Texas Nursing 2022 Issue 3

texa s nu r s e s .o rg

TEXASNURSING M A G A Z I N E 2020 & 2022 HONOREES: Ernestine “Tina” Cuellar, Mary Holt Ashley, Lolly Lockhart, K. Lynn Wieck, Betty Skaggs, Michael L. Evans, and Sarah Moody (pictured right)

T N A : E m p o w e r i n g Te x a s N u r s e s t o a d v a n c e t h e p r o f e s s i o n | I s s u e 3 , 2 0 2 2

ISSUE 3, 2022 Volume 96, Number 3 EDITOR IN CHIEF: Julia Menegay MANAGING EDITOR: Lisa Maxwell COPY EDITORS: Gabi Nintunze

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS: Joyce Batcheller DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, FAAN, President jbatcheller7@yahoo.com Colleen Marzilli, PhD, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, Secretary cmarzilli@uttyler.edu

4807 Spicewood Springs Rd., Bldg 3, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759-8444 P: 800.TNA.2022 or 512.452.0645; F: 512.452.0648

Gloria Lorea, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Treasurer glorialoeradnp@gmail.com

tna@texasnurses.org | texasnurses.org

MISSION Empowering Texas Nurses to advance the profession

Tamara “Tammy” Eades, DNP, MSN, RN, Past President eades@uta.edu DIRECTORS: Patricia Freier, MSN, RN-BC, CPHQ patricia.freier@sbcglobal.net Lucindra Campbell-Law, PhD, ANP, APRN, PMHNP, BC campbel1@stthom.edu Edtrina Moss, PhD, RN-BC edtrina@comcast.net

VISION Nurses transforming health TEXAS NURSING (ISSN 0095-36X) is published quarterly— Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall—by the Texas Nurses Association, 4807 Spicewood Springs Rd., Bldg. 3, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759-8444 Periodical postage is paid in Austin, Texas.

One-year subscriptions: $30 (nursing schools, libraries, hospitals, non-nurses, out-of-state nurses), foreign $35; single copy $3.00.

Subscription is not available to non-member Texas nurses.

Some back issues may be viewed online at texasnurses.org.

PUBLISHING PARTNER Monarch Media & Consulting, Inc. P: 512.680.3989 or 512.293.9277; F: 866.328.7199 monarchmediainc.com | chellie@monarchmediainc.com Advertising inquiries: call Chellie Thompson at 512.293.9277.

TEXAS NURSING is indexed in The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and in the International Nursing Index.

16mm, 35mm microfilm, 105mm microfiche, article copies available from University Microfilms International: 1.800.521.3044.

Statements of fact and opinion are made on the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or the membership of TNA. POSTMASTER Send address changes to TEXAS NURSING, 4807 Spicewood Springs Rd., Bldg. 3, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759-8444.

ARE YOU MOVING? Need to change your address? If so, provide it quickly and easily in the Members Only section of the TNA website, texasnurses.org.

Or mail your new address—at least six weeks prior to your move— to Texas Nurses Association headquarters. We’ll make sure your TEXAS NURSING makes the move with you.

FEEDBACK EMAIL OR LETTER GUIDELINES TEXAS NURSING will select emails/letters on the basis of readership interest and relevance to current nursing/health care events. TEXAS NURSING reserves the right to edit all letters. Guide: Limit to 200 words; focus on single issue; include writer’s name, mailing address, and daytime phone. Send to: editor@texasnurses.org.

Brandon “Kit” Bredimus, DNP, RN, CEN, CPEN, CNML, NE-BC, CENP, NEA-BC kit.bredimus@midlandhealth.org Mary Vitullo, MBA, MSN, RN-BC, PCCN, NE-BC, CLSBB vitullo.mary@yahoo.com ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Cindy Zolnierek, PhD, RN, CAE

TNA DISTRICT PRESIDENTS Dist.1:

Teresa Acosta, RN shadowmon@sbcglobal.net

Dist. 3:

K. Renee’ Yarbrough-Yale, DNP, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CDCES tnad3president@gmail.com; District office: Jamie R. Rivera, JamieRivera@texashealth.org

Dist. 4:

Ruben Castillo, RN, MSN, CCRN, NE-BC 817-229-6478, tnad4.nursingnetwork.com

Dist. 5:

Bonnie Clipper, DNP, MA, MBA, RN, CENP, FACHE President.TNAd5@gmail.com, tna5.org

Dist. 7:

Lisa Kelly, lisakelly0212@yahoo.com tnadistrict7@gmail.com

Dist. 8:

Donna R. Wallis, MBA, MSN, RN tna8.org

Dist. 9:

Nancy Yuill, PhD, RN District office: Melanie Truong, RN, Executive Secretary, tna9@tnadistrict9.com, tnadistrict9.com

Dist. 17:

Mari Cuellar, NEA-BC, MSN, RN mgrace2329@yahoo.com

Dist. 18:

Belinda Gallegos, MSN, RN belinda.gallegos@ttuhsc.edu

Dist. 19:

Anita Lowe, MSN, RN alowe@uttyler.edu

Dist. 35:

Karen Koerber-Timmons, PhD, RN, CLNC, CNE, NEA-BC, CCRN, RN-BC mkkoerbertimmons@gmail.com

At-Large: Contact TNA, 800-862-2022, ext. 129 brichey@texasnurses.org

Copyright 2022 © Texas Nurses Association

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2020 & 2022 LEADERS & LEGENDS big Bold Ideas

10

16

20

Crowdsourcing

the Future of Nursing

Contents IN EVERY ISSUE

ARTICLES AND FEATURES

5

9

13

19

PRESIDENT’S NOTES

TNA NEWS What's New and Next

HOW MEMBERS CAN AFFECT POLICY

THE FUTURE OF NURSING INCLUDES YOU

Transitions Update

Amplify Your Voice Through TNA

6 TNA MEMBER NEWS Kudos

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Future of Nursing Report and Strategic Partnerships

Read more at texasnurses.org.

