conversation and the generation of solutions. Other opportunities include joining a committee or one of our Special Interest Groups (SIGs). You can become a nurse legislative advocate by adopting one of your state representatives and become their ‘go to’ person for nursing and health care issues.

Another important way to lend your voice as a change agent is to run for office with FNA. One of our goals at FNA is to be more diverse and have representation from all our members in board positions and committees. I ask you to come to the table to share your perspective and ideas in order to generate positive actions and solutions. You cannot be part of the solution without being involved with generating and shepherding the solutions. This is our time. This is your time. Be the change agent we all need.

News from Headquarters

The Board, Staff and Membership Assembly Planning Committee have been exploring the options for virtual, hybrid and face to face option for the 2021 Membership Assembly. As we took on the challenge of continuing a successful association throughout the pandemic, we look forward to the possibilities of a multi-media high tech conference to serve the diverse needs of our members. You will find more detailed information about the conference in this issue and on the web as it develops.

Things to keep in mind as it relates to the conference: ELECTIONs are under way. Nominations are ongoing and members are signing on as candidates. Please see the website at www.floridanurse.org/ Election for more information. You must be a current member and have held membership for one year prior to self-nominate.

from Headquarters continued on page

Notes from the Executive Director

Crafting our Image for Success in Advocacy

FLORIDA NURSE THE

Over the years I have encountered nurses with a variety of attitudes about their roles as nurses. It seems that some of this is dependent on why you chose to be a nurse, and once you were involved in that choice, how you were nurtured, mentored or instructed about nurses and professional roles. Do you consider nursing a calling, a career or just a job? And how do you perform or carry yourself based on that perception? And why does this make a difference?

Early on in my career, I was drawn into professional meetings and conferences. Actually, it was a carryover from high school and college life with student government conferences, German and Latin competitions and similar activities. One thing that was always stressed what that we were representing an entity as well as ourselves, whether it be the specific club, the school, college or university. We were strongly encouraged to “carry ourselves” a certain way. The official word for this is comportment . Dictionary.com defines it as personal bearing or conduct; demeanor, behavior. One of the things we were always encouraged to do was to remove nametags or any identifying paraphernalia if we were going away from the conference venue. This was particularly true if going to places where alcohol was being consumed. This always stuck with me. I felt a responsibility to represent nursing in a positive way.

As an association, we have had stories reported of nurses not washing their hands after using the bathroom, of nurses telling less than savory jokes in a public place, nurses loudly telling nauseainducing stories about patients in a restaurant, just to highlight a few. In the 1980’s there was an issue of Playboy magazine featuring actual nurses. During that time, this had an unsettling impact on those of us in actual clinical practice. It seems that many people found it funny to buy

the magazine for their buddies who were in the hospital. That was not so pleasant for some of us who were working at the time. It was seen as such a significant occurrence that it made the news and nursing organizations were asked to comment on it. I can tell you that while, it did not compromise our effectiveness, it made for some uncomfortable days as a bedside nurse. Additionally, it was a bit of a media frenzy.

Of course, nurses are human and diverse in their beliefs and opinions, and in America, they have freedom to express themselves in unlimited ways. But we must ask, what impact can that have on the profession in various environments? Recently, in the media, there have been some examples of nurses behaving inappropriately in situations that reflected poorly on the profession.

In one case I heard from several people on our Facebook page and in email directing me to “get control of your nurse.” This involved a nurse testifying before a local government agency, clearly identifying herself as nurse. Most recently, the calls have been regarding nurses who were promoting anti-vax rhetoric, unproven cures for COVID-19 and protesting mask wearing. I have gotten several calls from reporters when these events occur.

Our effectiveness as advocates are closely linked to our expertise and professionalism so this behavior is something nurses need to consider as they present themselves in the public as nurses. While these are modern times and our intent is not to take away freedoms, there should be a personal responsibility to represent the profession honorably and in ways that do not compromise the support and respect of our stakeholders and the public.

Many nurses are now expressing anger and despair due their experiences during the pandemic. Our Pandemic and Disaster Task Force work has revealed heart breaking stories of nurses being forced to work without masks, working with COVID symptoms due to what they believed were faulty tests in the early days of the pandemic. Some nurses were terminated for wearing their own masks or threatened with termination if they wore a mask from home. Some of them report becoming long-haulers and are unable to work or are only able to work limited schedules. We also know that a large number of health care workers across the country have died. Some nurses may use this to act out in anger and blame the profession. But we believe that we must take this opportunity to demand change and to address the unfortunate occurrences that hurt nurses and other healthcare workers (and even their patients in some cases). Some are struggling with mental health issues and are in distress after witnessing so much suffering, death and family pain.

These are issues that the task force is identifying and formulating plans for our advocacy efforts. We want to move forward with our image and reputation intact and while we believe in freedoms we also endeavor to uphold the Code for Nurses and the high standard that the profession has set for itself.

A special thank you to all nurses who have contributed during this pandemic, from front line nurses who took on the beast of COVID-19, to educators who figured out how to make it work for their students, to the new graduate who had to figure it out and get it done, to those who traveled to other locations and those that travelled here, and to the COVID vaccinators. It was (and continues to be for some) a sacrifice, but now that we have seen what can happen, WE MUST DO BETTER NEXT TIME. Nurses deserve that. This was NOT what they signed up for.

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Board of Directors

2019–2021

Officers

George Byron Peraza-Smith, DNP, RN, APRN, GNP, AGPCNP, President Janice Adams, DNP, MPA, RN, President-Elect

Justin Wilkerson, BSN, RN-BC, CHPN, CCRN, Vice President

Victoria Framil-Suarez, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, Secretary Mavra Kear, PHD, APRN, BC, Treasurer Region Directors

Jill Van Der Like, DNP, MSN, RNC, Northwest Region

Marsha Martin, RN, CCRN, North Central Region

Susie Norman, MSN, RN-BC, Northeast Region

Shirley Hill, BSN, RN, East Central Region

Lottie Cuthbertson, MSN-ED, RN, LHRM, FCN, West Central Region

Darlene Edic-Crawford, DNP, APRN, Southeast Region

Sarah Gabua, DNP, RN, CNE, Southwest Region

Marie Etienne, DNP, APRN, FNP, PNP, PLNC, South Region

Director of Recent Graduates

Kathryn Barrows, BSN, RN

LERC Liaison

Mark Welz, RN

FNA Office

Willa Fuller, BSN, RN, Executive Director

John Berry, Jr., Director of Labor Relations & Government Affairs

Kaitlin Scarbary, Associate Director of Programs, Technology, and Membership Marketing

Willa Fuller

Focus on the Foundation

Caring for Ourselves –Nurses

When one thinks of the Florida Nurses’ Foundation the immediate spotlight is on education and research grants for nurses to further their development and that of the profession. Yet, as highlighted in the February Florida Nurse , another important and less known initiative is support for our Nurses in Need . Yes, COVID-19 has changed the environment in which we work. Yes, COVID-19 has changed the way we find leisure. And, yes, COVID-19 has even changed the number of nurses available to care for our patients, our families and even ourselves. The American Nurses Association notes that over 500 nurses have died of COVID-19 as a result of caring for their patients – Florida has lost 35 ( http://www.nursingworld.org/fallen). Nurses are givers and many have given the ultimate – their lives. Let us during this pandemic, who continue to live, give not with our lives, but with our wallet to our Nurses in Need fund. COVID-19 has placed many of our own in mental and financial crisis. No amount is too small. The Nurses In Need Fund is a resource all of us can access when a financial need arises – all we need to do is ask. For more information on the program or to donate to the fund go to www.floridanurse.org/NursesInNeed

Why the FN-PAC is Critical to Our Advocacy

Many people are so frustrated with politics at this point that they literally glaze over and/or shut down when they see requests for funds or campaign ads of any kind. Faith in the system is teetering and people are choosing to focus on other more pleasurable or more personal endeavors. On the other hand, those involved in politics are entrenched in battles for the things they believe in or in some cases, it seems in fights for the sake of fighting. These are frightening times.

