Tennessee Nurse - June 2018

Volume 81 • Number 2 • Summer 2018 

Tennessee Nurse 

The voice for professional nursing in Tennessee since 1905 

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Nurses Foundation 

Quarterly publication direct mailed to approximately 98,000 Registered Nurses in Tennessee. 

I Am TNA 

Thank You, TNA, 

from Thirty Years 

of Experience 

Joan Appleton, MSN, 

RN, MTS, Ed.D.c, Nurse 

Educator, Faith Community 

Nurse, Certified Lay 

Minister, UMC-Parish, 

Nurse Specialization 

Childhood memories take 

me back to the first great 

emotion I felt in third grade, 

patriotism and learning to 

love my country. The pledge 

of allegiance to the flag of Joan Appleton 

the United States of America 

and singing the national anthem in our classroom made 

me so happy. This childhood emotion of patriotism is 

analogous to the feeling I have had about being part of 

my professional organization in nursing since I was a 

nursing student in 1986. I not only was a member of TSNA 

but was a representative from our program in my senior 

year. Now, thirty years later I continue to have the same 

pride in being a member of TNA/ANA. It makes sense that 

to be the very best nurse you can be in your field, it takes 

the support of what our State association, TNA, offers. 

This is reflected in its mission: to promote and protect the 

Registered Nurse and advance the practice of nursing in 

order to assure a healthier Tennessee. 

Most everyone likes a good biography, so I will 

share briefly my nursing story. As a graduate nurse I 

bravely started my nursing career on a medical/surgical 

floor in one of the top research hospitals in Memphis, 

Tennessee. After passing my State Boards exam I was 

put in charge on this floor of thirty beds. I was terrified, 

but looking back I remember telling the LPNs working 

with me, “Look, I realize you all have much more clinical 

I Am TNA continued on page 2 

What an exciting spring 

we have had here at TNA! We 

worked diligently to stop the 

Registered Veterinary Nurse bill 

in the General Assembly. This 

bill would have changed the 

title of a Registered Veterinary 

Medical Technician to 

Registered Veterinary Nurse. 

The bill was introduced with the 

stated goal to standardize title 

and education for Veterinary 

Techs nationally, but there 

was a great deal of corporate 

From the 

Executive Director 

Tina Gerardi, 

MS, RN, CAE 

money being used to assist with this endeavor. That gave 

us pause, and then concern, that this bill may be much 

more than just a title change, there was no reason to 

fast track this bill in Tennessee. Thanks to all the letter 

writing, calls, visits and emails from nurses across the 

state to educate legislators, the members of the Senate 

Agriculture Committee felt the same way and were ready 

to defeat the bill. Prior to the vote, however, the bill 

sponsor tabled the bill for this legislative session. 

During the course of our lobbying efforts, several 

legislators, and nurses in TN, wondered what the big deal 

was, stating “it’s only a title.” It is a big deal because the 

Vet Techs want to benefit from the hard work nurses have 

undertaken to educate and gain the trust of the public, 

without having to put forward any effort to educate the 

public and gain their trust regarding what Veterinary 

Techs do. When the public hears “nurse,” they assume a 

level of education and professionalism that is unique to 

the nursing profession. 

Why should we care about this? If Vet Techs can 

become nurses, then what other profession or group that 

is not regulated under Title 63, Chapter 7 of the Laws 

of Tennessee will want to become “nurses” to gain the 

public’s trust and respect? Historically, nurses fought for 

title protection because there were individuals calling 

themselves nurses, such as “baby nurse” or “office 

nurse” and they were not educated, trained nor did they 

pass a licensing exam to be a nurse. This was confusing 

to the public, who believed a nurse was a nurse was a 

nurse, and that simply was not true. Title protection 

was introduced so that only those individuals who were 

educated through a rigorous course of study and passed 

a national licensing exam could be called nurses. We do 

not want to go backward with the progress we have 

made educating the public to who we are and what we 

do. Just as Doctors of Veterinary Medicine are not called 

physicians, but have the distinct title of Veterinarian, 

Veterinary Technicians wishing to have a unifying title, 

should not be called nurses, but pick a distinguishing title 

reflecting their care of animals. The Senate bill sponsor 

stated this bill will be back in the next legislative session, 

so we need to remain vigilant in following what is 

happening nationally and continue to educate nurses and 

the public in Tennessee to protect the title nurse so that 

the title can only be used for those nurses who care for 

human beings. 

TNA also welcomed over 1200 nurses, faculty, and 

students to our Annual Legislative Summit on April 4th. 

The Summit was a huge success allowing attendees to 

understand the legislative process and bills of importance 

From the Executive Director continued on page 3 

current resident or 

Non-Profit Org. 

U.S. Postage Paid 

Princeton, MN 

Permit No. 14 

IMPORTANT 

Tennessee Nurse Mailing Announcement 

Don’t miss getting your copy of the Tennessee Nurse. Visit tnaonline.org today and 

click on FREE copy of the Tennessee Nurse–to update your mailing address. Thank you! 

Special Note to Faculty: Newly licensed RNs will not receive the Tennessee 

Nurse until they sign up for their free copy at tnaonline.org. Please distribute this 

information to all your graduates. Thank you.

Page 2 Tennessee Nurse June, July, August 2018 

I Am TNA continued from page 1 

experience than I do, so all I ask is keep me straight!” 

We all laughed and had such a good time together 

taking care of our patients despite the ups and downs. I 

learned a lot from a terrifically gifted nursing supervisor, 

and that made a positive impression on me to always be 

kind and understanding with those coming into nursing 

behind me. Ten great years of clinical practice went by 

and then I was blessed to become a mother. All this 

time as I was tremendously busy with my nursing career, 

working overtime and beginning my studies in a Bachelor 

Degree program, I truly depended on TNA/ANA to keep 

me apprised of nursing developments and continuing 

education opportunities. In addition to the blessing of 

becoming a mother, was the opportunity to take time off 

from full-time nursing to enjoy parenthood. My husband 

was about to start a medicine residency program, and 

that meant we would not see him too much. Staying 

home with our daughter was truly the best and most 

wonderful situation. I did not lose track, however, of 

my nursing career and updates in nursing scholarships, 

thanks to TNA/ANA. I kept the minimum hours required 

per our State to keep my nursing license active and stay 

apprised of developments; until such time as I would 

get ready to go back to more hours. I always knew that I 

would since nursing was not just a job to me but a calling. 

My nursing practice now is part-time in nursing 

education at a school of nursing and part-time in faith 

community nursing. My work is a shared ministry of 

nursing scholarship and biblical scholarship. I realized 

through my studies in the Master of Science in 

Nursing program that leadership was one of my strong 

abilities. TNA/ANA keeps me informed on nursing 

practice, government affairs, and continuing education 

opportunities, all of which are crucial to nursing 

leadership and practice. Now with a Master of Arts in 

Theological Studies, my focus is entirely on advocating, 

educating, and clinical practice toward healthy patients, 

families, and communities in body, mind, and spirit not 

only locally and in our country but on the foreign field. 

My education continues towards a Doctor of Education in 

Christian Leadership-Ministry. 

I exhort you to become a member of TNA/ANA. It 

will serve you well beyond what you could expect for 

whatever your nursing field may be. You will find yourself 

wanting to become involved as well when you realize how 

important this membership is to your nursing career. 

TNA Member Benefits 

Summer Focus 

The Tennessee Nurse is the official publication of the 

Tennessee Nurses Foundation, 545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405, 

Nashville, TN 37228-1296 

Phone: 615/254-0350 • Fax: 615/254-0303 

Email: tnf@tnaonline.org 

Published exclusively by the 

Tennessee Nurses Foundation and the 

Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. 

TNF 2017-2018 Board of Trust 

Sue MacArthur, President 

Tommie Norris, Vice President 

Janice Harris, Treasurer 

Dara Rogers, Secretary 

Haley Vance, Ex-Officio 

Ashley Berry, Rebecca Bone, Donna Copenhaver, 

Doris Davenport, Mary Bess Griffith, Amy Hamlin, Bill Jolley, 

La-Kenya Kellum, Sandy Murabito, Debra Sullivan 

TNA 2018 Board of Directors 

Haley Vance, President 

Sandy Murabito, Past President 

La-Kenya Kellum, Vice President 

Donna Copenhaver, Secretary 

Mary Bess Griffith, Treasurer 

Trish Baise, Director – Operations 

Allyson Neal, Director – Membership 

Loretta Bond, Director – Government Affairs 

Laura Reed, Director – Practice 

Jenny Webb, Director – Education 

Deb Chyka, Director – Presidents Council 

TNA 2018 District Presidents 

Carla Kirkland, District 1; Deb Chyka, District 2; Chita Farrar, 

District 3; Martina Harris, District 4; Christine Reed, District 5; 

Raven Wentworth, District 6; Vacant, District 8; 

Chaundel Presley, District 9; Vacant, District 10; 

Brad Harrell, District 12; Vacant, District 15 

TNA is pleased to welcome NSO. A leading provider of 

Professional Liability Insurance. For over 35 years, Nurses 

Service Organization (NSO) has been safeguarding nursing 

professionals from medical malpractice lawsuits and state 

board of nursing inquiries. NSO is the preferred provider 

of professional liability insurance for 30 state and national 

professional nursing associations, providing malpractice 

insurance to more than 550,000 nurses. Learn more 

about our coverage at www.nso.com. 

TNA’s Visa Rewards Credit Card—Earn cash back and 

support TNA with every purchase. Low introductory rate with 

no annual fee. Visit https://commercebank.com/tna to apply. 

Respect comes with the job when you’re 

a U.S. Air Force Nurse. The reason? You’ll 

be a commissioned officer with greater 

responsibilities. Of course, with greater 

responsibility comes greater opportunity to 

expand your areas of expertise or dig deeper into 

what you do now. Find out how the Air Force can 

make your career in nursing even more rewarding. 

airforce.com/healthcare 

For more information, call Sgt Jacob Valladares, 615-885-9781 

Need help tackling life’s challenges? One Main is a 

company with over 100 years of experience and offers you 

personalized loan solutions in your community; simple, 

clear loan terms with no prepayment penalties or hidden 

fees; loan specialists that are dedicated to helping meet 

your needs; and loans that can help with the extra money 

you need for almost anything. OneMain has personal 

loans to fit your needs. Visit TNAonline.org, highlight 

Membership and click on Member Benefits for details. 

Advance your career --TNA/ANA members receive CNE 

discounts and many courses are free. Browse hundreds of 

discounted online independent study modules for every 

career need. Earn contact hours at significant savings. 

Independent Study Modules formats include articles, 

audio, multimedia, slides and video. Visit nursingworld.org 

A 10% tuition discount is available for eligible affiliates 

and members of TNA and their immediate family 

members. Earn your RN-BSN or MSN-FNP online in as 

few as 14 months. Visit onlinenursing.cn.edu/TNA to get 

started today! 

The Tennessee Nurses Foundation offers scholarships 

and grants to members of the Tennessee Nurses 

Association. Check out TNF’s Initiatives at https://www. 

tnaonline.org/about-tnf/tnf-initiatives/ 

Member Benefits continued on page 3 

EDITORIAL TEAM 

Editorial Board: Jennie Anderson; Amy Hamlin; 

Kathleen Jones; Tommie Norris; Haley Vance, Ex-Officio 

Managing Editor, Kathryn A. Denton 

TNA Staff 

Tina Gerardi, MSN, RN, CAE, Executive Director 

Diane Cunningham, Office Manager 

Wilhelmina Davis, Manager, Government Affairs 

Kathryn Denton, Manager, Marketing, Member Services and IT 

Sharon Hinton, RN-BC, MSN, DMIN, CE Administrator & 

Nurse Peer Review Leader 

Tracy Depp, Communications Consultant 

Anne Mitchell, Membership and Administrative Support 

The official publication of the Tennessee Nurses Foundation 

shall be the Tennessee Nurse. The purpose of the publication shall 

be to support the mission of the Tennessee Nurses Foundation 

and Tennessee Nurses Association through the communication 

of nursing issues, continuing education and significant events of 

interest. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those 

of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the 

views of the association, its staff, its Board of Directors, or editors 

of the Tennessee Nurse. 

Article Submissions: The Tennessee Nurses Foundation 

encourages submissions of articles and photos for publication 

in the Tennessee Nurse. Any topic related to nursing will be 

considered for publication. Although authors are not required to 

be members of the Tennessee Nurses Association, when space is 

limited, preference will be given to TNA members. Articles and 

photos should be submitted by email to kdenton@tnaonline. 

org or mailed to Managing Editor, Tennessee Nurses Foundation, 

545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405, Nashville, TN 37228-1296. All 

articles should be typed in Word. Please include two to three 

sentences of information about the author at the end of the 

article and list all references. Preferred article length is 750- 

1,000 words. Photos are welcomed as hard copies or digital files 

at a high resolution of 300 DPI. The Tennessee Nurses Foundation 

assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged articles or photos. 

TNF is not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts 

or photographs. Contact the Managing Editor for additional 

contribution information. 

Reprints: Tennessee Nurse allows reprinting of material. 

Permission requests should be directed to Tennessee Nurses 

Foundation at kdenton@tnaonline.org. 

For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L. 

Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington Street, PO Box 216, 

Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081, sales@aldpub.com. TNF 

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 Tennessee Nurses Foundation of products 

advertised, the advertiser, 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 Foundation disapproves of the product or its use. TNF 

and 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 opinion of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views 

of the staff, Board or membership of TNA and TNF or those of the 

national or local associations. 

Copyright©2012 by the Tennessee Nurses Foundation. The 

Tennessee Nurse is published quarterly in March, June, September 

and December. Published free for TNA members and registered 

nurses licensed in Tennessee. Others may request to be added to 

the Tennessee Nurse mailing list by contacting Kathryn.Denton@ 

tnaonline.org.

June, July, August 2018 Tennessee Nurse Page 3 

Member Benefits – Summer Focus continued from page 2 

Sources of 

Retirement Income 

Most retirees derive their retirement income from three 

primary sources: Social Security retirement benefits, qualified 

retirement plans, and individual savings/investments. 

Social Security Retirement Benefits 

Social Security retirement benefits are intended to 

provide only a portion of an individual’s retirement income. 

Traditionally, retirement benefits began at age 65. For those 

born after 1937, however, full retirement age when full 

benefits begin, will increase gradually, until it reaches age 

67 for those born in 1960 and later. A reduced benefit is 

available, beginning at age 62. The monthly benefit amount 

is based on an individual’s past earnings record. A worker 

can earn a larger retirement benefit by continuing to work 

From the Executive Director continued from page 1 

Jennifer Freeman, 

CLTC 

past full retirement age, up to age 70. Up to 85 percent of a retiree’s Social Security 

retirement benefits may be taxable as ordinary income. Retirement benefits are subject 

to adjustment for inflation on an annual basis. 

