Iowa Nurse Reporter - June 2022

IOWA 

NURSE 

REPORTER 

Quarterly publication distributed to approximately 36,000 RNs, LPNs and 

ARNPs licensed in Iowa 

Volume 5 • Number 4 

June, July, August 2022 

INSIDE 

2022 INA Conference 

& Annual Meeting 

Page 4 

INA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 

I always look forward to the 

month of May and the beginning 

of summer. May in Iowa is busy 

as the farmers are wrapping 

up spring planting, school age 

children are counting the days 

until summer break, seniors 

are preparing for graduation 

and their next chapters in life. 

Families are planning summer 

vacations, there is a sense of 

excitement in the air as we are 

enjoying the warmer weather 

and opening our windows. 

Christina Peterson, 

BSN, RN 

May is also a busy month in healthcare. May is 

recognized as National Nurses Month by the ANA and 

the theme for 2022 was “Nurses Make a Difference.” 

In addition to the various events offered by ANA 

recognizing the impact that nurses have, May 6-12 was 

recognized as Nurses Week. Organizations across the 

country take this time to recognize and celebrate the 

impact that nurses have in healthcare. The organization 

that I am part of is no different. During the week of 

May 6th we also celebrated our DAISY Award winner. 

The DAISY Foundation honors nurses internationally 

in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Out of all the events 

and recognition that comes with Nurses Week and 

Nurses Month, this is the one that I enjoy the most. It 

is an honor to be part of a profession that can make 

such an impact and I love hearing the stories of how 

colleagues I work with make a difference. Each of the 

nurses nominated have a different story and different 

background/role in our organization, but the common 

theme is the compassion that they provide every day. 

Many other healthcare teams are honored in May 

including informatics & technology, HIM/Medical 

Records and EMS/ First Responders. We also celebrated 

in May National Hospital Week, National Long- 

Term Care/Skilled Nursing Care Week, and National 

Mental Health Month. It truly takes a team to work in 

healthcare and each profession is vital to successful 

patient care. My current role in nursing is based in the 

Emergency Department and I could not imagine doing it 

without the team that I get to work with daily including 

our EMS team & local first responders. Nursing and 

working in healthcare is hard, but extremely rewarding. 

As we move into the Iowa summer, I encourage 

each of us to take some time for self-care, but also to 

thank those that we work with every day in a different 

capacity in healthcare. It really does take a team to make 

a difference. 

A great opportunity to connect with your colleges in 

healthcare is by attending the INA Annual Conference. 

Please save the date for our 2022 INA Annual 

Conference, to be held on Tuesday, October 18th, in 

Johnston, Iowa. 

The Case of Nurse 

RaDonda Vaught 

Page 12 

current resident or 

Presort Standard 

US Postage 

PAID 

Permit #14 

Princeton, MN 

55371

Page 2 • Iowa Nurse Reporter June, July, August 2022 

IOWA NURSES FOUNDATION 

Nurses are extraordinary! 

Let’s say that again, Nurses are 

extraordinary! The Iowa Nurses 

Foundation (INF) is asking all to 

recognize and support nurses. 

The INF’s mission is to promote 

and support the professional 

and educational development of 

registered nurses in Iowa. INF’s 

vision is to be recognized as the 

entity for the advancement of the 

nursing profession in Iowa. 

Your gift to the Iowa Nurses 

Foundation can help enrich the 

lives of scores of Iowa residents 

by giving one individual the 

Linda Opheim, 

BSN, RN, 

MHCA, CIC 

INF Chair 

chance to become a nurse, to continue study, or do 

research. Scholarships available include: Iowa Nurses 

Foundation Scholarship and Mike Anderson Memorial Fund 

Scholarship. 

Money contributed to INF is used to provide loans 

and scholarships for students participating in all levels of 

registered nurse academic programs. INF also provides 

awards to support nursing research endeavors and 

attendance at continuing education programs. 

INF SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 

To be used with hardcopy submission only! 

Personal Information 

Name: 

Address: 

Email: 

How may I help? There are several ways to financially 

support the INF’s mission by contributions. At this time, 

we invite anyone to recognize a nurse. Please share this 

opportunity with others who might be interested. The INF 

board realizes nearly everyone knows an extraordinary 

nurse. They likely have a nurse in their family, in your 

neighborhood, or in your school or workplace. Would you 

like to be able to recognize that nurse and provide support 

for future nurses in the name of that extraordinary nurse? 

The Iowa Nurses Foundation (INF) invites you to 

recognize a nurse who has helped you, your family, or your 

community through their extraordinary care. The INF is 

a 501 (3) c subsidiary of the Iowa Nurses Association and 

offers several scholarships to nurses and nursing students 

annually. To recognize a nurse(s) and support the education 

of nurses in Iowa you are asked to submit the name of an 

extraordinary nurse(s) and donate $25.00 or more to the 

INF. The nurse will receive a certificate of recognition, will 

be identified in the state publication of nurses, The Iowa 

Nurse Reporter, and they will be named at the annual 

meeting of the Iowa Nurses Association. 

Please send nominations to https://iowanurses. 

nursingnetwork.com/page/79571-donate Nominations are 

due by August 1, 2022. 

Thank you for recognizing extraordinary nurses. 

Phone Number: 

The “Iowa Nurse Reporter” is the 

official publication of the Iowa Nurses 

Foundation and the Iowa Nurses Association, 

a constituent member of the American Nurses 

Association, published quarterly every March, 

June, September and December. 

Executive Director 

Tobi Lyon 

Phone: 515-225-0495 

Email: tmoore@iowanurses.org 

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. INF, INA 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 the price of 

advertisement. 

Acceptance of advertising does not 

imply endorsement or approval by the 

Iowa Nurses Foundation or Iowa Nurses 

Association 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. INF, INA 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 INF, INA or those of the 

national or local associations. 

Please include the following with your application: 

• Professional Promise Essay 

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae 

• Academic Transcripts 

• Minimum two (2) letters of reference for RN-BSN 

• Minimum three (3) letters of reference for MSN, DNP or PhD level degrees 

• Headshot Photo 

Scholarship applicant is seeking: 

RN-BSN (not available to pre-licensure nursing students) 

MSN 

DNP 

PhD 

How To Apply: 

Application cover page and required documents must be mailed to: 

Iowa Nurses Foundation 

2501 Jolly Road, Suite 110 

Okemos, MI 48864 

To apply online, please click here. This cover page is not needed for online 

submissions. 

Important Deadlines and Information: 

• The scholarship application deadline is July 1, 2022. 

• Scholarships will be awarded in August 2022. 

• Please note that all scholarship checks will be made out to the recipient, as 

well as the nursing school they are attending. Checks will then be mailed to 

the address the recipient provided in their application for them to deliver to the 

nursing school. 

5 

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June, July, August 2022 Iowa Nurse Reporter • Page 3 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE 

“There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to 

see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” 

Amanda Gorman 

As we deal with the 

ongoing ramifications of the 

pandemic, and considering 

unspeakable current events, 

it is difficult to know where 

to begin. I cannot write-in 

a moment of silence for the 

lives lost, nor would it ever be 

enough. The traumatic events 

in Uvalde reverberated across 

the country and nurses, who 

extend their hearts to the 

victims as they simultaneously 

are called upon to endure, 

Tobi Lyon, 

MBA, CAE 

know firsthand the unnatural horror of such carnage. 

When we think about how we carry on, we must 

think about our why. I believe it is because we have 

hope – and not just a glimmer of it. There is hope in 

the initiatives and action we are taking; hope in the 

future; hope for change and reform; hope in each 

of you. As we work to drive change and advocate 

policy for a better, safer world, let us call on that 

hope to advance our goals and goodness. 

Now more than ever, it is vital that nurses’ 

voices be heard, and their perspective be seen. We 

began the year with very successful and informative 

Annual Legislative Day where our nurses had the 

opportunity to drive this policy initiative. With the 

same goal in mind (to strengthen the voices and 

visibility of Iowa nurses), we will soon be hosting 

town halls so that members can participate in an 

open-forum discussion intended to provide support 

and develop goals and initiatives around the needs 

and issues currently impacting the profession. Town 

Hall topics will include, DEI initiatives, culture in 

nursing, and improving recruitment and retention – 

among others. 

Whether through membership, programs, 

educational resources, or the Foundation, our 

collective participation is what allows us to 

continue to turn INA’s vision into a reality. Through 

intentional listening, research and data, the INA 

will be taking deep strides to determine “what’s 

wrong” and seeking nurses’ input and expertise 

to provide the solutions nurses want. For too 

long, nursing was a subsidiary of the healthcare 

system; nurses were taken for granted, and their 

voices were underutilized. While the circumstance 

is regrettable (to say the least) it did allow us 

to demand we be heard, and the work of INA 

members and leadership exhibits our desire to be 

listened to. 

We have been fortunate to have such staunch 

leadership to guide INA and to have someone like 

President Christina Peterson and the INA Board of 

Directors who continue to lead the association with 

thoughtful insight and resolve. By working together 

and prioritizing our needs, we can actualize INA’s 

vision to promote the growth of this profession, 

engage our members in enriching ways, and 

influence policy. 

While the resiliency of our nurses is 

commendable, the only way to preserve nurses’ 

well-being is by prioritizing the care and support of 

ourselves and each other. We talk about not being 

able to fill an empty cup, and I continue to urge 

each of you to prioritize yourself. Not just so you 

can take care of others, but so you might continue 

to better the conditions for yourself and future 

generations. Our world needs you. 

Additionally, I want to recognize the enormous 

feat of what we are doing, no longer merely 

surviving but building a sustainable, viable future. 

Historically, nurses are lionhearted and committed 

to the care they provide. Part of that history now 

includes a global pandemic – as well as ongoing 

acts of gun violence – of which nurses experience 

the devastating aftermath firsthand. While we 

should be proud of our achievements, it should not 

go unsaid that they are made more remarkable by 

the environment and odds defied. As we continue 

to call upon your superhumanity, let’s continue 

with purpose as we define our terms. INA is here 

for you, the way you are always there for everyone 

else. Thank you! 

RNs & LPNs 

Full-Time, Part-Time & PRN 

If you're looking to join a passionate team with 

opportunities to learn and grow, we encourage 

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today. 

EOE


2022 INA CONFERENCE & ANNUAL MEETING 

CALL FOR POSTER ABSTRACTS 

DEADLINE: AUGUST 26, 2022 

Submit at www.iowanurses.org 

AGENDA 

Monday, October 17th 

5:00pm 

5:30 – 6:30pm 

6:30pm 

7:30-8:30p 

Tuesday, October 18th 

Registration Open 

7:00 – 8:00am Exhibitor Set-up 

Honoring our Iowa Nurses Reception 

• Check-in and Fun Photo Opportunities 

• Social Hour & Entertainment 

• Iowa Nurses Foundation Fundraiser 

Honoring our Iowa Nurses Reception 

• Dinner 

• Master of Ceremonies 

• Keynote Speaker 

Honoring our Iowa Nurses After Party 

• Networking & Social Hour with Entertainment 

• Photo Booth and Give Away’s 

8:00 – 8:45am Registration Open & Breakfast with Exhibitors 

8:30-8:45am 

8:45am 

9:00-10:00am 

Buddy Up (1st timer participants meet an experienced attendee) 

Welcome & Opening Remarks 

• Presentation of Awards 

Virtual Keynote Presentation 

Ernest Grant PhD, RN, FAAN (invited) 

President, American Nurses Association 

10:00 - 10:30am Networking Break with Exhibitor & Poster Presentations 

10:30 – 11:30am 

11:30am – 12:30pm 

12:30 – 1:30pm 

1:30 – 2:30pm 

Plenary Keynote Speaker 

Need to Know: Inspirational Advice 

Jeff Atwood 

Healthcare Expert & Author 

Gratitude Symposium 

General Session 

Restorative Nursing 

Teresa Lindfors 

VP of Growth and Development 

Stoughton Hospital 

INA Annual Meeting & Membership Assembly 

Iowa Nurses Association Board of Directors 


Be Good to Yourself: Transforming Compassion Fatigue into Compassion 

Satisfaction 

Dawn Schwartz 

Director of Nursing & Pediatric Palliative Care Consultant 

ChildServe 

2:30 – 3:00pm Networking Break with Exhibitor & Poster Presentations 

3:00-4:00pm 

4:00-5:00pm 

5:00pm 

Attendee Registration – Early bird deadline: September 9, 2022 

Join INA October 17-18, 2022, for reflection and recognition as we build the future together. 

For more information, visit www.iowanurses.org. 

*Subject to change. Please visit the INA website for the most up to date agenda. 


Violence Against Nurses 

Speaker TBA 

Panel Discussion 

The Faces of Iowa Nurse Leaders and the Future of Nursing 

Speakers TBA 

Closing Remarks and Evaluations 

Have a great Research and Evidence-Based, 

Information or Quality Improvement Project? Present 

it in a poster during the Iowa Nurses Association (INA) 

Annual Conference on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 

Stoney Creek Hotel in Johnston, Iowa. 

Posters are open to nursing professionals and 

students. The following types can be submitted: 

• Research 

• Quality Improvement—pilot projects, clinical 

innovation, and change projects. 

• Informational 

One $250 cash prize will be awarded to the top 

presenter(s)! All applications need to be submitted 

electronically by Friday, August 26, 2022. 

Each poster presenter must register for the 

conference and be available to present on Tuesday, 

October 18, 2022. Posters must be displayed on a 

trifold, free-standing poster board no larger than 3’X4’. 

For more information and to submit, visit: 

www.iowanurses.org. 

EXHIBITING AND SPONSORING 

OPPORTUNITIES 

INA is pleased to welcome our attendees back to 

meeting in person for our 2022 INA Annual Conference 

& Membership Assembly. Don’t miss this valuable 

opportunity to showcase your company’s products and 

services to Iowa nurses from all areas of practice! 

Act now to secure limited exhibitor and sponsorship 

opportunities! They are available on a first-come, firstserved 

basis! 

All sponsorships over $500 include a FREE exhibit 

booth (a $300 value)! As an exhibitor, you can showcase 

your company’s products and services for one day in 

a high-traffic area where attendees gather between 

sessions and enjoy their meals. 