Politics should be about what is good for the people. As nurses, we must identify future politicians who are committed to fairness and balance so that people can live safe and fruitful lives. FNPAC gives us a tool to make sure our voice is heard in the cacophony that now exists in the American political system. We cannot throw our hands up in defeat, we must build our resources so that we can be a significant participant in the political arena. Our goal is a safe environment for nurses and quality care for our citizens. That is the philosophy that we encourage you to embrace as you approach your political involvement.

A small donation from each member in addition to the funds that come from membership could double or triple our impact during an election. We are working to build our coffers so that we can continue to participate and perhaps even increase our influence.

Janice Hess, then a member of the FNPAC Board of Trustees asked if she could donate monthly with her monthly membership payment and that opened up that option to all members for any amount they wish to donate. For example, a $5.00 donation would mean a $60 annual contribution. If every member did that we could double our annual amount of contributions and participate more fully in the process. It would allow us to involve more members from each party in ways such as taking contributions to political events and having our issues heard in influential political circles. These kinds of activities give issues such as workforce violence and safe staffing a human face.

Trustees are volunteer members who are then appointed by the FNA President. We are pleased to welcome Mary Lou Brunell as the most recent appointee. Trustee terms are two years and they may be reappointed.

Mary Lou Brunell

IPN/FNA Annual Conference

“Addressing the Challenges of Healthcare Professional Monitoring”

June 25, 2021 | Location: Virtual Agenda | Friday, June 25, 2021

This year’s IPN/FNA Conference theme, “Addressing the Challenges of Healthcare Professional Monitoring,” will address topics of caring for the healthcare professional, toxicology changes and the importance of IPN to the Florida Board of Nursing.

Our speakers include:

• Lantie Jorandby, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Lakeview Health, Jacksonville, who will discuss Individualized Care in the Treatment of Healthcare Professionals.

• Joe Jones, Ph.D., NRCC-TC, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of United States Drug Testing Laboratories, Inc. (USDTL) will review important Toxicology Updates and New Trends.

• Anthony Jusevitch, Investigation Manager, MQA/DOH, will speak on the importance of IPN to FBON

• Shannon Opie, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, CARN-AP, CEO; Opening and Closing Remarks

Target Audience:

• Registered Nurses of all specialties, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants

• Other healthcare professionals interested in the monitoring for compliance by an alternative to discipline program (ATD)

• Treatment Programs staff members (therapists, psychologists, case managers, toxicology coordinators)

2021 Calendar of Events

View full calendar at www.floridanurse.org/events

Health Policy Special Interest Group

Every Second Tuesday | 7:00-8:00pm EST | Zoom Meeting / Conference Call

Ethics Special Interest Group

Every Third Tuesday | 6:00-7:00pm EST | Zoom Meeting / Conference Call

Holistic Nursing Special Interest Group

Every Third Thursday | 5:00-6:00pm EST | Zoom Meeting / Conference Call

2021 FNA South Region Symposium (Virtual) June 5, 2021 | Online

2021 FNA Nursing Research & EBP Conference July 17, 2021 | Online

2021 FNA Membership Assembly September 23-25, 2021 | Mission Inn, Howie-in-the-Hills

Interested in presenting for FNA? Go to www.floridanurse.org/speak

Members of FNA/ANA will be given priority.

We welcome all nursing students and Registered Nurses regardless of membership status to all of our events unless otherwise noted. For registration and more information about FNA events, go to www.floridanurse.org/events

8:30-9:00 am Log in for Attendees/Sponsor Slideshow

9:00-9:15 am IPN Opening Remarks, Shannon Opie, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, CARN-AP; CEO

9:15-10:15 am Speaker: Lantie Jorandby, MD

10:15-10:30 am Break/Sponsor Slideshow

10:30-11:30 am Speaker: Joseph Jones, Ph.D., NRCC-TC

11:30-12:15 pm Lunch Break /Sponsor Slideshow 12:15-1:15 pm Speaker: Anthony Jusevitch, BA, CPM 1:15pm Closing Remarks

Subject to change

Please visit the IPN website for more information at www.ipnfl.org click on events and trainings or contact: Toll Free # 1-800-840-2720 Pam Livingston ext 123 plivingston@ipnfl.org

Registration Deadline: June 1, 2021

Reference Proposals

Reference proposals are documents that are brought before the Assembly for a vote to establish positions and policies of the Association. This is one way to use your voice to get your greatest concerns on the table for discussion. These often become legislative proposals or public campaigns on behalf of nurses or the patients we serve. The Guide for Submission of Proposals is posted under the Business Meeting section of the Membership Assembly website at www.floridanurse.org/ MA21BusinessMeeting. This handy guide will instruct you how to write one but you can also contact the committee for assistance. Email info@floridanurse.org to learn more.

FNA Task Forces

Last year at our first Virtual Membership Assembly, members shared concerns for some pressing issues that they felt FNA needed to address. This prompted the formation of three Task Forces which are now fully activated. Over 90 people applied for participation in these task forces and they are all working to either formulate a plan of action or they have begun substantive work on the issues. The task forces are: Pandemic and Disaster Task Force, Social Justice as a Public Health Issue, and the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force.

We continue to work primarily remotely with some staff going into the office for work periodically. We continue to assess the COVID-19 status in the state as we make decisions regarding how will manage our staffing in the future.

The Board and Staff would like to thank our members for being fully engaged and active in all of our current activities. Membership is up and activities are at an all-time high. Our committees are thriving and the new task forces are “gelling” into effective workgroups.

Some fun stats - We have received:

• 103 valid scholarship applications

• 40 Research Abstracts for the Research Conference

• 29 speaker proposals for the Membership Assembly

• 15 Candidates for the Board of Directors and other leadership positions (some work to do here).

Our Nurse 2021 Nurses’ Month activities are underway and you can keep track by visiting our Nurses Month Page on the website at www.floridanurse.org/ Nurses-Month

Hello Everyone,

I hope all are doing well. I finally got my two doses of Maderna without any problems. During this quiet time I would again encourage everyone to take advantage of the many CE offerings from FNA and ANA. There is a wealth of knowledge to be obtained.

Since my term is up as director I would encourage anyone from East Central to run for this position. It is a great learning opportunity for those who are interested. It will also look very good on a resume! I also want to thank everyone who has aided me in this position.

Stay safe!

Shirley

Hill

As this year progresses we are seeing many moving parts come together. The Pandemic has changed many things - how we socialize, how we have meetings, how we utilize our time and resources, amongst many others. We have all experienced some type of loss and change. Bedside nurses have been asked to do so much, with so little at times, whether it be PPE or some other supplies or equipment, deal with extraordinary issues at times at great risk to themselves, work short staffed. Moral distress is at an all-time high. Many nurses, along the entire spectrum of career paths, are looking for a way out and developing exit plans either from the bedside, or the nursing profession. One thing that has been made very clear is that the future of Nursing, as we know it, is walking on the edge of a knife. We have some very serious and important discussions and decisions to make about the future of our profession.

I would like to encourage everyone to participate in this, get active within FNA, run for a position this election cycle, participate in the taskforces that are being established. We have the opportunity to help steer nursing in the direction we want it and need it to go.

The 2021 FNA Virtual Advocacy Days were full of information and motivation for all of us in March. The platform was easy to navigate, and even provided time for socializing.