Qualified Retirement Plans 

A retirement plan is considered to be “qualified” if it meets certain requirements 

set by federal income tax law. In general, employer or employee contributions to a 

qualified plan are currently deductible and the earnings are tax deferred until paid out 

of the plan. Mandatory distribution rules typically apply and taxable withdrawals before 

age 59½ may be subject to an additional 10% penalty tax. 1 

• Employer-sponsored qualified plans: Employer-sponsored plans can generally be 

classified as either defined benefit or defined contribution. Defined benefit plans 

specify the benefit amount a participant will receive at retirement; an actuary 

estimates how much must be contributed each year to fund the anticipated 

benefit. The investment risk rests on the employer. Benefits are generally taxable. 

Defined contribution plans, such as 401(k), 403(b) or SEP plans, typically put 

a percentage of current salaries into the plan each year. The retirement benefit 

will depend on the amount contributed, the investment return and the number 

of years until a participant retires. The investment risk rests on the participant. 

Benefits are generally taxable. 

Sources of Retirement Income continued on page 13 

to nurses in Tennessee. They also benefitted from hearing the journey several nurse 

leaders from across the state have taken to become advocates for nurses and the 

patients we serve. We invite you to join us next year for the Summit and a day visiting 

your legislators. 

As summer is emerging, please begin to make plans to join us at the TNA/TSNA 

Annual Conference at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro on October 26-28. Our 

keynote speaker on Saturday will be Mary Jo Assi from Press Ganey and our plenary 

session speaker on Friday afternoon will be Sue Hassmiller, from the Robert Wood 

Johnson Foundation. Both are RNs and will offer perspectives on compassionate care 

and our current health care system. Look for more information on the TNA website and 

Facebook page!! I am excited to enjoy my first summer in Tennessee and hope to see 

many of you at Conference this autumn. 

From the President 

A Marathon Journey 

When I ran my first full marathon, it was hard. It was 

really hard. Race day was cold and rainy, and there was an 

abundance of people. I was determined though. Determined 

that the days spent training were not to go in vain. My goal 

was to finish. I wasn’t trying to do anything spectacular, but I 

wanted to accomplish the feat of crossing the finish line after 

overcoming those 26.2 miles. Let me tell you – when I crossed 

that finish line, it was just as sweet as I thought it would be. 

I learned a lot from running that marathon. I learned to 

be realistic – realistic about my fitness level and about what I 

wanted to accomplish. I learned about dedication and pushing 

myself when things became frustrating or hard. I learned to 

stay focused on the ultimate goal and not be distracted by 

objects along the way. I learned there were plenty of skeptics 

who didn’t think I would actually finish. To those skeptics – I 

say thank you for motivating me even more! 

E. Haley Vance, 

DNP, APRN, 

CPNP-AC 

Running a marathon reminds me a lot of nursing. Nursing is a journey. It isn’t a sprint to the 

finish line, but a long pathway of learning and growing as a professional nurse. As a pediatric 

nurse practitioner, I view working towards Full Practice Authority for APRNs in Tennessee as 

something similar to that of running a marathon. It has not and will not be an easy journey. 

When we look over the past few years, there has been a great deal of passionate work 

by APRNs across this state to move this effort forward. Though, there have been barriers 

that have been encountered, no one ever said that barriers have to be permanent. I like 

to look at barriers and challenges as motivation to accomplish what the skeptics think is 

impossible. I am confident that in the end this work will not be in vain. 

Nurses – moving forward together in unity to obtain Full Practice Authority 

for APRNs in Tennessee is the right thing to do for our patients and the people of 

Tennessee. We have an opportunity to be a part of providing high-quality, costeffective 

care in an accessible manner for individuals across this state. Obtaining full 

practice authority won’t happen overnight. I think we can all agree on that. However, 

it can happen with years (yes, I said years) of dedication. As we continue to move 

forward during this moratorium period, let us not waste time but rather utilize the time 

and resources we have in front of us. Let us remain focused on the ultimate goal while 

putting blinders to the things that will try to distract us. Let us be realistic and strategic 

about the partnerships we build. Let us remain dedicated to the patients we serve. Let 

us commit to continue to advance the profession of nursing. 

When full practice authority for APRNs in Tennessee becomes a reality, I know it will 

prove to be just as sweet as crossing the finish line of your first full marathon. 

As a Registered Nurse, licensed in the state of Tennessee, you 

receive a free subscription to the Tennessee Nurse, provided by 

the Tennessee Nurses Foundation, but that does not include 

membership in TNA. Support the association that supports 

you. Join Today. Turn to page 19. Questions? Call 615-254-0350. 

We can’t wait until we welcome you into TNA! 

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registered nursing or a Bachelor’s in Nursing. All applicants must pass a drug 

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Apply online at http://www.tennessee.gov/hr/topic/employment-opportunities. 

For further information contact: Human Resources 423-265-2271 

“The state of Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, and 

Affirmative Action Employer.” “An Accredited Psychiatric Facility.”


TNA & 

TSNA 

JOINT ANNUAL CONFERENCE 

Embassy Suites - SE Murfreesboro 

Visit TNA’s Conference Site at: 

https://tna.societyconference.com/v2/ 

The Tennessee Nurses Association and the Tennessee 

Student Nurses Association presents the 2018 TNA & TSNA 

Joint Conference, Advocacy in Action. The purpose of this 

joint conference is to promote mentoring opportunities 

between seasoned nurses and nursing students. We ask 

that you take some time to get acquainted with the future 

of nursing while you are with us. 

TNF Silent Auction 

Opening Plenary Speaker: 

Susan B. Hassmiller, RN, PhD, FAAN 

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. Sue will share 

with us her first-hand experiences with the current 

healthcare system. 

Keynote Speaker: 

Mary Jo Assi, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, FAAN 

Mary Jo Assi is the Associate 

Chief Nursing Officer for 

Press Ganey. Mary Jo 

Assi leads strategies for 

strengthening caregiver 

resilience and engagement, 

reducing patient suffering 

and delivering compassionate, 

connected care. Mary Jo 

will share highlights from the 

November 2017 book by Christina Dempsey, chief nursing 

officer for Press Ganey, The Antidote to Suffering: How 

Compassionate Connected Care Can Improve Safety, 

Quality, and Experience. 

Closing Plenary Speaker: 

David Griffiths, MBA 

David Griffiths is the 

Senior Vice President for 

the Healthcare Division 

of Aon Affinity. David has 

overall responsibility for 

the malpractice insurance 

program for Nurses Service 

Organization (NSO). David is a 

licensed property and casualty 

insurance agent and has worked 

on the NSO malpractice programs for the past 10 years. 

David works extensively on risk education often speaking 

at conferences on the topic of professional liability. Learn 

about actual case studies from a nursing liability expert, 

Don’t Become a Case Study: Protect Your Nursing License. 

We will get you moving with Zumba sessions on 

Saturday and Sunday mornings. Membership Assembly 

will offer you the opportunity to have your voice heard 

as we debate healthcare issues and make decisions for 

the direction of the association and nursing. You will 

not want to miss the interactive poster session and, of 

course, there will be plenty of general sessions to help 

you improve and stay inspired as a leader! 

On Friday night, during the welcome reception and 

exhibits, TNA and TSNA registrants are encouraged to 

participate in the Costume Contest. Test your quirky or 

ghoulish creativity and compete for the best costume prize!! 

Saturday evening’s highlight will be our Awards 

Ceremony, which follows the keynote address. Enjoy 

this time to honor our colleagues and to honor our 

profession. The Ceremony will be followed by the Awards 

Reception that allows us to enjoy fellowship and, of 

course, to eat. 

Let’s Vote! 

Let’s 

Vote! 

TNA members will vote for Board officers and Directors 

Sunday morning. Election results will be announced during 

the closing of the Membership Assembly. The slate of 

candidates will be at https://tna.societyconference.com/ 

v2/ as soon as it is available. If you are unable to attend the 

conference, Absentee Ballots are available. Information on 

requesting an Absentee Ballot is available in this issue of 

the Tennessee Nurse. 

Membership Assembly 

Your shopping extravaganza! 

Begins Friday evening and ends Saturday at 4:30 p.m. 

The Tennessee Nurses Foundation will hold its 

Thirteen Annual TNF Silent Auction and will offer a 

unique assortment of items for sale, with proceeds going 

to support nurses through TNF’s programs, as well as 

opportunities to support fellow colleagues. Donations 

are being accepted through 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, 

October 27, the last day of the auction. A donation form is 

available in this issue of the Tennessee Nurse or online at 

TNAonline.org. 

TNA Achievement Awards Reception 

The TNA Achievement Awards Reception held on 

Saturday evening, October 27, offers an opportunity to 

honor nurses and other individuals by acknowledging 

their exceptional dedication and commitment to the 

profession of nursing. 

We ask all TNA members to consider nominating 

someone today. The deadline for nominations is August 

10. Visit https://tna.societyconference.com/v2/ for 

details. We have all crossed paths with outstanding 

nurses. Don’t put off sending in your nomination. 

Exhibits & School of Nursing Luncheon 

The Exhibits and Schools of Nursing Luncheon held 

Saturday, October 27, allows all attendees to visit with 

the large variety of vendors who exhibit and learn more 

about new products and services. It also offers a great 

opportunity for graduates from the many schools of 

nursing to visit with alumni and gives student nurses and 

seasoned nurses the chance to network and get to know 

one another. 

Registered Nurse-Emergency Department 

One or More years’ experience in the ED 

TEAM relationships • strong physician/nurse relations • expanding 

services • Growing community area • Fantastic area to experience 

activities in the great outdoors • Great Schools and Colleges • 

30 minutes from Chattanooga; 2 ½ from Nashville, Atlanta and the 

Great Smoky Mtns.; 1 hour from Knoxville 

Please apply at: Tennovahealthcare.com - Cleveland 

For more information /assistance call: 

423.559.6725 or email: tricia.marshall@mytennova.com 

All TNA members who attend this Annual Conference 

will be eligible to vote on all issues, positions, resolutions 

and policies brought before the assembly. Don’t miss this 

chance to let YOUR voice be heard!


ADVOCACY IN ACTION 

Oct. 

26-28 

2018 TNA Conference Registration Fees. Register NOW and Save! Visit: https://tna.societyconference.com/v2/ 

TNA 

Member 

Non- 

Member 

TNA 

Members 

that are 

full time 

students or 

Retired 

Early Bird! 

Before 

Sept. 5 

2018 TNA Conference Registration Fees 

Full Registration Friday Only Saturday Only Sunday Only 

Regular 

Post-marked 

between 

Sept. 6 until 

Oct. 18 

On-Site 

After 

Oct. 18 

Early Bird! 

Before 

Sept. 5 

Regular 

Post-marked 

between 

Sept. 6 until 

Oct. 18 

On-Site 

After 

Oct. 18 

Early Bird! 

Before 

Sept. 5 

Regular 

Post-marked 

between 

Sept. 6 until 

Oct. 18 

On-Site 

After Oct. 

18 

Early Bird! 

Before 

Sept. 5 

Regular 

Post-marked 

between 

Sept. 6 until 

Oct. 18 

$300 $350 $375 $210 $230 $250 $230 $250 $270 $80 $100 $120 

$400 $450 $475 $260 $280 $300 $270 $300 $320 $100 $120 $140 

$255 $270 $295 $190 $210 $230 $210 $230 $250 $60 $80 $100 

Saturday - Exhibits and Schools of Nursing Luncheon (included in registration fee) Guest Ticket/s are $40 each 

On-Site 

After 

Oct. 18 

Hotel Information 

Tennessee Nurses 

Association Members Only 

Request for Absentee Ballot - 2018 

Please send an absentee ballot for the 2018 Tennessee Nurses Association election. “Request for Absentee 

Ballot” must be received at TNA by September 26, 2018. I understand that mailing this ballot to me in the manner 

and form approved discharges TNA’s responsibility to me in the matter of absentee voting. Absentee ballots will be 

mailed September 27, 2018. 

For online room reservations, go to TNA’s direct link 

to Embassy Suites: http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/ 

es/groups/personalized/M/MBTESES-TNA-20181025/ 

index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG You may also call the hotel 

directly at (615)890-4464 or (800)362-2779. PLEASE NOTE: 

You must use the conference code of TNA to receive 

the special rate. The special room rate of $146 single or 

double, $166 triple, or $186 quad per night plus tax will be 

available until TNA’s group block is filled. The cut-off date 

for the discounted rate is October 3, 2018. After this date, 

reservations are subject to availability. Embassy Suites 

offers complimentary full breakfast and nightly evening 

reception, as well as complimentary guest parking. 

Sponsorship 

& Exhibiting 

Opportunities 

October 26-28,2018 

Embassy Suites, 

SE Murfreesboro 

Exhibitors Only: $650 

Bronze Sponsorship: $1,000 - $2,499 

Silver Sponsorship: $2,500 - $4,999 

Gold Sponsorship: $5,000 and above 

Registration and detailed 

information available online: 

https://tna.societyconference.com 

I further understand that requesting an absentee ballot removes my name from the list of eligible voters at the 

TNA Annual Conference. No “group requests” will be honored. Fill in this Request for Absentee Ballot form and 

return it by: 

• Email to Diane Cunningham at diane.cunningham@tnaonline.org 

• Fax to (615) 254-0303 

• Mail to TNA, 545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405, Nashville, TN 37228-1296. 

NOTE: Completed absentee ballots must be received at TNA headquarters by the close of business on 

October 19, 2018. 

Name:__________________________________________________________________________ 

Address: ________________________________________________________________________ 

City/State/Zip:___________________________________________________________________ 

District Number:_________________________________________________________________ 

Member ID Number:_____________ 

Electronic Signature: (Required to receive ballot)_______________________________________ 

Call for Resolutions 

The Tennessee Nurses Association is issuing 

a formal Call for Resolutions for the 2018 TNA 

Membership Assemby to be held during the TNA & 

TSNA Joint Conference on October 26-28, 2018, at 

the Embassy Suites SE Murfreesboro, Tenn. 

Resolutions can be submitted by any TNA member. 

If you wish to submit a Resolution, please 

submit by email to Diane Cunningham at the TNA 

office, diane.cunningham@tnaonline.org, no later 

than August 31, 2018. 

TNA & 

TSNA 


CONTINUED ON PAGE 6


TNA & 

TSNA 

TNA 

LEADERSHIP 

Cunningham at diane.cunningham@tnaonline.org. 

OPPORTUNITIES 

The submission deadline date is June 15, 2018. 

TNA DISTRICTS 

District Committees 

District Board of Directors 


Continued from page 5 

Call for Candidates 

TNA Members – Help Lead and Shape TNA Policy 

Nominations Accepted Now for Several Elected 

Positions 

Tina Gerardi, 

MS, RN, CAE, TNA Executive Director 

OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD, 

Advocacy in Action 

The Tennessee Nurses Association Nominating 

Committee is actively seeking nominations for 

several positions that will be open for election on 

the TNA ballot at Membership Assembly on October 

26th through 28th. A nomination to one of the Board 

of Directors’ positions allows you to lead and make 

a difference in your state professional association. 

