Florida Nurse - June 2017

OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE FLORIDA NURSES FOUNDATION 

Volume 65 • No. 2 CIRCULATION 290,000 TO EVERY REGISTERED NURSE & NURSING STUDENT IN FLORIDA June 2017 

Mission Statement 

Serve and support all Registered Nurses through professional development, advocacy 

and the promotion of excellence in every area of professional nursing practice. 

FNA does not endorse advertised products, services, or companies, 

nor any claims made in paid advertisements. 

The Florida Nurse is proudly brought to you by FNA dues paying members. 

President’s Message 

An Open Letter to My Family 

Leah Kinnaird, EdD, RN 

Thank you the support 

you’ve given me through the 

years. Thank you for helping 

me financially, talking 

me out of quitting school, 

attending my graduation, 

and encouraging me along 

the way. 

I’m writing now because, 

every now and then, 

something happens that 

lights a fire in me to tell 

you the inside story of what it means to be a nurse. I 

know you value me and my peers for our honesty and 

ethical standards and for our reputation for caring. 

You may not recall how hard it was for me to become 

a nurse. I was pretty naive...clueless about how much I 

would have to study, almost flunking physics. I had a 

well-rounded education that has prepared me for life’s 

situations. I’m so glad I’m a nurse. 

So when Jimmy Kimmel went public with the 

announcement that a nurse diagnosed an irregularity 

with his newborn’s heart, I was struck by the attention 

brought to nursing. Often nurses are the behind-thescenes 

lifesavers. Baby Kimmel’s type of situation is 

repeated countless times in newborn settings, medical 

surgical units, ICUs, health departments, homes, 

schools, and outpatient clinics. It makes me want to 

speak openly about the difference a nurse can make in 

anyone’s life. 

I’ve had the good fortune to meet countless nurses 

in all kinds of settings. I see them as my peers. 

We recently celebrated Nurses Week on Florence 

Nightingale’s birthday, May 12. Did you know that 

since 1921, hospitals nationally have associated their 

celebrations with her birthday? Nightingale is not 

only the founder of our profession, but a hero in health 

care for revolutionizing hospital operations based on 

data she collected. I didn’t know that nurses would be 

expected to be researchers, but I understand it is part 

of the Nightingale heritage. 

What I want to stress is that the nurses I know are 

“thinkers.” In order to provide good care, they must 

have the intellectual capacity to know what actions 

to take, whether in acute or chronic cases. They know 

the medications you take...the risks, interactions, 

complications. They witness how you respond to 

them and react appropriately. They are technically 

competent to manage the medical equipment you 

require. They speak up for you. [That’s something that’s 

President’s Message continued on page 9 

current resident or 

Non-Profit Org. 

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Inside this Issue 

President’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Florida Nurses Leadership Academy .............12 

Notes from the Executive Director ................2 Student Forum .............................13 

Are You Ready to be an Advocate? ...............3 Region News ............................14-15 

2017 FNA Candidate Biographies and Statements ...4 Nursing Community .........................16 

2017 Membership Assembly ....................7 QUIN Council ..............................17 

Legislative Update ..........................10 Members in the News ........................18 

Focus on Recent Graduates ...................11 2017 FNA Advocacy Days .....................19

Page 2 The Florida Nurse June 2017 

Notes from the 

Executive Director 

“Keeping Nurses Informed about 

their Profession” 

Florida Nurses Association or Florida Board of Nursing: 

What’s the Difference? 

Willa Fuller, RN 

FNA Executive Director 

FNA and the FBON are 

two Florida organizations 

that play a critical role 

in the career of every 

nurse. Although the two 

organizations frequently 

agree on policy issues 

and various aspects 

of our work, the two 

organizations are very 

different and not connected as it relates to their 

everyday functions. It is important that nurses 

understand the role of each organization. Each 

organization has a distinct role and mission 

and the work of the organizations flow from 

those missions. Because there is frequently 

confusion about the distinctions between the two 

organizations, we have assembled the information 

below in order to help Florida nurses know which 

Organization: 

Structure: 

Mission 

Statement: 

Florida Nurses Association 

P.O. Box 536985 

Orlando, FL 32853-6985 

Phone: (407) 896-3261 

Fax: (407) 896-9042 

E-mail: info@floridanurse.org 

Website: www.floridanurse.org 

Professional Association for all Registered 

Nurses; a constituent member of the 

American Nurses Association. 

The Florida Nurses’ Association, as a 

constituent member of the American 

Nurses Association, exists to promote 

the practice of professional nursing, 

advance the development of professional 

nurses, and improve health standards and 

availability of health care services for all 

people of Florida. 

organization is best suited to meet a particular 

need. The Board of Nursing relies on licensure 

fees to provide for its mission of protecting 

the public. For FNA, membership is the key to 

providing the resources needed to advance nurse 

advocacy work. 

From the Board of Nursing website: 

The Board of Nursing is made up of 13 

members: seven Registered Nurses who have been 

engaged in the practice of professional nursing 

at least four years (one must be an advanced 

registered nurse practitioner, one must be a nurse 

executive, and one must be a nurse educator 

member of an approved program); three Licensed 

Practical Nurses who have been engaged in the 

practice of practical nursing at least four years; 

three consumer members who have never been 

connected with the practice of nursing. All board 

members must be Florida residents and one 

must be at least 60 years old. (See the website for 

information on applying to serve.) 

Florida Board of Nursing 

4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C02 

Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252 

(850) 488-4125 

Fax (850) 245-4172 

Website: 

http://www.floridasnursing.gov 

Legally constituted state agency. 

In order to safeguard life, health, and the 

public welfare of the people of this state 

and in order to protect the people of the 

state of Florida from the unauthorized, 

unqualified, and improper application of 

services by individuals in the practice of 

nursing, it is necessary that a regulatory 

authority be established and adequately 

funded. To further this policy the practice 

of nursing shall be regulated through 

the Florida Board of Nursing, and said 

board shall have the power to enforce the 

provisions of this chapter. Any persons 

who practice or offer to practice nursing 

or who represent themselves as registered 

nurses or licensed practical nurses 

without qualifying under this chapter 

endanger the public health. 

Nursing is a dynamic discipline and its 

practice is continually evolving to include 

more sophisticated patient care activities. 

The purpose of this chapter is to provide 

clear legal authority for functions and 

procedures that have common acceptance 

and usage and to recognize the overlapping 

functions between registered nurses and 

other licensed health care providers in the 

delivery of health care services. 

Executive Director continued on page 9 

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Orlando, FL 32803-5403 

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

Telephone: (407) 896-3261 

FAX: (407) 896-9042 

E-mail: info@floridanurse.org 

Website: http://www.floridanurse.org 

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 

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FNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve 

the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in 

advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of 

price of advertisement. 

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 

the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. 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, March, June, September, and December 

by FNA, a constituent member of the American Nurses 

Association. 

Editor - Vicki Sumagpang, 1235 E. Concord St., Orlando, FL 

32803-5403 

Subscription available at $20.00 plus tax, per year. Members 

of FNA receive the newspaper as a benefit of membership. 

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 

2015–2017 

Officers 

Leah Kinnaird, EdD, RN, President 

Janegale Boyd, RN, President Elect 

Barbara Russell, MPH, RN, CIC, Vice President 

Jill Tahmooressi, MSN, RN, Secretary 

Ann-Lynn Denker, PhD, RN, Treasurer 

Directors 

Marion Marino-Meyash, PhD, RN 

West Central Region Director - Vacant 

Debra Hain, PhD, ARNP 

Janice Hess, DNP, ARNP FNP-BC 

Deborah Hogan, MPH, RN 

Marsha Martin, RN 

Theresa Morrison, PhD, CNS-BC 

Doreen Perez, MS, BSN, RN-BC 

New Grad Liaison 

Hannah McRoberts, BSN, RN 

FNA Office 

Willa Fuller, BSN, RN, Executive Director 

John Berry, Jr., Director of Labor Relations & 

Government Affairs 

Vicki Sumagpang, MSN, RN, Director of Programs & 

Member Engagement 

Alisa LaPolt, Lobbyist 

Robert Levy & Associates, Lobbyist 

Partners with 

ATTENTION FNA MEMBERS! 

YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IS NEEDED. 

FNA communicates via email throughout 

the year. In order to receive all email 

updates, please send your personal email 

address along with your name and member 

number to membership@floridanurse.org as 

soon as possible. 

Join Florida Nurses 

Association Today! 

Visit floridanurse.org 

or scan for complete 

information. 

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you visit www.floridanurse.org and 

click on the Amazon link. 

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June 2017 The Florida Nurse Page 3 

Focus on the Foundation 

Are You Ready to be an Advocate? We Can Help! 

George Peraza- 

Smith, DNP, GNP-BC, 

AGPCNP-C, CNE 

Florida Nurse Foundation, 

Trustee 

According to the 

Merriam-Webster 

dictionary, “Advocacy is the 

act or process of supporting 

a cause or proposal: the act 

or process of advocating for 

something.” An advocate 

is one that defends or supports a cause or interest. 

Since the days of Florence Nightingale, nurses have 

been on the forefront of advocating for accessible, 

quality healthcare. 

Advocacy is defined by the American Nurses 

Association (ANA) (2010) as “the protection, 

promotion, and optimization of health and 

abilities, prevention of illness and injury, 

alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis 

and treatment of human response and advocacy 

in the care of individuals, families, communities, 

and populations.” Advocacy is a core value of 

nursing. We nurses have opportunities every day 

to advocate for our patients and their families. 

Our Nursing Code of Ethics calls on us to 

promote, advocate for and strive to protect the 

health, safety and rights of the patients. However, 

advocacy goes beyond our day-to-day contacts with 

patients and families. We are called to advocate for 

our communities and for our profession. Nurses 

engage with the patient and families in all areas 

and settings of health care. We have a unique, 

valuable perceptive that decision-makers need to 

hear. We understand what is not working in this 

so-called health care system. 

Nurses have real patient stories of the many 

deficiencies of the health care system. There 

are access problems, lack of adequate supports 

and resources, inability to pay for the rising cost 

of care and the continued lack of coordination 

in care service. We have seen it all and we have 

worked with our patients to find solutions. 

Sometimes there just is no solution. That is 

unacceptable! 

Nurses must lend their voice, their experiences, 

their stories to move health care forward. Nurses 

do this through advocacy. Nurses do this by being 

part of the solution. Nurses do this by getting 

involved. Nurses do this by supporting patient 

friendly legislators and legislation. Nurses do this 

by supporting our Political Action Committee 

(PACs) either the ANA-PAC or FNPAC. Nurses do 

this by understanding the importance of advocacy 

and then doing something about it. Are you ready 

to be an advocate? Let’s get to it! 

Barbara Lumpkin, a long-time ANA/FNA 

member, is a force for advocacy in action. She has 

tirelessly advocated for nursing and patients in 

Florida. She is a true ‘Florida Nurse Hero.’ Will 

you be the next Barbara Lumpkin? In 2006, The 

Florida Nurses Foundation established the Barbara 

Lumpkin Institute in honor of the long time FNA 

lobbyist, Barbara Lumpkin. A major goal of 

the Barbara Lumpkin Institute is to strengthen 

the Florida Nurses Association leadership and 

advocacy programs through various educational 

programs and networking activities. Current 

programs include the Barbara Lumpkin Institute 

Symposiums, support for an FNA member to 

attend the American Nurses Association Advocacy 

Institute in Washington D.C., and scholarships to 

support both seasoned and new members to attend 

FNA Advocacy Days. 

References: 

American Nurses Association (2010). Nursing’s social 

policy statement. Silver Springs, MD: ANA. 

http://www. 

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2017 FNA Candidate Biographies and Statements 

President-Elect 

Theresa Morrison 

For the position of: President- 

Elect and Representative to the 

ANA Membership Assembly 

As President Elect, I would 

hone my skills as a change 

agent, help drive and support the 

President’s priorities and Board 

recommendations and prepare 

myself to take over the role of keeping FNA 

relevant to its members. 

Region: West Central – Hillsborough 

School(s) of Nursing: Duquesne University; 

Vanderbilt University; University of Maryland 

Degree(s): PhD, Post Master’s Nursing 

Certification in Education, MSN with a Clinical 

Nurse Specialist Oncology focus, BSN 

Place of Employment and Position: Moffitt 

Cancer Center, Clinical Nurse Specialist 

Professional Organizational Activities: 

SWONE, SW Organization of Nurse Executive 

County Representative; SSTI Tau Zeta Leadership 

Succession Chair; Florida Cancer Control and 

Research Advisory Council (CCRAB) Executive 

Board; Commission of Cancer, committee member; 

Comprehensive Community Cancer Program; 

Membership Co-Chair National Association 

of Clinical Nurse Specialists; HRSA, objective 

reviewer; International Society of Nurse Genetics 

(ISONG) ANCC External Validation Genetics 

Portfolio Content Expert Panel Member; CCRAB 

Executive Board Member, NACNS, Membership 

Co-Chair; FNA SW Region Director, Co-Chair of 

FNA CNS SIG. 

