Tennessee Nurse - May 2021
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Volume 84 • Number 2 • Summer <strong>2021</strong><br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong><br />
The voice for professional nursing in <strong>Tennessee</strong> since 1905<br />
The Official Publication of the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation<br />
Quarterly publication distributed to approximately 105,000 Registered <strong>Nurse</strong>s in <strong>Tennessee</strong>.<br />
I Am TNA<br />
Ashley Carter<br />
Cindy Borum<br />
See Page 9<br />
Ashley Carter, RN, BSN<br />
Interim Board Member of TNA District 1<br />
When I decided to return to school for my Master of<br />
Science in Nursing, I specifically sought out a TNA/ANA<br />
membership for professional development, networking,<br />
and continuing education benefits. I have been in the<br />
nursing field since 2013 and have been aware of the TNA/<br />
ANA since that time but never really understood what<br />
being part of this organization meant for me as a nurse.<br />
I have been amazed by how much I’ve already learned<br />
since beginning my membership less than a year ago.<br />
At first, I felt intimidated by the number of advanced<br />
practice nurses I’ve encountered, but everyone has been<br />
great! I’ve had the opportunity to connect with nurses<br />
who have similar passions as myself. I have been able to<br />
share my stories and allow my voice to be heard by not<br />
only other nurses but also state legislature and nursing<br />
students. I feel like an active member of my community<br />
as I am currently serving as an interim board member<br />
for my district. There are so many opportunities to get<br />
involved and make a difference! I would encourage any<br />
nurse who is not a member but interested, don’t be afraid<br />
to get involved and reach out. We are a powerful group of<br />
professionals, no matter your specialty or tenure.<br />
TNA/ANA has several outlets for you to participate,<br />
so come join us!<br />
I Am TNA continued on page 9<br />
current resident or<br />
Non-Profit Org.<br />
U.S. Postage Paid<br />
Princeton, MN<br />
Permit No. 14<br />
• Have you considered running for a TNA state<br />
or district office but fear “I just don’t know<br />
enough yet”?<br />
• Are you interested in helping your district<br />
association become more active but aren’t<br />
sure where to start?<br />
• Would you like to learn more about how to<br />
advocate for your patients and your profession?<br />
• What are the TN <strong>Nurse</strong>s PAC and TNF? How<br />
do we boost local membership?<br />
Participants will receive answers to all of these<br />
questions! Information will be provided regarding the TNA<br />
state board and its responsibilities, and the role of the TN<br />
Board of Nursing, in addition to discussions on how to<br />
look for other leadership opportunities.<br />
TNA, and our nursing profession, have a stronger voice<br />
when we learn from each other and unite our voices.<br />
Through this program, the goal of TNA is to engage and<br />
educate TNA members about the association’s programs,<br />
services, and partnerships to groom future nurse leaders.<br />
Register today at https://form.jotform.com/211155223840142
Page 2 <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> <strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong><br />
The <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> is the official publication of the<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation, 545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405,<br />
Nashville, TN 37228-1296<br />
Phone: 615/254-0350 • Fax: 615/254-0303<br />
Email: tnf@tnaonline.org<br />
Published exclusively by the<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation and the<br />
Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc.<br />
TNF 2020-<strong>2021</strong> Board of Trust<br />
Raven Wentworth, President<br />
Dara Rogers, Vice President<br />
Debra Sullivan, Treasurer<br />
Amy Hamlin, Secretary<br />
Cindy Borum, Jeny Conrad-Rendon, Brad Creekmore,<br />
Patsy Crihfield, Shannon Davis, Ken Edmisson,<br />
Kristin Fitchpatric, Alicia Frasure, Julie Hamm, Karen Hande,<br />
Kenda Harrison, Heather Jackson, Bill Jolley, Carla Kirkland,<br />
Sharon Little, Sue MacArthur, Jennifer Pearson, Bonnie Pilon,<br />
Nancy Stevens<br />
TNA <strong>2021</strong> Board of Directors<br />
Carla Kirkland, President<br />
Julie Hamm, President-Elect<br />
Heather Jackson, Vice President<br />
Nancy Stevens, Secretary<br />
Jennifer Hitt-<strong>May</strong>o, Director – Membership<br />
Kerry Copeland, Director – Education<br />
La-Kenya Kellum, Director – Operations<br />
Marcia Barnes, Director – Government Affairs<br />
Laura Reed, Director – Practice<br />
TNA <strong>2021</strong> District Presidents<br />
Lisa Beasley, District 1; Co-Presidents: Angela Heatherly & Erin<br />
Morgan, District 2; Ginny Massey-Holt, District 3; Nancy Stevens,<br />
District 4; Christine Reed, District 5;<br />
Raven Wentworth, District 6; Shannon Johnson, District 8;<br />
Chaundel Presley, District 9; Christy Blount, District 10;<br />
Vacant, District 12; Marcia Barnes, District 15<br />
TNA Board<br />
Actions<br />
At the March 19 Board of Directors Meeting,<br />
the TNA Board took the following actions:<br />
• Reviewed District compliance status<br />
• Approved sending <strong>Nurse</strong>s Week cards<br />
to members<br />
• Approved the nomination of Kristen<br />
Fitchpatric to ANA as a subject matter<br />
expert to the Commission on Racism<br />
• Approved submitting a grant to ANA/<br />
ANF to replicate the RNconnect 2 wellbeing<br />
initiative in <strong>Tennessee</strong><br />
• Ratified vote to appoint La-Kenya<br />
Kellum to fill vacant Director of<br />
Operations position on the Board<br />
• Made appointments to the TnPAP Board<br />
of Directors, Reference, Education,<br />
GOVA, PAC, Membership, and Practice<br />
committees<br />
TNF Board<br />
Actions<br />
At the March 26 Board of Trustees Meeting,<br />
the TNF Board took the following actions:<br />
• Approved merchandise for sale for <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
Week promotion on Bonfire, https://www.<br />
bonfire.com/store/tennessee-nursesfoundation/<br />
• Plans are being made for selling<br />
merchandise at the conference Silent<br />
Auction<br />
• Will initiate a column in the <strong>Tennessee</strong><br />
<strong>Nurse</strong> focusing on mental health & wellbeing<br />
• Group formed to review scholarship<br />
criteria, the scholarship amount, and how<br />
scholarships are solicited and allocated<br />
• Approved sending <strong>Nurse</strong>s Week card to<br />
members per budget allocation<br />
Managing Editor<br />
Kathryn A. Denton<br />
TNA Staff<br />
Tina Gerardi, MS, RN, CAE, Executive Director<br />
Diane Cunningham, Office Manager<br />
Kathleen Murphy, Director, Government Affairs/Chief Lobbyist<br />
Kathryn Denton, Director, Computer/Network Systems,<br />
Managing Editor - <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>, TNF Program Manager<br />
The official publication of the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation<br />
shall be the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>. The purpose of the publication shall<br />
be to support the mission of the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation<br />
and <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Association through the communication<br />
of nursing issues, continuing education and significant events of<br />
interest. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those<br />
of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the<br />
views of the association, its staff, its Board of Directors, or editors<br />
of the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>.<br />
Article Submissions: The <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation<br />
encourages submissions of articles and photos for publication<br />
in the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>. Any topic related to nursing will be<br />
considered for publication. Although authors are not required<br />
to be members of the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Association, when<br />
space is limited, preference will be given to TNA members.<br />
Articles and photos should be submitted by email to Kathryn.<br />
Denton@tnaonline.org or mailed to Managing Editor, <strong>Tennessee</strong><br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation, 545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405, Nashville,<br />
TN 37228-1296. All articles should be typed in Word. Please<br />
include two to three sentences of information about the author<br />
at the end of the article and list all references. Preferred article<br />
length is 750-1,000 words. Photos are welcomed as hard copies<br />
or digital files at a high resolution of 300 DPI. The <strong>Tennessee</strong><br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged<br />
articles or photos. TNF is not responsible for unsolicited freelance<br />
manuscripts or photographs. Contact the Managing Editor for<br />
additional contribution information.<br />
Reprints: <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> allows reprinting of material.<br />
Permission requests should be directed to <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
Foundation at Kathryn.Denton@tnaonline.org.<br />
For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur<br />
L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa<br />
50613, (800) 626-4081, sales@aldpub.com. TNF and the Arthur<br />
L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any<br />
advertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to<br />
corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement.<br />
Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement<br />
or approval by the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation of products<br />
advertised, the advertiser, or the claims made. Rejection of an<br />
advertisement does not imply a product offered for advertising<br />
is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or<br />
that this Foundation disapproves of the product or its use. TNF<br />
and Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held<br />
liable for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an<br />
advertiser’s product. Articles appearing in this publication express<br />
the opinion of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views<br />
of the staff, Board or membership of TNA and TNF or those of the<br />
national or local associations.<br />
Copyright©2020 by the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation. The<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> is published quarterly in February, <strong>May</strong>, August<br />
and November. Published free for TNA members and emailed to<br />
registered nurses licensed in <strong>Tennessee</strong>. Others may request a<br />
subscription to the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> for $30 per year by contacting<br />
Kathryn.Denton@tnaonline.org.
<strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> Page 3<br />
From the Executive<br />
Director<br />
Tina Gerardi, MS, RN, CAE<br />
I am looking forward to the beginning of Summer.<br />
Summertime for me is a time to relax and renew with family<br />
and friends. My wish is that since most of you have been fully<br />
vaccinated that you will be able to do this over the next few<br />
months. I hope you have enjoyed the <strong>Nurse</strong>s Month activities<br />
and reading about TNA members featured on the TNA<br />
Facebook page during the month of <strong>May</strong> and are as inspired<br />
as I was by their work and commitment to advancing the<br />
profession.<br />
The <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation has begun selling<br />
merchandise on Bonfire to help support the work of the<br />
Foundation, including nurse scholarships and grants. Tina Gerardi<br />
Merchandise is available for purchase at https://www.bonfire.<br />
com/store/tennessee-nurses-foundation/ More selection will be added over the next few<br />
months.<br />
TNA has worked tirelessly during the legislative session to update nursing practice,<br />
increase penalties for assaulting nurses, increase the number of school nurses, and<br />
improve legislation related to the use of graduate nurses and medical assistants. For more<br />
details, review the legislative update.<br />
We are beginning work to bring you all an exciting annual conference on October<br />
14-16 in Chattanooga. Please consider submitting an abstract for a poster or podium<br />
session. TNA is also soliciting a call for nominations for the offices of secretary, director<br />
for operations, director for governmental affairs, director for practice, and TNA<br />
representatives to the ANA Membership Assembly. To learn more about TNA and<br />
leadership opportunities within TNA, please make plans to attend the TNA Leadership<br />
Boot Camp on June 12. This will be a half-day virtual event.<br />
Finally, as I looked back on the one-year anniversary of the pandemic, I took time to<br />
pause and evaluate my life and what was most important to me. Having spent some<br />
portion of the year working virtually from my home in Florida and being closer to family<br />
and friends there, I made the decision that it was time for me to retire from full-time<br />
employment. I always promised myself that if I was not 100% committed to my position,<br />
it was time to move on. I found myself in that position and decided to submit my intent<br />
to retire to the Board in March. I am happy to continue working through conference<br />
<strong>2021</strong> and look forward to seeing many of you there to celebrate the Year of the <strong>Nurse</strong> 2.0<br />
because one year was not enough!! Wishing you all a Happy Memorial Day weekend –<br />
please take time to reflect, relax and renew!!<br />
From the President<br />
Carla Kirkland<br />
MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, ENP-BC<br />
This time last year, I was thinking, “Surely this epidemic<br />
stuff will be much better by the end of October, and we<br />
can still have our annual TNA conference in person, maybe<br />
with some safety measures.” As you know, we ended up<br />
switching to a virtual conference last year, which was well<br />
received and well attended by our nurses. BUT, I’m so<br />
ready to see everyone again! I’m back to being cautiously<br />
optimistic that we will be able to meet in person this<br />
year. And I’m excited that we will be in Chattanooga! If<br />
you haven’t been to a TNA annual conference before,<br />
the educational offerings are always amazing; members<br />
receive insight and updates on the workings of the Carla Kirland<br />
Association, the Foundation, Government Affairs, and<br />
the TN <strong>Nurse</strong>s PAC, are able to vote on candidates for the TNA Board of Directors<br />
and other matters affecting the Association at Membership Assembly; and the<br />
networking with other nurses from around the state IS.THE.BEST!<br />
Another huge reason to attend conference this year is to say farewell and<br />
express our tremendous gratitude to our TNA Executive Director, Tina Gerardi. As<br />
you have heard by now, Tina has decided it is time to retire. We wish her only the<br />
best! Tina has been wonderful to work with and has done an exceptional job being<br />
the face and voice of the Association, especially over the past year as she advocated<br />
for PPE and other essential supplies for health care workers during the pandemic,<br />
provided updated COVID-19 information to nurses and the public, and worked with<br />
other organizations and coalitions for improved health care in our state. Tina has<br />
had an active voice in health policy at the state and Federal level, working with ANA<br />
and AANP, and advocating with our legislators for Full Practice Authority for APRNs,<br />
stronger laws regarding violence against nurses, improved school nurse ratios,<br />
protecting the title “nurse,” and many others. Her experience and expertise have<br />
enriched the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Association and the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation<br />
under her leadership!<br />
Thank you for your continued stamina and resilience! Thank you for your<br />
continued membership and support of TNA. I look forward to seeing you at the TNA<br />
Annual Conference October, 14-16 at The Chattanoogan Hotel!<br />
TNA/TNF Seeking<br />
Dynamic Leader<br />
Executive Director for the <strong>Tennessee</strong><br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>s Association (TNA) &<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation (TNF)<br />
The <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Association is a non-profit membership organization<br />
representing the interests of registered nurses in the state of <strong>Tennessee</strong>.<br />
TNA’s vision is to be the unifying voice for nursing in <strong>Tennessee</strong> to positively<br />
influence the future of healthcare. The Association’s mission is to empower the<br />
registered nurse, advocate for the practice of nursing, and champion quality<br />
health care for all Tennesseans. The <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation is a<br />
charitable organization formed to provide a mechanism for supporting<br />
programs that meet the special needs of TNA members and other nurses in<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong>. The goals of TNF are to promote the professional image of nursing;<br />
support nursing education; facilitate leadership development, encourage<br />
nursing research, and support professional health and wellness.<br />
The Executive Director is a representative of the TNA/TNF mission, vision,<br />
and goals to the public, community partners, legislators, and membership.<br />
The Executive Director will report directly to the TNA/TNF Board of Directors<br />
and will manage the day-to-day operations of the TNA office and staff. The<br />
five key areas of responsibilities include: leadership and management;<br />
financial and legal; communications; advocacy and engagement; and<br />
membership and development.<br />
Graduate education required, with executive leadership experience<br />
or management experience in a healthcare organization or healthcare<br />
membership association. Registered nurse preferred.<br />
Interested applicants should submit queries and CVs to: Diane Cunningham, TNA<br />
Office Manager via email: Diane.Cunningham@tnaonline.org or visit https://tnna.<br />
associationcareernetwork.com/job/executive-director/56867895/<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> Board of Nursing<br />
Appoints New Executive Director<br />
Effective March 7, <strong>2021</strong>, Sherry Richardson was appointed<br />
Executive Director of the <strong>Tennessee</strong> Board of Nursing. Sherry<br />
said, “It has been a pleasure to work with the Board for over<br />
five years, serving in the interim director role for the past<br />
year and as a nurse consultant. I am thankful for the support<br />
I have received and look forward to continuing to work with<br />
our applicants, licensees, facilities, and organizations.”<br />
During Sherry’s time with the <strong>Tennessee</strong> Board of<br />
Nursing, she has had the privilege of working with schools<br />
of nursing, board members, facilities, and professional<br />
organizations. She currently serves as a <strong>Nurse</strong> Licensure<br />
Compact Commissioner for <strong>Tennessee</strong> with the National<br />
Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) as well as a<br />
Sherry Richardson,<br />
MSN, RN, CMSRN<br />
member of the Leadership Succession Committee. Sherry previously served on the<br />
NCLEX Item Review Subcommittee for three years.<br />
Sherry began her nursing career in 1997 with an associate degree from Columbia<br />
State Community College. She later completed her BSN at MTSU and an MSN at<br />
APSU. Sherry has been a Certified Med-Surg <strong>Nurse</strong> since 2007. Prior to her time at<br />
the Board of Nursing, she devoted 13 years to nursing education as an instructor<br />
and program director at TCAT-Hohenwald, coordinating nursing education, surgical<br />
technology, and nurse assistant programs in four rural counties. Her previous practice<br />
experience includes Med-Surg, OR/PACU, mental health, geriatrics, and hospice care.<br />
Sherry also volunteered to teach BLS/CPR classes for Girl Scouts, local rescue squad<br />
members, and middle school health classes.<br />
Let us care for your career.<br />
Call 931-438-7380 or visit<br />
LincolnHealthSystem.com to apply.<br />
Sign on Bonus & Incentives Available!<br />
Lincoln Health System is looking for<br />
exceptional RNs and LPNs to help<br />
us care for our community.
