The Florida Nurse - August 2023

THE FLORIDA NURSE

President’s Message

Janice Adams,

DNP,

MPA, BSN President FNA

Summer is in full swing, isn’t it? Just step outside and you have no doubt! Please stay safe and take care of yourself and others during this time of extreme heat in Florida.

As I look back over the past two years as your President, I am happy to report that FNA has experienced a very productive 2022-2023. Last June, FNA partnered with the Florida Center for Nursing and the Nursing Action Coalition of Florida to present Conversations with a Purpose: Nursing Workforce Strategies and Solutions. This presentation from experts in our state reported many workforce solutions to assist in retaining nurses in the profession. We had a very rewarding discussion about solutions, innovations, nursing education changes to increase the workforce, and self-care opportunities. The conversation continues today with multiple meetings and webinars with the Florida Hospital Association, the Florida Center for Nursing and FNA to share information and find solutions. FNA recently held a webinar discussing Workplace Violence that was highly attended. Many great ideas and plans came out of this meeting.

Last September we returned to our first in-person Membership Assembly at the Mission Inn just outside of Orlando with over 120 attendees. It was wonderful to see everyone, and we proudly welcomed many members to their very first Assembly! Our theme was Empowering Nurses: Leading Change. We continued to center on how to Regain, Retain and Reconnect with nurses. We have maintained that focus and held several Town Hall discussions and webinars focusing on resilience and self-care.

In December 2022, a proposal was sent to the Board of Directors to build a pathway for LPNs to join FNA. Executive Director, Willa Fuller, sent out a

survey request to LPNs in the state regarding interest in joining our organization. More to come on the findings.

FNA continues to support our state student nurses association, FNSA, over the years. This organization has grown and now has over 3642 members in the state. They are our future and continue to do excellent work planning their own state convention in October. This group has an active board of directors that are laser focused on growing their organization. Excellent work to Kelly York, RN, President FNSA and her team. We are so proud of your work.

Our members are the reason we continue offering educational opportunities, advocating for nursing in Florida, and looking for ways to relieve the stress while we continue to up the volume of our voice.

This legislative year, FNA partnered with our operating room and surgical nurses lead by Sandra Falk to educate our legislators regarding the health hazards of surgical smoke and the FNA Legislative Platform. Several OR nurses, Sandra Falk, WCEN Director, Meghan Moroney and I traveled to Tallahassee multiple times to testify at the House and Senate Committee meetings. Though we received 100% of the vote in both the House and Senate, the bill was not heard in the final committee. Though disappointed, that did not deter us or our lobbying team. We will move forward with planning for 2024!

FNA continues to support our mission to advance the profession of nursing and promote a healthy Florida. We continue to support our membership via Nurse Advocacy, Member Services, Nurse Development & Support, Public and Professional Awareness, Professional Unity, and Organizational Excellence. FNA has many ways for our members to get involved. We need your involvement to make our voice even louder.

It has been my pleasure to serve as your President for the past two years. I look forward to seeing you at the 2023 FNA Membership Assembly on September 20-22 in St. Augustine, FL.

Notes from the Executive Director

Upholding Ethical Standards in Nursing: Our Obligation to Patients

Willa Fuller, BSN, RN | Executive Director

FLORIDA NURSE THE

Owned and Published by, Florida Nurses Association 1235 E. Concord Street, Orlando, FL 32803-5403

Nursing is a profession that involves providing care to individuals in their most vulnerable moments. Ethical standards in nursing are the bedrock of providing compassionate care while marshalling the well-being, safety, and dignity of patients. Nurses are entrusted with the responsibility of upholding ethical principles, which not only guide their actions but also shape the overall healthcare landscape. Recently, our members and the nursing community in general have expressed significant concern over recent legislative action that challenges certain areas of nursing practice and education. As nurses, we are charged with caring for humankind, and the idea of being restricted from caring for specific groups or teaching certain content is unconscionable as well as creating a barrier to safe, quality care for all.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses reported that standards and usual procedures were not always followed and they expressed concern that they would be able to return to accepted standards and adherence to the ANA Code of Ethics. While shortcuts may have become routine in the time of the crisis, as things returned to normal, nurses were still faced with staffing shortages as well as working with novice staff or travelers who may or may not have the experience and expertise to serve as supportive colleagues.

We have all received education on the ethical principles that guide the profession, but while this becomes embedded in our daily practices, it is good to remind ourselves of these principles as we move forward, particularly in our advocacy for our patients and our profession. This is the perfect time for a review!

The principles are as follows:

1. Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

The core ethical principles in nursing are rooted in beneficence and non-maleficence. Beneficence refers to the duty of nurses to act in the best interest of their patients, promoting their well-being and health. Nonmaleficence, on the other hand, emphasizes the obligation to do no harm. Nurses must carefully balance the benefits of interventions against potential risks to avoid causing harm to patients. By constantly evaluating and considering the consequences of their actions, nurses can provide highquality care while respecting patient autonomy. A major concern would be a law that prohibits needed care to a patient. Recent laws related to care of transgender patients have created deficits in care for these individuals as well as a negative impact on practice for those that care for them. A different take on this was some of the distress that nurses expressed over how they were treated by some employers. In our many meetings and discussions, a repeated theme was “Do they care about us?” or “Do we even matter?” Nurses understood the crisis but as caring humans some of their experiences with what seemed to be uncaring employers were devastating to them.

2. Respect for Autonomy

Respect for patient autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle that recognizes an individual’s right to make their own decisions regarding their health and medical treatment. Nurses should actively involve patients in their care planning and respect their choices, even if they differ from what the nurse may recommend. This principle ensures that patients are empowered to actively participate in their care and make informed decisions based on their values, beliefs, and preferences. Recent decisions have certainly impeded patients’ right to care across several populations. Our ethical obligations to care supersede personal opinions or moral stances. Certainly, nurses have the right to position themselves in their career so that they are not placed in difficult positions, but the

issue here is that you may have a patient presenting to you that you are legally prohibited from providing care that could lead to harm for that patient. We have not even explored the legal and regulatory risk for the provider.

3. Integrity and Trustworthiness

Integrity is the cornerstone of ethical nursing practice. Nurses are expected to act honestly, transparently, and with accountability. Patients and their families place immense trust in nurses to provide competent and compassionate care. This trust can only be maintained through ethical conduct and a commitment to always act in the best interest of patients, free from any conflicts of interest. Nurses have garnered the title of Most Trusted Profession by the Gallup organization for two decades due to their history of honesty and integrity in care delivery. Nurses report being challenged by the environment created during the COVID-19 crisis due to inadequate staffing and the necessity to work under what they considered to be lowered standards. Nurses have expressed having stress and concern over this issue.

4. Confidentiality and Privacy

Maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy is essential and is a legal obligation in nursing practice. Nurses handle sensitive and confidential information daily, and they must ensure that this information remains secure and only accessible to those directly involved in the patient’s care. Respecting the patient’s right to privacy builds a foundation of trust between the nurse and patient and enhances the therapeutic relationship.

5. Advocacy

Nurses serve as advocates for their patients, standing up for their rights and ensuring they receive appropriate care. Advocacy involves actively listening to patients, addressing their concerns, and working collaboratively with the healthcare team to achieve the best outcomes. Advocating for vulnerable populations and those unable to speak for themselves is an essential aspect of ethical nursing practice. As in some of the other criteria, when laws and regulations infringe on nursing practice, this endangers patient safety and patient outcomes and interferes with long standing nursing practice.

6. Cultural Competence

Cultural competence plays a pivotal role in maintaining ethical standards in nursing. Nurses must be aware of and sensitive to the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of their diverse patient population. This cultural awareness fosters better communication, mutual respect, and understanding, ultimately leading to more effective care. It is important to recognize that cultural competence applies to all patients and all caregivers as we are all culturally diverse caring for diverse populations. There are physiological differences, ethnic and racial differences as it applies to health conditions, varied responses to medications across ethnicities and many other variations that require nurses to be aware and open to assessing patients based on an awareness of differences. It is not an expectation that nurses know all the cultural implications for each patient, but they must be aware of points of assessment when they may need to ask questions or educate patients on self-care parameters. Laws or biases must not interfere with this ethical component of care.

Conclusion

Upholding ethical standards in nursing is not just a professional obligation; it is a moral imperative. These standards also include a work environment that is amenable to the provision of safe, quality care and the well-being of nurses. By adhering to principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, respect for autonomy, integrity, confidentiality, advocacy, and cultural competence, nurses can enhance patient outcomes, build trust, and contribute to the betterment of the healthcare system as a whole. If barriers are created to this basic application of care, breaches of care and a lack of trust or stability in our healthcare system occurs.

P.O. Box 536985, Orlando, FL 32853-6985

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Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the Florida Nurses Association of products advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its use. FNA and Health eCareers shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of FNA or those of the national or local associations.

Published quarterly, February, May, August and November by FNA, a constituent member of the American Nurses Association.

Editor – Kaitlin Scarbary, 1235 E. Concord St., Orlando, FL 32803-5403

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COPIES of The Florida Nurse are available on 35mm microfilm, 106mm microfilm, article reprints and issue copies through Bell & Howell, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106

Board of Directors

2021–2023

Officers

Janice Adams, DNP, MPA, BSN, President

Marie Etienne, DNP, APRN, FNP, PNP, PLNC, President-Elect

Debbie Hogan, RN, BSN, MPH, Vice President

Valerie Halstead, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, Secretary Mavra Kear, PHD, APRN, BC, Treasurer

Region Directors

Jake Bush, MSN, RN, Northwest Region

Kellyann Curnayn, DNP, APRN-BC, North Central Region

Susie Norman, MSN, Northeast Region

Marcos Gayol, EdD, MSN, MPH, RN, East Central Region

Meghan Moroney, BSN, RN, West Central Region

Cynthia Tagliaferri, RN, BSN, DNP Student, Southeast Region

Charene Adams, DNP, MSN, RN-BC, Southwest Region

Linda Washington-Brown, PHD, EJD, MSN, APRN-C, FAANP, FAAN, South Region

Director of Recent Graduates

Aminah Johnson, RN

LERC Liaison

Marsha Martin, RN

FNA Office

Willa Fuller, BSN, RN, Executive Director

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

Kaitlin Scarbary, Director of Member Programs, Technology, and Marketing

Willa Fuller

FNA Membership Grows 40% in 5 Years Powered by Volunteer Committee and Data-Driven Insights

Over the past five years, our organization has witnessed a surge in membership, with an impressive 40% growth rate. This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated Membership Committee and our commitment to data-driven decision-making. As we celebrate this momentous milestone, we reflect on the invaluable contributions that have fueled our success and positioned us for a promising future.

