2019 Tennessee Nurses Association Book of Reports

NURSES 

THE REAL 

SUPER HEROES 

2019 TNA & TSNA JOINT CONFERENCE 

OCTOBER 18-20, 2019 

Memphis Hilton 

939 Ridge Lake Blvd. 

Memphis, TN 38120 

TENNESSEE STUDENT NURSES ASSOCIATION

2019 TNA-TSNA JOINT CONFERENCE | NURSES: THE REAL SUPER HEROES 

NURSES: THE REAL SUPER HEROES 

October 18-20. 2019 

Memphis - Hilton — Memphis, TN 

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 .......................................................................17 

Hilton-Memphis Floor Plan Meeting Rooms ..........................................................21 

General Announcements .........................................................................23 

Meet Our Keynote and Plenary Speakers ...........................................................24 

Meet the Presenters .............................................................................26 

Tennessee Nurses Political Action Committee (TNPAC) ..............................................29 

2019 Membership Assembly Rules and Information .................................................33 

111 th Membership Assembly Agenda ................................................................34 

Disclosures to Participants, Continuing Nursing Education Instructions ................................35 

Introduction to Robert’s Rules of Order ............................................................36 

TNA Proposed Bylaws ...........................................................................40 

2018-2020 Legislative and Health Policy Statements ................................................50 

Nightingale Tribute & Memoriam ..................................................................55 

TNA District Map ................................................................................57 

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

2019 Slate of Candidates .........................................................................59 

Poster Abstracts ................................................................................68 

TNA Financials ..................................................................................88 

TNA Leadership Opportunities ....................................................................92 

Area of Interest Form ............................................................................93 

TNA Past Presidents .............................................................................94 

Tennessee Nurses Foundation (TNF) Scholarships ..................................................95 

TNF Board of Trust Roster ........................................................................96 

TNA Member Benefits ...........................................................................97 

TNA 2020 Events ...............................................................................101 

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 2019 Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) & Tennessee Student 

Nurses Association (TSNA) Joint Conference. 

This year’s conference theme is “Nurses: The Real Super Heroes.” As a profession, 

we have an incredible opportunity to advocate for, influence, and empower both 

our nurse colleagues and the patients we provide care for. We want to celebrate this 

and encourage nurses across the state to speak loudly with one unified voice. We 

are excited to be in Memphis this year! Many long hours have gone into planning 

conference to provide you with intentional and thoughtful time for open dialogue 

regarding healthcare issues in Tennessee, excellent continuing education, poster 

sessions, and networking opportunities. 

We are thrilled to have several distinguished guests joining us this year. Rose Sherman, EdD, RN, NAE-BC, 

FAAN is the editor of Nurse Leader journal. She will join us on Friday evening to share insight on building 

leadership and trust throughout your nursing career. We will have a dynamic session Saturday on pain 

management and opioids led by Theresa Mallick-Searle, MS, ANP-BC. Our keynote speaker on Saturday is 

Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN, our newly elected 36 th president of the American Nurses Association. Dr. 

Grant will share with us from a national perspective and inspire us to pursue avenues of leadership within 

the nursing profession. Our closing speaker on Sunday is Lynn Pierce, BSN, RN, CPHRM who serves as a 

risk consultant for CNA. Her expertise on healthcare risk management will provide practical information for 

preventing malpractice in our day-to-day practices. 

Forming relationships with key stakeholders and legislators is crucial to the success of TNA’s legislative 

agenda. We look forward to hearing from local legislators regarding healthcare related issues and priorities 

for the upcoming session. As an organization, we will also dive deep into our bylaws and seek to engage in 

thoughtful discussion regarding the future direction of the association. 

Thank you for making this weekend a priority. I look forward to meeting and interacting with you. Welcome 

to conference! 

Sincerely, 

Haley Vance 

3


Welcome from the Executive Director 

Tina Gerardi, MS, RN, CAE 

Welcome to the 2019 Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) & Tennessee Student Nurses 

Association Joint Conference. This year is the first year of our endeavor to move the 

annual conference to different regions of the state. We are so happy to be in West 

Tennessee and look forward to alternating our future conference sites. I am confident 

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

upcoming year, share our wisdom with our colleagues and with the profession’s future, 

our students. I think we will also have some fun along the way! 

This year’s theme, Nurses: The Real Super Heroes, recognizes the extraordinary work 

registered nurses do every day whether at the bedside, in the classroom, in the board 

room, or in the Capitol. Each day as we promote public trust for the nursing profession, 

we consistently provide 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 Rose Sherman will share key attributes needed to be an effective leader and the role of trust and 

psychological safety in leadership today. Ernest Grant, ANA President and our keynote speaker, will articulate 

his vision for his presidency as well as ANA’s current priorities and initiatives. Our closing plenary speaker, 

Lynn Pierce will highlight ways to avoid malpractice while assuring safe nursing practice in our daily work. In 

addition to our concurrent sessions, we will be introducing the use of general sessions this year - one on the 

topic of opioids and one on the topic of when medical errors become criminal charges. 

We have a very busy 2 1 /2 days together! The Membership Assembly will convene to do the work of the 

Association – reviewing bylaws proposals and setting direction and priorities for the upcoming year. TNA will 

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. 

2019 Conference Planning Committee 

This year’s conference has been diligently planned under the direction of Nancy Stevens 

(TNA Board Director of Education) and our 2019 Conference Planning Committee. 

Please thank the following individuals for their yearlong effort in planning our annual conference: 

Sheila Bouie 

Diane Cunningham 

Kathryn Denton 

Hugh Friar 

Tina Gerardi 

Sharon Hinton 

Teresa Johnson 

Tina McElravey 

Jordan Miller 

Kathleen Murphy 

Laura Reed 

Alyssa Soto 

Nancy Stevens 

5


7


Welcome from the TSNA President 

Alyssa Soto, RN, BSN 

Welcome to the 2019 TNA and TSNA Joint Conference. I want to personally thank 

each and every one of you for attending this conference and being passionate about 

the advancement in nursing. As nursing students, we have a unique opportunity to 

speak change and foster growth in the educational field prior to embarking on our 

journey as a registered nurse. TSNA provides us with this platform to gather our 

voices together, pass legislation, change school policy, or even state requirements, and 

connect with other students across the state. 

TSNA provides a platform for connecting students to make a change. As a member 

of TSNA you are able to meet students from across the state and sometimes, across 

the nation. In being here today, you have chosen to grow and make a difference in the 

nursing field. I want to thank you for making this choice. 

Over the next two days, you will have the opportunity to hear from experts throughout the nursing field, ask 

questions to those who may already be working in the field you desire, meet other students embarking on 

the same journey, take part in an NCLEX review, and talk with vendors from across the state. Stop by the 

TSNA registration table for more information and to see what event is next on the agenda! 

9


Tennessee Nurses Association 

Conference Schedule* 

*Schedule subject to change without notice 

Friday, October 18 Activity/Event Location Contact Hours 

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

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. TNF & TN Nurse PAC Silent Auction 

Open 

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Membership Assembly 

Candidates Forum 

Southeast Ballroom A 

TN Grand Ballroom A 

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Concurrent Session A 

“A Haven and a Nest” Caregivers’ 

Early Experience at the Nurse-Led 

Dementia Medical Home - Mariya 

Kovaleva, Vanderbilt University 

Concurrent Session B 

Does Premature Birth Contribute 

to the Increase in Chronic Kidney 

Disease? - Bobby Bellflower, UTHSC 

Concurrent Session C 

The Macroeconomic Benefits of 

TN APRNs Having Full Practice 

Authority - Tracy Stansberry, Cyril 

Chang, David Mirvis, Carole Myers 


TN Grand Ballroom D 

TN Grand Ballroom E 

1.0 Contact 

Hour 

1.0 Contact 

Hour 

1.0 Contact 

Hour 

12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Lunch TN Grand Ballroom A 

12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. TN Nurse PAC Membership Meeting TN Grand Ballroom E 

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Opening Session 

Building Leadership and Trust 

Throughout Your Career 

Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, 

FAAN Editor of the Nurse Leader 

journal; Graduate Coordinator for 

the Nursing Administration Master’s 

Program 

Florida Atlantic University 


1.0 Contact 

Hour 

2:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Issues Forum 

Bylaws Forum 

Break 

Legislative Forum – Nurse Practice Act 

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Welcome Reception with Music & 

Exhibits 

Students are welcome to attend any activity 

Green indicates business meeting 

Blue font indicates TNA CE activity 

11 


TN Grand Ballroom BC 

3.0 Contact 

Hours


Saturday, October 19 Activity/Event Location Contact Hours 

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

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Poster Set-Up TN Grand Ballroom D 

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Sunrise Snack Foyer 

7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. TNF and TN Nurse PAC Silent 

Auction Open 


8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Membership Assembly TN Grand Ballroom A 

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Break Foyer 

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Concurrent Session D 

Poster Presentations 

Presenters will be available to 

answer questions or discuss poster 

content 

Concurrent Session E 

Suicide Risk and Prevention Among 

Nurses - Leslie Hopkins, Vanderbilt 

University 



1.0 Contact 

Hour 

1.0 Contact 

Hour 

Concurrent Session F 

A Dualistic Potential for Danger— 

When Nurse and Person with 

Substance Use Disorder Vulnerability 

Collide - Kendrea Todt, ETSU 

TN Grand Ballroom E 

11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Transition to Lunch TN Grand Ballroom BC 

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

Luncheon 

2:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. General Session 

Pain Management and Opioids: 

Balancing the Risks and Benefits 

Tracey Mallick-Searle, MS, ANP-BC 

4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Break 

Visit Posters for Self Study CE 



4:30 p.m. Silent Auction Closes Southeast Ballroom A 

4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Membership Assembly 

TN Nurse PAC Live Auction 

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Keynote Session 

Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN 

President, American Nurses 

Association 



6:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. TNA Achievement Awards TN Grand Ballroom A 

7:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. TNA Awards Reception TN Grand Ballroom BC 

7:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. TNF & TN Nurse PAC Silent Auction 

Payment & Pick up 

8:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. TN Nurse PAC Fundraiser 

(Ticketed Event) 





TBD 

1.0 Contact 

Hour 

2.0 Contact 

Hours 

1.0 Contact 

Hour 

13


Sunday, October 20 Activity/Event Location Contact Hours 

7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Visit Posters for Self-Study CE TN Grand Ballroom D 


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

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Voting for TNA Elections Southeast Ballroom A 

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. General Session 

When Medical Errors become 

Criminal Charges - Presenting 

attorneys to be announced 


Breakdown and Remove Posters 

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Closing Plenary Session 

Stay a Real Superhero: Don’t 

Become a Malpractice Case Study 

Lynn Pierce, BSN, RN, CPHRM 

Nurses Service Organization 




11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Membership Assembly/Adjournment TN Grand Ballroom A 




1.0 Contact 

Hour 

1.0 Contact 

Hour 

The Tennessee Nurses Association is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional 

development by the South Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses 

Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 

15

Nurses 

Building a Culture of Health Across Tennessee 

• Do you have a passion to make a difference in a population you care deeply about? 

• Are you curious about how to create a Culture of Health where you live, learn, 

work, play or worship? 

• Have you thought about serving on a board or other body but don’t know where to start? 

• Do you want to develop your leadership and advocacy skills for board or other work? 

Come learn, work and lead with us as we 

build a Culture of Health! 

The Tennessee Action Coalition works with other 

state action coalitions across the country to carry out 

recommendations from the IOM Future of Nursing report. 

For more information, check out the 

Future of Nursing Campaign for Action website: 

campaignforaction.org/about/


Tennessee Student Nurses Association 

Conference Schedule* 

*Schedule subject to change without notice 

Friday, October 18 Activity/Event Location Contact Hours 

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. TNF & TN Nurse PAC Silent 

Auction 


11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. TSNA Board of Directors Meeting Southeast Ballroom BC 

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. TSNA Registration Open Southeast Ballroom Foyer 

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. TNA Opening Session 

Building Leadership and Trust 

Throughout Your Career - Rose O. 

Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN 

Editor of the Nurse Leader journal; 

Graduate Coordinator for the 

Nursing Administration Master’s 

Program Florida Atlantic University 


1.0 Contact 

Hour 

4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. TSNA Open Session Southeast Ballroom BC 

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. TSNA House of Delegates I 

Mandatory for Delegates, Open 

Session 

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Welcome Reception with Music & 

Exhibits 

Southeast Ballroom BC 


Saturday, October 19 Activity/Event Location Contact Hours 

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Poster Set-Up TN Grand Ballroom D 


7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. TSNA Registration Open Southeast Ballroom Foyer 

7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. TNF & TN Nurse PAC Silent 

Auction 

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. TSNA House of Delegates II 

Mandatory for Delegates, Open 

Session 



9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. TSNA Candidate Presentations Southeast Ballroom BC 

9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. TSNA Picmonic Southeast Ballroom BC 

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Poster Presentations 

Presenters will be available to 

answer questions or discuss poster 

content 


10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. TSNA Breakout Groups Southeast Ballroom BC 

Blue font indicates TNA and TSNA activity/event. 

