Vermont Nurse Connection - February 2022

ANA-Vermont
Official Publication
Quarterly Publication sent to 19,500 Registered Nurses,
Volume 25 • Number 2 LPNs, and LNAs in Vermont
February, March, April 2022
current resident or
Legislative Update
Page 4
ANA Leadership Summit
Page 11
Nurse Survey Results &
Pre-Session Gathering 2021
Page 12
Presort Standard
US Postage
PAID
Permit #14
Princeton, MN
55371
Jessilyn Dolan
At times I joke around saying that I just learned how to vote
a few years ago. Of course that’s an exaggeration, but it's not
too far from the truth. In the past, I never paid much attention
to politics, avoided political conversations, and pretended that
what I didn't know didn't hurt me. Fast forward a few years to
show the growth I’ve experienced in the political and advocacy
arena. I now spend a huge chunk of my time poring over the
Vermont legislative website, watching the schedule, trying
to see what bills are new or being discussed and identifying
bills that need support and testimony. What my current
actions say to me, and hopefully can inspire and show others,
is that anyone can get involved at any point, and as nurses,
we sure need to pay attention. Nurses can and do make a
huge difference advocating for patients and our own nursing
rights. Many nurses think they don't have the understanding,
knowledge, or time to do advocacy work. Many nurses think
engaging in politics will be stressful or intimidating.
But look at us - we’re NURSES! We are well-educated
professionals who care for the sick and injured. We are equal
partners within a care team. We comfort families. We deal
with broken bones and bodily fluids. We are present for birth,
death and some of the most intense experiences life can dish
out. Nursing is also considered the most trustworthy of all
professions by our clients and patients and their families. As
Vermont nurses, we garner enormous respect, and we need to
use our voices, and speak up even louder for the wellness and
quality of life for all Vermonters.
Now, while I’m still fairly new to political advocacy work,
I’ve got enough experience under my belt that I can share a
little information and advice for other nurses looking to get
more involved. Remember, you don’t have to do everything all
at once. Political advocacy is a long game - punctuated by some
highly charismatic moments. It’s appropriate to take your time
to get prepared.
Getting Involved
You may find you are responding in your head or out loud
to an article in the newspaper or a television story that piqued
your interest. Look at your state government's website for
any bill-related legislation. Often you can type a keyword or
phrase in the search bar and get a list of all the current bills,
their sponsors, and which committee is actively looking at the
legislation. Bills often pass from committee to committee.
Even if you’re focusing on one bill in particular, it’s still helpful
to understand any other related or conflicting bills.
Try to get to know a little bit about your representatives
and their staff. Find out their stance on the particular bill
in question, if they’re sponsoring or co-sponsoring
any bills, or if they actively oppose any particular
legislation. You never know where folks are going to
stand. For example, one of my local representatives is
a quality assurance officer and doctor specializing in
high risk pregnancy, and is generally against integrative
and alternative medicine. The other representative is
a licensed social worker and therapist who supports
integrative and alternative medicine. The approach to
each of them is the same, but the advocacy aspect is
stronger towards the doctor because the argument of
my viewpoint is to change their usual stance. The thing
is, even if your legislators disagree with you, don’t ever
completely write them off. They work for you, and
it’s their job to listen to what you have to say and take
your views into consideration. So, always be polite and
Advocacy
respectful. After all, they might agree with you on something
else you care about. Think of this as building a professional
relationship which has the potential to operate on multiple
fronts over time.
Taking Action
Get In Touch
Understand that our state and federal legislators are busy
and are usually not picking up the phone when you call or
personally responding to your concerns. Often, you leave
a voicemail or talk to an aid who takes notes. It will not be a
political debate with someone on the other line. Your emails
are also reviewed by aides. Most representatives have an online
presence that makes it easy to leave a comment. They also
need to hear when you agree with their position and advocacy.
Local representatives are people you see in your stores, around
town, and affect what occurs in your town. Stopping one of
them in the grocery aisle to talk about an issue might not be
appropriate, but asking for a time to call to discuss an issue is
respectful.
Dialogue can be conducted by phone, their online site, or
email (see the basic email template below). If you don’t know
your legislator and their stance on a particular issue, start by
introducing yourself as a constituent and asking about their
position. If they don’t have a position yet - and many don’t
- this is a great opportunity to educate them, and set yourself
up as a resource for when they want to learn more. If they
oppose something you support, don’t worry. You still have an
opportunity to shift or soften their thinking. So be polite and
explain your personal stance on the issue. If your legislator
sponsored or co-sponsored a bill you support, thank your
representative as a great way to make a connection.
Note: Facts are valuable for framing and supporting
arguments, but personal stories have much more emotional
impact. Be sure to include both.
Testify
This is NOT as scary as you might think! After all,
legislators are public servants who represent you. You’re their
boss. You pay their salary. You can vote them out of office.
You have every right to speak about legislation you consider
important. However, it’s also vital to do your homework and
make sure you know the details of the bill - as well as any other
relevant bills which might come up during your testimony.
How To Get A Speaking Slot
To receive a slot to speak to a committee or congress:
• Contact your state representatives and ask if they can
help you get a slot to testify. This is when knowing their
stances on the bill are helpful. For example, I would
never ask my anti-cannabis representative for help
testifying on a cannabis-related bill.
• Contact the sponsor of the bill and ask them for a slot.
Let them know who you are, what you want to say, and
why you would be a good person for them to listen to.
• Contact the American Nurses Association in Vermont
(ANA-Vermont) board or chair of their government
affairs committee, which currently is me. They might
also have ideas that can help you.
• Depending on the bill and their stance, you may contact
the Vermont Board of Nursing.
President’s Letter continued on page 10

Page 2 • Vermont Nurse Connection February, March April 2022
Seasons Greetings
Meredith Roberts, RN, PhD
ANA-VT Executive Director
We so hoped it would be over by now. The pandemic
stretches on and on, with variants such as Delta, and now
Omicron, and people continue to die; yet at death “it is
change, not destruction, which takes place” (Florence
Nightingale)
People who used to see us as heroic, no longer cheer us
and instead get angry at us for quarantine rules. Are we
less heroic now? Christopher Reeve defined a hero as “an
ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere
and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Nurses
are heroic.
In spite of our weariness and frustration at those not
vaccinated, nurses continue on, often putting ourselves in
harm’s way. As we prepare for the holidays, feeling more
tired than usual, we think of spiritual leaders, some of
whom were condemned for their actions. They also got
tired, sad, and worse, yet gave comfort. We recognize that
the way of enlightened leaders and those who inspire is not
an easy path. Having the courage to continue counts. We
choose to keep walking, though we are tired, following
Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice to “do the things you think you
cannot do.”
Sometimes we need to take a break to recharge and
remember who we are, rebuilding our strength. We must
nurture ourselves, not just others, or we will not stay well,
mentally, spiritually, or physically. Over the holidays, take
time with family and friends. Helen Keller knew, “The
best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen
or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.” We can
choose to embrace joy, to be kind, and to carry our lamp
If you wish to submit a “Letter to the Editor,” please
address it to:
ANA-Vermont
Attn: Vermont Nurse Connection
4 Carmichael Street, Suite 111, #215
Essex, VT 05452
Please remember to include contact information,
as letter authors may need to be contacted by the
editors of the VNC for clarification. NOTE: Letters to
the Editor reflect the opinions of the letter authors
and should not be assumed to reflect the opinions
of the ANA-Vermont.
Jean Graham, Editor
Opportunity Awaits
REGISTERED NURSES
Emergency Department
IPCU
Specialty Clinic
Psychiatric Inpatient
Adult Day Program
To view all current job
opportunities, and to apply
please go to:
https://
springfieldhospital.org/
careers/
Equal Opportunity Employer
that spreads light, so people can find their way. “Every day
you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every
breath, is a gift from God” (Mary Manin Morrissey).
New Year’s Eve will be a new starting place, and after
seeing the past, we are not afraid of tomorrow. No one
is guaranteed tomorrow, so fully live each day. Thrive,
dream, and notice the extraordinary. Pearl Bailey notes
“People see God every day, they just don't recognize
him”. Florence Nightingale believed: the greatest heroes
are those who do their duty in the daily grind of domestic
affairs whilst the world whirls as a maddening dreidel.”
I just know that nurses make the world better. Thankyou
and Peace, love and joy to all.
Deadlines for the
Vermont Nurse Connection
Are you interested in contributing an article to an
upcoming issue of the Vermont Nurse Connection? If so,
here is a list of submission deadlines for the next 2 issues:
Vol. 25 #3 – April 11, 2022
Vol. 25 #4 – July 10, 2022
Articles may be sent to the editors of the Vermont
Nurse Connection at:
ANA-Vermont
Attention: VNC
4 Carmichael Street, Suite 111, #215
Essex, VT 05452
Articles may also be submitted electronically to
vtnurse@ana-vermont.org.
Voices of Vermont Nurses
premiered at VSNA Convention 2000 and
is available from the ANA-Vermont Office at:
ANA - Vermont
4 Carmichael Street, Suite 111, #215
Essex, VT 05452
Price: $20 each book
(plus $3.95 for postage and handling)
Make check or money order payable to:
VERMONT STATE NURSES FOUNDATION
Name: _____________________________________
Address: ___________________________________
City: _______________________________________
State: __________________ Zip: _______________
CLINIC PRACTICE MANAGER
White River Family Practice is looking for an experienced Registered
Nurse or Advanced Associate Provider to manage our office. This is an
exciting opportunity to lead an award- winning, NCQA-certified family
medicine group into the next decade. We are a cohesive group of 5
physicians, three nurse practitioners and 15 support staff committed
to offering compassionate care. The relatively small size of the office
allows us to provide care with a personal touch and to also be nimble
enough to navigate the everchanging medical landscape efficiently.