Page 4 <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> <strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong><br />
TENNESSEE NURSES ASSOCIATION PRESENTS THE <strong>2021</strong><br />
ANNUAL CONFERENCE<br />
YEAR OF THE NURSE 2.0:<br />
ONE YEAR WASN’T ENOUGH<br />
The TNA Achievement Awards Reception will<br />
be different this year. The reception will be a<br />
celebration for all the conference attendees in<br />
recognition of the hard work and dedication you<br />
have provided to your patients, students, and the<br />
communities you serve. Further details are on the<br />
next page.<br />
In addition, this conference will focus on exceptional<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> nurses making a difference in patient<br />
care, nursing education, evidence-based practice,<br />
and advocating for the profession and healthcare in<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong>. The keynote address will focus on self-care,<br />
which is so very important to all of us regardless of our<br />
nursing role. Attendees will receive 5.0 contact hours.<br />
Who would have known how much 2020 would<br />
have proven the resilience, perseverance, kindness,<br />
and humility that are so prevalent in the nature of<br />
those who chose to become a nurse.<br />
Throughout the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and into<br />
<strong>2021</strong>, YOU have continued to sacrifice so much to<br />
save people’s lives and to maintain normalcy during<br />
this unprecedented time. YOU are the heroes of this<br />
generation, and it is the reason that TNA will continue<br />
celebrating the Year of the <strong>Nurse</strong> throughout <strong>2021</strong> and<br />
during the TNA Annual Conference in October.<br />
<strong>2021</strong> TNA Conference Registration Fees. Register NOW and Save While Early-Bird<br />
Pricing is Available! Visit: TNAonline.org/Events to register.<br />
IMPORTANT DEADLINES<br />
Registration Early Bird Deadline Ends August 30<br />
Registration Onsite After September 26<br />
Registration Cancellation/Refund Deadline September 26<br />
Hotel Reservation Deadline September 30<br />
TNA REGISTRATION INFORMATION<br />
Pre-Conference<br />
Full Registration<br />
Friday Only<br />
This is a separate event with individual pricing. Includes admission only to the pre-conference.<br />
Includes lunch on Friday, Friday’s Welcome Event featuring exhibits, food, music, silent auction opening, and networking opportunities;<br />
attendance to all educational activities; entrance to Saturday Awards Reception; Exhibit Hall; Saturday luncheon; all breaks and<br />
Membership Assembly<br />
Includes lunch; educational activities for the day; Membership Assembly; Friday’s Welcome Event (see above) and breaks<br />
Saturday Only<br />
Includes educational activities for the day; entrance to Exhibit Hall; luncheon; Awards Reception and breaks<br />
<strong>2021</strong> TNA CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES<br />
NOTE: Only paid registrants displaying an official TNA conference name badge will be allowed entrance to conference program events.<br />
Pre-Conference<br />
Full TNA Conference<br />
Registration - Includes<br />
Friday and Saturday<br />
Friday Only<br />
Saturday Only<br />
Early Bird!<br />
Before<br />
Aug 30<br />
Regular<br />
Aug. 31 until<br />
Sept. 26<br />
On-Site<br />
After Sept<br />
26<br />
Early Bird!<br />
Before<br />
Aug 30<br />
Regular<br />
Aug. 31 until<br />
Sept. 26<br />
On-Site<br />
After Sept<br />
26<br />
Early Bird!<br />
Before<br />
Aug 30<br />
Regular<br />
Aug. 31 until<br />
Sept. 26<br />
On-Site<br />
After Sept<br />
26<br />
Early Bird!<br />
Before<br />
Aug 30<br />
Regular<br />
Aug. 31 until<br />
Sept. 26<br />
On-Site<br />
After<br />
Sept 26<br />
TNA<br />
Member<br />
Non-<br />
Member<br />
TNA<br />
Members<br />
that are<br />
full time<br />
students or<br />
Retired<br />
$120 $135 $150 $316 $368 $394 $222 $243 $264 $243 $264 $285<br />
$120 $135 $150 $420 $472 $498 $274 $295 $316 $285 $316 $337<br />
$120 $135 $150 $269 $285 $311 $202 $222 $243 $222 $243 $264<br />
Guest Tickets for Saturday - Exhibits and Schools of Nursing Luncheon. $50<br />
All fees include a 4% processing fee.
<strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> Page 5<br />
TENNESSEE NURSES ASSOCIATION PRESENTS THE <strong>2021</strong><br />
ANNUAL CONFERENCE<br />
YEAR OF THE NURSE 2.0: ONE YEAR WASN’T ENOUGH<br />
Pre-Conference<br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>s on Boards Training<br />
Thursday, October 14 (Noon – 5:00 p.m.)<br />
This year there will be an afternoon pre-conference<br />
training session sponsored by the Tri-State (AR, MO,<br />
TN) <strong>Nurse</strong>s on Boards Team. There is an additional cost<br />
for this training above the cost of the conference. Look<br />
for more information about this program and contact<br />
hours awarded on the TNA website and in the Monday<br />
emails to members.<br />
Conference Keynote Speaker:<br />
David Spak<br />
DRUMinSYNC<br />
DruminSync will be providing a one-hour<br />
motivational, empowering, and interactive keynote<br />
presentation at this year’s <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
Association Annual Conference on October 15, <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
David Spak, founder of DRUMinSYNC, will be<br />
focusing on nurse resiliency and self-health through<br />
inspiring and often humorous stories on how to<br />
combat burnout and compassion fatigue. He also<br />
has a very popular interactive segment using….<br />
DRUMMING!!! David shows how evidence-based<br />
simple rhythms and music can create a better work<br />
environment and a healthier YOU!<br />
David Spak is a professional drummer who has<br />
been awarded a Grammy (nominated on seven other<br />
occasions) and played drums with several major<br />
country acts. A few years ago, he transitioned his<br />
percussion world into one focused on using drums,<br />
rhythm, and other instruments to help health care<br />
workers, especially nurses. He has published and<br />
presented his approach to many audiences and is<br />
currently working with nurse researchers to document<br />
outcomes.<br />
TNF Silent Auction<br />
The <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation will hold its<br />
Annual TNF Silent Auction and will offer a unique<br />
assortment of items for sale, with proceeds going<br />
to support nurses through TNF’s programs, as well<br />
as opportunities to support fellow colleagues. The<br />
TNF Silent Auction—your shopping extravaganza—<br />
begins Thursday evening and ends Saturday at<br />
4:30 p.m.<br />
Donations are being accepted through 11:00 a.m.<br />
on Saturday, October 16, the last day of the auction.<br />
An intent to donate form is available at this link<br />
https://form.jotform.com/211255239922050<br />
TN <strong>Nurse</strong>s PAC Live and Silent<br />
Auctions<br />
Exhibits & Schools of Nursing Luncheon<br />
The Exhibits and Schools of Nursing Luncheon held<br />
Saturday, October 16, allows all attendees to visit with<br />
the large variety of vendors who exhibit and provide<br />
an opportunity to learn more about new products<br />
and services. It also offers an excellent opportunity<br />
for graduates from the many schools of nursing to visit<br />
with alumni.<br />
Edna Mason Memorial TNA<br />
Conference Scholarship<br />
The <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation is pleased<br />
to offer a scholarship to attend the TNA Annual<br />
Conference. This scholarship is only available to<br />
Registered <strong>Nurse</strong>s in direct care, AND you must be a<br />
first-time attendee to the TNA Annual Conference.<br />
Previous conference attendees will not be eligible.<br />
TNF will award one (1) scholarship in <strong>2021</strong> to<br />
cover the TNA Annual Conference registration fee.<br />
This scholarship does not include lodging or travel.<br />
Transportation to and from the conference, hotel,<br />
additional meals, incidentals, etc., is the responsibility<br />
of the scholarship winner.<br />
Submission Deadline: August 31, <strong>2021</strong><br />
Apply today at: https://form.jotform.<br />
com/211256119244045<br />
Hotel Information<br />
Membership Assembly<br />
All TNA members who attend this Annual Conference<br />
will be eligible to vote on all issues, positions,<br />
resolutions, and policies brought before the assembly.<br />
Don’t miss this chance to let YOUR voice be heard!<br />
Let’s Vote!<br />
TNA members will vote for Board officers and<br />
Directors Friday evening. Election results will be<br />
announced during the closing of the Membership<br />
Assembly on Saturday. The slate of candidates will be<br />
at TNAonline.org as soon as it is available. If you are<br />
unable to attend the conference, Absentee Ballots<br />
are available. Information on requesting an Absentee<br />
Ballot is available in this issue of the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>.<br />
Help Us Celebrate TNA’s Executive<br />
Director, Tina Gerardi, on Her<br />
Retirement<br />
Tina Gerardi, our Executive Director, is retiring at<br />
the close of the Annual Conference. Join us in thanking<br />
her, celebrating all that she has done for <strong>Tennessee</strong><br />
nurses, and wishing her a happy retirement.<br />
TN <strong>Nurse</strong>s PAC will hold both a live and silent<br />
auction. If you are interested in donating items to<br />
either of the PAC auctions, please email Kathleen.<br />
Murphy@tnaonline.org for more information and a<br />
donation sheet.<br />
TNA Achievement Awards<br />
Reception<br />
In honor of Year of the <strong>Nurse</strong> 2.0, One Year Wasn’t<br />
Enough, and in recognition of the unprecedented<br />
work all nurses have been doing during the COVID-19<br />
pandemic, TNA is honoring ALL registered attendees<br />
at this year’s TNA Achievement Awards Reception.<br />
A small gift of appreciation will be given to all who<br />
attend the reception. Thank you for your exceptional<br />
dedication, your commitment, your resilience, and your<br />
professionalism during this crisis. When you register<br />
for the conference, there will be an option to upload<br />
a high-resolution headshot photo. TNA prefers you<br />
upload the photo while you are registering, but should<br />
you have problems, please send it by email to tna@<br />
tnaonline.org with your name and credentials and that<br />
the photo is for the conference!<br />
Book hotel room reservations online using<br />
TNA’s direct booking link. Visit the Events menu at<br />
TNAonline.org and click The Chattanoogan Hotel.<br />
You may also call the hotel directly at (800)619-<br />
0018. PLEASE NOTE: You must use TNA’s Group ID<br />
#725303 to receive the discounted room rate.<br />
The special room rate of $149, single or double,<br />
per night plus tax, will be available until TNA’s group<br />
block is filled. The cut-off date for the discounted<br />
rate is Thursday, September 30, <strong>2021</strong>. After this date,<br />
reservations will be accepted at the hotel’s prevailing<br />
rate, based on room type availability.<br />
Join TNA in Chattanooga, TN,<br />
from October 14 - 16, <strong>2021</strong>, to experience a<br />
conference jam-packed with opportunities<br />
to engage and network with colleagues and<br />
pursue professional development, all while<br />
earning contact hours. With three days of<br />
sessions and hundreds of nurses, you don’t<br />
want to miss this event!
Page 6 <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> <strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong><br />
CALL FOR CANDIDATES<br />
TNA Members – Help Lead and Shape TNA Policy<br />
Nominations Accepted Now for<br />
Several Elected Positions<br />
Tina Gerardi, MS, RN, CAE,<br />
TNA Executive Director<br />
The <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Association Nominating<br />
Committee is actively seeking nominations for<br />
several positions that will be open for election<br />
on the TNA ballot at Membership Assembly on<br />
October 15. A nomination to one of the Board of<br />
Directors’ positions allows you to lead and make a<br />
difference in your state professional association.<br />
YOU are the Voice of TNA!<br />
Positions Available:<br />
• Secretary – 1 to be elected<br />
• ANA Membership Assembly<br />
Representative – 3 to be elected<br />
• Director, Government Affairs – 1 to be<br />
elected<br />
• Director, Operations – 1 to be elected<br />
• Director, Practice – 1 to be elected<br />
• Nominating Committee – 3 to be elected<br />
I encourage ALL TNA members who are<br />
interested in serving on the Board of Directors<br />
to submit the online Call for Candidates<br />
form, available at https://form.jotform.<br />
com/211174777262155. The link is also available<br />
at TNAonline.org/Events. The submission<br />
deadline date is June 25, <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
No handwritten, faxed, or mailed Call for<br />
Candidates Applications will be accepted. All<br />
Call for Candidates applications will be reviewed<br />
and selections made by the TNA Nominating<br />
Committee. Thank you in advance for your<br />
willingness to serve.<br />
Tina Gerardi,<br />
MS, RN, CAE<br />
There is a call for<br />
resolutions posted in<br />
this issue of <strong>Tennessee</strong><br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>. Last year several<br />
members asked how<br />
resolutions are formatted<br />
for consideration by<br />
the TNA Membership<br />
Assembly. I hope that this<br />
brief article provides you<br />
with some guidance on<br />
how to write a resolution.<br />
The information below is<br />
garnered from Robert’s<br />
How to Write a Resolution<br />
Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th Edition and the TNA<br />
Policy and Procedure Manual.<br />
A resolution or a long or complicated motion should<br />
be prepared in advance of the meeting and should be<br />
put into writing before it is offered. The deadline for<br />
submission of resolutions this year is August 13, however,<br />
TNA policies and procedures allow for resolutions to<br />
be submitted to TNA no later than 30 days prior to<br />
the Membership Assembly. Resolutions shall then be<br />
referred to the Reference Committee for appropriate<br />
review. Resolutions cannot be submitted from the<br />
floor of the Issues or Bylaws Forums, or Membership<br />
Assembly except by affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3)<br />
of the members of the Membership Assembly present<br />
and voting. Any resolution submitted from the floor and<br />
accepted for presentation must be submitted in written<br />
form.<br />
Resolutions must be submitted adhering to the<br />
following guidelines:<br />
• The Resolution shall deal with a single topic.<br />
• The Resolution shall be accompanied by an action<br />
plan in sufficient detail to allow a financial impact<br />
statement to be delivered.<br />
CALL FOR RESOLUTIONS<br />
The <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Association is issuing<br />
a formal Call for Resolutions for the <strong>2021</strong> TNA<br />
Membership Assembly to be held during the TNA<br />
Annual Conference on October 15 – 16, <strong>2021</strong>, at<br />
The Chattanoogan Hotel, Chattanooga TN.<br />
Resolutions can be submitted by any TNA<br />
member.<br />
If you wish to submit a Resolution, please<br />
submit by email to Diane Cunningham, at the TNA<br />
office, diane.cunningham@tnaonline.org, no later<br />
than August 13, <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
• The Resolution and<br />
accompanying action<br />
plan shall be concise<br />
and clear.<br />
• The Resolution shall<br />
have relevance to the<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
Association and/or<br />
citizens of the state of<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong>.<br />
• The Resolution shall<br />
not duplicate existing<br />
Association policy<br />
or Bylaws or be<br />
redundant.<br />
TNA resolutions<br />
include a preamble, a preamble consists of brief<br />
statements of background and reasons for the resolution.<br />
A preamble consists of one or more clauses beginning<br />
with “Whereas,…” To avoid detracting from the force<br />
of the resolution itself, a preamble generally should<br />
contain no more clauses than are strictly necessary.<br />
The last paragraph of the preamble should close with<br />
a semicolon, after which a connecting expression<br />
such as “therefore” or “therefore, be it” is noted.<br />
The preamble is then followed by the actions being<br />
requested of the Membership Assembly. These actions<br />
are written as “Resolved” clauses, the resolved is<br />
generally in italics, followed by action clauses, not<br />
in italics. If there are more than one resolving clause,<br />
each of them should be a separate paragraph.<br />
The resolution format therefore is as follows:<br />
Whereas, The (text of preamble),<br />
Whereas, Text of additional background/reason….; now,<br />
therefore be it<br />
Resolved, That (text of action). Additional actions should<br />
be in additional resolved statements.<br />
TNA resolutions, therefore, should be submitted using the following template.<br />
TENNESSEE NURSES<br />
ASSOCIATION MEMBERS<br />
ONLY REQUEST FOR<br />
ABSENTEE BALLOT - <strong>2021</strong><br />
TNA Member Agreement: I understand that<br />
mailing the TNA ballot to me in the manner and<br />
form that has been approved, discharges TNA’s<br />
responsibility to me in the matter of absentee<br />
voting. I further understand that requesting an<br />
absentee ballot removes my name from the list<br />
of eligible voters at the TNA Annual Conference.<br />
Absentee ballot requests must be submitted<br />
online through the TNA Request for Absentee<br />
Ballot JotForm at https://form.jotform.<br />
com/211174722236146. The submission<br />
deadline is September 14.<br />
The absentee ballot with return instructions<br />
will be mailed to you by September 17. Your<br />
completed ballot must be received at TNA<br />
headquarters by the close of business on<br />
October 7, <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
If you have questions, please contact Diane<br />
Cunningham at Diane.Cunningham@TNAonline.<br />
org or call 615-254-0350 ext. 4.<br />
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INSERT NAME OF RESOLUTION HERE<br />
WHEREAS, Insert Resolution Information, and<br />
Continue using WHEREAS until you have covered all background/reasons; and now, therefore be it<br />
RESOLVED, Insert Resolved Information, and<br />
Continue using RESOLVED until you have covered all action issues.<br />
Submitted By,<br />
Insert Name(s)<br />
Insert Submitter’s email address<br />
*Resolutions requiring resources must include a financial impact statement<br />
We invite you to submit an<br />
abstract to be considered for<br />
oral or poster presentation<br />
at the <strong>2021</strong> TNA Annual<br />
Conference, Year of the <strong>Nurse</strong><br />
2.0 – One Year Wasn’t Enough<br />
in Chattanooga, <strong>Tennessee</strong>.<br />
Poster abstracts may be on any<br />
topic. The focus/content of your<br />
oral abstract should relate to<br />
one of the following themes:<br />
• Palliative Care Role in COVID<br />
• Mental Health & Well-Being/Self-Care<br />
• How you survived 2020: Practical Solutions to<br />
Helping Others<br />
• Recruiting/Retaining & Caring for a Diverse<br />
Workforce<br />
• Leadership<br />
• Bullying/Violence<br />
• Care of the Elderly/Dementia<br />
• Alternatives/Complementary Therapies for Pain<br />
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS<br />
TNA Annual Conference<br />
Year of the <strong>Nurse</strong> 2.0<br />
One Year Wasn’t Enough<br />
October 15 – 16, <strong>2021</strong><br />
The Chattanoogan Hotel<br />
Chattanooga, TN<br />
(Office Use Only) Resolution ________________<br />
MA Disposition _________________________<br />
• Topics for Educators<br />
• Topics for Bedside <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
If you have an innovative<br />
project or topic that does not quite<br />
fit into any of these categories,<br />
please submit, as a few innovative<br />
presentations outside those<br />
boundaries will be considered.<br />
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE:<br />
Abstract submissions must be received by 4:30 p.m.<br />
CST, on June 25, <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
SUBMISSION ACCESS LINK<br />
Submit abstracts at: https://form.jotform.<br />
com/211174317727151 or visit TNAonline.org/Events.<br />
If you have questions, please<br />
email TNA@TNAonline.org.
<strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> Page 7<br />
Government Affairs<br />
It’s A Wrap For <strong>2021</strong> Legislative Session<br />
Kathleen Murphy<br />
TNA Director of Government Affairs and Lobbyist<br />
The State Legislature has gone home for the first part<br />
of the two-year General Assembly. We actively supported<br />
four specific pieces of legislation: full practice authority<br />
for Advanced Practice Registered <strong>Nurse</strong>s, restoring the<br />
increased penalties for assaulting a nurse performing<br />
official duties, increasing funding for school nurses through<br />
the BEP school funding system, and allowing Advanced<br />
Practice Registered <strong>Nurse</strong>s to order home health for their<br />
patients. We also negotiated and participated in advocacy<br />
on legislation that needed to be improved, changed, or<br />
defeated in order to protect nursing practice.<br />
Kathleen Murphy<br />
HB 184 / SB 176: Increasing Access to Care for Tennesseans: This bill was<br />
introduced on behalf of TNA and the Coalition for Access to Care for Tennesseans.<br />
The legislation was heard in the Senate Commerce Committee and was rolled to the<br />
first calendar of 2022 by bill sponsor Senator Lundberg. Given the circumstances<br />
surrounding this past year and this legislative session, we believe this was the<br />
right decision and will better position our legislation for passage in 2022. Please<br />
understand that while our work is not done, we are making good progress.<br />
To help gain support of the legislation, TNA accepted an amendment to the bill<br />
that created a transition to prescribing. Other amendments issued by the health<br />
department were also added to the legislation. Having the prescription amendment<br />
added and on record is a great win, as it gives us an opportunity to continue<br />
to educate members on the issue leading into next year’s legislative session.<br />
Legislators were very clear that the bill would not advance without some transition<br />
to prescribing included. The bottom line is this: we are in a better position to<br />
continue to educate members and advocate on the importance of this legislation.<br />
SB19/HB864: No nurse should have to choose between protecting themselves or<br />
caring for their patients, and this legislation will help nurses feel more empowered<br />
to report actual or threats of assault. Last August, during the Special Session, the<br />
legislature rewrote the assault code and removed nurses from the increased<br />
penalties section. #End<strong>Nurse</strong>Abuse SB19/HB864 restored nurses into the assault<br />
code and increases the visibility that physical assault against nurses will not be<br />
tolerated.<br />
A big thank you to Jimmy Closser, RN, who testified about his firsthand<br />
experience with assault as part of the committee hearings. His willingness to share<br />
his experience has undoubtedly helped this legislation pass.<br />
SB582/HB537: Unfortunately, this legislation to increase funding for school<br />
nurses did not pass committee, nor was it funded through the Governor’s budget.<br />
We will continue to work with a coalition of other advocates to push for increased<br />
staffing levels and funding for school nurses.<br />
SB478/HB743: APRN’s Authority for Home Health Orders bill passed and<br />
modernizes TN health care services by allowing patients to choose their provider<br />
and does not force a new relationship with a physician they have never seen just to<br />
meet an administrative requirement. This will ensure greater access to home health<br />
services. By eliminating a step in the authorization process, it will speed up the time<br />
for services and allow providers to have claims submitted and approved.<br />
Our fight for legislative changes to protect and promote the registered nurse is<br />
not over just because the legislature has gone home. The time and energy you have<br />
put in to contact these legislators and emphasize the importance of our positions<br />
are greatly appreciated and essential to our mission. We cannot thank you enough<br />
for your efforts and look forward to your continued support as we approach the<br />
next session. If you would like to get more involved, please email Kathleen Murphy<br />
at kathleen.murphy@tnaonline.org.<br />
TN <strong>Nurse</strong>s PAC<br />
Want to protect and promote<br />
the nursing profession?<br />
Donate to the TN <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
PAC today.<br />
When I am presenting workshops on nursing political advocacy, and legislative updates,<br />
one of the top questions I receive is, “why do the doctors or hospitals have so much<br />
power?” Of course, there are a number of answers to questions like that, but when it<br />
comes down to it, it’s politics.<br />
The <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Political Action Committee not only allows nurses to have a<br />
strong collective voice during campaign season, but it also can support the legislative,<br />
lobbying, and coalition building efforts in and out of legislative session.<br />
We saw legislation passed that (HB1045/SB212) requires the board of nursing, upon<br />
learning a nurse was indicted for or convicted of certain criminal offenses, to restrict<br />
or revoke, respectively, the nurse’s ability to prescribe controlled substances and<br />
requires to suspend a nurses’ license upon finding they failed to comply with physician<br />
collaboration requirements; and requires facility administrators to report certain<br />
information. This is a serious change from our American tradition of innocent until<br />
proven guilty. We expressed our concerns to legislators on committees and leadership,<br />
but ultimately the bill passed.<br />
The Hospital Association brought legislation (HB1353/SB1267) that would authorize<br />
hospitals to hire nursing students who have graduated but had not passed their NCLEX<br />
or other licensing requirements yet. The pandemic was the main reason they cited for<br />
this legislation and the nursing shortage that has been growing for years. While we were<br />
ultimately able to get this legislation amended to where we took a neutral position on the<br />
legislation, it was a fight to get nurses voices heard. This legislation was a prime example<br />
of too many decisions being made about our profession and the care we provide, without<br />
nurses being involved and having a seat at the table.<br />
If nurses don’t get involved, other people will. The hospital CEO, administrator, doctors,<br />
or other medical professionals will gladly tell candidates and legislators that everything is<br />
perfect in the nurse’s profession or what changes they think should be made. But when<br />
nurses speak up and advocate, then nurses and patients win.<br />
These two pieces of legislation are only a few examples of what happens when<br />
legislators, other healthcare organizations, and associations do not involve nurses or<br />
consider the impact on nursing when drafting legislation and policy. Every day we read<br />
about working environments being compromised, hospital bottom lines, and nurses being<br />
pushed to the edge.<br />
Political Action is hard work and takes time, but the results are worth it. We must<br />
continue to work on developing relationships with all legislators even if they are not<br />
considered “pro-nurse.” We are in difficult times. But this is about your profession, the<br />
care you provide, your livelihoods, and your ability to protect your family and loved ones.<br />
In order to have a stronger voice at the state capitol, we need a strong political action<br />
committee that will reinforce our lobbying and advocacy efforts. To do that, WE NEED<br />
YOU. We need you to contribute to the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Political Action Committee<br />
today.<br />
Please help us promote and protect YOUR nursing profession. Donate today: https://<br />
tna.nursingnetwork.com/page/94251-donate-to-tn-nurses-pac<br />
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Page 8 <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> <strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong><br />
Delores Jackson, PhD, MSN, BSN, ASN, RN<br />
Dependency and Abuse<br />
of Opioids<br />
Prescribing opioids is not the<br />
problem. Opioids provide highly<br />
effective pain management<br />
for acute pain originating<br />
from injury, surgery, cancer,<br />
and palliative or end-of-lifecare.<br />
Appropriate prescribing<br />
achieves adequate pain control;<br />
reduces patient addiction<br />
risks, abuse, or toxicity; and Delores Jackson<br />
minimizes drug diversion.<br />
Nevertheless, abuse and overdose deaths are still<br />
problematic, although data indicate US healthcare<br />
providers are making headway; since 2012, prescription<br />
overdose deaths have been declining. There were 67,367<br />
US drug overdose deaths in 2018, which represented<br />
a 4.1% decline from 2017. Seventy percent of US drug<br />
overdose cases involved opioids. But deaths from natural<br />
and semi-synthetic opioids such as those typically<br />
prescribed by primary care practitioners (hydrocodone,<br />
oxycodone, or codeine) actually declined 14% from 2017<br />
to 2018. <strong>Tennessee</strong> deaths from prescribed opioids also<br />
declined in 2018.<br />
Nursing Roles<br />
All RNs contribute to safe care delivery, patient<br />
assessment, pain management and education,<br />
whether working as an office RN, Advanced Practice<br />
Registered <strong>Nurse</strong> (APRN), or <strong>Nurse</strong> Practitioner (NP) with<br />
advanced practice credentials that include specialized<br />
pharmacology education with prescriptive authority.<br />
The diversified roles of RNs extend beyond primary<br />
care to assorted direct patient care and leadership<br />
positions. As skilled educators and patient advocates,<br />
nurses help patients and families understand other<br />
pain management modalities such as physical therapy,<br />
psychological management options, complementary<br />
medicine and non-opioid management strategies to ease<br />
the burden of pain. The American <strong>Nurse</strong>s Association<br />
(ANA) noted that in part, the current US crisis has<br />
been created by ineffective medical efforts to manage<br />
chronic pain. The ANA applauds nurses as key players<br />
for pain management by providing early recognition and<br />
pain interventions in primary care settings, including<br />
patient-centered, interdisciplinary and self-management<br />
strategies.<br />
Spotlight on Practice<br />
Nursing Contributions for Safe & Effective Opioid Pain Management<br />
How Can <strong>Nurse</strong>s Provide Safe Pain Management?<br />
Remove Barriers to Effective Pain Management<br />
Several barriers exist that can impact effective pain<br />
management. <strong>Nurse</strong>s can overcome these barriers by<br />
transforming their practice to eliminate key problems that<br />
interfere with adequate pain control.<br />
1) At the clinical institution level, interdisciplinary<br />
teams can develop best practices for pain<br />
management, treatment plans and drug<br />
prescriptions.<br />
2) Individually, nurses should expand their<br />
education by attending conferences, searching<br />
for current evidence-based practices via<br />
professional literature, and taking additional<br />
coursework (CEUs) on opioid prescription<br />
best practices. Best practice should include<br />
an interdisciplinary focus that includes mental<br />
health, behavioral health, and complementary or<br />
alternative pain management approaches.<br />
3) <strong>Nurse</strong>s must remain diligent to avoid cultural<br />
or societal stigma for those who report pain.<br />
It is our duty and responsibility to treat pain to<br />
promote an optimal quality of life and reduce<br />
suffering. Likewise, we must be cognizant that<br />
patient cultural barriers might exist that could<br />
impede the patient’s willingness to discuss pain.<br />
4) Costs of pain management can be a barrier,<br />
particularly if we recommend or order<br />
treatment plans other than drug management.<br />
Some insurances will not pay for alternative<br />
or complementary medicine options, mental<br />
health services, or other care modalities outside<br />
drug regimens. Anti-inflammatory herbals may<br />
be useful, but not if the patient cannot afford<br />
these expensive nutritional supplements. Even<br />
rehabilitation services such as PT may be limited<br />
under many insurances and Medicare plans.<br />
Know State Regulations for Prescription Drug<br />
Monitoring Programs (PDMP)<br />
All 50 states have developed PDMPs. Access to PDMPs<br />
may determine if the patient has a history of using<br />
multiple doctors, frequent ER visits, or demonstrates<br />
other evidence of prior drug abuse such as frequent<br />
opioid prescriptions. The PDMP also records primary<br />
care prescription activity. It is the provider’s responsibility<br />
to know all state regulations and required reporting.<br />
Unfortunately, inconsistent data collection and nonstandardized<br />
regulations have created confusion for<br />
providers and thus have not been as effective as hoped.<br />
Worse, in some cases, these regulations have thwarted<br />
some primary care providers’ desire to order opioids,<br />
which have caused fears that some patients’ pain<br />
management needs are not effectively met which could<br />
lead to patients seeking illicit pain relief strategies.<br />
Other state or federal guidelines. To curb abuses,<br />
states mandate physical assessments prior to prescribing<br />
an opioid drug. To protect the public, prosecution<br />
immunity is enacted for citizens who attempt to assist<br />
a person who may have overdosed. Drug disposal,<br />
community education, and expanded naloxone<br />
distribution are other safety mechanisms set forth by<br />
legislation.<br />
Create Treatment Plans that Include<br />
Addiction Risk Assessments<br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>s obtain thorough patient histories and<br />
should verify injury by usual diagnostic assessments.<br />
Assessments should include level and intensity of pain;<br />
pain relief measures; how pain interferes with quality<br />
of life, such as its impacts on physical and psychological<br />
function; household support systems; and if pain is<br />
interfering with work, home relationships, mood, sleep,<br />
exercise, leisure activities, or food consumption.<br />
Information from family members, the patient<br />
interview, and a thorough assessment include screening<br />
tools to define the patient’s addiction risks. Low-risk<br />
patients would receive the usual amount of monitoring<br />
and follow-up. As the risk increases, the level of<br />
monitoring and frequency of follow-up visits increase.<br />
Monitoring could include pill counts and urine drug<br />
screens. Higher risk patients should be referred to pain<br />
management clinics and always receive short acting<br />
opioid formulas.<br />
Based on the patient’s history and family member<br />
accounts, the nurse determines if the patient<br />
demonstrates or verbalizes behaviors that might suggest<br />
high risk for drug addiction or abuse. Behaviors that might<br />
suggest a problematic return to normal daily activities<br />
include daytime sleeping instead of night; lack of usual<br />
family involvement and interactions; decreased appetite;<br />
poor hygiene and appearance, mood swings or volatility;<br />
and impaired functioning due to potential effects of drug<br />
use.<br />
The decision to continue, alter, or stop opioid<br />
drug regimens is based on the patient’s progress in
<strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> Page 9<br />
meeting treatment plan objectives while avoiding<br />
adverse behaviors suggestive of overdose or diversion.<br />
Satisfactory plan of care outcomes are improving pain<br />
levels, function, and quality of life.<br />
Opioid Prescription Patient Education by <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
1) Take opioid as prescribed, noting the importance<br />
of sticking with the dose regimen. Patients<br />
should know what to do if they miss a dose or if<br />
pain is not managed by the recommended doses.<br />
2) Remind patients that the medication should not<br />
be crushed or chewed.<br />
3) Warn patients of the dangers of using CNS<br />
depressants, including sedatives, alcohol, or illicit<br />
drugs.<br />
4) Reinforce the fact that due to the addictive<br />
nature of the drugs, discontinuation should be<br />
accomplished by tapering the drug’s dosing with<br />
primary care provider assistance.<br />
5) Drugs should never be shared. To avoid<br />
diversion, opioids should be locked up in a secure<br />
location.<br />
6) Potential side effects include death due to<br />
respiratory depression.<br />
7) The drug could impact one’s ability to drive,<br />
operate machines, or affect balance that could<br />
cause falls.<br />
8) Instruct the patient on safe disposal of unused<br />
opioids. Many senior centers or primary care<br />
offices are depositories for unused drugs.<br />
Community awareness. <strong>Nurse</strong>s are often instrumental<br />
in providing community education. These educational<br />
sessions might be in schools, at hospitals, senior centers,<br />
or at other community locations. All aspects of opioid<br />
safety should be taught to interested key community<br />
members to heighten awareness.<br />
Naloxone. Release of Naloxone (Narcan) toolkits<br />
to the general public, families of those who use<br />
opioids, and patients themselves has increased in the<br />
US over the last few years. These life-saving kits do<br />
not treat overdoses of benzodiazepines, stimulants,<br />
or barbiturates but do reverse the effects of opioids,<br />
including heroin and fentanyl, when the first symptoms<br />
of respiratory arrest or coma occur. Since 2019, Narcan<br />
can be dispensed for <strong>Tennessee</strong> individuals at risk of<br />
opiate-related overdose.<br />
Conclusion<br />
The ANA advocates for all RNs, APRNs and NPs to<br />
practice in the fullest extent of their education and<br />
practice authority for the implementation of patient<br />
treatment plans and access to care to combat pain and<br />
the opioid crisis. The ANA promotes care delivery instead<br />
of litigation or legal actions against those who have fallen<br />
victim to this national epidemic.<br />
I Am TNA continued from page 1<br />
Cynthia (Cindy) Borum,<br />
DNP, APRN, FNP-C, NE-BC<br />
TNA District 3<br />
Member of the TNF Board<br />
of Trust<br />
My nursing career has<br />
enriched my knowledge<br />
and the ability to fulfill<br />
my ongoing commitment<br />
to confidently serve the<br />
healthcare needs of my<br />
patients and my community. I believe that nursing<br />
is admired and respected by professionals both<br />
inside and outside the medical community. As<br />
nursing professionals, we have an ethical and social<br />
responsibility to utilize our intellectual capabilities<br />
to promote the health of our patients, our<br />
communities as well as the healthcare system.<br />
I have been a nurse for 35 years, and nursing<br />
is a part of my DNA. In fact, my career choice<br />
in the nursing profession was greatly influenced<br />
because of the connection to helping others. I have<br />
always wanted to be a nurse, and as a young girl, I<br />
volunteered as a candy striper in the hospital, where<br />
I fed patients and helped the nursing staff. After<br />
high school, I started working on my baccalaureate<br />
nursing degree at the same time I worked during the<br />
summer as a nursing assistant.<br />
Both TNA and ANA proudly remind us that noble<br />
characteristics of nursing are honesty and trust.<br />
Nursing continues to be recognized as the most<br />
trusted profession for 18 years consecutively (ANA,<br />
2020, Gallup, 2020). My values, beliefs, and faith<br />
are my compass that guides me both personally and<br />
professionally. My passion comes from my values<br />
and beliefs of doing the right things and doing things<br />
right for others. I am dedicated to lead by example<br />
through my actions and behaviors.<br />
After receiving my baccalaureate nursing degree,<br />
I worked with critically ill patients. I quickly<br />
discovered my niche in nursing and my desire to<br />
care for chronically ill cardiovascular patients to<br />
‘mend the broken hearts.’ During this time in my<br />
career, I took advantage of every opportunity to<br />
expand my education and apply my knowledge as an<br />
expert cardiovascular nurse. My ministry is bringing<br />
awareness of the unhealthy lifestyle behaviors<br />
that contribute to cardiovascular disease. These<br />
behavioral factors are established by social and<br />
cultural norms within many <strong>Tennessee</strong> communities.<br />