We look forward to hearing back from you before 

the application deadline of October 7, 2022. For 

more information, visit www.iowanurses.org. If you 

have any questions, please contact the INA office at 

events@iowanurses.org. 

Exhibitor Scavenger Hunt 

Exhibitors/Sponsors are asked to donate a prize 

item that will be given away during each break with 

exhibitors. Conference attendees will be encouraged 

to attend and must be present to win. Participants will 

be tracked via our conference platform, and those will 

be used to draw names for the prizes. To participate, 

please note your prize item in addition to indicating 

your exhibitor level on the online registration form. 

EXHIBITORS 

Exhibit Hall open on Tuesday, October 18, 2022. 

Exhibitor Table – $300 

• Company name on mobile app with clickable link 

• Two company representatives at exhibitor table 

• 8-foot linen-draped exhibitor table with two 

chairs 

• Exhibit space centrally located in meeting area 

where food will be served 

• Booth placement will be determined by INA staff 

with priority given in order of sponsorship levels


SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 

Honoring our Iowa Nurses 

OCTOBER 17TH, 2022 

• 5:30pm: Check-in, Networking & Social Hour with 

Fun Photo Opportunities 

• 6:30pm: Dinner 

o Master of Ceremonies 

o Keynote Speaker 

• 7:30pm-8:30pm: Networking & Social Hour with Fun 

Photo Opportunities 

Honoring our Iowa Nurses Evening Sponsorship 

– $5000 

This special evening to honor Iowa nurses will be 

held the night before the conference as a welcome 

back celebration and reception to nurses around the 

state. We are extending the celebration of the Year of 

the Nurse as we are back in person for the first time 

since the start of the pandemic. Nurses are showcased 

and appreciated during this special celebration. As 

one of many sponsors during the Honoring Our 

Iowa Nurses evening, you will have the opportunity 

to create a memorable experience for all nurses. The 

benefits include: 

• Opportunity to address attendee’s during the 

Honoring our Iowa Nurses event for a short fiveminute 

presentation prior to awards ceremonies 

• Ability to attend the celebration event as a sponsor 

(up to four participants) 

• Signage at event 

• Social media recognition 

• One custom push notification during the celebration 

and during the event to attendees through mobile 

app 

• Recognition from podium and in scrolling 

presentations 

• Donate a gift to attendee’s 

• Complementary exhibit booth 

• Distribute sponsored attendee gift bag or basket 

items to all attendee’s during the celebration 

• Table tents on all tables during the celebration 

Honoring our Iowa Nurses Dinner Sponsorship 

– $3000 

Two Available 

• Signage at the reception’s menu station thanking 

your company for the sponsorship 

• Depending on the venue, create a signature Hor 

D’oeuvres with the chef 

• Distribute sponsored attendee gift bag or basket 

items to all attendee’s during the celebration 

Honoring our Iowa Nurses Beverage 

Sponsorship (Reception & Social Hour Sponsor) 

– $2000 

Two Available 

• Signage at the reception’s bar and beverage station 

thanking your company for the sponsorship. 

• Opportunity to work with the event planner to select 

the drink menu for the night. Depending on the 

venue, create a signature drink with the bartender 

• Including one drink ticket per person with company 

logo on them 

REGISTRATION FEES 

Honoring our Iowa Nurses Photo Booth 

Sponsorship – $1500 

• Signage at the photo booth 

• Signage within the photo booth for sponsoring 

company 

Honoring our Iowa Nurses Gift Box Sponsor 

–$1,000 

• Single sponsorship where the company provides 

one gift box per attendee. 

CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP 

OPPORTUNITIES 

OCTOBER 18TH, 2022 

Virtual Platform/Mobile App Sponsor – $2,000 

One available 

• Clickable logo/banner ad prominently displayed in 

virtual platform 


• One custom push notification/message to 

attendees through mobile app 

• Recognition from podium and in scrolling 

presentations 

• Exhibit table (and all associated benefits) 

Keynote Session Sponsor – $1,500 

One Available 

• Exhibit level benefits 

• Exclusive signage at front of general session room 

during the keynote session 

• Company name on mobile app and INA website 

with clickable link and mobile app 


• Podium shout outs 

• One push notification 

• One complimentary conference registration 

Attendee Gift Sponsor – $1,250 

One Available 

• Company logo on attendee conference gift 


• Company name on mobile app 


• Podium shout out 

• Two push notifications and one banner ad 

Refreshment Break or 

Energy On-the-go Sponsor – $750 

Two Available 


• Exclusive signage at breaks 

• Company name on mobile app 


• Podium shout outs and one push notification. 

Poster Sponsor – $500 

One Available 


• Exclusive signage in poster area 




Lanyard Sponsor – $500 

One Available 






Audio/Visual & Wi-Fi Sponsor – $500 

One Available 






Education Session Sponsor – $500 

Two Available 


• Exclusive signage at front of general session room 




• Podium shout outs 

• One push notification 

• One complimentary conference registration 

Add on: 

Banner Ads-must be at least exhibit level – $250 

Five Available 

• Clickable banner app on mobile app. 

To learn more and to register, 

WWW.IOWANURSES.ORG 

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS 

This activity has been submitted to the Ohio Nurses 

Association for approval to award contact hours. The 

Ohio Nurses Association is accredited as an approver of 

continuing nursing education by the American Nurses 

Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 

(OBN-001-91) Pending approval, participants can receive a 

maximum of 6.0 contact hours for attending this activity. 

HOTEL INFORMATION 

Stoney Creek Hotel 

5291 Stoney Creek Ct 

Johnston, IA 50131 

INA has reserved a block of rooms at $109 per 

night plus taxes and fees. Reservations may be made 

by calling 515-334-9000 using our unique group code: 

2010IOWANU_001. 

Located between Des Moines burgeoning 

downtown and the ever-expanding West Des Moines, 

the hotel features complimentary breakfast and WiFi, 

an expansive indoor/outdoor pool, a gift shop, fitness 

center, and Bearly’s Bar (featuring a full selection of 

local beers, wines, and spirits). 

To access electronic copies of the 

Iowa Nurse Reporter, please visit 

http://www.NursingALD.com/publications 

Registration Rates 

• Honoring Iowa Nurses Reception & Tuesday Conference: INA Member $245 

• Honoring Iowa Nurses Reception & Tuesday Conference: Non-Member $295 

• Honoring Iowa Nurses Reception & Tuesday Conference: Student** $175 

• Honoring Iowa Nurses Reception Only $75 

• Tuesday Conference Only: INA Member $210 

• Tuesday Conference Only: Non-Member $250 

• Tuesday Conference Only: Student $120 

Watch for early registration discount code when registration opens in June! 

Registration fees include materials, meals, and contact hours. 

$25 Administrative fee will be assessed for personal cancellations prior to October 1. No refunds will be provided for 

cancellations after October 1. Please call the office if you would like to discuss transferring your paid registration. 

**Student rate only applies to students working on pre-licensure.


INA 2022 Nurse Recognition Awards 

HONOR AN IOWA NURSE 

Do you know someone who promotes professionalism 

in nursing? Here is your chance to recognize their 

contributions to nursing. Iowa Nurses Association (INA) has 

established several awards to recognize excellence in Iowa 

nursing. Plan to nominate a nursing colleague. There is no 

easier way to bring the honor that they deserve. Award 

nominations are due to the INA office by Friday, August 19, 

2022. Award winners will be notified in early September. 

The celebration and presenting of awards will be 

held during the INA Conference and Annual Meeting 

on Tuesday, October 18, at the Stoney Creek Hotel & 

Conference Center in Johnston, Iowa. More details on the 

timing of the awards ceremony will be released soon. 

NOMINATION PROCEDURES 

Nominations may be made of an individual, group, 

or an organization. Nominations may be made via the 

website at www.iowanurses.org and clicking on About 

Us in the blue navigation bar and then click on INA 2022 

Nurse Recognition Awards. 

Each nomination must include the following: 

• Completed electronic nomination form. 

• A narrative statement by the nominator outlining 

the accomplishments of the nominee and how 

these meet the established criteria for the award. 

The statements should describe the nominee’s 

compliance with the established criteria for the 

award as explicitly and concisely as possible. 

• At least one letter, but no more than three letters, 

supporting the nomination. 

• All nominations become the property of the INA. 

• INA reserves the right to request further information 

related to a nomination. Incomplete nominations 

will not be considered. 

Awardees will be notified of the Nomination 

Committee’s decision in early September. 

AWARD CATEGORIES 

HALL OF FAME AWARD 

The Hall of Fame Award will be given annually to 

an individual who has displayed visionary leadership, 

dedication to the mission of INA, and a passion for the 

profession of nursing in an ongoing basis. 

Criteria: 

1. Registered nurse (may be retired), who has 

demonstrated outstanding contributions as a 

member of the Iowa Nurses Association at the 

regional, state, and/or national level. 

2. Act as a role model of leadership that 

supports the Iowa Nurses Association’s 

mission statement: To connect, advocate, and 

support for nurses and healthcare in Iowa. 

3. Demonstrate behavior that reflects nursing’s 

concern for issues that affect Iowa nurses’ 

ability to provide safe and effective care. 

4. Demonstrate professional achievement that 

has enduring significance in the individual’s 

lifetime and beyond. 

NURSING LEADERSHIP IN THE WORKPLACE 

This award is conferred on a Registered Nurse who 

has developed an innovative and unique approach to 

nursing theory and knowledge in any practice setting. 

They will be recognized as a role model of consistent 

high-quality nursing practices. This nurse will have 

created an environment of professional autonomy and 

control over their nursing practice. The nomination 

can come from a peer, patient, or supervisor. A letter 

of one page or less describing the attributes and 

examples of quality, professionalism, or a description 

of a specific event in which the nurse was exceptional 

will nominate the nurse for this award. 

NURSING LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCED PRACTICE 

NURSING 

This award is conferred on an Advanced Practice Nurse 

(APRN) who has developed an innovative and unique 

approach to the provision of nursing in their practice 

setting. The APRN can be nominated for providing a 

positive impact to patients or peers in the work setting, or 

for the provision of autonomous practices. This nurse will 

have served as a role model for other APRNs. A letter of 

one page or less describing the attributes of the nurse will 

be required to nominate the Advanced Practice Nurse. 

EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP—LIGHTING THE WAY 

This award is conferred on an INA member who, 

during their career, has provided support to the values 

of the Iowa Nurses Association and the profession of 

nursing in the state of Iowa. A letter of nomination 

should include examples of the activities of the 

nominee which would show lifetime achievement in 

quality, caring, service and/or dedication to innovation 

or provision of patient care. 

FACES OF OUR FUTURE NURSES 

This award is given to one nurse from each Iowa 

Region who has been licensed as a Registered 

Nurse for five years or less. The nominee will have 

become known in that time of practice (since 

graduation) for innovative practice, service in the 

community, or a specific program that will serve 

the public in the area where they practice. At least 

one nominee will be suggested by the leaders of 

the INA Region and other nominees can be solicited 

from peers, nursing supervisors, or patients of the 

nominee. A letter of one page or less describing the 

attributes of the nurse will be required to nominate 

a new nurse for this important award. The Faces 

of our Future recipients will receive a one-year 

membership. 

INSPIRING OUR FUTURE NURSES 

This award is given to an INA member who is 

a nursing instructor and who has been a positive 

influence on the future nurses of Iowa. A letter 

of nomination should include information about 

innovative teaching practices, instructional materials 

developed, new courses developed, major course 

improvement projects, grants or awards relating 

to teaching, and assessments of teaching by 

both students and peers. Instructional activities 

outside the classroom will also be considered. Such 

activities may include but are not limited to advisory 

activities, instructional activities in the community, 

and/or presentations related to teaching made at 

professional meetings. 

COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE AWARD 

The award will identify a health system or 

individual hospital for a collaborative project 

which shows an interdisciplinary approach to 

best practices that resulted in improved patient 

outcomes or cost savings. The nomination letter 

should include the names of the project champions, 

and examples of how the project improved patient 

incomes or resulted in cost savings. 

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STATE of IOWA 

Independence Mental Health Institute 

The Independence Mental Health Institute is 

seeking candidates for Registered Nurse 

positions. Information regarding current vacancies 

can be found online at the State of Iowa’s 

employment website at www.governmentjobs.com/ 

careers/iowa, filter location to “Independence.” 

Questions may be directed to the 

MHI Personnel Department at 319-334-5223. 

WE’D LIKE YOU TO JOIN OUR TEAM 

The State of Iowa is hiring: 

Registered Nurses & 

Licensed Practical Nurses 

Hiring Bonus Offered! 

The Iowa Department of Corrections, an Equal Opportunity 

Organization, is accepting applications for RNs and LPNs 

caring for those individuals that are incarcerated who may have 

medical and mental health concerns. 

Competitive starting salaries and State of Iowa benefits. 

To see current RN and LPN openings, 

access this link regularly: 

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ 

iowa?keywords=corrections 

Questions can be emailed to Pam Shepherd at 

pamela.shepherd@iowa.gov 

If you’re committed to 5 star consumer 

experiences, there’s a spot for you! 

We are looking for kind, patient-focused individuals 

to join the FGH support circle. 

Franklin General Hospital could be perfect for you! 

Go to www.franklingeneral.com under Careers. 

Franklin General Hospital offers excellent benefits 

including IPERS, health, dental and life insurance, 

flexible spending accounts, paid time off, and a free 

single membership to the Franklin Wellness Center. 

FGH is offering a sign on bonus. Ask us for details! 

FGH is an equal opportunity employer with 

great benefits and a positive work environment. 

1720 Central Ave. E. | Hampton, IA 50441 

641.456.5000 • FranklinGeneral.com 

EOE 

MIKE ANDERSON MEMORIAL FUND 

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 

To be used with hardcopy submission only! 

Personal Information 

Name: 

Address: 

Email: 

Phone Number: 

Please include the following with your application: 

• Professional Promise Essay 

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae 

• Extenuating Financial Circumstances 

• Academic Transcripts 

• Minimum two (2) letters of reference for RN-BSN 

• Headshot Photo – INF will only use if applicant is awarded a scholarship 

Scholarship applicant is seeking: 

ADN 

BSN 

Only applications from students enrolled in the ADN or BSN programs at DMACC, 

Grandview or the University of Iowa College of Nursing are eligible to apply. At time 

of application submission, student must also be a resident of the State of Iowa. 