The Membership Committee, comprising a passionate and dynamic group of individuals, has been the heartbeat of our organization’s growth. Their unwavering dedication and enthusiasm have played a pivotal role in attracting new members and fostering a sense of community among our existing members. The committee’s innovative outreach initiatives, personalized engagement strategies, and heartfelt commitment to our mission have created an inviting and inclusive environment that resonates with individuals from all walks of life. The members of the Membership Committee are Debbie Hogan (Chair), Jennifer Crews, Andrea Falciano, Danielle Isaguirre, Mavra Kear, Lois Marshall, Heather Mirch, Margareth Preston-Erie, and Aushaunte White.

This year, the committee set out to support programs currently in place to attract new members, but also develop programs that inspire new members to participate in the many activities that FNA offers. Once they become active participants, we hope to retain those members who join. As a result, the Committee worked to establish a “New Member Orientation.” The first session was offered

on May 4, 2023 and several of the Committee members participated in the presentation to the new members. It was very well received, and we hope that it will be a quarterly offering as new members join.

One of the cornerstones of our achievements in increasing membership has been our proactive approach to data analysis. Embracing the power of quarterly monitoring of membership data, we have gained invaluable insights into the ebb and flow of our membership landscape. This data-driven approach has allowed us to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of our strategies, and make informed decisions to optimize the membership experience.

Through this analytical lens, we have been able to identify areas that required improvement and capitalize on opportunities for growth. Armed with the knowledge from the data, the Membership Committee has taken decisive action, fine-tuning membership benefits, refining event offerings, and streamlining administrative processes. This focus on continuous improvement has not only heightened member satisfaction but also contributed significantly to the impressive rise in membership numbers.

Furthermore, our commitment to being responsive to the needs of potential members has been a driving force in our growth. By listening to feedback and understanding the concerns of prospective members, FNA joined the American Nurses Association in its pivotal decision to decrease our dues rate. This decision has led to increased interest and significantly expanded our membership base.

By removing barriers to entry, we have ensured that membership with our organization remains accessible to all, fostering an environment of diversity and inclusivity.

As we look to the future, we remain deeply appreciative of the Membership Committee’s commitment and the powerful insights derived from our data-driven approach. Together, they have charted a course of success, guiding our organization towards an even brighter horizon.

With the dedication of our volunteers, the support of our members, and the embrace of data as our compass, we are confident that our organization’s growth story is only beginning. As we forge ahead, united in our mission and propelled by the spirit of collaboration, we eagerly anticipate a future where our organization continues to flourish, making a positive impact on the lives of our members and the communities we serve.

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Focus on the Foundation Extend a Helping Hand to Our Dedicated Nurses in Need!

Debbie Conner Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair, Florida Nurses Foundation

The Florida Nurses Foundation Nurses in Need Fund was created with the sole purpose of offering aid to those nurses who find themselves facing financial hardships due to unforeseen circumstances. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a family crisis, or other unexpected events, we want to ensure that our nurses receive the assistance they deserve when they need it most.

Over the last few years, the number of nurses applying for assistance has grown significantly and we don’t always have enough in the coffers to provide aid to those in need.

Your generosity can make a significant impact in the lives of your fellow nurses. Your donation, no matter the size, will go directly towards:

1. Financial Aid: Providing immediate financial support to cover medical expenses, housing costs, or other essential needs.

2. Emergency Relief: Responding quickly to urgent cases and crises faced by nurses and their families. Last year, the Foundation provided $10,500 in assistance to nurses impacted by Hurricane Ian funding solely by direct donations.

We ask that you consider contributing to this important fund. Making a donation is easy and secure. Simply visit www.floridanurse.org/donatenow and select the amount you wish to contribute.

Empowering Healthcare Advocates: Donate to the Barbara Lumpkin Institute for Health Policy Education in Nursing

The Barbara Lumpkin Institute is dedicated to fostering public policy education for nurses and allies of the nursing profession. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, your donation to the Barbara Lumpkin Institute becomes an investment in a brighter and healthier future for all. With your generous donation, the Barbara Lumpkin Institute develops comprehensive educational resources, workshops, and seminars. These initiatives empower nurses to navigate the complex world of policy, equipping them with the tools to become effective advocates, leaders, and change agents within their communities and beyond. No donation is too small to help advance the mission of the BLI! Donate today at www.floridanurse.org/BLI

The Foundation has opened a second window of applications for Research Grants in 2023. The deadline for submission is December 1, 2023. The principal investigator must be a registered nurse and be licensed to practice nursing in Florida. Applications for the research grant must be for a study (proposed or underway) that has not been completed prior to application deadline. View full guidelines and criteria at www.floridanurse.org/ScholarshipsGrants

Debbie Conner

The Florida Nurses Political Action Committee Aims to Empower Nurses in the Upcoming Election Year

The Florida Nurses Political Action Committee (FNPAC) allows nurses to join forces, amplify their voices, and advocate for positive change within healthcare policy. As we approach the upcoming election year, it is imperative that we rally behind the FNPAC and ensure it has the necessary funds to continue its impactful work.

The Significance of the Florida Nurses Political Action Committee

The FNPAC serves as a unified platform for nurses to advocate for policies that protect patient rights, promote safe working conditions, improve healthcare access, and address the unique challenges faced by the nursing profession. Through fundraising and donations, the FNPAC supports candidates who prioritize healthcare issues, ensuring that nursing concerns are heard in the political arena. Each year, FNPAC Trustees interview candidates running for the Florida Legislature to determine their alignment with the priority legislative issues of the Florida Nurses Association.

Funds collected by the FNPAC enable nurses to:

1. Influence Legislation: By supporting candidates who champion nursingrelated causes, the FNPAC can influence the development and passage of bills that benefit patients and the nursing workforce. This allows nurses to have a direct impact on shaping healthcare policies and improving patient outcomes.

2. Enhance Nursing Education: The FNPAC can allocate resources to support continuing education programs, which help nurses understand the legislative process and how they can influence policy through grassroots efforts.

3. Foster Advocacy Efforts: Donations to the FNPAC facilitate grassroots advocacy campaigns, allowing nurses to engage with legislators, raise awareness about crucial healthcare issues, and fight for equitable solutions.

4. Strengthen Nurses’ Voices: With ample financial support, the FNPAC can increase its outreach and expand its network of nurses, empowering more professionals to engage in advocacy efforts.

Why Your Donation Matters

As we look towards the upcoming election year, the FNPAC faces a crucial challenge in replenishing its funds. Your donation, no matter how big or small, can make a significant difference in advancing nursing advocacy and improving healthcare for all. Here are a few reasons why your contribution matters:

1. Collective Power: Every dollar donated adds to the collective strength of nurses statewide. A well-funded PAC can make a more substantial impact on policymakers, leading to positive changes in healthcare policy.

2. Elevating Nursing Profession: Supporting the FNPAC elevates the nursing profession as a whole. It demonstrates that nurses are dedicated to advocating for their patients and communities, fostering greater respect for the profession.

3. Protecting Patient Rights: Your donation helps ensure that patients receive the best care possible. By advocating for improved working conditions and patientfocused policies, the FNPAC directly impacts the quality of healthcare services.

4. Creating a Lasting Impact: Investing in the FNPAC means investing in the future of healthcare. Your donation will support candidates who prioritize healthcare and nursing issues, creating a lasting impact for generations to come.

As we gear up for the upcoming election year, let us stand united in supporting the Florida Nurses Political Action Committee. By replenishing its funds, we empower nurses to continue advocating for meaningful change within the healthcare system. Together, we can safeguard patient rights, elevate the nursing profession, and ensure a healthier and more equitable future for all. Your contribution matters. Donate to the PAC today and help us shape a brighter future for nursing and healthcare. To make a donation or learn more about the Florida Nurses Political Action Committee, please visit our website at www.floridanurse.org/FNPAC

2023 Calendar of Events

Some meetings such as committee meetings and recurring regional meetings are not included in the list below. View the Full FNA Calendar at www.floridanurse.org/events

Webinar: Back to Basics for Infection Prevention

August 23, 2023 at 6:30pm ET

FNSA Preconvention Workshop

September 16, 2023 | Keiser University Tampa Campus

2023 FNA Membership Assembly

September 20-22, 2023 | World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort

2023 FNSA Convention October 22-24, 2023 | Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista South, Kissimmee, FL

Southeast Region Leadership Meeting

All Southeast Region Members Welcome August 16, October 18, November 15 and December 20 at 6:30pm ET Zoom Meeting

West Central Region Meeting

All West Central Region Members Welcome October 5 at 6:30pm ET | Zoom Meeting

East Central Region Meeting

All East Central Region Members Welcome December 13 at 6:00pm ET | Zoom Meeting

Health Policy Special Interest Group

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

Ethics Special Interest Group Every Third Tuesday | 6:00-7:00pm EST | Zoom Meetin

Holistic Nursing Special Interest Group

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

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

Greetings everyone! It was great to see those who were able to attend the mixer in celebration of nurses’ month. Two mental health resources available at your fingertips include FNA’s Zen Zone (https:// www.floridanurse.org/mpage/NurseZenZone) and the ANA’s well-being initiative (https://www.nursingworld. org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/ disaster-preparedness/coronavirus/what-you-needto-know/the-well-being-initiative/). Both of these websites provide a variety of mental health resources. I have enjoyed this valuable experience serving our region. However, I will not be a candidate for the upcoming service term. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve our region!

Dr. Jake Bush

In April 2023, the East Central Region Leadership Council met to generate ideas for regional events like networking opportunities, community outreach initiatives, and possibilities for continuing education as well as how to advance nursing practice excellence through advocacy, promotion, and professional growth. During the initial meeting, we reviewed numerous areas of focus for the upcoming year and kicked off our year in the East Central region. Events educating people about Long-COVID’s effects and overlooked COVID risk factors were among the concepts that were proposed. Given the growing awareness of the long-term impacts linked to COVID-19, it is possible that our region will host a webinar or forum in 2023 that is explicitly dedicated to the topic of long-COVID.

We also discussed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates within our state which are dependent on several factors, such as the cohort of test takers, the standard of nursing school programs, and individual preparedness. To accomplish this, I went to the Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) Think Tank session where this subject was the main topic of conversation. I will report to our region members after the FCN publication of the ideas discussed. Finally, members of the East Central Region considered sending articles to The Florida Nurse for publication and participating in this year’s FNA research conference during 2023.

We are looking forward to a great coming year in our region!

Greetings West Central Region,

The West Central Region exemplified the official tagline for National Nurses Month, “You Make a Difference!” We are all grateful for our region’s nurses’ unwavering commitment to patients, their communities, and our healthcare systems. The West Central Region kicked off Nurses Month at the 15th Annual Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses Workshop at Lee Health in Fort Myers, FL. The workshop was hosted by Saundra Falk, BSN, RN, CNOR, author of FNA’s Bill proposal SB 380/HB587 Protection from Surgical Smoke.

