Vermont Nurse Connection - February 2021

ANA-Vermont 

Official Publication 

Quarterly Publication sent to 19,500 Registered Nurses, 

Volume 24 • Number 2 LPNs, and LNAs in Vermont 

February, March, April 2021 

Recovered from COVID 

Page 4 

Leadership Summit 2020 Review 

Page 10 

Andrew Kehl, DNP, MPH 

We are coming up on the one-year mark of the 

COVID-19 pandemic. In these short twelve months, 

healthcare as we know it has changed and in many areas of 

the United States we are still operating in a “(semi-)crisis 

mode.” I don’t think any of us could have imagined such a 

prolonged pandemic. Fortunately, across the United States 

we have adapted our approaches and interventions and 

remained nimble to meet ever-changing real-world needs. 

This is positively reflected in our case numbers in Vermont 

and most of the United States. The response is not over, 

but with fine-tuned healthcare protocols, the development 

of multiple vaccinations, and now mass vaccination 

campaigns, I am hopeful we will soon be able to enter the 

recovery phase of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 amplified a pre-existing 

fracture within our healthcare system. The Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention has well documented 

evidence of the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has 

had on racial and ethnic minority groups (“Health Equity 

Considerations…,” 12 Feb 2021). There are many factors 

that play into why this is, a major one being systemic racism 

in healthcare. For many of us this is an uncomfortable 

conversation to have. We commit ourselves to the service of 

others and take oaths to this effect. The notion that our own 

biases may in fact be hindering the care we provide to our 

patient is hard to acknowledge. Yet, if we don’t acknowledge 

our bias, we limit our ability to grow and be better nurses. 

Fortunately, we are not alone in confronting racism 

in health care. On a National level, the American Nurses 

Association has taken several actions. In June 2020, 

ANA’s Membership Assembly adopted a “Resolution on 

Racial Justice for Communities of Color.” This statement 

formalized ANA’s stance that racism is a public health 

crisis. Last month, ANA and other leading nursing 

organizations came together to create the National 

Commission to Address Racism in Nursing. The excerpt 

below highlights the importance of why such a commission 

is needed: 

“Black and Hispanic/Latino nurses were also more likely 

to be in roles providing direct care to COVID-19 patients 

than White nurses (58% and 63% vs. 49%), and twice as 

likely to have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (10% and 

11% vs. 5%) (“New Pulse on the Nation’s Nurses Survey 

Series...,” 11 Sept 2020).” 

Until we can be real about racism, we are hindered in our 

abilities to do anything to address racism. It is my personal 

hope that the efforts of this commission will start and 

sustain a conversation within our profession on racism and 

its impacts on both nurses and the patients that we serve. 

ANA-Vermont has offered its assistance to ANA’s national 

efforts and remains committed to state efforts to address 

racism in the nursing profession and to reducing health 

disparities. 

References 

“Health Equity Considerations and Racial and Ethnic Minority 

Groups.” (12 Feb 2021). Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.cdc. 

gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/health-equity/raceethnicity.html 

“New Pulse on the Nation’s Nurses Survey Series: COVID-19 

Pandemic Financial Impact Greater for Black and Hispanic/ 

Latino Nurses.” (11 Sept 2020). American Nurses Association 

2020 News Releases. Retrieved from https://www. 

nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2020/new-pulse-on-thenations-nurses-survey-series-covid-19-pandemic-financialimpact-greater-for-black--and-hispaniclatino-nurses/ 

Legislature Opening 2021 and Recent Press 

Conference Concerns 

Page 12 

current resident or 

Presort Standard 

US Postage 

PAID 

Permit #14 

Princeton, MN 

55371 

It is exciting that more and more people are being 

vaccinated in Vermont. Many front line workers have 

been vaccinated, and recently the focus has been on 

getting people over 75 vaccinated at many clinics around 

the state. State officials shared February 12th that 90% 

of long term care residents had their first vaccine, and 

that on Tuesday February 16, those over 70 can register 

to be vaccinated. 

As a vaccinator, I can tell you what to expect when 

you arrive. Before you arrive, the Department of Health 

personnel and volunteers set up tables and chairs and 

ensure adequate staff have arrived for there to be an 

efficient positive experience for those being vaccinated. 

Leader Destiny Cadieux 

RN, Public Health 

Nursing Supervisor 

from the Vermont 

Department of Health 

is doing a dynamite job 

in St. Albans. If all the 

Task Force Leaders are 

as capable as she is, we 

are in excellent hands. 

When you arrive at 

the vaccination site, 

make sure you are not 

sick, for if you have 

COVID symptoms, you 

The Vaccination Experience 

Destiny Cadieux, 

Supervisor 

will not be allowed to go in. Wear your mask. Heather 

Simkins is a unit leader who provides a briefing in the 

morning for the current staff. She continually monitors 

vaccinators and vaccine preparation, and ensures there 

is no one having difficulty, and then monitors that 

scheduled people are arriving and the right amount of 

vaccine is ready for them. She also assists in providing 

training. 

People to be vaccinated will fill out a questionnaire 

that asks some basic questions such as whether you 

have had a reaction to a mRNA vaccine before, or to 

other vaccines. You will be asked if you have had your 

first shot or not, and which one. If you have had a Pfizer 

vaccine, you cannot switch to Moderna for your second 

dose. If you had a Moderna for your first vaccine, you 

get a Moderna for your second dose. If you got a Pfizer 

vaccine, you must get a Pfizer vaccine for your second 

dose. If you have anything suppressing your immune 

system, cancer, a transplant, HIV… talk to your doctor 

before coming in. If you have talked to your doctor 

and discussed the risks, we can vaccinate you. If you 

are on blood thinners we want to know, but we can still 

vaccinate you. 

There are two vaccinators at each table, and many 

tables at each site. After you have completed your 

The Vaccination Experience continued on page 13

Page 2 • Vermont Nurse Connection February, March, April 2021 

During Pandemic, Nurses Lead the Way 

Betsy Hassan, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CPPS 

Nursing leadership comes 

in many forms, formal and 

informal, but one constant 

is that every nurse is a 

leader. Nurse leadership is 

demonstrated in normal and 

abnormal times, and most 

certainly during the current 

COVID-19 pandemic. The 

pandemic has highlighted the 

incredible role that nursing 

plays in so many aspects of 

healthcare and while caring for 

members of our communities. Clinical nurses who provide 

care directly to patients with an unpredictable and often 

unknown outcome, while at the same time caring for peers 

and colleagues, demonstrate nursing leadership in direct 

care. 

This leadership has been especially evident with 

Infection Prevention nurses who rapidly became experts 

in a new and highly infectious disease to lead us in 

practices that ensure our safety and the safety of our 

patients. Likewise, home health and community nurses 

lead in education and in-home caring for those sick with 

COVID-19. School nurses are at the forefront of managing 

safety in schools while our public health nurses have led 

our communities in recommendations on epidemiological 

responses in managing the pandemic. Nurses in leadership 

roles in healthcare systems, agencies, and organizations 

lead in advocating for patients with COVID-19 and for 

the safety of our workforce. These are just a few examples 

of the many more roles that nurses have played in the 

COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating that nurses lead in 

whatever environment they present. 

This unprecedented and challenging time has 

showcased nationally what nursing has known forever 

– that we are invaluable in caring for patients, and a vast 

Deadlines for the 

Vermont Nurse Connection 

Are you interested in contributing an article to an 

upcoming issue of the Vermont Nurse Connection? If so, 

here is a list of submission deadlines for the next 2 issues: 

Vol. 24 #3 – April 12, 2021 

Vol. 24 #4 – July 12, 2021 

Articles may be sent to the editors of the Vermont 

Nurse Connection at: 


Attention: VNC 

4 Carmichael Street, Suite 111, #215 

Essex, VT 05452 

Articles may also be submitted electronically to 

vtnurse@ana-vermont.org. 

If you wish to submit a “Letter to the Editor,” please 

address it to: 


Attn: Vermont Nurse Connection 



Please remember to include contact information, 

as letter authors may need to be contacted by the 

editors of the VNC for clarification. NOTE: Letters to 

the Editor reflect the opinions of the letter authors 

and should not be assumed to reflect the opinions 

of the ANA-Vermont. 

Jean Graham, Editor 

amount of the healthcare system is dependent upon us. 

What we and the nation must remember, is that we will get 

through the pandemic, but we must do it together. We will 

care, advocate, educate, and show up for our communities, 

but they must be alongside us in following science-based 

prevention efforts of masking, social distancing, and 

limiting gatherings and travel. 

In the past nine months, I have witnessed nursing take 

on the many challenges of managing and leading through 

COVID-19. Though tired and frustrated, nurses still rise 

to the challenge, still collaborate with each other to ensure 

each patient gets the care they need, still adapt to new 

circumstances and recommendations in caring for patients 

with COVID-19, and still taking on the emotional burden 

for themselves and their patients during this pandemic. 

Nurses, regardless of their role, have had to adapt in some 

way because of COVID-19. This unprecedented time 

has elevated our profession and has shown the world that 

nurses and nursing leadership are equipped to manage the 

fast pace of change in healthcare. Though the pandemic 

will not be over on January 1st, we all know that 2021 will 

be better. Soon our communities will start to emerge into 

their new normal, as this pandemic has forever changed 

the landscape of our lives, and through it all, nurses will 

be there to continue to provide care to our community 

members in need. 

Betsy Hassan, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CPPS is the Chief 

Nursing Officer at Rutland Regional Medical Center 

in Rutland, Vermont. She holds a Doctor of Nursing 

Practice from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, 

a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Nursing from 

the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, and 

specialty certification as a Nurse Executive-Advanced 

and a Certified Professional in Patient Safety. Her 

professional interests include shared decision-making and 

governance, quality improvement, and transformational 

leadership. 

Voices of Vermont Nurses 

premiered at VSNA Convention 2000 and 

is available from the ANA-Vermont Office at: 

ANA - Vermont 



Price: $20 each book 

(plus $3.95 for postage and handling) 

Make check or money order payable to: 

VERMONT STATE NURSES FOUNDATION 

Name: _____________________________________ 

Address: ___________________________________ 

City: _______________________________________ 

State: __________________ Zip: _______________ 

www.ANA-Vermont.org 

Published by: 

Arthur L. Davis 

Publishing Agency, Inc. 

Official publication of ANA-Vermont, a constituent member 

of the American Nurses Association. Published quarterly every 

January, April, July and October. Library subscription price is $20 

per year. ISSN# 1529-4609. 

Editorial Offices 

ANA-Vermont, 4 Carmichael Street, Suite 111, #215, Essex, VT 

05452, PH: (802) 651-8886, E-mail: vtnurse@ana-vermont.org 

Editor: Jean E. Graham 

Advertising 

For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur 

L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 

50613, (800) 626-4081, sales@aldpub.com. ANA-Vermont and the 

Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any 

advertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to 

corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement. 

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or 

approval by ANA-Vermont of products advertised, the advertisers, 

or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply 

a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the 

manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves 

of the product or its use. ANA-Vermont and the Arthur L. Davis 

Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences 

resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles 

appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they 

do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of 

ANA-Vermont or those of the national or local associations. 

Content 

ANA-Vermont welcomes unsolicited manuscripts and 

suggestions for articles. Manuscripts can be up to: 

• 750 words for a press release 

• 1500 words for a feature article 

Manuscripts should be typed double-spaced and spell-checked 

with only one space after a period and can be submitted: 

1) As paper hard copy 

2) As a Word Perfect or MS Word document file saved to a 

CD-Rom or zip disk 

3) Or e-mailed as a Word Perfect or MS Word document file to 

vtnurse@ana-vermont.org. 

No faxes will be accepted. Authors’ names should be placed after 

title with credentials and affiliation. Please send a photograph of 

yourself if you are submitting a feature article. 

All articles submitted to and/or published in Vermont Nurse 

Connection become the sole property of ANA-Vermont and may not 

be reprinted without permission. 

All accepted manuscripts may undergo editorial revision to conform 

to the standards of the newsletter or to improve clarity. 

The Vermont Nurse Connection is not a peer review publication. 

Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of the 

authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, 

or membership of ANA-Vermont or those of the national or local 

association. 

Copyright Policy Criteria for Articles 

The policy of the ANA-Vermont Editorial Board is to retain 

copyright privileges and control of articles published in the Vermont 

Nurse Connection unless the articles have been previously published 

or the author retains copyright. 