How To Apply: 

Application cover page and required documents must be mailed to: 

Iowa Nurses Foundation 

2501 Jolly Road, Suite 110 

Okemos, MI 48864 

To apply online, please go to iowanurses.nursingnetwork.com/ 

Important Deadlines and Information: 

• The scholarship application deadline is July 1, 2022. 

• Scholarships will be awarded in August 2022. 

• Please note that all scholarship checks will be made out to the recipient, as 

well as the nursing school they are attending. Checks will then be mailed to 

the address the recipient provided in their application for them to deliver to the 

nursing school. 

9


How Stress Affects the Physical Body 

Nicole Cerrini BSN, RN 

Ascension Macomb – Nurse Supervisor 

Operating Room 

We are often consumed with how stress can 

cause us to experience mood changes, sleep pattern 

disruptions and overall anxiety. But what about the 

physical symptoms that appear and become chronic? 

Gastrointestinal (GI) distress, headaches, back pain, 

TMJ, hormonal imbalances and extreme fatigue (to 

name a few) can all be the result of stress. 

So how do we know if our physical ailments 

are the result of stress, and how do we treat it? 

Learning to listen to your body is the first step in 

understanding if what you’re experiencing is directly 

related to stress. Do you find that your stomach gets 

upset when you have a lot going on, or you tend 

to lose your appetite (or eat more) when you feel 

overwhelmed? These are both signs that your body 

is battling an internal imbalance, not a stomach bug. 

We’ve been conditioned to believe that any and all 

physical symptoms must be attributed to a true 

medical condition, instead of looking at it from a 

holistic perspective. 

There are definitely circumstances where you 

may in fact have a medical condition and may need 

specific treatment, but it should become a habit to 

analyze outside factors that may be contributing to 

your symptoms. The dreaded culprit of back pain 

is another good example. There are millions of 

people suffering from back pain in our country, and 

a lot of times physicians are quick to recommend 

invasive procedures or prescription medication to 

help alleviate their symptoms. Chemical and physical 

reactions take place in your body when you are 

under stress, causing an involuntary tightening of 

your muscles due to an increase in cortisol and 

adrenaline levels. This can display as back pain in 

certain individuals and may branch out to include 

other physical symptoms. 

Becoming aware that physical symptoms may be 

related to stress is the first step in treating these 

ailments at the root cause instead of masking them. 

Once you’re able to reflect and listen to your body, 

the next step is to make it a priority to listen to 

your needs! Holistic therapies are often neglected 

as a primary means of treatment. Analyzing the 

body through this perspective allows for a unique 

approach that focuses on physical, emotional, and 

spiritual health that develops a plan to align and 

balance the body. 

Specific treatment therapies that are ideal for 

treating physical symptoms caused by stress include 

nutrition plans, mindset exercises, meditation, 

breathwork, hypnosis, reiki and many other 

modalities. Nutrition is one of the most important 

variables in your health, especially as it relates 

to stress and overall wellness. The term “food is 

medicine” was coined for a reason; how you fuel 

your body can have a direct impact on preventing 

and treating physical ailments. Try to keep an open 

mind when it comes to your health, and don’t 

disregard alternative therapies in your quest for relief 

of physical symptoms! 

Nurses are the heart of our mission. 

When you join Avera, your career opportunities are endless: 

• Leadership opportunities 

• Award-winning facilities 

• Innovative technology 

• Continuing education 

To help recruit and retain talented people, 

Avera is investing in its workforce. 

Nursing opportunities 

in a variety of settings, including: 

Competitive pay and benefits: 

• One week of paid time off front-loaded 

for new hires 

• Free individual health insurance and 

competitive rates on other plans 

• Student loan repayment program for 

select positions 

• Employee discount program 

Apply at AveraJobs.org 

Avera is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity


Have You Considered Running for an Iowa Nurses 

Association Board Position? 

Serving on the INA Board is a great way to get involved, 

network, and make a difference in Iowa nursing. Bring 

your skills to influence nursing and healthcare in the state 

and your region. 

The deadline to submit your consent to serve is 

Friday, August 19, 2022. 

Open INA Board of Director Positions 

• Secretary 

• Treasurer 

• Director of Resolutions • Director of Public Policy 

• Nominations Committee (3) 

• Iowa Nurses Foundation Directors (2) 

Duties of Each INA Office 

Secretary 

2 Year Term 

The Secretary is accountable for record keeping and 

reporting of meetings of INA and serves as a member of 

the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. In the 

case of a simultaneous vacancy in the offices of President 

and President-Elect, the Secretary shall act as President, and 

vacant offices shall be filled by a quorum of the remaining 

Board of Directors, at a special meeting of the Board. The 

following responsibilities are in addition to those of a board 

member: 

1. Accountable for record keeping and reporting of 

meetings of INA Board and Executive Committee. 

2. Maintenance of the minutes of all meetings of the 

Association, Executive Committee, and the Board of 

Directors. 

3. Attend Annual Meeting and maintain accurate 

minutes for the meeting. 

4. Provide recognition and inspiration to motivate 

volunteer participation in all INA activities. 

5. Serves as a member of the Executive Committee and 

Board of Directors. 

Treasurer 

2 Year Term 

The Treasurer shall be accountable for the 

fiscal affairs of INA and shall provide reports and 

interpretation of INA financial condition, as may 

be requested to the Board of Directors, and the 

membership. The Treasurer shall serve as a member 

of the Board of Directors and the Executive 

Committee. The following responsibilities are in 

addition to those of a board member. 

1. Be accountable for the fiscal affairs of INA. 

2. Chair the Committee on Finance 

3. Along with the Executive Director, assure 

receipt and documentation of all funds of 

the Association, monitor the deposit of such 

funds in a bank designated by the Board of 

Directors, monitor for expenditures of such 

funds, and review of the accounts payable. 

4. Along with the President and Executive 

Director sign the bank resolution for 

electronic review of the Association 

accounts. 

5. Give a report to the Board of Directors 

regarding the financial standing of the 

Association whenever requested to do so and 

provide a written report to the Association at 

each Annual Meeting. 

6. Assure a periodic external review of 

accounting functions is completed. 

7. Assure that business liability insurance 

coverage is included in the budget and 

remains in effect for the Association. 

8. Serves as a member of the Executive 

Committee and Board of Directors. 

9. Provide recognition and inspiration to 

motivate volunteer participation in all INA 

activities. 

Resolutions Director 

2 Year Term 

The Resolutions Director provides leadership for 

the association. Participates in developing objectives 

against which to review program progress and measure 

the effectiveness of the association in accomplishing 

its mission. Has legal and fiscal responsibilities to the 

members of the association. The following responsibilities 

are in addition to those of a board member outlined in 

INA Bylaws: 

1. Ensures that the association assesses the needs of 

its members and of the profession. 

2. Represents the members at large and considers 

the needs of the membership. 

3. May serve as a representative for the association 

upon request by the President. 

4. Convenes and chair the Committee on 

Resolutions. 

5. Receives, reviews, edits and reports on proposals 

submitted for the consideration of the business 

meetings of the membership. 

6. Conducts hearings on proposals at the business 

meetings of the membership. 

7. Recommends action on proposals to be considered 

by the business meeting of the membership. 

8. Develops procedures for presentation of proposals 

to business meeting of the membership. 

9. Summarizes and reports to the business meeting 

of the membership action taken on the previous 

year’s proposals. 

10. Reviews, updates and recommends withdrawal or 

reaffirmation of proposals which were adopted 

five years previously. 

11. Submit articles for Iowa Nurse Reporter and yearly 

report for the annual book of reports. 

12. Serves as a member of the Executive Committee 

and Board of Directors. 


volunteer participation in all INA activities. 

Public Policy Director 

2 Year Term 

The Public Policy Director provides leadership for 

the association. Participates in developing objectives 

against which to review program progress and measure 

the effectiveness of the association in accomplishing 

its mission. Has legal and fiscal responsibilities to the 

members of the association. The following responsibilities 

are in addition to those of a board member outlined in 

INA Bylaws: 

1. Ensures that the association assesses the needs of 

its members and of the profession. 

2. Represents the members at large and considers 

the needs of the membership. 

3. May serve as a representative for the association 

upon request by the President. 

4. Convene and chair the Committee on Public Policy. 

5. Develops and leads INA local advocacy activities. 

6. Works with INA lobbyist and other contracted 

employees to structure and develop statewide 

efforts to ensure a consistent message sent to 

state policy makers using effective strategies. 

7. Recruit other INA members for the Public Policy 

Committee to form a broad advocacy network. 

8. Assists in the assessment of INA’s advocacy needs. 

9. Identifies issues to be considered by the Public 

Policy Committee. 

10. Develop relationships with public officials to 

educate them about health needs and practice 

issues. 

11. Regular communication with Public Policy 

Committee providing updates. 

12. Represent INA in local and state advocacy 

coalitions and networks as appropriate or identify 

a designee. 

13. Attend, American Nurses Association Advocacy 

Institute, a minimum of one time. 

14. Work closely with INA Staff in planning, 

coordinating, and participating in annual 

Legislative Days. 

15. Attendance at scheduled Public Policy Committee 

conference calls (usually every other week during 

the legislative session). 

16. Submit articles for Iowa Nurse Reporter and yearly 

report for the annual book of reports. 

17. Serves as a member of the Executive Committee 

and Board of Directors. 


volunteer participation in all INA activities.


Nominations Committee (3) 

Six members serve a 2 Year Term, three of whom 

shall be elected annually. No member of the Board of 

Directors shall serve on the committee. No more than 

two members of the committee are to be a member of 

any one region. 

Members of the nominations committee will identify 

candidates for positions on the Board of Directors and 

other elected committees. Monitor the composition 

and qualifications of the board and committees to 

ensure they are representative and responsive to the 

membership. The following responsibilities are in 

addition to those outlined in INA Bylaws related to the 

nominations committee: 

1. Promote the development of potential future 

leaders. 

2. Ability to assess background and talents 

of potential candidates in relation to job 

responsibility to be fulfilled. 

3. On or before February 1, the committee shall 

send to the members and the regional subunits 

the names of officers then serving, indicating 

those whose terms of office will expire at the next 

annual meeting and those eligible for re-election, 

with a request for the names of members for 

consideration for placement on the ballot. 

4. In the odd numbered years, the committee shall 

also request a list of names of members qualified 

and willing to serve as representatives or as 

alternates to the ANA Membership Assembly. 

5. In preparing the ballot, the committee shall 

consider names submitted by the regional 

subunits and to other qualified members. Any 

INA member may nominate herself/himself for 

office. The committee shall prepare a ballot for 

each office to be filled. This ballot shall include 

representatives of various areas of nursing 

practice and various geographic areas of the 

state. 

6. The ballot shall be reported to the Board of 

Directors and shall be appended to the notice of 

time and place of the meeting. 

Iowa Nurses Foundation Directors (2) 

3 Year Term 

The INF Directors will provide leadership for 

conducting the business of the Iowa Nurses 

Foundation and contribute direction for volunteer 

recruitment, recognition, and participation in 

activities. INF Directors participate in INF activities 

and events: Legislative Day, Retreat and Annual 

Meeting and support INF financially with personal 

contributions, sponsorships, and participation in major 

fundraising events. 

ANA Representative 

INA is entitled to representation at regular and 

special meetings of the ANA Membership Assembly 

in accordance with ANA Bylaws and policy. The 

President and President-Elect of INA will serve, by 

virtue of their positions, for the two years of their 

terms of office as Representatives to the ANA 

Membership Assembly. The third, or any other 

additional ANA Representative will be an INA/ANA 

member and will be elected in odd number years. To 

ensure that INA will be fully represented at the ANA 

Membership Assembly, an Alternate Representative 

list of candidates not elected, in descending order, will 

be maintained for the Secretary to contact if alternate 

representation is needed if the elected representative 

cannot attend. Should either ANA representative not 

be able to attend the ANA membership assembly the 

secretary will contact the alternate representatives 

in descending vote order to assure adequate 

representation. 

Full position descriptions may be viewed at our 

website at iowanurses.org. 

All candidates for office must submit a Consent to 

Serve form by Friday, August 19, 2022. The Consent to 

Serve can be found on our website at iowanurses.org. 

Elections will occur in early September, and the 

winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 18, 

2022, in conjunction with INA 2022 Conference and 

Annual Meeting, at Stoney Creek Hotel-Des Moines, 

Johnston, Iowa. 

Why Should You Consider Running for a Board or 

Committee Position? 

• Personal and Professional Development – 

If you are interested in advancing your career 

or taking on more leadership responsibilities, 

serving on INA’s Board offers personal and 

professional growth opportunities. There are 

committees to serve on as well as social and 

political causes to support that need volunteers. 

You will gain visibility, increase your confidence, 

and can sharpen your communication and 

leadership skills. 

• Influence – Are you comfortable with having 

others make decisions for you, how you will 

work, and where the profession is going? It’s 

not always easy to not speak up and express 

your views on issues important to you, be 

assured others will speak for you and the 

nursing profession. You can influence how 

our profession practices, whether in hospitals, 

schools, clinics, or the many diverse areas 

nursing can practice based on your experiences. 

It’s time to get out and join the INA 

professional board by opening the door to 

the bigger picture of nursing, issues affecting 

nursing, and where nursing fits into healthcare 

overall. 

• Networking – Serving on the INA Board is a 

great way to meet people who share common 

interests with you, stay in touch with what’s 

going on at other facilities around the state, 

and participate in the legislative process, 

allowing you to get to know your legislators. 

INA is well respected and one of the highest 

connected professional nurses’ organizations 

with legislation. It is also an opportunity to get 

a lead on new employment opportunities if you 

are looking. 

• Education: Serving on the INA Board allows 

you to stay on top of the latest issues and 

continuing education through meetings and 

workshops.


The Case of Nurse RaDonda Vaught: How Administering the 

Wrong Medication Resulted in a Criminal Conviction 

Nurses across the country have followed and are now 

responding to the criminal prosecution and conviction of a 

Tennessee nurse who mistakenly injected a patient with a 

paralytic medication, resulting in her death. There have been 

strong reactions to the guilty verdicts handed down against Ms. 