As I am nearing the end of my second term, I invite you to reach out to me for any discussion on the role of Northwest Region Director. The last four years will always be cherished in my heart, and I am so grateful to my mentor, Dr. Ermalynn M. Kiehl (pictured on the left with me on the right), for encouraging me to serve my region.

Hello Northwest Region, Spring is in the air! I hope you are well, and enjoying our Florida blooms.

Currently the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health

Florence Nightingale Museum, London

Legislative Update

Legislative

The Florida Constitution requires the legislature to meet for 60 consecutive days and for the first time in several years, this year’s session ended on time. The only duty of the Florida Legislature is to pass a balanced budget. Originally, the legislators were concerned that money would be tight due to the pandemic. Surprisingly, this was not the case. The final budget for 2021-22 ended up a whopping $101.5 billion! This is the largest budget in Florida’s history!

Public Affairs Consultants PA

A total of 3,140 Bills and PCBs were filed but only 275 bills passed both Chambers. Several bills that passed were Governor Ron DeSantis’ priority issues including:

COVID-19: One of the first bills passed during the 2021 session limited liability from COVID-19. The bill is aimed at shielding businesses and health-care providers from lawsuits related to people getting sick or dying from COVID-19. In another bill, the legislature approved making permanent a ban on COVID-19 vaccine “passports.” Gov. Ron DeSantis in early April issued an executive order to prohibit businesses from requiring people to show they had been vaccinated to gain entry — the issue that has become known as COVID-19 passports.

PROTESTS: Governor Ron DeSantis quickly signed a controversial law-and-order measure that was sparked by nationwide protests last year after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The law creates a new crime of “mob intimidation,” enhances riot-related penalties and makes it harder for local officials to reduce spending on law enforcement. But opponents said the measure is rooted in racism and

Regional News

would give police too much leeway to arrest peaceful protesters.

SOCIAL MEDIA: After former President Donald Trump was blocked from Twitter and Facebook early this year, Republican lawmakers passed a plan to crack down on social-media companies. The plan, another priority of the Governor, includes barring social-media companies from removing political candidates from the companies’ platforms and threatens hefty fines. Critics questioned the bill’s constitutionality and described it as a “big government” move.

TAXES: In a major win for business groups, lawmakers passed a plan that will require outof-state online retailers to collect sales taxes on purchases made by Floridians. The roughly $1 billion a year generated by the change will be used to replenish a depleted unemployment trust fund. Later, it will be used to offset a cut in a commercial rent tax. Florida businesses have long argued online retailers enjoyed an advantage because they didn’t collect sales taxes.

Florida Nurses Association had several successes too!

PELVIC EXAMS: Senator Lauren Book and Representative Evan Jenne were able to pass “glitch” or corrective language to help clear up some of the issues that developed with the passage of 2020’s pelvic exam bills. The bill revises the definition of the term “pelvic examination.” It also revises the circumstances under which pelvic examination may be performed with consent as well as how pelvic exams will be performed on individuals with dementia or other illnesses.

UNION BILL: There were two sets of union bills moving throughout the process. We were able to get amendments filled to remove nurses from the language, the bill died in the House in messages. While the Senate bill died in the Senate Rules committee. The Florida Nurses Association opposed this bill.

CENTER FOR NURSING FUNDING: The House and Senate passed a budget this year that includes $800,000 for the return of the Center for Nursing. This is a huge achievement. We are working to ensure the Governor signs the budget and include this line item.

LIFE-CHANGING CAREERS

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Qualifications to teach diploma and degree programs include:

• Current RN license in Florida

• BSN (Diploma Program), MSN (Degree Program)

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• Meet all state Board of Nursing qualifications

We offer: Medical/dental/vision, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, vacation, and education reimbursement for full-time and part-time employees. To apply visit https://careers.concorde.edu/

Erin Ballas

LERC News

2021 End of Legislative Session Report State Employee News

John Berry Director of Labor Relations & Governmental Affairs

The State of Florida has now concluded its 2021 Legislative Session. There is a scheduled May 17th special session that is supposed to address the issue of Gaming in our state. Right now, it’s the only issue to be discussed, but the legislature can add to their agenda if they so choose.

The Florida Nurses Association, OPEIU, Local 713, AFLCIO, CLC, would like to thank those of you who reached out to your State Senators and Florida House Representatives, when we asked you to do so, to help fight back on the negative legislation that would have had a seriously onerous impact on all public sector bargaining units in our state. We would like to give you a final report on this 2021 legislative session and the efforts of our staff and legal counsel and the legislation that we were able to defeat.

Employee Organizations-Oppose

SB 78 by Rodrigues / HB 947 by Plakon

SB 1014 by Baxley / HB 835 Byrd

This 2021 legislative session, our representatives in the Senate and House focused on the first two bills that are listed. SB 1014 by Senator Baxley and HB 835 by House Representative Byrd gained a lot of momentum in the last three weeks of session. This bill would require all labor organizations to maintain a 50% + 1 of eligible members signed up for collective bargaining. If not, the labor organization would not be certified and all public employee union members would lose their rights on the job. That’s important to remember, especially for those who haven’t signed up for union membership, yet rely on those members who do sign up and pay dues. Those employees would have no rights as well. This bill would also mean that when a contract expired, so would the member’s membership. Every individual would be forced to sign up every three years. It’s also important to note that police, firefighters and correction officers were excluded from this legislation. With all of the labor organizations working together and the legislature feeling the intense pressure, these efforts were dropped.

Florida Retirement System

(Eliminating FRS Public Pension)-Oppose SB 84 by Rodrigues

All of the labor organizations were extremely concerned that the Florida Retirement System was under attack, since it’s one of the strongest retirement systems in the nation. There are over one million active employees and retirees in the system who contribute over $18.2 billion to Florida’s economy. This bill, if it had passed, would require all new employees who work for the State of Florida, counties, cities, towns, and villages to be enrolled in a 401k type investment plan. This could have completely destabilized the fund for our current members, and eventually could deplete it. It failed to pass in the senate, and there was no companion bill in the house.

In a Right to Work state, it is challenging for labor organizations to protect the employees they serve. One of the ways that you can make a difference is to become a member to add to the strength of the organization. This is key to advocacy for wages and benefits, improved working conditions, having a voice on the job, being involved in all of the committees that the Florida Nurses Association has to offer as well as all of the benefits and committees that OPEIU offers. We need to make sure you understand our membership can make a difference in your life. We are available to discuss this with you as we need you to help us help you.

We hope that these two bills drive home the point that YOU need to be actively involved in the protection of your workplace rights. It is a concern that Law Enforcement, and other first responders, firefighters and correction officers are all receiving a $1,000.00 bonus for their work during a global pandemic and the members of our professional health care unit were not included. Please consider this a wake-up call to get involved by joining your bargaining unit. Contact FNA at govt@floridanurse.org and request a membership application NOW! Add your voice and become an advocate! Don’t wait any longer!

Join Our Team!

Debbie Hogan, MPH, BSN, RN President, FNA State of Florida Professional Healthcare Unit

We know that this has been a challenging time for you as you work every day to protect all of us here in Florida. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.

We are again negotiating with the Governor and the Legislature to secure a wage increase, and protect your rights at work. This year there are renewed efforts to weaken unions by requiring members to renew their membership whenever the union contract expires. In addition to threatening our membership numbers, this would mean that your protections could expire while the renewal is processed. To protect our contract, we need your help!

Increasing our membership is essential. The state needs to see that our professional health care employees believe in their contract, and its protections and belong to their bargaining unit. Do this by maintaining your membership and encouraging your co-workers to join too!

As current members who want to become even more involved, join us by running for office in the HCP Bargaining Unit. With enough participation, we will be holding an election for our state offices this year. According to our Bylaws, the Executive Board is made up of:

President – Presides at all meetings and Negotiation sessions, and serves as an ex-officio member of all committees, except Nominating committee.

