2021 Nevada Nurses Association Yearbook

NNA Meeting of the Members

and free CEU opportunities

November 6, 2021

2021

Table of Contents

NNA Mission, Goals & Objectives........................................................................................................................................3

Annual Meeting Agenda...........................................................................................................................................................5

Flyer for presentation on “Resiliency”.................................................................................................................................7

NNA Board of Directors........................................................................................................................................................9

Report of President Dr. Mary Bondmass.............................................................................................................................11

Committee Reports:

• Environmental Health .....................................................................................................................................................16

• Summary of the 2021 Legislative Session....................................................................................................................17

• Legislative Committee.....................................................................................................................................................19

Continue Education Course – Polypharmacy Problems and Solutions........................................................................21

Nevada Nurses Foundation....................................................................................................................................................23

Published for the Nevada Nurses Association by:

Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency

P.O. Box 216, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

(319) 277-2414

Nevada Nurses Association

We are currently recruiting full-time and per diem

Registered Nurses and other Clinical Support

Come Join the Family! Apply online.

Live in Las Vegas!

We offer outstanding career opportunities for qualified people who share our

commitment to providing expert healthcare and excellent customer service.

Our employees enjoy opportunities for professional development and career advancement,

as well as a competitive compensation and benefits package. We offer:

* Growth Opportunities

* Generous 401k

* Education Reimbursement

* Vacation, Sick, Holiday Pay

* Medical/Dental/Vision

Recruiter: (702) 657-5551

www.northvistahospital.com

EOE

Take the next step to

advance your career.

Earn your Executive Master in

Healthcare Administration.

Online program. No GRE required.

Only 40 credits. Affordable cost.

unlv.edu/hca

www.nvnurses.org

NNA Mission, Goals and Objectives

Mission

The Nevada Nurses Association promotes professional nursing practice through continuing education, community

service, nursing leadership, and legislative activities to advocate for improved health and high-quality

health care for citizens of Nevada.

Goals

• Promote and uphold excellence and integrity for the profession of nursing.

• Educate and advocate for accessible, affordable, quality health care for clients/consumers.

• Monitor the evolving role of the professional nurse.

Objectives

• Sustain a leadership role that actively supports individual nurses in their professional practice.

• Educate nurses about professional practice advocacy.

• Provide a proactive presence in legislative and regulatory activities for health related issues.

• Participate with consumers and health care groups in establishing health care policy.

• Encourage, promote, and support political candidates who demonstrated support of the mission, goals and

objectives of the Nevada Nurses Association.

• Be Strong, proactive presence in working with local, state, and national regulatory agencies involved in

healthcare.

• Collaborate with programs of higher education for nurses to enhance the image and integrity of the profession.

• Promote nursing as a career option for men, women, and minorities targeting the elementary, secondary, and

postsecondary education settings.

Nevada Nurses Association

www.nvnurses.org

Nevada Nurses Association

AGENDA FOR NNA’S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Saturday, November 6, 2021 (Zoom) 11:00-12:00 PM

***Please ensure your mic is muted during the meeting unless you specifically are speaking.***

1. CALL TO ORDER

Reading of the NNA Mission Statement - President Mary Bondmass

2. FOR POSSIBLE ACTION - Approval of the Agenda for the Nevada Nurses Association

Annual meeting on November 6th, 2021.

3. WELCOME AND OPENING STATEMENT

President Mary Bondmass

4. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION RESULTS

Officer Installation Ceremony

5. COMMITTEE REPORTS (Informational Only)

a. Treasurer’s Expenditure Report/Financial Report - Glenn Hagerstrom

b. Executive Directors Report - Starla Gallagher

c. District 1 Report

d. District 3 Report - Margaret Covelli

e. RNFormation Editorial Committee - Linda Bowman

f. Environmental Health Committee - Bernadette Longo

g. Continuing Education Committee - Linda Bowman/Nicki Aaker

h. Legislative Committee - Amie Ruckman

i. Rural Health Committee - Melissa Washabaugh

j. Incivility and Anti-Bullying Committee - Margaret Covelli

k. ByLaws Committee - Nicki Aaker

l. Nominations Committee

6. BOARD MEMBER COMMENT - (This item is limited to announcements or topics/issues proposed for

future workshops/agendas, 3 minute time limit applies.)

7. GENERAL BUSINESS

a. For Announcement/Future Decision - The position of “Director of Operations” has been changed to “Executive

Director.” Due to this change in position title, a member’s ballot will be sent out to vote on changing all

instances within the NNA By-Laws where the wording “Director of Operations” is used to “Executive

Director.” This vote and action will be sent out after approval of the changes has been made by ANA. - Starla

Gallagher

b. For Announcement/Future Decision - ANA offers a Value Membership plan for new incoming members. This

plan lowers the overall membership dues for both ANA and NNA to under $200.00 annually and makes one set

price for all members regardless of age, current working status, or student status. “Membership dues” changes

require an update of our NNA By-Laws, requiring a member’s vote. This vote will be sent out to all members

once the wording and By-Law changes have ANA approval and can be voted into place by NNA Members.

A frequently asked questions flier will also be sent out to help with understanding and decision making. All

members will be given a limited time frame to ask questions and voice concerns before the official vote. - Starla

Gallagher

8. GENERAL MEMBER COMMENT – (One minute time limit per person.)

9. ADJOURNMENT: (Call Time of Adjournment.)

Nevada Nurses Association

Aesthetics and Medical courses are designed for the

professionals that require custom blend treatments to achieve

results for their clients by performing medical procedures with

medical lasers, dermal fillers, onabotulinumtoxinA injectable

and medical chemical peels. Aesthetics Medical Training was

birthed after many years in the Aesthetics Cosmetic Education.