1.0 Contact 

Hour 

17


11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. TSNA Election Overview 

Mandatory for Delegates & 

Candidates 

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

Luncheon 



2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. TSNA NCLEX Review Southeast Ballroom BC 

3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. TSNA Nursing Specialty Panel Southeast Ballroom BC 

4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. TSNA Closing Session 

Mandatory for Delegates & 

Candidates 


4:30p.m. Silent Auction Closes Southeast Ballroom A 

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Keynote Session 

Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN 

President, American Nurses 



1.0 Contact 

Hour 

6:45 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. TSNA Board of Director Meeting 

2019-2020 New Board Members 

Required to Attend 

7:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. TNF & TN Nurse PAC Silent 

Auction Payment & Pick Up 



Sunday, October 20 Activity/Event Location Contact Hours 


9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. General Session 

When Medical Errors become 

Criminal Charges - Presenting 

attorneys to be announced 


Breakdown and Remove Posters 

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Closing Plenary Session 

Stay a Real Superhero: Don’t 

Become a Malpractice Case Study 


Nurses Service Organization 




1.0 Contact 

Hour 

1.0 Contact 

Hour 

Blue font indicates TNA and TSNA activity/event. 

19


Hilton-Memphis Meeting Rooms 

21


General Announcements 

Welcome to the 2019 TNA & TSNA Joint Conference. Please follow the conference schedule, and download 

the conference app, 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 Southeast Ballroom A room. 

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

Grand Ballroom A, 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 D 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 

Southeast Ballroom A . Election results will be announced 

during the closing Membership Assembly session beginning 

at 11:30 a.m. 

HILTON MEMPHIS WELCOMES 

Tennessee Nurses Association! 

We Appreciate Your Business! 

A Community Built on Care 

Seeking Experienced & New Grad RNs to join our team! 

Advance Your Nursing Career with a Master of 

Public Health or Graduate Certificate 

100% Online or On Campus 

MPH Concentrations: 

• Biostatistics 

• Community Health 

• Epidemiology 

• Health Services 

Administration 

Graduate Certificates: 

• Biostatistics 

• Epidemiology 

• Gerontology 

• Global Health 

• Health Care Management 

• Public Health 

Contact: Jennifer Hunt, 

MPH Coordinator and Academic Advisor 

Email: mphcoordinator@etsu.edu 

https://www.etsu.edu/cph/academics/graduate.php 

23


Meet the Keynote and Plenary Speakers 

Opening Plenary Speaker 

Friday, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m 

Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN 

Rose O. Sherman is a Professor Emeritus in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, 

Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida and currently serves as an adjunct 

professor in the Marian K. Shaughnessy Leadership Academy at Case Western Reserve 

University. She is nationally known for her work in the development of current and 

future leaders and teaches the ANA new nurse manager program. Rose is an alumnus 

of the Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellowship Program and is a Fellow in 

the American Academy of Nursing. She is author of a popular leadership blog www. 

emergingrnleader.com designed for emerging nurse leaders, and is Editor in Chief 

of AONE’s journal Nurse Leader. She received the 2018 AONE Nurse Researcher of 

the Year Award. Her first book, The Nurse Leader Coach: Become the Boss No One Wants to Leave was 

published in February 2019. 

General Session 

Saturday, 2:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. 

Pain Management and Opioids: Balancing the Risks and Benefits 

Tracey Mallick-Searle, MS, ANP-BC 

Sponsored by the Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation, this dynamic session 

addresses the nature and pathophysiology of pain, assessing patients in pain, risks 

and benefits of immediate release and extended release opioids, patient and family 

counseling on safe use and disposal, complications associated with misuse and 

diversion, as well as recognizing opioid use disorder (addiction). 

This program meets most states’ requirements for opioid education and is fully 

compliant with the Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) 

education requirement issued by the FDA in September, 2018. The FDA has added RNs 

as a target group for this important education in an effort to expand and improve knowledge about the 

significant healthcare challenge of opioid use and misuse. This program is designed for all RNs and APRNs 

to help address the Opioid Crisis, we are excited to be able to provide cutting-edge information on such an 

important issue. 

The Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation is a non-profit organization with the mission of improving 

health status and quality of care through NP innovations in clinical care, research, education, health policy, 

and philanthropy. 

24

Keynote Speaker 


Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. 

Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN 

Dr. Ernest J. Grant is the 36th president of the American Nurses Association (ANA), 

the nation’s largest nurses organization representing the interests of the nation’s 4 

million registered nurses. Ernest will speak on nursing leadership. A distinguished 

leader, Dr. Grant has more than 30 years of nursing experience and is an internationally 

recognized burn-care and fire-safety expert. He previously served as the burn outreach 

coordinator for the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at University of North Carolina 

(UNC) Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Grant also serves as adjunct faculty for the UNC-Chapel 

Hill School of Nursing, where he works with undergraduate and graduate nursing 

students in the classroom and clinical settings. Grant is frequently sought out for his expertise as a clinician 

and educator. 

Grant holds a BSN degree from North Carolina Central University and MSN and PhD degrees from the 

University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He was inducted as a fellow into the American Academy 

of Nursing in 2014. He is the first man to be elected to the office of president of the American Nurses 

Association. 

General Session 

Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 

When Medical Errors Become Criminal Charges 

Closing Plenary Speaker 

Sunday, 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 


Lynn Pierce is a risk control consultant for CNA. Prior to joining CNA, she worked 

in such clinical settings as emergency, surgical and critical care, and cardiac and 

orthopedic rehabilitation services. Lynn will present “Stay a Real Super Hero: Don’t 

Become a Malpractice Case Study.” 

She has served as a director of risk management in acute care hospitals and integrated 

health care systems and has held leadership positions in risk management, quality, 

HIPAA privacy, environmental and patient safety, case management, corporate 

compliance, Workers’ Compensation and infection prevention. She earned her BSN 

from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia and is currently pursuing a MSN-FNP with an 

expected graduation of Spring 2020. 

25

Friday 


2019 Presenters 

A Haven and a Nest” Caregivers’ Early Experience at the Nurse-Led Dementia Medical Home 

Presenter: Mariya Kovaleva, RN, PhD, AGPCNP-BC 

Post-Doctoral Scholar, Research 

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing 

Does Premature Birth Contribute to the Increase in Chronic Kidney Disease? 

Presenter: Bobby Bellflower, DNSc, APRN, NNP-BC, FAANP 

Associate Professor and Director, 

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program 

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center 

College of Nursing 

The Macroeconomic Benefits of Tennessee APRNs Having Full Practice Authority (FPA) 

Presenter: Tracey Stansberry, MSN, APN, AOCN 

Advanced Practice Nurse 

Tennessee Plateau Oncology 

26


The Macroeconomic Benefits of Tennessee APRNs Having Full Practice Authority (FPA) - Continued 

Co-Presenter: Cyril Chang, Ph.D 

Professor of Economics, Emeritus and Former Director 

Methodist Le Bonheur Center for Healthcare Economics, 

University of Memphis 

Co-Presenter: David Mirvis, MD 

Physician and Professor Emeritus 

University of Tennessee Health Science Center 

Co-Presenter: Carole Myers, PhD, RN, FAAN 

Professor 

University of Tennessee - Knoxville 

College of Nursing 

Saturday 

Suicide Risk and Prevention Among Nurses 

Presenter: Leslie Welch Hopkins, DNP, APRN, BC, FNP-BC, ANP-C 

AGPCNP Academic Director/Assistant Professor 

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing 

27


Saturday - Continued 

A Dualistic Potential for Danger — When Nurse and Person with Substance 

Use Disorder Vulnerability Collide 

Presenter: Kendrea Todt, PhD(c ), MSN, RN 

Instructor - Undergraduate Programs 

East Tennessee State University 

28


29


30


Will you 

take the pledge? 

31


msu.rnbsn@murraystate.edu 

32


2019 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. Only emergency motions or courtesy resolutions may be presented outside of the reference process. 

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

6. 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. 

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

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

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

10. 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. 

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. 

33


111th Membership Assembly Agenda 

October 18-20, 2019 | Memphis Hilton | 939 Ridge Lake Blvd | Memphis, TN 38120 

Friday, October 18, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. 

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

Greetings – Haley Vance 

Greetings – Alyssa Soto, 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 – Heather Jackson, TNA Treasurer 

Nightingale Tribute/Moment of Silence – Julie Hamm, 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 19, 8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. 

Call to Order – Haley Vance 

Introduction of Parliamentarian – Haley Vance 

Updates on 2018 Resolutions – Haley Vance 

Introduction of 2019 Resolutions – Alvin Jeffery 

Introduction of Staff – Tina Gerardi 

Executive Director Remarks – Tina Gerardi 

Introduction of Bylaws Proposals – Trish Baise 

Announcements – Tina Gerardi 


Saturday, October 19, 4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. 


Bylaws Proposals Continued – Trish Baise 


TN Nurse PAC Live Auction 

Sunday, October 20, 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 President and Members – Haley Vance 

Board of Directors Oath of Office – Tina Gerardi 

Announcements, PAC and TNF Contributions – Tina Gerardi 

Remarks/Adjournment – Carla Kirkland 

SEE YOU IN FRANKLIN, OCTOBER 30 – NOVEMBER 1, 2020 | COOL SPRINGS MARRIOTT 

34


Disclosures to Participants 

Outcome 

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

Contact Hour Credit 

Participants at the 2019 TNA & TSNA Joint Conference can earn a maximum of 10-11 contact 

hours for attending. 

Official Accreditation Statement 

The Tennessee Nurses Association is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional 

development by the 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 2019 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). 

35


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. 

36


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. 

37


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. 

38


39


TNA Proposed Bylaws 

Amendment 

Number & Section 

Amendment #1 

Article I. Name, 

Purposes and 

Mission 

Section 2. Mission 

and Purposes 

Amendment #2 

Article I. Name, 

Purposes, and 

Mission 

Section 3. 

Functions 

Amendment #3 

Article II. 

Membership 

Section 3. 

Qualifications 

Amendment #4 

Article IV. TNA 

Membership 

Assembly 

Section 2. 

Composition and 

Appointment 

Section 6. 

Quorum and 

Voting 

CURRENT BYLAW LANGUAGE PROPOSED BYLAW CHANGE RATIONALE 

The mission of the TNA shall 

be to promote and protect the 

registered nurse and to advance 

the practice of nursing to in order 

to assure a healthier Tennessee. 

Ensure adherence to the “Code of 

Ethics for Nurses” established by 

ANA. 

The TNA Membership Assembly 

shall be composed of TNA 

Members registered present. 

A quorum for the transaction of 

business by the TNA Membership 

Assembly shall consist of fifty (50) 

percent of the total TNA members 

registered and present at the 

Membership Assembly, plus five 

members of the Board of Directors, 

one of whom shall be the president 

or vice-president. 

The mission of the TNA shall 

be to empower the registered 

nurse; advocate for the practice 

of nursing and champion quality 

healthcare for all Tennesseans. 

Promote and protect the 

registered nurse and to advance 

the practice of nursing in order 

to assure a healthier Tennessee. 

Promote Ensure adherence 

to the “Code of Ethics for 

Nurses” established by ANA. 

d)Premier and Standard 

membership pricing option 

will be available in Tennessee 

for as long as ANA sanctions 

value pricing membership and 

TNA has a written agreement 

with ANA to participate in 

this membership option. e) 

State only membership will 

be available in Tennessee for 

as long as ANA sanctions 

leveled membership and TNA 

has a written agreement with 

ANA to participate in this 

membership option. 

The TNA Membership 

Assembly shall be composed 

of TNA Members registered 

and present. 

A quorum for the transaction 

of business by the TNA 

Membership Assembly shall 

consist of fifty (50) percent 

of the total TNA members 

registered and present at the 

Membership Assembly, plus 

five members of the Board of 

Directors, one of whom shall 

be the president or vicepresident. 

Reflects change 

made to the 

TNA mission 

statement 

The TNA does not 

have a mechanism 

in place to 

monitor and 

police compliance 

with the “Code of 

Ethics for Nurses” 

established by the 

ANA. 

Reflects change 

passed at ANA 

membership 

assembly 

adopting 

value pricing. 

Allows for 

potential future 

change within 

membership 

options. 

Presence not 

registration 

establishes 

both the 

composition of 

the membership 

assembly and 

the basis for a 

quorum. 

40


Amendment #5 

Article V. 

Nominations and 

Elections 

Section 1. 

Nominations 

Amendment #6 

Article V. 


Elections 

Section 1. 

Nominations 

Amendment #7 

Article V. 


Elections 

Section 2. 

Elections 

Amendment #8 

Article VI. Board 

of Directors 

Section 2. 

Composition 

Amendment #9 



Section 5. 

Responsibilities 

The TNA President will serve 

as a representative to the ANA 

Membership Assembly and the 

ballot will reflect it. Additional 

representative(s) and alternate(s) 

will be elected from the TNA/ 

ANA membership at large. 

No member shall serve in 

more than one elected office 

at the same time. A member 

serving in an elected office 

which is not expiring may be 

nominated for election to the 

office of president-elect but shall 

automatically vacate the first held 

office upon assuming the duties 

of president-elect. 

ANA representatives and 

alternates shall serve two-year 

terms or until their successors are 

elected. 

The Board of Directors shall 

consist of the elected officers of 

the Association, the Immediate 

Past President, and five Directors, 

one each for Operations, Practice, 

Government Affairs, Membership 

and Education, plus the Chair of 

the Presidents’ Council and the 

Tennessee Nurses Foundation 

(TNF) President. 

confer district association status 

on groups meeting qualifications 

established in these Bylaws 

The TNA President will 

serve as a representative 

to the ANA Membership 

Assembly by virtue of 

elections as the President. 

and the ballot will reflect it. 

Additional representative(s) 

and alternate(s) will be 

elected from the TNA/ANA 

membership at large. 

