gna president’s message gnf president’s message · knows your name. you want to go where people...

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Catherine Futch, MN, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC The Second Annual Unity Conference will be held October 31 – November 2, 2019 at the Hilton Atlanta Downtown Hotel, 255 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta, GA. We look forward to seeing you there. This conference is for every RN whether staff nurse, educator, advance practice nurse, executive or scholar. Keynote speakers will include Dr. Tim Porter O’Grady, Dr. Debbie Hatmaker and acclaimed speaker Sharon Hulon Cox. Each will bring something you can use in your daily work irrespective of your role. Most important is the recognition that the Unity Conference is for all nurses in all walks of nursing life. If you are an RN working in any one of countless clinical sites, we look forward to seeing you at the Unity Conference. If you are a nurse educator, we look forward to seeing you at the Unity Conference. If you are a Nurse Executive, Dean or Scholar we look forward to seeing you at the Unity Conference. You may ask why a Unity Conference when we have so many other educational offerings you can attend. The answer is simple…it is the one conference when all nurses from all walks of nursing practice, education, and research come together in one place to spend time together, learn from each other, and gain better appreciation of what we each do. So…if you are a staff nurse begin to work with your leadership to obtain approval to attend the Unity Conference. If you are in a leadership role, begin to plan now not only for you to attend but also to make certain some of your staff can attend. It makes a difference when we are together. Of equal importance, it makes a difference when we come from all walks of life to sit together to learn, to talk and to better appreciate what each of us does every day. I look forward to seeing you at the Unity Conference. I will be there and I hope many of you will be there too. Richard Lamphier, RN As we prepare for the 2019 Membership Assembly, I’m reflecting on the many accomplishments over the past two years. We’ve had the opportunity to hire a new CEO, Matt Caseman. His extensive healthcare association background and legislative experience has already brought huge dividends. We are coming off of a successful legislative session where we received $150,000 in the state budget for the Georgia Nurses Foundation’s Peer Assistance Program, which helps nurses struggling with substance abuse. GNA will be meeting with the Department of Public Health in the coming weeks to finalize plans on how to use the funds to help more Georgia nurses throughout the entire state get back on their feet and care for patients. We also helped pass a tax credit for APRNs serving as preceptors to nursing students doing community based rotations. Matt’s financial stewardship has GNA on a positive cash flow. We’ve increased our revenue, while maintaining our costs. I’m excited with our projected profit and loss statements. In my last article, I asked for your help in growing our membership and I am glad to report that our membership is headed in the right direction! Since January, over 300 new nurses joined GNA. In March alone, 83 joined our ranks. Of course there is more work to be done but this is positive news. To all our new members, thank you and welcome aboard! Please continue to encourage your colleagues to join their state named nurses organization. With your help, we will reach our goal of 22 percent by the year 2022. Planning is intensifying for our upcoming Unity Conference on October 31 – November 2, 2019. On Friday November 1st, GNA will have its biennial Membership Assembly at the conference in the morning. This is an opportunity for members to participate in our governing process and the results of the election for board positions will also be announced. If you have not registered for the conference, current resident or Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Princeton, MN Permit No. 14 GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Introduction to Healthcare Workshop.... 2 CEO Corner ...................... 3 Georgia CNS Hosts First Conference . . . 3 2019 Board of Directors Candidates Slate ....................... 4-9 2nd Annual Unity Conference for Nursing Excellence .......... 10-11 Nurse Wellness .................... 12 Peer Assistance Program Receives Funding from the Department of Public Health . . 13 Ask a Nurse Attorney ............... 13 Membership .................... 14-15 Culturally Sensitive Healthcare: Removing the Masks .............. 15 Index Volume 79 • Number 3 • August, September, October 2019 Visit us online at www.georgianurses.org “Nurses shaping the future of professional nursing for a healthier Georgia.” Brought to you by the Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) and the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA), whose dues-paying members make it possible to advocate for nurses and nursing at the state and federal level. The Official Publication of the Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF). Quarterly publication direct mailed to approximately 130,000 RNs in Georgia. Since 1907 The Second Annual Unity Conference Is Coming Soon GNA is Moving in the Right Direction GNA President’s Message continued on page 2 Georgia Nursing

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Page 1: GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

Catherine Futch, MN, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC

The Second Annual Unity Conference will be held October 31 – November 2, 2019 at the Hilton Atlanta Downtown Hotel, 255 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta, GA. We look forward to seeing you there. This conference is for every RN whether staff nurse, educator, advance practice nurse, executive or scholar.

Keynote speakers will include Dr. Tim Porter O’Grady, Dr. Debbie Hatmaker and acclaimed speaker Sharon Hulon Cox. Each will bring something you can use in your daily work irrespective of your role.

Most important is the recognition that the Unity Conference is for all nurses in all walks of nursing life. If you are an RN working in any one of countless clinical sites, we look forward to seeing you at the Unity Conference. If you are a nurse educator, we look forward to seeing you at the Unity Conference. If you are a Nurse Executive, Dean or Scholar we look forward to seeing you at the Unity Conference.

You may ask why a Unity Conference when we have so many other educational offerings you can attend. The answer is simple…it is the one conference when all nurses from all walks of nursing practice, education, and research come together in one place to spend time together, learn from each other, and gain better appreciation of what we each do.

So…if you are a staff nurse begin to work with your leadership to obtain approval to attend the Unity Conference. If you are in a leadership role, begin to plan now not only for you to attend but also to make certain some of your staff can attend. It makes a difference when we are together. Of equal importance, it makes a difference when we come from all walks of life to sit together to learn, to talk and to better appreciate what each of us does every day.

I look forward to seeing you at the Unity Conference. I will be there and I hope many of you will be there too.

Richard Lamphier, RN

As we prepare for the 2019 Membership Assembly, I’m reflecting on the many accomplishments over the past two years.

We’ve had the opportunity to hire a new CEO, Matt Caseman. His extensive healthcare association background and legislative experience has already brought huge dividends. We are coming off of a successful legislative session where we received $150,000 in the state budget for the Georgia Nurses Foundation’s Peer Assistance Program, which helps nurses struggling with substance abuse. GNA will be meeting with the Department of Public Health in the coming weeks to finalize plans on how to use the funds to help more Georgia nurses throughout the entire state get back on their feet and care for patients. We also helped pass a tax credit for APRNs serving as preceptors to nursing students doing community based rotations.

Matt’s financial stewardship has GNA on a positive cash flow. We’ve increased our revenue, while maintaining our costs. I’m excited with our projected profit and loss statements.

In my last article, I asked for your help in growing our membership and I am glad to report that our membership is headed in the right direction! Since January, over 300 new nurses joined GNA. In March alone, 83 joined our ranks. Of course there is more work to be done but this is positive news. To all our new members, thank you and welcome aboard! Please continue to encourage your colleagues to join their state named nurses organization. With your help, we will reach our goal of 22 percent by the year 2022.

Planning is intensifying for our upcoming Unity Conference on October 31 – November 2, 2019. On Friday November 1st, GNA will have its biennial Membership Assembly at the conference in the morning. This is an opportunity for members to participate in our governing process and the results of the election for board positions will also be announced. If you have not registered for the conference,

current resident or

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage Paid

Princeton, MNPermit No. 14

GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Introduction to Healthcare Workshop . . . . 2

CEO Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Georgia CNS Hosts First Conference . . . 3

2019 Board of Directors Candidates Slate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9

2nd Annual Unity Conference for Nursing Excellence . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

Nurse Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Peer Assistance Program Receives Funding from the Department of Public Health . . 13

Ask a Nurse Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Culturally Sensitive Healthcare: Removing the Masks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Index

Volume 79 • Number 3 • August, September, October 2019Visit us online at www.georgianurses.org

“Nurses shaping the future of

professional nursing for a healthier Georgia.”

Brought to you by the Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) and the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA), whose

dues-paying members make it possible to advocate for nurses and nursing at the state and federal level.

The Official Publication of the Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF).Quarterly publication direct mailed to approximately 130,000 RNs in Georgia.

Since 1907

The Second Annual Unity Conference Is Coming Soon

GNA is Moving in the Right Direction

GNA President’s Message continued on page 2

Georgia Nursing

Page 2: GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

Page 2 • Georgia Nursing August, September, October 2019

FOLLOW GNA

please do so today and join us at our membership assembly! We will have important By-Laws to vote on. I think the by-law changes will give the organization the opportunity to grow and prosper. The 2019 strategic planning meeting has outlined a plan to keep GNA financially stable and to grow our member’s benefits.

