Georgia Nursing - April 2021

“Nurses shaping 

the future of 

professional nursing 

for a healthier Georgia.” 

Since 1907 

The Official Publication of the Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF). 

Quarterly publication distributed to approximately 58,000 RNs in Georgia. 

Visit us online at www.georgianurses.org 

Brought to you by the Georgia Nurses Foundation 

(GNF) and the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA), whose 

dues-paying members make it possible to advocate for 

nurses and nursing at the state and federal level. 

Volume 81 • Number 2 • April, May, June 2021 

Georgia Nursing 

GNA PRESIDENT’S 

MESSAGE 

GNF PRESIDENT’S 

MESSAGE 

CEO CORNER 

What we’ve been 

up to 

Richard Lamphier, RN 

The deserved attention on 

Nursing during a public health 

emergency has brought 

additional opportunities to 

move the profession forward. 

Nursing hero headlines 

and hospital heroes’ signs 

garnered attention at the 

State Capitol, paving the way 

for GNA’s Legislative Platform 

for the 2021 Legislative 

Session to move forward. 

For example, the 2020 

Surgical Smoke Evacuation Study committee produced 

favorable legislation that would require smoke 

evacuation systems in the operating rooms. And 

legislative bills were introduced to remove barriers for 

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to practice at the 

full extent of their training and education. 

Furthermore, the current and worsening nursing 

shortage ushered the opportunity to garner a Safe 

Staffing Study Committee. Like the Surgical Smoke 

Study Committee, the Safe Staffing Study Committee 

will meet post legislative session to educate our 

lawmakers on evidence-based safe staffing practices 

that protect nurses and patients. 

Lastly, we partnered with other licensed professions 

to seek legislation to remove personal addresses from 

the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards 

website. 

Looking Forward to 

2021! 

Wanda Jones, MSN, FNP-BC, RN 

Winter is behind us, spring 

is before us, and COVID-19 

vaccines are being or have 

been given to a significant 

number of people in Georgia 

and America. The future is 

still uncertain, but we can all 

look forward to a brighter 

and better year than 2020. 

Nurses have stepped up to 

the plate and given a heroic 

effort in taking care of the 

public. I, for one, am eternally 

grateful for all the wonderful, caring, and dedicated 

nurses in Georgia. 

Since we are still not able to participate in person at 

large functions, the Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) 

will host a virtual golf fundraiser, “Tee Time ‘fore’ 

the Front Line!” from May 6th to the 12th. Everyone, 

grab your clubs, create a team of four and go to 

your favorite golf course to play a round of golf. This 

fundraiser will be a great opportunity to support GNF’s 

nursing scholarships. Visit georgianurses.org for more 

details on how to sign up or donate. 

In October 2021, GNA will host virtually its Bi- 

Annual Membership Assembly Meeting. CE’s will 

also be offered. More information will be coming 

on the GNA website concerning this conference and 

registration. 

Restricting Advance Practice 

Registered Nurses’ Ability 

to Treat Patients to the Full 

Extent of their Education 

and Training is Limiting 

Access to Care in Rural 

Georgia 

Matt Caseman, GNA CEO 

From my own experience 

when I go to see my doctor, 

the one healthcare provider 

I spend the most time with 

is the Advanced Practice 

Registered Nurse (APRN) or 

the Physician Assistant. Not 

the actual doctor. That may 

be out of the doctor’s control, 

I do not know. 

Georgia needs more 

healthcare providers in 

general, but the lack of 

primary care doctors in rural areas of the state 

is severe, and the situation is not getting better. 

According to a report on the Georgia Board of 

Healthcare Workforce website, eleven counties have no 

Family Physician, 63 counties have no Pediatrician, and 

75 counties have no OB/GYN. 

GNA President’s Message continued on page 2 GNF President’s Message continued on page 2 CEO Corner continued on page 2 

current resident or 

Non-Profit Org. 

U.S. Postage Paid 

Princeton, MN 

Permit No. 14 

2021 GN-PAC Fundraisers Timeline ......3 

Real Talk About Burnout. .............4 

2021: Honoring Nurses. ..............4 

I’ve Got You, Buddy... . ..............6 

Another CODE! Reasons for a Code 

Lavender. .......................7 

The Georgia Nursing Hall of Fame. ...... 10 

Financial Aid 101. ................... 10 

Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies: Get to know 

Georgia’s Certified Peer Specialists. ..... 11 

Ask a Nurse Attorney. ............... 12 

Membership 

Index 

Remembering Dr. Sandra Rayburn . ...8 

What Do I Get With My Membership. .. 15 

Adapting to GANS in a Virtual 

Environment...................... 9 

GNA Membership Application. ....... 15

Page 2 • Georgia Nursing April, May, June 2021 

GNA President’s Message continued from page 1 GNF President’s Message continued from page 1 

The predicted and anticipated post-pandemic selfcare 

demand has received much press. The Georgia 

Nurses Association (GNA) will continue to support 

Nurses through our Peer Assistance Program (GNA- 

PAP). We’ve asked Legislators to appropriate funds 

to provide education and awareness of GNA-PAP to 

healthcare systems and schools of nursing. 

In addition to our legislative work, we’ve worked 

tirelessly with the Department of Public Health to 

assist in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines and 

promote messaging on their behalf. Many of you 

have volunteered countless hours and administered 

hundreds of doses. 

We will continue to seek positive legislation for 

our profession. We will continue our quest to have 

laws passed to protect the public, provide access, 

and remove the inequities of healthcare. Inequities 

that were brought to the public’s attention during 

this Pandemic. As the most trusted profession for 19 

consecutive years, Nursing is able to advocate for our 

most vulnerable citizens and provide solutions. 

To continue our legislative presence, we need your 

help in growing the membership of GNA. Please ask a 

friend or colleague to join. Encourage the new nurses 

to join, or maybe sponsor their membership for their 

first year. 

We will continue to advocate for you, our 

profession, and the citizens of Georgia. We will 

continue to promote favorable legislation and oppose 

legislation that is detrimental to nursing and the 

citizens of Georgia. 

In Service to You, 

Richard Lamphier, RN 

President 

Georgia Nurses Association 

Sign-On Bonuses offered! 

DON positions available 

(DON offering paid employee health insurance) 

Always hiring for RNs, LPNs & CNAs 

At this year’s Membership Assembly, will be the 

inaugural cohort of GNF’s Georgia Nursing Hall of 

Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes exemplary 

nurses who have become legends for their dedication 

to nursing in the state of Georgia. There will be five 

to ten nurses selected to be inducted. Visit the GNA 

website for more details. The inductees will be honored 

at a virtual ceremony on Friday night during the 

Membership Assembly. 

For an update from Georgia Center for Nursing 

Excellence (GCNE), Patricia Horton, CEO, stated the 

following, “The Georgia Center for Nursing Excellence 

(GCNE) has received its articles of incorporation 

and is focused on making an impact on the nursing 

shortage, over the long-term. GCNE is establishing 

the infrastructure to listen, convene, and collaborate 

with stakeholders to develop and implement 

workforce strategies to improve the nursing shortage. 

A prominent GCNE strategy is creating collaborative 

partnerships with stakeholders to make sustainable 

progress in solving the nursing workforce challenges, 

so everyone benefits. GCNE supports new and existing 

nurse workforce initiatives and focuses on long-range 

strategic efforts to improve the nursing workforce 

pipeline.” 

GNF is certainly looking forward to a wonderful 

2021! We have many programs in the works along with 

fun and creative fund raisers. As a member of GNA, 

enjoy all the benefits offered to nurses in Georgia. 

CEO Corner continued from page 1 

Many avenues for attracting physicians to practice 

in rural areas are being used, such as tax breaks, 

student loan forgiveness, more flexible work schedules, 

signing bonuses, to name a few. However, nothing has 

managed to lure the numbers needed. 