George Byron Peraza-Smith 

For the position of: President- 

Elect and Representative to the 

ANA Membership Assembly 

Nurses are distinctively 

qualified to meet the increasing 

demands for health care in 

Florida. We have an opportunity 

to create our future and the 

future of nursing in Florida. We will explore ways 

to remain relevant for our current and future 

members. I want FNA to be a thriving Association. 

Region: West Central - Hillsborough 

School(s) of Nursing: Case Western Reserve 

University; University of South Florida 

Degree(s): DNP, Gerontological NP, Adult NP, 

MSN, BSN 

Place of Employment and Position: United States 

University, Associate Dean & Associate Professor; 

Brandon Outreach Clinic, Primary Care NP 

Professional Organizational Activities: Member 

FNA West Central Region; FGCGAPNA, Secretary; 

Florida Nurses Foundation Trustee, Current; FNA 

Treasurer (2011-2012); FNA Finance Committee 

(current); Gerontological Nursing Scope & 

Standards Workgroup, Gerontological Nursing; 

STTI Conference Planning Task Force, Chair; 

Florida Nurse Practitioner Network, Treasurer. 

Vice President 

Jill Tahmooressi 

For the position of: Vice President 

As a member of the Florida 

Nurses Association, holding 

office at the district, region, 

and state levels within the 

organization since 2013, my 

interest in being elected to 

the Vice President position 

is to bring my robust enthusiasm and action 

oriented mannerism to the position by serving 

the President to the best of my ability. Driving 

results by using expert structural processes, I 

expect to support the organization and facilitate 

streamlined processes, enhanced membership 

benefits, and generally contribute extensively to 

the value and purpose of the organization for longlasting 

sustainability and viability. 

Region: South – Miami Dade 

School(s) of Nursing: St. Petersburg College 

Degree(s): MBA, BSN 

Place of Employment and Position: Miami 

Children’s Health System, Nicklaus Children’s 

Hospital, Nursing Director 

Professional Organizational Activities: FNA 

South Region Director (2013-2015); FNA Secretary 

(2015-2017). 

Secretary 

Palma Iacovitti 

For the position of: Secretary 

As secretary, I’d like to expand 

myself within the organization 

by continuing to support the 

FNA on a different level, more 

collaboration on a state level 

and foster my professional 

and leadership abilities. I am 

motivated by challenges and can meet those 

challenges to manage this position as Secretary. 

There may be other qualified candidates with 

greater skills but I do have a lot of energy and 

enthusiasm to learn. FNA Secretary will help 

identify and advance my strengths and rectify my 

shortcomings. 

Region: North East - Duval 

School(s) of Nursing: Holy Family University, 

Philadelphia, PA 

Degree(s): Currently attending DNP program at 

University of Iowa, MBA, BSN 

Place of Employment and Position: Mayo Clinic 

Florida, Jacksonville, Nurse Manager, Transplant 

Surgical Services 

Professional Organizational Activities: AONE; 

ANA; FNA member; FNA Health Policy SIG 

member. 

Barbara Russell 

For the position of: Secretary 

As a long time active member 

of FNA and as retirement comes 

closer, I still want to give to my 

professional organization. As 

secretary, I can help by assuring 

the keeping of accurate records 

for now and the future as well as 

contribute to the current issues being addressed 

by the organization. 

Region: South – Miami Dade 

School(s) of Nursing: University of Miami; 

Florida International University; Jackson 

Memorial Hospital School of Nursing; Infection 

Control courses: Center for Disease Control 

Degree(s): MPH, BSHSA, RN, CIC 

Place of Employment and Position: Baptist 

Hospital of Miami, Vice Chair BHSF Emergency 

Operations Council & Director Infection Control; 

Director of Sterilization and Linen. 

Professional Organizational Activities: Core 

member South Region Leadership Council since 

2013; First South Region Director (2010-2011); 

FNA Transition to Regions Taskforce; Certification 

Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology 

(CBIC), President (2012); Occasionally contacted 

by IPN to address Infection Control related issues; 

Vice President of FNA (Current); Secretary of 

The Nurses Charitable Trust; Chair of the Royce 

Foundation; JMH School of Nursing Alumni 

Association; Florida Practitioners of Infection 

Control (FPIC), Represent FPIC on State HAI 

Advisory Board (2010–present). 

Treasurer 

Ann-Lynn Denker 

For the position of: Treasurer 

This election marks a crucial 

time in the future for state 

associations. The FNA must 

act wisely and assure fiscal 

soundness…to be relevant 

and prosperous. Professional 

advocacy, our pillar to success 

and invigorated membership are essential 

to assuring a new paradigm for our future 

generations of nurses. 

Region: South – Miami-Dade 

School(s) of Nursing: University of Miami; 

University of Florida 

Degree(s): PhD, MN, BSN 

Place of Employment and Position: Plaza 

Network, Chief Clinical Officer 

Professional Organizational Activities: South 

Region “Volunteer” FNA Planning Committee; 

FNA Board of Directors, Treasurer (2015-2017); 

FNA Health Policy SIG member; Florida Board of 

Nursing, past chair. 

Mavra Kear 

For the position of: Treasurer 

Maintaining the financial 

viability of FNA is an ongoing 

challenge. I am prepared to work 

with the FNA board and staff to 

focus our resources on identified 

priorities in order to continue 

supporting professional nurses 

and nursing practice in Florida. 

Region: West Central – Polk 

School(s) of Nursing: University of South 

Florida; University of Florida 

Degree(s): PhD, MSN, BSN 

Place of Employment and Position: Peace River 

Center, Nurse Practitioner, primary care 


President (2011-2013); FNA Treasurer (2009-2011); 

Member of ANA, FNA, & STTI. 

Directors at Large (Regional) 

East Central Region 

Janice Hess 

For the position of: East Central 

Region Director 

I strongly believe that 

professional organization 

membership requires member 

participation in supporting 

the mission and goal of that 

organization. Therefore, if elected 

as East Central Regional Director, I will act as 

liaison between the board and members regarding 

regional activity while soliciting member input 

in a manner that offers them a voice in their 

professional organization and its advocacy efforts. 

Region: East Central – Volusia 

School(s) of Nursing: University of Florida; 

Southern Missionary College; Brigham Young 

University; Orange Memorial School of Nursing 

Degree(s): DNP, FNP-BC, ARNP, Adult NP 

Certificate, MSN, BSN, RN Diploma 

Place of Employment and Position: Retired VA 

Outpatient Clinic, Daytona Beach (Sept 2016); 

Volunteer Clinical Director Good Samaritan 

Clinic, Deland 

Professional Organizational Activities: Past 

District Treasurer and Past Chair of Volusia, 

Flagler & Orange Advanced Nursing Council; 

FNPAC board member; Florida Nurses Foundation 

board member; Florida Coalition of ARNP; 

Past CCNE Accreditation clinical member of 

Accreditation team for nursing programs (retired 

2016); FNA East Central Region Director (2015 – 

present); FNA voting member for Florida Coalition. 

North Central Region 

Justin Wilkerson 

For the position of: North Central 


I want to serve as an advocate 

and representative for the nursing 

profession in the North Central 

district. I would represent the 

interests of the membership 

in the North Central Region to 

the Board of Directors while 

also serving as advocate for the profession to the 

Florida Nurses Association as a whole. 

Region: North Central - Alachua 

School(s) of Nursing: Florida Gateway College 

(Lake City, FL); University of Texas at Arlington; 

Board Certification in Gerontological Nursing 

(ANCC) & Adult Critical Care Nursing (AACN) 

Degree(s): BSN, ASN 

Place of Employment and Position: North 

Florida Regional Medical Center, ICU staff nurse 

Professional Organizational Activities: NFRMC 

Professional Practice Council & Nursing Quality 

Council, hospital wide committee; FNSA, Region 

II Director (2011-2012); FNSA, Vice President (2012- 

2013). Member of ANA, FNA, AACN, SCCM & HPNA.


Northeast Region 

Pamela Delano 

For the position of: Northeast 


As Northeast Region Director, 

there is the responsibility to 

foster an environment where 

nursing professionals are not only 

supported through opportunity 

but empowered to innovate. My 

goal is to inspire others at every experience level 

in engaging as active participants on the issues 

that influence our patients and our practice. 

Region: Northeast – Duval 

School(s) of Nursing: Jacksonville University; 

Mount Saint Mary College 

Degree(s): MSN with a focus on Organizational 

Leadership, MBA, BSN, Bachelors of English 

Literature 

Place of Employment and Position: Mayo 

Clinic, Nursing Education Specialist for 

Neurology/Neurosurgery Department 

Professional Organizational Activities: Hands- 

Only CPR Community Instructor Volunteer; 

Mission House Volunteer RN; FNA Health Policy & 

Ethics SIG member; American Nurses Association 

Professional Issue & Moral Resilience Advisory 

Committee; Foundation for Peace, Volunteer 

Nurse, Dominican Republic. 

Northwest Region 

Marion Marino-Meyash 

For the position of: Northwest 


This particular region is 

very challenging. I have been 

a resident of Bay County for 33 

years and I am familiar with 

the northwest region. I would 

like to see membership and 

participation increase in the region. I would like 

to reach out to the nurse educators at all levels to 

encourage and promote nurses to become members 

of their state and national organization. 

Region: Northwest – Bay 

School(s) of Nursing: The Brooklyn Hospital; 

Long Island University 

Degree(s): PhD, MSN, BSN, Diploma 

Place of Employment and Position: Teach out 

program in Brandon, Florida. 

Professional Organizational Activities: NW 

FNA Region Director (2015- present) and member 

of FNA; American Nurses Association member; 

National League for Nursing member; Sigma Theta 

Tau International. 

South Region 

Steadley Foster 

For the position of: South Region 

Director 

My goal is to increase the 

number of members into the 

organization, through having an 

active presence in the community 

to include special nurse events, 

healthcare organization, school, 

etc. In addition to increasing the number of 

members, my intention is to increase the revenue 

to the organization by having new partners to 

support planned events. Targeting the South 

Florida market involves a good public relations 

image within this community. To facilitate this 

process, my goal is to plan more successful and 

creative events to capture this audience. 

Region: South – Broward 

School(s) of Nursing: Barry University; 

Florida International University; SUNY; Nassau 

Community College 

Degree(s): PhD, MSN & Masters in Nursing 

Education, BSN, ASN 

Place of Employment and Position: St Paul’s 

School of Nursing, Dean of Nursing; Nova 

Southeastern University, Adjunct Professor 


South Region Leadership Council member for 6 

years; Member of FNA, ANA & Sigma. 

Carmen “Vicky” Framil 

For the position of: South Region 

Director 

I would like to serve my 

community and become a strong 

advocate for nurses in my region. 

I have actively participated with 

the FNA in the past, including 

membership in the Leadership 

Academy, acting Health Policy Special Interest 

Group Chair, and attending Advocacy Days in 

Tallahassee. These experiences have prepared me 

well to take on the next challenge of leadership. 

Region: South – Miami-Dade 


Florida International University 

Degree(s): DNP, MSN, BSN 

Place of Employment and Position: Florida 

International University, Nicole Wertheim College 

of Nursing & Health Sciences, Assistant Clinical 

Professor; John H. Peavy Health Center, Clinic 

Manager 

Professional Organizational Activities: FIU 

NWCNHS Faculty Assembly Chair; FNA collective 

bargaining unit at FIU; Florida Nurse Practitioner 

Network, Nominating Committee member; ANCC 

member; AANP member; Sigma Theta Tau Honor 

Society member; FNA Health Policy SIG member 

and chair. 

Southeast Region 

Rhonda Goodman 

For the position of: Southeast 


As faculty consultant for our 

SNA chapter, I have long been 

an advocate for my students to 

contribute to ANA/FNA and 

the profession. I would like to 

contribute more to FNA and the 

profession and be a role model to my students. 

Region: Southeast – Palm Beach 

School(s) of Nursing: Florida Atlantic 

University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing; 

Knox Theological Institute; Houston Baptist 

University 

Degree(s): PhD, MSN, MA Theology, BSN 


Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of 

Nursing, Associate Professor 

Professional Organizational Activities: FAU 

Student Nurses Association, Faculty Consultant; 

FNSA Annual Convention, 2015 & 2016 speaker; 

NSNA Annual Convention. 

Southwest Region 

Susan Torres 

For the position of: Southwest 


In this position, I would like 

to actively participate more in 

the legislative process and bring 

the most important practice 

issues that are in legislation to 

the region. I would also like 

to encourage bedside nurses to share their EBP 

practice changes at regional events to motivate 

active membership. 