The Nominations Committee has put together a ballot of extremely talented individuals to fill the GNA

GEORGIANURSING

Volume 79 • Number 3

Managing Editor: Charlotte Báez-Díaz

GEORGIA NURSES FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEESCatherine Futch, President

Sarah Myers, Vice President Alicia Motley, SecretaryWanda Jones, Treasurer

Georgia Barkers, MemberRose Cannon, Member Mary Gullate, MemberGerald Hobbs, MemberRachel Myers, Member

Elizabeth “Beth” Bolton- Harris, MemberRichard Lamphier, MemberMaura Schlairet, Member

Dina Hewett, MemberStephan Davis, Member

GEORGIA NURSES ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORSOFFICERS:

Richard Lamphier, PresidentVacant, President-Elect

Maura Schlairet, SecretaryDina Hewett, Treasurer

DIRECTORSStephan Davis, Director Leadership Development

Sherry Danello, Director Membership DevelopmentIris Hamilton, Director Legislation/Public Policy

Joanne Parks, Director Staff NurseEdward Adams, Director Nursing Practice and Advocacy

Elizabeth “Beth” Bolton-Harris, Director Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Catherine Futch, GNF President

ADMINISTRATIONMatt Caseman, CEO

Tim Davis, Senior Director of Membership andGovernment Affairs

Charlotte Báez-Díaz, Communications ManagerMonica R. Dennis, Administrative Assistant

W. L. Clifton Political Consulting, GNA Lobbyist

For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington Street, PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081. GNF and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement.

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the Georgia Nurses Foundation 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. GNF 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 GNF or those of the national or local associations.

Georgia Nursing is published quarterly every February, May, August and November for the Georgia Nurses Foundation, a constituent member of the American Nurses Association.

GNA/GNF3032 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30329

www.georgianurses.org, [email protected](404) 325-5536

@georgianurses

facebook.com/ganurses

@GeorgiaNurses

Georgia Nurses Association

Board of Director positions for 2019-2021. Please have your voice heard and vote for the candidate you think will serve the members of the organization.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the Georgia Nurses Association 2019 Membership Assembly. Please encourage a friend or colleague to come with you.

GNA President’s Message continued from page 1

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Page 3: GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

August, September, October 2019 Georgia Nursing • Page 3

Matt Caseman, GNA CEO

One of my fond memories from growing up in the 1980s include sitting in our family room on Thursday night watching the classic sitcom Cheers with Mom and Dad. Every week we laughed until our ribs hurt at Normy, Cliff Clavin, Woody and Coach, and the rest of the cast. It was a great time for TV and unlike now, our viewing options were more limited, which was probably good.

And to this day, the show’s theme song is the best ever; “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. And they're always glad you came. You want to be where you can see. The troubles are all the same. You want to be where everybody knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

You might be wondering where I’m going with this, but the Georgia Nurses Association wants to be that place where everyone knows your name, and we are always glad you came. Being a member of GNA can be valuable to you both professionally, and personally. GNA is where you can build friendships for life as well as enhance your career through exceptional learning opportunities.

With that said, our members have stepped up. We are coming off a successful legislative session where nurses advocated for, and helped pass, a tax credit for APRNs serving as preceptors to nursing students doing community based rotations, and GNA received $150,000 in the state budget to help more nurses struggling with substance abuse.

There are also great educational and networking opportunities on the horizon at GNA. Behind the scenes, hardworking nurses are helping plan the Unity Conference on Oct 31st – Nov 2nd at the Hilton Atlanta Downtown Hotel. The Unity Movement is a collaborative initiative launched by the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (UAPRN) of Georgia and us, Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) to support the achievement of nursing excellence. This year's conference will draw regionally from those practicing as a professional nurse, as advanced practice nurse, as a nurse executive, educator, or scholar, as well as students of the nursing profession.

Atlanta Journal Constitution rated this as one of the top healthcare conferences for nurses in 2019! If you have not registered please do so today, and take advantage of this once a year incredible networking and learning opportunity for nurses.

Do you want to boost your healthcare career with Lean Six Sigma training? If so, GNA can help with that too! Lean Six Sigma is a business transformation methodology that is now imperative with healthcare organizations and administrative leaders seeking career advancement. We had two free introductory webinars about our Lean Six Sigma Program on Tuesday June 18th and Thursday June 20th.

As part of this free webinar, attendees learned how GNA will make it easy to earn their Lean Six Sigma Certification with upcoming training programs highlighted by a blend of classroom and virtual training sessions. Following the webinars, we will host the first Lean Six Sigma Workshop on August 15, 2019 at our Headquarters. Visit our website or refer to the flyer on page 2 for more information.

GNA is always exploring new ways to provide greater value to our members. There are more educational and networking events being planned for this year and 2020. If you are not a member, please join today.

We want to not only be your home as Georgia’s professional nursing association and a great educational resource, but a place where everyone knows your name, where they’re always glad you came, and you build friendships for life.

CEO CORNER

Georgia Nurses Association, a place where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.

Mona Brown, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, Georgia CNS PresidentRenecha Abrams, MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN, Georgia CNS Secretary

To celebrate Clinical Nurse Specialist week, Sept 1-7, 2019, Georgia CNS is hosting its 1st annual professional conference. The one-day conference will provide the opportunity to network with other Clinical Nurse Specialists and healthcare providers from across the state, as well as meet with vendors and sponsors who will share new, innovative healthcare products and services. The theme for the event, “Clinical Nurse Specialists…Influencing Healthcare Delivery,” will highlight the unique expertise, value, and impact the CNS role has on patient outcomes throughout the continuum of care. Topics to be presented at the conference include the Clinical Nurse Specialist’s impact on healthcare challenges, disease management, population health, and high reliability. Keynote speaker, Anne Hysong, a CNS at Gwinnett Medical Center and immediate past president of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, will speak on “End of Life: Having THE Conversation.” Dr. Cynthia Oster of Emory University and Dr. Gerald Hobbs of WellStar Health System will also present.

The 2019 Georgia CNS conference will be held on September 7th from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale. The fee for registration is $99 and continuing education contact hours will be available. The deadline to register is August 1. For more information, visit the Georgia CNS website at https://georgiacns.org/.

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Page 4: GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

Page 4 • Georgia Nursing August, September, October 2019

Name: Barbara Austin, RN, MN

Present Position: Case Manager, GNF Peer Assistance Program

Education: Emory-MN

Current Offices Held: GNA Finance Committee Member 2017-Present; GNA Legislation Committee Member 2017-Present; GNF-PAP Chair-elect 2014-Present

Name: Rachel E. Myers, Ph.D., RN, CDE

Present Position: Associate Professor of Nursing, Kennesaw State University; Independent Nursing Consultant

Education: University of South Florida-Ph.D. in Nursing

Current Offices Held: GNF Board of Trustees Member 2016-Present; GNF Finance Committee Member 2018-Present; Sigma Theta Tau International, Mu Phi Chapter Director of Research 2017-Present

Past Offices Held: GNA Legislative Committee Member 2015-2017; GNA Membership Development Committee 2014- 2015

Candidate StatementI am proud to say I have been a Registered Nurse

for over 28 years and have had an opportunity to

2019 Board of Directors Candidates Slate

Candidate for President-elect & ANA

Delegate-at-large

Candidate for Treasurer & 1st Alternate ANA Delegate-at-large

Candidate for Secretary & ANA Delegate-at-large

Voting will begin in September. GNA Members will receive the link to vote via e-mail. We’ll also post the link on our website at georgianurses.org. If you are a member and do not have an e-mail address on file, please contact Sr. Director of Membership & Government Affairs Tim Davis at 404-325-5536, ext. 107.

Name: Dina Hewett, Ph.D., RN, NEA-BC

Present Position: Director, Mary Inez Grindle School of Nursing

Education: University of Georgia- Ph.D. in Nursing

Current Offices Held: GNA Treasurer 2017-Present; Georgia Board of Nursing Education Committee Member 2017-Present

Past Offices Held: Sigma Theta Tau, Nu Gamma ChapterPresident 1997-1999

Candidate StatementIt has been my honor and pleasure to serve as the

Treasurer for the Georgia Nurses Association for the last two years. In this position I have seen the growth of state membership and with that an increase in our revenue. The Georgia Nurses Association is the voice for the Nursing Profession in the state, and through our membership and support of the GNA, everything is possible.

Access to care is a major legislative issue facing the citizens of the state of Georgia. Whether the nurse practices at the bedside, in the community, or in an advanced practice role, we are in a unique position to provide that care. Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education. The continued flux and uncertainly of health care at the state and national level requires us to advocate for our patients and our profession.

I will work closely with our current president, board members, and other professional nursing organizations to advocate for legislation that improves access to care and increases membership in GNA.

My goal in seeking election as your President-elect, is to continue the strong leadership and support at the State level, encourage membership in GNA for all Registered Professional Nurses, and advocate for the health of the citizens of Georgia. Thank you for your support!

Past Offices Held: None

Candidate StatementI have been a nurse for almost 40 years and involved

with the GNF-Peer Assistance Program (GNF-PAP) for the last ten years. I have been the Chair-elect for this program for the past six years and in this role, I have been given opportunity to interact and network with the leadership of GNA, GNF, and the Georgia Board of Nursing and have developed positive relationships. I have strong skills in strategic planning, operational implementation and interpersonal communications.