ANA-Vermont Officers and Board of Directors 

President ....................................Andrew Kehl 

Vice President ...............................Jessilyn Dolan 

Secretary .................................. Kathleen Craig 

Treasurer ......................................Amy Swarr 

Director .................................Amy Visser-Lynch 

Director ....................................Michelle Wade 

Director .......................................... Vacant 

Delegate Membership Assembly .............Ruth Elsa Baldwin 

Alternative Delegate ........................Cynthia Peterson 

ANA-Vermont Foundation Board 

President ....................................Carol Hodges 

Vice President ..............................Christina Olcott 

Treasurer ......................................... Vacant 

Secretary ......................................... Vacant 

Trustee .....................................Jessilyn Dolan 

Trustee ......................................Andrew Kehl 

Trustee ...................................Meredith Roberts 

Trustee .....................................Michelle Wade 

Trustee ........................................... Vacant 

VNC Editor 

Jeannie Graham 

Committee Chairpersons 

Bylaws ......................................Andrew Kehl 

Finance ........................................Amy Swarr 

Government Affairs ..........................Jessilyn Dolan 

Membership & Publicity ...................Amy Visser-Lynch 

Nominations & Elections ......................Michelle Wade 

Programs ....................................Andrew Kehl 

Congressional Coordinator for Welch .........Meredith Roberts 

Senate Coordinator for Sanders ..............Meredith Roberts 

Senate Coordinator for Leahy ...............Meredith Roberts

February, March, April 2021 Vermont Nurse Connection • Page 3 

The Significance of Attitude 

If you don’t like something, 

change it. If you can’t change 

it, change your attitude. ~ 

Maya Angelou 

When was the last time 

you really thought about your 

attitude when reaching for your 

morning coffee, during your 

commute, or checking your 

phone for messages? There is 

no doubt that attitude plays a 

significant role in improving 

not only our personal lives but 

workplace relationships. It is 

also one of the most important 

Priscilla Smith- 

Trudeau 

factors in helping to get through the highs and lows of 

life. Certainly, that has been evident over the past year as 

healthcare professionals have had to adjust to the changes 

and uncertainties in their careers and private lives. Let’s 

be honest, the nursing profession throughout the years has 

had its ups and downs and will continue to do so. In the 

process, we have to take charge of our lives professionally 

and personally. The problem arises when we think we 

don’t have a choice or we lose sight of the fact that we do 

indeed have a choice. Our attitude is the driving force and 

the starting point in everything we do. It can either push us 

to do great things or pull us down to our demise. Choice 

is being able to change our attitude in an unchangeable, or 

what we might think is an impossible, situation. It is the 

foundation and the support of everything we do and a key 

element in creating our destiny. Writer W. C. Fields once 

said, “When we change our attitude, we change our lives. 

Attitude is more important than the past, than education, 

than money, than circumstances, than what people do or 

say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or 

skill.” 

Your problem isn’t the problem, it’s your attitude about 

the problem. ~ Ann Brashares 

One of the most important steps you can take toward 

achieving your greatest potential in life is to learn 

to monitor your attitude and its impact on your work 

performance, relationships and everyone around you. Don 

Joseph Goewey (2009) in his book Mystic Cool points out 

the following: 

Attitude is the translation of thought and belief into 

matching emotions that shape the world we see. 

It is everything. Attitude determines who we are, 

what we do, how we do it, and what we ultimately 

attract and repulse. In this sense, attitude not only 

creates our reality, it is our reality. Attitude is our 

basic outlook, posture, and inner stance in relation 

to the outer world that determines the quality of our 

experience, whatever the circumstance. (p. 108) 

Think of your attitude as the mental filter through 

which you experience the world. Some people see the 

world through the filter of optimism (the glass being half 

full) while others see life through a filter of pessimism 

(the glass being half empty) Your attitude is your window 

to the world (Keller, 2012). Peter Luscombe wrote in his 

article, Work Habits – Negativity negates you, that the 

Mayo Clinic suggests that positive thinking and a good 

attitude help better your psychological wellbeing and 

help you cope better under stressful situations at work. If 

you display a good attitude, your co-workers will as well, 

making it easier to communicate and get along in the 

workplace (Luscombe, 2019). 

The only difference between a good day and a bad day is 

your attitude. ~ Dennis Brown. 

Author James Peal, PhD wrote in his book Check Your 

Attitude at the Door: The Power of Positive Intention 

writes: 

Your attitude speaks volumes before you utter a 

word. Like your shadow, you often are unaware of 

it. Your attitude permeates everything about you: the 

way you think, the tone of your voice, what words 

you choose, and even how you move your body — 

your body language. While you may think that your 

thoughts and feelings are purely private, your body 

is mirroring and in fact is speaking your mind. 

What you are thinking and feeling gets translated 

into your body language, and is very much like 

those electronic signs with a message that flashes, 

this time across your forehead. Your body language 

actually has a larger impact on others than the words 

you speak. Put it all together and you will find your 

attitude sets the tone for how people respond to you 

(Peal, 2012). 

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the 

last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in 

any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. 

~ Victor Frankl from Man’s Search for Meaning 

We are all responsible for our attitude. People can 

hold some responsibility for giving us poor examples in 

how we should think or by giving us negative feedback 

or influence, but no one can change our attitude unless 

we allow it to be changed. Suzanne Kane a Los Angelesbased 

writer, blogger and editor wrote in her article, Why 

It’s Important to Choose Your Attitude that “Choosing 

your attitude, however, doesn’t mean you won’t face 

problems, make mistakes, feel disappointment or pain. 

You absolutely will experience all of that and more. What 

it does mean, though, is that you summon the attitude 

you want to help you navigate everything and anything 

today brings, the good and the bad. Furthermore, and 

most important, your choice helps determine how all that 

unfolds” (Kane, 2019). 

People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude. ~ 

John C. Maxwell 

The remarkable thing is we all have a choice as to 

the attitude we will embrace each and every day. We 

can choose our attitude the moment we wake up asking 

ourselves “Who do I want to be today?” “What impact 

do I want to have?” When we are aware of our choice, we 

control our attitude—it doesn’t control us. Changing our 

attitude can have a profound effect, not only on how we 

see the world, but also on how others see us, treat us, and 

interact with us. We may not be able to change certain 

circumstances in our life but we can change how we view 

them. The beauty of attitude is that it can be changed. It is 

entirely up to us. 

Simple Ways to Keep a 

Positive Attitude at Work 

Be acutely aware of your attitude. 

Assume responsibility for your feelings. 

Choose to respond rather than react to a 

situation. 

Check your attitude throughout the day. 

Take the time to listen to others. 

Surround yourself with positive people. 

Fill your mind with positive input. 

Your living is determined not so much by what life brings 

to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by 

what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at 

what happens. ~ Khalil Gibran 

References 

Goewey, D. (2000). Mystic Cool, Simon & Schuster, NY, NY 

Kane, S. (2019) Why It’s Important to Choose Your Attitude. 

Retrieved November 8, 2020 from: https://psychcentral.com/ 

blog/why-its-important-to-choose-your-attitude/ 

Keller, J. (2012) Attitude is Everything, Attitude is Everything, 

Inc., East Norwich, NY 

Luscombe, P. (2019). Work Habits – Negativity negates you. 

Retrieved October 16, 2020 from: https://www.icscareers. 

com.au/work-habits-negativity-negates-you/ 

Peal J. (2012). Check Your Attitude at the Door: The Power of 

Positive Intention, Leadership Development Group, N.Y., NY 

Priscilla Smith-Trudeau, MSM, RN, BSN, CCM, 

CRRN, HNB-BC is board certified in holistic nursing 

and board certified in rehabilitation nursing. She has 

been a nurse for over 40 years and understands the 

interconnectedness of body, mind and spirt. She brings a 

holistic, complementary and integrative focus to her work. 

Visit nursingALD.com today! 

Search job listings 

in all 50 states, and filter by location and credentials. 

Browse our online database of articles and content. 

Find events for nursing professionals in your area. 

Your always-on resource for nursing jobs, research, and events. 

The ANA-Vermont website has been updated: 

ANA-Vermont.org. We will continue to update and 

expand the website. 

Do you want to stay updated on the latest ANA-Vermont has to offer? 

Learn of webinars offered by the ANA? 

How you can earn CEU hours? 

‘Like Us’ on Facebook. Find us at 

https://www.facebook.com/VTNurses 

Questions regarding our social media and website? 

E-Mail: vtnurse@ana-vermont.org


Recovered from COVID 

I knew when I joined the Medical Reserve Corps, I 

could get COVID-19 working on the front lines, but I 

could not stay behind. Parents of babies with their lives 

ahead of them helped alongside many who had not even 

had the chance to have a family. Better that I, in my 6th 

decade should die than those nurses and aides. I knew how 

to protect myself and wear isolation gear better than most. 

Surely, sufficient PPE would be provided. Besides, how 

else could I advocate for the front lines accurately if I was 

not experiencing it first-hand. Finally, I just love nursing. 

Being there for patients and nurses in their worst hour is 

worth it. There is nothing more amazing and heartening 

than helping someone to heal, emotionally, physically, 

and spiritually. Caring helps healing. I love to encourage 

the heart for I have experienced pain. I have been abused, 

betrayed, and felt despair. I have faced my death and 

learned to smile at her in peace. 

• Inpatient Medical Surgical Unit 

• Charge RN- Emergency Room 

I sang as I drove back and forth to help. One of my 

favorites was the chorus of Lady Gaga’s Million Reasons. 

I tweaked the meaning my way. I would listen first to the 

part about having a million reasons to quit the show (going 

in to work with COVID+ patients) as many thought I was 

crazy to volunteer, and what if I brought it home to my 

husband? 

I changed the lyrics slightly; I sang: 

I bow down to pray to try to make the world get better 

Lord show me the way to cut through all the worn out 

leather. 

I’ve got a hundred million reasons to walk away, but 

really I just need one good one to stay. 

In the next section I considered how many were 

fighting to keep breathing, but completely aware. The 

patients gave me a million reasons. 

• ICU 

• Flex Pool RN 

I thought about President Trump in the next section: 

And if you say something that you might even mean - It's 

hard to even fathom which parts I should believe. He gave 

me about a million reasons to advocate. 

I would sing: I bow down to pray, I try to make the 

worst seem better 

Lord, show me the way to try to make the world get 

better. 

I’ll be there. Yes I'm bleeding...God give me what I'm 

needing 

Every heartbreak makes it hard to keep the faith (here I 

considered each death) 

But, I just need one good one, good one…(I thought of 

each patient as a good one and sang louder). 

While each place did an excellent job of testing nurses 

prior to patient care, some places had less safe places for 

a break/lunch, maybe just down the hall from patients 

without a barrier, and no place to keep your mask clean. 

That was the mask you reused repeatedly, that was 

COVID contaminated, worn at least all day, or in some 

places longer. I did take off my shoes before entering 

my house after a shift, and changed clothes immediately 

and showered before touching anyone, also cleansing 

groceries. It was not enough. 

Afterwards I thought I should have gone outside, or to 

my car to drink anything or eat for that one ten minute 

break instead of using their break room. That thought 

came too late for the sneezing and low-grade fever that 

came a few days later. After three days of a worsening 

fever, I was tested. The poor soul that called me on 

Christmas gave me the positive result. I let her know 

it was not a shock, that I had a pulse oximeter and was 

better than 92% and breathing okay. I did get congestion 

and cough, headaches, rashes, bone pain and seesawing 

temperature that left me exhausted and sweaty, but did not 

need to get hospitalized. I used all my holistic home help, 

from elderberry and virus busting teas, to zinc, vitamin C, 

and vitamin D. I cut dairy, reduced fat and used coconut 

milk, and sinus rinses. I ate licorice, turmeric and ginger 

as well as spirulina, asparagus, & greens. Hydration 

helped fight congestion, and humid showers helped, but 

exhausted me. I became still, calm, and did not feel fear 

but peaceful content as I contemplated my potential death, 

knowing my family would support each other. I accepted 

without resistance the path of the universe. I felt the 

presence of angels and positive spirits. I let my siblings 

and adult daughter know I had COVID after Christmas. 

I had remained isolated with my older husband, 

who had recently joined the UVM vaccine trial, and 

desperately hoped that he had received the real vaccine. 