Vice-President – In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President, and become President in case of vacancy.

Secretary/Treasurer – Work with the FNA Bargaining unit staff to maintain records and reports.

These officers shall be elected for three years, or until their successors are elected. Retirees who have been active while employed can also run for office.

Will you join us? We need members who are willing to serve in these roles and continue the work of our FNA Bargaining Unit in protecting our contract and fighting for regular raises! So that we will be able to draw up a slate of candidates, please contact John Berry at jberry@floridanurse.org or Bibi Lowton at govt@floridanurse.org by June 30, 2021

In Solidarity, Debbie Hogan, RN, MPH FNA HCP Bargaining Unit capitallass@hotmail.com

Debbie Hogan

John Berry

President-Elect

BIOGRAPHIES AND STATEMENTS

Marie O. Etienne

For the position of President-Elect

I am an active member of FNA for 27 years. I am very passionate about the mission. I had the privilege of serving as South Region Director (2019-2021), Volunteer Leadership Council member for 8 years. I am committed to serve as President-Elect to the best of my abilities.

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Region: South Degree(s): DNP, MSN, BSN, ASN

School(s) of Nursing: University of Miami, Florida International University, Broward College Place of Employment and Position: Miami-Dade College – Professor Professional Organizational Activities: Director of South Region, FNA, Volunteer Leadership Council Member of South Region FNA, Chair of Ethnic Organizations of FNA South Region, Legislative Affairs Liaison, MDC Student Nurses Association Faculty Consultant/Advisor, Co-Lead of Disparities Workgroup of South Florida Cancer Control Collaborative (20042020), Chair of Public Relations & Legislative Affairs Committee of Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida, Member of FNA Health Policy SIG, former member of Bylaws Committee of FNA, Co-Lead of Florida Action Coalition Diversity Council, Member of the Collaborative Mentorship Program of the National Black Nurses Association, Member of the National Nursing Committee of the American Red Cross (20112018), Member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the American Red Cross (2011-2014)., President of Haitian Alliance Nurses Association International formerly known as HANA International, Chair of International Services Workgroup of the American Red Cross (2014-2018), President of the Haitian American Nurses Association International (2017-2019), President of Miami Chapter - Black Nurses Association, Director of South Region FNA until December 2021, President of Haitian Alliance Nurses Association International formerly known as HANA International

Vice President

Justin Wilkerson, BSN, RN, GERO-BC, CHPN, CCRN-CMC

For the position of Vice President

If re-elected as Vice-President I would endeavor to continue to utilize the knowledge I have gained as an FNA board member to increase the membership of our organization and work with FNA staff and board of directors to

judiciously employ the resources of our organization in a meaningful and impactful way.

Region: North Central

Degree(s): BSN, ASN, Board Certified in Acute/Critical Care Nursing, Cardiac Medicine Nursing, Gerontological Nursing, and Hospice/Palliative Nursing

School(s) of Nursing: Florida Gateway College, University of Texas, Arlington Place of Employment and Position: Consultant ICU Nurse – GCR Global Markets

Professional Organizational Activities: Florida Nurses Association: Member of system-wide committees on Professional Practice, Evidence-Based Practice, and Nursing Quality; North Central Region Director (2017-2019), Reference Committee Member (2015-2017) and Chair (2017-2019), Finance Committee Member, Membership Committee Chair, Legislative Rapid Response Task Force, and Social Media Task Force; Vice President (2019 – Current), Membership Chair (2019 – Current), Alternate Delegate to ANA Membership Assembly (2019 – Current)

Florida Nursing Students Association: 1st VicePresident and Bylaws Committee Chair (2012-2013), Region II Director & Reference Committee Chair (2011-2012);

Other: Member - American Nurses Association; Member – Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association

Secretary

Valerie Halstead For the position of Secretary

Passion to the continued advancement of the Nursing profession and dedication to being a catalyst for the forward momentum of the FNA’s vision. This, in a few words, is the primary reason why I am seeking this opportunity and what I would focus on accomplishing if elected for this role.

Region: West Central Degree(s): PhD in Nursing, MSN, BSN School(s) of Nursing: University of Miami

BIOGRAPHIES AND STATEMENTS

Place of Employment and Position: Trumont –Faculty Coach; Nova Southeastern University –Adjunct Faculty; University of Miami – Research Volunteer

Professional Organizational Activities: 2019-present Tampa Bay Advanced Practice Nurses Council, Member; 2018-2019 Nurse Practitioner Council of Miami Dade, Member; 2021-present Florida Nurses Association, Health Policy Special Interest Group; 2021-present, Florida Nurses Association, Task Force on Social Justice as a Public Health Issue; 2018-present, Florida Nurses Association, Member; 2017-present, Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners, Member; 2017-2020, Florida Center for Nursing, Florida Action Coalition, Member; 2017, Florida Center for Nursing Board Service Initiative Participant; 2019-present, Dermatology Nurses Association, Member; 2017-present, National Academy of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners, Member; 2014-present, American College Health Association, Member; 2012-present, Sigma Theta Tau, National Nursing Honor Society, Beta Tau Chapter, Member; 2014-present, Nursing Network for Violence Against Women International, Member

Treasurer

Mavra Kear

For the position of Treasurer

I have served in varied FNA leadership positions over the past 20 years. I enjoy serving as Treasurer and seek to continue for two more years. FNA is financially stable and I aim to help move us into a growth phase.

Region: West Central School(s) of Nursing: University of South Florida, University of Florida

Degree(s): PhD Nursing, MSN, BSN

Place of Employment and Position: Peace River Center – Primary Care APRN

Professional Organizational Activities: FNA President (2011-2013), Treasurer (2009-2011 and 2019-2021), Director at Large (2005-2009), Finance committee; ANA Delegate (2008-2012)

Directors at Large (Regional)

East Central

Constance Dey

For the position of East Central Region Director

I have been in the medical field since 1987 including an RN for the last 14 years. I have a vast knowledge that includes bedside nursing, teaching, and most recently building EMR for AdventHealth. This would provide me an excellent opportunity to positively affect change and support an organization that I am passionate about.

Region: East Central Degree(s): ASN, BSN

School(s) of Nursing: St. Petersburg College of Nursing

Place of Employment and Position: AdventHealth AIT Department – Clinical Analyst, Intermediate Professional Organizational Activities: Florida Nurses Association (Member)

North Central

Kellyann Curnanayn

For the position of North Central Region Director

As a registered nurse, I felt my voice was not heard by executive staff, policymakers, and third-party corporations regarding workforce concerns. I want to be a voice for the frontline and the patients they serve by bridging the gap between those that give care and those that create processes that frame our work environment.

Region: North Central Degree(s): Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Certificate of Public Health, Family Nurse PractitionerBC ANCC, Bachelors of Science in Nursing School(s) of Nursing: DNP – University of Florida; BSN – University of South Florida Place of Employment and Position: Professional Organizational Activities: Florida Nurses Association (member); Presented at 26th international Nursing Research Congress Sigma Theta Tau International. Evaluated the cost and perceived outcomes of accreditation of FQHCs by The Joint Commission, utilizing an exploratory descriptive interview-style evaluating how macrosystem changes (accreditation) translate to microsystem outcomes (delivery of healthcare).

Candidates continued on page 12

1, 2021. The selected candidates will be responsible for teaching courses in the candidate’s area of expertise and participating in service at the department, college, and university levels.