YOU are the Voice of TNA! 

Positions Available: 

• President-Elect – 1 position to be elected 

• Vice President – 1 position to be elected 

• Treasurer – 1 position to be elected 

• Director, Education – 1 position to be elected 

• Director, Membership – 1 position to be elected 

• Nominating Committee – 2 positions to be elected 

I encourage ALL of you who are interested in 

serving on the Board of Directors to fill out the 

Call for Candidates form, available at https://tna. 

societyconference.com and submit by email to Diane 

TNA TNA 

No handwritten, faxed or mailed Call for 

Candidates applications will be accepted. All Call 

for Candidates applications will be reviewed and 

selections made by the TNA Nominating Committee. 

Thank you in advance for your willingness to serve. 

LEADERSHIP 

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The Tennessee Nurses Association Awards Program 

is designed to recognize nursing leaders and friends 

of nursing. It is a great opportunity to identify those 

who consistently perform above the standard— 

the very best of the best. Awards are presented to 

acknowledge exceptional dedication, commitment 

and professionalism. Nomination brings recognition to 

a colleague, and others who are making outstanding 

NATIONAL 

Estimated monetary value of donated item: $___________ 

The American Nurses 

Association, much like TNA, 

TNA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 

2018 NOMINATIONS 

Thirteenth Annual Tennessee 

Nurses Foundation Silent Auction 

Event Date: October 26-27, 2018 

contributions to the field of nursing. For a complete 

listing of Awards for nomination, please visit TNA’s 

conference website at https:\\tna.societyconference. 

com. Deadline for receipt of TNA Award nominations 

must be in the TNA office no later than Friday, August 

10, 2018. Awards will be presented at the TNA Awards 

Reception, Saturday, October 27, 2018, during the 2018 

TNA/TSNA Annual Conference. 

Held During the TNA & TSNA Joint Annual Conference 

A Donation Form is available below. 

Or go to TNAonline.org 

Proceeds help support the Foundation’s nursing scholarships and 

grants. Your donation is tax deductible. We will appreciate your support! 

Donor's Name/Business Name: 

Donor Contact Person: 

Phone:___________ Fax: 

Address: 

City/State/Zip: 

Items should be new and unused. 

Email: ___________________________________ 

Description of donated item (please submit one item per form): 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________ 

Date:___________ 

__________________________________________ 

Please insert an electronic signature above 

Donation 

Request 

Thirteenth Annual TNF Silent Auction 

October 26 – 27, 2018 

Embassy Suites SE - Murfreesboro 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Submission of this form to the Tennessee Nurses Foundation constitutes a 

written agreement between TNF and Donor in that Donor agrees to provide TNF with the donated item 

by: (1) getting the item to the TNF office at 545 Mainstream Dr., Suite 405, Nashville, TN 37228-1296 

on or before October 19, 2018; (2) getting the item to their local District President on or before October 

19, 2018 (District President contact information can be obtained by calling 615-254-0350 or email 

tnf@tnaonline.org); or (3) taking the item to the TNF Silent Auction room at the Embassy Suites SE - 

Murfreesboro between 8:00 am., Friday October 26 and no later than 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 

2018. The Silent Auction begins Friday, October 26, 2018. 

Items should be new and unused.This donation becomes the property of the Tennessee Nurses 

Foundation and is to be offered for sale at an auction, the proceeds of which go to the Tennessee Nurses 

Foundation. Should donor provide any displays or samples of the donation to coincide with a donated gift 

certificate, TNF will not be held responsible for those items. It will be the sole responsibility of the donor 

to either pickup the samples or displays, as stated above, at the hotel or to pay the shipping charges on the 

return. TNF reserves the right to not auction any items determined to be used or inappropriate for auction. 

If you are unable to submit this form by email, please print the completed form and fax to 615-254-0303 

or mail the form to TNF, 545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405, Nashville, TN 37228-1296. For questions 

regarding this event please contact TNF’s Program Manager, Kathryn Denton, at 615-254-0350 or email 

tnf@tnaonline.org.


TNA Legislative Summit Highlights 

The Tennessee Nurses Association’s 2018 Legislative Summit was held on April 4 at 

the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville. Attendance was up from previous years, as 

more than 1,200 enthusiastic nursing students, registered nurses, and nursing faculty 

attended. TNA’s new Executive Director, Tina Gerardi, MS, RN, CAE, called the meeting 

to order and participants recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Summit attendees were then 

greeted by TNA’s President, Haley Vance, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC, and the Tennessee 

Student Nurses Association’s President, Kamiko Ritchey, welcomed students and 

recognized schools in attendance. 

Thank you to our 

Sponsors and 

Exhibitors on page 8 

Tina Gerardi Haley Vance Kamiko Ritchey 

Legislative Process and Bills Review 

Legislative Office Visits 

Attendees were encouraged to visit the 

Legislature and make appointments with 

their Legislators. Tina Gerardi, Wilhelmina 

Davis and Michael Warmsley, TNA 

Lobbyist, interacted during a Legislative 

Role Play session and took questions from 

attendees on best practices for speaking 

to Legislators. 

Students visit with 

Rep. Steve McDaniel 

TNA’s Manager of Government 

Affairs and Lobbyist, Wilhelmina 

Davis, educated attendees on the 

legislative process and spoke 

of current legislation TNA is 

watching and working on. 

Panel of Peers 

Ms Davis explains SB2154 / HB 

2288 – This bill was taken off 

notice. TNA strongly opposes any 

future legislation in regards to 

changing licensing classification 

from veterinary technician to 

veterinary nurse. 


Rep. Craig Fitzhugh 


Sen. Sara Kyle 


Sen. Dolores Gresham 

LtoR: April Kapu, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC; 

Katrina Robinson, BSN, RN; 

Carla Kirkland, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC; 

and Haley Vance, TNA President 

Nancy Anness, MSN, 

APN, FNP-BC, RN 

A group of five nurse panelists inspired attendees as each spoke of their experiences 

that led them to where they are today, motivated attendees to serve their patients and 

their community, and spoke of the importance of being at the forefront of the nursing 

profession to affect change. Advocacy for patients and the profession does not stop at 

the bedside. Each nurse has valuable and unique insights, which are important to the 

legislative process and can influence elected officials. Get to know your Legislators. 

They will value your input. 

Exhibits 

Attendees enjoyed 

time with exhibitors 

Information is power! Membership in 

the Tennessee Nurses Association and the 

American Nurses Association will keep you 

up-to-date on Legislation affecting the nursing 

practice. Join Today! 

Your voice matters and together we 

can ensure the future of nursing. 

Founded in 1905, TNA is the only fullservice 

professional organization for the state’s 

110,000 registered nurses. The mission of TNA 

is to promote and protect the registered nurse 

and advance the practice of nursing in order to 

assure a healthier Tennessee.


Government Affairs 

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO 

OUR 2018 LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT 

SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS 

That research paper isn’t going to write itself. 

Visit www.nursingALD.com 

to gain access to 1200+ issues of official state nurses 

publications, all to make your research easier! 

The second legislative session of the 110th Tennessee 

General Assembly completed its business and adjourned 

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 and will return to Capitol Hill 

at noon, Tuesday, January 8, 2019. 

As with every legislative session, TNA worked on 

issues particularly targeting the nursing profession and 

the health and wellbeing of all Tennesseans. That being 

said, defense, certainly became the order of the day early 

during this legislative session. Evidence of the power of 

nurses and the influence of the nursing professionals 

was recognized as the below bills TNA opposed, were 

introduced and considered in committees this year, both 

of which were withdrawn or taken off notice. 

SB2154 Bell/HB2288 Ramsey -- Changes in veterinary 

licensing classifications. 

Changes veterinary licensing classification from 

veterinary technician to veterinary nurse. Authorizes 

the board of veterinary medical examiners to adapt 

rules in accordance with the UAPA related the practice, 

application process, license renewal, license fee, and 

penalties. Requires that licensed veterinary technicians in 

good standing on or before January 1, 2019 be granted a 

registered veterinary nurse license upon renewal. 

TNA opposed SB 2154/HB 2288 for the following 

reasons: 

• TNA believes the title registered nurse has always 

been linked to the provision of care of humans. 

• TNA believes the Registered Veterinary Nurse 

initiative would undermine the title “nurse” that 

TNA fought hard to protect and have codified into 

law. 

• TNA believes in transparency of those who 

provide care for human beings and those who care 

for other forms of life and the title nurse should 

remain distinctive 

• And lastly, no other state has enacted such 

legislation, if passed Tennessee would have been 

the first state to legislate title change 

SB1926 Briggs/HB 2122 Williams -- New Healthcare 

Practitioner Act. Introduction of this bill would create a 

new license for Tennessee physician assistants (PAs), the 

Essential Access Practitioner. If passed, it would have 

required the Board of Medical Examiners to establish 

an essential access practitioner license category and 

required the essential access practitioner license be 

available no later than July 1, 2019. 

TNA opposed this legislation for several reasons 

including the following: 

• Lack of data and evidence which support a 

creation of new license for a PA 

• No other state has such a model 

• Sponsors of the bill stated the creation of this 

new licensure would address the issues of primary 

care providers in rural areas. However, TNA 

believes data which shows Tennessee Advanced 

Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including 

Nurse Practitioners, Certified Registered Nurse 

Anesthetists, and Certified Nurse Midwives, elect 

to practice in Tennessee rural areas are effective 

primary care providers. 

A very special thanks to all TNA members for helping 

to defeat any legislation having a negative impact on 

your profession and for your continued support and 

advocacy as we strive together to fulfill the mission of 

TNA “to promote and protect the Registered Nurse and 

advance the practice of nursing in order to assure a 

healthier Tennessee.” 

The following bills passed this legislative session, if not 

already enacted, will become law: 

SB1495 Haile/HB1489 Hazelwood -- Use of tanning 

devices by minors prohibited. 

Amended and passed, this bills allows a person 

between the ages of 16 and 18 to use a tanning bed 

provided the person is accompanied by a parent on 

their first visit and that the parent signs a health warning 

statement issued by the health department. Does not 

require the accompaniment of a parent for subsequent 

visits and specifies that the prohibition of any person 

under the age of 16 from using a tanning device applies to 

devices at tanning facilities. 

Enacted as Public Chapter 0608 effective April 2, 

2018. 

SB1670 Green/HB1612 Pitts -- Honoring prescription 

for person displaced by natural disaster. 

As amended and passed, the bill defines “patient” 

for purposes of this legislation to mean a patient from 

this state, or another state, who was displaced by 

a disaster when the patient is present in this state. 

Authorizes a pharmacist in this state, in good faith, to 

dispense to a patient without proper authorization 

or a valid prescription the number of dosages of a 

prescription drug necessary to allow the patient to 

secure proper authorization or a valid prescription from 

the patient’s prescriber. Prohibits the amount of the 

prescription drug dispensed from exceeding a 20-day 

supply. Allows prescription information to be obtained 

from a prescription label, verbal medical order, verbal 

prescription order, or any other means determined 

to be legitimate in the professional judgement of the 

pharmacist. 

Enacted as Public Chapter 0615 effective July 1, 2018. 

SB1869 Lunberg/HB1935 Zachary -- Assigning of 

benefits to a health care provider. 

Amended and passed, removes all but one of the 

original bill’s provision that prohibit healthcare providers 

from collecting out-of-network charges from an insured, 

or the insurer on behalf of the insured without having 

provided a notice as required by this bill. 

SB2025 Haile/ HB2440 Terry -- Prescriptions for 

controlled substances - partial fill allowed. 

Sets out guidelines for the prescription for a controlled 

substance that may be partially filled. Requires the 

pharmacist to retain the original prescription at the 

pharmacy where the prescription was first presented 

and the partial fill dispensed and any subsequent fill will 

occur at that pharmacy. Requires the pharmacist to notify 

the prescribing practitioner of the partial fill and of the 

amount actually dispensed. Authorizes a pharmacy to 

authorize a dispensing fee to cover the actual supply and 

labor costs associated with the dispensing of the original 

prescription of an opioid. Prohibits a health insurance 

issuer or pharmacy benefits manager to utilize partial fills 

of a controlled substance other than an opioid to reduce 

payments to a pharmacist or pharmacy for dispensing 

multiple partial fills. 

SB2095 Dickerson/HB2510 Favors -- Prescribing of 

buprenorphine by certain nurse practitioners. 

Make your contribution 

to TNPAC today on TNA’s 

website www.tnaonline.org


The introduced bill was amended to require the 

Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health 

and Substance Abuse Services (DMHSAS) to convene 

a working group to examine the potential impact of 

authorizing advance practice nurses and physician 

assistants in Tennessee to prescribe buprenorphine 

containing products for the treatment of opioid use 

disorder and any potentially appropriate clinical settings 

for any such prescribing authority. Requires the working 

group to include a least one representative from the 

Department of Health (DOH), the DMHSAS, the Tennessee 

Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Tennessee Association 

of Chiefs of Police, the Tennessee Medical Association, 

the Tennessee Nurses Association, the Tennessee 

Academy of Physician Assistants, the Tennessee Society 

of Addiction Medicine, the Tennessee Recovery Coalition, 

the Tennessee Association of Alcohol and Drug, and 

Other Addiction Services, the Tennessee Association 

of Mental Health Organizations, Neighborhood Health, 

Watauga Recovery Centers, and a facility licensed 

as a nonresidential office-based treatment facility 

by the DMHSAS. Requires any costs associated with 

participation in the working group be borne by the 

individual participant or their respective associations or 

organizations, except for those employed by the state. 

The state will cover costs for those employed by the 

state. Requires the working group, no later than February 

1, 2019, to submit a report regarding its findings and 

recommendations to the Commissioner of the DMHSAS, 

the Commissioner of the DOH, the Health Committees of 

the House and Senate, at which time the working group 

will cease to exist. 

SB2257 Norris/HB1831 Hawk -- Requirements for 

prescribing, dispensing, and reporting of opioids. This 

bill is the Governor’s TN Ready Opioid Initiative -- 

After much discussions and debate, the bill passed as 

follows: 

(1) adds to the list of information a healthcare 

practitioner must submit to the controlled substance 

database the ICD-10 code for any prescription that 

contains an ICD-10 code (this provision will not be 

mandatory prior to January 1, 2019, for a dispenser 

who has not updated the dispenser’s software system 

to enable submission of ICD-10 codes); and a value 

signifying opioid treatment is occurring pursuant to a 

medical necessity under this bill for any prescription 

containing the words “medical necessity.” The value will 

be determined by the committee and published through 

the committee’s website. 

(2) adds in regard to this bill’s requirement to check 

the database prior to prescribing an applicable controlled 

substance at the beginning of a new episode of treatment 

that the check must be made prior to the issuance of each 

new prescription for the controlled substance for the first 

90 days of a new episode of treatment. 

