2018 TNA and TSNA Joint Annual Conference

Embassy Suites - SE Murfreesboro 

JOINT ANNUAL 

Oct. 

26-28, 

2018 

TNA & 

TSNA 

CONFERENCE 

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

2018 TNA-TSNA JOINT CONFERENCE | ADVOCACY IN ACTION 

Advocacy in Action 

October 26-28. 2018 

Murfreesboro, TN Embassy Suites SE-Murfreesboro 

Table of Contents 

Welcome from the TNA President ..................................................................3 

Welcome from the TNA Executive Director ..........................................................5 

Welcome from the Tennessee Student Nurses Association ............................................9 

TNA Conference Schedule .........................................................................11 

TSNA Conference Schedule .......................................................................19 

Embassy Suites Floor Plan Meeting Rooms .........................................................23 

General Announcements .........................................................................27 

Meet Our Keynote and Plenary Speakers ...........................................................29 

Meet the Presenters ..............................................................................31 

Tennessee Nurses Political Action Committee (TNPAC) ..............................................39 

2018 Membership Assembly Rules and Information ...................................................41 

110 th Membership Assembly Agenda ...............................................................42 

Disclosures to Participants, Continuing Nursing Education Instructions ................................43 

Introduction to Robert’s Rules of Order ............................................................44 

2015-2017 Legislative and Health Policy Statements .................................................49 

Nightingale Tribute & Memoriam ..................................................................56 

TNA Board of Directors & Staff ...................................................................58 

2018 Slate of Candidates .........................................................................59 

Poster Abstracts ................................................................................67 

TNA Financials ..................................................................................90 

TNA Leadership Opportunities ....................................................................93 

Area of Interest Form ............................................................................94 

TNA Past Presidents .............................................................................95 

Tennessee Nurses Foundation (TNF) – Mission – Goals – Initiatives ....................................96 

TNF Board of Trust Roster ........................................................................97 

TNA Member Benefits ...........................................................................98 

TNA 2019 Events ...............................................................................100 

Printed and Published for the Tennessee Nurses Association by: 

Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency 

517 Washington, P.O. Box 216, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 • (319) 277-2414 

www.tnaonline.org 

Published by: 

Arthur L. Davis 

Publishing Agency, Inc. 

1


Welcome from the TNA President 

Haley Vance, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC 

On Behalf of the Tennessee Nurses Association Board of Directors & Staff, I want to 

welcome you to the 2018 Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) & Tennessee Student 

Nurses Association (TSNA) Joint Annual Conference. 

This year’s conference theme is “Advocacy in Action”. What an amazing opportunity 

we have as nurses to inspire, innovate, and influence both the profession of nursing 

and the patients that we care for. Many long hours have gone in to planning 

conference this year to provide you with intentional and thoughtful time for open 

dialogue regarding issues here in Tennessee, excellent continuing education, poster 

sessions, and networking opportunities. 

We have many distinguished guests joining us this year. Susan Hassmiller, RN, PhD, FAAN from the Robert 

Wood Johnson Foundation will kick us off on Friday afternoon sharing her first-hand experience with the 

current healthcare system. Our keynote speaker on Saturday is Mary Jo Assi, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, 

FAAN , the Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Press Ganey. She will lead us and inspire us to focus on 

providing compassionate and connected care. Our closing speaker on Sunday is Rozanne Filson, BBA who 

serves as an Account Executive in the Healthcare Division of Aon’s Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. Her 

expertise on healthcare risk management and insurance-related topics will provide practical strategies and 

information for preventing malpractice in our day-to-day practices. 

Though politics may not be everyone’s first love, knowing the individuals that represent us is important. We 

look forward to hearing from our TN Gubernatorial candidates – Bill Lee (R) and Karl Dean (D) – regarding 

their priorities for the upcoming years. 

This will be our first conference with our new Executive Director, Tina Gerardi. She has traveled the state 

over the past 8 months connecting with and engaging nurses from all our TNA districts. If you have not had 

the privilege to meet her, please take this opportunity to do so. She is fabulous and truly devoted to the 

profession of nursing! 

Many of you may know that Wilhelmina Davis is retiring. We could never adequately thank her for the ten 

amazing years of service she has given to Government Affairs for TNA. 

I look forward to meeting and interacting with you throughout the weekend! Welcome to conference! 

Sincerely, 

Haley Vance 

3


Welcome from the Executive Director 

Tina Gerardi, MS, RN, CAE 

Welcome to the 2018 Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) & Tennessee Student 

Nurses Association (TSNA) Joint Conference. I am so excited to be attending my first 

Membership Assembly and Annual Conference as the executive director of TNA. I am 

confident that we will learn together, exchange ideas, chart the course for nursing 

for the upcoming year, share our stories and our wisdom with our colleagues and the 

future of nursing, our students. I think we can also have some fun along the way! 

This year’s theme, Advocacy in Action, recognizes the advocate in every registered 

nurse. Whether at the bedside, in the classroom, in the board room, or in the Capitol, 

each day we advocate for quality patient care, quality nursing practice, quality nursing 

education, quality nursing research, quality nursing leadership, and quality health for all Tennesseans. Our 

opening plenary speaker Sue Hassmiller and our keynote speaker Mary Jo Assi will share the need for 

compassion as we advocate for our practice and our patients. Our closing plenary speaker, Roxane Filson 

will highlight the need to be vigilant in assuring safe nursing practice in our daily work. 

In addition to the educational opportunities, the Membership Assembly will convene to do the work of the 

Association – setting direction and priorities for the upcoming year. TNA will also elect new members of 

the board of directors, support the work of the Tennessee Nurses Foundation and the Tennessee Nurses 

Political Action Committee, and confer awards on outstanding nurses from across the state. 

I look forward to meeting you and working together to make TNA the unifying voice for nursing in Tennessee. 

2018 Conference Planning Committee 

This year’s conference has been diligently planned under the direction of Jenny Webb 

(TNA Board Director of Education) and our 2018 Conference Planning Committee. 

Please thank the following individuals for their yearlong 

effort in planning our annual conference: 

Shante Addy 

Trish Baise 

Diane Cunningham 

Wilhelmina Davis 

Kathryn Denton 

Sharon Hinton 

Carla Kirkland 

Anne Mitchell 

Kamiko Ritchey 

5

JOIN TENNOVA FOR A 

REWARDING REGISTERED 

NURSE CAREER! 

We are looking for hard working, 

dependable applicants that will make 

a difference for our patients and hospitals. 

Full benefits package for full-time 

and part-time positions includes: 

Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, 

Flex Spending Account, Life and 

Disability, and more. Vacation, sick, 

holiday and personal day for full-time 

and part-time. 

Healthy sign-on bonuses available-based 

on experience, location and position shift. 

Natural Progression pay for 1-5 years of 

nursing experience. Clinical Advancement 

program available. 

Apply at: www.Tennova.com 

Or forward your resume to: 

kristie.owenby@tennova.com


7


Welcome from the TSNA President 

Kamiko Ritchey, BSN, RN 

Welcome to the 2018 TNA and TSNA Annual Joint Conference. I would like to 

personally thank you for attending this conference and your dedication to our 

association, as well as your commitment to the field of nursing. Becoming a nurse is 

one of the most challenging and most rewarding opportunities. 

Tennessee Student Nurses Association (TSNA) allows you to: 

• meet people all over the state that have one thing in common, nursing. 

• connect with people that are enduring the same schooling, clinicals, and busy 

schedules. 

• gain perspectives from other nursing students 

• recognize the difference in other programs around the state and some of the different things they are 

doing in their schools 

• create a sense of community 

• gain professionalism and knowledge of nursing as a whole 

• acquire information about state laws currently in action and those soon to be in action 

Nursing changes daily, and we are fortunate enough to have an organization like TSNA to be a part of the 

change, and create a platform to voice our own opinions toward nursing issues that matter most. TNA’s 

Legislative Summit is held annually, usually in April, in Nashville, TN and is a great place to expand on 

knowledge and topics related to current legislation in nursing. 

Becoming a member of the TSNA is one of the greatest decisions you’ve already made, or will make. You 

have the chance to be a part of something great and make a difference for future nurses, like yourself. This 

is an organization that links people by connecting schools and students all over the state, and gives you the 

opportunities and resources to enhance your future. 

At conference, you will have the opportunity to hear from nursing professionals around the state, learn 

about hot topics in nursing, meet local vendors and others from across the nation, and take part in an 

NCLEX review! Thank you for joining TNA and TSNA. We’re glad you’re here! 

9


Tennessee Nurses Association 

Conference Schedule* 

*Schedule subject to change without notice 

Friday, October 26 Activity/Event Location Contact Hours 

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. TNA Registration Open Foyer 

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Silent Auction Open Mirabella A 

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. First Time Attendees Orientation Oakleigh A-B 

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Membership Assembly Oakleigh A-B 

TNA Candidates Forum 

12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Lunch Oakleigh A-B 

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Opening Session Oakleigh A-B 1.0 Contact Hours 

Compassion in Care: The Rule, 

Not the Exception 

Susan B. Hassmiller, RN, PhD, FAAN 

Senior Advisor for Nursing 

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Students encouraged to attend 

2:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Issues Forum Oakleigh A-B 3.0 Contact Hours 

Past Presidents Forum 

Break 

Legislative Forum with 

Gubernatorial Candidates (invited) 

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Welcome Reception & Exhibits Mirabella E-F 

DJ & Costume Contest 

Saturday, October 27 

7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration Open Foyer 

7:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. Early Morning Dance Party Private Dining Room B 

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Poster Set-Up Oakleigh C 

Black font indicates TNA activity/event (students are welcome to attend) 

Red font indicates TNA CE activity 

11


Saturday, October 27 Activity/Event Location Contact Hours 

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Sunrise Snack Oakleigh A-B 

7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. TNF Silent Auction Open Mirabella A 

8:10 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Live Music by Trevor Martin Oakleigh A-B 

8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Membership Assembly Oakleigh A-B 

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Break Foyer 

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Concurrent Session A Oakleigh C 1.0 Contact Hour 

Poster Presentations 

Presenters will be available to answer 

questions or discuss poster content 

Concurrent Session B Mirabella B 1.0 Contact Hour 

Effects of Bullying on Emotional 

Well-Being as Described by 

Non-Tenured University Faculty 

Leslie Reed Brietenmoster 

Concurrent Session C Mirabella D 1.0 Contact Hour 

Enabling Nurse Driven 

Documentation Redesign 

Deborah Ariosto 

11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Transition to Lunch 

11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Exhibits & Schools of 

Nursing Luncheon 

Mirabella E-F 

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Concurrent Session D Oakleigh A-B 1.0 Contact Hour 

Teaching Nursing Students 

How to “Care”: Mission to Haiti 

Sarah Pierce 

Concurrent Session E Mirabella B 1.0 Contact Hour 

How Soon is Early? Implications of 

Palliative Care Consultation Timing 

Among A Cohort of Hospice Decedents 

Samuel Robbins 

Concurrent Session F Mirabella D 1.0 Contact Hour 

Keeping Staff Safe in the Acute 

Psychiatric/Behavioral Health Setting 

Sarah Gunnin/Dixie Waye 



13



3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Concurrent Session G Oakleigh A-B 1.0 Contact Hour 

Evaluation of Distress Tolerance and 

Treatment Retention in Women in 

Recovery for Substance Use Disorders 

Tamika Hudson 

Concurrent Session H Mirabella B 1.0 Contact Hour 

The Potential Impact of Adverse 

Childhood Experiences (ACE): 

Recognition and Early Intervention 

Tamara Bland/Nan Gaylord 

Concurrent Session I Mirabella D 1.0 Contact Hour 

A Primer on Preeclampsia for 

the Primary Care Provider 

Diane Folk 

4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Break Foyer 

Visit Posters for Self Study CE 

Oakleigh C 

4:30 p.m. Silent Auction Closes Mirabella A 

4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Membership Assembly Oakleigh A-B 

TNPAC Auction 

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Keynote Session Oakleigh A-B 1.0 Contact Hour 

Building Compassion into Every 

Day Practice: What Every Nurse 

Needs to Know 

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

NEA-BC, FAAN 

Associate Chief Nursing Officer 

Press Ganey 

Students Encouraged to Attend 

6:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. TNA Achievement Awards Oakleigh A-B 

7:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. TNA Awards Reception Mirabella E 

7:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. TNF Silent Auction 

Payment & Pick up 

Mirabella A 



15


Sunday, October 28 Activity/Event Location Contact Hours 

7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Early Morning Dance Party Private Dining B 

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Sunrise Meditation/Reflection Time Mirabella D 

7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Visit Posters for Self Study CE Oakleigh C 

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Sunrise Snack Foyer 

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. TNA Registration Open Foyer 

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Voting for TNA Elections Mirabella B 

8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. First Time Attendee Debriefing Oakleigh A-B 

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Concurrent Session J Oakleigh A-B 1.0 Contact Hour 

Pediatric Sleep Apnea 

(aka: Sleep Disorder Breathing) 

Hiding Behind Common Medical 

Diagnosis 

Stacy Whitehead 

Concurrent Session K Mirabella B 1.0 Contact Hour 

Having the Conversation: Assessing 

Patient’s Goals and Wishes 

Michelle Rickard 

Concurrent Session L Mirabella D 1.0 Contact Hour 

A Step Ahead: A Unique Program 

Preventing Unplanned Pregnancies 

in Tennessee 

Michelle R. Collins/ 

Jennifer Matthews/Kellie Mitchell 


Breakdown and Remove Posters 

Oakleigh C 

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Closing Plenary Session Oakleigh A-B 1.0 Contact Hour 

Errors Happen! Malpractice 

Case Studies 

Roxanne Filson, BBA 

Nursing Service Organization 

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Membership Assembly/Adjournment Oakleigh A-B 

Students Encouraged to Attend 

The Tennessee Nurses Association is an approved provider of continuing education by the South 

Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s 

Commission on Accreditation. 



17


Tennessee Student Nurses Association 

Conference Schedule* 

*Schedule subject to change without notice 

Friday, October 26 Activity/Event Location Contact Hours 

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Opening Session Oakleigh A-B 

Compassion in Care: The Rule, 

Not the Exception 


Senior Advisor for Nursing 

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. TSNA Board of Directors Meeting Broadlands A-B 

3:00 p.m. – 5 p.m. TSNA Registration Open Foyer 

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. TSNA House of Delegates Meeting Broadlands A-B 

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Welcome Reception & Exhibits Mirabella E-F 

DJ & Costume Contest 

Saturday, October 27 

7:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. Early Morning Dance Party Private Dining Room B 


8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. TSNA Registration Open Foyer 

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. TSNA Meeting 

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. NCLEX Review Part 1 Broadlands A-B 

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Poster Presentations Oakleigh C 

11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Exhibits & Schools of 

Nursing Luncheon 

Mirabella E-F 

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. NCLEX Review Part 2 Broadlands A-B 

3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Panel of Speakers/Resume Writing Broadlands A-B 

5:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Break Foyer 

Black font indicates TNA and TSNA activity/event 

Lilac font indicates TSNA activity 

19

For inquiries, visit tiny.utk.edu/tnayearbook2018



5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Keynote Session Oakleigh A-B 1.0 Contact Hour 

Building Compassion into Every 

Day Practice: What Every Nurse 

Needs to Know 

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

NEA-BC, FAAN 

Associate Chief Nursing Officer 

Press Ganey 

6:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Candidate Speeches and Q&A Broadlands A-B 

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Student Outing 

8:00 p.m. Voting Opens Online 

Sunday, October 28 

7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Early Morning Dance Party Private Dining B 

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Sunrise Meditation/Reflection Time Mirabella D 


9:00 a.m. Voting Closes Online 

9:00 a.m. – 10 a.m. TSNA Meeting Broadlands A-B 


10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Closing Plenary Session Oakleigh A-B 

Errors Happen! Malpractice 

Case Studies 


Nursing Service Organization 

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. TSNA Meeting Broadlands A-B 

12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. House of Delegates/ 

Officer Transition 

Broadlands A-B 

Black font indicates TNA and TSNA activity/event 

Lilac font indicates TSNA activity 

21


Embassy Suites Meeting Rooms 

Anatole 

Room 

Located in the East 

Side of Hotel 

Churchill 

Boardroom 

Wynthrope 

Boardroom 

The Reserve 

Boardroom 

Cambridge 

A 

Cambridge 

B 

Broadlands 

A 

Broadlands 

B 

Oakleigh 

A 

A 

Mirabella Grand Ballroom 

G 

Oakleigh 

B 

B 

E F 

H 

C 

I 

Oakleigh 

C 

D 

J 

22


General Announcements 

Welcome to the 2018 TNA & TSNA Joint Conference. Please follow the conference schedule so you don’t 

miss any of our planned activities, events, educational sessions or Membership Assembly meetings. Please 

greet and make welcome the new members and first-time attendees to our conference. New members have 

lavender ribbons and First Timers have turquoise ribbons. 