No member shall serve in 

more than one elected office 

at the same time. Election as 

a representative to the ANA 

membership assembly is 

exempt from this restriction. A 

member serving in an elected 

office which is not expiring 

may be nominated for election 

to the office of presidentelect 

but shall automatically 

vacate the first held office 

upon assuming the duties of 

president-elect. 

ANA representatives and 

alternates shall serve two-year 

terms or until their successors 

are elected or appointed. 

The Board of Directors 

shall consist of the elected 

officers of the Association, 

the Immediate Past President, 

and five Directors, one each 

for Operations, Practice, 

Government Affairs, 

Membership and Education. 

plus the Chair of the 

Presidents’ Council and the 

Tennessee Nurses Foundation 

(TNF) President. 

confer district association 

status on groups meeting 

qualifications established in 

these Bylaws and remove 

association status as deemed 

appropriate for failure to 

meet district qualifying 

requirements 

Clearer wording. 

ANA membership 

assembly 

representative is 

an expectation 

of the role of 

President. 

Clarifies 

that ANA 

membership 

assembly 

representation is 

not considered a 

second elected 

office. 

Allows for 

scenario when 

appointment is 

indicated rather 

than election. 

All chapter 

presidents are 

invited to board 

meetings. The 

presidents’ council 

is no longer active. 

The TNF president 

is ex-officio with 

full voice with no 

vote. 

Clarifies the role 

of the board in 

holding districts 

accountable 

for meeting 

requirements. 

41


Amendment #10 



Section 7. 

Vacancies 

a) In the event of a vacancy 

1) in the office of President, the 

vice-president shall become 

president for the remainder of 

the term but shall not fill the ANA 

Member Assembly Representative 

position; 

2) in the office of President-Elect, 

the office shall remain vacant until 

the next election of the President 

unless the Board of Directors, at its 

discretion, orders a special election 

by the membership; 

3) in an elective office, the Board 

of Directors shall fill the vacancy 

by appointment for the unexpired 

portion of the term; 

4) in the office of the Immediate 

Past President, the office shall 

remain vacant. 

5) The TNA officer who fills 

the vacancy in the office of the 

President will not serve as the 

TNA representative to the ANA 

membership assembly. 

a) In the event of a vacancy 

1) in the office of President, the 

vice-president shall become 

president for the remainder 

of the term but shall not fill 

the ANA Member Assembly 

Representative position unless a 

full ANA/TNA/DNA member; 

2) in the office of President- 

Elect, the office shall remain 

vacant until the next election of 

the President unless the Board 

of Directors, at its discretion, 

orders a special election by the 

membership; 

3) in an elective office, the 

Board of Directors shall fill the 

vacancy by appointment for the 

unexpired portion of the term; 

4) in the office of the Immediate 

Past President, the office shall 

remain vacant. 

5) The TNA officer who fills 

the vacancy in the office of the 

President will not serve as the 

TNA representative to the ANA 

membership assembly 

The appointed 

President can 

assume the 

ANA member 

assembly 

representative 

position 

provided they 

meet the same 

requirement 

as an elected 

President. 

Amendment #11 



Section 8. Duties 

a) The President shall 

1) serve as the official 

representative of this association 

and as its spokesperson on matters 

of association policy and positions; 

2) serve as the chair of the TNA 

Membership Assembly, the 

Board of Directors, the Executive 

Committee of the Board, and as an 

ex-officio member of all standing 

committees except the Nominating 

Committee; 

3) appoint committees of the 

Board as designated by the Board 

and fulfill other duties as may be 

required; 

4) serve as the TNA representative 

to the ANA Membership Assembly 

and the ANA Leadership Council; 

5) upon completing a term in the 

office of president, shall serve as 

the Immediate Past President on 

the Board of Directors with full 

voice and vote until replaced by 

his/her successor. 

a) The President shall 

1) serve as the official 

representative of this association 

and as its spokesperson on 

matters of association policy and 

positions; 

2) serve as the chair of the TNA 

Membership Assembly, the 

Board of Directors, the Executive 

Committee of the Board, and 

as an ex-officio member of all 

standing committees except the 

Nominating Committee; 

3) appoint committees of the 

Board as designated by the 

Board and fulfill other duties as 

may be required; 

4) serve as the TNA 

representative to the ANA 

Membership Assembly and the 

ANA Leadership Council; 

5) upon completing a term in the 

office of president, shall serve as 

the Immediate Past President on 

the Board of Directors with full 

voice and vote until replaced by 

his/her successor. 

6) Facilitate the evaluation of the 

executive director. 

The President 

has responsibility 

to facilitate 

the evaluate of 

the Executive 

Director. 

42


Amendment #12 




e) The Treasurer shall 

1) monitor the fiscal affairs of 

the association, provide for the 

expenditure of funds, and report to 

the Board of Directors and the TNA 

Membership Assembly; and 

2) serve as chair of the Committee 

on Operations. 

e) The Treasurer shall 

1) monitor the fiscal affairs of 

the association, provide for the 

expenditure of funds, and report 

to the Board of Directors and 

the TNA Membership Assembly; 

and 

2) serve as chair of the Finance 

Committee on Operations. 

The title of 

“operations 

committee” is 

not reflective 

of the scope of 

the committee 

which is focused 

primarily on 

finance. 

Amendment #13 




f) The Immediate Past President 

shall 

1) facilitate the annual evaluation 

of the Executive Director; 

2) serve on the Finance 

Committee 

3) serve on projects or other 

committees at the request of the 

President or Board of Directors; 

f) The Immediate Past 

President shall 

1) facilitate the annual 

evaluation of the Executive 

Director; 

2) serve on the Finance 

Committee 

3) serve on projects or other 

committees at the request 

of the President or Board of 

Directors; 

The facilitation 

of the annual 

evaluation of 

the Executive 

Director is the 

responsibility of 

the President. 

Reorder 

remaining 

Amendment #14 



Section 11. 

Meetings 

a) Meetings of the Board of 

Directors shall be held at least 

twice annually at a time and 

place determined by the Board 

of Directors. Meetings can be 

conducted electronically. Special 

meetings may be called by the 

President and shall be called 

upon written request of at least 

five (5) district associations or 

five (5) members of the Board of 

Directors. 

a) Meetings of the Board of 

Directors shall be held at least 

twice annually at a time and 

place determined by the Board 

of Directors. Meetings can 

be conducted electronically. 

Meeting electronically will 

constitute full attendance to 

include quorum requirements 

and voting. Special meetings 

may be called by the President 

and shall be called upon 

written request of at least five 

(5) district associations or five 

(5) members of the Board of 

Directors. 

Specifically 

articulates 

that electronic 

attendance 

meets 

requirements. 

43


Amendment #15 

Article VII. 

Directors 

Section 3. 


Director of Operations 

Has general oversight for 

1)Review of TNA Policies and 

Procedures 

2) developing new policies and 

procedures, as needed 

3) participating in long range 

planning 

4)the work of the Bylaws 

Committee, serving as the Chair 

5) the work of the Operations 

Committee 

6) the work of the Nominating 

Committee 

7)the work of the Reference 

Committee 

Director of Operations 


1)Review of TNA Policies and 

Procedures 

2) developing new policies 

and procedures, as needed 

3) participating in long range 

planning 

4)the work of the Bylaws 

Committee, serving as the 

Chair 

5) the work of the Operations 

Committee 

6) the work of the Nominating 

Committee 

7)the work of the Reference 

Committee 

Participates in 

1) review of TNA policies and 

procedures 

2) development of new 

policies and procedures, as 

needed 

Nominating 

committee 

moved to 

Executive 

Director. 

Operations 

Committee 

changed 

to Finance 

Committee 

and moved 

to Treasurer. 

Policies and 

procedures 

are part of 

the finance 

committee 

responsibilities. 

Amendment #16 

Article VII. 

Directors 

Section 3. 


Director of Government Affairs 


1) development of a legislative 

platform and health policy 

agenda in collaboration with 

other directors 

2) monitoring legislation and 

making recommendations to the 


3) identifying legislative priorities 

for introducing legislation 

4) the work of the TNPAC 

committee 

Director of Government Affairs 


1) development of a legislative 

platform and health policy 

agenda in collaboration with 

other directors the GOVA 

committee, serving as the chair; 

2) monitoring legislation and 

making recommendations to the 


development of a legislative 

platform, health policy agenda, 

and legislative priorities in 

collaboration with the GOVA 

committee, the Board of 

Directors and TNA staff; 

3) identifying legislative 

priorities for introducing 

legislation 

4) the work of the TNPAC 

committee 

More clearly 

defines the 

collaboration 

of the director 

with the GOVA 

committee, 

BOD and staff in 

defining political 

direction and 

action. 

44


Amendment #17 

Article VII. 

Directors 

Section 3. 


Director of Education 


1) promoting and supporting 

professional development and 

education through statewide 

planning and implementation; 

2) participates in the planning of 

provider CE events 

3) the provider unit for Continuing 

Nursing Education 

4) the work of the CE review 

committee 

The Committee on education 

review shall 

1) implement the policies and 

procedures of the continuing 

education approval process; 

2) review the continuing education 

approval process and recommend 

needed changes to the Board of 

Directors; 

3) serve as the approver unit for 

continuing education; and 

4) evaluate and advise the Board 

of Directors on other issues as 

deemed appropriate. 

Director of Education 


1) promoting and supporting 

professional development and 

education through statewide 

planning and implementation; 

2) participates in the planning 

collaborates with staff to ensure 

compliance with standards of 

provider CE events 

3) the provider unit for 

Continuing Nursing Education 

4) the work of the CE review 

committee 

The Committee on education 

review shall 

The work of the CE Review 

Committee: 

1) implementing the policies and 

procedures of the continuing 

education approval process; 

2) reviewing the continuing 

education approval process and 

recommend needed changes to 

the Board of Directors; 

3) serving as the approver unit 

for continuing education; and 

4) evaluating and advising the 

Board of Directors on other 

issues as deemed appropriate. 

Clean up of 

language 

and reflects 

collaboration 

with TNA staff on 

event planning 

45


Amendment #18 

Article VII. 

Directors 

Section 3. 


G) Nominating Committee 

a) The Nominating Committee shall 

be composed of five (5) elected full 

(ANA/TNA/DNA) members 

b) Membership will represent 

diversity of scope of practice and 

geographic location. 

c) Members of the Nominating 

Committee shall serve one (1) 

two-year term. Two members shall 

be elected in even years and three 

members in odd years. 

d) If a member of the Nominating 

Committee is unable to serve, 

the position shall be declared 

vacant and the person next in line 

according to the number of votes 

received shall serve the remainder 

of the term. 

e) The Committee shall 

1) request the names of candidates 

for elective offices; 

2) prepare a slate of nominees and 

publish such slate at least sixty (60) 

days prior to the annual meeting; 


procedures for nominations and 

elections as established by the 

Board of Directors; and 

4) assume other responsibilities 

for nominations as provided for in 

these Bylaws 

G) Nominating Committee 

a) The Nominating Committee 

shall be composed of five (5) 

elected full (ANA/TNA/DNA) 

members and report to the TNA 

Executive Director 

b) Membership will represent 

diversity of scope of practice 

and geographic location. 

c) Members of the Nominating 

Committee shall serve one (1) 

two-year term. Two members 

shall be elected in even years 

and three members in odd years. 

d) If a member of the 

Nominating Committee is unable 

to serve, the position shall be 

declared vacant and the person 

next in line according to the 

number of votes received shall 

serve the remainder of the term. 

e) The Committee shall 

1) request the names of 

candidates for elective offices; 

2) prepare a slate of nominees 

and publish such slate at least 

sixty (60) days prior to the 

annual meeting; 


procedures for nominations and 

elections as established by the 

Board of Directors; and 

4) assume other responsibilities 

for nominations as provided for 

in these Bylaws. 

Reporting to 

the Executive 

Director 

limits concern 

regarding 

the Board 


influencing the 

slate of nominees 

Amendment #19 

Article VIII. 

Presidents’ 

Council 

Eliminate the entire Article 

Presidents’ 

Council has not 

been in practice 

is not needed. All 

district Presidents 

are invited to BOD 

meetings and 

have full voice 

with no vote. 

46


Amendment #20 

Article X. District 


Section 3. 


a) The Bylaws of each district shall 

1) provide that members meet the 

qualifications as specified by these 

Bylaws; 

2) provide for the obligation 

of members to pay dues in 

accordance with adopted policies; 

3) provide for the district president 

to serve as a member of the TNA’s 

presidents’ council. And, if the 

president is unable to attend the 

meeting, the President Elect or 

Vice President shall attend the 

President’s council meetings as an 

alternate with full voice and vote of 

the district president. 

4) protect members’ rights to 

participate in TNA and the district 

association; and 

5) specify the rights and obligations 

of members. 

b)Each district association shall 

1) provide for Full members 

(TNA/ANA/DNA) to nominate 

candidates for representatives to 

the ANA Membership Assembly in 

accordance with these Bylaws and 

adopted policy; 

2) provide for members to 

nominate candidates for TNA 

offices and committees in 

accordance with these 

Bylaws and adopted policies; 

3) submit district Bylaws and 

proposed amendments for review 

to TNA when requested. 

4) provide such information to TNA 

as required by adopted policies and 

procedures; and 

5) submit an annual report to the 


office by March 1; and 

6) comply with the requirements of 

these Bylaws. 

a) The Bylaws of each district 

shall 

1) provide that members meet 

the qualifications as specified by 

these Bylaws; 

2) provide for the obligation 

of members to pay dues in 

accordance with adopted 

policies; 

3) provide for the district 

president to serve as a member 

of the TNA’s presidents’ council. 