TNA members receive stories, news, and practice tips every Tuesday in the Check Up e-newsletter. If you haven't been getting your Check Up, see your email spam filter or contact us at tna@texasnurses.org.

I S S U E 3 , 2 0 2 2 | T E X A S N U R S I N G M AGA Z I N E

Nurse Your Own Way Take the reins of your RN journey

214 888 2430 | TXNursing@ghresources.com

President’s Notes Joyce Batcheller DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, FAAN

TRANSITIONS UPDATE The Leadership Torch Officially Passed on July 1

NEW LEADERSHIP On July 1, I began my exciting venture as the 48th president of the Texas Nurses Association. I am so honored to serve you in this role. I ask that you help me do my best for the association by offering your ideas (see below).

On behalf of the Board, let me begin by thanking our immediate past president, Dr. Tammy Eades, for all of her work on behalf of the association. We also thank, Dr. Cindy Zolnierek, who officially retired and was recognized for her major contributions at the recent TNA annual conference in June. As we conclude our search for a new TNA CEO, Cindy remains committed to making sure that TNA continues on its trajectory; and special thanks to the TNA staff who have worked to make sure that we continue to operate smoothly as we transition in the staff roles too.

Welcome to our new treasurer, Dr. Gloria Lorea who has replaced our outgoing treasurer, Steven Jewell

SHAPING THE FUTURE OR REINVENT NURSING Reinvent Nursing was one of the themes of the annual conference. Keynote speakers Dr. Daniel Pesut and Dr. Oriana Beaudet led discussions on the art and science of futures thinking, foresight and reimagining nursing. The challenge is to think BIG about the future and begin laying the groundwork to build a better tomorrow for us, our colleagues, and our patients. Some of the ideas shared at the Annual Conference are summarized in the article “Big, Bold Ideas: Crowdsourcing the Future of Nursing.”

I invite you to help us Reinvent Nursing by exploring the Foresight University (https://foresightguide.com) and Future We (https:// futurewe.org/framework) websites to learn more about this important work.

Then, send your BIG ideas for nursing to us at: tna@texasnurses.org Another way to shape the future is through one of TNA’s key committees: the Policy Council, chaired by TNA Secretary Colleen Marzilli and supported by TNA Director of Government Affairs and General Counsel Jack Frazee. (See the full list of committees on page 9.) Currently, TNA is preparing for the next legislative session.

Coalitions are being built with other associations to address nursing shortages, workplace violence, and other issues that impact nurses every day. TNA is also monitoring the quickly changing landscape of health care law as it affects women’s health.

The 2023 Nurse Day at the Capital is planned for February 27-28, 2023—be sure to save the date!

STRATEGIC PLANNING

TNA board members Patti Freier, Joyce Batcheller, Mary Vitullo, Kit Bredimus and Gloria Loera attend the Leaders & Legends banquet on June 24, 2022.

hear your ideas and concerns, and host networking opportunities. Stay tuned for more information! Make sure your TNA profile is up to date so you don’t miss out on important notices. Use the QR code below to access your TNA account.

Please keep your membership active and encourage your peers to join to strengthen the voices of nurses in the state of Texas.

I invite you to join me in making TNA a strong voice for nursing that will be heard in the legislature and beyond.

Please share your ideas. We want and need to hear from you. You can reach us at tna@texasnurses.org.

Texas nurses have told us they want to interact with TNA closer to home. We heard you and are launching a “roadshow” over the next year. TNA's new CEO and I will be visiting communities around the state to engage with nurses,

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TNA MEMBER NEWS SPOTLIGHT ON YOU KUDOS TNA Members recognized at ANA Anumol Thomas, DNP, RNP-C, CCRN (center) received the Public Health Service Award for her leadership and innovation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This included mask donation drives for VA hospitals and vaccination awareness campaigns.

Shelby Garner, PhD, RN, CNE – Baylor University

Deborah Jones, PhD, MSN, RN – The University of Texas Medical Branch

Richard Pullen, EdD, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CNE, CNEcl, ANEF – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Elizabeth Wells-Beede, PhD, RN, C-EFM, CHSE-A, CNE, ACUE – Texas A&M University

TNA Members in attendance at ANA

Denise McNulty, DNP, NPD-BC, NE-BC (right) received the Foundations of Nursing Practice Award for developing content and presenting on learning strategies, resilience and mindfulness in the nursing profession. She was recognized for her significant contributions to nursing research and education.

Jessica Peck, CNP, APRN, APNPPC, CNL, FAANP, FAAN, (center) received the Advocacy Award for her work protecting and advocating for victims of child trafficking, developing a set of core competencies for healthcare professionals caring for trafficked individuals, among many other projects.

