2019 Georgia Nurses Association Yearbook

GNA 

GNA 

MEMBERSHIP 

ASSEMBLY 

MEMBER 

ASSEMBL 

November 2, 2019 

Hilton Atlanta Downtown Hotel

2019 GNA Membership Assembly 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Unity Conference Tentative Schedule. .......................................... 3 

Welcome from the President. ................................................. 7 

Message from the CEO ..................................................... 11 

GNA President Report. ..................................................... 13 

GNA Secretary Report. ..................................................... 16 

APRN End of Term Board Report ............................................. 17 

Membership Development Committee Report. ................................. 18 

Nursing Practice & Advocacy Report. .......................................... 19 

Director of Legislation and Public Policy Report. ................................ 20 

GNA Nominating Committee Report. ......................................... 25 

Peer Review Report. ....................................................... 26 

2019-2021 Strategic Plan. ................................................... 27 

2019 Proposed Bylaw Amendments. .......................................... 36 

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Georgia Nurses Association 

Printed and published for the Georgia Nurses Association by: 

Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency 

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(319) 277-2414 

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Tentative Schedule, 2019 Unity Conference: Leading Change Through Collaborative Influence 

October 31st – November 2nd, 2019 Atlanta Hilton, Atlanta GA 

Thursday, October 31st 

7:00 am - 4:00 pm REGISTRATION OPEN 

8:00 – 4:00 pm 

8:00 – 10:00 AM 

10:15 – 12:15 PM 

EKG Interpretation 

Sharon Reynolds, FNP-BC 

(Room 3) 

IUD Insertion 

Desireé Clement, DNP, APRN, 

CNM, FNP-BC, FACNM 

(Room 3) 

Six Sigma 

Jarvis Gray, MHA, FACHE, CMQ-OE, CLSSBB, PMP, Founder of Quality Coaching Co. (Room 1) 

X-Ray Interpretation 

Ashley Blackmon, MSN, CCRN, 

FNP-C (Room 5) 

Lab Interpretation 

Ashley Blackmon, MSN, CCRN, 

FNP-C (Room 5) 

12:15 – 1:30 pm Lunch (on your own) 

1:30 - 3:30 pm 

IUD Insertion 

Desireé Clement, DNP, APRN, 

CNM, FNP-BC, FACNM 

(Room 3) 

Wound Care 

Rose Murphee, DNP, CWOCN, 

CFCN (Room 4) 

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Exhibit Hall (Grand Opening) 

5:30 PM “Bar Crawl” 

Suturing 

Andrea Caesar, MSN, 

FNP-C, ENP (Room 4) 

Suturing 

Andrea Caesar, MSN, 

FNP-C, ENP (Room 4) 

EKG Interpretation 

Sharon Reynolds, FNP- 

BC (Room 5) 

Joint Injection 

Andrea Caesar, MSN, FNP-C, 

ENP (Room 2) 


Andrea Caesar, MSN, FNP-C, ENP 

(Room 2) 

Suturing 

Andrea Caesar, 

MSN, FNP-C, 

ENP (Room 4) 


Andrea Caesar, 

MSN, FNP-C, 

ENP (Room 2) 

Friday, November 1st 


7:00 am – 7:45 am Breakfast with Exhibitors (Exhibit Hall Open) 

8:00 am – 8:15 am Conference Welcome by UAPRN and GNA Presidents Michelle Nelson, PhD, MS, FNP-BC, Richard Lamphier, RN, BSN 

8:15 am - 9:15 am Keynote Speaker: Tim Porter O’Grady, ED, PhD, RN, FAAN 

9:15 am - 1:15 pm Exhibit Hall Open 

9:30 am - 10:30 am 

Suicide Prevention 

Polly McKinney, BA 

Erin Harlow Parker, APRN, 

PMHCNS-BS (Room 2) 

Advance Assessment 

Dr. Hoover (Room 4) 

Adverse Children Experiences 

Sharon Grason, PhD, RN 

Linda Grabbee, PhD, FNP-BC, 

PMIHNP-BC 

(Room 5) 

10:30 am - 11:00 am Break 

11:00 am -12:00 

12:00 pm - 1:15 pm 

Wound Care Management 

Rose Murphree, DNP 

(Room 1) 

The Power of Leveraging your 

Personal Story 

Tim Davis, BA, Director of 

Membership & Gov. Affairs 

Julianna McConnell, Lobbyist, 

MBA, CPA (Room 2) 

Update on Women’s 

Heart Disease 

Ashley Blackmon, 

MSN, CCRN, FNP-C 

(Room 3) 

Culturally and 

Linguistically Appropriate 

Services 

Orlin Márquez, DNP, 

MBA, APRN, FNP-BC 

(Room 3) 

Lunch in Exhibit Hall with Vendors 

Operation Nurse Entrepreneurship: Nurses Building Businesses 

Victoria Randle, MSN, FNP-C 

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Poster Presentations 

1:15 - 2:15 pm 

2:15-2:45 pm 

Plenary Session: Sex Trafficking 

Speaker Panel: Renee Unterman, GA State Senator & Tammy Toney-Butler Georgia Voices 

GBI, Advocate Organization, & Victim 

Preceptor Tax Incentive Program (PTIP Bill) 

Denise Kornegay, MSW, Assoc. Dean of AHEC, Augusta University 

2:45 - 3:00 pm Break 

3:00 - 4:15 pm 

Headache Management— 

Callie Cook, DNP, FNP-C 

(Room 2) 

LGTBQ—Terry Hackworth, 

MBA/MSN, ANP-C, AAHIVS 

(Room 1) 

Clearing the Air About 

Vaping: Adult and 

Youth Evidence Review 

Laura Searcy, MSN, 

APRN, PPCNP, FAANP 

(Room 3) 

Suture workshop 

Andrea Caesar, MSN, FNP-BC, 

ENP (Room 1) 

“Nobody Cares “… or do they? 

Terri Sullivan, BSN, RN 

CEN (Room 4) 

Legislative Engagement 

Horace Williams, 

CEO 

Empowrd Apps., LLC (Room 4) 

3


4:15 – 5:15 pm 

Intimidated by Quantitative 

Analysis, but still want to 

Conduct Research. 

James Lani, PhD 

(Room 4) 

Chronic Kidney Disease 

Rowena Elliott, PhD 

(4:00 – 5:00 pm) 

(Room 1) 

3:30 pm -5:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open 

Challenges Facing 

Clinicians 

Ngozi Orabueze, NP-C, 

DNP 

(Room 2) 

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Gala/Awards Banquet (Masquerade) 

Common Disorders in Pediatric 

Neurology 

Alicia Smith, CPNP 

(Room 3) 

Saturday, November 2nd 


7:00-8:45 

7:00-8:45 

Leadership Breakfast 

Linda McCauley, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAAOHN – Professor & Dean, Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing 

Sharon Pappas, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN – CNO, Emory Healthcare (Room 2) 

NCLEX RN Review for Nursing Students 

Stuart Misner, MSN, AGACNP-BC Hurst Review Services Regional Director (Room 1) 

7:00 am - 8:45 am Breakfast with Vendors 

8:15 am - 1:30 pm Exhibit Hall Open 

8:45 am – 9:00 am 

Conference Welcome: 

UAPRN President – Michelle Nelson, PhD, FNP-BC, GNA President – Richard Lamphier, RN, BSN 

9:00 am - 10:15 am 

10:30-11:30 

10:30-12:30 pm 

10:30 am - 12:30 am 

11:30-12:30 

12:30 noon - 1:30 pm 

1:30 pm to 2:15 pm 

2:30 pm – 5:00 pm 

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm 

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm 

5:00 pm 

Bariatrics and Obesity 

Kathleen Kinser, DNP, FNP-BC 

(Room 3) 

Keynote Speaker: “Bullying” 

Sharon Cox, MSN, RN, CNAA – President Cox Assoc., National Speaker/Author 

Involuntary Hold/1013 

Mamie Jones, BS, MA, PhD 

Candidate (Room 2) 

Jammie Taire, ESQ 

Wills, Trust & Civil Litigation (Room 5) 

Management of Allergic vs No-Allergic Angioedema – Pharmacology Update 

Elizabeth Vandwaa, PhD 

Executive Leadership Session: Perspectives from Practice, Academia, and Research 

Moderator/Presenter: Mary Gullatte, PhD, RN, FAAN Panel Participants:Lisa Eichelberger, PhD, RN – Dean, College of Health, Clayton 