Management experience of a clinical team of 5 or more people is
required. Salary is competitive and compensatory with level of medical
training and managerial skills
Please send your CV to Dr. Michael Lyons
at Michael.l.lyons@dartmouth.edu
Official publication of ANA-Vermont, a constituent member
of the American Nurses Association. Published quarterly every
January, April, July and October. Library subscription price is $20
per year. ISSN# 1529-4609.
Editorial Offices
ANA-Vermont, 4 Carmichael Street, Suite 111, #215, Essex, VT
05452, PH: (802) 651-8886, E-mail: vtnurse@ana-vermont.org
Editor: Jean E. Graham
Advertising
For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur
L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa
50613, (800) 626-4081, sales@aldpub.com. ANA-Vermont and the
Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any
advertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to
corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement.
Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or
approval by ANA-Vermont of products advertised, the advertisers,
or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply
a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the
manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves
of the product or its use. ANA-Vermont and the Arthur L. Davis
Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences
resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles
appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they
do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of
ANA-Vermont or those of the national or local associations.
Content
ANA-Vermont welcomes unsolicited manuscripts and
suggestions for articles. Manuscripts can be up to:
• 750 words for a press release
• 1500 words for a feature article
Manuscripts should be typed double-spaced and spell-checked
with only one space after a period and can be submitted:
1) As paper hard copy
2) As a Word Perfect or MS Word document file saved to a
CD-Rom or zip disk
3) Or e-mailed as a Word Perfect or MS Word document file to
vtnurse@ana-vermont.org.
No faxes will be accepted. Authors’ names should be placed after
title with credentials and affiliation. Please send a photograph of
yourself if you are submitting a feature article.
All articles submitted to and/or published in Vermont Nurse
Connection become the sole property of ANA-Vermont and may not
be reprinted without permission.
All accepted manuscripts may undergo editorial revision to conform
to the standards of the newsletter or to improve clarity.
The Vermont Nurse Connection is not a peer review publication.
Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of the
authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board,
or membership of ANA-Vermont or those of the national or local
association.
Copyright Policy Criteria for Articles
The policy of the ANA-Vermont Editorial Board is to retain
copyright privileges and control of articles published in the Vermont
Nurse Connection unless the articles have been previously published
or the author retains copyright.
ANA-Vermont Officers and Board of Directors
President ...................................Jessilyn Dolan
Vice President ............................. Dionne Heyliger
Secretary ...............................Samantha Gambero
Treasurer ......................................Amy Swarr
Director .................................Amy Visser-Lynch
Director ....................................Michelle Wade
Director .......................................... Vacant
Delegate Membership Assembly .................Betsy Hassan
Alternative Delegate ........................Cynthia Peterson
ANA-Vermont Foundation Board
President ....................................Carol Hodges
Vice President ..............................Christina Olcott
Treasurer ......................................Amy Swarr
Secretary ..................................Christina Olcott
Trustee .....................................Jessilyn Dolan
Trustee ...................................Meredith Roberts
Trustee .....................................Michelle Wade
Trustee ........................................... Vacant
Trustee ........................................... Vacant
VNC Editor
Jeannie Graham
Committee Chairpersons
Bylaws ........................................Amy Swarr
Finance ........................................Amy Swarr
Government Affairs ..........................Jessilyn Dolan
Membership & Publicity ...................Amy Visser-Lynch
Nominations & Elections ......................Michelle Wade
Programs ......................................... Vacant
Congressional Coordinator for Welch .........Meredith Roberts
Senate Coordinator for Sanders ..............Meredith Roberts
Senate Coordinator for Leahy ...............Meredith Roberts

February, March April 2022 Vermont Nurse Connection • Page 3
When a Patient Tells Their Story
There is no greater agony than
bearing an untold story inside
you.
~ Maya Angelou
Stories are the essential
building blocks of empathy
and human connection. As
a child I was very curious,
asking questions, reading
books and listening to my
parents as they told me
fascinating stories about where
our ancestors came from and
the accumulated information
that went back generations.
Priscilla Smith-
Trudeau
When I became a nurse, I realized pretty quickly that
every patient has a story and that every patient’s story is
important and, in many cases, needs to be told to begin the
healing process. When I became a holistic rehabilitation
nurse, I learned that nurses foster relationships with their
patients to promote healing and wellness. Holistic nursing
is based on the principle that a patient's biological, social,
psychological and spiritual aspects are interconnected.
These aspects fit together to form a unique person. The
ideal healing environment is quiet, serene and private. It is
a place where the patient feels comfortable and safe to tell
their story.
Sometimes all a person wants is an empathetic ear; all he
or she needs is to talk it out. Just offering a listening ear
and an understanding heart for his or her suffering can be
a big comfort.
~ Roy T. Bennett
Stories have existed in our culture from the beginning
of time. We use stories to derive meaning from experience
and to pass along knowledge and wisdom. Recent
breakthroughs in neuroscience reveal that our brain is in
fact hardwired to respond to a story. 1 Patients’ perspectives
on their illness and care are increasingly recognized as
the focus for the organization of health care, yet patient
stories are rarely examined on their own. Mostly, they are
dissected for data, and so the impact is lost. How, when,
and whether the patient shares his or her narrative or story
will depend on whether he or she feels safe and engaged
in the relationship with the nurse, and is wholly dependent
on the story-hearer’s responses. By actively listening,
nurses play a critical role in optimizing the power of the
story in the patient’s journey towards empowerment and
self-healing. 2 Patient stories and narratives are about
individuals, about how they think and feel, rather than
about what they do or have done to them. The choice of
what to tell and what to omit lies entirely with the patient.
They are memorable, grounded in personal experience,
and force reflection on practice by the professionals
caring for the story-teller. They provide us with new and
important information, and encourage holism and a move
to a more therapeutic approach to care. 3 It is common to
feel a sense of relief in sharing personal experiences and
thoughts with another. This is a very significant nursing
role. Nurses should encourage clients to discuss two sides
of a story, if needed, to better conceptualize problems.
Nurses can help clients acknowledge their strengths, as
well as weaknesses, through the power of story. Use of
story may enhance relationship building by helping the
client empathize or understand the life stories of others.
If the nurse repeats the story back to the client, there is a
potential for the client to see relationships in a new light. 4
One of the sincerest forms of respect is actually listening
to what another has to say.
~ Bryant McGill
Lillee Gelinas, MSN, RN, CPPS, wrote that, “Listening
may not be a competency that appears in your job
description, but it’s essential to caring. Our connected
world has actually disconnected our communication
skills, especially listening. Smartphones, video games,
and computers can grab our attention more effectively
than another human. Learning to listen and observe
takes time and practice—and often a good mentor, too,
who can give you feedback. Nurses who listen are able to
create trustworthy relationships. They’re able to have their
patients’ and the family’s best interests at heart, and those
of their team members, too. They do that by going beyond
just being quiet or giving someone their full attention.
They observe body language, facial expressions, mood,
and behavior. 5 Through the sharing of stories we pass on
accumulated wisdom, beliefs, and values. Through stories
we explain how things are, why they are, and our role and
purpose. Stories are the building blocks of knowledge,
the foundation of memory and learning. Stories connect
us with our humanness and link past, present, and future
by teaching us to anticipate the possible consequences of
our actions. 6 Margaret Wheatly suggests that “Listening
is such a simple act. It requires us to be present, and that
takes practice, but we don't have to do anything else. We
don't have to advise, or coach, or sound wise. We just
have to be willing to sit there and listen. If we can do that,
we create moments in which real healing is available.
Whatever life we have experienced, if we can tell our
story to someone who listens, we find it easier to deal with
our circumstance.” 7 The establishment of the therapeutic
relationship between nurse and patient is well documented.
The nurse is encouraged to develop a relationship with the
patient characterized by respect and empathy, and once the
patient is able to perceive and appreciate these qualities
the relationship is established. Only then will the patient
feel safe enough to begin to disclose aspects of themselves
and how they experience their life. This is achieved by
attempting to make sense of the way ideas interact with
bodily feelings to constitute the raw experience of life. It
is these life experiences that combine to form the patient’s
narrative, and which a phenomenological approach should
seek to capture. 8
Do not listen with the intent to reply, but with the intent to
understand.
~ Gillian Anderson
There is no doubt in my mind that giving patients space
and time to tell their stories can be a healing experience.
Patient stories offer nurses insight, understanding, and new
perspectives. Patients can be frightened, isolated, and in
pain. Creating space for them to share their story sounds
simple, but it can be difficult in the moment to stay quiet
and just listen. Having a tendency to want to talk people
through their issues, adding our opinions and advice is
really not what patients want when they’re sharing their
stories. If the patient wants our advice, they will ask for
it. Wait until they are done sharing their story before you
ask any follow-up questions. After the patient finishes
sharing their story with you, thank them for sharing their
The ANA-Vermont website has been updated:
ANA-Vermont.org. We will continue to update and
expand the website.
Do you want to stay updated on the latest ANA-Vermont has to offer?
Learn of webinars offered by the ANA?
How you can earn CEU hours?
‘Like Us’ on Facebook. Find us at
https://www.facebook.com/VTNurses
Questions regarding our social media and website?
E-Mail: vtnurse@ana-vermont.org
When a nurse encounters another
something happens.
What occurs is never a neutral event.
A pulse taken. Words exchanged.
A touch. A healing moment.
Two persons are never the same.