Region: Southwest – Lee 

School(s) of Nursing: Monmouth University; 

Seton Hall University; Englewood Hospital School 

of Nursing 

Degree(s): MSN, BSN, Diploma 

Place of Employment and Position: Lee Health, 

Risk Manager; Florida Southwestern College, 

Professor of Nursing 

Professional Organizational Activities: Member 

of FNA, ANA, HIMSS/Tiger, ANIA, NLN, ACEN, 

AACN; Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing 

Honor Society; Tau Zeta Chapter STTI Nursing 

Honor Society, current Secretary and past Vice 

President. 

West Central Region 

Janice Adams 

For the position of: West Central 


It would be my goal to 

encourage and gather the 

members of the west central 

region together and establish a 

functioning regional unit. We 

have a large number of members 

with many talents that can be tapped. I would 

like to see more activities for members and 

opportunities to network. 

Region: West Central - Pinellas 

School(s) of Nursing: Sentara Norfolk General 

School of Nursing; Old Dominion University; Troy 

State University; American Sentinel University 

Degree(s): DNP, MPA 

Place of Employment and Position: 

Chamberlain College of Nursing, Visiting 

Professor teaching Health Policy online. 

Professional Organizational Activities: ANA 

Subcommittee on Honorary Awards (2015-2016). 

Jose Alejandro 



As a Board of Director member, 

I would bring extensive clinical 

and professional experience to 

the Florida Nurses Association 

from serving in various 

organizations at the local, state, 

national and international level. I will further 

advocate FNA public policy and initiatives. I will 

work to engage nurses within my region. 

Region: West Central - Hillsborough 

School(s) of Nursing: Capella University; 

University of Phoenix (College of Nursing); 

University of Dallas; University of Texas at 

Arlington (College of Nursing) 

Degree(s): PhD, MSN, MBA, BSN 

Place of Employment and Position: Tampa 

General Hospital, Director, Case Management 

Professional Organizational Activities: Texas 

Nurses Association – District 4, Vice President 

(2008-2019); Case Management Society of America, 

President-Elect (June 2017-2018); National 

Association of Hispanic Nurses, President (2012- 

2014); International Society Building Corporation 

(Sigma), Treasurer (2015-2017); American Academy 

of Nursing, member & Nominating Committee 

(2016-2018). 

Rebecca Falanga 



The goal of my participation as 

Director of West Central Region 

would be to ignite enthusiasm 

and increase participation in 

FNA of the nurses in the region. 

FNA participation would awaken 

nurses to the potential influence they have in the 

spheres of community, region, state and nation for 

health care. 

Region: West Central - Pinellas 

School(s) of Nursing: Florida State University; 

Antioch University; Clark State College, 

Springfield Ohio 

Degree(s): MBA, BA, ASN, AA 

Place of Employment and Position: Clinical 

Learning & Development Humana, Inc., 

Manager; Suncoast Hospice, Largo, FL, Residents 

Administrator & Admissions Coordinator 

Professional Organizational Activities: Florida 

Nurses Association Leadership Academy (Class of 

2016). 

Director Recent Graduate 

Raquel Bicknell 

For the position of: Director 

Recent Graduate 

Graduate nurses require 

passionate guidance, sensible 

pruning, and unwavering 

confidence. My diverse clinical, 

academic, and leadership 

experiences amongst a variety 

of different patient populations and settings 

make me an ideal candidate. From customized 

mentoring and reflective journaling to open 

conversation on trending nursing issues, new 

grads can unite and succeed. 


School(s) of Nursing: University of Florida; The 

Benjamin School 

Degree(s): DNP Candidate, BSN, Diploma 

Place of Employment and Position: The 

Benjamin School, North Palm Beach, Registered 

Nurse; Jupiter Medical Center, Medical Oncology 

Unit, Registered Nurse 


National Student Nurses Association (Oct 2014- 

2015), NSNA Convention, Active FNA and ANA 

member; RN Novice Nurse Residency Graduate 

at Jupiter Medical Center; Jupiter Medical Center, 

Medical Oncology Unit, Unit-based Council Chair. 

Hannah McRoberts 

For the position of: Director 

Recent Graduate 

As a graduate nurse, I know 

that I will be able to relate to 

2017 Candidates continued on page 6


2017 Candidates continued from page 5 

my peers and help them to understand the value 

of FNA membership and participation. I also feel 

that this position is perfect for advancing my 

engagement with FNA. 

Region: East Central – Orange 

School(s) of Nursing: Adventist University of 

Health and Science 

Degree(s): BSN 


Hospital East Orlando, Neuro Cardiac PCU, 

Registered Nurse 


Adventist University of Health Sciences, SNA 

President (2015-2016), SNA Treasurer (2014-2015); 

AACN Metropolitan Orlando Chapter, Director 

at Large (2016-2017); FNSA President (2015-2016), 

FNA Membership Assembly planning committee; 

NSNA Council of State Presidents member (2016), 

Florida Hospital East 2 West PCU, Nurse Practice 

Council Secretary. 

For all things Membership 

Assembly, visit: 

http://www.fnaconferences.org 

the official site for the 

2017 Membership Assembly 

Your Career 

Matters. 

For nearly 50 years, Concorde Career Colleges has prepared thousands of people for rewarding 

careers in the healthcare industry. We specialize in education with a clearly defined purpose. 

Our goal is to prepare students for the most in-demand jobs in healthcare. 

Qualifications we’re looking for include: 

• Current RN license in the state of employment 

• BSN required, MSN preferred 

• 3 years of recent clinical experience 

Now Hiring Nurse Instructors! 

Jacksonville, Miramar, Orlando, Tampa 

• Meet all of the qualifications as set 

forth by the Board of Nursing in 

the state of employment 

We offer: Medical/dental/vision, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, vacation, and education 

reimbursement for full-time and part-time employees. 

To apply, email resumes to jobs@concorde.edu or visit www.concorde.edu/careers 

Be part of life changing work. Join Concorde. 

EOE/M/F/D/V 

Nominating Committee (Elect 5) 

Camille Baldwin 

For the position of: Nominating 

Committee 

Continue to help my region and 

FNA have great leaders. 

Region: Southwest – Lee 

School(s) of Nursing: Nova 

Southeastern University, Florida 

Atlantic University; West Texas A 

& M University 

Degree(s): EdD, MSN, BSN 

Place of Employment and Position: Nova 

Southeastern University, Assistant Professor 

Professional Organizational Activities: STTI, 

Convention Delegate, Chapter Counselor (current); 

SW Region member, Nominating Committee 

(Current). 

Teri Chenot 


Committee 

I am committed to the 


as it represents all nurses 

and promotes advocacy and 

leadership among its members. 

This includes collaboration 

among other organizations and regulatory agencies 

to benefit nursing and healthcare. 

Region: Northeast – Duval 

School(s) of Nursing: University of North 

Florida; Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. 

Lynn College of Nursing; St. Thomas University; 

Broward State College 

Degree(s): EdD, M.Ed, MSN, BSN, BHS, MS, 

ASN 

Place of Employment and Position: Co- 

Director of the QSEN Institute Regional Center 

at Jacksonville University; Associate Professor 

(tenured), Keigwin School of Nursing, Brooks 

Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences, 

Jacksonville University 


FNA Northeast Region Director (2011-2013); 

Jacksonville Area Nurses in Education 

(J.A.N.I.E.), member (2003-2017); Northeast 

Florida Association for Healthcare Quality, 

member (2004-2007); Northeast Florida 

Organization of Nurse Executives, member 

(2009-2017); Florida Association for Healthcare 

Quality (FAQH), member (2012-2017); FNA 

member (2007-2017); Florida Organization 

of Nurse Executives, member (2009-2017); 

American College of Healthcare Executives, 

member (2004-2017); ANA member (2007-2017); 

American Organization of Nurse Executives, 

member (2009-2017); National Association 

for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), member 

(2012-2017); Southern Nursing Research 

Society, member (2016-2017); Sigma Theta Tau 

International Honor Society of Nursing (Lambda 

Rho Chapter-at-Large), member (2006-2017); 

Member of 2017 QSEN (Quality and Safety 

Education for Nurses) International Forum, 

QSEN National Conference Planning Committee, 

QSEN Abstract Review Panel, QSEN Academia 

Task Force, QSEN International Task Force; 

QSEN Board of Directors (2016-2017). 

Debbie Hogan 


Committee 

As an organization, it is so 

important to have an effective 

nominating committee to 

encourage your members to 

run for office. This committee 

educates the members about the 

requirements of the officer so that the members 

know what is expected of them. 


School(s) of Nursing: Mastin School of Nursing; 

Medical College of Georgia; Tulane School of 

Public Health 

Degree(s): MPH, BSN, RN Diploma 

Place of Employment and Position: Department 

of Health, Palm Beach County – Community 

Health Nursing Consultant 


FNA Past Secretary; FNA Southeast Region 

Director (2013-present); HCP President & LERC 

Chairperson. 

Randy Jackson 


Committee 

I believe that this position 

would allow me the avenue to 

become more active in FNA. This 

would create more opportunities 

to enhance and expand my 

leadership skills through 

collaboration with mentors and colleagues at all 

levels. 

Region: East Central – Orange 

School(s) of Nursing: University of Central 

Florida and Valencia Community College 

Degree(s): MSN, BSN, ASN 

Place of Employment and Position: Seminole 

State College of Florida (Altamonte Springs), 

Professor of Nursing; Orlando Health, Registered 

Nurse – Staff. 


Seminole State College Department of Nursing 

Faculty Senate Representative (2017); Florida 

Nursing Students Association (FNSA), State 

Consultant (2017). 

Ying “Mai’ Kung 


Committee 

I would like to contribute 

and to support Florida Nurses 

Association. I would like to 

strengthen the nursing profession 

and to improve access to health 

care for Floridians. 

Region: North Central – Leon 


Florida State University; Emory University; 

University of Texas at Austin 

Degree(s): DNP, Post Master’s Nurse Educator 

Certificate, MN and MPH, BSN 

Place of Employment and Position: Florida State 

University, Sr. Teaching Faculty 


Tallahassee Area of Advanced Practice Nurses; 

Florida Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses, 

past co-chair; Member of FNA, FNPN, FANP, 

AANP, & ANA; Asian American Pacific Islander 

Nurses Association; Regional Coordinator for 

Practice for the Florida Action Coalition, AACN 

Faculty. 

Regina Mirabella 


Committee 

I have been a long time active 

member of FNA. I know how 

important this role is for the 

organization. I look forward to 

serving the nurses of Florida. 

Region: West Central – Pasco 

School(s) of Nursing: University of Phoenix, 

Kingsborough Community College 

Degree(s): MSN, BSN, ASN 

Place of Employment and Position: Pasco- 

Hernando State College 

Professional Organizational Activities: ANA & 

FNA member; West Central Region FNA member, 

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of 

Nursing. 

Sharon Rogers 


Committee 

I currently serve as a 

member of the nominating 

committee with the Black Nurses 

Association (BNA), Miami 

Chapter. I have developed an 

understanding of how important 

it is to nominate and select candidates for office 

who possess the experience and qualities that will 

best meet the needs of your specific organization. I 

feel that I would be an asset to this position for the 

Florida Nurses Association (FNA). 

Region: South – Broward 

School(s) of Nursing: Barry University; St. 

Thomas University; University of Miami 

Degree(s): MSN/ed, MSM, BSN 

Place of Employment and Position: 

Chamberlain University, Bachelor Program, 

Academic & Clinical Professor 

Professional Organizational Activities: South 

Florida Ethics Committee Chair (NBICU), Policy & 

Procedures, Infection Control; FNA member; CPR 

Committee; BNA Nominating Committee and BNA 

Health Policy & Legislation Committee.


2017 Membership Assembly 

Call to Membership Assembly 2017 

Promoting Health through Advocacy 

This constitutes the official notice of the 2017 Membership Assembly of the Florida Nurses Association, 

September 29 & 30, 2017 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, FL for the purpose of transacting 

the official business of the Association. 

***Call for Abstracts*** Traditional Posters 

The FNA Board of Directors is committed to supporting and showcasing colleagues conducting nursing 

research. FNA members are invited to submit abstracts for a poster presentation at the FNA Membership 

Assembly to be held on September 29 and 30, 2017 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort, Naples, FL. 

Posters will be peer reviewed by members of The Research Special Interest Group 

Submissions are due by Tuesday, August 1, 2017. 

Guidelines for submission Traditional Posters: 

Abstracts should be 2-3 double spaced pages in 

length. Abstracts can describe completed research, 

research in progress, or of a research design. 

Abstracts for qualitative and quantitative studies 

and special projects are welcome! 