There was no one else that we had risked contaminating 

because we did not have any gathering that could have 

risked those we loved. I cannot imagine the guilt some 

people might feel if they are responsible for the death or 

long-term effects of COVID-19 on their loved friends 

and family. We completed the Sara reports to the Health 

department daily for weeks. I learned that some younger 

folk who were asymptomatic except for a headache were 

volunteering online doing contact tracing. Supportive 

friends dropped off groceries and gave advice. 

Though I had volunteered with my husband’s blessing, 

I wondered if he might reconsider when he had to report 

my fever and could not risk teaching for many days. Then, 

because he tested negative, he had to stay in isolation a 

week after me and get another negative test. Yet I was so 

glad he did not become ill due to me. He never wavered in 

his love and caring, and never offered blame. My precious 

love. 

The fevers finally just stayed low grade, though I was 

not strong enough to help with outside chores. The stairs 

seemed a mountain to climb and I still got dizzy spells, 

and heart rate abnormalities. We laughed that I kept my 

sense of taste but that it was distorted. I knew I was getting 

better when I tried a sip of wine and it no longer tasted 

like old feet. My magical cousin referred to me as the girl 

who lived. I was going to be okay. Now it’s just waiting for 

weakness to fade. 

Please wear a mask and avoid gatherings despite 

COVID fatigue. No one is guaranteed tomorrow; we 

remembered this when a friend fell down stairs and died as 

I was recovering. Tell people you love that you love them 

today. Thank-you, my fellow nurses, for being inspiring. 

Try to make the world be better. Yes we’ve got a hundred 

million reasons to walk away, but we have a good one to 

stay; tell me that you’ll be that good one.


Marilyn Rinker Leadership Scholarship Application 

Application – 2021 deadline: March 25, 2021 

Name: ______________________________________________________________ 

Address: _____________________________________________________________ 

Telephone #: _____________________ Email Address: _______________________ 

Vt RN Lic #______________________ VONL member since __________________ 

School of Nursing: _____________________________________________________ 

Currently in which year? 1 2 3 4 year of graduation (if applicable) ________________ 

Graduate school ________________________ 1st yr __________ 2nd year__________ 

expected date of graduation_______________ 

If employed in nursing, current employer ___________________________________ 

Currently receiving Financial Aid, Grants, Scholarships? Yes ________ No ________ 

If yes please list the sources_______________________________________________ 

Please attach to this form: 

1. Résumé 

2. Most recent transcript of grades demonstrating a cumulative average of 3.0 (B) 

3. A brief essay (500 words or less) describing nursing leadership experience and 

aspirations, community service experience, commitment to serve in Vermont, 

and financial need 

4. At least two (2) letters of recommendation (at least one academic and one work 

related) 

5. Evidence of acceptance in an accredited program leading to an advanced degree 

in nursing if not yet matriculated. 

I understand that if I receive an Advanced Degree Nurse Leaders 

Scholarship, I commit to practice nursing in Vermont for a minimum period 

of two years following graduation. 

Student signature: _______________________________ Date: __________________ 

Return application (with attached materials) before March 25, 2021 to: 

Martha Buck, VAHHS/VONL 

148 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 

(802)223-3461/ext. 111 Martha@vahhs.org 

Marilyn Rinker Memorial 

Scholarship 

The Marilyn Rinker Memorial Scholarship Award was established by the Vermont 

Organization of Nurse Leaders in 2009 to honor Marilyn’s lifelong commitment and 

dedication to professional nursing practice, nursing education and leadership. Marilyn 

held many leadership positions during the course of her career such as Nursing 

Director for Medicine and Cardiology at Fletcher Allen Health Care (University of 

Vermont Medical Center); Oncology Clinical Coordinator at the Vermont Regional 

Cancer Center; Clinical Research Nurse and Educator in Vermont and Rhode Island; 

and, BSN Nursing Program Director at Norwich University. Marilyn also served as 

the Executive Director of the Vermont State Nurses’ Association and President of the 

Vermont Organization of Nurse Leaders. 

This award provides scholarship support in the amount of $1000 for a qualified 

registered nurse to participate in an approved course of study leading to an advanced 

degree with an emphasis in nursing leadership. 

Application Criteria for the Marilyn Rinker Memorial Award 

1. Current member of ONL 

2. Registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse currently licensed in the 

state of VT* 

3. Demonstrated commitment to nursing leadership as evidenced by participation 

in professional seminars, organizations, work accomplishments, project, 

recommendations of peers 

4. Currently enrolled or accepted in an accredited program that will lead to an 

advanced degree in nursing 

5. Willingness to commit to completing the program as indicated by realistic 

timeframe. 

6. GPA of 3.0 or the equivalent 

7. Two (2) supportive professional recommendations 

8. A double-spaced, short essay (500 words or less) of the reasons this nominee 

should receive the award according to the criteria listed above 

9. Nominee’s current Curriculum Vitae 

Nominations must be submitted by March 25, 2021. Annual scholarship award 

announcement will be made at the member reception and awards gala at the ONL 

Annual Meeting. 

*Vermont RNs will receive first priority. Applicants from other states will be 

considered if there are no applicants from Vermont or the scholarship criteria are not 

met by applicants from Vermont. 

https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/6AbihO 

The Arthur L. Davis 

Publishing Agency, Inc. 

2021 Scholarship 

Vermont State Nurses 

Foundation, Inc. 



(802) 651-8886 

Applications for the $1,000 scholarship are 

open to ANA-Vermont members who are 

currently enrolled in an undergraduate 

or graduate nursing program and who 

are active in a professional nursing 

organization. 

Submit your application by 

August 1, 2021 by filling 

out the online form: 

https://form.jotform.com/62006060892147 

Application for the 2021 

Pat & Frank Allen 

Scholarship 





(802) 651-8886 

The Pat & Frank Allen Scholarship is a 

$1500.00 award given to a registered 

nurse who is in a baccalaureate or higher 

degree accredited nursing program. 

Applications must be submitted by 

August 1, 2021. You do not have to be 

a member of ANA-Vermont but priority 

will be given to ANA-Vermont members, 

please go online to fill out the form: 

https://form.jotform.com/62006060892147 

Application for the 2021 

Judy Cohen Scholarship 





(802) 651-8886 

The Judy Cohen Scholarship is a $2,000 

award given to a registered nurse who 

is in a baccalaureate or higher degree 

accredited nursing program. 

Applications must be submitted by 

August 1, 2021. You do not have to be a 

member of ANA-Vermont but priority will 

be given to ANA-Vermont members. 

To apply for the scholarship, 

please fill out this form: 

https://form.jotform. 

com/62006060892147


Mari Cordes, Nurse Legislator: Reflections on 2020 

My heartfelt sympathy to all of you who have lost loved 

ones and who have experienced other devastating effects 

from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the immense 

stress that those of you who are front line health care 

workers are bearing. 

It certainly is a sign of the times that when I think 

about what to share with you in this column, my choices 

include: 

• Nurse role as front line workers during a pandemic 

• Socio-economic impacts of pandemics upon specific 

populations and our role in mitigating systemic 

discrimination and barriers 

• Nurse leadership in anti-racism efforts at home and 

at work 

• Nurse leadership in going beyond diversity and 

inclusion to deepen understanding, acknowledge and 

uproot implicit and systemic bias related to gender, 

sexual orientation, disability status, race, and 

nationality, and build a workplace culture that truly 

works for all of us and the people that we serve 

• Addressing current and potential health impacts of 

the climate crisis 

• Addressing the recent increase in fatal and non-fatal 

opioid overdoses in Vermont compared to 2019 

• Toxins in groundwater: PFOA, glyphosate and other 

herbicides/pesticides 

• Building social and psychological resilience in times 

of heightened global stress 

• Addressing the skyrocketing cost of health 

insurance and its impact on health access, education, 

and our economy 

• Addressing the skyrocketing costs of 

pharmaceuticals and its impact on medication 

access, *compliance* (how can you comply when 

you can’t afford it?), and health 

• Nurse role in promoting food security in an 

economic recession 

• Nurse role in promoting rural health through 

agricultural programs 

• Self care (I’m chagrined with myself to notice I 

thought of that last ) 

Nurse engagement in local, state and federal policy 

making 

Nurses create positive change every day in a multitude 

of ways. Whether we choose to work in policy as 

individuals or collectively, it is imperative that we do, 

and not just healthcare specific policy, but in any policy 

that impacts the well being of our communities. We not 

only have an intimate understanding of the struggles that 

the people we serve experience, we hold evidence and 

the scientific process in high regard. Both of these are 

essential foundations to creating successful legislation. 

Here is a sample of just some of my work of this past 

biennium: 

The Climate and Environment are huge priorities for 

me. My work was recognized by Vermont Conservation 

Voters with this year’s “Rising Star” award. I introduced 

legislation that would ban use of eminent domain for new 

fossil fuel infrastructure, and a bill to improve Vermont’s 

Water Quality Standard to more clearly include wetlands, 

a major source of flood resilience (think ‘Super-storms’) 

and carbon sequestration. The Water Quality Standard 

was almost ready to be introduced from committee to the 

House floor when COVID hit and we had to scuttle most 

legislative work to focus on pandemic support and relief. 

I am reintroducing the Water Quality Standard bill, and 

working with others on policy to equitably transition us 

from a fossil fuel to a renewable energy economy. 

As VP for organizing the Legislative Climate Solutions 

Caucus, I organized community forums spanning several 

months across the state about the Global Warming 

Solutions Act. 

I have strongly supported the energy efficiency bill 

reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the thermal energy 

and transportation sectors, implementing a single use 

plastic ban, and passing legislation that increased funding 

for income sensitive weatherization programs. 

Healthcare 

The week the statehouse shut down because of COVID, 

our House Health Care committee was the first to 

send a pandemic relief bill to the House for a vote. This 

legislation made it possible for our health care system to 

rapidly build entirely new structures to increase access 

to health care in the pandemic and to stabilize provider 

practices in order to remain viable. Among other things, 

it created the Healthcare Provider Stabilization Grant 

Program which provided $275 million to health care and 

human service providers. This and other policy work 

from the rest of the House led to $1 billion of pandemic 

appropriations to help Vermont. We also rapidly 

completed ongoing work on Telehealth which during the 

pandemic has increased access to healthcare using remote 

technologies, and protects patient privacy and safety. This 

technology decreases delays to treatment, and increases 

access for people for whom traveling to a clinic for routine 

issues would be a significant burden. As with all remote 

work, we continue to push for complete statewide reach of 

broadband for all Vermonters. 

I led on legislation to increase funding for EMS 

training equitably across the state, funding to assist 

with changes related to COVID-19, and rallied to ensure 

volunteer EMS providers were eligible for hazard pay. 

I also persisted in developing policy that would provide 

front line retail workers hazard pay; the federal guidelines 

around use of Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) restricted 

us from doing that initially with the threat of large fines 

levied on the State of Vermont, but we were eventually 

able to do so. 

With my House Health Care colleagues, in 2019 and 

2020, we successfully pushed for more public funding 

for community and peer mental health services. In 2020, 

I also introduced legislation to prohibit age discrimination 

by health insurance companies of individuals who are 

transgender. The commissioner of the Department of 

Financial Regulation addressed this problem by issuing a 

bulletin that prevents this, in which case the bill was not 

needed. 

I led internal organizing of legislators in the statehouse 

to create economic stimulus funding for Vermonters who 

were left out of federal pandemic stimulus payments 

because of their immigration status, including the migrant 

workers responsible for the cream in our coffee and cheese 

on our charcuterie boards, and New Americans without 

social security numbers. 

Regarding Healthcare affordability: I worked with 

colleagues to draft legislation to ease or remove the 

healthcare benefits cliff for people/families between 400- 

500% of federal poverty level (FPL), and the “family 

glitch.” The family glitch prohibits family members from 

accessing subsidies because one family member has health 

insurance, even though it only covers the covered family 

member, not the family. Because of the patchworked 

complexity of our healthcare system at state and federal 

levels, this continues to prove to be nearly impossible 

without establishing a national universal healthcare 

system. I will, however, continue to champion this issue 

with state policymaking. 

Other healthcare efforts: 

• Expanded telehealth care and coverage after 

pandemic emergency declaration ends 

• Addressed healthcare workforce shortages 

• Continued push towards transparency in consumer 

healthcare costs 

• Initiatives to find ways to eliminate prior 

authorizations that do not add to health care 

quality or reduce health care spending, as well 

as, opportunities to align prior authorization 

requirements across all payers 

• Established a Mental Health Integration Council and 

expanded pharmaceutical coverage for lower-income 

people on Medicare 

• Championed bill to remove barriers to practice for 

Physician Assistants 

• I, with a Senate colleague, introduced legislation to 

reduce out of pocket costs for insulin. This passed. 

