Wisconsin Nurse - June 2021

VOLUME 7 NUMBER 3 

JUNE 2021 

The Official Publication of the Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin, in cooperation with 

the Wisconsin Nurses Association. Delivered to you courtesy of the WNA membership. 

WNA Welcome 

A Message to Our Nurses 

Elizabeth S. Markham, 

PhD, RN, 

WNA President 

Hello Everyone, 

It is indeed a pleasure 

to serve as your President 

of the Wisconsin Nurses 

Association. When I 

moved to Wisconsin in 

September of 2006, I 

found myself, although 

welcomed, needing to find myself both professionally 

as well as taking the opportunity for personal growth 

in my life that we all need to take every now and then. 

It was a huge leap into the unfamiliar that I had not 

made in several years. A part of that trek included 

getting involved locally in professional activities. 

You see, it is most important in any profession, that 

one contribute to its growth and advancement. So, 

I did the natural thing to attempt to find out about 

nursing organizations in the Racine area. I was an 

ANA national and state member in North Carolina 

and knew my membership was transferable. After 

doing a search, I made a call to the Wisconsin Nurses 

Association office and received a call back from 

a wonderful representative named Gina Dennik- 

Champion. I was welcomed to the state, provided 

with contact information, and meeting times. The 

rest is history. It started a new journey of service and 

involvement through my professional organization. 

We have just spent one of the worst 15 months 

in recent years dealing with what we prefer 

to think of as a once in a lifetime event—the 

Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, if we take the time to 

reflect, we realize that over the last 40 years, we 

have had to manage and depend on the brightest 

minds to develop answers to some of our most 

challenging health experiences. Nursing always 

manages it responsibilities in facing and caring 

for those experiencing these health interruptions 

with grace and valor. In 2008, the Robert Wood 

Johnson Foundation and the Institute of Medicine 

(IOM) launched a two-year initiative to consider 

how nursing and the nursing profession could 

be transformed to meet the needs for care for 

a changing health care picture in which the 

needs were great and disparities abounded. The 

2010 landmark report, The Future of Nursing, 

significantly impacted the profession from 

preparation to responsibilities. Nursing and its 

expectations were changed at the core. However, 

all those ambitious goals are not yet met, and 

COVID-19 struck just as the National Academy of 

Medicine (NAM) was in the process of updating 

and revising recommendations for the next ten 

years. Covid-19 told us all that a simple revision 

would not totally address the direction that nursing 

needs to take. Rather, we needed to seriously 

look at the stressors and needs that the pandemic 

showed us. NAM delayed the report’s release to 

further consider appropriate recommendations. 

The new landmark report, the Future of Nursing 

GAIN A 

MEMBER! 

2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity 

is now ready for release. You should consider 

joining the online webinar on May 11, 2021 starting 

at 2:00 CDT (https://nam.edu/event/report-releasewebinar-future-of-nursing-2020-2030/). 

Let us be 

present to determine how we will contribute to 

nursing over the next decade. 

Allow me to say a personal “thank you” to our 

nurses across the state for their sacrifices during 

this pandemic. Your giving fulfillment of your 

responsibilities cannot be measured. There is no 

salary or reimbursement that fits what you have 

done. The personal impact on your health, family, 

and every aspect of your life is extraordinary. We 

are all indebted to you for so much. Please accept 

our sincerest gratitude for your service and join us 

for special activities this Nursing Month. 

The value of nursing to health and healthcare 

outcomes is immeasurable. We have a 

responsibility to assure that our practice reflects 

evidence based, caring decisions that respect 

the unique differences that exist in each person 

to whom we provide care. That means we have 

a responsibility from foundational education to 

PASS THIS 

NEWSLETTER 

ALONG 

A Message to Our Nurses continued on page 3 

TO A 

NURSE 

COLLEAGUE 

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ON PAGE 2 

current resident or 

Non-Profit Org. 

U.S. Postage Paid 

Princeton, MN 

Permit No. 14 

Members Get a Member ....................2 

Spring 2021 Future Nursing Leader Awards ....3 

Wisconsin Nurses Association Updates: 

WNA Board of Directors Meeting Highlights . 4 

Welcome New Members. ..................5 

Ready to Run? 2021 WNA Election. ..........6 

WNA Legislative Update ...................9 

Upcoming Conferences ....................11 

Environmental Health .................... 12 

NFW Announces New Board of Directors. ...... 13 

Mutual Interest Groups (MIGs) Updates: 

Nurse Practitioner Forum. ................. 14 

Faith Community Nurse Coalition. ......... 16 

Guidelines for Management of Persons with 

Hypertension and High Cholesterol Using 

Patient-Centered Team Based Care .......... 17 

Membership Benefits ........................ 18 

Wisconsin Center for Nursing................. 19

Page 2 The Wisconsin Nurse June 2021 

Membership 

JOIN 

TODAY 

TODAY! 

JUST BECAUSE YOU 

RECEIVED THIS NEWSLETTER 

DOESN’T MEAN YOU’RE A 

MEMBER OF WNA. 

VISIT WWW.JOINANA.ORG OR 

COMPLETE THIS APPLICATION. 

THE 

WISCONSIN 

NURSE 

WISCONSIN NURSES ASSOCIATION 

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Beth Markham, President 

Megan LeClair-Netzel, Vice President 

Tanya Brueggen, Treasurer 

Kristine Moses, Secretary 

Julie Olson, Director at Large 

Amy Hermes, Director-at-Large 

Patrick McNally, Director-at-Large 

Gina Bryan, APRN Rep 

Emilie Kreilkamp, WNA Staff Nurse Rep 

WISCONSIN NURSES ASSOCIATION STAFF 

Gina Dennik-Champion, Executive Director 

Megan Leadholm, Associate Director 

Briona Dunbar, Events and Membership 

Coordinator 

Teresa Prattke, Education Program Coordinator 

NURSES FOUNDATION OF WISCONSIN 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Alexandra Janota Gaines, President 

Heather Vartanian, Vice President 

Caroline Wagner, Secretary 

Amanda McCann, Treasurer 

Amy Crum, Director-at-Large 

Lisa Marie Greenwood, Director-at-Large 

Kristin Kelly, Director-at-Large 

Rosemarie Krueger, Director-at-Large 

Jennifer Lindner, Director-at-Large 

THE WISCONSIN NURSE EDITORIAL STAFF 

Gina Dennik-Champion, Deputy Executive Editor 

Briona Dunbar, Managing Editor 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Wisconsin Nurses Association/ 

Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin 

2820 Walton Commons, Suite 136 

Madison, WI 53718 

info@wisconsinnurses.org 

www.wisconsinnurses.org – @wisconsinnurses 

American Nurses Association 

8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400 

Silver Spring, MD 20910-3492 

memberinfo@ana.org – www.nursingworld.org 

• Surgical Services 

• Critical Care 

• Medical/Surgical 

• Emergency Services 

• Clinic Services 

• Skilled Nursing Facility 

The Wisconsin Nurse is published quarterly every 

March, June, September, and December by the Arthur 

L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. Subscriber rates are 

available, 608-221-0383. 

For advertising rates and information, please contact 

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

Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. (800) 626-4081, sales@aldpub. 

com. 

NFW and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, 

Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. 

Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to 

corrections in the next issue or refund of price of 

advertisement. 

Acceptance of advertising does not imply 

endorsement or approval by the Nurses Foundation of 

Wisconsin of the products advertised, the advertisers 

or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement 

does not imply that a product offered for advertising is 

without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, 

or that this association disapproves of the product or its 

use. NFW and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, 

Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences 

resulting from purchase or use of advertisers’ products. 

Articles appearing in this publication express the 

opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect 

views of the staff, board, or membership of WNA, or 

those of the American Nurses Association.

June 2021 The Wisconsin Nurse Page 3 

WNA Welcome 

A Message to Our Nurses continued from page 1 

Congratulations to the Spring 2021 Future 

Nursing Leader Award Winners! 

Twice a year, the WNA Awards Committee 

selects five graduates of schools and colleges of 

nursing in Wisconsin to receive the WNA Future 

Nursing Leader Award. The award is presented 

each Spring and Fall semesters at the school of 

nursing pinning ceremonies. Winners receive 

a complimentary year of membership in the 

Wisconsin Nurses Association, along with an 

appointment to a WNA council or committee of 

his or her choosing. He or she will also receive a 

certificate and lapel pin presented at their pinning 

ceremony. 

Nominees are awarded based on the following 

criteria: 

• Demonstrate Leadership 

• Prepare, motivate, and impact other students 

as leaders 

• Participate in community activities and giving 

back to others 

• Mentor fellow students 

• Promote activity in nursing organizations, 

such as the National Student Nurses' 

Association 

• Make a significant contribution to the overall 

excellence of their school 

• Set a healthy example and promote a healthy 

lifestyle 

• Demonstrate a clear sense of direction for 

their future nursing careers 

Brady Tanck, 

Bellin College 

Thank you to those 

faculty members who 

submitted nominations 

for the Spring 2021 

awards. If you would like 

to nominate a student 

for the Fall 2021 awards, 

please contact WNA 

Events and Membership 

Coordinator, Bri Dunbar, 

at bri@wisconsinnurses. 

org. 