Additionally, nine rural hospitals have closed since 

2008, further limiting health care options in our small 

communities. Hospitals, along with school systems, are 

often the largest employers in a little town and when 

one closes it has a devastating economic impact. Local 

businesses lose customers and close, doctors leave, and 

the community becomes economically depressed. 

One of the answers for improving rural healthcare 

is lifting the archaic restriction of costly physician 

oversight, called nurse protocol agreements, imposed 

on APRNs. These agreements make it financially 

difficult for them to establish their own practices in 

areas that would greatly benefit from the added access 

to healthcare providers by requiring a monthly payment 

of sometimes thousands of dollars for a doctor to 

validate their patient care. 

Having completed either a master’s or doctoral 

degree program and received credentials from national 

certifying boards including the American Nurses 

Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American 

Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), APRNs 

are highly trained registered nurses whose expertise 

is essential in assessing, diagnosing, and managing 

patient care. 

Around 14,000 APRNs are in the state of Georgia 

and allowing them to treat patients to the full extent of 

their education and training is long overdue. Not only 

would this improve access to care, but more economic 

and employment opportunities would open, especially 

in rural communities. 

It is often said that nurses are the backbone of 

health care, and for 19 years in a row they have been 

ranked by Gallup as the number one trusted profession. 

But Georgia is one of the most restrictive states in the 

nation for APRNs. 

Our citizens deserve better, and the Georgia Nurses 

Association is committed to working towards full 

practice authority for APRNs. 

References 

https://healthcareworkforce.georgia.gov/main-publicationsreports/data-publications/counties-without-pcps 

GEORGIA 

NURSING 

Volume 81 • Number 2 

Managing Editor: Charlotte Báez-Díaz 

GEORGIA NURSES FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

Wanda Jones, President 

Elizabeth “Beth” Bolton-Harris, Vice President 

Alicia Motley, Secretary 

Shawn Little, Treasurer 

Catherine Futch, Immediate Past President 

Georgia W. Barkers, Member 

Mary Gullatte, Member 

Dina M. Hewett, Member 

Gerald Hobbs, Member 

Richard Lamphier, Member 

Sherry Sims, Member 

Matt Caseman, Ex-Officio Member 

GEORGIA NURSES ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

OFFICERS: 

Richard Lamphier, President 

Dina M. Hewett, President-Elect 

Barbara Austin, Secretary 

Rachel E. Myers, Treasurer 

DIRECTORS 

Phyllis Wright, Director Leadership Development 

Paula Tucker, Director Membership Development 

Erica Mills, Director Legislation/Public Policy 

Linda Morrow, Director Staff Nurse 

Joy King-Mark, Director Nursing Practice & Advocacy 

Molly Bachtel, 

Director Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 

ADMINISTRATION 

Matt Caseman, CEO 

Tim Davis, Senior Director of Membership and 

Government Affairs 

Charlotte Báez-Díaz, Communications Manager 

Monica R. Dennis, Administrative Assistant 

W. L. Clifton Political Consulting, GNA Lobbyist 

For advertising rates and information, please contact 

Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., PO Box 216, Cedar 

Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081. GNF and the Arthur 

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

any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising is 

limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of 

advertisement. 

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or 

approval by the Georgia Nurses Foundation 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. GNF 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 GNF or those of the 

national or local associations. 

Georgia Nursing is published quarterly every January, April, 

July and October for the Georgia Nurses Foundation, a 

constituent member of the American Nurses Association. 

GNA/GNF 

3032 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30329 

www.georgianurses.org, gna@georgianurses.org 

(404) 325-5536 

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• Benefit package available for full-employees 

www.beaconhealthmanagement.com 

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Georgia Nurses Association

April, May, June 2021 Georgia Nursing • Page 3 

2021 GN-PAC Fundraisers Timeline 

Month 

April 13th, 2021 @ 

7:00pm 

Registration Deadline: 

4/6/2021 

Price: $50 

MAY – 25th @ 6:00pm 



Price: $40 

Event/Task 

Event 1: Virtual Candle Making 

Event Description: Take part in this event that will 

educate you in the art of scented candle making. 

Produce your own Scented candles in the comfort of 

your home! Registration includes the full kit below 

to be sent via mail to participants in advance of the 

event. 

• 1 Mini Pouring Pot (1.5 lb capacity) 

• 3 (1 oz) Fragrance Oils 

• 1 (1 lb) bag of Scentfuls soy wax 

• 3 Candle Wicks 

• 3 Scentfuls Wax Caution Labels 

• 1 Smooth Sided Jelly Jars with a black lid 

• 1 Tin Can with matching lid 

• 1 Clamshell Candle Melt 

• 2 Glue Dots 

• 2 Wick Bars 

• Detailed Instruction Sheet 

• ****This kit should yield approximately 2 -3 

candles and a clamshell melt. 

https://scentfuls.com/ 

Event 2: Virtual Cooking/BBQ Class 

Event Description: Register for an hour long 

interactive “cook with me” healthy dinner cooking 

party led by licensed and registered dietician Dhana 

Blissett. Dhana has selected two quick and easy 

delicious plant-based recipes, ideal for the health 

-conscious professional on the go. There will be an 

educational component to include: nutrition facts, 

making your own seasonings along with meal 

prepping and batch cooking ideas. Once your meal 

is prepared, there will be a special bonus beverage 

recipe shared with participants. Registrants will be 

permitted to ask dietary related questions freely. 

This virtual session will be recorded for registrants 

who are not able to join at the time of the live 

demonstration. All ingredients will be purchased by 

participants and should be prepped in advance by 

the registrant. 

JUNE 29th, 2020 @ 

7:00pm 



Price: $75 (purchase 

includes 1 raffle ticket in 

the Georgia Mountain 

Winery Getaway 

Drawing) 

Price $25 or 5 tix for 

$100 

Deadline to Purchase: 

May 6th 

Drawing: May 7th 

SEPTEMBER Raffle - $25 

or 5 tickets for $100 

Deadline to Purchase: 

June 28th 

Drawing: June 29th 

Event 3: Virtual Wine Tasting 

Event Description: Facilitated by Samara Kaufman, 

Certified Sommelier, and owner of Cinagro 

Wine Experience, about how to taste wine like a 

sommelier! Learn about the 7 S’s of wine tasting, 

how to pair wine with food and discuss seasonal 

wine trends. Throughout the virtual tasting, be 

delighted by the classical and jazz guitar stylings 

of Nicolas Deuson. Information regarding the 

purchase of wines for the tasting (optional) will be 

communicated post registration. 

Raffle Drawing 1: 2 Nights at Hampton Inn & Suites 

on Jekyll Island 

Prize Description: The winner of the drawing 

will receive a complementary 2-night stay at the 

Hampton Inn & Suites on Jekyll Island to be booked 

at the winner’s discretion (4th of July weekend 

blackout) 

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bswjihx-hamptonsuites-jekyll-island/?SEO_id=BING-HX-BSWJIHX&y_ 

source=1_MjA4Mjg4Ni00ODMtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vi 

c2l0ZQ%3D%3D 

Raffle Drawing 2: Georgia Mountain Winery 

Getaway 

Prize Description: The winner of the drawing will 

receive a complementary 2-nights at the “Cavender 

Creek Vineyards and Winery” in Dahlonega, Ga. 

located in the North Georgia Mountains to be 

booked at the winner’s discretion (subject to 

availability) AND a VIP personalized wine tasting and 

vineyard tour experience. 

www.cavendarcreekvineyards.com 

Follow GN-PAC on Instagram and Twitter @ganursespac

heeree! 

Apppply ! 


Real Talk About Burnout 

2021: Honoring Nurses 

Bree Becker, MSN, NP-C, RNC-MNN 

bbecker@wematchwell.com 

Recently I was putting my 

son to bed. We read one of 

my favorite children's books, 

The Giving Tree by Shel 

Silverstein. Despite reading 

this story many times, I was 

struck by the visceral sadness 

of the tale. It’s a children's 

story with a simple plot. 