“Nurses maintain values that promote individualized 

patient care and collaboration among health care 

professionals. It is important that nurses are represented 

in the formation of health care policy and that these 

values, as well as nursing knowledge and expertise, are 

shared with politicians and reflected in quality health 

care legislation that is cost-effective. Nursing's active 

involvement in the molding of public policy through 

political commitment is a necessity; it is not enough 

to wait and see where legislation takes the profession 

and how changes in public policy will affect patients. 

If nurses do not become involved and employ a valuesladen 

approach to politics, they have no power over 

their own future, and health care will suffer from their 

lack of Participation." 

-- Des Jardin, K. E. (2001a). Political involvement 

in nursing – education and empowerment. AORN 

Journal, October. Part 1 of 2. 

To access electronic copies of the 

Vermont Nurse Connection, please visit 

http://www.nursingald.com/publications 

It is an honor to work with a lived experience of State 

Representative on the House Healthcare Committee as 

well as a front line health care worker of 32 years and an 

activist committed to uprooting systems of oppression and 

building resilient communities. I am proud to join these 

nurses in our State Legislature and the U.S. Congress: 

Vermont General Assembly 

• Representative Kelly Tully, RN 

• Representative-Elect Samantha Lefebvre, LNA 

U.S. Congress 

• Congresswoman Cori Bush , RN 

• Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, RN 

• Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, APRN 

I look forward to engaging with you in this next 

biennium, and hope that you will reach out to me. The 

session starts (remotely) on January 6th. All committees 

and House/Senate floor sessions are open to the public 

online, and agenda/access information can be found at 

https://legislature.vermont.gov/ 

Yours, 

Rep. Mari Cordes, RN 

mcordes@leg.state.vt.us 

https://maricordes.org


Vermont Public Health Association 

Annual Conference 

Nutrition Research 

Opportunity 

Sally Kerschner 

The Vermont Public Health Association (VtPHA) held 

its Annual Conference: Racism as a Public Health Issue, 

on Thursday, December 3, 2020. One hundred people 

attended the virtual conference. 

Joyce Gallimore, VtPHA President said, “The 

COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the disparities that 

already exist. We seek equity in health care and health 

status through the initiatives of the VtPHA.” 

Keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Arnold Isidore Thomas, 

Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Jericho, 

discussed the importance of improving quality of care 

among all communities regardless of race or income. He 

also discussed the challenges public health officials face in 

achieving health equity, and how these must be overcome 

to recognize the barriers people of color face in Vermont. 

“The science of public health is required to assume 

and take the psychological, emotional, and spiritual 

dimensions of communities more seriously, to understand 

their environments and see how this impacts the overall 

health and wellbeing of the individuals in the community,” 

Rev. Dr. Thomas said. “It remains crucial that every public 

health professional approach African American residents 

of Vermont as individuals well aware of the history 

of inhospitable treatment by America’s public health 

institutions toward us as part of an overall structure of 

systemic racism against us.” 

Rev. Dr. Thomas urged “public health education and 

employment generate proactive and assertive efforts to 

develop greater numbers of black and brown professionals 

so racial and ethnic communities may develop trust 

through practitioners who look like them and relate to 

their experiences.” He also urged the administration and 

practice of public health be pursued with the intent of 

providing affordable and quality health care as a right for 

all, rather than a privilege. 

Lisa Carlson, the immediate past president of American 

Public Health Association (APHA) gave remarks on 

the challenges faced in 2020 in regard to the COVID-19 

outbreak. 

“Racism is a public health crisis,” Carlson said. “People 

of color are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, we 

know that, but there’s a lot we don’t know because there’s a 

lack of reporting of race statistics, which contributes to our 

inability to really truly understand how this epidemic and 

pandemic is happening in communities of color. We know 

that systemic racism and bias in the healthcare system 

have long been factors, and they are certainly apparent in 

the pandemic.” 

Melissa Alperin, immediate past chair of the APHA 

Council of Affiliates (CoA), spoke on the CoA’s purpose, 

which is to promote efficient and effective communication 

and coordinate affiliate and APHA activities. She shared 

a new CoA workgroup which will assist affiliates in 

addressing issues of diversity, inclusion, equity, and 

racism. 

Additionally, the VtPHA 

recognized the 2020 Vermont 

Public Health Champions. 

Dr. Maria Mercedes Avila 

was presented with the Public 

Health Individual Champion 

Award for her research 

documenting racial disparities 

in the State of Vermont in 

pursuit of equity, and Dr. John 

Brooklyn, Dr. Harry Chen, 

Barbara Cimaglio, and Beth 

Tanzman were presented with 

the Public Health Champion 

Team Award for their work 

supporting people in recovery 

from opioid use disorder in the 

State of Vermont. 

For nearly two decades, 

Dr. Avila has demonstrated 

commitment to advancing 

health equity and addressing 

and eliminating health 

disparities by inspiring 

collaboration through strategic 

partnerships to create a culture 

of health in Vermont, working 

to expand community health 

workers and outreach to 

former refugee and immigrant 

communities in the state, and 

Dr. Maria Mercedes 

Avila 

Dr. Harry Chen 

training more than 10,000 professionals across 27 states 

in understanding the connection between racial, gender, 

social, economic, educational, 

and health disparities and the 

role social determinants of 

health play in populations’ 

health outcomes. 

“Thank you VtPHA for 

this recognition. I’m honored 

and humbled,” Dr. Avila said. 

“COVID-19 has resurfaced 

many inequities and racial 

disparities nationally and in 

our own state. … We have to 

engage in ongoing education 

and training about systemic 

issues in our society. We need 

to work with communities and 

not in communities, creating 

meaningful partnerships 

with historically underserved 

communities.” 

The team was recognized 

for their design and 

implementation of the Hub and 

Spoke system of Medication 

Assisted Treatment (MAT). 

The first hub opened in 

January 2013 at the Chittenden 

Clinic in Burlington and 

has since grown. There 

are currently nine regional 

hubs that offer daily support 

for patients with complex 

addictions, and more than 75 

local spokes where providers 

and counselors offer ongoing 

opioid use disorder treatment 

fully integrated with general 

healthcare and wellness 

services. The Vermont model 

for Hub and Spoke has been 

recognized nationally as an 

evidenced based program and 

has been replicated in several 

other states. 

Beth Tanzman 

Dr. John Brooklyn 

Barbara Cimaglio 

For the future, the Vermont Public Health Association 

will be increasing its focus on health equity, racism and 

the nexus with the public’s health. If you are interested 

in this work, please contact us at vtpublichealth@ 

outlook.com and also coordinate with the ANA-Vt. Many 

resources for nurses and public health professionals can 

be found on the website of the American Public Health 

Association at: https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/ 

health-equity/racism-and-health” Also, please follow Rev. 

Thomas’ series of presentations with community leaders 

addressing racism in Vermont and nationally at: https:// 

goodshepherdjericho.org/racism-in-america-forum/. The 

next session is Wednesday, January 13, 2021 entitled “the 

Meeting” a virtual production of a fictional account of a 

secret meeting between Malcolm X and Martin Luther 

King. 

Are you a nurse or nurse practitioner, or currently 

in school for a career as a nurse, holding junior 

standing or above? Are you interested in participating 

in a study about nutrition? 

The University of Vermont is conducting a research 

study to learn about health professionals’ and prehealth 

professional students’ knowledge, attitudes, and 

behaviors about nutrition and nutrition counseling, 

especially as it pertains to dairy products and plantbased 

alternatives. We are inviting you to complete a 

research survey, which will ask about your profession, 

opinions on nutrition topics, personal dietary patterns, 

and professional nutrition recommendations. The survey 

will take about 15 minutes to complete. By completing 

this survey, you will be eligible for a drawing of one 

of 10, $50 gift cards. You must be 18 years or older to 

participate and have resided in the United States since at 

least January 1, 2020. 

If you are interested in participating in this survey, 

please follow the link below. 

https://qualtrics.uvm.edu/jfe/form/ 

SV_0cRKOR5tnk4PFZz 

Point of Contact: Bridget Clark at bridget.clark@uvm. 

edu. 

Assistant Professor of Nursing 

The School of Nursing & Health Sciences is seeking two outstanding 

and highly motivated faculty members to join the college beginning 

September 1, 2021. 

We celebrate diverse undergraduate and graduate academic programs, 

outstanding faculty and a strong community partnership with 

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health. 

Preference will be given to candidates with professional work experience 

in a nursing environment related to the teaching areas. The position 

includes teaching, advising, active scholarship and school/college service 

responsibilities. All full-time faculty are expected to contribute to the 

college’s liberal education program. 

Qualifications: 

• A doctoral degree is preferred; a MSN is required 

• Demonstrate and possess a strong record of collegiate teaching 

• A philosophy of education consistent with Colby-Sawyer’s programs 

and mission are required 

• Expert clinician who has a strong desire for an academic appointment 

focused on advancing knowledge through integrating teaching, clinical 

practice, scholarship, and service 

• Strong interest in mentoring and advising graduate students 

To Apply 

E-mail your cover letter and résumé 

to CSCjobs@colby-sawyer.edu. 

NursingALD.com can point you 

right to that perfect NURSING JOB! 

NursingALD.com 

Free to Nurses 

Privacy Assured 

Easy to Use 

E-mailed Job Leads


Nursing News, Resources and Legislative Update 

American Nurses Association-Vermont (ANA-VT) 

looks forward to working with our new legislative leaders. 

Senator Becca Balint, the new Senate president pro 

tempore has been our ally regarding issues on climate 

change in the past, and is an education advocate as well 

as the Chair of the Senate Sexual Harassment Prevention 

Panel. We look forward to working with her in the new 

legislative session. 

We also look forward to working with Representative 

Jill Krowinski, of Burlington, the new Speaker for the 

Vermont House of Representatives. She is well versed 

in nurse related health issues having been the Vice- 

Chair of the Health Oversight Committee, and Chair of 

the Vermont Child Poverty Council, as well as a climate 

change supporter, following suicide and homelessness 

issues and more. 

Legislators will be working remotely at the beginning 

of the legislative session. Sen. Balint and Rep. Krowinski 

have both mentioned the coronavirus crisis will be their 

primary focus this year. The pandemic has highlighted 

the need for Vermont to have dependable broadband, as 

there is a sharply increased demand for internet services 

for services from telehealth and remote work, to education. 

We are proud of Governor Scott and Health Commissioner 

Levine’s thoughtful responsible response to the pandemic. 

Thank-you Vermont legislative leaders for your hard work 

and service. 

ANA-VT will also continue to advocate for the needs of 

nurses and the public health during the pandemic. As well 

as the pandemic, our priorities include: 

Workforce Issues: 

Continuing to increase ethnic, racial, and 

socioeconomic diversity within the workforce 

Expansion of Telehealth services 

Workplace violence 

Adequate nurse staffing 

- Improving nurse staffing levels and eliminate unsafe 

mandatory overtime practices 

Workplace safety such as adequate PPE 

Mental health (nurses traumatized by COVID) and 

burnout 

Suicide prevention 

For more information, please contact 1LT Connor 

LaClair, VTARNG AMEDD Strength Manager, at 

802.338.3405 or connor.l.laclair.mil@mail.mil 

Advocacy for Nurses and the Health of Vermonters: 

Protecting our most vulnerable 

Reducing Healthcare disparities 

APRNs and competency based models 

Nurse scope of practice concerns – improving how 

nurses are valued, and protecting nurse practice. Being 

the voice for nurses with greater visibility 

Supporting school nurses and child health 

Vaccine access 

Nurse Compact act 

Maternal Mortality, Racial disparity in birth and 

Medicaid coverage for doula services 

The earth: truly our most vulnerable asset: climate 

change 

Veterans’ health care 

Home Health, Hospice, Long-term Care 

Provider parity and nondiscrimination by health plans 

- Public health challenges - Removing unnecessary 

barriers to increase access to care 

Help nurses adopt new and expanded roles in emerging 

areas of practice while maintaining the highest 

standards of quality in nursing practice and the ethical 

obligations of the profession 

Education: 

Mental health and substance use 

Cannabis education 

- education seminars to assist knowledge r/t new 

legislation... 