And, if the president is unable 

to attend the meeting, the 

President Elect or Vice President 

shall attend the President’s 

council meetings as an alternate 

with full voice and vote of the 

district president. 

4) protect members’ rights 

to participate in TNA and the 

district association; and 

5) specify the rights and 

obligations of members. 

b)Each district association shall 

1) provide for Full members 

(TNA/ANA/DNA) to nominate 

candidates for representatives to 

the ANA Membership Assembly 

in accordance with these Bylaws 

and adopted policy; 

2) provide for members to 

nominate candidates for TNA 

offices and committees in 

accordance with these 

Bylaws and adopted policies; 

3) submit district Bylaws and 

proposed amendments for 

review to TNA when requested. 

4) provide such information to 

TNA as required by adopted 

policies and procedures; and 

5) submit an annual report 

to the Tennessee Nurses 

Association office by March 1; 

and 

6) comply with the requirements 

of these Bylaws. 

Presidents’ 

Council has not 

been in practice 

is not needed. 

All district 

Presidents are 

invited to BOD 

meetings and 

have full voice 

with no vote. 

47


Amendment #21 

Article XII. 

Amendments 

Section 1. 

Amendments 

with notice 

a) The Bylaws Committee shall 

receive proposed amendments at 

least six (6) months prior to the 

annual meeting. 

b) Amendments proposed by the 

Bylaws Committee shall be in the 

possession of the Secretary of this 

association at least two (2) months 

before the date of the annual 

meeting, or special meeting of the 

association, and shall be appended 

to the call for the meeting. 

c) These Bylaws may be amended 

with prior notice at any annual 

meeting or special meeting of 

the TNA Membership Assembly 

by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the 

members present and entitled to 

vote. 

a) The Bylaws Committee shall 

receive proposed amendments 

at least six (6) four (4) months 

prior to the annual meeting. 

b) Amendments proposed by 

the Bylaws Committee shall 

be in the possession of the 

Secretary of this association 

at least two (2) months 

before the date of the annual 

meeting, or special meeting of 

the association, and shall be 

appended to the call for the 

meeting. 

c) These Bylaws may be 

amended with prior notice at 

any annual meeting or special 

meeting of the TNA Membership 

Assembly by a two-thirds (2/3) 

vote of the members present 

and entitled to vote. 

6 months is a 

long lead time 

to propose 

amendments. 

Four months 

allows sufficient 

time for review. 

48


49


2018-2020 Legislative and 

Health Policy Statements 

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

110,000 Tennessee 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; 

Expanded primary care capacity by allowing RNs to practice to the full extent of their license to provide 

chronic care management, care coordination, and preventive care in primary care settings; 

Enhanced access to efficient, cost –effective, high-quality, equitable, and comprehensive healthcare 

services by allowing APRNs to practice to the full extent to which their education and training prepare 

them; 

Allow APRNs with appropriate training to prescribe buprenorphine to increase access to medicationassisted 

treatment (MAT) to combat the state’s opioid crisis; and 

50


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); 

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, interprofessional 

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. 

Restricting the use of the title “nurse” to only those individuals who have fulfilled the requirements 

for licensure as outlined in the state’s nurse practice act. Nurse practice acts describe entry level 

qualifications such as education, practice standards and code of conduct for continued privilege to 

practice nursing. 

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Thank you to our Sponsors who make our 2019 

Conference a huge success! 

(At Press Time) 

Gold Level Sponsorship 

Silver Level Sponsorship 

Bronze Level Sponsorship 

52


Exhibitors 

AccuVein 

AbilisHealth 

Arkansas State University 

Aureus Medical Group 

Baptist Memorial College of Health Science 

Comfort Care Hospice 

Footbar Walker GANM, LLC 

Freeman Financial Group 

Genentech 

The Gideons International 

Hurst Review Services 

Janssen Pharmaceuticals 

Jefferson Regional Medical Center 

King University 

Memphis and Shelby County Pediatric Group 

National Healthcare Corporation 

North Mississippi Medical Center 

SIPS Consults 

Sprint 

University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Nursing 

University of Tennessee at Knoxville, College of Nursing 

Vanderbilt University College of Nursing 

Walden University 

Westberg Institute for Faith Community Nursing 

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Schools of Nursing Luncheon Sponsors 

Belmont University 

Chamberlain University 

Christian Brothers University 

Cumberland University 

East Tennessee State University 

Harding University 

Lipscomb University 

Mississippi University for Women 

Tennessee Wesleyan College 

William Carey University 

Superheroes of TNA 

Tina Gerardi 

Carla Kirkland 

AbilisHealth 


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55


56



District Map 

57


TNA Board of Directors and Staff 

TNA Staff 

58



2019 Slate of Candidates and Statements 

SECRETARY – VOTE FOR ONE (1) 

Jennifer (Jeny) Conrad-Rendon, NP-C 

District 1 

Family Nurse Practitioner 

Healthy Life 

Arlington 

I would be honored to serve as your TNA Secretary. I feel that it is my responsibility to give back to our 

amazing profession and help it to become the strongest and best it can be. I have experience in the role of a 

secretary as I have volunteered as the secretary for a local booster club. 

My calling to be a nurse came from my inspirational cousin who is a nurse. It began with becoming a CNA 

where I worked in home health. From there my AA degree, BSN degree, and MSN degree were completed. 

My almost 20 years of being a registered nurse consists of just about every aspect of nursing: Labor & 

Delivery, Oncology, Primary Care, Cardiology, Behavioral Health, and Pediatrics. I was an RN for ten years 

before I became an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in 2009. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I became 

an entrepreneur and owned a primary care clinic for approximately 5.5 years and grew it to approximately 

1800 patients. I have also helped grow a new concept in a business that provides preventive physicals. We 

took these preventive physicals to patients at their workplace via Mobile clinics/vans staffed with an FNP 

and EMT. We grew it in a 2-year timespan from no van runs to thirty a month. 

Full Practice Authority is critical as APRNs should be able to practice to the full extent of our education. I 

have been very active in this important fight and have started a petition, contacted and met with legislators, 

started several social media pages to educate others on FPA and help increase the participation among 

nurses in this important fight. I have testified to the TN Senate on Insure TN because access to healthcare 

should be one of our basic rights and no one should be without healthcare. 

I strongly believe that a true leader helps to build others up into the best person they can be. When people 

feel appreciated and respected, they tend to be happy and that reflects on to their care towards their 

patients. I am the type who is eager to learn new things and quick to jump in to help wherever it is needed. 

I am beyond ready for this next level of advancement in my passion for the nursing profession. Teamwork is 

crucial for success to advance our profession and I look forward to being part of the TNA team. 

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Susan Smith, MSN, RN 

District 3 

Senior Director, Case Management Clinical Informatics 

LifePoint Health 

Columbia 

I am a clinical informatics leader with a strong healthcare background and deep clinical knowledge, who 

expertly leads in the analysis, planning, implementation and management of clinical information systems as 

related to clinical informatics, insuring alignment and implementation of technology to support operations. 

Possessing a reputation for collaborating with, and representing, the collective interests of the executive 

team, medical staff, nursing and other clinicians, IT department and other users of the system. I have a 

diverse background in healthcare including emergency department nursing, clinical revenue integrity and 

compliance. I work directly with clinical end users to facilitate the integration of data, information, and 

knowledge to support patients and caregivers in their decision-making in all roles and settings to provide 

quality and safe patient care. 

I am a member of HIMSS, American Nurse Informatics Association, the American Nurses Association and 

the Tennessee Nurses Association. I am passionate about educating clinical staff to grow their knowledge of 

informatics and information technology to deliver quality care in a safe environment. 

DIRECTOR – GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS – VOTE FOR ONE (1) 

Marcia Barnes, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, CWS 

District 15 

Assistant Professor 

Cumberland University 

Lebanon 

I have been a member of TNA for many years and currently the president of District 15. It is my desire to 

be active and give back to the nursing profession through TNA. I am a strong advocate for independent 

practice for advanced practice nurses and feel it is as much my responsibility as any other APN to be 

involved and advocate for not only APNs but Tennesseans. I believe all nurses should be allowed to practice 

to their full scope and education. I served as Chair of the Government Affairs Committee this past year and 

embraced the opportunity to learn about the legislative process. This solidified for me that collaborating 

with legislators through TNA independent practice will become a reality. 

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Susan Cortez, Ph.D., MBA/HCM, BSN, RN, HIMSS HIT 

District 1 

Fulltime faculty in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program 


Memphis 

I have a variety of staff nursing and executive leadership experience. I graduated from Duquesne University 

in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a BSN and minor in psychiatric nursing. I worked as a psychiatric staff nurse 

and simultaneously a staff nurse on a medical and surgical floor. I continued working as a staff nurse and 

a circulator nurse. After I received a Master’s in Business Administration and Health Care Management, I 

accepted an executive nurse position with executive operations responsibility for a new ambulatory surgery 

center currently under construction, while simultaneously the Director of a laparoscopic inpatient-surgery 

department, and Director of a different 15-suite inpatient operating room department. I next accepted fulltime 

work in the Evidence-Based Medicine and Informatics department at Vanderbilt University Medical 

Center. I completed my Ph.D. dissertation research on Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Computerized 

Clinical Decision Support in 2014. I taught DNP intensive classes at the Vanderbilt School of Nursing, and 

for six years, I mentored six to eight staff nurses and other professionals in a year-long fellowship program. I 

also facilitated learning for nurse leaders in the medical center on evidence-based practice, quality metrics, 

and process control. I have published and have experience in mentoring nurses through study proposals, 

IRB, analysis, and writing for publication. I was the subject matter expert in creation of the Nursing 

Informatics Masters Program at the University of Phoenix, Tempe Campus. I am full time faculty in the 

Doctorate of Nursing Practice Program at Chamberlain University. 

DIRECTOR – OPERATIONS– VOTE FOR ONE (1) 

J. Ted Nelson, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN-K, FACHE 

District 4 

Associate Chief Nursing Officer 

Erlanger Health System 

Soddy Daisy 

My experience and education have equipped me to contribute to our Nursing Profession across the 

State of Tennessee as the Director of Operations for the Tennessee Nurses Association. I graduated from 

Chattanooga State Community College with my Associate of Science in Nursing in 2010, Bachelor of 

Science in Nursing in 2012, and Master of Science in Nursing (Administration) in 2016 from East Tennessee 

State University. Currently, I am pursuing a dual degree (Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master’s in Business 

Administration) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. 

I have been Associate Chief Nursing Officer at the Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, Tennessee for 

the last 18 months. I have the leadership responsibility for the main campus which including providing 

oversight of clinical operations with scope including approximately 600 FTEs; facilitating physician relations 

by enabling open communication and collaboration to improve overall clinical and financial operations; 

responsible for ensuring adherence to nursing care standards as well as state and federal regulations 

and promoting evidence-based practice in the clinical setting; contributes to the integration of systems, 

programs, and support across the system with focus on business evaluation and development, continuous 

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quality improvement, patient experience, and employee engagement. Additionally, I continue to serve in 

several Professional Organizations in the Chattanooga area. I am the Treasurer, Secretary, & Webmaster 

of the Chattanooga Council of American Organization of Nurse Leaders -Tennessee (AONL-TN), Board 

Member of the Tennessee Nurses Association 4th District, Webmaster of the Chattanooga Chapter of the 

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, Governance Member of Zeta Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta 

Tau International and member of the Sigma International Nurse Leader Review Committee. 

DIRECTOR – PRACTICE – VOTE FOR ONE (1) 

Colleen Moss, MSN, APRN, NNP-BC 

District 3 

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 

The Monroe Carell Jr Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt 

Franklin 

I would like to be considered for a leadership position because I am interested in becoming more involved 

with TNA. I began my nursing career in Vanderbilt’s NICU in 2001. After two years as a bedside nurse, 

I joined Children’s Hospital Colorado as an neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) in 2003. I returned to 

Vanderbilt to join the NNP team in 2007. I currently am a full time NNP, splitting my time between a Level IV 

NICU in an academic medical center and a Level II NICU in a community hospital in Columbia, TN. 

I am also a full-time student, and I will finish my DNP program at the University of Tennessee at 

Chattanooga in December 2019. I was awarded Outstanding DNP Student of the Year in April 2019. My 

interests are in teaching, professional development, and mentoring. As a DNP student, I am learning and 

focusing on the importance of evidence-based practice for delivery of safe, quality care to ensure the 

best outcomes for critically ill newborns. Ultimately, I want to utilize both my clinical and evidence-based 

practice knowledge to mentor new nurses at all levels in a collaborative team environment. Earning my DNP 

is important for me to grow as a professional and be qualified to obtain a position with increased leadership 

responsibility and opportunities. 

Nursing emphasizes a commitment to continuing education and service. I have an interest in nursing 

scope of practice and workforce issues. I am devoted to lobbying for full practice authority for APRNs. I 

have spoken with legislators in the Tennessee General Assembly regarding the need for APRN full practice 

authority, as Tennessee has one of the most restrictive practice environments in the United States. As an 

advanced practice nurse, I want to positively impact the profession through service in TNA. 