Congratulations to the following TNA members who were named to the American Academy of Nursing 2022 Class of Fellows:

Alyce Ashcraft, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FGSA – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

ANA Conference attendees Julia Menegay, TNA COO; Gail Dasher, ANA Membership Assembly Rep; Joyce Batchellor, TNA President; Glenda Daniels, ANA Membership Assembly Rep; and Colleen Marzilli, TNA Treasurer.

Erin Perez, DNP, APRN, ANP-C, AGNP-C, ACHPN, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, University Health System, San Antonio, received the 2022 Hastings Center Cunniff-Dixon Award for outstanding home hospice palliative care.

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The following TNA members were named 2022 South Texas Nurse Imagemakers by TNA District 8 and SIGMA, DAal chapter.

Norma Avitua-Ovalle, MBA, BSN, RN

M. Danet Lapiz Bluhm, PhD, RN, MSCI, ANEF, FAAN

Elizabeth Cardenas, MBA, BSN, RN

Ruth B. Grubesic, DrPH, RN, PHCNS-BC

Guadalupe Hernandez, BSN, RN

Golda Manalili, MSN, RN, RNC

Jonathan Menchaca, MSN, RN

Julie Nadeau, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE

Caroline Nims, MSN, RN, CMNL

Rebecca Rodriguez, MSN, RN, NPD-BC

Albert Tarriela, MSN, RN, CCRN

A group of Dallas County judges took time to honor TNA member Katherine Kreis who provided life-saving aid to a fellow jury member during a medical emergency. The story was carried on WFAA-TV. i

If you are a TNA member and you’ve, been promoted, received an award, or been elected or appointed to a board or community organization, we’d like to hear from you. Please send submissions to editor@texasnurses.org.

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TNA NEWS WHAT'S NEW AND NEXT TNA SUMMER HAPPENINGS

TNA REPRESENTS YOU!

At their July 2022 meeting the TNA board of directors finalized appointments to the following structural committees:

In the past quarter, TNA represented you with:

BON Quarterly Board Meeting

Audit/Finance Committee

HHS/DSHS Texas Health Steps Advisory Panel

ANA

Gloria Loera, TNA Treasurer, Chair Casey Power Patti White Barbara Walker Richard Bays Katherine Kreis Cory Church Siobahn Abraham Brian Armstrong Eugenia Zelanko

Awards Committee Marcella Upshaw, Chair Lisa Velasquez Heather Guest Irene Salinas Maria Nelson Myra Michelle DeBose Marie Lindley

Bylaws Committee Phalassa “Lasi” McArthur, Chair Deborah Tran Joicy Thomas Naoshia Carroll Jenni Rogers

Communications Committee Chasity Shaw, Chair Sorayah Bourenane Elizabeth Clark Susan McKee Joyce Bernardo-Uhlmer Antonia Perez Miguel Charon Sarah Graff Ashley Holmstrom Opeyemi Ogunniyi Edtrina Moss – TNA BOD Liaison* Amy McCarthy – TNA BOD Reappointment*

Government Affairs Committee Laura Kidd, Chair Todd Bailey, past-Chair Amy L. Anderson Laura Kidd Steven D. Powell Olusola “Sola” Oyewuwo Patricia “Pat” Morrell Monica Jimenez Kinya Mitchell Evan Porter Richard Sambrook Belinda Avalos Sarah Perry

Ruth Whitehead Tracey Ramsey Abbott Lauren Gaudette Colea Owens

› › › ›

Policy Council Colleen Marzilli, Chair Nancy Fahrenwald Nancy Crider Lisa Campbell Lori Batchelor Richard Beard Tonya Fagan Poldi Tshirch Kelsey Schmitt Maria Theresa Escobar Christine Riley Farah Buck

Membership Assembly Policy/GOVA, NPWE, Center for Ethics, and HNHN Call C/SNA Pres. ED Call Statement on Racial Reckoning Feedback Meeting

Access to Care Learning Collaborative

2020 HER Study

LSNA SHNPR Discussion

Texans for Healthcare Access

NCONL/NTONL Meeting

Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition

Mental Health Rapid Response Team

Nurses on Boards Coalition State Contacts Meeting i

PAC DONATION HAVE YOU MET THE $20 CHALLENGE YET? TEXAS NURSE PAC is the officially sponsored political action committee (PAC) of the Texas Nurses Association.

We contribute to candidates on both sides of the aisle.

Help TNA refresh its financial PAC resources to help candidates who support nursing and health care.

If every member donated just $20, we could have a fighting chance at the Capitol!

Give at texasnurses.org/PAC. Contributions to TEXAS NURSE PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal tax income purposes.

TEXAS

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2020 & 2022 LEADERS & LEGENDS EVERY TWO YEARS, the Texas Nurses Foundation honors TNA members, both living and deceased, whose volunteer service to the association significantly contributed to TNA and health transformation locally, statewide, and nationally. In June of 2022, members and friends gathered to recognize the recipients of both the 2020 and 2022 awards.

Each of the honorees played important roles in leadership of TNA and in their daily professional lives. They innovated, improved patient care, and advocated for nurses, as well as mentoring future nurse leaders.