I actively participate in community activities like<br />
the annual Heart Walk, ‘Go Red for Women’ Heart<br />
campaign and provide CPR classes to organizations<br />
within my community. As a faith community nurse,<br />
I provide health promotion activities such as blood<br />
pressure checks for people of all faiths. I learned<br />
about faith community nursing through TNA.<br />
Furthermore, I lead by example and role-model<br />
a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity,<br />
healthy eating, and not smoking.<br />
Every nurse is a leader with developed leadership<br />
competencies. The diverse collection of leadership<br />
knowledge and clinical skills that I have ascertained<br />
throughout my career constantly opens doors<br />
for new opportunities. Utilizing leadership<br />
competencies like coaching, mentoring, emotional<br />
intelligence, change management, systems thinking,<br />
active listening, adaptability, self-awareness, and<br />
relationship management allow me to work with<br />
multi-professional teams both inside and outside of<br />
healthcare. The ANA webinars and online courses<br />
are a marvelous approach for ongoing learning and<br />
the attainment of continuing education credits.<br />
As a nurse practitioner, I recognize the<br />
contributions of advanced practice registered<br />
nurses to address policy issues that improve access<br />
to care and population health across <strong>Tennessee</strong>.<br />
Because of my TNA membership, I am involved<br />
in and advocate for advanced practice registered<br />
nurses. Through TNA, I network with <strong>Tennessee</strong><br />
nurse leaders to discuss real-life issues. Together,<br />
we address problems such as quality of care and<br />
access to healthcare for Middle Tennesseans.<br />
Establishing lifelong relationships and working<br />
collaboratively with key stakeholders is a benefit of<br />
TNA membership.<br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>s play a critical role in the new era of<br />
healthcare, and I have a responsibility to positively<br />
influence the patient experience, improve<br />
population health, and make healthcare affordable.<br />
There is so much to do in health care, and I am<br />
poised to lead healthcare transformation and<br />
promote good health. In the words of Florence<br />
Nightingale, “Let us be anxious to do well, not for<br />
selfish praise but to honour and advance the cause,<br />
the work we have taken up.” I take pride in being a<br />
member of ‘our’ professional organization, TNA, to<br />
honor and advance nursing’s cause.<br />
References<br />
American <strong>Nurse</strong>s Association. (2020). ANA president proud<br />
of nurses for maintaining #1 spot in Gallup’s most honest<br />
and ethical professions poll. Retrieved from https://<br />
www.nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2020/<br />
american-nurses-association-president-proud-of-nursesfor-maintaining-1-spot--in-gallups-2019-most-honestand-ethical-professions-poll/<br />
Gallup. (2020). <strong>Nurse</strong>s again outpace other professions for<br />
honesty, ethics. Retrieved from https://news.gallup.<br />
com/poll/274673/nurses-continue-rate-highest-honestyethics.aspx<br />
Vicinus, M. & Nergaard, B. (Eds.). (1990). Ever yours, Florence<br />
Nightingale: selected letters. Cambridge, MA: Harvard<br />
University Press.
Page 10 <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> <strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong><br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>s Well-Being<br />
Please Tell Me Your Story<br />
Brittany Haskell, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CNE<br />
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing<br />
“Since COVID arrived at<br />
our doors in February 2020, I<br />
have been taking care of this<br />
patient population. Initially,<br />
you had that heightened sense<br />
of anxiety and apprehension<br />
of not knowing what to<br />
expect. A lot of that was due<br />
to the fact that it was new,<br />
just that situational anxiety.<br />
A lot of it also was the fact<br />
that so much was going on Brittany Haskell<br />
in the news, like information<br />
overload. The anxiety wasn’t just for me. It was also<br />
for my husband and also worrying that I might expose<br />
somebody. Workwise, everyone was kind of on edge<br />
just trying to figure out what to expect in general.”<br />
Critical care nurse Chelsea Riddlespur has spent<br />
the last year working between a medical intensive<br />
care unit (MICU) and coronavirus 2019 intensive care<br />
unit (COVID-19 ICU) at Vanderbilt University Medical<br />
Center. This is a snapshot of her story during the<br />
COVID-19 pandemic. She continues on to explain<br />
the stress of initially not knowing how best to care<br />
for patients, the emotional toll of caring for patients<br />
without the support of their family, and the grief over<br />
difficult patient losses. Meanwhile, in her personal life,<br />
Chelsea was navigating a custody arrangement with<br />
their stepchild and starting graduate school.<br />
While working with COVID-19 patients has been<br />
challenging, Chelsea notes that some aspects are<br />
rewarding, such as meeting the social and emotional<br />
needs of her patients creatively and celebrating health<br />
improvements. Chelsea has been fortunate to work on<br />
a unit with a strong culture of supportive collaboration,<br />
including clear communication and adaptability to<br />
change. One of those changes is offering psychological<br />
support for nurses through a scheduled time for<br />
connection and storytelling. During a year when nurses<br />
have experienced so much, it is time to share and listen<br />
to those stories.<br />
Psychological effects of COVID-19 on nurses<br />
Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has<br />
presented unique challenges for nurses in both<br />
their professional and personal lives. Repeatedly,<br />
the nursing workforce around the globe has<br />
been found to be psychologically affected by the<br />
COVID-19 climate. <strong>Nurse</strong>s have and continue to<br />
experience increased stressors, including limited<br />
access to personal protective equipment, increased<br />
NOW<br />
SEEKING<br />
experienced<br />
RNs<br />
patient volume and intensity at work, ever-changing<br />
healthcare protocols, social isolation, and caregiver<br />
role strain. These factors create a perfect storm for<br />
an increase in mood symptoms, like depression and<br />
anxiety, and trauma responses, like post-traumatic<br />
stress disorder (PTSD). After a year of working during<br />
a pandemic, chronic stress is leading to an inevitable<br />
increase in compassion fatigue and burnout, which<br />
has the potential to negatively impact patient care<br />
and health outcomes.<br />
Healthcare executives, healthcare systems, and<br />
communities are aware of the psychological effects<br />
COVID-19 has had on nurses, which has led to an<br />
increasing call for support. While they recognize<br />
that psychological support is needed, they are<br />
still struggling to find the best ways to offer that<br />
support.<br />
A Renewed Interest in Mental Health<br />
A benefit of the pandemic has been a renewed<br />
emphasis on the psychological well-being of the<br />
nursing workforce. National and global healthcare<br />
related organizations, such as the Centers for Disease<br />
Control and Prevention, American <strong>Nurse</strong>s Association,<br />
and World Health Organization, have launched or<br />
enhanced resources to aid healthcare employee<br />
mental health. In addition, healthcare organizations<br />
have taken an interest in broadening accessible<br />
psychological support services for employees, such<br />
as offering continuing education, informational<br />
emails, and access to mental health resources. While<br />
these structural supports are beneficial, they do not<br />
provide concrete and applicable tools that nurses<br />
can use to support each other on a daily basis.<br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>s have the potential to serve as a source of<br />
psychological support to each other, but they need<br />
the time, space, and healthy workplace culture to do<br />
so.<br />
What is storytelling?<br />
Storytelling, also called narrative pedagogy, is an<br />
approach to teaching and learning resulting from lived<br />
experiences. Storytelling is not a new phenomenon,<br />
having been used by nearly every culture dating back<br />
to 1000 BC. Storytelling in nursing has been found<br />
to engage listeners, promote empathy, enhance a<br />
feeling of community, allow exploration of shared<br />
experiences, and enhance discussion. All of which are<br />
desperately needed for nurses working during the<br />
COVID-19 pandemic. Naturally, storytelling is combined<br />
with reflection, which uses contemplation to create<br />
meaning from lived experiences for enhanced learning.<br />
Storytelling is frequently used in nursing education<br />
but is underutilized for nurses in practice experiencing<br />
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a chronically stressful work environment, like nurses<br />
working during COVID-19. During a workday, a nurse<br />
may listen to dozens of patient stories, but rarely have<br />
an opportunity to share and listen to the stories of<br />
their peers, which needs to change. <strong>Nurse</strong>s need to be<br />
empowered to take time to share their stories, which<br />
necessitates support by healthcare administration,<br />
hospital systems, and communities.<br />
Implementing Storytelling<br />
When COVID-19 cases decline in the future, the<br />
experiences and stories of nurses like Chelsea’s will still<br />
exist. <strong>Nurse</strong>s have lived experiences over the past year<br />
that have the potential to start the healing process<br />
through storytelling and listening, but they need a safe<br />
space to be able to share. For storytelling to begin,<br />
the nursing work environment needs to normalize<br />
sharing nursing experiences, which includes decreasing<br />
stigma surrounding the stressors and subsequent<br />
psychological distress presented by COVID-19. <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
and nurse managers are integral parts of that process<br />
to shift to a culture of experience inclusion. Storytelling<br />
can happen in many different ways – in person during<br />
scheduled meetings or debrief times, through a virtual<br />
format, or even through videos or journaling. Chelsea<br />
shared that her unit started Compassionate Caregiver<br />
Stress Sessions, which is a weekly designated time<br />
for nurses to share stories and provide support to<br />
each other. She also noted that storytelling can be<br />
embedded into unit activities through debrief sessions<br />
after difficult patient situations. Any participation is<br />
beneficial. Not every nurse is going to want to share<br />
their story, but healing can still happen through<br />
listening. In addition, nurses are not going to be<br />
the only ones benefitted by sharing their stories.<br />
Through storytelling, nurse managers and hospital<br />
administration can gain a better understanding of the<br />
needs of nurses, which will allow them to adapt to the<br />
evolving needs of nurses.<br />
Conclusion<br />
COVID-19 has strained the psychological wellbeing<br />
of nurses. While hospital administration and<br />
hospital systems have tried to provide the support<br />
that nurses need, nurses can also serve as a source<br />
of support for each other through storytelling. Space<br />
and time dedicated to storytelling can improve the<br />
psychological well-being for nurses now and into the<br />
future. Implementing storytelling should be considered<br />
for every healthcare setting.<br />
References<br />
Bruce, A., Daudt, H., & Breiddal, S. (2018). Can writing and<br />
storytelling foster self-care? A qualitative inquiry into<br />
facilitated dinners. Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing,<br />
20(6), 554-560. doi: 10.1097/NJH.0000000000000478<br />
Carmassi, C., Foghi, C., Dell’Oste, V., Cordone, A., Bertelloni,<br />
C. A., Bui, E., & Dell’Osso L. (2020). PTSD symptoms in<br />
healthcare workers facing the three coronavirus outbreaks:<br />
what we expect after the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychiatric<br />
Research, 292(2020), 113312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.<br />
psychres.2020.113312<br />
Haigh, C. & Hardy, P. (2011). Tell me a story – a conceptual<br />
exploration of storytelling in healthcare education. 31(2020),<br />
408-411. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2010.08.001<br />
Luo, M., Guo, L., Yu, M., Jiang, W., & Wang, H. (2020). The<br />
psychological and mental impact of coronavirus disease 2019<br />
(COVID-19) on medical staff and general public – a systematic<br />
review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 291(2020),<br />
113190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113190<br />
Phillips, C. S. & Becker, H. (2019). Systematic review: expressive<br />
arts interventions to address psychosocial stress in healthcare<br />
workers. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2019(75), 2285-2298.<br />
doi: 10.1111/jan.14043<br />
Sigherian, K., Steege, L. M., Cobb, S. J., & Cho, H. (2020). Insomnia,<br />
fatigue and psychosocial well-being during COVID-19<br />
pandemic: a cross-sectional survey of hospital nursing staff in<br />
the United States. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2020(00), 1-14.<br />
doi: 10.1111/jocn.15566<br />
Tracy, D. K., Tarn, M., Eldridge, R., Cooke, J., Calder, J. D. F., &<br />
Greenberg, N. (2020). What should be done to support the<br />
mental health of healthcare staff treating COVID-19 patients?<br />
The British Journal of Psychiatry. doi: 10.1192/bjp.2020.109
<strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> Page 11<br />
TNF Auction, Merchandise, Campaigns.<br />
Oh My! TNF offers many easy ways to<br />
help support <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
Student Forum<br />
Raven Wentworth, DNP, RN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, FNP-BC<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation (TNF) President<br />
The theme for the TNA Annual Conference in <strong>2021</strong> is “Year<br />
of the <strong>Nurse</strong> 2.0 - One Year Wasn’t Enough.” The conference<br />
is scheduled for October 14-16 at The Chattanoogan in<br />
Chattanooga, <strong>Tennessee</strong>. The <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation will<br />
host a silent auction to raise funds that will support <strong>Tennessee</strong><br />
nurses through initiatives such as scholarships, grants,<br />
leadership development, and professional health and wellness.<br />
We hope that you plan on attending the conference and will<br />
visit the silent auction area. You will have the opportunity to<br />
bid on an assortment of unique items and experiences. There<br />
will also be a “mystery wallet” and “mystery box,” which will<br />
add to the fun. Donations for the silent auction will be accepted Raven Wentworth<br />
on-site. If you have an artistic talent or a small business and<br />
would like to donate an item, you may do so at the conference. Gift baskets, home décor,<br />
Christmas and Halloween items, gift certificates, and spa kits are just a few ideas for<br />
donations to the silent auction.<br />
TNF Merchandise Available Now!<br />
TNF will be launching various campaigns throughout the year to offer nurses an<br />
assortment of nursing related t-shirts, totes, and mugs. Merchandise will be available to<br />
view at the annual conference. However, do not wait. Order today and wear your shirt<br />
to conference! You may view and purchase now at https://www.bonfire.com/store/<br />
tennessee-nurses-foundation/<br />
Less Than A Latte<br />
We encourage you to support TNF by making a donation to the “Less Than A Latte”<br />
campaign. It is not a secret that most nurses love coffee. After all, caffeine has been known<br />
to help a few of us survive that twelve-hour night shift. Consider supporting TNF and<br />
donating the cost of a latte or two via Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit card,<br />
text, or check. Your tax-deductible donation will help TNF’s mission to promote professional<br />
excellence in nursing. See below for details on the Less Than A Latte campaign.<br />
Your Donations Help TNF Support <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
The TNA District Educational Scholarship is an educational scholarship sponsored by<br />
the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation (TNF) to all TNA District Associations in an amount up<br />
to $2,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2020-<strong>2021</strong>. We would like to congratulate the recipient(s) in<br />
each district as well as the winner of the <strong>2021</strong> Scholarly Writing Contest. Recipients will be<br />
highlighted in an upcoming issue of the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>.<br />
Hey there! I’m Lesleigh Meece, the Vice-President of the<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> Student <strong>Nurse</strong>s Association. I am currently a student<br />
in the ABSN program at Union University in Hendersonville. My<br />
story echoes that of many students enrolled in second degree<br />
programs – nursing was not my first career choice. At several<br />
points in my life, I was actually positive I would never work<br />
in healthcare. This stemmed from a load of resentment and<br />
animosity I felt toward the healthcare providers that weren’t<br />
able to save my mother’s life. June of 2001 was the start of a life<br />
that was flooded by nurses, doctors, and hospitals for years. It<br />
was the day of my mother’s car wreck. The wreck that put her<br />
in a 3-month coma and stole her ability to thrive for nine years.<br />
The wreck that ultimately took her life. For nine years I watched<br />
ER nurses, neurosurgeons, and home care nurses simultaneously<br />
Lesleigh Meece<br />
TSNA Vice<br />
President<br />
try to return normalcy to my mother and our family’s lives. When my mother passed, I was<br />
filled with so much anger towards the very nurses and doctors that worked tirelessly to care<br />
for her. I was eight years old and could not understand how this happened. In my head,<br />
saving people was their job, and they had failed.<br />
For years I was sick at the thought of going to a hospital or even visiting a doctor. It was<br />
after I began working at a medical spa in the Spring of 2018 that a career in nursing became<br />
an option. I was given the opportunity to work closely with a nurse practitioner who had<br />
recently made the transition from neurology to medical aesthetics. She shared with me<br />
some heart wrenching, triumphant, and all-around inspiring stories. I was able to peek into<br />
the mind of a healthcare provider that has worked in many fields, with many individuals.<br />
Our talks gave me a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the physical and emotional<br />
toll nursing can take on a person. My resentment turned to passion almost instantaneously.<br />
It was then that I realized there is so much more to nursing than giving baths and medicine.<br />
There are elements of emotion, passion, and understanding that are essential in helping<br />
patients and their loved ones, and that is exactly what I want to do. Within a week, I was<br />
applying to nursing programs all over <strong>Tennessee</strong>, and within two months, I received my<br />
letter of acceptance from Union University. It was a whirlwind, but I felt peace wash over<br />
me knowing that I would be able to make a positive impact on patients like my mother and<br />
families like my own.<br />
My journey to this point has been filled with twists, turns, and hard decisions, but I<br />
wouldn’t change a thing about it. I am absolutely thrilled to be where I am today and with<br />
the trajectory of my future. Serving as Vice-President of TSNA has given me the opportunity<br />
to hear the stories of so many other student nurses with unconventional paths. I hope to<br />
continue to utilize this position to share the stories of RN’s and student nurses to inspire<br />
hopeful nurses.<br />
We all have our favorite beverages that we purchase once a day,<br />
or two to three times a week. Your Less Than a Latte donation will<br />
help a latte toward the <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation’s (TNF)<br />
mission of promoting professional excellence in nursing.<br />
You may also text your donation to (202) 858-1233 using the<br />
shortcode “Latte.” Help support a nurse by donating the cost of<br />
one, two, or three of your favorite beverages each month.<br />
Which one will you be? A donate the cost of a latte person, a<br />
“Caffeine Frenzy” person, or an “I Drink a Latte” person?