Knowledge and hands on training are vital when the safety of

patients is first and foremost every professional’s priority.

Our Mission

A Continuing Education offering

practical theory and hands on training

for all Licensed Medical professionals

administering cosmetics procedures

with knowledge and education. AMT

offers 100% financing and continuing

education CEU credits to all licensed

medical professionals.

Program Highlights:

Botox Injectable

Program Highlights:

Laser Cosmetics

Program Highlights:

Dermal Filler Injections

• Prerequisites available online

• Certified Cosmetic Instructors

• Students ratio 4 to 1

• Training materials in Botulinum A

• FDA approved products

• Hands on training 8 hrs. Theory

and extensive hands-on training

is provided during the afternoon

sessions, allowing participants to

begin performing Botulinum Toxin

a cosmetic injectable, procedures

immediately.

• Models provided

• Certificate Awarded

• Training is performed at our

Training Facility.

• Educators will demonstrate

procedure to students and students

will be able to model techniques to

the educator. All injectable classes

provide FDA approved products

and Models; all students receive a

50 unit vial of Botulinum Toxin A for

practice Technique on their model

at the facility.

Certification received upon

completion of class:

• All Students will receive 8 CEU

Credits

• The Injectable Course is a 1 Day

Class

All classes are administered by a

licensed Registered Nurse/Nurse

practitioner

• Prerequisites available online

• Certified Laser Hair removal instructor

• Students ratio 4 to 1 instructor or

Customize Course

• Training materials in Laser Hair

removal and Laser Photo facial

• FDA approved products

• Hands on training 8 hrs. per day

extensive hands-on training provided

during afternoon session, allowing

participants to begin performing –

preparation of skin – Safety, efficacy,

and complication issues – assessment

and identification of areas to be

treated – Safe application of Laser

Hair removal and Laser Photo facial

technique

• Models provided

• Certificate Awarded

• Training is performed at our training

facility

• Educator will demonstrate procedures

to students and students will be able

to model techniques to the educator.

All classes provide FDA approved

products and models; all students

receive a practice on their model at

the facility.

Certification received upon

completion of class:

• All Students will receive 24 CEU Credits

• The Laser Safety and Laser Treatment

Class is a 4 day class

All classes are administered by a

licensed Registered Nurse / Nurse

practitioner.

• Prerequisites available online

• Certified cosmetic injectable

instructors

• Students ratio 4 to 1

• Training material in Derma fillers

• FDA approved Dermal Fillers

cosmetic injectable products

• Hands on training 8 hrs. Theory

and extensive hands-on training is

provided during afternoon session,

allowing participants to begin

performing Derma fillers cosmetic

injectable, procedures immediately

• Models provided

• Certificate Awarded

• Per FDA, our Training is performed

at our Training facility.

• Educator will demonstrate

procedure to students and students

will be able to model techniques to

the educator. All injectable classes

provide FDA approved products and

models; all students receive 1 ml

syringe of Dermal filler to practice

techniques on their model at the

facility.

Certification received upon

completion of class:

• All Students will receive 8 CEU

Credits

• The Injectable Course is a 1 Day

Class

All classes are administered by a

licensed Registered Nurse / Nurse

practitioner.

http://aestheticsmedicaltraining.net

www.nvnurses.org

Please join us for the presentation on:

“RESILIENCY”

Saturday, November 6th

10:00-11:00 am

(You are invited to attend a meeting of NNA members immediately following)

Objectives:

• Define resiliency

• Compare resiliency to compassion fatigue, burnout, and moral distress

• Identify keyways to promote a healthy work environment

• Apply strategies to promote self-awareness, mindfulness, and work/life balance

(1.0 free CEU will be provided)

Presented by Dr. Mary A. Bemker

Adjunct Facility, Walden University

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eiljkpqf9ab44a78&oseq=&c=&ch=

Nevada Nurses Association

Phone: 619.684.5073 | info@MurphyJonesLaw.com

Defending Professional Licenses in

Administrative Proceedings.

Kevin C. Murphy

Managing Partner, President

Kathleen M. Jones

Partner, Shareholder

Protecting Clients’ Licenses, Reputations & Careers!

Proudly Serving: Architects, Chiropractors, Contractors, Daycare Providers, Dental Hygienists,

Dentists, Doctors, Engineers, Geologists, Medical Assistants, Medical Students, Mental Health

Professionals, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Paramedics, Pharmacists, Phlebotomists, Physical

Therapists, Real Estate Agents and Brokers, Residents, Respiratory Therapists, Social Workers,

Speech Pathologists, Therapists (LMFT & otherwise) and Veterinarians, etc.

Experienced • Tenacious • Diligent

Voted: 2020 Top Lawyers Administrative Agency Practice • 2019 Top Administrative Law Attorneys • 2018 Top

Attorneys in Rising Star • 2017 Top Attorneys in Rising Star • 2016 Best of the Bar, Administrative License Defense

• 2015 Top Attorney, Municipal and Government • 2014 Best of the Bar, Administrative Law and Personal Injury

www.nvnurses.org

NNA Board of Directors 2020-2021

President

Mary Bondmass, PhD,

RN, CNE, MSN, BSN

2020-2022

Vice - President

Nicki Aaker, MSN, MPH, RN,

CNOR, PHCNS-BC

2020-2022

Secretary

Veloma Wolfe, RN

2021-2023

Treasurer

Glenn Hagerstrom, PhD,

APRN, FNP-BC, CNE

2020-2022

Director at Large

Christa Secord,

MSN, FNP-BC

2018-2020

Director at Large

Norman Wright,

RN, BSN, MS

2019 -2022

Director at Large

Arvin Operario, MBA, BSN,

2020-2023

District 3 President

Margaret Covelli, DNP, RN

2019-2021

Director of Operations

Linda Bowman

Executive Director

Starla Gallagher

Nevada Nurses Association

Seeking Adventurous,

Compassionate Nurses

Primary

Stroke

Center

Knee

Replacement

Hip

Replacement

Spine

Surgery

WE’RE HIRING!