Please select your category:* 

• Evidence-Based Practice 

• Legislative, Policy, Regulatory 

• Scope of Practice 

• Workforce Research 

• Membership Development 

• Nursing Innovations and Creativity (Practice, 

Research, or Special Projects) 

• Other:_____________________________________ 

Research abstracts should address: 

• Clearly defined problem statement; 

• Significance to Nursing; 

• Description of methodology; 

• Research design; 

• Sample Size; 

• Sampling method; 

• Description of setting; 

• Identification of instruments used; 

• Data Collection procedures; 

• Results (data analysis) for completed research 

or proposed data analysis if research is in 

progress; 

• Assurance of protection of human subjects’ 

rights; 

• Interpretation of findings; 

• Implications/recommendations or future 

research if appropriate; and 

• Abstracts focusing on research 

implementation programs should include a 

description of the purpose of the project, its 

implementation, and other suggestions for its 

implementation in other settings. 

• Poster size no larger than 4ft x 8ft (48” x 96”). 

RETURN TO FNA BY TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2017: 

P.O. Box 536985, Orlando FL 32853 

F: 407.896.9042 | vsumagpang@floridanurse.org 

Call for Speaker Proposals 

2017 FNA Professional Development Conference and Membership Assembly 

Theme: Promoting Health Through Advocacy 

Please use this form to submit your proposal to speak at the 2017 FNA Membership Assembly. Presentations will 

be at least one hour long for contact hours for Florida Nurses and submitted for ANCC accreditation. The dates of 

the Membership Assembly are September 29-30, 2017. The conference will be held at the Naples Grande Resort 

in Naples, FL. As indicated above the theme for the conference is: Promoting Health Through Advocacy. Nurse 

speakers must be members of the Florida Nurses Association or another state association. If your presentation is 

chosen, your registration will be complimentary for the day of your presentation. We ask that you please request 

this form from Kaitlyn and info@floridanurse.org. Deadline for submission is extended to June 16. 

Name ____________________________________ Title & Credentials _____________________________________________ 

Address _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Phone (_________)___________________________________ Fax (________ )________________________________________ 

Work Email______________________________________ Home email___________________________________________ 

Please describe your presentation: 

Title: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

My presentation is related to the following Core Functions of FNA (please check all that apply): 

¨ Conference Theme 

¨ Research (would fit all categories) 

¨ Evidenced Based-Practice 

¨ Membership Development 

¨ Legislative, Policy Regulatory ¨ Technology/Telehealth 

¨ Ethics 

In the area below, please explain briefly how your presentation meets the core function(s) indicated above. 

Please share a brief summary of the content: 

Special considerations (e.g. A team of speakers/panel, unusual format, etc.) 

Please submit this form to Florida Nurses Association, P.O. Box 536985, Orlando, FL. 32853-6985 or fax to 

407-896-9042, Attn: Vicki Sumagpang. Please feel free to call 407-896-3261 with any questions. 

Deadline June 15, 2017 

Bylaws Notice 

The FNA Bylaws are under Review by 

the Bylaws Committee. 

ARTICLE XIII. Amendments 

Section 1. Previous Notice 

A. These bylaws may be amended at 

any FNA Membership Assembly by 

a two-third (2/3) vote of the members 

present and voting. 

B. All proposed amendments shall be in 

the possession of the FNA Executive 

Director at least sixty (60) days before 

the Membership Assembly, and shall 

be published at least 30 days prior to 

the FNA Membership Assembly. 

Members: Please watch your emails and 

the FNA website in June for the Proposed 

Bylaws Amendments 

Keynote Speaker 

Susan B. Hassmiller, RN, PhD, FAAN 

Senior Advisor for Nursing 

Susan Hassmiller is 

the Robert Wood Johnson 

Foundation Senior Adviser 

for Nursing. In partnership 

with AARP, Hassmiller also 

directs the Foundation’s 

Future of Nursing: Campaign 

for Action. This 50-state 

and District of Columbia 

effort strives to implement 

the recommendations of the 

Institute of Medicine’s report on the Future of 

Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health and 

will additionally seek to build a Culture of Health. 

Hassmiller served as the report’s study director. 

She is also serving as Co-Director of the Future of 

Nursing Scholars program. 

Hassmiller’s work has included service in 

public health settings at the local, state and 

national levels, including HRSA. She taught 

community health nursing at the University 

of Nebraska and George Mason University in 

Virginia. 

Hassmiller is a member of the Institute of 

Medicine, a fellow in the American Academy of 

Nursing and sits on other advisory committees 

and boards, including the Meridian Health 

System, soon to be the largest in New Jersey and 

the American Red Cross. She is the recipient of 

many awards and two honorary doctorates, but 

most notably the Florence Nightingale Medal, the 

highest international honor given to a nurse by the 

International Committee of the Red Cross. 

Excellent 

RN 

Opportunities 

• Emergency Department 

• Medical/Surgical 

• Progressive Care 

• Surgery 

SRMC is a Bariatric Surgery Center of 

Excellence, an Orthopedic Center of Excellence 

and a Certified Primary Stroke Center nestled 

away in Sebastian Florida, less than one mile 

from the beach. We offer a full suite of benefits 

and a competitive compensation package. Come 

join our team of caring professionals. 

For more information call 772-581-2067 or to apply 

please visit www.sebastianrivermedical.com


News 

• The American Nurses Association (ANA) and 

Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) 

have partnered to issue the Call for Action: 

Nurses Lead and Transform Palliative Care. 

The Call for Action supports the belief that 

seriously ill and injured patients, families, and 

communities should receive quality palliative 

care in all care settings. Nurses are encouraged 

to lead and transform palliative care in practice, 

education, administration, policy, and research. 

To learn more about the Call for Action: Nurses 

Lead and Transform Palliative Care visit http:// 

nursingworld.org/CallforAction-NursesLeadTra 

nsformPalliativeCare. 

• National Nurses Week 2017 was held May 6 – 

12, 2017. The theme was “Nursing: The balance 

of mind, body, and spirit.” ANA has designated 

2017 as the Year of the Healthy Nurse and 

has set up the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation 

Grand Challenge, a nationwide initiative to 

connect and engage nurses, employers, and 

organizations around improving health in 

five areas: physical activity, 

nutrition, rest, quality of 

life, and safety. Visit www. 

healthynursehealthynation. 

org for more information. 

• Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent- 

Adams, PhD, RN, FAAN 

has been appointed to 

serve in post of Surgeon 

General. Dr. Trent-Adams 

was a nurse officer in the 

U.S. Army, and since 1992, 

part of the Commissioned 

Corps of the Public Health 

Service. She was a deputy 

associate administrator of 

the HIV/AIDS Bureau of 

the Health Resources and 

Rear Admiral 

Sylvia Trent- 

Adams 

Services Administration 

(HRSA) before joining the Surgeon General’s 

Office. Dr. Trent-Adams is the first person to 

serve as surgeon general who is not a physician. 

Florida State Hospital is seeking an ARNP Specialist- 

Psychiatry for their campus in Florida’s Picturesque Panhandle! 

Come join a collaborative and collegial mental health care team as an Advanced RN 

Practitioner Specialist - Psychiatry at Florida State Hospital (FSH) in Chattahoochee, Florida! 

You’ll put your clinical skills to work evaluating and treating civil and forensic clients, both 

independently and in a team environment, at an award-winning mental health facility. 

Located near the banks of the Apalachicola River, FSH offers career and social amenities 

unique to its rural setting, only a short drive to entertainment, shopping, universities, 

sporting events, and the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches!” 

FSH offers: 

• Low cost, on-campus housing for you and your family 

• An option of an 8-4:30, Monday thru Friday work week 

• Sovereign immunity 

• Paid holidays, vacation and sick days 

• Health and other insurance at greatly reduced rates 

• Facility qualifies for loan forgiveness program 

Diverse candidates are welcome, as are those who are bilingual! 

To apply for this position please visit http://jobs.myflorida.com 

Position #60037985 

Interested licensed ARNPs may also submit 

their curriculum vitae to: 

Kevin Bist, Recruiting Coordinator 

Kevin.bist@myflfamilies.com 

850-717-4266 (office) | 850-274-4287 (cell)


Executive Director continued from page 2 

President’s Message continued from page 1 

Board of 

Directors: 

Executive Director: Willa Fuller, RN 

Leah Kinnaird, EdD, RN, President 

Janegale Boyd, RN, President-Elect 

Barbara Russell, MPH, RN-Vice President 

Jill Tahmooressi- Secretary 

Ann-Lynn Denker, PhD, ARNP – Treasurer 

Region Directors 

Marion Meyash, PhD, RN – Northwest 

Marsha Martin, RN – North Central 

Doreen Perez, DNP, RN – Northeast 

Janice Hess, DNP, ARNP – East Central 

Vacant, West Central 

Debbie Hogan, RN, MPH – Southeast 

Theresa Morrison, PhD, RN – Southwest 

Debra Hain, PhD, RN – South 

Hannah McRoberts, BSN, RN, 

New Grad Liaison 

Voluntary membership through 

application and dues. 

Executive Director: Joe Baker, Jr. 

Board of Nursing Members 

Jody Bryant Newman, Chair Consumer 

Member 

Kathryn Whitson, RN Vice Chair 

Lori Desmond, RN Nurse Executive Seat 

Elizabeth Webster, RN 

Derrick C. Glymph, CRNA, ARNP 

Debra McKeen, LPN 

Elizabeth Webster, RN 

Cathy Oles Gordon, LPN 

Lisa Renee Johnson, RN 

Diana Forst, RN 

Anna Maria Hubbard, RN, Educator Seat 

never been a problem for me.] They provide dignity 

when your usual physical functioning fails. They 

understand health care. 

Nurses are the best-kept secret in health care. The 

Baby Kimmels of the world find out the hard way. I’d 

like to find a way to expose the value of nurses before 

people have to get sick to experience it. Nursing is an 

intellectual discipline carried out through deep-seated 

caring principles. My hope is that our healthcare 

organizations, our communities, our state legislators, 

and our federal government don’t have to find out the 

hard way. I’m so very pleased to be part of a profession 

that is central to the health and well-being of our 

nation. 

(Currently awaiting appointments) 

2017 Events 

JUNE 10, 2017 

FNA BLI Boot Camp 

Harry P. Leu Gardens 

1920 N. Forest Ave • Orlando, FL 32803 

Membership: 

Role: 

Collaborates with other health care 

professionals toward the improvement of 

health standards. 

Promotes professional and educational 

advancement of nurses. 

Fosters high standards of nursing. 

Strives to advance the economic and 

general welfare of its members. 

Mandatory licensure to practice as 

an ARNP, RN, LPN or CNA (original 

examination, renewals, endorsements and 

temporary licensures). 

Protects the public health, safety and 

welfare from unqualified or unsafe 

practitioners. 

JULY 15, 2017 

FNA 3rd Annual Nursing Research & 

Evidence-Based Practice Conference 

Harry P. Leu Gardens 

1920 N. Forest Ave • Orlando, FL 32803 

SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 

FNSA PreConvention Workshop 

UCF College of Nursing 

(Tentative) 

SEPTEMBER 29 - 30, 2017 

FNA Membership Assembly 

Naples Grande Beach Resort 

475 Seagate Drive • Naples, FL 34103 

Leadership: 

Members of the board are elected through 

democratic vote of current members. 

Members of the Board appointed by 

the Governor, approved by Council and 

include RN’s, LPN’s, an ARNP’s and two 

public members. 

October 26 - 28, 2017 

FNSA Convention 

Innisbrook Resort 

Palm Harbor, FL 

Policy: 

Adopts position statements, policies and 

procedures that advance the profession 

and the organization’s mission. 

Adopts rules and regulations to implement 

its functions. Issues interpretations on 

practice related issues as relevant to 

statute, rules and regulations. 

2018 Events 

Revenue: 

Practice 

Standards: 

Education: 

Membership dues established by members; 

percentage goes to ANA to carry out the 

mission on the national level. 

Promotes ANA standards of nursing 

practice and service. 

Works to ensure adherence to ANA’s Code 

for Nurses, the professional code of ethics. 

An approved Florida Board of Nursing 

Provider of Continuing Education. 

Provides education programs in Florida. 

(Varies with need and demand). 

Establishes and collects licensure fees 

pursuant to laws and rules. 

Establishes minimum standards for 

nursing and nursing assistant education 

and practice. 

Monitors and withdraws approval of 

nursing and nursing assistant education 

programs. 

JANUARY TBD, 2018 

FNA Advocacy Days 

Hosted by QUIN Council 

Leu Gardens 

Tallahassee, FL 

February 16, 2018 

Statewide Safe Nurse Staffing Summit 

Hosted by QUIN Council 

Leu Gardens 

Orlando, FL 

MAY 30 - JUNE 1, 2018 

QSEN Forum 

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point 

5001 Coconut Rd • Bonita Springs, FL 34134 

Workplace 

Advocacy: 

Supports local regions with education 

programs. 

Promotes occupational safety for nurses. 