Joyce Adams, PhD, RN (honored posthumously) was instrumental in getting an ADN educator position on the Board of Nursing—and was the first ADN educator to serve. She was an ANA delegate, a president of District 9, and served TNA as the GAC co-chair and chair of the Nominating Committee. She strongly believed that “Reaching consensus on

major issues important to nursing provides nursing representatives the direction needed to make decisions during the heat of the legislative session.” She’s remembered as a gracious and kind influence in education and leadership, as well as a great fount of knowledge.

Mary Holt Ashley, PhD, RN, considers one of her greatest contributions to be the nurses and leaders she has mentored over the years.

Ashley worked for 36 years at the Harris County Hospital District and retired as chief nurse executive. Ashley has been recognized as Healthcare Executive of the Year; Best Nurse Leader of the Year by ADVANCE for Nurses; and Nurse of the Year by the Eta Delta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. Ashley has been a TNA Vice President, TNA District 9 President, and a TNA Board member representing the East Region.

She is also the founder of TNA’s District 9 “Nursing Celebration” gala, a staple for

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Scenes from Leader & Legends Gala: TOP LEFT: K. Lynn Wieck, Lolly Lockhart, Mary Holt Ashley, and Michael L. Evans. TOP RIGHT: Michael L. Evans accepting his award. BOTTOM ROW: Lolly Lockhart, Mary Holt Ashley, Tina Cuellar, K. Lynn Wieck, and Betty Skaggs accept their awards.

District 9 which recognizes outstanding nurses in the area and raises money for scholarships and research grants.

Michael L. Evans, PhD, RN, FAAN early leadership at Northwest Texas Hospital resulted in the establishment of the neonatal transport team and one of the nation’s very first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) programs. He also contributed to bettering trauma care and helped expand the nursing workforce with his role in developing the Veteran to BSN program. He has served as TNA president, a board member of the ANA, Chair of the Constituent Assembly, and American

Each of the honorees played important roles in leadership of TNA and in their daily professional lives.

Nurses Credentialing Center President.

Evans was granted Fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing, the Margretta Madden Styles President’s Award from the ANCC and the Luther Christman Award from ANA. He has also received Distinguished Alumnus recognition from both the University of Texas at Austin and University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston. Evans facilitated the development of the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program, which recognizes nursing leaders worldwide who have successfully aligned their nursing strategic goals to improve patient outcomes.

Lolly Lockhart, PhD, RN has been a nurse for over 60 years. A careerlong member of TNA, she has served on the TNA Regulatory Committee and Culture of Safety Committee; was an originator of the TNA Nurses in Office program; worked with TNA under an AHEC grant to implement the TNA Nurse Friendly program; and even worked as the Assistant Editor of the Texas Nurses Bulletin. She was an expert witness in the 2009 Winkler County Case and testified in favor of whistleblower protection in the 2011 Texas legislative session. She was involved in the establishment of the Nursing Practice Act and Texas State University's St. David's School of Nursing.

Lockhart is a TNA representative to the BON Eligibility and Disciplinary Committee. She also teaches the BON’s Ethics and Jurisprudence course for nurses.

Dorothy Otto, EdD, RN, ANEF (honored posthumously) was recognized nationally for her contributions to the nursing profession and became a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing Education in 2007. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from TNA District 9.

Dr. Otto regularly presented at profes-

sional conferences, engaged in scholarship around the ethical and legal aspects of nursing, and worked to give her students a strong understanding of advocacy for the profession, encouraging them to join TNA and other professional nursing organizations. The Dorothy A. Otto Professionalism in Nursing Scholarship Award, established by the Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth in her honor, is given annually to undergraduate students who excel in role modeling professionalism. An avid collector of stamps and books featuring Florence Nightingale, she was also dedicated to preserving historical collections documenting nursing history.

K. Lynn Wieck, PhD, RN, FAAN, says, “It’s a great time to be a nurse!” Her catchphrase was adopted to encourage nurses in the wake of Y2K fears and the 9/11 attacks. Wieck led TNA as president from 2000 to 2005, when she worked with ANA to revise bylaws to create a safe haven for workplace-advocacy (non-union) states. She also formed alliances within the healthcare field, including with the Texas Hospital Association, to set up pilot projects in seven hospitals across the state to test conflict resolution models, and pushed for ways to increase funding for nursing education, with attention to faculty salaries and curriculum reform to assure nursing education keeps up with new technology and teaching methods.

Wieck developed an innovative clinical learning experience for nursing students that provided free healthcare services to older Latina patients through Project Capable.

Ernestine “Tina” Cuellar, PhD, RN retired from the US Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. Her long history with TNA includes serving as president from 1981-85, as a board member from 2018-2021, as an ANA delegate multiple times and as a member of the Bylaws, Advance Practice and Government Affairs Committees. She served as district president for Districts 20, 29, 6 and 9. Her many honors include the Johnella Banks Member Achievement Award from the Association of Black Nursing Faculty,

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Inc.; Distinguished Teaching Professor by University of Texas Board of Regents; the USAF Meritorious Service Medal; and the National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. She was also Inducted into UTMB School of Nursing Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

Sarah Moody, DNP, RN, loved hearing legislators say that when nurses come to lobby, they come to advocate for the benefit of their patients, not just nurses.