The West Central Region received heartfelt wishes from County Commissioners in three (3) counties of our region: DeSoto, Hillsborough, and Pinellas – to our region’s nurses. These counties officially recognized the month of May 2023 as National Nurses Month, honoring the dedication and service we have made to our communities!

On May 9th, the Board of County Commissioners of DeSoto County presented a proclamation to Lisa Pfannkuchen, ASN, RN, a local hometown nurse and hero, recognizing her efforts during Hurricane Ian and the historic flooding of the Peace River in Arcadia, FL.

This was followed by action on May 15th, supported by Commissioner Harry Cohen of Hillsborough County and the Board of County Commissioners. They presented a proclamation to Dr. Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN, Executive Director and Dr. Louisana Louis, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Florida Center for Nursing. The proclamation recognized

the important contributions of the FCN, which is headquartered at the University of South Florida. Special recognition to Alison Tagliaferro DNP, RN who attended in support.

Lastly, on May 24th, the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation to a healthcare facility that cares for the most vulnerable and underserved population in the county. We honor the nurses in our communities who continue to shape the future of healthcare every day.

Nurses in our region have been recognized and appreciated for their hard work, perseverance, dedication, and outstanding care. We celebrate and honor nurses throughout the year, culminating at the Florida Nurses Association annual Membership Assembly in September where nurses’ unparalleled impact on health and health care is recognized.

Marcos Gayol, Ed.D, MSN, MPH, MBA, RN

Region News continued on page 8

Greetings once again SE Region members!

We sure are on a roll this year with continuous activities, events, and celebrations! What a successful third quarter of 2023 we are having!

Firstly, let me start by recapping our commemoratory Nurses Week in all five counties of our SE Region- Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee. Woo hoo! Led by our Legislative Committee, you all turned up and turned out for our White Coat Assembly event at each counties Board of County Commissioner monthly meeting to be awarded a proclamation honoring nurses and officially declaring May 6th – May 12th, 2023 Nurses Week in each county.

An enthusiastic turnout of our regions members and would-be members was most impressive, assuring our legislators we are a strong workforce of dedicated professionals caring for the populations we both serve. The County Commissioners who supported and awarded our nurses with declarations, on behalf of all the commissioners in each county, were Commissioner Edward Ciampi of Martin County, Commissioner Hazellief and Commissioner Burroughs of Okeechobee County, Commissioner Moss and Commissioner Adams representing Indian River County, Commissioner Marci Woodward, District 4, Palm Beach County, and Commissioner Bartz, and Commissioner Townsend for St. Lucie County, named in the order the proclamations were received.

Additionally, in recognition of the contribution our healthcare institutions provide our communities, so that we may have a platform from which to deliver nursing services, the SE Region dedicated these proclamations to nurses and nurse leaders within institutions in each county. Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital in Okeechobee, and Indian River State College, St Lucie / Martin County display each county proclamation at their facilities, while FNA SE Region maintains our Palm Beach County proclamation to display at the remaining years functions. Congratulations and Thank you nurses everywhere for all your hard work and dedication!

And congratulations to our new graduate nurses, many of whom have joined our membership…which means you passed the NCLEX! Welcome to FNA. I had

the pleasure and honor of joining many of you, namely those at South University and Indian River State College, at your pinning ceremonies as a guest speaker, and was touched by your passion and enthusiasm for nursing. Best wishes as you begin your careers. We need you!

South Florida Summertime -

Despite the heat….and without skipping a beat, our monthly leadership meetings focused on our 3rd quarter event adding a new committee this summer –the SE Region Education Committee – to our already active Event Planning and Legislative Committees. Recruitment is ongoing and we encourage anyone interested in being a committee member to email me at Cynthia.fna@gmail.com and join us!

The Education Committee was formed to develop future educational opportunities within our region, fine tune our Educational Road Trip to Tallahassee for Advocacy Days in January 2024 (stay tuned!), and help organize our August 8th education conference cosponsored with Indian River State College Foundation and Indian River State College titled The Current State of Nursing in Florida: Creating a Healthy Work Environment held at the IRSC Pruitt Campus in Port St Lucie.

The conference featured our keynote speaker Jose D. Castillo III, PhD., MSNA, CRNA, APRN, President Chair, of the Florida Board of Nursing who spoke for one hour on the current state of nursing in Florida, followed by a one-hour interactive panel discussion on Changing the

Nursing Workforce Culture and Self-Care in Nursing, with three experts on the panel, Debbie Hogan, MPH, BSN, RN, FNA Vice President, Kerry Major, MSN, RN, NE-BC Florida Regional Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Nursing Officer Weston Hospital / Cleveland Clinic Florida, and Jodi LoDolce, MBA, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, answering questions raised by our panel moderator and fellow attendees. The demographic audience included FNA members, and would-be FNA members, IRSC nurse alumni, administration, faculty, and nurse students. 2.0 CH’s were provided to all nurse attendees completing an evaluation as well as refreshments for all in attendance.

I’d like to end by thanking the South Symposium Poster committee for awarding my poster submission titled Out of the Shadows and Into the Light: Illuminating

Indian River Proclamation

Martin County Proclamation

Okeechobee Proclamation

Palm Beach County Proclamation St. Lucie County Proclamation

Region News continued from page 7

the Path to a Bright Future for Nurses through Increased Legislative Advocacy Training the First Place Research Poster Award at the 13th Annual FNA South Region Symposium and Awards Ceremony! And a warm thanks to my community advisor on the project FNA Vice President Debbie Hogan, and FNA member and my faculty advisor on the project Dr. Shirley Gordon, co-authors, for their guidance and mentorship on this project. Thank you so very much!

With elections for the next two-year term underway, I wish to express my gratitude and heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to have served as the SE Region Director these past two-years. It has been an honor and a privilege to represent our five counties - Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee - striving together with you to grow our region, and to share with you the fantastic success we’ve realized. I look forward to another term as your trusted leader, and to equally rewarding happenings ahead!

Remember…..We are committed to growing our already large and very active region. Our monthly membership zoom meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of every month, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, with the recurring link sent to your email before each meeting. Join any one of our committees and bring a friend – all are welcome!

So, see you soon on zoom…..

Warm regards, Cynthia

Cynthia Tagliaferri, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN FNA Southeast Region Director cynthia.fna@gmail.com

I am honored to be serving in the role of interim FNA Southwest Regional Director. I have been a nurse for over 21 years and continue to remain passionate about nursing. In my career I have worked in bedside nursing, administrative roles and as a nurse educator. I love the field of nursing and am excited at what the future generation of nurses will bring to the profession, and how the more seasoned nurses can help to guide the future. I decided to run for this position because I am afraid of what “tomorrow’ will bring. I am tired of complaining about our staffing, not being paid enough, and the increasing levels of violence directed at nurses. This was something I could do to give back and try to help our profession. The FNA of Southwest Florida is comprised of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. Having just taken over the role, a virtual first meeting with Region members was held on July 26. Planning is underway for opportunities to network with local hospitals and schools of nursing to get the word out as to what the FNA

is and the “why” to join. The hope is to increase and maintain our membership through better and more frequent engagement as well as planned visits to talk with our county’s nurses to hear about the challenges that they face as well as meeting with our local elected officials so they can get a better understanding of our suffering. Our legislators need to know we love what we do but we are simply exhausted. We also need to highlight the current and anticipated shortage our state will experience (especially within our 5 counties) as we represent the areas with growing numbers of people moving to Florida with multiple medical conditions requiring more complex care. My new team and I will be working together to get the message across of “One Voice”. What that means to myself and many other nurses I have spoken with is the need to be united in our efforts to see changes that are best for nurses and our patients. By saying the same thing and standing together to ask for the same thing we can be stronger and more effective. It is not unionization, it is having all nurses in our state remember the changes that are not being made and changes that are being made affects all of us, our loved ones and our patients. My hope is that future events will include presentations at county schools’ student nurses associations, local hospitals and at some point a workshop or seminar for nurses in our 5 counties to discuss our top 3 issues we all face and collaborate about effective strategies.

Dr. Charene Adams

Student Forum LERC

Kelly York, 2023 FNSA President

It has been a busy year and we are trying to grow our organization after the impact of COVID-19 on school chapters. Currently, we have 3642 FNSA members which is a decrease of over 2,000 members. According to the Florida Board of Nursing Report March 2020 we have 36,918 enrolled nursing students, so we have great potential for growth. We need support from nursing leaders in Florida. If you are a Dean, Director or educator, please encourage the schools you are associated with to get involved with FNSA. It is a valuable preprofessional student organization for future nurses which is key in developing up and coming leaders. How can you help? You can encourage and support your alma mater to participate. You can also become a sustaining member to encourage the development of future nurses by providing this donation to the FNSA scholarship to nursing students that will have an immediate impact. You can do this by going to https://www.floridanurse.org/ donations/fund.asp?id=17870

Make sure your local school chapter is aware we have our upcoming Preconvention Workshop on September 16th at Keiser University in Tampa from 8-2:30pm. The FNSA Annual State Convention will be held October 22-25, 2023 at the Embassy Suites Orlando, Lake Buena Vista South. The conference theme is The Depths of Nursing, and we will feature presentations and activities exploring the infinite opportunities afforded by a nursing career. If you would be interested in We are also seeking volunteer speakers to share your knowledge and experience as well as exhibitors and sponsors. We also want to make sure each program is aware of our awards program for outstanding chapters, opportunities to run for office and develop leadership skills. There are also several scholarships each year for outstanding students across the state. These are selected at our annual meeting. To learn more about FNSA please visit our website at https://www.fnsa.net/ or email me at fnsapresident2023@gmail.com

Kelly York is a former educator who made career transition to nursing. She is recent graduate of Keiser University Tampa Campus and the current president of FNSA. Her careers goals include becoming a NICU Nurse at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida and getting involved in nurse advocacy.

Holistic Nursing Starts Here

Why Aren’t Nurses First Responders?

Nurses are frontline health care workers in the emergency department and trauma units, during health care crises such as the recent global pandemic and weather emergencies like hurricanes and natural disasters. So, why aren’t they considered first responders?

It’s not an easy question to answer. A first responder is defined as an active or retired employee of an emergency response team who is expected to arrive first on the scene of an emergency. First responders generally consist of: Police, Firefighters, Paramedics, Medical Evacuation Pilots, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Emergency Managers1. During the global pandemic for COVID-19, the State of Florida awarded what was referred to as “COVID bonuses for first responders.” Under the state’s definition, the first responders who were included were police, firefighters, correction officers, and teachers. I guess we’re a little different than everyone else.

