2015 FNA Book of Reports

2015 Florida Nurses Association
presented “SW FL Nurses: Oxycodone and Other Opiates Beyond Heroin…The Reality of This Problem in Our Community”
followed by “A Special Treat for Nurses Week: Using Essential Oils for Healing and Balance!” presented by FNA Members,
Dr. Lauren Corder and Jose Castillo. Over one hundred nurses attended.
On June 5, 2014, the FNA Southwest Region Royal Palm Coast Chapter hosted a dinner meeting for Members and guests
at the Edison Restaurant in Fort Myers. Dr. Todd Broder, MD presented “The Reality of Chronic Mental Illness in Our
Community: Important Information for SW FL Nurses Regarding Treatment of a Challenging Disorder – Schizophrenia”.
Sixty nurses attended.
We would like to thank all of our loyal Members in Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades, and Collier Counties for their continued
support. Without our Members, we would not have a Southwest Region.
Our Region is fortunate to have two local Chapters who work well together in providing opportunities for our Members
with a focus on networking, professional development, and membership development. Our Region is planning to host a
dinner meeting this fall in Naples and one in the spring in Fort Myers.
Jill Tahmooressi, RN-BSN, MBA, NCSN
South Region
The South Region conducted the 5th Annual South Region, Florida Nurses Association Symposium and Awards Ceremony
on April 11, 2015 in Davie Florida with 300+ registered nurses and nursing students. The Symposium offered a value
packed experience with 25 vendors in attendance, 35 peer-reviewed scientific research, evidence based practice and review
of the literature posters, net-working, scholarships, awards and a two hour content hour presentation. The Key note address
“Translating Magnet Standards into Practice: Enhancing the Work Environment through Service-Academic Partnerships”
by Mary Jo Assi, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FNP- BC, Director of Nursing Practice and Work Environment, American Nurses
Association was followed by a panel contribution by Lynne M. Dunphy, PhD, APRN, FAAN, The Christine E. Lynn College of
Nursing Florida Atlantic University, Beverly M. Fray, RN, MSN, PHCNS-BC , Jackson Health System, Amy Pettigrew, PhD, RN,
CNE, ANEF, Dean, Benjamin Leon School of Nursing Miami Dade College & Leah Kinnaird, EdD, RN, President Elect, Florida
Nurses Association.
Florida Nurses Association President, Edward Briggs, DNP, MS, ARNP, FNP, address the participants as well as the
voluntary South Region Leadership Council served in contributing roles resulting in an extraordinary day of nursing pride
and professionalism:
South Region FNA
Voluntary Leadership Council
Alina Diaz-Cruz, MSN, RN, Member of South Region FNA Awards Selection Committee
Peggy Davis, DHSc, MSN, MEd, RN, Member of South Region FNA Awards Selection, Poster & Scholarship Committees
Ann-Lynn Denker, PhD, ARNP, Chair South Region FNA autumn Advocacy- Health Policy event
Marie Etienne, DNP, ARNP, PLNC, Member of South Region FNA Program Selection Committee
Sheree Mundy, MSN, BSc, ARNP, Member of South Region FNA Awards Selection Committee
Steadley Foster, MSN/Ed., FNP, Chair of South Region FNA Program Selection Committee
Debra Hain, PhD, ARNP, AGNP-BC, FAANP, South Region FNA Legislative Liaison & Chair of South Region FNA Poster
Selection Committee
Leah Kinnaird, EdD, RN President Elect FNA, Chair South Region FNA Vendor Committee
Lolita McCarthy, PhD, MBA-HCM, RN, Member of South Region FNA Awards Selection Committee
Patricia R. Messmer, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN, Chair The Nurses Charitable Trust, Chair Florida Nurses Foundation & Member of
South Region FNA Scholarship Selection Committee
Elizabeth Olafson, MSN, MSEd, RN-BC, Chair of South Region FNA Scholarship Selection Committee
Carol Petrozella, MSN, MSEd, EdD, RN, Chair Contact Hour Program award
Barbara Russell, BSHSA, MPH, RN, CIC Vice President FNA, Member of South Region FNA Scholarship Selection Committee
Karen Sinclair, MSN, MBA, RN South Region FNA Activity Manager, Member of South Region FNA Awards Selection
Committee
Jill Tahmooressi, MBA, BSN, RN-BC, NCSN, South Region Director
Maxine Jacobowitz, BSN, RN, CPN, Chair of South Region Gifts Committee
Gene Majka, MS, ARNP, Retired Honorary, Photographer
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