Moody joined TNA as a means to improve nursing practice through policy work. She served in many elected and appointed positions. Her roles at TNA have included treasurer, president, ANA delegate, Audit/Finance Committee member, Council on Practice Committee member, and District 4 officer. She has fought for practice authority for APRNs, worked with Laura Bush and her staff to pass and endorse gun-safety legislation for trigger guards, and co-founded the DFW Great 100 with fellow TNA members Beth Mancini, Lucy Norris, and Judy Denison.

Betty Skaggs, PhD, RN, has a long history with TNA, including serving as president, vice president, ANA delegate multiple times, and as a member of the Government Affairs and Nominating Committees. She testified on behalf of TNA on multiple issues including the inclusion of both ADN and BSN educators on the Board of Nurse Examiners (now the BON), and served District 5 as president, board member, mentor and committee member. As a member of the PAC board, her innovative approach to fundraising extended to dressing as a clown at one point and auctioning off “borrowed” shoes at another. Her career passions included education and preparing student nurses for the road ahead. Skaggs wants Texas nurses to know that they are “smart and capable enough to run for office.” She is a strong believer in the power of professional organizations and the importance of nurses coming to the table and having their voices heard. i

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HOW MEMBERS CAN AFFECT POLICY

By Jack Frazee, JD

EVERYONE IN THE UNITED STATES has the right to speak freely, associate with others, and petition the government for redress of grievances. These freedoms might seem nebulous or impractical, but we exercise all of these through TNA. There is no magic to affecting policy—it is all about speaking to public officials, building coalitions of support, and formally requesting changes in the law. TNA is particularly effective in achieving changes in law because we draw on the knowledge and voices of our members to produce high quality research.

We use the dues collected from members to employ permanent staff to communicate with lawmakers and educate them on issues important to TNA members, and we use the formal processes of state policymaking to request changes in state statutes and agency rules.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT TNA’s advocacy is entirely driven by member input. The policy agenda of TNA begins with TNA’s policy committees conducting research and making recommendations to the Policy Council. The Policy Council considers the recommendations of the committees and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors then approves, denies, or remands the recommended policies.

In addition to volunteering for and serving on one of TNA’s committees, members can volunteer to be Issue Advisors. TNA’s committees draw on Issue Advisors for knowledge and advice on specialized issues.

POLICY ENACTION

In addition to volunteering for and serving on one of TNA’s committees, members can volunteer to be Issue Advisors. TNA’s committees draw on Issue Advisors for knowledge and advice on specialized issues.

Once the Board of Directors approves a policy, it goes to TNA’s Government Affairs Committee, which advocates for the adoption and implementation of the TNA Board-approved policy by the Texas Legislature or an appropriate agency. The Government Affairs Committee builds support for TNA’s policy agenda by speaking with legislators and their staff, testifying at committee hearings, and submitting written comments in support of bills under consideration.

It is difficult to accomplish legal changes as an individual because the policymaking process has become increasingly specialized, just like every other part of our society. That is why membership in TNA is so important. Members can draw on the collective resources of TNA to amplify their voices, receive expert guidance, and engage with elected officials on important issues.

GRASSROOTS EFFORTS TNA members can also volunteer to serve as District Liaisons.

District Liaisons share information from the Government Affairs Committee with their Districts and advocate for change in local policies. Texas is a “home rule” state, which means county and municipal governments have a significant amount of authority to set rules and regulations that promote public health.

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The Policy Process: HOW TNA DEVELOPS POSITIONS Hundreds of Texas nurses contribute The TNA Board of Directors (BoD) appoints members to Policy Council (PC) and Government Affairs Committee (GAC) and approves final policy positions.

PC: Vets and approves positions for consideration and final approval by the BoD, determines how committee and workgroup efforts should be enacted (legislative, regulatory, position or statement changes). Committees draft positions with input from issue advisors. Small workgroups tackle focused topics and develop member materials.

GAC: Takes positions from PC and enacts them into policies at the state level. District and at-large liaisons communicate local priorities to the GAC and GAC priorities back to local members. Members can take action in their communities to enact local policies and meet with their representatives during the interim.

TNA Board of Directors

Association action

Local priorities and action

Individual action, grassroots advocacy

Governmental Affairs Committee

Policy Council

State priorities and action

Standing committees Workgroups and issue advisors

NURSE PAC

District and at-large liaisons Workgroups and issue advisors

Policy Creation

Members

Policy Enaction © Texas Nurses Association 2022

If there is not a state law that directly controls the issue, local authorities can act to address the issue. This is an area of policy that is often overlooked or forgotten but has been instrumental in accomplishing significant public health victories.

For example, the reason Texans cannot smoke indoors is because of local ordinances prohibiting this conduct. State laws prohibiting smoking indoor are limited, so local municipalities stepped up to prohibit smoking indoors and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. Most municipalities in Texas now have secondhand-smoke prevention ordinances. This is just one example of the progress that can be made on the local level.

Get in touch with your District leadership, or TNA staff if you live in an At-Large District, to talk about opportunities for grassroots advocacy.

Join us in 2023! TNA members are also encouraged to attend Nurse Day at the Capitol every legislative session, which happens in the winter and spring of every odd-numbered year. The upcoming year’s Nurse Day at the Capitol will be February 27, 2023. TNA will open registration in the fall. cacy and be a part of the democratic process.