State University, Janice J. Izlar, DNAP, CRNA – GABON, Kelly Hulsey, MSN, RN, CENP – Piedmont Healthcare, Janis DuBow, MSN, RN – 

Northside, Jill Case-Wirth, MHA, BSN, RN 

Troy Heidesch, DNP, FNP 

Telehealth (Room 3) 

Patrice Little, DNP, FNP-BC 

Recognize your Genius: 

Finding Purpose in Chaos 

(Room 3) 

Adult Congenital Heart Disease 

Christine Peverini, MSN, RN, 

AANP (Room 4) 

Narrative Medicine 

Robert Climko, MD, 

MBA (Room 5) 

Lunch in Exhibit Hall with Vendors – Hot Legal Topics in Nursing, Hannah Williams, Esq 

Remarks and Prize giveaway 

Plenary Session: 

ANA and the State of Nursing 

Debbie Hatmaker, PhD, RN, FAAN 

GNA Membership Assembly 

Wanda Jones, MSN, FNP-BC (Room 1) 

TCH, CBD, and Other New Pharmacological, Evidence of what works 

Thomas Barkley, Jr., PhD, ACNP-BC, ANP, FAANP (Room 2) 

How to Prevent Burnout 

Seday Samuel, MD 

(Room 5) 

Emotional Intelligence 

Diane White, PhD, RN (Room 2) 

Suture workshop 

Andrea Caesar, MSN, FNP-BC, ENP 

(Room 4) 

Plenary: Conference Closing Remarks by UAPRN and GNA Presidents Michelle Nelson, PhD, MS, FNP-BC 

Richard Lamphier, RN, BSN (Room 1) 

5


WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT 

Dear fellow members, 

Welcome to the 2019 GNA Membership Assembly! This year’s Assembly is part of an annual initiative, started 

in 2018, to promote and increase unity within nursing- The Unity Conference for Nursing Excellence. It 

is with great excitement that I welcome you to this memorable event. 

For the past two years, we have made great progress in fulfilling our mission and vision of advancing the 

nursing profession for a healthier Georgia. GNA/GNF hired a new CEO, Matt Caseman whose extensive 

healthcare association background and legislative experience has paid huge dividends. In addition, we 

had a successful legislative session this year securing $150,000 in the state budget for the Georgia Nurses 

Foundation’s Peer Assistance Program, which helps nurses struggling with substance abuse. These funds 

will be used to help more Georgia nurses throughout the entire state get back on their feet and care for 

patients. A much needed tax credit for APRNs serving as preceptors to nursing students doing communitybased 

rotations in Georgia passed as well and will help the rural areas of our state. 

The American Red Cross developed an extensive program of Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, 

and Pediatric Advanced Life Support classes. GNA is the first nurses association to sign on as a state-wide 

training center and we will be offering these educational classes to our members. In addition, we partnered 

with The Quality Coaching Co. (QCC) to provide our members discounted Lean Six Sigma certifications 

as part of our promise to develop opportunities for growth through energizing experiences, empowering 

insights, and essential resources. The QCC helps healthcare organizations and healthcare providers 

foster cultures of system-wide quality improvement by offering customized leader coaching, training, and 

consulting programs. These programs focus on improving the quality of the organizations’ care delivery 

services and health outcomes, eliminating waste and achieving cost reduction, and enhancing the patient 

experience. Our first class on August 15, 2019 at our GNA Headquarters was a great success. 

Furthermore, both the GNA and GNF Boards of Directors approved our new Strategic Plan for the next two 

years on September 14 th . We have new mission and vision statements, along with organizational values to 

guide our work and initiatives as an organization. Brace yourselves for what the New GNA has in store for 

the nurses and citizens of Georgia! 

GNA hosted multiple continuing professional development opportunities throughout the year, including, 

but not limited to, Expanding Your Skills and Making a Difference in Continuing Nursing Education (October 

19, 2018), Building an Approved Provider Application-Understanding the Groundwork (December 8, 2018), 

GNA Legislative Advocacy Workshop 2019, GNA Legislative Session Kick-Off Day at the Capitol (January 

15, 2019), Learning the Intricacies of Constructing a Quality Individual Activity Application (Valdosta, GA, 

September 13, 2019), and Learning the Intricacies of Constructing a Quality Individual Activity Application 

(Savannah, GA, October 18, 2019). 

6


Our future is bright. I invite you to engage in this mission and to contribute your talents, insights, and 

experience to empower Georgia nurses to lead change and improve health. 

You may contact me at any time at president@georgianurses.org. 

In service to you, 

Richard Lamphier 

Richard Lamphier, RN 

GNA President 

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO 

Dear Members, 

Welcome to the 2019 Georgia Nurses Association Membership Assembly and my first as your CEO. We are 

excited you could join us because this is our time to meet face to face and listen to your thoughts, needs 

and concerns about GNA. Additionally, it is an opportunity to present where we are as an association, and 

your participation is greatly appreciated! 

With that said, please take some time in the next day to read the reports provided in the Membership 

Assembly Booklet of Reports. I assure you, the GNA team and our astute Board of Directors have been 

working hard to increase your membership value. As a result, GNA has experienced steady growth this 

past year with big plans to reach even greater heights. 

How? You may ask. Well, a new Strategic Plan was crafted which we believe will make GNA even stronger 

and help do great things for Georgia’s nurses. This is one of the many documents provided in your 

Membership Assembly program. 

The ball started rolling on June 15, 2019 at our planning retreat, with members of both Boards, staff, 

and valued local affiliate leaders participating. A robust discussion ensued along with consensus building 

focused on mission, vision, values, desired outcomes/results, and organizational development priorities. 

The time horizon for this Plan was determined to be July 2019 to June 2021, the equivalent of two fiscal 

years. After a long and highly productive day, a comprehensive document was drafted and edited through 

the collaborative efforts of the leadership of both GNA and GNF. It is a testament on what can be done 

when nurses work together. To me, this is the most important information presented at our Membership 

Assembly and we have already started the work to make it a reality. 

Our esteemed President Richard Lamphier said it best, “Caring for the sick is why I became a nurse. Taking 

care of Georgia’s nurses, is why I am a member of GNA.” 

Let me say it has been an honor to serve as your CEO over the past year and I am incredibly grateful for 

such an amazing opportunity. I have learned, as the most trusted profession, nurses are the absolute 

backbone of healthcare in Georgia and I couldn’t be prouder to work on your behalf every day. From the 

bottom of my heart, thank you for what you do to care for your patients and the passion you have for the 

profession. 

Please enjoy your time here and I look forward to speaking with you! 

Matt Caseman 

CEO Georgia Nurses Association/ Georgia Nurses Foundation 

9


GNA PRESIDENT REPORT 

President: Richard Lamphier, RN 

Term of Service: 2017-2019 

President Elect 

October 2017-November 2018 

As a member of the Executive Committee and CEO search committee conducted interviews of CEO 

candidates and hired Matt Caseman in September 2018. 

As an ANA Delegate, I participated in the 2018 ANA Membership Assembly and participated in the ANA 

Hill Day and met with Georgia’s elected officials. I attended the ANA annual leadership conference and 

participated in ANA Government Affairs conference calls. 

I attended 100 percent of GNA/GNF Board of Directors Meeting and Executive Committee calls and meetings. 

Wrote President-Elect column for the GNA quarterly newsletter. 

September 2018 Testified at the Rural Study Committee hearing on Rural Healthcare. 

Attended and participated as the GNA representative on the Georgia Nurse Leadership Coalition, Georgia 

Organization Nursing Leaders Conference, Unity Conference, Georgia Association School Nurses and 

Georgia Association Nursing Students. 

President 

November 1, 2018-Present 

The resignation of Dr. Judy Malachowski required me to assume the role of President. The 2019 Legislative 

Session required multiple visits to the Capitol, to speak with elected officials on key nursing legislation. We 

lobbied for and received $150,000 funding for the GNF Peer Assistance Program and got passed Preceptor 

Tax Incentive Program Bill. 

In conjunction with the Director of Membership Development, we set a membership goal of 22 percent of 

Georgia nurses belonging to GNA by 2022. 

We developed the Board of Directors meeting’s agenda and conducted the business of the Board, asking 

for key By-Law changes. 