Donations for the Tennessee Nurses Foundation Silent Auction can be accepted up until 11 a.m. on Saturday. 

Donations can be dropped off in the Mirabella A room. 

There is no assigned seating for any general sessions, plenary speakers, or the keynote held in Oakleigh 

A-B, but please sit near the front of the room to make our speakers feel welcome. However, during the 

Membership Assembly business sessions it is important that you sit in the designated area for TNA 

members and non-members. This is necessary for voting on any issues brought forward during the 

business meeting. 

Not a TNA member? Join TNA now and receive $29 off your Full membership annual dues. Don’t miss out 

on this opportunity to become part of the Voice for all nurses in Tennessee. 

To receive the 1.0 contact hour for attending the poster presentations, you must visit ten posters. Poster 

presenters will be present during Concurrent Session A on Saturday morning to answer questions or 

discuss poster content. You will be able to do poster self-study during other times throughout Saturday 

and Sunday morning. 

Registration Hours 

Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Sunday: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. 

VOTE on Sunday 

Vote Sunday morning between 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. in 

Mirabella B. Election results will be announced during 

the closing Membership Assembly session beginning 

at 11:30 a.m. 

23


Meet the Keynote and Plenary Speakers 

Friday 

Opening Plenary Speaker 


1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m 

Saturday 

Keynote Speaker 

Susan Hassmiller is the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Senior Advisor 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. 

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

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m 

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. 

Sunday 

Closing Plenary Speaker 


10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 

Roxanne Filson is an Account Executive in the Healthcare Division of Aon’s Affinity 

Insurance Services Inc. Roxanne works with over 30 national, state, and specialty 

healthcare professional organizations as Affinity Insurance Services’ primary day-today 

contact. Roxanne has been part of the Affinity team for five years and frequently 

presents at professional organization meetings on healthcare risk management and 

other insurance-related topics. Errors Happen! Malpractice Case Studies will be a 

review of the nature of claims, injuries and outcomes from both a risk and a fiscal 

perspective. Roxanne will also review claim scenarios as a didactic tool with a focus 

on risk management. Roxanne graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration 

degree in International Business and is currently enrolled at Colorado State University 

to obtain her M.B.A. 

25


Saturday 

2018 Presenters 

Effects of Bullying on Emotional Well-Being as Described 

by Non-Tenured University Faculty 

Presenter: Dr. Leslie Reed Brietenmoser, PhD, MSN, RN, 

AHN-BC, ADS, CHT, CCAP, CMTP, HTPA 

Associate Professor 

School of Nursing 

Austin Peay State University 

Enabling Nurse Driven Documentation Redesign 

Presenter: Deborah Ariosto, PhD, RN-BC 

Director, Nursing Analytics 

Patient Care Informatics 

Clinical Assistant Professor, 

School of Nursing 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center 

Teaching Nursing Students How to “Care”: Mission to Haiti 

Presenter: Sarah Pierce, DNP, AGACNP-BC, CCRN, PLNC 

Assistant Professor of Nursing 

Freed Hardeman University 

27

LEARN • SHARE • CARE 

OMNI HOTEL, NASHVILLE, TN 

NOVEMBER 16, 2018 

REGISTER AT 

An opportunity for healthcare providers, patients and caregivers to learn about 

the latest treatments, resources and research to help those living with lung 

disease lead healthier, active lives. CEUs for nurses and respiratory therapists. 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT YOU! 

LPNs • RNs 

To apply, send resume to: Hillary Sharp, SHRM-CP 

Phone: (270) 762-1902, Fax: (270) 762-1905 or 

E-mail: hhsharp@murrayhospital.org 

OR, visit our web site at www.murrayhospital.org and apply there! 

EOE 

Questions? 

Call 615-510-3553 

The Best Care - The Best Careers 

VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System 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! 

NursingALD.com 

can point you right to that perfect 

NURSING JOB! 

NursingALD.com 

Free to Nurses 

Privacy Assured 

Easy to Use 

For more information, contact: 

Melissa Littman, RN, BSN, 

Nurse Recruiter, 615.225.3608; by email 

at Melissa.Littman@va.gov; or, apply 

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

E-mailed Job Leads 

Opportunities Afforded 

in Nursing 

Advance Your Career! 

RN - BSN Online Contact Dr. Carol Murch, cmurch@murraystate.edu 

BSN Contact the School of Nursing, 270.809.2193 

Advanced Practice DNP Options: 

Family Nurse Practitioner • Nurse Anesthesia • Post-Master’s DNP Program 

Contact: 

Dina Byers, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, 270.809.6223 or dbyers@murraystate.edu 

« More than 20 years experience in educating advanced practice 

nurses to meet the complex health care needs of society. 

« Strong faculty committed to excellence in education and practice. 

murraystate.edu/nursing 

Equal education and employment opportunities M/F/D, AA employer


How Soon is Early? Implications of Palliative Care Consultation 

Timing Among A Cohort of Hospice Decedents 

Presenter: Sam Robbins, DNP ACHPN 

Assistant in Medicine 

Outpatient Palliative Care 

Palliative Care and Internal Medicine 


Keeping Staff Safe in the Acute Psychiatric/Behavioral Health Setting 

Presenter: Sarah Gunnin, BSN, RN 

Nurse Manager 

Poplar Unit 

Woodridge Psychiatric Hospital 

Co-Presenter: Dixie Waye, RN 

Nurse Manager 

Spruce/Willow Units 

Evaluation of Distress Tolerance and Treatment Retention in 

Women in Recovery for Substance Use Disorders 

Presenter: Tamika S. Hudson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C 

Instructor in Nursing 

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing 

Nursing Director 

Vanderbilt Program in Interprofessional Learning 

29

TENNESSEE CENTER FOR HEALTH 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 

WE CARE ABOUT NURSING 

Faculty approaching 

retirement 

Inadequate faculty 

compensation 

No clear educational path 

to academia 

Lack of clinical instruction 

sites 

Insufficient simulation 

facilities 

Poor work-life balance 

Generational differences 

Compassion fatigue 

We take a collaborative approach to issues in the nursing field. Applying the principles of 

community impact, we work with CNOs, deans, directors, employers, students and professionals 

to address these challenges and remove barriers that limit growth.


The Potential Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE): 

Recognition and Early Intervention 

Presenter: Tami Bland, DNP, CPNP-PC 

Coordinator, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program 

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing 

Co-Presenter: Nan Gaylord, PhD, RN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN 

Professor 

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 

College of Nursing 

A Primer on Preeclampsia for the Primary Care Provider 

Presenter: Diane Folk, DNP, CNM, NP 

Faculty Nurse Midwifery Education Program 


Sunday 

Pediatric Sleep Apnea (aka: Sleep Disorder Breathing) 

Hiding Behind Common Medical Diagnosis 

Presenter: Stacy Whitehead, DNP, APRN, FNP-C 

Nurse Practitioner 

Cardiology Center of Dalton 

31


Having the Conversation: Assessing Patient’s Goals and Wishes 

Presenter: Michelle Rickard, DNP, CPNP-AC, CHPPN, BMTCN 

Assistant Professor 

University of Tennessee Health Science Center 

Coordinator of Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Option 

A Step Ahead; a Unique Program Preventing Unplanned Pregnancies in Tennessee 

Presenter: Michelle Collins, Ph.D, CNM, FACNM, FAAN 

Professor, Program Director 

Nurse-Midwifery Education Program 


Co-Presenter: Jennifer Matthews 

Executive Director 

A Step Ahead Foundation of Middle Tennessee 

Co-Presenter: Kellie Mitchell, MPH, CHES 

Director of Strategic and Affiliate Operations 

A Step Ahead Foundation of Middle Tennessee 

33


34


2018 TNA District Basket 

Challenge and Auction 

REMINDER: All Proceeds Benefit TNPAC 

35


Southwest: Your Best Choice for Nursing 

Your Success Starts Here! 

(901) 333-5425 

www.southwest.tn.edu/nursing 

36


Thanks to the following for their 

contributions and support! 

Sharon Adkins 

Michelle Arwood 

Patricia Baise 

Diana Baker 

Michelle Baldwin 

Bonnie Black 

Jean Blackburn 

Loretta Bond 

Cynthia Borum 

Mary Lynn Brown 

Diane Campbell 

Deb Chyka 

Donna Copenhaver 

Patsy Crithfield 

Gary Crotty 

William Crowe 

Diane Cunningham 

Patricia Cunningham 

Peggy Davis 

Jehan Ellis 

Chita Farrar 

Linda Foster 

Tina Gerardi 

Mary Bess Griffith 

Derenda Hodge 

Alvin Jeffrey 

Jennifer Kitkowski 

Kathleen Jones 

Holly Kimbrell 

Carla Kirkland 

Cheryl Leonard 

Angela Lunsford 

Virginia Massey Holt 

Connie McCarter 

Cathy McKinney 

Middle TN APRN 

Erin Morgan 

Sandy Murabito 

Carole Myers 

Allyson Neal 

Diane Pace 

Dara Rogers 

Christi Schrotberger 

Erin Shankel 

Tracey Stansberry 

Deborah Sullivan 

Cathy Taylor 

TN ACNM Affiliate 

Haley Vance 

Aaron Valasquez 

Raven Wentworth 

West TN NPs 

Tracy Wilson 

ALL TNA DISTRICTS 

October 2017 - September 2018 

37


WHY IS TNPAC 

IMPORTANT? 

Nurses, the largest group of 

health care professionals, 

need legislative support and 

a strong professional voice 

to ensure a quality practice 

environment and excellent 

health care for patients. 

Joining our efforts with other 

nurses through the Tennessee 

Nurses Association and TNPAC 

contributions, nurses can make 

the difference in important 

health care decisions. 

WHY CONTRIBUTE 

TO TNPAC? 

When Tennessee politicians 

gather to make decisions 

about nursing and health care, 

it’s important they hear from 

the experts - Tennessee’s 

nurses. What’s the best way to 

get their attention? Through 

the Tennessee Nurses Political 

Action Committee 

(TNPAC). 

WHAT ARE THE 

BENEFITS? 

When you contribute to 

TNPAC, your funds are used 

to support the election of 

state legislative candidates 

who support nursing and 

quality, cost-effective health 

care. TNPAC’s support is 

given regardless of political 

affilliation, and instead, focuses 

on improving health care. 

TNPAC POLICIES 

When selecting candidates/legislators for financial 

support, TNPAC considers the following criteria, 

regardless of political party. 

Candidate profile and background 

Dynamics of a political race 

Leadership position in a political party 

Political potential 

Leadership position in the Legislature 

Committee assignments and/ 

or chairmanships 

Sponsorship or co-sponsorship 

of key legislation 

Voting records on issues of concern 

to nurses and consumers 

Working relationships with 

nurse constituents 

TNA Lobbyist recommendations 

For additional information, call of write to: Tennessee Nurses Political Action Committee 

545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405 Nashville, TN 37228-1296 • Phone 615.254.0350 • www.tnaonline.org 

39


2018 TNPAC GUBERNATORIAL 

AND LEGISLATIVE FORUM INVITEES 

Karl Dean 

Bill Lee 

Candidate for Governor 

Candidate for Governor 

Kelly Northcutt Candidate for Senate District 13 

Dawn White Candidate for Senate District 13 

Katrina Robinson Candidate for Senate District 33 

Gloria Johnson Candidate for House District 13 

Rep. Eddie Smith Candidate for House District 13 

Jean Marie Lawrence Candidate for House District 26 

Robin Smith Candidate for House District 26 

Esther Helton Candidate for House District 30 

Joda Thongnopnua Candidate for House District 30 

40


2018 Membership Assembly Rules & Information 

Membership Assembly (MA) General Rules of Order 

1. All TNA members may speak. Before addressing the MA, it is necessary to secure the floor by going to a 

nearby microphone. After recognition by the President, the member shall state his or her name and district 

before speaking. 

2. Any TNA member may make motions. 

3. All motions shall be presented to the President in writing on the forms provided. 

4. TNA members shall be limited to three minutes when speaking. 

5. No member who has already had the floor in debate on the immediate pending question shall be entitled to 

the floor a second time until others who wish to be heard on the question have had an opportunity to speak. 

6. The voting body shall consist of the Board of Directors, and TNA members in attendance. 

7. Only the resolves of resolutions/proposals shall be acted upon by the MA. 

8. The President may suspend the Rules in order to allow a nonmember to speak. 

9. All cell phones, pagers and other devices shall be silenced throughout meetings during MA. 

Guidelines for Discussion on Resolutions/Proposals 

1. To facilitate discussion, comments will be limited to three minutes, and no member may speak more than 

once to a question if someone who has not spoken wishes to do so. 

2. Individuals who suggest substantial changes in the wording of any proposal are asked to submit those 

changes in writing before the hearing is adjourned. 

3. Sponsors or the Reference Committee may perfect the resolution/proposal for presentation to the MA 

after completion of the hearings. 

4. The sponsor may withdraw a resolution/proposal at any point in the review process. 

5. Only the resolves of resolutions/proposals shall be acted upon by the MA. 

Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) Credit 

RN participants attending CE sessions will be awarded contact hours. The procedure is as follows: 

1. Complete the CNE Evaluation and leave it in the tray at the registration desk before you leave. 

2. Complete an Attendance Verification of CNE Activity listing the sessions you attend. Participants 

must attend an entire CNE session to receive credit. 

3. Detach the yellow copy of the Attendance Verification form and leave it in the tray at the registration desk. 

4. Retain the white copy for your professional portfolio. 

Registration 

Friday 

Saturday 

Sunday: 

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

7:30a.m. - 9:00 a.m. 

Conference Badges 

All meetings of the conference are open to registered participants. Badges must be worn to gain admission 

to all sessions and activities. Exclusive of invited guests, attendance at any meeting other than the Awards 

Reception, Welcome Reception or School of Nurses Luncheon requires the payment of at least one day’s 

registration. 

41


110th Membership Assembly 

October 26-28, 2018, Embassy Suites SE, Murfreesboro, TN 

Friday, October 26, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance – Haley Vance, TNA President 

Greetings – Haley Vance 

Greetings – Kamiko Richey, TSNA President 

Recognition of members or those with family members in the Armed Forces – Haley Vance 

Introduction of Reference Committee – Alvin Jeffery, Chair 

Adoption of the Membership Assembly Agenda – Haley Vance 

Adoption of Rules of Order – Donna Copenhaver, TNA Secretary 

Treasurer’s Report – Mary Bess Griffith, TNA Treasurer 

Nightingale Tribute/Moment of Silence – Le-Kenya Kellum, TNA Vice President 

Slate of Candidates/Nominations – Diane Butler, Nominating Committee Chair 

Candidate Statements 

Announcements – Tina Gerardi, TNA Executive Director 

Recess – Haley Vance 

Saturday, October 27, 8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. 

Call to Order – Haley Vance 

Singing of The National Anthem – Trevor Martin 

Introduction of Parliamentarian – Haley Vance 

Updates on 2017 Resolutions – Haley Vance 

Introduction of 2018 Resolutions – Alvin Jeffery 

Introduction of Staff – Tina Gerardi 

Executive Director Remarks – Tina Gerardi 

Announcements – Tina Gerardi 


Saturday, October 27, 4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. 


Ongoing Resolutions – Alvin Jeffery 


TNPAC Auction – Sharon Adkins 

Sunday, October 28, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 


Unfinished Business – Haley Vance 

President’s Address – Haley Vance 

Report of Tellers – Diane Butler 

Introduction of New Board Members – Haley Vance 

Board of Directors Oath of Office – Tina Gerardi 

Announcements, PAC and TNF Contributions – Tina Gerardi 

Adjournment – Haley Vance 

SEE YOU IN MEMPHIS, OCTOBER 18-20, 2019 

42


Disclosures to Participants 

Outcome 

Participants will gain knowledge and new tools to integrate into their practice. 