(3) removes bill’s requirement that the database be 

checked prior to prescribing to an opioid naive patient or 

an acute care patient, both before the initial prescription 

and before a third prescription, and removes other 

references to and provisions governing opioid naive and 

acute care patients. Also removes this bill’s provision that 

a practitioner has the professional responsibility to use 

heightened attention when prescribing to a patient who 

has recently been prescribed to by other practitioners. 

Also deletes this bill’s requirement for practitioners to 

check the database prior to dispensing pursuant to any 

prescription with written instructions indicating the 

earliest date on which the prescription can be filled. 

(4) retains the present law exception to checking 

the database and situations where the quantity of the 

controlled substance which is prescribed or dispensed 

does not exceed an amount which is adequate for a 

single, seven-day treatment period and does not allow 

a refill and revises this provision to apply to a three-day 

instead of seven-day treatment period. 

(5) removes the provision whereby informed consent is 

not required if the informed consent was obtained within 

the six-month period prior to the date of treatment; and 

this bill defines childbearing age to between 14 and 44. Also 

specifies that the special notice to a childbearing woman 

only applies if the woman is of “childbearing ability.” 

(6) revises the prescribing limits of the bill. Under 

certain exceptions, a healthcare practitioner may not 

treat a patient with more than a three-day supply of 

an opioid and may not treat a patient with an opioid 

dosage that exceeds a total of a 180 morphine milligram 

equivalent dose. Also, a patient may not be treated with 

an opioid more frequently than every 10 days; provided, 

however, that if the patient has an adverse reaction to 

an opioid, a healthcare practitioner may treat a patient 

with a different opioid within a 10-day period under 

certain circumstances specified. Where the treatment 

provided by a healthcare practitioner is dispensing an 

opioid, the healthcare practitioner may treat a patient 

more than once within 10 days; provided, that the 

healthcare practitioner may not dispense an opioid in an 

amount that exceeds the greater of: a five-day supply 

per encounter; or half of the total prescribed amount. 

The healthcare practitioner may dispense the remainder 

in a subsequent encounter. The partial fill requirements 

will not be mandatory prior to January 1, 2019, for a 

dispenser who has not updated the dispenser’s software 

system. Further provides that a healthcare practitioner 

may treat a patient with more than a three-day supply 

of an opioid if the healthcare practitioner treats the 

patient with no more than one prescription for an opioid 

per encounter and requirements specified are met. If a 

healthcare practitioner treats a patient with more than a 

three-day supply of an opioid, the healthcare practitioner 

may treat the patient with no more than a 10-day supply 

and with a dosage that does not exceed a total of a 

500 morphine milligram equivalent dose. In rare cases 

where the patient has a condition that will be treated 

by a procedure that is more than minimally invasive 

and sound medical judgment would determine the risk 

of adverse effects from the pain exceeds the risk of the 

development of a substance use disorder or overdose 

event, a healthcare practitioner may treat a patient with 

up to a 20-day supply of an opioid and with a dosage that 

does not exceed a total of an 850 morphine milligram 

equivalent dose. Also, in rare cases after trial and failure 

of reasonable, appropriate, and available non-opioid 

treatments for the pain condition or documenting the 

contraindication or intolerance of non-opioid treatments, 

inefficacy, or intolerance of non-opioid treatments, 

where medical necessity and sound medical judgment 

would determine the risk of adverse effects from the pain 

exceeds the risk of the development of a substance use 

disorder or overdose event, a healthcare practitioner may 

treat a patient with up to a 30-day supply of an opioid 

and with a dosage that does not exceed a total of a 1,200 

morphine milligram equivalent dose; the healthcare 

practitioner must include the phrase “medical necessity” 

on the prescription for any prescription issued pursuant 

to this provision. 

(7) revises the exceptions described above in the bill 

summary in (1)-(6) to specify that the prescriptions must 

Government Affairs continued on page 18


District 1 

President: Carla Kirkland 

The January meeting of 

District 1 was a Legislative 

Skills Workshop. Peg Watkins, 

with League of Women Voters, 

shared tips, and the importance 

of connecting with our 

legislators. In January, several 

members also volunteered 

again this year at the Midsouth 

Mission of Mercy Dental clinic, 

serving hundreds who came for 

free dental care. 

The Step Ahead Foundation sponsored our February 

meeting. The Foundation supplies free long acting 

reversible contraceptives to women in an effort to improve 

educational, economic, and health outcomes. 

March brought our big, 

exciting, community event; an all 

candidate Meet and Greet, held 

at the University of Memphis 

University Center ballroom. 

Approximately 100 candidates 

running for county, state, and 

U.S. races participated, with 400 

other volunteers, supporters, 

and voters attending. This was 

planned in association with 

League of Women Voters 

Memphis/Shelby County. 

Carla Kirkland 

UTHSC students at the dental clinic, with 

Laura Reed and Susan Jacob 

Wilhelmina Davis, 

TNA’s Manager 

of Government 

Affairs and 

Lobbyist, in 

attendance. 

University of Memphis students, with 

Dr. Lisa Beasley, rest after the event 

Our March meeting was sponsored by Memphis 

Orthopedic Group, with Dr. Pokabla speaking on shoulder 

injuries. Memphis City Councilman Frank Colvett, Jr. also 

joined us to discuss local matters of concern. 

District 1 members with Dr. Pokabla and 

Memphis City Councilman Frank Colvett, Jr. 

District News 

District 2 

President: Deb Chyka 

District 2’s Celebrate Nursing 

event on April 30 was well 

attended and awards were 

given. Tina Gerardi, MS, RN, 

CAE, TNA’s Executive Director, 

and Wilhelmina Davis, TNA’s 

Manager of Government Affairs 

and Lobbyist attended the 

meeting as well. 

Deb Chyka 

(L to R) Tiffany Saunders from Tennessee 

Wesleyan College; Cameron Schulz from South 

College; Brittany Gadd from Roane State 

Community College; Heather Scudder from 

King University; Emily Spence from University 

of Tennessee, Knoxville; Ashley Kyek from 

Pellissippi State Community College. 

Not pictured is Yulia Kanevskaya from 

Lincoln Memorial University. 

Clinical Award 

Angela 

Scarbrough 

Raycene 

Brewer 

Student Excellence Award 

Awards 

Given 

Student Excellence Award 

Scholarship Award 

Clinical Award 

Maureen Nalle Leadership Award 

Friend of Nursing Award 

Hall of Fame Award 

Service Award 

Maureen Nalle 

Leadership Award 

Deb Chyka 

Hall of Fame Award 

Sharon 

Bailey 

Chapman 

Scholarship 

Award 

Devan Fox 

Friend of 

Nursing Award 

Wilhelmina 

Davis 

Service Award 

Allie Brown 

District 3 

President: Chita Farrar 

District 3 held their quarterly 

membership meeting on April 

25, 2018 at Maggiano’s Little 

Italy. It was a fun meeting 

with three $1000 education 

scholarships given to nursing 

students. The TNF District 3 

educational scholarship was 

given to Jessica Eckenrode 

who is a PhD doctoral student 

at ETSU. Two additional 

scholarships were given to 

Chita Farrar 

two undergraduate nursing 

students – Tiffany Gesner, a student at APSU, and Nichole 

Gray, a student at Columbia State Community at Franklin. 

The education program was Global Health Outreach- 

Guyana. Presenters were Jessica Van Meter, Sally Dye, 

and Ali Grubbs. It was a heartwarming global initiative 

presentation about the partnership between Vanderbilt 

University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and the 

Guyana government. Thanks to Vanderbilt, a Bachelor’s 

Degree in Emergency Nursing curriculum was developed 

for nurses to treat major needs of the community and 

country. VUMC nurses, Vanderbilt faculty, DNP students, 

and doctors volunteer their time presenting curriculum 

and teaching emergency skills to nursing students 

enrolled in the small nursing program. Equipment and 

supplies are needed for this educational program. District 

3 members responded by having a global/community 

outreach service project for the meeting. Attendees 

brought stethoscopes to present to graduating seniors 

in the Guyana nursing program. Volunteers are needed 

to assist with teaching and supplies are appreciated for 

this global outreach initiative. If anyone is interested in 

helping, contact Chita Farrar at farrarf@apsu.edu. 

Nichole Gray receives 

$1,000 Educational 

Scholarship from 

District 3 

Jessica Eckenrode 

receives $1000 from 

TNF’s TNA District 3 

Education scholarship. 

LtoR: Tina Gerardi, 

TNA Executive 

Director, Jessica 

Eckenrode and Chita 

Farrar, TNA District 

3 President. Tiffany Gesner 

receives $1,000 

Educational 

Scholarship from 

District 3 

District 4 

President: Martina Harris 

District 4 held a Nurses’ 

Week Celebration on April 24, 

2018 in the Health Science 

Center on the campus of 

Chattanooga State Community 

College. Rear Admiral Sylvia 

Trent-Adams, United States’s 

Deputy Surgeon General, was 

the keynote speaker and spoke 

of her role and the Public Health 

Service priorities to address 

the opioid crisis; health and the 

Martina Harris 

economy; and national security. 

TNA President, Haley Vance, and TNA Executive 

Director, Tina Gerardi, presented District 4 TNA member 

Representative JoAnne Favors with the 2018 District 4 

Trailblazer Award, for her service as a nurse member of


District News 

the Tennessee House of Representatives. After serving 

seven terms in the Tennessee Legislature, Rep. Favors will 

retire at the close of this legislative session. 

all RN’s who attend and also you must have your current 

RN License # to register at the meeting for your free CE. 

Hope to see you in June! 

District 6 held a meeting April 19th at Jackson- 

Madison County General Hospital in the Medical 

Founders Room B. Tina Gerardi, TNA Executive Director, 

was present to welcome attendees and meet members. 

Dr. Hernstein, Executive Director of Radiology at West 

TN Healthcare, was the guest speaker and discussed the 

role of the registered nurse in interventional radiology. 

We appreciate the wonderful hospitality shown by the 

interventional radiology department. Attendees were 

able to tour the department. 

Rep. Favors receives 

TNA District 4’s 

Trailblazer Award’s 

Haley Vance, DNP, 

APRN, CPNP-AC; Rear 

Admiral Syliva Trent- 

Adams; Tina Gerardi, 

MS, RN, CAE 

Tina Gerardi, MS, RN, CAE 

Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, PhD, RN, 

FAAN; Rep. Joanne Favors, MSN, RN and Dr. 

Mary Lambert, DNP, RN, FAAN from District 4 

District 5 

President: Christine Reed 

District 5 has been off to a 

great start for 2018 with our 

growing membership and a 

lineup of excellent speakers 

for our general meetings. 

For the first part of 2018, we 

chose to focus on the legal 

aspects of defending electronic 

documentation from Ballad 

Health Legal Team Frank 

Anderson. Then we focused 

our attention in our last general 

Christine Reed 

meeting covering the opioid 

crisis, reviewing history of how we got to the point 

we are today, and where we are going, from Assistant 

District Attorney William Harper. Then, the Honorable 

Judge Goodwin shared the history of the drug recovery 

court and how the program works to help rehabilitate 

offenders with intense rehab programs and incentives 

for jobs well done. This is a 5 level program as each 

participant must meet certain strict criteria. There are 

over 3,057 treatment courts in the US; 75% of those who 

graduate remain drug free and $27.00 are saved for every 

dollar spent on court and jail. 

We also had the pleasure of our TNA Executive 

Director, Tina Gerardi, attending our last general 

meeting in April. She shared the TNA membership drive 

for the week of Nurses Week. Tina shared some of the 

top legislation that TNA has worked on, including the 

opioid registry, and assisted in stopping the Veterinary 

technicians’ role being changed to a role that includes 

the word “nurse.” TNA also supported budget funding to 

provide more school nurses. 

District 5 also had a great success partnering with 

our local radio station and sponsors for Nurses Week to 

celebrate Nurses at “Nurse’s Night Out.” We had over 

150 nurses who attended this fun event for free in which 

generous sponsors provided food, games and multiple door 

prizes to all those who attended. The guest speaker, Sharon 

Barger, shared her journey with cancer and the many 

nursing heroes who came into her life to make a positive 

difference in her care and journey. District 5 gave away two 

$50 gift cards for a Registered Nurse and also an LPN. We 

were so proud to have our new banner and tablecloth for 

our booth display. It was a wonderful and exciting evening 

celebrating nurses: inspire, innovate, influence. 

Please join us on June 19 for our next general meeting 

at Franklin Woods on the third floor, Summit Room, for 

learning how to provide safe patient handling and lifting 

for the patient population. A free CE will be provided for 

District 6 

President: Raven Wentworth 

District 6 was well 

represented April 4th at the 

TNA Legislative Summit held at 

the War Memorial Auditorium. 

Students and faculty were 

in attendance from Union 

University, the University of 

Memphis - Lambuth and UT 

Martin - Parsons. 

Raven Wentworth 

The University of Memphis – Lambuth Campus 

Union University 

UT Martin - Parsons Center 

Dr. Hernstein 

The next meeting will be held on July 12th. Details 

will be shared on our Facebook page - “TN Nurse’s 

Association - District 6” and emailed to TNA members. 

Please RSVP for this event. 

District 9 

President: Chaundel Presley 

District 9 has been busy 

working on a lot of necessary 

tasks this spring. Since the 

revitalization meeting, held 

January 4, the board has met 

two times via Zoom taking care 

of needed business. In addition, 

there was a district meeting 

on April 6 at TTU immediately 

following the school’s pediatric 

conference. The new and 

revised district bylaws have 

been the focus, and they are Chaundel Presley 

ready to be voted on May 10. 

The board is working to open the lines of communication 

with district members and keep them informed of future 

meetings and events as they develop. 

Jenny L. House Maffett reports that the 4th Annual 

Pediatric Health & Wellness Upper Cumberland Mini- 

Conference took place at the Whitson-Hester School 

of Nursing on the TTU campus within the Bell Hall 

Auditorium on April 6, 2018 and was attended by sixtyfive 

participants. Information for nurses in our area to 

utilize while caring for the pediatric population was given. 

TNA Executive Director, Tina Gerardi, spoke about 

the Impact of Nursing Levels on the Healthcare and 

Wellness in the Upper Cumberland (U.C.) Region. Staff 

Development Coordinator, Brenda K. Thomas, at the 

TN Department of Health in the Upper Cumberland 

Region shared information about the importance of 

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment 

(EDPST) of the pediatric population and their families. 

Dr. Belinda Mandrell, the Director for the Division 

of Nursing Research at St. Jude Children’s Research 

Hospital in Memphis, TN spoke to those present about 

Considerations in Caring for the Child and Adolescent 

with Cancer. 

Jenny extends her many thanks to each speaker, TNA 

District 9 for being a sponsor, the Whitson-Hester School 

of Nursing, and Tennessee Technological University for 

supporting the conference this year.