Page 12 <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> <strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong><br />
National <strong>Nurse</strong>s Week<br />
Celebrations<br />
<strong>2021</strong> Scholarly Writing Contest<br />
The <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation (TNF) announces<br />
Natalia Phillips, RN, MSN as the <strong>2021</strong> TNF Scholarly<br />
Writing Contest winner. The contest is held yearly in<br />
celebration of National <strong>Nurse</strong>s Week.<br />
It gives us great pleasure to award Ms. Neese with<br />
a check for $1,000, plus a free registration to the<br />
TNA Annual Conference, held October 14-16 at The<br />
Chattanoogan Hotel, Chattanooga, TN.<br />
I would like to express<br />
my sincere gratitude to the<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation<br />
for this exciting opportunity<br />
and a very generous prize! The<br />
<strong>2021</strong> Scholarly Writing Contest<br />
provided a wonderful venue for<br />
my ideas on nurse mentoring<br />
and retention strategies. The<br />
thoughts expressed in this work<br />
were inspired by the resilience<br />
of nurses who continue to<br />
advocate for the profession.<br />
Natalia Neese,<br />
RN, MSN<br />
These nurses carry on the flame of their passion through<br />
the perils of this pandemic and other healthcare<br />
challenges to pass it onto the new talent. I look forward to<br />
attending the TNA Annual Conference and meeting more<br />
nurses dedicated to the art of caring and mentorship.<br />
Ms. Neese’s paper, Mentoring Strategies for<br />
Use with New <strong>Nurse</strong>s and Strategies to Retain the<br />
Experienced <strong>Nurse</strong>s, is available under the <strong>Tennessee</strong><br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>s Foundation (TNF)menu at TNAonline.org.<br />
To access electronic copies of the<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>, please visit<br />
http://www.NursingALD.com/<br />
publications<br />
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<strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> Page 13<br />
District News<br />
District 1<br />
President: Lisa Beasley<br />
Virtual meetings continue for<br />
our district, including a member<br />
meeting held on January 28 with<br />
a presentation on the most upto-date<br />
information for treating<br />
pain by Dr. Moacir Schnapp,<br />
neurologist and Medical<br />
Director for the <strong>May</strong>s Schnapp<br />
Neurospine and Pain Clinic. On<br />
February 25, district 1 extended<br />
our member meeting to all of the<br />
districts across the state as Dr. Lisa Beasley<br />
Michelle Fiscus, Medical Director for Vaccine Preventable<br />
Diseases at the <strong>Tennessee</strong> Department of Health,<br />
discussed vaccine disinformation in the age of a pandemic.<br />
During our March member meeting, we were honored<br />
with two guests speaking on the effects of COVID-19 on<br />
mental health in both inpatient and outpatient settings.<br />
Joy Golden, MSN, RN, CEO, and Managing Director for<br />
Lakeside Behavioral Health and Kelly Sealey MHA, MAT,<br />
Health Manager and COVID-19 Response Unit with the<br />
Shelby County Health Department presented startling<br />
statistics of increased depression, substance use, and<br />
suicidal ideation.<br />
Congratulations to TNA District 1 Educational<br />
Scholarship recipients!<br />
District 1 Scholarship Recipient<br />
• Tasha Wilson, RN - graduate student in the FNP<br />
concentration at the University of Memphis<br />
Loewenberg College of Nursing.<br />
TNF’s TNA District 1 Educational Scholarship recipients<br />
• Brianna Hall, pre-licensure undergraduate student at<br />
the University of <strong>Tennessee</strong> Health Science Center<br />
College of Nursing ABSN program.<br />
• Jamiee Staples, pre-licensure undergraduate student<br />
at Baptist Health Sciences University College of<br />
Nursing<br />
District 1 is currently planning to recognize and honor<br />
our nurses during nurse’s month in <strong>May</strong>. We continue<br />
to be grateful for our nurses who carry on in the face of<br />
adversity. Thank you for your courage, and the district 1<br />
board wants you all to know that we are here supporting<br />
you.<br />
District 2<br />
Co-Presidents: Angela Heatherly and Erin Morgan<br />
District 3<br />
President: Ginny Massey-Holt<br />
District 3 met on April 15th<br />
via Zoom for the quarterly<br />
membership meeting. It was<br />
a night to honor the future<br />
of nursing through our <strong>2021</strong><br />
scholarship winners. District<br />
members, family, friends, faculty<br />
and workplace supporters<br />
of the scholars were also in<br />
attendance. Thank you to all for<br />
making it a night of celebration.<br />
We are pleased to announce Ginny Massey-Holt<br />
our two TNF/TNA-supported District 3 Scholars: Danielle<br />
(Dee) Leilani Butler is our MSN student scholar, and Mary<br />
(Melissa) Newell is our Pre-licensure scholar. Our TNA<br />
D3 scholar (supported by a district-funded scholarship) is<br />
Isabella Beck.<br />
We want to share two upcoming events:<br />
Upcoming June Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Event:<br />
On Friday, June 11th beginning at 9:30 am, come to<br />
a Leadership and Adventure Event at Higher Pursuits<br />
Canoe and Kayaking in Columbia, TN. True Colors is a<br />
temperament and personality typing program designed<br />
to help you better understand individual differences and<br />
successfully navigate communication and conflict. We will<br />
work in small groups through the True Colors program in<br />
the morning, enjoy a provided lunch and then paddle down<br />
the scenic Duck River (flat water) for a relaxing afternoon<br />
of sunshine. Visit District 3’s webpage at TNAonline.org<br />
for further details. Must pre-register, limited to about 20<br />
participants. —Dr. Ginny Massey-Holt, District President.<br />
Upcoming July Membership Meeting:<br />
Our July 15th membership meeting will include a 1.0<br />
CNE activity - Vitamin N: Nature Interventions for Mental<br />
Well-Being presented by Dr. Rose Vick, Assistant Professor,<br />
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She is a Family<br />
Psychiatric Mental Health <strong>Nurse</strong> Practitioner, and her<br />
scholarship and clinical interests are in psycho-oncology.<br />
Dr. Vick will provide an overview of the many mental<br />
health benefits of being outdoors. This in-person socially<br />
distanced meeting will take place at the beautiful 400-<br />
acre Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Brentwood, featuring<br />
an outdoor pavilion and over 6 miles of hiking trails. Join<br />
us to learn about the benefits of “Vitamin N” in overall<br />
health and well-being. Dinner will be provided. Please save<br />
the date, and check District 3’s webpage for registration<br />
details.—Dr. Stephanie Abbu, District Vice President.<br />
District 5<br />
President: Christine Reed<br />
District 5 held a virtual meeting<br />
on April 20. Dr. David Reagan,<br />
former Chief Medical Officer for<br />
the <strong>Tennessee</strong> Department of<br />
Health and current Pandemic<br />
Consultant for Ballad Health, joined<br />
and presented information about<br />
the COVID-19 pandemic response.<br />
In June, the district will<br />
reconvene, and Gail Broyles,<br />
Corporate Director of Informatics<br />
at Ballad Health, will speak Christine Reed<br />
about electronic medical record<br />
implementation during a pandemic. District members<br />
are also looking forward to the group’s annual legislative<br />
breakfast, which will take place in August.<br />
Our district has thus far honored three “<strong>Nurse</strong>s of the<br />
Month!” Our honorees are:<br />
• Gail Broyles, who was recognized in February for her<br />
contributions to leadership in nursing informatics<br />
• Susan Grover, who was recognized in March for her<br />
military service, leadership in nursing education, and<br />
dedication to underserved populations<br />
• Jane Mustain, who was recognized in April for her<br />
leadership in multiple nursing specialties including<br />
informatics, dialysis, and education<br />
Members are invited to visit our website at https://tna.<br />
nursingnetwork.com/page/94134-district-5 and Facebook<br />
page at www.facebook.com/TNAD5 for all our updates!<br />
District 15<br />
District News continued on page 14<br />
District 2 hosted 270 <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
and Nursing Students on March<br />
18, <strong>2021</strong>, for a Health Policy<br />
Education session lead by Dr.<br />
Carole Meyers entitled <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
on the Move: Legislative Know<br />
How and Advocacy. This event<br />
provided free CNE to District<br />
2 nurses and health policy<br />
education to local nursing<br />
students.<br />
Additionally, District 2 has<br />
highlighted local food banks<br />
on social media and supported<br />
them financially and with food<br />
drives during April’s month of<br />
service.<br />
Finally, District 2 meetings<br />
continue on Zoom the third<br />
Monday of each month.<br />
Angela Heatherly<br />
Erin Morgan
Page 14 <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> <strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong><br />
District News<br />
District News continued from page 13<br />
District 6<br />
President: Raven Wentworth<br />
Congratulations to Walker<br />
Williams, BSN student at the<br />
University of Memphis-Lambuth.<br />
Walker was selected as the<br />
2020-<strong>2021</strong> TNF TNA District 6<br />
Educational Scholarship recipient.<br />
Walker will be graduating in<br />
December of <strong>2021</strong> and plans<br />
to pursue a graduate degree in<br />
nursing. We applaud Walker’s<br />
hard work and leadership.<br />
Many members joined the Raven Wentworth<br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>s Day on the Hill that<br />
was held March 2, <strong>2021</strong>. Several legislative bills were<br />
discussed after a brief review of the legislative process. We<br />
encourage members to remain engaged and to continue<br />
to form relationships with policymakers.<br />
District 6 will be meeting virtually on Thursday, June 3,<br />
at 5:30 p.m. A guest speaker will be joining us to discuss<br />
the social, environmental, and genomic determinants of<br />
health. An event will be created on the FB page, and TNA<br />
members will receive an email with the zoom link. We<br />
welcome members, nonmembers, and students to attend<br />
virtually. As we move forward, our passion is to meet the<br />
needs of our District 6 nurses, and so we welcome topic<br />
suggestions and input. Please contact us if you’d like more<br />
information.<br />
Save the date! TNA will be conducting a Virtual TNA<br />
Leadership Boot Camp on Saturday, June 12, from 9 a.m.<br />
to 12:30 p.m. CT. The Annual TNA Conference is scheduled<br />
for October 14-16, <strong>2021</strong>, in Chattanooga, TN! Please mark<br />
your calendars and plan to attend.<br />
District 15<br />
President: Marcia Barnes<br />
Greetings from District 15.<br />
Welcome to all new District<br />
15 and renewing TNA members!<br />
Hope most of you have<br />
received your COVID-19 vaccine<br />
as we push to put this pandemic<br />
behind us. We all know, nurses<br />
are resilient, agile, and flexible.<br />
These are requirements for our<br />
profession and help make us all<br />
effective and wonderful nurses.<br />
This is even more true during<br />
Marcia Barnes<br />
these trying times.<br />
District 15 held its last quarterly meeting, April 19,<br />
<strong>2021</strong>, virtually. We had an informative presentation<br />
by John Alexander, Attorney, with Rainey, Kizer,<br />
Reviere, & Bell Law Firm with offices in Chattanooga,<br />
Memphis, Jackson, and Nashville. Mr. Alexander’s<br />
practice focuses primarily on the areas of medical<br />
malpractice defense, insurance defense, and insurance<br />
coverage. He also represents healthcare providers in<br />
matters before <strong>Tennessee</strong>’s various medical Boards<br />
and litigates contract disputes. He is a member of<br />
the Firm’s Malpractice Group and the Firm’s Tort<br />
and Insurance Group. His presentation concerned<br />
healthcare liability during the COVID-19 Pandemic.<br />
We have two celebrations for District 15 members:<br />
Dionne Brady, BSN, RN, CCM, has recently been promoted<br />
to Health and Social Services <strong>Nurse</strong> Manager in the TN<br />
Community and State Plan at United Healthcare, and<br />
Jeanmarie Hill, RN, CHPN received her certification as a<br />
Certified Hospice & Palliative Care <strong>Nurse</strong>. She works at<br />
Alive Hospice.<br />
Please remember to share your news and<br />
accomplishments so we can celebrate with you and include<br />
them in the next issue for District 15.<br />
We had a busy legislative session with several bills<br />
pertinent to nursing, including the school nurse bill, assault<br />
bill, graduate nurse bill, and full practice authority (FPA) for<br />
APRNs. FPA was put on the January 2022 agenda. TNA will<br />
be hosting advocacy events throughout the summer, so be<br />
on the lookout for announcements. Our advocacy efforts<br />
are not finished, as we must work diligently for the rest of<br />
the year to further our profession. Don’t forget, reach out<br />
to your legislators when you receive action alerts.<br />
We need to build up our PAC. We are unable to do<br />
this successfully without your help. Remember, donate<br />
to <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong>s PAC. Every donation counts. Visit:<br />
https://tinyurl.com/eaa7em8x to make a donation.<br />
Save the Date! TNA Annual Conference is Celebrating<br />
the Year of the <strong>Nurse</strong> 2.0, One Year Wasn’t Enough,<br />
October 14-16, <strong>2021</strong>, at The Chattanoogan Hotel,<br />
Chattanooga, TN. Make plans to attend.<br />
Let us not forget to encourage and support each other.<br />
We must be strong advocates for our profession, let our<br />
voices be heard, and promote quality care and access for<br />
the citizens of <strong>Tennessee</strong>.<br />
Marcia Barnes<br />
District 15 President<br />
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<strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> Page 15<br />
New & Returning Members<br />
District 1<br />
Jeffrey Banham, Shannon Barber, Jesse Bebout,<br />
Bridgett Boone, Cherico Bowman-Jefferson, Latoria<br />
Boyland, Gina Butler, Susan Campbell, Lanny Coker,<br />
Rosemary Crawford, Anna Devine, Ashling Durkan,<br />
Cindy Earle, Brittny Ellis, Bob Faucher, Evelyn Fox,<br />
Philip Frost, Starr Gaskins, Rebecca Grant, Allison<br />
Graves, Allison Hanson, Tammara Harris, Rebecca<br />
Hensley, Curtis Hill, Linda Kelly, Chrisla Key, Stacey<br />
LaBarre-Powell, Paula Langley, Scarlett Lenair, Rebekah<br />
Lewallen, Lisa Lloyd, Bridget Mans, Garred Miller, Robin<br />
Morrison, Thanh Nguyen, Annastasia Ouma, Carol<br />
Pahde, Wendy Pineda, Michael Powers, Lindsey Reap,<br />
Mariah Salim, Veronica Sanders, Debriel Satzinger,<br />
Larry Slater, Amy Spicer, Lisa Swolensky, Emily Thomas,<br />
Amelia Torres, Monique Watson, Wendy Weaver,<br />
Michelle Whitaker, Rachel Whitaker, Allyson Williams,<br />
Felicia Woods<br />
District 2<br />
Christi Banks, Lynn Beeler, Amy Beffrey, Chelsea<br />
Bird, Amy Bloomer, Amanda Carr, Cindy Carroll,<br />
Samantha Caton, Nastassja Cox, Kassie Detchemendy,<br />
Stephanie Fancer, Amy Gentry, Jane Gertz, Farideh<br />
Golembiewski, Angela Gregg, Heather Gregg, Erica<br />
Griffith, Lisa Hill, Lori Hinchey, Jennifer Hoskins, Joel<br />
Hurst, Andrea Janoyan, Melissa Justice, Heather<br />
King, Rae-Lyn King, Karen Lasater, Teresa Lucas,<br />
Emily Messer, Michelle Moore-White, Deborah<br />
Perry, Ramona Proctor, Amy Seal, Joyce Stewart, Tara<br />
Strange, Courtney Turman, Dianna Vermilyea, Connie<br />
Winder<br />
Parker, Deborah Payne, Allison Pitts, Brittany Polk,<br />
Sherry Raber, Shannon Rappe, Mark Richardson,<br />
Raymond Romano, Cara Rood, Sarah Salyer, Jonathan<br />
Shipley, Robert Simeone, Allison Stepuszek, Tanaya<br />
Summers, Brandi Thomas, Sandra Topping, Molly<br />
Truesdale, Amanda Tufly, Dena Wampler, Alexis Weber,<br />
Ashley Wheeler, Lee Wineland<br />
District 4<br />
James Allen, Crystal Anderson, Jamie Bird, Donita<br />
Blanken-Little, James Bowen, Denise Carlton, Hea Chong,<br />
Karen Crowder, Janet Daniel, Samantha Dmochowski,<br />
Jennifer Dodd, Laurena Glass, Debra Honey, Samantha<br />
Kirby, Christina Lassila, Patricia <strong>May</strong>nor, Leslie McBride,<br />
Robert Mendoza, Elizabeth Moore-Jones, Logan Moulton,<br />
Marlee Mullin, Cenean Raphemot, Jenny Schiele, Jessica<br />
Scott, Catalina Shope, Rhonda Simmons, Sue Strother,<br />
Edward Tempel II, Holly Walker, Marlene Wilkey, Olivia<br />
Wilson, Robert Yeary, Regena Young<br />
District 5<br />
Patti Altman, Patricia Barnes, Melissa Brewer-<br />
Vanover, Barbara Brock, Dallas Broyles, Shawna Caudill,<br />
Stephanie Cook, Angela Flemmer, Robin Freyling, Erica<br />
Goins, Destani Gray, Holly Hamner, Bobby Harrison,<br />
Nathan Hitchcock, Leah Holden, Morgan Houchins,<br />
Kelly Jackson, Alyse Jordan, Tommi Key, Jlee Kimes,<br />
Kristal King, Christine Knowles, Amanda Lane, Holly<br />
Mitchell, Monna Nelms, Brad Overbey, Janett Pate,<br />
Kristen Perkins, Tabitha Quillen, Leanne Reagan, Carol<br />
Shrum, Abbie Slagle, Megan Sturdivant, Pattie Taylor,<br />
Suzanne Tubbs, Sharon Vickers, Angela Winters<br />
District 6<br />