A boy is climbing a tree 

(personified as a woman), 

and he happily swings from 

her branches, devouring her apples and enjoying all 

the comfort the tree provides. Readers follow the boy 

on his journey through adolescents, adulthood, and 

then as a tired elderly man. Throughout his life, the 

boy takes, and the tree gives. Whatever his needs are 

at each stage of his life, the tree is happy to provide 

a piece of herself to help. She gives her branches for 

shade, then her wood to help build a house. Finally, 

with her resources depleted, she dwindles to a stump. 

And even then, she manages to provide a place for the 

boy, who is now an elderly man, to sit. 

I realized the tree's exhausted state represents how 

many nurses feel. For us, The Giving Tree is an all 

too familiar story. The depleted tree personifies the 

To access electronic copies of the 

Georgia Nursing, please visit 

http://www.NursingALD.com/publications 

Apppply now! 

exhaustion and burnout most of us are experiencing 

today. I receive daily articles that reference burnout 

and company ads that offer a solution specifically for 

me. But at the end of the day, the responsibility of 

executing the proposed solution falls back on me. 

"Here is something else for you to do to help you 

with your burnout." Burnout was identified as an issue 

decades ago, and is only getting worse. Despite public 

awareness, nurses are still being asked to do more 

with less. The pandemic highlighted nurses struggle 

with the mental and physical toll of the job. Instead 

of offering a cliche intervention for burnout, I want to 

have a real conversation. Let’s ask hard questions. Let’s 

stop pretending we know how to fix a problem that’s 

plagued us for decades. 

My personal problem with many of the resources 

designed to address burnout is that it creates more 

work for me. Now don’t get me wrong, I like learning 

about yoga and I actually believe things like exercise 

and diet have a positive effect on your mental health. 

But the reason I feel exhausted as a nurse is not 

because I don’t exercise or eat healthy. I have always 

adopted a healthy lifestyle even before I was a nurse. 

I do think that my healthy lifestyle allowed me to push 

myself physically and mentally as a nurse. The long 

hours, constant stress, and erratic schedule didn’t catch 

up with me for a decade. But I eventually burned out. 

And no amount of green smoothies or yoga could cure 

me. I found myself becoming overly cynical, feeling like 

I was not making an impact, and dreading work. 

Burnout is the symptom of a larger disease: it’s the 

result of poor processes within institutions and the 

larger healthcare system overall. Nurses experienced 

burnout long before this pandemic. The pandemic 

has only cast a light on an ugly truth most of us have 

been aware of for a long time. If burnout is not the 

healthcare worker’s problem alone to solve, who is 

responsible for solving it? 

Here are real problems, I don’t have the answers. 

But I know we are too fragile to continue this way. 

Last year, I was clueless about the horror the world 

was about to experience due to COVID. While I knew 

our medical system was broken and that healthcare 

workers were being stretched beyond capacity, I didn’t 

realize what a pandemic would do to our profession. I 

didn’t realize how vulnerable we are. The future is now. 

The what-ifs and maybes are reality. We can’t afford to 

hobble along anymore. We have to be willing to talk 

about the real issues and the first step is asking hard 

questions. 

I know I can’t fix this today and I know I can’t fix this 

alone. To me, it’s a fight worth fighting. And maybe, 

by the time I retire, nurses won’t suffer the way I’ve 

seen my peers suffer over the last decade. And maybe, 

unlike The Giving Tree, nurses won’t give until we 

are depleted and we will be empowered to care for 

ourselves the way we care for others. 

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Erica Mills, PhD, RN, NPD-BC 

Director of Legislation and Public Policy 

Committee, GNA Board of Directors, GN-PAC 

Board of Directors 

Nurses really showed up 

in record numbers in 2019. 

Your many contributions led 

to increased visibility from 

the community and other 

professionals inside and 

outside of healthcare. In the 

years past there have been 

celebrations of nurses across 

the world for a week in May. 

This week also recognizes 

the modern day founder 

Florence Nightingale’s 

birthday. Except for last year in 2020, The World Health 

Organization (WHO) designated it “The year of the 

nurse and midwife,” according to the American Nurses 

Association (ANA, N.D.). Instead of one week, nurses 

were celebrated for the entire month of May. 2020 

was also the commemoration of Florence Nightingale’s 

200th birthday. As tens of thousands of deaths have 

been recorded in Georgia, hundreds of thousands 

more have been diagnosed and affected by the novel 

COVID-19 virus. That leaves one to imagine that nearly 

everyone knows someone who has been impacted by 

this incredibly contagious virus. 

It is now more apparent than ever that nurses are 

poised and positioned to assist to the best of their 

ability by practicing at the top of their scope. The 

Georgia Nurses Association remains the voice of the 

Georgia nurse, rallying nurses across the state to 

participate in advocacy, to act as change agents and 

use their sphere of influence to combat misinformation 

and distrust in the healthcare system. Many conspiracy 

theories plague the topic of COVID-19 virus and 

vaccinations. Using the latest information available 

by trusted sources is the best thing to do as nurses 

emerge as trusted educators and leaders in the 

community. It will take a collective voice and message 

to change the trajectory of this deadly virus. The 

2021 Georgia General Assembly pressed on although 

there were safeguards needed and in place to keep 

legislators safe from COVID-19 and incivility. The GNA 

priorities – surgical smoke evacuation, scope of practice 

expansion, safe staffing, and removal of nurses’ public 

home addresses – are being addressed under the Gold 

Dome. 

For many healthcare facilities Nurses Week may look 

a little different. However, the same sentiments echo 

across the state that this is a time to honor nurses. 

The contributions that nurses make are indescribable 

and never cease to amaze the patients, their families 

and other healthcare cohorts. Thank you all for all that 

you give, all that you do and all that you are. Nursing 

is a work of heart. It shows in the selflessness and 

compassion that remains at the core of such a caring 

profession. We impress upon you to take care of 

yourself since you cannot pour from an empty cup. 

Find something fun, something relaxing and something 

rewarding to do to celebrate the week that is ode to 

you!! Though we set aside a week to celebrate nurses, 

our encouragement and our gratitude extends far 

beyond seven days. 

Happy Nurses Week (May 6-May 12)! 

Reference: 

American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Practice & Advocacy. 

Retrieved on February 10, 2021 from https://www. 

nursingworld.org/ana/ 

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I’ve Got You, Buddy… 

Beverly Llorente, BSN, RN, PCCN, RN-BC 

beverlylupisan@gmail.com 

Talking, they said, is good for the soul. But what 

happens when you cannot talk and just have enough 

strength to cry? What do you do when you’ve given your 

all and they still ask for more? Who do you ask for help 

when everyone else beside you are also asking for it? 

Why does it feel like the shift is not going to end at all? 

You know, that gnawing feeling that the worst is yet to 

come… 

I know for sure, that these are some of what you’re 

going through right now. I want you to remember that 

YOU are not alone in this battle. I am with you, my sister, 

my brother. If you need to cry, then do so. It is much 

easier when you do it in the shower, you won’t feel the tears rolling down, our 

reality doesn’t hurt as much. 

Nursing used to be so simple, you think about the science and the logistics of it 

and you follow it to a T. But what happened, why is it so arduous now? What do 

I do now, do I leave, do I stay and endure? As for me, I don’t know what else to 

do, Nursing is in my blood, my being. Looking back, I would like to believe that I 

have made the right decision being a Nurse. I know it’s going to get worse given 

that we’re living in the Covid era right now but I’m asking each and everyone of my 

comrades, we can make it beyond that line of survival, be it life literally, or surviving 

the emotional and mental trauma of where we are right now. It feels like our 

patients are getting more difficult to take care of, the asking for it all, seemingly 

endless, but at the end of the day, we are all SURVIVORS. At the end of your shift, 

tell yourself, you can do it one more day, and at the end of the next day, say the 

same thing again, and again, and again…you have to! 