I would be honored to serve in a role that would support GNA's mission statement and future vision.

see the nursing profession grow and evolve in many directions, as well as be faced with several challenges. Two major overarching issues impacting our profession today which GNA has an opportunity to impact is work environment (e.g., safe staffing, workplace violence, nurses’ health and wellbeing) and access to care (e.g., scope of practice barriers). I have knowledge and experience in several of these areas given my longevity as a nurse, my seven years in academia, my 18 years as a nursing consultant in health care facilities, and my 7+ years as a GNA member in which I have served in several leadership roles and on various committees. I believe the breadth of my knowledge and experience will enable me to be a valuable addition to the GNA Board of Directors in which I will be a collaborative team player and contribute visionary ideas to help shape the direction as to how we as an organization will address the major issues impacting the nursing profession today. More specific to my qualifications for the role of Treasurer, I have served on the GNF Finance Committee for over one year and on the GNF Board of Trustees since Jan. 2016. I am familiar with the monthly GNA and GNF financial management reports. I am very organized and detail-oriented, which are essential characteristics for a Treasurer.

Page 5: GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

August, September, October 2019 Georgia Nursing • Page 5

Name: Catherine Futch, MN, FACHE, NEA-BC

Present Position: Retired

Education: Emory University School of Nursing-MB Nursing Administration

Current Offices Held: GNF President 2016-Present; GNA Executive Committee Member 2016-Present

Past Offices Held: President American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing 2003- 2004; GNF President 1999-2001; GNF Secretary 1996-1998

Candidate StatementMany issues confront nurses and nursing today.

Perhaps one of the most difficult issues has to do with ensuring that nurses have not only clinical skills but leadership skills as well. This is particularly important for both new and experienced nurses in either clinical or leadership positions who haven't the skills needed to successfully confront and eliminate bullying within their practice arena. Providing the skills necessary to identify and eliminate bullying in the workplace would result in a work environment conducive to harmony among staff members as well as a reduction in the number of nurses who leave the profession because of what they perceive to be a hostile work environment.

2019 Board of Directors Candidates SlateCandidates for Director Leadership Development & 2nd Alternate ANA Delegate-at-large

Name: Lora Duncan, MSN, RN, MBA

Present Position: CNO, Optim Healthcare

Education: Chamberlain-MSN Nurse Executive

Current Offices Held: None

Past Offices Held: Bylaws Chair West Virginia Organization of Nurse Leaders 2011-2017; Co-Chair Strategic Planning West Virginia Future of Nursing 2013-2016

Candidate StatementOur nursing shortages continue to be one of our

major issues in our profession. We're asking our clinical staff to continue to do more with less resources. We need to continue to partner with our local high schools and colleges to mentor and grow our own to help with the shortage. Also, we need to work on growing our nurse leaders, forty under forty by 2020 was the task for future of nursing leadership.

Work with legislators to let our advanced practice nurse work at the full extent of their licensure. We have people who are making decisions for our profession and don't have any clinical background so it's my responsibility to help educate to help.

If given this opportunity I'll work beside our committee members and legislature to help move our profession and grow not only the leadership but to excite younger generations to join the most trusted profession. Be a nurse leader and maintaining a high quality as well as a strong ethical perspective extremely important.

Name: Phyllis Wright, DNP, MSN, MPH, AGPCNP

Present Position: Assistant Professor; Program Director, Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Education: Medical College of Georgia (Augusta University) – DNP Systems Leadership

Current Offices Held: None

Past Offices Held: None

Candidate StatementVisible, Vibrant, and Valiant—this is how I see

nursing leadership as it could be, but is it where we are now? From my view looking upward toward nursing leadership, it appears nurses have been broadly focused on multiple social issues (in which we certainly excel), but which has diluted nurse’s voice by the noise of generalization. Positioning ourselves to lead in chaotic health care environments will require solid conceptual and foundational hard work to speak the currency of leadership to inspire to action, to draw inactive members to the fold, and to raise our voice in legislative decision making. I have not held multiple nursing leadership positions in the past because transparently, I did not see the benefit of small voices preaching only to the choir who appeared fearful to step out of a constraining shell.

However, with age, comes wisdom and as an older experienced woman who sees the value of leaning in and stepping out, if not me then who? If unwilling to serve, then I should be unwilling to complain. Therefore, I want to use my external leadership experience and business owner acumen, knowledge as an educator and practitioner coupled with my perpetual enthusiasm to develop this visibility, vibrancy and yes, valiant paradigm. To champion for health outcomes reflective of the contribution we make requires strong leadership development. My goal is to direct this path so many can walk its journey.

Name: Iris Hamilton, RN, MPA

Present Position: Director Clinical Operations, Anthem, Inc.

Education: Troy State University-MS Public Administration

Current Offices Held: GNA Director Legislation/Public Policy 2017-Present; March of Dimes, ELT Committee Member for Nurse of the Year 2019

Past Offices Held: None

Candidate StatementAs the Director-Legislation & Public Policy (2017-

2019), there are several major issues impacting the nursing profession in Georgia. Although we have made progress, there is still a significant amount of work that needs to be done. If re-elected, I would focus on the following: Expand the scope of practice for APRNs and modernize the Nurse Practice Act; Improve the access to health care and health outcomes throughout Georgia with a focus in rural areas; Improve safe staffing levels in clinical settings.

If re-elected, I would continue to work with GNA’s Lobbyists, members of the General Assembly, nurses across Georgia and American Nurses Association (ANA) to improve safe staffing levels in all clinical settings to ensure that the staffing levels are appropriate and patients and nurses remain safe.

I would continue to support legislation that increases the scope of practice for APRNs in Georgia to improve access to quality care for rural Georgians and our Veterans. I would support the removal of practice barriers that would allow APRNs to practice to fullest extent of their education and training.

Name: Erica Mills, Ph.D., RN-BC

Present Position: Magnet Program Manager, Grady Hospital

Education: William Carey University-Ph.D. Nursing Education and Administration

Current Offices Held: Legislation Chair, Chi Eta Phi 2018-2019

Past Offices Held: Chair GNA Metro Atlanta Chapter 2016-2017; GNA Legislation Committee Member 2016-2019

Candidate StatementNurses are in a unique position to be change agents

as the most trusted and ethical profession. Nurses can use their influence for the greater good. It is important for the things that are pressing to the community at large to be discussed and executed without delay.

Likewise, there are many issues within the nursing profession that continue to make working conditions less than safe for frontline staff.

One major issue that nursing faces is fatigue which leads to adverse outcomes. Nurses are working long hours to ensure continuity of care but it is essential that they are able to restore and replenish themselves with adequate rest. Additionally, the Georgia Nurses Association is the voice of the Georgia nurse but there are several advance practice nurses who are willing to work at the top of their scope. This will not happen unless nurses band together and meet with the legislators who can enact the changes that are so desperately needed. Nurse practitioners are a gift to healthcare and they can provide expert consultations to special populations who may not have accessed healthcare in the past. Moreover, many nurse practitioners are having to leave the state of Georgia to become gainfully employed. With nursing being both an art and a science, the nurse practitioner is poised and positioned to be a patient advocate while managing the patient’s holistic concerns. I have been a vessel for reform and hope to bring my expertise to this position in the near future.

Candidates for Director Legislation/Public Policy

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Page 6: GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

Page 6 • Georgia Nursing August, September, October 2019

Name: Joy King-Mark, DNP, FNP-C

Present Position: Family Nurse Practitioner, CVS Minute Clinic

Education: Georgia College and State University-DNP

Current Offices Held: GNA Bylaws Committee Chair 2018-Present; GNA Legislation Committee Member 2018-Present

Past Offices Held: None

Candidate StatementThe local, regional, and national scope of nursing

practice serves as the guiding framework upon which patient care is directed and delivered. Each nurse has the unique opportunity to positively impact this framework, through advocacy within our profession and in the lives of our patients. As described in Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, Third Edition, the breadth of our practice also allows for effective collaborative efforts across various nursing specialties, as well as throughout interdisciplinary and allied health professions.

Emerging trends, such as ongoing health care reform, integration of new technologies, and patient-centered care, impacts the field of nursing and should be monitored continuously. Doing so, we have the ability to identify and propose initiatives, which will positively impact the future of our communities and our country. Health care is ever changing and it is our responsibility to continue to evolve to better serve our patient population. My educational journey and practitioner experiences have instilled in me the importance of becoming a transformational leader, not only in my practice setting but also in my community.

If afforded the privilege to serve you on the GNA board, I will focus my efforts on upholding these newly bestowed responsibilities by collaborating with both nursing organizations and other health care professional groups to further our profession as it relates to nursing practice, workforce advocacy, and education. Additionally, I will work diligently to ensure the timely dissemination of newly developed nursing practice standards, initiatives, and guidelines to our members.