Attended the ANA Membership Assembly in Washington DC and participated in ANA Hill Day, meeting 

with Georgia’s elected officials. 

Co-Chaired with UAPRN President Dr. Michelle Nelson, the 2018 Unity Conference. Developed the agenda 

for the 2019 GNA Membership Assembly. 

Key Legislative Study committees; Maternal Mortality, Physician Oversite, and Heat related injuries have 

met during the Summer and Fall months. I’ve had the opportunity to testify and attend many of these 

meetings. 

10


We developed a new strategic plan for GNA and GNF to be presented at the Membership Assembly. 

CEO Matt Caseman and I have met with CNO’s of the Metro Atlanta Healthcare Systems. We have plans 

to meet other Healthcare Systems after Membership Assembly. 

I attended the University System of Georgia’s Nursing Work Force Summit at Augusta University in August 

to discuss strategies to increase the nursing workforce for GA. 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President of GNA. 

Sincerely, 

Richard M. Lamphier, RN 

President 


11


GNA SECRETARY REPORT 

Secretary: Dr. Maura C. Schlairet 

Term of Service: 2017 - 2019 

Over the prior two years of my elected term, as Secretary of the GNA, I have created, disseminated, and 

maintained records of meetings (minutes) of the GNA Executive Committee and GNA Board of Directors. I 

also served as ANA representative to the ANA Membership Assembly in Washington, DC. I have performed 

my duties as Secretary to the best of my ability and greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve the GNA 

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APRN END OF TERM BOARD REPORT (10/2017-9/2019) 

Elizabeth K. Bolton-Harris, DNP, ACNP-BC, CHFN 

• Member, Secretary of the Georgia Nurses Political Action Committee 

• Attended various Legislative Committee meetings with GNA and CAPRN 2/2019-9/2019 

• Attended Gamma Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. 32nd Annual Scholarship Luncheon 5/2019 

• Attended GNA day at Georgia Capitol 1/21/2019 

• Attended multiple CAPRN Legislative calls 2/2019-3/2019 

• Attended GNA legislative call 2/2019-3/2019 

• Participated in multiple legislative GNA & CAPRN call to actions by calling and emailing with local 

legislators during the GA legislative session. 

• Member of the March of Dimes Executive Leadership Team for the 10th Annual Nurse of the Year 

awards. 

• Committee member for 2nd Annual GNF Golf Tournament 

• Volunteered at the Gamma Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. annual health fair at the West End. 

• Attended the Pre-Legislative workshop 12/2018 

• Attended CAPRN Legislative call 1/2019 

• Spoke to GA State DNP class regarding advocacy and GNA opportunities 1/2019 

• Submitted article for the August/September/October GNA Newsletter 

• Hosted APRN Meeting at the GNA office 6/2018 

• Participated with Unity Conference Planning Committee 6/2018 

• Attended the Unity Conference Kick-Off at the Commerce Club 6/2018 

• Attended the Nursing Coalition Meeting to discuss Legislative Agenda 6/2018 

• Member of the 1st Annual Unity Conference Planning Committee 

• Transition hand off with the previous Dr. Suzanne Staebler, 10/2017 

• Meeting with gubernatorial and Secretary of State Candidate with other APRN leaders in the state 

10/2017. 

• APRN Roundup meeting 12/2017. 

• Met with UAPRN president Michelle Nelson regarding Unity Conference 11/2017. 

• Attended GNA Legislative Day at Capitol 1/2018 

• Multiple Capitol Visits for GNA/CAPRN for the 2018 Legislative Session 

• Spoke to GSU Undergraduate Senior Leadership Nursing class 2/27/2018 regarding professional 

engagement 

• Participant in GNA/UAPRN Unity Conference planning committee 

• APRN Roundup meeting 4/2017. 

13


14


MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT 

Membership Development Director: Sherry Danello, DHA, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE 

Board Term: January 1, 2017-December 31, 2019 

I. Membership Development Committee 

Committee Membership established 3/18 

Meeting Dates via Conference Line: March 7, 2018, June 6, 2018, September 5, 2018, December 5, 

2018, March 6, 2019, June 5, 2019 (Cancelled as Board chairs could not attend) and September 4, 

2019 (cancelled due to hurricane Dorian evacuation). 

Accomplishments: 

• Selection and Board approval of the growth and Development Fund Committee: Esoche Osaghae 

(Atlanta VA Chapter), Linda Morrow (Old Capital Chapter), Charlotte Wood (Professional Nurse 

Network Chapter) and Dina Hewett (GNA Treasurer). 

• Education to Chapter Chairs on the Role of the Growth and Development Fund. 

• Development of a fair and equitable funding formula for Growth and Development Fund applications 

based on quarterly available funding and membership numbers. 

• Began development of a data base of nursing school and hospital/health system nursing Leadership 

contact information. 

• Brainstormed with Chapter Chairs better use of social media to communicate and advertise GNA 

activities across the state. 

• Education on available resources and distribution of GNA resources/materials to Chapter Chairs to 

recruit and retain membership. 

• Explored with Chapter Chairs more cost effective membership dues opportunities for individuals 

and groups. 

• Survey of select CNO and Deans regarding barriers to growing membership. 

• Worked with Richard Lampier to establish formula for increasing state membership by 20% by the 

end of 2020 and communicated goals to Chapter Chairs. 

• Education across the state through Chapter meetings on the GNF Peer Assistance Program. 

• Introduction of Mathew Caseman GNA CEO to Chapter Chairs in attendance at Growth and 

Development Committees. 

• Developed a list of ideas in collaboration with Chapter Chairs to be used by GNA Leadership to 

increase and sustain membership. 

• Promotion of Unity Conference through Chapter Chairs and CNOs. 

• Revitalization of First City Chapter in Savannah. 

II. Growth and Development Fund Committee funds awarded (January 2018 – August 2019). 

• Metro Atlanta $2,088.00 

• Metro Atlanta $3,055.88 

• CRSA $1,258.60 

• CRSA $1,875.00 

• CRSA $687.89 

• Old Capital $400.00 

• Old Capital Chapter $1,000.00 

15


NURSING PRACTICE & ADVOCACY REPORT 

Edward Adams, MSN, RN 

GNA Director of Nurse Practice & Advocacy 

For last two years I have had the privilege and honor to serve as the Georgia Nurses Association Director 

of Practice & Advocacy. In this role I have had the opportunity to take part in building relationships with 

other nursing organizations at both a state and local level. There are many wonderful nurse leaders that 

work at the local and state level to help advance and improve nursing in Georgia. It has been a privilege to 

have meet and worked with some of these men and women over the last two years on various projects. 

During the last two years I have attended quarterly GNA board meetings either in person or over the 

phone. I have been a part of several committees for GNA that have covered things from advocacy to 

finance. Between February 2018 to October 2018 I was a member of the first Unity Conference planning 

committee and would attend multiple meetings either in person or over the phone. The purpose of this 

conference was to remind nurses of all levels that in the end of the day we are all nurses and need to 

work together to improve not only our profession but also healthcare at a local, state and national level. 

In June of 2018 I attended the first Meet and Greet in Atlanta for the Unity Conference where I was able 

to meet two nurses who were recently elected members of the state legislature. I also attended the GANS 

COSL (Council of Student Leaders) retreat as a speaker for GNA. As a former member of the GANS board 

it was an honor to be able to go back and speak about leadership to a group of nursing students who will 

become our professions future leadership. In June of 2019 I attended the GNA Strategic Plan meeting that 

will set priorities for the next two years as an organization by defining who we are as an organization and 

what our goals are. 

I have also attended two annual trainings for the Peer Assistance Program at GNA headquarters for 

facilitators. The Peer Assistance Program in Georgia is a program that has a 96% success rate which is 

well above the national average. The Peer Assistance Group helps nurses in their recovery from substance 

abuse and to return into the nursing workforce. In 2019 I went to the state legislature to help lobby for 

funding for the Peer Assistance Group. I meet with various legislature members to help raise awareness 

and support for the funds. While meeting with the legislature members I also lobbied for a tax credit for 

Nurse Practitioners that are willing to precept students. This will help to increase the number of preceptors 

for our states Nurse Practitioner students. In February I was given an opportunity to write an article 

highlighting the Peer Assistance Program for a national journal. The article is still in the edit phase currently 

and is set for publication in a few months around the new year. I have also published multiple times in the 

GNA Newsletter to try and highlight some of these events and programs to nurse across the state. 