Prayers and optimism, more than anything else, are what we need when we go 

to work. Saying grace for yourself, your co-workers and your patients will go a long 

way, I’m saying this from personal experience. Even when you’re at your wit’s end, 

please be kind around you. For all you know, you saying, “I’ve got you, Buddy…” 

can save and empower a waning soul. Just like right now, as you are reading this, 

“I’ve got you, Buddy, I’ve got you…” 

AMAZING 

REMARKABLE 

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Our Staff Make the Difference! 

Opportunities for dialysis nurses in 

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Email resume to Brittany Winter 

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Distinguished and longstanding 

GNA Member Dr. Mary Gullatte, 

first ONS African American 

President, shares insight in honor 

of Black History Month 

The Oncology Nursing Society recently published an 

article on distinguished and longstanding GNA Member 

Dr. Mary Gullatte, its first African American President, and 

her insight in honor of Black History Month. 

“Many times, I thought about being the only African 

American in the room or at the table, but it never stopped 

me from seeking opportunities and growth experience 

in all areas of nursing: practice, academia, and research” 

expressed Dr. Gullatte. 

Read Dr. Gullatte’s story and 40-year career insight at 

https://voice.ons.org/news-and-views/onss-first-africanamerican-president-shares-insights-and-advice-in-honorof-black?ref=HP 

Mary Magee Gullatte, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, AOCN, LSSYB, FAAN is presently 

the Corporate Director of Nursing Evidence Based Practice and Research at EMORY 

Healthcare. Her leadership in nursing spans over 40 years with extensive experience 

in oncology nursing and Administration. As a Nurse Practitioner, her focus is on 

Primary care of the adult population. She served seven years as Vice President of 

Patient Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Emory University Hospital-Midtown, 

Atlanta, Georgia. Mary also served for over 25 years as the Director of Oncology 

Nursing Services at Emory Healthcare and Winship Cancer Institute. Mary is 

the past president of the National Oncology Nursing Society from 2012-2014 

(nearly 40,000 members). She is also Adjunct Faculty at the Emory University Nell 

Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. She has presented at numerous national 

and international conferences, as invited speaker, representing six of the seven 

continents: including, invited speaker in West Africa; Prague, Czech Republic, 

Germany, Norway, Australia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Brazil, Amsterdam, 

Turkey, Oman-UAE, Thailand, China and most recently New Zealand. 

Dr. Gullatte has contributed extensively to the body of published professional 

literature through articles and textbooks. Her recent book, 21st Century Nursing 

Leadership was awarded Book of the Year in 2018 by the American Journal of 

Nursing. Gullatte is the lead editor of Chemotherapy Handbook currently in Press in 

4th edition will be published in the Spring of 2020 by the Oncology Nursing Society. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Gullatte has received awards from the Oncology Nursing 

Society, the Georgia Nurses Association, Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, the Greater 

Atlanta Affiliate of Susan G. Komen and a continuous community service award 

from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Dr. Gullatte was inducted as a Fellow [FAAN] into 

the American Academy of Nursing in 2010 and was elected to the Academy Board 

of Directors in October 2018 & 2020. She was honored as the Georgia March of 

Dimes Nurse of the Year for 2013 in the Administration category and the 2020 

Distinguished Nurse of the Year. She serves on several professional and healthcare 

boards including The Joint Commission Nursing Advisory Board-2012-2019. She 

considers among her greatest accomplishments, her family: being wife, mother and 

Nana (grandmother); big sister and aunt. She enjoys mentoring, empowering and 

inspiring future generations to aspire to and achieve greatness beyond what they 

currently imagine- To believe they can FLY!


Another CODE! 

Reasons for a Code Lavender 

Renee Brand, BSN, PCCN, RN, renee_brand@yahoo.com 

Why am I crying? My patient survived. Everyone on the 

code team sang the nurses’ praises for catching the early 

decline of my patient who suddenly struggled to breathe, 

turned extremely pale followed by the cascading occurrence 

of plummeting blood pressures and irregular pulses. The 

code team responded quickly, and my patient had a return 

of spontaneous circulation within ten minutes. So why did it 

hit me so hard? An overwhelming wave of fatigue, guilt and 

feeling unprepared engulfed me all at once. My patient load 

was heavy and despite support from other nurses I could not 

catch up. Someone told me my patient was not ‘feeling good’ 

but I did not have a chance to assess what that meant. I was of 

no help in the code because I was immobilized by the fact that 

it was my first emergency. I know how lonely and emotionally draining such an experience 

can be; the unexpected feelings which take you to an uncomfortable place throughout 

a shift filled with stressors. Such an experience is not an isolated incident, there are 

numerous stressful events of varying degrees which is the reason I was excited to learn 

about Code Lavender and the emotional healing it provides. 

What is Code Lavender? Is it a true code? Well, yes and no. In 2004, Dr. Earl Bakken, 

a physician and board chairman of the North Hawaii Community hospital, Waimea, 

coined the term ‘Code Lavender’ in response to his staff’s need for holistic, mind, body, 

and soul care; as well as the fact that the lavender plant is known for its calming and 

anxiety reducing effect (Tsai, 2017). The concept was brought to light nationally in 2008 

by the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic spearheaded by Dr. Brenda Duffy in an effort to 

help alleviate emotional distress associated with stressors and provide emotional support 

for the health team. These groundbreaking innovative leaders saw emotional distress 

as a true emergency similar to that of any code. A Code Lavender is not associated or 

identified as a true urgent medical matter like a code blue is, however, a Code Lavender 

is equally as urgent (Tsai, 2017). Since its inception several health systems have weaved 

it into the fabric of their organization and have cited positive feedback and experiences 

from its use. One facility implementing Code Lavender in response to the COVID 19 

pandemic and its effect on the stress and morale level of the staff in addition to the 

needs of the patient population is Piedmont Atlanta Hospital through the work of its 

visionary Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services, Kelly Hulsey. 

Many other organizations nationwide are starting to see its value and hop on board. 

The literature showed that 100% of health workers who utilized a Code Lavender found 

it extremely supportive and met their expectations and 84% would recommend it to 

their coworkers and peers (Davidson et al., 2017). 

So, what is a Code Lavender? It is a holistic, emotional support, rapid response 

effort for a member of the health team experiencing a stressor. A code is called 

the same way any other code is, with a request placed by any team member on 

behalf of the individual experiencing a difficult time. Once a request is made, a 

member of the Code Lavender team, such as a Chaplain, a member from the 

employee assistance program (EAP) or a holistic nurse will respond within a set time, 

typically 30 minutes of the call. The response team provides 15 to 20 minutes of 

debriefing and respite with the team member during which stress relief tools such 

as meditation, prayer, breathing exercises, music therapy, calming sounds, anxiety 

reducing scents, creative visualization and snacks are used to enhance emotional 

support and therapy. Post the debriefing session the response team follows up with 

the team member to assess the need for additional emotional support (Tsai, 2017). 

As health practitioners we require some form of emotional support, kindness 

and compassion to alleviate the unexpressed emotions, feelings and thoughts 

associated with some of the hardest days faced on the job. Code Lavender provides 

the emotional cushion our team members need to make it through a shift, to feel 

supported and connected, to build strong work bonds, organizational ties, retain 

qualified staff and to achieve optimal team performance and employee engagement. 

Code Lavender embodies the sentiment of the author Steve Maraboli when he said, 

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal” (Maraboli, 2009). 

References 

Davidson, J. E., Graham, P., Montross-Thomas, L., Norcross, W., & Zerbi, G. (2017). Code 

Lavender: Cultivating Intentional Acts of Kindness in Response to Stressful Work 

Situations. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 13(3), 181–185. https://doi-org. 

proxy1.ncu.edu/10.1016/j.explore.2017.02.005 

Maraboli, S. (2009). Life, the truth and being free. Http://www.goodreads.com › book › show 

› 9817952-life... 

Tsai, S. (2017). Code lavender: Healthcare providers caring for themselves. Http://www. 

hospitalrecruiting.com › blog › 3983 › code...