Name: Louise Terry Perdue, MSN/ED, BSN, RN

Present Position: Educator, Grady Memorial Hospital

Education: University of Phoenix-MSN/ED in Nursing

Current Offices Held: GNA Nominating Committee Member 2017-Present; Historian, Gamma Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc 2015-Present

Past Offices Held: Secretary AMSN-SEA 2014-2016

Candidate StatementThe hospital environment is being inundated by

professional nurses expressing their concerns about unsafe staffing issues and nurse-to-patient ratios. This is my concern as well. Nurses desire to have assignments that ideally would reflect a four to five patient-to-nurse ratio.

Safety of patients and nursing staff ranks number one on my list of priorities. As nurses, we are empowered to collaborate with nursing leadership to identify different ways to address both staffing and nurse-to-patient issues using current evidence based practice as our guidelines. To this end, my main focus would be to serve as an advocate in the nursing practice office; to recognize ways for professional nurses to deliver safe patient care and to promote safe staffing levels.

Name: Edward Adams, MSN, RN

Present Position: Staff RN, Candler Hospital

Education: Georgia College and State University-MSN Nurse Education

Current Offices Held: GNA Director of Nurse Practice & Advocacy 2017-Present; Interim Chair, GNA 1st City Chapter 2018-Present

Past Offices Held: GNF Secretary 2015-2017; Vice President Xi Rho Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau 2014-2015

Candidate StatementOne of the major issues facing nursing in Georgia in

the past has been the lack of unity within the different nursing professional organizations. With the start of the Unity movement in Georgia nursing professional organizations are working together more. I have supported this movement since the beginning and continue to support the message that as Registered Nurses we have many things in common and are stronger together. I believe that this movement gives nurses here in Georgia a greater voice to advocate for nursing issues.

Another major issue within nursing is substance use. Many nurses do not seek help due to shame, fear or both. For this reason, I support and continue to support the GNF Peer Assistance Program that is designed to help nurses recover from substance use and continue to work as Registered Nurses. I have attended the annual training for Peer Assistance Volunteers, lobbied at the Capital for funding to expand this program and have started a group in my part of the state. I believe that this will help keep good nurses in practice and is a program worthy of advocating.

I have spoken about the need to advocate for increasing nursing faculty numbers and improving nurse residencies in the state to ensure that there are highly qualified nurses taking care of patients. I also have spoken about the need to allow nurses to work at their level of education. I have lobbied and advocated for these positions and will continue to do so.

Candidates for Director Nursing Practice & Advocacy

Name: Shakira Lynn, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Present Position: Nurse Practitioner, University of Georgia Student Health Center

Education: Medical University of South Carolina-DNP

Current Offices Held: None

Past Offices Held: Nominations and Elections Committee Member South Carolina Nurses Association 2017-2019; SCNA Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Member At Large 2017-2019

Candidate StatementI believe the major issue for the Nominations

Committee is to develop and implement a program of activity to carry out the Committee's functions within the bylaws and policies determined by Georgia Nurses Association. The Committee would be charged with developing a slate of candidates to serve on the upcoming terms' Board of Directors and Committees for Georgia Nurses Association. I would contribute by utilizing my prior experience as a member of the Nominations and Elections Committee for South Carolina Nurses Association, where I helped to develop an outstanding slate of candidates eligible for election. I’m committed to evaluating the experience of potential candidates and determining whether their experience would successfully meet the needs of Georgia Nurses Association. I’m dedicated to determining whether each candidate is eligible for an elected office and can meet the demands of those they will serve. My plan is to commit to Georgia Nurses Association’s Mission and Vision of nurses shaping the future of professional nursing for a healthier Georgia.

Candidate for Chair Nominations Committee

2019 Board of Directors Candidates Slate

Non-clinical environment

Competitive salary

Bonus opportunities

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Major holidays off770-926-8880

Email resume to: [email protected]

Recruiting RN’s for Full-time Medical Records Reviewer

position in Kennesaw, GA

Page 7: GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

August, September, October 2019 Georgia Nursing • Page 7

Name: Sherry Danello, DHA, MSN, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC

Present Position: Vice President of Patient Care & CNO, St. Joseph’s Candler

Education: University of Phoenix-DHA

Current Offices Held: GNA Director Membership Development 2017-Present; Leadership Advisor GNA 1st City Chapter 2018-Present

Past Offices Held: GNF Board of Trustees Member 2016-2017; Treasurer GNA 1st City Chapter 1987-1992; Member at Large Georgia Organization of Nurse Leaders 2013-2016

Candidate StatementNursing is positioned today to face its challenges

head on. It is my belief that with the right representation and leadership the challenges we face as a profession become opportunities to uncover. Healthcare reform brings with it endless value propositions.

Numerous possibilities around how care is delivered in a high quality low cost manner. It is my belief that nursing needs to lead this charge taking control of the cost curve versus falling victim to its challenges. Roles we have not yet thought of are going to be needed to drive nursing excellence and at the same time eliminate challenges as care moves from the traditional acute care model to a more integrated one. It is my belief that for nursing to strengthen among the many challenges facing healthcare a strong state and national nursing organization is essential. That central voice of advocacy should be GNA/ANA. I am running for a second term as the Director of Membership Development because I believe we have made progress over the last two years in nurses seeing the value one voice brings to our profession yet there is more work to be done. I believe progress has also been made over the last two years in unifying the nurses from various specialty organizations into one voice. I understand that area of practice is important but working as one in unity is how we will be successful on issues central to our profession and at the same time keep the patients we serve a top priority in our state and nationally.

Name: Paula Tucker, DNP, FNP-BC, ENP-C

Present Position: Clinical Assistant Professor, Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Education: Vanderbilt University- DNP

Current Offices Held: Co-Chair Emergency Specialty Practice Group, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 2018-Present; Practice Committee Member, AANP 2015-Present

Past Offices Held: None

Candidate StatementI am very interested in serving on the Georgia Nurses

Association (GNA) Board of Directors. I believe my academic preparation, clinical experience, professional service and research has prepared me to become a valuable and contributing member of the GNA Board.

Nursing practice and workforce issues across the state are evident barriers within the profession. Membership within a professional nursing organization such as GNA, and policy advocacy is the pathway to mitigate these barriers. As a nurse leader, educator and provider, I believe my contribution as GNA Membership Development Director will generate impact on local and state-wide levels. I plan to develop and employ strategies in collaboration with GNA board members to engage and motivate nurses on the frontline and nursing students through membership and active participation within the organization. I will develop innovative strategies that will not only facilitate increased GNA membership and participation, but exhibit leadership that will promote professional growth through the value of service. Service is a core nursing value that I believe will ultimately strengthen nursing practice, policy and advocacy; thereby, creating opportunities for the novice and expert nurse to serve on all levels within the nursing profession. As a GNA board member, I plan to utilize my strengths and experiences around execution, influence, relationship building and strategic thinking to help advance and promote the mission of GNA.

Candidates for Director Membership Development

Name: Wanda Jones, BSN, RN, MSN, FNP-BC

Present Position: Retired

Education: Troy State University-Nursing FNP

Current Offices Held: GNF Treasurer 2015-Present; GNA Nominations Committee Member 2015-Present; GNA Finance Committee Member 2009-Present; GNA Bylaws Committee Member 2013-Present

Past Offices Held: GNA Secretary 2011-2015; GNA Director of Nursing Practice and Advocacy 2007-2011; President GNA Columbus Chapter 2007-2011; Vice President UAPRN 2011-2013; President UAPRN 2009-2011

Candidate StatementThese are exciting times for all nurses in Georgia. I

am honored to be involved with the Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) and Georgia Nurses Association (GNA). As the treasurer for GNF the past four years, as well as, holding multiple board positions on the GNA Board of Directors, I am truly proud of GNF and GNA in their present roles in this nursing environment. I understand and accept the importance and responsibility of serving on the Board of Directors for these organizations.

If elected as president of GNF, I will continue to lead the organization in its mission as the charitable and philanthropic arm of GNA by supporting its work to foster the well-being of nurses, promote and advance the nursing profession and provide leadership critical to nursing issues. I will also work diligently to increase funding for the multiple scholarships given to nursing students by the Foundation.

If elected, I would be honored to serve as president of the Georgia Nurses Foundation and continue its valuable work in the nursing community.

Candidate for President Georgia Nurses

Foundation

2019 Board of Directors Candidates Slate

Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program can be found at south.edu

EDUCATION ACROSSYOUR CAREER

Page 8: GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

Page 8 • Georgia Nursing August, September, October 2019

Name: Molly Bachtel, APRN, DNP, FNP-C

Present Position: NP Emory Student Health Service, NP Emory School of Medicine Pediatric Emergency Division, Clinical Assistant Professor Emory School of Nursing

Education: Vanderbilt University-DNP

Current Offices Held: Legislative Liaison Georgia Coalition of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (CAPRN) 2018-Present

Past Offices Held: Chair/CEO CAPRN 2017-2018; State Secretary United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia 2004-2006

Candidate StatementIn the wake of the recent nurses “probably play

cards” for a considerable part of the day statement by Washington State Senator Maureen Walsh, and the past “doctor’s stethoscope” controversy of 2015, I am wondering if nurses are now ready to rise up to fulfill their destiny to become a powerhouse in the Georgia health policy arena. Is the sleeping giant of GA Nurses ready to awake? Nurses of all stripes have much to advocate for, and APRNs, many would argue, have the biggest uphill battle of all here in Georgia in the quest to remove barriers to practice and gain Full Practice Authority. We need more APRNs to become members of State organizations like GNA and for GA APRN organizations themselves to work hand in hand with GNA to engage in advocacy efforts at the Georgia Legislature.