Advanced directive knowledge 

Properly funding America’s public health infrastructure 

and nursing workforce 

Telehealth/telemedicne- increase nursing knowledge, 

student curriculum... 

How to address workplace violence in healthcare and 

social service settings 

Climate change and Transportation Climate Initiative 

We have worked hard to advocate for nurses this year 

and now are at the table to assist in decision making. 

In addition to H.968, an act relating to the Vermont 

Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Equity Program that 

offered Vermonters who were ineligible to receive the 

CARES Act stimulus payment in 2020 we also helped to 

pass: 

H.607 An act relating to increasing the supply of 

nurses and primary care providers in Vermont, now 

Act 155 which creates a healthcare workforce strategic 

plan, and has education assistance for nursing 

H.611 An act relating to the Older Vermonters, now 

Act 156 assured self-determination for older Vermonters 

so they are able to direct their own lives and live safely. 

A state plan for aging allows the opportunity to receive, 

without discrimination, optimal physical, dental, mental, 

emotional, and spiritual health through the end of their 

lives. Holistic options for health, exercise, counseling, and 

good nutrition will be both affordable and accessible. 

COMMUNITY NURSING HOME IN BARRE, VT 

NOW HIRING 

• RN • LPN • LNA 

• RN UNIT MANAGER 

FT, PT, and PRN all shifts: 

7A-3P, 3P-11P, and 11P-7A 

GENEROUS SIGN ON BONUSES: 

$1,500* FOR CNA, AND $5K* FOR LPN/RN 

PAID TIME OFF, MEDICAL, DENTAL, & 

VISION INSURANCE 

*Conditions apply 

Apply to jobs@peoplepowered.us 

for fastest response text/call 717-803-2980 

https://barregardens.com/careers# 

H.688 An act relating to addressing climate 

change, also known as the Global Warming Solutions 

Act is now Act 153 https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/ 

status/2020/H.688 ANA VT was part of the Climate 

Health Alliance that enabled passage. The Climate 

Council will develop a Climate Action Plan. 

S.55 (Act 75): An act relating to the regulation of toxic 

substances and hazardous materials. This bill creates 

a Committee to evaluate chemical inventories, identify 

potential health risks to human health and the environment 

from chemical inventories, and propose measures to 

address risks from chemical inventories in Vermont. 

S.113, (Act 69): An act relating to the management of 

single-use products, prevents single-use plastic carryout 

bags, and preventing the selling of plastic straws and 

polystyrene food service products in Vermont. 

These bills show that something good did happen in 

2020. 

The COVID-19 Vaccinations in Vermont 

Moderna's and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines received 

emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug 

Administration and arrived in Vermont with 11,200 

vaccines delivered by Jan 1. Vaccinations in Vermont 

started with first priority (Phase 1A) participants. Health 

care workers likely to be exposed to COVID-19 patients 

and long-term care facilities are first on the agenda. The 

January 4 advisory mentions prioritization of vaccination 

and shares that the Advisory Committee on Immunization 

Practices (ACIP) recommends two groups of people be 

offered vaccination in the initial phase of the COVID-19 

vaccination program: 

• Health care personnel (healthcare personnel 

comprise clinical staff members, including nursing 

or medical assistants and support staff (e.g., those 

who work in food or environmental services)) 

• Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) which 

includes skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, 

and assisted living facilities (vaccination may be 

offered first to residents and health care personnel 

in skilled nursing facilities because of high medical 

acuity and COVID-19-associated mortality among 

residents in these settings). 

In Vermont, “health care personnel” includes longterm 

care staff who have direct patient contact, and 

health care workers (all classes including students and 

support personnel), primarily but not exclusively located 

in the Emergency Departments and Intensive Care Units, 

providing care to patients with COVID-19 as well as 

Emergency Medical Services personnel with direct patient 

contact 

Health care workers and long-term care residents and 

staff will be notified directly about when and where they 

can get vaccinated. 

See The Vermont Dept of Heath COVID site for 

updates and more information such as fact sheets for 

vaccine recipients: https://www.healthvermont.gov/ 

covid-19/vaccine/about-covid-19-vaccines-vermont 

and health alerts such as Guidance on Prioritization of 

Vaccination in Phase 1A and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine 

Recommendations: https://www.healthvermont.gov/ 

response/alerts/health-alerts-advisories 

Other useful vaccine resource links: 

COVID-19 ACIP Vaccine Recommendations 

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices 

(ACIP) https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/vaccspecific/covid-19.html 

V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker https://www. 

cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html 

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System: https://vaers. 

hhs.gov/ 

VT Dept of Health for Professionals https://www. 

healthvermont.gov/interest-groups/health-professionals 

https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/healthcare-professionals/vaccine-information-health-careprofessionals 

ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINES IN VERMONT 

Information and Fact sheets on Moderna and Pfizer 

vaccines https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/ 

about-covid-19-vaccines-vermont 

vaccine planning https://www.healthvermont.gov/ 

covid-19/vaccine/vermont-covid-19-vaccine-planning


VT COVID vaccine Dashboard: https://www. 

healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/vermont-covid-19- 

vaccine-planning 

CDC Summary of distribution https://www.cdc. 

gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm695152e2.htm?s_ 

cid=mm695152e2_w 

Federal News 

The battle over emergency Federal Reserve powers 

that frustrated efforts for agreement on the nearly $1 

trillion COVID-19 economic relief package and stimulus 

deal, was passed by the House and Senate then finally 

signed by President Trump December 27th. The $900 

billion coronavirus relief bill and $1.4 trillion government 

spending bill is now law, nine months after enacting the 

$2.2 trillion CARES Act. The legislation includes direct 

cash payments, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) 

funding for small businesses and expanded PPP eligibility 

for news outlets and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations with 

fewer than 300 employees, and enhanced unemployment 

benefits. 

It will extend funding for state and local governments 

currently available under the CARES Act, but it does not 

include additional funding sought to help replace revenue 

losses. 

Transition Team 

The ANA national federal team asked Biden to 

appoint nurses to the COVID-19 task force and provided 

a second introduction letter regarding ANA’s legislative 

and regulatory priorities. ANA had a private meeting 

with approximately 10 members of the transition team. 

Additionally, ANA-Vermont notified our congressional 

delegation and requested that Biden’s COVID Team 

include a nurse, when it did not. Now it does. Jane 

Hopkins, an experienced mental health nurse is now on 

Biden’s COVID advisory team. 

Xavier Becerra is President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee 

for health and human services secretary. ANA has 

worked with Xavier Becerra throughout his 24 years of 

serving in Congress. He played a large role in helping 

write the Affordable Care Act and was on the health care 

subcommittee of the Ways & Means Committee. He has 

filed and won many lawsuits to protect the ACA. Dr Vivek 

Murthu, has been nominated to be the Surgeon General, a 

role he had during Obama’s administration. 

PPE Coalition 

ANA is exploring forming a PPE coalition with the 

American Industrial Hygiene Association, the Health 

Industry Distributors Association, and the International 

Safety Equipment Association. This was the result of 

an opportunity that bore out of ANA President Ernest 

Grant serving as a witness in front of the Senate Finance 

Committee regarding PPE and the Strategic National 

Stockpile 

Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation now has over 200,000 

participants. It has involved our #EndNurseAbuse 

challenge going on, focusing on workplace violence, 

incivility, and bullying prevention. 

Please view and share the Nurse Suicide Prevention/ 

Resilience website. Nurses are at higher risk of suicide 

than the general population: https://www.nursingworld. 

org/practice-policy/nurse-suicide-prevention/ 

Also available are resources to assist mental 

health for nurses directly, and resources for 

supervisors and employers of nurses: https://engage. 

healthynursehealthynation.org/blogs/8/3645 

Share ANA’s COVID-19 Vaccines website including: 

advocacy and legislative efforts for COVID-19 vaccines, 

associated ANA resources, President Grant’s participation 

in a Stage 3 vaccine trial, and Principles to ensure equity: 

https://www.nursingworld.org/~4a94ba/globalassets/ 

covid19/vaccines/guiding-principles-for-nurses-and-thecovid19-vaccine_v2.pdf 

ANA vaccine webpage - https://www.nursingworld.org/ 

practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/disaster- 

preparedness/coronavirus/what-you-need-to-know/covid- 

19-vaccines/ 

ANA's Immunize page https://www.nursingworld. 

org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/ 

immunize/ 

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs - https://www.nursingworld. 

org/practice-policy/work-environment/health-safety/ 

disaster-preparedness/coronavirus/what-you-need-to-know/ 

covid-19-vaccines/vaccine-faqs/ 

Vaccine Webinar, plus Quick Videos - The State of 

COVID-19 Vaccine Development: What You Need 

to Know https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/ 

work-environment/health-safety/disaster-preparedness/ 

coronavirus/education/ana-covid-19-video-education/ 

COVID-19-Vaccines/ 

ANA Joins AHA and AMA in Urging Health Care 

Professionals to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine https://www. 

nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2020/aha-ama-anaissue-open-letter-urging-health-care-professionals-to-takecovid-19-vaccine--share-experience-with-others/ 

ANA-Vermont collaborated with the Vermont 

Association of Nurse Practitioners releasing a position 

statement to protect nurses from being required to work 

while still COVID 19 + before quarantine time is up. This 

occurred after hearing that in states such as North Dakota, 

healthcare workers who had asymptomatic COVID 19 

were working at hospitals and nursing homes, which can 

lead to increased COVID 19 spikes (see https://dailynurse. 

com/nd-nurses-on-working-while-asymptomatic-did-youreally-think-this-through/ 

and https://www.fox6now.com/ 

news/nurses-with-covid-19-allowed-to-work-in-northdakota-amid-staffing-shortage) 

Please wear a mask.


Leadership Summit 2020 Review 

Meredith Roberts, PhD, RN 

The American Nurses Association (ANA) National 

Leadership Summit was held December 9th at 5 P.M. 

to 8:30 P.M. After the meeting was called to order by 

Elaine Scherer, MAEd, BSN, LCEC Chair, a welcome 

and introductions followed by Debbie Hatmaker, PhD, 

RN, FAAN, ANA Acting CEO/CNO and ANA President 

Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. 

The presentation of ANA Enterprise’s 2020-2023 

Strategic Priorities was deliberated. The final version 

can be found at: https://www.nursingworld.org/ana/aboutana/anae-strategic-plan-2020---2023/. 

This segment 

was introduced by Tonisha Melvin, DNP, CRRN, NP-C, 

ANA Director-at-Large, LCEC Board Liaison. Debbie 

Hatmaker, PhD and Maureen Thompson, MA, CAE, 

Vice President of Governance & Planning presented 

the strategic priorities and discussed recent edits, for 

example revising the wording of Strategic Objective 1.1 

by replacing “image” with “value” as more representative 

of encouraging the value of nurses in the first objective 

to: elevate the value of nursing in health care and with 

consumers. The importance of other priorities such as 

responding to and influencing the current and emerging 

needs of nurses during the COVID-19 public health 

crisis, and addressing racism in the nursing profession 

were also discussed, as well as the wording of 4.2 to 

Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion and across 

the ANA Enterprise to encourage culturally informed 

workplace practices. 

The 2021 proposed Capital and Operating Budgets 

were presented by Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, RN, 

NEA-BC, FAAN, ANA Treasurer; then Lynn Wasylina, 

MBA, ANA Chief Financial Officer completed the 

report. The October financials revealed that ANA 

Enterprise (ANA Enterprise includes ANA, the ANA 

Foundation, and ANCC) performed higher than the 

expected loss of $1.3 million. Though ANA lost $1.5 

million, ANCC earned $5.8 million and the Foundation 

gained $10 million resulting in an operating surplus of 

$14.4 million. Enterprise performance was 908K higher 

than forecasted year to date. Though ANA operating 

expenses for 2021 are expected to be $1.5 million in 

expenses, with $81,650 operating revenue (national), 

this is less than last year, and membership numbers are 

strong. ANA started the year at around 156,000 members 

and our goal (set before COVID) was around 167,000. 

Despite the pandemic, we are currently at 172,000 

members. 

Vice President Steve Fox introduced Colin Mooney 

and Kelley Abeles, who first played a nurse hero 

video. These vice presidents from Prudential discussed 

financial wellness as a benefit for members, a new 

partnership of personal benefits for nurses being offered 

through ANA. Mooney shared information regarding two 

websites: one for members, another for non-members. 