RNs, LPNs AND CNAs

We will work with your schedule

Tuition reimbursement available

We welcome new GRADS!

Offering Sign On Bonuses!

SILVER HILLS HEALTH CARE CENTER

Paul Kim, Administrator 702-952-2273

3450 N. Buffalo Dr. • Las Vegas, NV 89129

www.covenantcare.com

SILVER RIDGE HEALTHCARE CENTER

Misty Harvey, Administrator 702-938-8333

1151 S. Torrey Pines Dr. • Las Vegas, NV 89146

www.silverridgehealthcarecenter.com

CARSON NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER

Janee Flanders, Administrator 775-882-3301

2898 US Hwy 50 East • Carson City, NV 89701

www.covenantcare.com

Pain

Management

Chest

Pain

Center

Leapfrog

Award

Patient

Safety

Award

Looking for

Exceptional Nurses...

Northern Nevada Medical Center offers progressive

employee programs including a culture of Service

Excellence that honors outstanding employee

efforts at every level. We provide a generous

benefits/compensation package, 401K and tuition

reimbursement.

You’ll enjoy the innovative approaches to

personalized health care in our 124-bed acute care

hospital located on a scenic hillside over looking the

Truckee Meadows in Sparks, NV.

For more information, please call

Leah Webb at 775-356-4085 or

visit www.nnmc.com/careers.

2375 E. Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434

www.nvnurses.org

President’s Report

2021 - The Year in Review

Submitted by Mary Bondmass, Ph.D., RN, CNE

As 2021 draws to an end and I prepare this report for our membership, I was trying

to think of one word that might sum up our profession’s and our organization’s

accomplishments before getting to the details of this report. After much thought,

I came up with that word, but only when I compared 2020 to the current year.

While COVID-19 negatively impacted both years beyond most of our imaginations,

one word continues to resound in my head – that word is resilience. The dictionary

generally defines the word as the capacity to recover from difficulties, toughness,

or the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape. I’m not sure about

Mary Bondmass

the ‘spring back into shape’ thing, but I agree with the definitions of the capacity to

recover and toughness. Giving a more people-related definition, the online staff of

Psychology Today indicates that “resilience is the psychological quality that allows some people to be knocked

down by the adversities of life and come back at least as strong as before. Rather than letting difficulties,

traumatic events, or failure overcome them and drain their resolve, highly resilient people find a way to

change course, emotionally heal, and continue moving toward their goals.” The latter definition fits best for

our profession in general and NNA in particular during 2021. Therefore, because of your resilience, and as a

preface to this annual report, I sincerely salute, honor, and thank all NV nurses and student nurses for their

effort to improve health and healthcare in our state; you are all my heroes and the resilience I have personally

seen throughout this year has been truly extraordinary. While we mourn those we lost, I wish for you all

resilience and peace moving forward.

The mission of the NNA is to promote professional nursing practice through continuing education, community

service, nursing leadership, and legislative activities to advocate for improved health and high-quality health care

for citizens of Nevada. Despite the dramatic effect of COVID-19 on us all, the NNA, in collaboration with

Nevada nurses, continues to improvise and innovate to achieve its mission. Below is a brief recap of the

NNA’s activities and accomplishments related to our mission during 2021.

Continuing Education

The NNA is committed to lifelong learning for nurses and offers many free and discounted continuing

education (CE) opportunities for NNA members. Non-members may be asked to pay a small fee for offerings

such as the Bio-terrorism course, but most CEs during 2021 were provided free to members and nonmembers

alike. Joining our learning center is free and includes access to online learning and other resources.

In 2021, NNA increased its free CE offerings. This increase is partly due to NNA’s support of our parent

organization, the American Nurses Association’s (ANA), Health Nurse, Healthy Nation (HNHN) movement.

The NNA has had several HNHN lunchtime webinars, which have been recorded, and CEs offered at no cost

Nevada Nurses Association

West Hills Hospital located in Reno, NV, a leader in

the treatment of behavioral, mental health care and

substance abuse treatment is seeking FT/PT/PRN

Registered Nurses to implement the nursing process

as it relates to our programs.

Visit www.westhillshospital.net and click on

CAREERS to apply.

• Completely online

• No out-of-state tuition

• Finish in as little as 2 semesters

• Part-time and full-time enrollment available

• Admission available twice each fall, spring and summer semesters

• DSU has low costs for the students

• Ranked as the 12th most affordable and 16th best

quality RN-BSN online program in the nation

For more information and to apply, visit https://dxl.dixie.edu/rn-bsn/

Program questions, call 435.879.4519 or email dru.bottoms@dixie.edu

www.nvnurses.org

to all Nevada (NV) nurses. Additionally, the NNA has collaborated with some of NV’s Doctor of Nursing

Practice (DNP) students to offer presentations of their evidence-translation DNP projects via the NNA

website, offering CEs, again at no charge to NV nurses.

More educational activities are in the NNA’s CE development plans, collaborating with other nursing

organizations within NV. In 2022, we plan to have CE offerings accessible online and just a ‘click’ away via the

RNFormation publication. Additionally, APRN-specific offerings are also in development.

Community Service

Multiple NNA community service opportunities were, and still are, driven by the COVID-19 crisis. For

example, many of the NNA Board members contributed across the state volunteering at COVID-19

vaccination Points of Distribution (POD), and NNA continued PPE donations, specifically face-shields and facemasks,

especially to hard-hit areas across the state.