Provides programs for nurses which may 

include addressing workplace issues, e.g., 

safe staffing, workplace violence, nursing 

roles, use of assistive personnel, staff 

development, etc. 

Investigates complaints regarding nurses 

or nursing assistants and monitors 

disciplinary actions. 

Disciplines may include stipulations, 

revocations, and suspensions, denial of 

license or limitations on scope of nursing 

or nursing related practice activities. 

November 4, 2018 

Barbara Lumpkin Symposium 


Northwest Florida State College 

To register for FNA events go to: 

https://tinyurl.com/q3bl6wm. 

Government 

Affairs: 

Acts and speaks for nursing profession 

related to legislation, governmental 

programs and health policy. 

Reviews all bills introduced in the Florida 

State Legislature for impact on nurses, 

nursing, and the health care of the public. 

Administers Nurse Practice Act and 

Administrative Rules authorized by the 

Florida State Legislature. 

We’re Looking for 

a Few Good Nurses 

Lake Wales Medical Center is seeking compassionate, caring nurses to join 

our growing team! We want candidates looking to make a real difference in 

their patients’ lives, and bring their own beneficial enthusiasm and skills to a 

talented team of like-minded professionals. 

Educates nurses regarding political 

advocacy and seeks to maintain a statewide 

network of nurse advocates to 

develop relationships with their local 

legislators. 

Receive Your $5,000 Sign-On Bonus when Selected for a 

Full-Time Position with Lake Wales Medical! 

Take the next step in your professional nursing career! 

Be a part of the Lake Wales Medical nursing staff! 

Lake Wales Medical Center | 410 South 11th St | Lake Wales, FL 33853 

http://www.lakewalesmedicalcenter.com


Legislative Update 

Following the exciting 

2016 legislation that 

allows ARNPs to prescribe 

controlled substances, 

the 2017 session was 

a mild one with few 

bills affecting nurses or 

healthcare in general. 

The most significant 

bill was HB 543 by Rep. 

Cary Pigman and Sen. 

Denise Grimsley, which 

requires nursing programs 

on probation to inform 

students in writing about the implications of that 

status. The bill removes a requirement that firsttime 

test takers enroll in a refresher course if 

they haven’t taken the NCLEX within six months 

of graduating. And, the bill gives the Board of 

Nursing (BON) the ability to terminate nursing 

programs that are on probation, among other 

provisions. 

Under HB 543, nurse practitioners will no 

longer have to file their protocol agreements with 

the BON, but they’d be required to have one on file 

at every location where they practice. 

A bill that would allow nurse practitioners 

to seek a license as an Independent Advanced 

Practice Nurse (I-APRN) did not pass. Under HB 

7011, I-APRN applicants would need 4,000 clinical 

practice hours to qualify for licensure, and half 

of those hours would need to occur in the three 

years preceding licensure. 

The bill initially called for a Joint Committee 

to determine which “acts of medicine” could 

be practiced by I-APRNs. The committee 

would be comprised of three physicians, three 

advanced practice nurses, and one appointee 

from the Surgeon General. Amid concerns posed 

by FNA and other groups, Rep. Cary Pigman 

filed an amendment in the House Health & 

Human Services Committee that made the Joint 

Committee’s recommendations only advisory. 

The bill narrowly passed in a 10-8 vote and 

failed to reach a full House vote prior to session’s 

end. No corresponding bill language was filed in 

the Senate. 

Only 249 of 3,052 passed this year. Those that 

did not pass include: 

• Legislation regulating medicinal marijuana, 

a subject that was approved by voters in 

a constitutional amendment but needs 

laws regarding its regulation. It is widely 

speculated that a special session will be 

called for lawmakers to address this topic. 

• Various bills that would allow nurse 

practitioners to initiate Baker Act 

proceedings also did not pass. 

• FNA’s signature legislation, Assault & 

Battery Against Healthcare Workers received 

unanimous support in its first and only 

House committee hearing, where it was 

supported by surgeons, the Florida Hospital 

Association, Florida Academy of Nurse 

Practitioners, and the Florida Association of 

Nurse Anesthetists. The bill did not move in 

the Senate. 

Some good news is that the Legislature’s $82.4 

billion budget includes raises for state workers – 

$1,400 for employees making below $40,000 and 

$1,000 for those making more. 

The pay raises, however, were part of an 

agreement between the Senate and the House, 

which had been trying in recent years to reform 

the state’s pension program and health insurance. 

Under the deal struck between the two 

chambers, newly hired state workers who don’t 

actively choose a retirement plan would “default” 

into a 401(k)-type investment plan rather than the 

traditional pension plan. However, they would 

have up to nine months to make that choice. 

The significance is that newly hired workers 

who don’t enroll in the traditional pension 

plan would not be vested after eight years of 

employment. 

Starting in 2020, employees will have four 

different levels of health insurance plans and 

benefits from which to select. Those who choose 

less expensive plans with higher deductibles 

could receive extra benefits, such as a pay increase 

or other health care benefits. 

The health care budget does not include up 

to $1.5 billion in federal funding known as 

the Low-Income Pool to compensate hospitals 

for providing charity care. Federal officials 

have not finalized the terms and conditions 

for use of the money. House and Senate budget 

negotiators could not come to an agreement on 

whether and how to include the money in the 

state budget. It’s anticipated that the Legislative 

Budget Commission will eventually make that 

determination. 

Because the LIP money is not in the budget, 

hospitals will face a total cut of $521 million, 

which will greatly impact those safety net 

facilities that treat large numbers of Medicaid 

patients. 

Lawmakers also passed language in the state 

budget that allows a nursing home industry 

working group to make recommendations on 

transitioning to a prospective payment method 

under Medicaid. 

We would like to give special thanks to the 

100+ nurses and nursing students who attended 

FNA’s Advocacy Days at the Capitol in March and 

advocated for employee pay raises, our assault/ 

battery bill, and other bills on the FNA’s legislative 

agenda. The 2018 session begins two months early 

on January 9. 

Where Did You Go??? 

You PR♥MISE to take care of patients. 

We PR♥MISE to take care of you. 

South Lake Hospital has Nursing 

Opportunities in the following areas: 

ICU • Cath Lab • CDU 

PCU • Surgical Services 

Intermediate Cardiac Care 

South Lake Hospital 

We offer competitive wages including shift differentials 

and clinical ladder, along with a dynamic benefits 

package that includes: health, dental, vision, disability, 

life, 401k, paid time off, and on-site fitness center. 

For a full listing of positions and to apply online, please visit: www.southlakehospital.com 

For assistance, please contact Human Resources: 

1900 Don Wickham Drive • Clermont, FL 34711 • 352.394.4071 Extension 7120 

FNA Members: If you have suddenly 

stopped receiving email from FNA, then 

you have probably unsubscribed from 

our email service in error. Please contact 

Bibi Lowton at govt@floridanurse.org 

for instructions on how to re-subscribe. 

We don’t want you to miss out on vital 

information such as legislative alerts, 

deadlines and conference news!


Focus on Recent Graduates 

BENEFITS 

of BELONGING 

Members Only 

• Members only Toll-free line directly to 

Headquarters (office open 8:30am-4:30pm 

Monday through Friday) 

• Up to the minute news alerts and legislative 

alerts and opportunities to engage with 

legislators to make an impact on behalf of the 

profession 

• Licensure and Board of Nursing news and 

updates 

• The Florida Nurse and multiple online 

publications including the New Grad Gazette 

• Continuing education offerings (some free to 

members/some deeply discounted) 

• Discounted conference registration 

• One legal consultation per year with FNA 

practice attorney (worth half the membership 

dues) 

• Phone consultation with an FNA staff member 

on nursing/workplace issues during office 

hours (non- members are restricted) 

• Opportunity to post research requests (IRB 

approved) by eblast or in The Florida Nurse. 

Non-members must pay a fee for this service. 

• Opportunities to serve on state & local 

committees and task forces that make a 

difference for nurses and patients 

• Appointments to state & local committees and 

board 

• First Notification of Educational Scholarships 

and Grants through the Florida Nurses 

Foundation 

• Florida Nurses Leadership Academy to support 

leadership within the association and within 

the profession 

SO WHAT DOES FNA 

DO FOR YOU? 

• Represents caregivers in all aspects of nursing & 

in various arenas 

• Protects the profession through vigilance and 

monitoring of legislation and policy 

• Legislative action and intervention to ensure 

the safety and integrity of nursing practice 

• Improves the nursing profession through 

legislative action, public awareness, 

professional development, collaborative 

partnerships & academic research 

• Advocates for nurses in the workplace through 

advocacy and collaborative efforts 

• Provides access to standards of practice that 

can serve as a guideline for nursing in several 

specialty areas 

• Direct support through phone consultation and 

access to resources available only to members 

• Provides opportunities for participation, 

leadership and career development 

• Access to mentors 

1235 E. Concord Street | Orlando, FL 32853 

(Phone) 407-896-3261 

info@floridanurse.org 

We need your voice! 

Leadership Opportunities 

Committees and Task Forces 

Community Service 

Innovation and Product Design 

Advocacy and Health Policy 

Program Creation 

We know you’re busy but this is important! Teamwork 

lessens the workload and increases outcomes! Contact us 

at info@floridanurse.org to connect with our New Grad 

Special Interest Group and New Grad Liaison. New graduate 

members have an opportunity to create the future for FNA. 

Mentorship: Support for your Future 

Characteristics of a mentor 

Knowledgeable 

In order to advise or council a novice, the 

mentor must be knowledgeable about the situation 

the novice is in. If the mentor has never worked 

in a similar environment, it may be difficult to 

give useful advice. However, a mentor can direct 

the novice to the appropriate person. Historically, 

a mentor is a person who has many (5-10 or more) 

years of experience. 

Honest, Trustworthy 

In some cases, the novice’s expectations may be 

unrealistic. For example, if he/she is upset because 

they can’t have every Sunday off for church, 

a good mentor may help them understand the 

staffing issues or help them explore other options. 

A good mentor can be honest while still allowing 

the novice the freedom to vent. The novice may 

want to share feelings or events that need to be 

kept confidential. 

Emotionally Secure 

Since a novice is often insecure and lacking 

confidence due to the “newness” of the situation, 

it is necessary for the mentor to show confidence 

and stability when communicating with their 

mentee. An insecure mentor can set the stage for 

a pattern of inappropriate behavior in the new 

professional. A good mentor will recognize when 

a situation has become “too personal” or too 

emotionally charged. This would be a good time to 

refer the novice to an objective third party. 

Mature 

The mature mentor would behave as described 

above. In addition, he or she would avoid getting 

“sucked” into the moods, emotions and behaviors 

of the novice. This is a good time to do some 

constructive problem solving techniques and help 

the novice analyze the situation. 

Willing to Share 

The mentor needs to be able to share both their 

negative and positive experiences, to help the 

novice know that good and bad things happen to 

everyone. In addition, the mentor may have some 

“goodies” that can help the novice. What you know 

and who you know can be of great value to others. 

Stages of the Mentorship Relationship 

Initiation 

May come with a formal introduction by a 

third party or from the potential mentor or novice 

themselves. Mentors often recognize qualities in 

a novice that could be developed. Less often the 

novice identifies someone who has qualities they 

admire or someone they would like to emulate 

personally or professionally. 

Cultivation 

A relationship is forged with some means of 

interaction. It may be planned, such as periodic 

lunches or dinner or it can be a formal meeting 

to discuss professional and personal plans. Often 

it is a chance meeting in the hallway or periodic 

phone calls. This must be determined and 

established by both parties. 

Separation 

The relationship changes or essentially ends. 

This is usually casual or occurs when the novice 

makes a career change/decision. 

Redefinition 

In most cases, the novice and the mentor become 

professional colleagues and/or friends. The degree 

of intensity of the relationship depends on the 

individuals. The mentor may still serve as the 

advisor in some capacity but the interaction becomes 

a dialogue rather than the novice-expert interaction. 

Mentoring Roles 

• Role Model: Serves as an example for the novice. 

• Visionary: Helps to identify “hidden talent.” 

Helps mentee chart their course for the future. 

• Investor: Willing to invest time. 

• Sponsor: Open doors for the novice and 

introduce them to the right people. 

• Teacher: Shares knowledge. Helps the novice 

get through rough times and Leads them to a 

brighter tomorrow. 

Rewards and Benefits of Mentoring 

For the Mentor 

• Intangible: Personal satisfaction, pride in the 

mentee. 

• Long-range: Pride in mentees’ future 

professional accomplishments. 

• Confirmation: Of mentor’s skill and expertise. 

• Challenge: Provides mentor with stimulating 

challenge and gives renewed enthusiasm for 

nursing. 

• Reputation Enhancement: Due to success of 

mentee. 

• Increase in power base: Due to recognition of 

mentor’s ability to influence others positively. 