Nursing Faculty Instructors Needed 

Full-time, 38 Weeks per Year 

(August through Mid-May) 

Start date: August 02, 2021 

preparation of nurses at the most advanced levels; 

to helping define the laws that govern our practice; 

to assuring quality and access to care for all people; 

to developing our working relationships with all 

members of the healthcare team. A significant 

component of that is working with our peers and 

supporters of the profession. I have not had a 

moment for I realize that we have so much to do for 

our profession and those to whom we provide care. 

The bigger the team, the more ideas and hands 

we have, the better we can accomplish the work 

to be done. My final request to members is that 

you consider this as a challenge to take the time 

to recruit and mentor at least one (1) new member 

to WNA. Share with them the work that we do to 

represent all nurses in the state and around the 

globe. Think of one small thing that you can do to 

inform, promote improvement, or enhance our 

profession. 

Adams County is 

currently seeking the 

following positions: 

Registered Nurse | Public Health Officer 

Please see the complete job descriptions and apply 

at https://www.co.adams.wi.us/home under job 

opportunities. If you have any questions please contact 

Human Resources at adamscountyhr@co.adams.wi.us. 

Congratulations, Awardees! We look forward to 

having you as members and working with you on 

the council of your choice! 

This semester’s winners are: 

www.lco.edu/hr for position details 

and application instructions 

Make a 

Difference 

Join the Shady Lane 

Team as a 

Monday-Friday RN/LPN 

Deanne Weier, DON 920-682-8254 or dweier@shadylaneinc.com 

1235 South 24th Street, Manitowoc WI 54220 

www.shadylaneinc.com 

Now Hiring! 

CNAs, LPNs & RNs 

Part-time and Full-time 

All shifts 

Including POOL positions 

To apply, 

visit www.kenoshacounty.org/jobs 

Ranked one of the nation’s best nursing homes (Newsweek 2020) 

Niyokwizera Anna, 

UW – Milwaukee 

College of Nursing 

Arianna LaCoursiere, 

Edgewood College 

Katie Kalvelage, 

University of 

Wisconsin - Madison 

Steve Samuel, 

Marquette University 

REGISTERED NURSES: 

Improve the state of your career. 

Winnebago Mental Health Institute 

(WMHI) is recruiting RNs. 

WMHI is a 280-bed psychiatric facility accredited by the Joint 

Commission located near Oshkosh, the center of the Fox 

River Valley, one of the fastest developing areas of Wisconsin. 

Information on WMHI can be found at 

http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/MH_Winnebago/. 

• State retirement plan. 

• Low-cost insurance options starting at 

$32/month for single plans & $80/month for family. 

• Tuition reimbursement. 

• $2,000 sign-on bonus. • No low census days. 

• At least 3.5 weeks of vacation/personal holiday 

for full-time employees and ample sick leave. 

• Self-scheduling 

APPLY TODAY! Go to wisc.jobs today to apply. Type “WMHI” 

in the keyword box. Call (920) 236-2914 with questions.


Wisconsin Nurses Association Updates 

WNA Board of Directors Meeting Highlights 

April 20, 2021 

The WNA Board of Directors virtual meeting was held on Tuesday, April 20, 

2021 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Members in attendance: 

Officers: Beth Markham, President; Megan LeClair-Netzel, Vice President; 

Kristine Moses, Secretary and Tanya Brueggen, Treasurer. Directors: Julie 

Olson, Director-at-Large; Amy Hermes, Director-at-large; Lisa Pisney, APRN 

Representative; Patrick McNally, Director-at-large; and Emilie Krielkamp, 

Staff Nurse Representative WNA Staff: Gina Champion, WNA Executive 

Director; Megan Leadholm, WNA Associate Director and Bri Dunbar, WNA 

Membership & Events Coordinator 

Meeting Highlights: 

1. The meeting started with the reading of a letter that was sent to the WNA 

Board of Directors from the Faithful Action for a Healthy Wisconsin 

which is part of the Wisconsin Council of Churches and the Wisconsin 

Faith Voices for Justice acknowledging and thanking us for the services 

provided by health care workers and emergency responders during this 

COVID-19 pandemic. 

2. Approved the Board of Director meeting minutes of February 25, 2021. 

3. Approved inviting board members of the Wisconsin Student Nurses 

Association to join and participate on WNA’s Councils. 

4. Approved the expansion of WNA’s statement and recommendations on 

Opioid Epidemic to address Substance Use Disorders. 

5. Approved the Executive Director to pursue filing of an application for 

a second round of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) small business 

loan to support WNA operations. 

6. Approved the appointment of Tamra Swanson, BSN, RN, CCM (Racine), 

to serve as a member of WNA’s Public Policy Council to fill a one-year 

term. 

7. Approved the appointment of Gina Bryan, DNP, APRN, FAAN 

(Waunakee), to serve as a member of WNA’s Board of Directors to the fill 

the remaining term of office for the APRN representative position which 

was vacated May 31, 2021. 

8. Approved WNA Op-In to ANA Personal Benefits Program and be eligible 

for “ANA Incentive alignment funds.” 

Official Call for submission 

of topics for WNA Dialogue 

Forum, changes to WNA 

Bylaws and Nominations for 

Elected Positions 

This is the official notice that the WNA Membership Assembly and Annual 

Meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 21, 2022. It is hoped that this can be a 

hybrid type meeting where members will have the option of joining in-person 

or virtually. This is the time when WNA members can consider submitting a 

topic for WNA’s Annual Dialogue Forum, or proposed Bylaw changes and/or 

submitting your name to run for one of WNA’s elected leadership positions. 

WNA’s Dialogue Forum provides a formal process for members to 

respond to and improve a topic that has relevance to WNA members, 

the nursing profession and/or the public. Dialogue Forum topics can be 

submitted by one or a group of WNA members. The Dialogue Forum 

process consists of three different topics that are introduced and discussed 

during the WNA Membership Assembly. A summary of the discussions and 

any recommendations are recorded and reviewed by WNA’s Professional 

Policy Committee. The Professional Policy Committee submits a report with 

recommendations for the WNA membership to approve during the WNA 

Annual Meeting. You can find the process on WNA’s website under “About 

WNA.” 

WNA Bylaws serve as the most important legal document of the 

association. WNA’s Bylaws outline in writing the day-to-day rules and 

provide a comprehensive guide to keep things running smoothly. The WNA 

membership approves any changes to the Bylaws at the Annual Meeting. 

Any suggested or proposed changes are to be forwarded to the WNA Bylaw 

Committee. Current WNA Bylaws are located WNA’s website under “About 

WNA.” 

WNA Elections It is not too soon to think about running for a WNA elected 

leadership position. The WNA Nominations Committee wants you to know 

which leadership positions are up for election this year. Nominations for 

WNA’s Board of Directors positions are WNA President, Treasurer, two (2) 

Directors one of whom is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. There are 

three positions for each of WNA’s Structural Units, Public Policy Council, Tri- 

Council, and Workforce Advocacy Council. This is also the year to elect the 

WNA representatives and alternates to the ANA Membership Assembly. 

Lastly, three positions are open on the Nominations Committee. All of the 

position descriptions can be found in this issue of the paper and on WNA’s 

website under the Membership Tab.