Nurses Maintain 

#1 Rank Student Forum 

Silver Spring, MD – For the 16th consecutive year, the 

American public has ranked nurses as the professionals 

with the highest honesty and ethical standards, according 

to a Gallup poll. The annual poll has ranked nurses as 

the most honest and ethical out of a wide spectrum of 

professions, including pharmacists and grade school 

teachers. 

“Nurses provide much more than bedside care. We 

advocate for patients, deliver primary care, meet the 

complex needs of patients with chronic conditions, 

volunteer for disaster relief efforts, and are a trusted 

voice in boardrooms across the country,” said Pamela 

F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, president of the 

American Nurses Association (ANA). 

According to the poll, 82 percent of Americans rated 

nurses’ honesty and ethical standards as “very high” or 

“high.” The next closest profession, military officers, was 

rated 11 percentage points behind nursing. 

“Advocacy efforts have always been a core function 

and priority for our organization, but there is still work 

to be done, which is why we announced 2018 as the Year 

of Advocacy. The public relies on nurses to promote a 

healthy America, and that includes access to affordable, 

quality care. ANA is committed to supporting and 

encouraging nurses to be advocates at all levels and to 

be influencers of positive change for our patients, our 

colleagues, and our nation.” 

RN 

(Work the 10 month school schedule) 

Start date 

August 1, 2018 

$37,070 to $39,294 per year depending on 

educational preparation Medical, dental, life, pension, 

deferred compensation plan, paid leave and holidays, etc. 

Provide nursing services in Metro Nashville/Davidson County Schools. 

Bachelor’s degree from a state approved school of nursing; or Bachelor’s degree in another 

discipline and a Master’s degree from a state approved school of nursing preferred. 

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply. 

All public health nurses are required to complete a department approved 

Certificate in Public Health as a condition of continued employment. 

Apply with the Health Department 

http://www.nashville.gov/Portals/0/SiteContent/Health/PDFs/HR/MPHD%20 

Application%20for%20EmploymentREV8-28-17.pdf 

Remember the day you 

graduated from nursing school? 

Whether you graduated last 

year, five years ago, or thirty-five 

years ago, I’m sure you can recall 

the sense of accomplishment 

and relief you felt as you walked 

across the stage to be pinned, 

were handed your diploma, 

and shook hands with/hugged 

your nursing professors. The 

instructors who taught lectures 

and met with you after tests, 

and the clinical preceptors and 

floor nurses who coached you in 

Leah Henry, 

TSNA Regional 

Director Middle 

practical skills, all deserve appreciation and thanks. Their 

investment in your education helped you become the 

nurse you are today. 

I entered the nursing field with a background in 

education. I studied Linguistics as an undergraduate, 

then obtained a Master’s in Teaching English as a Second 

Language, and taught K-12 ESL for six years in the public 

school setting. When I was a teacher, it was very rewarding 

to see the faces of my students light up when something 

clicked, or to hear them explain a concept to their peers. 

When I made the transition to nursing, I was pleased to 

discover that my teaching skills would not go to waste. 

Nursing provides teaching opportunities on a daily basis. 

I like to answer my patients’ questions and help them 

better understand their treatment. I often offer them my 

stethoscope, and enjoy seeing their eyes widen in surprise 

when they hear their own heartbeat or bowel sounds for 

the first time. Teaching moments are everywhere. 

As a nurse, you are in a unique position to not only 

care for individuals, but to educate them on their body 

processes. You are also in a perfect position to share your 

knowledge and expertise with nursing students across the 

state of Tennessee. Your skills and personal experience can 

be used in the classroom and hospital setting to instruct 

the next generation of nurses. The field of nursing is ever 

growing, yet there are not enough graduates to meet the 

increasing job demand. This is due in part to the limited 

number of students that nursing programs are able to 

accommodate. According to the AACN’s 2016-2017 report 

on Enrollment and Graduations in Baccalaureate and 

Graduate Programs in Nursing, over 64,000 qualified 

applicants were turned away from U.S. nursing programs 

in 2016. This is largely attributed to restricted program 

budgets, insufficient faculty, minimal classroom capacity, 

and limited clinical sites and preceptors. 

If this concerns you, and if working with students as 

a clinical instructor appeals to you, contact your local 

community college or university and inquire about 

qualifications and requirements for becoming a nurse 

educator or preceptor. Look at the tuition benefits offered 

by your hospital, and consider getting a master’s degree 

in nursing. You have the ability to help reduce the nursing 

faculty shortage. It will take an investment of your time 

and resources to receive the proper credentialing, but the 

reward of building a new generation of nurses, who will 

in turn continue the cycle of developing new nurses and 

leaders, will be well worth the effort. 

I appreciate you, and your future students will too! If 

you are already a clinical instructor or a nursing professor, 

thank you, thank you! You juggle teaching, grading, 

meeting with students, clinical practice, and personal/ 

family life. You impact the lives of many students, and 

through them, the lives of thousands of patients. You 

are amazing. If not for your diligence, preparation, 

encouragement, concept illustrations, and hands-on 

coaching, my peers and I would not be joining the ranks 

of this honored profession. Keep up the good work! 

Leah serves as the Middle Regional Director for the 2017- 

2018 Tennessee Student Nurses Association as a liaison 

between TSNA and schools of nursing in Middle TN. She 

desires to equip student nurses to network with others in the 

field and build informed opinions when healthcare policies 

are introduced and enacted. She graduated in May from 

Union University’s Accelerated BSN Program (Hendersonville 

campus). (Reference available upon request) 

Precious Prints Projects Wins Awards 

During the NSNA Convention in early April: SNA 

from UT Knoxville College of Nursing won a Certificate 

of Recognition for their Precious Prints Project. The 

certificate says “For the Most Successful School 

Community Health Project National Student Nurses’ 

Association “Service and Impact Beyond the Bedside” 

2018 Population and Global Health Program. 

Emily Spence, SNA 

member and student 

at UT Knoxville, 

delivered a podium 

presentation at the 

NSNA Convention on 

the Precious Prints 

Project. 

Candidates Gather for Meet and Greet 

By Lisa Beasley DNP, APRN, NP-C, RN 

On Saturday, March 3rd, approximately 100 candidates 

running for political office gathered at the University of 

Memphis ballroom to meet potential voters. The nonpartisan 

candidate Meet and Greet, organized by TNA 

District 1 and the League of Women Voters Memphis/ 

Shelby (LWV), was the largest gathering of candidates at 

any one time in the history of Shelby County. Candidates 

for local, state and federal office were in attendance 

representing Republicans, Democrats and Independent 

Parties. The total number who turned out for the 

event was estimated to be about 500 people including 

candidates, volunteers and citizens. Norma Lester, a 

Registered Nurse and Secretary for the Shelby County 

Election Commission, remarked on the enormity of the 

event and the tremendous amount of work that it took 

to put all of it together. TNA’s Manager of Government 

Affairs, Wilhelmina Davis, came to the Meet and Greet 

showing her support and solidifying the importance 

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Instructors in Memphis, TN! 

Full-time and part-time opportunities available! 

Current Tennessee RN license or willing to obtain, MSN, 4 years of recent clinical experience, 

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To learn more and 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 

of these types of events for what promises to be an 

upcoming busy political season. 

The idea for the event was conceived in late November 

of 2017 with the actual planning beginning in mid-January. 

Members of the planning committee for the Meet and 

Greet gathered every two weeks until the final three 

weeks leading up to the event, as weekly meetings became 

necessary. Carla Kirkland, District 1 President said, “We 

wanted to do something to bring the community and 

candidates together. We were thrilled to organize this event 

with the League of Women Voters.” Each organization’s 

contribution was unique to the event. Planning committee 

members from District 1 include President Carla 

Kirkland, President-Elect Lisa Beasley, and Jill Dapremont, 

Nominating Committee. Planning committee members 

from the LWV Memphis/Shelby include Vice-President 

Barbara Williams, Secretary Sherry Hewlett, and former 

President, Peg Watkins. Local news anchor, Greg Hurst of 

WREG-TV, news channel 3 announced all of the candidates 

as each one walked across the stage. 

The University of Memphis was very generous in their 

support by providing free parking for all who attended 

the event, and the Student Nurses Association at the 

Loewenberg College of Nursing (University of Memphis) 

also made a large contribution by arranging for the 

ballroom. Other sponsors included the Steamfitters Union 

Local 614, the National Association of Health Services 

Executives, Planned Parenthood of the Greater Memphis 

Region, the Germantown Democratic Club, Shelby County 

Alumni Chapter Delta Sigma Theta, Lisa Beasley, Jill 

Dapremont, Carla Kirkland, and Peg Watkins. 

TNA District 1 and the LWV Memphis/Shelby are 

hoping to organize more events in this political season to 

highlight issues important to both organizations and bring 

awareness to the importance of voting.


ANA’s Case for Evidence-Based Nursing Staffing 

Essential for cost-effective, high-quality hospital-based care and patient safety 

Registered nurse (RN) staffing makes a critical 

difference for patients and the quality of their care. 

ANA champions the role of direct-care nurses and nurse 

managers in working with their hospital leadership to 

define the best skill mix for each hospital unit, recognizing 

the role of nurses in managing each patient’s treatment 

plan and continuously assessing each patient’s health 

status. Our work demonstrates that patients, nurses, 

and health care systems thrive with appropriate and 

flexible nurse staffing. For hospitals to succeed, tools 

and processes must support evidence-based staffing 

decisions driven by nurses who understand the dynamic 

nature of patient care. 

ANA bases its advocacy on research. ANA 

commissioned a comprehensive evaluation of nurse 

staffing practices as they influence patient outcomes and 

health care costs. A white paper, authored by consulting 

firm Avalere, evaluated a review of published literature, 

government reports, and other publicly available sources, 

along with information gathered from a series of panels 

of nurse researchers, health care thought leaders, and 

hospital managers. 

To read ANA’s first staffing white paper Optimal 

Nurse Staffing to Improve Quality of Care and Patient 

Outcomes, visit info.nursingworld.org/staffingwp. 

Key Findings 

Best practices consider many variables when 

determining the appropriate care team on each hospital 

unit: 

• Patients: Ongoing assessment of patients’ 

conditions, their ability to communicate, their 

emotional or mental states, family dynamics, and 

the amount of patient turnover (admission and 

discharges) on the unit 

• Care teams: Each nurse’s experience, education, 

and training; technological support and 

requirements; and the skill mix of other care team 

members, including nurse aides, social workers, and 

transport and environmental specialists 

Nurse staffing models affect patient care, which also 

drives health care costs. Safe staffing affects a range of 

hospital-based care issues, including: 

• Medical and medication errors 

• Length of stay 

• Patient mortality 

• Readmissions 

• Preventable adverse events, including falls, pressure 

ulcers, health care-associated infections, and other 

complications 

• Nurse injury, fatigue, and low retention 

Findings point to the importance and costeffectiveness 

of nurse staffing decisions that are based 

on evidence rather than traditional formulas and grids. To 

foster innovation and transparency in staffing models, it 

is essential to capture and disseminate outcomes-based 

best practices. 

Staffing and Cost Containment 

Nurse salaries and benefits are among the largest 

components of a hospital’s expenses and thus are an easy 

target when balancing budgets. However, decisions to cut 

labor costs are sometimes shortsighted when the longterm 

impacts on cost and patient care quality are not 

considered. 

Other variables to consider in addressing hospitalbased 

care costs include: 

• High-tech devices and procedures 

• Prescribed drugs and other medicine 

• Clinician and system practice insurance 

• Facility construction, renovation, and maintenance 

• Information technology investments and upgrades 

Well-managed hospitals/health systems continuously 

balance competing needs to keep organizations fiscally 

sound. 

Legislated nurse-patient ratios versus flexible, 

nurse-driven staffing 

Some organizations advocate for legislated nursepatient 

ratios, believing that strict ratios will ensure 

patient safety. Based on our experience with unintended 

consequences, ANA does not support numeric, fixed 

ratios. In many cases, to meet these ratios, hospital 

administrators have eliminated other care team positions 

and then shifted noncore patient care work to nurses. 

This leaves nurses overextended and distracted from 

their core responsibilities of continuously monitoring 

patient status and implementing clinical treatment plans. 

Conclusion 

ANA supports direct-care nurses and nurse managers 

in working with hospital clinical and management teams 

to address pressures to control costs while providing 

high-quality care in a safe environment. Outcomes-based 

staffing models require partnerships between nurses 

and hospital/health system leadership, including those in 

finance, operations, and clinical areas. Together, we can 

find pragmatic solutions to complex and pressing issues. 

info.nursingworld.org/staffingwp 

Sources of Retirement Income continued from page 3 

• Individual qualified plans: Include the traditional 

Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and the 

Roth IRA. Contributions to a traditional IRA may 

be deductible and earnings grow tax deferred. 

Distributions from a traditional IRA are taxable to 

the extent of deductible contributions and growth. 

Contributions to a Roth IRA are never deductible 

and earnings grow tax deferred. If certain 

requirements are met, retirement distributions from 

a Roth IRA are tax free. 2 

• Nonqualified retirement plans: An employer 

may set up a plan, often in the form of a deferred 

compensation plan, which does not meet federal 

requirements to be considered “qualified.” Benefits are 

generally taxable when received. Such plans are often 

used as a supplement to qualified retirement plans. 

Individual Savings 

Individual savings and investments are the third 

primary source of retirement income. An individual 

can choose to accumulate funds using a wide range of 

investment vehicles. The appropriate type of investment 

will depend on a number of factors such as an individual’s 

investment skill and experience, risk tolerance, tax 

bracket, and the number of years until retirement. Below 

are listed some of the more commonly used choices. 

• Savings accounts: Including regular savings 

accounts, money market funds and certificates of 

deposit (CDs) at banks, savings and loans and credit 

unions. 

• Common stock: May also include other forms 

of equity ownership such as preferred stock or 

convertible bonds. Stock can be owned directly, in 

a personal portfolio or indirectly through a mutual 

fund. 

• Bonds: Includes corporate, government or municipal 

bonds. Bonds can be directly owned in a personal 

portfolio or indirectly held in either a mutual fund or 

unit investment trust. 

• Real estate: Individually owned investment real 

estate or indirect investment through a real estate 

investment trust or limited partnership. 

• Precious metals: Such as gold or silver, in the form 

of coins, bullion or in the common stock of mining 

companies. 

• Commercial deferred annuities: Commercial, 

deferred annuities are purchased from a life 

insurance company and can provide tax-deferred 

growth through a variety of investment choices. 

Other Income Sources 

Other retirement income sources include the 

following: 

• Immediate annuity: An “immediate” annuity is 

purchased from a life insurance company, typically 

with a single, lump-sum payment. Within one year 

after purchase, the annuity begins to make regular, 

periodic payments to the annuity owner. 

• Continued employment: On either a full or parttime 

basis. Wage and salary income is usually 

taxable and before-full-retirement-age 3 earnings 

above a certain level may affect the amount of 

Social Security retirement benefits received. 