Laura Reed, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC 

District 1 

Assistant Professor/FNP Concentration Coordinator 

University of Tennessee Health Science Center 

Memphis 

I am currently serving as the Director- Practice for TNA and am seeking a second term. During my tenure 

on the board, I have seen the need to expand the scope of practice for ALL nurses in Tennessee not just 

APRNs. I would like to continue to be a part of the work that is currently addressing this issue along with 

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workplace violence. All nurses deserve a safe environment to work in. We need to begin to actively address 

the issue of workplace violence toward nurses by patients, families, and co-workers. I have been an RN in 

Tennessee for 33 years and have practiced as an FNP for 29 years in a variety of settings most recently in a 

medically underserved clinic in metropolitan Memphis. My practice interest is providing care to patients with 

complex medical conditions. I have established the role of nurse practitioner in three primary care clinics 

in the Memphis area. I am also an Assistant Professor for the UTHSC College of Nursing and am the FNP 

Concentration Coordinator. I am currently the president of the Greater Memphis Area Advanced Practice 

Nurses as well as the secretary for the Access to Care Coalition. I am a member of ANA, AANP, and NONPF. 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE – VOTE FOR THREE (3) 

Mary (Petey) Elliotte, BSEd, DNP, NP-C 

District 01 

Clinical Associate Professor 

Loewenberg College of Nursing, University of Memphis 

Memphis 

I have been a member of TNA/ANA for several years but recently (May 2019) became a Tennessee resident 

moving from north Mississippi. I feel I am now able to be more active in TNA. I have been a Professor at 

the University of Memphis for 12 years helping students become professional healthcare providers, both 

Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Nurses. I have, and continue to serve, on several committees 

at the College of Nursing which has included the Tenure & Promotions committee, various administrative 

interview committees, (most recently to fill the position of the Director of Simulation). As a faculty 

member, we attend interviews for new faculty applicants and are allowed to interview them as well. Past 

employment experience includes Director of Clinical Education at the Loewenberg College of Nursing at the 

University of Memphis in which I was responsible for interviewing and selecting adjunct faculty to augment 

full-time faculty. Administrative employment also includes Hospital Clinical Educator for medical-surgical/ 

critical care units and emergency department. Responsibilities associated with this position included 

assisting with evaluating registered nurse applicants. 

My goal is to become more active in the organization that has so much influence in my profession and 

utilize my experience to help that organization, as well as the other healthcare providers across the State 

of Tennessee. Based on my past experiences, I feel I would be a good fit for being a member of the 

Nominating Committee. 

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Hillary Sexton, BSN, RN, CCRN 

District 15 

Registered Nurse 4CC 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center 

Murfreesboro 

I have worked in Tennessee health care for almost nine years, first as a certified nurse assistant for four 

years, then as a registered nurse for the past five years. During my time as an RN, I have served on the Burn 

Unit Board for Shared Governance, worked with the quality improvement committee, and volunteered on 

my unit to be a verified check-off for educational endeavors. This past year I was awarded Preceptor of the 

Year on the Burn Unit at VUMC. Also, for the past two years, I have been a night shift charge nurse on the 

burn unit and was a charge nurse at my previous hospital as well. 

I have been volunteering since 2009 for a non-profit organization in various roles, facilitating leadership 

conferences and leading regional volunteers as a Region Facilitator for the past three years. I serve the 

National Alumni Association of Austin Peay State University as Vice President of Greek Alumni and on 

the nominating committee for the association. I feel very comfortable as a leader and love to serve. The 

nominating committee position integrates my current career, my past experiences, and continues to build 

on my leadership and service to the nursing profession of Tennessee. 

Thank you. 

Raven Wentworth, DNP, RN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, FNP-BC 

District 6 

Associate Professor of Nursing: Nurse Practitioner 

Freed-Hardeman University/Walk-In Medical Clinic of Linden 

Jackson 

I have had the opportunity to be actively involved with TNA since January of 2017 when the TNA district in 

which I live (District 6) was revitalized and I was elected as President. Over the past two and a half years, I 

have been able to learn about the policies that govern and the organization of the association. I have also 

recently joined the TNF Board and will be serving as secretary. I am interested in serving on the nominating 

committee so that I may continue to learn and serve my profession. It has been a pleasure to be part of the 

professional group that is the “voice” for registered nurses in the state of TN. 

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ANA MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVE – VOTE FOR ONE (3) 

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

District 1 

Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education 

University of Memphis 

Memphis 

I have been a member of ANA/TNA since becoming a nurse in 2006. Nursing is a second career for me, and 

it is a career for which I have a great passion. The profession of nursing provides many opportunities for 

nurses in a variety of settings. I strongly believe that if a nurse can belong to only one professional nursing 

organization – that it should be the American Nurses Association and her or his state organization. I am in 

education and administration at the University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing. I am also an 

APRN (Family Nurse Practitioner) and practice in hospice and palliative care in the rural counties outside of 

Memphis. My passion is to serve and to be able to serve nurses and nursing as an Assembly Representative 

would be one of the highest honors I could receive. Nurses advocate for patients, families and policy that 

affect changes in lives and in our state and country. I can serve our members proudly by advocating for 

nurses who do so much for so many. One of the greatest honors of my life is being a nurse and I would be 

truly humbled to serve the nurses of Tennessee as an Assembly Representative. 

Tina Gerardi, MS. RN, CAE 

District 3 

Executive Director 


Nashville 

I am a current member of TNA and as the Executive Director attend the Membership Assembly, but do 

not have a vote. Being a Membership Assembly representative will afford me the ability to vote on issues 

while in attendance. As a member of the New York delegation to the then Delegate Assembly, I represented 

New York in that capacity for 24 years. I understand the governance of ANA and the expectation of the 

Membership Assembly as outlined in ANA bylaws and policy. I currently serve on two ANA task forces and 

would like the opportunity to represent TNA on the national level as a membership assembly representative. 

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Tina McElravey, MPH, BSN, RN, NHDP-BC 

District 1 

Employee Health Coordinator 

Shelby County Health Department 

Millington 

Results driven public health nurse with extensive nursing and administrative experience providing 

evidenced based preventive health services to a large diverse metro community. History of successful team 

leadership, driving performance, program improvement and quality initiatives. Dynamic, goal-oriented 

problem solver with strong analytical skills. Instrumental in improving Shelby County immunization rates for 

high risk population from 43% to 86% in three years. Instrumental in facilitating training of 350 participants 

in National Disaster Life Support courses within 17 months. Strong nursing and public health advocate. 

Extremely tenacious when advocating for community and fellow nurses. Dedicated desire to advance the 

welfare and economic status of all nurses and to promote leadership and mentoring opportunities within 

the state of Tennessee. 

Carole Myers, PhD, RN, FAAN 

District 2 

Associate Professor 

University of Tennessee 

Townsend 

I have a depth of knowledge and experiences related to policymaking at the state and federal level and 

a robust professional network that I will use to benefit the Tennessee Nurses Association, as I have done 

for many years. I will use my policy experiences and expertise and lessons learned from service to TNA to 

advance the organization’s priorities related to health, health care, and our professional practice in the state. 

ANA Membership Assembly Representative 2013—2019 

ANA Delegate 2008-2009, 2010-2011, 2012-2013 

Appointed to serve on ANA Presidential Endorsement Task Force 2018-2019 

Chair of Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) GOVA committee 2010-2016; member 2008-2019 

Chair TN-PAC 1985-1988, 2007-2010 

Inducted as Fellow American Academy of Nursing 2018 

Senior Fellow George Washington University Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement 2017 

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Selected AACN Faculty Policy Fellow 2017-2019 

Co-Chair Tennessee General Assembly Scope of Practice Task Force 2016-2017 

Nursing Lead and Secretary/Treasurer Tennessee Action Coalition 2012-2017 

Fellow American Nurses Advocacy Institute (2011-2012) 

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)-Advocate State Award for Excellence (2011) 

Coordinator Graduate Certificate in Health Policy program at the University of Tennessee (UT) Associate 

Professor UT: primary teaching responsibilities and research focus include health policy and services; have 

joint appointment with Department of Public Health 

Christine Reed, BSN, RN 

District 5 

Account Executive 

Hillrom 

Johnson City 

As past president for TNA District 5 I would like to serve as a positive role model and advocate for the 

nursing profession and spokesperson for TNA and ANA. It would be an honor and privilege to serve on the 

ANA Membership Assembly as a representative from TNA. 

Monique Rivers, MSN, MSEd, RN 

District 3 

Director, Quality Standards 

HCA Healthcare 

Nashville 

I have been a member of the ANA and the State Nursing Association for nearly twenty years. My 

commitment to the nursing association began as a nursing student. At the time, my professors stressed 

the importance of membership in the professional nursing association. The exact quote that I remember 

is “If you don’t speak for yourself, others will.” I cannot imagine the voice of the nursing profession to be 

assumed by another professional. My clinical experience has included years in different types of hospitals 

including a teaching university, non-profit and for profit facilities. I have transitioned from a direct bedside 

nurse to hospital leader roles and currently, I work at the corporate offices of the largest healthcare 

system in America. The time has come for me to use my years of clinical and educational experience and 

make a meaningful impact. I want to represent the voice of nursing as an ANA Membership Assembly 

Representative. 

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Poster Presentation Abstracts 

A Handoff Tool to Improve Patient Safety in Dialysis Care 

Monique Rivers (Presenter) 

Problem Addressed: 

Effective handoff communication practices during patient care transitions from one nurse to another 

contribute to patient safety. A standardized handoff method, such as SBAR, provides structure to 

communicate pertinent patient content for nurses to maintain consistent care during an in-patient 

hospitalization. A dialysis specific SBAR can improve handoff communications that can impact the care of 

dialysis patients. 

Objectives: 

To provide a standardized handoff process addressing components related to dialysis care. 

Methods/Procedures: 

Educational presentation of a handoff tool for nurses to use pre and post dialysis treatment. 

Findings: 

NA 

Recommendations for Practice/Research: 

Recommend evaluating the SBAR tool to improve communication to yield nurse satisfaction with the 

application of King’s Theory of Goal Attainment and provide safe care to a high-risk patient population. 

A New Graduate Nurse Residency Program: Factors Impacting Retention 


Elisha Jerry (Presenter) 

Sara Day (Co-Presenter) 

New graduate nurses are the largest pool of registered nurses available for organizations to hire. Many new 

graduate nurses struggle with the transition from novice to competent nurse, and an estimated 35% to 

60% leave within one year of hire (Pine & Tart, 2007; Pittman, Herrera, Bass, & Thompson, 2013). Turnover 

is financially costly and compromises quality of care. Nurse residency programs, defined as structured 

post-licensure programs that incorporate didactic education, clinical support and mentorship, have been 

implemented by health care organizations across the US to bridge the preparation-practice gap and reduce 

the high cost of turnover (Van Camp & Chappy, 2017). 

Objectives: 

The purpose of this study was to determine if a new graduate nurse residency program at 6 Mid-South 

hospitals affected the retention rate of new graduate nurses in relation to other variables, such as age, 

gender, facility, nursing degree (associate, traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, Master’s), unit (medical/ 

surgical, critical care, emergency department, obstetrics/postpartum, peri-operative, pediatrics, neonatal 

intensive care) and intern and/or extern program. 

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The study was a longitudinal, quantitative design. All new graduate nurses who entered into the residency 

program from August 2014 through April 2017 (932 nurses) were included in the study. The retention 

outcome was defined as continuing employment at year one. Termination at year one was used to measure 

the retention outcome. The probability of termination at year one was modeled with demographic variables 

as predictors in logistic regression framework. 

Findings: 

The probability of employment termination at year one was significantly associated with nursing degree 

programs, age, facility (p


established national standards for RNFA program curriculum, and these standards apply both to the nurse 

who is non-APRN (Operating Room certified/CNOR) who may, or may not, be BSN-prepared and the APRN 

who is prepared at the Masters or Doctoral level. AORN standards as of 2020 will require a minimum of BSN 

education for the RNFA. To insure consistency and quality in the continuum of RNFA education, there is a 

need for post BSN university based educational programs to assume a leadership role in education for the 

RNFA . 


The role of the RNFA is increasing in the state of Tennessee. This presentation will educate RNs/APRNs 

on the state and national standards established for practice as RNFAs in the state of Tennessee. RNFAs 

need to practice to the full scope of their licensure and education to ensure competent, quality care for the 

perioperative patient. Educational programs must meet AORN national standards to allow one to be eligible 

to sit for certification as a certified Registered Nurse First Assistant(CRNFA).These credentials denote 

education that is evidence based and ensures safe perioperative patient care. 

Best Practices for the Transition and Retention of New Nurse Practitioners 


Chaundel Presley (Presenter) 

Nurse practitioner (NP) graduates are entering the workforce yearly at an ever-growing rate. Over the last 

decade, the number of new NP licenses issued in the state of Tennessee each year has more than doubled. 

The assumption is made that most of these first-time licenses are issued to new graduates. Despite this 

tremendous growth, new graduates often struggle with initial job placements that are not a good match 

with their background and training, not well supported, and often result in a job change within the first year 

of practice. Meanwhile, data shows that there is a shortage of primary care providers and the population to 

primary care physician ratio continues to grow. National projections indicate primary care physician demand 

will continue to exceed supply. NPs are educated and prepared to help fill this healthcare provider need. 

Objectives: 

Identify and discuss some best practices for new NP’s, mentors and organizations to improve the transition 

process and retention of new NPs. Articulate strategies that enhance transition into much needed primary 

care practice roles. 


