The Vermont Nurse Connection - May 2022

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Page 8 • Vermont Nurse Connection May, June, July 2022 Marilyn Rinker Leadership Scholarship Application Application – 2023 deadline: March 25, 2023 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, 2023 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, 2023. 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 Rest, Relax, Laugh: Spending Time with Yourself Dr. Phyllis Lawrence, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Reprinted with permission from Tennessee Nurse February 2022 issue Rest and Relax How many times have you been told that you need to get plenty of sleep for good physical health? Sleep is also instrumental in maintaining sound mental and emotional health. Rest is not only the act of sleeping, but you can rest your body, mind, and tap into your spirit simply by feeling renewed. Waking up and feeling that you have run a marathon is a sign of significant activity during your rest period. Either the mind continues to cycle, or you may be suffering from a sleep disorder. In either case, you are not at rest. To rest the mind, you must relax. Relaxation is defined as the state of being free from tension and anxiety (Google dictionary, 2022). The Cambridge Dictionary defines relaxation as a pleasant activity that makes you become calm and less worried. This definition supports the concept of complementary and alternative interventions and modalities. Relaxation can really be a state of mind. One of the most effective holistic modalities that promotes relaxation is meditation. Meditation is reflected in many forms, including guided imaginary, mindfulness, Zen meditation, Mantra meditation, Transcendental meditation, and Yoga meditation, just to name a few. Mindfulness has become popular over the last few years. Being mindful is the basic human ability to be fully present in the moment, aware of your surroundings, feelings, and emotions. Try it, sit still in a quiet place. Place your hands in your lap. Now close your eyes. What do you hear? What do you smell? Breathe slow and steady while maintaining the rhythm. Continue this practice for approximately 10-15 minutes. Notice the change in your stress level or anxiety. This simple exercise can alleviate stress and anxiety, and if engaged in regularly, lead to an optimistic outlook. Laugh for a Healthier You Have you noticed that when you laugh, you feel better? It is harder to cry while you are laughing. Research has found that laughing triggers the release of endorphins (nature’s feel-good chemicals). It has also been reported that laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells. We have a natural response to infection, which helps produce antibodies, improving our resistance to disease and promoting our overall well-being. What makes you laugh? Is it a funny commercial, your loved one(s), maybe your co-workers? Laughter is the best medicine. In an article by Robinson, Smith, & Segal (July 2021), learn to create opportunities to laugh, watch a funny movie, TV show, or YouTube video, check out a comedy club, read the funny pages, check out the humor section in your bookstore, play with a pet, better yet host a game night with friends. I would like to share with you some of the things that make me laugh. Watching my favorite comedy movies, even though I know the punch line, dancing to my favorite 80’s jam on YouTube, and serving with a grateful heart. When I see someone smile, I smile! During hard times, laughter has been a saving grace for many. Whitman (2017) A new study reveals how laughter affects the brain, which may be an explanation why giggles play an important role in social bonding. When you take time for yourself, you validate your worthiness and value. Make it a point to celebrate your life. Buy that neat sweater, go to the movies with your spouse, family, or friends. Do something that you enjoy, and that makes you feel good. How about butter pecan ice cream? Take care of yourself so that you can take care of others. The first step to self-care is accepting that you are worthy of that care. The care you require may need to come from a professional source, and that’s okay. There are services available through most healthcare facilities and organizations. Sometimes you just might need to talk. It may be a good time to phone a friend. Take a moment and plan to rest, relax, and laugh. Try to include at least one activity to cover each one of the components. Start with resting and relaxing, then let the laughter begin. Remember, you are worthy, valuable, and appreciated. Self-worth can only be measured by you. So make every moment count, and be mindful of your value. I can sum it up in one word, priceless!! References L. Robinson, M. Smith & J. Segal (2021). Laughter is the Best Medicine. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/ laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm Mindful: healthy mind, healthy life (2022). https://www.mindful. org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/ Whiteman, H. (2017). Laughter releases ‘feel good hormones’ to promote social bonding. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/317756