The people considered to be first responders serve as the frontline of defense for victims of accidents, natural disasters, and other accidents requiring rapid response. They provide onsite urgent care, who then transport these patients to hospitals or other health care facilities. That’s when the doctors and nurses take over the care1.

Flight nurses would be considered first responders, which we do represent.

Our nurses have served and continue to serve as the frontline of defense during health care crisis such as SARS, Ebola, a global pandemic and have manned stations during weather emergencies, where the other defined first responders have not.

Maybe it’s time that we all take a really hard look at what, or who, truly is a first responder and redefine the definition, or add to the category, under certain circumstances. Either way, give the nurses the respect that they deserve and have earned.

References: Are Nurses to Be Considered a First Responder? Online Article. By Avlin, Personal Support Worker HQ, February 8, 2023.

Kelly York

John Berry, Director of Labor Relations

John Berry

Legislative Update

Get Involved in the FNA Legislative Grassroots Program!

Jack Cory, Public Affairs Consultants

We have less than 6 months until the next Regular Legislative Session that will begin on Tuesday January 9, 2024. This is our short year for doing your FNA Legislative Grassroots visits with your local Legislators.

The most important part of any Association’s Legislative Affairs Program is the grassroots effort. Why? Because “all politics are local.” In other words, a legislator is more likely to support an issue when they hear about it from someone who can vote for them!

Do you know who your State Representative and Senator are? If not, you can find your local legislative member by going to the tools on the FNA website at www.floridanurse.org/FindMyLegislator

Now that you know who your legislator is, it’s time to meet with them!

• First Visit: Thank all the legislative members for supporting the FNA Legislative Platform, especially funding for Nursing Education Programs with Proviso Language.

• Second Visit: Ask the Legislative Members to support the 2024 FNA Legislative Platform which can be downloaded at www.floridanurse.org/ LegislativePlatform.

• Third Visit: Attend Legislative Delegation Meetings - We need to have one or more FNA Members attend and speak to their Local Legislative Delegation meeting about the FNA 2024 Legislative Platform. County Legislative Delegation Meetings will begin in the fall. The meetings are a bipartisan group of Legislative members in the Florida Senate and the Florida

House to develop local priorities and consider appropriation requests. The schedules are posted to www.floridanurse.org/AdvocacyGetInvolved.

• All of this can be done in 1 hour or less per month.

• Remember when visiting your Legislator, their Staff or attending a Legislative Delegation meeting: Be Humble - Be Nice - Be Positive - Be Polite!

The Florida House will start their Interim Committee meetings during the week of September 18. The Florida Senate Office Building is under remodeling so the Senate will hold their first interim Committee meeting the week of October 9.

For additional information or questions about the FNA Legislative Grassroots Program email govt@floridanurse.org or call 407-487-2230.

Support is Strong for FNA Bargaining Units State Healthcare Professionals Unit

Deborah Hogan, MPH, BSN, RN

Secretary, FNA Health Care Professionals Bargaining Unit

As members of the FNA Health Care Professionals Bargaining Unit, we know that we face serious challenges. There is a threat to the survival of our Bargaining Unit because of the State of Florida’s recent rulings regarding eliminating the payroll deductions for our membership dues and potential elimination of our Bargaining Unit if we do not meet the 60% membership requirement. With all these challenges, we appreciate the support of our National Union, the Office of Professional Employees International Union, OPEIU.

Debbie Hogan

Your elected representatives from the Labor Employees Relations Council (LERC) just returned from attending the OPEIU Convention from June 10-16, 2023 in Philadelphia. It was an exciting event with the OPEIU delegates voting

on many issues, including Bylaws and Resolutions supporting Reproductive Health, Voting Rights, Climate Change initiatives, and Stopping Workplace Violence among many other workplace issues! The OPEIU leadership remains strong with Richard Lanigan re-elected as President, and Mary Mahoney re-elected as Secretary -Treasurer. We thank those serving as Florida delegates to OPEIU as well as representatives to the OPEIU Nurses Council (ONC), Ray Corrales, APRN, Debbie Hogan, RN and Carolyn Lightner, APRN, who served as an alternate for Marsha Martin, who could not attend.

Support is strong for labor union members in Florida and we are grateful. For those of us in the Health Care Professionals Bargaining Unit who work as state employees in our agencies and institutions, we must commit to support our Bargaining Unit by continuing our membership directly with FNA. In addition, we need to encourage others to become members as soon as possible. Without our Union, we will no longer have the protections of our contract, including grievance protection and the ability to negotiate our yearly contract and pay increases.

This is the time to stand together. Our Union depends on us!

Jack Cory

East Central

Rohina Ahmed

Hussam Alghaze

Anna Allred

Maria Aries

Glenda Arnette

Basant Asaad

Cyndie Augustin

Carlene Bailey

Mary Bansemer

Robert Barnes

Siegfred Kendall Belleza

Maria Benavidez

Brittany Bentley

Ma Consolvia Bergrud

Samantha Bobini

Jayreen Bobitski

Wendy Boone

Sonya Borniea

Carlee Burnett

Michele Carter

Holli Carvajal

Stessy Clerveau

Rosevera Coelho

LoLona Coleman

Ana Copello

Aren Cox

Shawn Dague

Frandzie Daphnis

Nadiya Davis

Eliana DeJimenez

Matthew DeLong

Demetria Dingess

Danielle Drummond

Amanda Ducksworth

Victoria Durm

Katarzyna Dworak

Khalee Edwards

Taylor Edwards

Chito Ezeobinwa

Ramonica Flagler

Jacob Floyd

Hanna Francis

Reagan Funaro

Christine Garcia

Monica Gerdes

Fabio Giraldo

Ashley Gomez-Gonzalez

Abigail Gonzalez

Hariette Graham

Ashley Guzman

Victoria Habenicht

Cynthia Hall

Terri Harasen

Kimberly Haugh

Judian Hoffman

Kim Hunt

Crystal Hurlburt

Jasmine Hutchings

Jessica Hutchings

Olatunbosun Ibironke

Shiney Jacob

Priscilla Jawwo

Brittany Johnson

Fitoviola Joseph

Elienne Jules

Donna Kearns

Kelly Kiah

Stephanie Kiefer

Brittany King

Seymour King

Caitlin Kirkpatrick

Lisa Koniecko

Rebecca Kramer

Irina Krashenitsa

Tina Krautheim

Diane Kuehnlenz

Glenda Latimore

Michelle Laura-Wood

Maud Leroy

Rizalina Limardo

Abigail Link

Patrice Lorca

Brooke MacDonald

Elaine Macedo

Katharina Martin

Alina Martinez

Shayna McBrady

Alexandra McDonald

Gena McDuffy

Jennifer Merens Leake

Alyssa Mikhail Luz Milagros Santiago

Leticia Molina-Zizzo

April Montgomery

Amber Morey

Heather Moynihan

Barbara Nabirye

Wilnive Nelson

Adam Nemeth

Janice Neubauer

Vivian Oscar Charles

Mackenzie Owen

Mariah Owens

Matthew Padgett

Yawen Pan

Carol-Jean Parke

Lisa Parsons

Gethro Pascal

Katia Pereira Salomao

Jessica Perez

Andrea Pesce

Barbara Peters

Hannah Peters

Margaret Peterson

Ivy Phan

Ariel Pol

Natasha Proctor

Ashley Pucino

Myriam Ray

Christopher Realin

Jessica Register

Ronda Reid

David Reonas

Deborah Robles-Valentine

Belmari Ross

Brittney Salmon

Cindy Santos

Tina Santos

Kyana Schrack

Cinderella Schulte

Ihosvany Seijas

Abbagayle Shaw

Adriane Shepherd

Chrysanthi Siarkas

Kayla Simon

Marcia Smythe

Amarilis Sotolongo

Milaidi Spencer

Jacqueline Spence-

Thompson

Louise Stimmel

Ashley Sutton

Rosanny Tavera

Kara Taylor

Shaundrya Thomas-Tomlin

Kayla Tracy

Heatherlee Traylor

Sylvia Trevino

Kandace Turner

Ilse Velazquez

Raquel Velazquez

Angela Warner

Sydney Wetmore

Kimberly Wilkinson

Jessica Williams

Nescia Williams

Kimarie Wilson Spence

Brooke Wonderly

North Central

April Joy Arcebido

Ryan Audley

Marcia Bailey

Kathleen Baptiste

Katie Beatty

Imelda Bernabe

Vera Berry

Carol Bornmiller

Melissa Brace

Shelby Burd

Kristell Burgos

Caroline Carlisle

Christina Cedeno

Jagrutiben Chaudhary

Britney Cheshire

Megan Cooke

Michelle Coyol

Charles Crews

Melissa Crowe

Charon Croy

Megan Cummings

Laura Czarowitz

Nairah Daniels

Amber Dillon

Hayley DiQuattro

Nicole Dumont

Brittany Edwards

Linda Edwards-Doe

Kaitlyn Eichler

Haidyn Erlandson

Johenna Grace Escoro

Welcome New FNA Members

Devan Fridley

Carranza Gallegos

Lisa Gallon

Brittany Gann

Rosemary Gavan

Kimberly Gonzalez

Tina Goodrow

Karen Grabarek

Hannah Guillen

Spencer Haire

Kaley Harris

Emily Hickenlooper

Amanda Hicks

Malaina Howell

Ryann Ivester

Toni James

Nelly Kanga

Amanda Kriner

Katrina Lagos

Kiera Latta

Kristen Lewis

Sarah Lilley

Bonnie Lowlery

Tina Lugo

Jesse McElveen

Michael Minardi

Mary Lou Minerva

Tracy-Ann Miriki

Samantha Moore

David Morales

Jorge Mulet

Torres Munoz

Jacquelyn Nettles

Carol Newsom

Shawndrea Oglesby

Tracy Paredes

Alice Pelkey

Kenya Reid

Shelly Richardson

Deandra Robinson- Smith

Maggie Rountree

Argelia Sample

Karissa Satar

Aline Seraphin

Andre Sheppard

Kelly Shuttera

Brandis Smith

Summer Stratton

Natalie Suddath

Michael Tanguilig

Teresa Todd

Leia Trainor

Ashley Trivino

Jennifer Uhlenhake

Erwin Uy

Brianna Vasquez

Melinda Vetto

Twaunna Walton

Matthew Weiler

Kendall Willis

Sarah Windsor

Krista Wisemen

Johnette Witherspoon-Owens

Northeast

Maryoris Angel Bello

Brittney Archer

Camille Armington

Emmanuela Asse

Christina Bach

Wendy Barton

Hilda Batiz

Jordan Bitting

Chelsea Blum

Deborah Brabbham

Diane Brown

Jamie Brown

Patricia Bucknor-Ferron

Katharine Burke

Joanna Chamberlain

Maelle Charles

Cintia Ciriaco

Barbara Cozier

Jessica Cruz

Karen Dallas

Jacqueline Dean

Samantha Deck

Brandy DeJesus

Tanesia Delahaye

Toni Dunneback

Gabriel Fernandez

Nadine Fiege

Hannah Fitzgerald

Stephanie Beard Kristen Beauchesne

Tracy Best

Judy-Clarina Bird

Alexander Birukoff

Penelope Ann Blake Maria Blanco

Brandon Bonin

Andrea Buehler

Inelda Bullock Carlos Cardenas Anjali Chandrashekar

Chin-See

Delgado

Dorsainvil

Dorsey

Dorvil

Duclair

Dutes Mirlande Duverna Pierre Millien Kaitlin Dvoracek Corynne Erato

Fackler Victoria Falcone Juan Fernandez Cassandre Fignole Mirlange Fleuriot Viviana Garcia Lopez