Position #1: Tenure track Assistant/Associate Professor in the graduate DNP program

Position #2: Non-tenure track Lecturer in the Undergraduate program

For more information contact Dr. Mark Reinhardt, Associate Dean, School of Nursing, via email mrreinhardt@valdosta.edu or phone 229-333-5959

Valdosta State University is proud to have a highly diverse student body, and we are seeking to recruit and retain outstanding candidates who exhibit a clear commitment to diversity and inclusion and who will enhance the diversity of our faculty and staff. For more information on the university, visit https://www.valdosta.edu and for more information about the community visit https://www.valdostachamber.com

For a more detailed job posting and to make application online visit https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/ human-resources/employment-opportunities.php Positions will remain open until filled.

careers.kindredathome.com

Valdosta State University is an Equal Opportunity educational institution.

The School of Nursing in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences seeks applicants for two faculty vacancies. Preferred appointment date is July

Valdosta State University Faculty Vacancies

Northeast

BIOGRAPHIES AND STATEMENTS

Northeast Florida (2017-present); Member of Nursing Leadership Council; Member of organization-wide committees on patient satisfaction, performance improvement initiatives, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement

Susie Norman

For the position of Northeast Region Director

My desire in this position would be to generate interest and awareness of our legislative processes and the importance of advocacy to advance change in the profession of nursing. I hope to inspire more nurses to actively engage in FNA and contribute to making changes in policy, practice, and law.

Region: Northeast

Degree(s): MSN, BSN, ASN

School(s) of Nursing: Chamberlain College of Nursing (MSN Executive Track), Jacksonville University (BSN), Florida Gateway College (ASN) Place of Employment and Position: UF Health Jacksonville - Nurse Manager, General Surgery/ Trauma Overflow

Professional Organizational Activities: FNA Member since 2009, FNA Northeast Florida Region Director (2019-2021), Board Member Great 100 Nurses of

John R. Lunde

For the position of Northeast Region Director

As a career nurse, I have been afforded the opportunity to be mentored and coached by many outstanding nurses. I have been involved with the ANA mentor program for the last two years and understand the importance of nursing having a voice. I want to be that voice.

Region: Northeast Degree(s): DNP, MBS, MSN, BSN, ASN

School(s) of Nursing: University of Alabama Birmingham, Troy University, Lagrange College

Place of Employment and Position: ICC Healthcare / Orange Park Medical Center – Nurse Intensivist, Division of Critical Care

Professional Organizational Activities: ANA –Mentor Program; Society of Critical Care Medicine, FCCS Committee, FCCM Mentor; Eastern Association for Surgery Trauma – Guidelines Committee; Neuro Critical Care Society – Guidelines Committee

advance nursing practice.

Region: Northwest Region

Degree(s): MSN, BSN, ADN, BA, AA

School(s) of Nursing: PhD – Final semester, anticipated graduation date August 7 2021 at University of Central Florida; MSN – Nursing Education specialty at University of West Florida; RN-BSN at University of West Florida; RN-ADN at Jefferson Davis Community College; BA – Psychology at University of West Florida; General AA at Pensacola State College

Place of Employment and Position: University of West Florida – Lecturer in School of Nursing for the Traditional BSN Program

Professional Organizational Activities: Florida Nurses Association (member); American Nurses Association (member); Upsilon Kappa STTI (member); National League for Nursing (member); World Professional Association for Transgender Health (member)

South

Jake Bush

For the position of Northwest Region Director

I would like the opportunity to serve and represent the nurses in my region. I hope to bring awareness to the crucial role of political nursing advocacy. I would also enjoy the opportunity to create regional events related to various professional nursing issues that can

W. Jason Dunne

For the position of South Region Director

The FNA provides a venue to promote, support and advocate for all registered nurses within our state. It is my desire to continue to build upon the work that has been done in strengthening and building a unified voice for nurses across the state regardless of practice area or setting. I would like to encourage and empower nurses to become engaged in the FNA and have a voice at the table in helping to shape policy and practice from the bedside to the legislature.

Region: South

Degree(s): DNP – Educational Leadership, MSN, BSN, Certificate in Advanced Studies in Critical Care Nursing

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Candidates continued from page 11

BIOGRAPHIES AND STATEMENTS

Board Member - Fort Lauderdale Community Appearance Board; Board Member/SecretaryNursing Consortium of South Florida; Member, South Florida Organizational of Nurse Executives; Founding Member - Chamberlain UniversityMiramar American Assembly of Men in Nursing Chapter; Member - Florida Organization of Nurse Executives Member - Florida Nurses Association; Member- Florida Associate of Colleges of Nursing (FACN); Committee Member - National League for Nursing Awards Committee MemberAmerican Assembly of Men in Nursing; MemberAmerican Nurses Association; Member - American Organization of Nurses Executives; MemberSigma Theta Tau International; Appointed to National League of Nursing Awards Committee; Elected Board Member/Secretary, Nursing Consortium of South Florida

Southeast

Cynthia Tagliaferri

For the position of Southeast Region Director

You have inspired me. I believe the Regional Director position will help develop my servant leadership role as an FNA member. I hope to encourage participation of local nurses and bridge gaps in the profession by bringing current issues faced in patient care settings to the threshold of legislative change.

Region: Southeast

Degree(s): BSN

School(s) of Nursing: Florida Atlantic University Place of Employment and Position: Aesthetic Wellness Institute of Palm Beach - Director of Operations

Professional Organizational Activities: Sigma Theta Tau Iota Xi Chapter at Large2020/2021 - Induction Committee Member 2020 - Healing for Healers Committee Member

Roseann Maresca

For the position of Southeast Region Director

I am seeking this position to represent the Southeast region. My goal is to involve the southeast region leaders from Indian River, Okeechobee, Martin, St. Lucie and Palm Beach County and to build a strong FNA presence in this region. As Southeast Director I would like to grow the FNA membership in the 5 county regions and build a networking of nurses who come together to network, learn, and support each other.

Region: Southeast

Degree(s): DNP, MSN, ADN

School(s) of Nursing: Indian River Community College 2008 (name changed to Indian River State College), MSN - Western Governors University, DNP - Chamberlain University

Place of Employment and Position: Assistant Professor of Indian River State College and Clinical Coordinator of Nurse 3 (3rd semester)

Professional Organizational Activities: Member of Southeast region of FNA. Took part in Advocacy Day boot camp and attended Advocacy Day as an FNA member.

Southwest

No Candidates Received as of the date of this Publication. To submit your nomination, go to www.floridanurse.org/Election

West Central

Deborah McCauley

For the position of West Central Region Director

I am applying for a BOD position because I would like to be more involved with the FNA as we progress in the uncharted realm of pandemic healthcare. I hope to continue my efforts of changing the laws and perspectives surrounding entheogenic plant medicines, among other important topics like nursing protections.

Region: West Central Degree(s): Associates Degree in Nursing awarded in 2010. Bachelors in Nursing awarded in 2020. Pursuing a Juris Masters Degree from FSU School of Law, with a focus on Healthcare Regulation and Policy with tentative graduation summer 2022. School(s) of Nursing: Northern Virginia Community College School of Nursing, American Sentinel University

Place of Employment and Position: I am selfemployed. I work primarily with legislation, policy development, compliance and ethics, specifically surrounding entheogenic plant medicines.

Professional Organizational Activities: Florida Nurses Association: Currently residing in NW FL Region, I am involved with the FNA Health Policy SIG, Ethics SIG, and Holistic SIG. In conjunction with Jill Van Der Like, the current NW Director, I helped put together an event for Purple Day where a colleague and fellow FNA member, Cas Jacobs, presented ECS education to the nursing students at UWF.

Other: I sit on the Medical and Scientific Review board of Mr. Psychedelic Law as a Medical and Scientific Reviewer. I am an active member of ANA, NORML, Americans for Safe Access, Cannabis Nurses Network, Society of Cannabis Clinician, and previous member of the American Cannabis Nurses Association. I was also one of 24 nurses country wide nominated and chosen to participate in the American Nurses Advocacy Institute for 2022. I am the Legislative Director for International Association of Psychedelic Nurses.