TNA members are also encouraged to attend Nurse Day at the Capitol every legislative session, which happens in the winter and spring of every odd-numbered year. The upcoming year’s Nurse Day at the Capitol will be February 27, 2023. TNA will open registration in the fall.

You are also free to speak directly to your elected representatives. It is important to be clear about whether you are speaking on behalf of TNA (in which case we ask that you advocate for our board-approved, public-facing positions) or on your own behalf. While TNA focuses only on issues pertaining to the nursing profession, being a member of the association does not prevent you from speaking with elected officials about any issue you care about on your own.

During this event, TNA members will meet with elected officials and their staff to discuss issues that are important to the nursing agenda. This is a great opportunity to directly engage in advo-

We hope you will volunteer and tell us what you think about how we can improve the nursing profession. Join us in building a better society! i

DIRECT ADVOCACY

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You Care.

Make it a career.

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Nurses who sign up with TriEagle Energy will support the Texas Nurses Association, where a portion of what members pay for electricity goes back to the TNA.

We offer predictable work schedules, set caseloads and an excellent benefits package, including:

“TriEagle Energy is proud to offer electricity plans exclusively for members of the Texas Nurses Association, with simple rates and no hidden fees,” said Sam Sen, vice president of TriEagle Energy solutions. “We look forward to serving this community through our innovative energy products and customer-first mindset—all while supporting an association that serves as a powerful voice for nurses in Texas.”

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To learn more or enroll today, visit: trieagleenergy.com/tna

Contact a recruiter at healthcareers@hhsc.state.tx.us

TEXAS PEER ASSISTANCE

PROGRAM FOR NURSES

GET SUPPORT AND SAFEGUARD PATIENTS

Nurses Helping Nurses If you, a coworker, or a family member need help with a substance use or mental health issue, call the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses. TPAPN case managers provide guidance, support, and monitoring to help nurses recover and maintain their licenses. And TPAPN peer advocates provide an empathetic listening ear. You and those you care about are not alone!

www.tpapn.org

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Big, Bold Ideas

By Lisa Maxwell, TNA Staff

Crowdsourcing the Future of Nursing.

“IF I WERE 10 TIMES BOLDER, I would run for senate, influence other outgoing nurses to run, approve autonomous practice for nurse practitioners and create a nationwide mobile healthcare network to care for people who do not have access to healthcare.”

BIG BOLD IDEAS: EMERGING THEMES

On June 24 and 25, 2022, TNA members gathered in Georgetown, TX for an educational workshop themed “Reimagine Nursing: Foresight, Futures and Innovation.” Attendees heard from futurist Daniel Pesut, PhD, RN, FAAN, who discussed the importance of developing the skill of foresight and practical ways to ideate and innovate, and Oriana Boudet, DNP, RN, PHN who led the group through a real-world brainstorming and pitch session.

During Dr. Pesut’s presentation, he led the participants in a ‘big idea’ exercise to demonstrate how a group can source and evaluate ideas. Each attendee was

tasked with generating one ‘bold idea’ to improve nursing and write it down on an index card anonymously. These cards

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were then passed at random to five different people, who read the idea and gave it a score of one to five, with one

Corey Russell and Tracey Ramsey Abbott join nurse colleagues in ranking big bold ideas at the TNA Annual Conference June 24, 2022.

being the least impactful and five being the most. The scores were then tallied, and members lined up to read their cards in score order.

We grouped the big, bold ideas your fellow nurses had in mind into themes:

CULTURE These ideas revolved around ways to make the nursing profession more inclusive and attractive, such as DEI programs and creating pathways to practice. They also looked for ways to foster a culture of innovation.

EDUCATION These addressed how nurses are educated, how their education is funded, and what is taught in nursing programs.

Ideas included alternate wage structures and including more financial and legal education in nursing schools.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Some nurses imagined becoming entrepreneurs and looked for guidance in doing so.

FULL PRACTICE AUTHORITY A popular response was gaining FPA for APRNs and changing the perception of nurses from people who merely carry out physician’s orders to that of autonomous healthcare professionals who provide a uniquely different kind of patient care.

HEALTHCARE OVERHAUL Some ideas involved changing the healthcare system as a whole, providing more holistic approaches to wellbeing, altering the way nurses are paid, and putting more nurses into community health roles. They also considered new approaches to recruitment.

LEADERSHIP Participants imagined nurses in elected and C-suite offices, as heads of healthcare organizations, and serving on nonprofit boards of directors.

SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH The importance of meeting people where they are and providing wellness care to those who are historically underserved was discussed. They also looked for ways to fund ongoing care and move away from the acute care model.

TECHNOLOGY Several nurses envisioned automated systems that could replace activities that don’t require human intervention and could improve the efficiency of charting and other administrative tasks.

UNITY Uniting the voices of all nurses under one banner, regardless of specializacontinued on page 19

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A ‘BIG IDEA’ EXERCISE Each attendee was tasked with generating one ‘bold idea’ to improve nursing and write it down on an index card anonymously. These cards were then passed at random to five different people, who read the idea and gave it a score of one to five, with one being the least impactful and five being the most.

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The words you use impact your patient’s health.

The evidence is clear. Peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that patient-centered language builds trust, reduces stigma, and increases positive health outcomes. Learn more from evidence-based guidelines, talking points, and videos designed to support you in having productive and satisfying patient conversations at txpmp.org. Sign on before you sign off.

txpmp.org

Bold Ideas continued from page 17

A PERFECT SCORE! One idea received a perfect score of 25, in terms of being most accessible and impactful: Open governing board positions for nurses on all organization boards.