Vaught. Since not all material facts in this case were covered by 

the media, a more thorough discussion is provided below. 

Timeline of Events – 

12/26/2017 – Nurse Vaught mistakenly administered 

vecuronium (brand name Norcuron) instead of the prescribed 

Versed to a 75-year-old patient, Charlene Murphey, prior to a 

PET scan. In the PET scanning room, the patient arrested and 

was placed on a ventilator. 

12/27/2017 – The patient was declared brain dead and removed from the ventilator. 

12/27/2017 – Vanderbilt University Medical Center (“Vanderbilt”) reported the 

patient’s death to the county medical examiner. Vanderbilt’s report did not mention the 

medication error. 

12/27/2017 – The medical examiner determined the cause of death as “natural.” 

1/2018 – Vanderbilt did not report the patient’s death to state or federal officials, as 

required by law. Ms. Vaught’s employment at Vanderbilt was terminated. 

Here for 

your patients. 

And you. 

For many people, life has been more stressful than ever 

lately. If you or your patients are turning to alcohol, drugs 

or gambling to cope or are struggling with mental health 

or suicidal thoughts, Your Life Iowa is here for you. Our 

caring professionals are trained to connect individuals 

to the free resources they need to get through the most 

difficult challenges life throws their way. 

We encourage you and your patients to reach out to us 

anytime, 24/7. We’ll walk beside you so you’re never alone. 

CALL: 

(855) 581-8111 

TEXT: 

(855) 895-8398 

CHAT: 

YourLifeIowa.org 

Donna J. Craig 

RN, JD 

Early 2018 – Vanderbilt negotiated an out-of-court confidential settlement with the 

patient’s family. 

10/3/2018 – An anonymous tipster advised state and federal officials of the medication 

error which resulted in the patient’s death. 

10/23/2018 – The Tennessee Department of Health which oversees health professional 

licensing determined there was no violation by Ms. Vaught and issued her a letter 

indicating “this matter did not meet further action.” 

10/31/2018 – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) conducted an 

unannounced inspection of Vanderbilt. 

11/8/2018 – CMS confirmed the patient’s death was due to an accidental dose of 

vecuronium and that Vanderbilt did not report the medication error to the medical 

examiner and state officials. 

11/16/2018 – In response to CMS’s inspection Vanderbilt developed a plan of 

correction. No other action was taken against Vanderbilt or it’s Medicare provider status. 

2/4/2019 – Ms. Vaught is arrested and criminally charged with reckless homicide and 

impaired adult abuse. 

2/5/2019 – The CEO for Vanderbilt appeared before the Tennessee Board of Licensing 

for Health Care Facilities and admitted the death of Ms. Murphey was not reported and 

admitted the hospital’s response was “too limited.” The Tennessee Board of Licensing for 

Health Care Facilities took no action against Vanderbilt. 

2/20/2019 – Ms. Vaught entered not guilty pleas to the criminal charges brought 

against her. 

8/20/2019 – Law enforcement requested the medical examiner re-examine the 

circumstances of Ms. Murphey’s death. The medical examiner now with knowledge of 

the medication error, changed the official manner of death to “accidental.” 

9/27/2019 – The Tennessee Health Department overseeing the Board of Nursing 

re-opened Nurse Vaught’s licensing case. 

3/22/2022 – Criminal trial of Ms. Vaught began 

3/25/2022 – After a three-day trial and 4 hours of deliberations the jury returns 

guilty verdicts against Ms. Vaught. 

5/13/2022 – Sentencing of Ms. Vaught is scheduled to be held on May 13, 2022. 

Facts – Nurse RaDonda Vaught became employed by Vanderbilt in October 

2015. On December 26, 2017 she was working as a “help all nurse” for the Neuro 

ICU, step down and the 6th floor nursing units. At that time Charlene Murphey, 

a 75 year woman with a subdural hematoma was a patient in the Neuro ICU. The 

patient was scheduled to undergo a full body PET scan at 2:00 pm. It is not clear 

when the patient arrived in radiology since there was no documentation of her 

arrival time. She was noted to be alert and oriented when she arrived in radiology. 

Prior to undergoing the PET scan the patient requested something to reduce her 

anxiety as she suffered from claustrophobia. 

The physician ordered 2 mg of Versed IV. The AcuDose report showed the order 

was entered at 2:47 pm and verified by pharmacy at 2:49 pm. The report also shows 

at 2:59 pm Nurse Vaught removed 10 mg of vecuronium from the AcuDose cabinet, 

using an override. There was no order for vecuronium for this patient. There was no 

override verified by pharmacy and there was no documentation by Nurse Vaught that 

she administered vecuronium. At some time after the incident the family was told of a 

possible medication error. 

A physician’s note at 3:45 pm on 12/26/2017 indicates a code was called in the 

PET scan area. Upon the physician’s arrival the patient was found to be pulseless and 

unresponsive. The patient was intubated and regained circulation after 2 – 3 attempts 

at chest compressions. The patient was readmitted to the Neuro ICU. 

The next day, on December 27, 2017, a physician’s note (time not specified) stated 

“I discussed the case with the neurology team and it is felt that these changes in exam 

likely represent progression towards but not complete brain death…very low likelihood of 

neurological recovery, we made the decision to pursue comfort care measures.” 

Hospital’s Actions after the Patient’s Death – The patient’s death was reported 

to the county medical examiner. The amended report from the county medical 

examiner’s office contains conflicting statements as to the cause of death. The report 

indicates that the physician “will attest to the death as natural causes of complications 

of the intra-cerebral hemorrhage.” The cause of death is listed as “acute vecuronium 

intoxication,” contributing factors of death “intracerebral hemorrhage” and the manner 

of death as “accidental.” The medical examiner originally determined that the cause of 

death to be “natural” then after more information was made available, changed the 

cause of death to “acute vecuronium intoxication.” 

Vanderbilt did not report the medication error to either state or federal officials, as 

required by law. It appears that the only actions taken by Vanderbilt in January 2018 was 

to terminate Nurse Vaught’s employment and to negotiate an out-of-court settlement 

with Ms. Murphey’s family. The terms of the settlement are confidential. 

Anonymous Tip to State and Federal Health Officials – On October 3, 2018 an 

anonymous tipster advised state and federal health officials of the unreported medication 

error that resulted in the patient’s death. The tipster reported Nurse Vaugh was orienting 

a new registered nurse when the patient’s nurse asked Nurse Vaught to give Versed to the 

patient. The report goes on to state that Nurse Vaught removed the incorrect drug, did 

not read the label, and accidently administered vecuronium instead of Versed. 

Tennessee’s Board of Nursing Initial Determination – The Tennessee 

Department of Health (“Department”) is responsible for the licensing of healthcare 

professionals. After receiving information from Vanderbilt the Department conducted 

an investigation which was reviewed by the Department’s nursing consultant and staff 

attorney. On October 23, 2018 the Department closed its files and issued letters to 

Vanderbilt and Nurse Vaught. 

A letter from the director of investigations to Vanderbilt stated in part, “the 

complaint received about Nurse Vaught has been reviewed by the nurse consultant 

and staff attorney for the Department and forwarded for investigation. As a result 

of the investigation and the review by the nursing consultant and staff attorney their 

determination was that the acts of the practitioner did not constitute a violation of statutes


and/or rules governing the profession.” On the same 

day Nurse Vaught was issued a similar letter indicating a 

“review of the complaint by the Board’s nursing consultant 

and staff attorney a decision was made that this matter did 

not merit further action.” 

Investigation by Centers for Medicare and 

Medicaid Services and State Officials – Interview of 

RaDonda Vaught – Investigators conducted a surprise 

inspection at Vanderbilt. As part of this inspection 

investigators interviewed Nurse Vaught by telephone. 

According to the investigative report, Nurse Vaught stated, 

“I was in a patient care role. I was the help-all nurse. As 

explained in the report a help-all nurse is a resource nurse. 

Nurse Vaught was also orienting a new nurse. 

The patient’s primary care asked Nurse Vaught to go to 

the Radiology PET scanning room and administer Versed 

to the patient because she was not able to tolerate the 

PET scan procedure. Nurse Vaught searched for the 

Versed under the patient’s AcuDose profile which she 

could not find. She then chose the override setting and 

searched for Versed. At the time she indicated she was 

talking to the orientee while she was searching for Versed 

and typed in the first two letters of Versed which are 

“VE” and chose the first medication on the list. 

According to the investigative report, Nurse Vaught 

could not remember the reason she gave for the override. 

The investigation also revealed there was no scanner 

in the radiology unit. When Nurse Vaught discussed 

her medication error with the unit manager she was 

instructed not to scan the medication after the fact as the 

MAR would note it. Nurse Vaught also admitted that she 

was distracted by talking to the orientee about a swallow 

test they were going to do. She also admitted it struck 

her “as a little odd” that she had to reconstitute the 

medication and should have called the pharmacy. 

Nurse Vaught told the investigator that she took out 

the medication vial and looked at the back of the vial for 

the directions on how to reconstitute it. She admitted 

she did not re-check the medication’s name on the vial. 

Nurse Vaught went on to say she grabbed a sticker from 

the patient’s file, a handful of flushes, alcohol swabs, and 

a blunt tip needle. She placed the medication vial in a 

baggie and wrote on the baggie, “PET scan, Versed 1-2 

mg” and went to the radiology department to administer 

the medication to the patient. The medication was 

given but there is no documentation as to when it was 

administered. 

Once in the radiology department Nurse Vaught 

went to the patient, checked her identity and told her 

she was there to help her relax. She then proceeded to 

reconstitute the medication and measured what she 

needed. When asked how much she gave the patient 

she indicated “I can’t remember. I am pretty sure I gave 

her 1 millimeter.” She put the left over medication in the 

baggie and gave it to another nurse [not identified]. When 

asked her next actions Nurse Vaught indicated she left the 

radiology unit and did not monitor the patient after giving 

the medication. 

Nurse Vaught went on to tell the investigator that the 

family was standing outside in the hallway…”we heard a 

rapid response call for PET scan. That was a red flag since 

that patient was ours.” The investigative report indicates 

the rapid response team call occurred at 3:29 pm. Nurse 

Vaught went back into the PET scan area and saw that 

the patient was intubated and had regained a heartbeat. 

She told the physician, “I had given Versed a few minutes 

ago.” The nurse who was present when Nurse Vaught 

administered the medication showed her the baggie 

and asked if this is what was given to the patient, Nurse 

Vaught responded “yes.” The other nurse in response 

said, “This isn’t Versed. Its vecuronium” Other staff 

interviewed indicated the patient was estimated to be 

alone in the room for about 30 minutes once she was put 

in the scanning room. 

The investigation also revealed that in the days 

after the incident Nurse Vaught spoke with her nurse 

manager and risk management at Vanderbilt. Nurse 

Vaught indicated immediately after the events she spoke 

to several people in management and also completed a 

Veritas report around 4:00 pm on December 26th. 

Interview of the Vanderbilt Pharmacist – The 

pharmacist reported the following events: 

On December 26th a PET scan was ordered at 

2:00 pm, the Versed was ordered at 2:47 pm, and the 

vecuronium was removed from the AcuDose at 2:59 

pm. The pharmacist confirmed that the letters “VE” 

were entered in AcuDose which defaults to generic 

medications. That is why Versed did not show up. When 

vecuronium popped up a warning in the red box was 

visible for an override stating that is should be for STAT 

orders. The time of administration of the vecuronium was 

not documented. 

What the Baggie Contained – Nurse Vaught 

told the investigator that she labeled and placed the 

administration set up in a baggie bag before going to 

the Radiology department. The baggie contained the 

following: 

• Clear zip lock baggie with an orange biohazard label 

had “Versed 1 mg – 2 mg PET 1251 handwritten in 

pink colored marker on it. 

• Inside the baggie was a vial with a few drops 

of clear liquid remaining in the vial. The vial was 

labeled as “Vecuronium Bromide 10 mg. 1mg/ 

ml when reconstituted to 10 ml. reconstitute with 

bacteriostatic water.” 

• The vial had a red top that said “WARNING: 

PARALYZING AGENT.” 

• There was a 10 ml syringe labeled “Normal Saline” 

with a capped needle attached, with 1.5 ml of a 

clear liquid remaining in it and caped with a white 

cap with no needle. 

• There was also a 2-inch alcohol prep pad in the 

baggie. 

Vanderbilt Issues a Correct Action Plan – Following 

CMS’s investigation, Vanderbilt issued a corrective action 

plan in November 2018. The corrective action plan 

included, among other actions: 

• Revising its medication administration policy; 

• Updating the transportation of critical care patient 

policy to require appropriate staff to accompany, 

monitor, and support patients’ needs, and 

document the handover of patients between 

nursing staff. If a no handover can be accomplished 

the transporting staff is to remain with the patient; 

• Revising high alert medication policy; 

• Establishing a work group to review paralyzing 

agents; and 

• Chief nursing officers conducting weekly chart 

reviews (5 patient/unit) for a total of 3 months 

Nurse RaDonda Vaught continued on page 14


Nurse RaDonda Vaught continued from page 13 

Criminal Charges Filed Against RaDonda Vaught – 

On February 4, 2019 Nurse Vaught is arrested on a criminal 

indictment for her role in Ms. Murphey’s death, and 

charged with reckless homicide and abuse of an impaired 

adult. This is the first time Ms. Vaught is publicly identified. 

On February 20, 2019 Ms. Vaught enters not guilty pleas to 

both charges. 

Tennessee Board of Licensing Health Care Facilities 

– On February 5, 2019 the CEO of Vanderbilt appeared 

before the Tennessee Board of Licensing for Health Care 

Facilities. The CEO admitted the patient’s death was not 

reported to state regulators and admitted the hospital’s 

response was “too limited.” Officials also confirmed that 

they negotiated a confidential settlement with the family. 

The Board of Licensing for Health Care Facilities took no 

disciplinary action against Vanderbilt. 

The Licensing Board Reexamines Prior Licensing 

Decision Involving RaDonda Vaught – On September 

27, 2019 the Tennessee Department of Health reopened 

its prior decision not to pursue disciplinary action 

against Ms. Vaught’s license. She is charged with three 

violations, including unprofessional conduct, abandoning 

or neglecting a patient that required care, and failing to 

maintain an accurate patient record. 