2016 Holistic Nursing
A Handbook for Practice
To Our Colleagues in Nursing
Barbara Montgomery Dossey
Lynn Keegan
story. Tell them how sharing their story made you feel and
how it resonated with you. If you want to know more about
a moment that they described in their story, ask them. It
shows that you were paying close attention. James Miller
wrote in his book, The Art of Listening in a Healing Way,
that choosing to listen—to really listen—is one of the
most caring. affirming gifts that you can offer another. By
creating an open space in which the other person is free
to express whatever matters most at the moment, you can
facilitate healing and growth. By relating to the one who’s
speaking as a whole person, and by bringing your whole
self as a listener to this experience, you can be in touch
with life at a very deep level. 9
Wisdom comes with the ability to be still. Just look and
just listen. No more is needed. Being still, looking, and
listening activates the non-conceptual intelligence within
you. Let stillness direct your words and actions.
~ Eckhart Tolle
Priscilla Smith-Trudeau MSM RN BSN CCM CRRN
HNB-BC is board certified in holistic nursing and board
certified in rehabilitation nursing. She has been a nurse for
forty-five years and understands the interconnectedness of
body, mind and spirit. She brings a comprehensive holistic
and integrative approach to her practice for providing
whole person care.
1 Ennis-O’Conner, M. (2016). Why your patient’s story matters.
Retrieved October 5, 2021 from: https://powerfulpatients.
org/2016/05/26/why-your-patient-story-matters/
2 Barker P, Buchanan-Barker P (2004) Beyond empowerment:
revering the storyteller. Mental Health Practice 7(5): 18–20.
Retrieved October 2, 2021 from: https://www.legclub.org/
uploads/files/documents/BJCN%20Patient%20Stories.pdf
3 Hawkins, J., Lindsay, E., (2006). We listen but do we hear?
The importance of patient stories. Wound care. Retrieved
October 2, 2021 from: www.legclub.org.
4 Blaszko-Helming, M., & Jackson, C. (2009). Chapter 19
relationships. In B. M. Dossey & L. Keegan (Authors),
Holistic nursing: A handbook for practice (p.486). Sudbury,
MA: Jones and Bartlett.
5 Gelinas, L., (2018). Listening as a caring competency.
Retrieved October 4, 2021 from: https://www.
myamericannurse.com/listening-caring-competency/
6 Smith-Trudeau, P., (2015), When happens when a nurse tells
their story? Vermont Nurse Connection Vol 18 (3), 3
7 Wheatley, M., (2001). Listening as Healing. Retrieved October
7, 2021 from: Listening-as-Healing.pdf
8 Foster T, Hawkins J. The therapeutic relationship: dead or
merely impeded by technology? Br J Nurs. 2005 Jul 14-
27;14(13):698-702. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2005.14.13.18449.
PMID: 16116369.
9 Miller, J. E. (2003). The Art of Listening in a Healing Way.
Fort Wayne, IN: Willowgreen Publishing.
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Page 4 • Vermont Nurse Connection February, March April 2022
Legislative Update
The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 has now topped
943,411 and in Vermont there have been 440 deaths
(Hollingsworth, AP Press: VT Digger, 2021). Over 95%
of Vermonters aged 12+ are partially or fully vaccinated,
and 49% of children aged 5-11 have received at least one
vaccine dose.
During the off session, ANA-Vermont met with
legislators and discussed priorities, such as the workforce
crisis. We are part of the telehealth workgroup that will
help create a telehealth committee bill that needs to pass
to address the waiver that will end this March enabling
telehealth across borders. Representative Lippert and
Senator Lyons are assisting these efforts. ANA-Vermont
has also met with Senate President Becca Balint, and
Speaker of the House, Representative Jill Krowinski,
discussing nurse concerns such as health care affordability,
travel nurse and nurse staffing, faculty pay inequities,
student loan repayment, climate change and more. Below
are some bills we will be tracking this year:
House Side
Currently in the House Committee on Judiciary:
• H.17 An act relating to physician expert witnesses
in medical malpractice actions. This bill proposes
to set standards for the qualification of physician
expert witnesses in medical malpractice actions.
• H.132 An act relating to possession of firearms by
persons subject to final relief from abuse orders.
• H.133 An act relating to emergency relief from
abuse orders and relinquishment of firearms: A
minor 16 years of age or older, or a minor of any age
who is in a dating relationship may seek relief on his
or her own behalf, limited as follows:
1. Upon a finding that there is an immediate
danger of further abuse, an order may be granted
requiring the defendant:
a. to refrain from abusing the plaintiff or his or
her children, or both, or from cruelly or killing
any animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or
held as a pet by either party
b. to refrain from interfering with the plaintiff’s
personal liberty or the personal liberty of the
plaintiff’s children, or both;
c. to refrain from coming within a fixed distance
of the plaintiff, & children, residence, place of
employment; and
d. to refrain from contact, whether directly,
indirectly, or through a third party, with the
purpose of making contact with the plaintiff,
including in writing or by telephone, e-mail, or
other electronic communication; or
e. to immediately relinquish, until the expiration
of the order, all firearms.
• H.148 An act relating to eliminating the religious
exemption for required immunizations.
• H.193 An act relating to permitting out-of-court
statement by victims of human trafficking.
• H.309 An act relating to decriminalizing certain
chemical compounds found in plants and fungi
that are commonly used for medicinal, spiritual,
religious, or entheogenic purposes.
• H.268 An act relating to human trafficking and
prostitution.
• H.319 An act relating to immunity from liability for
licensed professionals providing essential services
during emergencies.
Currently in the Committee on Health Care:
• H.21 An act relating to prohibiting licensed
midwives from performing home births after
cesarean delivery. This bill proposes to remove
from the scope of practice of a licensed midwife the
authority to perform a home vaginal birth with a
patient who has previously had a cesarean delivery.
The bill would deem performance of such a home
birth to be unprofessional conduct.
• H.22/S.23 An act relating to requiring that at least
one member of the Green Mountain Care Board be a
health care professional Committee on Health Care.
• H.23/S.22 passed (Act 61) An act relating to
administering stem cell products not approved by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• H.24 An act relating to coverage for complementary
and alternative health care services. proposes to
require health insurance plans, including Medicaid,
to provide coverage for all health care services,
including complementary and alternative treatments,
if at least two studies published in peer-reviewed
scientific journals find such services to be safe,
and to be directly related to statistically significant
improvements in individuals’ health.
• H.43 An act relating to allowing individuals
who have attained 16 years of age to consent to
the administration of vaccinations: proposes to
allow individuals who are 16 to consent to the
administration of age-appropriate vaccinations
recommended by the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
• H.45 An act relating to the provision of grants for
mental health providers working in collaboration
with municipal police departments: proposes to
establish a grant program to fund the provision of
services by mental health providers in collaboration
with municipal police departments.
• H.51 An act relating to recommendations regarding
ownership of medical data in electronic health
records, proposes to direct the Agency of Human
Services to develop recommendations regarding
the ownership of medical data in electronic health
records and to report those recommendations to the
General Assembly.
• H.102 An act relating to reducing prior authorization
requirements in health insurance plans.
• H.103 An act relating to an independent review of
Vermont’s current health care reform efforts.
• H.118 An act relating to enhanced mental health
supports and services for professionals in the
medical, legal, and accounting fields.
• H.121 An act relating to licensure of freestanding
birth centers – Proposes to license freestanding birth
centers and require insurance coverage for them.
• H.213 An act relating to preventing death by suicide:
proposes to: (1) establish a Suicide Prevention
Coordinator within the Department of Mental
Health; (2) require the services of suicide prevention
counselors by designated hospitals, designated
agencies, crisis hotlines, and law enforcement
agencies; and (3) require the Department of
Financial Regulation to submit a report pertaining
to required coverage by health insurers for services
provided by suicide prevention counselors.
• H. 266 Coverage for hearing aids.
• H.279 An act relating to miscellaneous changes
affecting the duties of the Department of Vermont
Health Access.
• H.323 An act relating to reporting on adverse
reactions related to immunizations: requires the
Department of Health to submit an annual report to
the General Assembly regarding adverse reactions
reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting
System.
• H.368 An act relating to hospital and accountable
care organization salary information.
• H.452 An act relating to prohibiting the use of
COVID-19 vaccine passports: prohibits the use of
COVID-19 passports, which require individuals to
disclose their vaccination status, by businesses and
to attend public events.
Currently in the House Committee on Human Services:
• H.25 An act relating to evaluating the sale of Long-
Term Care Partnership policies. This bill proposes
to direct the Department of Financial Regulation,

February, March April 2022 Vermont Nurse Connection • Page 5
in collaboration with others, to evaluate and report
to the General Assembly regarding the advantages
and disadvantages of allowing Vermont residents to
purchase Long-Term Care Partnership policies.
• H.26 (parallel bill S.20 passed Act 36) An act
relating to restrictions on perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances and other chemicals of
concern in consumer products is still on the books
but S.20 passed.
• H.30 An act relating to the study and design of
a long-term care trust fund proposes to require
the Secretary of Administration to: (1) study and
design a trust fund that will provide for long-term
care for certain Vermont residents, and (2) propose
legislation to statutorily create this fund.
• H.44 An act relating to universal home visiting and
parenting classes: proposes to establish a universal
home visiting program for families caring for
a newborn infant and parenting classes within
obstetric and midwifery practices.
• H.50 An act relating to pharmacists providing
information on the proper disposal of unused
regulated drugs: proposes to require pharmacists
dispensing regulated drugs to provide patients
with information regarding the importance of and
processes for proper disposal of unused medication.