Imagine what value might be added by having a nursing perspective as part of the leadership of every nonprofit organization.

What impact would there be on public health, evidence-based decisionmaking, and general wellbeing?

tion, professional role or level of experience was how some participants imagined having the most impact.

VALUE

ADVANCE YOUR

organizations, and considered compensating nurses based on outcomes as is the case with some physicians.

One idea received a perfect score of 25, in terms of being most accessible and impactful: Open governing board positions for nurses on all organization boards. Imagine what value might be added by having a nursing perspective as part of the leadership of every nonprofit organization. What impact would there be on public health, evidencebased decision-making, and general wellbeing?

The future that nurses imagined at our annual conference made room for improvements both in the lives of nurses and their patients. This exercise led to many hopeful and optimistic discussions on what healthcare might look like in the coming years, and TNA looks forward to working alongside you to help get us there. i

These ideas described various approaches to positioning nurses as a value rather than a cost within healthcare

EDUCATION. BECOME AN AGGIE NURSE.

nursing.tamu.edu

@tamunursing

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TNA HAS INTRODUCED a new annual award open to all nurses in Texas.

The award recognizes nurses who excelled, innovated or went above and beyond in the prior year. The honorees for 2022 are nurses who created a culture of care, who played a vital role in supporting health and wellness, and who found new and creative ways to support their patients and communities.

One nurse created on-the-fly videos to teach nurses from other specialties to care for COVID-19 patients, increasing the facility’s ability to safely serve more patients, another created a support group for parents of NICU babies, and another saved a patient’s life in a parking lot, just a few of the notable accomplishments of this year’s Outstanding 25 Texas Nurses.

Deanna Abate, BSN, RN, Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital Palliative Care, Orange

Maria Bluhm, PhD, RN, MSCI, FAAN, ANEF, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio

Mindi Andes, MSN, RN, CCRN, CSC, BSW The Heart Hospital Denton, Lantana

Carol Boswell, EdD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, Midland Memorial Hospital, Andrews

Charity Ballmann, MSN, BA, MEDSURGBC, Medical City Healthcare, Little Elm

Kyle Carter, RN, BSWMC Hillcrest, Waco

Joseph Berumen, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, BSWMC Centennial, Celina

Casey Cox, BSN, RN, CEN, NE-BC, BSWMC Plano, Melissa

For more information on their specific achievements, please visit our website: texasnurses.org/page/outstanding25.

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Sandy Diep, MSN. APRN, FNP-BC, UT Southwestern Medical Center Office, Dallas

Melissa LureaSanchez, BSN, RN, OCN, Baylor Scott & White Health Apt 701, Austin

Keely Rocha, BSN, RN, NE-BC, BSW Plano, Oak Point

Cicely Harrison, BSN, BSW Medical Center Irving, Fort Worth

Stephanie Morgan, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, Bastrop

Irene G. Rosales, MSN, RN, United Independent School District Rear, Laredo

Bria Hollingsworth, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, BSWMC Plano, McKinney

Richard “Brian” Nettle, RN, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, Spring

Petar Tomasevic, MBA, BSN, RN, CNOR, Baylor Scott & White Health, Austin

Penny Huddleston, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN, Baylor Scott & White, Ft Worth

Erin Perez, DNP, APRN, ANP-C, AGNP-C, ACHPN, University Health, Live Oak

Amelia Villanueva, BSN, RN, RNC-NIC, C-ELWB, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, Hockley

Mallory Lander, BSN, RN, CCRN, BSW The Heart Hospital Plano, Fairview

Sandra Petersen, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, GNP-BC, PMHNP-BE, FAANP, UT Tyler School of Nursing College of Nursing, Tyler

Janice Walker, DHA, BSN, RN, BSWH, Rockw

Elizabeth Loika, DNP, PNP-C, FNP-C, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi UNIT 5805, Corpus Christi

Dawn Reed, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Irving, Irving

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2023 NOMINATIONS Nominations for the 2023 Outstandting 25 Texas Nurses will open in the fall of this year. Do you know a nurse who has done something great this year? Shine a light on them by nominating them. TNA member and nonmember nominations welcome.

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THE FUTURE OF NURSING INCLUDES

YOU

By Amy McCarthy DNP, RNC-MNN, NE-BC

IN MAY 2021, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and National Academy of Medicine released their Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. This report built on the work and recommendations delivered through the 2011 Institute of Medicine Report.

While the first report focused on the continued development of the nursing profession, the new recommendations went one step further to explore the role of nurses in reducing health disparities and promoting health equity in all care settings.

To address the tenets of the Future of Nursing report, each state was charged with the goal of reimagining their state Action Coalitions and creating a strategic plan around this work. Depending on the current health equity challenges within each state, coalitions could choose specific recommendations to focus on. The focus was not to re-create the wheel, but to form strategic partnerships with organizations already committed to building a culture of health in their communities. The Texas Action Coalition, or “Texas Team,” has been in the process of re-organizing and connecting with potential partners across the state, such as It’s Time Texas and the Texas Health Institute.

The work of these organizations centers on collaboration with

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individuals and communities to create a healthier state now and for generations to come.