• Home equity: If a home is completely paid for, a 

reverse mortgage may provide additional income, 

without giving up home ownership. 

About the Freeman Financial Group 

The Freeman Financial is an approved partner of 

the Tennessee Nurses Association. As a benefit of 

membership in TNA, you can receive your personalized 

retirement income evaluation report at no charge. 

Focusing on your specific needs and goals, Freeman 

Financial Group will develop a strategy that is as unique 

as you are. For help putting your financial world in order 

contact Jennifer Freeman at Freeman Financial Group 

(615) 690-1313 or email jfreeman@askifg.com. 

1 The rules and regulations surrounding qualified plans 

are complex. This discussion is intended to be only a 

brief, general description. State or local law may vary. 

2 The discussion here concerns federal income tax law; 

state or local tax law may vary. 

3 “Full retirement age” is the age at which an individual 

is entitled to “full” Social Security retirement benefits 

-100% of an individual’s Primary Insurance Amount. 

Under current law, this age will vary from 65 to 67, 

depending on an individual’s year of birth.


Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) is honored to 

sponsor Project Serve, a service dedicated to meeting the 

needs of others. During the month of April, nurses across 

Tennessee selected a service project to be the hands and 

feet of love and hope to those in our communities and 

surrounding areas. 

District 1 

TNA District 1 participated in, and was a sponsor 

for, Healthy Tennessee Health Fair & Food Distribution 

Saturday, April 28, 10-2, organized by Dr. Manish Sethi. 

District 1 nurses helped with health screenings, blood 

pressure checks, and counseling patients on healthy 

lifestyle choices. 

Project Serve Events 

District 3 

Kudos to Dr. Shondell Hickson, District 3 member 

District 3’s global/community outreach service project 

in April brought tears to Dr. Shondell Hickson who is from 

Guyana and has family in this third world country. Shondell 

coordinated a project to collect stethoscopes from Austin 

Peay State University faculty. All faculty responded with 

27 new stethoscopes purchased for Guyana nurses in a 

Bachelor’s degree for Emergency Nursing. After the global 

initiative presentation, Shondell volunteered to join the 

Vanderbilt partnership as a DNP nurse and faculty helping 

with curriculum and skills for the Bachelor’s Degree in 

Emergency nursing program developed by Vanderbilt 

nurses, faculty, and doctors. She plans to travel with the 

Vanderbilt nurses to personally hand out stethoscopes she 

collected to the graduating seniors in Guyana in September. 

Shondell has plans to develop an APSU study abroad 

program in which she can accompany nursing students to 

Guyana. Kudos to Dr. Shondell Hickson for giving back to 

nursing and her birth country. 

TNF Board of 

Trust – Request 

for Volunteers 

The Tennessee Nurses Foundation (TNF) is 

accepting nominations for Registered Nurses and 

non-nursing Community Members to fill upcoming 

positions on the Foundation’s Board. 

Potential candidates must have an interest in 

fulfilling the mission and goals of the organization 

which includes promoting the professional image of 

nursing, supporting nursing education, facilitating 

leadership development, encouraging nursing 

research, and supporting overall professional health 

and wellness. Interested Registered Nurses must 

hold active membership in the Tennessee Nurses 

Association (TNA). 

The Board meets quarterly, and Board members 

serve on a volunteer basis. 

Any interested candidates should send a statement 

of intent and resume via email to tnf@tnaonline.org 

(Attn: Amy Hamlin) 

Continuing Nursing 

Education Updates 

Sharon T. Hinton DMin, MSN, RN-BC 

Nursing Professional Development Specialist 

Nurse Peer Review Leader & Administrator for 

CNE Tennessee Nurses Association 

Shondell Hickson received a member 

recognition award from TNA District 3. 

Volunteers Needed 

Further your professional education as a Continuing 

Nursing Education (CNE) Peer Reviewer. TNA has openings 

on the CNE Peer Review Committee for TNA members 

interested in learning how to evaluate continuing 

education activities. The training workshop will be held 

June 11, 2018, 12:30-4pm at The Tennessee Hospital 

Association Office, 5201 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 

37027. Registration includes contact hours and light 

snacks. Contact TNA.CNE@tnaonline.org for more 

information. 

TNA Offers CNE Provider Unit Workshop 

All TNA CNE Provider Units and those interested in 

becoming CNE Provider Units are encouraged to attend 

the CNE Provider Unit Workshop on June 12, 2018, 8:30- 

3:30pm at The Tennessee Hospital Association Office, 5201 

Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027. Guest speakers from 

ANCC will conduct the workshop. The revised TNA forms 

and report requirements will be reviewed. $30 registration 

includes contact hours and lunch. Bring your team and 

learn together! Three or more from the same organization 

registering at the same time will receive a $5 discounted 

fee. Questions? Contact TNA.CNE@tnaonline.org Register 

online at https://tna.societyconference.com/v2/ 

LtoR: Melanie Wesley, RN; Dr. Manish Sethi; 

Connie McCarter, RN; Carla Kirkland, RN; 

Diana Baker, RN 

Enhance the value of your 

Continuing Education offering! 

Second from left: Shondell Hickson 

Summit it to the Tennessee 

Nurses Association 

Mariah Salim, RN and 

Angela Courtney, RN 

Rep. Antonio 

Parkinson and Denise 

Thornton Orr, RN 

The Tennessee Nurses Association is an approved 

provider of continuing nursing education by the 

South Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited 

approver with distinction, by the American Nurses 

Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 

Mariah Salim, RN 

Visit the Continuing Education link 

at www.tnaonline.org for details


Ethical Telehealth Practice 

Telehealth is becoming more and more prevalent and 

nurses are involved across the continuum. In addition, 

many patients want to use their devices as part of their 

healthcare. If you are interested in technology and how it 

can help patients especially with access and cost, then this 

might be a specialty for you. Simply defined, this is care at a 

distance where the patient and the clinician are connected 

by some kind of technology. mHealth, part of telehealth, 

refers to care that is facilitated with a mobile device like a 

phone or tablet. Telehealth can be done from a desktop as 

well. Care might include video, audio, or email appointments 

and consultations, secure messaging, as well as remote 

monitoring equipment linked by computer. 

Using technology to deliver healthcare has many 

Kate Payne, JD, 

RN, NC-BC 

advantages. People in remote and underserved locations can get access to expert 

care and support. Remote or smaller facilities in need of specialists or certain types 

of patient care can access things like remote intensive care or “e-ICU.” It can also 

help empower patients by allowing them to stay where they are comfortable, avoid 

a long trip, and still get the care they need. Both patients and clinicians are freed 

from in-person visits for routine follow-ups or simple cases in which the diagnosis 

and treatment are clear. Such convenience may also help to lower healthcare costs 

and improve outcomes. Imagine being able to access your provider from your bed 

about your bad cold symptoms without having to struggle to get dressed and travel 

to the office. 

Telehealth is also evolving from episodic care to treatment for chronic and complex 

health issues. A hospital or health system serves as a central access point to the full 

continuum of care including specialists. Users, like patients as well as payers, can 

trust that they will get high-quality care and expertise, that is not stand-alone, but 

incorporated within an existing health system. Patients’ existing records are reviewed, 

and expert diagnoses and results can be rapidly shared with a patient’s primary care 

provider and/or treating specialists. Telehealth platforms are also being used to 

improve patient safety. Emergency room patients can be connected directly to a 

pharmacist to review their medications. This can help reduce discrepancies and instead 

of repeating their medication list to multiple staff members the pharmacist can assist 

directly. They can also conduct the consult in the same program where they verify, 

complete, and archive each patient’s case. 

The most obvious ethical concerns with telehealth relate to privacy and 

confidentiality of patient information, which has been brought into sharp focus 

recently with the news about Facebook and the lack of privacy. Consumers certainly 

have to be informed of the risks and can choose to participate or not. Still the same 

technology that allows for telehealth can also create safeguards. Technology vendors, 

app developers and integrated health systems are certainly moving in this direction. 

Other ethical concerns relate to the lack of face-to-face contact with patients and their 

families. This poses a challenge even for experienced nurses. Telehealth nurses must 

have exquisite listening and communication skills. They have to rely on the caller’s selfreported 

history and symptoms. The nurse must listen for verbal cues and through 

questions and conversation gain information about the visual, tactile, and olfactory 

input necessary to make a complete assessment. To verify the assessment, the nurse 

must also employ exceptional critical-thinking skills and clinical judgment. Telehealth 

is almost purely a cognitive function, where the nurse delivers care through nursing 

behaviors like support, education, advice and shared decision making using reasoning, 

intuition or nursing perception. As with all patient care the nurse must factor in the 

patient’s education level and understanding language. 

Convenience, decreased hospitalizations, cost reduction, are all great goals, but the 

nurse must always remember that patient safety comes first. Knowing when to urge 

and how to persuade the patient to seek a face-to-face higher level of care is a key 

nursing practice in this specialty. Additionally, the drive for efficiency and convenience 

may lead to policies or expectations that might cause conflict for the nurse when 

recommending that the patient go to the emergency department. As with regular faceto-face 

care there will continue to be issues with patients not following up or not doing 

what is recommended, but the hope is that having this teleway of doing care will help 

motivate the patient to improve their adherence to the treatment plan because it’s 

more convenient and it’s facilitated through their preferred technology. Not all patients 

will be able to take advantage of telehealth due to access and cost of the technology. 

However, almost all patients have access to a phone that can text. Text messaging has 

also shown to improve communication, care, coordination, and compliance with the 

treatment plan, as well as decrease costs. 

Ethical practice in telehealth nursing must account for the bio-psycho-socialspiritual-cultural 

needs of the patient while working to improve their health. This values 

the patient as a whole person including their device. Because of the lack of face-to-face 

contact, telehealth nurses must be able to connect and form a relationship that enables 

the patient to trust in the advice offered by the nurse. Ethical actions are grounded in 

the patient’s best interests and trust. Nurses must prioritize these interests even if it 

creates conflicts with policy or organizational priorities. Telehealth nurses must also 

have practical knowledge and wisdom, as well as the ability to reflect on their own 

actions and motives to be able to make that full assessment without ever touching a 

patient. Nurses have always been good at high touch in a high tech environment. This is 

just another venue for that skill. 

References available upon request 

Find Your Next Job. 2018 Southeast 

Nursing Featured Employers Guide 

Employers Are Looking For You 

Visit: https://s3.amazonaws.com/online.fliphtml5.com/abnm/tidx/index.html 

Download the FREE 2018 Southeast Nursing Featured Employers Guide. 

Browse through open positions from employers looking to hire 

a qualified candidate like you. 

Don’t forget to upload or update your resume to the leading online career 

center for nursing professionals -- the Tennessee Nurses 

Association’s Career Center. There you can: 

Post your resume in front of hundreds of spine care employers that search 

the database daily 

Search hundreds of jobs posted monthly right from your smartphone or tablet 

Set up job alerts when a job that meets your specific criteria is posted 

Receive free resume advice, interview tips, and more 

Update or Upload Your Resume Today! Visit: 

https://tnna.associationcareernetwork.com/


Spotlight on Practice 

April Morrison, 

DNP, FNP-BC, CLC 

It came as a shock to my 

family and friends when they 

learned of my college major. 

Having invested a great deal 

of time and money into music 

throughout my grade school 

years, most everyone assumed 

that becoming a professional 

musician was the natural 

progression. In fact, I had music 

April Morrison 

scholarships to four different colleges, two of which were 

full rides! Each piece of music was meticulously practiced, 

measure after measure, note after note, ensuring there 

was perfection. I hungered to learn the next piece, 

excited at the thought of rising to the challenge while 

connecting with the audience, but something was 

missing. 

In the fall of 2005, I attended King College on a 

volleyball scholarship with a major in nursing. This made 

little sense to my community of support. With no family 

history of medical personnel, having no exposure to work 

within the medical community, and no experience with 

chronic or acute illness, the task was intimidating. The 

first few semesters were difficult, but guidance from 

faculty and staff spurred me to continue the journey. 

To augment clinical rotations, I participated in a nurse 

internship on a Medical-Surgical floor, refining bedside 

skills and increasing my critical thinking. 

While in nursing school, I developed a passion for 

intensive care and desire to work with children. Although 

the opportunity to work with Pediatrics never transpired, 

the door opened to work in a Neuro/Trauma Intensive 

Care Unit. Working in intensive care came with its 

own set of challenges. Never did I imagine going from 

entertaining people with music, to helping sustain their 

life during their most vulnerable moments. In some ways, 

coordination of care within this setting reminded me of 

my former days as a musician. You see, within a band or 

orchestra, each instrumental section is responsible for 

learning a particular part separately, then join the whole 

ensemble to create a beautiful melody. Similarly, I was 

now responsible for learning and knowing my part as a 

nurse, coordinating patient care, being an advocate, and 

joining the healthcare team to create the beautiful art of 

medicine. 

After four years as a critical care nurse, I decided 

to continue my education as an Advanced Practice 

Registered Nurse (APRN). As a natural extension of my 

critical care experience, I thought pursuing a career as a 

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) was the 

next logical step. To my surprise, I was accepted to the 

only school to which I applied. Excited at my fortune, 

I shared the good news with family and friends, only to 

retract my excitement three weeks later. As much as I 

loved critical care, my satisfaction was in the daily patient 

interactions rather than technical skill. Again, my family 

was surprised when I informed them that I would be 

entering a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program on 

the Family Nurse Practitioner track. 

Beginning the DNP course work and clinical 

rotations, my mind went back to that first semester of 

undergraduate nursing school, eyes wide open, having 

little knowledge of the unfamiliar patient care setting, 

and scared stiff. The DNP-FNP program was almost a 

complete departure from my comfort zone and expanded 

the limits of my clinical competencies. Through the 

DNP program, I became equipped with not only clinical 

knowledge, but also increased ability to coordinate 

complex patient care, strong leadership skills, and 

expanded clinical horizons. 

While in the DNP program, I discovered the art 

of breastfeeding. Having never had children of my 

own, I found the beauty, complexity, and science of 

breastfeeding to be quite fascinating. As a result, I 

completed the DNP Capstone research project on a 

breastfeeding topic. Through completing the project, my 

research committee members challenged me to become 

the expert on the topic, so I became a Certified Lactation 

Consultant (CLC). The project was completed successfully, 

but I desired to learn more about lactation. 

Before graduation, my dream came true when a 

Pediatric office offered me a position as their APRN and 

Lactation Consultant. To ensure I was fully equipped to 

fulfill the role, I heeded the advice of my DNP committee 

members and pursed the International Board Certified 

Lactation Consultant certification (IBCLC). Today, I am 

excited to share my passion for patient care, lactation, 

and the art of nursing with families in my community. 