Contact Hour Credit 

Participants at the 2018 TNA & TSNA Joint Conference can earn a maximum of 10-11 contact 

hours for attending. 

Official Accreditation Statement 

The Tennessee Nurses Association is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by South 

Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s 

Commission on Accreditation. 

Requirements for Successful Completion for Continuing Education Credit 

To receive contact hour credit for each session attended, attendees must 

• Visit at least ten posters 

• Be seated in the session room no later than five minutes after it has started. 

• Remain in the session until the scheduled ending time. 

• Complete and submit the Evaluation Form(s) and the Verification of Attendance/Certificate 

Form listing each session attended. Turn in the yellow copy before you leave the conference. 

Conflicts of Interest 

The ANCC has established guidelines whereby all speakers must disclose any affiliations which may 

cause a conflict of interest. 

A Conflict of Interest occurs when an individual has an opportunity to affect educational content about 

health-care products or services of a commercial interest with which she/he has a financial relationship. 

No conflicts of interest were disclosed. 

Commercial Support 

Sponsors have made contributions to Tennessee Nurses Association in support of the 2018 TNA & TSNA 

Joint Conference. See handout included in the conference packet for a final list. 

Non-Endorsement of Products 

The Tennessee Nurses Association’s approved provider status refers only to continuing nursing education 

activities and does not imply that there is real or implied endorsement of any product, service, or company 

referred to in this activity nor of any company subsidizing costs related to the activity. 

Off-label Product Use 

This CNE activity does not include any unannounced information about off-label use of a product for a 

purpose other than that for which it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

43


Introduction to Robert’s Rules of Order 

What Is Parliamentary Procedure? 

It is a set of rules for conduct at meetings that allows everyone to be heard and to make decisions without 

confusion. 

Why is Parliamentary Procedure Important? 

Because it’s a time tested method of conducting business at meetings and public gatherings. It can be 

adapted to fit the needs of any organization. Today, Robert’s Rules of Order newly revised is the basic 

handbook of operation for most clubs, organizations and other groups. So it’s important that everyone 

know these basic rules! 

Organizations using parliamentary procedure usually follow a fixed order of business. 

Below is a typical example: 

1. Call to order. 

2. Roll call of members present. 

3. Reading of minutes of last meeting. 

4. Officers reports. 

5. Committee reports. 

6. Special orders – Important business previously designated for consideration at this meeting. 

7. Unfinished business. 

8. New business. 

9. Announcements. 

10. Adjournment. 

The method used by members to express themselves is in the form of moving motions. A motion is a 

proposal that the entire membership take action or a stand on an issue. Individual members can: 

1. Call to order. 

2. Second motions. 

3. Debate motions. 

4. Vote on motions. 

44


There are four Basic Types of Motions: 

1. Main Motions: The purpose of a main motion is to introduce items to the membership for their 

consideration. They cannot be made when any other motion is on the floor, and yield to privileged, 

subsidiary, and incidental motions. 

2. Subsidiary Motions: Their purpose is to change or affect how a main motion is handled, and is voted 

on before a main motion. 

3. Privileged Motions: Their purpose is to bring up items that are urgent about special or important 

matters unrelated to pending business. 

4. Incidental Motions: Their purpose is to provide a means of questioning procedure concerning other 

motions and must be considered before the other motion. 

How are Motions Presented? 

1. Obtaining the floor 

a. Wait until the last speaker has finished. 

b. Rise and wait in line at microphone. 

c. Wait until the Chairman recognizes you. 

2. Make Your Motion 

a. Speak in a clear and concise manner. 

b. Always state a motion affirmatively. Say, “I move that we ...” rather than, 

“I move that we do not ...”. 

c. Avoid personalities and stay on your subject. 

3. Wait for Someone to Second Your Motion 

4. Another member will second your motion or the Chairman will call for a second. 

5. If there is no second, your motion is lost. 

6. The Chairman States Your Motion 

a. The Chairman will say, “it has been moved and seconded that we ...” Thus placing your motion 

before the membership for consideration and action. 

b. The membership then either debates your motion, or may move directly to a vote. 

c. Once your motion is presented to the membership by the chairman it becomes “assembly 

property”, and cannot be changed by you without the consent of the members. 

7. Expanding on Your Motion 

a. The time for you to speak in favor of your motion is at this point in time, rather than at 

the time you present it. 

b. The mover is always allowed to speak first. 

c. All comments and debate must be directed to the chairman. 

d. Keep to the time limit for speaking that has been established. 

45


e. The mover may speak again only after other speakers are finished, unless called upon 

by the Chairman. 

8. Putting the Question to the Membership 

a. The Chairman asks, “Are you ready to vote on the question?” 

b. If there is no more discussion, a vote is taken. 

c. On a motion to move the previous question may be adapted. 

Voting on a Motion: 

The method of vote on any motion depends on the situation and the by-laws of policy of your 

organization. There are five methods used to vote by most organizations, they are: 

1. By Voice – The Chairman asks those in favor to say, “aye”, those opposed to say “no”. Any member 

may move for an exact count. 

2. By Roll Call – Each member answers “yes” or “no” as his name is called. This method is used when a 

record of each person’s vote is required. 

3. By General Consent – When a motion is not likely to be opposed, the Chairman says, “if there is no 

objection ...” The membership shows agreement by their silence, however if one member says, “I 

object,” the item must be put to a vote. 

4. By Division – This is a slight verification of a voice vote. It does not require a count unless the chairman 

so desires. Members raise their hands or stand. 

5. By Ballot – Members write their vote on a slip of paper; this method is used when secrecy is desired. 

There are two other motions that are commonly used that relate to voting. 

1. Motion to Table – This motion is often used in the attempt to “kill” a motion. The option is always 

present, however, to “take from the table”, for reconsideration by the membership. 

2. Motion to Postpone Indefinitely – This is often used as a means of parliamentary strategy and allows 

opponents of motion to test their strength without an actual vote being taken. Also, debate is once 

again open on the main motion. 

Parliamentary Procedure is the best way to get things done at your meetings. 

But, it will only work if you use it properly. 

1. Allow motions that are in order. 

2. Have members obtain the floor properly. 

3. Speak clearly and concisely. 

4. Obey the rules of debate. 

Most importantly, BE COURTEOUS. 

46


47


48


2015-2017 Legislative and 

Healthy Policy Statements 

Introduction: The Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) is the professional association representing 

Tennessee’s approximately 100,000 registered nurses. This position paper outlines the basic philosophy of 

the TNA’s Membership Assembly relative to health care policy which may be addressed by the Tennessee 

General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. 

Mission: To improve health and health care for all Tennesseans and residents of the state, advance nurse 

leaders and the practice of nursing as essential to improvement efforts and transformational change, and 

serve as the voice for professional nurses. 

The American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics outlines foundational provisions that 

frame TNA’s initiatives and actions. 

Vision: TNA supports a transformed health care delivery system that ensures that all Tennesseans and 

residents of the state are able to access equitable and affordable essential services when and where they 

need them. The transformed system envisioned by TNA is patient-centered, promotes inter-professional 

collaboration and care coordination to improve patient outcomes and experiences, primary care and 

prevention are priorities, value is emphasized, and there is expanded use of information technology to 

promote efficiency and effectiveness. 

Goals: TNA is supportive of initiatives that improve health and health care and advance the following goals: 

Optimal health system performance, including: 

Improved patient care experiences; 

Improved population health; and 

Reduced per capita cost for health care. 

Access to high-quality, affordable and acceptable care for all Tennesseans and residents of the state, 

including: 

Provision of a standardized package of essential health care services provided and financed by public and 

private plans with protection against catastrophic costs and impoverishment; and 

Direct access to a full range of professional registered nurses and other qualified providers in a variety of 

settings 

Full practice authority and enhanced participation in the delivery of care and policymaking for all 

professional nurses, including: 

Support for the Tennessee Board of Nursing as the sole regulatory authority over nursing education and 

practice; 

Adoption of the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and 

Education (2008); 

49


Elimination of financial, regulatory, organizational, and institutional barriers to the practice of professional 

nursing; 

Participation of registered nurses on all local, state, and national health care advisory, policymaking, and 

governing boards, committees, and task forces; and 

Inclusion of APRNs as licensed independent providers (LIPs) in hospital licensure rules, health plans, and 

health care facilities. 

Assuring an adequate, competent and diverse nursing workforce to meet current and projected health 

care demands, including: 

Improved data collection and information infrastructure to inform policymaking, planning, and evaluation; 

Promotion of higher levels of education and training through seamless academic progression, 

inter-professional education of health professionals, and lifelong learning; 

Funding for nursing students and faculty, including loan forgiveness programs; and 

Support for nurse safety in the patient care environment, staffing effectiveness plans, 

whistleblower protection, and bans on mandatory overtime. 

51


Special THANKS to our Sponsors and Exhibitors 

(At Press Time) 

The Tennessee Nurses Association expresses sincere and heartfelt thanks to all Sponsors and 

Exhibitors for your support in helping make the 2018 Annual Conference a huge success. 

Silver Sponsorship 

Bronze Sponsorship 

Schools of Nursing 

Luncheon Sponsors 

53


Exhibitors 

A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee 

Arkansas State University 

Becker Professional Education 

Bradford Health Sciences 

Chamberlain College of Nursing 

Erlanger Health System 

HCA Healthcare Tristar Residency 

Hurst Review Services 

Innovated Financial Group 

Jaci’s Jewels 

Kaplan Nursing 

NSO Professional Insurance 

Saint Thomas Health 

Southern New Hampshire University 

Sprint 

Tenet Healthcare 

TN Professional Assistance Program (TnPAP) 

UWorld 

University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing 

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 

University of Tennessee - College of Nursing Knoxville 


VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System & Memphis VA 

55


In Memoriam 

T he Tennessee Nurses Association would like to pay tribute to all of the TNA members 

who gave their devotion and dedicated their lives in service as a registered nurse. Each one is 

loved by family, friends and peers. Listed below are TNA members who passed away this year. 

If you know of others, please contact TNA. 

Ernestine Chism, MSN, RN 

Virginia Maxwell George, MSN, RN, MA 

Beverly E. Skipper, MSN, RN 

Deborah Lynn Sweeney, DNSc, RN 

Victoria A. Whitehead, MSN, RN 

The Nightingale Tribute Reading 

Nursing is a calling, a lifestyle, a way of living. 

Nurses here today honor those who have passed on 

and their life as a nurse. 

They are not remembered by their years as a nurse, 

but by the difference they made during those years 

by stepping into people’s lives... by special moments. 

• 

TheyWere There 

When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed, 

She was there. 

In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life, 

He was there. 

When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend, 


At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained, 

He was there. 

When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind, 


When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed, 

He was there. 

In choosing the best one from a family’s “Thank You” box of chocolates, 


To witness humanity, its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment, 

He was there. 

To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope, 


And now, that it is time to be at the Greater One’s side, 

They are there. 

• 

56


Inspire! 

Add value and credibility to your educational activities! Apply for individual activity approval today. 

Innovate! 

Does your organization offer multiple educational activities for nurses? Become an approved Continuing 

Nursing Education Provider Unit. 

Influence! 

Use your nursing expertise as a volunteer Peer Nurse Reviewer assisting TNA to approve high quality 

educational activities. Training is free and review assignments are customized to fit your schedule. 

Stop by the TNA Continuing Nursing Education table for more information or contact Sharon Hinton, 

tna.cne@tnaonline.org. Visit our website https://www.tnaonline.org/continuing-education-general-information/ 

The Tennessee Nurses Association is accredited as an approver of continuing nursing education by the 

American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 

57


TNA Board of Directors and Staff 

Haley Vance 

DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC 

President 

Nashville 


MSN, Ed.D, RN 

Past-President 

Nashville 

La-Kenya Kellum 

DNP, RN, NE-BC, 

CNML 

Vice President 

Memphis 


EdD, MSN, RN 

Secretary 

Eagleville 


MSN, RN, CS, FNP 

Treasurer 

Union City 

Trish Baise 

DNP, RN, NEA- 

BC, FACHE 

Director - Operations 

Kingsport 

Allyson Neal, 

DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, 

CNS-BC, CPNP 

Director - Membership 

Sevierville 

Jenny Webb 

PhD(c), MSN, RN, CNE 

Director - Education 

Humboldt 

Loretta Bond 

PhD, RN, CNE 

Director - 

Government Affairs 

Antioch 

Laura Reed 

DNP, APRN, FNP-BC 

Director - Practice 

Olive Branch, MS 

Deb Chyka 

DNP, RN 

Representative – 

Presidents Council 

Knoxville 

TNA Staff 

Tina Gerardi 

MS, RN, CAE 

Executive Director 

Diane 

Cunningham 

Office Manager 

Wilhelmina Davis 

Manager of 

Government 

Affairs/Lobbyist 


Manager of Marketing, 

Member Services/IT 

Managing Editor - 

Tennessee Nurse 

Sharon Hinton, 

RN-BC, MSN, 

DMin 

Nurse Peer Review 

Leader 

Anne Mitchell 

Membership & 

Administrative Support 

Tracy Depp 

Communications 

Consultant 

58



2018 Slate of Candidates and Statements 

President Elect – vote for one (1) 

Carla Kirkland, MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, ENP-BC 

District 1 

Nurse Practitioner 

ApolloMD, St. Francis Memphis Emergency Department 

Collierville 

I have served as a Director, President-Elect, and President of Tennessee Nurses Association District 

1 (Shelby/Fayette Counties). In those roles I have worked to increase educational and networking 

opportunities for our nurses, and to educate the community regarding nurses in District 1. Since becoming 

President of District 1, I have regularly attended the state TNA Board meetings, gaining an understanding of 

policies and concerns at the state level. 

I have served TNA as a member of the Government Affairs Committee for 3 years, Convention Planning 

Committee for 3 years, and was on the recent Executive Director Search Committee. I am Co-Chair of the 

TNA APRN Task Force. I am also a TNA Representative for the Coalition for Access to Care. I have been a 

Nurse Practitioner for 18 years, initially in Primary Care, and now in Emergency Medicine. I am excited about 

working with APRN groups, RNs, and other stakeholders around the state, so that together we can obtain 

Full Practice Authority for Tennessee. 

I am comfortable with, and enjoy, meeting with our legislators and other elected officials, promoting the 

nursing profession and improved access to affordable, quality health care for all Tennesseans. I would love 

to work with TNA at a higher level to support our professional nurses and work for improved health care in 

our state. I have worked very hard as President of District 1, and would carry that same energy and passion 

to the role of TNA President Elect. 

Slate continued on next page. 

59


Vice President – vote for one (1) 

William Crowe, Jr, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, FHM, FACHE 

District 4 

Assistant Vice President 


Chattanooga 

Currently, I am the Assistant Vice President for the Medicine Service Line and Nursing Services at Erlanger 

Health System in Chattanooga, Tennessee, an academic medical center, level 1 trauma center, and regional 

referral center affiliated with the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. Erlanger is the nation’s 

seventh largest public health system. 

For the system, I oversee the adult hospitalist program at five facilities, pulmonary critical care, advanced 

practice, nursing professional development, and nursing research. With over 37 years of experience in 

healthcare and over 30 years of experience as a nurse, my experience spans a variety of settings including 

flight nursing, the Emergency Department, critical care, administration, quality, research, education, and 

advanced practice. I am also an experienced EMS clinician providing care both on the ground for a large 

inner city 911 system and in the air as part of an air medical evacuation crew. 

I have an undergraduate degree from Georgia State University, a Masters degree as an Acute Care Nurse 

Practitioner from Southern Adventist University, a Post Masters Certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner 

from Southern Adventist University, and a doctorate from the University of South Alabama. 

In addition to my full time responsibilities at Erlanger, I also serve as a Clinical Instructor for the University of 

Tennessee College of Medicine, Coordinator/Assistant Professor of the AG-ACNP Program at the University 

of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and I find time for clinical practice in the Emergency Department. I have also 

been elected to the Board of Directors for the Fourth District of the Tennessee Nurses Association, and I am 

the Chattanooga Council President of TONE. 