Welcome New WNA Members! 2/13/21 – 5/11/21 

Dennise R Lavrenz 

Crystal Kirschling 

Amanda Humenberger 

Stacey Stafne 

Tammie Skrabel 

Judy Stanley 

Schuyler M Barraclough 

Nicole Lauffer 

Rachel Hilborn 

Nicole S Richardson 

Michelle Diann Johnson 

Katie Bischoff 

Mary Anne Polk 

Melissa Anne Stoecklin 

Courtney Elizabeth Gehl 

Ma. Theresa Corpuz 

Fredrickson 

Lisa Cowles 

Shelly Boyd 

Melissa Bergerson 

Christy Torpy 

Tina Yoss 

Christin Patricia Lissmann 

Nicole Muschinski 

Kim Gross 

Trevor Allen Brook 

Joy Christine Quade 

Katrina M Born 

Kessa Erickson 

Ka Vang 

Katherine H Rembalski 

Gloria Sands 

Angela Traska 

Tanya Kranz 

Dennis L Kochanik 

Mary Louise Garbs 

Kurtis Roy Hammitt 

Jennifer Wolter 

Kristina Heimsch 

Julianna Elizabeth Trafton 

Tammy L Studzinski 

Sarah L Knutson 

Sabreen Sarsour 

Tam Sayavong 

Cathy Mitchell 

Sara Mitchell 

Kelsey Volenberg 

Shelly Penberthy 

Jessica Hill 

Haley Hamilton 

Carilyn Ortega 

Angela Hack 

Traci Behnke 

Bailee Ploeger 

Alexandra Goodrich 

Sally Marie Frings 

Jacquelynn Wehrle 

Anna Bentler 

Leilani Mazzone 

Amanda Knapp 

Jennifer Bolen 

Ernise Williams 

Misty Mogensen 

Katie Look 

Maggie Farrell 

Mary Spielbauer 

Candace Hesthaven 

Carolyn Lishero 

Angela Bollman 

Paahoua Vang 

Jennifer Lynn Allen 

Rebecca J Steinmetz 

Kristin Weber 

Tamara Swanson 

Dawn B Perry 

Marilyn Fischer 

Michelle Lembcke 

Madigan Just 

Nicole Sixel 

Meghan Kaytlin Hose 

Michele Polfuss 

Ashley Holst 

Jessica Mee 

Britney Sue Milheiser 

Jennifer Friend 

Lexi Ross 

Ann M Lorenz 

Autumn Schuh 

Maria Graf 

Michael Braden 

Kurt Kipp Firary 

Allison Combs 

Lauren Elizabeth Jankowiak 

Angela S Stengel 

Angela Ruth Kleinmann 

Franca Bakane 

Mary Grigson 

Tabitha M Foor 

Rose Eleanor C Giron 

Silvia Renee Ealy 

Lisa Cwikla 

Brittany Stroika 

Lauren Slusarski 

Melissa A Laporte 

Lynnette Knapp 

Rebecca Maier 

Daniel Harris 

Jennifer Polacek 

Erin Bergland 

Jessica Marie Schaumberg 

Lisa Grebe 

Jaclyn Dunn 

Hayley Aspenson 

Mary Jo Hastings 

Kierstyn Lee Lomprey 

Aliliywa Mbise 

Dawn M Mills 

Lacee Marie Primus 

Curtis John Ninham 

Kelly Ann Scruggs 

Lori Taylor 

Ruth Jansen 

Blama Sirleaf 

Kara Nicole Trainor 

Tara Hoffman 

Tenja Wilke 

Taylor Redd 

Nicole Guttuso 

Carly Gaffney 

Heather Robaidek 

Amy L Eveland 

Karly Baldwin 

Carolyn Virginia 

Charlene Kay Kizior 

Chelsey Partee 

Kirsten Nicole Wilson 

Dennis David Stanford Jr 

Ana Ortiz 

Zachary Jennings 

Laura Wing 

Andrew Malkowski 

Deven Douglas Adams 

Dennis Lee Kochanik 

Becky Sue Klingler 

Alicia Delfosse 

Kyla Balzar 

Sarah Goecks 

Patti Brown 

Jamie Piantino 

Katie Drury 

Lisa Liedke 

Tamara Anne Jensen 

Alicia Myers 

Katie Gellish 

Hannah Barta Weck 

Mai X Vang 

Margaret Cress 

Brandy Irwin 

Jaime Baerwolf 

McKayla Marie Toovey 

Erin Jorgensen 

Kristy Baars 

Desiree Sims 

Chelsee Uhlar 

Saba Farooqui 

Katy Lemke 

Anna Gulhaugen 

Bradley Meverden 

Dianna Gates 

Suzanne Bottum-Jones 

Kristin Ferguson 

Heather Ann Schroeder 

Serena Ashour 

Jennifer Ann Voss-Madden 

Amy Jo Schmidt 

Leighann Eason 

Jennifer Ann Amell 

Kathryn Raley 

Mallory Rose Thompson 

Sara J. Schierenbeck 

Kaitlyn Moore 

Kristen Foehner 

Joanna Betry 

Nichole Mathison 

Laura Hendrickson 

Morrissa Briggs 

Kevin G Kaminski 

Constance Prell 

Stephen Moerschel 

Joseph P. Schnick 

Melinda Deroche 

Atanursev K. Bayrak 

Jennifer Lynn Reinke 

Grace Collins 

Amber Kissner 

Katelyn Renee Nieman 

Linda A Denison Bub 

Lisa M Lockwood 

Mary-Kate D Uy 

Brenda L Vanroosenbeek 

Nancy A Niesing 

Laurie S Wegner-Burns 

Ashli Lynn Ellison 

Gina Marie Giazzoni 

Jean Ellen Erdman 

Kelly Ross Tokarski 

Farhana Hamid-Scanlin 

Jayne Marie Korevec 

Sharain Heather Horn 

Megan Gull Lane 

Mary Martin 

Rebecca Gretschmann 

Kimberly LaGrow 

Jay Randall Gottschalk 

Ruth Burdett 

Tsering-Drolma Shingza 

Marie Muluemebet Tamanji 

Sara Ravenscraft 

Jamie Lynn Danby 

Nathan C Tapio 

Natalie J Ross 

Rebecca R Russ 

Olivera Catic 

Deborah Millicent Boateng 

Gina Elaine Vinz 

Liz N Nangendo 

Amber Rose Otte Koplitz 

Angela Kristy Terry 

Stacy Paula Cruz 

Lynette M Zamborini 

Mary Cherney 

Lisa J Fick 

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE 

Are you looking for a flexible schedule, 

with great benefits, pension, life 

insurance and hours? 

If so, the City of Racine is the right opportunity for 

you. The City of Racine is accepting applications for 

the position of Public Health Nurse. Responsibilities 

for the position include assessments and interventions 

designed to provide skilled nursing services. Among 

other requirements, candidates must have a BSN, 

be licensed as RN and/or ability to obtain state of 

Wisconsin RN license. Valid driver’s license with 

insurance required. 

A complete job description and an application are 

online at www.cityofracine.org/jobs. 

AA/EEO/ADA EMPLOYER 

Notice of Vacancy for 

NURSE CLINICIAN 2 

Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center 

Mauston, Wisconsin (Juneau County) 

Wisconsin’s Department of 

Health Services (DHS), Sand Ridge Secure 

Treatment Center (SRSTC) in Mauston, is seeking candidates 

for the position of Nurse Clinician 2. There are currently several 

vacancies available. 

To be considered for this position, you will need to create an account and 

apply online. For instructions please visit the State of Wisconsin website 

at www.wisc.jobs and refer to Job ID 1064. 

EOE



2021 WNA Election – Available Positions 

All positions are two-year terms. 

All nominees must be WNA/ANA members in good 

standing. 

Positions begin on January 21, 2022. 

Please contact WNA Membership & Events 

Coordinator Bri Dunbar with any questions about 

the available leadership opportunities. 

608.221.0383 x. 201 or bri@wisconsinnurses.org 

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 

WNA Board of Directors Position Description are 

below 

President 

Treasurer 

APRN Representative 

Director-at-Large 

WNA Councils Position Description are below 

Workforce Advocacy Council (3 positions) 

Nursing Practice and Quality, Research, and 

Education Council (3 positions) 

Public Policy Council (3 positions) 

WNA Committees Position Description are below 

Nominating Committee (3 positions) 

Other Opportunities Position Description are 

below 

WNA Representative to ANA Membership 

Assembly 

ABOUT THE WNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

The Board of Directors is the governing body 

of the association that exercises corporate 

responsibility and the fiduciary duties of WNA. It is 

made up of four officers (President, Vice President, 

Secretary, and Treasurer) and five directors 

(Staff Nurse Representative, Advanced Practice 

Registered Nurse Representative, and three 

Directors-at-Large). Currently, the WNA Board 

meets six times a year for two hour meetings (6:00 

pm – 8:00 pm), typically on Tuesdays. 

WNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS – PRESIDENT 

Role: The President provides leadership for the 

Wisconsin Nurses Association by directing ongoing 

activities of the Association in collaboration with 

the Board of Directors, and by planning future 

endeavors which will continue to meet the needs of 

the membership. 

Qualifications: 

1. Active member of WNA. 

2. Adherence to WNA’s purposes and goals and 

is representative of the general attitude and 

values of the Association. 

3. Will complete full term of office. 

4. Experience as a group leader with skills 

in group process, problem solving, policy 

formation, conflict management and working 

with the media. 

Responsible to: WNA membership primarily 

through its elected leadership. 

Term of Office: Is elected by the membership 

by mail/electronic ballot for a two (2) year term as 

President. 

Basic Function: The President serves as the chief 

elected officer of the Association, representing the 

entire membership. With the Executive Director, 

represents WNA as an official spokesperson. 

Responsibilities: 

1. Serves as presiding officer at meetings of 

the membership, Board of Directors and 

Executive Committee. 

2. Serves as one of the representatives to the 

ANA Membership Assembly Meeting. 

3. Serves as a representative of WNA and to the 

ANA Leadership Council Meetings. 

4. Reports to the membership at the Annual 

Meeting and annually via the “President’s 

Message” in The Wisconsin Nurse newsletter. 

5. Reports verbally and/or in writing to the 

Board of Directors at all regular meetings and 

reports by memoranda as necessary between 

meetings. 

6. Prepares agendas for the Annual Meeting of 

the membership and Board of Directors, in 

collaboration with the Executive Director. 