Meghan Moroney

For the position of West Central Region Director

I am running to make a difference not only for our patients, but for our profession as well.

As a current PAC Trustee and Healthcare Policy SIG member, I am motivated in advocating for the most trusted profession with our state legislators. It would be an honor to serve you!

Region: West Central Degree(s):

School(s) of Nursing: Barry University

Place of Employment and Position: Advent Health; Clinical Liaison (Business Development)

Professional Organizational Activities: Florida Nurses Association – Member, Health Policy Special Interest Group; Florida Nurses Political Action Committee – Trustee; US Masters Swim

Nominating Committee (Five Positions)

George Byron Peraza-Smith

For the position of Nominating Committee

I am proud of the work FNA and nurses have done, and the work yet to be completed. We need nurses on the front line to more loudly join our efforts. I ask for your vote as I continue to support and mentor our next generation of nurse leaders.

Region: West Central

Degree(s): DNP, APRN, MSN, ADN

School(s) of Nursing: DNP - Case Western Reserve University; APRN - South University & Brandman University; MSN - The University of Texas Medical Branch; ADN - Houston Community College

Place of Employment and Position: South University - College of Nursing and Public Health, Department Chair, Online Programs

Professional Organizational Activities: Florida Nurses Association (Current President); American Nurses Association (Member); Advanced Practice Nurse Council (Nomination Council); American Association of Nurse Practitioners (Member); American Psychiatric Nurses Association (Member); Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (PAC Treasurer); Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (Member); National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty, Sigma (Chair, Governance Committee – Phi Kappa Chapter)

Deborah Hogan

For the position of Nominating Committee

I realize that FNA is a memberdriven organization, so sustaining and increasing our membership is vitally important. FNA has been successful in increasing its membership over the past few years, and this effort must continue. With the support of the FNA Board, members and staff, we can continue this work!

Region: Southeast

Degree(s): Diploma in Nursing, Mastin School of Nursing; Bachelors in Nursing, Medical College of Georgia; Masters in Public Health, Tulane School for Public Health

School(s) of Nursing: Mastin School of Nursing; Medical College of Georgia; Tulane School of Public Health

Place of Employment and Position: Retired, 2018, from Department of Health, Palm Beach County after 23 years of service there as the Community Immunizations Program Director for the last 10 years.

Professional Organizational Activities: Florida Nurses Association Southeast Region Director, 2013-2015, 2015-

Candidates continued on page 14

BIOGRAPHIES AND STATEMENTS

2017; FNA President of the Health Care Professionals Bargaining Unit (Current); FNA Nominations Committee - 2018-2020; FNA COVID Task Force member (Current); Florida Public Health Association, Planning Committee2020-2021

Representatives to ANA Membership Assembly (Two Positions)

Justin Wilkerson

For the position of Representative to ANA

If elected as a delegate to the ANA Membership Assembly I would strive to use the experience I have gained as a board member to represent the unique needs of the Florida Nurses Association at assembly meetings.

Region: North Central

Degree(s): BSN, ASN, Board Certified in Acute/Critical Care Nursing, Cardiac Medicine Nursing, Gerontological Nursing, and Hospice/Palliative Nursing

School(s) of Nursing: Florida Gateway College, University of Texas, Arlington Place of Employment and Position: Consultant ICU Nurse – GCR Global Markets

Professional Organizational Activities: Florida Nurses Association: Member of system-wide committees on Professional Practice, Evidence-Based Practice, and Nursing Quality; North Central Region Director (2017-2019), Reference Committee Member (2015-2017) and Chair (2017-2019), Finance Committee Member, Membership Committee Chair, Legislative Rapid Response Task Force, and Social Media Task Force; Vice President (2019-Current), Membership Chair (2019-Current), Alternate Delegate to ANA Membership Assembly (2019-Current)

Florida Nursing Students Association: 1st Vice-President and Bylaws Committee Chair (2012-2013), Region II Director & Reference Committee Chair (2011-2012); Other: Member - American Nurses Association; Member – Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association

Lola Knowles

For the position of Representative to ANA

I joined the FNA in 2017 and I am currently a member of the Health Policy SIG. I’m interested in serving in another capacity. I believe the ANA Representative can provide some insight as well as give me some experience on the Board with opportunities to grow and network.

Region: West Central Degree(s): BSN - May 2018; MBA – 1998; Nursing Diploma – 1985

School(s) of Nursing: Grand Canyon University, Bahamas School of Nursing

Place of Employment and Position: Advent Health Connerton, Land O Lakes, FL – Med-Surg RN

Professional Organizational Activities: Florida Nurses Association (Member), FNA Health Policy SIG (Member), American Nurses Association (Member)

George Byron Peraza-Smith

For the position of Representative to ANA

I am proud of the work FNA and nurses have done, and the work yet to be completed. We need nurses on the front line to more loudly join our efforts. I ask for your vote as I continue to support and mentor our next generation of nurse leaders.

Region: West Central Degree(s): DNP, APRN, MSN, ADN

School(s) of Nursing: DNP - Case Western Reserve University; APRN - South University & Brandman University; MSN - The University of Texas Medical Branch; ADN - Houston Community College

Place of Employment and Position: South University - College of Nursing and Public Health, Department Chair, Online Programs

Professional Organizational Activities: Florida Nurses Association (Current President); American Nurses Association (Member); Advanced Practice Nurse Council (Nomination Council); American Association of Nurse Practitioners (Member); American Psychiatric Nurses Association (Member); Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (PAC Treasurer); Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (Member); National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty, Sigma (Chair, Governance Committee – Phi Kappa Chapter)

Mavra Kear

For the position of Representative to ANA

I have served in varied FNA leadership positions over the past 20 years. I enjoy serving as Treasurer and seek to continue for two more years. FNA is financially stable and I aim to help move us into a growth phase.

Region: West Central School(s) of Nursing: University of South Florida, University of Florida

Degree(s): PhD Nursing, MSN, BSN

Place of Employment and Position: Peace River Center – Primary Care APRN

Professional Organizational Activities: FNA President (2011-2013), Treasurer (2009-2011 and 2019-2021), Director at Large (2005-2009), Finance committee; ANA Delegate (2008-2012)

Perspective: How’s Grandma Doing?

Megan Jordan, MSN, RN

Megan Jordan, MSN, RN

As a nurse, I am honored to care for the elderly, who I affectionately call seniors. Yet average care is being delivered to most seniors. The culture or norm supports prescribing a pill to treat anxiety or numb feelings of loneliness rather than creating social engagement activities or common-sense solutions. I will tell you a quick story. Under my watch, a senior became upset about bleeding gums while brushing and flossing teeth. The solution to this daily crisis, blue toothpaste, immediately reduced anxiety and the need for an anti-anxiety prescription. Sadly, this nonpharmaceutical intervention is the exception rather than the rule. Prescriptions for anxiety or depression have side effects including loss of appetite and apathy or worse falls and complications that can lead to death. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) monitor overprescribing

or overuse of psychotropic drugs in long-term and skilled senior facilities and task healthcare teams to utilize nonpharmaceutical intervention strategies when appropriate. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and depression in seniors with reports of a loss in will to live. Non-pharmaceutical interventions improve the quality of life and mental wellness and fill seniors with love and connection rather than pills and further suffering. Being able to adapt and pivot in a new direction to promote quality of life and mental wellness in seniors includes creative healthcare teams and creative intervention strategies.

Screening tools are recommended by CMS, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) where nine questions are asked and points are totaled to scale and monitor depression. The PHQ-9 does not diagnose mental health disorders but does signal the healthcare team when to apply prevention or treatment strategies and appropriate interventions. Often healthcare teams are not prepared to use non-pharmaceutical interventions yet alternative strategies have a place alongside traditional medication interventions. These non-pharmaceutical interventions can improve the quality of life and promote mental wellness with or without psychotropic medications.