Remembering Dr. Sandra Rayburn 

As a registered nurse who has worked with other nurses for a great many 

years, I can genuinely say I have witnessed the love, support, and kindness that 

nurses extended to others. These qualities are not only evidenced in the nursing 

professional role but also in communities where nurses live and thrive. I was asked 

to write about a colleague and friend who lived her life (nursing and personal) by 

giving to others. When I think of Sandra K. Rayburn and her contributions to 

women’s health, Georgia, and the nursing profession, I am so very grateful to have 

known her. 

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Sandra was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia. After completing her 

prerequisite coursework at Armstrong Junior College, she entered Georgia Baptist 

Hospital School of Nursing. Even as a student, Sandra developed her leadership 

qualities, serving as senior president of organizations and graduating with high 

honors. Her initial nursing appointment was working as night Charge Nurse in labor 

and delivery at Georgia Baptist Hospital but her later appointments would span 

the state. She held several management and staff positions, including the Health 

Coordinator for Pickens County Headstart in Jasper, Georgia, Clinic Nurse at Planned 

Parenthood, and Relief Supervisor at the Florence Crittenton Maternity Home. 

By 1976, she completed her Bachelor of Science in nursing and later her Master 

of Science in nursing (1978); both from Georgia State University. She moved into 

academic appointments at the Brenau College Hall School of Nursing (Brenau 

University) and Georgia State University but eventually returned to clinical areas 

serving in Women’s Health Director positions for North Fulton (now part of Wellstar 

Healthcare) and later Gwinnett Medical (now part of the Northside Hospital 

System). After earning her Ph.D. from Georgia State University in Higher Education 

Administration, she settled for the next 18 years as a faculty member at her alma 

mater, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. At the time, Sandra said she came 

back to teach at Georgia Baptist because she “wanted to be involved in creating 

something new.” 

As the College moved from a diploma program to a Bachelor of Science in 

nursing program, Sandra was instrumental in collaboratively creating and developing 

a new BSN program of study that would prepare excellent registered nurses for 

entry level practice. She developed courses, assisted with writing reports, worked 

with students through clinical rotations, and held an unwavering commitment to 

high standards. With a passion for teaching women’s health, she was described 

by students as encouraging, nurturing, knowledgeable, and compassionate. She 

inspired students and graduates to achieve their goals, … and then she encouraged 

them to set higher goals. 

She served as a member of the medical team within the American International 

Health Care Alliance program, which provided support to nursing faculty and 

students at The Medical University of I. P. Pavlov in St. Petersburg, Russia. She 

remained a long-standing member of many organizations, including but not limited 

to: American Nurses Association; Georgia Nurses Association (GNA); the Association 

of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses; Georgia Perinatal Association; 

and Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI). She was the founding President of the Pi 

Gamma Chapter for STTI. She served in multiple positions for GNA and District 5 

including, First Vice President (1992-1994), Delegate at GNA Annual Meetings, and 

a member of multiple committees. She retired from her academic appointment in 

2009 but taught or volunteered in other areas of academic clinical and classroom 

settings, and always remained active on the Georgia Baptist Alumni Board. She later 

served as the Georgia Board of Education Nursing Consultant, a position she would 

hold twice during 2014 through 2017. 

I am convinced Dr. Sandra Rayburn will remain in the hearts and minds of many. 

She gave us all a gift and even in her passing, she continues to give through her 

donation to the Georgia Nurses Foundation. If we believe that “to teach is to live 

forever,” then Sandra’s ‘teachings’ will live through others for many years to come! 

Linda A. Streit, Ph.D., RN 

Dean and Professor 

Mercer University 

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing 

We are truly thankful to Dr. Rayburn for her contribution to the nursing 

profession. And we thank Dr. Streit for volunteering to write these honorable and 

encouraging words. Thank you! 

-The Georgia Nurses Association, Georgia Nurses Foundation 

http://careers.kindredathome.com


Adapting to GANS in a Virtual Environment 

Ben Prevost, President, Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS) 

Ghadeer Arman, 1st Vice President, GANS 

Brooke Taylor, Secretary, GANS 

At the Georgia Association of Nursing Students, the 

COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges in 

navigating through a virtual environment. Despite the 

opposition of adapting to virtual, the challenges have 

not completely outweighed the benefits. In this new 

environment, the readiness of our board to adapt to 

the challenge of meeting, collaborating, and planning a 

convention has been overwhelmingly successful. 

Starting out on the board this year, we were extremely 

concerned about involvement due to the pandemic. As 

the 2020 convention grew closer, the anticipation about 

the challenges of electing a new board lingered. However, 

the turnout to the 2020 virtual convention exceeded our 

expectations, and the executive board positions were filled 

immediately. We still do not have a completed board, 

but our present board members have been extremely 

supportive in stepping up to fill the vacant roles and take 

on more responsibilities as challenges continue to arise 

throughout our term. Our advisors have also stepped 

up in a massive way to guide us in making sure our 

responsibilities are done in a timely and efficient manner. 

The board has been willing to step into roles that they had 

not previously fulfilled, maintain flexibility in meeting in a 

virtual format, and work together in a professional manner 

with people they had never met in person before. 

The success of this board has also been attributed to 

the willingness of the Georgia Nurses Association to open up their office space to 

use when we have met in person and their overall support of our organization. We 

Foundations Recovery Network/Black Bear Lodge is the premier provider of integrated treatment for cooccurring 

addiction and mental health concerns, offering residential and outpatient services. Located 

in the serene forest foothills of Northern Georgia, Black Bear Lodge is a 115-bed place of solace and 

healing for those individuals suffering from addiction and mental health issues. We are a residential 

treatment center offering a comprehensive, integrated program that addresses the needs of the whole 

person-mind, body, and spirit. Our system of care is personalized, evidence-based, and researchproven. 

Patients can self-reflect and find strength for life change amid the beauty of the expansive sky 

and the natural tranquility that characterizes our location. 

as a board have met twice in person, socially-distanced 

and COVID-safe, to try and become more comfortable 

with each other as a team. This has been vital to our 

success in being able to put a name with a face and finally 

be able to get to know one another outside of a virtual 

screen. 

With all of the success of this board, there still continues 

to be challenges and struggles with every step of the 

convention planning process. For the 2021 convention, 

we have planned to make it in person, however the 

unknown future of the pandemic has made this a looming 

question. We have struggled with timing of convention, 

the contracting process with the venue, and the budgeting 

and sponsorships with convention. Even through all of these challenges, we as a 

board have risen to the occasion and created a successful working environment built 

on efficiency, trust, and mutual respect that has propelled us to have a successful 

2021 convention. 

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Financial Aid 101 

Submitted by Valerie Edwards, Mutual of Omaha 

Valerie.Edwards@mutualofomaha.com 

678-672- 0301 

The Georgia Nursing Hall of Fame recognizes exemplary nurses who have 

become legends for their dedication to nursing in the state of Georgia. 

“As GNF President, I am so happy to see the Georgia Nursing Hall of Fame 

come to fruition,” stated Georgia Nurses Foundation President Wanda Jones, BSN, 

RN, MSN, FNP-BC. “We have been planning this program for over two years to 

honor and showcase the many nursing legends in Georgia. Due to the pandemic, 

we decided not to hold this event in 2020. We are so looking forward to our 

inaugural event in October 2021.” 

The inaugural cohort will be honored at the 2021 GNA Membership Assembly in 

October. 

Criteria for Nominees 

• A minimum of 15 years of nursing experience (i.e., bedside, leadership, or 

academia). 

• Describe how the nominee made a positive impact on nursing and healthcare 

in the state of Georgia, nationally and/or internationally. 

• Describe how the nominee has been instrumental in the improvements of his/ 

her community (i.e., hospital, academia, society). 

• Give examples of the nominee’s involvement in civic and/or philanthropic 

activities. 

• Describe how the nominee has elevated the status of a nurse within the state 

of Georgia. 

• Explain why you believe this person should be inducted into the Georgia 

Nursing Hall of Fame. 