In 2021, the NNA also contributed to the community with increased scholarship dollars and other donations

to the Nevada Nurses Foundation (NNF). The NNF is the philanthropic arm of the NNA; its mission is

to increase access to quality health care for NV citizens by promoting the professional development of

nurses through recognition, grants, and scholarships. The NNA’s contributions to NNF add to the continued

professional progression of the nursing workforce in NV. Among the significant events that NNA contributed

to were the Big Hat High Tea (Virginia City), the Rural Nurses Symposium (online), and the most recent

Shining Stars of Nursing in Nevada (SSON) Awards Gala held at the Aliante Hotel and Casino on October 2,

2021.

Nursing Leadership

Consistent with our mission to promote nursing leadership in NV, the NNA continued its mentorship

program collaborating with the Nevada Nursing Student Association (NVNSA). This mentorship program

began in 2019 and has flourished through 2020 and 2021. The NNA has a liaison to the NVNSA, who attends

all Board meetings in an advisory role. Conversely, the NVNSA Board members rotate attendance at the

NNA’s Board meetings. The NNA liaison additionally collaborated with the NVNSA at the recent SSON

Student Event, which featured Dr. Ernest Grant, the ANA president, as their keynote speaker. Nursing

leadership is modeled through this mentorship program and hopefully will result in future NV nurse leaders’

succession for the NNA and other nursing organizations in NV. The program’s success was evidenced by a

past mentee being appointed to an NNA Board position to replace a departing member shortly after her

official entry into the profession.

Legislative Activities

In addition to having an active legislative committee during 2021 (their report is elsewhere in this yearbook),

the NNA supported many bills during the legislative session. For example, the NNA supported AB327, which

requires all nurses to receive two hours of cultural competency continuing education for re-licensure, and

AB442, which requires prescribers to complete two hours of SBIRT continuing education within two years of

their initial license or by January 1, 2024, for re-licensure; both bills passed.

Nevada Nurses Association

Nurses Day at the Legislature was a virtual event this year. It was well attended, and multiple legislators,

including the Governor, provided video greetings saluting NV nurses for their efforts during the pandemic. In

addition, NNA offered a CE at this event for a presentation by our lobbyists detailing the legislative processes

and the bills that primarily affect nurses and healthcare.

During 2021, the NNA also provided educational webinars collaborating with the NV State Board of Nursing

and the NV Hospital Association focused on the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC would give a

multistate license allowing for a multistate license for NV nurses to practice with patients across state lines.

Unfortunately, despite our efforts, the NLC (AB142) did not pass, nor did it move past the first hearing

deadline; however, keeping the definition of resilience in mind, we will be back in front of our legislators to

address the Compact in 2023!

As reported in a previous edition of the RNFormation, the NNA

Board, for the organization, stand in solidarity with the ANA’s policy

resolution on racial justice for communities of color. The image

below, posted on the NNA’s website, indicates our position.

Also legislatively and hopefully policy-related, NNA recommended

Arvin Operario, APRN (NNA State Board member), to serve

on the Governor’s Commission on Behavioral Health; Governor

Sisolak recently appointed our colleague to this position. A special

congratulations to Arvin; nurses on Boards, and especially this Board, dramatically increase our voice to

improve health and healthcare in NV.

Last But Not Least

NNA Membership increased during 2021. Whether this increase is because of or despite COVID-19 is

undetermined. All NV nurses are welcomed and encouraged to join NNA to promote and protect nursing

in NV. Moreover, because of our robust membership support, NNA remains fiscally resilient - from nearly

dissolving in 2005 due to lack of participation and funds to a thriving, financially stable organization of

professional nurses today. Our NNA financial report as of September 30, 2021, included current assets of

$296,689.03 with $55,812.76 in checking, $11,891.64 in Savings, $873.58 in PayPal, $75,338.00 in our Money

Market and a CD valued at $152,773.05.

On behalf of the NNA Board of Directors and myself, I want to extend a special thank-you to all NV nurses

for their continued professional efforts to provide quality health care to NV citizens in whatever capacity they

practice.

www.nvnurses.org

NNA Highlights 2020-2021

When COVID began, NNA purchased what they could to help support nurses. Over 2,200 face shields, cloth

masks, antibacterial wipes, tote bags, and KN95’s were distributed throughout the state to Nevada nurses.

The following Continuing Education events occurred during 2020 and 2021:

• October 2020 - Importance of Religion and Spirituality in the Clinic (45 registered)

• November 2020 – Intimate Partner Violence: A public health priority (37 registered)

• March 2021 - Luncheons at the Legislature (130 registered) presentations by Jessica Ferrato and Paige

Barnes with Crowley & Ferrato Public Affairs (Introduction to the Session); Cathy Dinauer, Executive

Director, NSBN (Nursing Compact)

• April 2021 - Adverse Childhood Experience/Diabetes (57 registered)

• May 2021 - Foundations of Health (27 registered) and the Balancing Act – Tips for Resiliency (20

registered); NNA and Nevada Nurses also sponsored the Lung Force Walk

• NNA and the Nevada Nurses Foundation (NNF) collaborated on two events which raised money for

scholarships for rural and frontier nurses.

Nevada Nurses Association

NNA’s Environmental Health Committee

2021

By Committee Chair:

Bernadette M. Longo, PhD, RN, CNL, PHNA-BC, FAAN

NNA’s Environmental Health Committee was established in 2013 with goals

to: (1) educate nurses on ANA's Principles of Environmental Health, (2) inform

nurses in an unbiased manner on a variety of issues affecting our state as selected

from national-level initiatives, (3) disseminate knowledge via RNFormation, and (4)

represent NNA on state/national events or initiatives for environmental health. The

committee meets quarterly online and is welcoming new members; please contact

NNA’s Director.