I have both passion and years of experience advocating for GA APRNs. Four years ago, working with Georgia CAPRN, I created the grassroots advocacy program, then called “APRN of the Day” at the Georgia State Capitol. The program has been a tremendous success in increasing the visibility of nursing under the Gold Dome. Many worked tirelessly supporting pro-nursing legislation, and maybe more importantly, to protect our profession from harm (Vet Nurse bill). In 2019, we rebranded the program as the “Nurses L.E.A.D. Program” (Legislative Education Advocacy Development) including all nurses. I look forward to partnering with you to meet the goals to obtain nursing’s bright future here in Georgia.

Name: Elizabeth K. Bolton-Harris,

Present Position: Chief Advanced Practice Provider-Cardiology/ Acute Care NP, Center for Heart Failure at Emory Healthcare

Education: Georgia State University-DNP

Current Offices Held: GNA Director Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 2017-Present

Past Offices Held: Chair Advocacy Committee American Association of Heart Failure Nursing

Candidate StatementThe nursing profession is a dynamic profession that

has various opportunities for growth and success. Although nursing is touted as the most trusted profession, I feel it lacks the respect it deserves. Issues such as safe staffing practices for the nursing work force within the hospital system needs to be studied in the state of Georgia and its impact on patient safety and care. Awareness of the positive attributes provided by ambulatory care nurses needs to be highlighted as well as support their educational needs. Unfortunately, APRNs are still dealing with issues of restrictive practice barriers. Despite evidenced-based research that validates our practice as safe and cost-effective the challenges remain.

Over the past two years GNA has made gains to collaborate with the various nursing organizations to continue with the unification of all nurses within the state of Georgia. Participating in the states’ first ever Unity Conference was a wonderful way to improve the relationship of all nurses within the state. Even bringing nurses together to lobby against the veterinary technicians being called nurses and to support the preceptor tax incentive bill for APRNs demonstrates the organization’s commitment to all nurses in Georgia. I am looking forward to continue the work to build relationships within the state to help nursing not only be viewed as the most trusted profession, but also the most respected as well.

Name: Stewart Parnacott, RN, BSN, MSN, APRN, CRNA

Present Position: CEO IRX Anesthesia Solutions, LLC; CRNA, Piedmont Newton Hospital/ Riverdale Anesthesia, LLC

Education: Wolford College-MSN

Current Offices Held: None

Past Offices Held: None

Candidate StatementI’m running for the office of director as an Advanced

Practice Registered Nurse. This time in Georgia is one of those key moments when every registered nurse in Georgia needs to establish who we are and what we stand for. As a fellow nurse, I am here to proclaim a simple message: we need democracy and inclusivity as nurses because the profession depends upon our voices and unity.

The stakes during this election are particularly high. The ramifications of sitting on the sidelines during this election are even more dire.

As a senator from the state of Washington recently mischaracterized us, we are not “playing cards while working.” It is an important time to find our voice and change the state of healthcare and how we are viewed, starting with Georgia. As someone who was raised in a small town in south Georgia, I know access to healthcare and nurses is critical to the citizens of Georgia.

Governor Kemp ran his campaign on the creation of accessible healthcare and a patient-centered model. I believe this is right for Georgia. If elected as director, I will work tirelessly to fight the discrimination against nurses that continues to remain a pernicious force in Georgia and throughout the United States. It is time to elect a leader who can bring “America’s Most Trusted Profession” into the 21st Century and address the necessary changes, including helping to eliminate burnout. If you want change in Georgia: Vote Stew, he’s the person for you!

Candidates for Director Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

2019 Board of Directors Candidates Slate

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Page 9: GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

August, September, October 2019 Georgia Nursing • Page 9

Name: Ann Horigan, Ph.D., RN

Present Position: Staff Nurse, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital

Education: Duke University-Ph.D. in Nursing

Current Offices Held: Chair-elect Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee Emergency Nurses Association 2018-2020

Past Offices Held: None

Candidate StatementIn all environments of care, nurses are concerned

about our safety and for our patients. Workplace violence is increasing and nurses are not well prepared to identify or intervene in these situations. Nurses are concerned about patient safety in the context of safe staffing and quality of care. The growing complexity of care, documentation requirements and evaluation processes demand increasing time and force us to incorporate more and more into our shift.

Recruitment and retention of nurses is challenging. Replacing nurses is expensive and difficult due to competition among health care organizations and nurses’ desire to leave the bedside for advanced practice. Engaging a new generation of staff nurses is critical to help offset the difficulties in recruiting and retaining nurses.

The GNA must attract, involve and demonstrate the relevance of the Association to a new generation of nurses and their practice. Then, the GNA will be in a key position to better support recruitment and retention initiatives for staff nurses. The GNA must also play a significant role in advocating for education and training in workforce safety for nurses.

The Director for Staff Nurses must be familiar with these issues to assure that the GNA is prepared to represent interests of nurses at state and local levels. I have an acute appreciation for challenges in the nursing profession. I will promote recruitment and retention strategies focused on a new generation of staff nurses and will fervently advocate for nurses to have the resources needed to excel in practice.

Name: Linda Morrow, DNP, MBA, NE-BC, CPHQ

Present Position: Administrative House Supervisor, Navicent Health Medical Center

Education: Duquesne University-DNP

Current Offices Held: GNA Nominating Committee Member 2017-Present; GNA Growth and Development Committee Member 2017-Present; Chair GNA Old Capitol Chapter 2017-Present; Task Force Member Quality and Safety Education for Nurses

Past Offices Held: Vice Chair GNA Old Capitol Chapter 2016-2017; Member of the Membership Committee American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) 2016-2017; Secretary/Treasurer Georgia Organization of Nurse Leaders (GONL) 2016-2018

Candidate StatementI believe the major issues confronting the nursing

profession are nurses practicing to the full scope of their license and autonomously within the scope of practice as well as, addressing the issue of BSN as entry level into RN nursing practice. A key issue for the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) is the need to increase membership in the association and engagement of nurses state-wide. Nursing continues to be one of the most trusted professions and nurses need to have their voices and concerns heard at the highest level. As Director Staff Nurse, I will work with colleagues to advocate on the behalf of the membership and of our nurses.

Candidates for Director Staff Nurse

Name: Joy King-Mark, DNP, FNP-C

Present Position: Family Nurse Practitioner, CVS Minute Clinic

Education: Georgia College and State University-DNP

Current Offices Held: GNA Bylaws Committee Chair 2018-Present; GNA Legislation Committee Member 2018-Present

Past Offices Held: None

Candidate StatementThe local, regional, and national scope of nursing

practice serves as the guiding framework upon which patient care is directed and delivered. Each nurse has the unique opportunity to positively impact this framework, through advocacy within our profession and in the lives of our patients. As described in Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, Third Edition, the breadth of our practice also allows for effective collaborative efforts across various nursing specialties, as well as throughout interdisciplinary and allied health professions.

Emerging trends, such as ongoing health care reform, integration of new technologies, and patient-centered care, impacts the field of nursing and should be monitored continuously. Doing so, we have the ability to identify and propose initiatives, which will positively impact the future of our communities and our country. Health care is ever changing and it is our responsibility to continue to evolve to better serve our patient population. My educational journey and practitioner experiences have instilled in me the

Name: Jill Williams, RN, MSN

Present Position: Contract - MIDAS+ System Manager/Clinical Analyst, Meadows Regional Medical Center

Education: Georgia College and State University-MSN

Current Offices Held: None

Past Offices Held: GNA Bylaws Committee Member 2010-2012; Chair GNA Bylaws Committee 2004-2010

Candidate StatementI have been in the GNA organization since 1996. I feel

I can bring insight to the committee by knowing some of the members. As Bylaws chair I learned a great deal about how the organization works. Would like to give back to the organization by volunteering to be on this committee.

Name: Linda Morrow, DNP, MBA, NE-BC, CPHQ

Present Position: Administrative House Supervisor, Navicent Health Medical Center

Education: Duquesne University- DNP

Current Offices Held: GNA Nominating Committee Member 2017-Present; GNA Growth and Development Committee Member 2017-Present; Chair GNA Old Capitol Chapter 2017-Present; Task Force Member Quality and Safety Education for Nurses

Past Offices Held: Vice Chair GNA Old Capitol Chapter 2016-2017; Member of the Membership Committee American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) 2016-2017; Secretary/Treasurer Georgia Organization of Nurse Leaders (GONL) 2016-2018

Candidate StatementI believe the major issues confronting the nursing

profession are nurses practicing to the full scope of their license and autonomously within the scope of practice as well as, addressing the issue of BSN as entry level into RN nursing practice. A key issue for the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) is the need to increase membership in the association and engagement of nurses state-wide. Nursing continues to be one of the most trusted professions and nurses need to have their voices and concerns heard at the highest level. As a potential member of the Nominating Committee, I will work with colleagues on the Nominating Committee to bring forward to GNA members the most qualified leaders to advocate on the behalf of the membership.