Looking back on this journey, there are many twists 

and turns that seemingly make little sense. How does a 

musician go from being a critical care nurse to a lactation 

consultant in a pediatric office? I do not have the answer, 

but what I do know is that each of us is on a journey to 

develop the art of nursing. Each of us is called to learn 

their part well and be ready to play your role when the 

time comes. Your individual adventure does not have to 

fit the mold in order to contribute to the glorious melody 

of patient care. Remain hungry to learn while pursuing 

challenging opportunities and you never know where the 

road may lead. 

Welcome New & 

Reinstated Members 

District 1 

Rebecca Adkins, Tynika Baker, Vanessa Black, Dee 

Blakney, Ashley Bolden Neal, Veronica Boyd, Toni 

Bueltemann, Ebony Bumphis, Rachel Byrd, Leeann 

Carmicahel, Elisabeth Cohoon, Ashanti Coleman, Angela 

Courtney, Jenny Currington, Avery Dale, Melinda Evans, 

Chante Fason, Kristin Fitchpatric, Marybeth Floyd, Suzie 

Glass, Margo Gordon, Helen Hoang, Lolita Horton, 

Gabrielle Jackson, Marianne Kirk, Kimberly Lewis, Christy 

Matlock, Melanie Mays, Kimberly McGlothan, Ashley 

McTyre, Marliatou Mohammad, Emma Murray, Norma 

Oliver, Robert Parker, Vickie Pitman, Victoria Rogers, 

Shelly Spence, Autumn Spikes, Zabrina Thurman, Tasha 

Wilson, Lynn Wynn 

District 2 

Jessica Atchley, Juliana Bailey, Amanda Bell, Edy 

Cerone, Stephanie Conder, Carissa Cooper, Arika Couch, 

Karen Culpepper, Bridget Daniels, Summer Delius, Melissa 

Foster, Hugh Friar, Pamela Gavin, Katelyn Gillooly, Farideh 

Golembiewski, Renee Hamilton, Hayley Hillard, Cindy 

Hutson, Susan Johnson, Tammy Johnson-Janow, Sadia 

Memphis VA Medical Center 

has exciting career opportunities available for 

Registered Nurses & Nurse Practitioners 

We invite you to join our team, where every day 

We Proudly Serve Our Nation’s Heroes! 

For more information, contact: Angelique Graham, Nurse Recruiter, 901.523.8990; 

by email at MEMNurseRecruiter@va.gov; or, 

apply online at www.USAJobs.gov E.O.E 

Khan, Sandra Kovach, Heather Lee, Michael Lowe, Tausha 

Monday, Malinda Munsey, Brenda Muzyngo, Alexandra 

Perrignon, Jordan Rolen, John Scates, Jr., Kimberly 

Shelton, Christina Shuey, Vicki Sickau, Kathlene Smith, 

Alice Stuart, Susan Toberman, Tawayne Tucker, Sydney 

Whaley, Lesli Wright 

District 3 

Barbara Ball, Azmera Belay, Kristen Bertrand, Betsy 

Bond, Linda Bonifield, Leslie Brietenmoser, Sonya Carter, 

Annie Cole-Bradley, Stephanie Davis, Kristina Doyle, 

Raychel Enck, Bernita Gillette-Corsi, Jessica Hammack, 

Sarah Hayden, Katie Heebner, Sherry Hemby, Dottie 

Hiatt, Laura Holzapfel, Holly Judge, Caitlin Kelley, Kerrin 

Kunze, Mai-Ling Lam, Jennifer Le, Tamara Legge, Patricia 

Mansfield, Jennifer Massie, Marie Mattei-Weiland, Sherry 

Murray, Pam Nelson, Eric Porterfield, Geri Reeves, Sheri 

Robertson, Karen Runyon-Delice, James Scales, Jennifer 

Scanlon, Patricia Scott, Chelsea Shay, Judson Smith, 

Tara Smotherman, Beth Strickland, Debra Summers, 

Hailey Thomas, Patricia Thurman, Susanna Trabue, Dawn 

Vanderhoef, Shelby Vanfleet, Stacy Wallace, Rebecca 

Walton, Aaron Wiek, Samira Yusuf, Xiaoxiao Zhang 

District 4 

Lisa Cahill, Brittany Carmon, Ann Ford, Shelia Green, 

Martina Harris, Tara Henderson, Rebecca Hergert, Leslie 

YOUR SOURCE FOR 

JOBS IN TENNESSEE 

(OR ANYWHERE) 

Hull, Deborah King, Mary Lipscomb, Brenda McColpin, 

Sara Overstreet, Cindy Rima 

District 5 

Everett Baker, Travis Barner, Lori Bearup, Kara 

Brockwell, Kelley Buell, Robin Campbell, Roselee Cathey, 

Terri Christian, Clayton Chroust, Michael Ciccarone, 

Judith Day, Susan Fannon, Linda Foretia Epse Asongayi, 

Amanda Grindstaff, Brandi Haynes, Pamela Honeycutt, 

Teresa Ignace, Jim Isabella, Christy Johnson, Laura Jones, 

Sudha Kumar, Tenecia Lancaster, Robert Land, Kimberly 

Lilley, Carrie Lingerfelt, Dru Malcolm, Greta Marek, 

Sheri McRae, Samuel Mitchell, Donna Mooney, Victoria 

Pope, Lauren Rogers, April Shell, Becky Shelton, Jessica 

Stapleton, Jasmine Treadway, Karen Valk, 

District 6 

Karen Emison, Colton Gramse, Brittany Hart, Tayler 

Johnston, Felicia Landrum, Damon Mays, Jordan Page, 

Hannah Shaw, Emily Swalm-Sommers, Krystal Turner, 

Grant Ulmer 

District 8 

Brandie Crawford, Nancy Lord 

District 9 

Wendy Bottomley, Theresa Farlow, Michelle Jackson, 

Misty Knowles, Lisa McGraw, Charles Olsen, Shauna Wiley 

Samuel 

District 10 

Michele Ellert, Jessica Johnson, Mary Radford, Vik 

Williams 

District 12 

Anna Curtis, Bonnie Miller 

District 15 

Raina Eldridge, Vicky England, Jeannie Giese, Sammie 

Mosier, Erin Rains, Auna Searcy, Lisa Smallwood, Ralph 

Stewart


Member News 

Sharon Adkins has been 

reappointed to the Tennessee 

Healthcare Hall of Fame 

selection committee for the 

next three years. 

Sharon Adkins, 

MSN, RN 

TNA District 3 

Andrew “AJ” Donadio is the 

Vice President of TNA’s District 

9 (Upper Cumberland). He is 

running for County Commission 

in Putnam County District 7 

and won the primary moving 

on to the general election to 

be held August 2. Dr. Donadio 

is an Assistant Professor at 

Cumberland University where he 

has been working since retiring 

from the Navy Nurse Corps after 

24 years of active service. 

A.J. Donadio, 

DNP, RN-BC, CNE 


The Murray State University 

Alumni Association honored 

Florence Jones as one of four 

alumni awarded the 2018 

Distinguished Alumni Award 

in a ceremony held April 27 at 

the Murray Room of the CFSB 

Center. 

Florence Jones, 

DNP, RN, 

NEA-BC, FACHE 


During the University of 

Tennessee, Knoxville, College 

of Nursing’s commencement, 

Mary Lynn Brown received the 

Excellence in Teaching Award. 

Mary Lynn Brown, 

PhD, RN, ACNS, 

CNE, CHSE 


Washington, D.C., May 2, 

2018-- The American Academy 

of Nursing designated Nan 

Gaylord as an Academy 

Edge Runner for her model, 

Interprofessional Practice at the 

Vine School Health Center: A 

School-Based Nurse-Managed 

Clinic (VSHC). The Academy’s 

Raise the Voice Edge Runner 

initiative recognizes nursedesigned 

models of care 

that improve quality, impact 

cost, and enhance patient 

satisfaction. 

Nan Gaylord, PhD, 

RN, CPNP-PC, 

PMHS, FAANP, 

FAAN 


Sandra Thomas was recently 

honored with the Melva Jo 

Hendrix Lectureship Award 

from the International Society 

of Psychiatric-Mental Health 

Nurses. 

Sandra Thomas, 

PhD, RN, FAAN 


Deb Chyka received 

the Daisy Award from the 

University of Tennessee, 

Knoxville College of Nursing 

during their commencement 

ceremony. 

Deb Chyka, DNP, 

MSN, RN 


Dr. Mary Bess Griffith has 

been hired as the dean of the 

Rudy School of Nursing and 

Health Professions at Cumberland 

University. She will take over the 

post in mid-summer. 

Currently, Dr. Griffith is 

director of the department 

of nursing and an associate 

professor at Bethel University in 

McKenzie, Tenn. Her educational 

background includes a doctorate 

in nursing from the University 

of Tennessee at Knoxville as 

well as a Bachelor of Science in 

Nursing and a Master of Science 

Mary Bess Griffith, 

PhD(c), RN, CS, 

FNP, CNE 


in Nursing from the University of Tennessee Center for 

the Health Sciences at Memphis. The Treasurer of the 

Tennessee Nurses Association, Dr. Griffith is a certified 

nurse educator, certificate holder in simulation, and is a 

certificated nurse practitioner. 

Raven Wentworth was 

awarded tenure and promoted 

to associate professor of nursing 

at Freed-Hardeman University in 

Henderson, TN. Congratulations 

Raven! 

Congratulations to Chris 

White on his promotion to 

associate professor of nursing 

at Freed-Hardeman University 

in Henderson, TN. Dr. White 

was awarded tenure in 2017 

and is Chair of the Nursing 

Department. 

Raven Wentworth, 

DNP, APRN 


Chris White, EdD, 

MSN, RN 


Lin Zhan, Dean and Professor 

of the Loewenberg College 

of Nursing, University of 

Memphis, has been appointed 

to serve on the LeBonheur 

National Leadership Council. 

The National Leadership 

Council is designed to be a think 

tank with individuals from all 

walks of life and from many 

parts of the country, and to 

support LeBonheur in making 

a difference in the lives of 

children. 

Lin Zhan, PhD, 

RN, FAAN 

TNA District 1


Benefits of Membership 

As the TNA Director of Membership, I spend a lot of time 

talking to other Registered Nurses (RNs) about the Tennessee 

Nurses Association (TNA). The conversations start by asking, 

“Are you a member of TNA?” Sometimes nurses think they 

are members because they receive the Tennessee Nurse, 

actually all RNs in the state receive the newspaper as a free 

benefit. If the answer is no, I ask what stands in the way of 

becoming a member. Some nurses do not know membership 

dues can be paid monthly by automatic bank draft. This is 

how I have paid my dues for more than twenty years, and I do 

not even think about it. Whatever the reason there is a way 

to make membership a reality. 

Recently I have been asking TNA members why they are 

members? Often, I hear reasons such as “It is the professional 

organization of RNs,” “It is practice protection,” “It is my 

voice for the promotion of health” all of which are great 

reasons. Recently I had the pleasure of experiencing another 

Allyson Neal, DNP, 

APRN, PMHNP- 

BC, CNS-BC, 

CPNP, Director of 

Membership 

benefit of TNA. Last year I was paired up in a mentor relationship with a senior nursing 

student. I thought it would be a good way to give back and to make sure at least one 

student would see we really do not eat our young. I do think it is a good way to give 

back and to usher a new nurse into the profession and I also know it was so much more 

for me. My mentee and I talked on the phone, emailed, and text messaged on a regular 

basis. He told me about upcoming assignments, tests, and clinical check offs. We talked 

about the importance of good nutrition, sleep, and exercise especially when we are 

stressed. I looked forward to our talks, I found myself feeling nervous on days he had 

tests, and I celebrated his successes with him. The time commitment was minimal and 

the rewards were numerous, it made me very excited about nursing once again. I was 

honored to receive a graduation announcement with a hand-written note, thanking me 

for the support and encouragement and he promised to keep in touch. 

Yes, there are many benefits of being a member of TNA. I have always valued what 

TNA stands for, the protection of my title, the voice of nursing, and the promotion 

of health for the citizens of Tennessee. Now I also recognize the benefit of being in a 

mentoring relationship with a nursing student, the rewards were not only for the 

student but for me as well. I encourage each of you to embrace two activities that will 

move our profession forward, explore being a mentor and ask every nurse you come 

into contact with if they are a member of TNA and if not encourage them to join, what a 

great way to give back to our profession. 

Tennessee Nurses 

Tennessee Nurses Foundation • Contribution Form 

Honor A Nurse 

The Tennessee Nurses Foundation (TNF) welcomes you to publicly recognize a nurse. With your $50 tax-deductible donation to 

TNF, your honored nurse’s name will appear in the Tennessee Nurse,(mailed to over 90,000 RNs), as well as in the designated 

“Honor A Nurse” section of the Tennessee Nurses Association’s (TNA) website at www.tnaonline.org. A photo and brief paragraph 

may also be submitted to further recognize your honored nurse. 

Make a statewide commitment to honor a special nurse that: 

• won an award • is a nurse family member • is a friend, or a colleague 

• is retiring • is dedicated to nursing and to patients • is in memoriam 

• received a promotion • has a special event or occasion coming up • is in celebration of Nurses Week 

Patients and patient’s family members: 

• Honor A Nurse that truly made a difference in their care, or the care of a family member. 

Your $50 donation will go toward continued support of the TNF and their work pertaining to scholarships, and grants that support 

the needs of nurses in Tennessee. TNF is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent 

allowed by law and support the mission of TNF. 

DONOR INFORMATION 

Donor Name: 

Address: 

Phone Number: 

(Home) 

Email Address: 

(Street) (City) (State) (Zip) 

(Work) 

PAYMENT INFORMATION Authorized Payment Amount: $ 

(Minimum $50 donation for each nurse honored) 

Check payable to TNF is enclosed 

MasterCard/Visa/American Express/Discover 

Card Number 

Cardholder Name 

Address 

(Please Print) 

City____________________________________ State______ Zip__ 

HONORED NURSE INFORMATION 

• Honoree’s Name & Credentials: 

Exp. Date:____/____ Code: 

• Choose which quarter you would like the honored nurse listed in the Tennessee Nurse publication and the TNA website, 

(choose only one quarter for both listings) Winter Spring Summer Fall 

• Comments regarding the Honored Nurse: 

Government Affairs continued from page 9 

contain the ICD-10 code for the primary disease documented in the patient’s chart 

and the word “exempt” and otherwise revises the exemptions, as follows: (A) removes 

the reference to “malignant pain” in regard to those patients undergoing active or 

palliative cancer treatment or hospice care; (B) adds an exception for the treatment of 

patients with a diagnosis of sickle cell disease and for prescriptions issued by healthcare 

practitioners who are treating patients in an outpatient setting of a hospital exempt 

from the pain management provisions of present law that holds itself out to the public 

as a pain management clinic; (C) adds an exception for the treatment of patients who 

have been treated with an opioid daily for 90 days or more during the 365 days prior to 

April 15, 2018, or those who are subsequently treated for 90 days or more under one 

of the exceptions in this bill; and (D) adds an exception for the treatment of a patient 

who has suffered a severe burn or major physical trauma, and sound medical judgment 

would determine the risk of adverse effects from the pain exceeds the risk of the 

development of a substance use disorder or overdose event; and 

(8) adds that the general assembly finds that patient access to information about 

controlled substances is crucial to combating the deadly opioid epidemic in this state and 

that any obstacle to patients’ receiving information about controlled substances is a serious 

threat to public health. Any agreement purporting to limit the ability of a pharmacist 

to discuss any issue related to the dispensing of a controlled substance with a patient is 

contrary to the public policy of this state and is void and unenforceable. This includes, but 

is not limited to, information about the risks, effects, and characteristics of the controlled 

substance; what to expect when taking the controlled substance and how the controlled 

substance should be used; reasonable alternatives to the prescribed controlled substance; 

and any applicable cost sharing for a controlled substance or any amount an individual 

would pay for a controlled substance if that individual were paying cash. 