Topics addressed & activities this year included:

• For the 3rd year, NNA proclaimed January as “Radon Testing Awareness

Month” as we continue to partner with Nevada’s Radon Education

Program.

• The article Environmental health and the homeless was published in RNFormation.

Bernadette M.

Longo

• The article Sustainable fashion: Moving from disposable fashion consumption to ecological conservation and

ethical labor practices was published in RNFormation

• The article Planetary health nursing was published in RNFormation

• In November 2020, Dr. Longo represented NNA and gave an invited Opening Address before the

public viewing of “Unbreathable: The Fight for Healthy Air" Webinar, sponsored by the American

Lung Association Nevada Chapter.

• In January & July 2021, NNA joined multi-group letters sponsored by the American Lung

Association of Nevada sent to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection on air quality

and climate policy. The letter from many Nevada Health Organizations urged support for Clean Car

Standards.

• In April 2021, Dr. Longo was an invited speaker who represented NNA presented “Climate Change

– the Nurse’s Role.” Health District After Dark Series sponsored by Southern Nevada Health

District.

• In May 2021, NNA sponsored and had a team for the 1st Lung Force Walk for Northern Nevada

(virtual due to the pandemic) sponsored by the American Lung Association of Nevada

• In September 2021, the committee encouraged NNA members to be prepared for earthquakes and

www.nvnurses.org

Nevada 81st Legislative Session

The 81st Legislative Session began with a call for unity from Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson (D) for the

sake of the state and its residents during unprecedented times. All eyes were on the state’s budget amid the

COVID-19 pandemic as the governor’s proposed budget presented cuts across the board. While many of the

traditional activities on opening day were set aside due to the pandemic, ceremonial celebrations to welcome

new members and to follow longstanding procedures went ahead – but without the usual gallery of observers.

Families and lobbyists were not present, and media presence was only a fraction of normal levels.

While Governor Sisolak’s proposed budget included 2% cuts totaling $500 million, the Legislature restored

most of the budget cuts, filled vacancies in state government and gave $502 million for k-12 education.

The Legislature also focused on the COVID-19 recovery, including federal stimulus funding, unemployment

compensation, eviction procedures and public health supports. Of the federal COVID-19 money, the

Legislature appropriated $54 million into the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR)

to upgrade unemployment compensation information systems. SB461 also appropriates federal funding to

go toward paying back the federal government for unemployment compensation, food insecurity and public

health services such as behavioral health, substance abuse treatment and data systems.

Other democratic priorities passed including election reform and a new mining tax. Speaker Frierson passed

two bills related to election reform. The first changes the state from a presidential caucus to a presidential

primary; state leaders hope to move Nevada up to be the first state to vote in presidential primaries. The

second bill permanently expands mail-in voting, which was initially passed during the summer special sessions

to address voting access in the pandemic. The Legislature also passed a new mining tax on gross revenue;

the new funding – forecasted at $170M for the upcoming biennium – will go first to the general fund for the

upcoming biennium and then toward k-12 education starting July 2023. The mining tax was part of a package

deal that will remove the two ballot initiatives proposed by CCEA, which would have asked voters in the next

election if they wanted to increase sales and gaming taxes. Additionally, the negotiated deal prevented more

aggressive ballot questions regarding mining taxes from moving forward.

Nevada Nurses Association

Priority Legislation

AB327: Requires all nurses to receive 2 hours of cultural competency CEUs upon initial licensure or licensure

renewal.

AB442: Requires prescribers to complete 2 hours of continuing education on the screening, brief intervention

and referral to treatment (SBIRT) approach to substance use disorder. This is a one-time requirement to be

completed for licensure renewal or initial licensure by Jan. 1, 2024.

AB181: Requires health providers or hospitals to report attempted suicides to the Chief Medical Officer.

Reporting will be completed in a manner similar to opioid overdoses and communicable diseases.

SB372: Limits the types of burns to be reported to only those caused by an open flame, explosion or flash

fire; extended the reporting timeline to seven working days after the person is treated; and requires the burn

reporting to go to Washoe County or Clark County local fire departments or the State Fire Marshall in all

other counties.

www.nvnurses.org

2021 Legislative Committee Report

The committee is responsible for engaging members in the implementation of resolutions related to health

policy and advocacy. NNA lobbies for issues that are important to nurses by reviewing and weighing in on

nursing and healthcare-related bills introduced in state legislatures each session, including but not limited

to nursing scope of practice and workplace issues. Nevada Nurses Association and the Nevada Legislature

recognize the invaluable role nurses fulfill every day and are committed to ensuring that nurses have what they

need at the bedside to provide their courageous work.

The focus of the Nevada Legislature during the 2021 Legislative session was primarily on COVID-19 support

for healthcare workers and the financial recovery of our economy. There is much to be done, and nurses are

an integral part of informing our legislators about what nursing at the bedside is like while caring for patients

in relation to equipment and supplies and staffing concerns. We need the Legislature to continue to focus

on rebuilding our health care infrastructure by funding community-based care so that Nevada can continue

to manage and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and respond to any future national health crises in a

proactive manner.

We need nurses to engage in the legislative process to affect positive and lasting change in healthcare at

both the local and the national levels. The Legislative Committee invites all NNA members to join us in the

legislative process even if you are not on the committee. We encourage you to contact your legislator(s) and

provide them with your healthcare expertise and nursing knowledge. Most legislators are part-time and do

not have a healthcare background.

They really appreciate their nursing constituents acting as a resource on these healthcare bills. Please see the

NNA website for details on how to contact your legislator.

Nevada Nurses Association

Some key points to know and understand about the NNA Legislative Committee and the Nevada Legislature:

• Nevada has biennial legislative sessions that last from February to June in odd years.