The licensing violations brought against Nurse Vaught 

included: 

• Failure to follow the five rights of medication 

administration, right patient, right medication, right 

dose, right route, and right time; 

• After administrating the medication she failed to 

monitor the patient; and 

• Failed to document in the medical record that she 

administered vecuronium 

Licensing Hearing – The licensing hearing began 

on July 22, 2021. At the hearing Ms. Vaught testified 

that the medication error was “completely my fault” 

because she did not double check the medicine she 

administered. In addition to admitting to her error, Ms. 

Vaught argues, through her attorney, that there were 

flawed procedures at Vanderbilt. They argued that 

there was a problem that prevented communication 

between Vanderbilt’s electronic health records, 

medication cabinets and the hospital pharmacy. This 

flaw caused delays in accessing medications and the 

hospital’s short term workaround was to override the 

safeguards on the cabinets so they could remove drugs 

quickly. 

Ms. Vaught testified that “overriding was something 

we did as a part of our practice every day. You 

couldn’t get a bag of fluids for a patient without using 

an override function.” Nurse Vaught testified that 

she allowed herself to become “complacent” and 

“distracted” while using the medication cabinet and 

did not double-check which drug she had withdrawn 

despite multiple opportunities. On July 23, 2021 the 

Tennessee Board of Nursing unanimously revokes 

Vaught’s nursing license. 

Ms. Vaught testified that overrides were common 

at Vanderbilt and that a 2017 upgrade to the hospital’s 

electronic health record system was causing rampant delays 

at medication cabinets. Because of that flaw Vanderbilt 

instructed nurses to use overrides to circumvent delays and 

get medicine as needed. A state investigator also told the 

board of nursing to her knowledge that computer issues 

caused problems with medication cabinets at Vanderbilt in 

2017. 

Criminal Proceedings – As part of discovery process 

prosecutors reveal that Ms. Vaught made 10 separate 

errors when giving the wrong medication to the patient, 

including overlooking multiple warning signs. Court 

records state that Vaught would have had to look directly 

at a warning on the cap, saying “WARNING: PARALYZING 

AGENT” before injecting the drug. 

The State argued Ms. Vaught failed to scan the 

medication against the patient’s medical identification 

bracelet. She also pointed out that vecuronium is a powder 

that needs to be reconstituted unlike Versed which is 

already in liquid form. 

The prosecution’s nursing expert testified that Ms. 

Vaught failed to meet the standard of care by: 

• Being distracted when administering the medication; 

• Not looking up the generic name for Versed; 

• Failing to read the name of the drug, not noticing a 

red warning on the top of the vial, and not staying 

with the patient after medication administration. 

• Administering the medication when a patient scanner 

was not available in the Radiology unit; 

• Not double checking the medication with a 

colleague; and 

• Not monitoring the patient even if she thought she 

was giving Versed. 

A lead investigator in the criminal trial testified that 

Vanderbilt had a “heavy burden of responsibility” for a 

grievous drug error…but pursued penalties and criminal 

charges only against the nurse and not the hospital itself. 

Vanderbilt received no punishment for the fatal drug error. 

After three days of trial followed by four hours of 

deliberations the jury rendered its verdict. The jury was 

made up of six men and six women, with one juror being a 

practicing registered nurse and another a former respiratory 

therapist. 

The Verdict – The jury found Ms. Vaught guilty of 

criminal negligent homicide (a lesser charge under reckless 

homicide) and gross neglect of an impaired adult. She 

was acquitted of reckless homicide. The neglect charge 

stemmed from the allegation that Ms. Vaught did not 

properly monitor Ms. Murphey after she was injected with 

the wrong drug. 

Stay Tuned – RaDonda Vaught, a convicted felon, is 

scheduled to be sentenced on May 13, 2022. 

Other Source Documents – 

• Kelman, Brett; The RaDonda Vaught case is 

confusing. This timeline will help. (msn.com); Nashville 

Tennessean; March 22, 2022; https://www.msn. 

com/en-us/news/crime/the-radonda-vaught-case-isconfusing-this-timeline-will-help/ar-BB10EVFV 

• Kelman, Brett; Ex-Vanderbilt nurse RaDonda 

Vaught loses Nursing License for fatal drug error; 

Nashville Tennessean; July 23, 2021; https://www. 

tennessean.com/story/news/health/2021/07/23/exvanderbilt-nurse-radonda-vaught-loses-license-fatalerror/8069185002/ 

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• Timms, Mariah; Prosecutors, defense lay out 

framework in homicide trial of ex-Vanderbilt nurse 

RaDonda Vaught; March 22, 2022; https://news. 

yahoo.com/prosecutors-defense-lay-frameworkhomicide-193942097.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall 

• Kelman, Brett; In nurse’s trial, witness says hospital 

bears ‘heavy’ responsibility for patient death; Kaiser 

Health News; March 24, 2022; https://health.wusf. 

usf.edu/npr-health/2022-03-24/in-nurses-trialwitness-says-hospital-bears-heavy-responsibilityfor-patient-death. 

• Fruen, Lauren; Inside the trial of ex-nurse 

RaDonda Vaught who ‘killed a patient by giving 

her the wrong drug; March 24, 2022; https:// 

www.thesun.co.uk/news/18055626/nurseradonda-vaught-trial-killed-patient/ 

• Sutton, Caroline, West, Emily, Davis, Chris; Trial 

of RaDonda Vaught: Jury to deliberate case 

starting Friday; March 25, 2022; https://www. 

newschannel5.com/news/trial-of-radondavaught-former-vanderbilt-medical-center-nursecontinues-into-third-day 

• Kelman, Brett; Nurse Convicted of Neglect and 

Negligent Homicide for Fatal Drug Error; Nashville 

Tennessean; March 25, 2022; https://khn.org/ 

news/article/radonda-vaught-nurse-drug-errorvanderbilt-guilty-verdict/ 

• Levine, Zachary, McClendon, Shannon; Statement 

in Response to the Conviction of Nurse RaDonda 

Vaught; American Nurses Association, March 

25, 2022; https://www.nursingworld.org/news/ 

news-releases/2022-news-releases/statement-inresponse-to-the-conviction-of-nurse-radondavaught/ 

• Timms, Mariah; Former Vanderbilt nurse RaDonda 

Vaught found guilty on 2 charges in 2017 death 

of patient; Nashville Tennessean; March 25, 2022; 

https://www.yahoo.com/now/former-vanderbiltnurse-radonda-vaught-184322536.html 

• Loller, Travis; Former nurse guilty of homicide in 

medication error death; Associated Press; March 

25, 2022; https://kstp.com/associated-press/apus-international/former-nurse-guilty-of-homicidein-medication-error-death/ 

• Timms, Mariah; Ex-Nurse RaDonda Vaught 

found guilty on two charges in death of patient; 

Nashville Tennessean; March 29, 2022; https:// 

currently.att.yahoo.com/att/ex-nurse-radondavaught-found-175845609.html 

• Kelman, Brett, Norman, Hannah; Why Nurses Are 

Raging and Quitting after the RaDonda Vaught 

Verdict; Kaiser Health; April 5, 2022; https:// 

health.wusf.usf.edu/npr-health/2022-04-05/ 

why-nurses-are-raging-and-quitting-after-theradonda-vaught-verdict 

Donna J. Craig, RN, JD is legal counsel to the ANA- 

Michigan Chapter and the Michigan Council of Nurse 

Practitioners. She practiced as a cardiac care nurse for 

several years before a chance opportunity to audit a 

graduate course in health care law and ethics changed 

her career path. That course propelled her to earn her 

law degree. After law school Ms. Craig joined a medical 

malpractice defense law firm before transitioning her 

focus to health care corporate and administrative law 

matters. For over 20 years she has maintained her private 

health law practice, representing health care providers 

and facilities in business, licensure and compliance 

matters. For her expertise and accomplishments, Detroit’s 

dbusiness Magazine awarded Ms. Craig its Top Lawyer in 

Health Care Law award on three occasions. Ms. Craig has 

the distinction and is proud of being a bar member of the 

Supreme Court of the United States of America. For more 

information about The Health Law Center, go to www. 

healthlawcenterplc.com. 

1. Anonymous Complaint, page 1 of 3 pages at: https:// 

www.documentcloud.org/documents/6542003-CMS- 

Complaint-Intake.html 

2. Corrective Action Plan by Vanderbilt, page 7 of 

105 pages at: https://www.documentcloud.org/ 

documents/6535181-Vanderbilt-Corrective-Plan.html. 

3. Id. 

4. Id. 

5. Id. 



documents/6535181-Vanderbilt-Corrective-Plan.html 




8. Id. 

9. Amended County Medical Examiner Investigator’s 

Report, at: https://www.documentcloud.org/ 

documents/6540657-Charlene-Murphey-ME- 

Investigation.html 

10. Report From the Anonymous Tipster at: https://www. 

documentcloud.org/documents/6542003-CMS- 

Complaint-Intake.html 

11. Closing Letters From Tennessee Department of 

Health at: https://www.documentcloud.org/ 

documents/6785898-RaDonda-Vaught-Letters.html 

12. Id. 

13. Id. 




15. Id. 

Nurse RaDonda Vaught continued on page 16 

Lombardi Law Firm 

The Nurse’s Attorney 

515-222-1110 

sdlombardi@aol.com 

http://www.lombardilaw.com/


Nurse RaDonda Vaught continued from page 15 

16. Prosecutorial Discovery Documents, page 5 of 51 pages at: 

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6785652- 

RaDonda-Vaught-DA-Discovery.html 

17. Prosecutorial Discovery Documents, page 6 of 51 at: https:// 

www.documentcloud.org/documents/6785652-RaDonda- 

Vaught-DA-Discovery.html 

18. Corrective Action Plan by Vanderbilt, page 9 of 105 pages 

at: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6535181- 

Vanderbilt-Corrective-Plan.html 




20. Id. 

21. Id. 

22. Id. 

23. Id. 

24. Id. 




26. Id. 
















32. Corrective Action Plan by Vanderbilt, pages 1 – 105 at: 

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6535181- 


33. Licensing Charges Filed by the Board of Nursing at: https:// 

www.documentcloud.org/documents/6483588-Vaught- 

RaDonda-NOC-9-27-19.html 

34. xxxiv Id. 

35. Kelman, Brett; Ex-Vanderbilt nurse RaDonda Vaught loses 

Nursing License for fatal drug error; Nashville Tennessean; 

July 23, 2021; https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/ 

health/2021/07/23/ex-vanderbilt-nurse-radonda-vaughtloses-license-fatal-error/8069185002/ 

36. Id. 

37. Id. 

38. Fruen, Lauren; Inside the trial of ex-nurse RaDonda Vaught 

who ‘killed a patient by giving her the wrong drug; March 

24, 2022; https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/18055626/nurseradonda-vaught-trial-killed-patient/ 

39. Id. 

40. Sutton, Caroline, West, Emily, Davis, Chris; Trial of RaDonda 

Vaught: Jury to deliberate case starting Friday; March 25, 

2022; https://www.newschannel5.com/news/trial-ofradonda-vaught-former-vanderbilt-medical-center-nursecontinues-into-third-day 

41. Kelman, Brett; In nurse’s trial, witness says hospital bears 

‘heavy’ responsibility for patient death; Kaiser Health 

News; March 24, 2022; https://health.wusf.usf.edu/nprhealth/2022-03-24/in-nurses-trial-witness-says-hospitalbears-heavy-responsibility-for-patient-death. 

Now for The Rest of the Story: 

The Sentencing of RaDonda Vaught 

On May 13th RaDonda Vaught, a former ICU nurse 

at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, was sentenced 

after being convicted of criminally negligent homicide 

and gross neglect of an impaired adult. Ms. Vaught 

lost her nursing license and was criminally prosecuted 

after she mistakenly administered the wrong medication 

to 75-year-old patient Charlene Murphey, resulting in 

her death. Ms. Vaught mistakenly gave Ms. Murphey 

vecuronium, a paralytic agent, instead of the ordered 

Versed, a sedative. Since the Vaught case has been the 

subject of discussion by nurses and nursing associations 

it is important that her sentencing be reported now. 

Hundreds of nurses from around the country were 

present in the courtroom, along with an overflow 

crowd outside the courthouse where they listened to 

the sentencing hearing over a public address system. 

Nurses came to Tennessee and gathered in support of 

Ms. Vaught and wore “Nurse Strong,” #IAmRaDonda,” 

and “Seeking Justice for Nurses and Patients in a 

BROKEN system” T-shirts to show their support. 

Before Judge Jennifer Smith handed down the 

sentence the prosecution and defense made sentencing 

arguments to the Judge. Ms. Vaught and the relatives 

of Charlene Murphey also addressed the court. The 

prosecution sought a prison term of three to six years, 

which was less than the eight years Ms. Vaught was 

facing. Ms. Vaught’s attorney argued that probation, 

not jail time, was called for. 

Ms. Charlene Murphey’s son spoke of the toll his 

mother’s death has had on the family. He and his wife 

also said Charlene Murphey was a forgiving person and 

she wouldn’t have wanted jail time for Ms. Vaught. 

They told the judge that they personally “didn’t want 

jail time, we just wanted to make sure she didn’t do 

this to anyone else.” It is reported that Ms. Murphey’s 

husband wanted the maximum sentence possible. 

When Ms. Vaught was given an opportunity to 

speak before being sentenced, she spoke directly to the 

family. She told them “Saying I’m sorry doesn’t seem 

like enough but you deserve to hear that and know 

that I am very sorry for what happened.” “When Ms. 

Murphey died, a part of me died with her.” 

Before announcing the sentence, Judge Smith 

addressed the family, telling them, “My hope that 

changes in the practices and protocols in the medical 

setting that have arisen since this event may at least be 

some positive aspect that has arisen. I recognize however, 

that will never be enough to heal your wounds.” 

In announcing the sentence Judge Smith 

acknowledged that the criminal charges warranted 

three years of prison, but then went on to say RaDonda 

Vaught wouldn’t face jail time. Judge Smith sentenced 

Vaught to three years supervised probation and 

then diverted that sentence which would allow her 

record to be expunged after successfully completing 

the terms of her probation. Prosecutors had argued 

against diversion, although they were not opposed 

to probation. In weighing whether to grant Vaught 

judicial diversion, Judge Smith cited Vaught’s remorse, 

this being her first criminal offense, as well as her 

honesty about her medication error. 