Nurses can and should be involved in the conversation to improve patient care in a post COVID-19 world. Our experiences and breadth of knowledge make us an asset to any group exploring these issues. The pandemic continues to push nurses outside the hospital walls, furthering our reach. Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple looked to nurses to help guide their entrance into the healthcare marketplace. Many nurses took advantage of entrepreneurial opportunities and used their clinical knowledge to make tasks and processes easier for their colleagues and patients. Regardless of the setting, nurses continued to use their talents and clinical acumen to drive positive change in their communities and for their patients. Advocacy is not only found at the bedside but can be present in any setting where a nurse practices, making it vital that we become involved in initiatives that are working to change the landscape of healthcare.

So how do we start?

That’s the question I get most often from nurses who are wanting to step into the advocacy and board leadership space. It

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can be extremely overwhelming to know where to look and who to reach out to. Even when provided resources, many nurses, especially bedside nurses, still hesitate to take steps toward leadership in these arenas.

In a study by Ann Marie Walton (2020), the authors identified that nurse executives, nurse faculty, and consultants were more likely to seek out board positions than staff nurses. When examining generations, Baby Boomers and Generation X were also more likely to seek out these positions than millennials or younger generations (Walton et al., 2020). One interesting point is the influence of gender in relation to this overall hesitancy.

The literature points out that women have typically been less inclined to seek out leadership roles, and typically avoid promoting themselves or speaking out (Walton et al., 2020).

Our work through professional associations and community initiatives. Groups and programs can only be as strong as the individuals behind them. There are a multitude of ways to get plugged in and help play a part in advocating for our communities.

While a cultural change is occurring, it is important to note that 88% of the nursing profession within the United States is female (Walton et al., 2020). Understanding this relationship and barriers for females in these arenas is key in developing programs that could help to encourage nurses to seek out involvement.

Additionally, nurses may think that one voice can only do so much. I stress to colleagues that if we approach the world with this mindset, our presence and our thoughts remain unknown.

I like to compare it to receiving an email asking for outreach volunteers and thinking, “Oh someone else will volunteer.” If everyone has the same thought process, then what happens next? Not a very successful outreach event. The same can be said for our work through professional associations and community initiatives. Groups and programs can only be as strong as the individuals behind them.

Involvement doesn’t have to mean giving all your evening and weekend time away. There are a multitude of ways to

get plugged in and help play a part in advocating for our communities. Many organizations now use a hybrid model for meetings, allowing for the option to participate remotely as opposed to traveling. As you begin to explore different avenues of engagement, consider the following: 1.

YOUR AREA OF INTEREST: As we progress through our career, we discover topics and initiatives we have a lot of passion for. Interested in women’s health? Start by searching for organizations focused on this issue and research ways to get involved in their organization. Look at their leadership team page and reach out to these individuals if you have questions or want to find out more information.

As president of a local organization in Dallas-Fort Worth, I get emails all the time from nurses and work with them to see how they can get involved in our work.

2.

EXPERIENCES: Take the time to write down your clinical and life experiences. When you find an organization you are interested in, see how these experiences might fit in with the work the team is currently involved in. I have a background in PR and Communications and love to utilize these skills in nursing organizations to help tell the story of the work we do.

3.

TIME COMMITMENT: Be honest about the time you can commit to an initiative or organization. Participation can be as simple as participating in meetings on a quarterly basis or as involved as serving on the board of directors of an organization. We tend to use time as the reason we don’t participate, but even the smallest commitments can make a difference in overall impact.

4.

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM GOALS: Consider what you hope to achieve in the short and long term. Are you looking to create and put forward a new policy around workplace violence? Consider the organizations that could provide resources and experiences to help you reach your goal.

Change may not always be easy or come quickly—a fact that is difficult for many of us to grasp in a world of instant gratification. Regardless of what organization you choose to become involved in, the most important part is that you are utilizing your voice and expertise. Creating a new future for nursing will not only benefit the profession, but will have a significant impact on the health of generations to come. i

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4807 Spicewood Springs Rd. Bldg. 3, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78759

NUTS AND BOLTS OF NURSING PEER REVIEW The Nuts and Bolts of Nursing Peer Review is a workshop for any nurse involved in the nursing peer review process. Learn laws and BON rules on incidentbased and safe harbor nursing peer review. Topics include mandatory reporting requirements, due process protections, minor incidents, external factors review, and a just culture approach. The workshop meets the BON requirements for nursing jurisprudence and ethics CNE. Register online at texasnurses.org/events.

UPCOMING 2022 – 2023 WORKSHOP DATES: September 23 October 21

January 20 February 24

March 24 April 21

May 22

Texas Nurses Association/Foundation Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

PROTECT YOUR PRACTICE A TNA Member Benefit

At Texas Nurses Association, one of our priorities is helping nurses protect their practice. It’s why we advocated for laws like Nursing Peer Review. It’s also why we’ve had a longtime partnership with Nurses Service Organization (NSO).

NSO LIABILITY INSURANCE NSO is the largest provider of nurse malpractice insurance in the country.

NSO helps you defend your license in case of a lawsuit, and 96% of people with a claim recommend them. The strenuous circumstances of COVID-19 mean nurses are asked to handle more patients than ever before, putting you at greater risk.

Don’t be caught without protection.