They help guide nurses, providing a free consultation 

on a path to financial wellness, articles and videos on 

topics regarding financial wellness, such as: what is a 

401K plan, dealing with student loans, goal planning, 

dealing with debt, and responding to COVID. Prudential 

is working with Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation and 

will provide a financial checkup for free, so nurses can 

ask questions. Some benefits are for anyone, but some 

specific benefits are only for members. In this way, they 

help nurses create a plan for financial wellness. Some 

may want to retire earlier after experiencing the COVID 

pandemic. There is a loan payment freeze thru April 

2021 for students. 

Following this were two nurse speakers discussing 

innovation during COVID-19. The first was Texas 

Executive Director Cindy Zolnierek, PhD, RN who 

shared her experience. She started out the year with great 

ideas of how to celebrate the year of the nurse. Then the 

pandemic hit, and she heard different ideas about how 

it spread. Young people, not just the old were dying. 

Supplies were a big issue, including PPE. Everything 

was in question; but opportunity can come from chaos. 

She started nurse chats where nurses could get reliable 

information for nurses, and additional resources for the 

public. There was opportunity for advocacy, nationally, 

even internationally. Science-based information was 

needed, and a study was done. Nurses were at the table 

– mentioned as heroes. She shared a video example of 

Esther’s story – Greta her nurse told her story. She told 

the story of a CEO (Kit Bredimus, VP MMH) who 

appealed to the public who turned negative, encouraging 

them to better support nurses. He stated, 

“I want to make it clear, healthcare workers are no 

longer the frontlines; we are the last line. The frontlines 

now belong to the community.” 

This powerful statement circulated on social media! In 

Texas there were people dying of appendicitis who could 

not get into a hospital for surgery. Cindy notes nurses can 

come together in a new way, for together we are stronger 

and hard to break. 

Next to speak was Ruth Carrico, PhD, RN, former 

Kentucky Nurses Association President, infection expert, 

and infection control advisory committee member. 

Ruth saw the potential of new partnerships, and also 

recognized the lack of PPE. She had face shields printed 

out on 3D printers, and for dispensing hygiene talked 

to her church, borrowing their communion dispenser to 

fill sanitizer containers. Students helped, from their 1st 

day of nursing. “A plan without action is just a speechso 

action plans were needed,” she said. We needed to 

be more involved, noting gaps in practice. Comments of 

“where have you been?” helped her recognize failure in 

communities heavily hit. Nurses learned to pull together 

better. Going forward, how do we support clinicians, 

APRNs, in ways that are community inclusive. Our needs 

can be broadcast community wide. Though she is glad 

for 2020 to end, she wonders about our future role in 

vaccination. “Nurses can stop the pandemic. Inform the 

public. Show the greatness of nursing.” 

Delanor Manson, MA, BSN, RN, LCEC Vice- 

Chair, Kentucky Executive Director introduced the 

next speakers on Microaggressions: The Pinpricks of 

Racism in Nursing: 

Susan Y. Swart, EdD, MS, RN, CAE, ANA Vice 

President and Lovoria Williams, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, 

President Lexington Black Nurses Association 

Susan Swart spoke about her experience introducing 

a person and fearing to say a hard to pronounce name. 

www.nvrh.org/careers 

Lovoria Williams and objectives for 

microaggressions presentation


The next individual had an easy to pronounce name, 

and she said “ I am sure I’ll get your name correct” and 

a committee member noted this was a microaggression 

to the previous person. Susan felt defensive, and didn’t 

understand what microaggression was, but apologized. 

She rehashed it in her head over and over, and talked 

to others. Then felt like- well that person doesn’t know 

how I am a social justice advocate… then calmed down 

and did research and realized they were right. It was a 

difficult lesson to learn. “Delanor helped me be able to 

share to set the stage for our discussion today,” Susan 

said. 

Lovoria Williams shared how microaggressions can 

seem innocent, but they perpetuate bias. They can be 

verbal, non-verbal, or visual, and may be unintentional, 

but they communicate a negative, hostile, or derogatory 

viewpoint, and for the person it’s happening to, over 

time it can be devastating, affecting their self-esteem, 

confidence, and life choices. 

There are several forms of microaggression: 

1. Micro assaults are insults; intentional, old 

fashioned racism 

2. Micro insults – conveys insensitivity, or rudeness 

and demean an individual’s identity or heritage. 

Example ““your people must be so proud” “You 

are so articulate” – when meant as opposed to 

others of their race. 

3. Microinvalidations – exclude, negate, or nullify 

an individual’s thoughts, feelings, or experiences “ 

Oh- I didn’t know you were the nurse” 

4. Environmental- occur environmentally, not 

individually. Everyday surroundings reflect 

the majority. Decreases belongingness - makes 

people question whether they belong. For example 

as people learn nursing we often see Florence 

Nightingale but not Mary Seacole, or Mary 

Mahoney. People don’t feel they look like others in 

the profession. 

5. Unintentional – due to underlying biases and 

prejudices outside of awareness. 

When a slight is confronted people may minimize 

feelings – they didn’t mean it that way. Then the 

recipient questions - was I oversensitive? Should I 

just let it go - and they lose confidence, questioning 

themselves. An internal dilemma may occur–did they 

really mean that? So they think, “was I over-reacting?” 

This can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, 

loss of confidence and drive. It damages rapport, 

relationships, trust, and can cause decreased motivation, 

underperformance, and imposter syndrome where the 

person feels undeserving of success. Some may feel like 

a token, a failure, and lose their drive for success. The 

person doesn’t present like a white model, and may be 

accused of not being a team player. There are healthcare 

disparities, leading to medical mistrust. A student 

of color may be the last to be paired up, last to be 

chosen for a team. What teachers say matters. Students 

may drop out. What we can do is think from another 

person’s view, and hold others accountable. 

“I don’t see color” is a defense mechanism to avoid 

personal failure, where people do not recognize that an 

individual's personal experience was different. Color 

blindness upholds racism. People's experiences are not 

the same. It is better to say stop- what do you mean 

by…, or challenge what makes you believe that? Would 

you have said this if the person were a white male…or 

say “ouch” when something inappropriate is said. If you 

are dealing with student nurses and their patients, have 

a conversation. It does not necessarily mean a patient 

change. Focus on the offense, not the person. They 

may fear being thought of as racist. It does not mean a 

person is racist if they exhibit a microaggression. 

If someone denies a microaggression, reflect on 

whether further conversation would help, and if you 

are able to have a non-emotional reaction. Are you 

stressed? Take a deep breath. Consider if you can 

react well. A video was played of people experiencing 

microaggressions, such as a person born in America 

being asked if they are Asian, (from California), people 

reaching out to touch hair without permission, and 

more. We can all make a mistake, all have biases. If you 

make a mistake, listen, self reflect, and make amends, 

self educate, and create diverse relationships. 

Microaggressions perpetuate biases. We must hold 

each other accountable. Weblink at ANA on: 

Reducing Racial Disparities: https://www. 

nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/ 

health-safety/disaster-preparedness/coronavirus/ 

education/ana-covid-19-video-education/Reducing- 

COVID-19-Racial-Disparities/ 

ANA Pres. Ernest Grant Ruth Carrico Cindy Zolnierek 

Nurse Compact Bill Reintroduced 2021 – 

ANA-Vermont & Others Provides Testimony 

Friday February 12th The Senate Health and Welfare 

Committee took testimony on the nurse com-pact bill 

S.48 that proposes the State adopt and enter into the 

interstate Nurse Licensure Compact. Some of those who 

gave testimony include Lauren Hibbert Director of the 

Office of Public Regu-lation (OPR), Secretary of State’s 

Office, Lobbyist Laura Pelosi, from the Vermont Health 

Care Association, Ellen Watson, APRN, Chair, Board of 

Nursing, Deb Snell, RN, President, Vermont Federation of 

Nurses and Health Professionals, President, AFT Vermont 

and Meredith Roberts, RN PhD, Executive Director of the 

American Nurses Association, Vermont. 

It makes sense to move in the direction of a Nurse 

Compact since all nurses take the same national exam. 

Many issues were shared, such as how the practice of 

telemedicine across borders would be easier, though a 

nurse is accountable for meeting all state practice laws in 

the state in which the patient is located at the time care is 

rendered. The onboarding of new nurse employees would 

be far less expensive and time consuming, which appeals 

to nurses and employers alike. Pelosi shared concerns 

about the nursing workforce and the aging workforce, 

the decline of professionals, and rising cost of living 

and education costs. Roberts raised concerns about the 

increasing costs of licensure, noting the loss of revenue to 

OPR but that we cannot continue to place the burden of 

cost on nurses by raising nurse license costs. Fees recently 

increased, but with the expected budget gap of nearly $1 

million, IT needs, and the Compact participation fee of 

$6000 to start, OPR will raise fees again. Surrounding 

states already have lower licensure costs. Hibbert admitted 

plans to raise licensure costs in the future nearly $100 

after the Compact is approved and has initially applied 

for grant funds to reduce costs for the current year. Pelosi 

and Roberts both brought up the concern of costly traveler 

nurses when staffing is inadequate, and that the Compact 

would enable other nurses than just travelers to cross 

borders more easily. Price gouging of up to $600/hour 

for ICU work (in Georgia) was reported, and in Vermont 

>$5000 a week plus housing. Watson reported her classes 

thought Vermont would be more attractive as a Compact 

state. Watson and Roberts both noted how we need to draw 

nurses to Vermont by making it appealing to practice here. 

Snell shared that there was no evidence that guarantees the 

Compact would solve the workforce shortage and felt the 

Compact would assist travelers. She noted how frustrating 

it was for nurses from Vermont to work alongside travelers 

earning in 2 months what local nurses do in a year. 

How we collaborate with the administrators of the 

Compact at NCSBN is in the bill. In the Compact, each 

state is limited to one administrator, the head of the state 

licensing Board or their designee who is entitled to one 

vote for rules, bylaws, business affairs, etc. Vermont’s 

representative would be the Vermont State Board of 

Nursing Executive Director. Their mission does not 

include nurse advocacy but does include public safety. The 

bill includes that only the home state shall have the power 

to take adverse action against a nurse’s license issued by 

the home state; hence, a nurse who had their home state 

as Vermont would not lose their Vermont licensure if they 

were disciplined in another state, though an event can be 

investigated by another state. The license could re-vert to 

single state status. Federal criminal background checks 

will be required, but not continuing education. 

As the Secretary of State OPR Report Multi-State 

Nursing Licensure Compact: The Costs and Benefits 

for Vermont (2019) revealed, 53% of Vermont resident 

nurses support the Compact with a fee increase, but >90% 

support it if licensure costs are not raised. Employers 

hope to make onboarding to their organization easier, 

and new students want flexibility. Most nurses like the 

idea. Being a Compact state would facilitate nurses 

from other states coming to fill vacancies more easily. 

There is the risk of it facilitating nurses to cross borders 

after receiving their license to collect sign-on bonuses in 

nearby states. Yet, this may facilitate salary competition, 

and improve workplace standards. Student nurses may 

choose to practice in multiple states. During a pandemic, 

people want to leave cities. Vermont has a low population 

and great record for low transmission of COVID-19, so 

we should gain nurses. It is not a silver bullet to solve 

the workforce problem, but it will make it easier for 

nurses to cross borders to practice here, and Vermont is 

an attractive state. ANA-Vermont supports the Compact, 

and also encourages tax incentives, and scholarships for 

nurses. Statements were also sent to the committee from 

organizations such as the Organization of Nurse Leaders 

(ONL) who support the Compact. 

To view the video of testimony: https://youtu.be/Q- 

DDznxeVQk 

Sites of interest: 

NCSBN.(2021).Nurse Compact Final Rules. https:// 

www.ncsbn.org/FinalRulesadopted81120clean_ed.pdf 

The Trusted Team.(2020, Dec).Updated list of nurse 

licensure changes by state in response to COVID-19. 

https://www.trustedhealth.com/blog/federal-governmentallows-states-to-loosen-license-requirements


Legislature Opening 2021 and Recent Press Conference 

Concerns 

January 6th, the Legislature officially opened for the 

2021 season. The Senate Session opening was led by Lt. 

Governor Zuckerman. The roll call was completed and 

then John H. Bloomer Jr. of Wallingford was elected and 

sworn in as Secretary of the Senate. 