An integrative review was conducted of the existing research related to NP transition into practice and job 

retention, focusing on primary care settings. The Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature 

(CINAHL) database was searched from 2004 through 2019. A specific focus was placed on the concept 

of NP transition in relation to primary care and job retention. Search terms included transition, retention, 

primary care and nurse practitioner. Studies with purposive sampling were included due to the limited 

research on this topic area and to gain an increased perspective of new graduates. Excluded were literature 

reviews, studies that focused on hospital or specialty care settings, concept analyses and unpublished 

manuscripts. 

Findings: 

Findings to date indicate multiple trends in research regarding the transition process of new NPs into 

practice that positively affect retention. Some of these include formal orientation programs that have 

consistently shown a positive relationship to job satisfaction and retention. A formal mentoring relationship 

has also been a positive factor. Other influences include participation in post-graduate training programs. 

Also, organizations that support NP autonomy, their professional visibility and foster improved relationships 

with administration have been shown to improve NP job satisfaction and transition into practice. 

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The literature reviewed recommend a variety of future research that could be conducted to strengthen the 

science on this topic. Research was recommended in relation to the organizational climate and its impact on 

NP practice, transition studies that include more diverse populations, as well as studies correlating type of 

NP program and the transition process. Outcome studies of post-graduate transition programs correlating 

with the quality of care provided were suggested. Policy-related studies on the regulatory environment’s 

influence on NP job satisfaction as well as future research focusing on new and alternative ways of 

mentoring were encouraged. 

Creating a Pillar of Safety for the Veterans We Serve Utilizing Stress Cards 


Teris Webb (Presenter) 

Addressing Stress during the clinic office appointment. Research on military suicide is correlated to 

exposure to stressful life events such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD), substance abuse, 

poor sleep and financial problems. SHEP /Patient experience questioned asked of the veteran, “In the past 

six months did you or anyone in this provider office talk about things in your life that worry you or cause 

you stress?” 

Objectives: 

Create a pillar of safety for the veteran and the staff in creating a continuous improvement to determine if 

the stress cards have made a positive impact on patient outcomes and SHEP scores /Patient Experience. 

Will the presentation of the stress cards allow the veteran to be able to fully express their feelings, 

insecurities, and emotions with the feeling of fear and discomfort. 


Stress cards will be handed to each patient during any outpatient visit, mental health, emergency room, and 

primary care visit. 

Findings: 

In 2016, the veteran suicide rate in Tennessee was 32.8% which is higher in comparison than National suicide 

rate of 17.5%. National Veteran suicide rate is 30.1% 


The goal of VA is to support the recovery process of the veteran and help them to live meaningful lives in 

the society and therefore the distribution of the cards creates a safe space for the veteran to communicate 

emotions and gain access to help. The stress cards when distributed will foster patient-centered care and 

the veteran control of his/her plan of care. 

71


Creating Nursing Informatics Governance in an Academic Medical Center 


Ashley Trambley (Presenter) 

Blair Stewart (Co-Presenter) 

In an everchanging healthcare environment, it is important that the technology supporting patient care also 

adapt quickly and efficiently allowing for continued safe and quality patient care. It is crucial for nursing 

informatics and health information technology professionals to engage with nursing end users to identify 

technology issues, prioritize those issues, and repair or improve the tools to meet the needs. The challenge 

then becomes developing a format and structure that supports ongoing and continuous interaction and 

collaboration between the informatics and health information technology teams and the direct care nurses. 

Objectives: 

1. Discuss and review the nursing informatics governance structure and model 

2. Review evaluation data 

3. Discuss keys to success for other areas looking to establish a similar model 


After a large academic medical center made the direct conversion from a legacy system to a new electronic 

health record in late 2017, the need for a governance structure to support this new integrated system 

became apparent as the dust settled on the stabilization phase. After six to eight months of system use, 

users began to reach out in mass with ideas for customization, optimization, and improved functionality. 

Health information technology, end-user support and informatics teams, and operational leaders began 

a journey to standup a nursing informatics committee that would provide strategic and operational 

leadership in the management and advancement of nursing’s use of technology across the enterprise. 

The committee structure is led by a Steering Committee comprised of operational leaders, informatics 

leaders, and health information technology analysts that provide oversight for informatics activities, review 

system enhancement and change requests to evaluate appropriateness and priority, and communicate 

and collaborate with the institution’s higher-level informatics governance. From the Steering Committee 

are three subcommittees for different practice areas (Inpatient, Ambulatory, Procedural/Operative) that 

are overseen and facilitated by operational leaders and the informatics team. Subcommittee membership 

is comprised of staff nurses, and these groups meet monthly to evaluate and make decisions on the 

enhancement and change requests specific to those practice areas. In March, an Analytics subcommittee 

was added with a goal of redesigning reporting dashboards and delivering meaningful and actionable data 

to nursing leaders. 

Findings: 

This presentation will focus on the establishment and operation of this governance model, and it will review 

the evaluation data. This structure has been in place for six months and just completed the six-month 

evaluation. Feedback from the different teams who participate was collected via survey and has been 

incredibly valuable and overwhelmingly positive about the structure. There were barriers identified that are 

being evaluated moving forward, but the overarching goal and objectives for this undertaking have been 

successful. 


Not Reported 

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Decreasing Falls in An Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Utilizing Shared Governance 

Teris Webb (Presenter) 

Madhuri Srinivasan (Co-Presenter) 


Patient falls are estimated to cost hospitals $5,317 per patient fall and can cost $19,440 over a one-year 

period. More than 20% of the falls result in moderate to severe injury. By 2020 , the cost of treating falls 

is projected to exceed $54 billion. Joint commission (2012) has identified prevention of patient falls as a 

national patient safety goal. Medicare and Medicaid Services have identified patient falls as one of the ten 

hospital acquired conditions for which the hospital will not receive reimbursement for treatment. 

Objectives: 

Nurses are responsible for identifying patients at risk for falls. Since patient falls are direct indicator of care 

given, it is therefore, nursing sensitive. Nurse-led safety measures is important to move to the culture of 

Zero Patient Harm by providing patient centered care and improving patient satisfaction scores. Through 

shared governance nurses can identify autonomous interventions to keep patient safe proactively. One such 

strategy for the inpatient psychiatric unit at VA Medical Center Memphis is to study the role of purposeful 

hourly rounding to prevention of falls. 


Using Shared Governance nurses will focus on one strategy of purposeful hourly rounding to reduce the 

number of falls in the inpatient psychiatric unit at the VA Medical Center Memphis. Through ownership 

of the workplace, nurses will be able to bring about changes to their practice and work toward goals of 

preventing falls. 

Findings: 

Previous research has shown that falls have reduced by 30% and the usage of call light by 36%. In 2014, 

eight hospitals participated in an 18-month long study that falls had reduced from 4.001 to 2.613 per 1000 

patient days because of purposeful hourly rounding. Stanford Healthcare developed Purposeful Rounding 

Protocol and used it in their study of 14 hospitals and found that 52% of falls were prevented and 12% 

increase in patient satisfaction scores. 


Through Shared Governance, nurses can take the initiative to do purposeful rounding and contribute to 

the reduction of falls. This will also help nurses to improve patient care outcomes, nurse engagement, and 

reduce costs. Nurse leaders may support the initiative by educating the staff by addressing the benefits of 

reducing the number of falls. 


Educational Interventions, Student Empathy and Interest 

in Working with Older Adults: A Phased Study 

Lisa Murphree (Presenter) 

Shelley Moore (Co-Presenter) 

As the population ages, there is a growing need for nurses who are interested in working with and 

empathetic to the aging population, in particular with patients with neurocognitive disorders. Nurse 

educators are challenged with preparing students to care for the aging population. An increased 

understanding of the effect that educational interventions have on student attitudes could guide educator 

73


choices toward stimulating interest in working with the elderly, particularly with the vulnerable subset with 

neurocognitive disorders. 

Objectives: 

Learners will be able to discuss educational interventions that may increase nursing student empathy 

toward elderly patients with neurocognitive disorders. 


Pre and post test data were collected using the Kiersma - Chen Empathy survey with undergraduate nursing 

students enrolled in a gerontology course. 

Findings: 

Mean empathy post test scores were not significant; however, additional post test questions revealed a 

positive impact from the gerontology course on student interest in working with the elderly population with 

dementia. 


Further investigation into educational interventions to foster student empathy and interest in working with 

elderly patients with neurocognitive disorders is needed. The next phase of this study including specific 

additional interventions and testing would be discussed. 

Enhancing Health Related Goal Setting through One-On-One Education in an Inpatient 

Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facility for Women 


Brittany Haskell (Presenter) 

Women with substance abuse disproportionately suffer from negative health effects. While there is little 

research on health education needs for women in recovery, goal setting has been found to be more 

effective at creating behavior change than health education alone. At The Next Door (TND), an inpatient 

substance abuse treatment facility for women, residents do not have access to one-on-one health 

information. 

Objectives: 

This quality improvement project aims to create and implement a one-on-one health education program 

with women at TND to improve residents’ confidence in setting health goals related to a health topic of 

choice. 


Over sixteen weeks, nursing students implemented weekly health education sessions with residents at 

TND on the following topics: nutrition, women’s health, sleep and stress, and how to talk to your provider. 

Residents were educated about how to set SMART goals related to health behaviors associated with the 

topic. Residents completed a self-reported, pre- and post-survey measuring confidence in setting a healthrelated 

goal. 

Findings: 

On average, 22.7% of TND residents attended educational sessions with 87.9% creating SMART goals. Oneon-one 

sessions along with direction in setting SMART goals increased self-reported confidence in goal 

setting related to these topics by 1.0 points on a 5-point Likert Scale. 

74



One-on-one health education sessions about health topics of choice along with education about setting 

SMART goals with residents in an inpatient substance abuse treatment facility resulted in increased selfreported 

confidence in ability to set a health related goal, which has the potential to positively impact 

future health. 


Enlightening Nurses through Human Sex Trafficking Education 

Jessica Phillips (Presenter) 

The presentation explores the importance of educating nurses on how to identify, communicate, and safely 

intervene with Human Sex Trafficking (HST) victims 

Objectives: 

1. Identify who is at risk of becoming a victim of human sex trafficking. 

2. Differentiate barriers that effect effectively communicating with trafficked victims. 

3. Define health effects of human sex trafficking. 

4. Describe nurses’ roles and responsibilities. 

5. Review intervention strategies to help aid in rescue and recovery of HST victims. 

6. Recognize why annual education on HST is important 

7. Bring enlightenment, confidence, and courage to intervene and advocate for HST victims. 


The purpose of the study was to identify the need for education on HST within an Emergency Department 

setting. The aim of the study was to compare changes in emergency department nurses’ knowledge of HST 

before/after participating in a HST education. Specifically, participants’ knowledge of identification of HST 

victims, communication with victims, and intervention strategies. A 24-question survey was presented to 

nurses in an emergency department setting at two hospitals in the Nashville area before/after education 

was provided by an End Slavery TN presenter. 

Findings: 

Seven nurses participated, three had master level nursing education and four had bachelor level nursing 

education. The overall pretest average was 58%. The overall posttest overage was 86%. There was an 

impressive 27% increase after education had been provided. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank test analysis through 

SPSS elicited a significant change in the identification and communication category of the test and a slight 

change in the intervention category. Although the sample size was small, the results showed significant 

improvement in participants’ knowledge and reflected the importance of educating those on the front lines 

of this community health crisis. 


Recommendations for future research could include the development of a valid and reliable survey to assess 

healthcare providers’ knowledge could prove to be beneficial as would the development of a reliable and 

valid standardized assessment tool for identifying HST victims. Identifying the most important information 

to include in developing an educational program could increase the validity and effectiveness of information 

retained. Studies on the accuracy of nurses’ ability to identify HST victims, their ability to communicate with 

them, and the success of their interventions would also empower nurses and other healthcare professionals 

75


to provide optimal care to these victims. This may also assist those who work with HST victims after rescue 

to provide superlative rehabilitation and restoration to the victims. While the long-term effectiveness 

of gaining knowledge during the study cannot be determined, the main goal of educating nurses is to 

bring enlightenment, confidence, and courage to intervene and advocate on the behalf of those enslaved 

by human sex trafficking and maximize the strengths of those that are on the front lines of healthcare 

throughout Tennessee. 

Evaluation of Safe Medication Administration Knowledge of Senior BSN Nursing 

Students in Preceptorships 


Lisa Murphree (Presenter) 

Medication errors continue at unacceptable rates in the US. There is a theory-practice gap reported in the 

nursing literature that identifies low nurse confidence in pharmacology knowledge. Nurse educators need to 

prepare nursing students with an adequate knowledge pharmacology base for safe entry level practice. 

Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to identify how a clinical workbook can assist senior nursing students to 

connect pharmacology theory with practice. 

2. Participants will be able to identify characteristics of a preceptorship that increases senior BSN nursing 

student medication administration knowledge and self-confidence. 


This study design was a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study which investigated the degree to which 

two teaching strategies: senior-level preceptorships and a safe medication administration clinical workbook, 

increased student knowledge and self-confidence of safe medication administration. The Safe Medication 

Administration (SAM) Scale (Ryan, 2007) was used to assess knowledge. Data were collected from 28 

nursing students and analysis was carried out using independent-sample t tests and mixed design ANOVAs 

on pretest and posttest data comparing students in their usual preceptorship (control group) with students 

using the clinical workbook in their usual preceptorship (experimental group). Self-confidence data were 

collected using a modified NLN Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Questionnaire, SSSCL- 

SAM. 

A 72 hour critical care preceptorship plus workbook was more effective in increasing student SAM 

knowledge, learning satisfaction, and self-confidence than a 150 hour capstone preceptorship plus 

workbook. 