For the Mentee 

• Preparation for leadership: Learn important 

qualities including ethics, accountability, and 

professionalism. 

• Learn necessary skills: Communication, chain 

of command, process. 

• Learn implementation: Of leadership behaviors 

and skills. 

• Provides: Increased pride, self-confidence, 

enhanced self-esteem and secure self-image. 

–Adapted from a presentation by Ann Peach, 1996


Florida Nurses Leadership Academy (FNLA) 

The Florida Nurses Leadership Academy (FNLA) is a partnership program 

of the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) and the Florida Nurses Foundation 

(FNF) with the purpose of developing future nursing leaders. The goal is 

to provide tools, education, and opportunities to registered nurses to assist 

them in becoming active members and skillful leaders in the Florida Nurses 

Association. Four (4) candidates were accepted into the 2017 FNLA. 

The recipients of the 2017 FNLA are: 

Beverly Craig, MSN, RN-BC, is currently an instructor 

at West Coast University in Doral, FL. She received 

her ADN in 1992 from Tennessee State University in 

Nashville, TN. She later returned to school where she 

received her BSN and MSN from Jacksonville University 

in Jacksonville, FL. She is currently working on her DNP 

at Samford University located in Birmingham, AL. In 

addition to teaching, Bev is a lover of animals and an 

enthusiastic Tennessee Volunteers fan. She currently 

resides with her husband, Doug, and their dog, Preslee, 

in Margate, FL. Jill Tahmooressi, FNA Secretary, will be 

Beverly’s FNLA mentor. 

Beverly Craig 

Malissa Moss, MSN, RN, CCM, currently works at 

eQHealth as the Senior Vice President, Commercial 

Operations. She graduated with a Diploma in Nursing 

from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in 1996 

after a long and successful career in advertising and 

marketing. She continued her educational track by 

attending the RN-BSN program at GVSU in Michigan. 

Due to heavy travel requirements, she chose to complete 

her BSN degree at WGU, an on-line fully accredited 

nursing program. In June, 2014, she completed her 

Master’s Degree in Nursing with a Leadership and 

Malissa Moss 

Management focus. On a personal note, Malissa enjoys 

watching football and writing in her spare time. She lives in Tampa and is 

active in her church where she volunteers regularly. She is married and has 

two animal children, Mercedes and Benz. Sue Hartranft, past FNA West 

Central Region Director, will be Malissa’s FNLA mentor. 

Karen Perez, DNP, MSN Ed, RN-BC, received her 

Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from Florida 

International University in 2008, her Masters of Science 

in Nursing Education in 2013, and Doctor of Nursing 

Practice in 2015 from the University of Miami. She is a 

board certified Gerontological Nurse with experience 

working with the geriatrics population (in Nursing 

Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Home Health Care and 

with the State of Florida as an Ombudsman). She resides 

in Miami and holds the Senior Nurse Educator position 

at University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Karen Perez 

Center. She published “Critical Thinking: A Concept 

Analysis” in 2015, in Horiz Enferm Journal and has done several posters 

and oral presentations at conferences. She has written multiple Continuing 

Educations on issues related to geriatric population and nursing education. 

Leah Kinnaird, Current FNA President, will be Karen’s FNLA mentor. 

Sandy Weiss, MBA, RN, LHRM, CPHQ, CPPS 

is a registered nurse with a Master of Business 

Administration focusing in Healthcare Management. 

Her nursing experience includes business development, 

marketing, and quality/risk/safety. Ms. Weiss is a 

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), 

Licensed Healthcare Risk Manager (LHRM), and is a 

Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS). She is 

working on her Doctor of Business Administration at 

Saint Leo University, where her studies focus on ethical 

leadership, and the relationship between nursing Sandy Weiss 

burnout and intent to leave employer. Additionally, Ms. 

Weiss is an Ironman distance triathlete and an ultra-marathon runner, who 

enjoys spending time with her husband and four dogs. Edward Briggs, past 

FNA President, will be Sandy’s FNLA mentor. 

The Florida Nurses Association and the Florida Nurses Foundation would 

like to thank the Leadership Development Committee Members consisting 

of Palma Iacovitti, Denise McNulty, and Rose Rivers, for volunteering their 

time to review the candidates’ applications and to make the selection for the 

2017 Florida Nurses Leadership Academy. We would also like to thank the 

following mentors, Edward Briggs, Sue Hartranft, Leah Kinnaird, and Jill 

Tahmooressi, for working with these exceptional future nurse leaders.


Student Forum 

Hi all, 

The Florida Nursing 

Students Association took 

on the National Student 

Nurses Association 

(NSNA) annual convention 

at the Hilton Anatole in 

Dallas, Texas from April 

5th to April 9th. Students 

from all over the country, 

including Hawaii, came 

together to celebrate 

our shared passions as 

nursing students and also to elect the new Board 

of Directors. Students attending the convention 

were able to attend plenary sessions, vote on 

resolutions, and even participate in a “fun run/ 

walk” sponsored by Johnson & Johnson®. 

During the presentation of the resolutions, the 

authors from Florida truly shone. The delegate 

body of the NSNA voted to pass all six of the 

resolutions that were submitted by students 

from various FNSA chapters across the state. 

Congratulations to those authors! They put in a 

lot of effort to review literature, create concise 

and informative statements, and formulate plans 

of actions. I am proud of them and I ask that you 

encourage any and all nursing students that 

you find to consider writing a resolution for our 

state convention which will be in October. It is a 

great experience and phenomenal opportunity to 

showcase one’s work. 

As we close out the semester, we look forward 

to a summer that is filled with new experiences. 

From students graduating to those continuing 

their journey, we are marching toward becoming 

the nurses that we have dreamed of. The FNSA 

executive board will host our convention from 

October 26th to October 28th at the Innisbrook 

FNSA Executive Board 

Left to right: Maria Sheppard (Region 1 Director), Deborah McLeod-Baumbach 

(Region 4 Director), Rachel Kelley (1st Vice President), Nigam Reddy (Region 5 Director), 

Nicole Ackenbrack (Region 3 Director), Aliciah Hernandez (Corresponding Secretary), 

Paige Dunn (Region 2 Director), Queen Aisha Abdul Akbar (Treasurer) 

Kneeling: Christopher Demezier (President) 

Missing: Kristin Glavan (2nd Vice President), Zoe Gainous (Recording Secretary), Sarah Thurlow 

(Region 6 Director), Casey Haenn (Region 7 Director) 

Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. Please consider 

joining us as we celebrate our accomplishments 

and empower students to excel in all areas of their 

career. 

Thank you, 

Christopher Demezier 

FNSA President 

I grew in Delray Beach Florida where I 

graduated from Atlantic Community High School 

in 2014 with a diploma from the International 

Baccalaureate program. I entered Florida Atlantic 

University (FAU) to pursue my BSN. At the same, 

I am pursuing my BA in psychology. I expect 

to graduate with both in the Spring of 2018. At 

FAU, I helped to create a tutoring program for 

underclassmen and became a peer mentor for 

said students. I got involved with my local Student 

Nurses Association where I was influential in 

rebooting our chapter as well as improving 

our bylaws. I am also a member of my College 

of Nursing’s Student Council where I sit on a 

faculty committee as a student representative. 

In 2015, I was elected as the Florida Nursing 

Students Association’s First Vice President where I 

coordinated volunteers for the national convention. 

At our annual convention, I was chosen to serve 

as the Florida Nursing Students Association 

President. 

Barbara Russell, RN, 

MPH, CIC 

Director of Infection 

Prevention and Control 

Director of Sterilization 

and Linen 

Baptist Hospital Miami 

That’s right if we don’t 

start paying attention 

to the use of antibiotics 

we may not have any or 

just a few that will be 

effective. Director of CDC, 

Tom Frieden, MD, MPH, was recently quoted as 

saying “Truly, we face a scary situation with the 

increasing development of antibiotic resistant 

organisms we risk turning back the clock. It risks 

going from pre-antibiotic to antibiotic to a postantibiotic 

era. And it is not only that pneumonia 

and urinary tract infections could be fatal, but it is 

also that modern medicine could be undermined.” 

So it behooves us to assist in any way possible 

to curtail the use of antibiotics and assure when 

they are indicated they are appropriate. Can 

you imagine your patient dying from a hospital 

acquired catheter associated urinary tract 

infection (CAUTI) with an organism that couldn’t 

be treated? Especially if it could have been 

prevented had all caregivers followed appropriate 

protocols/bundles to aid in its prevention. 

The issue is so important that on September 

18th, 2014 a National Action Plan for Combating 

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria was issued by 

President Barack Obama. It outlines steps 

for implementing the National Strategy for 

Combatting Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. 

Since then others have added to requirements 

for healthcare facilities to meet. CMS’ has a 

proposed rule for hospitals: “Reduce antibiotic 

use or exit Medicare.” This was followed by the 

Joint Commission announcing a new Medication 

Management (MM) standard for hospitals, critical 

access hospitals, and nursing care centers. 

Bye, Bye Antibiotics 

Standard .09.01.01 addresses antimicrobial 

stewardship and became effective January 1, 2017. 

There are several facets to an Antibiotic 

Stewardship Program and space allotted for 

this article precludes going into detail. A very 

important aspect is that of the nurses’ role. Many 

nurses do not believe they have a role since unless 

you are an ARNP you can’t order them. So what is 

the nurses’ role? 

1) Take an accurate allergy history. For example 

if patient says Penicillin ask for specifics, did 

they have an anaphylactic event or just had a 

little nausea. Improper information can lead 

to using certain antibiotics unnecessarily. 

2) Do their part in preventing a healthcare 

acquired infection. 

3) Properly collect cultures to allow for accurate 

interpretation. 

4) When culture report is final validate if 

current antibiotic is sensitive to it. If an R 

appears next to the drug whoever ordered 

needs to be notified to change drug or if 

culture negative cancel drug. 

5) Communicate with ordering medical 

personnel as when to discontinue or when to 

convert IV to PO (another step in preventing 

an additional infection as well as preparing 

patient for discharge). 

6) Maintain appropriate precautions. First all 

patients are on Standard Precautions which 

means you always do hand hygiene entering 

and leaving the room even when gloves have 

been worn. Gloves are only needed for direct 

contact with body fluids. Contact Precautions 

means you do wear gloves plus a gown for 

interactions with patient and you remind 

others, e.g. physicians, ancillary personnel 

that they are to comply. These actions are 

taken to protect the healthcare worker but 

also, and most importantly, prevents cross 

contamination to another patient. 

7) Educate whoever you can whenever you can 

how to prevent an infection at home as well 

as in a healthcare facility. Examples, take 

indicated vaccines, no need for antibiotics 

for the cold or flu and don’t hoard unfinished 

courses for a later date. 

Remember you are the major communicator 

between the patient and the physician, pharmacy, 

laboratory and most importantly the patient 

and their family. You play a vital role in saving 

antibiotics for ourselves if ever needed as well as 

our families and our communities. 

If all of us do our part hopefully in the future 

we will be able to say “HELLO ANTIBIOTICS- 

Welcome Back.” 

Here are two good references. 

1) Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic 

Stewardship Programs – available on the 

CDC website. 

2) R. Olans, R. Olans and A. DeMaria, 

The Critical Role of the Staff Nurse in 

Antimicrobial Stewardship-Unrecognized, 

but Already There. Published in Journal of 

Infections Diseases – CID 2016:62, pages 84-89 

This is a Public Health 

Moment 

Earn a Master of Public 

Health or a Master of 

Science degree 

Offering an Accelerated MPH 

degree for professionals. 

Innovative | Global | Leaders 

Learn more at: publichealth.med.miami.edu


Region News 

North Central Region 

Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, 

Columbia, Dixie, Gadsden, 

Gilchrist, Hamilton, 

Jefferson, Lafayette, 

Leon, Levy, Madison, 

Marion, Suwannee, 

Taylor, Union, Wakulla 

Marsha Martin 

Regional Director 

Northeast Region 

Baker, Clay, Duval, 

Nassau, Putnam, 

St. Johns 

Doreen Perez 


North Central Region Update 

The 6th Annual North Central Region 

Conference was held on April 22, 2017 at the 

Villages in Gainesville. We want to thank all who 

attended this wonderful conference and to the 

Albany State University faculty and students for 

presenting their research poster presentations. 

We would also like to thank the speakers, Myrtle 

Greene from Intervention Project for Nursing, 

Dana Viviano from Haven Hospice, Alisa LaPolt, 

FNA Lobbyist, Mary Lou Brunell from Florida 

Center for Nursing, Dr. Mai Kung, FSU Associate 

Professor, and Janegale Boyd, FNA President-Elect 

for presenting information on the theme “Nurses 

Helping Nurses.” Last but not least, we cannot 

forget to thank, University of North Florida online 

RN-BSN program, for participating as an exhibitor. 