Senator Rebeccca Balint was nominated and approved 

for Senate President pro tempore and sworn in. After 

thanking Lt. Gov. Zuckerman, Senator Balint addressed 

the senate, reminding them of why they were called to 

public service, noting all came from different walks of 

life. She encouraged a new sense of possible, working 

together, while being entrusted constituent stories and 

carrying those narratives with them. She shared how the 

entire country is weary of the pandemic, but the virus 

doesn’t care, and quoted her hero former Congresswoman 

Shirley Chisholm : 

“We must reject not only the stereotypes that others 

think of us, but the stereotypes that we hold of 

ourselves.” 

She encouraged senators to be “possibilists” whose 

power comes from the people, listening deeply, and 

reacting with courage and a moral compass. 

Senator Jane Kitchel nominated Senator Dick Mazza 

for committee on committees (3rd member) which was 

confirmed. Senate resolutions related to rules guiding 

the Senate and organization for the Senate and joint rules 

for 2021 were approved, including approval of remote 

attendance, rules during an emergency for Sen. President 

pro tempore Balint, and rules related to protections for 

senators from COVID-19 (which end after the emergency). 

The Governor was informed the Senate was organized. 

The Joint Assembly sent a message to the Governor and 

electronically approved to meet. Some of those sworn in 

included: 

Sen. White, Sen. Cummings, Sen. McCormack, Sen. 

Sears, Sen. Sirotkin, Sen. Pollina, Sen. Westman, Sen. 

Hooker, and Sen. Lyons as seen below. 

Lt. Governor Zuckerman shared that he was incredibly 

honored to have served and how he appreciates the 

integrity and democracy, reverence for norms and values 

held at core for what we do. He is sad to be going but 

knows values will be held dear and are an example to 

the rest of the country. Sen. President Ashe expressed 

honor and appreciation, remembrance of mentorship, and 

gratitude for what was taught, as well as for service. The 

Senate then adjourned until Jan 7. 

In the House, the Speaker opened Friday's Floor session 

with the listing of the names of House members who have 

passed and the terms they served. Representative Bernard 

Juskiewicz of Cambridge and Representative Steve Beyor 

of Highgate Springs, both having served from 2013-2018 

were two of the eight recognized with a moment of silence. 

Three bills were introduced to join the fifty introduced 

by number only yesterday and referred to the appropriate 

committee. 

Here is the link for pre-introduction of bills https:// 

legislature.vermont.gov/bill/released/2022 

Here is the link for bills introduced and assigned 

to committee: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/ 

introduced/2022 

In the House Committee on General, Housing and 

Military Affairs, testimony was taken from several 

witnesses on an update to Homelessness in Vermont with 

a statement that 'housing is health care.' Being homeless or 

housing insecure is a health risk in the best of times but 

in a pandemic it can be deadly. Many Vermont agencies 

worked together on behalf of tenants and landlords to keep 

Vermonters in secure housing. More work is needed to end 

homelessness, but progress is being made. 

That same day, Secretary of the Agency of Human 

Services Mike Smith led the COVID-19 press talk along 

with Health Commissioner Mark Levine, and Public 

Safety Commissioner Schirling as well as Secretary of 

Education French, sharing how older people are a priority 

for vaccination as those older than 65 are at much higher 

risk of death. While Vermont is 2nd in the nation in 

vaccinations, there have been 156 deaths and two days 

with new cases in the low 200 range, and a rate of 2.9%. 

At that time (Jan.8), 29 were hospitalized with eight in the 

ICU. There have been increasing cases but not markedly 

attributable to the impact of the holidays. Addison 

County’s higher rate was due to church services held. Ski 

resorts had led to nine cases, and small gatherings six 

cases, but it was too early to tell about the effect of New 

Year’s Eve. 

Your next opportunity is at the 

Vermont Veterans’ Home! 

We invite you to become part of our health-care team 

where we focus on resident-centered care fulfilling 

America’s promise to care for our country’s Veterans, 

their Spouses, and Gold Star Parents. Together we strive to 

create an environment that provides our residents with the 

dignity and respect that they so rightfully deserve. 

Nursing Employment Opportunities 

Licensed Nursing Assistant – Job Posting ID #170 

Licensed Practical Nurse – Job Posting ID #1964 

Registered Nurse I – Job Posting ID #172 

Registered Nurse II – Job Posting ID #176 

For more information, contact 

Patricia.Crossman@vermont.gov 

or peruse the following websites: 

Vermont Veterans’ Home website: 

https://vvh.vermont.gov/ 

State of Vermont careers website: 

https://humanresources.vermont.gov/careers 

The State of Vermont offers an excellent total compensation package. To apply, you must use the online job application 

at https://careers.vermont.gov. For questions related to your application, please contact the Department of Human 

Resources Recruitment Services at (800) 640-1657 (voice) or (800) 253-0191 (TTY/Relay Service. The State of Vermont is an 

Equal Opportunity Employer.


The expectation was that it will get worse, for we are 

not immune to havoc from the rest of the country. The new 

COVID strain has already been seen in more than five 

states, including some next door (such as NY), but not in 

Vermont yet. This should make us double our efforts to 

wear masks, avoid travel and maintain social distancing 

of six feet. The new virus strain will not necessarily make 

us sicker, and early results say the vaccine should work. 

There may be a higher load of virus in secretions that 

makes it more contagious, and a mutation on the virus 

spike. There are no new guidelines, recommendations 

are that we should just redouble efforts to follow current 

guidelines as we may encounter more people at risk and be 

more able to pick up the virus. 

Over 21,000 individuals have now been vaccinated. 

There were only 21 cases of anaphylaxis after two 

million vaccinations occurred, and reactions occured 

within 15 minutes. They are still learning how soon 

immunity develops after the vaccine. The question was 

raised regarding whether or not having students back in 

classrooms by April (as per Gov Scott) was realistic. Dr. 

Levine responded that he believes those in the school 

environment are taking this seriously. He noted there 

are still isolated cases, and they have done well for the 

first half of the school year; however, we must keep 

tracking data, and get the vaccine out quickly to priority 

populations. 

Sec. French shared it was done well and policy 

will be crafted based on conditions. We may be more 

comprehensive than many states. Students have been 

impacted. It is expected to return to normal by fall, 

but there is risk in waiting that long. He is optimistic, 

but policy will be predicated by analysis of conditions. 

Another question mentioned the lack of teachers all being 

vaccinated. Planning has been started, but is dependent 

on case, so we can allocate resources appropriately. To 

get the vaccine out, the state will be using personnel that 

are trained; hospitals, primary care physicians, national 

guard and more will play a part. People will not have to 

drive more than 15 minutes and it will be publicized with a 

registration system. Depending upon the brand of vaccine 

used, current vaccines can only be given to those age 16 or 

older, or age 18 or older, so vaccines are not an option for 

the majority of younger students. 

Another question was asked about President-elect Biden 

providing additional vaccine doses: can we handle the 

increased amount of doses? Dr. Levine responded, “I don’t 

know the details, but do know there will be more doses 

available.” He discussed the idea of not holding a dose for 

the 2nd dose needed: “I like the idea, but want to know 

there will be a 2nd dose available, rather than the England 

approach of just one dose and don’t know when the 2nd 

will come. We want to accelerate dosing but allow that 2nd 

dose to occur. 

The next question asked was concerning the busload 

of protesters from Washington DC; no one was wearing 

a mask, are they in quarantine? Dr. Levine remarked 

about the video gone viral, with no masks and high risk. 

He shared that communication went out to all on the 

bus recommending isolation and quarantine, and how 

he feels strongly about the quarantine issue. However, 

we don’t have regulatory power to enforce a quarantine 

but have been strong about education information and 

recommendation for getting a test. 

Commissioner Schirling also responded to the 

bus company question, noting they did follow current 

transportation guidance that allows buses to go out 

of state and how the bus company graciously relayed 

the announcement about the need for quarantine after 

returning. Secretary Smith responded to a corrections 

question that there were just a few staff found COVID 

positive, but no inmates. Staff or inmates 75 or over will 

be vaccinated soon. 

In phase 2, there will be 50 thousand vaccinated in VT 

and analysis will show when to move to the next band. 

We are not getting to zero before starting the next phase 

group. Sec.Smith shared that at the end of January, we will 

be starting phase 2. 

Dr. Levine discussed normal: Normal means not 

wearing masks. It means hugging, gathering with others, 

and not having to distance. Summer is not apt to be 

normal, but may allow for a lessening of restrictions. We 

have a ways to go. Normalcy may be achieved as soon as 

late summer or fall with vaccination, but there is no real 

date for that. 

The Vaccination Experience continued from page 1 

questionnaire, and are given informative papers, you 

will be sent to a vaccinator who will review your 

questionnaire with you, and locate you in the computer 

so they can administer the vaccine. Walk ins are not 

allowed. Getting the vaccine is quick, and many told me 

they did not even feel when I did it. After the shot you 

must go to the back and wait a minimum of 15 minutes 

before you can leave to ensure you have no reaction. 

During your wait, a person will schedule your second 

vaccine. 

Heather Simkins during a morning briefing to 

some vaccinators 

I have been very impressed with the positive 

professional attitude of the Department of Health and 

how they have coordinated with volunteers such as 

myself, a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer (nurse for 30 

years), EMS personnel and others to create a coordinated 

team. People remark upon leaving at how they had 

almost no wait time, the process was efficient, and how 

nice people were. I felt welcomed and felt that Heather 

vetted all volunteers and their proficiency well. Destiny 

reviewed the team at the end of the day for feedback on 

any suggested improvements. I appreciate that we live in 

a state where we can all pull together to keep each other 

safe, and am proud of the excellent job I see our state 

doing. In Vermont 189 have died. Get vaccinated to be 

sure that you are not responsible for the next death. 

Before you get your vaccine, you can create an 

account by going to https://vermont.force.com/events/s/ 

selfregistration to you time the day you are eligible to 

register. 

People can choose a nearby vaccination site 

when making their appointment. Go to https://www. 

healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19- 

vaccine or http://healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine https:// 

vermont.force.com/events/s/selfregistration or you 

can call 855-722-7878 to make an appointment. You 

will not be scheduled until your age group is eligible, 

but you can create your account, and can help bring 

those who are eligible to receive their vaccine. In 

addition, Walgreens has now joined Kinney Drugs as a 

participating pharmacy and is administering vaccine in 

20 locations. To make an appointment at Kinney Drugs 

https://kinneydrugs.com/pharmacy/covid-19/vaccinationscheduling/vt/ 

Walgreens, visit https://www.walgreens.com/ 

schedulevaccine


Loneliness and Social Isolation 

Cause Emotional Pain in the Elderly 

Karra Harrington and Martin J. Sliwinski 

** This article was published in The Conversation, a free on-line newsletter. “We 

believe in the free flow of information. Republish our articles for free, online 

or in print, under a Creative Commons license.” Read the newsletter at www. 

theconversation.com 

Maintaining high quality relationships may be a key for protecting brain health 

from the negative impacts of loneliness. The loneliness of social isolation can affect 

your brain. 

Physical pain is unpleasant, yet it’s vital for survival because it’s a warning that 

your body is in danger. Pain tells you to take your hand off a hot burner or to see a 

doctor about discomfort in your chest. Pain reminds us all that we need to take care 

of ourselves. 

Feeling lonely is the social equivalent to feeling physical pain. It even triggers the 

same pathways in the brain that are involved in processing emotional responses to 

physical pain. 

Just like feeling physical pain, feeling lonely and disconnected from others is also 

a signal that we need to take care of ourselves by seeking the safety and comfort of 

companionship. But what happens when we are unable to find companionship and 

the loneliness persists? 

As scholars at the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State, we study the impact 

of stress on the aging body and brain, including how it can worsen cognitive decline 

and risk for dementia. The social isolation older adults are experiencing now amid 

the coronavirus pandemic is raising new mental health risks, but there are things 

people can do to protect themselves. 

The health consequences of loneliness 

The COVID-19 pandemic has put many older adults’ social lives on hold, leaving 

them at greater risk for loneliness. They know they face a higher risk of developing 

severe symptoms from COVID-19, so many are staying home. Restaurant closures 

and limits on visitors to assisted living centers have made it harder to see family and 

friends. 

But even prior to the pandemic, public health experts were concerned about the 

prevalence and health impacts of loneliness in the U.S. Loneliness affects between 

19% and 43% of adults ages 60 and older, and many adults ages 50 and over are at 

risk of poor health from prolonged loneliness. 