7. Represent the Wisconsin Nurses Association 

as official spokesperson on matters of policy, 

as provided in the bylaws of the Association 

and within the confines of the policies 

established by the membership and Board of 

Directors. Uses discretionary power to assign 

responsibility for such representation as 

necessary. 

8. Represents and speaks for the profession 

with allied health organizations, other 

nursing groups, legislative and governmental 

bodies, and the public. It is within these 

arenas that the President carries out one of 

the more important functions of the office: 

the WNA President accepts the role of 

public relations ambassador for the nursing 

profession in Wisconsin. 

9. Offers guidance and consultation to elected 

and appointed officials of the Association, 

constituents, and membership as required. 

10. May bring to the attention of the 

Board of Directors expectations and 

recommendations for long-range planning, 

policy making, and setting priorities which 

would promote the purposes and goals of 

the Association; monitors goal attainment; 

orchestrates the review and updating of the 

Association goals and action plans at least 

biannually. 

11. Participates in the review of the Executive 

Director’s performance, conducted at least 

once per year. 

12. Promote the fiscal solvency of the WNA 

in collaboration with the Treasurer, 

Executive Director, Finance Committee, and 

accountant. 

13. Foster a positive relationship with WSNA 

through the WNA advisor to WSNA; be 

available for the WSNA spring convention. 

14. Solicits members of the Board for various 

liaison activities and other responsibilities. 

15. Call emergency meetings of the Executive 

Committee and/or Board of Directors. 

16. Be knowledgeable of the major current 

nursing and health care issues. 

17. Represent WNA at all official functions 

or designate a member of the Executive 

Committee or Board to carry out this duty. 

18. Conducts WNA orientation/advisory; fosters 

leadership development activities. 

19. Review and signs Statement of WNA Board 

Member Conflict of Interest annually 

20. Will work with Parliamentarian as needed, 

in preparation of meetings involving the full 

membership and in circumstances when 

consultation is required for Board meetings. 

21. Regularly participate in one-hour call 

meeting with Executive Director to receive 

updates and conducting any planning. 

22. Lead the regularly scheduled WNA Board of 

Director Meetings. Meetings are every two 

months, 2 hours in length and virtual. 

23. Submits a report of activities via video 

recording in advance of the scheduled WNA 

Board of Directors meeting for their review. 

24. Lead WNA Executive Committee Meetings. 

Meetings may be every two months 1 hour in 

length and virtual. 

25. Participate as an Ex-Officio, in meetings of 

the Finance (every three months 1-2 hours), 

Personnel Committees and virtual.. 

26. Lead the Annual WNA Annual Business 

Meeting which is part of the Membership 

Assembly. Usually on a Friday in January. 

ANA Meetings: 

1. Attend in person or virtually, the annual ANA 

Membership Assembly and other events/ 

meetings that coincide with the meeting. 

Usually in June for 3-4 days, Washington, DC. 

2. Attend in person, the annual ANA Leadership 

Assembly meeting. Usually in the fall. 1-2 

days. 

3. Participate in scheduled ANA Conference 

Calls that provides update of ANA activities. 

Occur quarterly, 1-1 ½ hours. 

4. Participate in scheduled calls with ANA 

President. 1-2 times per year, one hour inlength. 

WNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS - TREASURER 

Demonstrate adherence to WNA’s purposes and 

goals and is representative of the general attitude 

and values of the Association. Willing to complete 

full term of office, chair Finance Committee, and 

actively participate in Executive Committee, Board 

of Directors, and other meetings as requested. 

Have interest and commitment to learning WNA 

budget policies and procedures and other financial 

aspects of importance to the Association. Serve as 

an officer of the WNA Board of Directors. 

Role: The Treasurer provides leadership for the 

Wisconsin Nurses Association as a member of 

the Board of Directors, specifically with regard to 

financial implications of endeavors designed to 

meet the needs of the members. 


1. Active member of WNA. 

2. Support of WNA’s purposes and goals as a 

representative of the Association. 

3. Willing to complete full term of office, chair 

Finance Committee, and actively participate



in Executive Committee, Board of Directors, 

district and structural unit liaison, and other 

meetings as requested. 

4. Interest and commitment to learning WNA 

budget policies and procedures and other 

financial aspects of importance to the 

Association. 

Responsible To: WNA membership through the 

Board of Directors. 

Term of Office: Elected by secret ballot of the 

entire membership to serve for a two (2) year term. 

Basic Function: The Treasurer, in consultation 

with the President, Executive Director, WNA 

Finance Committee and contracted accounting 

firm, shall be responsible for monitoring the fiscal 

affairs of the Association. Treasurer shall provide 

reports and interpretation of the Association’s 

budget and financial condition to the Board of 

Directors and the membership. 

Responsibilities 

1. Serves as chairperson of the Finance 

Committee. Prepares in collaboration with 

appropriate WNA staff upcoming fiscal year 

operating budget, monitors and report on 

status of budget at every Board of Directors 

meeting, makes recommendations regarding 

resource investments and provides regular 

review of WNA policies and procedures that 

include a fiscal impact. 

2. Communicates regularly and works with the 

Executive Director in drafting the upcoming 

fiscal year operating budget to be presented 

to the Finance Committee. 

3. Remains a member on the Finance 

Committee for at least one year after their 

term of Treasurer has ended. 

4. Prepares for Board meetings by reading 

materials provided and requests additional 

information when indicated. 

5. Submits a report of WNA Financial activities 

via video recording in advance of the 

scheduled WNA Board of Directors meeting 

for their review. 

6. Participates in Board deliberations and seeks 

additional information as needed. 


Member Conflict of Interest annually. 

Time Commitment 

1. Attend all six meetings of the Board of 

Directors, usually scheduled for 2 hours 

every other month. 

2. Chair Finance Committee, which meets every 

other month in advance of the WNA Board 

meetings 

3. Review and be knowledgeable of all board 

related materials prior to board meeting, 

usually requires one hour. 

4. Prepares financial update for board 

meeting. Approximately 2 hours, working in 

collaboration with WNA Executive Director. 

5. Helps prepare yearly budget. Additional 

1-2 hours/month during July, August, and 

September. 

WNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS – ADVANCED 

PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE REPRESENTATIVE 

Role: The individual Board Member serves as 

a director of the WNA Board of Directors and 

provides a perspective of the APRN and report of 

the WNA NP Forum Board of Directors meetings. 


1. Interest in serving in an elected leadership 

position for WNA. 



3. Is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 

Responsible To: WNA Board of Directors and 

membership. 

Term of Office: Is elected by membership by 

secret ballot for a two (2) year term. 

Responsibilities 

1. Attends the six scheduled Board of Directors 

meetings and special meetings as called by 

the President. 

2. Serves as a member-at-large and performs 

the duties as outlined in the WNA Bylaws. 

3. May volunteer to serve on Board-related 

committees or task forces. 

4. Prepares for Board meetings by viewing 

posted recordings of reports and action 

items and reading materials provided and 

requests additional information when 

indicated. 





7. Serves as WNA Board Liaison to the WNA 

NP Forum Board of Directors Mutual Interest 

Group. Attends NP Forum Board of Directors 

meetings virtually, approximately five per 

year, held on Saturday mornings. 



Directors, usually scheduled from 6:00 pm – 

8:00 pm. 

2. Review and be knowledgeable of the Board 

of Directors agenda posted video recordings 

to reports, and action items and other 

materials, approximately three hours. 

3. Attends NP Forum Board of Directors 

meetings virtually, approximately five per 

year, held on Saturday mornings. 

WNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS – 

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE 

Role: The individual Board Member serves as a 

director of the WNA Board of Directors. 


1. Interest in serving in an elected leadership 

position for WNA. 



3. Commits to the time needed to perform the 

duties of the position. 

Responsible to: WNA Board of Directors and 

membership. 

Term of Office: Is elected by membership by 

secret ballot for a two (2) year term. 

Responsibilities: 

1. Attends the six scheduled Board of Directors 

meetings and special meetings as called by 

the President. 

2. Serves as a member-at-large and performs 

the duties as outlined in the WNA Bylaws. 

3. Volunteer to serve on Board-related 

committees or task forces. 

4. Prepares for Board meetings by viewing 

posted recordings of reports and action 

items and reading materials provided and 

requests additional information when 

indicated. 







Directors, usually scheduled for two-hours 

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 

2. View posted recordings of reports and action 

items and reading materials provided prior to 

the scheduled board meetings and requests 

additional information when indicated 

approximately three hours. 

WNA COUNCILS 

Wisconsin Nurses Association has three 

Councils, each consisting of 6-10 members, who 

are either elected by the membership or appointed 

by the WNA Board of Directors as needed. The 

Councils are: a. Workforce Advocacy, b. Nursing 

Practice and Quality, Research, and Education, and 

c. Public Policy. 

The WNA Councils are the identified structural 

units of WNA. Their collective role is to advance 

WNA’s goals and strategic plan, which in turn 

support the professional image and practice of 

Wisconsin’s RNs. 

WORKFORCE ADVOCACY COUNCIL 

WNA’s Workforce Advocacy Council is 

responsible for reviewing the activities, work 

products, tools, and services offered through 

WNA's Workforce Advocacy Program, which 

provides members with professional practice 

advocacy services, including supporting the nurse's 

professional integrity, rights and responsibilities, 

ethics, principles, advancement of practice 

standards, and personal well-being. 

WNA Ready to Run continued on page 8



WNA Ready to Run continued from page 7 

The Council collaborates with WNA’s other 

Councils, Mutual Interest Groups, and Task Forces 

as appropriate. The Council provides reports to 

WNA’s President and Chair of the Coordinating 

Cabinet, and submits an annual report. 

You may be asked to assist in the development 

of webinars or other informational materials that 

engage members and volunteer for other activities 

addressed in the Council’s work plan. It is expected 

that you will prepare for and attend all of the 

scheduled monthly meetings which are one hour in 

length held virtually. 

NURSING PRACTICE AND QUALITY, RESEARCH, 

AND EDUCATION COUNCIL 

WNA’s Nursing Practice and Quality, Research, 

and Education Council identifies an agenda 

relating to nursing practice and quality, research, 

and education, based on WNA’s goals and 

strategic plan. The Council reviews and promotes 

opportunities for nursing practice and quality, 

which may include promoting best practices and 

reviewing important documents pertaining to 

Scope of Practice, Professional Standards, and 

ANA’s Code of Ethics. While doing so, the Council 

helps provide a forum for discussion on issues 

related to nursing practice. The Council encourages 

and facilitates research opportunities. The Council 

also helps guide WNA’s educational agenda, which 

includes informing nurses of educational issues and 

opportunities. 













PUBLIC POLICY COUNCIL 

WNA’s Public Policy Council monitors and 

evaluates legislative and regulatory policies that 

can have an impact on nurses and health care 

and promotes nurse participation in the public 

policy process. The Council creates a Public Policy 

Agenda for the Association based on WNA’s 

goals and strategic plan. The Council develops a 

lobbying and education strategy, reviews proposed 

legislation and regulation to determine if WNA 

should support or oppose, and provides updates 

to the membership on the status of legislation and 

regulations. 













As a member of the Council, you should 

expect to review proposed legislation, make 

recommendations, and overall actively participate 

in the development and monitoring of WNA’s 

Public Policy Agenda. You should be willing to 

provide testimony on behalf of WNA as needed, as 

well as engage other WNA members if grassroots 

involvement is needed. You may be asked to help 

facilitate policy-related member updates 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE 

The Wisconsin Nurses Association has several 

Committees, which are composed of members 

appointed by WNA’s Board of Directors. However, 

because WNA’s Nominating Committee helps 

prepare the ballot to elect WNA’s Board of 

Directors, the Bylaws specifically require that 

the Nominating Committee be elected by the 

membership to ensure transparency and autonomy. 

The Nominating Committee provides nominees 

for the WNA Board of Directors (Officers and 

Directors), Councils, and Committees, as well 

as candidates for WNA Representative to ANA 

Membership Assembly. Committee members 

take the time to learn the role of positions that 

need to be filled and help prepare leadership 

succession strategies. Committee members ensure 

appropriate diversity is represented throughout 

WNA’s structural units. They select candidates who 

are understanding and tolerant of the viewpoints of 

others and who are willing to interact openly and 

directly with other members and WNA staff. 

The Nominating Committee meets via 

conference call, typically one hour in duration, 

from April to August. A standard election season 

will require three to four conference calls. 

Committee members also make personal contact 

with members to inquire about their interest in 

running for office. A Committee member typically 

calls six to ten members per election cycle. 

WNA REPRESENTATIVE TO 

ANA MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY 

The Membership Assembly is the governing 

and official voting body of the American Nurses 

Association (ANA). It identifies and discusses issues 

of concern to members and provides direction 

to ANA’s Board of Directors via Dialogue Forum, 

business meetings and elections. 

This year there are four WNA members that 

will comprise the WNA delegation for the ANA 

Membership Assembly. One representative is the 

WNA President. The others are elected-at-large. 

Please note that this position is a two-year position, 

which means that the elected representative will 

probably send time every year in June to attend the 

in-person meetings in Washington DC. WNA will 

provide a stipend to the representatives for each 

trip however it may not cover all of the expenses. If 

the elected representative is unable to attend, the 

next candidate with the highest vote totals will fill 

the vacancy. 

For more information or if you have questions 

please contact Bri Dunbar, bri@wisconsinurses.org



WNA Legislative Update – as of May 7, 2021 

WNA has been working with legislators and key 

stakeholders to advance the APRN Modernization 

Act. The legislative proposal calls for separate 

licensure for the four categories of advanced 

practice registered nurses, (certified nurse midwife, 

clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse 

anesthetist and nurse practitioner). The definition, 

conditions, criteria and the authority of the Board 

of Nursing in granting a license is included in the 

proposed legislation. At the time of this update a 

bill has not been introduced. Information can be 

found on WNA’s website under the Advocacy tab. 

WNA is working with the Administrators of 

Nursing Education in Wisconsin (ANEW) to 

advocate for the allocation of 5 million dollars 

in the state budget to address the nurse faculty 

shortage. The dollars will be used for loan 

forgiveness and educational stipends for nurses 

that pursue a Master’s degree as a nurse educator, 

DNP or PhD. To be eligible for state dollars the 

graduate agrees to practice as a nurse educator in a 

Wisconsin school of nursing for three years. 

Below are legislative bills that the WNA Public 

Policy Council has reviewed and taken a position: 

Legislative Bill Number: Assembly Bill 23 & 

Senate Bill 4 

Status: Governor Veto 

Relating to: Prohibiting certain government 

officials from mandating vaccination against the 

2019 novel coronavirus. 

WNA Position: Oppose 

Rationale. This does not assist health care 

employers from assuring the safety of nurses and 

their patients. We would like to see the use of the 

current statute that allows for medical reason, 

religious and personal conviction instead. 

Legislative Bill Number: Assembly Bill 25 & 2021 

Senate Bill 5 

Status: Passed the Assembly waiting to be voted 

on in the Senate 

Relating to: Prohibiting mandatory vaccination 

for employment. 


Rationale: This does not assist health care 

employers from assuring the safety of nurses and 

their patients. We would like to see the use of the 

current statute that allows for medical reason, 

religious and personal conviction instead. 


Senate Bill 30 

Status: No action in the Assembly, Passed the 

Senate 

Relating to: Permitting pharmacists to prescribe 

certain contraceptives, extending the time limit 

for emergency rule procedures, providing an 

exemption from emergency rule procedures, 

granting rule-making authority, and providing a 

penalty. 

WNA Position: Support 

Rationale: Increase access to care through 

utilization of pharmacists. Pharmacists must be 

educated. The Boards of Nursing, Pharmacy and 

Medicine are required to develop the criteria. 




Senate 

Relating to: Storage and processing of sexual 

assault kits and requiring the exercise of rulemaking 

authority. 


Rationale: Advocates for quality and ethical 

health care, forensic nurse practice and supports 

important information in the criminal courts. 




Senate 

Relating to: Tracking of sexual assault kits 

in sexual assault cases, granting rule-making 

authority, and making an appropriation 


Rationale: Advocates for quality and ethical 

health care, forensic nurse practice and supports 

important information in the criminal courts 

through the establishment of a standardized policy 

and procedure for storage. 



Status: No action in either house 

Relating to: Requiring face coverings in certain 

situations and providing a penalty. 


Rationale: Supports a face mask mandate in 

those settings and conditions that can increase 

the risk of exposure. Nurses are health care 

professionals that are providing the care in those 

care settings. They remain the most at-risk for 

COVID-19 exposure despite being vaccinated. 

Nurses are emotionally and physically exhausted. 

The fear of contracting COVID-19 and/or exposing 

family members is a major stressor. 



Status: No action in either house. 

Relating to: Requiring informed consent before 

performing a pelvic exam on a patient who is under 

general anesthesia or unconscious. 

WNA Position: Active Support 

Rationale: Supports ethical and transparent 

health care delivery. There are added costs to 

the training of medical students. The anesthesia 

provider charges by time increments, OR staff 

cannot prep for the next surgical patient due to 

delays. Prolonging the delivery of anesthesia to 

patient is not a standard of care. 



Status: Assembly - Public Hearing 3/31/21, Senate 

– Available to be scheduled for a vote by the full 

Senate 

Relating to: Grant to a hospital for expanding 

psychiatric bed capacity. 


Rationale: The increase in need for in-patient 

psychiatric beds is well documented. This can 

assure access to the most appropriate acute care as 

needed by the patient and provide safety to nurses 

for those patients that require this type of care. 




Relating to: Application of prescription drug 

payments to insurance cost-sharing requirements. 


Rationale: Provides patient access to affordable 

prescriptions and therefore can support 

maintenance of health status. 



Status: Assembly – Public hearing and passed out 

of committee, Senate- No action. 

Relating to: Grants for suicide prevention 

programming and making an appropriation. 


Rationale: The impact of COVID-19 on the 

Wisconsinites emotional and mental health is well 

documented. Wisconsin’s nursing workforce is also 

reporting these same concerns. This legislation can 

increase the resources needed to address mental 

health issues. 




Relating to: Visitation of a long-term care facility 

resident or hospital patient by an essential visitor or 

member of the clergy. 


Rationale: This sets a bad precedent as it has 

potential to have a negative impact on the health 

and safety of nurses, other care givers and the longterm 

care residents. 

For more information about these bills, you 

can go to the Wisconsin State Legislature website: 

https://legis.wisconsin.gov/ or you can contact 

WNA: info@wisconsinnurses.org 

NOW HIRING SCHOOL NURSES 

JOIN OUR TEAM! 

JOIN OUR TEAM! 

Apply at MPSMKE.com/jobs to see current postings. 

For more information, please contact: Susan M. Wollmer, 

Nursing Coordinator III | wollmesm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us 

WE ARE HIRING! 

Rock Haven Nursing Home 

The Rock Haven Nursing Home is a 128 bed skilled nursing facility 

serving a diverse population of residents in Janesville, WI. 

Offering New Hire & Retention Bonus: 

$500 upon starting à $500 at 6 months à $1,000 at 1 year 

We are currently recruiting for RN, LPN, CNA 

Apply directly at www.co.rock.wi.us 

Employment Opportunities


WNA Tri Council 

Update 

Tri Council identifies work plan activities 

related to WNA Strategic Plan 

Part of WNA’s organizational structure includes 

the three Councils. WNA’s Nursing Practice, 

Education and Research Council (TriCouncil) meet 

monthly to work on the activities they developed 

to accomplish the objectives identified in WNA’s 

2020-2023 Strategic Plan. The Council activities are 

as follows: 

1. Engage members via a Town Hall in reviewing 

the NEWLY REVISED ANA Nursing Scope and 

Standards of Practice (Due out April 30) after 

the ANA May 19, 2021. 

2. Engage members via a Town Hall on 

strategies for addressing Wisconsin’s Nurse 

Faculty Shortage jointly with WNA Public 

Policy Council and the Administrators of 

Nursing Education in Wisconsin association. 

3. Conduct an analysis of ANA’s Mentor 

Program and develop recommendations for 

WNA engagement. 

4. Recommend quarterly meetings using WNA’s 

Nurses Connect networking platform to 

share information and concerns. 

5. Attend and participate on WNA’s Response 

to COVID-19 Committee. 

6. Members of the Council will volunteer to 

service on WNA’s Human Trafficking Task 

Force and post information on a regular basis 

on Wisconsin Nurses Connect. 

Members of the WNA Tri Council: 

Gail Hanson Brenner, Chair; Linda Matheson; 

Nikki Sinn; Kimberly Udlis and Melissa Zar. 

Ex-officio: Megan LeClair-Netzel, WNA Vice 

President & Chair of WNA Coordinating Cabinet 

WNA Staff: Gina Dennik-Champion, Executive 

Director. 

COVID-19 Update 

UW-Milwaukee DNP students present 

quality improvement project via 

May 4, 2021 webinar 

Promoting nurse resiliency during COVID-19 

through implementation of a nursing toolkit 

As part of the efforts to support nurses 

physical and emotional health during COVID-19 

WNA invited 13 other Wisconsin-based nursing 

associations to form the WNA COVID-19 

Organizational Affiliate. These nursing associations 

decided to work together to share resources 

and strategies that promote the resiliency of 

Wisconsin’s nursing workforce. This became an 

overwhelming task for the organizational affiliate 

members as there was a lack of capacity to identify, 

review and report on quality tools could benefit 

nurses. WNA reached out to the Deans of the 

nursing graduate programs to determine if there 

were any nursing students interested in working 

on the Resiliency resource project. Three DNP 

students enrolled in UW-Milwaukee Family Nurse 

Practitioner program expressed an interest in this 

topic and received permission to make this their 

capstone project. These nurses are Aimee Herron, 

BSN, RN-BC; Megan Johnson, BSN, RN; and Jamie 

Rich, BSN, RN, FNP-BC. 

The DNP students met with their WNA 

preceptor Gina Dennik-Champion and with the 

members of the COVID-19 Organizational Affiliate 

to identify the purpose and objectives of their 

project. They also continued to provide updates to 

the members throughout their project. 

Project purpose 

The purpose of the project was to create a 

toolkit that provides resources and strategies for 

bedside nurses, nurse leaders, and organizations 

to promote resiliency for both themselves and their 

staff. 

The process and results of the three DNP 

student’s quality improvement project was 

presented virtually on May 4, 2021 to WNA and the 

Organizational Affiliates members. The comments 

from the attendees indicated a high level of 

satisfaction with the information provided and 

appreciation for addressing the needs of bedside 

nurses and nurse leaders. 

Next steps for WNA 

The project included a set of recommendations 

for how to deliver toolkit resources and the types 

of resources preferred by both bedside nurses and 

nurse leaders. These recommendations will be 

reviewed by the members of WNA’s Organizational 

Affiliate and WNA’s Response to COVID-19 

Committee. The WNA Committee will identify 

strategies for moving the recommendations 

forward. The Committee consists of the WNA 

Board of Directors, WNA Nursing Practice, 

Education and Research Council, WNA Public 

Policy Council and WNA Workforce Advocacy. 

SCAN ME: 

Open Camera and Scan, Click on the pop up 

message to be taken directly to the recording 

OR 

Project objectives 

1. Analyze existing literature. 

2. Compile themes from existing surveys. 

3. Interview nurses. 

4. Create a toolkit prototype. 

Link to Recording: https://player.vimeo.com/ 

external/545683293.hd.mp4?s=e898b4b30338a785b 

45151b1e6fb9c75365ff1fe&profile_id=174 

WNA Virtual Nurses Day of Action 

Conference Promotes Nurse Engagement 

in the Legislative Process 

To access electronic copies of the 

Wisconsin Nurse, please visit 

http://www.NursingALD.com/publications 

Due to the COVID-19 meeting restrictions 

WNA’s Public Policy Council provided a virtual 

strategy to the Annual Nurses Day at the Capitol. 

The theme of the March 3, 2021 event was “Nurses 

Day of Action.” The 300 attendees were informed 

on the importance and value of nurses involvement 

in the legislative process. The half-day program 

included presentations by policy experts that 

included Suzanne Miyamoto, Chief Executive 

Officer, American Academy of Nursing; Karen A. 

Daley, Nurse Consultant and ANA Past President 

and Bob Welch, WNA Lobbyist; Founder and 

President, The Welch Group. These individuals 

discussed the impact of nurses voice in shaping 

policy, a specific example of nurses personal story 

in influencing the development and passage of 

legislation, and an overview of the Wisconsin 

legislature. 

In the later part of the morning, participants 

were placed into breakout rooms to learn about 

use of messaging in promoting legislation and 

posted a message related to the Nurse Faculty 

Shortage. The other participants received 

information on best practices in writing to their 

legislator using the Nurse Faculty Shortage as the 

message. 

The participants enjoyed the “Mock Legislator 

Meeting” session that shared examples of the “Do’s 

and Don’ts” in meeting with legislators. 

You can view the recordings from the March 3, 

2021 event by going to the WNA website under the 

“Event” tab. 

Special thanks to the Day of Action Planning 

Committee: 

Tracy Zvenyach, PhD, APRN, WNA Public Policy 

Council Chair 

Michael Jaeb, BSN, RN 

Kristin Brunsell Mers, BSN, RN 

Ryan Breske, UW-Madison Undergraduate 

Nursing Student 

Gina Dennik-Champion, MSN, RN, MSHA, WNA 

Executive Director 

Megan Leadholm, WNA Associate Director 

Teresa Prattke,RN, WHNP, WNA Lead Nurse 

Planner 

Bri Dunbar, WNA Membership and Events 

Coordinator


Upcoming Conferences 

Save the Date 

36TH ANNUAL APRN 

PHARMACOLOGY & 

CLINICAL UPDATE 

APRIL 21–23, 2022 

RED LION HOTEL PAPER VALLEY 

APPLETON, WI 

Networking Opportunities 

Skills Workshops 

50+ Educational Sessions 

Nursing Contact Hours 

Pharmacology Credits 

For Updates Visit, 

wnaeducationcenter.org


Environmental Health 

Electric Cars are the Future for Wisconsin 

Kathryn Lammers, PhD, PHN, RN 

Reducing our carbon footprint requires new habits to adapt. The electric 

car will be our next opportunity to lower carbon emissions with minimal 

changes to our life style. The original electric vehicles (EV) were higher 

priced for the early adopters. The current EV models are more affordable 

with longer range such as 300 miles. Right now, the EV models are often 

attractive sedans with minimal development into the SUV, truck, or camper 

styes but newer styles are coming. Ford, Jaguar, General Motors and 

other car manufacturers are committed to changing to electric cars. The 

US Postal Service and US military are buying EV trucks and vans. Watch 

carefully for the exciting roll out of EV opportunities. 

Some positive features include the less frequent, lost costly service 

visits. The extra trunk space is a welcome surprise to most shoppers. FYI, 

the extra space is where the engine would have been. Recharging costs are 

often about 25-50% of gas prices. Consider this savings carefully. 

When speaking to owners they have an enthusiasm to travel at far less 

cost and to be consistent with their sustainability values. As efficiencies are 

developed, the owner can get better milage long after the purchase with 

new downloads. 

Clean Wisconsin is an especially reliable source for Wisconsin progress 

with the EV sales and charging stations. Clean Wisconsin provides 

testimonies and resources to voters and elected officials. Their 50- 

year history in environment speaks to their commitment to science 

based information. One of my favorite go-to websites. https://www. 

cleanwisconsin.org/wisconsin-ev-investment/ 

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is a critical step in 

weaning Wisconsin off our unsustainable and unhealthy use of fossil fuels 

that drives local air pollution and global climate change. 

One of the main barriers to expanding EV use is access to charging. 

While most charging currently occurs at home, the availability of public 

fast charging is paramount in helping more drivers to switch to electric. All 

Wisconsinites – whether they live in an urban or rural area, own a home or 

rent – should have the option of driving an EV. But to do that, EV owners 

across the state need to be able to travel with the confidence that they can 

charge their vehicles as easily as they could fill a tank of gas. 

There are currently about 550 public charging outlets across the state of 

Wisconsin. Public charging locations are funded by a mix of government, 

utility, and private investments. This limited charging infrastructure is one 

key factor in why the market share of electric vehicles in Wisconsin is so 

low – less than 1%. Meanwhile, California leads in the U.S. where electric 

vehicles represent over 7% of sales. 

Failing to adequately fund EV charging infrastructure also misses an 

opportunity to improve community health, particularly in the vulnerable 

neighborhoods along major transportation corridors and communities of 

color that are disproportionately subjected to poor air quality. 

In Wisconsin, about a quarter of our energy is used in transportation, 

most of which is derived from fossil fuels that pollute our air and warm 

our climate. Exposure to the tailpipe emissions from gasoline and diesel 

vehicles lead to a host of negative health outcomes, including increased 

risk of asthma and cancer. While electric vehicles don’t eliminate emissions 

(unless they’re charged with a zero-emissions electricity source), they 

displace the emissions from the tailpipe to the powerplant, so heavily 

trafficked communities aren’t breathing that polluted air. From a climate 

impact standpoint, even with today’s coal and gas dominated electrical 

grid, driving an electric vehicle is still better than driving a conventional 

car. And as we transition to carbon-free electricity – which we’re on track 

to do because of the plunging costs of renewables and ambitious goals 

set by our Governor and major Wisconsin utilities – the benefits to our 

environment and health will only increase. 

Wisconsin can be a leader in clean transportation. A critical piece of that 

puzzle is transitioning to more electric vehicles, and to do that we need 

more public charging. An investment in EV charging is an investment in our 

collective health, economy, equitable mobility access, and environment. 

It’s time to plug into our full potential. 

Historically electric cars and trolleys were popular in early 1900s. 

Alternative fuel vehicles are interesting but are not expected to dominate 

the market like electric cars. Bicycling and walking are the most ideal 

transport for lowering our carbon footprint. Redesigning neighborhoods 

that keep small shopping areas near homes would lower vehicle 

dependence. The current trend with shopping online has increased 

travel carbon footprint with trucks for delivery. The opportunity to grow 

fruits and vegetables in the cities and homes is another method to lower 

travel carbon footprint. Imagine vertical gardens at our worksites, homes, 

shopping centers, and grocery stores. Currently hydroponic farming has 

become more popular to expand 12 month growing cycle in Wisconsin. 

You can also purchase tilapia, salmon, and other fish raised in these 

pollution free methods conditions. 

To lower our carbon footprint, new methods need to embraced and 

appreciate. Challenge yourself to learn more about sustainability in your 

area and to be an early adopter of electric car. 

PUBLIC HEALTH 

SUPERVISOR 

Waukesha County is now hiring a Public Health Supervisor. 

This position includes an excellent benefit package, 

including access to an on-site medical clinic. Successful 

candidate will be eligible for performance based merit 

increases and non-base performance awards. 

Waukesha County has a population of 390,000 and is located 

in the southeast corner of Wisconsin, next to the Milwaukee 

metropolitan area, two hours northwest of Chicago, 30 

minutes from downtown Milwaukee, and approximately 

one hour from Madison. 

APPLY ONLINE 

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Public Health Registered Nurses - Looking for Leaders


A Warm Welcome: The Nurses 

Foundation of Wisconsin Announces 

the New Board of Directors 

April 20, 2021 

Several registered nurses enthusiastically stepped forward to serve on the 

Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin Board of Directors. Join in welcoming: 

Join the American Lung 

Association’s Online 

Community: Health 

Professionals for Clean Air and 

Climate Action 

Are you involved, or would you like to get involved in efforts to protect 

the health of the patients and communities you serve from air pollution and 

climate change? 

Climate change is already harming our health in many different ways – from 

worsened ozone pollution due to warmer temperatures, to more frequent and 

intense wildfires producing dangerous particle pollution. 

When it comes to rising to the challenge of addressing climate change, 

leadership from the health and medical community is essential. Nurses 

treating patients on the front lines are critical to raising awareness of the 

severe health burdens caused by air pollution and climate change – and to 

help build public will for solutions. 

The American Lung Association’s “Health Professionals for Clean Air and 

Climate Action” is a campaign designed for nurses, doctors, public health 

workers, and other health professionals to learn more about health impacts of 

air pollution and climate change, share their story why fighting air pollution 

and climate change is important, and take action on critical policy issues. The 

website also highlights physicians and health professionals who are speaking 

out for strong climate action. 

One key action nurses can take is to add their name to the American Lung 

Association’s Health Professionals Declaration on Climate Change. More than 

1,500 doctors, nurses, academic and health professionals from across the 

country have signed this declaration urging elected officials to take stronger 

action against climate change to protect public health. Health professionals 

can add their name here. 

Learn more and sign up to receive the free monthly Health Professionals for 

Clean Air and Climate Action newsletter on the American Lung Association’s 

website lung.org/ClimateChangesHealth. 

For more information, please contact Diana Van Vleet, National Director 

of Outreach and Engagement, Healthy Air Campaign, American Lung 

Association, Diana.VanVleet@lung.org. 

President, Alexandra 

Janota Gaines 

Treasurer, 

Amanda McCann 

Director-at-Large, 

Kristin Kelly 

Vice President, 

Heather Vartanian 


Amy Crum 


Rosemarie Kruege 

Secretary, 

Caroline Wagner 


Lisa Marie Greenwood 


Jennifer Lindner 

The NFW Board is working to resume the scholarship and research grant 

offerings alongside fund development for a vibrant and stable foundation to 

support nurses long into the future.


35th APRN PHARMACOLOGY 

AND CLINICAL UPDATE 

CONFERENCE 

By Dr. Tina Bettin DNP, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, APNP, FAANP 

The APRN Pharmacology and Clinical Update Conference was held virtual 

on April 15 and 16 with over 230 attendees. On April 17, an in-person skills day 

was held at the Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee, usually the skills portion was part 

of the conference. The skills day was open to a limited number of attendees 

due to the need for social distancing and capacity limits but there were still 

over 50 attendees. The conference offered multiple sessions so there was 

something for everyone. With the virtual format, attendees did not need to 

sign up for sessions ahead of time. 

The planning committee did a great job setting up this conference 

considering the 2020 conference was just last fall, less than nine months ago. 

The work that the planning committee was phenomenal on a tight time line. 

The keynote speaker was Dr. Bernadette Melnyk PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, 

FNAP, FAAN from The Ohio State University. Dr. Melnyk is recognized 

nationally and globally for both her clinical knowledge and her innovative 

approaches to a wide range of health care challenges. Her groundbreaking 

work spans evidence-based practice, intervention research, child and 

adolescent mental health, and health and wellness. She serves as Vice 

President for Health Promotion, University Chief Wellness Officer, and 

Professor and Dean of the College of Nursing at The Ohio State University. 

She also is a professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at Ohio State’s College 

of Medicine. Her address was entitled “Advancing Evidenced-Based and 

Clinician Well-being to Reach Healthcare’s Quadruple Aim: Evidenced-based 

Practice.” Dr. Melnyk stated that only 8% of healthcare dollars are spent 

on wellness/prevention. She alluded to a new study that is coming out on 

critical care nurses. In this study, she reports that 51% of the nurses had poor 

mental health and 61% had poor physical health. It is known that critical care 

nurses with poor physical and mental health have increased medical errors. 

The study also supported previous studies that show the longer the shift the 

greater the risk of medical errors and poorer health. Dr. Melnyk also stated 

that self-care is necessary for safe and great care of others. She stressed that 

you need to be aware of your own level of burnout. Dr. Melnyk went on to 

state that change is character building. She challenged us to shift our paradigm 

from crisis intervention and sick care to well care. One big thing she stressed 

is that culture eats strategy so to make change you need to impact the culture. 

There were three plenary sessions–COVID vaccines, diversity and impact of 

COVID on mental health. The breakout sessions over the two days included 

numerous offerings on diabetes, wound care, heart failure, hyponatremia, 

alcohol abuse, CBD, dementia, liver disease, obesity, pediatric headaches, 

and anticoagulation/coagulopathies. to mention a few. The skills day included 

sessions on casting, IUD insertion, suturing, EKG and x-ray interpretation, to 

mention a few. 

The overall comments on the conference were very positive and 

the sessions provided great educational opportunities. The biggest 

disappointment for the attendees was the lack of networking with peers 

and colleagues that occurs with an in-person conference. But this will return 

for the 36th Annual Pharmacology and Clinical Update in 2022 in Appleton 

Wisconsin at the Red Lion on April 21-23. 

A Warm Welcome: The NP 

Forum Announces the New 

Board of Directors! 

Congratulations to the following for being elected to the NP Forum Board 

of Directors! We want to thank you for running and look forward to your 

participation for the next two years. 

President 

Tina Bettin, DNP, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, APNP, FAANP 

Location: Marion, WI 

Employer: ThedaCare 

Secretary/Treasurer 

Jean Roedl, FNP-BC, ADM-BC 

Location: Frederic, WI 

Employer: St Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin 

Board Member 

Mary Beck Metzger, DNP, FNP-BC, APNP 

Location: Lake Mills, WI 

Employer: Fort HealthCare 

Board Member 

Clarissa Lawrence, MSN, RN, APNP, FNP-BC, NP-C 

Location: Milwaukee, WI 

Employer: Molina Healthcare 

Visit nursingALD.com today! 

Search job listings 

in all 50 states, and filter by 

location and credentials. 

Browse our online database 

of articles and content. 

Find events 

for nursing professionals in your area. 

Your always-on resource for 

nursing jobs, research, and events.


MIG Updates 

WFCNC is a mutual interest group of the Wisconsin Nurses Association 

A summary regarding the 2021 Westberg Symposium Research 

Forum facilitated by Faith Community Nurse International (FCNI) 

The moderator for the event was Kathy 

Schoonover-Shoffner, PhD, RN, National Director, 

Nurses Christian Fellowship USA, and Editor in 

Chief of the Journal of Christian Nursing. 

The event was launched with a panel discussion 

regarding the role of the FCN in research. This was 

led by Ann Solari-Twadell, PhD, RN, MPA, FAAN, 

FCNI President. Five FCNs, who were prepared as 

either a BSN, MSN, DNP, EdD, and PhD were on the 

panel and answered these questions. 

• Describe how nursing preparation impacts 

and informs research and EBP. 

• Discuss how the changing educational 

experience in the USA can contribute to 

research and EBP area. 

• Explore the role for ADNs and LVN/LPNs in 

Faith Community Nursing research. 

There were several questions regarding practice 

and certification from the attendees following the 

panel discussion. 

During the break, attendees experienced five 

minutes of Restorative Yoga, a re-centering exercise 

by Ellen Story, a Certified Yoga Instructor, which 

proved to be a real treat. 

Deborah Ziebarth, PhD, MSN, RN-BC and Chair 

of FCNI Research Committee, provided the FCN 

Research Review for 2020. In summary, there were 

eight research studies: 

• Types: one quasi-experimental, one mixed 

method and six qualitative methods 

• Journals: four in Journal of Christian Nursing, 

two in Journal of Holistic Nursing, one in 

Nursing Administration Quarterly, one 

Capstone Project 

The Susan Mills Memorial Presentation provided 

much excitement with two new studies exploring 

the role of the FCN during COVID-19. Emerging 

research was shared with a look at practice. 

Data is currently being collected, via survey, 

regarding the role of the FCN during Covid. Early 

findings were shared by Wendy Zimmerman, BSN, 

RN-C; Judy Shackelford, PhD, RN; Betsy Johnson, 

BSN, RN; Lori Henley, BSN, RN-BC; and Kathleen 

Coleman, BSN, RN, MPH. 

The FCNI practice committee members: 

Knighten, M.L., Hacker, L., Solari-Twadell, P.A., 

Kentner, B., Garner, L., & Owens, L., shared 

the work that they have recently submitted for 

publication: Faith Community Nurses - Caring for 

Individuals, Congregations, and Communities 

during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

A DNP Scholarly Project was shared by Lorie 

Hacker, DNP, NP-C, CNE: Advanced Care Planning 

in Faith Communities: A Quality Improvement 

Project. 

Kathy Schoonover-Shoffner, PhD, RN, Editor in 

Chief of the Journal of Christian Nursing, shared 

the published study: Faith community nursing 

- Faith element enhances cardiovascular risk 

reduction program outcomes. 

Lastly, Ann Solari-Twadell, PhD, RN, MPA, FAAN, 

led a discussion regarding establishing the research 

agenda for faith community nursing. It was a 

packed four hours and there were 65 individuals in 

attendance. 

A thank you to Westberg Institute for 

collaborating with the FCNI in providing this 

scholarly event. This year, all conference attendees 

were given the opportunity to attend this event for 

free. Thank you to FCNI Research Committee for 

their hard work year after year in presenting current 

and important FCN research. 

For questions or more information, please 

reach out to Deborah Ziebarth, FCNI Research 

Committee Chair, at dziebarth@herzing.edu.


Environmental Health 

Guidelines for Management of Persons with Hypertension and 

High Cholesterol Using Patient-Centered Team Based Care 

WNA is advocating for the use of teambased 

care in the identification, treatment, and 

management of patients with hypertension and 

high cholesterol. We invite you to view this on-line 

video. WNA also requests that you complete the 

evaluation survey after the viewing. Your input will 

provide information on the status of team-based 

care in Wisconsin which is a request from the CDC. 

More information about the video is below. 

ONLINE SELF-STUDY PROGRAM 

Guidelines for management of persons with 

hypertension and high cholesterol educational 

video was developed for primary care clinicians 

and their support staff to demonstrate how team 

based care can be utilized in improving two 

prevalent chronic conditions: hypertension and 

high cholesterol. This video presents the model 

and guidelines for the identification, treatment and 

management of the two chronic diseases. These 

guidelines build upon the existing and emerging 

work of many partners in Wisconsin and the nation 

to foster health care transformation that advances 

patient-centered team-based care and the move 

toward value-based care, improved patient health 

and safety, and improved health of the population. 

This educational video will provide an overview 

of the conceptual model that addresses the 

following: 

• The importance of an engaged patient, 

• Identification of the model’s core elements 

(Team, workforce and parent organization), 

• Review of the influencing factors (Core 

principles, shared values, hallmarks of 

practice, triple aim of health care), 

• Importance of community linkages and 

connections, 

• Guidelines for patient-centered teambased 

care for interprofessional clinical 

hypertension utilizing ten recommendations 

for work plan development, 

• Guidelines for patient-centered teambased 

care for interprofessional clinical high 

cholesterol utilizing ten recommendations 

for work plan development. 

Target audience: Clinicians, system leadership, 

community-based services 

CE Credit: .75 contact hours are available to 

participants who view the entire presentation 

and complete the online survey/evaluation before 

12/31/2021. 

• There are no conflicts of interest for any of 

the planners or authors of this activity. 

• This program is offered free of charge 

through a chronic disease grant from the U.S. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 

Wisconsin Division of Public Health. 

• Wisconsin Nurses Association is approved 

with distinction as a provider of nursing 

continuing professional development by 

Montana Nurses Association, an accredited 

approver with distinction by the American 

Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission 

on Accreditation. 

NursingALD.com can point you 

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WNA offers a 

member-only 

professional 

development and 

networking platform 

all in one place 

WNA created Wisconsin NursesConnect 

for you the WNA member. If one of your New 

Year’s Resolution is to increase your professional 

knowledge that is time sensitive, nursing-focused 

Wisconsin NursesConnect will help you reach your 

goal. Wisconsin NursesConnect will also allow you 

to post and have real time on-line discussions. 

Give Wisconsin NursesConnect a try in 2021! 

https://www.mightynetworks.com/


Wisconsin Center for Nursing

Today. 

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For Life. 

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Flexible Work Schedules 

Through over 100 years in the community, we’ve become 

more than a health system, we are neighbors taking care of 

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Our Leapfrog “A” safety rating shows we are the best in the 

region with the latest medical technology and staff that truly 

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Beloit Health System is an independent community health 

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offer world-class facilities and services to improve the overall 

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Wisconsin Nurse - June 2021

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