Gibbings

Gionest

Grafton

Nancy Alian

Miriela Alvarez

Sounedy Amedee Mia Andrews

Gabriella Angulo Monica Barahona

Jessenya Barbosa

Mahan

Lissa Maitre

Orisel Martinez

Larry Mateu

Angela Mazzei

Roxann McKenzie

Barbara McMahon Amber Melton

Marlem Michelena Alma Montes

Niurka Morell

Christel Morgan

Vanessa Morgan

Miguel Angel Navarro Kyla Newton

Elizabeth Ng Van Nguyen

Nelson Nwosu

Kristine Padilla

Dayana Padron

Jessica Padron

Maria Panayotou

Gianna Paquette

Madelyn Parker

Rachel Pie

Tabita Pop

Rahe

Gisselle Ramos Nicole Reading Lisa Rey Autumn Rhoades

Autumn Rine Renzo Rodriguez

Salgado Alba Sanchez Denise Schroedle Jessica Schulte

Welcome New FNA Members

Welcome New FNA Members continued from page 13

Johanna Jovanovic

Allison Karlen

Shawn Kernz

Rachel Kerwood

Jesse F. Knecht

Marissa Labbadia

Anne-mette Lachmann

Margel Lamb

Amanda Lane

Ladeirdre Lane

Katherine Langlais

Rohan Lawrence

Helene Levy

Patrenia Lewis

Sabrina LeZotte

Amy Londono

Amanda Lum

Jennifer Mac Connell

Teresa Mahan Etheridge

Karen Marder

Luis Marrero

Kassandra Martinez

Lydia Marty

Kerry McDaniel

Daphna Mclean

April Medley

Alexis Mendes

Arielle Miller

Mary Anne Milone

Vickie Moles

Rocio Moreno

Vanessa Munoz

Kimberly Murray

April Neuhofer

Deborah New

Andrew Nguyen

Deborah Nicolo

Deborah Oliver

Maria Olvera

Amy Osterman

Bille Overton

Carly Pabon

Tina Parks

Kirsten Partin

Stephanie Passafume

Megan Patterson

Christina Peek

Julie Peterson

Ashley Pettitt

Deborah Pilcher

Stephanie Pitts

Joseph Plantier

Patricia Prinski

Angelika Purkis

Yanet Quiles

Ellen Radeker

Kendall Ragans

Nancy Rains

Katie Rapisarda

Dawn Reed

Sachi Robinson

Sarah Rodocker

Dayli Rodriguez

Sandra Roosa

Emily Ryttse

Noah Sachnin

Conrado Samonte

Felecia Sanchious

LeNette Sanders

Melissa Lanita Sandifort

Junique Satchell

Tammy Sawmelle

Melanie Scala

Alexandra Schauff

Jamie Schnur

Kathryn Seewald

Adriana Shadrick

Urmila Sharma

Melinda Shiver

Elissa Sillars

Jennifer Singleton

Alyson Smith

Rosie Staab

Tess Stephenson Miller

Laura Stevens

Britany Stewart

Christina Tolentino

Terri Trimbath

Jordan Underwood

Cary Usher

Dolores Valdez

Ember Lee Wackelin

Buddy-Ann Ward

Grace Watts

Onole Wells

Tresa Wier

Donna Williams

Latiena Williams

Kelly Wombles

Teri Yates

Mary Zent

Other

Gabriela Alexander

Karina Garcia

Shelda Garcon

Lorena Hernandez

Roselaure Holt

Marie Jean Louis

Leida Lamas-Sheldon

Vincent Llamido

Shirley Lolim

Yahaira Manon

Ingrid Montero

Agnes Pilgrim

Tania Vega

Leaders Attend ANA Membership Assembly ANA News

FNA President Janice Adams, Treasurer Mavra Kear, and President Elect

Marie Etienne served as representatives to the 2023 ANA Membership Assembly this past June. Ed Briggs, former FNA President was also present as he serves on the ANA Board of Directors.

The Membership Assembly is the governing and official voting body of the American Nurses Association (ANA). During the proceedings the representatives voted to advocate for meaningful legislation to address gun safety and firearm access and for increased funding for mental health services. Additionally, they addressed gun violence and prevention research, including research on gun violence against health care workers and in health care settings.

Other issues addressed voted on the issues of virtual nursing as a practice model innovation and of nursing documentation during a time of crisis. More than 350 nurses, observers, and other leaders attended the two-day governance meeting in Washington, DC.

CEO Loressa Cole, DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, who is retiring this year addressed the Assembly for a final time. She shared her pride, she would be leaving the organization in a strong financial position and with substantial progress having been made on the three commitments she made as CEO. These were, a strengthened shared decision-making approach across the ANA Enterprise, more closely harmonized work among the three Enterprise entities, and continued focus on nursing excellence and a quality agenda.

She also highlighted the Enterprise’s progress involving diversity, equity, and inclusion—and the considerable work remaining. Noting the concrete commitments the Enterprise has made in its strategic plan and funding decisions to sustain this effort in the long term, she added, “This will not stop until all vestiges of racism are eliminated from our organization and the profession at large … it’s vitally important that we do, as our sustained efforts on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our profession—and within ANA— will resound across efforts to address other critical priorities impacting the quality of and access to care.”

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to reduce the burden of nursing documentation, especially during a time of crisis. The Assembly voted to generate a national consensus for research and policy development to lessen the burden of nursing documentation, particularly during a crisis or emergency using an all-hazards approach.

In addition to its policy actions, the Membership Assembly also approved seven bylaws amendments involving the roles and responsibilities of the Committee on Bylaws, the Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC), and the Board of Directors’ role in appointing vacancies on the NEC when there are no candidates for vacancies.

ANA held an election this year and the following members were elected to the ANA Board of Directors:

• Vice President Anita Girard, DNP, RN, CNL, CPHQ, NEA-BC, of ANA\ California;

• Treasurer Joan Widmer, MS, MSBA, RN, of New Hampshire Nurses Association;

• Director-at-Large Khaliah Fisher-Grace, PhD, RN, CPHQ, PCCN-K, of the Individual Member Division; Director-at-Large,

• Recent Graduate Nikule Abel, BSN, RN, of the Minnesota Organization of Registered Nurses.

Elected to serve on the Nominations and Elections Committee are:

• Liz Aquino, PhD, RN, of ANA-Illinois;

• Kaitlin Cuas, MSN, RN-BC, CDP, of the Connecticut Nurses Association;

• Linda Taft, RN, of ANA-Michigan; and

• Nelson Tuazon, DNP, DBA, RN, NEC-BC, CENP, CPHQ, CPPS, FACHE, FNAP, FAAN, of the Texas Nurses Association.

Special Interest Groups

Ethics SIG Hosts Pre-Conference at Membership Assembly

Jean Davis, Chair

Nursing Community

Florida Center for Nursing Quarterly Update

Earlier this year the FNA Ethics Special Interest Group was tasked with hosting a pre-conference focusing on ethical themes for this year’s Membership Assembly. A subcommittee of ten members was formed and quickly set out to create an engaging and informative program. The preconference will take place on Wednesday, September 20 from 1:00pm-5:30pm. Registration is included in your FNA Membership Assembly registration! Join us for a deep-dive into the nursing code of ethics and how it applies to real-world scenarios faced by nurses. After an opening introductory session, we’ll host a series of interactive breakouts diving into current nursing topics in relation to ethics. Some highlights include the Radonda Vaught case and bypassing rules, fraudulent schools & licensing scandal, nursing workforce shortages and implications on safe staffing, and more!

Register online now at www.floridanurse.org/ MembershipAssembly-2023

Join Our Nurse Educator Special Interest Group!

Are you a passionate and experienced nurse educator looking to make a significant impact in the healthcare community? We are thrilled to announce the formation of our Nurse Educator Special Interest Group (NESIG) and are seeking enthusiastic members like you to join us on this exciting journey. As a member of NESIG, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow nurse educators, share best practices, and develop innovative strategies to enhance nursing education. Your expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of nursing education and ultimately improving patient care. Join us in this fulfilling endeavor to empower the next generation of nurses and advance the field of healthcare education. Together, we can inspire, educate, and create positive change. Become a part of NESIG today and help build a stronger, more knowledgeable nursing community!

If you are interested in joining the FNA Nurse Educator Special Interest Group, please feel out a brief form at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FNA-NurseEducator-SIG

Join Our Public Health Special Interest Group!

Are you a nurse who is passionate about making a positive impact on public health? We invite you to join our newly formed Public Health Special Interest Group (PH-SIG) for nurses. As a member of this dynamic group, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with likeminded professionals, engage in community-based health promotion programs, and advocate for vital public health initiatives. Together, we can work towards reducing health disparities, fostering health equity, and creating healthier communities. Your expertise, dedication, and compassion are invaluable assets to this cause. Join us today and be a driving force for change in public health. Together, we can make a real difference!

If you are interested in joining the FNA Public Health Special Interest Group, please feel out a brief form at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ FNA-Public-Health-SIG

The Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) held its second State of Nursing Education in Florida and Proposed Solutions Think Tank on June 9th at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. The event was attended by a diverse group of 65 interprofessional individuals from around the state, the majority of whom were nursing faculty representing Florida’s multiple regions. The FCN’s executive director, Rayna Letourneau, Ph.D., RN, presented key findings from the nursing education report for academic year 2021-2022, including NCLEX results from the calendar years 2020, 2021, and 2022. Feedback from participants concerning the data findings will contribute to Florida’s statewide strategic plan for the nursing workforce.

Tailored strategies were brainstormed in breakout sessions concerning three pressing topics:

• Identifying strategies to increase the diversity of the nursing workforce in Florida,

• Identifying strategies that can increase the number of nursing faculty and clinical preceptors in Florida, and

• Identifying strategies that can help improve Florida’s NCLEX pass rates.