Findings: 

Use of the workbook increased learning satisfaction and self-confidence, but not SAM knowledge. 

A 72 hour critical care preceptorship plus workbook was more effective in increasing student SAM knowledge, 

learning satisfaction, and self-confidence than a 150 hour capstone preceptorship plus workbook. 


Increase faculty-student-preceptor collaboration w/workbook. Study effect of number of preceptors on SAM 

and Self-Confidence. Additional current, validated SAM Instruments are needed. Highlighted need for evaluating 

outcomes of preceptorships. Consider preceptorships with fewest possible preceptors. 

76



Five Loaves and Two Fish 

Raven Wentworth (Presenter) 

Engaging students in a nutrition course using various teaching methods 

Objectives: 

1. Describe an assignment that blends components of multiple nursing courses 

2. Identify benefits/barriers of the assignment 


This engaging class assignment combined evidence with community needs and spirituality in a nutrition course. 

Students enrolled in a nutrition course gathered into groups and identified a vulnerable population at risk for 

malnutrition. The students then completed a review of the literature to identify various factors for malnutrition. 

Students then planned, purchased, and distributed a nonperishable balanced meal based on nutritional guidelines 

for the selected group. Students developed an insert with a Bible verse on one side and recommended dietary 

guidelines for this selected population on the other. Each nonperishable meal and insert was delivered in a reusable 

container. A written assignment of reflection was required after completing the assignment. A representative from 

each of the four groups presented a summary at the University Scholars Day on campus. 

Findings: 

Student feedback was overall positive. Students were surprised by the numerous groups that needed nutritional 

assistance in the community as well as how many nutritional meals could be purchased with a small amount of 

resources. 


Nursing faculty can use an assignment, such as Five Loaves and Two Fish, to incorporate community awareness 

and spirituality in a nutrition course that is supported by evidence. Student engagement is enhanced when 

students are required to identify a population at risk, develop a nonperishable meal in a reusable container and 

deliver it to the identified group. The inclusion of a written reflection at the end of the assignment allows the 

student to connect what was learned in theory to what was experienced. 


Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation: ‘Nursing’ the Superhero in You! 

Corley Roberts (Presenter) 

Nurses make up the largest segment of healthcare workers, yet are less healthy than the average American. 

Adding to the personal health of nurses is aging. According to research there are currently about one million 

registered nurses older than 50 years of age. With age comes an increase in chronic diseases that can be 

prevented or managed with the integration of physical activity. Recent research shows that 48.3% of adults do not 

meet physical activity recommendations, and 71.2 percent of adults are overweight. 

Goal: 

It is the goal of the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Grand Challenge to transform the health of the nation by 

improving the health of its nurses by connecting and engaging nurses, employers, and organizations around 

improving health in five areas: physical activity, nutrition, rest, quality of life, and safety. 

77


Objectives: 

After viewing this poster presentation, the learner will: 

1. Acknowledge that ‘nursing’ your personal health will help set an example for the health for your colleagues and 

patients. 

2. Identify your own personal health risks needing improvement. 

3. Describe your physical activity improvement plan for health. 


1. Participate in physical activity recommendations of 150 minutes of cardiovascular moderate intensity exercise 

weekly. 

2. Participate in a risk and readiness assessment for physical activity. 

3. Prepare a plan using SMART goals and track progress. 

4. Connect with others for support and partnerships. 

5. Maintain recommendations for water intake, dietary habits, sleep, and stress reduction. 

6. It’s YOUR Move! Make it. 

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How a Public Observation Assignment Affects the Beginning BSN Nursing Student 


Tammy Howard (Presenter) 

Jenny Maffett (Co-Presenter) 

Increased use of electronic devices such as smart phones, in our everyday lives has decreased personal awareness 

of people and things, thereby affecting communication patterns, which is documented in the literature. College 

freshmen majoring in nursing completed a public observation assignment. Pre and post surveys were collected 

to assess the effects of the assignment upon student awareness of people and surroundings, including nonverbal 

communication and general appearance. Therefore, laying foundational skills prior to entering nursing assessment 

courses. 

Objectives: 

The objectives of the public observation assignment were to expose students to varied persons in a nonconfrontational 

way, in order to lay foundational assessment skills through observation and general awareness of 

others. 


Pre and Post survey of Freshmen Nursing majors related to public observation assignment. 

Observation Assessment Documentation Forms from each Freshmen Nursing participant. 

Findings: 

Findings will be presented on poster. 


The assignment will continue to be utilized for Freshmen Nursing majors with some minor edits regarding pre and 

post survey specificity and assignment instructions. 

Student participants will be followed as they enter assessment courses. 


Impact of Resiliency Education to Reduce Burnout in Newly 

Graduated Registered Nurses 

Katie Thomas (Presenter) 

Newly graduated registered nurses experience burnout at a higher rate than more experienced nurses. Burnout, or 

the feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and depersonalization, is now a recognized medical condition. Moral distress 

caused by discrepancies in expected work environment compared to reality is a primary cause of burnout in this 

population of new nurses. Additionally, burnout is a primary cause of turnover in healthcare. Resiliency has been 

shown to protect against the development of burnout. Introducing resiliency education into a nurse residency 

program can lessen burnout symptoms and improve intent to stay. 

Objectives: 

The purpose of the poster is to demonstrate the feasibility of introducing resiliency education and tools into the 

orientation of newly hired registered nurses in the acute care setting. 


A review of the literature was completed, and an implementation plan to introduce resiliency education into a 

nurse residency program in a hospital setting was developed. Implementation is planned for late fall 2019. 

79


Findings: 

Resiliency can mitigate the stress of the workplace environment to protect against burnout symptoms in new 

nurses. Education and organizational support can increase individual resiliency. More resilient nurses report higher 

intent to stay. 


Incorporating resiliency education and tools into orientation for new nurses can help to reduce reported burnout 

symptoms and increase intent to stay. Retention of nursing staff is essential for patient safety and high quality care. 

Implementation of a Medical-Legal Partnership for a Low-Income Community at a Nurse- 

Managed Health Center 


Carrie Plummer (Presenter) 

Jillian Scott (Co-Presenter) 

The Clinic at Mercury Courts (CMC) is a nurse-managed, community health center serving low-income patients 

experiencing homelessness in Davidson County, Tennessee. In 2017, 68% of CMC patients lived 200% below the 

poverty threshold and 38% experienced extended periods of homelessness. A review of the evidence-based 

literature reveals that health-harming legal needs (HHLNs) negatively impact health outcomes. CMC patients 

report having HHLNs, which currently are beyond the scope of the services provided by the CMC. 

Objectives: 

1. To determine how best to integrate a medical-legal partnership (MLP) into the existing care delivery 

infrastructure of the Clinic at Mercury Courts. 

2. To identify the most common Health-Harming Legal Needs experienced by CMC patients 

3. To identify necessary key stakeholders for successful establishment and integration of an MLP 


Students established relationships with key stakeholders, including: 1) CMC leadership, staff, and patients; 2) 

Belmont Law faculty, and; 3) Legal Aid. After obtaining IRB approval students conducted a focus group with CMC 

patients to identify commonly experienced HHLNs. Qualitative data was transcribed, coded, and analyzed for 

emergent themes. 

Findings: 

Twelve participants identified tangible (lack of transportation, mobility limitations) and structural (powerlessness, 

lack of dignity) barriers to accessing care, as well as HHLNs, including: lack of health insurance, disability, and 

records expungement. Participants highlighted the need for continuity and follow-through to establish a sense of 

community, compassion, and trustworthiness. 


Over the course of 6 months, a team of nursing students identified the steps necessary to integrate a medical-legal 

partnership into the existing structure of the Clinic at Mercury Courts. In addition, they established relationships 

with key stakeholders in both the community, the clinic, and consolidated the necessary academic partnership 

between the nursing and law schools. This provides the next cohort of MLP students access to a network of 

collaborators ready to engage in the next steps towards implementation of the MLP. Analysis of the focus group 

data identified patient interest in and need for specific medical-legal services. Given the importance of continuity 

and follow-through for patients, a continuous and structured leadership team will provide stability as students 

cycle through each academic year. 

80


Implementation of a Self-Care Curriculum for Nursing Students in Guyana’s Largest Public 

Hospital 


Shelby Gamble (Presenter) 

Elna (Rose) Preston (Co-Presenter) 

Akaninyene Ruffin (Co-Presenter) 

Peyton Wohlwender (Co-Presenter) 

Often in low-resource settings health care professionals lack adequate access to knowledge surrounding coping 

mechanisms, trauma informed care, and self-care strategies that could help alleviate the high levels of stress that 

they encounter daily. 

Objectives: 

This project will promote knowledge, use, and dissemination of information on self-care and coping strategies by 

the Accident and Emergency (A&E) nursing staff at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in Guyana, 

South America. The goal is to give nursing staff currently enrolled in GPHC’s Bachelor’s Programme in Emergency 

Nursing the information needed to increase self-care practices in efforts to mitigate burnout rates. 


Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN) students worked in conjunction with Dr. Jessica Van Meter to 

create a four hour nursing curriculum on self-care, burnout, trauma-informed care, and coping strategies. This 

curriculum was taught to A&E nursing staff during the spring of 2019. Knowledge of self-care and burnout were 

assessed with surveys at baseline and reassessed two weeks and four weeks after presentation of curriculum. 

Findings: 

Our results indicated a shift in the student’s perception of self-care from “Basic Needs” to more “Holistic” and 

“Health” focused. This shows that before our intervention, there was a different understanding of the framework 

of what self-care is. Additionally, our survey indicated that a large barrier for students wishing to perform self-care 

was a lack of resources. This shows that nurses cannot engage in self-care without having their basic work needs 

met (appropriate pay, nurse to patient ratio, and schedules). Our results also indicated that further education about 

self-care could be productive in order to continue the improvement of the participants’ confidence. 


Previously Guyanese nursing education has not covered self-care. The positive outcomes of this intervention 

encourage inclusion of self-care curriculum in standard nursing education. Continued use of this education at 

GPHC with additional cohorts would increase the number of participants and allow for data analysis assessing 

statistical significance. It could be efficacious to repeat similar interventions in low-resource and high-resource 

settings to analyze the difference in results across cultures, geographical areas, or hospital units. 


Mac Attack: Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections on the Rise 

Janet Mulroy (Presenter) 

Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infections affect the most vulnerable members of our population, and 

this opportunistic infection commands our respect and our attention. The purpose of this session is to emphasize 

the importance of recognition, diagnosis, and multidisciplinary management of nontuberculous mycobacterial 

infections, formerly known as Mycobacterium Avium Complex infections. 

81


Objectives: 

1. Describe the incidence, host characteristics, and epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections 

2. Review the many challenges in the diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections 

3. Outline the treatment options and long term management of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections 


lecture and discussion 

Findings: 

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are environmental pathogens which are present in nearly every water source. 

Patients with weakened immune systems can become infected through everyday activities such as showering 

or gardening and the incidence of infection is estimated to be between 12,000 and 18,000 people per year. 

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are found in household and industrial water sources and may be transmitted as 

a nosocomial infection. The rates of infection are much greater in those over 65 years of age and in those with 

all forms of immunosuppression. The pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infection creates irreversible 

structural changes in the lung called bronchiectasis and bronchiectasis leads to fibrosis, impaired oxygenation, and 

serious disability. 


Treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection requires prolonged courses of antibiotics with many 

unpleasant side effects and significant potential for toxicity. The patients experience frequent exacerbations and 

require extensive healthcare resources. Through heightened awareness, recognition, accurate diagnosis, and 

multidisciplinary management of this infection, we will be able to make a difference in survival and improve their 

quality of life. 

Nurse Staffing & Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review of the Current Evidence 


Jacqueline (Jackie) Frain (Presenter) 

Elli McDaniel (Co-Presenter) 

Renee Burton (Co-Presenter) 

Nurses make up the largest population of healthcare workers in the United States and have a strong capacity to 

affect change where they work and beyond, including healthcare finances. Previous research has correlated large 

patient loads with negative outcomes, such as increased morbidity and mortality, longer length of stay, a negative 

work environment, and financial losses. 

Objectives: 

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the current and landmark literature related to nurse staffing 

and patient outcomes to determine the effect of higher and lower nurse-to-patient ratios. Specific research 

questions were: 

1. Do nurse staffing numbers correlate with patient outcomes? 

2. If so, (a) which outcomes are most affected by staffing ratios and (b) how are they affected? 

3. What financial impact does nurse staffing and adverse patient outcomes have on hospitals? 

82



Methodology – Systematic review 

Data sources – We searched three electronic databases for scholarly articles from dates January 2001 to 

December 2018. Databases included PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane. 

Review methods – Three team members independently searched for and located articles within the three 

databases. Articles were then screened for validity and context within the predetermined inclusion and exclusion 

criteria using rapid critical appraisal techniques. Articles that passed independent screening were then critiqued by 

all team members to ensure appropriateness to the review. The final set of studies were assembled into evaluation 

and synthesis tables to determine the heterogeneity of findings and to draw conclusions. 