A new foundation must be built by healthcare teams that include alternatives that support seniors. I am asking to be un-muted as a nurse so that practice gaps are identified now and resources allocated for seniors (and my future self). No one wants preventable, avoidable symptoms, especially during their Golden Years!

About the Author:

My name is Megan Jordan. I live in Melbourne, FL with my husband, my two children Elliott (8) and Abigail (4), and my Golden doodle (Maggie). I have lived all over the United States in my personal life, but Florida has been my favorite so far professionally and personally. I graduated with my ASN in 2005 from Barnes Jewish College of Nursing at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo followed by my BSN in 2007. I then went into the field of nursing from experience from long term care management positions to Trauma ICU. I graduated with a MSN in Leadership and Management from Walden University in 2019. I am currently in a dual program for Psych nurse practitioner/DNP with an estimated graduation in spring 2023. I currently work as an occupational health nurse and lead the Covid team in the largest health organization in Brevard County.

Nursing Community

The Florida Organization of Nurse Executives (FONE) Mission is to advance the future of healthcare and nursing in Florida through innovation and expert nursing leadership. Our Vision is to be recognized as the one voice of Florida Nursing Leaders at regional, state and national levels. FONE Values

Florida Organization of Nurse Executives

FONE exists for nurse leaders who provide vision for the advancement of professional nursing practice and patient care. FONE promotes excellence in leadership to shape the future of health care delivery, education and health policy in Florida. FONE has represented nurse leaders across Florida for over fifty years and exists for nurse leaders (and aspiring leaders) in diverse practice settings. These leaders provide vision for the advancement of professional nursing practice and quality patient care. FONE promotes excellence in leadership to shape the future of

FONE members, at all stages of their career and diverse practice settings, will find great opportunity for state-wide networking, sharing best practices, and mentorship opportunities. All levels of career stages are represented by our members who meet regularly during local Chapter meetings across the five designated FONE Regions. Members include nurses in health care organizations, academia, researchers, nurse consultants, and the business sector. Our members are known for their commitment to excellence in patient care, passion for advancing the profession of nursing and healthcare and interest in cutting edge technology.

FNA’s Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Conference Goes Virtual Again

Members of the FNA Research Special Interest Group invite you to join us for the 7th Annual Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Conference. After the immense success of our first virtual conference in 2020, we will be holding the 2021 conference in a virtual format as well. We have an exciting lineup of presentations including a Keynote presentation by Dr. Mindi Anderson and Dr. Desiree Diaz of the University of Central Florida on the area of research in simulation and its relevance to practice, education, and innovation.

We will also have a Virtual Poster Hall in which Nurse researchers from around the state will be highlighting their nursing research and evidence-based practice projects. Each poster will be available for viewing through our conference app and every presenter will be given live Q&A time to discuss their projects with their peers. Poster presentations are always the highlight of our conference!

Join us on July 17th - Reserve your spot today! Recordings of presentations will be available for all registrants after the conference.

More information and registration for the Virtual FNA Research & EBP Conference is available at  www.floridanurse.org/ ResearchConference-2021

Call to Membership Assembly 2021

The Miracle of Nursing: Exploring the Science of Caring

This constitutes the official notice of the 2021 Membership Assembly of the Florida Nurses Association, September 23-25, 2021 at the Mission Inn Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL for the purpose of transacting the official business of the Association. The official business meeting will be held on Saturday, September 25. This year’s conference will be HYBRID – meaning participants will have the option to either attend the in-person event (attendance will be capped) or view the conference through a virtual platform.

The theme for the conference is The Miracle of Nursing: Exploring the Science of Caring.

It goes without saying that the past year has brought unprecedented challenges for the nursing community. We have watched nurses respond with exemplary courage, extraordinary knowledge and skill, and immeasurable compassion and creativity. At the 2021 FNA Membership Assembly, we want to spotlight the incredible work that nurses do every day by exploring the profession of nursing through the intersection of science and caring.

Join us at this year’s assembly for dynamic presentations focused on future innovation. To see more of the conference program, go to www.floridanurse.org/MembershipAssembly-2021

Keynote Presenter

FNA is thrilled to announce that former Deputy Surgeon General Rear Admiral (RADM) Sylvia Trent-Adams will give the Keynote Address at the 2021 FNA Membership Assembly. RADM TrentAdams is now a retired US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Rear Admiral. She served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health from January 2019 to August 2020. Previously, she served as the Deputy Surgeon General of the United States from October 2015 to January 2019. RADM Trent-Adams has held various positions in Health and Human Services, working to improve access to care for poor and underserved communities. As a clinician and administrator, she has had a direct impact on building systems of care to improve public health for marginalized populations domestically and internationally.

Focus on Recent Graduates

Florida Nursing Graduates Share Concerns Regarding Graduating During the Pandemic

Over the past few months we have had new graduates attend our Pandemic and Disaster Task Force, Health Policy Special Interest Group and the Ethics Special Interest Group. There was a repeated theme in these discussions regarding ways in which the pandemic had affected them as they exited their educational experience and entered into practice. Across all of these discussions the concerns were strikingly similar. They felt that simulation was not an adequate substitute for having experience with actual patient care. They felt ill prepared to take on the role of a registered nurse. They shared that many experienced nurses either had left the institutions to become travelers due to the financial benefits of taking these assignments leaving units that were largely staffed by GN’s and travelers from other states. They were asked to train new graduates or new employees and become preceptors before they were prepared to do so. Some were also tasked with being charge nurses and they had no orientation to the role. Some reported that the more seasoned nurses were floated to the COVID units so they had no one to ask questions or support them in their decision making.

They stated that they knew of several who had opted to return to school for an advanced degree, so they could “wait out the pandemic” before returning to work. Others found jobs outside of the hospital but were concerned about not ever developing the clinical expertise they would need to practice safely.

Faculty who participated on the calls also expressed concern regarding not being able to access clinical sites to provide adequate clinical experiences for their students.

The Pandemic and Disaster Task Force has selected this issue and one of their foci, during their work in the coming year. They are inviting new graduates who are members of FNA to please join a subcommittee to assist the group with identifying all the ramifications of these issues including providing some kind of support for new graduates in times of distress. If you are a new graduate interested in this work, please email Iris Lopez at info@floridanurse.org and state that you are a new nursing graduate interested in the New Graduate Subcommittee of the task force.

Sylvia Trent-Adams

SIG News

Health Policy Special Interest Group

Chair: Karen Perez, DNP, MSN Ed., RN-BC Meets Every Second Tuesday at 7pm EST

The Health Policy Special Interest Group (HP-SIG) was focused on enhancing advocacy this year by promoting the Legislative Action Team and following the Legislative Activity. For each meeting they discussed the progress during the legislative session and reviewed the bill report from FNA. They also were concerned with the policy implications of the pandemic and felt that FNA should be working to address these in some way.

SIG members were also encouraged to either run for public office or identify other nurses who might want to do so. This information was presented at the Advocacy Days program in 2021 and we continue to encourage members to consider this prospect. Presenters at the conference stated that you needed to be considering this about three to four years before the election you are targeting.

We continue to encourage PAC donations and inform members that they can add an additional deduction to their monthly membership fee to help fund the FNPAC. This is crucial with the upcoming elections.

The HP-SIG is one of the most active and largest SIG’s among the membership of FNA and we continue to invite interested advocates to join. It is also an appropriate meeting for students who have an assignment to attend a professional meeting as it addresses legislative advocacy as a core function of the Florida Nurses Association. If you would like to join this group, email Bibi Lowton at govt@floridanurse.org and ask her to add you to the HP-SIG.