Rep. Lippert moved that the Committee on Health
Care be relieved of the bill and that the same be
committed to the Committee on Human Services
which was agreed to.
• H.114 An act relating to the Nutrition for Older
Vermonters Working Group.
• H.116 An act relating to prohibiting the involuntary
sterilization of individuals with an intellectual
disability.
• H.141/S.24 An act relating to banning flavored
tobacco products and e-liquids.
• H.212 An act relating to expanding the distribution
and availability of opioid antagonists: expands
distribution.
• H.243 An act relating to the Working Group on
Services for Adults with Autism.
• H.248 An act relating to establishing fetal
personhood.
• H.251 An act relating to harassing marketing or
solicitation of vulnerable adults.
• H.283 An act relating to bodily autonomy and health
care decision making – autonomy, right to refuse
treatment.
• H.322 An act relating to establishing an exemption
to immunizations required for attendance at school
and child care facilities on the basis of conscientious
and personal beliefs.
• H.310 An act relating to the regulation of kratom
products.
• H.324 An act relating to coverage by commercial
health insurers for costs associated with medicationassisted
treatment.
• H.390 An act relating to the use of Special
Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and
Children benefits at farmers’ markets which is to
explore the technology needed to redeem WIC
benefits at farmers markets like 3Squares/SNAP
benefits--health equity, multifactorial health
influences, access to healthy food for families living
in rural poverty, etc.
• H.395 An act relating to addressing barriers to
substance use disorder treatment.
• H.422 An act relating to decriminalizing possession
and dispensing of a personal use supply of regulated
drugs.
Currently in the House Committee on Education:
• H.32 An act relating to universal school breakfast
and lunch for all public school students: proposes
to require all public schools in Vermont to make
available school breakfast and lunch to all students
at no charge. The cost of school meals that is not
reimbursed through federal funds or other sources
would be borne by school districts, and therefore
ultimately borne by the Education Fund.
• H.375 An act relating to screening students for
dyslexia.
• H.396 An act relating to addressing chemicals and
other forms of contamination in public schools.
Currently in the House Committee on Ways and Means:
• H.37 An act relating to the imposition of an
excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. This
bill proposes to impose an excise tax on sugarsweetened
beverages and to direct revenue from the
tax to the Adverse Childhood Experiences Initiative
Fund.
• H.38 An act relating to the imposition of sales tax
on candy: proposes to extend the Vermont Sales and
Use Tax to the sale of candy.
• H.53/S.53 An act relating to exempting feminine
hygiene products from the Vermont Sales and Use
Tax.
• H.105 An act relating to increasing the tax on
cigarettes, tobacco products, smokeless tobacco.
Currently in the House Committee on Government Operations:
• H.392 An act relating to prescribing by doctorallevel
psychologists.
• H.414 An act relating to cannabis social equity
programs.
Currently in the House Committee on General, Housing,
and Military Affairs:
• H.42 An act relating to including the amount
expended by an employer for health insurance in the
Legislative Update continued on page 6
NOW HIRING
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CHCB is an innovative Federally Qualified Health Center with sites throughout
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CHCB is growing and so is our nursing team!
We have opportunities for
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Come join our mission-minded,
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Apply now on our Career Center at
CHCB.ORG/CAREERS

Page 6 • Vermont Nurse Connection February, March April 2022
Legislative Update continued from page 5
determination of the minimum wage: will amend
the minimum wage set forth in 21 V.S.A. § 384 to
include a calculation for the amount expended by
each employer to provide an employee with health
insurance.
• H.134 An act relating to paid family and medical
leave insurance.
• H.351 An act relating to making various
amendments to the Parental and Family Leave Act.
• H.401 An act relating to promoting racial and social
equity in Vermont.
• H.405 An act relating to promoting racial equity and
protecting Vermonters.
Currently in the House Committee on Transportation:
• H.68 An act relating to bicycle helmets.
• H.94 An act relating to transportation initiatives to
reduce carbon emissions.
Currently in the House Committee on Natural Resources,
Fish, and Wildlife:
• H.115 An act relating to household products
containing hazardous substances. Nurse Rep Mari
Cordes is one of the sponsors.
• H.311 An act relating to assessing long-term climate
change challenges and opportunities in the State’s
economic and revenue forecasts.
• H.382 An act relating to establishing a working
group on ecologically sustainable sanitation.
• H.440 An act relating to creating “Green Justice
Zones” in Vermont.
Currently in the House Committee on Commerce and
Economic Development:
• H.117 An act relating to expanding workers’
compensation coverage for firefighters with cancer.
• H.139 An act relating to workers’ compensation
benefits and protections against retaliation.
Currently in the House Committee on Corrections and
Institutions:
• H.137 An act relating to a women’s transitional
housing facility.
Currently in the House Committee on Energy and
Technology:
• H.229 An act relating to performing green housing
retrofits and installing rooftop solar panels,
supporting an equitable transition to a zero-carbon
building sector, creating high-quality union jobs and
prioritizing the unionized workforce for conducting
retrofits and workforce development, creating
a progressive funding structure and prioritizing
households with annual incomes of less than
$50,000.00, and ensuring that energy is affordable
for lower-income Vermont residents.
• H.350 An act relating to penalties for Lifeline
service interruptions: requires that a Lifeline service
provider shall be assessed an administrative penalty
by the Public Utility Commission of $25.00 per
customer for each day there is a service interruption
resulting in a loss of E-911 calling capacity.
Penalties collected under this subdivision are
deposited into the Enhanced 911 Fund.
Bills that have passed:
• H.46 (Act 30) passed An act relating to
miscellaneous provisions of mental health law:
proposes to: (1) limit the categories of individuals
who can obtain information about a patient’s
medical condition; (2) specify the membership
requirements of designated agency and designated
hospital programmatic committees and the
Statewide Standing Committees for Adult Services
and for Child and Family Services; (3) clarify
patient rights related to voluntary admission; and (4)
establish reporting requirements pertaining to the
use of seclusion and restraint.
Senate Side
Currently in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary:
• S.8 An act relating to sexual exploitation of children
(House Bill H.18 passed: H.18 Act relating to sexual
exploitation of children –is Act 29; Allows people
being sex trafficked to come forward without fear of
prosecution for prostitution.
• S.35 An act relating to prohibiting discrimination:
proposes to prohibit discrimination on the basis of
hair types and styles associated with a particular
race and on the basis of weight.
• S.108 An act relating to establishing the Bureau of
Racial Justice Statistics and the Bureau of Racial
Justice Statistics Advisory Panel.
• S.113 An act relating to establishing a cause of
action for medical monitoring expenses: proposes
to establish a cause of action for the remedy of
medical monitoring for a person who is exposed to
a proven toxic substance. In addition, the bill would
SFC Theodore P. Provost
AMEDD Specialty Branch Manager
theodore.p.provost.mil@mail.mil
802-338-3405

February, March April 2022 Vermont Nurse Connection • Page 7
provide that a person is liable for abating a release
or threatened release of hazardous material and the
costs of investigation, removal, and remedial actions
incurred by the State if the person manufactured a
hazardous material for commercial sale and knew
or should have known that the material presented
a threat of harm to human health or the natural
environment.
Currently in the Senate Committee on Health & Welfare:
• S.19 An act relating to a climate change response
plan and regional planning commission involvement
in identifying health care-related needs.
• S.23/H.22 An act relating to requiring that at least
one member of the Green Mountain Care Board be a
healthcare professional.
• S.28/H.90 An act relating to banning baby bumper
pads: proposes to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or
transfer of baby bumper pads in this State.
• S.49 An act relating to the Green Mountain Care
Board reporting when the growth of certain health
care costs exceeds the rate of inflation.
• S.46 An act relating to limiting the co-payment
amount for chiropractic services in certain health
insurance plans: proposes to limit the co payment
amount for chiropractic services in silver- and
bronze-level qualified and reflective health benefit
plans to not more than 125 percent of the amount
of the co-payment applicable to care and services
provided by a primary care provider under the same
plan.
• S.69 An act relating to suicide prevention initiatives
proposes to appropriate funding for suicide
prevention initiatives, including VT’s National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Zero Suicide, the Elder
Care Clinician Program,Vet to Vet Visitor Program.
• S.70 An act relating to requiring health insurance
plans to provide two primary care visits per year
without cost sharing.
• S.74 An act relating to modifications to Vermont’s
patient choice at end of life laws: Eliminates a
requirement in Vermont’s patient choice at end of
life laws that both oral requests required of the
patient with a terminal condition for medication to
be self-administered to hasten the patient’s death
must have been made in the physical presence of the
physician to whom the patient made the request. It
would eliminate a requirement that the prescribing
physician have conducted a physical examination of
the patient in order to determine that the patient was
suffering a terminal condition and a requirement
that the physician must have waited at least 48 hours
after the occurrence of certain required events
before writing the prescription. The bill would also
provide immunity for any person who acts in good
faith compliance.
• S.90 An act relating to establishing an amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis registry.
• S.92 An act relating to beverages in children’s meals
-offer option without added sugar.
• S.132 An act relating to health care reform
implementation –Sen Lyons sponsor, proposes to
consolidate responsibility for health care innovation
under the Director of Health Care Reform in the
Agency of Human Services and to add new criteria
to the certification requirements for accountable
care organizations.
Currently in the Senate Committee on Economic
Development, Housing & General Affairs:
• S.21 An act relating to prohibiting discrimination
based on genetic information: prohibits
discrimination based on an individual’s genetic
information in relation to employment, labor
relations, insurance coverage, and the provision of
social and medical services.