I cannot think of any higher honor than to serve others. For many of us nursing is our way to serve others 

and to try to make our part of the world a better place. To be a leader does not mean to be in charge, but 

to serve those that placed one in a position. I have tried over my two years to serve the nurses of Georgia 

to the best of my ability and to try to help make a positive impact in our profession and community. I 

encourage anyone that wants to become a leader to embrace the opportunity when it comes because it 

is an experience that is life changing. 

17


DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATION & PUBLIC POLICY REPORT 

GNA Legislative Director Report 

September 2019 

Iris B. Hamilton, RN, MPA 

Activities for Legislative Director 

‣ Attended House of Representatives Maternal Mortality Study Committee Meeting on September 19, 

2019 

• Dr. Michael Lindsay, Chairman of the MMRC presented along with Michael Bryan, Dr. Melissa 

Kottke and Chris Trice, RN 

• The MMRC is behind on data (2014) and has been granted 200k in the State Budget for another 

reviewer 

• More hospitals should adopt the AIM Bundles across the state 

‣ 2019 Legislative Survey conducted with members and non-members 

‣ Attended GNA Post Legislation Session Meeting with Lobbyist September 2019 to debrief and discuss 

2020 Strategies for a path to continued success 

‣ March of Dimes Nurse of the Year event 

• Fundraising efforts underway and on track 

• Nominations underway 

• Next meeting September 30, 2019 

• Please spread the word to ensure we can cast the net wide for a diverse group of nominees 

‣ GNLC 

• Upcoming GNLA meeting October 3, 2019 

‣ ANAI 

• Final meeting held with ANAI Facilitator Janet Haebler 

‣ Emory Nurse Legislative Council 

• Meeting will be held October 16, 2019 

• Will attend and present Survey Results and Legislative Platform 


June 5, 2019 

Activities for Legislative Director 

‣ Attended Emory’s Legislative Nurse Council on April 30, 2019 to provide the 2019 Legislative Session 

wrap up on key legislation that impacted nurses and all Georgians 

• In the spirit of GNA continuing to position ourselves to be the overarching voice for Georgia Nurses, 

it was proposed and accepted that GNA have an ex-offico member on the Emory Legislative Nurse 

Council Board. It was determined that it would be GNA’s Legislative Director 

‣ Submitted application for BOD Slate for Director-Legislation/Public Policy 

‣ Attended GNA Post Legislation Session Meeting with Lobbyist on May 8, 2019 to debrief and discuss 

2020 Strategies for a path to continued success 

‣ March of Dimes Nurse of the Year event 

19


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• Fundraising efforts underway and on track 

• Nominations underway 

• Next meeting June 11, 2019 

• Please spread the word to ensure we can cast the net wide for a diverse group of nominees 

‣ GNLC 

• Attended the May 2019 meeting to provide the group with an updated from GNA related 

happenings 

• Will attend their next meeting on June 6, 2019 to represent GNA 

‣ Will attend ANA Membership Assembly June 19-23, 2019 to include a Hill Day and PAC Reception 

‣ HR 259 

• Will attend study committee hearing on June 10, 2019 at the State Capitol to support the resolution 

and testimony that will be provided by Richard Lamphier and Dr. Beth Bolton-Harris related to 

Heat-Related Injuries, Cardiac Injuries and other Sports-Related Injury 


April 13, 2019 

Overall Summary/Major Accomplishments/Upcoming Meetings: 

‣ 2019 Legislative Session has ended 

‣ Very successful Legislative session 

• PTIP Bill Passed 

• Peer Assistance Legislation budgetary monies approved 

• Legislation struck down to allow Vet Techs to be called Vet Registered Nurses 

• Concluded Weekly Legislative Committee Calls 

• Will comprise a 2019 GNA Legislative Survey to devise platform for 2020 Legislation 

‣ Attend American Nurses Advocacy Institute (ANAI) monthly call 

Launched by the ANA in 2009, the program grooms each nurse to ultimately be an effective advisor 

to their state nurses association in establishing legislative / regulatory priorities, recommending strategies 

for execution in the advancement of a policy issue, and educating colleagues about the political 

realities and how they too can be more effective advocates. The program is competitive, capped at 24 

participants, so each individual can benefit optimally from the interactive sessions held in Washington, 

DC as well as the ongoing mentor support throughout the year. Not including the current cohort 206 

have participated in the program, representing 42 states. The 2018 – 2019 class of 23 represented 18 

states – AZ, CO, GA, IL, IA, KS, MA, MI, MO, MT, NH, NV, NM, OH, SC, SD, TX, WV. 

• The group will meet monthly for one year to discuss various topics 

GNA Legislative Director Board Report 

January 2019 


‣ December 5, 2018-Attended Emory Healthcare Legislative Nurse Council 

• Presented GNA Legislative Platform 

• Solicited attendees to join GNA and the Legislative Committee 

‣ December 7, 2018-2019 Pre-Legislative Session Workshop 

• Presented an overview of the GNA Legislative Committee, hot political topics and importance of 

joining the Legislative Committee 

21


‣ Assisted GNA Legislative Committee with obtaining resources related to Health Care Advocacy 101 

and tools 

‣ January 3, 2019-Met with Tim Davis and Matt Caseman to discuss developing and design a GNA state 

specific advocacy training program for nurses. 

• Three webinars on line and one day at the Capitol calling on legislators 

• Picture with the Lt. Governor and the nurses’ perspective legislator 

‣ GNA hosted nurse leaders’ meeting to further unify the nursing leadership community and align political 

platforms 

‣ Attended Gwinnett Cty State Delegation Pre-legislative Town Hall 

• Legislators are very Nurse friendly and very open to supporting APRNs practicing to their full 

authority 


October 2018 


‣ October 16, 2018-Attended SOS Kemp/GNA Meeting 

Kemp campaign sent a representative to GNA to meet with GNA/Nursing community to discuss how 

they would support nursing if elected 

‣ Attending American Nurses Advocacy Institute (ANAI) in Washington, DC, September 30-October 2, 

2018 

Launched by the ANA in 2009, the program grooms each nurse to ultimately be an effective advisor 

to their state nurses association in establishing legislative / regulatory priorities, recommending strategies 

for execution in the advancement of a policy issue, and educating colleagues about the political 

realities and how they too can be more effective advocates. The program is competitive, capped at 24 

participants, so each individual can benefit optimally from the interactive sessions held in Washington, 

DC as well as the ongoing mentor support throughout the year. Not including the current cohort 206 

have participated in the program, representing 42 states. The 2018 – 2019 class of 23 represented 18 

states – AZ, CO, GA, IL, IA, KS, MA, MI, MO, MT, NH, NV, NM, OH, SC, SD, TX, WVV. 

• While in DC, nurses hear from influential nurse leaders such as long-standing Minnesota House 

Representative who campaigned for Governor this year, Erin Murphy, MA, RN, FAAN; Mary Behrens, 

MS, RN FNP BC former Wyoming Mayor and State Legislator; and Dr. Irene Trowell-Harris, RN, Ed.D. 

Major General USAF, Retired, the former Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Center 

for Women Veterans. Attendees learn about navigating the legislative process based on the political 

environmental scan and messaging for differing audiences from leaders in the public relations 

arena. Application of some of these acquired skills are first exercised with visits to Congressional 

offices. The learning continues throughout the year with discussion of other related topics and the 

ability to apply at the state level. 

• Legislation discussed with Congressional offices: 

• THE SAFE STAFFING FOR NURSE AND PATIENT SAFETY ACT 

(H.R. 5052 / S. 2446) 

‣ Deloach Foundation Conference Call, November 15, 2018 

• The Abbie DeLoach Foundation that was founded about April 22, 2016. Their family is and has 

been involved in local politics for over 30 plus years. Abbie’s uncle, Eddie is currently Mayor of 

22


Savannah. The organization would like to see how their Foundation can become involved in the 

GNA and help support its agenda. 

‣ Legislative Priorities Discussion, Wednesday December 5, 2018 at 6 pm 

• Goal is to discuss the ways in which each of our respective organizations can support each other’s 

work during the legislative session and seek to present a unified front for nursing in our state. 