Nominations for the inaugural cohort may be submitted for free until May 14, 

2021 to gnf@georgianurses.org, subject line “Hall of Fame Nominee.” A $25.00 

submission fee will be required for nominations submitted between May 15 and 

May 31, 2021. 

This is a brand-new program, so we anticipate receiving questions or inquiries. If 

you have any, please contact us at gnf@georgianurses.org. 

Do you know a Georgia registered nurse whose character and track record you 

believe meets the criteria of the Georgia Nursing Hall of Fame? Nominate that 

nurse today! 

About the Georgia Nurses Foundation 

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

the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA). GNF supports GNA and its work to foster the 

welfare and well-being of nurses, and promote and advance the nursing profession, 

thereby enhancing the health of the public. 

HIRING 

RNs & LPNs 

Join the Crisp Regional Team! 

With many colleges requesting an enrollment deposit 

on May 1, April is peak financial aid season. For those 

going through the process the first time, the experience 

can be a stressful one. Between forms and deadlines, 

families often feel overwhelmed. 

If that sounds a bit like you, take heart. Here are some 

answers to your basic financial aid questions. 

What is financial aid? 

Financial aid is a resource used to pay for education. It 

can come in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and 

on-campus employment. In some cases, financial aid is 

granted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

exists after other options. 

What kinds of financial aid are 

available? 

> Gift aid – In short, this is free 

money. It can come in the form of a grant, 

scholarship or endowment and does not 

require repayment. Sources can vary from 

government to institutions to outside 

organizations, and it can be either merit or 

needs-based. 

> Self-help – In many instances, these 

are loans. The main federal loan programs 

are the Direct Student Loans, Direct 

PLUS Loans and Perkins Loans. These are 

needs-based and eligibility is determined 

by FAFSA results. Work study is also 

considered financial aid if family need still 

How can I apply for financial aid? 

> FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – This is the form 

required to be considered eligible for any federal or state financial aid (including 

loans). You can access it on the FAFSA website. 

> Institutional aid – Many colleges have scholarships, endowments and grants 

available for students who attend that institution. Review college websites and 

contact the schools’ financial aid offices for pertinent information. 

> Outside scholarships – These can be obtained by online scholarship engines 

such as www.finaid.org, www.fastweb.com or http://www.scholarships.com/. For 

local scholarships, you can contact your student’s guidance counselor or community 

organizations. As a rule, never pay for a scholarship search. 

What are the deadlines? 

> Federal – The federal deadline for online FAFSA applications is 11:59 Central 

Time, June 30, 2021. 

> State – Each state sets its own deadline, which you can check on the deadline 

page for FAFSA. 

> Institutional – Contact your college for deadlines as well. 

Hopefully, with this information you can feel a bit more prepared and at-ease as 

you prepare to help your child with beginning the next stage of their education. 

*This is not financial aid advice and is for informational purposes only. For specific 

financial aid questions, please contact your college financial aid administrator. 

crispregional.org 

Contact: Ashley Purvis, Human Resource Recruiter at 

229-276-3113 • apurvis@crispregional.org


Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies: Get to know 

Georgia’s Certified Peer Specialists 

Georgians for a Healthy Future 

The COVID-19 pandemic has damaged the mental 

health of many Georgians and exacerbated the use 

of alcohol and drugs. Financial stressors, parenting 

difficulties, and unwavering uncertainty have 

dramatically increased depression, stress, and substance 

use among Georgians. Some will seek supports 

and services to manage their health, which may be 

provided by certified peer specialists. 

Certified peer specialists (CPS) support and educate 

individuals and families while they navigate mental 

health and/or substance use treatment and recovery. 

CPS have played a vital role in Georgia’s mental health 

and substance use recovery systems for over 20 years. 

CPS are unique among health professionals because 

they have lived experience with substance use and/or 

mental health recovery. Lived experience means that 

they are in recovery themselves, are a caregiver or 

partner to a loved one in recovery, or have other direct 

experience. 

CPS’ lived experiences are critical in their work 

to help others identify and set recovery goals for 

themselves. Their lived experiences and peer specialist 

training allow them to serve as trusted mentors to 

others who are seeking recovery. 

Depending on their particular experiences and 

training, CPS are trained and certified to address 

mental health, substance use disorders, or both with 

youth, adults, parents, or a combination of these 

groups. 

For this article, GHF interviewed our partners at 

the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse (GCSA) to 

learn more about Georgia’s leadership in the area 

of peer supports, CPS work in Georgia, and how the 

CPS model addresses substance use disorders through 

innovative partnerships and programs. 

Certified peer specialists working in Georgia 

Georgia’s CPS training was the first in the nation 

and in 1999, Georgia became the first state to receive 

Medicaid reimbursement for peer support services 

delivered by CPS. As of 2019, there are over 3,000 CPS 

working in/certified to work in Georgia. 

The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network 

(GMHCN) began a Medicaid-billable Certified Peer 

Specialist in Mental Health (CPS-MH) training program 

in 2001. GMHCN trains CPSs “to assist others in skillbuilding, 

problem-solving, setting up and maintaining 

self-help mutual support groups, and building selfdirected 

recovery tools.” 

GCSA developed the Certified Addiction Recovery 

Empowerment Specialist (CARES) Academy to promote 

long-term recovery for substance use disorders using 

the CPS-MH model. Nearly all of GCSA’s staff are 

CARES certified, and many have dual certifications in 

both mental health and substance use recovery. 

GCSA has trained more than 750 CARES to date. 

CARES work in substance use treatment centers, 

accountability courts, jails, hospitals, and other diverse 

settings across the state. GCSA places some CARES 

in hospital emergenvcy departments to provide peer 

support to individuals who visit for any substance use 

related reason (ex: drunk driving accident, fall/cut in 

the person’s home due to intoxication, overdose). 

Other CARES serve mothers experiencing substance 

use challenges during pregnancy and post-birth at 

Northeast Georgia Hospital System’s Neonatal Intensive 

Care Units. 

CARES peers also operate GCSA’s Warm Line 

through which they provide free telephone and text 

support to individuals struggling with substance use 

(or who have a loved one who is struggling). Since 

the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing 

number of calls and texts have come into the Warm 

Line, demonstrating an increased need for support 

and connection among people with substance use 

challenges. CARES are also hosting twice daily virtual 

all recovery meetings at 10 am and 7 pm to provide an 

additional layer of support, and GCSA recently added 

a Spanish-language recovery meeting to the schedule. 

Want to be a certified peer specialist? 

For substance use recovery: Visit gasubstanceabuse. 

org. Click the Training tab to learn more about the 

CARES program. 

For mental health recovery: Visit gmhcn.org. Click 

the CPS tab to learn more. 

Contact: Michelle Conde, Communications & Special 

Projects Manager mconde@healthyfuturega.org 

References 

Georgians for a Healthy Future. Healthy Minds, Healthy 

Bodies: Get to know Georgia’s Certified Peer Specialists. 

Accessible at healthyfuturega.org 

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Mental Health, 

Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 

Pandemic — United States, June 24–30, 2020. 

We have an app! 

Now you can have all the content of GNA available 

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to download! 

866-296-3247 

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About the Author 

Hahnah Williams is an attorney and registered 

nurse in Georgia. Simply put, Hahnah defends and 

supports your ability to make a living. As a registered 

nurse turned lawyer with over 20 years of combined 

experience, Hahnah has walked a mile in your shoes. 

Hahnah practices law at Hahnah Williams, Attorney at 

Law, P.C. Hahnah’s law practice focuses on the defense 

of nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and other 

healthcare professionals in all aspects of professional 

license matters, including license applications, Board 

complaints and investigations, employer investigations, 

allegations of professional misconduct, allegations of 

drug diversion or abuse, and professional malpractice 

cases. Hahnah also represents healthcare professionals 

in criminal matters and business transaction matters. 

In addition, Hahnah has conducted several seminars 

and webinars on legal issues in healthcare. For 

more information about Hahnah please visit www. 

hahnahwilliams.com. 