Also in June, the FCN staff and board of directors attended the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers’ annual conference, where podium presentations by the FCN staff provided valuable insights into various aspects of Florida’s nursing landscape. The first of the FCN presentations was Florida’s NCLEX data: A deep dive into Florida nursing pass rates presented by Abigail Carden, Alec Jimenez, and Rayna Letourneau. The next presentation was Florida Nursing Students Demographics: The need for a representative nursing workforce by Rayna Letourneau, Abigail Carden, and Ayesha Johnson. The final presentation, titled The nursing faculty shortage in Florida , was presented by Rayna Letourneau, Abigail Carden, and Tracie Cooper. These informative presentations contributed to the conference’s “ Imagining, Innovating and Transforming the National Nursing Workforce ” theme in Washington, DC.

June’s quarterly Board of Directors meeting focused on ongoing efforts to identify and prioritize strategic initiatives for the FCN and the nursing workforce in Florida. The objective was to adopt a strategic planning framework to guide this critical work for the state. Through a comprehensive review of data, research, and stakeholder input, the board aims to develop a strategic plan that will guide the FCN in its mission to research and address the issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse workforce resources in Florida.

The FCN launched a continuing education activity called Shaping the Future: Becoming Nurse

Faculty , free for nurses licensed to practice in Florida. For those interested in learning more about or becoming nursing faculty, this course provides an overview of roles and responsibilities and demonstrates how participants can be part of the solution. More information and the link to register can be found on the FCN homepage at flcenterfornursing.org.

Overall, the FCN was recently engaged in a series of impactful events around the state and country. The FCN Think Tank provided a platform for diverse stakeholders, particularly nursing faculty, to come together and contribute to solutions for critical dilemmas. The FCN’s contributions at the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers’ annual conference through podium presentations aided in addressing issues in the NCLEX pass rates, student demographics, and the nursing faculty shortage. Furthermore, the continuing education course Shaping the Future: Becoming Nurse Faculty provides a new opportunity for Florida’s nurses to explore the roles and responsibilities of nursing faculty. The FCN thanks all our event attendees, advocates, collaborators, and nurses across the State of Florida for your continued support.

Anna Pawlusiak

Jean Davis

Anna Pawlusiak, USF Student

Workplace Bullying in Nursing: Addressing the Issue for Healthy Work Environment

Aminah Johnson, RN FNA Recent Graduate Director

Workplace bullying is a significant concern in nursing, as it can harm nurses, patients, and the healthcare system. I aim to discuss this issue, give feedback on my experiences, and help create change by addressing these issues to promote a healthy working environment for nurses.

Workplace bullying is repeated, intentional, and harmful behaviors directed toward an individual or group within the nursing profession. It entails behaviors that seek to demean, intimidate, threaten, or humiliate nurses, which creates a hostile environment. These behaviors are exhibited by colleagues, supervisors, or individuals of higher authority, including doctors. The behaviors can take various forms, such as verbal, non-verbal, or psychological abuse. Workplace bullying undermines the well-being and professional satisfaction of nursing, negatively impacting their mental health, job performance, and overall quality of life.

I have personally experienced workplace bullying. As a nurse for three years, I decided to transition to a role in labor and delivery. It was an exciting experience for me! I had always wanted to experience being a labor and delivery nurse. When I finally got the nerve to apply, I was excited when I found out that I was invited to an interview. I went to the interview nervous but confident that I could do the job. I had three years of experience in med-surg and

PCU, so I was excited to add this experience to my clinical practice! The interview went well, despite my nervousness, and I was hired for labor and delivery!

Fast forward to orientation, my preceptor and I had personality issues. Eventually, I had at least ten nurses who precepted me due to availability and scheduling. I didn’t have a solid foundation due to multiple people precepting me with various personalities and learning styles. From this experience, I learned that it is necessary to identify a well-qualified preceptor for new graduates/new preceptor nurses and have a rubric in place of expectations to communicate clearly. Consistency during the orientation timeframe is vital to the success of the new graduate/new preceptor.

During my orientation, I dealt with various forms of workplace bullying, including verbal sarcasm and nonverbal actions. I felt that I was given tasks that “pushed me off the cliff before I was ready,” lack of support during processes such as admissions, assessments (cervical checks), and condescending attitudes from various staff members due to my lack of knowledge level versus other nurses, exclusion from conversations at the nurses’ station, frequent emails sent to the manager instead of mentoring and education being provided, which is a form of sabotage. I progressively became troubled with having to go to work. At that point, I knew I needed to transition to something else as this was not for me. I loved the birthing experience and enjoyed providing patient care, but I did not fully enjoy my work environment. I will note that some nurses were willing to help and provide support, but this experience damaged my will to continue. I spoke to my manager and explained my concerns; she explained hers, and I decided to transition to another specialty. I didn’t leave

there feeling defeated, yet I had to experience this to understand the plight of the new graduate effectively. It helped me better understand things that must be in place to discourage this behavior. It helped me to know how crucial detailed communication plans are in the orientation process because once a nurse is released from orientation, the nurse needs to be competent in their practice. Learning will continue through experience, but having a solid support system is vital for the entire team’s success. It is also imperative for the preceptor and orientee to have like personalities so that learning can occur.

Nurses need to work together and eradicate behaviors that seek to demean, belittle, or disgrace other nurses. These behaviors overall affect the way we provide patient care. The patient is the center of our focus, so our practice should be centered around what is best for our patients. With the number of nursing shortages, this behavior influences the increase in nurses leaving the bedside at a greater level. Workplace bullying in nursing poses significant challenges to the wellbeing of nurses and the quality of patient care. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that involves organizational commitment, policy implementation, education, and supportive resources. Healthcare organizations can foster a healthy work environment where nurses can thrive, collaborate effectively, and provide optimal patient care by promoting a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying. It is crucial to address workplace bullying in nursing to ensure the wellbeing of healthcare professionals and the delivery of high-quality nursing.

Practitioner

To become a nurse practitioner, you will be required to complete graduate-level nursing courses in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program. Herzing University offers an online CCNE accredited 1 MSN program with unique concentrations focusing on 5 different types of nurse practitioner specialties:

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

l MSN – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

l MSN – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

l MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

l MSN – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

l MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Aminah Johnson

Focus on Recent Grads

Aminah Johnson, RN FNA Director of Recent Graduates

Nursing is a beautiful profession that allows one to care for others while educating, nurturing, and providing care from a holistic perspective. Nursing has a wide range of advantages, such as making a positive impact in providing quality care, making a positive impact in someone’s life, and promoting change in the community that one serves.

Job security and diverse career opportunities are also positive factors in being a nurse. Nurses can also continue to pursue education and grow personally and professionally. As a new nurse, graduating from nursing school and passing the NCLEX is just the beginning of a set of challenges. These challenges can include transitioning to practice, lack of experience, time management, stress, burnout, workplace bullying, and feelings of inadequacy in a new role. Although challenges may vary, new graduate nurses should identify a mentor to help coach and guide them during their transition to practice.

Nursing mentorship provides essential guidance to new graduate nurses, helping them to navigate the transition from academia to clinical practice. Good mentors provide valuable insight and knowledge from their past experiences in nursing and share experiences and constructive feedback that enables new nurses to build knowledge, skills, and confidence in their practice. Mentorship enhances clinical competence for the new grad because they have a foundation set in teamwork, collaboration, and support. This foundation allows for sharpening critical-thinking skills and helps in practice while providing and promoting professional growth.

My goal as Director of Recent Graduates is to foster this growth by providing support and resources for new graduates in the State of Florida so that the field of nursing grows and supports an environment of teamwork and collaboration, enhances the clinical competence of new graduates, promotes leadership and advocacy, and promotes career growth. These factors will create positive patient outcomes across the State of Florida. We can continue building a solid foundation promoting and strengthening the nursing profession.

Mavra Kear receives National Healthcare Heroes Honor

FNA Member and Nurse Practitioner, Mavra Kear has be nominated for the title of HealthCare Hero for her hard work and passion for her career. She has been a Registered Nurse in Florida for 38 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 35. She has been a member of FNA for the entirety of her career as a nurse. Congratulations, Mavra!

Get Your Accomplishments Featured in the Member Spotlight!

We invite you to share your recent accomplishments, milestones, or noteworthy contributions that you would like to showcase to the rest of the FNA community. Whether it’s a groundbreaking project, a professional achievement, a community service endeavor, or any other noteworthy accomplishment, we want to hear about it!

Simply email events@floridanurse.org with a brief overview of your achievement (3-5 sentences) along with your headshot. Our team will review the submissions and select featured members to highlight on our social media channels and newsletters.

Let’s inspire and motivate each other by sharing the incredible work happening within our community. Your success is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and excellence that defines us. Please note this a members-only opportunity. To become an FNA member, go to www.floridanurse.org/join

Aminah Johnson

Apalachee Center, Inc participates in

Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Heat Emergencies

Deborah Hogan, MPH, BSN, RN

Currently, many parts of the country are experiencing extremely hot weather. It is imperative that we as health care providers are aware of the health problems this extreme weather can cause and can provide early education or prompt treatment measures when necessary.

Anyone can be at risk for a heat emergency, but those at higher risk include pregnant women, older adults, young children, people with heart or lung conditions, athletes and outdoor workers, as well as those living in “heat islands” where few resources exist to cool those living here.

Debbie Hogan

According to the National Institute for National Safety and Health (niosh.gov), heat emergencies can take many forms, such as:

Heat syncope – Fainting or dizziness after standing/ sitting too long with dehydration treated by sitting down in a cool place and slowly sipping water/sports drink.

Heat exhaustion - Caused by excessive loss of water and salt through sweating which affects the elderly, people with high blood pressure and those working in a hot environment. Symptoms include headache, nausea, weakness, thirst, irritability, and heavy sweating. Call 911, and try to remove the worker from the heat and give liquids to drink, while also cooling him with cold compresses and removing excess clothing, including socks and shoes.

Heat stroke – A life-threatening health emergency in which the body can no longer control its temperature leading to 106 degrees F within 1015 minutes with symptoms of confusion, coma, seizures and possible death. To treat, call 911, and try to remove the worker from the heat, while also cooling him with cold compresses and removing excess clothing, including socks and shoes.

Rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) – a medical emergency caused when heat stress and prolonged physical exertion causes the rapid breakdown, rupture and death of muscle causing large muscle proteins and electrolytes to enter the bloodstream. This can cause irregular heart rhythms, seizures and kidney damage. Symptoms include weakness, muscle cramps, dark colored urine and exercise intolerance. Workers should stop their activity, and drink as much water as possible while seeking immediate care at the closest medical facility, where they can be checked for “rhabdo” with blood analysis for creatine kinase.

Heat emergencies are a major public health threat! Not only should we know how to recognize them when they occur, prevention is essential. One resource is the phone app, “OSHA NIOSH Heat Safety Tool” available in your app store.