My research interests include topics in quality, patient flow, resident education, and multidisciplinary 

rounding. I have presented locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. 

As a new nurse back in 1988, I was active in the state nursing association. I was in Georgia at the time. As 

my career progressed and life became more hectic, I became dormant in the group. With age comes some 

wisdom and while I have always thought active membership in the state nursing association was important, 

only over the last decade or so have I realized the real importance and value of membership. With the 

recent veterinary nurse bill that floated through the legislature and the attempts last year to limit the scope 

of practice of advanced practice registered nurses, the nurses of Tennessee must band together and have 

strong leaders and representation in order to advance the profession. I have served on the District Four 

Board of Directors, and have filled the position of Vice President when our Vice President unexpectedly 

took the President position. Now, I would like to represent the entire state as the Vice President of TNA. 

My diverse involvement with nursing (hospital, university, District 4, Tennessee Organization of Nurse 

Executives, both registered nurse and advanced practice registered nurse, administration) makes me 

an excellent choice for the role of Vice President. If elected, it would be my pleasure to represent all of 

Tennessee’s nurses. 

60


Julie Hamm, BSN, MSN, ACNP-BC 

District 3 

Manager: VPEC, Weight Loss Center & Interventional Pain 

Vanderbilt Medical Center 

Hermitage 

I have served on the board before. I have served on the nominating committee and as Secretary. I am 

interested in serving again. I was a productive member of the board and worked closely with many of the 

current board members in the past, including Jill Kinch and Haley Vance. I hope you would consider me for 

serving again. 

Treasurer – vote for one (1) 

Heather Jackson, MSN, RN, FNP-BC 

District 3 

Assistant Director Outpatient Surgery, Interventional Pain Advance Practice Team Lead 


Franklin 

I am currently attending the Medical University of South Carolina in pursuit of my PhD and have become 

very passionate about political involvement in my studies. Currently, I am practicing at Vanderbilt University 

Medical Center as a nurse practitioner in the Interventional Pain Center as well as Assistant Director for 

Outpatient Surgery. I believe I may greatly contribute to the mission of TNA and would like to be a part of 

your team. 

Director – Membership – vote for one (1) 

Marcia (Spear) Barnes, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC 

District 15 


Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions 

Cumberland University 

I have been active in my specialty organization for many years serving on numerous committees as both 

members and chair. I have held board positions including Director, President Elect, and President. As I have 

transitioned into academia, I wish to be involved more generally in the nursing profession and in nursing’s 

professional organization. I am hardworking, ethical, honest and devoted to the nursing profession. I am 

committed to projects and service opportunities that I undertake and see them through to fruition with 

pride and a sense of accomplishment. I currently serve as faculty advisor for the Student Nurses Association 

at Cumberland and want to instill the importance early of our professional obligations as nurses to belong 

our nursing professional organization and participate in the voice of nursing. 

61


Tracy M. Collins, DNP, FNP-BC 

District 1 

Clinical Associate Professor 

University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nrusing 

Memphis 

It is my desire to serve as the Director-Membership for Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA). In my role of 

Clinical Associate Professor for the University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing (UofM LCON), 

my responsibilities include providing support for students and promoting evidence-based practices to 

educate undergraduate and graduate nurses. I collaborate with faculty and the leadership team to help 

identify faculty development needs and instructional support. I work with the director of the Family Nurse 

Practitioner (FNP) program by planning events for the next semester, implementing innovative nursing 

ideas, and evaluation of students and preceptors. I also help gather relevant data for continuous quality 

improvement to comply with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements. 

I start each semester at the UofM LCON by helping to revise and update courses. I serve as the coordinator 

for online and hybrid courses. My service to UofM LCON includes the graduate council, curriculum task 

force and evaluations committee. I operate as the clinical placement coordinator in the LCON Family 

Practitioner program and TN eCampus. I help facilitate LCON simulation activities as students come to the 

campus for clinical activities, lab symposiums and evaluations of their clinical skills several times throughout 

each semester. I am respectful, kind, accountable, and exhibit a very high level of patience, integrity and 

understanding. I model great communication skills and approachability to others. I am connected to the 

community and healthcare institutions, as well as the academic domain. 

As an informed and innovative nursing educator and advocate, this opportunity will heighten my skills as 

a practicing FNP and member of TNA. By serving as the next Director of Membership, I can offer effective 

leadership skills to accommodate the diverse population TNA encounters daily and better serve my community. 


62


Director – Education – vote for one (1) 

Dana Ragle, MSN, RN 

District 9 

Nursing Educator 

TCAT Crossville 

Crossville 

I love my home state of TN, I love being a nurse and I especially love teaching others to be the best nurse 

they can be. To be able to help with nursing education protocols for our state would be and honor. I have 

been a RN for almost 13 years but have worked in healthcare since I was 18. Since receiving my licensure, I 

have worked med-surg, homecare, hospice, Labor room, newborn nursery and postpartum. Turns out my 

true love is nursing education for which I have earned my MSN, RN earlier this year. I am currently worked 

on a MBA in nursing management with plans to work for my PhD in nursing philosophy. 

Nancy Stevens, DNP, APRN-BC, CEN TRN-C, FAEN 

District 04 

Clinical Resource Specialist - APN 


Ooltewah 

Served as the Director of Clinical Education for Erlanger Health System and was responsible for the clinical 

nursing staff education across the enterprise, which consisted of a Level 1 Trauma Center, and 4 satellite 

facilities. Responsible for overall program development, administration, and implementation of the all 

education programs for nursing clinical staff. Collaborated with the Nursing Administration, Physicians and 

other nursing leaders to develop and oversee implementation of educational programs including employee 

assessments of educational needs. Served as a key liaison between nursing, medical staff, students, and 

educational partners. Worked closely with organizational development to assure appropriate orientation for 

all nursing clinical staff. Additionally was responsible for review, reorganization and implementation of clinical 

educational programs for the enterprise as needs arose. Responsible for the orientation and staff training 

highlighting process and learning opportunities, in addition to planning and directing regular meetings with 

staff. Responsible for student placement at all of Erlanger facilities assuring a positive learning environment. 

At the present time, as a clinical resource specialists, Advanced Practice Nurse, and representative of 

Erlanger, coordinate and instruct in a transitional program for LPN to RN association degree program, 

in addition to continuing responsibilities in the Department of Education at Erlanger Health System. 

Additionally work as a practicing nurse practitioner in the Emergency Department. 

Served as the Clinical Coordinator for all educational programs for the Level 1 Trauma Center and 3 additional 

Emergency Departments across the enterprise. Worked with bedside nurses, physicians and administration 

to develop and implement educational programs in addition to development of orientation process of all new 

employees to the Emergency Services Division. Foster the educational experience via hands-on developmentally 

appropriate and highly interactive methods to enhance nursing and student learning. Was responsible for hiring 

and supervising additional education coordinators for the enterprise. Provide performance evaluation and 

feedback for all activity and group leader positions within the educational program. 

63


Susan Thul, DNP, APRN, CNM 

District 4 

Assistant Professor, School of Nursing 

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, School of Nursing 

Ooltewah 

I am an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s (UTC) School of 

Nursing. I have worked in this role since 2013 and teach in the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Family Nurse 

Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia programs. I am a retired U.S. Navy Nurse and Certified Nurse Midwife. 

My clinical areas of expertise include women’s health and vulnerable populations, with an interest in caring 

for “at-risk” populations. Prior to moving to Tennessee, I served as the Director of Perinatal Outreach for 

the Medical University of South Carolina where I developed a care delivery model spanning three counties, 

providing perinatal care supporting approximately 500 deliveries annually for women at risk in the low 

country region of South Carolina. My doctoral work focused on the development of entrepreneurial training 

for advanced practice nurses, including nurse midwives, in the primary care setting. My Navy tenure 

culminated in assignment as the Director of Quality Improvement for the Naval Hospitals in the Southeast 

Region. During that time, I developed several quality improvement initiatives ultimately cited by the Joint 

Commission as benchmarks for improvement practice. 

I am a member of the American Nurses Association, The American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), The 

Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) and the TN affiliate for the ACNM. I would appreciate the opportunity 

to serve the TNA as the Director of Education, as I believe educated and informed nurses are powerful 

nurses. I am a believer in full practice authority and would like to use my experience and passion to further 

that agenda. We, as nurses, face challenges in the state of TN and I would like to be part of the solution to 

those challenges. Thank you! 


64


Nominating Committee – vote for two (2) 

Donna Fraysier, DNP, MSN, APN, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC, CDE 

District 05 


East Tennessee State University 

Kingsport 

I am interested in serving on the TNA board in order to become more involved. Healthcare in our country is ever 

changing, and nurses are in a great position to lead that change. However, to lead change nurses must stand 

strong together, united in purpose. I have been a nurse for more than 20 years, and I have worked in academia 

for more than five years. I am an APN, and I have a DNP in Executive Leadership. I hold two certifications from 

ANCC: Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Executive Advanced. Currently, I am the Concentration 

Coordinator for the MSN- Nursing Administration and DNP- Executive Leadership concentrations at East 

Tennessee State University. I have served on the board of the Epsilon Sigma at Large Chapter of Sigma Theta 

Tau for nearly five years. If elected to serve on the TNA board I will serve to the best of my ability. My education 

and background in nursing leadership has prepared me to serve in a TNA board position. 

Shelley Hawkins, PhD, APRN-BC, FAANP 

District 1 

Professor & Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs 

UTHSC College of Nursing 

Germantown 

I have been a Registered Nurse for more than 35 years and an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse for 

more than 20 years. In 1987, I began my career as a nurse educator and have held academic appointments 

inclusive of both faculty and administrative roles for more than 30 years. I have extensive experience in 

assuming leadership roles in nursing and building teams to achieve successful outcomes that advance the 

profession of nursing. I recently served as Chair of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties 

(NONPF) Nominating Committee having previously served as a member of the committee. In addition, I 

provided leadership for the NONPF Program Director Special Interest Group in my role as Chair for two 

years. During that time, I established a nurse practitioner program director mentoring program that was 

successfully piloted and continues into its second year. I served on the Search Committee for selection 

of the first NONPF Chief Executive Officer. I have been an active member of the American Association of 

Nurse Practitioners (AANP) for more than 20 years having been inducted as a Fellow in 2007. I have held 

multiple roles in the AANP organization including recent election to the Fellows Nominating Committee. 

I am a long-time member of the American Nurses Association and currently serve on the National Panel 

for Telehealth. Having been a nurse and academician for more than 30 years, I am keenly aware of the 

challenges confronting the nursing profession. I have taught countless undergraduate and graduate 

students in several different nursing programs across the country. I am skilled in developing relationships 

with colleagues and students based on trust, honesty, and integrity. In my current role, I have countless 

opportunities to communicate with nurses who practice in the state of Tennessee. I serve as a role model 

who is highly respected by students and colleagues. Through these relationships, I have successfully 

recruited colleagues who have the attributes necessary for building a strong Board of Directors. 

65


Shondell Hickson, DNP, APN, ACNS-BC, FNP-BC 

District 03 

Associate Professor and Nurse Practitioner 

Austin Peay State University, Matthew Walker Clinic, Simmons School of Nursing 

Clarksville 

Leadership Succession Chair- Sigma Thea Tau (Nu phi chapter) - Manage the preparation, distribution 

and tallying of election ballots// Notify all candidates (elected and non-elected) of the election results// 

Develop and maintain policies and procedures related to the position of leadership succession chair. Submit 

modifications or new policies and procedures to the board of directors for approval. 

Faculty Senator - Educational policy and general welfare//Policy for the regulation of student conduct and 

activities//Scholastic policy, including requirements for admission, graduation, and honors. Approval of 

candidates for degrees. 

Resource Committee Chair – Work with the DON of the SON to ensure that students/school have 

all supplies, equipment each academic year Co- Chair of Program Evaluation Committee- Make 

recommendations for the revision of competency based curriculum goals and objectives. Member of the 

strategic planning committee – development of the SON 5 year strategic plan. 

Kay Murphree, MSN, RN, CMSRN, EdD 

District 15 


Middle TN State University 

Murfreesboro 

Serving on the TNA Nominating Committee is of interest to me as a means of collaborating with other 

nurses in our state who are interested in sharing their time and talents. After spending the past five years 

completing a doctorate in nursing education while teaching full time, I am looking forward to having more 

time to serve in volunteer positions upon my August graduation. I have worked as an acute care bedside 

nurse (22 years) and as a nurse educator in the clinical and classroom setting. I have current experience 

in serving on the Leadership Succession Committee of the Xi Alpha chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau 

International Honor Society of Nursing. 

Sarah Pierce, BSN, MSN, DNP, AGACNP-BC, RN, PLNC, CCRN 

District 06 

Assistant Professor of Nursing 

Freed Hardeman University 

Jackson 

I am very interested in a leadership role in TNA. I think the nominating committee would be a great entry 

point to begin leading in TNA. I am excited to begin this journey! 

66


Poster Presentation Abstracts 

Assessment of Learning Orientation: A Potential Tool in Advocacy and Policy Making 

Kimberly Dinsmore (Presenter) 

Problem Addressed: 

Policy learning among those involved in policy development has been shown to be a critical element 

in policy change (Moyson, 2017), a theory termed Sabatier’s Advocacy Coalition Framework. Yet the 

predisposition for policy learning among legislators, regulators, stakeholders, researchers, journalists, 

advocates and others has not been systematically studied. 

Learning orientation is defined as the degree to which a person is dependent on content providers (such 

as instructors and journalists) as they learn a policy, educational material, or other information. A 25-item 

questionnaire instrument named the Learning Orientation Questionnaire 

(Cicivec, 2014) has been proposed to measure dependence on others in learning, a condition that could 

lead to susceptibility to bias in policy makers. 

Objectives: 

The purpose was to evaluate the psychometric properties the Learning Orientation Questionnaire using 

both factor and cluster analysis methods. 

Methods/Procedures: 

Four hundred and seventy-two undergraduate nursing students at the first semester junior level completed 

the Learning Orientation Questionnaire online. The data was imported into an R language processor 

(Version 3.3.1) for plotting and statistical analysis. 

Findings: 

This first step was manual extraction to identify correlations between items and group them into categories 

using cluster analysis. Six cluster categories were formed and on the themes of learning interest, ambitious 

goals, instructor, instructor copycat, achievement of goals, and lone survivor. 

The second step was the automatic extraction of factors with functions in the R language. The items were 

grouped by the automatic extraction into four factors rather than six. The automatic extraction combined 

the factors learning interest and ambitious goals together and removed the lone survivor factor. The lone 

survivor factor contained one question (q24) with a low eigenvalue of (0.3). This question was deemed both 

minor and irrelevant to the topic of the questionnaire and therefore is proposed to be removed from the 

questionnaire. The automatic extraction method combined the factors of instructor and instructor copycat 

into a single factor. These two clusters had a high correlation coefficient (r = ), so these are proposed to be 

merged into a single factor, unifying the findings of the cluster and factor analysis, and resulting in a fourfactor 

questionnaire instrument. 

The factor structure indicates that the 25 item instrument can be reduced to 8 and still retain much of the 

explanatory power of the original survey (77% to 93% of variance accounted for in original factors). 

Recommendations for Practice/Research: 

The conclusions are that the Learning Orientation Questionnaire (1) has four factors, (2) could be reduced in 

size to only 8 questions instead of 25, (3) was suitable for testing in policy makers and advocates. 

67


Childhood Vaccinations: A Necessary Practice 

Brie LaJeret (Presenter) 


Vaccinations represent one of the greatest successes of modern science. Childhood vaccinations have 

allowed for the eradication of several infectious diseases including polio, measles, mumps, and diphtheria. 

However, since the late 1990’s when a small, erroneous research study was published suggesting a link 

between Autism and vaccines, the vaccination rate has declined. Although numerous research studies have 

since debunked the correlation between Autism and immunizations, parents continue to question the safety 

of immunizations. Nurses possess a unique position in which they could influence positive change in this 

significant patient and community issue. An effective education plan has the potential to completely change 

the view of vaccination. 