Candidates for Nominations Committee, 4 Membersimportance of becoming a transformational leader, not only in my practice setting but also in my community.

If afforded the privilege to serve you on the GNA board, I will focus my efforts on upholding these newly bestowed responsibilities by collaborating with both nursing organizations and other health care professional groups to further our profession as it relates to nursing practice, workforce advocacy, and education. Additionally, I will work diligently to ensure the timely dissemination of newly developed nursing practice standards, initiatives, and guidelines to our members.

2019 Board of Directors Candidates Slate

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Page 10: GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

Page 10 • Georgia Nursing August, September, October 2019

Enjoy the convenience of staying at the Hilton Hotel where all Unity Conference activities will be held. Rooms are limited so book now at the special rate by visiting the Conference page at UAPRN.Org, "Info." Your one night, room deposit is fully refundable if canceled 72 hours prior to arrival. Act soon!

EXHIBITOR & SPONSOR PROSPECTUSThe Unity Movement is a collaborative initiative launched by the United Advanced Practice Registered

Nurses (UAPRN) of Georgia and us, the Georgia Nurses Association to support the achievement of nursing excellence. This year’s conference will draw regionally from those practicing as a professional nurse, as advanced practice nurse, as a nurse executive, educator, or scholar, as well as students of the nursing profession.

As an exhibitor, your organization will have the opportunity to meet nursing professionals one-on-one from AL, GA, FL, NC, SC, and TN to promote your business, product, or program(s).

In addition, you will have the opportunity to: • Reach your target audience • Meet with key decision-makers face to face• Make valuable contacts• Receive contact information of all attendees that agree to share their information • Enjoy refreshments and meals held in the exhibit hall

For pricing, exhibitor services and guidelines, please contact Jenn Schaeffer at [email protected]

AJC Pulse rated our conference as one of the top healthcare conferences for nurses in 2019. 400+ nurses attended last year!

ABSTRACTS Poster Abstract Submission deadline is August 1,

2019. Poster acceptance notification by August 15, 2019.

The poster may describe a clinical project, nursing research, address elements of nursing practice expanding on current or future practice, innovative teaching methods within nursing education, nursing workforce issues, policy development surrounding nursing practice, or enhancement of safety or utilization of quality improvement within healthcare delivery.

POSTER GUIDELINES [Please follow below structured format]:

• Submit abstracts to [email protected] as a PDF attachments, subject line "Poster Abstract."

• Abstracts: Single-spaced and no more than 350 words using 12 pt. Times New Roman Font using 6th ed. APA format with the following poster header sections:

• Purpose OR Aim, Research Questions AND/OR Hypotheses

• Significance OR Background (conceptual framework if applicable)

• Methods OR Methodology (e.g. design, sampling, procedures, instruments, limitations)

• Findings OR Results (presentations of work in progress may use N/A for Findings)

• Discussion OR Practice Implications (conclusions and implications for practice, research, and/or education).

• References (for abstract submission & poster should be not older than 5 years in APA format).

Please include on abstract submission and poster: Name of author(s), title, cell phone #, and email address for contact purposes.

Accepted Posters: • Must contain the above same headings as

the submitted abstract.• Poster dimensions: standard size of 36 inches

x 48 inches. Easels will be available for display by the venue.

• All posters must be set up in the conference center by 7:30 am no later than November 1, 2019.

It will be the presenter’s responsibility to remove the poster by 4 pm on November 2, 2019. Presenters should attempt to be present at their posters during breaks and around educational sessions to answer any questions from attendees.

**All UAPRN/GNA Unity Conference accepted poster presenters will need to register and pay for conference attendance. Three award winners for best poster will be recognized.

For questions, contact us at [email protected]’s Membership Assembly will take place Friday morning, November 1

Debbie Hatmaker, PhD, RN, FAAN

Chief Nursing Officer, ANA Enterprise and

former GNA President

Tim Porter-O’Grady DM, EdD, ScD(h), APRN,

FAAN, FACCWSHealthcare Leader and

Keynote Speaker

Sharon Cox, MSN, BSN

Author and Keynote Speaker

SPEAKERSHOTEL RESERVATIONS

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August, September, October 2019 Georgia Nursing • Page 11

Thursday, Oct. 31stPre conference WorkshopsRegistration 7am-4pmLunch 11:30 am - 12:30 pm (on your own)Snacks will be provided

APRN Track RN Track Executive Track

8:00 am to 9:00 am • X-Ray Interpretation

• Lab

• EKG Interpretation

• Lean Six Sigma • Nurses on Board

GNLC

8:00 am to 10:00 am • IUD Insertion • Assessment

• Assessment

8:00 am to 11:00 am • Suturing • Joint Injections

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm • IUD Insertion (repeated)

• Assessment (repeated)

• Wound Care

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm • Suturing (repeated)

• Joint Injections (repeated)

4:00 pm to 5:30 pm Exhibit Hall Grand Opening

4:15 pm to 6:00 pm Meet & Greet

Friday, Nov. 1stTentative AgendaRegistration 7am-5pmLunch 11:30 am - 1:30 pm in Exhibit Hall

APRN Track RN Track Executive Track

7:30 am to 8:00 am Breakfast with exhibitors - Exhibit Hall Open

8:00 am to 9:00 am Conference Welcome by UAPRN and GNA PresidentsKeynote Speaker: Dr. Tim Porter O’Grady

9:00 am to 9:30 am Break • Antibiotic Update

9:15 am to 12:30 pm GNA Membership Assembly

9:00 am to 1:15 pm Exhibit Hall Open

9:30 am to 11:30 am • Mental Health• Pharmacology

Update

• Adverse Children Experiences

• CNO Executive Forum

• Amedysis

10:30 am to 10:45 am Break

10:30 am to 11:30 am • Wound Care Management

12:30 pm to 1:00 pm Poster Presentations

1:15 pm to 2:15 pm Plenary Session: Sex Trafficking

2:15 pm to 2:45 pm Preceptor Tax Incentive Program (PTIP Bill)

3:30 pm to 4:30 pm • Headache Management

• Nursing Burnout

3:45 pm to 4:45 pm • Legislative Update

• Advocacy 101 • Nurse Leadership

7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Masquerade Gala/Awards Banquet

Saturday, Nov. 2ndTentative AgendaRegistration 7am-5pmLunch 12:30 am - 1:30 pm in Exhibit Hall

APRN Track RN Track Executive Track

7:00 am to 9:00 am • I&D Workshop • Leadership Breakfast

Dr. Pappas

8:15 am to 8:45 am Breakfast with exhibitors - Exhibit Hall Open

8:45 am to 10:00 am Conference Welcome by UAPRN and GNA PresidentsKeynote Speaker: Sharon Cox - Bullying

10:30 am to 11:30 am • Bariatrics & Obesity

• Narrative Medicine

• Critical Care • Energize the Workplace - William O’Neil

11:30 am to 12:30 pm • Telehealth • Adult Congenital Heart Disease

• Recruiting• Diversity in

& Steps to becoming CRNA

1:30 pm to 2:30 pm Plenary Session: LGBTQ

2:45 pm to 3:45 pm Dr. Debbie HatmakerANA CEO & Former GNA President

3:45 pm to 4:45 pm • Hahnah Williams - Nurse Attorney

• Workplace Violence

• Hurst NCLEX Review

3:30 pm to 5:30 pm • APRN Pharmacy Update

• Diversity in & Steps to becoming CRNA

3:30 pm to 4:30 pm • Emotional Intelligence

• GNF Peer Assistance Program

4:45 pm to 5:00 pm Remarks & Prize Giveaways

Unity Conference: Leading Change through Collaborative InfluenceTentative ScheduleOctober 31 - November 2, 2019

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Page 12 • Georgia Nursing August, September, October 2019

Cara Sevier RN and Victoria Randle NP-C

It is always important to have a good understanding of a definition. In this case, we will define self-care. Self-care is an activity that we do deliberately to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.(1) Nursing is an industry where nurses have subscribed to an unspoken mindset of “patient first.” While this is seen as one of the primary tenants of this self-less industry, the nurse bears the brunt of the repercussions of not prioritizing self-care. These repercussions come in the form of physical and mental illness, inability to focus, stress-linked diseases, disgruntlement, absenteeism, dis-engagement from duties, and ultimately–early departure from the nursing industry.