Also, Heat & Health Tracker is a resource that provides data specific to the county so that local communities can better inform their residents of expected heat events, and health professionals from that area can be aware also. Other resources include:

• CDC Climate Change and Extreme Heat Infographic

• Heat Stress Illness Hospitalizations –Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, 20 States, 2001-2010, MMWR. December 12, 2014 / 63(SS13);1-10.

• Making Missouri Cooling Centers Easier to Find (video)

A Resounding Success: FNA Research & EBP Conference Promotes Innovations and Advancements in Healthcare

The Florida Nurses Association held an inspiring gathering of nursing professionals from across the state of Florida as they convened at the 9th Annual FNA Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Conference on July 29, 2023. The event, held at Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, was a resounding success, featuring a diverse array of nurse researchers who presented their groundbreaking work, shared best practices, and strengthened the bonds within the nursing community. This year, the conference achieved a significant milestone as the number of poster presentations doubled compared to previous years. A total of sixtysix posters were exhibited over the course of two poster sessions, each spanning one and a half hours.

The keynote presentation, led by Candy Wilson, PhD, MHSc, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, Colonel (retired), USAF, NC, centered on theoretical frameworks in nursing research. Her enlightening discourse showcased various nursing practice theories and their profound impact on advancing nursing science and practice.

Following this insightful keynote, a podium presentation captivated the audience with novel approaches to nurturing students’ critical thinking for research and evidence-based practice. Bryce Catarelli, DNP, APRN, FNP-C and Patrick Nobles, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNL, shared their innovative techniques, successfully implemented at the UF College of Nursing, that fostered heightened nursing student engagement.

The conference continued with another engaging podium presentation, focusing on technology solutions to elevate patient care. Daleen Penoyer, PhD, RN, CCRP, FCNS, FCCM, FAAN and Geraldine Martinez, BSN, RN-NIC, C-NPT, from Orlando Health, presented their cutting-edge research centered on utilizing hearing protection devices to safeguard neonates exposed to noise during critical care transport.

To conclude the conference, the closing address emphasized the significance of mental health in safeguarding the well-being of healthcare providers.

Delivered by Rachel Carpenter, MD, the session delved into the prevalence of moral injury and trauma among healthcare professionals due to the challenges faced in their profession. The presentation offered hope and actionable solutions including practical examples of steps that both providers and leaders can undertake to foster a supportive environment and prioritize mental health within the healthcare community.

Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

The conference fostered an atmosphere of enthusiasm and camaraderie as nurses, nurse educators, and researchers from various specialties gathered to exchange ideas and insights. For many participants, this was their first time presenting in a professional research dissemination setting and the opportunity provided a valuable learning experience in a warm and supportive environment. When the conference was initiated in 2014, its primary aim was to cultivate an inclusive and encouraging atmosphere for both aspiring and experienced nurse researchers to present their findings in a less daunting setting. Over the past nine years, this mission has been carried forward with resounding success.

Nurse-Led Research at the Forefront

The heart of the conference lay in the two poster sessions, where nurse researchers from diverse institutions across Florida showcased their pioneering studies. The quality and scope of the research projects underscored the significant contributions nurses are making to the advancement of medical science and patient care.

Nurse-led research initiatives covered a spectrum of fields, including:

1. Innovative Nursing Practices: Nurses shared their experiences in implementing novel care practices to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall healthcare experience.

2. Chronic Disease Management: Several presentations explored the management of chronic diseases, showcasing data-driven interventions that are positively impacting patients’ lives.

3. Mental Health and Wellbeing: Nurses presented research on the importance of addressing mental health concerns and the integration of mental healthcare into traditional nursing practices.

4. Nursing Education: Several presentations shared best practices for enhancing learning outcomes and driving student success in nursing programs.

5. Workforce Development: Presentations dedicated to workforce development highlighted strategies to attract and retain talented nursing professionals, thus bolstering the future of healthcare in Florida.

A Lasting Impact

As the conference concluded, participants left with a sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that their efforts are contributing to the future of healthcare in Florida. Attendees praised the event for its emphasis on creating an inclusive environment for all nursing professionals.

Looking Forward

As Florida’s nurses continue their vital work at the forefront of healthcare innovation, events like this conference play an indispensable role in nurturing their potential, facilitating networking opportunities, and driving transformative research that benefits patients across the state and beyond.

This conference has continued to grow its impact over the years while staying true to its core mission. The planning committee looks forward to an even more engaging and impactful event for next year’s 10th anniversary. Stay tuned for more details!

We’d like to say a special thank you to everyone involved in making this conference a roaring success including our speakers, poster presenters, podium presenters, and members of the planning committee.

South Region 13th Annual Nurses Association Symposium and Awards Ceremony

Linda Washington-Brown, PhD, EJD, PNP, ANP-C, FNP, FAANP, FAAN South Region Director

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, the FNA South Region held its 13th Annual Nurses Association Symposium and Awards Ceremony at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Florida. This year, the theme of the Symposium was “The Future of Nursing Leadership: Advocacy and Activism in Action,” aiming to shed light on the challenges and triumphs faced by nurses during these unprecedented times.

The event drew an impressive crowd, with over 200 dedicated nurses in attendance eager to absorb the knowledge and insights being shared. Opening greetings to the audience were given by Dr. Linda Washington-Brown, South Region Director, Dr. Janice Adams, President of the Florida Nurses Association, and FNA President-elect, Dr. Marie O. Etienne.

The highlight of the Symposium was the esteemed Keynote Speaker, Rear Admiral Denise Hinton. As Deputy Surgeon General, RADM Hinton advises and supports the U.S. Surgeon General regarding operations of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps and in communicating the best available scientific information to advance the health of the nation. RADM Hinton provided an inspiring and informative message on the status of our nation’s healthcare system

After the keynote presentation was a dynamic panel of nurse experts. Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, founder of the non-profit organization, Diversity

in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program, and former Chief Nurse Anesthetist, provided the audience with key information on the importance of diversity in the workplace when addressing minority populations with strategies and working models that have proven success. Our next panel speaker was Deborah Hogan, MPH, BSN, RN, vice-president of the Florida Nurses Association and former Public Health Nurse (PHN) for over 25-years. Debbie shared key insights on the public health implications of Climate Change. Our third and last panelist was Cynthia Tagliaferri, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, current Director of the Florida Nurses Association Southeast Region. Cynthia inspired the audience with her dedication and knowledge of becoming involved in legislative advocacy, and how to proactively engage with legislators that are important to the nursing profession.

The symposium also provided a venue for researchers to share their research through digital poster presentations. This year, there were 18 research poster presentations displayed digitally.

South Region thanks all sponsors and vendors for their support of South Region: Miami Regional University, Abbvie, American College of Nursing, Arizona College of Nursing, Chamberlain University, Walden University, Florida International University Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Miami Chapter Black Nurses Association, Inc., National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Jackson Health System, Miami VA Healthcare System, Post University, Sears Wealth Management and Insurance Solutions, Stella Enterprises, St. Thomas University Online, University of Texas Arlington Online Nursing, West Coast University, Nurses Charitable Trust, and Royce Nursing Foundation. Together, these organizations helped to make this year’s event a tremendous success. This year, we recognize our donor, Terry Wright Enterprises, Inc. for providing give-

away prizes to attendees.

Each year, the South Region Symposium Voluntary Leadership Council recognizes nursing excellence in South Florida. This year’s award categories included the Registered Nurse Practice, Advanced Practice Nursing, Nursing Leader Administration / Academia, Nurse Educator, Community Action, Promoting Environment for Excellence in Nursing, Nurse Researcher, and Nurse of the Year. There was also an award given to the best digital research poster. In addition to the individual or group and research poster awards, scholarships and grants were awarded by the Charitable Trust and Royce Nursing Foundations.

I want to thank the Volunteer Leadership Council members for their dedication and hard work: Awards Chair, Guillermo Valdes, DNP, PGCNE, AMSN, CMSRN, committee members, Alina Diaz-Cruz, PhD, MAMC, RN, co-Chair, Vicky Framil Suarez, DNP, APRN, ANPBC, Barbara Lovell-Martin, PhD, RN, Lolita McCarthy, PhD, MBA-HCM, RN, Karen Sinclair, MSN, MBA, RN, and Marsha Elson-Joseph, DNP, ANP-BC; Posters Chair, Ferrona Beason, Ph.D., APRN and Lolita McCarthy, PhD, MBA-HCM, RN; Scholarships and Grants Chair, Elizabeth Olafson, PhD, MSEd, RN, committee members, Barbara Russell, BSHSA, MPH, RN, and Patricia Messmer, PhD, RN-BC. Darlene Harris, DNP, APRN-BC, CNE, chair of the Continuing Education and Program committee, was instrumental in securing our speaker and provided an eloquent introduction of the speaker. The nominees for each category are listed below with photos of the winners. Marie Etienne, DNP, APRN, PLNC, past South Region Director, FNA President-elect, and Chair of the Nursing Ethnic Diversity committee, recognized

South Region 13th Annual Nurses Association Symposium and Awards Ceremony continued on

Linda Washington-Brown

the multicultural nursing organizations attending the event and offered a moment of silence in memory of all fallen nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organizations included the Black Nurses Association, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida, Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, and Alpha Beta Epsilon and Lambda Chi Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Sororities.

To end the event, South Region had several raffles, one raffle was for a 54-inch Smart TV donated by Terry Wright Enterprises, Inc. There were also opportunities for the silent auction that provided great live photos of horses. Auction winners are shown in the photo gallery.

A special thank you to Kaitlin Scarbary and Leslie Homsted for providing program oversight and technical support; and Constance Miller, DNP, RN and Sophia Dennis, BSN, RN for overseeing the raffles. In summary, our 13th Annual South Region Symposium and Awards Ceremony at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Florida was a huge success.

Award Winners

• Registered Nurse Award: Nancy Henry

• Advanced Practice Nurse Award: Alex Devarona

• Community Action Award: Beverly Fray

• Nurse Educator Award: Nola Holness

• Nurse Researcher Award: Kayla Mathis

• Nurse Leader/Administration Award: Joan Osborne

• Promoting Environment for Excellence Award: Itzel Vega Crespo

• FNA Distinguished Nurse of the Year: Nola Holness

Poster Winners

Research Category

• First place: Violet Rhagnanan-Kramer, PhD, MSN, RN, NE-BC.

Title-Using Complex Medical Devices in the ICU: A Mixed Methods Research

• Second place: Giannina Santos, DNP, APRN, NPC; Andres Caiaffa, DNP, RN; Yolanda Nitti, PhD, RN; Antonio Navarro, MSN, RN & Tommie Norris, DNS, RN.