Donna J. Craig, RN, JD is legal counsel to the ANA- 

Michigan Chapter and the Michigan Council of Nurse 

Practitioners. She practiced as a cardiac care nurse 

for several years before a chance opportunity to 

audit a graduate course in health care law and ethics 

changed her career path. That course propelled her 

to earn her law degree. After law school Ms. Craig 

joined a medical malpractice defense law firm before 

transitioning her focus to health care corporate 

and administrative law matters. For over 20 years 

she has maintained her private health law practice, 

representing health care providers and facilities in 

business, licensure and compliance matters. For her 

expertise and accomplishments, Detroit’s dbusiness 

Magazine awarded Ms. Craig its Top Lawyer in Health 

Care Law award on three occasions. Ms. Craig has the 

distinction and is proud of being a bar member of the 

Supreme Court of the United States of America. For 

more information about The Health Law Center, go to 

www.healthlawcenterplc.com. 

1. Timms, Mariah, et al; RaDonda Vaught Sentenced to 

Three Years’ Probation on a Diverted Sentence, Could 

See Record Wiped; Nashville Tennessean; May 13, 

2022; https://finance.yahoo.com/news/radonda-vaughtsentenced-three-years-194115731.html?fr=sycsrp_ 

catchall 

2. Loller, Travis; Ex-Nurse Sentenced to Probation in Patient 

Medication Death; Associated Press; May 13, 2022; 

https://apnews.com/article/health-homicide-tennesseenashville-1e196d4e4358a20141385494426cdbe7 

3. Timms, Mariah, et al; RaDonda Vaught Sentenced to 

Three Years’ Probation on a Diverted Sentence, Could 

See Record Wiped; Nashville Tennessean; May 13, 

2022; https://finance.yahoo.com/news/radonda-vaughtsentenced-three-years-194115731.html?fr=sycsrp_ 

catchall 

4. RaDonda Vaught Receives Three Years’ Probation on 

Diverted Sentence; USA Today, May 13, 2022; https:// 

www.usatoday.com/story/news/crime/2022/05/13/ 

radonda-vaught-vanderbilt-nurse-sentencing-liveupdates/9717397002/ 

5. Former Nurse RaDonda Vaught, Whose Medical Error 

Killed a Patient, Sentenced to Probation in Controversial 

Case; CBS News, May 13, 2022; https://www.cbsnews. 

com/news/radonda-vaught-sentencing-nurse-whosemedical-error-killed-a-patient-sentenced-to-probationin-controversial-case/ 

6. Id. 

Join our team! 

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Nursing 

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The 2022 Session of the 

89th Iowa General Assembly 

officially ended shortly after 

midnight on Wednesday, May 

25. It was Session Day 135 of 

the scheduled 100-day session, 

after a month-long stalemate 

over taxpayer-funded private 

school educational scholarships 

(aka vouchers). Adjournment 

followed two very long debate 

days where all ten budgets, a 

second tax bill, the first revision 

of the state’s bottle bill since 

its passage 44 years ago, and 

several major policy bills flew 

through the process. The 

Successful End to 2022 Legislative Session 

Amy Campbell, 

Lobbyist and 

Partner with 

The Advocacy 

Cooperative 

complicated Health & Human Services Budget took 

less than 15 minutes in the Iowa Senate, surely a new 

record. 

While your elected legislators are now back on the 

campaign trail, the very last phase of the 2022 session 

has started. The Governor now has 30 days to review 

and act on legislation. During that time, she can either 

sign or veto the bills sent to her during the mad dash 

at the end of the session. On budget bills, she has the 

added option of using her line-item veto authority 

to take out specific sections of those bills while still 

signing the rest of its contents into law. 

It was not an easy year for the Iowa Nurses 

Association; the anti-public health challenges 

continued throughout session, first with the “Medical 

Freedom” bill that would have made barred any 

vaccine requirements and next with the “Right to 

Try” legislation to allow people to ask for unproven 

treatments requiring COVID-19 vaccinations (HF 2298) 

and required written parental permission prior to a 

school doing any invasive physical exams or screenings 

not required by law (SF 2080). Book banning, 

criminalizing teaching, parent’s rights, and anti-LGBTQ+ 

legislation generated a lot of activity including packed 

subcommittee meetings in the first half of session, 

before all fell apart with nothing passing. 

The Iowa Nurses Association had some great wins in 

2022: 

• Nurses will no longer be required to get 

additional certification (pharmacy tech) in order 

to administer vaccines under the order of a 

pharmacist; it’s already within their scope of 

practice (HF 2169). 

• The Health Care Professional Recruitment 

Program, which currently is limited to physician 

assistants, physical therapists, occupational 

therapists, podiatrists, athletic trainers, and 

physicians, was expanded to include nurses and 

ARNPs and allows loan repayment to community 

colleges (SF 2383). The program continues to be 

level funded at $500,973 (HF 2575). 

• The primary loan repayment program for nurses 

and ARNPs was renamed the “Health Care Award 

Program,” converting it from a loan repayment 

program to a direct financial award that is 

available to nurses, ARNPs, nurse-educators, 

and physician assistants (SF 2383). The bill also 

allows part-time nurse educators to receive an 

award if they are also practicing as a nurse or 

ARNP. In addition, the program was doubled from 

$250,000 to $500,000 (HF 2575). 

• Access to mental health services will be improved 

with the passage of bills that: 

o Create a new $520,000 loan repayment 

program for non-prescribing mental health 

professionals, including social workers, mental 

health counselors, psychologists, and marriage 

and family therapists (HF 2549, HF 2575). 

o Increase school-based mental health services 

by $200,000 and therapeutic classrooms by 

$$725,000 (HF 2575). 

o Add two new rural psychiatric residencies 

($200,000) and twelve psychiatric residencies 

in state-owned institutions ($1.2 million) (HF 

2578). 

o Increase behavioral health intervention service 

rates at Psychiatric Medical Institutions for 

Children by $3 million and applied behavior 

analysis rates by $385,000 (HF 2578). 

o Requires the development of psychiatric tiered 

rates, increasing reimbursement for more 

complex conditions (HF 2546, HF 2578). 

This session also saw passage of bills to require 

schools test for and mitigate radon, regulate heath 

care employment agencies and bar the use of noncompete 

clauses, allows inhalers to be stocked 

and self-administered in schools, allows only the 

Legislature to appropriate funds generated from 

the opioid settlement (not the Attorney General), 

restricted the actions of pharmacy benefits managers 

(PBMs), made fertility fraud a crime, cut income taxes 

significantly, made diapers (both adult and child) 

and feminine hygiene products exempt from sales 

tax, created a new program to support pregnant 

and new moms (“MOMS” – “More Opportunities 

for Maternal Support”) while studying how other 

states have expanded their Medicaid program to 

include 12-months postpartum coverage, and made 

sweeping changes to the state’s unemployment law. 

Unfortunately, efforts to protect operative nurses from 

surgical smoke fell short in the Iowa Senate (HF 783). 

You can see more about what passed, and what 

didn’t make the cut this year, in our Bill Tracker. It’s 

important to note that summer and fall are the 

absolute best times to advocate on behalf of Iowa 

nurses. Legislators are running in new districts 

this year, thanks to the decennial redrawing of the 

legislative lines after the US Census. You may very 

well be in new districts, with new legislators running. 

It’s a great time to get to know the people running 

for office and talking to them about the nursing 

profession. 

Thanks to the INA Public Policy Committee and all 

who helped with INA’s advocacy efforts this year; it 

takes a village.


The Importance of Caring for Those Who Care 

In May, nurses celebrated Florence Nightingale’s birthday, 

National Nurses week, and hosted the time-honored 

tradition of a pinning ceremony for hundreds of nursing 

graduates who anxiously prepare for NCLEX and eager to 

begin their professional nursing practice. This is a generation 

of nurses whose education faced unique challenges due to 

COVID 19. While educators were forced to find innovative 

ways to teach critical content; students found creative 

ways to apply skills and become proficient in their clinical 

judgement. Melding the experience and knowledge of 

expert nurses and the energy and vision of novice nurses will 

strengthen our profession. Successful transition into practice 

includes finding (or being assigned) a mentor who can 

actively listen, provide feedback, encourage and generate 

enthusiasm for nursing practice. However, finding time to 

be an effective mentor for nurses entering practice can be 

difficult to add to an already demanding workload. 

Dawn M. Bowker, 

Ph.D., RN, ARNP- 

BC, SANE 

INA Director of 

Public Policy 

Latoya Stewart shared an early conversation she had with her mentor when she 

became a nurse manager, her mentor asked, “what would you prefer in a garden, 

orchids, or weeds?” Stewart quickly responded orchids. The mentor explained that 

there are two types of nurses, orchids and weeds. Orchids demand more care and 

attention, and are more sensitive. Adversely, the weeds are resilient, and can grow 

even in difficult situations. Stewart expressed that she has learned over the years 

that even weeds need attention. 

Nurse mentor and mentees need to be tended to and these relationships need 

to be fostered. Employers need to care for nurses as much as nurses care for 

their patients. This includes addressing staffing ratios, looking at illness levels and 

the complexity of patients, and making sure they are not putting nurses in unsafe 

working conditions by having to care for too many sick patients at one time 

(Hernandez 2022). 

In addition to staffing ratios, Larkin, a public policy nurse for the Robert Wood 

Johnson Foundation articulated three trends in nursing: 

1. More young nurses who have just entered the profession leave the 

profession and leave bedside nursing. 

According to Larkin, 100,000 nurses left the profession last year. This 

is alarming and disturbing, because a large percentage of the nurses 

leaving were under the age of 35. Nurses listed burnout and fatigue as 

the most common reason for leaving their job. Nurses also cited violence 

at the bedside both physically and mentally by patients and their families 

(Hernandez 2022; Scripps National, 2022). 

Approximately 25% of registered nurses reported being physically assaulted 

by a patient or family member, while over 50% reported exposure to verbal 

abuse or bullying (Al-Qadi, 2021). The adverse effect of horizontal violence 

and interprofessional conflict is a significant issue amongst nurses. The 

consequences of workplace violence are manifested through increased sick 

leave, decreased job satisfaction, a high turnover rate, very low productivity, 

and an increase in error frequency by staff (Al-Qadi, 2021). An alarming 

17.2% of nurses leave their position every year due to workplace violence (Al- 

Qadi, 2021). 

2. Nursing is experiencing its sharpest exit in decades; more people are 

applying to nursing schools than they have room for and the future 

of nursing is changing. 

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) 

student enrollment in baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs 

increased in 2020 despite concerns that the pandemic might diminish interest 

in nursing careers. In programs designed to prepare new registered nurses at 

the baccalaureate level, enrollment increased by 5.6% with 251,145 students 

now studying in these programs nationwide (AACN, 2021). Compounding 

the critical need for nurses, there is a nursing faculty shortage. Over 80,000 

eligible nursing applicants were denied admission in undergraduate and 

graduate nursing programs, most often due to a shortage of nursing faculty. 

The National League for Nursing predicts there will be 34,200 new nursing 

faculty needed by the end of 2022 (AACN, 2020). 

3. Build self-care modalities in nursing curricula. 

Nursing programs need to make sure they are building in self-care into 

curriculum to help nurses recognize what they need to do for their own 

well-being and learn to be resilient, yet recognize the signs of when they 

need help (Scripps National, 2022). Neglecting self-care responsibilities can 

contribute to a cascade of adverse outcomes including musculoskeletal pain 

and depression. Nurses who are not present and caring for themselves have 

higher patient falls, medication errors, and lower quality of care scores. This 

demonstrates how neglected self-care can be detrimental to both the nurse 

and their patients. Additionally, stress contributes to chronic disease. The 

stress hormone cortisol and the hormone adrenaline can build up in the 

bloodstream and lead to hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, arteriosclerosis, 

hypertension, and a decrease in the function of the immune system. 

Ignoring stress can also lead to chronic fatigue and/or depression (Kelbach, 

2022). Kelbach addresses eight areas of self-care including mental, physical, 

emotional, spiritual, social, personal, professional, and medical aspects. If you 

are not engaging in a self-care modality, this article provides ideas on how 

you can begin a productive self-care routine. 

The pandemic has shown us that nurses are very resilient, but also very 

vulnerable. Recent exposure to nurse suicide is a scream for open dialogue 

and need to break the culture of silence regarding suicide among nurses. A 

recent study published by the CDC showed that more than 70 percent of 

health care workers in the US suffer from anxiety and depression, 38 percent 

have symptoms of PTSD and 15 percent have had recent thoughts of suicide 

or self-harm. 

Policy and Advocacy 

Given their powerful role in influencing people, policies, and systems; nurses 

are needed in government positions, on the boards of for-profits and not-for-profit 

organizations and mentoring the next generation of nurses. Nurses are leaders, 

and we need them to lead. Systems are only as good as the people in front of 

them providing the guidance and support and that requires careful listening. 

What we really need to be doing is making sure that the employers, policy makers 

and schools of nursing are supporting nurses every day in the job they are doing 

(Hernandez 2022). 

References 

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2021, April 1). Student Enrollment Surged 

in U.S. Schools of Nursing in 2020 Despite Challenges Presented by the Pandemic. 

Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Press-Releases/View/ 

ArticleId/24802/2020-survey-data-student-enrollment 

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2020). Nursing faculty shortage. Retrieved 

from https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-information/fact-sheets/nursing-facultyshortage 

Ahmad, Najaf (2022, May 2). Good things happen when nurses lead. Retrieved from https:// 

www.rwjf.org/en/blog/2022/05/good-things-happen-when-nurses-lead.html 

Al-Qadi M. M. (2021). Workplace violence in nursing: A concept analysis. Journal of 

occupational health, 63(1), e12226. https://doi.org/10.1002/1348-9585.12226 

Kelbach J. (2022). The Ultimate Guide to Self-Care for Nurses. Registered Nurses.org 

Retrieved from https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/ultimate-guide-self-carenurses/ 

Hernandez, S. (2022, May 13). This data is disturbing: Why over a 100K nurses left their 

job last year. Retrieved from https://www.kxan.com/news/national-news/this-data-wasalarming-and-disturbing-why-over-a-100k-nurses-left-their-job-last-year/ 

Scripps National (2022, May 12). Nurses facing workplace challenges amid changing 

landscape. Retrieved from https://www.wcpo.com/news/national/nurses-facingworkplace-challenges-amid-changing-landscape 

Stewart, L.L. (2022, May 04). Nursing is not gardening, but you must still attend to the 

weeds. Medscape. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/973271 

NursingALD.com can point you 

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Meeting the Nurse Staffing Challenge, Part One: Recruitment Tips 

Georgia Reiner, MS, CPHRM, Risk Specialist, NSO 

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted nurses to 

rethink their careers and reinforced the need for healthcare 

and nursing leaders to shift their approach to nurse 

recruitment and retention. A 2021 survey by the American 

Nurses Foundation found that 18 percent of 22,316 

respondents planned to leave their current position in 

the next six months. When the data are sorted by nurses 

working in hospitals (8,524), that percentage rises to 21 

percent. These pandemic-related staffing problems are 

intensified by factors that existed before COVID-19 and 

that still plague leaders. For example, hospitals in rural areas 

continue to struggle more with nurse staffing than those 

in urban locations. Generational differences also exist, 

with Generation Zers and Millennials more likely to leave 

positions compared to Generation Xers and Baby Boomers. 

The exodus of bedside nurses takes its toll on remaining 

staff and, in some cases, quality of care. 

Too often, organizations have viewed nurses primarily 

as an expense, failing to understand that investing in this 

workforce yields financial rewards. High-quality nursing 

care helps to reduce the likelihood of patient safety 

events and costly medical malpractice lawsuits related 

to missed errors. Savvy leaders know that ensuring 

appropriate staffing levels is key to the financial health 

of the organization, which means engaging in effective 

recruitment and retention strategies. This article, the first 

in a two-part series on nursing recruitment and retention, 

will address recruitment strategies that leaders can utilize to 

help attract new nurses to their organization. 

Recruitment 

Nursing and other organizational leaders need to work 

closely with human resources staff to ensure recruitment 

processes are efficient and effective: 

Craft ads that work. First impressions count. Everyone 

is your competitor for a limited pool of nursing talent, so 

do what you can to make your organization stand out as 

an attractive place to work. Be sure images in recruitment 

ads reflect the organization, particularly when it comes 

to diversity. Many organizations feature their own nurses 

in ads, which has the additional benefit of employee 

recognition. Try to make your messaging as personalized 

as possible, emphasizing your organization’s culture and 

authentically communicating why nurses should want to be 

a part of your organization. 

Reach out early. Ask staff who work with students 

completing clinical rotations to identify those who might 

make good employees when they graduate. Then get to 

know the students and encourage them to apply when the 

time comes. If you lead a specialty unit, invite students to 

attend meetings (onsite or virtual) of local chapters of the 

national specialty nursing association so they can learn 

more about the role. You also may want to partner with 

local schools to teach a class or workshop so you can 

connect with students. 

Promote digital efforts. Organizations’ websites 

often miss the opportunity to feature nurses. Your facility’s 

website should have a special section highlighting nursing, 

including stories that feature individual nurses. You can ask 

staff to record video testimonials that highlight what they 

enjoy about working for your organization. In addition, 

your organization’s job portal and job application process 

should not be so cumbersome that potential employees 

give up in frustration. 

Individualize benefits. Avoid a “one size fits all” 

approach to benefits. Instead, offer a menu that nurses 

can choose from. For example, a late-career nurse may be 

more interested in retirement-matching funds, but a newerto-practice 

nurse may be attracted to a flexible schedule, 

tuition or student loan assistance, or child-care benefits. 

Obtain Magnet® status. Becoming a Magnet®designated 

facility can be expensive, but many nurses 

prefer organizations with this designation, so it can be 

well worth the investment. Magnet® status also may 

help reduce turnover and decrease patient morbidity and 

mortality. 

Provide optimal onboarding. This is often discussed 

as a retention tool, but it also falls under the recruitment 

category, as potential employees want to know how 

supported they will be in their new role. This is particularly 

true of new graduate nurses, who have seen their recently 

graduated colleagues rushed into practice as a result of the 

pandemic. Many organizations are being shortsighted in 

cutting back on nurse residency programs, which not only 

attract staff, but also promote a smoother transition into 

practice, thus increasing retention. 

Preceptors should be chosen based not only on their 

level of expertise, but their effectiveness as educators. 

Orientees (and preceptors) should know that they can 

speak up if the match isn’t working. 

Be sure staff feel warmly welcomed. For example, 

some organizations send a signed welcome card to the 

employee’s home before their start date. Others post 

the employee’s name and photo in a visible location on 

the unit. 

Check in regularly with new staff to see how they are 

adjusting, such as weekly for a month, then every other 

month or so, and then after 6 months. 

Meeting the challenge 

Finding creative solutions to recruit nurses is more 

important than ever. However, it is only the first piece 

of the puzzle to building a robust nursing team. 

Creating a safe, supportive work environment that 

recognizes nurses’ meaningful contributions is essential 

to encourage nurses to want to keep working for your 

organization. Part two will discuss retention strategies 

that healthcare and nursing leaders can employ to help 

increase the likelihood that they retain current nursing 

staff. 

References 

American Nurses Credentialing Center. Magnet benefits. n.d. 

https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/ 

magnet/about-magnet/why- become-magnet/benefits/ 

American Nurses Foundation. COVID-19 impact assessment 

survey – the first year. 2021. https://www.nursingworld. 

org/practice-policy/work- environment/health-safety/ 

disaster-preparedness/coronavirus/what-you-need-toknow/year-one-covid-19-impact-assessment-survey/ 

CNA & NSO. Nurse Professional Liability Exposure Claim 

Report: 4th Edition: Minimizing Risk, Achieving Excellence. 

2020. https://www.nso.com/Learning/Artifacts/Claim- 

Reports/Minimizing-Risk-Achieving-Excellence 

Malliaris AP, Phillips J, Bakerjian, D. Nursing and Patient Safety. 

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 2021. 

https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/nursing-and-patient-safety 

Pink D. When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing. 

Riverhead Books; 2019. 

Reitz O, Anderson M, Hill PD. Job embeddedness and nurse 

retention. Nurs Admin Q. 2010;34(3):190-200. 

Sherman RO. The Nuts and Bolts of Nursing Leadership: Your 

Toolkit for Success. Rose. O. Sherman; 2021. 

Wolters Kluwer. Ten recruiting strategies to attract nurses. 

2019. https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/ 

ten-recruiting-strategies-to-attract- nurses 

Disclaimer: The information offered within this article 

reflects general principles only and does not constitute 

legal advice by Nurses Service Organization (NSO) 

or establish appropriate or acceptable standards of 

professional conduct. Readers should consult with an 

attorney if they have specific concerns. Neither Affinity 

Insurance Services, Inc. nor NSO assumes any liability 

for how this information is applied in practice or for the 

accuracy of this information. 

This risk management information was provided 

by Nurses Service Organization (NSO), the nation’s 

largest provider of nurses’ professional liability 

insurance coverage for over 550,000 nurses since 

1976. The individual professional liability insurance 

policy administered through NSO is underwritten by 

American Casualty Company of Reading, Pennsylvania, 

a CNA company. Reproduction without permission 

of the publisher is prohibited. For questions, send an 

e-mail to service@nso.com or call 1-800-247-1500. 

www.nso.com. 

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How Nurses Can Counter Health Misinformation 

The wealth of health information available 

online can be beneficial for patients, but only 

if that information is accurate. Although recent 

issues on misinformation have centered on the 

COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation has been a 

problem in many other areas related to wellness 

and healthcare, such as dieting, exercise, and 

vitamins and supplements. Although misinformation 

isn’t new, the internet and social media have 

supercharged the ability for it to spread. 

Nurses and nurse practitioners have the power 

to counteract misinformation, but first, they need 

to understand the nature of the problem and why 

people may be inclined to believe information that 

is not grounded in science. 

Misinformation overview 

Two definitions help better understand this issue. 

Misinformation refers to claims that conflict with 

the best available scientific evidence. Disinformation 

refers to a coordinated or deliberate effort to 

spread misinformation for personal benefit, 

such as to gain money, power, or influence. An 

example of misinformation is the false claim 

that sugar causes hyperactivity in children. An 

example of disinformation is a company that makes 

false scientific claims about the efficacy of their 

product to boost sales. This article focuses on 

misinformation. 

People increasingly seek health information 

online through sources such as search engines, 

health-related websites, YouTube videos, and apps. 

Unfortunately, misinformation can occur at all these 

points, as well as via blogs, social media platforms, 

and user comments on articles or posts. Even when 

not actively seeking health information, people can 

be exposed to it through media outlets such as 

print, TV, and streaming networks. 

Why do people believe misinformation? 

Several factors can lead to people accepting 

misinformation: 

Health literacy. Health literacy refers not only 

to the ability to read and understand health 

information, but the appraisal and application of 

knowledge. People with lower levels of health 

literacy may be less able to critically assess the 

quality of online information, leading to flawed 

decision-making. One particular problem is that 

content is frequently written at a level that is too 

high for most consumers. 

Distrust in institutions. Past experiences with 

the healthcare system can influence a person’s 

willingness to trust the information provided. 

This includes not only experiences as an individual 

but also experiences of those in groups people 

affiliate with. Many people of color and those with 

disabilities, for example, have had experiences with 

healthcare providers where they did not feel heard 

or received substandard care, eroding trust. In 

some cases, healthcare providers have lied, as was 

the case with the Tuskegee syphilis study of Black 

men; the men were not told they had the disease 

or offered treatment. In addition, some people have 

an inherent distrust of government, leading them to 

turn to alternative sources of information that state 

government-provided facts are not correct. 

Emotions. Emotions can play a role in both the 

spread and acceptance of misinformation. For 

example, false information tends to spread faster 

than true information, possibly because of the 

emotions it elicits. And Chou and colleagues 

note that during a crisis when emotions are high, 

people feel more secure and in control when they 

have information—even when that information is 

incorrect. 

Cognitive bias. This refers to the tendency to seek 

out evidence that supports a person’s own point 

of view while ignoring evidence that does not. If 

the misinformation supports their view, they might 

accept it even when it’s incorrect. 

How to combat misinformation 

Recommending resources, teaching consumers 

how to evaluate resources, and communicating 

effectively can help reduce the negative effects of 


Recommendations. In many cases, patients and 

families feel they have a trusting relationship with 

their healthcare providers. Nurses can leverage that 

trust by recommending credible sources of health 

information. Villarruel and James note that before 

making a recommendation, nurses should consider 

the appropriateness of the source. For example, 

a source may be credible, but the vocabulary 

used may be at too high a level for the patient 

to understand. And someone who prefers visual 

learning will not appreciate a website that is dense 

with text. Kington and colleagues suggest using 

these foundational principles when evaluating 

sources: 

• Science-based: The source provides 

information consistent with the best scientific 

evidence available and meets standards for 

creation, review, and presentation of scientific 

content. 

• Objective: The source takes steps to reduce 

the influence of financial and other forms 

of conflict of interest or bias that could 

compromise or be perceived to compromise 

the quality of the information provided. 

• Transparent and accountable: The source 

discloses limitations of the provided 

information, conflicts of interest, content 

errors, or procedural missteps. 

• Each principle has specific attributes, which 

are listed in the article available for download 

at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ 

PMC8486420/. 

Another tool for evaluating sources of health 

information is the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, 

Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose), which focuses 

on evaluating the accuracy of research. It consists 

of multiple questions in each category (see https:// 

researchguides.ben.edu/source-evaluation). For a 

more concise tool, nurses can turn to the algorithm, 

developed by Kington and colleagues, for assessing 

the credibility of online health information. 

Although the tendency is to recommend 

government sources such as the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention and National 

Institutes of Health, as noted earlier, some people 

do not trust the government. In this case, sources 

such as MedlinePlus, World Health Organization, 

and condition-specific nonprofit organizations 

(e.g., the American Heart Association, American 

Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association) might be 

preferred. 

Education. The sheer scope of the information 

found online can make it difficult for even the most 

astute consumer to determine what is accurate. 

Nurses can help patients by providing tools they 

can use to evaluate what they read. The website 

Stronger suggests a four-step process for checking 

for misinformation (https://stronger.org/resources/ 

how-to- spot-misinformation). 

• Check the source. Is the website or person 

known for conflating facts and opinions? 

• Check the date. Is it implied that the 

information is recent even though it’s not? 

Is there more current information available 

elsewhere? 

• Check the data and motive. What is the 

original source of the information? Are they 

just looking for anything that supports their 

own worldview? 

• If still unsure, use a reputable, fact-checking 

site such as Snopes.com or FactCheck.org. 

UCSF Health (https://www.ucsfhealth.org/ 

education/evaluating- health-information) provides 

a useful short overview for patients on how to 

evaluate the credibility (e.g., authors’ credentials) 

and accuracy (e.g., whether other sources support 

the information) of health information and red 

flags to watch for (e.g., outdated information, no 

evidence cites, poor grammar). 

Communication. Communication is the 

best way to correct misinformation and stop 

its spread. This starts with the nurse clearly 

explaining the evidence for recommended 

interventions. From the start, the nurse should 

establish the principle of shared decision-making, 

which encourages open discussion. 

A toolkit from the U.S. Surgeon General on 

misinformation (https://www.hhs.gov/sites/ 

default/files/health-misinformation-toolkitenglish.pdf) 

recommends that nurses take time


to understand each person’s knowledge, beliefs, 

and values and to listen with empathy. It’s best 

to take a proactive approach and create an 

environment that encourages patients and families 

to share their thoughts and concerns (see “A 

proactive approach”). Nurses should remain calm, 

unemotional, and nonjudgmental. 

Nurses also can prepare for conversations 

where they know misinformation may occur such 

as vaccination. For example, the CDC has a page 

on its website that addresses infant vaccination 

(https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/ 

conv-materials.html). It includes resources such as 

responses to possible questions. 

Listening and providing information may not be 

enough. In some cases, a patient may not want 

to hear what the nurse is saying. When patients 

become angry or frustrated, the nurse should 

remain calm. It can be helpful to acknowledge 

the frustration (“I can see that you are upset.”) 

Depending on the situation, it may be possible to 

briefly summarize key points before reinforcing the 

desire to provide information to support the patient 

and then move on to another topic. The goal is 

to maintain a positive nurse-patient relationship, 

which leaves the door open to further conversation. 

Documentation 

As with any patient education, it’s important to 

document discussions related to misinformation in 

the patient’s health record. Nurses should objectively 

record what occurred and include any education 

material they provided. Should the patient experience 

harm as a result of following misinformation 

instead of the recommended treatment plan, this 

documentation would demonstrate the nurse’s efforts 

and could help avoid legal action. 

A positive connection 

Nurses can serve as a counterbalance to the 

misinformation that is widely available online. 

Providing useful resources, educating consumers, 

and engaging in open dialogue will promote the 

ability of patients to receive accurate information so 

they can make informed decisions about their care. 

By Georgia Reiner, MS, CPHRM, Risk Analyst, 

Nurses Service Organization (NSO) 

References 

CDC. How to address COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. 

2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/healthdepartments/addressing-vaccine- 


html 

CDC. Talking with parents about vaccines for infants. 2021. 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/convmaterials.html 

CDC. The U.S. public health service syphilis study at Tuskegee. 

2021. https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/index.html 

Chou W-YS, Gaysynsky A, Vanderpool RC. The COVID-19 

misinfodemic: Moving beyond fact-checking. Health 

Educ Behav. 2020;1090198120980675:1- 5. 

Kington RS, Arnesen S, Chou W-YS, Curry SJ, Lazer D, 

and Villarruel AM. Identifying credible sources of 

health information in social media: Principles and 

attributes. NAM Perspect. 2021:10.31478/202107a. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ 

PMC8486420/ 

Kurpiel S. Evaluating Sources: The CRAAP Test. 

Benedictine University. 2022. https://researchguides. 

ben.edu/source-evaluation 

Office of the Surgeon General. A Community Toolkit for 

Addressing Health Misinformation. US Department 

of Health and Human Services. 2021. https://www. 

hhs.gov/sites/default/files/health-misinformationtoolkit-english.pdf 

Stronger. How to spot misinformation. n.d. https:// 

stronger.org/resources/how-to-spot-misinformation 

Schulz PJ, Nakamoto K. The perils of misinformation: 

When health literacy goes awry. Nat Rev Nephrol. 

2022. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41581-021- 

00534-z 

Swire-Thompson B, Lazer D. Public health and online 

misinformation: Challenges and recommendations. 

Annu Rev Public Health. 2020;41:433-451. UCSF 

Health. Evaluating health information. n.d. https:// 

www.ucsfhealth.org/education/evaluating-healthinformation 

Villarruel AM, James R. Preventing the spread of 

misinformation. Am Nurs J. 2022;17(2):22-26. https:// 

www.myamericannurse.com/preventing-the-spreadof-misinformation/ 

Disclaimer: The information offered within this 

article reflects general principles only and does 

not constitute legal advice by Nurses Service 

Organization (NSO) or establish appropriate or 

acceptable standards of professional conduct. 

Readers should consult with an attorney if they 

have specific concerns. Neither Affinity Insurance 

Services, Inc. nor NSO assumes any liability for 

how this information is applied in practice or for 

the accuracy of this information. Please note that 

Internet hyperlinks cited herein are active as of the 

date of publication but may be subject to change or 

discontinuation. 

This risk management information was provided 

by Nurses Service Organization (NSO), the nation’s 

largest provider of nurses’ professional liability 

insurance coverage for over 550,000 nurses since 

1976. The individual professional liability insurance 

policy administered through NSO is underwritten 

by American Casualty Company of Reading, 

Pennsylvania, a CNA company. Reproduction 

without permission of the publisher is prohibited. 

For questions, send an e-mail to service@nso.com 

or call 1-800-247-1500. www.nso.com. 

A proactive 

approach 

Villarruel and James provide the following 

suggestions for talking with patients about 

misinformation: 

• Acknowledge the barrage of health 

information that is available online and 

through other sources and the difficulty 

of “knowing who and what to trust.” (“I 

know there’s a great deal of information 

about COVID-19 and not all of it is the 

same. Sometimes, it’s hard to sort it out 

and know what to trust.”) 

• Assess where patients and families 

obtain their health information and 

what sources they trust. Keep in mind 

that even when a source is credible, a 

person may not trust it, and a person 

may trust a site that is not credible. 

(“Where do you get most of your 

information about COVID-19? What 

makes that a trusted source for you?”) 

• Provide alternative and accurate 

sources of information. (“I’m not 

familiar with that website, but I’ll look 

at it and let you know what I think. 

In the meantime, here’s where I get 

information and why I trust it.”) 

• When correcting misinformation be 

nonjudgmental. (“I’ve heard similar 

information about not getting 

vaccinated. Here’s what I’ve learned 

from the science and why I believe 

getting vaccinated is important and 

safe.”) 

Source: Villarruel AM, James R. Preventing 

the spread of misinformation. Am Nurs J. 

2022;17(2):22-26. https://www.myamericannurse. 

com/preventing-the-spread-of-misinformation/


Encouraging Nurses to Advocate for the LGBTQ+ Community 

For the 20th year in a row, nurses were rated the 

most trusted profession in the United States, so when we 

advocate for something, people truly respect our opinions 

(Gains, 2022). One aggregate population nurses can increase 

advocacy efforts for, learn from, and more about is the 

LGBTQ+ community. As a newly graduated BSN, I have a 

unique insight from a professional perspective, as well as 

a personal perspective, having lived through and continue 

to navigate many issues as a member of the LGBTQ+ 

community myself. 

The next few paragraphs explore different aspects in the 

lives of the LGBTQ+ community, that would benefit from 

greater advocacy from Iowa Nurses. 

Healthcare Advocacy: 

LGBTQ+ patients are more prone to discrimination 

Brian Portillo 

BSN, RN 

Iowa State 

Nursing Program 

in healthcare, which can have poorer outcomes for their long-term health. 

One out of every six LGBTQ+ patients have reported evading healthcare, 

simply from prior experiences of personal discrimination (Casey, et. al., 2019). 

An article published by the Journal of Health Services Research suggests that 

pervasive discrimination in healthcare should be addressed at the “institutional 

and (especially) interpersonal levels” (Casey, et. al. 2019, p. 1464). In order to 

reduce discrimination and increase awareness of the unique needs of LGBTQ 

patients, nurses need to become aware of policies that advocate for the 

LGBTQ+ community and intentionally learn more about the unique needs of the 

community. One way to increase awareness and understanding of the disparities 

faced by the LGBTQ+ community could require training and education for the 

care of LGBTQ+ patients into yearly competencies for nurses and other health 

care providers. 

Political Advocacy: 

There are currently numerous articles being introduced in the 89th General 

Assembly, that are looking to further minimize the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in 

Iowa. One potential bill introduced to the Iowa legislature, HF 340, looks to provide 

a formal definition that a “Woman” is only to be considered someone who is born 

with female genitalia, seeking to revise the current law, that accepts the gender 

identity that a person has chosen for themselves (Iowa House of Representatives 

(2022). These types of bills directly affect the level of acceptance and inclusivity 

that the LGBTQ+ community (specifically transgender individuals) receive from 

the general public. I encourage all nurses to write your state representatives and 

implore them to vote against HF 340. 

Mental Health Advocacy: 

Iowan nurses need to advocate and make a call to increase resources 

and health care access for LGBTQ+ oriented mental health care for at-risk 

youth. I have personal experience with the struggles that LGBTQ+ youth dealt 

with during the pandemic. I lost my niece just this past November after their 

own battle with mental health issues, while also coming to terms with being 

transgender. The difficulties that came with the social isolation produced 

by the pandemic have only exacerbated the mental health disparities that are 

experienced by the LGBTQ+ youth of our community (Green, Price-Feeney, & 

Dorison, 2020). Now more than ever, access to LGBTQ+ oriented mental health 

care greatly needs to be expanded for our youths, who are suffering through 

a once-in-a-lifetime event. Nurses can make their voices heard by advocating 

for increased public funding and expansion of essential mental health services 

and ensuring that lawmakers are fully aware of the critical need during these 

unprecedented times. 

HIV Advocacy: 

HIV is a topic that I have always been particularly passionate about. I was named 

after my Uncle Brian, who contracted HIV in the mid-1980’s, and passed away from 

complications of AIDS shortly after my birth in 1989. Since then, I’ve seen amazing 

advances in prevention and treatment for HIV, and as a member of the LGBTQ+ 

community, I owe it to my predecessors to utilize the resources we have to minimize the 

risk of HIV for ourselves and others. Iowa nurses can advocate for better access to HIV 

education, testing, prevention, and treatment, while ensuring that we are providing the 

appropriate resources for those patients who are at an increased risk of HIV, specifically 

bisexual and gay men, who make up around 69% of new HIV infections each year (HIV. 

gov, 2019). 

I understand that nurses’ passions are wide-ranging and are invested in numerous 

specialties. Regardless of our specialty, we will care for individuals from the LGBTQ+ 

community. Being aware of the unique challenges and needs, and the limited access 

to LGBTQ+ sensitive healthcare and mental health services and addressing the 

pervasive discrimination will decrease the disparities experienced in the LGBTQ+ 

community. Furthermore, increased advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community in Iowa, will 

help realize the ideals set forth by The Future of Nursing 2020-2030, Specifically the 

recommendation which notes that “Nurses reflect the people and communities served 

throughout the nation, helping to ensure that individuals receive culturally competent, 

equitable health care services” (Wakefield, Williams, Menestrel, & Flaubert, 2021, p. 2). 

Through advocacy, nurses can lead the efforts to decrease the disparities and enhance 

the lives of the LGBTQ+ community, right here in Iowa. 

References 

Casey, L. S., Reisner, S. L., Findling, M. G., Blendon, R. J., Benson, J. M., Sayde, J. M., & Miller, 

C. (2019). Discrimination in the United States: Experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, 

transgender, and queer Americans. Health services research, 54 Suppl 2(Suppl 2), 1454– 

1466. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.13229 

Gaines, K. (2022). Nurses ranked as the most trusted profession for 20th year in a row. Nurse. 

org. Retrieved from https://nurse.org/articles/nursing-ranked-most-honest-profession/ 

Green, A., Price-Feeney, M., & Dorison, S. (2020). Implications of COVID-19 for LGBTQ Youth 

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. The Trevor Project. Retrieved May 10, 2022, from 

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ 

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hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/who-is-at-risk-for-hiv#:~:text=In%20the%20 

United%20States%2C%20gay,69%25%20of%20new%20HIV%20diagnoses. 

Iowa House of Representatives (2022). House File 340 introduced: An act relating to the 

construction of the Iowa Civil rights. Retrieved from https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ 

publications/LGI/89/HF340.pdf 

Wakefield, M. K., Williams, D. R., Menestrel, S. L., & Flaubert, J. L. (2021). The Future of Nursing 

2020-2030: Charting a path to achieve health equity. The National Academies Press. 

WOLFE EYE CLINIC- 

Better Vision, for a better life! 

Registered Nurses 

In medical practice since 1919, Wolfe Eye Clinic is a multi-specialty clinic providing 

surgical services and vision care throughout Iowa. 

At Wolfe Eye Clinic, we create Better Vision for a Better Life. 

Due to growth, Wolfe Eye Clinic and Wolfe Surgery Center has immediate openings 

for Registered Nurses in the Iowa Area. Some area travel required. 

Employees receive great wages, paid travel time and mileage, along with a 

competitive benefit package. 

We are looking for motivated candidate that desire to learn in a fast-paced 

environment and have the ability to positively interact with patients while providing 

instruction and education. Candidates should be able to work both independently 

and in a team environment, have excellent customer service skills, remain 

organized, learn and adapt quickly, and maintain excellent communication skills. 

Responsibilities include rooming patients, administering injections, assisting 

physicians with exams, triaging phone calls and responding to tasks, scribing for 

the physician, maintaining electronic medical records, performing insurance pre- 

authorizations and other clinical duties as needed. 

Current Iowa nursing license is required, and clinical nursing experience is preferred. 

If you are interested in being a part of a quality driven organization while receiving 

a competitive wage and daytime work hours, please apply at 

www.wolfeeyeclinic.com/careers or send your resume to 

Angie Carlson at acarlson@wolfeclinic.com. EOE


VA Central Iowa 

Health Care System 

COME CARE FOR OUR 

NATION’S HEROES! 

Nursing opportunities available for all US citizens at the 

VA in Des Moines, Iowa and its Community Based Outpatient 

Clinics located in Carroll, Fort Dodge, Knoxville, Marshalltown, 

and Mason City can be found at the website below. Remember, you 

don’t have to be a Veteran to serve our nation’s Veterans. 

Excellent salary/benefits, guaranteed 40 hour work week, up to 26 

vacation days per year, matching 401(k) type plan, shift/weekend 

differentials, holiday pay, reward/recognition programs, preceptor 

orientation, and scholarship/tuition support programs. 

Recruitment Incentives Available For Many Positions! 

Call 515-639-4583 for more information. 

Submit applications: www.usajobs.gov (keywords: Nurse, Iowa) 

EOE 

Explore a Nursing Career at Avera Holy Family Hospital! 

If you have a passion to enrich the lives and touch the hearts of your patients, consider 

joining our Nursing team in Estherville, IA, by providing compassionate, high quality 

care, and services within a caring Christian culture. 

You may be eligible for the following: 

• $10,000 Retention Bonus 

• Student loan reimbursement up to $10,000 

• NCLEX review course reimbursement 

Avera offers competitive compensation, benefits, and professional growth! 

12 hour shifts • Every third weekend • Shift Differential $3.00/hour 

Weekend Differential $2.00/hour • Free Life, short term, and long term disability 

40 hours of paid time off up front with accrual up to 360 hours • 5% Pension Match 

Health, Dental, Vision, Cancer/Critical Illness, Accident, additional Life and 

Long Term Disability 

Visit our website at www.averaholyfamily.org to learn more about our facility. 

To submit an application log onto our website at www.averajobs.org or call 

Avera Human Resources at 712-362-6490. Please 

reference the appropriate requisition# when applying. 

Avera is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minority/ 

Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Iowa Nurse Reporter - June 2022

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