SB2361 Hensley/HB2220 Sexton C -- Report on the implementation of the 

Tennessee Prescription Safety Act of 2016. – Amended and passed, this bill authorizes 

a pharmaceutical manufacturer or its representatives to engage in truthful promotion 

of off-label uses. 

SB2405 Kyle/HB2606 Hardaway -- Requires department of children’s services to 

develop instruction guidelines for child safety programs. 

Requires the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to develop instructional 

guidelines for child safety training programs for members of professions that frequently 

deal with children who may be at risk of abuse no later than January 1, 2019. Requires DCS 

to work with any licensing board that creates a child safety training program to ensure the 

program accurately reflects best practices for identifying and reporting child abuse. 

SB2413 Kyle/HB2448 Thompson -- Study on hepatitis C screening as a mandated 

health insurance benefit. Requires the commissioner of commerce and insurance to 

study issues concerning the inclusion of screening for the hepatitis C virus as a part 

of preventive services or as a mandated health insurance benefit for health insurance 

entities. Studies the benefits and costs of broad based targeted screening for the 

hepatitis C virus. Requires the commissioner to report to the Health committee of the 

House of Representatives and the Health and Welfare Committee of the senate on or 

before January 15, 2019. 

SB2513 Ketron/HB2167 Ramsey -- Recognition of hospitals with stroke-related 

designations. 

Requires the board for licensing health care facilities to establish a procedure for 

recognizing hospitals that have stroke-related designations. Recognizes a hospital as a 

stroke-related designation if the hospital has an active certification as a comprehensive 

stroke center, primary stroke center, at acute stroke-ready hospital capable of providing 

• Include photo of Honored Nurse (if available) with contribution form or email to tnf@tnaonline.org. Photo requirements: 

digital photo that has been taken at a high resolution of 300 dpi (which equates into setting the digital camera to take the largest file 

size possible) or an actual commercially printed photograph, (we cannot accept photographs that have been printed on a desktop 

printer) 

• Send notification of gift to: 

(Name) (Street) (City) (State) (Zip) 

SUBMIT COMPLETED FORM TO: TNF • 545 Mainstream Dr., Ste. 405 • Nashville, TN 37228 • Fax: 615-254-0303 • Phone: 615-254-0350 

neuroendovascular treatment. Authorizes the board to remove reference to facility’s 

stroke-related designation if a hospital does not comply with board established 

procedures. Establishes guidelines for pre-hospital assessment, treatment, education, 

and transport of patients. 

Senate amendment 1 clarifies that the emergency medical services board’s 

rules establishing protocol guidelines for evidence-based pre-hospital assessment, 

treatment, education, and transport of stroke patients will apply to “emergency medical 

providers” instead of “emergency medical responders.” 

SB2674 Bailey/HB2348 Williams -- Prescribing of opioids to non-pregnant women 

of child-bearing age. – As amended and passed, prior to prescribing more than a threeday 

supply of an opioid or an opioid dosage that exceeds a total of a 180 morphine 

milligram equivalent dose to a woman of childbearing age, to: (1) Advise the patient 

of the risk associated with opioid use during pregnancy; (2) Counsel the patient on 

appropriate and effective forms of birth control; and (3) Offer information about 

the availability of free or reduced cost birth control to the patient. This amendment 

defines “a woman of childbearing age” to mean any woman between the ages of 15 

and 44. This amendment will not apply if: (1) The prescriber has previously taken all 

actions required by item (1) above with respect to the patient within the past three 

months; or (2) The prescriber reasonably believes that the patient is not capable of 

becoming pregnant. If the patient is under 18 years of age, the physician may satisfy 

this amendment by advising, counseling, and providing information to the parent 

or guardian instead of the patient. This provision does not prohibit a physician from 

advising, counseling, and providing information directly to the patient if not otherwise 

prohibited by law. This amendment requires the department of health to develop and 

publish guidance to assist prescribers of opioids in complying with the requirements 

of this amendment. Under present law, it is a Class D felony for any person to fail to 

provide any notification required under any regulations regarding controlled substances 

or the Tennessee Drug Control Act. This amendment specifies that a physician who fails 

to provide the above information will not be guilty of a felony and will only be subject 

to a civil penalty assessed by the physician’s licensing board, and only in cases involving 

a pattern of willful failure to comply. 

Now that the business of the 110th general assembly has concluded, legislators have 

returned to their home districts and it’s time to begin the work of campaigning and 

making ready for the August primary and November general elections. As a reminder, 

this year 18 Senate seats and all 99 seats of the House will be up for election, as well 

as those who are seeking to become Tennessee’s next Governor. TNA continues to 

encourage members to become more involved with the legislative process, as well as 

make plans to reach out to their local legislators. It is vital that nurses let their voices 

be heard across the state, after all, nurses in Tennessee are one of the largest voting 

groups in the state. 

As you begin to make plans for the summer and fall, please be mindful of the 2018 

TNA/TSNA Joint Conference, October 26-28, at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. 

This year’s theme “The Year of Advocacy – Nurses – Inspire-Innovate-Influence – 

Bedside and Beyond.” Online registration available now. Hope to see you there!


Foundation 

Invest in your practice, your patients, and your career. 

Many members will tell you they are where they are 

today because of their relationship with TNA and its’ 

members! Join the TNA and ANA Network Today! 

Tennessee Nurses Association Membership Application 

545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405 • Nashville, TN 37228-1296 • Phone: 615-254-0350 • Fax: 615-254-0303 

Please type or print clearly. Please mail your completed application with payment to TNA, 545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405, Nashville, TN 37228-1296 

Last Name First Name Middle Initial 

Street or PO Box Number 

Nickname 

City State Zip County 

Last Four Digits of Social Security Number 

Email 

Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone 

Home Fax Work Fax Pager 

Employed at 

as 

Employer’s Address 

Academic Degree(s) 

Certification(s) 

Graduation from basic nursing program (Month/Year / RN License # _______________________________Date of Birth 

PERSON WHO REFERRED YOU TO TNA: 

REFERRAL’S EMAIL: 

Membership Categories (please choose one category) 

/ / 

ANA/TNA Full Membership Dues 

Employed full or part-time $24.67 per month or 

$290.00 annually. Includes membership in and 

benefits of the American Nurses Association, 

Tennessee Nurses Association and the TNA 

District Association. 

ANA/TNA Reduced Membership Dues 

Newly-licensed graduates (first 2 years), not 

employed, RNs who are full-time students, or age 

62+ and not earning more than Social Security 

allows. $12.59 per month or $145 annually. 

Includes membership in and benefits of the 

American Nurses Association, Tennessee Nurses 

Association and the TNA District Association. 

ANA/TNA Special Membership Dues 

62+ and not employed, or totally disabled. $6.54 

per month or $72.50 annually. Includes 

membership in and benefits of the American 

Nurses Association, Tennessee Nurses 

Association and the TNA District Association. 

TNA Individual Membership Dues 

Any licensed registered nurse living and/or 

working in Tennessee. $17.09 per month or 

$199.00 annually. Includes membership in and 

benefits of the Tennessee Nurses Association 

and the TNA District Association. 

American Nurses Association Direct Membership is also available. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org. 

Communications Consent 

I understand that by providing my mailing address, email address, telephone number and/or fax numbers, I consent to receive communications sent by or on behalf of the Tennessee 

Nurses Association (and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including its Foundation, Districts and Political Action Committee) via regular mail, email, telephone, and/or fax. 

Signature 

Date 

Do you work at the VA? 

Join TNA today for only 

$11.15 a pay period. 

Check Payroll Deduction on the lower right-hand side of 

the TNA Membership application. A TNA staff member 

will send you a payroll deduction form to take to the 

VA payroll department to setup your TNA membership 

dues plan. It’s that simple. You will never miss $11.15 

from your paycheck and you will have gained so much 

in return. If you have any questions, call 615-254-0350. 

TNA also has Payroll Deduction Dues plans set up at the: 

Regional Medical Center – Memphis 

@ $12.08 per pay period 

 

 

 

TO BE COMPLETED BY TNA STAFF State: District: Expiration Month: Year: 

Membership Status: 

Membership Type: 

Bill Method: 

1. New 

1. Full (100%) 

1. A 

Amount Enclosed: 

2. Renewal 

2. Reduced (50%) 

2. EFT 

Amount Discounted: 

3. Reinstated 

3. Special (25%) 

3. CCM 

Approved By: 

SUMMER 

4. TNA Individual 

4. PD 

Today’s Date: 

SIGNATURE REQUIRED BELOW 

Automatic Monthly Payment Options 

This is to authorize monthly electronic payments to 

American Nurses Association, Inc. (ANA). By signing on the 

line, I authorize TNA/ANA to withdraw 1/12 of my annual 

dues and any additional service fees from my account. 

Automatic Monthly Payment Authorization Signature 

By signing the Automatic Monthly Payment Authorization you are 

authorizing ANA to change the amount by giving the undersigned 

thirty (30) days advance written notice. Undersigned may cancel 

this authorization upon receipt by ANA of written notification of 

termination twenty (20) days prior to deduction date designated 

below. Membership will continue unless this notification is 

received. ANA will charge a $5.00 fee for any returned drafts or 

CHECKING ACCOUNT: Please enclose a check for the 

first month’s payment, which will be drafted on or after the 

15th day of each month using the account designated by 

the enclosed check. 

CREDIT/DEBIT CARD: Please complete the credit 

card information at right and this credit card will 

be debited on or after the 1st of each month (VISA and 

MasterCard Only on monthly draft plan). 

 

 

DUES PAYMENT OPTIONS 

(please choose one) 

Annual Payment 

Make check payable to TNA or fill out credit card information 

below. 

Dues....................................................... $ 

Optional 

TNPAC Contribution.................................. $ 

TN Nurses Foundation (TNF) Contribution.... $ 

Total Dues and Contributions...................... $ 

Charge to My Credit/Debit Card 

VISA 

American Express 

MasterCard Discover 

Number 

Exp. date 

Signature 

 

 

Payroll Deduction 

This payment plan is available only where 

there is an agreement between your 

employer and the association to make 

such deduction. 

PARTICIPATING AGENCIES 

VA - Nashville, Memphis, Mountain Home, 

Murfreesboro 

Regional Medical Center - Memphis 

Signature for Payroll Deduction 

Authorization to Bill My Employer 

Company 

Contact Person 

Street or PO Box 

A Higher Degree 

of Care 

City State Zip 

(Many employers pay professional dues. TNA’s educational 

programs alone justify it. Ask your employer.) 

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

• Accelerated BSN for Second-Degree Students 

• RN to BSN 

• Associate degree to BSN dual degree 

• LPN to BSN 

• Master of Science in Nursing 

• Post-Master’s Certificates 

• PhD in Nursing 

• Doctor of Nursing Practice 

(BSN or MSN to DNP) 

• Post-Doctoral Certificates 

• Professional Development Programs 

Many graduate and undergraduate programs are available online. 

ETSU.edu/nursing 

888-37-NURSE

Bradford 

Health Services 

About 

Bradford Health Services has been helping Tennessee nurses 

heal for decades. Bradford’s Healthcare Professional’s program 

is designed to help nurses and other medical professionals 

resolve issues surrounding their chemical dependency and the 

unique difficulties faced when reentering practice. 

Approach 

Bradford’s innovative approach includes these 

key program components 

• Multi-disciplinary Evaluation 

• Relapse Prevention Therapy 

• Desensitization Group 

• Trauma Recovery Group 

• Grief and Loss Group 

• Adventure-Based Therapy 

Preparing Leaders. Promoting Health. 

For over 50 years, LCON has been committed to the preparation of nursing professionals who share a 

common goal of promoting health of the global community. 

Ranked #15 on U.S. News & World Report, Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs 

Assistant/Associate Professor 

The Loewenberg College of Nursing invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track position as 

Assistant/Associate Professor. The following minimum qualifications are desired: 

The program addresses 

• realities of the work place 

• demands and pressures that contribute to stress 

• burn out 

• depression 

• alcohol and drug abuse 

The goal is patient recovery and the successful 

return to professional practice. 

For confidential help call us at 1-800-333-1865 

or visit us at www.bradfordhealth.com 

• Earned PhD or Doctorate in nursing or related field from an accredited school; eligible if near completion of 

a doctoral degree study; 

• Tenure-track positions require a research doctorate in nursing or a related field, with a record of funded 

research or demonstrated potential for developing a program of research; 

• Preference given for individuals with established programs of research and publications, as well as, clinical 

expertise in the areas of Health Equity, Adult Health, Mental Health, Acute Care, Gerontology, Community 

Health and/or APRN; 

• Previous teaching experience at graduate program level preferred; 

• Two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent, clinical experience as a practicing registered nurse and/or teaching 

expertise in mental health, acute care or FNP; 

• A current, unrestricted RN licensure in the State of Tennessee and/or eligibility for licensure in Tennessee. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and will remain open until the position is filled. Rank, 

tenure, and salary are competitive and commensurate with professional background and experience. 

The University of Memphis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Appointment will be 

based on qualifications as they relate to position requirements without regard to race, color, 

national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. 

For more information and to apply, visit our website at https://workforum.memphis.edu/postings/16497. 

Excellent 

Nursing Career 

Opportunities 

Available in our 

Kingsport, TN 

Hospital 

Opening 

Fall of 2018 

Employee Focused Benefits 

• Sign on Bonus Available for 

Qualified Applicants 

• New Integrated Orientation and 

On-boarding Process 

• Clinical Ladder for Career 

Development 

• Experienced Peers and Coworkers 

• 12 Hour Shifts 

Looking for the Best and the Brightest 

• Patient Focused Nurses 

• Nurses That Understand Mental Health Issues 

and Physical Health Conditions in Patients 

• Nurses that are Critical Thinkers 

• Nurses that are Solution Oriented 

• Nurses that Participate in the Team Approach 

Creekside Behavioral Health 

Email direct inquiries to MakeADifference@strategicbh.com 

Apply online at: www.creeksidebh.com

Tennessee Nurse - June 2018

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