Research has shown that prolonged loneliness is associated with increased risk for 

premature death, similar to smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity. Other health 

consequences are also associated with loneliness, including elevated risk for heart 

disease and stroke, and it is associated with increased physician visits and emergency 

room visits. 

Loneliness can affect brain health and mental sharpness 

Older adults who are socially isolated or feel lonely also tend to perform worse on 

tests of thinking abilities, especially when required to process information rapidly. 

Moreover, those who feel lonely show more rapid decline in performance on these 

same tests over several years of follow-up testing. 

IS YOUR NURSING ORGANIZATION 

PLANNING AN EDUCATION 

PROGRAM? 

CONSIDER APPLYING FOR CONTACT HOUR APPROVAL 

It is thought that loneliness may contribute to cognitive decline through multiple 

pathways, including physical inactivity, symptoms of depression, poor sleep and 

increased blood pressure and inflammation. 

Loneliness has also been found to increase the risk of developing dementia by 

as much as 20%. In fact, loneliness has an influence similar to other more wellestablished 

dementia risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, physical inactivity 

and hearing loss. 

Although the underlying neural mechanisms are not fully understood, loneliness 

has been linked with the two key brain changes that occur in Alzheimer’s disease: 

the buildup of beta-amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. Other indicators of 

psychological distress, such as repetitive negative thinking, have also be linked with 

the buildup of beta-amyloid and tau in the brain. Theories suggest that loneliness and 

other psychological stressors act to chronically trigger the biological stress response, 

which in turn appears to increase beta-amyloid and tau accumulation in the brain. 

How loneliness can contribute to disease 

The evidence suggests that prolonged feelings of loneliness are detrimental to 

health. So, how do those feelings get converted into disease? 

Feeling lonely and socially isolated can contribute to unhealthy behaviors such as 

getting too little exercise, drinking too much alcohol and smoking. 

Loneliness is also an important social stressor that can activate the body’s stress 

responses. When prolonged, that response can lead to increased inflammation and 

reduced immunity, particularly in older adults. Inflammation is the body’s response 

to fight off infection or heal an injury, but when it continues unchecked it can have 

a harmful impact on health. Stress hormones play an important role in making sure 

that inflammation doesn’t get out of control. But, under chronic stress, the body 

becomes less sensitive to the effects of the stress hormones, leading to increased 

inflammation and eventually disease. 

In healthy older people, loneliness is related to a stress hormone pattern similar 

to that of people who are under chronic stress. This altered pattern in the stress 

response explained why people who were lonelier had poorer attention, reasoning 

and memory ability. 

Social activity can buffer against the decline 

Maintaining high quality relationships may be a key for protecting brain health 

from the negative impacts of loneliness. 

Older adults who feel more satisfied in their relationships have a 23% lower risk 

of dementia, while those who feel their relationships are supportive have a 55% lower 

risk of dementia, compared to those who feel dissatisfied or unsupported in their 

relationships. 

Maintaining social activity also buffers against decline in thinking abilities, even 

for those who live alone or who have signs of beta-amyloid accumulation in their 

brain. One reason for these benefits to brain health is that maintaining strong social 

ties and cultivating satisfying relationships may help people to cope better with 

stress; people who feel better able to cope with difficulties or bounce back after a 

stressful event show less buildup of tau protein in their brains. 

This is good news because, with the importance of social distancing for 

controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, how people manage their feelings and 

relationships is likely more important for brain health than the fact that they are 

spending time physically apart. 

Strategies for coping with loneliness 

Loneliness is a common and normal human experience. An important first step is 

to recognize this and accept that what you are feeling is part of being human. 

Rather than focusing on what’s not possible at the moment, try to refocus your 

attention on what you can do to stay connected and make a plan to take action. This 

could include planning to reach out to friends or family, or trying new activities at 

home that you normally wouldn’t have time for, such as online classes or book clubs. 

During times of high stress, self-care is essential. Following recommendations to 

maintain regular exercise and sleep routines, healthy eating and continuing to engage 

in enjoyable activities will help to manage stress and maintain mental and physical 

health. 

Karra Harrington is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Clinical Psychologist, at 

Pennsylvania State University. 

Martin J. Sliwinski is the Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, 

Director of the Center for Healthy Aging, at Pennsylvania State University. 

ANA-Vermont New Members 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE ANA-Vermont OFFICE 

@ (802) 651-8886 

The Northeast Multi-State Division, (NE-MSD) is accredited as an approver of 

continuing education in nursing by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center’s 

Commission on Accreditation. 

Joan Legrow 

Tina Lewis 

Lisa Murphy 

Denise Hollister 

Lauria K. Patz 

Hilary Walter 

Emily Thomas 

Heather Carey 

Brandy Michelle 

Latimer 

Lauren Bierman 

Emily Erin Siegel 

Crystal Leboeuf 

Lisa Marie McCormack 

Colleen Hunkler 

Karen E Towle 

Cristina L Fredette



Membership Application 

$15 

$174 

$15 $174 

Nursing continues to be the most trusted 

profession as indicated in annual surveys. This 

attests to the collective contributions nurses make 

as they care for patients, families and communities. 

Efforts of individual nurses however deserve special 

recognition by colleagues, employers, patients, 

families and friends. There are many reasons 

to Honor a Nurse such as: to thank a mentor, to 

acknowledge excellent care given by a nurse to a 

patient, to celebrate a milestone such as a birthday 

or retirement, or to recognize a promotion. Just 

think for a moment, you will know a nurse to honor. 

Celebration: The honored nurses and the persons 

nominating them will be recognized at the ANA- 

Vermont Convention in 2021. The honored nurses 

each will receive a certificate identifying the person 

recognizing her/him as well as the reason for the 

honor. Submit nominations by: September 1, 2021. 

All contributions are tax deductible to the full 

extent allowed by law. ANA-Vermont Foundation 

is a 501(c)3 organization. Nominations this year are 

online. 

Please go here to nominate someone: 

https://www.nursingworld.org/foundation/ 

donate/honor-a-nurse/ 

Hospice Nurse 

Manager 

Come work for an agency that cares as much for you 

and your family as you care for your patients. 

Join our team to lead and develop our community based Hospice program! 

Our Hospice Nurse Manager will lead and develop palliative and end of life 

care initiatives through care coordination, staff development, regulatory 

compliance and quality improvement. Coordinates an interdisciplinary 

team to provide excellent care and comfort for hospice patients from 

admission to discharge. Our Hospice team provides a high level of 

independence and dignity to our hospice patients and their family members. 

■ Proven leadership and management experience is required. 

■ Experience in providing end of life care preferred. 

■ Registered Nurse – Bachelor of Nursing Degree. 

FCHHA offers a comprehensive, versatile and competitive benefit package. 

Apply online at www.FCHHA.org 

www.fchha.org 

REPRESENTING VERMONT NURSES 

Malpractice claims 

Vermont Board 

of Nursing 

Proceedings 

Nursing home 

negligence actions 

Nicole Andreson 

Attorney 

802-859-7049 

nandreson@dinse.com 

dinse.com

Leadership in the Time of Crisis 

Stephanie Abbu, DNP, RN, CNML 

Manager, Neonatal Services 

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt 

Reprinted with permission from Tennessee Nurse, 

November 2020 

A crisis situation can present itself in many forms and 

unfortunately, most often arise suddenly - without notice. 

No one pencils in crisis as a block on their daily planner 

yet once a crisis hits – it may feel like managing the crisis 

is the only thing on the calendar. Additionally crises last 

an unpredictable amount of time and could be as quick as 

a day or as long as years. A crisis may be a mass casualty 

incident, a labor strike, an active shooter or terrorist event, 

a natural disaster, an infectious disease, or a ‘never’ event 

with a patient resulting in an unanticipated death or 

disability. 

More than one of these crises could occur 

simultaneously. Currently the world is battling the novel 

coronavirus pandemic but that did not stop tornadoes from 

causing death and destruction across the state of Tennessee 

and several other states. Communities are currently trying 

to pick up the pieces and rebuild while implementing 

social distancing and battling an outbreak threatening to 

overwhelm the healthcare system. 

Crisis Response 

During a crisis, someone needs to control the chaos. 

Emotions are running high, with stress and fear potentially 

taking the lead. Effective leaders maintain a calm 

demeanor. When a crisis hits, there is no time for a leader 

who is frantic and disorganized. Leaders must retain selfcontrol 

and not fall into the grip of panic. Calm does not 

equal slow – it allows for clarity of focus and to work more 

effectively on problem-solving. During a crisis, leaders will 

not have unlimited time and resources and must make the 

best decision they can at the time. Perfection is not the aim 

and can paralyze leaders into thinking they need all of the 

information and data to develop a solution. 

Successful leaders must be skilled critical thinkers and 

communicators. Necessary skills include the ability to 

interpret, analyze, and explain situations. Nursing leaders 

should continually reevaluate and think critically as the 

event unfolds. Keeping patient and employee safety at the 

forefront of decisions, then clearly communicating those 

decisions to all involved. 

In times of crisis, it is essential to be collaborative 

and manage relationships with staff, leaders, and 

interdisciplinary teams. Effective leaders inspire others, 

give clear directions, and foster teamwork. Now is not 

the time to bark orders and alienate teammates. Instead, 

coordinate with other leaders, build bridges, and maintain 

partnerships. Reach out to mentors and/or leader colleagues 

for guidance. Maybe they have not battled this exact crisis 

but may have experiences they can lean on and share. Even 

if they do not have new advice – stay connected. Having the 

support of a peer to discuss concerns with, who shares those 

concerns and responsibilities, is crucial to navigate a crisis. 

Relationship Management 

Great leaders know that relationship management is key 

in a crisis and they think of the people impacted. They take 

the time to be visible, to be rounding on their teams, and 

to get in the trenches with staff. Support is critical during 

a crisis and leaders need to remember that staff will bring 

all of their stressors to the workplace – not just those around 

the crisis – other personal and professional stressors do not 

take a pause during a crisis. 

Be an authentic leader by demonstrating: 

Compassion – Be compassionate to others and to self. 

Have the courage to lead your team with your heart. 

Humility – Have the humility to admit when you are 

wrong or have made a mistake. Ask for forgiveness and take 

the steps necessary to correct. When successful, give credit 

to your team and share in those achievements. 

Integrity – Be honest and deeply committed to do 

the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the 

circumstances. Keep your word and follow through. 

Self-awareness – Know yourself and perform selfreflection 

on strengths and growth opportunities. Do not be 

afraid to be yourself and to openly share your values with 

others. 

Transparency – Be open and transparent in interactions 

which is key to building trust. Foster an environment of 

trust by sharing relevant information, giving and receiving 

feedback, communicating openly, and aligning your words 

and actions. 

Develop a crisis readiness plan 

Look at crisis situations as challenges and opportunities, 

not just problems or stressors. Innovative solutions 

developed during a crisis may be a permanent change to 

be adopted. Often a crisis is just the motivation needed 

to eliminate barriers to ideas that were unable to be 

implemented previously. When the crisis has passed, 

take time to debrief with the team. If an organization has 

resources for employee assistance, then set those up. Provide 

debrief sessions, encourage rounding on staff by counselors 

and provide a safe space to share and process emotions. 

Take advantage of staff being willing to share what went 

well and how that can assist with developing next steps for 

recovery and moving forward for the organization. 

Once the crisis has passed or in anticipation of a future 

crisis, develop a crisis readiness plan and conduct drills to 

better prepare staff and to test the plan. Use mock scenarios, 

including table-top exercises to drill and walk though crisis 

responses. A continual state of readiness and improvement 

are key to being prepared for not if but when a crisis will 

occur. 

Conclusion 

Tennessee nurses lead, every day, in a variety of 

challenging situations. Nurses lead as advocates, 

collaborators, and educators. They ensure quality, apply 

critical thinking, are adaptable, and assist with ethical 

decision-making. Nurses are passionate about their 

profession, compassionate for the patients and communities 

they serve, empathetic with their teams, and courageous 

enough to make the tough calls when needed. 

A crisis is not where great leaders are made – it is 

where great leaders are revealed. During this time of fear 

throughout our nation and the world, step up to be the best 

leader you can be to successfully guide patients, your team, 

and the community through this public health emergency. 

Know this crisis will pass and we will get through it 

together. 

References available upon request

Vermont Nurse Connection - February 2021

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?