Objectives: 

To demonstrate that an education plan initiated during the prenatal period can effectively increase the 

childhood vaccination rate. 

To educate nurses on their role in the patient education process/plan 

To raise awareness to the importance of vaccinations 


N/A 

Findings: 

N/A 


To begin vaccination education during prenatal checkups and continue education throughout the prenatal & 

postnatal periods and into the first year of life. 

Complementary Therapies: A Hungarian Approach 

Brie LaJeret (Presenter) 


As the opiate addiction continues to rise and cripple communities, new ways to treat pain and addiction 

need to be developed/adopted. Unfortunately, some of the pitfalls of available complementary therapies are 

cost and availability. Fortunately, the American healthcare system can look to the international healthcare 

community for possible solutions. For example, Hungary offers many complementary therapies for the 

treatment of its citizens. These complementary therapies can be prescribed by a healthcare professional 

and the cost is covered by the national healthcare plan. Some of the available and most widely used 

therapies include: balneo-therapy and thermal baths, massage, electrotherapy and yoga. 

Objectives: 

• To educate nurses on complementary therapies 

• To demonstrate the effectiveness of complementary therapies as used by the international community, 

specifically Hungary. 

• To widen the nursing knowledge base by introducing Hungarian therapies 


N/A 

68


Findings: 

N/A 


N/A 

Co-Sleeping Contention: How Are Families Really Sleeping? 

Michelle Collins (Presenter) 


In the recent past, there has been an intentional movement on the part of some maternal-child health 

stakeholders, to aggressively “warn” parents as to the “dangers” of co-sleeping. Despite sound evidence to 

prove the benefits of, and lack of harm, when practiced in the absence of all known hazards especially by 

breastfeeding mothers, and with likely over 2 million USA mothers at least intermittently bedsharing with 

their infants, the US government NICHD has launched a nationwide educational campaign to inform the 

public as to the inherent “danger” of co-sleeping. This session will discuss the current climate of support 

(and lack thereof) for co-sleeping (in various forms) between infants and their parents. The biologic 

imperatives that underlie the practice and which support the co-sleeping relationship will be presented, as 

well as diverse lines evidence that justifies and legitimizes co-sleeping. Finally, directives on how to best 

counsel clients amidst a sea of conflicting information on the topic will be presented. 

Objectives: 

Objective 1* Participants will be able to describe the biologic imperatives which underscore the maternalinfant 

co-sleeping relationship. 

Objective 2* Participants will be able to describe the current climate of opinion not only in the US, but 

outside the US as well, of the co-sleeping relationship. 

Objective 3* Participants will be able to detail strategies for counseling clients regarding co-sleeping, in an 

environment of mixed messaging. 


N/A 

Findings: 

Research findings will be presented that question the Back to Sleep campaign outcomes. 


Given the sound research statistics that the majority of families co-sleep at any given time with their 

children, this presentation will discuss strategies to be discussed with families. As opposed to the current 

strategy of “just say no” health care providers must consider options to the traditional “scare tactics” 

currently in use to be able to educate parents on safe co-sleeping. 

Cultivating Shared Governance in an Outpatient Mental Health Setting 

Teris Webb (Presenter) 


Successful shared governance implementation challenges the status quo and depends on leadership 

cultivating collaborative and autonomous environment. Shared Governance requires the participation of 

leadership who exhibits a professional identity that reflects a responsible, empowered and equitable role 

and an understanding of the professional identity of clinical staff, which is often lacking from a culture of 

status quo. 

69


Objectives: 

The Shared Governance team in an outpatient mental health setting of a unionized federal hospital. 

The group chose their first project to review the VA policy Special Hazard Food and Beverages will be 

consumed in the direct patient care rooms by consensus and identified champions and set time lines. 


Using the 5S model of Improvement. Consisting of consultation of regulatory agencies referenced in the 

policy (The Joint Commission and Center for Disease Control). Literature review and other VA outpatient 

mental health centers were contacted. 

Findings: 

Improved professional work environment, understanding of the patient care area within the outpatient 

mental health setting, definition of exposure as it relates to infection control, identified designated area 

to eat meals, obtained a larger table to eat in the designated break area, post -shared governance staff 

satisfaction scores improved overall. 


Shared Governance can be initiated in the most resistant cultures. Clinical staff professional identities are 

transformed; they become patient focused, autonomous and more satisfied with their practice. Investigation 

into the impact of using shared governance on professional identity in similar environment is needed. 

ED Protocol for Patients Presenting with Mental Illness 

Kathryn A. Berger (Presenter) 


Appropriate Emergency Department treatment during a mental health exacerbation episode for a patient. 

A State of TN task force met and developed a protocol that should be used for patients who present to the 

ED in an active mental health crisis. 

Objectives: 

The attendees will have an understanding of the mental health patient care process, requirements for 

admission to a State of Tennessee mental health hospital and the protocol for treating these patients on 

presentation to an ED. 


Discussion/written presentation will include the treatment protocol for mental health patients and the path 

these patients take from the presentation of their symptoms to admission to a State-operated mental health 

facility. 

Findings: 

This is a relatively new process, I am not sure if definitive data has been ascertained but if this data is 

available, it will be included. 


The recommendation is that all Emergency Departments in Tennessee adopt this protocol, train their staff 

on the importance of using it. Data collection on the decrease in admission to an acute mental health 

facility and frequency of ED visits for these patients will determine to efficacy of using the protocol. 

70


The Effect of Imprisonment on Quality of Care 

Taylor Shaw (Presenter) 

Mia McCain (Co-Presenter) 

Dylan Price (Co-Presenter) 


A large issue within correctional facilities is that overall prisoners do not receive the quality care they would 

receive if they were not inmates. The conditions in correctional facilities are disease ridden and lack a 

holistic approach, with research showing that inmates often are not treated with genuine empathy or care. 

Additionally, inmates are beginning to reach older ages, but correctional facilities often lack any ways to 

accommodate older inmates. 

Objectives: 

N/A 


Review of Literature 

Findings: 

Multiple articles showed evidence that correctional facilities lack programs to help inmates’ transition from 

imprisonment to the free world, which was a common factor in prisoners having recidivism. It is evident that 

the less education and quality of care that prisoners receive, the less likely the inmate is to thrive once in the 

free world. 


N/A 

The Effect of Normal Saline on the Kidneys 

Zack VanderBoegh (Presenter) 

Kelsey Bales (Co-Presenter) 

Tyler Patterson (Co-Presenter) 


The purpose of this research poster is to bring forth knowledge towards the issue of the effects normal 

saline has on the kidneys. During the 19th century, intravenous fluids came to be discovered and used 

among various patients. Normal saline is used all over the world to treat dehydration related to certain 

symptoms among many individuals. 

Objectives: 

Develop knowledge regarding the effects of Normal Saline on the Kidneys. 



Findings: 

The various scholarly articles show the benefit of using balanced fluid solutions are used rather than normal 

fluid solutions causing an overall benefit towards individual patient-outcomes. Normal saline is known to 

alter kidney function which results in a disruption within the kidney’s which can lead to other problems 

throughout the body. 


Healthcare professionals need to continue to conduct research regarding this topic to optimize the 

understanding to these effects which could be potentially harmful towards our patients. 

71


The Effect of the Nursing Shortage on Patient Outcomes 

Christina Shands (Presenter) 

Abbey Dew (Co-Presenter) 


As of 2016, 8 out of every 10 Americans suffer from one or more chronic health conditions. Nursing is 

among the fastest growing occupations in the US, but the country still faces a large shortage of nurses. 

Lack of adequate numbers of nursing staff can impact patient well-being. Higher patient mortality and more 

medication errors occur because we have less nurses working more hours. Health care employers can help 

fix the problem by offering higher wages, more education and training opportunities, and more incentives. 

Only a comprehensive strategy consisting of immediate and long-term measures can ensure Americans 

do not continue to suffer due to lack of adequate RNs. The shortage of nurses is a very important problem 

because the situation is not getting better but it is getting worse. The shortage of nurses is due to many 

reasons such as an increased workload, educational obstacles, and workload obstacles. Nurses play 

a critically important role in ensuring patient safety by monitoring patients for changes in health and 

performing tasks to ensure patients receive high quality care. Without an adequate number of nurses, the 

mortality of patients will increase. 

Objectives: 

Develop knowledge regarding the effects of the nursing shortage on patient outcomes. 



Findings: 

The nursing shortage is a major problem in our healthcare system, and it will continue to worsen unless the 

problem is fixed. In this research paper we identified some of the major causes of the nursing shortage. 

Some of the problems were pay wages, undesirable hours, burnout, and a shortage of teaching staff in 

nursing school. 


Further research needs to be done in order to figure out what short term and long-term interventions need 

to be implemented and how in order to start fixing the nursing shortage. Further research needs to be done 

to figure out why it is so difficult to get an adequate amount of faculty at nursing schools, and research also 

needs to be done in order to fix some of the undesirable wages of nurses. 

The Effects of Exercise in Patients with Symptoms of Alzheimer’s 

Hunter Morse (Presenter) 

Todd Keim (Co-Presenter) 


Alzheimer’s, the most common cause of dementia, is a neurologic degenerative disease that results in 

memory loss and other cognitive abilities, leading to a loss of independence. It is a disease that occurs in 

various stages and it is often misconstrued that the disease is a normal part of the aging process. More 

than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, accounting for the 6th leading cause of death in the 

United States. There is currently no treatment for the disease, rather just measures to help maintain mental 

functioning as an individual progresses through the different stages. Currently, the most effective way in 

dealing with this debilitating disease is taking proper measures in preventing the onset. This critical analysis 

of Alzheimer’s provides insight to the effects of exercise on the brain and how exercise is a preventative 

measure for degeneration of the structure of the brain. 

72


Objectives: 

Develop knowledge regarding the effects of exercise in Alzheimer’s patients. 



Findings: 

At the present time, research shows that aerobic exercise slows the progression of brain degeneration, 

while also showing inclines in hippocampal volume, which is the part of the brain responsible for processing 

information. Studies also indicate that there is not yet a particular exercise regimen that is best to follow. 


The research studies reviewed for this paper call for further research regarding Alzheimer’s disease and the 

evidence-based preventative measures of aerobic exercise on preventing the onset of the disease. 

The Effects of Long Shift Hours on Nurses 

Roxanne Becerra (Co-Presenter) 

Brittany Brown (Co-Presenter) 

Latoya Busby (Co-Presenter) 

Angelina Johnson (Co-Presenter) 


The incidence and effects of fatigue are critical to every nurse’s professional practice. Rising incidents of 

nursing fatigue, burnout, low patient satisfaction, and poor patient care across the healthcare continuum 

is an increasing concern in the nursing field (Stimpfel, 2012). The purpose of this study is to investigate 

the connection between long shift hours worked by nurses and the incidence of poor nurse and patient 

satisfaction in healthcare. 

Objectives: 

Develop knowledge regarding the effects of long shift hours on nurse’s professional practice 



Findings: 

Working longer shifts was found to play the greatest role in facilitating nursing fatigue and insufficient care 

performed on patients. This study shows the relationship between the hours worked by nurses and the 

domino effects that proceed to follow. 


Further studies are needed to establish causal relationships and develop preventative measures 

(Stimpfel, 2012). 

The Effects of Mentoring on Nursing Incivility in New Graduate Nurses 

Amy Edmison (Presenter) 


Incivility is an ongoing issue in nursing that contributes to burnout and turnover in nurses. New graduates 

are particularly susceptible to stressors in the health care environment and are frequently targets of 

incivility. These issues combine to further complicate the nursing shortage in health care settings. 

73


Objectives: 

To explore the effects of a mentoring program on incivility experienced by new graduate nurses. 

To explore the effects of a mentoring program on turnover in new graduate nurses. 


New graduates with less than two years nursing experience hired to a medical-surgical unit were given 

questionnaires assessing incivility. Mentors, chosen by managers meeting specific criteria, were sent to 

training provided by the facility. Then, the pairs commenced into a mentoring relationship. After the 

relationship ended per the facility regulations, the mentees were re-surveyed to assess the perception of 

incivility experienced after mentoring. Data will be analyzed using a dependent samples t-test. 

Findings: 

Pending: complete by August 2018 


Pending: complete by August 2018 

Elementary Asthma Education: Implementation of the Green Means 

Go Program in an Urban Elementary School 

Jennifer David (Presenter) 

Nina Armstrong (Co-Presenter) 

Elizabeth Carew (Co-Presenter) 

Lauren Larkin (Co-Presenter) 

Mia Pecora (Co-Presenter) 

Conor Quinn (Co-Presenter) 

Hannah Ritter (Co-Presenter) 


Approximately 20 percent of students at an urban elementary school in Nashville, TN have an asthma 

diagnosis. This school does not retain a school nurse on site leaving teachers and students responsible for 

managing asthma exacerbations. In the past, it has been necessary for school staff to call 911 for emergency 

interventions for severe asthma exacerbations. 

Objectives: 

To partner with an urban elementary charter school in Nashville, Tennessee to enhance children’s 

understanding of how to self-identify asthma symptoms and react appropriately to avoid medical crises. 


Forty-two children with asthma in second and third grade were identified and assigned to participate in four 

weeks of the Green Means Go program led by students at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN). 

The Green Means Go Program consists of three lesson plans and one final review lesson. It was developed 

by Natasha McClure DNP, RN, CPNP, Assistant Professor VUSN and has been used in other elementary 

schools in Nashville. Each lesson consisted of one theme that was reinforced through videos, activities, and 

lectures. Lesson one is an overview of asthma and asthma symptoms. Lesson two is an overview of the 

Asthma Action Plan and the different color zones. Lesson three is an overview of asthma triggers and how 

to prevent trigger exacerbations. The final review consists of the important aspects of each previous lesson. 

Prior to Lesson one, a pre-test was given to evaluate the understanding of asthma. The same test was given 

after the final review to assess improved understanding of asthma. 

Findings: 

Student retention was 79% over the course of four lessons. Increased understanding of asthma was 

demonstrated via test scores. Scores improved from a pretest average of 73.3% to a posttest average of 80.3%. 

74



The Green Means Go program enhanced student’s knowledge about asthma management and asthma 

exacerbation prevention. This knowledge was supported through the improvement of test scores of the 

post-test versus the pre-test. We identified a community partnership with an urban elementary school with 

hopes to continue and sustain the program for future cohorts of VUSN students. Future projects should 

implement a home visit program in accordance with the Green Means Go lesson plans as well as provide 

materials for teachers and parents to provide continuing asthma education for students. 

Evolution of the APRN/RN First Assistant Role: Advocating Change in Tennessee 

Nancy Appling (Presenter) 

Diane Pace (Co-Presenter) 


An increasing number of APRNs are seeking role preparation as Registered Nurse First Assistants (RNFA). 

The increased education and skill set are highly marketable and heightens the level of patient care for the 

perioperative patient. The Association of periOperative Room Nurses (AORN) has established RNFA program 

curriculum standards. The Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI), the credentialing body for the 

RNFA certification exam posts “acceptable RNFA programs” on their website. Of the 16 programs listed on 

the website, 4 are university based. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing 

developed the first RNFA program in the state. In 2016, Tennessee legislators, without full understanding of 

the AORN national standards for RNFA education, enacted RNFA title protection that omitted APRNs from 

title protection. Paradoxically, APRN certified RNFAs are the only RNFAs eligible for Medicaid, Medicare and 

most third-party reimbursement. The 2017 TNA general assembly voted to support a resolution to modify the 

existing statue for RNFA title protection. The proposed resolution is currently in committee. 

Objectives: 

Identify the evolving role for APRNs as RN First Assistants 

Discuss the AORN National Standards for education of the APRN RNFA 

Describe Credentialing requirements for certification of the RNFA 

Advocate for APRN inclusion into RNFA Title Protection in the state of Tennessee 


N/A 

Findings: 

N/A 


Advocacy for change in state title protection for the APRN RNFA 

Increase awareness of legislative process and resources 

Promote reimbursement parity for RNFAs 

Expansion of Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice to Include 

Buprenorphine for Addiction: An Advocacy Brief 

Heather Jackson (Presenter) 

Alexis Weber (Co-Presenter) 


Over the past twenty years the United States has suffered from an opioid epidemic, which continues to 

threaten public health. Opioid dependence and illicit drug use contributes to crime and disruption to the 

75


community as well as family dynamics. Drug overdose deaths continue to rise and have nearly tripled from 

1999- 2014 exceeding the number of deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents. Over 1000 emergency 

department visits are related to the misuse of opioids and an estimated 91 people die from opioid overdose 

every day in the United States. Additionally, this epidemic is associated with an increase in infections 

due to intravenous drug use as well as health care expenses due to hospitalizations and emergency care. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention these costs are estimated to be $78.5 billion 

per year which consists of medical management, substance abuse treatment, and legal consequences. 