It also appears that the added weight of one of the latest measurements for hospital re-imbursement by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) is patient satisfaction. This means that if a patient does not rate their hospital stay as a positive experience,

CMS can withhold funding for that patient’s hospital stay. Keeping this in mind, hospitals have restructured the accessibility of the nurse, promoting assigned phones, mandated bedside shift reporting, updating individual patient rounding logs, and updating communication boards in each patient’s room. The patient population is getting sicker, leading to an increased inpatient population, which leads to an increased work load for nurses. As the patient population swells, and the demands on the nurses increase, the nurse must take a stand and begin implementing facets of self-care.

To say that practicing self-care is important is rather appropriate; however, what does that actually look like for nurses? According to a health risk appraisal from the American Nurses Association, there is room for improvement in nurse’s health particularly in regards to physical health, nutrition, rest, safety, and quality of life.(2) Self-care takes on physical forms such as regular exercise, spending time with friends/family, and regular planned time off, as well as appropriate amounts of sleep, proper nutrition, and some form of spiritual edification. When nurses practice self-care, they are better able to handle daily stress, enact compassion, and improve patient care and satisfaction, to name a few.

How then, does a nurse begin to implement these facets of self-care? First, the nurse must take an assessment of their own pursuit of self-care. Second, the nurse would find benefit in generating a plan of action to begin self-care implementation. As a third action, the nurse may begin to take an action based on the deficits in self-care that were found. An example

The Importance of Self-Care

Cara Sevier

Victoria Randle

NURSE WELLNESS

of self-care implementation is for the nurse who is looking to enhance a spiritual connection. The nurse may need to look no further than themselves. There has been much documented research on the wonders of spending time alone, in nature.

Nurses must begin to prioritize the care of themselves, as much as, if not more than the care of their patients. The authors of this article revere self-care so much, that they founded a nurse-centered, self-care initiative—Nurses 4 Ever Fit™, located in Atlanta, GA. This initiative primarily focuses on physical wellness, and currently consists of monthly sessions that involve some form of physical exercise. Nurses must begin to take responsibility for their own health by implementing self-care. All that one would need to do is be open to the vital role that self-care plays in the life of a nurse, and be willing to make themselves a priority. If you are a nurse located in Atlanta, GA and would like to connect with us, please utilize one of the methods listed below.

Cara Sevier RN and Victoria Randle NP-Chttp://www.facebook.com/nurses4everfit/http://www.instagram.com/nurses4everfit/[email protected]

References1 Raphailia, M. (2018, July 8). What Self Care Is, And What

It Isn’t. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/blog/what-self-care-is-and-what-it-isnt-2/.

2 The Importance of Self-Care and How to Put a Plan in Place. (2019, February 13). Retrieved from https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/nursing/self-care-for-nurses/.

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August, September, October 2019 Georgia Nursing • Page 13

Barbara Austin, RN, MNGNF Peer Assistance Program Chair-elect

Addiction is called America's number-one Public Health Crisis. Yet the stigma of addiction acts as a barrier, preventing nurses in need of help from seeking it, remaining strong in recovery and practicing safe nursing. For the first time in our program history, we will be receiving funding from the State of Georgia for program expansion and community education to help reduce these barriers.

Our history goes back almost 40 years with very limited financial resources. The Georgia Nurses Foundation Peer Assistance Program (GNF-PAP) began its volunteer-based program as one of the first programs for impaired nurses in the United States. The program was initially introduced in 1980 by Rose Dilday RN, at the recommendation of Dr. G. Douglas Talbot. Ms. Dilday accepted the invitation and collected

Peer Assistance Program Receives Funding from the Department of Public Health

Barbara Austin

Question about Professional Liability InsuranceApril 25, 2019Dear Hahnah,I work in a very busy ER in an Atlanta GA suburb. When I was hired, we were

advised not to obtain liability insurance because it would make us more likely to be sued personally by a patient or pts family. Is this good advice or would it be better to obtain the insurance?

Thanks, KSK

Dear KSK,Thanks for your question. It is true that a patient can sue the hospital and

individual nurses in a medical malpractice lawsuit in an effort to obtain more money from multiple insurance policies. However, your individual insurance policy is not public information. Therefore, the patient will not become aware of your individual insurance policy until after you are named in a medical malpractice suit. Therefore, having an individual insurance policy does not necessarily increase the likelihood of you getting sued in a medical malpractice case.

The advice that you received was likely addressing the likelihood of you staying in the lawsuit after being sued. In other words, if the patient decides to name you individually as a defendant in the lawsuit along with the hospital, then the patient may be more likely to dismiss you from the lawsuit once it is revealed that you do not have an individual insurance policy; however, this is not always the case and depends on several additional factors (e.g., other assets that you may have and your role in the incident).

It is important to note that individual insurance policies may provide you with coverage that is not included in your employer’s policy. For example, many individual policies provide license protection benefits that are not provided in an employer’s policy. As a professional nurse, you should strongly consider purchasing insurance that covers the cost of your legal defense if a complaint is filed against your license with the State Board of Nursing. There are policies that cost as little as $150-$200 per year! You can find these policies by doing a quick internet search.

All the best to you, KSK!Hahnah

Question about what to do when facing criminal charges May 1, 2019Dear Hahnah, I am a nursing student on my second semester. Recently I’ve been

accused of shoplifting at Walmart. I was not detained or incarcerated, but I do have a court day and I am in the process of getting a lawyer to help me. I am above terrified to think of how this could impact the career I have yearn for and worked so hard for. Can I have your opinion in my case?

Thank you! RRT

Dear RRT, Thank you for your question. Given that you have a court date, it seems that

you are facing formal charges for theft by shoplifting even though you were not detained or incarcerated. I am glad that you are in the process of hiring a criminal attorney. And, you are very wise for being concerned about the potential impact to your nursing career. In Georgia, the Board of Nursing can refuse to grant a license to an applicant, revoke the license of a licensed nurse, and discipline a licensed nurse upon a finding by the Board that the applicant or licensee has been convicted of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude.

The Board regulations do not define “moral turpitude.” However, Georgia courts have defined “moral turpitude” in a variety of contexts, including as “misdemeanors involving dishonesty or the obstruction of justice” and “everything done contrary to justice, honesty, ... or good morals.” It is very likely that the Board will view shoplifting as a crime of moral turpitude. Therefore, if you are convicted of a shoplifting offense (both felony or misdemeanor), the Board can refuse to grant your license when you apply for it after graduation. Importantly, entering a plea of nolo contendere to the charge can still cause your license application to be refused.

The Board will likely consider various factors when deciding whether to grant your license, including but not limited to, the honesty displayed in your nursing application, the recentness of the event, the severity of the incident, and the occurrence of any violence. You should ensure that you answer all questions posed on your license application honestly and in close coordination with your criminal attorney. You should also discuss your license concerns with your criminal attorney.

All the best to you, RRTHahnah

information on the problems of the impaired nurse and drafted a proposal. The proposal was presented to the GNA Board of Directors and the board moved to appoint Ms. Dilday as the chairperson of the GNA Committee for Impaired Nurses. The GNA Impaired Nurse Committee was later changed to the Georgia Nurses Association Nurse Advocate Program and nurse support groups began to form around the state. The first peer support groups were formed in Augusta, Brunswick, Athens and Atlanta and the program was also selected to be an approved aftercare provider by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Our name has changed over the last 40 years, but our three philosophical beliefs remain constant:

1. Addiction is a disease with physical, social and emotional aspects.

2. No nurse should lose their job or license until he/she has had an opportunity for care.

3. There is hope in treatment for the nurse with Substance Use Disorders.

Today, our program is called the GNF-Peer Assistance Program (GNF-PAP) and we have 14

volunteer Nurse Facilitators and 11 Certified Addiction Counselors who conduct 26 weekly peer support groups across the state.

The GNF-PAP proposes a strong focus on the continued education of Healthcare Providers, Institutions, Legislators, and the community on the disease of addiction and nurses in recovery. The National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Health’s focus on education substantiate the impact of education on decreasing the stigma and increasing the possibility of recovery for those suffering from the disease. Our proposed educational outreach will impact employers, employees, families, and our communities.

We are extremely grateful to the Georgia General Assembly for our state funding. With the additional funds, we will be able to provide more support to more nurses and conduct educational outreach, which will allow us to continue to fulfill our founder, Ms. Dilday’s vision.

Barbara Austin, RN, MNChair-elect [email protected]

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Page 14 • Georgia Nursing August, September, October 2019

MEMBERSHIP

Georgia Nurses Association Political Action Committee (GN-PAC)

About GN-PAC:The Georgia Nurses Association Political Action Committee (GN-PAC) actively

and carefully reviews candidates for local, state and federal office. This consideration includes the candidate’s record on nursing issues and value as an advocate for the nursing profession. Your contribution to GN-PAC today will help GNA continue to protect your ability to practice and earn a living in Georgia. Your contribution will also support candidates for office who are strong advocates on behalf of nursing. By contributing $25 or more, you’ll become a supporting member of GN-PAC. By contributing $100 or more, you’ll become a full member of GN-PAC! The purpose of the GN-PAC shall be to promote the improvement of the health care of the citizens of Georgia by raising funds from within the nursing community and friends of nursing and contributing to the support of worthy candidates for State office who believe, and have demonstrated their belief, in the legislative objectives of the Georgia Nurses Association.