SAVE THE DATE: 7th Annual North Central 

NCR Conference Audience 

NCR Conference Poster Session 

Region Conference tentatively scheduled for April 

14, 2018. We hope to see each and every one of you 

at next year’s conference. 

Northeast Region Update 

At the U, we transform lives through teaching, research, and service. 

The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine–UHealth–is 

home to some of the brightest minds in the world. 

As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve 

South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Nursing Supervisor (7p-7a) • RN Case Manager 

Experienced RNs, ARNPs and CRNAs needed for our University 

of Miami Hospital, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and 

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. 

All shifts; at least 1 year of experience and BSN are required for 

all RN positions. Specialties include Oncology, Surgical Services, 

Critical Care, PACU and ER. 

Competitive Salaries • Flexible Schedules • Work/Life Balance • Eligible for Enrollment in 403b Plan 

Apply online at: http://hr.miami.edu/careers/index.html 

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. 

Left to Right: Patricia Richards and Doreen Perez 

presenting their 2017 DNP Project 

FNA’s Northeast Region nurses would like to 

congratulate all the newly graduating nurses and 

a few of the more seasoned nurses who earned 

their DNP. Patricia Richards and Doreen Perez 

graduated on April 28, 2017 from the University 

of North Florida with their Doctorate of Nursing 

Practice. Pat is a family nurse practitioner at 

the UNF Student Health Services and teaches 

at UNF’s School of Nursing. Doreen Perez is 

Director of UNF’s Student Health Services 

and teaches at UNF’s College of Health. We 

wish the new graduates all the best in their 

future endeavors. 

Online BSN to DNP 

Adult-Gerontological Primary Care NP 

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI 

MASTER OF PUBLIC 

ADMINISTRATION 

Take the next step! Become a Leader in the field. 

A Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Miami is 

designed to prepare students for a career of public service. Students will be 

exposed to the essential components of public service professionalism—excellence 

in technique, ethics and leadership—to help meet the challenges in the years 

ahead. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is a growing field with the 

number of new government jobs predicted to increase by 1.4 million over the next 

10 years. You can choose your path to success on campus or online. 

Same top faculty as 

on campus 

Flexible scheduling 

Scholarship 

opportunities 

available 

http://www.miami.edu/online/ 

online-degrees/masterspublic-administration/ 

Designed for students holding a BSN, the BSN-DNP Adult- 

Gerontological Primary Care NP track prepares graduates to provide 

the highest level of primary care across a variety of healthcare 

delivery settings. With outstanding faculty, and high quality, “userfriendly” 

programs, students have 24/7 access to expertly designed, 

highly interactive web-based course. USA College of Nursing has 

established a high pass rate on AGPCNP certification examinations. 

Explore how you can 

distinguish yourself in the 

fast-growing and highly 

recruited arena. 

For information regarding the application process, tuition, curriculum 

and more, visit www.southalabama.edu/nursing or 

condnp@southalabama.edu, (251) 445-9412 or 

Dr. Joyce Varner, 251-445-9455, jvarner@southalabama.edu 

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health 

and Human Services (HHS) under Grant number: D09HP26961; Title: Advanced Nursing Education Grant; Total Award 

Amount: $1,067,806. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed 

as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.


Region News 


Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, 

Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, 

Jackson, Liberty, 

Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, 

Walton, Washington 

Marion Marino-Meyash 


South Region 

Broward, Miami-Dade, 

Monroe 

Debra Hain 


Southeast Region 

Indian River, Martin, 

Okeechobee, Palm 

Beach, St. Lucie 

Deborah Hogan 


Northwest Region Update 

HAPPY NURSES WEEK 

The Barbara Lumpkin Symposium in Pensacola, 

Florida was held on Saturday, April 29 at 0830. 

The discussions were informative. A few of the 

topics focused on the role of nurse advocacy, the 

aging of the nurses in the workplace, the staffing 

shortage, and the need to become politically 

active. 

We, as nurses, need to become politically active. 

Why? We are greater than three million strong 

and the backbone of health care. We can make 

changes but we need to make our voices heard. 

There are a number of bills in the legislature 

that will affect us all. Be informed! We owe it to 

ourselves, our clients, and the community to be 

aware of the changes and how they will affect 

our practice. Come to the FNA meetings, attend 

the symposiums, and email me with ideas. The 

next Symposium will be in Niceville on Saturday, 

November 4, 2017 in Niceville, FL. Watch for the 

time to register at www.floridanurse.org. Come 

and bring a friend, or two. 

Email me at jmmeyash@gmail.com or 

jmmeyash96@yahoo.com. Tell me your concerns, 

when the best times to meet and where it may be 

convenient. The northwest district is quite spread 

out. I work full-time but I am willing to adjust my 

schedule to accommodate, however, Saturdays are 

more favorable for me. 

“The one path that never works is the most 

common one: doing nothing at all.” Seth Godin 

2017 Northwest Region Barbara Lumpkin 

Institute Symposium at University of West Florida 

in Pensacola, FL 

South Region Update 

FNA South Region successfully held their 7th 

Annual Symposium and Awards Ceremony at 

Gulfstream in Hallandale under the leadership 

of Debra Hain PhD, ARNP, ANP-BC, GNP-BC, 

FAANP, FNKF South Region Director Florida 

Nurses Association. The South Region Voluntary 

Leadership Council/ Program Planning Committee 

was grateful for attendance by the keynote 

speaker Kate Judge, Executive Director American 

Nurses Foundation whose thought provoking 

presentation pertaining to nurses serving 

on boards received high praises from all the 

attendees. The Nurses Charitable Trust, a Silver 

Level Sponsor of the keynote address participated 

actively among the 280+ attendees that consisted 

of nursing faculty, practicing nurses, and nursing 

students exceeded our expectations as it was well 

above our previous attendance levels. The Region 

wishes to congratulate the poster presenters, 

poster prize awardees, all the award and 

scholarship recipients and the Outstanding Nurse 

of the Year Dr. Steadley Foster. 

Thanks to the Nurses Charitable Trust, the 

Royce Foundation and Dr. Sara Fishman’s family 

for sponsoring the nursing student scholarships. 

We are extremely appreciative of all our vendors 

and exhibitors and want to give a special thanks 

to our Level Sponsors: 

Gold Level Sponsor 

Voluntary Leadership Council 

Alina Diaz-Cruz, MSN, MA, RN member 

awards committee, Peggy Davis, DHSc, MSN, 

MEd, RN, South Region FNA Chair of Program 

CE, Marie O. Etienne, DNP, ARNP, PLNC Chair 

of Nursing Ethnic Diversity, Sheree Mundy, DNP, 

BSc, ARNP Chair of Posters, Lolita McCarthy, PhD, 

MBA-HCM, RN Treasurer, Patricia R. Messmer, 

PhD, RN-BC, FAAN, Chair The Nurses Charitable 

Trust & Chair Florida Nurses Foundation, 

Elizabeth Olafson, MSN, MSEd, RN-BC Chair of 

Scholarships and membership, Barbara Russell, 

BSHSA, MPH, RN, CIC Vice-President FNA 

member scholars committee and research grant, 

Karen Sinclair, MSN, MBA, RN members of poster 

and award selection, Jill Tahmooressi, MBA, BSN, 

RN-BC, NCSN, South Region Activity Manager, 

Maxine Jacobowitz, BSN, RN, CPN, South Region 

Chair of Gifts, Stephanie Yzer RN, BSN member 

of gifts committee, finance, & award selection 

committee, Ferrona Beason PhD, RN, member of 

poster and award selection committee. 

The Region has already started plans and looks 

forward to seeing everyone next year at the 8th 

Annual Symposium and Awards Ceremony at 

Gulfstream in Hallandale, scheduled for Saturday 

April 14th, 2018 from 8am- 2:30pm. 

Southeast Region Update 

The Southeast Region continues to make plans 

to provide important educational programs. I hope 

you were able to attend our May 20th program on 

“The Healthy Nursing Initiative, Part 2” based on 

the ANA initiative to promote healthy lifestyle 

practices for nurses. Next, please plan to join 

us on August 1 for a program in partnership 

with Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) on “The 

Impaired Nurse.” This will provide the mandatory 

CEU’s for the program! Watch for more details! 

We look forward to hearing your ideas and 

suggestions on our monthly conference call on the 

first Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm. It’s a great 

way to keep up to date!!! 

Southwest Region 

Charlotte, Collier, 

Glades, Hendry, Lee 

Theresa Morrison 


Southwest Region Update 

Southwest Region FNA members and their nurse 

friends and FNSA guests had an early Nurses Week 

celebration. In April, Miromar Outlets hosted a 

dinner and celebration with door prizes and give 

away gifts! The $5.00 cover charge was donated to 

the Florida Nurses Foundation (FNF). 

Naples will be hosting the 2017 MEMBERSHIP 

ASSEMBLY on September 29 - 30, 2017 at the 

Naples Grande Beach Resort. Are you a SON 

faculty member? Invite your FSNA members to the 

assembly. Consider offering clinical hours for this 

professional event! 

If you are not receiving announcements and 

invitations to the SW Region events, please contact 

FNA. SW Region email correspondence comes 

from FNA. Remember any member in Lee, Collier, 

Charlotte, Glades or Hendry can plan an event 

anytime any place! 

Get on board. Are you a Board member? 

Register at Nurses on Boards Coalition. 

Region leadership carries on the work of 

the 185 SW Region FNA members at the local 

level through community service, political 

involvement, healthcare advocacy and education. 

Thank you for this opportunity to serve our 

region. 

Sincerely, 

Theresa Morrison, FNA SW Regional Director 

Email: sycamore5333@gmail.com 

Nurse Week Celebration at the 

Blue Wahoos game 

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Nursing Community 

Inspires Nurses to be more than Leaders in the Profession: 

Getting Involved to Make a Profound Impact on the Health of our 

Communities 

Addressing Nurse Workforce Issues 

for the Health of Florida 

The Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) will be 

conducting its 2017 Employer Survey in July. 

Every two years, the Center surveys hospitals, 

psychiatric hospitals, home health agencies, 

long-term care/skilled nursing facilities, 

hospices, and departments of public health to 

determine the present and future demand for 

nurses. FCN uses this information to report 

statewide and regional demand for nurses in 

these employment settings in order to help 

employers and other healthcare stakeholders 

make informed decisions and plan for the future. 

(We never report information on individual 

facilities). Here are just a few findings from our 

2015 survey: 

• Statewide, there were an estimated 12,493 

vacant RN positions and 9,947 estimated 

new RN positions to be created in 2016. 

• Employers indicated that difficult to fill 

positions were those requiring RNs with 

advanced education and/or experience. 

• Over 70% of hospitals preferentially hire 

new graduate BSNs. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP!! Please help us 

achieve a high survey response by encouraging 

your employer to participate in this survey or, 

if you are not working in one of these settings, 

talk to your friends and colleagues who are and 

ask that they support participation in the survey. 

The higher the response rate, the better we can 

estimate vacancies, turnover, and expected job 

growth for nurses in Florida. 

For more information on the Employer Survey, 

please visit www.flcenterfornursing.org or 

contact the Center at (407)823-0980 or NurseCtr@ 

ucf.edu. 

Florida Action Coalition Board Service Initiative Graduates 

2016 Board Service Initiative Update: *18 of 

our 26 graduates are serving on policy making 

boards, committees or task forces in Florida. 

All communities benefit from having highly 

qualified nurses on boards, task forces, and 

commissions, etc. Nurses are by the nature 

of their work continuous learners, adaptive 

to change, results oriented, have the highest 

integrity, and are constructive partners. The 

Board Service class participants were taught the 

responsibilities as stewards of organizational 

board membership as well as the principles of 

governance that power exceptional boards. Meet 

our first class of graduates, and find out about 

Realizing the Health Industry Workforce 

Needs for Today and Tomorrow 

The work of the Florida Healthcare Workforce 

(FHW) initiative continues in its third year. 

The mission of the FHW initiative is to develop 

recommendations for statewide policy that 

will facilitate a pipeline of highly skilled talent 

to meet the demand of Florida’s healthcare 

workforce needs. With support from industry 

driven leadership across all healthcare professions 

throughout the state of Florida, the following 

accomplishments were achieved in 2016: 

1. Continued engagement of the Leadership 

Council and seven Regional Councils, 

2. Publication of a report on Emerging and 

Evolving Roles and Occupations, 

3. Adoption of a healthcare workforce data 

collection strategy, 

4. Organization of a Statewide Summit that 

included the exploration of other state’s 

healthcare workforce models. 

Highlights of the work slated for 2017, year 

three of the initiative, include: 

• A report of Job Creation Opportunities to 

fill the emerging and evolving roles and 

occupations within the healthcare industry 

identified in year two. 

• Exploration of long-term processes to 

continue deliberation of regional workforce 

issues and potential solutions. 

• A webinar for Regional Councils on talent 

development and employer resource 

opportunities available from Career Source. 