• NNA does not endorse candidates for office.

• NNA is a respected authority on legislative issues that affect nursing, our profession, public health, and

patient care.

• NNA pays and utilizes a lobbyist firm year-round to guide us and provide direction and strategies for

our legislative efforts.

• The Legislative Committee meets monthly throughout the year and weekly when the legislature is in

session from January to June.

• The committee meets by teleconference at no additional cost to the members.

• When the legislature is in session, the Nevada Nurses Association, in conjunction with the legislature,

hosts a day for the nurses to come to the capitol. For many nurses and students, this is a new

experience: sitting with their legislator during the session, attending legislative committee hearings, and

seeing and hearing testimony and presentations from our peers.

The Legislative Committee welcomes new members and fostering legislative advocacy in all nurses. You can

make a difference! Please contact us via the information on our NNA’s website.

www.nvnurses.org

FREE CEU!

Authored by: Tracey Long PhD, MS, MSN, RN, APRN-BC, CDE, CNE, CHUC, COI, CCRN

NNA Course #001 Polypharmacy Problems and Solutions

Section 1: The Problems of Polypharmacy

Section 2: Adverse Effects of Overmedication

Risks Overview

Risk for Falls

Section 3: Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Distribution

Metabolism

Excretion

Other Factors

Section 4: Screening Strategies

Beers Criteria

STOPP/START

The ARMOR Tool

Section 5: Improving Medication Management

Reducing Inappropriate Prescribing

Decreasing Polypharmacy

Avoiding Adverse Events and Reactions

Section 6: Implications for Healthcare Professionals

Section 7: Resources and References

Section 8: Post-Test

Nevada Nurses Association

Polypharmacy: Problems and Solutions

(Image Source: wiki commons images url:

https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-overflowing-pillbox-closeup-image25488840)

1.0 contact hours

Author: Tracey Long PhD, MS, MSN, RN, APRN-BC, CDE, CNE, CHUC, COI, CCRN

Course Summary: This course discusses the problems of polypharmacy, especially seen in the elderly.

Pharmacodynamics will be explained in context to the aging body. It includes an introduction to Beer’s criteria,

which is used to identify inappropriate medications for older adults. Measures to improve safe medication

management and adherence will be discussed.

To continue taking the Course, please click on the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pasouCBlwHa6lyaLFF5Rzx9K_1iM7iRL/view?usp=sharing

www.nvnurses.org

Nevada Nurses Foundation Est. 2014

Happy Year of the Nurse in 2020-2021!

Thank you to all of our healthcare providers, first responders, support staff, and

their family. We appreciate you and thank you for being a nurse who provides safe,

competent, and compassionate care.

Since 2014, I have had the privilege and honor of being a co-founder and to

serve as the president and CEO for the Nevada Nurses Foundation (NNF).

Awarding scholarships and grants and recognizing individuals and organizations,

is by far the best part of my role. The NNF proudly reports awarding over $140K in scholarships and grants

since its fruition in 2014. By the end of 2021, we hope to surpass $160K. With a combined effort from

nurses throughout Nevada and engaged community members, the NNF has hosted virtual and face-to-face

fundraising events during the pandemic. The success of the NNF is completely due to the generosity of others.

I am grateful for the outpouring of support. Thank you to our amazing and dedicated Board, outstanding

volunteers and donors, and extremely supportive community partners.

If you are interested in creating a Legacy Scholarship or an Endowment but you have questions, please let us

know at scholarships@NVNursesFoundation.org.

The NNF has been hosting nursing dinner and awards galas since 2016. Because the Foundation serves all of

Nevada, the gala rotates locations from the south to the north. The Shining Stars of Nursing in Nevada Awards

Gala was held at the Nugget Hotel and Casino in Sparks, Nevada in 2018 and 2020. In 2022, we anticipate

returning to the Nugget Hotel and Casino inside the Celebrity Showroom.

Nevada Nurses Association

Nevada Nurses Foundation Est. 2014

Get your outfits and Big Hats ready for the 2022 8th Annual Big Hat “Kentucky Derby” High Tea in the spring.

We plan to return to the Nevada Governor’s Mansion! The Big Hat High Tea has sold out within a week of

advertising. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. We will be sharing the flier on social

media.

The Nevada Nurses Foundation is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We have an allnurse

executive board and the advisory board is made up of nurses and non-nurses. If you would like to help

raise funds for scholarships and grants by donating your time, services, or resources, please let us know at

Stars@NVNursesFoundation.org. All gifts, no matter the size, are always appreciated.

Thank you and have great days,

Sandy Olguin

Sandra Olguin, DNP, MSN, RN

President, CEO

Nevada Nurses Foundation

www.nvnurses.org

Forever Stars in Nursing

Freddy Espinoza

Las Vegas Valley nurses are mourning the loss of one of their own after a 59-

year-old nurse practitioner died from COVID-19. Freddy Espinosa died early

Thursday after nearly a month battling coronavirus. He had worked at several

hospitals in the Las Vegas Valley. Most recently he was working as a nurse

practitioner in the ICU at St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Siena campus. “He had a

passion to help people, and he died doing what he most loved,” said Espinosa’s

wife, Lydia, 67. “He died in action.” The Espinosas were married 35 years. He

helped raise Lydia’s three children, Ray, 49, Cindy, 48, and Rudy Sandoval, 47, as

well their own child, Daniel Espinosa, 32. The couple had nine grandchildren,

two great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way.

Brenda Pamplona

Brenda Pamplona was born on July 29, 1950,

and passed away on April 29, 2020.

Yvette Wintermute

Yvette Wintermute, 47, of Las Vegas, passed away November 13, 2020. She was

born August 20, 1973 in Pueblo, Colorado, and was a 24-year resident of Nevada.

Yvette was a loving wife, sister, daughter, aunt and friend to many. She was the

Chief Nurse (R.N.) with Clark County School District, as well as a labor and delivery

nurse for multiple hospitals over the last 20+ years. She was a kind, loving,

supportive soul, with a gentleness that touched many. Yvette’s calming demeanor

was felt by all and will truly be missed by family, friends, and work colleagues. She

was a strong advocate for education and healthcare, related to students and

children. She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Matthew Wintermute and

her two fur babies, Lola and Hazel.

Nevada Nurses Association

Forever Stars in Nursing

Margaret Hatton

On July 27, 2021, friends and family had to say goodbye to

Margaret Hatton (Reno, Nevada). She was loved and cherished

by many people. She married John Hatton in Reno in 1944, and

was married for 54 years until his death in 1998. Following high

school, Margaret attended the University of Nevada for two years

until she reached age 18 when she could begin her education to

become a registered nurse. She completed her nursing education

in 1941 at Mercy Hospital in Sacramento, California. She returned

to Reno where she practiced nursing at St. Mary's Hospital for

many years as a staff nurse, head nurse, and nursing supervisor. In

1967, she accepted a position as a school nurse with the Washoe County School District

where she practiced until she retired in 1982. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to

the Nevada Nurses Foundation: P. O. Box 34047, Reno, NV, 89533-4047.

Zarina B. Rose

Zarina B Rose, age 42, of Las Vegas, passed away on Tuesday, February

9, 2021. Zarina was born December 26, 1978 in the Philippines. As a

child, she grew up in the Philippines. Zarina was married to Niki Rose

from December 28, 2018 to the present. Zarina loved studying and

going to school. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the

College of Southern Nevada where she was also studying to be a Nurse

Practitioner. Zarina has worked in gaming and healthcare, as a pit clerk

at the Mirage, a table games dealer at the Golden Nugget, Mirage and

Wynn Las Vegas, and a Registered Nurse at Valley Home Health, Promise Home Health,

Invision Home Health, In-House Home Health and, most recently, at Centennial Hospital.

Contributions in Zarina's memory are requested to a fund to help toward Zarina's funeral

and memorial expenses and to support her children and family, or to an organization

which supports nurses. The family wishes to thank the nursing community, friends and

family. "God Will Provide"

www.nvnurses.org

Forever Stars in Nursing

Jose Maximo

Jose Maximo or as many knew him as JM was born on

9-4-1977. He was a great friend, co-worker, father, brother,

and son. He originally went to college to study law but one

year before graduating he moved to the United States and

began a career in healthcare. He was a critical care nurse in a

trauma ICU and in 2016 came to work for Carson Tahoe

Health. He was always willing to help wherever needed. He

picked up extra shifts in the main hospital, floated to LTACH,

BHS, and even floated to night shift during the Covid

pandemic when we were so desperate for nurses to cover shifts. He always had a smile

and was right behind you when you needed help with a patient. The common greeting

“hey buddy” could always be expected anytime you saw him. Jose was more than a coworker

to many; he was a true friend and trusted teammate. He will be greatly missed

not only in Tele but around the organization.

Greg Peistrup

Greg Peistrup, MSN, ENP-C, FNP-C, an esteemed and

beloved Las Vegas emergency nurse practitioner, mentor,

colleague, and friend, died on September 17, 2020, twelve

days after testing positive for COVID-19. At the time of his

passing, Greg worked for Superior Emergency Physicians At

North Vista Hospital. Greg has been the cornerstone in the

Las Vegas nursing and health care community for decades,

having worked at nearly every hospital in the city. Greg gave

selflessly of his time to students and novices in the nursing

and in the nursing and nurse practitioner professions,

serving professions, serving as a preceptor to countless

Nevada nurses who chose to advance their careers. Working

with Greg, it was always known that the patients were in the

very best of hands, and as his colleague that it was going to

be a good day. His tireless positivity, energy, and humor made every moment with him a joy,

even under the most stressful of circumstances. Donate to his Endowed Scholarship to ensure

that Greg's legacy of support and education for Nevada nurses lives on, along with his cherished

memory. This scholarship honors our memories of Greg and the many people he touched.

Nevada Nurses Association

Forever Stars in Nursing

Remelinda Tecson

Remelinda “Dayin” Tecson, R.N., died unexpectedly on

January 19, 2021 at the age of 57. She was born on May 23,

1963 in Surigao City, Philippines. She graduated from Velez

College in Cebu City with a degree in Nursing and immigrated

to the US in 1983. She worked as a beloved ICU Nurse in

Chicago, IL for over 30 years before continuing her career in Las Vegas, NV. She had a keen

ability to make people laugh and worked hard to provide for her family and travel the world as

much as possible. She is survived by her daughter, Ashley Emmeline. She will also be forever

remembered by her lifelong friends, extended family, fellow nurses and anyone that had the

opportunity to know and love her.

Vianna Thompson

Vianna was born Vianna Fye in Port

Huron,Michigan. She met her husband, Bob, in

1991 on the Osan airbase in South Korea, where

she was a veterinary technician and cared for

military police dogs. They bonded over two-step

dancing and country music. Vianna was a proud

mother who worked long hours to provide for her

three sons. In late March, she spent two night

shifts caring for a co-worker who was suffering

from Covid-19. Two weeks later, she was lying in an intensive care unit, with a colleague holding

her hand. She was one of three VA healthcare workers in Reno, Nevada, who died within a

two-week span from the novel coronavirus. “It’s pretty devastating. It’s surreal. Reno’s not that

big of a city,” said Robyn Underhill, a night nurse who worked with Thompson. Vianna came to

work with a cough on March 29 th . ”We were all very concerned,” Underhill said. That shift was

Thompson’s last. Over the next four days, she wrestled with fever, weakness and shortness of

breath. The following Thursday, she texted her husband from the bedroom: “Call the

ambulance, I can hardly breathe.” As a veteran, she qualified for an “honor flight”, in which the

patient’s body is covered with a black box and wheeled through the hospital while others line

up and salute. Because of the infectious nature of the coronavirus, a US flag could not be safely

draped over her body, so a family friend walked in front of her and carried it. Thompson said

the ceremony drew more people lining the hallways than staff had seen in 20 years.

www.nvnurses.org

Forever Stars in Nursing

Erick Christopherson

September 1993 – April 2020

With a heavy heart we announce the sudden passing of our

beloved son, Erick. Erick was born in Reno and considered

Nevada his home, despite his many travels. After high school

he volunteered with AmeriCorps enjoying time outdoors doing

natural resource work across Nevada. He then attended Lewis

and Clark College where he earned a degree in biology. He had

backpacked throughout the western U.S. and his love of travel

led him to Europe, Central America, Africa, and most recently India and Nepal. Erick

returned to Reno to pursue a career in nursing last fall. He made the Dean's List at Orvis

School of Nursing and was due to graduate this December.

Erick's family and friends will miss his gentle hearted spirit, his special gift of awareness,

his tales of adventure, his compassion and kindness, and his wonderful sense of humor.

He was talented but humble, driven but liked to have fun. He was a natural musician and

played guitar, percussion and any other instrument he picked up. Erick could lift anyone's

spirits and he never judged. He will be forever in our hearts. Erick is survived by his

parents John and Kathleen, his brother and best friend Kevin, his grandparents, and his

many aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family was touched to learn that Erick's nursing

classmates and faculty have established the Erick Christopherson Endowed Legacy

Scholarship. Donations to this nursing scholarship can be made

at: https://nvnursesfoundation.org/Donations/erick.php.

Those we love remain with us

For love itself lives on

Cherished memories never fade

Because one loved is gone

Those we love can never be

more than a thought apart

For as long as there is a memory

They live on in our heart.

Nevada Nurses Association

Congratulations

2020 Fall Scholarship Recipients

Taylor Tracy, CNA

CNA to RN - $1,000

Great Basin College

Jaimie Robinson, CNA

CNA to RN - $1,000

College of Southern Nevada

Sonya Cress-Thorton, LPN

LPN to RN - $1,000

Nevada State College

Nikki Stone

RN Program - $1,000

University of Nevada, Reno

Sherri Park, RN

RN to BSN - $1,000

Capella University

Lia Harris, BSN, RN

MSN - $1,000

Touro University, Nevada

Hannah Kohler, RN, BSN, CEN, EMS-RN

Doctorate - $1,000

University of Nevada, Reno

Carrie Hintz, MSN, RN CEN

Doctorate - $1,000

Duquesne University

www.nvnurses.org

2020/2021 Scholarship Recipients

Natalie Edran

Philippine Nurses Association

- $500

University of Nevada,

Las Vegas BSN Program

Angel Jackson, MSN, RN

Pat Alfonso Legacy - $1,200

University of Phoenix

FNP Program

Iris Martinez

Arthur L. Davis - $1,000

University of Nevada,

Las Vegas BSN Program

Jaimee Garcia

Philippine Nurses Association - $500

College of Southern Nevada

ADN Program…

Darlene Salvo, MSHI, RN, BSN

Dignity Health Global Education

Valued at $2,000…

Certificate in Nurse Leadership

Carloth V. Aquino, RN

John & Debra Scott Endowment - $1,000

University of Nevada, Reno …

DNP in PMHNP Program Nicole Fernandez, BSN, RN

Optum - $1,000

Western Governors University

Masters in Health Leadership Program

Stephanie McGilvey, RN

Rural & Frontier - $1,000

Great Basin College

BSN Program

Michael John Fulgencio, RN

Sandy Klepzig - $1,000

Nevada State College

BSN Program…

Nevada Nurses Association

www.nvnurses.org

Congratulations

2021 Spring Scholarship Recipients

Sheila Bennefield

CNA to LPN - $1,000

Unitek College

Dawn Sheldon

LPN - $1,000

Unitek - $1,000

Unitek College

Kyle Simon

LPN - $1,000

Unitek College

Christina Scilacci

CNA to RN - $1,000

Great Basin College

Juan Ramirez, LPN

LPN to RN - $1,000

Nightingale College

Katie Snow

RN Program - $1,000

University of Nevada, Reno

Shelby Lee, RN

RN to BSN - $1,000

Nevada State College

Meron Teffera

RN Program - $1,000

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Nevada Nurses Association

Congratulations

2021 Spring Scholarship Recipients

Lisa Thayer, RN

MSN - $1,000

University of Nevada, Reno

Cheryl Morena

Philippine Nurses Association - $500

Nevada State College

BSN Program…

Brian Dankowski, MS, RN, BSN

NNA District 1 - $1,000

University of Nevada, Reno

DNP Clinical Nurse Educator Program

Ronald Gonzalez, RN

Doctorate - $1,000

Touro University

Chelsea Erickson

Brooklyn Butler

Chamberlain University - $1,000

Carson Tahoe Health – Jessie J. Chamberlain University

Valentine - $1,000

BSN Program…

University of Nevada, Reno

DNP Clinical Nurse Educator Program

Erin Pate, MSN, RN

Arthur L. Davis - $1,000

University of Nevada, Reno

DNP Program

Keesha Davis, DNP , MPA, RN

Doctorate - $2,000

Duke Nurse Leadership

2021 Nevada Nurses Association Yearbook

Delete template?

Save as template?

products

Resources

Company