Disclaimer 

It is important to note that Hahnah Williams’ 

responses are not specific legal advice nor are they to 

be used as such. This column and Hahnah Williams’ 

posts are for educational purposes only and should 

not be construed as specific legal or other advice. 

Individuals who need legal advice should contact a 

nurse attorney or attorney in their state. 

October 19, 2020 – DUI Arrest 

Hi Hahnah, 

I am a new RN- graduated with my BSN and 

received my state licensure in December 2019. 

I have never been in trouble with the law until 

recently. I was at a neighbor's house for dinner 

and had a couple of beers for dinner. I made 

the dumb decision to drive home (it was only a 

couple of blocks, but still, I know better). I got 

pulled over for rolling a stop sign (this stop sign 

is just a few houses away from mine). I was then 

arrested for DUI. It was absolutely mortifying, 

and I will NEVER again drink ANY amount and 

drive. The charges were reduced to a reckless, 

and I was released without any sort of parole. 

Before even going to court, under the advice 

of my attorney, I completed community service 

hours, I completed a drug and alcohol evaluation 

by a professional (no recommendation for further 

treatment- no evidence of abuse problems), and I 

completed the MADD course. My question is thishow 

do I best go about self-reporting the arrest 

and charges to the GA BON? Do I fill out the selfreport 

packet? Do I go to them in-person and talk 

to them about it? Do I just send an email? I want 

to do the right thing, but I want to do it the best 

way possible. 

Thank you for your thoughts! 

HR 

Hi HR, 

Excellent questions. I commend you for taking 

responsibility for the incident and being willing to learn 

from it. 

Self-Reporting 

I will address your question about self-reporting first. 

Nurses are required to report arrests and drug/alcohol 

treatment when they apply for or renew their nursing 

licenses (discussed in more detail below). The Georgia 

Board of Nursing’s Self-Report Packet is not used to 

report DUI arrests or any other arrest. 

In general, the Board’s Self Report Packet is used 

to voluntarily self-report drug or alcohol abuse/ 

dependency. In Georgia, there is no legal requirement 

for a nurse to self-report drug or alcohol dependency 

to the Board. However, self-reporting may be beneficial 

if the nurse’s circumstances meet the Board’s selfreporting 

criteria. Specifically, the Board’s “Self-Report 

Packet” is available for any nurse who meets one or 

more of the following criteria: 

1) Abused or become chemically dependent on 

drugs/alcohol. 

2) Tested positive on a drug screen for alcohol and/ 

or any drug contained in the Schedule I through 

Schedule V of the Controlled Substances Act 

(without a legitimate prescription). 

3) Completed or enrolled in substance abuse 

treatment (alcohol, illegal drugs/substances, and 

prescription drugs-with or without a legitimate 

prescription). 

4) Diverted medications from patients/workplace. 

Nurses who meet one or more of these criteria can 

use the Self Report Packet to report the incident to the 

Board. Upon receiving the self-report, the Board has 

authority to discipline the nurse’s license. Self-reporting 

can be beneficial to the nurse because it facilitates 

drug and/or alcohol treatment and demonstrates to


the Board that the nurse is committed to sobriety 

which could weigh in the nurse’s favor with respect to 

discipline. 

The Board recognizes that nurses with addiction 

disorders may require and benefit from a substance 

abuse recovery program. Therefore, the Board will 

consider placing the nurse’s license on probation 

while they seek treatment as opposed to revoking 

or suspending the nurse’s license. The Board’s 

decision to discipline the nurse is largely guided by 

recommendations made by physicians who are board 

certified in addiction medicine. 

Specifically, upon receiving the nurse’s selfreport, 

the Board may require the nurse to complete 

a mental physical examination by a board certified 

addictionologist. If recommended by the physician 

or indicated by other factors, the Board may place 

the nurse under a consent order requiring a period of 

probation and drug or alcohol monitoring. The consent 

order typically includes several terms and conditions, 

including requiring the nurse to participate in an 

aftercare program, undergo random drug screening, 

provide quarterly progress reports, be under the 

care of a mental health professional and other Board 

requirements. Successfully complying with the Board’s 

consent order typically allows the nurse to keep his 

or her license albeit restricted. By refusing to seek 

treatment or declining to self-report, the nurse will 

likely continue with the substance use disorder, which 

can cause him or her to face more stringent discipline 

such as license suspension or revocation. 

HR, in your case, you mention that your DUI was a 

result of one bad decision on one night in December 

2019. You did not state that you had a drug or 

alcohol abuse disorder or addiction. If you do have 

an addiction, or otherwise meet one of the Board’s 

above stated criteria, you should consider self-reporting 

to the Board. Before deciding to self-report, I highly 

recommend that you consult with an attorney who 

regularly defends nurses’ licenses before the Board of 

Nursing. 

License Renewal Application – Reporting Arrests and 

Treatment 

The Board’s nursing license renewal application 

requires nurses to report arrests and drug/alcohol 

treatment. Therefore, you will be required to report 

your arrest and any subsequent drug/alcohol treatment 

when you renew your nursing license. The application 

requires you to submit a Letter of Explanation that 

explains the arrest and/or alcohol/drug treatment. A 

license defense attorney can prepare this letter for you. 

The Board of Nursing can refuse to grant/renew a 

license to an applicant, revoke the license of a licensed 

nurse, and discipline a licensed nurse upon a finding 

by the Board that that the applicant or licensee has 

been convicted of a felony or any crime involving moral 

turpitude. The Board regulations do not define “moral 

turpitude.” However, Georgia courts have defined 

“moral turpitude” in a variety of contexts, including as 

“misdemeanors involving dishonesty or the obstruction 

of justice” and “everything done contrary to justice, 

honesty, ... or good morals.” 

It is very likely that the Board will view reckless 

driving resulting from a DUI arrest as a crime of 

moral turpitude. The Board will likely consider various 

factors when deciding whether to renew your license, 

including but not limited to, the honesty displayed in 

your renewal application, the recentness of the event, 

the severity of the incident, and the occurrence of any 

violence. A license defense attorney can address these 

factors in your letter of explanation to show the Board 

that you are safe to practice. 

Importantly, the time between your DUI arrest and 

nursing license renewal is critical. A license defense 

attorney can recommend several actions for you to 

take during this time to help you demonstrate that you 

are safe to practice nursing. Many of the actions that 

will be recommended must be done over a period of 

time. Therefore, you should contact a license defense 

attorney immediately, if you have not done so already. 

Best Wishes, 

Hahnah


Leadership Visited and Revisited 

WE ARE HIRING NURSES 

Come Make a Difference With Us! 

At Ethica we are dedicated to our patients, 

committed to our associates and challenged by 

our customers to deliver excellence. 

Now Recruiting For: 

· Registered Nurses 

o RAI (Resident Assessment) Directors 

and Coordinators 

o Weekend Supervisors 

o Charge Nurses 

o Resident Care Coordinators 

o Wound Care Nurses 

o Infection Control Coordinators 

o Education Nurses 

o Directors and Assistant Director of 

Nursing 

· Licensed Practical Nurses 

o Charge Nurse 

o Resident Care Coordinator 

· CNA opportunities available 

throughout Georgia 

Benefits include: 

Competitive Wage Scale 

Weekly Pay 

Flexible Schedules and Set Hours 

Medical & Dental Insurance 

401K with Company Match 

7 Paid Holidays and 10 PTO Days Your First Year 

PTO Cash Out Option as You Earn It 

Company Paid Disability Coverage and Life Insurance 

Multiple opportunities available 

throughout Georgia 

We extend our sincere gratitude 

to our Nurses for Nurses Week, 

now and throughout the year! 

Website to Apply: 

www.EthicaHealth.org 

For more information: 

Recruiting@ethicahealth.org 

or call our Recruiting team 

at 478-621-2044 

Joyce J. Fitzpatrick, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN, FNAP, FAANP (hon), Director, 

Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy 

Elizabeth Brooks Ford Profession of Nursing 

Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing 

Distinguished University Professor 

Case Western Reserve University 

“So what is leadership?” This is the simple (yet complex) question that I am often 

asked. 