Veterans’ Homes

RNs, LPNs, & CNAs needed at all locations

Lake City The Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veterans’ Domiciliary Home

Daytona Beach The Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home

Land O’ Lakes The Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home

Pembroke Pines The Alexander “Sandy” Nininger State Veterans’ Nursing Home

Panama City The Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home

Port Charlotte The Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home

St. Augustine The Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home

Port St. Lucie The Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home

Orlando Lake Baldwin State Veterans’ Nursing Home

For employment opportunities at the homes, call the FDVA Human Resources Office at (727) 518-3202, Ext. 5579 or visit the People First website at https://jobs.myflorida.com/joblist.html

Holistic Nursing

Chair: Ann Fuller, PhD(c), MSN-Ed, RN, AHN-BC Meets Every Third Thursday at 5pm EST

The Holistic Nursing SIG, founded in 2020, has been working on their focus for this year and several areas of interest have been identified. These are: education of the nursing community regarding holistic nursing and integrative nursing practices; clarity and agreement regarding terminology; burnout and stress as it relates to nursing and activities by FNA to support nurses; adherence to the Scope and Standards of Holistic Nursing as published jointly by ANA and AHNA. The group has been more active on social media with self-care promotions. They are working on informational sheets on select topics and currently preparing educational programs on Holistic Health topics including mindfulness, plants as medicine, healing touch, therapeutic touch, and the process of becoming certified as a Holistic Nurse. Members who are interested in joining the conversation can reach out to Iris Lopez, Executive Assistant, at info@floridanurse.org to be added to the group contact list.

Nursing Ethics

Chair: Jean Davis, Ph.D., D.N.P., Ed.D., FNP-BC, PHCNS-BC Meets Every Third Tuesday at 6pm EST

The Nursing Ethics SIG is a forum for members to discuss a variety of topics related to the intersection of ethics within nursing practice, healthcare, health policy, and more. Each meeting, discussion topics are brought forth by the Chair and members of the group. These often lead to in-depth free-flowing conversations among the nurses on the call. Recently, the group discussed nurses’ ethical considerations for supporting and/ or opposing various proposed legislation such as recreational marijuana, prescription insulin costs, and Kid Care eligibility. Robust conversation was held posing the various cases for why nurses would or would not unite behind certain legislation from an ethical standpoint. Members who are interested in joining these monthly discussions can reach out to Kaitlin Scarbary, Director of Member Programs, at kscarbary@ floridanurse.org to be added to the group contact list.

ANA News

ANA and FNA Celebrate National Nurses Month

Since the pandemic, honoring our nation’s nurses is more profoundly significant, which makes this month of recognition in May even more important.

Whether it is a national health emergency or routine daily care, nurses’ vital contributions impact the health and well-being of our communities, which is why ANA selected the theme for May as Nurses Make a Difference . To honor nurses and support the nursing profession, ANA and FNA will promote weekly themes and activities. The month will be divided into four weekly focuses – SelfCare, Recognition, Professional Development, and Community Engagement.

FNA Nurse Month updates and activities can be found at www.floridanurse.org/Nurses-Month

ANA’s landing page for Nurses Month is at anayearofthenurse.org/about-nurses-month

Benefits of Being a Premier Member of ANA and FNA

Did you know that Premier Members receive additional benefits on top the standard benefits of membership? Learn more at nursingworld.com/ premier. Premier Members receive:

• Additional $50 Rebate for Attending FNA Membership Assembly

• Free ANCC Certification Test-Taking Strategies Webinar

• Save an additional 25% on an ANA Publication purchase

• Save an additional $100 on ANCC certification

• Free Communication Skills eBook

• Free Nursing Scope & Standards of Practice, 3rd Edition eBook

• Free Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Salad Set

• Save an additional 50% off memberdiscounted prices for select ANA eBooks

• Access Free Unlimited CE from Lippincott Nursing Center – over 1,900 modules

Member Spotlight: Nurse Month

Tribute

For the second week of National Nurses Month, FNA called upon its members to honor a nurse colleague, friend or mentor by submitting a brief story, thank you message, or expression of gratitude. These submissions were posted the FNA Nurses’ Month Tribute Wall. Many members answered the call to honor a mentor, friend, co-worker, instructor or any nurse who had an impact on their life. The tributes received were inspirational testaments to the life and career-changing impact that these individuals had on those they touched. To view the

FNA Hosts First Virtual Advocacy Days

With the support and guidance of FNA’s new lobbying team, FNA held a smashingly successful, first-ever, virtual Advocacy Days. This Advocacy Days saw participation from more FNA members than in past years and was the perfect culmination of the FNA Season of Advocacy – a series of activities held from January to March encouraging greater participation of nurses in legislative advocacy.

The conference began with breakout sessions guided by Jack Cory, Erin Ballas, and Keyna Cory of Public Affairs Consultants, our lobbying firm. In these sessions, participants either learned about the basics of advocating for nursing issues or if they had met with their legislators, they reported on the experiences of those visits. The lobbying team arranged several guests from the Florida Legislature to meet virtually with the nurses in attendance including Representative Colleen Burton, Senator Aaron Bean, and Representative Kamia Brown. Some members scheduled legislative visits on their own as well. Many were prepared and had been encouraged at the Regional Boot Camps to meet with their legislators prior to the start of session. The guests joining us during Advocacy Days were open to hearing about FNA’s legislative priorities including pandemic management, advanced practice issues, workplace violence protection, funding for the Florida Center for Nursing, and more.

Attendees were enthralled to hear about the past legislative successes of the Florida Nurses Association in a presentation by FNA Executive Director, Willa Fuller. Many members in attendance expressed their surprise to hear about how much FNA has been actively involved in the passage of landmark legislation from a bill covering the State Registration of nurses passed in 1913 all the way to the passage of Full Practice Authority for APRNs in 2020. The FNA has over 100 years of political involvement and advocacy on behalf of nurses!

Several guest speakers provided engaging lectures on topics relating to advocacy. Joe Baker, Executive Director of the Board of Nursing, gave updates on legislation and potential impacts on licensure and regulations. Kevin Cate, an adviser and strategist, got attendees fired up and engaged by challenging everyone in attendance to email their legislators about FNA’s top issues. Over 100 in attendance did participate in the live challenge! The lobbying team spoke about the new world of virtual advocacy and gave the group exciting ideas for reaching their legislators through digital platforms. The program was rounded out by a presentation from Steve Schale and Andrew Wiggins on how nurses can make the ultimate leap into policy-making – by running for office themselves!

The staff received overwhelming positive feedback from the nurses and students who participated in Advocacy Days. Many were thankful to be able to still participate while navigating the intricacies of the pandemic. FNA’s lobbying team provided thoughtful and achievable methods for grassroots lobbying that encourages the participation of individual members – a methodology perfectly suited for FNA’s legislative goals and outcomes. Their positive energy carried through the conference and made it both educational and fun. We are thrilled to have them on our team!

Highlights from FNA’s Season of Advocacy (January – March 2021)

• Eight Regional Boot Camps – Each program had one guest from the Legislature from that Region. Boot Camps were an opportunity for attendees to learn the basics of advocacy, FNA’s priorities, and meet a legislator.

• One Legislative Action Team Training – Advanced training for members interested in directly working with their elected officials to advocate on behalf of FNA.

• Weekly Legislative Updates – Up to the minute updates on what was happening in the legislature and how it impacted FNA’s legislative priorities.

• Virtual Advocacy Days – Two-day virtual conference with education, legislator visits, and more!

FNA President George PerazaSmith with Lobbying Team Jack Cory, Keyna Cory, and Erin Ballas

Rep. Colleen Burton

Rep. Kamia Brown

Senator Aaron Bean

Virtual Advocacy Days – Two-day virtual conference with education, legislator visits, and more!