TO DONATE VISIT:https://georgianurses.nursingnetwork.com/page/75371-gn-pac

E-Store Now Open!Purchase GNA merchandise at GNA’s Café Press online store!Cups, bags, hats, t-shirts, hoodies, and more!

www.cafepress.com/georgianursesassociation

GEORGIA NURSES FOUNDATION

HONOR A NURSEWe all know a special nurse who makes a difference! Honor a nurse who has touched your life as a friend, a caregiver, a mentor, an exemplary clinician, or an outstanding teacher. Now is your opportunity to tell them “thank you.”

The Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) has the perfect thank you with its “Honor a Nurse” program which tells the honorees that they are appreciated for their quality of care, knowledge, and contributions to the profession.

Your contribution of at least $35.00 will honor your special nurse through the support of programs and services of the Georgia Nurses Foundation. Your honoree will receive a special acknowledgement letter in addition to a public acknowledgement through our quarterly publication, Georgia Nursing, which is distributed to more than 100,000 registered nurses and nursing students throughout Georgia. The acknowledgement will state the name of the donor and the honoree’s accomplishment, but will not include the amount of the donation.

Let someone know they make a difference by completing the form below and returning it to the following address:

Georgia Nurses Foundation 3032 Briarcliff Road, NE | Atlanta, GA 30329 FAX: (404) 325-0407 | [email protected] (Please make checks payable to Georgia Nurses Foundation.)

I would like to Honor a Nurse:

Honoree: Name: __________________________________________________

Email: __________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________

State/City: ______________________________Zip: ___________

From: Donor: _________________________________________________

Email: __________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________

State/City: ______________________________Zip: ___________

Amount of Gift: __________________

MasterCard/Visa #: ____________________________ Exp Date: ___________

Name on Card: _____________________________________________________

My company will match my gift? _ YES (Please list employer and address below.) ___ NO

Employer: _______________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________

The Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) is the charitable and philanthropic arm of GNA supporting GNA and its work to foster the welfare and well being of nurses, promote and advance the nursing profession, thereby enhancing the health of the public.

The Indian Health Service is the largest integrated provider of health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

IHS nurses serve a critical role in clinics, hospitals and public health outreach programs that are vital to the health of American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, families and communities.

Our nurses live and work in some of the most beautiful areas of the country. These communities have deep traditions and are located mainly, but not exclusively, in rural settings. If you are a new graduate nurse or experienced nurse looking for new challenges, we have a place for you!

Recruitment and/or Relocation incentive(s) may be authorized. There are also opportunities to participate in the Loan Repayment Program.

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Must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a state, the District of Columbia, the Common-wealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.

To contact the Indian Health Service Nursing Recruiters, send us an email at ihsrecruiters@

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August, September, October 2019 Georgia Nursing • Page 15

To become a member of GNA please

review and submit our membership

application located on the homepage of

our website at www.georgianurses.org

DO YOU HAVE A NURSE

LICENSE PLATE?The Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) special nurse license

plate is available NOW at Georgia tag offices. Each nurse plate sold results in revenue generated for GNF, which will be used for nursing scholarships and workforce planning and development to meet future needs. Show your support for the nursing profession in Georgia by purchasing a special nurses license plate today! Get details at http://www.georgianurses.org/?page=LicensePlate.

Are you interested in Palliative Care? Nurse Navigation? Informatics?

Whatever your nursing passion may be, Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) can help you connect with your peers locally and across the state. Becoming involved in your professional association is the first step towards creating your personal career satisfaction and connecting with your peers. Now, GNA has made it easy for you to become involved according to your own preferences.

I Want to Get Involved: Joining and Creating a GNA ChapterThrough GNA’s new member-driven chapter

structure, you can join multiple chapters and also create your own chapter based on shared interests where you can reap the benefits of energizing experiences, empowering insight and essential resources.

Visit https://georgianurses.nursingnetwork.com/page/77581-chapter-chairs to view a list of current GNA Chapters and Chapters Chair contact information. Connect with Chapter Chairs to find out when they will hold their next Chapter meeting!

The steps you should follow to create a NEW GNA chapter are below. If you have any questions, contact the membership development committee or GNA headquarters; specific contact information and more details may be found at www.georgianurses.org.

1. Obtain a copy of GNA bylaws, policies and procedures from www.georgianurses.org.

2. Gather together a minimum of 10 GNA members who share similar interests.

3. Select a chapter chair. 4. Chapter chair forms a roster to verify roster

as current GNA members. This is done by contacting headquarters at (404) 325-5536.

5. Identify and agree upon chapter purpose. 6. Decide on chapter name. 7. Submit information for application to become a

chapter to GNA Headquarters. Information to be submitted includes the following: Chapter chair name and chapter contact

information including an email, Chapter name, Chapter purpose, and Chapter

roster.8. The application will then go to the Membership

Development Committee who will forward it to the Board of Directors. The Board will approve or decline the application and notify the applicant of its decision.

MEMBERSHIP

Gladys N. Jusino-Leon, DNP, MSN, CMSRN, CLNC

Marty Rubin once said: “Behind every mask there is a face, and behind that a story.”

A brother and sister traveled in silence for seven hours. Only one thing was in their minds: the terrible diagnosis that the sister had received. She was now sent to a different hospital and they did not know what to expect. They arrived with hundreds of questions in their minds and a bag of uncertainty in their hearts. On top of everything else, they had little understanding of the language. Mixes of feelings were rushing through their minds and bodies: anxiety, fear, sadness, anger but all everyone could see was anger.

As nurses, our lives become intertwined with the lives of those we care for. Many patients arrive wearing a mask to hide the anxiety and fear they carry because of the unknowns: unknown diagnosis, unknown treatment, unknown process, unknown people, unknown outcome and unknown country. On the other hand, many healthcare professionals also wear a mask that prevents them from offering culturally sensitive care. With all the emphasis in cultural awareness and sensitivity these days, why is it possible that some healthcare professionals in 2019 are still lacking to provide “culturally sensitive healthcare?” The Office of Minority Health (OMH) described culturally sensitive healthcare as “the ability to be appropriately responsive to the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of groups of people that share a common and distinctive racial, national, religious, linguistic, or cultural heritage” (Tucker, Marsiske, Rice, Jones and Herman, 2012). Providing culturally sensitive healthcare that is unbiased and compassionate opens the door to learn the most beautiful or terrible stories you could imagine. It helps our patients remove their masks welcoming us into their life. It helps us remove our own masks opening a path for a better relationship with patients and families from other countries. Culturally sensitive professionals are trusted by patients that perceive the health care system as a labyrinth and who are afraid to be mistreated and abused. Culturally sensitive healthcare allows us to step outside

of our comfort zone and enter our patients’ world promoting changes and a better understanding of health and disease. Today, cultural awareness is a class that every professional is required to attend yet there are still healthcare professionals that lack the desire to learn failing to understand cultural traditions, beliefs, moral values or what it is like to walk in the patient’s shoes doing a disservice to their patients. Throughout my professional life, I have seen patients with terrible diagnoses, confused, afraid and puzzled by a healthcare system that was intimidating. I have seen healthcare professionals that did not want to “waste time” using the language line preventing patients from receiving the appropriate information. But I have also seen healthcare professionals that went above and beyond to provide the best care they could offer by breaking communication barriers. My respect for those healthcare professionals grew immensely.

There were many things affecting the brother and sister throughout the hospitalization. However, one thing made the difference: a nurse decided to break the wall and introduced himself with a smile. The nurse tried to make them feel more comfortable and shared information about the unit using the language line. He made arrangements for an interpreter to be available the next day and put up a sign regarding the language the family spoke. Several days passed and the nurse found out that the patient’s brother was the only relative the patient had in the United States. Because of the language barrier, the brother had not eaten in days. The room was very cold and they had trouble sleeping. Very quickly arrangements were made and those issues were addressed. Unfortunately, the patient died. The nurse shared that the night before her death, the patient had been looking through wedding dresses… she was dreaming of getting married one day. This is just one of many stories that can touch our lives deeply once the masks have been removed and we have opened our heart.

ReferencesTucker, C. M., Marsiske, M., Rice, K. G., Nielson, J. J., &

Herman, K. (2011). Patient-centered culturally sensitive health care: model testing and refinement. Health psychology: official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association, 30(3), 342–350. doi:10.1037/a0022967.

Email: [email protected]: (678)312-6026

Culturally Sensitive Healthcare: Removing the Masks

Gladys N. Jusino-Leon

Page 17: GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

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Page 18: GNA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GNF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · knows your name. You want to go where people know. The people are all the same. You want to go where everybody knows your name.”

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