Title-The Effectiveness of Post-Graduation Coaching to Improve NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Event Highlights

Evidence-Based Practice Category

• First place: Cynthia Tagliaferri, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN; Shirley Gordon, PhD, MSN, BSN, NCSN, AHN-BC; Debbie Hogan, MPH, BSN, RN.

Title-Out of the Shadows and Into the Light: Illuminating the Path to a Bright Future for Nurses Through Increased Legislative Advocacy Training.

• Second place: Zaily Santiesteban, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC; Mary McKay, DNP, APRN, CNE, FAAN. Title-Implementation of a Trauma Screening Tool in a Pediatric Oncology Unit.

Best Practice Category (Tie for First Place)

• Sulotte Valcin Amilcar, DNP, RN-BC, CNE-cl; Jacqulyn Williams, MSN Ed, RNRM, RN; Patricia Messmer, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, FAAN.

Title-All Hands-on Deck to Improve Students Clinical Experiences: A Best Practice Initiative

• Kelsey Tavel RN, BSN; Isabella Musmanni, RN, BSN; Emmanuelle Jackson, RN, BSN; Latonya Robinson, RN, BSN & Milargo Payoute, RN, BSN. ADVISORDaisy Galindo-Ciocon, PhD, RN, EBP-C

Title-Gender-specific Education and Training

Sustained through Journal Club and Huddle Board.

South Region 13th Annual Nurses Association Symposium and Awards Ceremony continued from page 21

Reliable Nursing Workforce Post-Pandemic

David O’Brien, MSN, MHA, RN, NEA-BC

12:00n - 1:00pm | Networking Lunch

1:15pm - 2:15pm | Breakout Sessions | 1.0 CH

Empowering Clinical Experts at the Bedside: How to Leverage Shared Governance to Use Your Voice

Maureen Williams, DNP, RN, CPN, NE-BC, CPHQ

A Call to Action to Improve Support for Sexual and Gender Minority Dementia Caregivers

Elizabeth Sassatelli, PhD, RN, CNE

Our Planet - Our Responsibility

Deborah Hogan, RN, BSN, MPH

Advocacy Amidst Adversity Our Commitment to Quality

2:30pm - 3:30pm | Breakout Sessions | 1.0 CH

Employing Extended Reality Technology with Patients & Nurses

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Empowering Nurses to Strive for Advocacy Amid Adversity

Kayla Patterson, MSN, RN

Lakeshia Cousin, PhD., APRN, AGPCNP-BC

Finding Common Barriers and Facilitators for Cervical Cancer Screening in Sexual and Gender

Nursing has always faced adversity but the past few years have presented new challenges as well as more acute versions of issues we have dealt with for decades. As the most trusted profession, nurses must focus on quality and advocate for factors that impact nurses and the quality of both nursing education and healthcare delivery.

Diverse Persons

Isabel Francis, MPA, MSN, RN

JOIN US IN SEPTEMBER!

» Engaging Presentations

» 15+ Breakout Sessions

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Is It Time to Change How Clinical and Precepting are Done in Rural Areas?

» 9 Contact Hours for Nurses

Katherine Spence, MSN-Ed, RN, HN-BC

» Icon Awards Ceremony

» Networking Opportunities

3:30pm - 4:30pm | Region Meetings

» Annual Business Meeting

6:30pm - 9:00pm | Awards Dinner & Recognition Ceremony

Friday, September 22

7:30am - 8:45am | Advocacy Breakfast

Hope: Past, Present and Tomorrow - A Core Component of Advocacy

Susan Fowler, PhD, RN, CCRN, NE-BC, FCNS

9:00am - 12:30pm | Business Meeting

12:30pm - 1:30pm | Foundation Luncheon

Wednesday, September 20

REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION

Wednesday, September 20

Demystifying Ethics: Applying the Principles of tifying Principles

Ethics in Nursing Practicactice

Nadine Gararcia, DNP cia, DNP, RN, NE-BC

Jayne W yne Willis, DNP illis, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP -BC, CENP

2:45pm - 3:45pm | Intereractiv

Ethics in Action: Case S ction: Studies tudies

Claudia Hauri, EdDdD, FNP , FNP, FAANP

Dawn T wn Turnage, PhD , PhD, DNP , DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

TeleMental Health & Prototecting P ecting Patient C tient Cyber yber

Security

Marie Smith-East, PhD t, PhD, DNP , DNP, APRN-BC

Vereronica Deck onica Deckerer, DNP, MBA, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, FNAP

Creaeating an Ethical En ting Envirvironment thr onment through Jus ough Just Cultur t Culture

David O’Brien, MSN, MHA, RN, NEA vid MHA, NEA-BC -BC

Ethical Practicactice and Criminaliza e and Criminalization of Err tion Errors ors

Kim Giroux, MSN, RN oux, MSN, Nursing Educaducation Ethical Principles: Fr tion Fraudulent audulent Schools & Licensing ensing

Coleen C oleen Cox, DHA, MSN/E x, MSN/Ed, MS, RN, C d, RN, CCM, CNE CM, Being an Assertivsertive Ethics A e Advdvocaocate f e for Y or Yourself and Your Patients tients

CAPT (Ret) Deir et) Deirdrdre Kr e Krause ause, NC, USN Ph.D , Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC ., APRN, Chris Coffman

4:00pm - 4:30pm | Interactive Breakouts | 1. outs 1.0 Nursing Workforce Shortages: Ethics of Refusing Assignments, Safe Staffing, and Delegating ting Valerie Morrison, DBA, MSM, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, SHRM-SCP Advocacy for Care in LGBTQ+ Communities

Edward Briggs, MS, DNP, APRN-C

Empowering Nurses’ Voices thr es through Shared Governance

Kim Giroux, MSN, RN Wilma Sterbutzel, MSN RN, NE-BC

Thursday, September 21

8:00am - 9:15am | Opening Session | 1.0 CH Keynote Presentation Advocacy Amid Adversity: Commitment to Quality

Lakeshia Cousin, PhD, APRN, AGPCNP-BC 9:45am - 10:45am | Breakout Sessions | 1.0 CH Nursing Ethics, Turbulent Times, and the Call for Action to Improve Healthcare Systems

Teri Chenot, EdD, MSN, RN, FNAP, FAAN Registered Nurses’ Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue in Relation to Nurses’ Caring Efficacy

Kathleen J. Brown, EdD, MSN, RN

Empowering Nurses to Improve Clinical Care & Patient Outcomes: A Demonstration Project Program

Angela Starkweather, PhD, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN

Laurie Duckworth, PhD, APRN, FNP-C, FAAN Mendy Dunn, MSN, ACRP-CP, NE-BC PPEC: Unique Pediatric Care in Challenging Times

MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

1:15pm - 2:30pm | Keynotynote |

e 1.0 CH 0

Demystifying Ethics: Applying the Principles of tifying the of Ethics in Nursing Practicactice

Nadine Gararcia, DNP cia, DNP, RN, NE-BC

Registration closes on September 8.

Jayne W yne Willis, DNP illis, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP -BC,

2:45pm - 3:45pm | Intereractivactive Br e Breakeakouts | 1 outs 1.0 CH 0 CH

Ethics in Action: Case S ction: Studies tudies

Claudia Hauri, EdDdD, FNP , FNP, FAANP

Registration closes on September 8 Rebates available for FNA members who attend the full conference and Business Meeting! Visit the Membership Assembly homepage for more details floridanurse.org/MA2023

Dawn T wn Turnage, PhD , PhD, DNP , DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

TeleMental Health & Prototecting P ecting Patient C tient Cyber yber

Security

Marie Smith-East, PhD t, PhD, DNP , DNP, APRN-BC

Vereronica Deck onica Deckerer, DNP, MBA, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, FNAP

Creaeating an Ethical En ting Envirvironment thr onment through Jus ough Just Cultur t Culture

David O’Brien, MSN, MHA, RN, NEA vid O’Brien, MSN, RN, NEA-BC -BC

Rebates available for FNA members who attend the full conference and Business Meeting! Visit the Membership Assembly homepage for more details floridanurse.org/MA2023 MEMBERSHIP

Ethical Practicactice and Criminaliza e Criminalization of Err tion Errors ors

Christine Haynes, DNP, RN

10:45am - 11:45am | Plenary Session | 1.0 CH

Using Just Culture to Create an Engaged and Highly Reliable Nursing Workforce Post-Pandemic

David O’Brien, MSN, MHA, RN, NEA-BC

12:00n - 1:00pm | Networking Lunch

1:15pm - 2:15pm | Breakout Sessions | 1.0 CH

Empowering Clinical Experts at the Bedside: How to Leverage Shared Governance to Use Your Voice

Maureen Williams, DNP, RN, CPN, NE-BC, CPHQ

A Call to Action to Improve Support for Sexual and Gender Minority Dementia Caregivers Elizabeth Sassatelli, PhD, RN, CNE Our Planet - Our Responsibility Deborah Hogan, RN, BSN, MPH 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Breakout Sessions | 1.0 CH

Employing Extended Reality Technology with Patients & Nurses

tion Ethical Principles: F Ethical Fr d, MS, RN, C e Ethics e Ethics A , NC, USN Ph. Ph.D

4:00pm - 4:30pm | Int

e Shortages: Ethics of R taffing, and Delega

alerie Morrison, DBA, MSM, BSN, RN, NEA e in LGB d Briggs, MS, DNP, APRN-C ering Nurses’ Voices thr es through Shared el, MSN RN, NE-BC , September 21 8:00am - 9:15am | Opening Session | 1.0 CH Keynote Presentation Advocacy Amid Adversity: Commitment to Quality Lakeshia Cousin, PhD,

Kayla Patterson, MSN, RN

Finding Common Barriers and Facilitators for Cervical Cancer Screening in Sexual and Gender

Diverse Persons

Isabel Francis, MPA, MSN, RN

Is It Time to Change How Clinical and Precepting are Done in Rural Areas?

Katherine Spence, MSN-Ed, RN, HN-BC

3:30pm - 4:30pm | Region Meetings

6:30pm - 9:00pm | Awards Dinner & Recognition Ceremony

Friday, September 22

7:30am - 8:45am | Advocacy Breakfast

Hope: Past, Present and Tomorrow - A Core

Component of Advocacy

Susan Fowler, PhD, RN, CCRN, NE-BC, FCNS

9:00am - 12:30pm | Business Meeting

12:30pm - 1:30pm | Foundation Luncheon REGISTRATION Registration closes on September 8.

WE ARE HIRING

Currently hiring RNs for Academic Leadership and Faculty positions at our Florida Campuses

Galen College of Nursing is currently hiring expert nurses in all specialty areas whose guidance and experience contribute to the success of thousands of students entering the nursing field every year.

Hiring Full-Time and Part-Time positions

Hiring at our St. Petersburg, Pembroke Pines, Sarasota, and Gainesville campuses

Must have BSN, DNP, or PhD degree

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