Susan Bowman, Charlotte Boyd, Brandy Brown,<br />
Cynthia Early, Kyona Goodwin, Julia Kimmins, Rhiannon<br />
Martinez, Delecia Parker, William Parker, Brandy<br />
Rogers, Summer Sanders, Shanna Wilkes, Candice<br />
Woodruff<br />
District 8<br />
Sonja Hart, Elizabeth Riddle, Sherrie Smith<br />
District 9<br />
Lavinia Austin, Tori Banegas, Shawn Billingsley,<br />
Gail Cook, Dana Evans, Lawrence Green, Anne Koci,<br />
Rebecca Kojak, Sara Loveday, Alissa Slack, Joanna<br />
Slagle, Shauna Wiley Samuel, Judith Zuercher<br />
District 10<br />
Mandi Beuerlein, Carla Davis, James Jones<br />
District 12<br />
Ava Kendall, Clarissa Stark, Tammy Teems<br />
District 15<br />
Kathy Andrews, Tiffany Bledsoe, Sandi Camacho,<br />
Betsy Compton, Julia Cowden, Brittany De Leon,<br />
Stephanie Foglia, Adrienne Foster, Kimberly Frantz,<br />
Michelle Hammons, Kaye Harris, Mary Hensley, Mary<br />
Keith-Marcus, Susie Leming-Lee, Tiffany Locke, Judy<br />
Lowe, Erica <strong>May</strong>, Amanda Moon, Rebecca Robinson,<br />
Melody Rudolph, Beverly Scott, Amy Sharpe, Darletta<br />
Steinmetz, Pamela Taylor, Hannah Tran, Brigitte<br />
Williams<br />
District 3<br />
Mark Autry, Andrea Baird, Kortnie Birgy, Rajpati<br />
Bodh-Ceres, Alexandra Brown, Shanda Brown, Katie<br />
Burger, Caitlin Caroland, Carrie Chambers, Kayla<br />
Chapman, Jeffie Cherry, Cynthia Childress, Sonya<br />
Claxton, Kelly Cobb, Mary Cooper, Ann Crim, Neil<br />
Cross, Sherry Crossfield, Jonathan Curtis, Jordan<br />
Daley, Suzanna Davis, John Decker, Abigail Defeo,<br />
Rachel Denice, Jackie Estill, Molly Fonseca, Gregory<br />
Gladstone, Katie Gormley, Megan Graff, Linda Griffith,<br />
Briana Hamilton, Jennifer Hicks, Aaron Hirsch, Mikayla<br />
Holloman, Robin Hopp, Kathryn Hughes, Rachel<br />
Hughes, Cynthia James, Kimberly Johnson, Nancy<br />
Jones, Rebecca Keck, Kayla Keller, Abigail King, Lori<br />
King, Casey Klein, Irene Lancaster, Rebecca Loatwall,<br />
Michael Mann, Sandra Marklin, Dawn McCray,<br />
Amanda McDaniel, Kristi Meacham, Linda Mefford,<br />
Alyssa Miller, Monica Milovancev, Kathryn Murphy,<br />
Ariel Newton, Caitlin Pandillo, Kathryn Paradis, Jennifer<br />
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Please contact our<br />
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580-304-9915
Page 16 <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> <strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong><br />
Member News<br />
Jennifer (Jenny) Aycock, MSN, RN, CCRN<br />
TNA District 3<br />
Jenny Aycock has been appointed as<br />
the new chief nursing officer at TriStar<br />
Skyline Medical Center.<br />
Anna Cook, PMHNP-BC<br />
TNA District 6<br />
Ms. Cook’s article titled Pandemic<br />
Pressures & Stress Takes Toll on Mental<br />
Health was recently published in<br />
Memphis Medical News.<br />
Michelle Estes, BSN, RN-BC<br />
TNA District 3<br />
Michelle Estes was recently honored<br />
with the <strong>2021</strong> University of <strong>Tennessee</strong><br />
Health Science Center’s Dr. John W.<br />
Runyan, Jr. Community Nursing Award.<br />
Congratulations!<br />
Heather Jackson,<br />
PhD, APRN, FNP-BC<br />
TNA District 3<br />
Congratulations, Heather Jackson!<br />
Ms. Jackson was recently announced<br />
as one of thirty-eight NP leaders<br />
across the country as a <strong>2021</strong> Fellow of the American<br />
Association of <strong>Nurse</strong> Practitioners (FAANP).<br />
Mary Lambert, DNP, RN, FAAN<br />
TNA District 4<br />
Chattanooga <strong>May</strong>or Tim Kelly<br />
has chosen public health veteran<br />
and Chattanooga native Mary<br />
Lambert to direct the city’s new<br />
Office of Community Health. Dr. Mary Lambert is<br />
a Chattanooga native who has served in multiple<br />
assignments across the nation, including with the<br />
assistant secretary of health, the White House, the<br />
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Centers<br />
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She<br />
was also deployed in the wake of the September<br />
11, 2001 attacks and in response to the national<br />
capitol anthrax exposure event. She is a retired O-6<br />
from the U.S. Army and U.S. Public Health Service<br />
Commissioned Corps.<br />
Mariann Piano,<br />
PhD, RN, FAAN, FAHA<br />
TNA District 3<br />
Mariann Piano was recently listed as<br />
a healthcare leader in the INCHARGE<br />
Healthcare <strong>2021</strong> issue of the Nashville<br />
Medical News. Ms. Piano, of Vanderbilt University<br />
School of Nursing, is a Nancy & Travis Professor of<br />
Nursing and Senior Associate Dean for Research &<br />
Postdoctoral Fellowship Director.<br />
Patricia Sengstack, DNP, FAAN<br />
TNA District 3<br />
Patricia Sengstack was recently listed<br />
as a healthcare leader in the INCHARGE<br />
Healthcare <strong>2021</strong> issue of the Nashville<br />
Medical News. Ms.Sengstack is the<br />
Senior Associate Dean for Informatics at Vanderbilt<br />
University School of Nursing.<br />
Megan Shifrin, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC<br />
TNA District 3<br />
Ms. Shifrin was recently announced as one of<br />
thirty-eight NP leaders across the country as a<br />
<strong>2021</strong> Fellow of the American Association of <strong>Nurse</strong><br />
Practitioners (FAANP). Congratulations, Megan!<br />
Now Recruiting!<br />
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Bryan Sisk, DNP, MPH, RN, NE-BC, CENP<br />
TNA District 3<br />
Bryan Sisk was recently listed as a healthcare leader<br />
in the INCHARGE Healthcare <strong>2021</strong> issue of the Nashville<br />
Medical News. Mr. Sisk is the Chief Nursing Executive at<br />
TriStar Health in Brentwood.
<strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> Page 17<br />
Workplace Violence De-Escalation Training<br />
Lisa D. Beasley DNP, APRN, NP-C, RN<br />
Introduction<br />
According to the Occupational Safety and Health<br />
Administration (2016), violence against nurses in the workplace<br />
has been increasing in alarming numbers, with recent research<br />
indicating the rise has spiked as much as 110%. Half of all<br />
workplace violence is committed against healthcare workers.<br />
In a health risk appraisal conducted by the American <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
Association, 1 in 4 nurses reported physical assault by a patient<br />
or patient family member (2016). What makes this even more<br />
disturbing is that these assaults go greatly underreported.<br />
A surveillance report conducted by the Emergency <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
Association discovered that the majority of the 7,000 Lisa D. Beasley<br />
emergency room nurses surveyed indicated assault by a<br />
patient or patient family member and did not report the incident (2011). This growing<br />
rate of assaults has sparked legislation on both national and state levels, including<br />
the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act<br />
which passed the United States House of Representatives in November of 2019. While<br />
legislation has been implemented or proposed at the state level across the country,<br />
many believe the penalties are not harsh enough.<br />
Answering the Call<br />
The University of <strong>Tennessee</strong> Health Science Center College of Nursing (UTHSC<br />
CON) is taking action to empower nurses and other healthcare workers in recognizing<br />
and de-escalating potential hostile situations. Dr. Sara Day, Professor and Assistant<br />
Dean for Community and Global<br />
Partnerships, leads the Management<br />
of Aggressive Patient Situations (MAPS)<br />
program through a grant obtained by the<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> Hospital Association (THA).<br />
The team includes Dr. Randy Johnson,<br />
Associate Professor; Dr. Jacqueline Sharp,<br />
Assistant Professor; Dr. Diana Dedmon,<br />
Assistant Professor; Dr. Gabrielle Jackson;<br />
and Dr. Lisa Beasley, Assistant Professor.<br />
MAPS consists of a two-day program<br />
that emphasizes active learning through<br />
a variety of learning strategies for adult<br />
LtoR: Dr. Nicole Knox, Christian<br />
Brothers University participant,<br />
engaging with Dr. Jacqueline (Jackie)<br />
Sharp on de-escalation techniques.<br />
learners. “MAPS is a ‘train the trainer’<br />
program that certifies the trainer and<br />
provides the necessary tools for trainers<br />
to, in-turn, teach the program to nurses<br />
and other healthcare professionals,” said<br />
Dr. Day.<br />
The Curriculum and Training<br />
The curriculum was developed by faculty who completed the Management of<br />
Aggressive Behavior instructor certification course through MOAB® International.<br />
Commercial programs have limitations as they are designed for a general audience<br />
and are expensive; however, MAPS is unique because it was designed by nurses to<br />
meet the specific needs of healthcare providers and is offered without cost throughout<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong>. The current UTHSC CON MAPS team members present the original<br />
curriculum and discuss the topics relevant to gaining the skills necessary to recognize<br />
and subvert aggressive patient situations. Concepts for the learning outcomes<br />
include cultural awareness, self-awareness and self-reflection, verbal and non-verbal<br />
communication, strategies in therapeutic communication and emotional confrontation,<br />
stages of conflict, and strategies to diffuse conflict in various stages. Real life situation<br />
videos with standardized patients and healthcare providers were created to stress deescalation<br />
techniques with patients in varying stages of conflict. “Our team has really<br />
worked hard to engage participants and encourage discussion,” said Dr. Day, who also<br />
commented that the teach-back method is incorporated into the training as part of<br />
the certification requirement. The current team has trained nurse educators at Maury<br />
Regional Medical Center in Columbia and faculty at Christian Brothers University<br />
in Memphis with upcoming sessions scheduled with Vanderbilt Behavioral Health<br />
and Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. MAPS training is well suited for any<br />
healthcare facility employing nurses and for implementation into the curriculum of<br />
nursing schools and colleges.<br />
More information on violence against nurses in the workplace can be found on the<br />
American <strong>Nurse</strong>s Association website in the resource guide, “A <strong>Nurse</strong>’s Call to Action!”<br />
at https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/work-environment/end-nurse-abuse/.<br />
The cost of MAPS training is paid for by the grant. To schedule the MAPS training<br />
program for your institution, please contact Dr. Sara Day by email at sday5@uthsc.edu<br />
or telephone at 901-930-8007.<br />
About the author: Dr. Lisa Beasley is an assistant professor at the University of<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong> Health Science Center College of Nursing, Department of Health Promotion<br />
and Disease Prevention in Memphis. Dr. Beasley is also the president of TNA District 1.<br />
References:<br />
ANA’s New Health Risk Appraisal Evaluates <strong>Nurse</strong>s’ Health, Wellness, Safety. (2014). Georgia Nursing,<br />
74(1), 1–2.<br />
Emergency Department Violence Surveillance Report. (2011).https://www.ena.org/docs/defaultsource/resource-library/practice-resources/workplace-violence/2011-epdf?sfvrsn=5as81911_6<br />
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2016). Workplace Violence in Healthcare<br />
Understanding the Challenge. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3826.pdf<br />
Dr. Sara Day providing teach-back instructions to the Christian<br />
Brother’s University participants.<br />
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Page 18 <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> <strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong><br />
Caring During COVID-19: Nursing Education<br />
Mary Eve Rice, DNP, MSN, CPNP,<br />
Bettina Shank, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE,<br />
Terri Clark, MSN, RN,<br />
Michele Robertson, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC,<br />
Amy S. Hamlin, PhD, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC,<br />
Tasha Ruffin, DNP, RN,<br />
& Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC,<br />
AHN-BC, CHT<br />
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged individuals<br />
and systems across the planet, and in the world of<br />
nursing, innovative approaches were required, and<br />
valuable lessons are still being learned. The world has<br />
seen nurses step up to the plate to manage the care<br />
of the ill and then to vaccinate the masses. Nursing<br />
education had to also step up to the plate to ensure that<br />
there are graduates stepping into practice. This article<br />
reviews some of the challenges that nursing education<br />
in <strong>Tennessee</strong> has overcome and gives honor to nursing<br />
schools across the state who found creative, safe, and<br />
thorough ways of preparing students for practice. This<br />
is written through the eyes of nursing professors from<br />
Austin Peay State University, TN.<br />
Nursing faculty were faced with the difficult act of<br />
balancing a quality nursing education with navigating<br />
the challenges of living through a pandemic. COVID-19<br />
impacted teaching methods, clinical experiences,<br />
existing policies, styles of leadership, personal and<br />
academic lives of nursing students, and nursing<br />
faculty’s professional and personal lives. During these<br />
unprecedented times, leaders worldwide faced the<br />
obstacles head-on, with creative ideas, collaboration,<br />
and flexible hearts to care for those we serve.<br />
Taking Care of Students<br />
Nursing school is known for intense rigor and<br />
demanding requirements. Nursing students were<br />
already tackling the stressors of obtaining a nursing<br />
degree when the COVID-19 pandemic compounded<br />
this into what seemed to be an impossible challenge.<br />
Nursing instruction changed drastically and abruptly.<br />
Students struggled to adjust while facing numerous<br />
hurdles with their children at home full-time and<br />
unstable income sources for their family. Many nursing<br />
students (RN to BSN and graduate students) were not<br />
only students but also essential workers. Going to<br />
school and working in healthcare during a pandemic is<br />
incredibly strenuous and overwhelming. Faculty made<br />
efforts to alleviate stress by offering stress management<br />
webinars via zoom, with prizes. A pedagogy of care<br />
includes an added focus on flexibility, connection,<br />
empowerment, prediction, and preparation. Faculty<br />
allowed more flexible deadlines and opportunities for<br />
revision submissions without lessening quality work<br />
expectations. Faculty consistently made extra efforts<br />
to reach out to students, assessing stress levels and<br />
evaluating students’ overall mental health. Followup<br />
emails and telephone calls reminded students<br />
that the faculty cared. Faculty played a crucial role in<br />
empowering students to persevere.<br />
Taking Care of Teaching and Learning<br />
Before the pandemic, the use of technology in<br />
nursing education was not uncommon. Nursing faculty<br />
and students were familiar with learning management<br />
systems, video conferencing, virtual quizzing, simulation,<br />
and other online technologies. With the sudden impact of<br />
the pandemic, transitioning to an online platform became<br />
necessary. Student learning outcomes could not be<br />
compromised. Zoom sessions focused on academic issues<br />
but were also adapted to include logistical, technical, and<br />
emotional support. Zoom meetings allowed opportunities<br />
for review or further instruction. Assignments were<br />
adapted to support online learning and included<br />
developing a virtual “telehealth” visit experience for<br />
nurse practitioner students, online teaching opportunities<br />
for nurse educator students, and online simulation for<br />
traditional pre-licensure students.<br />
Test proctoring services were shut down when the<br />
outsourced proctors went on lockdown. Some students<br />
needed reliable computer equipment and reliable<br />
internet to stream online lectures, and the university<br />
assisted. Concerns with the Family Educational Rights<br />
and Privacy Act (FERPA) and student privacy arose from<br />
video conferencing’s exponential use. Solutions included<br />
proctoring students via online video conferencing, bringing<br />
small groups to campus lab activities while maintaining<br />
social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE),<br />
and avatar-based online simulation.<br />
Taking Care of Clinical<br />
Clinical learning is a staple for nurses and healthcare<br />
professionals. Public safety and the need to develop<br />
new colleagues in the healthcare sector collided.<br />
Fortunately, multiple large community hospitals<br />
collaborated and continued to allow modified clinical<br />
experiences for nursing students. Long term care<br />
facilities, some hospitals, and other community partners<br />
could not allow students. But, as clinical agencies<br />
closed their doors to students, the <strong>Tennessee</strong> State<br />
Board of Nursing began offering educational programs<br />
guidance. The guidance allowed undergraduate nursing<br />
programs to increase virtual simulation and on-ground<br />
labs to account for up to 50% of clinical hours. For<br />
graduate students, the National Organization of <strong>Nurse</strong><br />
Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) sent a statement to all<br />
programs reaffirming the minimum requirement of 500<br />
direct patient clinical hours for NP programs. NONPF<br />
stated that programs requiring greater than the 500<br />
minimum direct hours could waive the additional hours<br />
if a student had demonstrated educational outcomes<br />
and competencies or use virtual simulation. Later, as<br />
the vaccine became available, APSU student nurses and<br />
their faculty (like many other Schools of Nursing across<br />
TN) provided immunization sites for the State of TN.<br />
Taking Care of Policy<br />
With COVID-19 also came many policy addendums,<br />
from classroom spaces to clinical placements, and<br />
most importantly, considerations to faculty, staff, and<br />
student safety. A campus COVID-19 Task Force was<br />
formed and kept everyone abreast of the viral threat<br />
and thresholds. Community partners from within the<br />
community, university, and state banded together to<br />
make uniform informed changes with safety, healthy<br />
work environments, and education at the heart of each<br />
decision in an unprecedented way. Clinical sites, external<br />
partners, and the state board of nursing helped guide<br />
decisions. Networking and collaboration were a staple<br />
of quality leadership in education during COVID-19 and<br />
policy changes helped to clarify concerns and fears<br />
amongst the faculty, staff, and students. At all levels,<br />
policymakers worked creatively and with innovation<br />
to ensure educational and workforce needs were met<br />
while maintaining public safety and sufficient access to<br />
healthcare.<br />
Taking Care Through Leadership<br />
In March 2020, leaders in nursing education<br />
programs had to adapt quickly and lead with conviction.<br />
Leadership skills had to evolve to accommodate the<br />
continually changing virus challenges for the faculty<br />
and the students. To establish a culture of connection<br />
during a socially distanced period was fostered<br />
through weekly zoom meetings among the faculty and<br />
weekly student communication to keep all informed.<br />
The Nursing Director created and posted YouTube<br />
videos for the students and faculty to view, providing<br />
uplifting messages to ease anxiety and improve morale.<br />
Leadership focused on providing transparent, positive<br />
communication by attempting to deliver the right<br />
message, at the right time, in the right way during the<br />
ever-changing havoc experienced day-to-day. Positive<br />
feedback from faculty, thank you emails, and reassuring<br />
calls solidified leadership efforts and helped rejuvenate<br />
leadership for the continued challenges.<br />
Taking Care of Faculty<br />
Holistic nurses are taught to put their own “oxygen<br />
mask on first” to care for another, as is wisely advised<br />
in every pre-flight safety lecture. Peer-reviewed<br />
research reminds nurses to care for themselves, draw<br />
on resilience, seek out online resources, and extend<br />
compassion to others. Activities that helped regulate the<br />
community and boost faculty morale included weekly<br />
email messages from leadership, regular Zoom meetings<br />
to check-in, and a surprise Zoom wedding shower for<br />
a nursing faculty member. Additionally, celebrating<br />
birthdays, successes, and milestones via Zoom helped<br />
normalize the need to celebrate life events and remain<br />
a supportive community. The School of Nursing held a<br />
civility challenge during an established “Civility Week.”<br />
This week encouraged different cohorts of faculty<br />
to try to “out-civil” each other. The week ended with<br />
planned team-building activities, prizes, laughter,<br />
and encouragement. In difficult times, nurses must<br />
remember to step back, breathe, rest, and intentionally<br />
choose self-care as an internal resource. Working<br />
during a world crisis impacts personal lives, as well as<br />
professional practice. Nurturing healthy relationships,<br />
choosing one’s battles carefully, seeking mindfulness<br />
and compassion training, taking breaks, getting<br />
outside, and sharing gratitude, are examples of ways to<br />
incorporate deliberate self-care.<br />
Conclusion<br />
During COVID-19, nurse educators across <strong>Tennessee</strong><br />
are finding successful new teaching methods and lessons<br />
far beyond coping. Lessons learned help direct continued<br />
restructuring and program improvement. Despite a<br />
worldwide pandemic, positive reflections and outcomes<br />
have arisen. Unity was a crucial element of success. Faculty<br />
and students kept the focus on as much of a positive<br />
experience as possible. Transparency and inclusion for all<br />
aided in the fluid teaching environment.<br />
Nursing students and faculty have been tremendously<br />
affected financially, academically, and psychologically.<br />
COVID-19 turned the world upside down in a matter of<br />
days and weeks, and those impacts still exist. The silver<br />
lining to the pandemic is that successful innovative teaching<br />
and learning modalities were developed and will continue.<br />
Schools of Nursing across <strong>Tennessee</strong> remain committed<br />
to empowering students to become critical thinkers,<br />
healthcare leaders, excellent communicators, and life-long<br />
learners. These lessons were only enhanced through the<br />
challenges of COVID-19.<br />
This research/manuscript did not receive any specific<br />
grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or<br />
not-for-profit sectors.<br />
References available upon request.
<strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> Page 19<br />
Take Out Your Phones!<br />
Using QR Codes in a Health Assessment Course<br />
to Overcome Social-distancing Obstacles<br />
Cory Wilbanks, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC,<br />
FNP-C, CNL, CNE<br />
Assistant Professor, UTHSC College of Nursing<br />
During the COVID-19 pandemic,<br />
a plethora of strategies to engage<br />
nursing students were deployed<br />
by academicians everywhere.<br />
With social distancing guidelines<br />
in effect, many hands-on and<br />
face-to-face learning sessions<br />
were cancelled or interrupted.<br />
Despite these obstacles, nursing<br />
education must continue virtually,<br />
and health assessment courses,<br />
like all other nursing courses, must<br />
Cory Wilbanks<br />
trek along, ensuring the safety of educators and students<br />
alike.1 The use of quick response (QR) codes is one method<br />
of shaking up an ordinary didactic lecture. With cell phones<br />
and tablets in nearly every student’s hand, the use of this<br />
technology is easy to incorporate. This article will explore<br />
the use of QR codes in learning breath sounds in an<br />
undergraduate accelerated BSN health assessment course<br />
during virtual nursing education.<br />
What are QR Codes?<br />
The easiest way to describe a QR code is to think of a<br />
barcode that is linked to media or text on the other end. A<br />
QR code allows an electronic device’s camera to scan the<br />
barcode, revealing links to pictures, sounds, and video.<br />
Unlike one-dimensional barcodes, QR codes are twodimensional.2<br />
To elaborate, the phone’s built-in camera<br />
app can be used to decipher the code, allowing the learner<br />
to utilize material that is linked to the unique coded image.<br />
A separate scanning app is not always necessary. Many free<br />
online QR code generators are available for use.<br />
Using the QR Code for Assessment Skills<br />
To disrupt the monotony of didactic lecture and create<br />
virtual hands-on learning in a health assessment course,<br />
QR codes were deployed during the respiratory system<br />
module to help learn and decipher breath sounds through<br />
a respiratory assessment activity carried out via Zoom.<br />
After determining what breath sounds would be required<br />
for students to learn, the hunt for these fair use sounds<br />
commenced. Once obtained and saved for use, the next task<br />
involved finding a QR code generator that would be used<br />
to link these breath sounds to a QR code. After choosing a<br />
free QR code generator, a PowerPoint was created that<br />
contained fair use images of human torsos/thoraces.<br />
At this point, personal creativity is utilized. Each<br />
thorax or torso within the PowerPoint was assigned<br />
a QR code that was linked to a specific breath sound.<br />
Breath sounds used included normal vesicular, bronchial,<br />
and bronchovesicular sounds. Adventitious sounds that<br />
were used included wheezes, rhonchi, and crackles. On<br />
each slide was a documentation area, which allowed the<br />
student to document assessment findings for each virtual<br />
patient (Figure 1). The breath sounds activity called for the<br />
students to enter into Zoom break-out rooms for virtual<br />
assessment using their electronic devices and QR codes<br />
and discussion of the findings, an aspect of learning that<br />
was temporarily hindered by a growing pandemic.<br />
Conclusion<br />
QR codes can easily be incorporated in didactic lecture<br />
to create a more active, hands on learning experiences in<br />
an undergraduate ABSN health assessment course. Utilizing<br />
this innovative technology allows for virtual engagement<br />
during times of uncertainty and monotonous lecturing.<br />
Students welcomed this innovative learning activity in lieu<br />
of in person, face-to-face class. There remain numerous<br />
opportunities for the use of QR codes in nursing education.<br />
References<br />
1. Dewart G, Corcoran L, Thirsk L, et al. Nursing education in a<br />
pandemic: Academic challenges in response to COVID-19. <strong>Nurse</strong><br />
Education Today. 2020;92,104471. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.<br />
nedt.2020.104471. Accessed March 8, <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
2. Downer T, Oprescu F, Forbes H, et al. Enhancing nursing and<br />
midwifery student learning through the use of QR codes.<br />
Nursing Education Perspectives. 2016;37(4), 242–243. doi:<br />
10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000000040. Accessed March 8, <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
Figure 1. QR codes linked to breath sounds for virtual auscultation and documentation<br />
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Page 20 <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> <strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong><br />
COVID-19 Vaccinations:<br />
Knowledge vs. Myth to Get Back to A New Normal<br />
Erin Morgan, DNP, FNP-BC<br />
In <strong>Tennessee</strong>, the COVID-19 virus has infected 826,371<br />
people, and 12,022 individuals have lost their lives as of<br />
April 13, <strong>2021</strong>. The virus has become the third leading<br />
cause of death in the United States for 2020. Now<br />
that multiple vaccinations are more widely available,<br />
nurses can educate the public about their options and<br />
dispel the myths surrounding these important tools<br />
to decrease future COVID-19 infections and deaths.<br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>s have remained the most trusted profession<br />
throughout the pandemic, and therefore, must use this<br />
position to inform the public about their vaccine options.<br />
Understandably, individuals may remain hesitant to Erin Morgan<br />
obtain a new vaccine when they still have unanswered<br />
questions. <strong>Nurse</strong>s have always provided detailed education to allow individuals<br />
to make the most informed choice for their health. Information surrounding<br />
COVID-19 vaccination is no different.<br />
Vaccine Options<br />
Currently, there are three COVID-19 vaccines approved for emergency use<br />
authorization (EUA) in the United States, two-dose Pfizer or Moderna Vaccines<br />
and the single-dose Johnson and Johnson-Janseen vaccine. <strong>Nurse</strong>s should<br />
recommend individuals receive any vaccine that is available to them. The<br />
FDA has deemed all of the vaccines safe and effective to prevent infection<br />
and severe complications from COVID-19. This recommendation applies to all<br />
individuals, not just those who have co-morbidities. As more individuals are<br />
vaccinated against the virus, the number of available individuals COVID-19 can<br />
reside continues to decrease.<br />
mRNA Vaccines<br />
The Pfizer vaccine was first approved for use in December 2020, with the<br />
Moderna vaccine approval following shortly after. Both vaccines require two<br />
doses; 21 days between Pfizer doses and 28 days between Moderna doses.<br />
These two vaccines use messenger RNA to provide COVID-19 immunity. This<br />
mRNA technology has been studied for years and has already been used in<br />
some cancer treatments. These vaccines use mRNA to instruct cells to make<br />
a ‘spike protein’ similar to that of the COVID-19 virus. The recipient’s immune<br />
system responds to these new proteins by making antibodies. These new<br />
antibodies remain with the recipient to recognize the similar ‘spike protein’ if a<br />
COVID-19 infection occurs. The mRNA does not change the vaccine recipient’s<br />
DNA; instead, it trains the immune system how to respond if the virus is<br />
encountered.<br />
Side effects for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines include pain or swelling at<br />
the vaccine site, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, or headache. These symptoms<br />
may occur after the first or second dose. Individuals who have had COVID-19<br />
may have more side effects with the first dose. However, many individuals who<br />
have not had COVID-19 report more side effects after a second dose.<br />
Viral Vector Vaccine<br />
The Johnson and Johnson-Janssen vaccine is the most recent to receive<br />
approval. This vaccine is a single-dose injection that offers convenience and<br />
expediency compared to the other two vaccine options. This vaccine was<br />
tested later during the pandemic resulting in differing effectiveness data that<br />
should not be compared to the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Additionally, the<br />
Johnson and Johnson-Janssen vaccine was tested in locations where variants<br />
of COVID-19 were already circulating, affecting results of the study. The use<br />
of this vaccine was paused to examine six blood clotting events in women.<br />
Nevertheless, the Johnson and Johnson-Janssen vaccine has already been<br />
received by millions of individuals to date.<br />
The Johnson and Johnson-Janssen vaccine provides immunity through a<br />
viral vector instead of mRNA. Viral Vectors, non-infectious harmless viruses,<br />
are used to transmit information to the recipient’s immune system. The vector<br />
instructs the recipients’ immune system how to produce antibodies for the<br />
‘spike protein’ recognizable on the COVID-19 virus. While considered effective<br />
after two weeks per the CDC, immunity increases up to 28 days past the single<br />
dose. Viral vector vaccines have already been used to treat cancer and the<br />
Ebola virus.<br />
Side effects are similar to the previous two vaccines and include pain or<br />
swelling at the vaccine site, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, or headache. The CDC<br />
recommends that women between the ages of 18-50 who receive the Johnson<br />
and Johnson-Janssen vaccine should be aware of the rare but increased risk of<br />
thrombocytopenia syndrome. Any individual who feels uncomfortable with this<br />
risk is recommended to obtain one of the other two vaccine options.<br />
Vaccine Hesitancy<br />
Many patients and fellow nurses have questions and concerns about<br />
these new vaccinations. These apprehensions are valid and may take time to<br />
overcome. One way to dispel myths and answer questions surrounding these<br />
vaccines is to provide evidence-based education from trusted sources and then<br />
let the patient or nurse choose for themselves.<br />
The process was rushed<br />
All medications and vaccines must go through an approval process with the<br />
FDA. All three vaccinations currently approved have undergone this process<br />
and received emergency use authorization (EUA). This approval does not mean<br />
that the steps for approval were shortened or skipped; instead, it provides<br />
approval for widespread use in the pandemic when benefit is demonstrated.<br />
Scientists were able to accelerate the development of these vaccines<br />
due to several factors. Scientists shared information between countries and<br />
between companies in an unprecedented effort to roll out multiple COVID-19<br />
vaccine options at once. Cooperation occurred in the scientific community<br />
using methods that were already in progress, such as viral vector and mRNA<br />
technology, developed for a new purpose. Moreover, governments provided<br />
funding to help cover costs for the development of vaccines locally and abroad;<br />
in the United States, this was titled “Operation Warp Speed.” Additionally,<br />
many volunteers of varying ages and races enrolled in the vaccine trials<br />
decreasing the time to find participants. Finally, vaccine developers were able<br />
to move through the phases of vaccine development promptly. Phase 3 trials<br />
were completed relatively quickly due to the infectious and widespread nature<br />
of COVID-19, when many participants were exposed, proving effectiveness. All<br />
of these factors allowed multiple vaccines to be developed in a time of great<br />
need.
<strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> Page 21<br />
Millions of individuals have received all three<br />
vaccines with few severe side effects. Extensive<br />
monitoring continues for each vaccine, which makes<br />
these vaccines the most scrutinized in recent history.<br />
During this writing, Johnson and Johnson- Janssen<br />
vaccine distribution was paused to examine the data<br />
for six patients who developed blood clots. The pause<br />
was brief; however, the examination demonstrates<br />
the ongoing commitment to safety surrounding<br />
these vaccines. It is understandable for individuals<br />
to have questions about a strongly recommended<br />
new therapy. Providing answers and resources<br />
to individuals who express concerns about the<br />
unprecedented process may alleviate their concerns.<br />
I’m healthy and don’t need it<br />
It is recommended that all individuals receive the<br />
COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to them. The<br />
risks associated with COVID-19 are higher than the risk<br />
associated with any side effects from the vaccine at this<br />
time, even for those who are young and healthy. Each<br />
time an individual becomes sick with COVID-19, there is a<br />
risk of severe disease to themselves and passing it along<br />
to others around them who can also become seriously<br />
ill. Vaccination is the safest way to obtain immunity<br />
to COVID-19 at this time. As more individuals become<br />
immunized, the virus will have fewer places to spread,<br />
decreasing overall illness and allowing a return to normal.<br />
I had COVID and don’t need the vaccine<br />
Scientists continue to study how long immunity to<br />
the disease lasts after a COVID-19 infection. While rare,<br />
it is possible individuals can become re-infected with<br />
the virus. Individuals who previously had COVID-19 may<br />
notice some side effects with the first dose of the twodose<br />
Pfizer or Moderna series; however, most side effects<br />
remain mild. Each time an individual becomes sick with<br />
COVID-19, there is a risk of severe disease, long-term<br />
health effects, and spreading the disease to others who<br />
can also become significantly ill.<br />
Conclusion<br />
<strong>Tennessee</strong>’s quickest way to emerge from this<br />
pandemic is through public health measures nurses<br />
have pioneered for years: vaccinations, handwashing,<br />
and education. <strong>Nurse</strong>s themselves may have concerns<br />
and questions about receiving a vaccine after a year of<br />
difficulty and division. Conversations about COVID-19<br />
vaccines should be held in a spirit of acceptance and<br />
inquiry, allowing individuals to ask questions and feel<br />
comfortable about the choices they are making for<br />
themselves. Shaming and embarrassing individuals will<br />
only foster ongoing resistance and suspicion. Instead,<br />
nurses should focus on the benefits of vaccination: A<br />
quicker return to normal, protection of patients and<br />
loved ones, and the ability to gather with others who are<br />
vaccinated without masks.<br />
Reference websites for nurses:<br />
- https://covidvaccinefacts4nurses.org/<br />
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/<br />
vaccine-benefits.html<br />
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-anddiseases/coronavirus/is-the-covid19-vaccine-safe<br />
References available upon request.<br />
If This is Nursing, I Do Not Want It!<br />
Emily Messer, MSN, RN<br />
Nursing is the most trusted<br />
profession as voted by the<br />
public for two decades. What<br />
an amazing honor! However,<br />
behind the veil, nursing is known<br />
to have a culture comparable<br />
to hazing, and the phrase “eat<br />
our young” is commonly used.<br />
Unfortunately, this behavior is<br />
heaped upon the youngest of our<br />
profession. A phrase heard many<br />
times from nursing students is, Emily Messer<br />
“If this is nursing, I don’t want<br />
it!” When exploring the motivation for the statement, it is<br />
never the patients but fellow nurses.<br />
Students attend clinical, and they are so eager to<br />
follow a bedside nurse. Many come back with excited<br />
reports of observing procedures, getting to practice skills,<br />
and amazing nurses they followed. But, just as often, they<br />
report having negative clinical experiences because of<br />
uncivil nurses.<br />
Incivility is defined by the American <strong>Nurse</strong>s<br />
Association (ANA) as “one or more rude, discourteous,<br />
or disrespectful actions that may or may not have a<br />
negative intent behind them” (2015). Students have<br />
reported having doors shut on them intentionally, nurses<br />
rolling their eyes and walking away after a student asks<br />
a question, being obviously ignored, and being spoken to<br />
poorly. Often, the student has no idea why they are being<br />
mistreated and is left wondering what they did wrong. So,<br />
what is the cause of the nurse’s uncivil behavior, and what<br />
is fostering the culture of incivility?<br />
Culture of Incivility<br />
Cultures develop when any group of people is<br />
together long enough to develop common practices,<br />
beliefs, and behaviors. A major contributor to<br />
developing negative traits is a lack of mutual respect.<br />
If members of the group are viewed as valuable with<br />
worthy contributions, that will be reflected in the<br />
treatment they receive. So often, novice and beginner<br />
nurses are viewed as noncontributing members of the<br />
group, and therefore have contentious experiences<br />
with future colleagues. It is common for this<br />
treatment to go unreported and simply accepted as<br />
the status quo.<br />
One reason not to report is to be accepted. People<br />
are social creatures, and the desire for belongingness<br />
is strong. Individuals will tolerate and adopt harmful<br />
behaviors if the potential result is acceptance (Samson-<br />
Mojares, 2014). Feeling connected results in improved<br />
overall well-being, as evidenced by lower rates of<br />
depression, improved physical health, and a longer<br />
life span. The inverse of that is true as well, with<br />
those struggling with isolation demonstrating signs<br />
of decreased well-being, decreased physical health,<br />
and higher risks for hastened mortality (Canevello &<br />
Crocker, 2017).<br />
According to Evans, another contributor to incivility<br />
in nursing is prolonged exposure to highly stressful<br />
work environments (2017). Parts of our profession<br />
are inherently stressful, which is to be expected when<br />
caring for individuals during their sickest times. This<br />
is only exacerbated by increasing patient complexity,<br />
pandemics, lack of proper supplies and equipment,<br />
If This is Nursing continued on page 22
Page 22 <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> <strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong><br />
If This is Nursing continued from page 21<br />
and caregiver burnout. This exposure to prolonged stress can have damaging<br />
effects if corrective mechanisms are not incorporated.<br />
The trajectory of a career in nursing is comparable to the general adaptation<br />
model created by Hans Selye in 1950. This model explains the body’s responses<br />
when exposed to prolonged periods of stress. The three phases of the general<br />
adaptation model include alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Please see the image<br />
on the previous page for further explanation.<br />
The beginning is where new nurses are on fire for the profession, going to<br />
work every day driven by the thrill of saving lives. However, this is also the<br />
time when experience is lacking, and advanced nurses are heavily relied upon.<br />
If the quest for support is met with incivility, the new nurse enters the alarm<br />
phase, and the beginning of their career is only made more difficult.<br />
As the new nurse gains experience, the persistent stress leads to the<br />
resistance phase, and the nurse accepts the situation as normal. Outward<br />
displays of the resistance phase include frustration, irritability, and lack of<br />
focus. Continuing on, the exhaustion phase sets in. Signs and symptoms of the<br />
exhaustion phase include burnout, fatigue, anxiety, and decreased tolerance.<br />
Mental health suffers greatly during the exhaustion phase, resulting in lack of<br />
sleep, lack of self-care, and overall irritability. Now, this is the nurse who is<br />
being relied upon by the new nurses coming up behind them, and the support<br />
given is potentially aggressive and derogatory.<br />
All the aforementioned conclusions could then posit that incivility does not<br />
result from negative intent but rather a product of emptiness and burnout. So,<br />
what can be done to promote a civil culture among all levels of nursing?<br />
How to Combat Incivility<br />
Changing the norm must start at the beginning of the professional<br />
experience. As reported by Nickitas, Cynthia Clark recommends integrating<br />
civility training throughout the nursing curriculum. Suggestions include<br />
programs that can be purchased, creating scenarios where students can<br />
role play, developing codes of conduct that include expected behaviors,<br />
and positively reinforcing and recognizing demonstrations of civility (2014).<br />
However, this is just the beginning, and this endeavor must be carried into the<br />
workforce.<br />
At the bedside, the responsibility of promoting civility falls to the<br />
institution, management, peers, and self. Cynthia Clark also recommends<br />
that a commitment to civility be present in the mission, vision, and value<br />
statements of the institution (Nickitas, 2014). Furthermore, the institution and<br />
management should provide the following: comprehensive orientations, peer<br />
mentoring, offering advice and assistance to new nurses, structured positive<br />
reinforcement from senior/expert peers, offering conflict management<br />
services, offering civility education to management, and hosting social<br />
gatherings to promote collegial relationships (Smith, Andrusyszyn, &<br />
Laschinger, 2010).<br />
Additionally, peers can respond and support their colleagues in real-time.<br />
When an occurrence of incivility occurs, the target of the maltreatment can<br />
say a code word that alerts surrounding peers who can then come and stand<br />
behind or beside the target to offer support (Evans, 2017). The individual<br />
can complete assessment tools to aid in self-reflection and evaluation of<br />
behaviors in stressful moments. (Evans, 2017). According to the ANA position<br />
statement, all occurrences of incivility should be addressed immediately and<br />
privately with the offender, reported through the appropriate channels, and<br />
documented adequately (2015).<br />
Conclusion<br />
In conclusion, incivility is plaguing nursing, not from a place of<br />
maliciousness but from exhaustion. Commitments must be made from all<br />
levels to combat this issue before any real change can begin. Educators must<br />
arm the next generation with tools to handle this malady, institutions must<br />
commit on a global level and a managerial level to provide proper training<br />
and policies, and nurses must commit to demonstrating professional respect<br />
toward peers and self-reflection of behaviors.<br />
References<br />
American <strong>Nurse</strong>s Association. (2015). Incivility, bullying, and workplace violence. American<br />
<strong>Nurse</strong>s Publishing.<br />
Canevello, A., & Crocker, J. (2017). Compassionate goals and affect in social situations.<br />
Motivation and Emotion, 41(2), 158-179. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11031-016-<br />
9599-x<br />
Evans, G. (2017). Training for toxic work culture should start in nursing school: Preparing<br />
for incivility, bullying, preventing violence. Hospital Employee Health, 36(5), 49–52.<br />
Samson-Mojares, R. (2014). Rising above the culture of incivility in nursing. Florida <strong>Nurse</strong>,<br />
62(4), 16.<br />
Selye, H. (1950). Stress and the general adaptation syndrome. British medical journal,<br />
1(4667), 1383–1392. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.4667.138<br />
Smith, L. M., Andrusyszyn, M. A., & Laschinger, H. K. (2010). Effects of workplace incivility<br />
and empowerment on newly-graduated nurses’ organizational commitment. Journal of<br />
Nursing Management, 18(8), 1004-1015. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2834.2010.01165.x
<strong>May</strong>, June, July <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Tennessee</strong> <strong>Nurse</strong> Page 23<br />
Honoring Healthcare Heroes<br />
Through the Brave of Heart Fund<br />
Heather Nesle<br />
President, New York Life Foundation<br />
Vice President, New York Life Insurance Company<br />
Heather Nesle is president of the New York Life Foundation,<br />
the charitable foundation created by New York Life Insurance<br />
Company. In addition to her Foundation duties, she is<br />
vice president of New York Life’s Corporate Responsibility<br />
Department.<br />
In April 2020, New York Life announced that it has<br />
partnered with Cigna to launch, through their foundations,<br />
the Brave of Heart Fund. The Fund provides financial and<br />
emotional support to the families of healthcare workers<br />
and volunteers nationwide – including doctors, nurses,<br />
Heather Nesle<br />
technicians, orderlies, cafeteria workers, custodians<br />
– who lost their lives to COVID-19. Please see the FAQs at https://www.<br />
braveofheartfund.com/faqs for the complete definition of eligible healthcare<br />
workers.<br />
The Fund launched with initial contributions of $25 million each from the<br />
New York Life Foundation and Cigna Foundation. To further support the Fund,<br />
the New York Life Foundation also provided a dollar-for-dollar match on the first<br />
$25 million in individual donations received, and Cigna has committed to provide<br />
behavioral and emotional health support to the families to help them cope with<br />
grief.<br />
The Brave of Heart Fund is our way to honor these heroes by doing what New<br />
York Life and Cigna do best – supporting these individuals and their families with<br />
financial and emotional support and being there when we are needed most,” said<br />
Heather Nesle, President of the New York Life Foundation.<br />
“I think New York Life Chairman and CEO Ted Mathas said it best,” Nesle<br />
continued, “In tough times, true heroes are revealed. The heroes today are not<br />
only the courageous and selfless frontline healthcare workers and volunteers<br />
who, without hesitation and without question, have put themselves in harm’s way<br />
to help those who desperately need it, but also their families who are living with<br />
the anxiety and fear of what may happen to their loved ones in the days ahead.’”<br />
The Fund provides eligible families with initial charitable grants of $15,000<br />
that seek to provide peace of mind by covering their immediate expenses and<br />
getting health and wellness services to them quickly. Eligible families of fallen<br />
healthcare workers will also be able to receive up to an additional $60,000 to<br />
aid their recovery. Grants will be made subject to a determination of need at<br />
the discretion of E4E Relief, a subsidiary of the public charity Foundation For<br />
The Carolinas, working in partnership with New York Life and Cigna.<br />
All contributions made to the Fund will go to providing monetary grants to<br />
the loved ones of eligible healthcare workers and volunteers who lost their lives<br />
battling COVID-19, including spouses, domestic partners, children, and parents.<br />
In a press release issued by E4E Relief, John Varkey, who recently lost his<br />
wife, Aleyamma John, a longtime Queens Hospital Center nurse, to COVID-19,<br />
said: “The generosity of the Brave of Heart Fund during what has been the<br />
toughest time of my life has made such a difference. I am so grateful to<br />
everyone who found it in the goodness of their hearts to think of the families of<br />
the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice caring for their fellow humans during<br />
these unprecedented times.”<br />
To date, the Fund has disbursed more than 555 grants worth more than<br />
$12.9 million to families of healthcare workers who lost their lives fighting the<br />
COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund has processed over 630 applications from 38<br />
states and 385 unique grantees (many receive both Phase One and Phase Two<br />
grants). Thirty-five percent of the healthcare worker’s decedents represented in<br />
the Fund right now are in the nursing profession, and 82 percent of the nurses<br />
were the primary or the sole income provider in their households.<br />
It has been reported through various sources that there are nearly 4,000<br />
U.S. healthcare workers who have died from COVID-related illness, so clearly,<br />
there are many more families to reach. While we have money to give, we need<br />
assistance in locating eligible families and getting them information about the<br />
Fund.<br />
For more information, please visit braveofheartfund.com, where individuals<br />
can start the grant process by verifying eligibility to apply for a Brave<br />
of Heart Fund grant. Additional bereavement resources can be found at<br />
newyorklifefoundation.org.