May, June, July 2022 Vermont Nurse Connection • Page 9 VTDigger launches 2022 Bill Tracker The Senate meets at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Nurses, please consider taking the study! “Healthcare Provider Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices Related to Medical Cannabis Research Study.” Cannabis Center of Excellence, INC, a 501c3 cannabis research and education nonprofit, Medicinal Genomics, a leader in cannabis testing, and UMass Dartmouth Charlton College of Business announced the release of preliminary data and presentation of results for the “Healthcare Provider Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices Related to Medical Cannabis Research Study.” This study collects information from healthcare providers in the United States and Canada about their experiences with medical cannabis in their practices, prior education around the topic, and interest in future clinical education related to medical cannabis. No personal identifying information is collected from healthcare providers. https://formlink.mwater.co/#/4279a49a958844a79d29ce94edfdc4f9/e113fa26fdfc49838 3291b32ff82dedc?branding=mwater ADN Clinical Excellence Award "Courtney Aines came to VTC with many years of experience as an LPN and already had well-developed “bedside” skills. Despite being very comfortable caring for patients, she has continued to seek out new learning opportunities with determination. She is open to everything and anything and proceeds with the same enthusiasm and curiosity no matter the setting. She speaks up when offered a choice in patients during clinical, and she frequently requests experience with specific types of patients and/or settings. She jumped on an opportunity for an intensive clinical experience in the OR this semester. They were so impressed with her they offered her a position after only a few days! I have been so gratified and happy to hear and see her joy after every new experience. She has many strengths, but she really stands out in her emotional intelligence. I believe her ability to connect with patients is exceptional. She frequently expresses empathy for patients, taking the time to listen to their concerns and advocating for their comfort and safety. Even as a student, she makes a tangible impact on each patient she cares for. Whether it be in providing vital patient teaching, addressing a safety concern, or just taking extra time and care with a vulnerable person, she is the embodiment of superior nursing." ADN Clinical Excellence Award The ADN Clinical Excellence Award recognizes the associate degree nursing student who is consistently prepared for each clinical day, has a clear understanding of the application theory to the clinical setting, utilizes effective communication techniques in all settings, demonstrates the art of nursing in the care that they provide, shows that they’re a self-initiator, and has shown real growth in their understanding of the role of the associate degree-prepared registered nurse as compared to that of the licensed practical nurse. In addition to an award certificate, the awardee receives membership to the American Nurses Association Vermont when they’re licensed. Sarah Mearhoff The Vermont Legislature’s 2022 session is in its waning weeks, which means that lawmakers are moving faster than ever to get key bills across the finish line. Inevitably, some won’t make the cut. And with this year rounding off the Legislature’s biennium, whatever bills don’t become law this spring will officially be dead. To help avid Statehouse watchers keep up, VTDigger is launching its 2022 Bill Tracker. This page will be updated daily with major developments in 65 key bills spanning both years of the biennium. Vermont faced longstanding, systemic issues well before the coronavirus was detected in the state, but the pandemic has made them all the more pressing. Flush with cash from the federal government, this was the year that lawmakers promised to make substantial, generational change. But will they deliver? We’re tracking bills that promise to ease Vermont’s statewide housing crunch, fix state employees’ broken pension system, reform policing and criminal justice, establish lawmakers’ first-ever statewide ethics code — and more. And, of course, we’re looking closely at the state’s multi-billion dollar annual budget. Lawmakers haven’t yet settled on what day they’ll adjourn sine die, but the legislative session typically ends in the first weeks of May. Bills passed by both chambers move to Gov. Phil Scott, who has up to five business days to sign them into law, veto them or let them become law without his signature. Should Scott veto bills after the session concludes, lawmakers can arrange to return to Montpelier at a predetermined date to attempt to override his vetoes. Read more in VTDigger’s 2022 Legislative Guide. Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital Where You and Your Work Matter **SEEKING RNs I, II and III** • Nurse:Patient Ratios Below National Averages • Lowest Rates of Seclusion/Restraint State-Wide • Competitive Pay and Comprehensive Benefits • New Graduate Nurse Residency Program • Shared Governance Nursing Model • Professional Development Opportunities • Relocation/Loan Repayment Opportunities • Ask about our Sign on Bonus! Visit https://www.thinkvermont.com/ today! At VPCH nurses are leaders of innovation and change and are pivotal in the delivery of cutting-edge, high quality care that not only meets, but exceeds our industry standards. To learn more about what a career at VPCH can offer you and how you can make a difference in the evolving landscape of psychiatric nursing care please contact Stephanie Shaw, Chief Nursing Executive, at stephanie.s.shaw@vermont.gov or (802)828-3059.
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The Vermont Nurse Connection - May 2022

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