‣ GNA 2018 Pre-Legislative Workshop, December 8, 2018, 10 am-1 pm 

• Agenda and Announcement disseminated 

GNA Legislative Director Board Report- 

July 2018 

Overall Summary/Major Accomplishments: 

‣ Attended House Study Committee Professional Licensing Boards Operations and Funding (HR 1374) 

• The Georgia Occupational Regulatory Review Council (GORCC) 

• Georgia Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Division 

‣ The committee met on August 27th at 9 am to discuss the above agenda items. 

• Committee members: Brett Harrell, Chairman, Rep. Karen Bennett, Rep. Dominic LaRiccia, Rep. 

Jodi Lott and Rep. Rick Williams 

• The meeting was very informative and next steps are there will be two additional study meetings 

on the topic, September 2018 and November 2018 (post the election) 

• Next steps: Will host a Legislative Committee meeting and update everyone prior to September 8th 

board meeting 

‣ Legislative Survey results compiled and will present them to the Board on September 8, 2018 


April 2018 


‣ Attended April 2018 GNA Board Meeting (telephonically) 

• Established upcoming meetings for the calendar year 

‣ Guest lecturer at Middle College of Georgia to speak to Nursing Students on Public Policy and Health 

Care Advocacy 

‣ Attended RE: Georgia Gubernatorial Candidate Forum and Lunch - PAC Opportunity! 

• All of the Gubernatorial candidates were in attendance except Brian Kemp 

‣ Attended GNA Executive Committee Meeting to discuss PAC contributions 

Proposed Nursing Legislation: 

N/A 

Hearing Committee Meetings: 

N/A 

Worry Items (Top 3 or Less): 

N/A 

23


January 2018 



‣ Attended Nov 2017 GNA Board Retreat 

• Established upcoming meetings for the calendar year 

• See meeting minutes 

‣ Attended November 6, 2017 SR 188 GA Study Committee Hearing r/t Barriers to Georgians access to 

adequate healthcare 

‣ Attended Georgia Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues Breakfast, January 10, 2018 

• Over 2k attendees to outline Georgia Chamber Legislative Priorities 

• Attended by Gov., Lt. Gov. and Speaker of the House, David Ralston 

‣ Attended GNA Pre-Legislative Training Session 

• 55 attendees 

• Shared my background, vision for the Legislation/Public Policy Committee with attendees 

• Outlined GNA 2018 Legislative Priorities 

• Will host bi-weekly meeting during the session and monthly thereafter session 

• Will develop strategy to connect with a nurse 

• Legislative Day @ Capitol Jan 23, 2018 

Proposed Nursing Legislation: 

N/A 

Hearing Committee Meetings: 

Senate Committee Meetings Tuesday and Thursday, 2 pm during session 

Worry Items (Top 3 or Less): 

N/A 

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24


GNA NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT 

Submitted by: Wanda Jones, MSN, FNP-BC 

The elected members of the GNA Nominating Committee for 2017-2019 were as follows: 

- Keitta Evans, chair 

- Wanda Jones 

- Pamela Terwilleger 

- Louise Perdue 

- Linda Morrow 

The GNA staff committee member was Tim Davis. 

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Keitta Evans, Pamela Terwilleger and Louise Perdue had to resign their 

positions. The GNA Board of Directors elected Wanda Jones as chair, Jill Williams and Jill Ray to replace the 

vacant positions. 

A call for nominations was placed on the website requesting nominations for all the positions on the 

GNA Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. The committee also solicited candidates from other 

sources such as the GNA/GNF Board and chapters. 

Multiple conference calls were held to review the list of candidates who had applied for open positions. A 

diverse slate of candidates were selected and presented to the GNA Board in June 2019. Vital biographical 

information and photos of each candidate on the ballot were published in the Georgia Nursing News prior 

to the online election in September 2019. The online ballot was opened from September 1st to September 

30th 2019. Only GNA members as of June 30th were qualified to vote. Elections results will be announced 

at the 2019 Bi-Annual Membership Assembly meeting in Atlanta, GA on November 2, 2019. 

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT 

Scholarship Committee Members: 

Wanda Jones 

Rachel Myers 

The Committee meet on September 14 th at GNA Headquarters and reviewed the three applications. There 

were only two completed applications who qualified for the scholarships. After reviewing both candidates 

and with the scores being less than 1-point difference, both candidates were awarded the Katherine Pope 

Scholarship for 2019. 

The following two recipients for the Katherine Pope Scholarship are: 

Katherine Carruth 

Adalynn Rath 

25


NURSE PEER REVIEW REPORT 

Report submitted by Lynn Rhyne, MN, RNC-MNN 

Nurse Peer Review Leader 

Continuing Education Approver Unit 


The Continuing Education Approver Unit (CEAU) of GNA is accredited by American Nurses Association 

Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA) as an approver of nursing continuing professional development 

activities. As an Approver Unit, we grant the authority to award contact hours to others who have 

developed professional development activities. We cannot award contact hours for our own activities. 

We were accredited June 26, 2017 and submitted our Self-Study for reaccreditation in July 2019. Our accreditation 

period expires November 30, 2019. A Virtual Visit by ANCC appraisers occurred on September 

25, 2019 and a report was sent to the Commission on Accreditation by the appraisers. We are awaiting 

notification from them. 

The Approved Provider Unit (PU) was approved by South Carolina Nurses Association September 17, 2019. 

The PU can award contact hours for their own nursing continuing professional development activities. 

The Approver Unit is authorized to plan, implement and evaluate a professional development activity and 

award contact hours to learners who successfully complete these activities. 

I serve two roles within GNA. As Nurse Peer Review Leader for the CEAU and Primary Nurse Planner for 

the PU. Even though it appears the roles are different, and they are, ultimately, I am responsible for ensuring 

that any activity for either unit adheres to GNA and ANCC criteria and standards. 

This year we have received 81 applications, 76 have been approved. 

We have presented one activity since we received approval. I am currently working with Sherry Sims and 

Barbara Austin to implement a new GNF Peer Assistance Program activity. I am also assisting Chase Carey 

in developing a Self-Care Workshop to be presented in January. 

We currently have 15 Nurse Peer Reviewers (NPRs) with two who have taken personal leave. We are always 

recruiting qualified nurses to become reviewers. 

We hosted multiple continuing professional development opportunities throughout the year, including, but 

not limited to, Expanding Your Skills and Making a Difference in Continuing Nursing Education (October 

19, 2018), Building an Approved Provider Application-Understanding the Groundwork (December 8, 

2018), GNA Legislative Advocacy Workshop 2019, GNA Legislative Session Kick-Off Day at the Capitol 

(January 15, 2019), Introduction to Lean Healthcare Workshop (August 15, 2019), Learning the Intricacies 

of Constructing a Quality Individual Activity Application (Valdosta, GA, September 13, 2019), and Learning 

the Intricacies of Constructing a Quality Individual Activity Application (Savannah, GA, October 18, 2019). 

26


2019-2021 

Strategic Plan 

27


INTRODUCTION TO GNA AND GNF 

Founded in 1907, the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) is the largest professional association for registered 

nurses in the State of Georgia. The association provides a wide range of services to support and advance 

the practice of nursing, including training and continuing education programs, advocacy and lobbying for 

public policies that support nursing, networking opportunities, and access to discounted products and 

services. GNA currently has 3,183 members and 14 affiliated chapters throughout Georgia. GNA has three 

full time employees and is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors that meets once a quarter. 

The Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) is the charitable and philanthropic arm of the Georgia Nurses 

Association which supports GNA and its work to foster the health and well-being of nurses, and promote 

and advance the nursing profession, thereby enhancing the health of the public. GNF provides financial 

support for GNA’s annual awards and scholarships, and a peer assistance program. GNF is governed by a 

17-member Board of Trustees that meets once a quarter. 

STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS 

In the spring of 2019 both the GNA and GNF Boards agreed to launch a planning process to develop a 

new strategic plan for the Georgia Nurses Association and Georgia Nurses Foundation. To help facilitate 

the effort, the Boards engaged the services of Governance4Good, a consulting firm based in Blythewood, 

South Carolina. Mark Cruise, President of Governance4Good and an individual with nearly 25 years of 

experience and expertise in healthcare, association management, and governance, served as the lead 

consultant. Corporate, governing, and financial documents were reviewed, and in-depth interviews with 

GNA CEO, GNA Board President, and GNF Board President were conducted. A combined Board planning 

retreat was conducted on June 15, 2019 with members of both Boards, staff, and valued local affiliate 

leaders participating. This included a robust discussion and consensus building focused on mission, vision, 

values, desired outcomes/results, and organizational development priorities. The time horizon for this Plan 

was determined to be July 2019 to June 2021, the equivalent of two fiscal years. Following a productive 

session, this document was drafted and edited through the collaborative efforts of Governance4Good and 

the leadership of both GNA and GNF. On September 14, 2019 the two Boards met and voted unanimously 

to adopt this 2019-2021 Strategic Plan. 

OUR MISSION 

Empowering Georgia nurses to lead change and improve health. 

OUR VISION 

To be the prominent association in Georgia transforming health 

through advancing the practice and profession of nursing 

28


OUR VALUES 

GNA L.E.A.D.S. through: 

Leadership 

Excellence 

Advocacy 

Diversity 

Service 

OUR DESIRED OUTCOMES FOR 2019-2021 

A. Nurses practice to the full extent of their education and training. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

1. Collaborate with key stakeholders to produce white paper specific to Georgia on benefits of expanding 

scope of practice for registered nurses. 

- CO-LEAD: Dir. APRN, Dir. Nursing Practice & Advocacy, Dir. Staff Nurse, Dir. Legislation & Public 

Policy, GNA NPRL, GNA Staff. December 2020. 

2. Collaborate with other Georgia nursing specialty associations to develop an annual comprehensive 

legislative agenda to practice at the highest level of education and training. 

- LEAD: Dir. Legislation/ Public Policy, Dir. Nursing Practice & Advocacy, Dir. APRN, GNA NPRL, GNA 

Staff. December 2020. 

3. Report to members and other stakeholders on efforts undertaken and progress made (and 

implementation/execution if progress made), within 30 days following the end of the legislative session. 

- GNA Staff, GNA Lobbyist. April 2020. 

4. Enhance nursing continuing professional development by providing education activities to promote 

proficiency of knowledge and skills in their area of professional practice. 

LEAD: GNA NPRL 

SUPPORT: Dir. Leadership Development, Dir. Membership Development 

B. Nurses have increased leadership capacity. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

1. Work with existing members on state boards and commissions to recruit additional nurses to be 

appointed to ensure more nurses are in positions of influence in state government. 

- LEAD: President, CEO 

- Support: Entire GNA BOD, GNA Staff. January 2020. 

2. Create a legislative alliance made up of GNA leadership and other Georgia nursing specialty associations 

to collaborate on our legislative agenda; to promote legislative events and activities throughout year 

and throughout the state; and to provide quarterly updates in a e-newsletter. Coalition develops a 

broad nursing legislative agenda for General Assembly (Spring 2020). The coalition would provide 

vision for a GNA Nursing Legislative Policy Conference in Savannah. 

- LEAD: Dir. Legislation/ Public Policy 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Nursing Practice & Advocacy, Dir. Staff Nurse, GNA lobbyists, 

GNA Staff. December 2020. 

29


3. Develop a GNA Leadership Academy. A six-month program overseen by a steering committee to offer 

classes on advocacy, communications, and conflict management. Participants must be nominated by 

an approved sponsor. Program will be funded through a variety of payment structures. 

- LEAD: Dir. Leadership Development, GNA President, 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Membership Development, GNA Staff. GNA NPRL, Funded 

through GNF. October 2020. 

C. The nursing workforce is strengthened. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

4. Collaborate with the GA Association of Nursing Deans and Directors as well as CNOs, CEOs, and other 

nursing leaders to produce white paper on nurse faculty issues specific to Georgia and disseminate to 

universities, colleges and other relevant audience. 

- LEAD: GNA NPRL, 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Leadership Development, GNA Staff. December 2020. 

5. Plan and execute a GNF-PAP marketing campaign to increase program awareness and participation. 

- LEAD: GNF-PAP Chair, 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Staff Nurse, GNA Staff, Dir. Nursing Practice & Advocacy, Dir. 

Membership Development. May 2020. 

6. Plan and conduct an Improving Nursing Workforce Summit. 

- LEAD: Dir. Nursing Practice & Advocacy, 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Staff Nurse, Dir. APRN, Dir. Membership Development, GNA 

Staff. Spring 2021. 

7. Develop a GNF Mentoring program. 3 mentors and 3 mentees for the first year. 

- LEAD: Dir. Leadership Development, GNF President 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Membership Development, Dir. Staff Nurse, GNA Staff. Funded 

by GNF. April 2021. 

8. Collaborate with Member Benefits Partners to produce content on services and products that can enhance 

nurses’ quality of life. 

- GNA Staff. Underway 

D. The practice environment for nurses in all settings is enhanced. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

1. Produce and disseminate position papers to key stakeholders on safe staffing/patient safety. 

- LEAD: Dir. Nursing Practice & Advocacy, 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Staff Nurse, Dir. Legislation & Public Policy, GNA Staff. May 

2020. 

2. Pass a Nursing Workplace Safety Act. 

- LEAD: Dir. Legislation/ Public Policy, 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Staff Nurse, Dir. Membership Development, Dir. Nursing 

Practice & Advocacy, GNA Lobbyist, GNA Staff. Legislative Session 2021. 

3. Develop a GNF-PAP Train the Trainer program for hospitals and other staff nurse employers. 


- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Staff Nurse, GNA NPRL, GNA Staff. October 2020. 

4. Conduct quarterly (or as needed) webinars on workplace bullying and violence. 


- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Nursing Practice & Advocacy, Dir. Staff Nurse, GNA Staff. 

January 2020. 

30


5. Work with GABON and Georgia Secretary of State to protect nurses’ personal information, i.e., home 

address, etc. May 2020. 

- LEAD: GNA Staff 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Legislation & Public Policy, GNA Lobbyist. 

E. Relationships with key stakeholders for a healthier Georgia are built. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

1. Georgians For a Healthier Future, AARP Georgia, GA Hospital Association, MAG, Nursing homes, GA 

Charitable Care Clinic. Ongoing. 

a. LEAD: GNA staff 

b. KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir Membership Development 

F. The health and wellness of nurses is improved. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

1. Plan, promote, and implement programs …. Develop and provide activities to enhance the health of 

nurses by promoting self-care through promotion of health initiatives including ANA Healthy Nurse, 

Healthy Nation / Georgia Campaign, and other health and wellness businesses. 

2. Design and initiate a strategy to collect data on program participants, evaluate results and overall 

program effectiveness, and make necessary changes to the approach. GNA Staff along with health & 

wellness businesses. Ongoing. 

a. LEAD: GNA Staff 

b. KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Membership Development, GNA NPRL, Health & Wellness 

Businesses 

OUR ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES FOR 2019-2021 

A. Rebuild trust through “Your New GNA” marketing campaign. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

1. Offer some free quarterly (or as needed) webinars/ seminars around the state for CE on topics of importance 

to our members, tailored to staff nurses, APRNs, nurse educators, nurse executives, “nursepreneurs”, 

travel nurses, and retired nurses. And have recordings available on demand. 


- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. APRN, Dir. Leadership Development, GNA Staff. December 

2019. 

2. Improve strategic communication with stakeholders in regards to platforms used, content covered, 

frequency of contact, and purposeful messaging. 

a. LEAD: GNA Staff. Currently done in part. 

3. Establish a solid contact at each hospital, clinic, school of nursing, other places where nurses work, that 

can serve as our channel for disseminating information to nurses (mouth and ears). 

- LEAD: GNA Staff. January 2020. 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Membership Development, Dir. Staff Nurse 

4. Develop RN Talk Show. 

- LEAD: GNA Staff. July 2020. 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: GNA President, GNF President 

5. Develop a Speakers Bureau and make list available to healthcare and political journalists in the state. 

- LEAD: GNA Staff. January 2020. 

31


- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Leadership Development, Dir. Membership Development 

6. Develop a public speaking workshop 

a. LEAD: Dir. Leadership Development & GNA NPRL 

b. KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Membership Development 

7. “I’m a proud GNA Member” Campaign. Collect member testimonials- “This is an exciting time to get 

involved. This is a new GNA... 

- LEAD: GNA Staff. December 2019. 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: Dir. Membership Development, GNA President, GNF President 

8. Heighten GNA image and visibility by reinvesting in organizational branding of merchandise and distribution 

outlets for purposes of marketing and/or revenue generation. 