• S.24/H.141 An act relating to banning flavored
tobacco products and e-liquids. Committed to
Committee on Economic Development, Housing
and General Affairs with the report of Committee
on Health and Welfare intact, on motion of Senator
Lyons. Proposes to ban the retail sale of flavored
cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and e-liquids. It would
• Inpatient Medical Surgical Unit
• Charge RN- Emergency Room
• Primary Care
• Operating Room
• PACU
eliminate the existing ban on and penalty for
possession of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco
paraphernalia by individuals under 21 years of
age and expand the applicability of provisions for
the seizure and destruction of contraband tobacco
products to include contraband e-cigarettes,
e-liquids, and tobacco paraphernalia. The bill would
also direct the Office of the Attorney General
to report on the extent to which Vermont may
legally restrict advertising and regulate labels for
e-cigarettes and other vaping-related products.
• S.41 An act relating to eliminating prohibitions and
penalties on the purchase, use, and possession of
tobacco products.
Legislative Update continued on page 8
• Maternal/Child Health
• Cardiology Office
• Discharge Advocate
• ER RN
Happy
Nurses Week
2022!

Page 8 • Vermont Nurse Connection February, March April 2022
Legislative Update continued from page 7
• S.65 An act relating to paid family leave.
• S.89 An act relating to the creation of the Workforce
Development Educational Loan Benefit Program
for doctors, nurses, and teachers, including
childcare educators: Proposes creating a Workforce
Development Educational Loan Benefit Program
under which educational scholarships and student
loan forgiveness shall be provided to individuals
who work in a job as a doctor, nurse, or teacher,
including childcare educators, in the State.
Currently in the Senate Committee on Education:
• S.29 An act relating to the creation of the VSC
tuition-free scholarship program for Vermont
residents in programs leading to a certificate or an
associate’s degree.
• S.32 An act relating to school wellness and
feminine hygiene products: proposes to update the
definition of a school wellness program to include
comprehensive health education; requires the
Advisory Council on Wellness and Comprehensive
Health to include at least three members with
expertise in health services, health education,
or health policy and to meet not less than twice
per year; requires the Agency of Education
to update and distribute to school districts a
model wellness program policy; and ensure that
female students attending a public school or an
approved independent school have access to
menstrual hygiene products at no cost and without
embarrassment.
• S.100 An act relating to universal school breakfast
and the creation of the Task Force on Universal
School Lunch.
Currently in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources
and Energy:
• S.44 An act relating to a Vermont Green New Deal.
• S.148 An act relating to environmental justice in
Vermont.
Currently in the Senate Committee on Finance:
• S.53 (H.53 same, not moving) An act relating to
exempting feminine hygiene products from the
Vermont Sales and Use Tax: passed the Senate and
almost passed the House. An amendment was made
and the bill was Recommitted to the Committee on
Finance on motion of Senator Pearson.
• S. 94 An act relating to the Cannabis excise tax and
local fees.
Currently in the Senate Committee on Government
Operations:
• S.106 An act relating to the livestream of legislative
proceedings of the General Assembly and lobbying
regulations. proposes a pilot project to livestream
committee proceedings and floor proceedings of the
General Assembly, to encourage lobbyists to wear
identification, and to require a report on lobbyist
compliance.
Currently in the Senate Committee on Appropriations:
• S.120 An act relating to the Joint Legislative Health
Care Affordability Study Committee creates
the Joint Legislative Health Care Affordability
Study Committee to explore opportunities to
make healthcare more affordable for Vermont
residents and employers. It notes Vermont is
facing a significant shortage of healthcare
providers, especially primary care physicians
and nursing professionals, and seeks findings and
recommendations regarding the most cost-effective
ways to expand access to affordable health care
for Vermonters without health insurance and those
facing high healthcare costs and the various options
available. It plans to solicit input from a wide range
of stakeholders, including health care providers.
Federal Items of Interest
Representative Welch is running for the senate seat that
Senator Leahy is vacating.
November 19, the House of Representatives passed the
Build Back Better legislation. The legislation is now in the
Senate and negotiations are ongoing. Senator Sanders is
strongly promoting the bill and spoke to Seniors at a Town
Hall regarding benefits to them on Dec 15th.
ANA is advocating to ensure language and funding for
the FAAN Act, the Nurse Corps, and the Momnibus are
kept in the Senate bill.
Mental Health
The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed
the Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Act
with a unanimous vote. ANA has been advocating for
passage of the legislation.
ANA responded to a request for information from the
Senate Finance Committee on ways to combat mental
health by improving access to mental health services
and the mental health workforce. The document can be
accessed here: https://nursingworld.sharefile.com/d-s2efeb
3e2a48c44f4913ac46d6ed8bf90
Staffing
Senators Mark Kelly, Bill Cassidy and Reps. Doris Matsui
and David McKinley sent a letter to Jeff Zients, the White
House COVID-19 Coordinator. The letter asks Mr. Zients,
as well as several agencies that are copied, to investigate the
prices being reported out of nurse staffing agencies.
U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps.
Earlier this fall, the House passed its National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA) which included an amendment
to honor U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. ANA is working to keep
the amendment included in the final NDAA proposal.
Mandatory Overtime
ANA is close to getting a House lead on the Nurse
Overtime and Patient Safety Act.
VERMONT IS NOW A NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT STATE!
Vermont is one of 39 US states that
can issue a multistate license to
eligible RNs and LPNs. A multistate
license enables you to practice
nursing in all 39 member states
under one license.
To find out if you are eligible for a
Vermont Multistate License, Go to Nurse
Licensure Compact (vermont.gov)
To learn more about the Nurse
Licensure Compact Visit
Licensure Compacts | NCSBN

February, March April 2022 Vermont Nurse Connection • Page 9
Marilyn Rinker Leadership Scholarship Application
Application – 2022 deadline: March 25, 2022
Name: ______________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________
Telephone #: _____________________ Email Address: _______________________
Vt RN Lic #______________________ VONL member since __________________
School of Nursing: _____________________________________________________
Currently in which year? 1 2 3 4 year of graduation (if applicable) ________________
Graduate school ________________________ 1st yr __________ 2nd year__________
expected date of graduation_______________
If employed in nursing, current employer ___________________________________
Currently receiving Financial Aid, Grants, Scholarships? Yes ________ No ________
If yes please list the sources_______________________________________________
Please attach to this form:
1. Résumé
2. Most recent transcript of grades demonstrating a cumulative average of 3.0 (B)
3. A brief essay (500 words or less) describing nursing leadership experience and
aspirations, community service experience, commitment to serve in Vermont,
and financial need
4. At least two (2) letters of recommendation (at least one academic and one work
related)
5. Evidence of acceptance in an accredited program leading to an advanced degree
in nursing if not yet matriculated.
I understand that if I receive an Advanced Degree Nurse Leaders
Scholarship, I commit to practice nursing in Vermont for a minimum period
of two years following graduation.
Student signature: _______________________________ Date: __________________
Return application (with attached materials) before March 25, 2022 to:
Martha Buck, VAHHS/VONL
148 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
(802)223-3461/ext. 111 Martha@vahhs.org
Marilyn Rinker Memorial
Scholarship
The Marilyn Rinker Memorial Scholarship Award was established by the Vermont
Organization of Nurse Leaders in 2009 to honor Marilyn’s lifelong commitment and
dedication to professional nursing practice, nursing education and leadership. Marilyn
held many leadership positions during the course of her career such as Nursing
Director for Medicine and Cardiology at Fletcher Allen Health Care (University of
Vermont Medical Center); Oncology Clinical Coordinator at the Vermont Regional
Cancer Center; Clinical Research Nurse and Educator in Vermont and Rhode Island;
and, BSN Nursing Program Director at Norwich University. Marilyn also served as
the Executive Director of the Vermont State Nurses’ Association and President of the
Vermont Organization of Nurse Leaders.
This award provides scholarship support in the amount of $1000 for a qualified
registered nurse to participate in an approved course of study leading to an advanced
degree with an emphasis in nursing leadership.
Application Criteria for the Marilyn Rinker Memorial Award
1. Current member of ONL
2. Registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse currently licensed in the
state of VT*
3. Demonstrated commitment to nursing leadership as evidenced by participation
in professional seminars, organizations, work accomplishments, project,
recommendations of peers
4. Currently enrolled or accepted in an accredited program that will lead to an
advanced degree in nursing
5. Willingness to commit to completing the program as indicated by realistic
timeframe.
6. GPA of 3.0 or the equivalent
7. Two (2) supportive professional recommendations
8. A double-spaced, short essay (500 words or less) of the reasons this nominee
should receive the award according to the criteria listed above
9. Nominee’s current Curriculum Vitae
Nominations must be submitted by March 25, 2022. Annual scholarship award
announcement will be made at the member reception and awards gala at the ONL
Annual Meeting.
*Vermont RNs will receive first priority. Applicants from other states will be
considered if there are no applicants from Vermont or the scholarship criteria are not
met by applicants from Vermont.
https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/6AbihO
The Arthur L. Davis
Publishing Agency, Inc.
2022 Scholarship
Vermont State Nurses
Foundation, Inc.
4 Carmichael Street, Suite 111, #215
Essex, VT 05452
(802) 651-8886
Applications for the $1,000 scholarship are
open to ANA-Vermont members who are
currently enrolled in an undergraduate
or graduate nursing program and who
are active in a professional nursing
organization.
Submit your application by
August 1, 2022 by filling
out the online form:
https://form.jotform.com/62006060892147
Application for the 2022
Pat & Frank Allen
Scholarship
Vermont State Nurses
Foundation, Inc.