Unfortunately, access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction remains a barrier. 

Prohibiting nurse practitioners from prescribing buprenorphine is one such limiting factor that prevents 

life-sustaining treatment for patients suffering from opioid addiction. Section 303 of the Comprehensive 

Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) granted buprenorphine-prescribing privileges to nurse practitioners 

with appropriate training which could increase access to addiction care. Unfortunately, many states 

continue to have laws prohibiting nurse practitioners from prescribing buprenorphine for addiction, 

including Tennessee. 

Objectives: 

Analyze positive effects of buprenorphine treatment for opioid addiction and the extent in which nurse 

practitioners may increase access to MAT throughout the state of Tennessee as well as the United States. 


A review of literature was conducted and utilized the harm reduction conceptual framework. 

Findings: 

N/A 


MAT with buprenorphine is the safest and most effective treatment for opioid addiction; however, access 

remains a barrier for patients. Nurse practitioners may serve patients needing addiction treatment but are 

limited by buprenorphine prescribing regulations for addiction. These regulations restrict nurse practitioners 

from prescribing buprenorphine and should be revised to provide access to addiction treatment. Ultimately 

this could assist in preventing individual harm, societal harm, reduce healthcare costs, as well as improve 

patients’ quality of life. 

A Fourth Trimester 

Chandler Hollingsworth (Co-Presenter) 

Larrun Neder (Co-Presenter) 


A Fourth Trimester is the concept of at home care and teaching for the postpartum mother (especially a 

first-time mother). This critical analysis of the current status of postpartum health care in the United States 

what is known about the impact of home health care provided during the postpartum period, what is not 

known about home health care provided during the postpartum period, and future implications for research 

with home health care provided during the postpartum period. 

Objectives: 

Develop knowledge regarding home care and education for the postpartum mother. 



76


Findings: 

A fourth trimester of healthcare can make a world of difference in health of both the mother and child after 

child birth. By going home with the mother and providing the much-needed care and attention the mother 

needs postpartum, a fourth trimester could decrease the number of cases of postpartum depression and 

infant mortalities and increase the amount of time and infants that are breastfed. 


Further studies are still indicated for this topic. The majority of the research that has been done at this point 

is quantitative. Little is known about the actual effects emotionally of postpartum home care. In addition to 

that, most of the research has been conducted on a small scale in other countries. Research could benefit 

from being conducted with a larger population of postpartum mothers in the United States. 

From Rural to Urban: A Multifaceted Approach for Preparing Culturally Competent FNP 

Students and Addressing the Diverse Needs of Underserved Populations 

Farron Kilburn (Presenter) 

Mary Blanton (Co-Presenter) 

Pamela Camp (Co-Presenter) 

Joanie Jackson (Co-Presenter) 

Amber Roache (Co-Presenter) 


Healthcare in the U.S. is nearing a crisis level and the reasons are multifactorial: lack of access to care 

or insurance coverage; lack of providers, especially in underserved urban and rural areas; and a growing 

nursing shortage. Within urban and rural areas in the Southeast, chronic conditions frequently associated 

with the social determinants of health are widespread and disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. 

Rural residents are more likely than urban residents to die from the top five leading causes of death, and in 

Southeast Tennessee, rural residents face even higher mortality rates for all leading causes of death. 

Preparing culturally competent nurse practitioners to take on more primary-care provider roles is one 

solution for addressing the healthcare deficit and diverse needs of rural and urban populations, especially in 

the Southeast. 

Objectives: 

This project outlines an innovative academic-practice partnership model that prepares Family Nurse 

Practitioner (FNP) students to address the healthcare needs of underserved populations both as students in 

the midst of training and as practice-ready professionals after graduation. 

This project, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), implements a 

multifaceted approach to training culturally competent FNP students who are prepared to continue working 

with underserved populations upon graduating. The project examines the impact of (1) enhanced curriculum 

focused on the social determinants of health and (2) longitudinal clinical placements at underserved rural 

and urban clinical sites on FNP students’ ability to provide culturally competent care and their interest-level 

in working with underserved populations after graduation. 


Project strategies were initially implemented over a 5-month period for ten FNP students in their final 

semester, Spring 2018; Five students were placed at clinics in rural counties and 5 were placed in urban 

clinics. Project strategies are ongoing—ten additional FNP students will experience rural and urban clinical 

placements from the beginning of their program in May 2018, allowing for deeper curriculum impact and 

longevity at clinical sites. 

77


Post-graduate surveys will reveal outcomes for employment intentions for the first graduating cohort 

participating in the project. Qualitative data from curriculum interventions were collected from program 

participants and their clinical preceptors to display gains and lessons learned in providing culturally 

competent care. Baseline data for self-efficacy related to working with underserved rural and urban 

populations will be established for the ten incoming student trainees in May 2018. Mid-intervention data for 

the new 2018 trainees will be available by October 2018 to report further outcomes. 

Findings: 

Initial qualitative data suggests that project strategies increased self-efficacy in working with underserved 

populations as well as an increased interest in pursuing post-graduation employment at clinics working 

with underserved populations, especially those trainees who were exposed to longitudinal rural clinical 

placements. Quantitative data on post-graduation employment for program participants will be available by 

October 2018. Project barriers were noted and addressed regarding identifying preceptors in urban clinics. 


Ongoing research for further curriculum enhancements that integrate clinical and classroom learning is 

necessary. Research on identifying and implementing education methods for preceptors in underserved 

areas in order to ensure thorough student training is recommended. 

Gaming in the Classroom: Annual St. Patrick’s Day Final Exam Review 

Mary Lee Jacobson (Presenter) 

Cynthia Powers (Co-Presenter) 


The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how a variety of gaming techniques could be used for test 

and skills review for an accelerated BSN program. Games have been used to engage students in interactive 

learning and to enhance recall. 

Objectives: 

Discuss how gaming can engage students in interactive learning 

Identify benefits and barriers to using gaming in the classroom. 


To prepare first semester students for the foundations/skills course final exam a jeopardy style game was 

developed based on the final exam blueprint. Since the event occurred in March the faculty used a St 

Patrick’s Day theme for decorations, prizes and refreshments. 

Poster will include procedures for identifying appropriate content for gaming, developing the games and 

implementing gaming in the classroom 

Findings: 

Students’ evaluations were positive, and consistent with evidence. The poster will present background, 

methods, barriers and benefits, and outcomes. 


Gaming can be an effective way to engage students in interactive learning and can be a valid method for 

exam review. 

78


Health Education and BMIs in 3rd Grade Students at Norman Smith Elementary 

Eve Rice (Presenter) 

Jessica Eckenrode (Co-Presenter) 


N/A 

Objectives: 

1. APSU and BSN students will participate as a team with their instructors to deliver preventative healthcare. 

Will have the opportunity to learn evidence-based preventative care, coordinate activities, and manage their 

BMI of the children studied. 

2. An underserved community-based population of students who are presently not receiving adequate 

health education will receive evidence-based care on an ongoing basis to improve their health status 

regarding weight management and nutritional guidelines. 

3. The overall goal is to obtain a decrease in BMIs for overweight third grade students over a two-month 

period and to continue to follow these students through fifth grade. 


Two APSU nursing professors, one of whom is also a pediatric nurse practitioner and six to twelve BSN 

nursing students will provide health education through reading two purchased health promotion books 

with the elementary students, discussing the literature in small group settings and sharing healthy snacks 

(fruit and vegetable), and engaging in aerobic activities for this underserved population for one day a week 

for three consecutive weeks during the PE class time (30-45 minutes). During the first-class session, BMI 

indices will be measured for each participant by obtaining their height and weight. We will continue to 

follow these participants through 5th grade and see if the education improves their individual BMI indices 

and reducing childhood obesity. 

Findings: 

The findings are still being assessed for this spring. 


“Health systems can address childhood obesity through the implementation of best practice guidelines 

complemented by community-based resources, programs and policies that foster behavioral management 

strategies that aid children’s diet, physical activity, sleep, stress and wellbeing.” 

Childhood Obesity Guidelines 

“In 2010 and 2017, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force provided a Grade B recommendation that 

providers screen children aged 6 years or older for obesity and provide or refer children with obesity to 

intensive lifestyle modification program. 

In 2007 the American Academy of Pediatrics released the Expert Committee Recommendations that 

suggest screening all children for obesity (>=2 years) and providing tiers of care regarding the treatment 

and prevention of obesity.” 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Childhood Obesity Guidelines. Retrieved from: 

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/strategies/healthcare/index.html 

79


Implementing Research into Practice: Practical Application of Translation Frameworks 

Erin Morgan (Presenter) 


Evidenced-based practice is vitally important for safe, effective, andcost-efficient patient care. As nursing 

and medical science continue to advance, nurses of all types are asked to keep up with advancing 

knowledge while continuing to manage patients. Knowledge translation frameworks offer a practical 

template for those who seek to implement evidenced based change into any practice environment. 

Objectives: 

Translation frameworks such as the Ottawa Model for Research Utilization (OMRU) and Knowledge to 

Action Framework provide a purposeful plan for implementing evidenced based change in hospital and 

outpatient environments. The speaker will provide a brief discussion of a number of frameworks, their 

history, and use in nursing practice. 


The Ottawa model was initially developed to implement process change in the hospital environment. 

Discussion of both inpatient and outpatient applications are imperative as nurses experience evidencebased 

translation in all environments. The OMRU provided the foundation for rural spirometry 

implementation research conducted by this speaker. Pulmonary function testing (PFT) machines were 

implemented in three rural primary care practices. The resulting use was measured compared to previous 

practice and respiratory diagnoses. The Ottawa Model considers six elements important to successful 

implementation: the practice environment, potential adopters, evidenced based innovation, implementation 

strategies, adoption, and evaluation. Assessment of supports and barriers was completed to address 

potential problems and utilize strengths. 

Findings: 

The Ottawa model was initially implemented to change patient skin care outcomes within a large hospital 

system (Graham & Logan, 2004). The authors used the model to plan effectively with nurses and specialists 

throughout the hospital leading to successful implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of their design. 

Since that time multiple researchers have used the model in hospital and outpatient environments. 

The OMRU remained valuable to successful implementation of spirometry in the rural environment. Two 

sites were owned by a regional family practice group while the other was a nurse practitioner (NP) owned 

clinic. The ability to work directly with providers and staff at the NP owned clinic proved valuable for 

collaboration and implementation. Ultimately the NP owned clinic with one full time and one-part time 

provider performed the most PFT tests (n=43) while the site with three full time providers performed only 

nine tests. 


While spirometry was successfully implemented in rural primary care locations, the use varied widely. 

Implementation was most successful at the NP clinic where providers and nurses were active participants in 

the process. The remaining sites voiced concerns about time needed to perform the test and patient acuity 

as barriers to PFT use. Project planning at these sites was performed by administrators instead of providers 

leading to a lost sense of ownership of the intervention. 

Nurses and providers are increasingly asked to do more with the same amount of time and resources. 

However, new evidenced based changes will continue to occur in both the hospital and outpatient 

environments. Well-designed translation of new knowledge can occur when all parties are included in 

the process. New interventions and programs are more likely to succeed if designers use a framework for 

implementation. 

80


Improving Recruitment and Retention of Public Health Nurses in a Local Health Department 

Tina R. McElravey (Presenter) 

Sara Day (Co-Presenter) 

Alisa R. Haushalter (Co-Presenter) 

Judy Martin (Co-Presenter) 

Ernestine Small (Co-Presenter) 

Background: 

The United States is experiencing a critical nursing shortage that includes public health nurses (PHNs). 

Continued shortages within local health departments (LHDs) can negatively influence population health. 

The purpose of this project was to identify strategies for improving recruitment and retention of PHNs 

within LHDs. 

Methods: 

Literature review to identify best evidence regarding recruitment and retention of PHNs, roles and value 

of PHNs for population health and historic shortages of PHNs over time. Analyzed PHN vacancy, turnover 

and retirement rates. Reviewed related county and organizational policies and processes. Reviewed 

internal documents to identify division goals, PHN feedback, current salaries and compensation study 

recommendations. Conducted key informant interviews. Identified system barriers and enhancers. 

Results: 

Factors influencing recruitment and retention include salaries below market value, lack of a career ladder 

and pay inequities based upon funding source. Processes are layered with significant variability existing. 

Lack of promotional, educational and mentoring opportunities exists. Lastly, there is a need for an 

organizational cultural shift towards open communication, respect of PHNs and employee empowerment. 

Conclusion: 

Multiple strategies are necessary to address the PHN workforce shortage in LHDs. Failure to recruit and 

retain PHNs in LHDs may significantly effect population health now and in the future. 

Recommendations: 

Promote public health as a nursing specialty. Implement innovative recruitment strategies. Streamline 

and decentralize hiring processes. Increase salaries to market. Offer recruitment and retention bonuses. 

Implement a clinical career ladder. Provide educational and mentoring opportunities to prepare PHNs for 

promotional opportunities. Focus on organizational culture. Institute a PHN Committee to continue efforts. 

LPN Workforce 

Teresa Brown (Presenter) 

Petra Green (Co-Presenter) 


Utilization of the LPN workforce in acute care settings 

Objectives: 

To share how we utilize the LPN work force to their highest level of licensure and how it has impacted 

vacancies, staff satisfaction and patient satisfaction. 


At CHI Memorial, we started a process of hiring LPNs for purpose of Discharge paperwork and some patient 

teaching. This was started due to a cumbersome electronic system that required RN time spent doing 

81


clerical duties and a need for expedited thru put. We then advanced our concept to also include duties 

within their scope of practice such as medication delivery, IM and Sub Q medications, procedures and tasks 

and are labeling this role as LPN Extenders. Most recently, we have started yet another approach to using 

LPNs in a role in TEAM Nursing. 

Since we are using this workforce at the bedside, we have developed a focused orientation outline and 

annual skills day, have written a job description and changed policies to assure compliance with TN State 

requirements. 

Findings: 

We have experienced improved HCAHPS scores, expressed staff satisfaction and filled vacancies initially 

intended for RNs only. We are able to use a work force that otherwise would be used mostly in long term 

care facilities. 


N/A 

Maternal Factors that Influence Obesity in Toddlers 

Haley Williams (Presenter) 

Ashlee Ledbetter (Co-Presenter) 


The purpose of this research paper is to analyze and review at least eight scholarly articles that discuss 

the factors that influence childhood obesity. Articles reviewed were mostly primary sources. The goal of 

this paper was to show maternal and family factors as they relate to the increasingly prevalent issue of 

childhood obesity. We believe this an extremely important topic in today’s society. Obesity in childhood 

ages is more prevalent now than it has ever been. Preventive measures are much more effective than trying 

to treat the already existing problem. Therefore, the healthcare field has a true demand to understand and 

educate patients and their families about preventive interventions that help avoid obesity as a child. This, in 

turn, would decrease the amount of health problems in children and toddlers and overall, reduce healthcare 

costs to families. It would also promote overall health and wellness in these patients. 

Objectives: 

Develop knowledge regarding the maternal factors that influence toddler obesity. 



Findings: 

N/A 


N/A 

Piloting an Academic Medical-Legal Partnership: Building Capacity to Increase the 

Percentage Seniors (60+) who Receive Advice about and Execute an Advanced Care 

Plan and a Healthcare and/or Financial Power of Attorney. 

Carrie Plummer (Presenter) 

Breanna Baraff (Co-Presenter) 

Maggie Bulger (Co-Presenter) 

Helana Anderjack Garrett (Co-Presenter) 

Susan Gray (Co-Presenter) 

82


Anna Harty (Co-Presenter) 

Kaitlyn McGowan (Co-Presenter) 

Caitlyn O’Neil (Co-Presenter) 

Jordan Reed (Co-Presenter) 

Mary Spitler (Co-Presenter) 


2017 study conducted by Honoring Choices Tennessee found that fewer than a third of adult Tennesseans 

reported having documented Advanced Care Plans (ACPs). More specifically, a 2016 study conducted by 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center showed that 55% of adult patients polled had advance directives. 

