Vermont Nurse Connection - August 2022

Page 6 • Vermont Nurse Connection August, September, October 2022
ANA VT Membership Assembly continued from page 1
and re-elect nurse champions to public office. It's critically
important - now more than ever - to make sure nurses have
a seat at the table.
At one point during opening comments, immediately
after a new nurse professed how nervous she was to speak
out, I joyfully reminded the entire room to “Speak up,
even if your voice shakes,” and thanked the new nurse,
everyone in the room, and ANA for their service and
advocacy.
Together, we highlighted and celebrated the work
that ANA has been doing with a hearing on our recently
released ANA Racial Reckoning Statement which you can
view here: https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/
workforce/racism-in-nursing/RacialReckoningStatement/
After a report by the Nominations and Elections
Committee, President Grant again entertained and
educated us all with his elegant and elevating words.
Detailed, concise reports by several ANA Subsidiaries
and Constituent Associations helped us understand our
partnerships and colleagues in the American Academy
of Nursing, American Nursing Credentialing Center,
American Nurses Foundation, and National Student
Nurses Association.
Reports from the ANA Chief Nursing Officer, ANA
Treasurer, and ANA Vice President finished the morning
leaving everyone ready for more, excited for the future of
nursing, and reveling in all that ANA has accomplished.
After lunch, we participated in several dialogue
forums: Impact of Climate Change on Health, Advancing
Solutions to Address Verbal Abuse and Workplace
Violence Across the Continuum of Care, and Nurse
Staffing. These forums were ripe with discussion and
debate as nurses from all across the country shared their
thoughts, concerns, and aspirations.
Vermont’s representatives urged the ANA to be
mindful of “zero tolerance” language in Advancing
Solutions to Address Verbal Abuse and Workplace
Violence Across the Continuum of Care in regards to
certain patient populations - such as children living with
Autism, or adults living with Dementia.
Voting delegates and board representatives of each
state voted in support of all forums.
That evening, we had another Candidate Forum
to meet and greet those running for ANA, which was
followed by Regional Meetings and an ANA-PAC
Reception.
Day two started off with your President and delegate
proudly representing you and Vermont nurses, and voting
to choose our new officials!
The APRN Task Force met to work on “Enterprise:
Tools to Dismantle APRN Practice Barriers.”
It wouldn't be a nursing conference without discussing
the impact and implications of COVID-19. We also heard
a warm and heartfelt greeting from the International
Council of Nursing (ICN) President with a message to all
nurses about how important “influence” is and continues
to be, as well as highlighting Nurses For Peace and the
efforts to support Ukraine.
Our own ANA CEO spoke about ANA and nurses as
having emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger
and more determined to achieve our vision and strategic
plan, citing three E’s: Elevate, Engage, and Evolve.
The second morning wrapped up with a Recognition
of Outgoing Members on the ANA Board of Directors,
a Nightingale Tribute, and announcements by ANA Vice
President.
At lunchtime, participants had the option to
participate in one of several meetings: Amplifying the
Voice of the Nurse, Addressing the US Opioid Crisis,
The Role of State Nursing Leaders as Instrumental
Stakeholders Feedback Opportunity, Revision of the
Nursing Administration, or Scope and Standards of
Practice
The second day concluded with a Report of the ANA
Professional Policy Committee and Head Teller. Newly
elected officials were also recognized and honored.
Nurses were also given the opportunity to share both
new business and issues they would like to engage in
including reproductive freedom, gun rights, and inclusive
language for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Closing remarks by the ANA President again left
everyone teary-eyed, laughing, and enlightened. A roomshaking
karaoke to “We Are Family” infused the room
with energy and offered a powerful conclusion to an
amazing and exciting two days!
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Vermont Nurses at Membership Assembly
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