• The expansion of the Healthcare Data 

Collection Strategy developed in year two. 

For more information about the Florida 

Healthcare Workforce initiative, please visit the 

website at www.flhealthcareworkforce.org or 

contact Karin Kazimi, Project Director at Karin@ 

FLHealthcareWorkforce.org. 

our 2017 Board Service Course at https://www. 

flcenterfornursing.org/FL-ActionCoalition/ 

ProfessionalBoardTraining.aspx. 

FL-AC Regional Teams Serving to Lead the 

Change Nursing and Healthcare: The Florida 

Action Coalition has a new Advisory Council and 

Regional Leaders with unique goals, objectives, 

and implementing activities to achieve the IOM 

recommendation’s work in our local communities. 

Join us in celebrating our work at the new 

Florida Action Coalition webpage https://www. 

flcenterfornursing.org/FL-ActionCoalition.aspx 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter: @FLaAction & 

LinkedIn. 

Florida Coalition of 

Advanced Practice Nurses 

The Florida Coalition of Advanced Practice 

Nurses (FCAPN) is an alliance of Florida 

state advanced practice nursing organizations 

dedicated to coordinating efforts to advance 

nursing in Florida and improving Healthcare 

Delivery. 

On March 8, 2017 the FCAPN met at its 

quarterly meeting to discuss this year’s 

legislative session, pending legislation, and 

strategy towards maintaining the current 

momentum in lifting unnecessary restrictions on 

the scope of practice of advanced practice nurses 

in Florida. FCAPN also welcomed the Florida 

Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists as full 

members of the Coalition and looks forward to 

their significant contributions to the coalition’s 

mission. 

The next scheduled meeting of the Coalition 

will be July 8th, 2017 at FNA headquarters. 

All members of the FCAPN welcomed 

proposed legislation introduced in the Florida 

Legislature in 2017 that would have allowed 

APRN’s to practice to their full scope but 

uniformly opposed language that would have 

created potential obstacles to APRNs providing 

care and increased physician control and 

oversight of APRN practice. The Coalition hopes 

to work with all members of the alliance and 

state legislators to craft effective and meaningful 

legislative language in the coming year that 

can help improve healthcare access and lift 

unnecessary limitations on APRN practice. 

For more information about the Florida 

Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses visit: 

https://www.facebook.com/FloridaCoalition/.


QUIN Council 

Carol Jenkins Neil, PhD, RN 

Professor of Nursing, BSN 

Florida State College of Jacksonville 

Today’s healthcare is faced with a different 

mix of patient acuity which must be met with 

experience, critical thinking, and a genuine 

concern for the profession. Having a senior, 

experienced, nurse on each unit is critical for 

better patient outcomes. According to the Florida 

Center for Nursing, projections show that Florida 

will face a shortage of RNs by 2025 that is capable 

of crippling our healthcare system https://www. 

flcenterfornursing.org/ForecastsStrategies/ 

AboutourForecastsStrategies.aspx. Approximately 

one million registered nurses (RNs) are currently 

aged 50 or senior, meaning one-third of the 

current nursing workforce will reach retirement 

age in the next 10 to 15 years. Nearly 700,000 

nurses are projected to retire or leave the labor 

force by 2024, https://www.theatlantic.com/feed/ 

author/rebecca-grant/ Meanwhile, more than 40% 

of Florida’s nurses are retiring within the next 

10 years. Replacing this generation of educated, 

seasoned nurses is daunting and replacing them 

will be difficult. Losing so many experienced 

nurses will result in the loss of irreplaceable 

critical and intellectual knowledge. Instincts, 

intuition, and awareness are traits that cannot 

be taught in the classroom or on a nursing exam. 

These are qualities that experienced nurses’ 

possess. 

In the research, there is evidence to support 

many concerns of senior nurses. Some of the 

concerns of these nurses at the bedside include 

trying to keep up with the fast paced routine, 

physical demands on the body, 12 hour work 

schedules, new technology, and increased patient 

acuity levels. These concerns can be addressed 

by an 8 hour shift as opposed to the twelve hour 

Please visit the website developed by QUIN Council to assist those who are interested in 

careers in nursing. This website is a great resource for those considering choosing nursing as a 

career or those who are considering advanced degrees. Do your homework, BEFORE you choose. 

Visit this helpful resource at http://www.choosewithcare.education. 

shift. This type of adjustment will make the senior 

nurse feel valued and respected. 

Creating creative strategies aimed at prolonging 

the professional careers of senior nurses is 

essential to the future of nursing and quality of 

care. Designing programs to acquire their vast 

collection of knowledge through mentoring new 

nurses is vital to our profession. Senior nurses 

become role models, preceptors and mentors 

to help younger nurses transition to practice 

at the bedside. This single addition alone is so 

critical now as so many experienced nurses are 

leaving the profession. This loss represents a loss 

of opportunity to model good clinical practice 

at the bedside. Utilizing experienced nurses in 

this way will help new nurses develop a skill set 

that can only be taught at the bedside. Therefore, 

offering senior nurses the opportunity to become 

mentors and preceptors for their units will make a 

difference in the future of nursing. 

Setting up programs for succession planning 

through a mentoring and preceptorship program 

allows the senior nurse to share the intellect, 

insight and sensitivity it takes to be a compassionate 

nurse. Passing this skill set to the next generation of 

nurses would have a positive impact on our quality 

of healthcare. On the other hand, as we prepare for 

our senior nurses in the clinical practice retiring, 

we must also prepare for our experienced senior 

nurse educators as they retire as well. Where will 

this leave our nursing profession as a whole? What 

plans do we have in place for succession planning 

to make this a smoother transition to practice as 

well as a smoother transition to the attainment of 

nurse education at its finest? 

Sources 

https://www.flcenterfornursing.org/ForecastsStrategies/ 

AboutourForecastsStrategies.aspx 

https://www.theatlantic.com/feed/author/rebecca-grant/ 

Visit the new QUIN Council website at www. 

quincouncil.org. 

Special thanks to Ed Briggs, DNP, ARNP for his work on this site. 

Veterans’ Homes 

RNs, LPNs, & CNAs needed at all locations 

Lake City 

Daytona Beach 

Land O’ Lakes 

Pembroke Pines 

Panama City 

Port Charlotte 

St. Augustine 

Port St. Lucie 

The Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veterans’ Domiciliary Home 

The Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home 

The Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home 

The Alexander “Sandy” Nininger State Veterans’ 

Nursing Home 

The Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home 

The Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home 

The Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home 

The Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home 

For employment opportunities at the homes, call the FDVA 

Human Resources Office at (727) 518-3202, Ext. 5579 or visit the 

People First website at https://jobs.myflorida.com/joblist.html


Members in the News 

Book Review 

Diane Andrews, PhD, RN, associate professor at the 

University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Nursing, 

has been elected to serve as secretary and bylaws 

chair of CGEAN; formerly known as the Council on 

Graduate Education for Administration in Nursing. The 

council is dedicated to advancing leadership education 

and research for undergraduate and graduate nurses. 

As secretary, she will serve as the board liaison to 

communication task forces, and serve as corresponding 

and recording secretary at meetings. As chair of the 

Bylaws, she will review and provide recommendations 

Diane Andrews 

for changes to the organization’s bylaws. Dr. Andrews 

has been a member of CGEAN since 2011 and most recently served as cochair 

of the planning committee for the biennial International Nursing 

Administration Research Conference. 

Norma Conner, PhD, RN, associate dean for academic 

excellence and associate professor at the University 

of Central Florida (UCF) College of Nursing, has been 

elected as a Distinguished Fellow of the National 

Academies of Practice in Nursing (FNAP). Dr. Conner 

was recognized as a Distinguished Scholar and 

Fellow for her academic achievements in nursing 

education and research as well as her leadership 

in the profession. Representing 14 different health 

professions, the National Academies of Practice is the 

only interdisciplinary group of health care practitioners Norma Conner 

and scholars dedicated to promoting quality health care 

through cooperative advocacy, practice, education and research. Dr. Conner 

was formally inducted during a ceremony at the academy’s annual meeting 

and forum that took place on March 18, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Simulation expert, Laura Gonzalez, PhD, ARNP, CNS, 

CHSE, clinical assistant professor at the University of 

Central Florida, College of Nursing, has been elected 

for a second term as vice president of programs of 

the International Nursing Association for Clinical 

Simulation & Learning (INACSL). The INACSL is a 

community of more than 1,500 members in 13 countries 

dedicated to improving patient safety through excellence 

in health care simulation. As the vice president of 

programs, Dr. Gonzalez oversees the creation and 

implementation of the organization’s professional 

development and educational opportunities. 

You’ve earned your dream job. 

We’ll help you find it at 

nursingALD.com 

Your free online resource for nursing jobs, research, and events. 

Laura Gonzalez 

Leadership and the Advanced 

Practice Nurse: The Future of a 

Changing Healthcare Environment 

AUTHORS: 

Diane K. Whitehead , EdD, RN, ANEF 

Patricia Dittman , PhD, MSN, CDE 

Denise McNulty , DNP, MSN, RN-BC, ARNP 

No matter what position nurses aspire to be in, nurses are called to be 

leaders. In this ever-changing healthcare environment, it is more important 

than ever that we educate nursing students to be leaders as well as encourage 

our current nurses to engage in lifelong learning so that they can enhance 

their leadership skills. 

Leadership and the Advanced Practice Nurse: The Future of a Changing 

Healthcare Environment is a book written for nurses and nursing students at 

all levels with a special focus on Advanced Practice Nurses. Unit I explores 

the foundations of leadership, including theories, frameworks, workplace 

leadership challenges, and policy and regulation leadership issues. Unit II 

explores leadership within the business of health care including economic 

and fiscal leadership, quality, safety, and leading with a nursing focus. Unit 

III focuses on the individual leadership development of self and helping 

others to develop as leaders. 

Unit III features three innovations – The Journey to Psychological 

Empowerment, The Journey to Self-leadership, and The Journey to a Culture 

of Excellence which were created by Dr. Denise McNulty to assist nurses 

in developing self (on an individual level) and the teams they lead (on a 

departmental and/or organizational level). Chapter 7 includes a special 

focus on self-care for nurses! This is timely given that the American Nurses 

Association (ANA) has designated 2017 as the Year of the Healthy Nurse! 

The book also includes leadership vignettes which depict the experiences 

of several dynamic and inspiring leaders who share their unforgettable 

experiences and “lessons learned.” 

Instructors upon adoption of the book will have access to a digital e-book, 

PowerPoints, learning activities and self-assessments. 

FNA Nursing Research SIG 

The Florida Nurses Association Nursing Research Special Interest 

Group in inviting you to participate in the 2017 Third Annual 

Evidence-Based Practice and Research Conference scheduled on July 

15, 2017 at Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, FL. Please visit www. 

floridanurse.org for more information.


2017 FNA Advocacy Days 

2017 FNA Advocacy Days 

University of West Florida nursing students’ role playing with Janegale Boyd 

FAU students and faculty attend Legislative Reception 

Preparing for legislative visit 

The 2017 Advocacy Days was held on March 

15-16, 2017 by the Florida Nurses Association 

in partnership with the Miami Chapter, Black 

Nurses Association. We want to thank our Circle 

Sponsor, Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 

and our exhibitors, University of North Florida, 

Brooks School of Nursing and University of St. 

Augustine for Health Sciences. Approximately 

125 nurses and nursing students attended this 

event. On Wednesday, attendees were able to do 

a little role-playing of legislative do’s and don’ts 

before visiting the legislators in the afternoon. 

Joe Baker, Jr., gave an overview of the FL Board of 

Nursing. Michelle Ubben, partner and COO, Sachs 

Media Group, gave insight to grass roots advocacy 

during our Luncheon at the Capitol. Following 

lunch, the attendees visited their legislators 

and voiced concerns about issues involving the 

workplace and workforce. Later that evening, 

the attendees were given the opportunity to meet 

with legislators in a relaxed environment at the 

Legislative Reception at the Governor’s Club. On 

Thursday, Mark Fontaine, Executive Director, 

Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, 

spoke on the Politics and Policies on Pain Killers. 

Sofia Castro, Suicide Prevention Specialist with 

the Statewide Office for Suicide Prevention, Office 

of Substance Abuse and Mental Health presented 

on Suicide Prevention. 

APPLY TODAY! 

On behalf of the Florida Nurses Association, 

we want to thank the attendees for being engaged 

and bringing your expertise and your voice to 

our gathering. You, as nursing professionals, have 

the vision, the knowledge, the resources, and the 

experience to help us pave the way into the future 

of healthcare. You are truly our greatest asset 

today and tomorrow, and we could not accomplish 

what we do without your support and leadership. 

Stay tuned and mark your calendars for 2018 

FNA Advocacy Days. It will be held in January 

2018 (Dates to be determined). 

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Florida Nurse - June 2017

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