- LEAD: GNA Staff. October 2019. 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: GNA Treasurer 

B. Attract and retain more members via diverse programs and services. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

1. Develop Lean Six Sigma Belt Certification. GNA Staff. Underway. 

2. Create GNF-PAP Train the Trainer Program. 


- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: GNA NPRL, Dir. Staff Nurse, GNA Staff. October 2020. 

3. Grow awareness of and participation in the Unity Conference. 

- LEAD: GNA Staff. Ongoing. 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: GNA & GNF BOD 

4. Conduct professional development sessions throughout the state with a focus on networking. 

- LEAD: GNA Staff. December 2019. 

- KEY STAKEHOLDERS / SUPPORT: GNA NPRL, Dir Leadership Development, Dir. Membership 

Development. 

5. Improve an ongoing leadership succession plan for GNA & GNF board positions, chapter chairs, and 

committees. 

- LEAD: Dir Membership Development 

- Support: NEC Chair, Dir. Leadership Development 

C. Strengthen governance functioning. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

1. Build a more diverse, better-equipped, and efficient Board. 

a. Use a Board development matrix to identify and fill gaps in generational representation, geographic 

representation, racial and ethnic minority representation, various types of nursing professionals, 

and diverse backgrounds and perspectives. 

b. Reinforce in Board policy the individual and collective expectations of Board members and ensure 

that this policy is provided to and accepted by prospective Board candidates prior to their 

nomination. 

c. Develop and implement a comprehensive on-boarding protocol for new Board members, with 

Board/governance related orientation delegated to a Board officer or committee and operational 

orientation delegated to the CEO. 

d. Review the Board (standing) committee structure to identify opportunities for consolidation and 

greater efficiency, further clarification of committee responsibilities, and clearer expectations for 

committee service. 

e. Provide routine governance refresher training to the Board each year. 

32


2. Enhance Board accountability and oversight activities. 

a. Adopt a more rigorous conflict of interest policy, and ensure disclosure forms are completed upon 

election, annually, and “upon conflict,” and circulated to all Board members. 

b. Develop a streamlined template for quarterly financial reporting to the Board, which includes an 

executive summary of key issues and trends. 

c. Develop an organized and coherent annual executive evaluation process overseen by the personnel 

committee, including evaluation tool with criteria heavily based on accomplishment of Strategic 

Plan goals, timeline for input and completion, and final presentation and approval by the Board. 

D. Increase all revenue streams. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

1. Generate revenue growth from the Unity Conference. 

- GNA Staff. November 2019. 

2. Develop comprehensive CPR certification program. GNA Staff. July 2020. 

3. Offer Lean Six Sigma Belt Certifications. 

- GNA Staff. Underway. 

4. Create GNF-PAP Train the Trainer Program. 

- GNF-PAP Chair, Dir. Staff Nurse, GNA NPRL, GNA Staff. October 2020. 

5. Create a Georgia Nurses Hall of Fame with a steering committee responsible for judging the candidates. 

Host an annual event where we sell tickets and sponsorship opportunities. Create separate 

room at GNA Headquarters or line walls of GNA with plaques and pics of every inductee. 

- LEAD: GNA Staff. August 2020. 

- GNA & GNF BOD 

6. Develop 401k program available for GNA members. 

- GNA Staff. July 2020. 

7. Sell line of GNA clothing & merchandise with new mission statement. 

- GNA team. October 2019. 

PROGRESS MONITORING AND PLAN REVIEW 

A strategic plan is only as effective as the degree to which management drives operations and programs 

towards its fulfillment AND the Board regularly monitors progress and accomplishment. Accordingly, the 

CEO shall prepare and present to the GNA and GNF Boards a quarterly dashboard report, 2-3 pages in 

length, that indicates the status of progress on each goal and strategy under their respective purviews. 

These reports shall be due to the Boards two weeks prior to the BOD meeting and will be taken up for 

discussion and action in the respective Board meetings that immediately follow those dates. In addition, 

the Board Presidents (or designated Committee Chair) shall prepare and present to the Board a semiannual 

report on the progress achieved under their respective goals and objectives in the “strengthen 

governance functioning” sections. These deadlines shall also be two weeks prior to the BOD meeting. 

For purposes of keeping the Strategic Plan up-to-date and relevant, in the spring of 2020 the GNA Board 

and GNF Board will meet together to conduct a joint review of cumulative Strategic Plan performance to 

date and, in light of any changing internal and external conditions, make any revisions to the Strategic Plan 

that may be necessary for it to remain timely and appropriate through its ending date of June 2021. This 

timeline does not prevent the Board from making any changes to the Plan during the intervening months, 

if that is required. Absent a major overhaul of the Strategic Plan before then, in the spring of 2021 the 

33


Board will conduct and complete a new planning process that will result in a new strategic plan being 

adopted for FY 2022 and beyond. 

GNA-GNF Board Retreat 

June 8, 2019 

2019 GNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Richard Lamphier, President 

Dina M. Hewett, Treasurer 

Maura Schlairet, Secretary 

Stephan Davis, Director Leadership Development 

Sherry Danello, Director Membership Development 

Iris Hamilton, Director Legislation/Public Policy 

Joanne Parks, Director Staff Nurse 

Edward Adams, Director Nursing Practice & Advocacy 

Elizabeth “Beth” Bolton-Harris, Director Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 

Catherine Futch, GNF President 

Matt Caseman, Chief Executive Officer (Ex officio) 

2019 GNF BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

Catherine Futch, MN, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, CHC, President 

Sarah Myers, Vice President 

Alicia Motley, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Secretary 

Wanda Jones, Treasurer 

Elizabeth “Beth” Bolton-Harris 

Georgia Barkers 

Stephan Davis 

Mary Gullatte 

Gerald Hobbs 

Rachel Myers 

34

Rose Cannon 

Dina Hewett 

Chris Samuelson 

Frank Thornburg 

Maura Schlairet 

Richard Lamphier 

Matt Caseman, Chief Executive Officer (Ex officio) 



Georgia Nurses Foundation 

3032 Briarcliff Road NE 

Atlanta, GA 30329 

404-325-5536 

www.georgianurses.org 

35


2019 PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENTS 

for the Georgia Nurses Association 

Current GNA Bylaws Proposed GNA Bylaws Rationale 

ARTICLE I Name, Mission, Purpose 

ARTICLE II Membership 

Section 3B 

2. State Members shall have membership 

privileges as follow: Participate in the election 

of representatives and alternates to the ANA 

Membership Assembly and special meetings, in 

accordance with the ANA bylaws. 

ARTICLE III Dues 

Section 1. Amount of Dues 

A. Full Membership Dues – no changes 

B. State Membership dues include GNA dues 

as adopted by the GNA 

C. No changes 

Remove #2 from Section 3B State only membership allows members to 

participate in state elections. It does not allow 

state only members to participate in ANA elections 

ADD –word only 

State Only Membership dues include GNA 

dues as adopted by the GNA Board 

D.Joint Membership Designation Add D. Joint Membership – For Nurses 

belonging to their specific specialty 

organization and GNA – a reduced fee would 

be set by the GNA Board of Directors. 

ARTICLE IV. GNA Membership Assembly 

Section 1. The GNA members in attendance at 

biennial and special meetings shall constitute the 

governing and official body of the Association. 

ARTICLE V. Nominations & Elections 

Section 3A 

Elections shall be held biennially by secret ballot 

prior to the GNA Membership Assembly. Full 

and state members will be able to vote for all 

candidates either by electronic vote or by mailed 

paper ballot. 

CHANGE: The GNA members in attendance at 

biennial and special meetings shall constitute 

the governing and official voting body of the 

Association. 

Remove second sentence of section 3A (Full 

and state members will be able to vote for all 

candidates either by electronic vote or by mailed 

paper ballot) 

Clarification of = Full members belong to ANA and 

GNA, State Only – belong only to GNA 

The increase in specialty organizations have given 

nurses the option to join their specific specialty. 

This would open the option to join GNA at a 

reduced fee and increase membership in GNA. 

Add the word “voting” to be congruent with 

the definition in ANA Bylaws – The Membership 

Assembly is the governing and official voting body 

of ANA. 

The second sentence does not distinguish voting 

privileges between full and state only members. 