4 Carmichael Street, Suite 111, #215
Essex, VT 05452
(802) 651-8886
The Pat & Frank Allen Scholarship is a
$1500.00 award given to a registered
nurse who is in a baccalaureate or higher
degree accredited nursing program.
Applications must be submitted by
August 1, 2022. You do not have to be
a member of ANA-Vermont but priority
will be given to ANA-Vermont members,
please go online to fill out the form:
https://form.jotform.com/62006060892147
Application for the 2022
Judy Cohen Scholarship
Vermont State Nurses
Foundation, Inc.
4 Carmichael Street, Suite 111, #215
Essex, VT 05452
(802) 651-8886
The Judy Cohen Scholarship is a $2,000
award given to a registered nurse who
is in a baccalaureate or higher degree
accredited nursing program.
Applications must be submitted by
August 1, 2022. You do not have to be a
member of ANA-Vermont but priority will
be given to ANA-Vermont members.
To apply for the scholarship,
please fill out this form:
https://form.jotform.
com/62006060892147

Page 10 • Vermont Nurse Connection February, March April 2022
President’s Letter continued from page 1
Honestly, it takes making some noise to get a chance to testify, but you’re already a nurse.
You know how to be persistent! When you ask to testify, remind them that you are a nurse
representing the most trusted profession 19 years running. Nurses have a unique position and
opportunity to advocate on behalf of patients and consumers, especially vulnerable people,
animals and plants.
Prepare to Testify
Make sure you know who asked you to testify, their stance on the bill, and what they are
specifically asking you to do. For example, are they asking you to testify for or against the bill?
Many bills have multiple parts. Are you speaking to one part, one entire bill, or an amendment
to the bill? Show up early to testify, keep your summary notes on cards, and practice what you
want to say before the testify date.
Testifying
It can be helpful to know who is on the committee, and who else will be speaking before
and after you. For example, if I know I`m testifying before a medical patient testifies, I set the
stage with my testimony by explaining the science and research. The patient follows me with
their corroborating personal story. Keep to facts AND personal narrative as they pack the most
power. Anecdotal information without statistics or dollars verified with them is weak. You may
express how you feel and think, but your advocacy is in the numbers.
• Remember that legislators are busy and have tight schedules, so be sure to stay on track,
stick to your allotted time, and don’t bring in ideas and information that aren’t relevant.
That will only annoy the legislators and damage your credibility.
• Be aware of how long you get to speak, and practice in advance to make sure you’re well
within your time limit. Getting cut off can be embarrassing, it looks unprofessional, and
you might miss out on delivering the most important part of your testimony.
• Find out if you need to present written testimony at the beginning of your testimony
or afterwards. It’s fine to read directly from your written testimony. If you’re speaking
without notes, at least have bullet points printed out to keep you on track.
• As you’re preparing your statement, research your representatives, the bill’s sponsors and
cosponsors, and the particular committee members you’ll be addressing.
• Know what they stand for, and how you can potentially align with them on issues beyond
one particular bill. That way, you can greet and thank them individually, and let them
know you’re an educated citizen with a broad scope of concerns. Example: Thank you,
Senator Johnson, for your work on the state liquor control board. Your advocacy to keep
our schools safe is one that I admire and am grateful for.
In politics, the old saying “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar” totally applies.
Your Content
Start with a little bit about yourself and why you support the bill you are discussing (like in
the email template below). Once again, it’s good to have both an anecdotal story AND evidencebased
research to back your testimony up whenever possible. If you have resources you can
leave with the committee when you’re done, let them know it will be available for them. If they
ask you questions for which you don’t have ready answers, be honest. Don’t make anything up.
For example, use phrasing such as, “I don’t have that information right now, but will follow up
and get that to you promptly.” Another good example would be, “I don’t recall, but I can find the
information you need and will provide it as soon as I can.” If your schedule permits, let them
know you’ll be available after you testify to answer more questions, and that you’re eager to help
and come speak with them again.
REMEMBER, LEGISLATORS OFTEN DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT SPECIFICS!
Even though they’re writing the legislation, the bill you care about is a small piece of their huge
workload. So, you are the expert, especially when it comes to health care. Every care team
member has a different aspect surrounding the specifics. Use your nursing perspective to round
out your position. How does your perspective differ from providers, therapies and community
agencies? It’s absolutely worth having some basic information ready if they ask for evidencebased
research that can also be helpful towards your stance. Sometimes, props can help to either
drive home an idea or patient story. A picture of a patient or a sample medicine bottle to show or
use as an example can work well.
Handy Tips
Whether it is your first time, or you have testified dozens of times, things can always go
awry! Here are some common mistakes which, hopefully, you'll be able to avoid:
• Always go to the bathroom beforehand (if they’ve put a mic on you, take it off or turn it
off before you head to the bathroom).
• You’ll be nervous. Wear deodorant (written by a true nurse farmer)!
• Legislatures are formal places, so dress your best out of respect.
• Be selective with your handouts so they are viewable.
• If you can, turn off your phone.
• No swearing - even for comedy or emphasis.
• Have notes to keep your testimony on time and to the point
• Bring water and a snack. You may be there for a while.
• Plan where you’re parking and how you’ll pay for it.
So many times, people ask me, “What’s the worst thing I can do?” I always say, “The worst
thing you can do is NOT participate!” Probably the best advice I’ve ever been given was this:
“Speak, even if your voice shakes.” Representatives know that you are nervous and are more
impressed that you felt strongly enough about your perspective to present in front of them. Your
passion, knowledge and voice is appreciated and needed.
Thank you!
LEGISLATIVE EMAIL TEMPLATE
Date
The Honorable [name of official]
[Your state] [Senate or House Representatives]
Address of Capitol
RE: Pending Bill [number and title]
Thank you for your efforts to [support bills, support kids, support cannabis etc.]
[2-3 sentences about yourself and your affiliations]
[2-3 sentences about what you're advocating for and why]
[2-3 sentences about why you believe they should vote for/vote against/change/amend the bill..]
Signed,
[Name]
[Affiliations]

February, March April 2022 Vermont Nurse Connection • Page 11
The Leadership Summit began December 7th, 2021 running for three days virtually.
This meeting of the Leadership Council and the National ANA Board allows for state
feedback. The Leadership Council is a representative advisory body that provides
informed guidance, and recommendations on professional issues and organizational
matters via collaboration with the ANA Board of Directors. The Leadership Council
includes two representatives from each constituent state nurse association: the president
and the chief staff officer/executive director. Hence, ANA VT President Jessilyn Dolan,
and Executive Director Meredith Roberts represented Vermont. The president is entitled
to one vote on all matters before the ANA Leadership Council.
After a welcome from National ANA President Ernest Grant and Leadership Chair
Elaine Scherer, we heard from sponsor Laurel Road, who provides a service to our
members, offering not only student loan refinancing, but federal payment options.
Interest rates are at historic lows and they have seen rates below 2%. Contact Monica
Bruno for questions Mbruno@lauralroad.com
This was followed by professional development by Marsha Hughs-Rease MSN,
MSOD, PCC on inclusive leadership, noting MRIs show the feeling of exclusion triggers
the same area of the brain as the feeling of pain. Organizational culture, leadership and
relationships affect the ability to create belonging, and we need psychological safety.
ANA Leadership Summit
Participants were able to hear clips of multiple singers.
Different stages were discussed such as challenger safety – being able to challenge
the status quo. Many organizations miss the mark on this. She then discussed two failure
patterns: paternalism and exploitation. An example of paternalism includes when the
boss is like a helicopter parent, so people don’t say anything. It encourages more learned
helplessness than exploitation. Exploitation either throws someone under the bus when
they make a mistake, or takes credit for others’ achievements. There were break out
discussion sessions. The need to listen, getting comfortable talking with someone who
might judge, fear of rejection, being a convener, and how leaders don’t need to know all
the answers were some of the threads of discussion. Also how we need curiosity, and
how we often come in as the experts rather than the learners. When challenges come up,
don’t immediately try to fix it but ask for other thoughts and listen. We must create an
environment where nurses don’t just survive but thrive. The workforce problem did not
start with the pandemic; it exacerbated it. How does our culture contribute to our nurses
staying or leaving? More will be shared on this in our next paper.
States were recognized for their service as some have been part of ANA for over
100 years. Next the treasurer Jennifer Mensik-Kennedy PhD, MBA,NEA-BC, FAAN
shared her reports noting steady growth and funded support for strategic plan initiatives.
Performance will exceed budget expectations by year end. New treasurer Joan Widmer
from NH begins her term January 1. Tina Jordan was appointed to a 2 year term on
finance investment and audit committee to take her place. Dan Warco is the new CFO.
Membership growth was then reviewed, presented by VP Steven Fox. He reported
ANA as the fastest growing healthcare association, and is proud of this. Growth was
10% last year due to Marketing, which is ahead of last year’s pace. Tina- McRae Phelps
(Constituent Relations and Membership support) also reported on membership and the
need for accessibility to make joining easy, and providing feedback regarding awareness
of member benefits. Tools were share and member testimony was provided.
There was legislative discussion with legislative concerns and priorities shared. The
workforce concern is nationwide.
The candidates up for election each had an opportunity to share. The positions to be
filled were Chair Leadership Council Executive Committee (LCEC) (Elaine Scherer
retiring), and Member-at-Large representative. The two winners were
• Kelly Bouthillet, DNP, APRN, CCNS, ACNP-BC, FNP-C, who is current
president of the South Carolina State Nursing Association, won Chair of
Leadership Council
• Christopher Otto MSN, RN, CHRN, PCCN, CCRN, Executive Director of
Deleware Nurses Association.