Findings: 

Results – A total of 629 articles were found using predetermined keywords, of which fifteen satisfied the 

predetermined inclusion criteria related to nurse staffing and patient outcomes. Five additional articles were 

found that represented financial data or estimates. Thirteen of the fifteen studies were qualitative or descriptive 

in nature. Only five studies adequately defined nurse staffing thresholds, and there was little homogeneity among 

the definitions. The most common nurse staffing variables used were patient/nurse ratio (6/15), hours of nursing 

care (6/15), and skill mix (6/15). Populations studied were mostly adult (typically ≥18 years old) (9/15), in multiple 

acute care hospitals (12/15) with multiple unit types (11/15). The most frequently examined patient outcomes were 

falls (5/15), HAPI (6/15), sepsis & hospital-acquired infections (including CLABSI, CAUTI, and VAP) (6/15), inpatient 

mortality & failure to rescue (7/15), and length of stay (3/15). 

Conclusion – Nurse staffing results from multiple studies demonstrate that higher patient loads are associated with 

negative patient outcomes, including patient mortality, at statistically significant levels across the studies included 

in this review. While there were many statistically significant associations, it is challenging to draw conclusions 

on which variables were most affected due to the heterogeneity of the studies and results and lack of concrete 

definitions of variables. The studies that cited financial implications show mixed data regarding the potential 

cost savings of hiring more registered nurses, though they consistently demonstrate a cost benefit, with savings 

estimates as high as $6.9 billion annually nationwide (Needleman et al., 2011). 


Not reported 


students engagement; nursing research; mentoring 

Objectives: 

Nursing Students and Research: Common Grounds 

Esther Sellars (Presenter) 

Present one approach to engage nursing students in implementation of research and provide an overview of 

utilization of nursing research to guide practice. 


Not reported 

Findings: 

As nurses, a lifelong expectation is that to improve and provide the best possible care to patients, one must utilize 

basic efforts in reviewing and applying evidence to guide decision/practice. Students were challenged to start 

the research process from the beginning, utilizing the PICO process, and develop an individual research project. A 

systematic review had to be completed. 

83



The research process, samples of the project at various points- at the beginning, midway, and the final projects will 

be presented. The growth of the students will be illustrated along with the appreciation of research to evidencebased 

nursing practice will also be presented. 


Predictors of Uncompleted Emergency Department Care: Patients Who 

Leave Against Medical Advice 

Mary Jones (Presenter) 

Uncompleted visits to the emergency department (ED) are a critical safety concern. Types of uncompleted visits 

include patients who leave without being seen (LWBS) by a medical provider and those who leave against medical 

advice (AMA). Patients who leave AMA often do so prematurely as evidenced by higher emergent hospitalization 

rates compared with those who LWBS or those who complete their care (Ding et al., 2007). A study by Jerrad 

and Chasm (2009) demonstrated that patients who decided to end their stay in the ED AMA and forgo further 

evaluation have significant illness burden. In addition, a study by Garland et al. (2013) showed that adults who left 

AMA had higher rates of hospital readmission and death, and elevated rates of readmission and death persisted for 

180 days. 

Objectives: 

Define the characteristics associated with patients who chose to end their care prematurely within the Emergency 

departments. The results will be used to improve the quality of ED care throughout the hospital system, and will 

allow identification of the patients who are at risk to leave AMA. More importantly, these results will allow the 

provision of interventions to decrease rates of patients who leave AMA. 


The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of patients leaving emergency departments (ED) within 

a system of five Mid- South hospitals and to add to the existing body of literature on this topic. We compared 

patient characteristics and clinical conditions of ED patients who left AMA to those who completed care. 

Completed care was defined as admitted to the hospital or discharged home. Patient characteristics included age, 

gender, race/ethnicity, payor source and clinical condition defined by triage level. 

Findings: 

This study included a retrospective cohort of all ER patients (1,214,975) registered from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 

2018. Out of the 1,214,975 patients, 20,294 patients left AMA (1.67%). Among the 20,294 patients who left AMA, 

54.1% were female, while 45.7% patients not leaving AMA were male. Compared to patients less than 25 years of 

age, age groups 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and 55-64 were more likely to leave AMA, while patients 65-74 or >=75 years 

of age were less likely to leave AMA (p


Quality Improvement Daily Weights in an Acute Care Settings Utilizing Shared Governance in 

a VA Setting 


Marqueta Abraham (Presenter) 

Teris Webb (Co-Presenter) 

Noncompliance in obtaining daily weights leads to delays in establishing treatment and discharge plans(Crawford 

2018) There are five important areas for patient weights they are: Dialysis , an injection fraction of less 40% . 

Diagnosis of Heart Failure(HF), Congestive heart Failure(CHF), Fluid Overload, Elevated BNP greater than 100 and 

Myocardial Infarction(MI) 

Objectives: 

The shared governance team for the acute care unit was composed of a multidisciplinary team in an acute care 

setting. The group reviewed the present practice and also chose as the first project to review the policy regarding 

daily weights and then set timelines to implement the project. 


Using the Model for Improvement, where changes are tested in small cycles that involve planning, doing, studying 

and acting (PDSA)(Jones 2019). This quality improvement project allowed clinicians to work with a team and 

identify an issue and implement interventions that could result in true improvements in quality of patient care. 

(Jones 2019) 

Findings: 

The results of the project affected the following: 

1. Improvement on initiating daily weights order via a nurse driven protocol. 

2. Ability to obtain accurate monitoring of a patient’s weight 


Process improvement can be applied to any clinical setting for improved care. The project showed improvement 

is highly beneficial, positive process which enable clinicians to deliver true changes for benefit of themselves, their 

organization and most of all their patients. In future process improvement projects hopefully momentum can be 

gained to improve other work related problems. 


The Role of Safety Coaches in a Culture of Safety 

Amy Perry (Presenter) 

Safety Coach programs embed safety specialists from all disciplines to mentor others in safe practices. Coaches 

reinforce communication and teamwork to promote safety and prevent patient harm. They contribute to a culture 

of safety at the frontline of care. A robust culture of safety increases work satisfaction and reduces nurses turnover. 

Objectives: 

The evidence related to safety coach programs establishes the need for coach mentoring, opportunities for 

coaches to share safety stories, and continuous training. The lack of a formalized safety coach program was 

identified as a gap in practice. The translational project designs a quality improvement initiative to address this gap 

by providing mentoring, education, and opportunities to further develop coaching skills. 


This project applies the nursing theory of self-efficacy to assess the components of the Safety Coach role 

perceived by coaches as areas of weakness. Initial measures of Safety Coach competence and unit culture of 

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safety were taken using the Safety Coach Self-Efficacy Tool and the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. Informed 

by this assessment, training and mentoring is aimed at increasing Safety Coach self-efficacy to maximize the 

effectiveness of the overall program. Following six months of interventions, the measures will be retaken to assess 

the effectiveness of changes made to the Safety Coach program. 

Findings: 

Interventions and data collection are ongoing during the summer, and will conclude in early fall. Discussion of 

findings will include the change in pre and post intervention scores on the Safety Coach Self Efficacy Tool and 

Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. Qualitative measures include a pre and post intervention Focus Group related 

to the challenges of serving as a Safety Coach. Projected findings include improvement in overall unit culture of 

safety. 


The Safety Coach Self-Efficacy Tool was developed by the DNP student for the purpose of this project. Further 

studies could include the validation of this tool at additional facilities with existing Safety Coach programs. 

Additionally, the measurement of the effectiveness of such a program is necessary for evaluation by hospital 

administrators. Further research regarding tools useful for this purpose are needed. 

STIGMA: Stopping Traumatic Incidence through Governed Mental Health Awareness 


Brooke Epperson (Presenter) 

Millions of people in the United States are living with a serious mental illness or substance abuse disorder with 

the number of behavioral health patients being treated in the emergency department (ED) growing each year. 

The behavioral health patient population deserve to be cared for by a trained nursing staff. ED nurses are trained 

to handle dynamic and rapidly changing patient scenarios. While ED nurses participate in training focused on 

advanced cardiovascular life support, trauma training, and pediatric resuscitation, one area that has lacked focus is 

behavioral health. The purpose of this project was to measure the perceived competency and safety attitudes of 

ED nurses at Tennova Healthcare in Cleveland, TN. This project utilized both qualitative and quantitative research 

methods. The findings from this translational project may provide data that reveals the need for a continued 

behavioral health competency program in the ED. 

Objectives: 

The purpose of this project was to measure the perceived competency and safety attitudes of ED nurses at 

Tennova Healthcare in Cleveland, TN. The objectives of this DNP translational project included the increased 

competency and safety attitudes of ED staff nurses. Training sessions using the Substance Abuse and Mental 

Health Associations Trauma Informed Care and practice guidelines were implemented to increase knowledge and 

skills for staff nurses providing behavioral health patient care. 


This project utilized the Behavioral Health Care Competency Survey (BHCC) and the Safety Attitudes 

Questionnaire (SAQ) tools to measure ED nurse perceptions of behavioral healthcare competency pre and post 

implementation of a behavioral health practice guidelines and competency program. Along with the quantitative 

data, this project will include qualitative data from ED nurse focus groups. 

Findings: 

At the time of this abstract submission, project interventions and data collection are ongoing. Analysis of project 

results and findings will be completed by early Fall in time for presentation in October. Initial impressions of 

findings are that emergency nurses do not feel competent or adequately prepared to provide appropriate care for 

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behavioral health patients. An anticipated finding is the need for additional and regular training to increase staff 

perceived competence and awareness of available resources. 


Not reported 

Utilizing Nursing Communication Cluster to Improve Patient Healthcare Experience 


Melinda Evans (Presenter) 

Tamara McKenzie (Co-Presenter) 

Nursing leadership recognized need to improve patient satisfaction scores and how well nursing staff was 

addressing patient’s immediate needs on Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Acute Care unit. 

Acute Care (2 South) created a nursing communication cluster that included evidence-based practices to help 

bridge the gap between caring and communication with the Memphis VAMC patient population. In addition, 

this communication cluster would also improve communication practices between nursing team members. The 

initiatives included: implementing bedside shift report (BSR), executing nursing leader daily rounding, nursing staff 

hourly rounding, maintaining activated call light and providing patient service training to all nursing staff. 

Objectives: 

Nursing Communication Cluster was specifically created to: 

1. Improve staff response time to patient call lights 

2. Reduce the number of times patient used call lights through hourly rounding 

3. Improve patient satisfaction and communication between staff and patients with Bedside Shift Report. 


The first 90 days of the Communication Initiatives helped introduce the ideas to staff and to get members 

acclimated to doing Bedside Shift Reports and Hourly Rounding the correct way. The project leader also 

recognized that changing culture and mindsets takes time. The next phase (90-180) will be used to collect data 

that will help usher in consistent and long-lasting change. During Phase 2, the unit will focus on data improvement 

measures that demonstrate improvement in patient satisfaction scores. Additionally, a greater emphasis will be 

placed on monthly customer service training that focuses on how to properly greet, connect and build rapport 

with the patient. 

Findings: 

Pending outcome of Phase 2 of project (90-180 days) which include reduction in call light and amount of 

time taken to respond, increase of hourly rounding documentation. As well as review of Survey of Healthcare 

Experiences of Patients (SHEP) Scores 2019, Quarter 3/4. 


Recommended to continue with implementation of the Memphis VAMC Communication Cluster over next 90- 

180 days and prepare for roll-out to other inpatient units hospital-wide. With continued focus on training staff 

on patient satisfaction tactics. With anticipation of official Survey of Healthcare Experiences of Patients (SHEP) 

Scores 

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Statements of Financial Position, 

December 31, 2018 and 2017 

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Statements of Activities and Changes in Net Assets, 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 

89



Statements of Activities and Changes in Net Assets (Continued), 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 

90



Statements of Cash Flows, 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 

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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 

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Providing A Higher 

Degree of Care 

A leader in nursing 

education at bachelor, 

masters and doctoral 

levels, and nationally 

recognized for its 

nurse-managed 

health centers, rural 

focus, interdisciplinary 

programs, and community 

partnerships. 

Take Your Career to 

A Higher Degree 

www.etsu.edu/nursing 

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2019-2020 TNF Board of Trust and Staff 

Staff 

Mission Statement - Promoting Professional Excellence in Nursing 

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You chose to be a nurse because you care... 

join our family of Caring People. Changing Lives. Every Day. 

Be an integral part of a dynamic team at Tennessee’s Largest Rehabilitation Hospital 

» Competitive Pay/Excellent Benefits/PTO 

» 403b Retirement Plan with Match 

» Ongoing Educational Opportunities 

» Tuition/Scholarship Programs 

» Progressive Clinical Programs 

» Day & Night Shift Positions: Full Time/Float/PRN 

» 12 Hour Shifts 

» More Time to Interact with Patients 

Contact: 

Rosania Burton, HR 

rburton@siskinrehab.org 

423.634.1268 

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TNA 2020 

Events 


Save the Dates 

Nurses Day on the Hill 

February 4, 2020 

The traditional Legislative 

Summit will be changing this 

year to Nurses Day on the Hill. 

The focus will be on 

engaging TNA members and 

RNs from across Tennessee in 

advocacy on TNA priority 

legislation. 

TNA Annual Conference 

October 30 - November 1, 2020 

Franklin Marriott Cool Springs 

We’ll see you in 2020! 

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DNP 

Family Nurse Practitioner 

1st year 100% online with 6 days maximum on-campus days per year 

Nurse Anesthesia 1st year 100% online 

Post-Master's DNP Program 100% online 

For more information contact: 

Dr. Katy Garth, 270-809-6669 | kgarth@murraystate.edu 

Dr. Dina Byers, 270-809-6223 | dbyers@murraystate.edu 

murraystate.edu/nursing 

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

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2019 Tennessee Nurses Association Book of Reports

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