According to ANA bylaws, state only member are 

not permitted to vote for ANA representatives and 

alternates. 

36


ARTICLE VI. Representation to ANA 

Section 2 

Currently does not include representation at the 

ANA Leadership Council 

ARTICLE VII. Board of Directors 

Section 2. Composition 

A. The Georgia Nurses Foundation President, who 

is an RN and a Full member of GNA, will have a 

seat on the Georgia Nurses Association Board of 

Directors with full voting privileges 

Section 3. Duties 

A. The Board of Directors shall have full power and 

authority delegated to it by the GNA Membership 

Assembly except as otherwise provided for in these 

bylaws. They may use all avenues of electronic 

communication for decision making of an urgent 

nature. 

Section 8F. Directors - 

1. Definition Add g and h 

g. Director for New Graduate 

h. GANS position on GNA BOD 

Add section 2E“The President and President-Elect 

shall act as representatives at the ANA Leadership 

Council 

The President of the Georgia Nurses Foundation, 

who is a RN and member of GNA, will have a 

seat on the Georgia Nurses Association Board of 

Directors with full voting privileges 

The Board of Directors shall promote the objectives 

of GNA and have full power and authority 

delegated by the GNA Membership Assembly 

unless contradictory of these bylaws. Use of 

electronic communication for urgent decisionmaking 

is acceptable by the Board of Directors. 

g. Director for New Graduate 

h. GANS Position on GNA Board 

Recommendation was provided directly from 

ANA bylaws chairperson. According to article VI 

of the ANA bylaws “the leadership council shall 

be composed of two representative from each 

SNA and the IMD, who shall be the president and 

chief staff officer or their designees. Each SNA 

president or the president’s designee shall be a C/ 

SNA-ANA 

Clarification – The GNF President can be either a 

Full or State member. 

Clarification and parallel with ANA section 1 

authority (page 13) 

Bring in these new positions for these purpose of 

mentoring and new leadership 

37


Add # 8 Director for New Graduate Add - # 8 and 9 

8. Director for New Graduate 

Definition – Director for new graduate 

identifies programs and initiatives to 

facilitate learning opportunities for recent 

nursing graduates and increase membership 

of GNA. 

Requirements – 

1. Must be a recent graduate from a Georgia 

school of Nursing in the past three years 

with a BSN or ASN. 

2. Must be currently employed or pursuing a 

higher graduate degree. 

3. Must be a current member of GNA 

Responsibilities – 

1. Informs the Board of Directors on specific 

needs of new graduates (ways to transition 

into practice), work place issues, such as 

work place violence. 

2. Collaborates with the Director of 

Membership Development with planning 

and implementing membership recruitment 

programs. 

3. Collaborates with the Director of Staff Nurse 

with identifying issues and concerns of 

staff nurses (work place issues, workplace 

violence) 

Add #9 GANS position on GNA BOD Requirements – 

1. Must be a member of the GANS Board of 

Directors (preferably the President or Vice 

President) 

2. Must be currently enrolled in a Georgia 

School of Nursing 

3. Will be a non-voting member of the GNA 

Board 

ARTICLE VIII. Standing Committees 

Section 6. Responsibilities of All Committees 

D. Nominating Committee 

Responsibilities 

a. To bring forth GANS perspective on Nursing 

issues or items discussed by the GNA Board 

5. In the case of resignation, the board shall select 

an interim chairperson and the GNA Membership 

will be able to select a new chairperson by 

electronic vote or mailed paper ballot. 

This will be nonvoting as the member has not 

graduated with RN yet. Mentoring and informative 

position on the board so the GNA board can gain 

a perspective from students. 

Additional clarification regarding resignation of 

chairperson of nominating committee 

38


ARTICLE IX. Chapters 

Section 1. Definition 

Chapters are a constituent of the Georgia Nurses 

Association that shall function under the bylaws 

and policies and procedures of the association, 

and the chapter’s policies and procedures which 

are harmonious and not in conflict with GNA. 

Chapters shall be recognized in accordance with 

policies and procedures adopted by GNA. 


A. Chapter shall be composed of ten or more full 

or state GNA members meeting for a common 

purpose. 

B. GNA members may hold membership in more 

than one chapter. 

C. GNA Members may transfer from one chapter 

to another. 

D. It shall be the duty of each Chapter to require 

that all of its members have qualifications in accord 

with these bylaws. 

ARTICLE X. Fiscal Affairs 

No Changes. 

ARTICLE XI. Official Publication & Web Page 

No Changes. 

ARTICLE XII. Parliamentary Authority 

ARTICLE XII PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY 

Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, Current 

Edition shall governs this Association in all 

parliamentary situations that are not provided for 

in the bylaws. For example: Executive Session, 

Standing Rules for meetings. 

ARTICLE XIII. Amendments 

No Changes. 

ARTICLE XIV. Indemnification 

Section 1. Definition 

Chapters are a constituent of the Georgia Nurses 

Association that will function under the bylaws 

and policies and procedures of the association, 

and the chapter’s policies and procedures which 

are in agreement with do not conflict with GNA. 

Chapters shall be recognized in accordance with 

policies and procedures adopted by GNA. 


A. Chapter shall be composed of ten or more full 

or state GNA members meeting for a common 

purpose. 

B. GNA members can hold membership in more 

than one chapter. 

C. GNA Members can transfer from one chapter to 

another. 

D. Each Chapter will be required to ensure all of 

its members have qualifications in accordance with 

these bylaws. 

Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, Current 

Edition @ http://www.rulesonline.com/. The rules 

shall govern this Association in all parliamentary 

situations that are not provided for in the bylaws. 

For example: Executive Session, Standing Rules for 

meetings. 

Ease of reading and understanding of the 

document 

Ease of reading, easily identifying options for the 

member (active versus passive tone) will support 

continued membership throughout the members’ 

career; All requirements are clear, easy to follow, 

and succinct , which will create consistency for all 

GNA committees and members 

Provide official link for ease of access to content, 

and to ensure consistency by all members are 

utilizing the same link with technology 

39


Section 1. 

A. The Association shall indemnify each of its 

officers and Board members whether or not they 

are in office (and their executors, administrators 

and assigns) against all reasonable expenses 

(including court costs and attorney fees) actually 

and necessarily incurred in connection with a 

defense of any litigation or an involvement in any 

litigation or an involvement in any administrative 

proceeding to which the officer or Board member 

may have been a party because he or she is or was 

an officer or Board member of the Association. 

Officers or Board members shall have no right 

to reimburse under this Article with respect to 

matters as to which they have been adjudged 

liable to the Association for gross negligence or 

willful misconduct in the performance of their 

duties. 

B. The foregoing right of indemnification shall 

be in addition to, and not exclusive to, and not 

exclusive of, all other rights to which such Board 

member or Officer may be entitled. 

C. The Association shall have the power to 

purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any 

person who is or was a Board member, officer, 

employee or agent of the Association, or is or 

was serving at the request of the Association as 

a Board member, officer, employee or agent of 

another corporation, partnership, trust or other 

enterprise against any liability under the provisions 

of this Article. 

Section 1. 

A. The Association shall indemnify (reimburse) 

each of its officers and Board members whether 

or not they are in office (and their executors, 

administrators and assigns) for all reasonable 

expenses which have incurred(including court costs 

and attorney fees) as a direct consequence and/ 

or in connection with a defense of any litigation 

or involvement in any litigation; or involvement 

in any administrative proceeding where the 

officer or Board member may have been a party 

as a result of previous or present status as an 

officer or Board member of the Association. 

Officers or Board members will not have rights to 

reimbursement under this Article with respect to 

matters which have been determined or decided 

by judicial procedure liable to the Association 

for gross negligence or willful misconduct in the 

performance of their duties. 

B. The foregoing right of indemnification is 

inclusive of all other rights to which such Board 

member or Officer may be entitled. 

C. The Association will have the power to purchase 

and maintain insurance on behalf of any past 

or present Board member, officer, employee or 

agent of the Association, who previously served or 

presently serves at the request of the Association 

as a Board member, officer, employee or agent of 

another corporation, partnership, trust or other 

enterprise against any liability under the provisions 

of this Article. 

Ease of reading, understanding and application 

of the reimbursement process for legal issues 

associate with in connection with GNA and its 

members. 

40

2019 Georgia Nurses Association Yearbook

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