However, only 24% reported giving a copy to their care provider (Vanderbilt Patient & Family Affairs 

Survey, 2016). A review of the literature reveals that patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and the legal 

system encounter multiple barriers in developing and documenting these important decisions, including: 

knowledge deficits, limited access to affordable legal counsel, inadequate clinic time and discomfort with 

discussing these issues. 

Objectives: 

• Pilot a Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) between Vanderbilt nursing and law students at the Vanderbilt 

Internal Medicine Clinic 

• Collaborate with VUMC patient affairs and education on recruitment materials 

• Counsel 100% of interested patients on ACPs/POAs during a primary care visit 

• Assist 65% of the clinic’s patients to complete new and/or update existing ACP/POA 

• 50% of completed ACPs/POA will be returned by the patient and uploaded in the electronic health 

record (EHR) 


Nursing and law students, underwent intensive training related to ACP, POA, end of life issues, and how 

to screen for other potential health-harming legal needs. Under direct supervision from faculty, students 

counseled and provided assistance with the completion of ACPs and/or POAs for patients receiving care at 

the Vanderbilt Internal Medicine Clinic. Patient encounters (in person and via phone) were documented via 

REDCap – a research-based and HIPAA-compliant database. Completed ACPs/POAs were uploaded into 

the patient’s EHR via EPIC. 

Findings: 

Final outcomes of this project are still in process as of submission of this abstract. To date, the majority 

(>60%) of patients were receptive to having conversations with the students about ACP in the primary 

care setting. After being provided with information and the ACP document, >75% of patients indicated a 

desire to discuss with family members and complete the form at home. A smaller percentage of the patients 

reported having already completed ACPs; however, a concurrent review of the EHR revealed many of these 

patients’ documents were not on file. This discrepancy, in part, may be attributed to a recent change over to 

a new EHR. An unanticipated finding showed younger patients (< 65 years of age) also to be interested in 

completing ACPs. 


The evidence-based literature indicates many healthcare providers are uncomfortable having conversations 

about advance care planning and end of life care. However, the majority of patients polled desire to have 

these conversations with their primary care provider. Clinicians would benefit from training on how best to 

initiate these conversations with patients. Care teams, including social workers and lawyers, should undergo 

83


interprofessional, team-based training to better understand each other’s roles and skill sets. Topics for 

additional research include identifying barriers to advance care planning, strategies for communicating 

about this issue with patients and families and identifying information dissemination techniques. 

Pressure Ulcer Prevention 

Margaret Horn (Presenter) 

Kelsey Smith (Co-Presenter) 


Pressure ulcers are a major topic in the nursing community currently and have been for quite a while. They 

are described as easily preventable but for some reason, they are still occurring frequently. This research 

problem paper discusses some of the reasons why they are still frequently occurring and some of the 

changes nurses can make to reduce that number. It also provides the reader with what is known about the 

prevention of pressure ulcers, what is not known about the prevention of pressure ulcers, and implications 

for future research on the prevention of pressure ulcers. 

Objectives: 

Develop knowledge regarding pressure ulcer prevention. 



Findings: 

All of the studies reviewed for this research paper indicate that further research should be conducted on 

why pressure ulcers are still frequently occurring in healthcare settings today. During this time, it is known 

that pressure ulcers continue to be a major concern in hospitals and other care facilities such as nursing 

homes. They are increasing the rate of hospital acquired infections and causing patients to deal with 

unintended and unnecessary pain during their stay. Studies have also shown that preventable measures can 

be taken to decrease the amount of pressure ulcers that do occur. 


There are many research opportunities available on the prevention of pressure ulcers and there is a current 

need for them to be done. Having many questions on pressure ulcers that are still unanswered, research can 

continuously be done to provide patients with the best quality of care and life. 

Teaching Advocacy through Community Education 

Tammy Howard (Presenter) 


Education: Nursing course assignment to raise awareness of substance use during pregnancy. (could also be 

considered a community initiative) 

Objectives: 

1) Participants will become aware of student assignment that promotes community awareness about the 

effects of substance use (NAS related drugs, alcohol and smoking) on pregnancy and newborn. 

2) Participants will understand how community awareness promotion is related to advocacy. 


Poster design will describe the student project and its impact upon the community. 

Project: OB clinical course group project assignment - Students (groups of 2-4 students) develop a 

presentation about the effects of NAS related meds, alcohol and smoking on the pregnancy and newborn. 

84


Following approval of the presentation (peer review process) the group presents their group project to a 

high school class (mostly in the Upper Cumberland area) to raise awareness about the effects of substance 

use during pregnancy. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of pregnancies effected by substance use. 

The target audience for the project: high school students who are for the most part pre-pregnancy status. 

Findings: 

N/A 


N/A 

The Thirst is Real: Increasing Access to Water for Floor Nurses 

Allyson Shambaugh (Presenter) 

Tara Roeder (Co-Presenter) 


Dehydration amongst floor nurses is a serious and overlooked problem in the healthcare environment. The 

fast pace of the acute care setting combined with a physical absence of water on the floor (due to OHS 

regulations) leads to a dehydrated nursing staff. Given the negative impacts of dehydration on cognitive 

function, dehydrated nurses can prevent patients from receiving optimal care. 

Objectives: 

Our study seeks to develop a better understanding of hydration amongst floor nurses and assess strategies 

to improve nurse hydration status. 


We intend to evaluate hydration of nurses before and after the installation of a hydration station and 

educational posters on the unit. Participants will complete a standardized cognitive function test, record 

their fluid intake, and submit a urine sample at the beginning and end of their shift. 

Findings: 

Results are expected Fall of 2018. 


We hope this study will further efforts to advocate for better hydration amongst nurses. Nurses exert 

a dramatic impact on healthcare team success and patient well-being. In the healthcare environment, 

maintaining adequate hydration levels in nurses is paramount to the health and safety of all. 

Transition into Practice Socialization of Graduate Nurses 

Angel Boling (Presenter) 

Pamela Cherry (Co-Presenter) 

Queen Welch (Co-Presenter) 


In this time of unprecedented change in healthcare, as reflected by Kavanagh and Szweda (2017), 

“delivering on the promise of safe, high quality patient care requires a highly engaged and competent team” 

(p.57). Nurses play a critical role in the success of the patient experiences and positive patient outcomes. 

However, the widening preparation-to-practice gap challenges the ability of health care systems to deliver 

consistent, safe, quality care. Often the problems associated with the transition of nursing students into 

professional nursing practice have been acknowledged as traumatic and stressful. Although there have been 

improvements in nursing education to bridge the gap, increased opportunities to prepare nurse for this 

transition from education to practice still exist. 

In the fall of 2017 the Nursing Division at Baptist College of Health Sciences in Memphis, Tennessee 

partnered with Baptist Hospital-Memphis to strengthen new graduates’ professional socialization through a 

85


creative and innovative model of transition from academia into practice. The outcomes were to reduce new 

graduate dissatisfaction and stress, to improve nurse retention and thus improve the patient experience. 

The poster will depict the framework of the “Transition into Practice Socialization” model that includes (1) 

assignment of the clinical preceptor for the senior student’s capstone clinical immersion experience who will 

also serve as the graduate’s preceptor post-graduation, (2) student learning assignments, (3) KATA process, 

(4) structured transitional experiences in practice (STEP) model for new graduate orientation, and (5) 

preceptor training, compensation, and recognition. Additionally, outcome data (i.e. patient satisfaction and 

new graduate retention) will be presented. Reference 

Kavanagh, J. & Szweda, C. (2017). A crisis in competency: The strategic and ethical imperative to assessing 

the new graduate nurses’ clinical reasoning. Nursing Education Perspectives, 38, 57-62. 

Objectives: 

The poster presentation will depict the framework of the “Transition into Practice Socialization” 

The objectives of the model are to: 

(1) enhance new graduate retention 

(2) impact patient satisfaction 


The Improvement KATA process was used to identify current situation and the target condition related to 

new graduate satisfaction. 

Findings: 

N/A 


N/A 

Transitioning to Practice: Does a Summer Externship Program Improve 

Students’ Perception Related to Competency, Interprofessional Collaboration, 

and Role Transition from Student to Nurse 

LeAnne Wilhite (Presenter) 


An integral component of nursing programs is the practical experience gained by clinical rotations through 

varied health care settings. Offering a diverse student experience in the hospital setting prior to graduation 

fosters a continued growth for the student exposing them to the nursing culture including interprofessional 

development and skilled communication. A summer externship program allows continued exposure to 

bedside nursing as well as a more comprehensive understanding of the team approach necessary for 

successful patient care. 

Objectives: 

This qualitative phenomenological study attempts to identify common themes among the students 

related to their summer externship experience and the impact on their perceptions related to competency, 

interprofessional collaboration, and role transition from student to nurse. 


The data was collected via an anonymous reflective survey given to the students in the fall semester 

following the summer externship experience to allow for assimilation of the experience by the student. The 

findings were aggregated via common themes related to the students’ perception of the experience as it 

related to competency, interprofessional collaboration, and role transition from student to nurse. 

Findings: 

A common theme was an improvement in communication skills and a broader understanding of the role of 

the registered nurse. 

86



N/A 

Unrestricted Intrapartum Oral Intake; Affects on Clinical Outcomes and Satisfaction with the 

Labor Experience in Low-Risk Patients. 

Nadia Robinson (Presenter) 


Since Mendelson’s landmark 1946 study warned of the significant risk of aspiration to intrapartum patients 

who did not fast while hospitalized, nurses on labor and delivery wards have maintained NPO or severely 

restricted intrapartum PO intake policies (Mendelson, 1994). These policies have persisted despite advances 

in intrapartum anesthesia delivery methods, airway protection/intubation technology and current evidence 

which demonstrates that aspiration in labor is rare in low-risk patients (Harty, 2015). Furthermore, evidence 

shows that benefits of eating during labor are decreased duration of labor (Ciardulli et al., 2017), improved 

fetal tolerance of labor (Harty, 2015), and increased patient satisfaction (Vallejo et al, 2013). 

Objectives: 

The purpose of our proposed innovate project is to increase patient satisfaction with all stages of labor by 

recommending the implementation of unrestricted intrapartum oral intake policies for low-risk patients. 


N/A 

Findings: 

N/A 


For 12 months preceding implementation of an unrestricted intrapartum PO intake policy for low risk 

patients, collect anonymous labor experience satisfaction data from postpartum patients who had been 

low-risk throughout labor, prior to discharge. For 12 months following implementation of an unrestricted 

intrapartum PO intake policy for low-risk patients, collect this same data. Provide eligible patients with 

written and verbal information on the risks and benefits of intrapartum oral intake. This data will enable us 

to serve as informed nurse advocates for optimal nutrition intake to benefit patients during the course of 

their labor. 

Prior to implementation of policy change and/or study, we will seek engagement, input and approval 

from facility legal counsel, administration, ethics teams, Institutional Review Boards, and staff to ensure all 

stakeholders are appraised of the current evidence, and effectively prepared to support the study and/or 

change in facility policy. 

Using Facebook in the Classroom: A Developing Case Study 

Rebecca Bush (Presenter) 


Students are more technology driven and tend to gravitate toward alternative learning techniques. 

Facebook is a common social medium that is actively used by college students. As discovered, Facebook 

can be used effectively as a teaching tool in the classroom. 

Objectives: 

Participants will discover alternative learning and teaching strategies by using Facebook as teaching tool in 

the classroom. 

87



N/A 

Findings: 

N/A 


College students use technology in every facet of their lives: socially, academically, and professionally. Yet in 

the traditional university classroom, technology is limited to the comfort zone of the professor. There seems 

to be a huge disconnect in how to engage the students using technology and make the learning more 

active-based for the students. Facebook is a common medium in which to actively engage the students. 

It provides a format that is readily available at no additional cost to the professor. Using Facebook to 

teach also offers flexibility for learning outside of the traditional classroom walls. Facebook is an innovative 

learning medium that is conducive for using case studies effectively in a nursing program. 

Using Simulation to Support a Safe Change in BCMA Vendors 

Deborah Ariosto (Presenter) 

Shilo Anders (Co-Presenter) 

Carrie Reale (Co-Presenter) 


Safe medication administration is a high volume, high risk, time consuming aspect of nursing care. Over half 

a million drugs are administered each month in this inpatient setting alone. With the implementation of a 

new EHR system, more than 4,000 nurses were trained to administer medications using new workflows, 

systems and tools. The Operational Readiness team identified medication administration as one of the most 

significant impact areas in the transition to evaluate. 

Objectives: 

The goal of the project was to facilitate a safe and easy transition to a new vendor for medication 

administration at a large academic medical center through formal usability studies and feedback at each 

phase of the implementation, stabilization, and ongoing system optimization. 


Nurses (n=15) were recruited representing adult, pediatrics, acute and critical care and were given 1 hr 

training in the new system 6 months before go-live. Comparative test methodology was used to evaluate 

the two BCMA systems. Participants completed the following set of med administration core tasks in each 

of the system versions: 

1) Hold two orders (sc insulin set dose + sliding scale dose); administer three/address BCMA alerts (adjust 

dose amount for partial package dose, and administer multi-package dose); 

2) Switch existing IV fluids to new IVF ordered rate; 

3) PRN pain medication and pain assessment; 

4) sc insulin doses [set dose + sliding scale] based on glucose value; 

5) Document meds previously administered/documented on paper MAR during downtime and administer 

a PRN medication now; and 

6) Message pharmacy to adjust insulin schedule 

Metrics included task success, safety-related errors, difficulty, and task completion time as well as 

standardized usability survey. 

88


Findings: 

Overall, performance with the planned system was good if not better than the current. Nonetheless, several 

opportunities for go-live and future enhancements emerged related to e-learning modules to help nurses 

adapt to new workflows; screen display and organization, confusing and disruptive alerts. Insulin continued 

to be problematic in both systems and is a priority for future system changes 


Celebrating improvements and timely mitigation of problems relies upon reliable, repeatable and actionable 

evaluations of workflow. Formal evaluation of the impact of new technology on nursing care is critical 

before, during and after implementation to ensure patient safety and nurse satisfaction. 

Using Telehealth to Reach Socially Isolated Patients with Chronic Pain 

Kathryn Hansen (Presenter) 


Seventeen percent of individuals in the state of Tennessee report chronic pain. In rural communities in the 

middle Tennessee area, the ratio of population to primary care providers is approximately 2800:1, indicating 

diminished access to primary and specialty care. Twenty five percent of the patients at the Osher Center 

for Integrative Medicine (OCIM) live outside Nashville city limits, barring them from consistent access to 

multidisciplinary chronic pain care. 

Objectives: 

This project aims to elucidate the feasibility of telemedicine as a means to provide access to nonpharmacological 

strategies to control and manage chronic pain. An ancillary goal of this project is to 

determine if the HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform is an effective way to decrease social isolation in this 

population of patients and improve pain coping skills. 


This project implemented four multimodal telehealth sessions during spring of 2017 to four existing patients 

of OCIM with restricted access to care. The topics of these sessions were adapted from existing Mind Body 

Medicine curriculum and included acupressure, stress management, nutrition education, and movement, 

with guided meditation included at the beginning of each session. Validated surveys PROMIS-29 and 

Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ-2) were utilized to assess physical, mental, and social health and 

confidence to one’s ability to lead a normal life despite pain, respectively. Additionally, novel questions 

surrounding computer literacy were included in these pre- and post-intervention surveys. 

Findings: 

Project in process, results to follow 

Expected outcomes include reports of improved confidence in social interactions and sense of community, 

improved ability to manage pain on daily basis, and confidence in utilizing the telehealth platform as a 

means to engage in health education. 


After analysis is complete, recommendations, as appropriate, for implementing telehealth groups for chronic 

pain patients will be made 

89



Statements of Financial Position 

December 31, 2017 and 2016 

2017 2016 

ASSETS 

Current Assets 

Cash $127,629 $ 80,183 

Investments 243,484 222,041 

Accounts receivable 32,445 41,950 

Prepaid expense 5,740 2,660 

Total Current Assets $ 409,298 $ 346,834 

Property and equipment, net 6,863 14,453 

Total assets $ 416,161 $ 361,287 

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 

Current liabilities: 

District dues payable $ 36,878 $ 34,441 

Accrued expenses 10,384 11,204 

Deferred revenue 49,122 56,514 

Total current liabilities 96,384 102,159 

Net Assets 

Unrestricted net assets 319,777 259,128 

Total liabilities and net assets $ 416,161 $ 361,287 

90



Statements of Activities and Changes in Net Assets 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 

Unrestricted net assets: 

91 

2017 2016 

Revenues and support: 

Membership dues $ 344,768 $ 320,710 

Convention 92,429 83,235 

Administrative fees 65,504 68,337 

Continuing education approval plan 53,606 72,319 

Legislative summit 26,335 24,075 

Investment income 21,443 10,421 

Affinity programs 17,517 27,525 

Other revenue 8,988 2,220 

Interest income - money market 24 19 

Total unrestricted revenue $ 630,614 $ 608,861 

Unrestricted expenses: 

Salaries and benefits 318,065 351,456 

Convention 76,165 62,564 

Office rent 42,006 39,940 

Insurance 34,800 57,859 

Equipment repairs and maintenance 34,714 21,658 

Professional services 12,224 13,549 

Depreciation 7,590 7,921 

Legislative summit 7,533 5,856 

Office supplies 5,986 3,682 

Staff travel and development 5,870 3,356 

Dues, subscriptions, and publications 5,861 7,121 

Meetings 4,256 1,987 

Service charges 4,205 6,663 

Equipment rental 3,930 7,650 

Postage 3,028 5,173 

Software expense 2,161 21,448 

Other expenses 1,546 1,168 

Membership development 25 574 

Total unrestricted expenses 569,965 619,625 

Increase (decrease) in unrestricted net assets 60,649 (10,764) 

Net assets-Beginning of year-as previously reported 259,128 315,227 

Prior period adjustment - Note 2 - (45,335) 

Balance at beginning of year, restated 259,128 269,892 

Net assets - End of year $ 319,777 $ 259,128



Statements of Cash Flows 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 

2017 2016 

Operating activities: 

Increase (decrease) in unrestricted net assets $ 60,649 $ (10,764) 

Adjustments to reconcile increase (decrease) in 

unrestricted net assets to net cash 

provided by operating activities: 

Depreciation 7,590 7,921 

Unrealized gain on investments (12,360) (2,997) 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable 9,505 (2,051) 

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expense (3,080) (2,660) 

Increase (decrease) in district dues payable 2,437 21,846 

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses (820) 1,168 

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue (7,392) (2,251) 

Net cash provided by operating activities 56,529 10,212 

Investing activities: 

Proceeds from sale (purchases) of investments, net (9,083) (7,424) 

Net cash used for investing activities (9,083) (7,424) 

Increase in cash 47,446 2,788 

Cash-Beginning of year 80,183 77,395 

Cash-End of year $ 127,629 $ 80,183 

Non-cash transactions: 

The Association wrote-off $62,080 of property and 

equipment with related accumulated depreciation 

of $62,080 in 2016. 

92


TNA 

LEADERSHIP 

OPPORTUNITIES 

TNA DISTRICTS 

District Committees 

District Board of Directors 

Networking and mentoring 

opportunities 

Great place to meet colleagues 

in your area 

Help nurses in your area thrive 

District President’s contact 

informaton at tnaonline.org 

STATE 

TNA Committees, TNA Board 

of Directors, Task Forces and 

TNF Board of Directors 

Meet and network with nursing 

and healthcare leaders in 

practice, legislation, 

academics, research and other 

areas. 

NATIONAL 

The American Nurses 

Association, much like TNA, 

has many opportunities to 

become involved. When you 

join, you will receive valuable 

information from ANA and 

ways to serve on a national 

level. 

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

Did you know that the association is completely run by the members 

of TNA? Your participation in TNA makes a difference. Our membership, 

made up of registered nurses just like you, volunteer their time 

to make this organizations a viable part of the healthcare delivery 

system in Tennessee. Many nurses will say they are where they are 

today because of nurses they met in TNA. We invite you to become 

involved today! A TNA staff member, or a member of the TNA Board 

of Directors will be happy to help answer any questions you may have. 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

CONTACT US 

Phone : 615-254-0350 

Email : tna@tnaonline.org 

Web : www.tnaonline.org 


545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405 

Nashville, TN 37228-1296 

93


Email: tna@tnaonline.org 

94


TNA PAST PRESIDENTS 

*Mrs. Lena A. Warner 1905-1918 

*Nina E. Wootton 1918-1919 

*Myrtle Marion Archer 1920-1921 

*Mrs. Daisy Gould 1921-1923 

*Mrs. Myrtle E. Blair 1924-1925 

*Abbie Roberts 1926-1927 

*Mrs. Corrine B. Hunn 1928-1929 

*Hazel Lee Goff 1930-1932 

*Nancy Rice (Nashville) 1933-1935 

*Aurelia B. Potts (Nashville) 1936-1937 

*Mattie E. Malone (Memphis) 1938-1939 

*Lennis Ault (Knoxville) 1940-1942 

*Frances H. Cunningham (Memphis) 1942-1944 

*Beatrice M. Clutch (Nashville) 1944-1948 

*Ruth Neil Murry (Memphis) 1948-1950 

*Elizabeth H. Killeffer (Cookeville) 1950-1952 

*Violet M. Crook (Union City) 1952-1955 

*Catherine M. Sterling (Memphis) 1956-1959 

*Vesta L. Swartz (Johnson City) 1960-1961 

*Mary Frances Smith (Memphis) 1962-1966 

*Dorothy L. Griscom (Memphis) 1966-1969 

*Dorothy Hocker (Nashville) 1969-1971 

*Mary Evelyn Kemp (Nashville) 1971-1973 

*Erline Gore (Nashville) 1973-1975 

*Patsy B. McClure (Knoxville) 1975-1977 

*Emma Lou Harris (Chattanooga) 1977-1979 

*Mary Windham (Clarksville) 1979-1981 

Annie J. Carter (Nashville) 1981-1983 

Margaret Heins (Knoxville) 1983-1985 

Virginia(Ginna)Trotter Betts(Nashville) 1985-1987 

Margaret Heins (Knoxville) 1987-1989 

Frances Edwards (Nashville) 1989-1993 

Carol Blankenship (Johnson City) 1993-1995 

Sharon Adkins (Nashville) 1995-1997 

Margaret (Peggy) Strong (Memphis) 1997-1999 

Gary Crotty (Knoxville) 1999-2001 

Wanda Neal Hooper (Nashville) 2001-2003 

*Maureen Nalle (Knoxville) 2003-2005 

Susan Sanders (Lynchburg) 2005-2007 

Laura Beth Brown (Nashville) 2007-2009 

Elizabeth (Beth) H. Smith (Piney Flats) 2009-2011 

Lena Patterson (Ooltewah) 2011-2012 

Jill S. Kinch (Nashville) (Interim President) 2012-2013 

Frances (Billie) Sills (Johnson City) 2013-2015 

Sandra (Sandy) Murabito (Nashville) 2015-2017 

*deceased 

95


Take Advantage of the Many Scholarship 

Opportunities Available Through the 

Tennessee Nurses Foundation 

Scholarship applications—reviewed once each year. 

The deadline is November 1. 

• RN to BSN Scholarship 

• Maureen Nalle Memorial Graduate Nursing Scholarship 

• Arthur Davis LPN to RN Scholarship 

Grant applications—reviewed twice each year. 

The deadline is the last day of February and August. 

• Nursing Research Grants 

• Leadership Nursing Program 

Additional Opportunities! 

• Nurse Mentoring Toolkit 

• Honor A Nurse 

• Edna Mason Memorial TNA Conference Scholarship 

• TNA Membership Dues Scholarship 

• Tennessee Professional Assistance Program (TnPAP) 

TNF Grant Review Process 

The review process will take approximately four to six weeks. If you miss a deadline, your application will 

not be reviewed until after the next deadline date. Deadline dates vary, please visit tnaonline.org and click 

on the TNF link for complete details. 

Visit tnaonline.org and click on the TNF link for complete details, 

email tnf@tnaonline.org or call 615-254-0350. The mission of the Tennessee 

Nurse Foundation it to promote professional excellence in nursing. 

TNF, 545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405, Nashville, TN 37228-1296 

Donate to TNF and HELP A NURSE—Thank you! 

96


2018-2019 TNF Board of Trust and Staff 

Sue MacArthur 

Ed.D, APRN, BC 

President 

Columbia 

Ashley Berry 

RN 

Portland 

Janice Harris 

MSN, RN 

Wartrace 

Position Vacant 

Vice President 

Rebecca Lane Bone 

MSN, RN, CNE 

Dickson 

Bill Jolley 

Vice President, TN 

Hospital Association 

Non-Nurse 

Community Leader 

Debra Sullivan 

PhD, MSN, RN, 

CNE, COI 

Treasurer 

Readyville 


Ed.D, MSN, RN 

Eagleville 

La-Kenya Kellum 

DNP, RN, NE-BC, 

CNML 

Memphis 

Dara Rogers 

BSN, RN, OCN 

Secretary 

Murfreesboro 


MSN, RN, Ph.D(c), 

CS, FNP 

Union City 


Ed.D, MSN, RN 

Nashville 

Haley Vance 

DNP, APRN, 

CPNP-AC 

Ex-Officio 

Nashville 

Amy Hamlin 

Ph.D, MSN, 

FNP-BC, APN 

Ashland City 

Raven Wentworth 

DNP, RN, APRN, 

AGPCNP-BC, FNP-BC 

Jackson 

STAFF 

Tina Gerardi 

MS, RN, CAE 

TNF Executive 

Director 

Mike Harkreader 

MS, RN, CARN 

TnPAP Executive 

Director 


TNF Program 

Manager 

97


98


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TNA/ANA Member Benefits-at-a-Glance 

Check Out Our Benefits! 

TNA Visa Card 

Get the card that rewards you 

and supports TNA with every 

purchase. Visit 

TNAonline.org/Visa for details. 

Protect yourself with 

Professional Liability 

Insurance through NSO. Visit: https:// 

www.tnaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/NSO- 

Liability-Insurance-Benefit-TNA.pdf 

One Main Financial 

Provides a wide variety of personal loans to meet your 

needs, from auto loan refinance, debt consolidation, and 

home improvement projects to travel excursion and 

more! Visit www.onemainfinancial.com/TNAnurses for 

details. 

TNA Career Center 

Find and post employment opportunities at TNA’s 

online Career Center. Click the Career Center link at 

TNAonline.org 

Gallagher Affinity (NEW) 

Offering insurance, office supplies discount, financial 

services, travel discounts, as well as small business 

solutions. 

Financial and Long Term Care planning through 

Innovative Financial Group, LLC 

Carson Newman University 

A 10% tuition discount is available to TNA 

members and their immediate family. Apply today 

at onlinenursing.cn.edu/TNA 

Walden University 

A U.S. regionally accredited university offering online 

bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. 10% tuition 

benefit offered. 

Chamberlain University 

TNA members receive waived application fees, 

complimentary no-obligation written transcript 

evaluation (including obtaining official transcripts for 

applicants), and 10% savings on tuition for all of the 

online programs. 

Free Online Continuing Education—Available at 

no or reduced cost through ANA Members Only 

OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in 

Nursing—The current issue of this peer reviewed electronic 

journal is available only through ANA MembersOnly 

on Nursingworld.org 

Free weekly Legislative Updates and PRN Alerts 

when the Tennessee Legislature is in session 

Free monthly e-newsletter TNA News Express for 

Members 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Nurse Today—ANA’s official monthly (six 

print/six electronic) journal packed with 

information you can use in your practice. 

The American Nurse—published every other month 

to keep you current on nursing policy and ANA issues 

you need to know 

Leading edge conferences and exciting educational 

events at the national, state and local levels at 

member discounted rates 

Numerous networking opportunities 

Enhance and extend your leadership skills through 

ANA’s Leadership Institute 

Discounted products through nursesbooks.org, the 

official publishing arm of ANA 

As a member, you will save up to $125 on an ANCC 

Initial Certification and $150 on 

Recertification 

Provide opportunities to comment on policy 

development at state and federal levels and 

give input on scopes and standards of nursing 

and specialty practice 

Tennessee Nurses Foundation’s scholarship 

programs—RN to BSN Scholarship, Maureen Nalle 

Memorial Graduate Nursing Scholarship, TNF’s TNA 

District Educational Scholarship, Edna Mason 

Memorial TNA Conference Scholarship, Arthur Davis 

LPN to RN Scholarship and TNA Membership Dues 

Scholarship Program 

Tennessee Nurses Foundation—Leadership 

Nursing program, Nursing Research Grants 

program, Mentoring Program, and the Scholarly 

Writing Contest 

American Nurses Foundation—Nursing 

Research Grant Fund 

Discussion groups—free subscription to TNA’s 

Listservs 

Information and Position Statements— 

affecting your practice, your profession and the 

policies that impact us all—via ANA MembersOnly 

on NursingWorld.org 

Tennessee Prescription Drug Card Program 

Savings of up to 75% on both brand and generic 

medications 

Term Life Insurance offered by Hartford Life and 

Accident Insurance Company 

Auto Insurance offered by Nationwide 

Visit TNAonline.org for further information on member benefits or call 615-254-0350 

99


April 3, 2019 October 17-19, 2019 

TNA Legislative Summit 

War Memorial Auditorium 

301 6th Ave N 

Nashville, TN 37243 

TNA-TSNA Annual Conference 

Hilton - Memphis 

39 Ridge Lake Blvd 

Memphis, TN 38120 

Visit TNAonline.org for details! 

100


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: 

Email Address: 

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

Phone Number: 

(Home) 

(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: 

• 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 

101


Job Seekers: Keep Your Career on the Move! 

Our Career Center is the best source for jobs in all practice settings for nurses. It’s 

where Tennessee nurses go to ind the right job and where employers go to ind the 

right talent. With easy to use tools like customizable job alerts and multiple resumes, 

the TNA Career Center is the best place to grow your career! 

Employers: Find the Most Qualiied Candidate! 

each the largest ualiied job seeking nurses by recruiting with the TNA Career 

Center. Our members are highly ualiied and passionate about nursing and are 

looking for a rewarding opportunity. 

Need more information? 

Contact Brian DiIorio at 1‐866‐376‐0949 x 6028 or 

bdiiorio@associationcareernetwork.com 

Visit the Tennessee Nurses Association Career Center today 

and discover the difference we can make for you. 

To search or post a job, please visit us at: 

http://tnaonline.careerwebsite.com 

102


Do you have an extra 

$ 

37,084 

lying around? 

That’s the average cost for a nursing 

professional to defend against a medical 

malpractice suit. Add another $164,586 

if the claim is settled against you.* 

When you add up all the numbers, 

NSO equals peace of mind. 

NSO is the preferred provider 

of malpractice insurance for 

TNA members 

For rates and coverage details 

visit www.nso.com 

*Nurse Professional Liability Exposures: 2015 Claim Report Update, NSO and CNA, www.nso.com, October 2015 

Nurses Service Organization is a registered trade name of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc.; (TX 13695); (AR 100106022); in CA & MN, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (CA 0795465); in OK, AIS 

Affinity Insurance Services Inc.; in CA, Aon Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., (0G94493), Aon Direct Insurance Administrators and Berkely Insurance Agency and in NY, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency. 

X-13411-0918 

103


OneMain Financial 

Tools and Resources, 

anytime you need. 

When it comes to managing your 

money, you don’t have to feel like 

you’re on your own. We’ve teamed 

up with our friends at OneMain 

Financial to provide you financial 

tools and resources to help busy 

nurses like you. 

Explore topics like budgeting, loans, 

credit and more in a relevant and 

fun way. Plus, OneMain has financial 

calculators, the MoneySKILL money 

management course and educational 

videos to help you feel confident 

about your financial decisions. 

Get started today at 

OneMainFinancial.com/learn 

All loans subject to our normal credit policies. 

104

2018 TNA and TSNA Joint Annual Conference

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?