Then came a presentation by Leadership Chair Elaine Scherer on digital marketing
followed by Delanor Manson, ED from Kentucky honoring Elaine’s service as leadership
chair of the executive committee (LCEC). Elaine Scherer received a plaque and flowers
for her hard work on leadership council. She encouraged us to “Be brave intentional and
courageous”.
President Grant followed and encouraged us to view Webinar: Restoring a Burned-
Out Healthcare Workforce https://www.usnews.com/news/live-events/webinarrestoring-a-burned-out-healthcare-workforce
He wished us a happy holiday and the meeting was closed. More details to be shared
in next issue of the Vermont Nurse Connection.
They were sworn in on the final day.
Further reports were shared by executive leadership members including Debbie
Hatmaker discussing ramping up staffing and funding, dealing with racism and Loressa
Cole on diversity equity practices. Other nursing groups also shared. Kathy Chapel
shared about the ANCC task forces and advanced practice nurse goals. Sean Degarmo is
an available contact for APRNs. Rebecca Graystone, MS, MBA, VP Magnet Recognition
Program and Pathway to Excellence, spoke about magnet recognition and provided
insights from magnet hospitals.
There was also an opera shared that was written for Health Care workers. This
Bellisima opera premiered April 2021, and followed 6 Global healthcare workers who
supported each other.

Page 12 • Vermont Nurse Connection February, March April 2022
Nurse Survey Results & Pre-Session Gathering 2021
Top Nurse Priorities:
In October/November, ANA-VT performed a nurse survey, which was shared
November 9th when nurses, including President Jessilyn Dolan, Rising Star Juliette Carr,
and Vice President Dionne Heyliger met with legislators Senate President pro tempore
Becca Balint (the first woman Senate President in Vermont), and Speaker of the House,
Representative Jill Krowinski to discuss nurse priorities for the next legislative session.
The data revealed that Vermont nurses’ four top priorities are:
1. The staffing crisis and staff retention (208, 86%)
2. Multifactorial health influences (135, 56%)
o Rural poverty and health: Food, transportation, access to health care
o Climate Change and Health
o Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Healthcare
3. Mental health issues (130, 54%)
4. Education, Workforce Entry, Tuition Reimbursement and Loan Repayment (129,
53%)
Additionally, some successes from last year were mentioned, such as:
• The Nurse Compact (S.48, now Act 64) being passed after much testimony to
committees. The compact begins February 2022. This will assist the onboarding
of new nurses from other states, reducing the burdens on the nurses as well as their
employers. The compact potentially makes it easier for Vermont to recruit from
other states, but the current staffing shortage is national. This also assists nurses
who provide telehealth teaching across state borders. There are now 38 states and
territories in the Compact.
• H.104, now Act 21 considers the interstate practice of health care professionals
using telehealth, and created the Facilitation of Interstate Practice Using Telehealth
Working Group. ANA-Vermont is part of the Telehealth Working Group created
by Act 21 of 2021 to compile and evaluate methods for facilitating the practice of
health care professionals throughout the United States using telehealth modalities.
The Working Group reported to the legislature on December 15.
• S.42 (Act 37) established the Emergency Service Provider Wellness Commission.
Testimony regarding the bill was received from nurses, nurse legislators and EMS
providers. The Commission identifies where support agencies, or other community
service systems, could improve the physical and mental health outcomes of
providers & identifies how Vermont can increase capacity of qualified clinicians
in the treatment of emergency service providers. It educates about best practices
and strategies for the prevention of, and intervention for, the effects of trauma
experienced by providers, and offers recommendations on how peer support
services and qualified clinician services can be delivered. The commission of
more than 20 includes the Commissioner of Health and Mental Health, a clinician
associated with a peer support program who has experience in treating workplace
trauma and a representative, appointed by the Vermont Association for Hospitals
and Health Systems which we hope will include nurses.
• H.183, (Act 68), an act relating to sexual violence, passed. It proposes to revise and
clarify the laws concerning consent to sexual activity, require data collection and
reporting of information concerning reports of domestic and sexual violence, and
established the 10 member Intercollegiate Sexual Violence Prevention Council (which
includes a SANE nurse), as well as funding the expansion of forensic medical care
for sexual assault patients within primary care and reproductive health care settings.
Allison Tartaglia is Chair of the Intercollegiate Sexual Violence Prevention Council.
• H.210 passed. Act 33 addresses disparities and promotes equity in the health care
system; This bill will establish a 27 member Health Equity Advisory Commission
“to promote health equity and eradicate health disparities among Vermonters,”
particularly people of color, LGBTQ individuals and people with disabilities,
and will put the state on a path to creating an Office of Health Equity. The Health
Commission will guide the formation of a state Office of Health Equity, shaping
structure and duties, and setting standards for programs and grants.
• Act 46 (H.225) An act relating to possession of a therapeutic dosage of
buprenorphine was passed.
• H. 315 (Act 9) was also passed and included LPN workforce funding, adding 40-45
LPN seats.
• H.439 Budget bill, included money for RN scholarships for students who
commit to practice in VT and also included a commitment of $131 million
for climate initiatives. That includes $31 million for weatherization and other
climate programs, as well as $100 million for funding initiatives identified in
the Climate Action Plan being developed due to Act 153 (H.688)--The Vermont
Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). More information on the Climate
Action Plan can be found at: https://aoa.vermont.gov/sites/aoa/files/Boards/VCC/
ACT153%20As%20Enacted.pdf. This year, after hearing recommendations, there
can be more focus on S.19 An act relating to a climate change response plan and
regional planning commission involvement in identifying health care-related
needs (currently in Health and Welfare) and S. 44 Vermont Green New Deal.
ANA will also be following S.120 which creates the Joint Legislative Health
Care Affordability Study Committee to explore opportunities to make healthcare
more affordable. S.120 received a favorable report from the Health and Welfare
Committee and was referred to the Committee on Rules.
• We will also support H. 332, An act relating to expanding loan repayment
opportunities for physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses.
There was much discussion of the workforce crisis, retaining and increasing nurses
in Vermont. Nurse faculty pay inequity, how nurses are exhausted and frustrated, and
diversity and equity concerns were reviewed, and stories told. Traveling nurses pay is
encouraging some nurses to leave their place of employment, even if they stay in-state,
making staffing unstable. We need more than mental health support, what is needed
is a cultural change. Another issue that drives nurses away is workplace violence.
The Joint Commission has added new revised requirements addressing workplace
violence prevention programs. These revised requirements have been released and will
be effective in 2022. Facilities need a workplace violence prevention plan designed to
protect health care employees and other hospital personnel from aggressive and violent
behavior, and some states, such as Missouri, are supporting this with legislation.
The workforce crisis is nationwide and we regularly hear from other states such as
Massachusetts, who have applied for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to create
a Center for Workplace Development.
Advanced Practice Nurses need to be considered equitably with physicians in decisions
and funding concerning the practitioner workforce. Increasing the workforce is critical.
Vermont recently provided feedback and information about nurse staffing shortages
to ANA at a national level as it is becoming clear that we are facing the worst nursing
shortage ever seen. On September 1, ANA sent an open letter to HHS Secretary Xavier
Becerra urging the Administration to declare the nurse staffing shortage a national crisis.
Some suggestions:
• Convene stakeholders to identify short- and long-term solutions to staffing
challenges;
• Work with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on methods and
approaches to promote payment equity;
• Sustain a nursing workforce that meets current and future staffing demands; and
• Provide additional resources including recruitment and retention incentives.
Additionally, ANA worked with the Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to launch a
campaign to combat health care misinformation, including misinformation about the
COVID-19 vaccines.
The Dr. Lorna Breen Act – focuses on the reduction of burnout as well as suicide, in
part through serving to increase access to behavioral and mental health service providers.
Passed by the Senate, it is currently before the House and we support this Federal bill.
Nurses are at higher risk for suicide than most professions but are less apt to talk about it.

February, March April 2022 Vermont Nurse Connection • Page 13
Nurse Leader Study
My name is Jay Gottschalk and I am a PhD candidate
at the Marquette University College of Nursing. To
make sure that I have representation from every state,
I am reaching out to the American Nurses Association
of Vermont to ask for your help distributing my survey
to your members. I am studying how nurse leaders are
affected by burnout (long-term emotional and physical
fatigue from work-related stress), compassion satisfaction
(the satisfaction that comes from helping others), positive
thinking (the ability to not only be optimistic, but
come up with positive solutions to problems), resilience
(the ability to overcome stressful events and be more
resistant to stressors as a result), and secondary traumatic
stress (psychological trauma that occurs because of
repeated exposure to the suffering of others). While
nurse leaders are often tasked with helping staff with
burnout, resilience, and these other elements, there is still
a lot of research that needs to be done to understand the
experience of nurse leaders and their mental welfare. My
goal with this study is to better understand the mental state
of nurses in leadership positions so that we can identify
areas for future interventions to improve nurse leader
mental wellness.
Participation in this study involves completing an
online survey that is approximately 60 questions in length
and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. To
participate in this study, participants need to: (1) have
a degree or diploma in nursing, (2) hold the position of
assistant manager (or its equivalent) or higher, (3) have at
least one person who directly reports to them, and (4) be
able to read English fluently. By doing this survey, they are
agreeing to participate in the study and that they meet the
four requirements for participation. All responses to this
survey are anonymous and participants may stop doing the
survey at any time with no repercussions.
Should a participant complete the survey, they will
be provided with a $25 Amazon gift card to show
appreciation for taking the time to participate in this study.
To protect their anonymity, a link at the end of the first
survey will take them to a second survey asking for the
email address where they would like the gift card sent.