Here are the answers I provide: 

Leadership is part of your being, the moral compass that permeates all that you 

do, say and believe. 

Leadership is an attribute that if reflected in your everyday interactions with 

everyone in your orbit, your family and friends, your co-workers, and those who you 

barely know, but with whom you have contact. 

Leadership is being authentic in the way you behave with others, the 

communication that you share and the feelings and thoughts that you have. 

Leadership is also a set of skills, learned behaviors that encourage others toward 

a shared vision, common goals, and a greater purpose. 

Leadership is finding meaning and purpose in your work. 

Leadership is modeling the way in everything that you do and say. 

Leadership is self-awareness, listening to yourself, reflecting on your own beliefs, 

your knowledge and skills. 

Leadership is doing what you can to actualize your unused potential. 

Leadership is managing conflict to create true win-win situations. 

Leadership is learning from others, the children in the playground who are 

spontaneous in their support of each other, and the board members in the meeting 

who are supportive in their own way. 

Leadership is humility, knowing that none of us is infallible 

Leadership is a belief in the power of our collective humanity, working together 

for the good of all. 

Leadership is sharing your deepest convictions about the way that nursing and 

health can and should be, reaching for the stars that promote health as a right and 

not a privilege. 

Leadership is caring for those most vulnerable, the neglected, the ill, the downtrodden, 

the marginalized…just as nurses do every day in every organization. 

Leadership is listening to those whose views are radically different from yours and 

trying to find a common purpose and a common ground for the good of all. 

Leadership is professionalism, understanding the social contract that we as nurses 

have with the public, upholding our ethical obligations to all in our care, and living 

our professional nursing standards. 

Leadership is assuming responsibility for our own actions, being accountable for 

our actions and understanding the consequences. 

Leadership is pushing the boundaries when the boundaries need to change. 

Leadership is investing in others’ greatness. 

Leadership is identifying needed change and creating the vision and processes to 

initiate change. 

Leadership is providing guidance, to individuals, groups, and organizations. 

Leadership is active and decisive decision-making to achieve shared goals. 

Leadership is taking a risk, to implement a vision and achieve goals. 

Leadership is understanding yourself, being aware of your potential and the 

power of intentional communication. 

Leadership is building relationships with your those who can help you and those 

you can help, building relationships for the purpose of helping others to actualize 

their potential. 

Leadership is mentoring others, and allowing yourself to be mentored. 

Leadership is promoting collaboration and building community. 

Leadership is knowing when to step back, when there is an affront to your 

integrity. 

Leadership is being transformational. 

Leadership is being an advocate, for patients, for colleagues, and for the public 

health. 

Leadership is being a trusted professional. 

Leadership is motivating others to act. 

Leadership is embracing change and effecting change as needed. 

Leadership is acclaiming others’ successes and assisting them to achieve their 

highest potential. 

Leadership is YOU! 

How many of these leadership attributes describe you? 

Which of these leadership attributes do you want to develop or strengthen? 

What is your plan to make it happen?


MEMBERSHIP 

As a GNA Member, you have … 

• The opportunity to serve as a GNA Board and/or Committee 

Member* 

• Access to shared interest and local chapters, and avenues to 

connect with leaders in the profession 

• Access to free and discounted educational opportunities 

• A free subscription to The American Nurse Today - the official 

journal of the American Nurses Association (ANA) 

• Member-only access to ANA’s Nurse Space 

• Free access to The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (OJIN) 

• Access to free and discounted webinars at Navigate Nursing 

Webinars 

• The LARGEST discount on initial ANCC certification ($120/full 

members only) 

• The LARGEST discount on ANCC re-certification ($150/full 

members only) 

Member Lifestyle Benefits 

In addition, GNA Members 

receive special rates at: 

• Mutual of Omaha 

Insurance 

• Nurses Service Organization 

• Matchwell 

• Signature Motor Club 

• Education Loan Finance 

• Commerce Bank 

• Snazzy Traveler, and more! 

Georgia Nurses Association 

Political Action Committee 

(GN-PAC) 

About GN-PAC: 

The Georgia Nurses Association Political Action 

Committee (GN-PAC) actively and carefully reviews 

candidates for local, state and federal office. This 

consideration includes the candidate’s record on 

nursing issues and value as an advocate for the nursing 

profession. Your contribution to GN-PAC today will 

help GNA continue to protect your ability to practice 

and earn a living in Georgia. Your contribution will 

also support candidates for office who are strong 

advocates on behalf of nursing. By contributing $25 

or more, you’ll become a supporting member of GN- 

PAC. By contributing $100 or more, you’ll become a 

full member of GN-PAC! The purpose of the GN-PAC 

shall be to promote the improvement of the health 

care of the citizens of Georgia by raising funds from 

within the nursing community and friends of nursing 

and contributing to the support of worthy candidates 

for State office who believe, and have demonstrated 

their belief, in the legislative objectives of the Georgia 

Nurses Association. 

TO DONATE VISIT: 

https://georgianurses.nursingnetwork. 

com/page/75371-gn-pac 

I Want to Get Involved: 

Joining and Creating a GNA Chapter 

Are you interested in Palliative Care? Nurse 

Navigation? Informatics? 

Whatever your nursing passion may be, Georgia 

Nurses Association (GNA) can help you connect with 

your peers locally and across the state. Becoming 

involved in your professional association is the first step 

towards creating your personal career satisfaction and 

connecting with your peers. Now, GNA has made it 

easy for you to become involved according to your own 

preferences. 

Through GNA’s new member-driven chapter 

structure, you can join multiple chapters and also 

create your own chapter based on shared interests 

where you can reap the benefits of energizing 

experiences, empowering insight and essential 

resources. 

Visit http://www.georgianurses.org/?page= 

Chapter Chairs to view a list of current GNA Chapters 

and Chapters Chair contact information. Connect with 

Chapter Chairs to find out when they will hold their 

next Chapter meeting! 

The steps you should follow to create a NEW GNA 

chapter are below. If you have any questions, contact 

the membership development committee or GNA 

headquarters; specific contact information and more 

details may be found at www.georgianurses.org. 

1. Obtain a copy of GNA bylaws, policies and 

procedures from www.georgianurses.org. 

2. Gather together a minimum of 10 GNA 

members who share similar interests. 

3. Select a chapter chair. 

4. Chapter chair forms a roster to verify roster 

as current GNA members. This is done by 

contacting headquarters at (404) 325-5536. 

5. Identify and agree upon chapter purpose. 

6. Decide on chapter name. 

7. Submit information for application to become a 

chapter to GNA Headquarters. Information to be 

submitted includes the following: 

Chapter chair name and chapter contact 

information including an email, 

Chapter name, Chapter purpose, and Chapter 

roster. 

8. The application will then go to the Membership 

Development Committee who will forward it to 

the Board of Directors. The Board will approve or 

decline the application and notify the applicant 

of its decision. 

a flexible hybrid program for working professionals 

• healthcare management track option 

Job Opportunities are available at 

Albany Technical College. 

2 Positions for: 

Instructor for Associate of Science in Nursing 

Apply by going to the website and clicking on the 

red button - ATC Employment 

AlbanyTech.edu 

Albany Technical College and the Technical College System of Georgia are equal opportunity employers 

and offer career and technical education programs for all regardless of race, color, creed, national or ethnic 

origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, disabled veteran, 

a veteran of the Vietnam Era, spouse of a military member of citizenship status (except in those special 

circumstances permitted or mandated by law). 

To become a member of GNA please 

review and submit our membership 

application located on the homepage of 

our website at www.georgianurses.org 

E-Store Now Open! 

Purchase GNA merchandise at GNA’s 

Café Press online store! 

Cups, bags, hats, t-shirts, hoodies, 

and more! 

www.cafepress.com/ 

georgianursesassociation 

NursingALD.com can point you 

right to that perfect NURSING JOB! 

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Georgia Nursing - April 2021

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