These two surveys are not linked, so the email address
provided in the second survey is not connected to the
responses provided in the first survey. The link for the
survey is: https://marquette.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/
SV_9st9aRXnMJEtOZg
Registered
Nurses, LPNs
and LNAs
Grace Cottage is seeking dedicated
healthcare professionals to join our
team. No matter your experience,
every employee has a voice and is
a valued member of our team. We
offer competitive benefits to meet
your personal and professional
needs. Here, we go beyond
providing excellent patient care to
preserve and prolong the well-being
of our community – patients and
employees alike.
We are proud to be
recognized for the
exceptional, patientcentered
care we deliver
every day.
2017-2021 Brattleboro
Reformer’s Readers’
Choice Awards: ‘Best
Place to Work in
Windham County’
• Sign On Bonus
• Loan Repayment Program
• Tuition Reimbursment
• Shift differentials ranging
from $3 to $9 per hour.
NOW HIRING
CAMP NURSES
Girl Scout resident camp seeks RN/LPNs for summer
positions. Camp runs June 26-August 13; live on site or
commute to Thetford, VT. Work in a team to supervise
health needs of 200 campers/staff per week as they
participate in outdoor adventure programs.
To apply or for more information visit
www.girlscoutsgwm.org or call 888.474.9686.
About Grace Cottage:
Grace Cottage is a 19-bed inpatient facility for
acute and rehabilitative care equipped with onsite
lab and radiology departments as well as a 24-hour
emergency department for critical care treatment.
We offer both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation
services in the areas of physical, occupational, and
speech therapy.
Interested candidates must complete
an application and apply online at
www.gracecottage.org/careers
An equal opportunity employer.

Nursing
National
Career Fair
Virtual
Thursday, April 28 | 5–8pm ET
Page 14 • Vermont Nurse Connection February, March April 2022
ANA Hails US Supreme Court
Decision to Uphold CMS
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for
Health Care Workers
SILVER SPRING, MD -The American Nurses Association (ANA) hails the U.S.
Supreme Court's decision to uphold the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services'
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid's (CMS) requirement for health care workers to be
vaccinated against COVID-19. Through this decision, 76,000 hospitals, nursing homes
and other health care facilities across the country that participate in Medicare and
Medicaid programs are required to implement COVID-19 vaccine requirements for
an estimated 10 million health care workers. ANA is pleased that the Supreme Court
allowed this requirement to be implemented.
While the decision to uphold the CMS COVID-19 vaccine requirement is a win, ANA
is disappointed that the Supreme Court blocked the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration's (OSHA) emergency temporary standard for COVID-19 vaccination
and testing for large businesses from taking effect. This action is inconsistent and
misaligned with concerted national campaigns and efforts to get enough individuals
and communities, including nurses, vaccinated against COVID-19 to reduce further
infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. As the nation grapples with highly transmissible
COVID-19 variants, mass vaccination is our strongest defense in relieving overwhelmed
health care systems and exhausted nurses.
We continue to encourage all employers to take responsible actions to increase the
number of employees who are vaccinated and to protect their workforce and customers.
ANA urges health care employers to do everything in their power to provide ready and
ongoing access to personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as COVID-19 testing and
vaccines at the worksite. These prevention measures are critical to ensure that nurses
and all members of the health care team have the highest level of protection against
workplace transmission. Additionally, we call on state and federal policymakers and the
private sector to aggressively pursue other strategies to bolster the health care system.
ANA continues to support mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for nurses and all health
care professionals. To protect the health of the public, all individuals, nurses, and health
care professionals, it is imperative that every eligible adult and child be immunized
against vaccine-preventable diseases, such as COVID-19 and influenza.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing
the interests of the nation’s 4.3 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession
by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work
environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health
care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the
quality of health care for all. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org.
For high-resolution images of the ANA logo or photos of ANA leadership, please click
here.
IS YOUR NURSING ORGANIZATION
PLANNING AN EDUCATION
PROGRAM?
CONSIDER APPLYING FOR CONTACT HOUR APPROVAL
Vermont Lawmakers Discuss
Dwindling Healthcare
Workforce
Devin Bates
Reprinted with permission
MONTPELIER – On Thursday, Vermont lawmakers brainstormed strategies to
address a declining amount of healthcare workers in the state.
The House Committee on Health Care and the House Committee on Commerce and
Economic Development held a joint meeting to go over a long list of recommendations
made by a legislative advisory panel.
The Healthcare Workforce Development Strategic Plan gathered input from a panel of
doctors, nurses, mental health professionals and representatives from hospitals and long-term
care facilities. It includes strategies like investing more money in scholarships, doing more to
promote careers in healthcare, and offering more opportunities for financial assistance.
This particular endeavor to boost Vermont’s healthcare work force dates back to
January 2020, two months before the pandemic arrived.
The impact of COVID has only made the shortage accelerate, and lawmakers with a
strong grasp of the situation inside hospitals say they know exactly why.
“It’s happening because healthcare providers, healthcare workers, people in the system
are burnt out,” said Rep. Mari Cordes (D-Addison).
Rep. Cordes, who sits on the House Healthcare Committee, was a founding organizer
and former president of the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals. She
said it’s going to be an uphill battle to build staffing levels.
“The kind of work that we’re doing and the intensity of the work that we’re doing
– we’re not going to be able to recruit more people and retain people by offering tax
incentives,” Rep. Cordes said.
Across the country, the healthcare workforce is one of many industries facing what’s
been dubbed ‘The Great Resignation’.
Prompted by the pandemic, people are quitting their jobs in record numbers. In past
recessions, the health sector was able to weather through, even seeing job growth.
Now, that’s not the case.
In order to maintain Vermonters’ access to health services, providers have also relied
increasingly on traveling nurses. From FY 2020 to FY 2021, hires increased 26 percent.
The cost for hospitals also rose by 50 percent, from $50 million to $75 million.
The panel’s recommendations fall into six broad categories: financial incentives,
education and training, recruitment and retention, regulation, practice, and federal policy.
Ena Backus, Director of Healthcare Reform at the Vermont Agency of Human
Services, chaired the advisory panel.
“As we think about strategies and how Vermont can be competitive in a fiercely
competitive environment, one of the things that stands out is Vermont’s vaccination rate,”
Backus said.
Rep. Emma Mulvaney-Stanak noted there is a lot of focus on recruiting, but retaining
current healthcare workers is just as vital.
“A lot of what we heard both in the State of the State yesterday and even in this plan,
the focus is a lot about bringing new people in,” Rep. Mulvaney-Stanak said. “We have a
lot of Vermonters here, and I’m curious if we can learn more about how to retain people
in these fields…. When I see people working in the healthcare world here in the state, I’m
wondering about the livability of these jobs.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE ANA-Vermont OFFICE
@ (802) 651-8886
REGISTER NOW!
The Northeast Multi-State Division, (NE-MSD) is accredited as an approver of
continuing education in nursing by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center’s
Commission on Accreditation.
Scan QR Code to Register
ANA-Vermont New Members
Jandra Oliver
Jessica Lynne Alwine
Nichole Martin
Jill A. Merrill
Ann Kobylenski-
Sanderson
Andrea Carrie Van
Woert
Connie Lotspeich
Thomas Allyn Harvey
Molly Nawrath
Tammie Bruso
Caraline Sprague
Marybeth Wells
Catherine Whitaker
Vicki Garza
Madelyn Edgar
Debra R Schuelke

February, March April 2022 Vermont Nurse Connection • Page 15
ANA-VT
Membership Application
Nursing continues to be the most trusted
profession as indicated in annual surveys. This
attests to the collective contributions nurses make
as they care for patients, families and communities.
Efforts of individual nurses however deserve special
recognition by colleagues, employers, patients,
families and friends. There are many reasons
to Honor a Nurse such as: to thank a mentor, to
acknowledge excellent care given by a nurse to a
patient, to celebrate a milestone such as a birthday
or retirement, or to recognize a promotion. Just
think for a moment, you will know a nurse to honor.
Celebration: The honored nurses and the persons
nominating them will be recognized at the ANA-
Vermont Convention in 2022. The honored nurses
each will receive a certificate identifying the person
recognizing her/him as well as the reason for the
honor. Submit nominations by: September 1, 2022.
All contributions are tax deductible to the full
extent allowed by law. ANA-Vermont Foundation
is a 501(c)3 organization. Nominations this year are
online.
Please go here to nominate someone:
https://www.nursingworld.org/foundation/
donate/honor-a-nurse/
Your next opportunity is at the
Vermont Veterans’ Home!
We invite you to become part of our health-care team
where we focus on resident-centered care fulfilling
America’s promise to care for our country’s Veterans,
their Spouses, and Gold Star Parents. Together we strive
to create an environment that provides our residents with
the dignity and respect that they so rightfully deserve.
Nursing positions are now eligible for a recruitment
and retention bonus of up to $2500!
We are seeking to hire LNAs, LPNs, RNs (level I &
II), and Nurse Supervisors – competitive salaries and
excellent benefits for all positions.
Check us out to see what we have to offer!
For more information, contact:
Patricia.Crossman@vermont.gov or peruse the
following websites: Vermont Veterans’ Home website:
https://vvh.vermont.gov/ State of Vermont careers
website: https://humanresources.vermont.gov/careers
The State of Vermont offers an excellent total compensation package. To apply, you must use the online job application at
https://careers.vermont.gov. For questions related to your application, please contact the Department of Human Resources Recruitment
Services at (800) 640-1657 (voice) or (800) 253-0191 (TTY/Relay Service. The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer.