energizing empowering GNA Membership Assembly October 3, 2015 Ironworks Convention Center Columbus, GA

Transcription

1 energizing empowering essential Professional Development Conference October 2, 2015 GNA Membership Assembly October 3, 2015 Ironworks Convention Center Columbus, GA GEORGIA NURSES ASSOCIATION energizing experiences empowering insight essential resources

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3 Welcome & Introduction 2015 GNA Professional Development Conference & Membership Assembly Table of Contents President s Welcome CEO s Welcome... 7 Official Call to the Membership... 9 GNA Mission & Vision Statement, Values, Philosophy List of Structural Units & Staff List of Past GNA/GNF Presidents, Executive Directors Annual Meetings of the GNA GEORGIA NURSES ASSOCIATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE Floor plan for Columbus Convention Center, 2nd Floor Sponsors & Exhibitors List GNA Award Recipients Schedule at a Glance Full Program Agenda Uptown Columbus Dining Guide...40 FAQs GEORGIA NURSES ASSOCIATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE CE MATERIALS CE Materials BUSINESS OF THE 2015 GEORGIA NURSES ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY Action Items 2015 GNA Membership Assembly Agenda Standing Rules, Parliamentary Procedure GNA Proposed Bylaw Amendments Proposed 2016 Legislative Platform Reports President s Report...87 President s Letter...88 Secretary Report...90 Treasurer Report...90 Director Leadership Development Report Director Membership Development Report

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5 Director Legislative/Public Policy Report Director Nursing Practice & Advocacy Report...92 Director for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Report CEO Report...94 Chapter Chair Reports: Athens Area Chapter Clinical Nurses Specialist Chapter Metro Atlanta Chapter Northwest Metro Chapter Southern Professional Nurses Network Chapter Bylaws Committee Report Growth & Development Fund Report Nominations Committee Report History Report ( ) GANS Liaison Report GANE Liaison Report GNF Report GNA/GNF Scholarship Committee Report GN-PAC Report Appendix Welcome & Introduction GNA Organizational Chart Current GNA Bylaws GNA Strategic Plan Summary of the 2015 Legislative Session Financial Audit Henssler Investment Report ANA Position Statement GNA Executive Committee/Board Roll Call Report GNF License Plate Flyer GN-PAC Donation Form GNF Honor A Nurse Donation Form Save the Date for 2016 GNA Legislative Day at the Capitol Volunteer Profile Form Printed and Published for the Georgia Nurses Association by: Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency 517 Washington, PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, IA Georgia Nurses Association/Foundation 3032 Briarcliff Road NE Atlanta, GA Published by: Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. 3

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7 Welcome & Introduction Welcome From GNA President Aimee Manion, DNP, RN-BC, NEA-BC Dear Colleagues, It is my distinct honor to welcome you to the 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference and Membership Assembly. We are excited to be back in Columbus! The last two years have presented new challenges and examples of heroism and triumph within the nursing profession and healthcare community. The Ebola crisis proved to be an eye opening look into the critical consequences that can and will occur when organizations are not prepared to meet the challenge of new and complex healthcare challenges. This crisis also showed us the fruitful outcomes that can be achieved from highly functional and well trained interprofessional teams. These teams provided exemplars regarding the impact of concerted and collaborative interprofessional efforts on yielding optimal outcomes for patients and for the dedicated professionals fully engaged in providing care. These experiences also highlighted the vital nature of ensuring access to on-going training and professional development for all healthcare professions. The robust nature of this year s conference schedule will surely provide energizing experiences, empowering insights and essential resources to all attendees. Rob Levit, expert teacher and facilitator, will open our conference with an entertaining and energizing session focused on harnessing our creativity. We are elated that ANA President, Dr. Pamela Cipriano, will be our keynote speaker. Dr. Cipriano will provide us with a national perspective on the future of nursing, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the post-aca health care environment. Nursing, leadership and healthcare experts from across the state, including the Emory Ebola Response team, will offer sessions on diverse current healthcare and nursing practice topics. On the final day of the conference, I hope to see everyone present and engaged at the GNA Membership Assembly. It has been my honor to serve you as GNA president over the last ten months, I am thankful for the great strides GNA has made during this time and I am looking forward to the amazing work we have ahead over the next two years. I would like to thank the GNA members, the GNA board, GNA CEO Debbie Bartlett and the GNA staff for their dedication and support over the last year. The time for nursing to come together as One Voice has never been more critical. I hope all of you leave this year s conference & membership assembly with a renewed commitment to stand together as a united profession fully prepared to lead transformational and sustainable changes in healthcare. Aimee Manion, DNP, RN-BC, NEA-BC President-Georgia Nurses Association 5

8 Georgia Highlands College ADDICTION TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR NURSES Talbott Recovery Columbus works directly with Board of Nursing and/or Monitoring Organizations to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements for nurses seeking treatment. Adults: Men & Women, 18 years and older Individualized treatment plans Day & Evening Programs Lodging options available for nurses during treatment Talbott Recovery Columbus 1200 Brookstone Centre Pkwy., Ste. 210, Columbus, GA Contact Us to Schedule an Assessment: (706) or (800) RN-BSN Online Program Ranked as the 2nd most affordable RN-BSN program in the nation in Complete online nursing courses fulltime in three semesters. For more information on the program or to apply, visit our website or call

9 Welcome & Introduction CEO s Welcome Debbie Bartlett, CAE Welcome to GNA s Professional Development Conference this Friday and to the GNA Membership Assembly on Saturday! This biennial event is a favorite time for me and for the GNA staff because we get to see our members. Technology is great and has its place in our busy work lives, but we love to see your smiling faces in person! We also enjoy welcoming potential new members who get to know us through our educational programming. We appreciate all of you being with us. We have a wonderful, fun event planned for you that we think you will enjoy and feel professionally enriched by. We are glad you are here. You are going to have great fun with Rob Levit s opening session and ANA President Pamela Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN will be sharing a national perspective on the future of nursing. You also don t want to miss the closing session with the Emory Ebola Team. Well you don t want to miss any of the sessions they are all going to be great! Being here with you is especially important this time because this will be my last GNA Membership Assembly. After 15+ years in the CEO role for GNA & GNF, I plan to retire at the end of the calendar year and ride off into the sunset with my handsome husband on our Paso Fino horses. It s a dream come true for us. Our sponsors are our special partners who enable us to deliver those special extras to this event that hopefully makes you feel special too. I want to give a shout out to the Arthur Davis Publishing Company who are Sponsors and here with us this weekend all the way from Iowa. They are our partners who print and mail the GNA newsletter to all 150,000 nurses in Georgia quarterly, which we could not do without them. I am also happy that I am going to have the opportunity before I go to personally thank our faithful exhibitors who support this event every biennial and to welcome our new exhibitors here for the first time. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you while we are together. Enjoy! Debbie Bartlett, CAE Chief Executive Officer Georgia Nurses Association/Foundation 7

10 B-Champs LLC delivers quality, effective, on-site educational training services in the area of employee street-smarts personal safety and self-defense. Speakers, lunch & learns, one-day, or half-day training, our education services provide workshops that are instructor-led by experienced facilitators. Phone: Website: Cobb/Douglas Community Services Boards Seeking APRNs, NPs, and RNs New Behavioral Health Facility Opening August 1st, 2015 HIRING NOW Competitive pay State health insurance/flexible benefits package Paid holidays 401(k) contributions Contact: Brittney Campbell, Director, Human Resources Resumes may be ed. Visit us at nursingald.com A FREE RESOURCE FOR NURSES 39 OFFICIAL STATE NURSING PUBLICATIONS nursingald.com Jobs Events Banners Advertise with ALD to reach the best & most qualified Nursing Professionals!

11 Welcome & Introduction Official Call to the Membership to attend the Biennial Meeting of the GNA Membership Assembly in Columbus, Georgia October 3, 2015 From Wanda Jones, BSN, MSN, FNP-BC GNA Secretary This notice constitutes an official call to meeting of the 2015 GNA Membership Assembly. The assembly will be held Saturday, October 3, 2015 (8:00 a.m. 12:45 p.m.), in Columbus, Georgia. The Membership Assembly will convene at the Columbus Georgia Convention and Trade Center located in the Historic Columbus Iron Works. Due to the new structure of the association adopted by the 2005 GNA House of Delegates, the GNA Membership Assembly is now composed of the members of the association thereby allowing each member the privilege to vote. Each member should study the issues thoroughly, attend reference hearings, engage in open-minded debate, practice active listening, and use the extensive resources and collective knowledge made available throughout the meetings to assist in making informed decisions. Members of the GNA Membership Assembly have a crucial role in providing direction and support for the work of the state organization. You should come to the assembly to work towards the growth and improvement of GNA. This requires a professional commitment to the preservation and creative growth of the professional society at all levels of the organization. Such a commitment will benefit the individual member, the association and the nursing profession. 9

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13 Welcome & Introduction About the Georgia Nurses Association The GNA Brand Promise Creating daily opportunities for members to be successful through energizing experience, empowering insight and essential resources. GNA s Mission & Vision Statement Nurses shaping the future of professional nursing for a healthier Georgia. GNA s Scope Founded more than a century for the purpose of uniting our profession, GNA is the state s largest professional nursing association for registered nurses (RNs) in all practice settings. GNA has provided enormous support to advance the profession as a whole and to nurses as individuals. Because the health care arena is in a constant state of flux, nurses must speak with a collective voice. GNA is positioned to advocate for you, while you advocate for your patients. Linked together, we can ensure nursing s agenda is heard in every arena. 11

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15 Structural Units Biennial Membership Assembly Standing Committees Bylaws Committee Chair... Jill Williams Members...Edward Adams Carol Dean Baker Lynn Whelan Elections Committee Elections Committee Chair....Emma Jean Powell Elections Committee Members.... Kathleen Koon Rachel Myers Nominations Committee Chair... Avia Turner-Gray Members... Kara Piganelli Jill Ray History Committee Chair... Kathleen Koon Members... Betty Daniels Judith Kanne GNA Board of Directors President... Aimee Manion President-Elect.... VACANT Secretary...Wanda Jones Treasurer... Jill Williams Director Leadership Development....Kathy Williams Director Membership Development... Mary Watson Director Nursing Practice & Advocacy....Sherry Sims Director Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.... Suzanne Staebler Director Legislative/Public Policy.... Richard Lamphier Director Staff Nurse... Joanne Butler Ex-Officio GNF President.... Georgia Barkers Ex-Officio GNA/GNF CEO.... Debbie Bartlett Standing Committees of the Board Welcome & Introduction Executive Committee President... Aimee Manion President-Elect... VACANT Secretary....Wanda Jones Treasurer.... Jill Williams Director Leadership Development...Kathy Williams 13

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17 Welcome & Introduction Finance Committee Chair, GNA Treasurer.... Jill Williams GNA President-Elect.... Aimee Manion GNA Board Member.... Richard Lamphier Members at Large.... Nivia Crawford Sandra Dukes Wanda Jones GNA CEO.... Debbie Bartlett Membership Development Committee Chair, GNA Dir. of Membership Development... Mary Watson GNA Chapter Chairs: Athens Area Chapter of GNA.... Melanie Cassity Atlanta VA Nurses Chapter of GNA... Sandra Dukes Central Savannah River Area Chapter of GNA.... Sharon Lorenti Conasauga Chapter of GNA....Lee Ann Brown First City Chapter of GNA.... Pat Milton Metro Atlanta Chapter of GNA.... Rolyn Clarke Northwest GNA RNs Chapter of GNA... VACANT Northwest Metro Chapter of GNA... Gerald Hobbs Nursing Collaborative of South Georgia Chapter of GNA...Stacy Branch Old Capital Chapter of GNA.... Patrice Pierce Southeastern TLC ers Chapter of GNA.... VACANT Southern Crescent Chapter of GNA...Betty Lane Southern Professional Nurses Network Chapter of GNA... Kathleen Koon Southwest Georgia Chapter of GNA.... VACANT West Georgia Chapter of GNA.... Cheryl Lynn Moore Shared Interest Chapters: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Chapter of GNA Monica Tennant Informatics Chapter of GNA....Maria Browne Nursing s Future Leaders (NFL) Chapter of GNA.... Thea Sullivan Growth & Development Fund Committee Chair, GNA Dir. of Membership Development... Mary Watson GNA Treasurer... Jill Williams Chapter Chair... Melanie Cassity Chapter Chair... Catherine Futch Chapter Chair... Kathleen Koon Chapter Chair... Patrice Pierce GNA Intervention Program (GNA-IP) Chair...Sherry Sims GNA Liaison to Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS) Jill Ray GNA Liaison to Georgia Association of Nurse Educators (GANE) Pauline Nelson 15

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19 Welcome & Introduction Awards Committee Chair...Sheila Warren Members... Cindy Balkstra Fran Beall Chris Samuelson Scholarship Committee Chair...Wanda Jones Members... Georgia Barkers Mary Watson Legislative Ad Hoc Committee Chair, Director Legislation/Public Policy...Richard Lamphier Members Barbara Austin Joe Potts MaryBeth Fazio-Norwood Heather Redrick Mary Gullatte Sherry Sims Debra Jeanmarie Suzanne Staebler Judy Malachowski Bianca Woodall-Jones Linda O Sullivan GNA Staff Chief Executive Officer.... Debbie Bartlett Director of Communications, Events, & Governance...Courtney Stancil Education Program Manager....Shanquilla Haugabrook SPAC Consultant... Katrina Barnes CE Consultant... Marcia Noble GN-PAC Board of Trustees Chair... Avia Turner-Gray Vice Chair... Glenda Summerville Secretary... Mylinh Yun Treasurer... VACANT GNF Board of Trustees President... Georgia Barkers Vice-President.... Catherine Futch Secretary...Edward Adams Treasurer... Jill Williams Member-at-Large.... Marilyn Bowcutt Member-at-Large.... Betty Daniels Member... Barbara Powe Member... Sarah Myers Member... Coral Roselmond-Moore Member... Avia Turner-Gray GNA Executive Committee Member.... Aimee Manion GNA Executive Committee Member....Wanda Jones GNA Executive Committee Member....Kathy Williams Ex-Officio GNA/GNF CEO.... Debbie Bartlett 17

20 Accelerate your career The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities has nursing opportunities at our various hospitals in Atlanta, Augusta, Milledgeville, Columbus, Savannah and field offices. The nature of these jobs can vary from Psychiatric Nursing to Skilled Nursing; from hospital-based to field-based. Check us out at or scan the below QR Code to see a list of our current Nursing openings. At DBHDD, our vision is to ensure easy access to highquality care that leads to a life of independence and recovery for the people we serve. Doctor s Hospital is located in Augusta, Georgia, the state s second largest and oldest city, and is home of the annual Masters Golf Tournament. Doctors Hospital is nationally known for our Burn Center, the largest in the U.S. We have also been recognized as a top performing hospital by the Joint Commission, Cancer Center accredited by the American College of Surgeons, Chest Pain Accredited, earned the Joint Commission s certificate of distinction for total hip and total knee replacement and spinal fusion surgery, and we are the only CARF accredited facility in our area. We are a level 3 trauma and emergency center. The Joint Commission has also developed criteria for organizations to become certified in specific diseases or conditions. Doctors Hospital has earned the gold seal of approval in four disease specific areas: * Primary Stroke Center * Stroke Rehabilitation * Total Hip Replacement * Total Knee Replacement * Sepsis (706) Wheeler Rd., Augusta, GA with a 100% asynchronous online graduate degree offered in the following areas: Doctoral Program EdD in Nursing Education Master of Science in Nursing Program Health Systems Leadership, Leader Manager Health Systems Leadership, Clinical Nurse Leader Nursing Education Now accepting applications for Fall Choose Health Systems Leadership to oversee patient groups as a clinical nurse leader or prepare for a variety of nursing management/leadership positions within the ever-revolving healthcare arena. Select Nursing Education at the MSN or Doctoral level to develop expertise in health education, patient education, higher education, or professional development. Tanner Health System School of Nursing UWG s Online Graduate Nursing Program is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, contact Embry Ice at eice@westga.edu or nursing.westga.edu 18

21 Welcome & Introduction Presidents of the Georgia Nurses Association Mrs. Agnes C. Hartridge Augusta Miss Mary B. Wilson Augusta 1909 Mrs. Agnes C. Hartridge Augusta 1910 Mrs. Eva S. Tupman Atlanta Mrs. Agnes C. Hartridge Augusta Miss Ada Finley Savannah 1915 Mrs. Alberta D. Williamson Atlanta 1916 Miss Carrie Ransom Americus 1917 Miss Henrietta Meyers Savannah Miss Louise Hazelhurst Macon 1920 Mrs. Virginia G. Morris Marietta 1921 Miss Jane Van de Vrede Atlanta 1922 Mrs. Mae M. Jones Milledgeville 1923 Miss Jean Harrell Atlanta Miss Lucy Hall Savannah Miss Annie Bess Feebeck Atlanta Miss Lucia Massee Cuthbert Miss Alice F. Stewart Augusta Mrs. Dorothy H. Treakle Savannah Mrs. Paul Farkas Albany Miss. Shirley Hamrick Cedartown Miss Freida Grefe Savannah Miss Lillian O. Nelson Atlanta Mrs. Olive Barbin Augusta Miss Dana Hudson Atlanta Mrs. Laura W. Fitzsimmons Augusta Mrs. Olive Barbin Augusta LaVerne Johnson Savannah Olive Barbin Augusta Alda Ditchfield Decatur Kathryn Suggs Chance Atlanta Betty Golden Augusta Carol Rittenhouse Lithonia Mary Long Atlanta Linda McSwain Atlanta Charlotte Warren Atlanta Donna Waddell Dahlonega Chris Samuelson Augusta Debbie Hatmaker Athens Myra Carmon Marietta Linda Easterly Kathleen Cindy Balkstra Dahlonega Fran Beall Bogart Sheila Warren Hahira Rebecca Wheeler Atlanta Aimee Manion Marietta

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23 Welcome & Introduction Executive Directors of the Georgia Nurses Association Jane Van de Vrede Durice Dickerson Hanson 1947 Ruth Babin 1947? Mildred B. Pryse? 1968 Elizabeth Dixon Katherine Pope Barbara Dowl 1975 Joan Naylor Mary Lou Keener Diane Dillon Carolyn Holt 1985 Donna Waddell Susan Williamson Mary Mallison Karen Pakkala Marcia Noble (interim November 1999-March 2000) 2000 Debbie Bartlett, CAE 21

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25 Welcome & Introduction Annual/Biennial Meetings of the Georgia Nurses Association 1907 Savannah 1908 Atlanta 1909 Augusta 1910 Atlanta 1911 Macon 1912 Savannah 1913 Augusta 1914 Atlanta 1915 Savannah 1916 Macon 1917 Americus 1918 Valdosta 1919 Atlanta 1920 Augusta 1921 Savannah 1922 Macon 1923 Atlanta 1924 Athens 1925 Augusta 1926 Savannah 1927 Macon 1928 Columbus 1929 Rome 1930 Atlanta 1931 Savannah 1932 Albany 1933 Augusta 1934 Athens 1935 Macon 1936 Columbus 1937 Rome 1938 Atlanta 1939 Savannah 1940 Albany 1941 Gainesville 1942 Augusta 1943 Atlanta 1944 Atlanta 1945 Atlanta 1946 Macon 1947 Savannah 1948 Albany 1949 Columbus 1950 Augusta 1951 Atlanta 1952 Macon 1953 Gainesville 1954 Griffin 1955 Augusta 1956 Valdosta 1957 Savannah 1958 Columbus 1959 Atlanta 1960 Macon 1961 Jekyll Island 1962 Atlanta 1963 Augusta 1964 Jekyll Island 1965 Savannah 1966 Athens 1967 Columbus 1968 Rome 1969 Atlanta 1970 Albany 1971 Macon 1972 Augusta 1973 Atlanta 1974 Savannah 1975 Pine Mountain 1976 Valdosta 1977 Rome 1978 Atlanta 1979 Albany 1980 Jekyll Island 1981 Gainesville 1982 Savannah 1983 Atlanta 1984 Pine Mountain 1985 Athens 1986 Hilton Head, SC 1987 Macon 1988 Columbus 1989 Macon 1990 Jekyll Island 1991 Gainesville 1992 Columbus 1993 Jekyll Island 1994 Gainesville 1995 Columbus 1996 Augusta 1997 Savannah 1998 Atlanta 1999 Columbus 2000 Athens 2001 Jekyll Island 2002 Augusta 2003 Macon 2004 Athens 2005 Columbus 2007 Savannah 2009 Athens 2011 Atlanta 2013 Augusta 2015 Columbus 23

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28 Online DNP PROGRAMS Georgia Southern s totally online Post-MSN APRN DNP Program prepares you for leadership, scholarship, and health policy development. BSN to DNP. For BSN graduates who wish to become a Family Nurse Practitioner at the doctoral level, students will have an option to opt out at the end of the first 2 1/2 years and receive their MSN degree with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) focus. This will make them eligible to sit for the national certification required for practice. Students will have 4 years after opting out to return to GSU to complete the rest of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, if they desire. For questions on either program, please contact our office at GeorgiaSouthern.edu/nursing 26

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31 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference 2015 GNA Professional Development Conference List of Exhibitors & Sponsors The GNA Exhibit Hall at the Ironworks Convention Center will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on October 2, Silver Level Sponsor: 2015 Conference Sponsor: Bronze Level Sponsors: Exhibitors: Albany State University Online Programs 504 College Drive Albany, GA Phone: (229) Amedisys 200 S. Executive Drive 3rd Floor Broofield, WI Phone: (414) Athens Regional Medical Center 1199 Prince Avenue Athens, GA Phone: (706) CE Broker 5210 Belfort Road Suite 320 Jacksonville, FL Phone: (877)

32 Chamberlain College of Nursing 5775 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE Atlanta, GA Phone: (404) Columbus Regional Health Human Resources 707 Center Street Columbus, GA Phone: (706) EZ Way, Inc. P.O. Box 89 Clarinda, IA Phone: (800) Georgia Association for Nursing Education (GANE) P.O. Box 4264 Macon, GA Phone: (770) Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS) P.O. Box Atlanta, GA Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University 3001 Mercer University Drive Atlanta, GA Phone: (678) Georgia Nurses Political Action Committee (GN-PAC) 3032 Briarcliff Road, NE Atlanta, GA Phone: (404) The Gideons International 20 Hudson Circle Douglasville, GA Phone: (678) Pediatric Services of America (PSA Healthcare) 6075 The Corners Parkway Suite 212 Norcross, GA Phone: (770) Troy University 400 Pell Ave. Troy, AL Phone: (800) Western Governors University 4001 S. 700 East, #700 Salt Lake City, UT Phone: (801) Your Patient Boards 202 W. Lawton Edgerton, WI Phone: (214) Georgia Nurses Association Intervention Program (GNA-IP) 3032 Briarcliff Road, NE Atlanta, GA Phone: (678) This list may not be a comprehensive list of all organizations included in the GNA Exhibit Hall, as exhibitors will be accepted up to the event date. 30

33 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference 2015 GNA/GNF Scholarships and Awards The Georgia Nurses Foundation and Georgia Nurses Association Scholarship Programs provide financial assistance to qualified applicants studying nursing in an accredited school, college or university. The scholarships are available to full- and part-time students, including students enrolled in Associate Degree, Baccalaureate, Master s and Doctoral programs in nursing. Katherine Pope Scholarship awarded by the Georgia Nurses Association 2015 Recipient: Jennifer C. Weeks Kathryn Chance Scholarship awarded by the Georgia Nurses Foundation 2015 Recipient: Rolyn Clarke Criteria: Currently enrolled in an accredited program in nursing Resident of Georgia Verifiable financial need GPA of at least 2.5 on 4.0 scale in prior educational work All non-rn applicants must have completed one year of study Provide two letters of reference which indicate leadership, scholarship and potential for success in the practice of nursing Priority will be given to applicants who meet the following criteria: Enrolled in a Georgia school, college or university Plans to practice professional nursing in Georgia following graduation Member of respective professional organization (i.e., Georgia Association of Nursing Students, Georgia Nurses Association, Georgia Association for Nursing Education, etc.) Annie Lou Overton Scholarship awarded by the Georgia Nurses Foundation 2015 Recipient: Rosalind D. Person Criteria: Currently enrolled in an accredited program in nursing Resident of Georgia Verifiable financial need GPA of at least 2.5 on 4.0 scale in prior educational work All non-rn applicants must have completed one year of study Provide two letters of reference which indicate leadership, scholarship and potential for success in the practice of nursing 31

34 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference Priority will be given to applicants who meet the following criteria: Enrolled in a Georgia school, college or university Plans to practice professional nursing in Georgia following graduation Member of respective professional organization (i.e., Georgia Association of Nursing Students, Georgia Nurses Association, Georgia Association for Nursing Education, etc.) RN to BSN completion for Annie Lou Overton Scholarship The Georgia Nurses Association recognizes nurses in various disciplines for their accomplishments during the year. These awards are presented during the Biennial Conference Closing Luncheon. GNA Innovations in Nursing Practice Award 2015 Recipient: Announced at Closing Awards Luncheon Purpose: The Innovations in Nursing Practice Award was established to recognize nursing pioneers who through their creative thoughts and actions, have made a difference for nurses and nursing in Georgia. This award has been dedicated to Mary N. Long, Past President the Georgia Nurses Association and Georgia Nurses Foundation. Basis of Selection: Any nurse who has made a difference in nursing in Georgia through creative thoughts (willing to think outside the box ) and actions and demonstrates achievement of innovative approaches to defining the work of self and others. Eligibility Requirements: Member of the Georgia Nurses Association Maintained an active license and actively practice nursing. Minimal Degree in Nursing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing GNA Media Award 2015 Recipient: Announced at Closing Awards Luncheon Purpose: To recognize and honor those individuals or organizations that specialize in communications and journalism and who strive for distinction in illustrating the diverse knowledge and rich history of the nursing profession. Basis of Selection: Individual(s) or organizations that have acknowledged and addressed nursing issues in their medium. Eligibility Requirements: Accurate and thought provoking depiction of nurses and nursing issues Utilizing media as a tool to bring awareness to and support of the nursing profession Promotes the positive image of nurses and the nursing profession Nomination should include any articles, audiotapes or video clips as supportive documentation 32

35 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference GNA Emerging Leader Award 2015 Recipient: Announced at Closing Awards Luncheon Purpose: To recognize a nurse and emerging leader at any stage in his/her career who has, during the period October 2011-June 2013, provided and/or demonstrated leadership to the profession at the local, regional or national level. Basis of Selection: To recognize a nurse and emerging leader at any stage in his/her career who has, during the period October 2011-June 2013, provided and/or demonstrated leadership to the profession at the local, regional or national level and who has made a difference in nursing in Georgia through group oriented activities, using personal leadership skills and contributing to educational programs. Eligibility Requirements: Have an active nursing license and actively practice nursing. Be a member of the Georgia Nurses Association. (Both Nominee and Nominator) Minimal Degree in Nursing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) GNA Excellence in the Care of Older Adults Award 2015 Recipient: Announced at Closing Awards Luncheon Purpose: To recognize a nurse who has demonstrated, at the local, regional or national level, humility and dedication to the care of older adults. Basis of Selection: Any registered nurse who is specifically focused on aspects of nursing practice that impact older adults including: provision of care, educational needs, public education, healthcare policy, strategies for assisting families & relevant personal behaviors that support the care of older adults. Eligibility Requirements: Maintain an active nursing license and actively practice nursing. Be a member of the Georgia Nurses Association. (Both Nominee and Nominator) Minimal Degree in Nursing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) GNA Excellence in Partnership with Nursing Award 2015 Recipient: Announced at Friday Keynote Luncheon This award is GNA s recognition of an individual (or group) that has supported GNA s mission. The award is selected by the Executive Committee on behalf of the association. Criteria: Georgia Resident (individual or group) Made continuous (or sustained) exemplary efforts to assist GNA in meeting its Strategic Goals: o Promote the RN as an essential provider in all practice settings. o Advocate collaboratively for comprehensive quality, affordable health care services for all people. o Advance professionalism within nursing to encourage excellence. o Organize & operate the association to enhance professional development. 33

36 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference GNA Distinguished Service Award 2015 Recipient: Announced at Closing Awards Luncheon This award is GNA s highest award bestowed on an individual selected by the GNA Executive Committee on behalf of the association. Criteria: RN Member of GNA Shown continuous (or sustained) contributions to GNA s meeting its Strategic Goals: o Promote the RN as an essential provider in all practice settings. o Advocate collaboratively for comprehensive quality, affordable health care services for all people. o Advance professionalism within nursing to encourage excellence. o Organize & operate the association to enhance professional development. 34

37 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Professional Development Conference And Membership Assembly October 2-3, 2015 Columbus, GA Schedule at a Glance 35

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39 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Professional Development Conference And Membership Assembly October 2-3, 2015 Columbus, GA FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, :00 8:00 a.m. Breakfast with the Exhibitors 8:00 8:15 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks Aimee Manion, DNP, RN-BC, NEA-BC; GNA President 8:15 9:15 a.m. Harnessing the Power of Creativity Rob Levit Rob Levit is a gifted teacher, trainer and facilitator who has worked extensively with corporate and nonprofit clients. His inclusive and interactive approach creates avenues of communication that encourage participation from those with different learning and personality styles. His areas of expertise include creativity, innovation, strategy, personal/group productivity and emotional intelligence. Learn how multi-sensory activities and creativity can be used as a tool to enhance emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills in this interactive session! 9:30 10:30 a.m. Concurrent Sessions (Choose one): Leadership Track: Leadership and the Art of Communication Rob Levit In this fast-paced and dynamic breakout session, participants will identify barriers and gaps to great communication, learn the techniques of active listening and engage in activities designed to add clarity, accountability and power to leadership skills. APRN Track: APRN Consensus and LACE Updates Suzanne Staebler, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, FAANP In 2008, the National Council of State Board of Nursing adopted the APRN Consensus Model for APRN Regulation, with the goal of full implementation by This session will discuss the current state of the Race for Consensus nationally and here in Georgia, and discuss all four areas of regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education (LACE). 10:30 11:00 a.m. Break with Exhibitors 37

40 11:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions (Choose one): 12:00 p.m. Leadership Track: Speak Up! Recognizing and Addressing Disruptive Behavior in Healthcare Dianne Jacobs, MSN, RN Dianne Jacobs, co-founder and principal of a consulting firm that helps clients eliminate disruptive and costly behaviors in the workplace, defines best practices for creating a culture of civility in the workplace. APRN Track: It s all about Relationships: Government Relations in a Nutshell Leslie Jeter, CRNA, MS 12:15 1:45 p.m. Keynote Luncheon Nursing Transforming Healthcare ANA President Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN ANA President Pamela Cipriano will give attendees a national perspective on the future of nursing, the Affordable Care Act and the post-aca health care environment. 1:45 2:15 p.m. Break with Exhibitors 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference 2:15 3:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions (Choose one): Leadership Track: Leadership Roles in Associations: What Does It Take? GNA President Aimee Manion, DNP, RN-BC, NEA- BC; GNA Secretary Wanda Jones, BSN, MSN, FNP- BC; GNA Director of Leadership Development Kathy Williams, MS, BSN, RN; GNA Treasurer Jill Williams RN, MSN, MCSM The success of any associations is built upon creating and maintaining a pipeline of leaders, willing to step forward and promote the mission, vision and strategic priorities of the association. This session will provide guidance on how to become a leader within an association, describe the expectations of leaders within associations, and discuss the value of the leadership role. In addition, key points on the personal and professional benefits of assuming a leadership role will be discussed. APRN Track: Going Where No Southern State Has Gone Before: The Envisioned Future of Georgia APRN Practice - Janet Ross, MSN, FNP-BC; Tiney Ray, PhD, FNP-BC; Jessica Ellis, MSN, CNM; Jennifer Adamski, DNP, AGNPAC-BC; Anne Boisclair-Fahey, DNP, CPNP 38

41 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference Scope & Standards: ANA Nursing Scope and Standards #8: Culturally Congruent Practice Dr. Lucy Marion, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP; Shena Gazaway, PhD(c), MSN, RN; Jonas Scholar Hot off the Press! The new ANA Standard 8: Culturally Congruent Practice (CCP) and related competencies will be presented in the context of the recently revised Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (3rd Ed), Upon reviewing and revising the work for the 3rd Edition, the 40-strong work group of diverse nursing experts realized the paucity of attention to culture. After several months of work, the group became aware of the need for a strong culturally congruent standard and appointed a sub group to write the standard. The presenters include Lucy Marion who was a lead on the CCP sub-group and Shena Gazaway who was a Jonas Scholar and full contributor. The presentation will include the details about the standard development, the standard, the competencies, and indepth discussions of selected competencies how to integrate them into your nursing practice. 3:30 4:30 p.m. Emory s Experience with Ebola: The Nursing Perspective Christopher Bryce Barnes; Tracy Daye; Dustin Hillis, BSN, RN, CCRN; Crystal Johnson, RN, MSN, FNP- BC Meet the Emory RN Ebola team as they discuss lessons learned directly from the front line in this inspiring closing plenary 4:45 5:45 p.m. Specialty Meetings Advance arrangements with GNA required due to limited space. Any meeting notice for this time slot will come directly from your group. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, :30 8:00 a.m. Breakfast 8:00 a.m. GNA Membership Assembly 12:45 p.m. The business of the Association will be conducted during the Membership Assembly including a Professional Issues Discovery Forum, Bylaws proposals, Officer Reports, 2016 legislative platform approval, and swearing in of new officers. 1:00 2:30 p.m. Closing Awards Luncheon We ll conclude the 2015 Conference by celebrating the outstanding achievements of our members with the 2015 GNA awards ceremony and closing luncheon. Always a great way to wrap up the biennial Conference! Participants who attend all activities of the conference will earn a maximum of 6.0 Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) contact hours. Georgia Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center s Commission on Accreditation. 39

42 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference 11th and Bay 11thandbay.com 1050 Bay Avenue The Rankin Den th Street The POD Market on Broadway The Corner of Broadway and 10th Street Plucked Up Chicken & Biscuits st Avenue Barberitos Broadway Ride On Juice and Smoothie Bar Broadway Pickled and Pecked PickledandPecked th Street th Street Deli 12thstreetdeli.com Street Arby s Veterans Baskin Robins A Veterans Burger King Veterans Country s on Broad Broadway Chili Thai 19th West 10th Street Downstairs at the Loft Broadway Dunkin Donuts Veterans EPIC Front Avenue, Suite E Flip Side Burgers and Tacos flipsideburgersandtacos 1115 Broadway Freeze Frame Yogurt Broadway Fountain City Coffee Broadway Grist Mill Coffee Shop GristMillColumbus 800 Front Ave Houlihan s Front Ave Iron Bank Coffee th Street Locos Amigos Cantina Broadway Mabella s Italian Steakhouse mabellas.com 14 West 11th Street

43 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference Marios 1010-B Broadway McDonalds Veterans Meritage meritagecafe.net st Avenue Minnie s Uptown Restaurant pages/minnies-uptown-restaurant 104 8th Street Momma Goldbergs Broadway Philly-osophy Broadway Picasso Pizza Broadway Planet Pops th Street Plucked Up First Avenue POD Market on Broadway 25 West 10th Street Ruth Ann s Veteran s Parkway Samurai ilovesamurai.com 1009 Broadway Scruffy Murphy s 1037 Broadway Subway Broadway, Suite A The Black Cow A 12th Street The Cannon Brewpub Broadway The Rankin Den and Dining 21 10th Street The Social Broadway Uptown Vietnam Cuisine Broadway Your Pie Broadway

44 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference General Information & Frequently Asked Questions How do I know where to go for what during the Conference? The schedule at a glance, program agenda, travel and hotel information and Columbus Ironworks Convention Center floor plan are available for download on the GNA Conference web page This information has also been published in your onsite 2015 GNA Booklet of Reports. Volunteers and staff members will be onsite and happy to assist you as well. I did not pre-register for the Conference. Can I register for the event onsite? Yes, a limited number of onsite registrations for Conference will be available in the registration area of the Ironworks Convention Center. Note: Onsite registration fees will be higher than the pre-registered prices to offset additional fees. Where should I park for the Conference? The Columbus Marriott provides free parking for GNA room block hotel guests. My spouse will join me as a guest in Columbus. Where can he/she go to get information about fun things to do? The Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau is right across the street from the Columbus Marriott 900 Front Avenue, Columbus, GA or visit their website Friday dinner is on your own. What are some of our options? Friday nights in Columbus, Broadway gets blocked off for vehicles, and the streets will be filled with live music and food vendors! Uptown Columbus is only a few blocks from the Ironworks Convention Center and the Columbus Marriott. A full list of restaurants is posted on the GNA Conference site and is also included in the Conference Booklet of Reports Uptown Columbus Dining Guide. How will I know about last minute announcements and special happenings at the Conference? Look for flyers that come with your registration materials for special announcements. Announcements will also be made from the podiums during the event. How many contact hours can I earn at this year s Professional Development Conference? Attendees can earn a total of 6.0 hours of Continuing Education (CNE) during the Professional Development Conference on Friday, October 2, What are the rules about earning contact hours? Simple! You have to get there on time, stay until the end of the selected session, and turn in a completed evaluation form at the end of the conference. Participants who choose to arrive more than a few minutes late or leave early will forfeit their right to receive contact hours for that session. What if I lose my Certification of Completion for a CE session? Please call or GNA Headquarters at and ask for a replacement to be issued. Staff will check to be sure that your documentation is in order and mail your new certificate to you as soon as possible. 42

45 What is the process for receiving my Certificate of Completion? You will turn in your completed evaluation form, on which you have evaluated all sessions attended, along with your Verification of Attendance Form to the GNA Registration Desk before you leave the Conference. Certificates of completion for contact hours earned will be ed to you from GNA within six weeks. I want GNA to communicate with me via . Is that possible? Yes, and it is encouraged! If you are a GNA member and not receiving s from us, such as Members- Only E-News, please send your name and current address in a request to gna@georgianurses.org. I want to get more involved in GNA in the coming months, perhaps by running for office or volunteering to serve on a committee or task force. How can I do that? On the Conference Web page, you will find a Volunteer Profile Form available for download. The form will also be available in your 2015 GNA Booklet of Reports. Please complete the form and put it in the box on our registration table at conference, or , fax or mail to GNA. You may send that form to GNA at any time to express your willingness to volunteer. New appointments are appointed by the GNA Board of Directors in November. Additional volunteer opportunities continue throughout the year. Participants who attend all activities of the Conference will earn a maximum of 6.0 Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) contact hours. The Georgia Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center s Commission on Accreditation. 43

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49 COLOURED HAT THINK OF DETAILED DESCRIPTION White Paper Fire and warmth Sunshine A stern judge Vegetation and rich growth The sky and overview The white hat is about data and information. It is used to record information that is currently available and to identify further information that may be needed. The red hat is associated with feelings, intuition, and emotion. The red hat allows people to put forward feelings without justification or prejudice. The yellow hat is for a positive view of things. It looks for benefits in a situation. This hat encourages a positive view even in people who are always critical. The black hat relates to caution. It is used for critical judgement. Sometimes it is easy to overuse the black hat. The green hat is for creative thinking and generating new ideas. This is your creative thinking cap. The blue hat is about process control. It is used for thinking about thinking. The blue hat asks for summaries, conclusions, and decisions. 47

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52 Notes Page Making Sense of the APRN Consensus, LACE & Continuing Competency Presented by: Suzanne Staebler, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, FAANP 50

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55 Notes Page Speak Up! Recognizing and Addressing Disruptive Behavior in Healthcare Presented by: Dianne M. Jacobs, MSN, RN 53

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57 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference CE Materials Notes Page It s All About Relationships: Government Relations for APRNs in a Nutshell Presented by: Leslie Jeter, CRNA, MS 55

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72 2015 Georgia Nurses Association Conference CE Materials Notes Page Nurses Transforming Healthcare Presented by: Pamela Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN President, American Nurses Association 70

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81 2015 GNA Membership Assembly STANDING RULES FOR CONDUCTING BUSINESS OF THE GNA MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY AMENDED SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 I. Members are required to wear the official designated member badge at all GNA Membership Assembly meetings. II. If a member who has been seated in the GNA Membership Assembly is absent from the entire session of the Assembly, or leaves the Conference, the member badge shall be surrendered at the Credentialing table. Should the member return, he/she shall be re-credentialed. III. In order to obtain the floor, the member must rise, address the chair, and await recognition. IV. No one may speak longer than two minutes at any given time without permission of the assembly. V. No one may speak a second time to the same motion until all members have had an opportunity to speak once. VI. All motions shall be written and signed by their maker and the member who seconds the motion, and then sent to the chair (through the monitors). VII. In order to close debate, a member must obtain the floor, then call or move the previous question. This motion requires second; this motion is not debatable; this motion cannot be amended; and this motion requires a two-thirds vote of the assembly. VIII. Members will act only on the recommendations of action reports. Questions of clarification about the intent and meaning of the recommendations will be handled according to parliamentary procedure, governed by Robert s Rules of Order, Newly Revised. 1. Any action report previously forwarded to the GNA Reference Committee and deemed not to meet the criteria required for presentation to the Membership Assembly (late), if introduced by an individual member must receive a 2/3 vote of the members in order to reach the floor for consideration. This vote is non-debatable. Should the members agree to consider the action report, it is entertained under new business and requires a majority vote by the Membership Assembly for adoption. 2. Any substantive report not of emergency nature nor one previously forwarded to the GNA Reference Committee, if introduced by an individual member, must receive a 2/3 vote of the Membership Assembly for consideration. This vote is non-debatable. Should the members agree to consider the report, it is entertained under new business and requires a majority vote by the Membership Assembly for adoption. 3. Any report which meets the above criteria must be submitted to the state office for copying five working days prior to the Conference. IX. GNA Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Membership Assembly. X. An affirmative vote on the motion to amend the Bylaws cannot be reconsidered. XI. Amendments: 1. These rules of order may be suspended (for that meeting only) by two-thirds vote at any meeting of the Association, the GNA Executive Committee, or the GNA Board of Directors. 2. These rules of order may be amended at any Conference by a two-thirds vote with notice. 3. These rules of order may be amended at any Conference by a 95% vote without notice. XII. There shall be no taping of any session of Conference. 79

82 2015 GNA Membership Assembly Parliamentary Information Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised is the parliamentary authority that shall govern the Convention Business Meetings. The President, as the presiding officer, rules on all matters relative to parliamentary law and procedures. The Parliamentarian serves only in an advisory capacity to the presiding officer and members. Members participation in the business sessions is governed by the Standing Rules. The motions that follow are defined in terms of action a member may desire to propose. A main motion introduces a subject for consideration as is stated: I move that... An amendment (primary) is a motion to modify the wording of a motion. The motion to amend may be made in one of the following forms, determined by the action desired: I move to amend by striking (word(s), phrase, paragraph).... inserting (word(s), phrase, paragraph).... striking and inserting (word(s), phrase, paragraph).... adding (word(s), phrase, paragraph at the end of a motion).... substituting (paragraph or entire text of a resolution or main motion and inserting another that is germane). An amendment to an amendment is a motion to modify the wording of the proposed amendment and is made as follows: I move to amend the amendment by... The same forms for making an amendment are applicable for making a secondary amendment. The motion to commit or refer is generally used to send a pending motion (also called the question ) to a small group of selected persons a committee, board, or cabinet, for example so that the question may be studied and put in better condition for the assembly to consider. The motion is stated: I move to commit the question to... for further study. The motion to close debate (previous question), if seconded and approved by a two-thirds vote, stops discussion and amendment on the pending question and is stated: I move the previous question. A division of the assembly may be called by any one member if the president s decision on a voice vote is in question. The member proceeds to the microphone and, without obtaining the floor, states: I call for a division of the assembly... or Division! The President then takes a rising vote. A division of the question may be called when a pending motion relates to a single subject that contains several parts, each capable of standing as a complete proposition. The parts can be separated and each considered and voted on as a proposition. The parts can be separated and each considered and voted on as a distinct question. The motion is stated: I move to divide the question as follows... 80

83 2015 GNA Membership Assembly The motion to reconsider enables a majority of the assembly to bring back for further consideration a motion that has already been voted. The purpose of reconsidering a vote is to permit correction of hasty, illadvised, or erroneous action; to take into account added information or a situation that has changed since the vote was taken. The person making this motion must have voted on the prevailing side. Parliamentary inquiry is a question directed to the presiding officer to obtain information on parliamentary law or the rules of the organization as relevant to the business at hand. A member addresses the President and states: I rise to a point of parliamentary inquiry. Point of information is a request directed to the President or through the President to another officer or member, for information relevant to the business at hand. The request is not related to parliamentary procedure. The member addresses the chair and states: I rise to a point of information. The motion to appeal the decision of the President is made at the time the President makes a ruling. If it is made by a member, and seconded by another member, the question is taken from the President and vested in the membership for a final decision. The motion is stated: I move to appeal the decision of the President. * * * * * Before a member can make a motion or address the assembly on any question, it is necessary that he or she obtain the floor through recognition by the presiding officer. The member must: rise and proceed to the microphone. address the President by saying, Madam/Mister President. await recognition. give name. immediately state the motion or the reason he or she has risen. 81

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87 2015 GNA Membership Assembly Georgia Nurses Association Proposed 2016 Legislative Platform CONSUMER ADVOCACY GNA ADVOCACY AGENDA We endorse programs and funding which promote and enable all individuals to achieve optimal quality of life across the continuum. This includes comprehensive health care, education and a safe environment, as well as the basic needs of nutrition and shelter. Appropriateness of nurse staffing as provided in the American Nurses Association s Principles for Safe Nurse Staffing. The ability of all patients to select a health care provider of their choice. Continued funding for services provided by the state of Georgia to patients, families and vulnerable populations An appropriately prepared public health system for response to disasters, pandemics and other statewide emergencies Initiatives that support family caregivers. Improving access to health care and improving health outcomes WORKFORCE ADVOCACY We believe that workplace safety of nurses warrants attention and support of programs designed to prevent job-related injuries, bullying, harassment, violence, illnesses and deaths. GNA promotes health and safety programs in the workplace. Awareness and prevention of workplace violence Safe levels of staffing as provided in the American Nurses Association s Principles for Safe Nurse Staffing, no-fault error reporting, protection from retribution for nurses reporting unsafe patient and work conditions. Includes Fatigue guidelines just published by ANA Substance abuse awareness and prevention programs, and monitoring for nurses with substance use disorder. THEME Increasing access to care and improving health outcomes for all Georgians Removal of practice barriers, thereby allowing the professional nurse to practice to the full extent of their education and training Modernization of the Nurse Practice Act and APRN regulation Promote Mandated Medical Emergency Practice Drills in Georgia Schools With approximately 20 percent of Georgians in schools, on school days, medical emergencies will happen. A practiced emergency response plan will improve outcomes. Verification and standardization of safe staffing in Skilled Nursing facilities and assisted living centers. With Georgia s aging population base, we want to ensure safe staffing to promote public safety. 85

88 2015 GNA Membership Assembly Georgia Nurses Association Guiding Principals Evidence-based health policy Ergonomics and safe patient handling as provided in the American Nurses Association s Handle with Care Recommendations from the IOM Future of Nursing report (2010) Recommendation 1: Remove scope-of-practice barriers. Advanced practice registered nurses should be able to practice to the full extent of their education and training. Recommendation 2: Expand opportunities for nurses to lead and diffuse collaborative improvement efforts. Private and public funders, health care organizations, nursing education programs, and nursing associations should expand opportunities for nurses to lead and manage collaborative efforts with physicians and other members of the health care team to conduct research and to redesign and improve practice environments and health systems. These entities should also provide opportunities for nurses to diffuse successful practices. Recommendation 3: Implement nurse residency programs. State boards of nursing, accrediting bodies, the federal government, and health care organizations should take actions to support nurses completion of a transition-to-practice program (nurse residency) after they have completed a prelicensure or advanced practice degree program or when they are transitioning into new clinical practice areas. Recommendation 4: Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80 percent by Academic nurse leaders across all schools of nursing should work together to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree from 50 to 80 percent by These leaders should partner with education accrediting bodies, private and public funders, and employers to ensure funding, monitor progress, and increase the diversity of students to create a workforce prepared to meet the demands of diverse populations across the lifespan. Recommendation 5: Double the number of nurses with a doctorate by Schools of nursing, with support from private and public funders, academic administrators and university trustees, and accrediting bodies, should double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020 to add to the cadre of nurse faculty and researchers, with attention to increasing diversity. Recommendation 6: Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning. Accrediting bodies, schools of nursing, health care organizations, and continuing competency educators from multiple health professions should collaborate to ensure that nurses and nursing students and faculty continue their education and engage in lifelong learning to gain the competencies needed to provide care for diverse populations across the lifespan. Recommendation 7: Prepare and enable nurses to lead change to advance health. Nurses, nursing education programs, and nursing associations should prepare the nursing workforce to assume leadership positions across all levels, while public, private, and governmental health care decision makers should ensure that leadership positions are available to and filled by nurses. Recommendation 8: Build an infrastructure for the collection and analysis of interprofessional health care workforce data. The National Health Care Workforce Commission, with oversight from the Government Accountability Office and the Health Resources and Services Administration, should lead a collaborative effort to improve research and the collection and analysis of data on health care workforce requirements. The Workforce Commission and the Health Resources and Services Administration should collaborate with state licensing boards, state nursing workforce centers, and the Department of Labor in this effort to ensure that the data are timely and publicly accessible. 86

89 2015 GNA Membership Assembly GNA Board of Directors Biennial Report President NAME: Aimee Manion, DNP, RN-BC, NEA-BC OFFICE OR POSITION ON THE BOARD: President-Elect ( ); President ( ) PLEASE LIST YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS/OUTCOMES DURING YOUR TERM ON THE GNA BOARD: Participated in the American Nurses Advocacy Institute (ANAI) as an ANAI fellow. Used this training as a foundation to engage in meaningful health policy and political action discussions on state and national levels. Facilitated and/or participated in all quarterly board meetings and additional meetings called on an as needed basis. Assisted with the development and implementation of the 2014 GNA Professional Development Conference with 135 nurses attending the conference. Attended the 2014 ANA President s Emersion Course. Upon the resignation of the GNA President Dr. Rebecca Wheeler, I assumed the role of Georgia Nurses Association President on November 15, 2014 per GNA bylaws. Ensured correspondence regarding the change in leadership was sent to all GNA leaders and members. (This letter is reprinted immediately following this report.) Organized a two-day team-building/orientation for the board, to enhance collegial and collaborative processes amongst board members. This orientation focused on clearly defining board roles and processes and focusing board actions towards attainment of goals as set-forth in the GNA strategic plan. Supported GNA board member s development of and/or implementation of key projects. Collaborated with the Director of Leadership Development, the GNA CEO, and ANA Representatives to discuss options to develop a Leadership Development Program for Georgia Nurses utilizing aspects of the ANA Leadership Academy. Actively participated in Finance Committee conference calls. Attended 2015 American Nurses Association (ANA) Lobby Day and met with Georgia Senators and Representatives and their staff. Attended 2014 and 2015 ANA Membership Assembly. Developed a continuing education offering on Leadership Challenges Today and presented the offering to several GNA chapters across the state. Served as the GNA Representative on the Georgia Action Coalition from 2012-present (Georgia Nursing Leadership Coalition). In this role, I actively assist with efforts to address the recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in the 2010 IOM report The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. In addition, I served as co-lead for Robert Wood Johnson State Implementation Grant awarded to the Georgia Action Coalition in 2012 that culminated in 2014 and as co-lead for the RWJ SIP grant recently received in Both grants focused on recommendation 5: Doubling the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020 and recommendation 8: Building an infrastructure for the collection and analysis of interprofessional health care workforce data. 87

90 2015 GNA Membership Assembly A Message from GNA President Aimee Manion Dear GNA members, Aimee Manion, DNP, RN-BC, NEA-BC President Deborah Hackman-Bartlett, CAE Chief Executive Officer It is with great honor and respect for the nursing profession and immense enthusiasm that I offer my greetings as the 46th president of the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA). Founded more than a century ago for the purpose of uniting our profession, GNA is the state s largest professional association for registered nurses in all practice settings. Since its founding, GNA has been a driving force for the advancement of the nursing profession within our state. It is my goal, as GNA president, to continue this great legacy through fostering a culture of collaboration, collegiality, leadership, advocacy and professional development. The nursing profession has faced significant challenges in 2014, including the treatment of the first known cases of Ebola in the U.S., the outbreak of enterovirus D68, the unacceptable outages of Georgia s professional licensing board s technology system and a push for more Title VIII nursing workforce resources in Congress. Here in Georgia, we ve seen four Ebola patients admitted, treated and successfully released from Emory University Hospital. Emory nurses, many of whom are GNA members, were on the frontlines of the Ebola outbreak. Nurses are seen as models of courage, professionalism and expertise across our nation. More recently, we ve seen two GNA members appointed to serve on Governor Nathan Deal s new Ebola Response Team. On the legislative advocacy front, GNA has worked in collaboration with the Georgia Board of Nursing and nursing stakeholders to ensure that more resources in the state budget are directed to the Board of Nursing. As a direct result of GNA s lobbying efforts, an additional $2 million was allocated for raises for school nurses and for the GBON to implement mandatory reporting, and to hire nine new GBON staff positions. GNA continues to be a valued, go-to resource for nursing leadership, information and data by members of our General Assembly and the media. GNA will soon be announcing a new project here in Georgia in collaboration with the ANA Leadership Institute that will focus on preparing nurses to lead and fill the pipeline of skilled future leaders in our state. We are confident the nursing profession and GNA are up to the challenges of leadership, protecting the workforce and legislative action. The GNA Board of Directors takes its direction from the GNA mission: Nurses shaping the future of professional nursing for a healthier Georgia, from the member-approved strategic plan and from Nursing s Code of Ethics. We are honored to accept the confidence you have entrusted in us. In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank our previous Board members and welcome new Board members. The GNA Board of Directors, GNF Board of Trustees, the GNA/GNF CEO and staff are all committed to serving you, our members, with integrity and in the spirit of collaboration and commitment to nursing, the most trusted 88

91 2015 GNA Membership Assembly profession. On behalf of the entire GNA leadership team, we wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving filled with joy and good health. We are thankful you are a member! Please feel free to contact me at any time. Sincerely, Aimee Manion, DNP, RN-BC, NEA-BC President, Georgia Nurses Association GNA Board of Directors Aimee Manion, President dotsonae@aol.com Jill Williams, Treasurer Wanda Jones, Secretary Kathy Williams, Director of Leadership Development Richard Lamphier, Director of Legislation/Public Policy Mary Watson, Director of Membership Development Sherry Sims, Director of Nursing Practice & Advocacy Suzanne Staebler, Director, Advance Practice Nurses Georgia Barkers, ex officio, Georgia Nurses Foundation President Debbie Hackman-Bartlett, ex officio, Chief Executive Officer ceo@georgianurses.org 89

92 2015 GNA Membership Assembly GNA Board of Directors Biennial Report Secretary NAME: Wanda Jones BSN, MSN, FNP-BC PLEASE LIST YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS/OUTCOMES DURING YOUR TERM ON THE GNA BOARD ( ): I have attended and taken minutes for all GNA Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings since assuming office of Secretary in October I have attended all Georgia Nurses Foundation meetings and performed as secretary taking minutes when needed. As a member of the Executive Committee, I was actively involved with the planning and execution of the 2014 GNA Professional Development Conference. As a member of the Executive Committee and thereby the Personal Committee, I was actively involved in the CEO s annual evaluation. As a GNA Board member, I have served on the GNA Finance Committee and attended every meeting since selected in November Since 2011 I have continued to serve on the GNA Bylaws Committee. I have continued to represent GNA in other organizations that I am involved in. Until January 2015, I was Vice President of United Advanced Practice Register Nurses (UAPRN) of Georgia. Also, until October 2014, I was co-chair for IOM Workgroup #1, Barriers to Practice, with the Georgia Nursing Leadership Coalition. Currently I serve on the state committee for the Georgia Peer Assistance Program. Since January 2015, I have served on the Georgia Nurses Foundation Grant Oversight Committee. As a GNA Board representative, I attended the Nursing Showcase in Augusta, GA. In July 2015, as the elected first alternative ANA representatives for GNA, I attended the ANA Membership Assembly meeting in Washington, DC. GNA Board of Directors Biennial Report Treasurer NAME: Jill E. Williams, RN, MSN, MCSM TERM IN OFFICE: November Current PLEASE LIST YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS/OUTCOMES DURING YOUR TERM ON THE GNA BOARD ( ). Chaired the GNA Finance Committee and monitored the fiscal affairs of GNA Served as a member of the GNA Growth and Development fund to monitor funds being allotted Reviewed Financial statements of GNA and answered or found sources for answers for any questions concerning the financial statements Assisted with the creation of an Online store for the GNA merchandise Attended the Nurse Week celebration held by the GNA Southern Professional Nurses Network Chapter (SPNNC) 90

93 2015 GNA Membership Assembly GNA Board of Directors Biennial Report Director of Leadership Development NAME: Kathy B. Williams, MA, BSN, RN OFFICE OR POSITION ON THE BOARD: Director of Leadership Development PLEASE LIST YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS/OUTCOMES DURING YOUR TERM ON THE GNA BOARD ( ): Actively participated in the GNA Board Meetings and conference calls and provided valuable input to facilitate decision making. Attended conference calls in preparation for the Professional Development Conference (PDC). Submitted a brief synopsis in the GNA Newsletter of the Clinical Nurse Advancement, Presentation. Presented at the PDC on Clinical Nurse Advancement, with excellent participation. Coordinated the Leadership Task Force to plan and implement the strategic initiatives of GNA Leadership Development. Developed agenda and coordinated monthly meeting with the Leadership Development Task Force. Convened a meeting with the Leadership Development Task Force, reviewed the GNA Strategic Plan and discussed responsibilities to ensure the goals and objectives of the task force were directly aligned with the leadership development strategic plan. Developed plans to farther engage nurses in the Nurse Residency Programs, Transition to Practice Programs and nursing students via face to face presentations and increase visibility with GANS and other programs. The goal was to increase the awareness and knowledge throughout the state regarding the benefits of GNA membership and the opportunities for leadership development as a GNA member. Researched leadership development programs, The ANA Leadership Academy. Leadership Development Task force planned and formulated ideas for leadership development and training opportunities. Collaborated with CEO, GNA President and ANA Representative to discuss options to develop a collaborative program with GNA and the ANA Leadership Academy. Attended the Nursing Showcase in Augusta, GA. Provided an updated to the GNA Board on the showcase and suggested possible statewide recognition program. Members of the Leadership Development Task Force presented at three local organizations to the Nurse Residency / Transition to Practice Programs on the benefits of GNA/ANA in an effort to enhance the membership and engagement of nursing in their professional organization early in their career. GNA Board of Directors Biennial Report Director of Membership Development NAME: Mary A. Watson, MHR, RN OFFICE OR POSITION ON THE BOARD: Director of Membership Development PLEASE LIST YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS/OUTCOMES DURING YOUR TERM ON THE GNA BOARD ( ): Actively participated in GNA Board of Directors meetings, conference calls and strategic planning sessions Represented GNA externally at the GANE Conference, and GANS convention and other speaking engagements Actively recruited GNA members and encouraged existing members to assume active roles at the chapter, state and national level Attended the 2015 GNA Legislative Day in Atlanta. As a GNA representative, spoke with nursing students, nurses and legislators about current legislative issues Attended the Northwest Chapter Legislative breakfast and spoke with the legislator Attended the Central Savannah Augusta Chapter Nurse s Week event 2015 Attended the First City Chapter Nurse s Week event 2015 Attended the East Regional Chapter Nurse s Week Event

94 2015 GNA Membership Assembly Attended the 2014 GNA Professional Development Conference and presented on topic of Successful Leadership of Delegation at the Point of Care Chair of the Membership Development Committee and held teleconferences on a routine basis. Members include the GNA Chapter Chairs to have open dialogue on Chapter events, and recruiting measures. Chair of the Growth and Development Fund Committee and awarded grants to several chapters for special projects, operations and reviewed outcomes reports. Generated open dialogue for chapters to discuss successful and not so successful activities GNA Board of Directors Biennial Report Director for Legislation and Public Policy NAME: Richard Lamphier, RN TERM IN OFFICE: November 2014 Current PLEASE LIST YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS/OUTCOMES DURING YOUR TERM ON THE GNA BOARD ( ): Supported Mandatory Reporting Legislation of nurses who violate the Nurse Practice Act Presented Implications of Mandatory Reporting to Georgia Association of Nursing Students Chaired State Committee on Legislation o Held weekly conference calls during the legislative session to monitor legislation affecting nursing. Reported to CEO and lobbyist our concerns or support. o Developed Georgia Nurses Association Legislative Internship (GNALI) program with the state committee on legislation o Developed the Legislative priorities for GNA o Held Monthly conference calls Attended and Participated in the 2014 and 2015 GNA Legislative Day held at the State Capitol Attended 100 percent of the GNA Board of Directors meetings Attended and Participated on the GNA Finance Committee meetings Spoke at Northwest Chapter of Atlanta legislative breakfast and monthly chapter meeting Attended Metro Atlanta Chapter of GNA monthly meetings. Testified at House of Representatives Sub-committee hearings Communicated with Georgia Board of Nursing to clarify safe practices for our sister organization Georgia Association of School Nurses NAME: Sherry Sims, RN, MSN TERM IN OFFICE: July Current GNA Board of Directors Biennial Report Director Nursing Practice & Advocacy Report PLEASE LIST YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS/OUTCOMES DURING YOUR TERM ON THE GNA BOARD ( ): Assessment of Georgia Nurses Association Intervention Program to identify partnership, strength and potential areas of growth. GNA IP is in the process of revising, redesigning and re energizing the program to build an effective monitoring program for nurses in Georgia. GNA IP Representation at National Organization of Alternative to Disciplinary Program. GNA IP Representation at the Florida Intervention Program for Nurses Program. GNA IP provided education to Georgia hospital leadership, Georgia Nurses Association State Chapters, schools of nursing and other nurse employer when requested. GNA IP provided resources to access treatment for the nurse suspected of having a substance abuse disorder. GNA IP monitored the GNA IP hotline and providing information to those who called. GNA IP Facilitator training was held in Atlanta, Georgia, June

95 2015 GNA Membership Assembly GNA Board of Directors Biennial Report Director for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses NAME: Suzanne Staebler, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, FAANP TERM IN OFFICE: October 2014 Current PLEASE LIST YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS/OUTCOMES DURING YOUR TERM ON THE GNA BOARD ( ): Assessment of GA political landscape and APRN practice Being new to Georgia when I was appointed to my post (I had been in the state a mere 3 months), the 2015 legislative session was one with a steep learning curve. I now know the players in the arena of influence for APRNs (MAG, AHEC, APRN organizations in the state, etc.) and the legislators of influence within healthcare. APRN Representation at Primary Care Provider Summits hosted by AHEC Response to the BON Position statement entitled: Family Nurse Practitioners in Acute Care Settings. Participation in GNLC APRN Advisory task force. The goal of this task force is to The Taskforce facilitates education, communication and networking with the goal of implementing IOM recommendation 1: Remove Scope of Practice Barriers through working in synergy with APRN and other nursing organizations in the state. Formation of GA APRN Roundtable The purpose of this group is to create a shared vision for a unified voice for APRN advocacy and a collective policy agenda with consistent messaging to be utilized by member associations across the state. The participants include UAPRN, AANP, Georgia chapter of NAPNAP and ACNM, GANA and the APRN committee of the BON (Leaders from APRN associations, representing all four roles (NP, CNS, CNM and CRNA) and populations, were invited to participate). 93

96 2015 CEO Biennial Membership Assembly Report By Debbie Hackman-Bartlett, CAE This Biennial Membership Assembly reporting period represents the 14th and 15th year in my position as CEO of the Georgia Nurses Association and the Georgia Nurses Foundation. This will be my last report to the Assembly. I plan to retire at the end of this calendar year. I have given the GNA/GNF Board four months notice with the intent to enable their search and a smooth transition to a new CEO for GNA/GNF. If the new CEO has not been hired by the end of the calendar year, I have offered to provide Board consultancy monthto-month remotely for a limited additional timeframe. It has sincerely been an honor to have served the members in this capacity for over 15 years. I have very fond and proud memories of my journey with you. And for that I am grateful. Two of my favorite memories are the day we cut the ribbon on GNA s new headquarters building in 2001 (debt free!) and the evening celebration of GNA s Centennial (2007) where you shared your favorite stories. Thank you for the confidence you placed in me for so many years. YOU inspired my professional commitment to the advocacy and advancement of the nursing profession and you have enriched my life forever as a result. Detailed Biennium Report 2015 GNA Membership Assembly The reporting period of this Report initiated at the conclusion of the 2013 Membership Assembly with the planning of the November 2013 Board Retreat. With only a few returning Board members on the 2013 Ballot, many of the incoming Board members were new to Board service at the state level. Past GNA Board Retreats have always focused on a bit of historical perspective and on the Board member s orientation to their nonprofit roles and responsibilities. These orientation sessions have been particularly popular with new Board members seeking clarification about their role and wanting to know what success looks like. The traditional Agenda of those Board Retreats would include a full day orientation session presented by the President and the CEO about the legal & fiduciary responsibilities of Board governance, review of the current & revised Bylaws and the Policy Manuel, review of the financial statements and budget, assigning of the Membership Assembly s approved Strategic Plan, a comprehensive exploration of best practices in Association Management and a who does what review of the Board/Staff partnership that enables the good work of the organization. During the Nov 2013 Retreat, there was a distinct departure from traditional past practice signaling a very different, more unilateral approach would be initiated by incoming President Rebecca Wheeler. In the meantime, I developed a Media training program for GNA Board members including video recording so they could practice what it felt like to be under the glare of the camera responding to really tough questions. Little did we know that this training would come in quite handy as the issues that garnered the most attention from the media that year related to the dramatic Ebola outbreak and issues centered around substance abuse disorder among nurses. Other continuing education programs that I developed and delivered to many of the GNA Chapters were on Emotional Intelligence and on The Career Limiting Habits of Females. As the first year of this biennium (2014) progressed, multiple elected and appointed Board members gave notice at various points that they could not fulfill their elected terms for various personal reasons (competing work demands, moving out of state etc.). As those vacancies occurred, a call was sent out over the membersonly listserv and positions were replaced with new appointments by the Board to the Board. During 2014 GNA saw the departure of two key staff members (Donna Heavener, VP of Operations, and Jeremy Arieh, Director of Marketing and Communications). With an eye toward being fiscally conservative, and with certain non-dues revenue programs under negotiation, those specific positions were not filled. Instead a promotion from within effort was initiated with the cross training of talented professionals already on staff. All indications have been that members remain satisfied with member service levels provided 94

97 by the GNA staff. The SPAC program, which is managed entirely at the staff level, remains a key financial sustainability element in GNA s budget. Contract negotiations for a 2015 contract renewal are in process. All other non-dues revenue programs managed at the staff level have significantly exceeded budget projections. GNA has also enjoyed a 15 year upward trajectory in membership growth each year (with the exception of the year the VA unions left ANA). At the end of the first year of this two year term, during a GNA Board Meeting held in Executive Session on November 16, 2014, Rebecca Wheeler made the decision to resign as GNA President as did GNA Treasurer Doreen Wagner. GNA s previous Treasurer Jill Williams agreed to the remaining Board s request to be appointed to re-assume the Treasurer s position effective immediately. The GNA Bylaws relating to transition in authority for the President s role were referenced for guidance related to when a President does not fulfill a term. As outlined in the Bylaws, President-Elect Dr. Aimee Manion assumed the GNA Presidency in a smooth transition that same day (Nov 16, 2014) and concluded the Board Meeting s business for that day. GNA Chapter Chair leaders were immediately informed by President Manion of this leadership change through written correspondence and with an immediate posting on GNA s official website. The GNA Board was able to expeditiously focus back on the future of nursing and the work to be accomplished by the GNA Board on behalf of the members. Within short order vacancies were appointed and a reboot orientation of the newly constituted Board was conducted utilizing the President/CEO partnership model and presented by Aimee Manion in her role as President and by CEO Debbie Hackman-Bartlett in the role of CEO. ANA Legal Counsel Alice Bodley and ANA Executive Director Debbie Hatmaker were also invited to present during that reorientation. There has been no further Board or staff turnover since the transition. Courtney Stancil was promoted to Director of Communications, Events & Governance. Shan Haugabrook was promoted to Education Program Manager. Katrina Barnes MSN, RN remains as the Director of the SPAC Program and Marcia Noble is the CE Consultant. GNA s Accounting, Web Hosting and IT support are provided externally. There are five overarching achievements I am most proud of: 1) I am proud that GNA & GNF are financially healthy and that the groundwork has been laid for that too continue. With good oversight by a new CEO, I am confident GNA & GNF can enjoy a strong, financially-sustainable future. 2) I am proud that membership in GNA has grown steadily each year 3) I am proud that the staff for GNA/GNF are the most competent, professional SNA staff in the country. They are a very valuable asset for the members. 4) I am proud to have received ASAE s National Mentor of the Year Award and to have obtained the two respected professional credentials of National Consultant for the Standards of Excellence Institute for Ethics & Accountability and for ASAE s National Certification for Association Management (CAE). 5) And last but not least, I am proud of the collaborative relationships that I have worked very hard to build for GNA over the years where they were not previously believed to be possible. Specifically some of those groundbreaking and productive relationships include: the GBON, the Governor, Key Legislators, The Chair(s) of the Senate and House Health & Human Services Committee, The Chair & Vice Chair of Appropriations, and with the Executive Directors (my counterparts) for the other health professions (MAG, The Dentists, PA s, Chiropractors, Family Counselors, Physiologists, Pharmacists, Optometrists, Ophthalmologists etc.). 95

98 Other Successful Initiatives this Biennium include: GNA leading the Lobbying effort that successfully garnered $2 Million Dollars in allocations for the Board of Nursing to hire 9 new staff members and to begin implementation of Mandatory Reporting. GNA continuing to host a successful nurses Lobby Day annually with up to 1000 nurses/students in attendance (despite the weather challenges!). GNA s nurse advocate program putting a good technologically advanced reporting system in place and also now has a great working relationship with the Board of Nursing. GNA being selected by ANA as one of only four states to initiate the New Grad Project that culminated in the creation of the ANA New Grad Toolkit with content specifically designed for the new nurse. An APRN Roundtable intended to achieve APRNs speaking with one voice that is spearheaded by Suzanne Staebler in the new GNA APRN Board position voted in at the last Membership Assembly. A collaborative project with Georgia Tech related to studying staff nurses. GNA s website rebranded and relaunched with new features and more on the way! GNA s newsletter rebranded and still distributed free to 117,000 nurse households quarterly. And GNA now has a webpage where members can purchase GNA branded product (special thanks to Jill Williams husband Roland for getting GNA past the technical difficulties for that project). The Non Dues Revenue financial resources that support GNA/GNF s work: The Non Dues Revenue /Credit Card Affinity Program with Bank of America was renewed with the potential of bringing in a half a million dollars to GNA over the life of the contract. A new multi-year SPAC contract will be renewed in January GNA s Online Career Center is exceeding all revenue projections. GNA s various royalty income programs are multiplying. GNF s license/car tag program routinely brings in an average income of $3,000 per month. The American Nurses Foundation now matches the Georgia Nurses Foundation scholarship amounts (up to $1,500 per year). And GNF has been the recipient of several nationally awarded grants with plans underway to garner more grants to support nursing projects in Georgia. Other projects on the drawing board include: A GNA Leadership Academy. GNA Legislative Internship Program (GNALI) which will focus on legacy building of nurses prepared to lobby the legislature. 96

99 2015 GNA Membership Assembly Athens Area Chapter of Georgia Nurses Association Biennial Report of Activities/Outcomes Submitted by Chapter Chair Melanie Cassity MSN, RN, CDE The Athens Area Chapter of GNA (AACGNA) struggled in years past after most of the officers and active committee members moved out of state, and active members retired. When the Chair position was vacated in 2011 there was an absence of leadership for the Chapter. As East Central Regional Coordinator I was able to assist volunteers to recruit members to fill leadership positions, and support those new leaders while learning those roles. An excellent leadership team developed that continues to keep the Chapter active with quarterly membership meetings. As part of that team I assumed the Chair position October We have recruited strong committed volunteers to assist with communication, meetings and our website and Facebook page. As part of our programs we host annual meetings to network with students at area nursing schools in 2014 and These meetings allow students to interact with area nurse managers in roundtable discussions to help them prepare for their job searches after graduation. Topics for member meetings in 2014 included the GNA Nurse Intervention Program, the Affordable Care Act, Multiple Drug Resistant Organisms and Ebola, and the Community Health Worker program in Athens. We also had a nurse week picnic in 2014 to encourage inactive members to join in our celebration. In 2015 we have had an update on Pacemakers and ICDs, and a visit from GNA President Aimee Manion on Nursing Leadership Challenges. We have three more programs planned before year end including a screening of the film The American Nurse. We also plan a program featuring the Director of the Athens Nurses Clinic which will be an opportunity to recruit volunteers and raise funds for the Clinic. The Athens Chapter has not utilized any Growth and Development funds for programs or Chapter activities due to our ongoing problem with our tax exempt status with the IRS. I am happy to say with the help of a local tax attorney and accountant, and the excellent records kept by our current and former Treasurers the issue has been resolved. The Chapter has regained tax-exempt status retroactive to the original date of revocation. I have participated in quarterly meetings of the Membership Development Committee and the Growth and Development Fund Committee. Chapter activities, challenges and successes were shared during these calls. Grant applications from chapters were reviewed according to the association guidelines and monies were allocated for chapter operations, special events and community service projects. Clinical Nurse Specialist Chapter of Georgia Nurses Association Biennial Report of Activities/Outcomes Submitted by Monica Tennant, Chair The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) chapter of GNA has been partnering with the Atlanta Area CNS Group for meetings around the Atlanta Area. We met every 2 months to review evidence based practices, new products, and legislative topics pertinent to APRN-CNSs in Georgia. We offered CEs with some of our events and created a website and a Facebook page to facilitate communication of our activities. We also participated in the Coalition of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (CAPRN) legislative calls and of course GNA activities and conference calls. Metro Atlanta Chapter of Georgia Nurses Association Biennial Report of Activities/Outcomes Submitted by Rolyn Clarke, Chair Greetings from the Metro-Atlanta Chapter of GNA! This year has been a period of tremendous growth and success. September of 2014, we began our year with 4 5 members regularly attending meetings. As a small group, we developed numerous ideas to increase membership participation; however, we felt that it was vital to obtain opinions from members as well. We sent out a membership survey, through Survey Monkey, to determine what chapter members would like. Common themes were CE credit for meetings, speakers to cover hot topics (Ebola, GNA Legislation, and state leadership), door prizes, a later start time, and good meals. With the exception of an Ebola speaker, we worked proactively to meet member s expectations. We offered CE credits at half of our meetings. To locate speakers, we used suggestions from the current members. We invited organizations such as the Crohn s and Colitis Foundation, American Heart Association, and Infusion Therapy that offered speakers with CE credits. We also hosted two speakers that were personal friends of members to speak about breast cancer in October and nutrition, in March. At our last regular meeting, we hosted GNA and GNF presidents to speak to members 97

100 2015 GNA Membership Assembly about GNA s action plan for the year. Nurse s Week celebration was very successful. Our membership achievements this year were highlighted as we hosted over 45 nurses at 57th Fighter Group Restaurant. To celebrate the occasion we gave door prizes, facilitated networking, and provided dinner. Besides CE credits, energizing events, and excellent speakers, we used social media to expand our outreach. To improve membership we developed a Facebook page. Currently, we have over 204 likes with growing attention each day. We also use Facebook to connect with nursing students inviting them to current events and encouraging their transition from Georgia Students Nursing Association (GSNA) to our GNA chapter. We have had a steady flow of about 3 8 students each meeting. Another idea we applied was creating a website where members (and others) could respond (RSVP). We used Survey Monkey, too, for meeting reservations and to reduce food waste. From September 2014 until today, the Metro Atlanta Chapter of GNA has had a great year. We hope to continue to follow the missions and values of Georgia Nurse s Association. We believe in one voice for nurses. More importantly, our chapter has embodied the mantra of Together We Stand. We have a strong passion for uniting all nurses regardless of background. We hope to continue to serve as a safe place allowing nurses to share ideas, network, influence healthcare, and provide professional development. Northwest Metro Chapter of Georgia Nurses Association Biennial Report of Activities/Outcomes Submitted by Rachel Myers, Immediate Past Chair Chapter Leadership: The officers of the Northwest Metro Chapter of GNA are elected and consist of: The Chairperson, Chairperson Elect, Past- Chairperson, and Treasurer. The directors of this Chapter are elected (unless otherwise stated) and consist of Directors of Communications, Education, Community Service Programs, and Technology (appointed). The Executive Committee consists of: The Chairperson, Chairperson Elect, Past-Chairperson, and Treasurer. The Board of Directors consists of: The Executive Committee and the directors. Below is a list of officers and directors since May 2013: May : Catherine Futch (Chairperson), Joyce McMurrain (Vice Chairperson and Director of Service Programs), Michael Garrett (Secretary/Treasurer), Lynda Nauright (Director of Education), Rachel Myers (Director of Communications), and Sandra Lucius (Director of Technology) May : Rachel Myers (Chairperson), Gerald Hobbs (Chairperson Elect), Catherine Futch (Past Chairperson), Michael Garrett (Secretary/Treasurer), Kim Michael (Director of Communications), Sandra Lucius (Director of Technology), Kelly Shelby (Director of Education), and Angeleta Robinson (Director of Service Programs) May 2015-present: Gerald Hobbs (Chairperson), Thea Sullivan (Chairperson Elect), Rachel Myers (Past Chairperson), Michael Garrett (Treasurer), Kim Michael (Director of Communications), Sandra Lucius (Director of Technology), Kelly Shelby (Director of Education), and Angeleta Robinson (Director of Service Programs) Summary of Chapter Activities and Major Accomplishments: The Northwest Metro Chapter of GNA meets the third Tuesday of every other month from September through May. Over the past two years, we have implemented several initiatives in an attempt to increase attendance and participation in Chapter meetings and activities such as the following: Started an Advisory Council (i.e., an informal group of members and non-members to serve as a think tank ) which met several times from Feb to Feb and generated numerous creative ideas to re-energize our Chapter, expand membership, and promote growth and development; Broadened our communication efforts by starting a Chapter Facebook page ( NorthwestMetroChapterOfGeorgiaNursesAssociation), initiating blast text messages through a text messaging service, expanding and enhancing our Chapter website The Chapter Connector ( and increasing our distribution list to include local nursing student leaders, other GNA Chapters, and GNA Board members; Enhanced the relevance of our educational programs, recruited speakers at the local, state, and national level, collaborated with WellStar Health System to begin offering our programs virtually, and had participation from nursing students and other GNA Chapters; Held two Nurses Week Celebration Events at a beautiful venue with good food, great fellowship and networking, and informative educational topics by dynamic, inspirational speakers (Dr. Georgia Barkers, May 2014 and Dr. Mary Gullatte, May 2015); and Held fun activities during each meeting such as giving away door prizes and doing a 50/50 raffle in which 50% of the money collected went to the drawing winner and the other 50% went to the Chapter s Scholarship Fund or a designated charity/local service organization. These and other factors have contributed to a substantial increase in attendance at Chapter meetings, from an average of 5-10 per meeting to an average of

101 In addition, we have participated in other activities and achieved several accomplishments such as the following: o o o o Revised the organizational structure (e.g., officer and director positions and duties; standing committees) to streamline and enhance efficiency of leadership positions, focus on more clearly defined Chapter needs, and promote continuity of work efforts; Revised the Chapter Bylaws, mostly related to leadership and organizational structure changes; Adopted a Chapter Slogan Cultivating Leaders, Empowering Nurses (we held a contest in which members submitted ideas and voted for their favorite; a nice prize was awarded); Participated in a project with the Cobb/Douglas County Community Services Board (CSB) to help mentally challenged adults and their families (Dec. 2013); volunteers sorted, wrapped, and labeled hundreds of Christmas gifts for the clients and family members served by the CSB; o Sponsored a Health and Wellness Fair at the Urban Perform Gym in Atlanta (Oct. 2014); approximately people attended the Fair; nurses and students in our booth screened for the flu and pneumonia, distributed written literature, checked blood sugar, and administered the flu vaccine; o o o 2015 GNA Membership Assembly Reestablished the Legislative Committee, sought volunteers to serve, and hosted a Legislative Breakfast at the Kennesaw State University (KSU) Center (Jan. 2015) in which legislators from our Chapter s six surrounding counties were invited; 20 people attended, including Representative David Wilkerson, Chapter members and guests, GNA Board members, and KSU nursing students; Received Growth and Development funding from the GNA Growth and Development Fund Committee for the following three initiatives during our FY : three continuing education programs, Nurses Week Celebration, and Legislative Breakfast; Started the Connie Graves Award for Nursing Leadership, an award that is given to a Registered Nurse who has demonstrated exemplary leadership within the nursing profession and within our Chapter; Connie Graves, who has served as Chairperson for several years in the past and contributed to many successes of our Chapter, was the first recipient (Nov. 2013). Southern Professional Nurses Network Chapter of GNA Biennial Report of Activities Submitted by Kathleen A. Koon, Chair The GNA Southern Professional Nurses Network Chapter (SPNNC) (formerly District 18) consists of members in and around Statesboro and southeastern Georgia. Chapter officers and Planning Committee members are: June Alberto, Mary Anderson, Jo-Ann Trammell, and Charlotte Wood, Treasurer. During the biennium, SPNNC was awarded two grants by the GNA Growth and Development Fund Committee. In 2014 and 2015, SPNNC sponsored Nurses Week Celebrations open to all RNs, as part of our recruitment strategy. In 2014, GNA CEO Debbie Hackman-Bartlett spoke on the topic of: Emotional Intelligence-A Different Way of Being Smart. In 2015, SPNNC held a program featuring Dr. Dellarie Shilling, Georgia Board of Nursing Member, who provided an update on new GBON actions including the continuing competency requirements. SPNNC welcomed GNA President, Dr. Aimee Manion, at its May 2015 Nurses Week Celebration. President Manion spoke on the topic of: Leadership Challenges in Nursing Today to GNA members from several area chapters. While SPNNC faces many challenges, including recruitment and member interest and participation, a major concern is leadership transition. Georgia Nurses Association GNA Bylaws Committee Report Committee Chair: Members: Staff Support: Jill Williams Lynn Whelan Wanda Jones Edward Adams Carol Dean Baker Courtney Stancil and Debbie Bartlett, CEO The Bylaws Committee was tasked this Biennial year with reviewing GNA Policies and Procedures, the GNA Bylaws and the GNF Bylaws. The Bylaws Committee held its first meeting by Teleconference to become acquainted, oriented to the committee s purpose and to develop a plan of action with a working timeline. The Committee resolved to complete certain goals: review and propose changes 99

102 2015 GNA Membership Assembly to some of the policies and procedures for the GNA Board to review and approve; review and prepare proposed amendments to the GNA Bylaws for presentation to the membership; and review the GNF Bylaws to make recommendation to the GNF for changes so the GNF Bylaws would be congruent with GNA Bylaws. The Committee Chair attended the GNA and GNF Board meetings to call for suggestions for possible changes felt to be important to the association. There were also published calls/opportunities for membership proposals for change in Georgia Nursing and on the listserv; however the Committee did not receive any proposed amendments from members. Teleconferences were held by the Committee members to review and revise the GNA Policies and Procedures Manual. To ensure efficient working of the association, Bylaws revisions were submitted to the Board of Directors for review preceding the Membership Assembly. Recommendations from the Bylaws Committee include: 1. Continue to review the Bylaws to reflect the changes/needs of the association 2. Maintain routine review and revision of the Policies and Procedures Manual 3. Continue to seek membership input for proposed Bylaws changes The goals for the Bylaws Committee were met with the help of the GNA staff, especially Courtney Stancil. The Committee appreciated the valuable services and unending support from the GNA staff in our efforts to serve the membership during this term. 100

103 2015 GNA Membership Assembly Growth & Development Fund Rep0rt GNA Growth & Development Fund continues to support activities at the Local Chapter Level By Mary Watson, GNA Director of Membership Development Approved by the GNA House of Delegates in 2005, the Growth and Development Fund has been a key tool to help chapters provide local events and continuing education sessions at the local level intended to support the growth of the Chapter. GNA member Mary Watson currently chairs the GNA Growth & Development Committee in her capacity as Director of Membership Development. Funds are administered and awarded by the committee which includes the GNA Treasurer, Jill Williams and Chapter Chairs Melanie Cassity, Catherine Futch, Kathleen Koon and Patrice Pierce. Applicants have used these grants to fund a variety of different projects, such as speakers at chapter meetings, Nurses Week celebrations, publicity/marketing and operational expenses of the chapters and more. Evaluation forms and Outcome Reports are due from Chapter Chairs for each grant before an additional grant can be offered to the same Chapter. The Growth & Development Fund Committee encourages GNA Chapter Chairs to submit fund requests for programming in their local area. Grant applications are reviewed by the Committee on a quarterly basis. The annual schedule of grant application deadlines is: December 31 for awards in January; March 31 for awards in April; June 30 for awards in July; and September 30 for awards in October. Please keep these application deadline dates in mind, as grants cannot be awarded retroactively. Applications and a budget template for the Growth and Development funds are available to GNA Chapter Chairs at: 101

104 2015 GNA Membership Assembly This chart highlights the grants awarded to GNA Chapters from Growth and Development Funds between the biennial fiscal period of July 1, 2013 and June 30, Chapter Grant Totals Central Savannah River Area Chapter $9, First City Chapter $1, Membership Development Committee ( Meetings) $5, Metro Atlanta Chapter $2, Northwest Metro Chapter $4, Nursing s Future Leaders Chapter $6, Old Capital Chapter $12, South Georgia Nursing Collaborative Chapter $1, Southern Professional Nurses Network Chapter $2, Total Amount Awarded $45, Additional grants have been awarded by the Growth and Development Committee beyond this biennial fiscal reporting period. Those grants will be reported in future reports. *Net amount utilized during this fiscal period by the Chapters is $39, The differences between gross and net amounts are the non-utilized funds returned by the Chapters. 102

105 2015 GNA Nominations Committee Avia Turner-Gray, Chair Jill Ray, Member Kara Piganelli, Member Debbie Bartlett, GNA Staff Liaison Courtney Stancil, GNA Staff Liaison 2015 GNA Membership Assembly Georgia Nurses Association Nominations Committee Report Submitted by Avia Turner-Gray, JD, BSN, RN The GNA nominations process began in December 2014 when the GNA staff liaisons, Debbie Bartlett, CEO, and Courtney Stancil oriented the Chair, Avia Turner-Gray, on nominating committee procedures, protocols, and timelines. The full nominations committee convened in January 2015 to begin the process of identifying candidates for the GNA slate. The committee used several methods to secure qualified leads for office including: 1) using personal contacts to approach nursing leaders from around the state, 2) soliciting names of potential candidates from leaders on the GNA Board of Directors and the GNA Executive Committee, and 3) ing and calling all of the Chapter Chairs in the state for referrals of qualified candidates in their respective areas. A general call for candidates had previously been sent out to GNA membership as an blast, and was similarly published on the GNA website and in the Georgia Nursing newsletter. Initially, the recruiting process was challenging, but ultimately, a majority of the leadership on the current Board of Directors decided to run for a second term. There are also some newcomers on the slate. Joseph Potts and Thea Sullivan are both interested in running for the GNA Secretary position. Mr. Potts comes to us as a GANS referral. He was formerly the head of the National Student Nursing Association. He now works as a nurse in the Atlanta area. Ms. Sullivan is a manager in the VA system. She is also an officer in the Army reserve where she executes the orders of her commander with respect to nurses across the state. Ms. Sullivan is the Chair of the Nursing s Future Leaders Chapter of GNA. Two other local chapter leaders have also stepped up to run for membership slots on the GNA Nominations Committee. Ms. Chikita Mann is a nurse manager who currently chairs the GNA Informatics Chapter. Ms. Rolyn Clarke is the current Chair of Metro Atlanta Chapter of GNA. I am confident that both of these ladies will do an excellent job in their new roles on the Nominations Committee The GNA Nominations Committee was able to find viable candidates for all of the positions on the GNA elections slate. On behalf of the GNA Nominations Committee, I want to thank for giving us an opportunity to serve the nurses of Georgia in completing this important work. Georgia Nurses Association History and History Committee Report INTRODUCTION This history of the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) begins with an overview of the 2013 Professional Development Conference and Membership Assembly in Augusta, GA, and ends with June Events of note that take place during the months of June, July, August and September 2015 may be amended to this document by vote during the Membership Assembly in Columbus, GA, October 2-3, The major work and accomplishments of GNA during are highlighted here. Members of the History Committee and producers of this document are: Kathleen Koon, Judi Kanne, and Betty Daniels, with the assistance of Courtney Stancil, GNA Governance and Membership Manager CONFERENCE AND MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY HIGHLIGHTS GNA conferences and membership assemblies are always major events, bringing leaders and members together in an atmosphere of learning, celebrating and decision-making. Conference and Membership Assembly attendees gathered in Augusta, October 22-24, for the 104th celebration: Grow, Inspire, Lead, Succeed! Keynote speaker, Doug Krug, addressed the topic of How to Create the Future You Want. Conference attendees had the opportunity to earn CE hours and hear as many as 25 speakers, all of whom were GNA members Scholarships and Awards Katherine Pope Scholarship to Asma Agad Annie Lou Overton Scholarship to Arebe Taylor Excellence in Partnership with Nursing Award to Jim Cleghorn 103

106 2015 GNA Membership Assembly GNA Staff Nurse Award to Linda Doyle GNA Innovations in Nursing Practice Award to Sarah Cartwright GNA Media Award to Athens Regional Medical Center, for Nurses Notes GNA Emerging Leader Award to Patrice Pierce GNA Excellence in the Care of Older Adults Award to Joel Moorehead GNA Distinguished Service Award to Kathleen Koon GNA Women of Vision Award, posthumously, to Linda Easterly GNA Health Literacy Interest Group s Hero Award to Ann Connor 2013 GNA Bylaws Amendments Amendments to the bylaws addressed changes in the description of GNA s relationship with ANA in order to be consistent with ANA s 2012 transformational changes in structure from a House of Delegates to a Membership Assembly. Bylaws changes were made to provide for the election of GNA representatives and alternates to ANA s Membership Assembly in accordance with ANA bylaws and policy. Other bylaws modifications included: a) changes in the membership of the GNA Board of Directors to include combining the responsibilities of the positions of Director of Nursing Practice and Director of Workforce Advocacy into one the position of Director of Nursing Practice and Advocacy and creation of the new position of Director of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs); b) deletion of the position of Regional Coordinator; c) change in the composition of the Membership Development Committee to specify the Chapter Chairs as members; d) designation of the Growth and Development Fund Committee as a Board Standing Committee chaired by the Director of Membership Development and made up of the GNA Treasurer and three appointed Chapter Chairs; and e) other provisions as needed to implement these changes. GNA 2014 Legislative Platform The 2014 Legislative Platform was organized around the following topics: a) Consumer Advocacy; b) Workforce Advocacy; and c) Professional Issues. Areas addressed in the platform under these three topics included support for: a) an efficient and patientcentered healthcare system, evidenced-based health policy, equal access to healthcare services, access to all nursing services with an emphasis on the adequacy and appropriateness of nursing staff, an adequately-funded and staffed public health system, and school health programs for all enrolled children; b) employer provision for safe patient handling, safe levels of staffing as specified by ANA standards, appropriate and safe work conditions together with adequate compensation as outlined by the ANA, state funding for mandatory reporting and for alternatives to discipline for nurses with substance use disorder and/or mental illness, and awareness of and prevention of workplace violence; c) and funding for innovative nursing education models that meet regional and national accreditation standards, funding for adequate and qualified nursing faculty, creation of a Georgia Nursing Workforce Center to collect and disseminate nursing workforce data, and removal of barriers that hinder APRN practice. Leadership Special thanks and recognition were given to outgoing GNA President, Sheila Warren, and to all other outgoing officers and directors. Officers comprising the Executive Committee installed for President, Rebecca Wheeler President-Elect, Aimee Manion Secretary, Wanda Jones Treasurer, Doreen Wagner Board of Directors The Executive Committee, plus: Director of Leadership Development, Kim Sharkey Director of Membership Development, Mary Watson Director of Legislation/Public Policy, Amy Stivers Director of Nursing Practice, Margie Collins Director of Workforce Advocacy, Brittany Newberry Staff Nurse Director, Richard Lamphier Other Elected Officials ANA Representatives: Aimee Manion, Rebecca Wheeler Alternates: Wanda Jones, Doreen Wagner, Kim Sharkey GNA Nominating Committee Chair: Avia Turner-Gray GNA Nominating Committee Members: Jill Ray, Kara Piganelli The gavel was passed from outgoing President Sheila Warren to incoming President Rebecca Wheeler. 104

107 2015 GNA Membership Assembly GNA Board of Directors Winter 2013 Biennium Appointments GNA Bylaws Committee: Jill Williams, Wanda Jones, Dean Baker, Lynn Whelan, Edward Adams GN-PAC Board of Trustees: Rebecca Wheeler, Amy Stivers, Cindy Balkstra, Mylinh Yun, GNA Lobbyist GNA Finance Committee: Doreen Wagner, Aimee Manion, Richard Lamphier, Nivia Crawford, Wanda Jones, Sandra Dukes GNA History Committee: Kathleen Koon, Betty Daniels, Judith Kanne GANS Liaison, Jill Ray GANE Liaison, Pauline Nelson GNA Board of Directors Appointments/Changes Resulting from 2013 Bylaws Amendments Director of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Brittany Newberry Director of Nursing Practice & Advocacy, Margie Collins Growth and Development Fund Committee, Mary Watson, Doreen Wagner, Catherine Futch, Kathleen Koon, Melanie Cassity, Patricia Pierce GNA Board of Directors Leadership Changes Director Leadership Development, Kathy Williams (appointed March 2014) Director for Nursing Practice & Advocacy, Sherry Sims (appointed July 2014) Director, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Suzanne Staebler (appointed October 2014) GNA President, Aimee Manion (as of November 15, 2014) Treasurer, Jill Williams (appointed November 2014) Director of Legislation/Public Policy, Richard Lamphier (appointed November 2014) Director Staff Nurse, Joanne Butler (appointed January 2015) DIRECTORS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Director(s) Kim Sharkey and Kathy Williams promoted nursing leadership within GNA and, together with other nursing and health care organizations, across the state. GNA announced plans for a new project, in collaboration with the ANA Leadership Institute, which focused on preparing nurses to lead and fill the pipeline of skilled future Georgia nurse leaders. The GNA Board of Directors took direction from the GNA mission: Nurses shaping the future of professional nursing for a healthier Georgia, from the member-approved strategic plan and from the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses. GNA continued to work to secure sustainability for adequate elected, volunteer, and staff leadership for GNA at the state and local levels, while continuing to prepare Georgia nurse leaders for positions with other state and national organizations. GNA Professional Development Conference, 2014 Nurses looking toward their next nursing career level joined GNA for its Professional Development Conference on Monday, October 20, 2014 at the Kennesaw State University Center. The event theme: Nurses... Changing the Face & Voice of Leadership reflected the changing world of health care that nurses live and work in today. The conference offered an array of relevant educational topics including three tracks for breakout sessions: Leadership, Business Development, and Health Care Transformation. MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Bylaws Amendments approved by the 2013 GNA Membership Assembly specified that the Membership Development Committee would be composed of the Chapter Chairs and led by the Director of Membership Development. Another bylaws change designated that the Growth and Development Fund Committee would become a Standing Committee of the Board to be chaired by the Director of Membership Development and made up of the GNA Treasurer and three chapter chairs, to be appointed by the Board. Mary Watson was elected Director of Membership Development and served in that office for the biennium. GNA chapters numbered eighteen active and inactive chapters and three shared interest chapters: the GNA Informatics Chapter, the Nursing s Future Leaders Chapter (NFL) and the Clinical Nurse Specialist Chapter. The Membership Development Committee, consisting of the Director and the Chapter Chairs, met quarterly during the biennium to discuss common concerns, share program successes and challenges, and develop strategies for enhancing GNA membership. The Growth and Development Fund Committee met quarterly to manage requests for funding available to all chapters through the GNA Growth and Development Fund and to review outcome evaluations submitted by chapters who were awarded grants. Members of the Committee included Mary Watson (Chair), Jill Williams (Treasurer), Melanie Cassity, Catherine Futch, Patricia Pierce, and Kathleen Koon. Georgia Nursing is a key tool in GNA s membership development efforts since it is mailed to all Registered Nurses in Georgia. Each issue includes a list of new and returning GNA members, membership application forms, benefits of membership, and how to create 105

108 2015 GNA Membership Assembly a chapter and apply for chapter funding. Readers of Georgia Nursing are also directed to the GNA website for application options and membership information. Also featured in Georgia Nursing in 2013 and 2014 were chapter and other celebrations of National Nurses Week, including recognition of GNA members who were honored for outstanding contributions to patient care in their local communities. Issues of Georgia Nursing continue to carry news about local chapters and GNA members who are recognized at local, state, national and international levels. NURSING PRACTICE & ADVOCACY Director(s) Margie Collins and subsequently, Sherry Sims, shared these leadership responsibilities during the biennium. Throughout the past two years, GNA has persisted in keeping nursing workforce issues before the Legislature and the Secretary of State s office. Dr. Lisa Eichelberger, with support from the Georgia Board of Regents, helped to bring the Secretary of State s Information Technology group together with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). This partnership should facilitate obtaining the data needed to describe the current Georgia nursing workforce. Having Georgia nursing workforce supply and demand data will help to better understand any gaps that exist as well as any opportunities for professional growth, according to past GNA President Rebecca Wheeler s commentary in Georgia Nursing. The health care industry, with the essential contributions of nurses, is an enormous force in the economic health of the state. In the last two state legislative sessions (2014/2015), GNA has been steadfast in its advocacy for a full allocation of RN licensure fees for the Georgia Board of Nursing and the implementation of mandatory reporting, according to Georgia Nursing. This work has been a key GNA legislative priority in an effort to identify and secure much-needed resources for the Board of Nursing whose role it is to protect the public. GNA s ongoing, hard-fought advocacy has resulted in funding for the Board of Nursing and school nurses in the FY-2015 state budget. GNA s 2014 Ebola Epidemic Response Traditionally, nurses are on the front lines of the fight against all infectious diseases. The year 2014 was no exception. GNA worked with member nurses, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and other agencies and health care organizations to help reduce the impact of this worldwide epidemic. Resources were made available with immediate updates for Georgia nurses on the GNA website. GNA Northwest Metro Chapter s Ebola Program In addition, the Northwest Metro Chapter had over 50 Chapter members and guests participate in a program presented by nurses from Emory University Hospital s Serious Communicable Disease Unit (SCDU) on A Shift in the Life of an SCDU Nurse: Caring for the Patient with Ebola. Bryce Barnes, BSN, RN, Sarah Piazza, MSN, RN, and Sharon Vanairsdale, CNS provided an educational and moving presentation about the special training they received when caring for patients with Ebola at Emory. They talked about the support they received, and personal experiences encountered. Susan Grant, MS, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Chief Nurse Executive, Emory Healthcare and Associate Dean, Emory University Nell Hodgson School of Nursing and Brenda Rowe, MN, RN, JD, Associate Professor, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University and President, Georgia Board of Nursing were appointed to Governor Nathan Deal s Ebola Response Team. ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE (APRN) GNA s efforts on behalf of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses were led by Brittany Newberry and, subsequently, by Suzanne Staebler. While serving as Director, Brittany Newberry organized an APRN volunteer committee, conducted a survey, and reported on major issues impeding APRN practice in Georgia. Newberry summarized Current Issues in APRN Practice in Georgia in Georgia Nursing, Vol. 74(4), page 7. These issues included: limitations to scope of practice, lack of understanding of the APRN role by the public and by other professionals, and a shortage of APRN preceptors. According to written reports to the GNA Board of Directors, the APRN Directors both worked closely with GNA s two Legislative Directors and other leaders and groups within and outside of GNA to elucidate APRN concerns, monitor and influence proposed legislation, and otherwise promote the APRN role and scope of practice in Georgia. LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC POLICY The work of GNA in this area under the leadership of Amy Stivers and, subsequently, of Richard Lamphier is both visible and demanding in keeping members, legislators, and the public abreast of and involved in legislation that impacts nurses and nursing in Georgia. Also of major importance is educating GNA members and others about the legislative process and interacting with elected officials and legislators from throughout Georgia. All nurses in Georgia benefit from this work that is a major priority of GNA and 2015 GNA Legislative Days at the Georgia Capital Hundreds of registered nurses, nurse faculty, and nursing students from across the state attended GNA s Legislative Day event at the capitol on March 5, GNA s annual event was rescheduled due to a winter storm on the original date. The rescheduled event included a group photo with Governor Nathan Deal, and information sessions with GNA leaders. Registrants also attended sessions of the Senate and House of Representatives and met with their state senators and representatives. 106

109 2015 GNA Membership Assembly On February 25, 2015, registered nurses, nursing students, and nurse faculty once again attended GNA s Annual Legislative Day event at the Georgia capitol. For the 2015 Legislative Day, registrants attended House and Senate sessions and met with their state senators and representatives to bring GNA s legislative priorities to the attention of these elected officials. Legislative Issues GNA s presence was visible at the state level with lobbyists Wendi Clifton and Cindi Shepherd and GNA staff and member volunteers, who worked with the Georgia Legislature in 2014 and 2015, to seek passage of legislation of importance to nurses and health care consumers in Georgia. The GNA Legislative Platform, approved by the 2013 GNA Membership Assembly, guided efforts in this area. What follows is a summary of the Legislative Updates and other reports on legislation and policy issues from as published in Georgia Nursing, the official publication of the Georgia Nurses Association. November, December, 2013, January 2014 issue of Georgia Nursing In her first President s Message, GNA President Rebecca Wheeler urged nurses to be part of the implementation of national health care reform efforts at the both the discussion and leadership levels. President Wheeler urged nurses to join GNA and work together as a team so that nursing s voice rings loud and strong and becomes a force that cannot be ignored (p. 2). In the Legislative Update in this issue, it was reported that the continuing competency requirements for Registered Nurses, as set forth by HB 315, will begin with license renewal in January, The article included a description of five ways in which licensees can meet the new law s requirements for continuing competency. According to the article, GNA s advocacy efforts successfully resulted in these varied ways to meet the new state requirements for continuing competency, including employer verification, certification by national certifying bodies, and classroom or online continuing education credits. It was also noted that GNA testified before the House Professional Licensing Boards Study Committee, urging lawmakers to direct all fees collected for RN licensure to the Board of Nursing. GNA argued that these fees are needed for the effective operation of the Board and to protect the public through the efficient processing of nursing disciplinary cases. GNA continued to lobby for full APRN scope of practice, collaborated with other professional groups on issues of mutual interest, and monitored legislation affecting school nurses and other nurses in Georgia. February, March, April 2014 issue of Georgia Nursing The Georgia Nurses Association s 2014 Legislative Platform was published in its entirety on page twelve. (See highlights of platform in this report.) May, June, July 2014 issue of Georgia Nursing A summary of the 2014 legislative session and GNA s advocacy efforts was published in this issue. GNA continued to lobby for full allocation of nursing licensure fees to the Georgia Board of Nursing and for the implementation of mandatory reporting. According to the article, GNA s lobbying efforts resulted in enhanced funding for the Board of Nursing and for school nurses in the fiscal Year 2015 state budget. Specifically, this meant that funding was authorized to implement HB 315, the Mandatory Reporting legislation that passed in 2013 and that new funds were allocated for school nurses. GNA continued to monitor proposed legislation that would negatively impact the practice of nursing and to suggest alternative language or provisions that would support the full scope of nursing practice and protect health care consumers. Information was published on over eighteen proposed or successful bills of interest to nursing in Georgia. August, September, October 2014 issue of Georgia Nursing GNA announced: as a result of grassroots advocacy of its registered nurse members, $2 million has been allocated to the Georgia Board of Nursing for the implementation of mandatory reporting (HB 315) in Georgia (p. 5). This funding was the result of more than two years of efforts at the state and local levels, according to GNA President Rebecca Wheeler. Mandatory reporting requires RNs and LPNs to report violations of the Georgia Nurse Practice Act to the GBON. November, December 2014, January 2015 issue of Georgia Nursing This issue contained an article on the impending national nursing shortage and the need for increased federal funding to address the shortage of nursing faculty. Margaret Wilmoth, an ANA/GNA member and Dean and Professor at Georgia State University, addressed a Capitol Hill audience about the critical need to expand the nursing workforce to meet future needs. February, March, April 2015 issue of Georgia Nursing GNA s 2015 legislative priorities were summarized in this issue (p. 9). Four major priorities were highlighted: a) Ensuring nursing workforce safety; b) addressing the nursing and primary care shortage; c) autonomy for the board of Nursing in utilization of nurse licensure fees; and d) removing barriers that limit access to quality health care. May, June, July 2015 issue of Georgia Nursing This issue contained a report of the GNA 2015 legislative session written by GNA CEO, Debbie Bartlett as well as an illustration of How a Bill is Passed in the Georgia Legislature. According CEO Bartlett, the GNA Legislative Advisory Committee led by 107

110 2015 GNA Membership Assembly GNA Legislative Director Richard Lamphier, met regularly during the session to review active bills and provide feedback to GNA and GNA lobbyists, Wendi Clifton and Cindy Sheperd. GNA supported a number of successful bills including: HB 100 Haleigh s Hope Act (cannabis oil); a bill to create a joint study committee on Health, Education, and School Based Health Centers; several bills related to APRN practice; and many other bills of interest to registered nurses in Georgia (pp. 7-8). An article and photos about GNA s 2015 Legislative Day were also published in this issue. COMMITTEES AND OTHER GNA ENTITIES GNA Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee for the 2015 Biennial Assembly was chaired by Avia Turner-Gray who submitted a slate of candidates for the March 27, 2015 Board meeting (BOD minutes). Online voting for the 2015 Georgia Nurses Association elections for GNA officers and elected leaders will began on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 and continued through Monday, August 31, GNA Liaison to the Georgia Association of Nursing Educators (GANE) Pauline Nelson was appointed by the Board as GNA Liaison to GANE. In reports to the GNA Board, Nelson wrote that she attended GANE meetings and conferences, shared information between the two organizations, attended meetings of the GNA Board of Directors, and otherwise actively performed the duties of the liaison. GNA Liaison to the Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS) In reports to the BOD, GANS liaison, Jill K. Ray wrote that she attended and represented GNA at GANS monthly meetings and annual conventions and served as a resource to the GANS Board of Directors on areas such as planning conventions and preparing awards. Notably, GANS won several awards at the 2014 NSNA Convention. (Source: GANS Liaison Reports to the GNA Board.) Ray reported that GANS remains one of the largest constituencies in NSNA and that three GANS members were elected to serve as national officers. Georgia Nurses-Political Action Committee (GN-PAC) GN-PAC was reactivated in July Officers are Avia Turner-Gray, Glenda Summerville, Mylinh Yun, and Amy Stivers. GN-PAC conducted a voter registration drive in the Fall of (Source: GN-PAC Board Report, 01/19/15.) GNA AS A CONSTITUENT OF ANA GNA leaders attending the 2014 ANA Membership Assembly were President Rebecca Wheeler, President-elect Aimee Manion, and CEO Debbie Bartlett. ANA s Membership Assembly included two representatives elected from each of the Constituent and State Nurses Associations and from the Individual Member Division. Past GNA President Cindy Balkstra was elected ANA Board Vice President. Cindy was sworn in by ANA Executive Director Debbie Hatmaker, who is also a past GNA President. Coverage of the 2014 ANA Membership Assembly can be found in the August, September, October issue of Georgia Nursing. COMMUNICATION: GNA continues to plan face-to-face encounters as well as to use immediate communication technologies, such as Facebook ( Twitter ( and other social media tools. New technologies for better communication are a constant challenge; however, they remain an expectation of the majority of GNA members. Members attending continuing education offerings and chapter meetings have reaped great benefits from personal communication with their colleagues. Georgia Nursing, remains the official publication of GNA, and is a major form of outreach to the more than 120,000 nurses in Georgia, offering information on professional nursing from the only organization that represents all nurses in Georgia. Health Literacy According to the Center for Health Care Strategies, there are four provisions in the Affordable Care Act with direct references to health literacy. In order to address the topic of health literacy as nurses, GNA President Rebecca Wheeler asked for a committee to represent GNA at all Georgia Alliance for Health Literacy Meetings. Rebecca Wheeler, RN, PhD; and GNA members, Judith Kanne, RN, BSN; Susan A. Walsh, PhD, RN, CCRN; and Maggie Davis, MSN, RN, CNE served on the committee and collectively wrote the following for Georgia Nursing: GNA Joins Georgia Health Literacy Alliance Effort (May, June, July 2013) Georgia Nurses Association and the Georgia Alliance for Health Literacy (August, September, October 2013) Testing Your Understanding of Health Literacy (November, December, 2013, January 2014) GNA & the Georgia Alliance for Health Literacy: Connor Receives GNA s Health Literacy Hero Award (February, March, April 2014) Talk With Me Baby A New Collaborative Program (May, June, July 2014) Georgia Alliance for Health Literacy What Do You Know? (August, September, October 2014) Georgia Health Literacy Alliance When Misunderstanding Becomes Deadly!(November, December 2014, January 2015) 108

111 2015 GNA Membership Assembly GNA MEMBERS HONORED National Nurses Week occurs annually during May. Nurses Week activities from various Chapters around the State were described in Georgia Nursing. The theme for the 2014 National Nurses Week was Nurses Leading the Way. The 2015 National Nurses Week theme was Ethical Practice: Quality Care. Georgia Nursing regularly honors nurses making a difference in the Names, Faces, Places feature. According to the February, March, April 2014 issue of Georgia Nursing, the following nurses were recognized for excellence in nursing at the 2013 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year event: Mary Zellinger, Angela Amar, Mary Gullatte, Roberta Kaplow, Mylinh Yun, and Seaton West. Other nurses and GNA members receiving recognition in 2014 included: Debbie Hatmaker who was named ANA Executive Director; Rhonda Scott and Brenda Rowe who were appointed to the Georgia Board of Nursing; Linda McCauley who was appointed to the Institute of Medicine s Membership Committee; and GNA CEO Debbie Bartlett, who was selected as a presenter at an American Society of Association Executives conference. In February, March, April 2015 issue of Georgia Nursing, the following individuals were recognized: GNA Board APRN Director Suzanne Staebler was given the Advocate Award for State Excellence by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners; Teri Perry received the 2014 Sodomka Leadership Award at Georgia Regents Medical Center; and former GNA Marketing & Communications Director Jeremy Arieh, who accepted a position with the Georgia Department of Community Health, was thanked for his six years of service to GNA. Obituaries of Note Verdelle B. Bellamy, devoted GNA member, community leader and pioneer, April 22, 2015 Rose C. Dilday, mental health system leader and developer of the Impaired Nurse Program in GA, December 13, 2014 GNA LEADERSHIP & HEADQUARTERS STAFF The diligence and dedication of the staff at GNA headquarters in supporting the officers, committees, task forces, and non-dues revenue programs of GNA are exceedingly vital to the health of the organization. For information on all current staff members, see Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Debbie Bartlett s report in this Booklet of Reports, and visit the GNA web site at Special thanks and recognition are also due to the GNA President and the members of the Board of Directors for all they have accomplished in leading this organization during the past two years. History Committee Report Since the last GNA Membership Assembly there have been four Enduring Echoes feature articles in Georgia Nursing on early 20th Century public health nurse leaders in Georgia written by Dr. Rose Cannon, nurse historian and previous Chair of the GNA History Committee. The 2015 Committee would like to recognize past and present contributions of Dr. Rose Cannon in preserving GNA and Georgia nursing history Membership Assembly Biennial Report GNA Consultant to the Georgia Association of Nursing Students Jill Ray, RN, MAN GNA Consultant to GANS : The Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS) Board was elected in October 2013 during the GANS Convention in Atlanta, GA. The first GANS Board meeting took place on Sunday at the end of the GANS Convention. At this meeting, a calendar was set for the year. All Board meetings were set for the third Saturday of January, February, March, June, July and September. Meetings were set up in many parts of the state. In addition, the months of November, December, April and May have special events as detailed in the following report. A number of members of the GANS board attended the NSNA Midyear Conference, November 7-10, 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky. The President, 1st Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Publications Director, and Legislative Director attended. The President, 1st Vice President and the GANE Consultant attended the Council of State Presidents. The Treasurer attended a workshop and earned a certificate and the Publications Director attended a workshop on communication. While at this conference, a Board planning meeting was held. April was the month for the NSNA Annual Convention. The convention was held in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, April 9-13, GANS seated Delegates in the House of Delegates at each session. This represented one of the largest delegations at the national conference. GANS membership continues to rank in the top ten in NSNA. All Board members and consultants attended, and the Board held their April meeting during the Conference. GANS won three awards Breakthrough to Nursing, Disaster preparedness, and State Excellence. 109

112 The House of Delegates adopted 57 Resolutions. Five of the resolutions passed were presented by student nurses from Georgia. The GANS Board of Directors presented the resolution, In Support of Hospitals Adopting Established Policies and Procedures for Patients that have been subjected to Human Trafficking. GANS members elected to serve in national positions included: o Valerie Wellman, Nominations and Elections Committee. o Rebeka Rivera, Secretary/Treasurer o Craig Reuscher, Director South In May, GANS held its annual Council of School Leaders (COSL) at Camp Twin Lakes in Winder, GA. Officers of each school chapter were invited to this meeting, and schools from all over the state attended. Activities included workshops and team-building exercises. The Board also held their May meeting at this site. The 2014 GANS Convention was held in Peachtree City, GA October The convention was attended by nursing students from all over the state : The Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS) Board was elected in October 2014 during the GANS Convention in Peachtree City, GA. The first GANS Board meeting took place on Sunday at the end of the GANS Convention. At this meeting a calendar was set for the year. All Board meetings were set for the third Saturday of January, February, March, June, July and September. Meetings were set up in many parts of the state. In addition, the months of November, December, April and May have special events as detailed in the following report. A number of members of the GANS board attended the NSNA Midyear Conference, November 6-9, 2012 in Portland, Oregon. The President, Treasurer, Public Relations Director attended. The President and the GANE Consultant attended the Council of State Presidents, the Treasurer attended a workshop and earned a certificate, and the Public Relations Director attended a workshops and networked with exhibitors. While at this conference, a Board planning meeting was held. April was the month for the NSNA Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ. All Board members and consultants attended, and the Board held their April meeting during the Conference. GANS seated between 20 and 24 delegates at each session. GANS membership continues to rank in the top 10 nationally. Resolutions presented/passed from Georgia at the House of Delegates included: o Decreasing Mental Illness Stigma and Sequelae by Improving Awareness of Signs and Symptoms in Children (Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University in collaboration with Mineral Area College, Park Hills, MO and the Student Nurses Association of Illinois) o In Support of Self-Care Activities Incorporated into the Nursing Program Curricula to Promote Holistic Lifestyles (Georgia Association of Nursing Students, Kennesaw State Student Nurses Association, and Missouri Nursing Students Association), o In Support of Increased Research and Awareness of the Current Health Concerns related to E-Cigarettes (Emory Student Nurses Association and Montana Student Nurses Association), Two GANS chapters received recognition for Stellar Chapter Renewal: Emory Student Nurses Association and Georgia Baptist Association of Nursing Students. Two nursing students from Georgia were elected to national positions: o o Ryan Bannon, NSNA President Shayla Monroe, Nominations and Elections. The GANS Board will hold their Annual Convention in Macon, GA October GANS reviews and updates its bylaws, policies and procedures and its strategic plan annually. A budget is also set by the Finance Committee for each year. The GANS Board is very efficient in its communications, which are typically done through electronic means. During Board meetings, the members use their computers to provide reports and any other data needed. The meetings begin at 10:00 a.m. with committees working for two hours and then a lunch break. The Board meetings begin at 1:00 p.m. and usually last two to three hours. Several of the Board members have graduated and become RNs, but continue their commitment to the GANS Board and will do so until October. Each year it is the task of a new GANS Board to come together as a working group to implement the agenda for the Association s activities. Orientation for this work and responsibilities of each officer is presented at the end of each annual convention by the outgoing Board members. I am always impressed with the dedication of the GANS Board and their many shared talents. It has been a privilege to serve as the GNA consultant to GANS for the past two years. 110

113 Membership Assembly Biennial Report GNA Liaison to Georgia Association of Nurse Educators Pauline Nelson, MSN, RN-BC GNA Liaison to GANE For I am able to report enhanced and engaged relationships between two very instrumental organizations for nurses in the state of Georgia: the GNA and Georgia Association for Nursing Education (GANE). As the liaison, I have attended board meetings both fact to face and teleconferencing thus increasing my own knowledge and subsequent ability to facilitate communication regarding activities and new developments. I attended the GANE Annual Conference in February of 2014 and 2015; both at Lake Lanier Island manning the GNA exhibit table sharing membership information/applications, car tag information, and the GNA Legislative Day held in February. I also attended the GANE Board meeting in June 2015 in Macon Georgia discussing relevant topics to GANE including: The development of the Georgia Simulation Alliance with its first workshop to be held November 7th in conjunction with WellStar. The 2016 GANE Conference to be held in Jekyll Island Georgia February 18-20th 2016 Award/Scholarship Committee activities Marketing/Public Relation/Membership Committee GANE Bylaw review Strategic Plan and development of As the GNA liaison, I have also become a member of the GNA Leadership Development Task Force attending Monthly Teleconference Meetings formulating a three phase Strategic Plan for the enhancement of new nurses to our profession in the State of Georgia. In July 2015, I will meet with WellStar to share opportunities as a member of GNA and look forward to attending the Annual SNA Conference in October Future collaboration between GNA and GANE is essential and key to the sustained support and growth of both organizations in terms of membership and strategic development, a key role for the GNA Liaison to GANE. 111

114 2015 GNA Membership Assembly GNA Board of Directors Biennial Report GNF President NAME: Georgia W. Barkers, EdD, MBA, MHA, BSN, RN-BC, NEA-BC OFFICE OR POSITION ON THE BOARD: President, Georgia Nurses Foundation PLEASE LIST YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS/OUTCOMES DURING YOUR TERM ON THE GNA/GNF BOARD ( ): 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 term has seen strives by GNF related to structure and initiatives to support and promote nurses in Georgia. A nurse s specialty license plate became a reality for Georgia nurses in The Georgia Department of Revenue disburses a portion of the funds derived from these sales to the Georgia Nurses Foundation. This funding supports GNF in providing nursing scholarships, workforce planning and programs to support future needs of Georgia nurses. The revenue, from either initial issues or renewals, has increased significantly each fiscal year since the nursing specialty plates were first offered in The increasing number of nursing license plates appearing on Georgia roads, not only supports GNF financially but, demonstrates the support and pride felt for nurses everywhere. The Georgia Nurses Foundation increased the amount of funding dedicated to the Katherine Pope Scholarship and activated the Kathryn Chance Scholarship in GNF/GNA applied for, and was awarded a grant from the American Nurses Foundation, for matching scholarship funds, which afforded us the opportunity to increase the award to all GNF/GNA scholarship recipients. The two year Nursing State Implementation program (SIP) grant, awarded to the Georgia Nurses Foundation by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) was successfully completed on January 31, Funding for this grant was used to support efforts to implement two of the eight recommendations found in the Institute of Medicine (IOM)/RWJF report on the Future of Nursing: doubling the number of doctorate-prepared nurses by the year 2020 and creating an infrastructure for data collection and dissemination. Work on these two recommendations continues with a subsequent grant awarded by RWJF, which builds on the initial work, and will again be spearheaded by the Georgia Nursing Leadership Coalition (GNLC). The Georgia Nurses Foundation has experienced exciting developments during the term and we anticipate many more initiatives in the future that will benefit nurses in Georgia and the public we serve. We encourage all to support the work of the Foundation by purchasing the nurses specialty license plate, making a donation in honor of a nurse, or remembering GNF with an annual gift in any amount. Scholarship Committee Members: Wanda Jones (Chair), Georgia Barkers, Mary Watson Scholarship Committee Report to Georgia Nurses Association and Georgia Nurses Foundation 2015 The Committee met on Thursday, July 10th, at GNA Headquarters and reviewed 6 complete applications. There was 1 application that was incomplete. After reviewing all the qualified applications, the committee made the following recommendation for the scholarships: GNF s Katherine Pope Scholarship: Jennifer C. Weeks, MSN/FNP student at Albany State University School of Nursing GNA s Annie Lou Overton Scholarship: Rosalind D. Person, BSN student at Chamberlin College of Nursing GNF s Kathryn Chance Scholarship: Rolyn Clarke, BSN to DNP student at Georgia Southern University Each awardee received $1500: GNA/GNF awarded $ each ANF awarded $ each 112

115 Chairperson: Avia Turner-Gray, JD, BSN, BA, RN Executive Leadership: 2015 GNA Membership Assembly Membership Assembly Biennial Report Chairperson Georgia Nurses Political Action Committee (GN-PAC) Vice Chair - Glenda Summerville Secretary - Mylinh Yun Treasurer - Vacant (Formerly Amy Stivers until August 15, 2015) GNA Executive Leadership Board Member - Aimee Manion GNA Legislation & Public Policy Board Member - Richard Lamphier Lobbyist - Vacant Membership: Cindy Balkstra Fran Beall Judith Malachowski Isabelle Scott Amy Stivers Helen Taggart Rebecca Wheeler Jill Williams Responsibilities as outlined in the GN-PAC Bylaws: Article IV. Purpose 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 GNA. Article VIII. Section 5. Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees shall: A. Manage the affairs of the GN-PAC; B. Determine the procedures for collection and distribution of funds to candidates and political committees; and C. Establish committees of the Board of Trustees as necessary. Section 6. Accountability The GN-PAC Board of Trustees shall report and be accountable to the GNA Board of Directors. Please report how GN-PAC has supported this purpose and responsibilities: In late spring/early summer of 2014, GN-PAC reactivated after a period of dormancy. In July 2014, the current board of trustees was elected by members of the committee. Between August and September of 2014, the Chair spoke with GN-PAC s record keeper, Fran Beall, to get a sense of the history of the organization and its internal procedures. In August 2014, GN-PAC held its first meeting. In the fall of 2014, records and accounts were transferred to the new board In December of 2014, GN-PAC received a funding request for a candidate, a friend of nursing, running for office in the 120th district of Georgia. In February of 2015, GN-PAC voted to approve the funding request of said candidate. A check for $ was subsequently disbursed to Debbie Hackman-Bartlett by GN-PAC s treasurer. 113

116 In the spring of 2015, the Chair called for establishment of several standing subcommittees including the: 1) FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE Charged with the duty of developing and executing ideas to increase membership and donation numbers. Members: Glenda Summerville Amy Stivers Rebecca Wheeler 2) OUTREACH/MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Charged with the duty of increasing public awareness about GN-PAC. Members: Cindy Balkstra Avia Turner-Gray Richard Lamphier Aimee Manion Helen Taggart 3) POLICIES, PROCEDURES & STRATEGIC PLAN COMMITTEE Charged with the duty of formulating written policies, operating procedures, and an organizational strategic plan. Members: Avia Turner-Gray Aimee Manion Rebecca Wheeler Other members to be appointed 4) ELECTIONS COMMITTEE Charged with the duty of overseeing the elections process within GN-PAC. Members: To be determined These committees are in the process of becoming fully operational. Finance GN-PAC had $ on balance as of July 31, The next donation cycle will take place in the fall of It is anticipated that GN-PAC will end 2015 with more than $7,000 in its coffers. Please list other GN-PAC activities: February 2014, Chairperson Avia Turner-Gray spoke at GNA Legislative Day at the Georgia State Capitol and discussed the meaningfulness of GN-PAC in empowering Georgia nurses. GN-PAC will actively engage in fundraising and recruiting activities during the GNA Professional Development Conference and Membership Assembly in October GN-PAC elections will be held later this year GNA Membership Assembly GN-PAC is actively planning activities in preparation for the next state legislative and election season beginning in

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147 Appendix Strategic Plan Mission and Vision Statements The mission statement is the purpose for existence. The vision statement is the long-term outcome. GNA has relied on separate mission and vision statements, as well as a brand promise to the members: It was decided to continue use of the purpose statement for promotion and to combine the mission and vision: Mission Nurses shaping the future of professional nursing and advocating for quality healthcare Vision GNA, the professional association, representing all registered nurses in Georgia. Combined Mission and Vision Nurses shaping the future of professional nursing for a healthier Georgia. Brand Promise Providing opportunities for growth through Energizing experiences, Empowering insight, Essential resources 145

148 Appendix GOALS for Goals are the core competencies identified for which resources will be allocated. Three goals were set to advance the mission and serve the profession: I. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Transforming and maintaining a sustainable, powerful model to engage all nursing stakeholders as One Voice. II. III. LEADERSHIP STRENGTH Identifying and providing opportunities to position nurses in leadership roles for shaping the future. PLATFORM POSITIONS Serving as the trusted voice to advance nursing practice in matters of legislation and public policy. 146

149 Appendix STRATEGIES The strategies are fresh or continuing approaches to advance or achieve the goals. The strategies will be supported by resources and further developed with timeframes and tactics. Note: It was recognized that communications and technology are integral aspects of every goal. I. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Transforming and maintaining a sustainable, powerful model to engage all nursing stakeholders as One Voice. A. Nursing Stakeholders and Partners Identify all stakeholders to determine mutual interests and to encourage and enable the profession to speak as one voice to shape practice and public policy. B. Working Model Explore creation of a model to work as the voice of nursing (such as the Nursing Organization Alliance). Seek sustainable funding and leadership while maintaining organizational independence and segregation of funds. C. GNA Ensure that GNA s own governance model is sufficient for a transforming organization. (Consider aspects such as the roles of regional directors, chapter chairs, chapter sustainability, designated director seats, forward-thinking leadership competencies etc.) D. Nurse Engagement Involve nurses in financial support for core competencies that serve the entire profession without relying on the traditional individual membership model. Consider a special privileges program for loyalty of professionals who maintain longevity of membership. E. Strong Messaging Maintain dynamic member communications and non-member messaging through delivery mechanisms using advancing technologies. F. Outreach through GNA Support chapter and regional volunteer s recruitment and retention projects with designation of GNA Growth and Development Funds and/or consider a dedicated staff support position for that role. G. Input Seek member comment on potential transformations of GNA that will keep GNA relevant and vital for the members. 147

150 Appendix H. Management Services Be positioned to take advantage of opportunities that may arise to leverage GNA talents to manage other associations II. LEADERSHIP STRENGTH Identifying and providing opportunities to position nurses in leadership roles for shaping the future. A. Leadership Development Develop leadership training opportunities, enhanced skill sets, financial understanding, etc., that will result in the creation of a pipeline of qualified leaders who can influence the profession and all its stakeholders. B. Influence Identify and position qualified GNA members to serve on influential public and private appointed boards and agencies. C. Mentoring Lead by example D. Leading Change Assist with local implementation efforts identified in the Institute of Medicine Report on the Future of Nursing. E. GNA Leadership Sustain adequate local volunteer and/or staff leadership for GNA at the state and local level and continue to prepare Georgia leaders for national positions of prominence with the national organization (ANA). F. Access to Information Support chapters, districts and board through access to information portals. G. Access to Expertise Maintain and expand the GNA member s Content Experts Database. Explore connections to experts. Identify expertise gaps in nursing. H. Relational Database Invest in and build effective database software to manage leadership communications, member-to-member contacts, shared interests, etc. I. Georgia Nurses Foundation Collaborate with GNF for leadership development grant opportunities and initiatives. III. PLATFORM POSITIONS Serving as the trusted voice to advance nursing practice and public policy. A. Proactive Increase GNA s external visibility. Develop effective channels of communication to coordinate and broker the importance of one voice messaging with other nursing organizations. Educate, monitor and influence Legislature and Agencies. B. Institute of Medicine Continue to raise awareness and communicate the IOM recommendations and implementation in Georgia. C. Research and Data Support efforts to maintain and improve workforce data collection and analysis in Georgia, which will ultimately support advocacy efforts. D. Levels of Support Create and solicit financial support as an advocacy-support booster category for nurses who are not GNA members. 148

151 Appendix E. Grassroots Increase awareness of GNA s investment in advocacy and the Legislative Platform. Improve understanding and involvement on the issues impacting the practice of nursing. F. Input Identify emerging trends and concerns G. ANA Reach out and utilize ANA staff knowledge and resources to help inform and leverage local efforts. H. GN-PAC Evaluate effectiveness of the Political Action Committee (PAC); develop strategic plan and set metrics for generating political contributions. I. Annual Legislative Day at the Capitol Continue work to promote and support the dynamic annual Legislative Day event. The GNA Board of Directors, Regional Coordinators, Chapter Chairs and Staff participated in the Strategic Planning Event October 19-20, The participants included: Bob Harris, CAE, Facilitator Sheila Warren, GNA President Rebecca Wheeler, GNA President-Elect Debbie Hackman, GNA Chief Executive Officer Jill Williams, GNA Treasurer Wanda Jones, GNA Secretary Aimee Manion, GNA Director of Leadership Development Melanie Cassity, GNA Director of Membership Development Carol Dean Baker, GNA Director of Nursing Practice Suzette Brown-Jones, GNA Staff Nurse Director Judy Malachowski, GNA Director of Legislative/Public Policy Jane Sweetwood, GNA Director of Workforce Advocacy Georgia Barkers, GNF President Cindy R. Balkstra, GNA North Regional Coordinator Debbie Davis, GNA North Central Regional Coordinator, Chair, West Georgia Chapter Kimberly Gordon, GNA Southwest Regional Coordinator Gwendolyn Johnson, GNA Central Regional Coordinator Kathleen Koon, Southeast Regional Coordinator, Chair, Professional Nurses Network Chapter Patti Cook, Central Savannah River Area Chapter of GNA Sandra Dukes, Chair, Atlanta VA Chapter of GNA Catherine Futch, Chair, Northwest Metro Chapter of GNA Joyce McMurrain, Vice- Chair, Northwest Metro Chapter of GNA Karen Rawls, Chair-Elect, Metro Atlanta Chapter of GNA Debbie Hatmaker, GNA Chief Programs Officer Jeremy Arieh, GNA Director of Marketing & Communications Courtney Stancil, GNA Governance & Technology Logistics Manager 149

152 Appendix 2015 GNA Legislative Session Wrap Up Report By Debbie Bartlett, CEO The 2015 Legislative session began in mid-january and ended with the 40th legislative day in March. In between, there were a flurry of nurse sensitive Bills brought forth in the House and the Senate and another successful GNA Lobby Day event was held at the Capitol despite snow and ice. GNA sought out a number of opportunities prior to and throughout the 40 day session to lobby for and against legislation important to nurses. The GNA Legislative Advisory Committee, led by GNA Legislative Director Richard Lamphier, met regularly during the session to review active Bills and give feedback to the CEO for GNA Lobbyists Wendi Clifton and Cindy Shepherd. The Advisory Committee approved provider-neutral language to substitute in Bills for physiciancentric language. GNA s Legislative Advisory Committee agreed upon the following provider neutral language to consistently seek support from Legislators: any willing provider qualified to provide these services by virtue of education, training and certification as identified in Georgia code. Governor Deal offered support for a new health structure for rural health systems to help stabilize failing hospitals that calls for a hub and spoke model to try to relieve pressure on overworked emergency departments. The state Department of Community Health will oversee a four-site pilot program to test the new model. The Governor is backing a $3 million budget to launch the test sites and pay for other infrastructure. While a number of Bills failed to make it through crossover day, the following Bills of interest to nursing passed the House and the Senate and will go to the Governor for signature: HB 100 Haleigh s Hope Act (cannabis oil) - GNA supported the passage of this Bill. The Bill passed. GNA and will continue to lobby post session for the inclusion of an APRN on the Commission that will monitor the implementation of this law. SB 185 related to cannabidiol or cannabidol containing product research program passed to develop rigorous data that will inform and expand the scientific community s understanding of potential treatments for persons under the age of 18 with medication-resistant epilepsies. HB 211 GNA supported this Bill relating to the definition of controlled substances and the labeling of prescription containers with the language substitution from physician prescribing the drug to practitioner prescribing the drug. The Bill passed. HB 362 GNA supported this Bill related to authorizing licensed health practitioners prescribing albuterol sulfate for schools and it passed. HB 394 was a Board of Nursing housekeeping Bill to clarify certain language from previous legislation when the RN and LPN Boards merged. GNA supported this Bill. It passed. HB 264/SB 64 passed. This Bill originated from the Governor s Commission on Child Support and will change the current process for voluntary legitimation of children born in GA but not before lobbying efforts reduced extra burdens on hospital staff in labor and delivery units and ensuring clarity for those hospital staff members who would be responsible for executing this order. SB 51/HB 195 passed with GNA support for pharmacists and pharmacies to provide substitutions of interchangeable biological products. HB 198 GNA supported the Jason Flatt Act to require annual suicide prevention education and training for school system personnel and it passed. 150

153 Appendix SR 6 GNA opposed the resolution that would legalize recreational marijuana and the resolution failed to pass. HB 110 GNA opposed this Bill relating to the legalization of fireworks. GNA s Legislative Director Richard Lamphier testified before the House Health & Human Services Committee in opposition of the Bill but the Bill eventually passed. HB 416 was a MAG Bill relating to a health practitioners identification (on name badges and in advertising). MAG sought GNA s input and collaboration on this Bill. And the Bill passed. HB 504 relating to vaccination against meningococcal disease of college students passed. SB 109 to clarify the use and effectiveness of physicians orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment forms passed. SB 114 relating to the number of APRNs a delegating physician can enter into a protocol agreements with excluded APRNs who practice on a community service board. GNA supported this Bill and it passed. HR 640 passed to create a Joint study Committee on Health, Education and School Based Health Centers HB 463 would have extended the tax deduction to nurse preceptors that the physicians currently have. This legislation had been a collaborative effort among nursing stakeholders and was on track for passage with the Bill sponsor s support. So it was a disappointing loss when additional amendments were attempted and the Bill failed. Other Bills that failed this session that we may see come back again next session are: HB 28/407 Opioid Education and Proactive Addiction Counseling HB 155 Registration with the vaccination registry by persons who administer vaccines HB 212 Healthcare professionals who must be on-site for pain management clinics HB 349 Physician delegation to physician assistants for Schedule II s HB 350 dental hygienists administer local anesthesia under direct supervision of a dentist HB 436 HIV/Syphilis Pregnancy Screening Act HB 509 Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council HB 354 to require an insurer providing services under the state health benefits plan to include certain trauma centers in its provider network Advocacy for the nursing profession and the 150,000 nurses who work in Georgia with strong lobbying efforts in the legislative arena are vital core competencies of the Georgia Nurses Association. The legislative process is a complicated and often times a convoluted process that requires vigilance and good relationships to influence. It is the responsibility of every nurse to stay informed about how changes in the laws affect your practice. 151

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172 Appendix GET YOUR NURSE LICENSE PLATE TODAY! The Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) special nurse license plate is now available 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 by purchasing a special nurses license plate today! Get details at 170

173 Appendix GN-PAC DONATION FORM The Georgia Nurses Association Political Action Committee (GN-PAC) actively and carefully reviews candidates for local, state and federal office. This includes their record on nursing issues and value as an advocate for nursing. GN-PAC promotes 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. 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. Contribute NOW by completing the form below and returning it to the following address: GN-PAC 3032 Briarcliff Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia FAX: (404) gna@georgianurses.org Please make all checks payable to GN-PAC From: Name: Address: City/State: Zip Code: Phone: Employer: Amount contributed: MasterCard/Visa #: Exp. Date: Name as it appears on Credit Card: 171

174 Appendix GEORGIA NURSES FOUNDATION HONOR A NURSE We 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 FAX: (404) gna@georgianurses.org (Please make checks payable to Georgia Nurses Foundation.) I would like to Honor a Nurse: Honoree: Name: Address: State/City: Zip: From: Donor: 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 works to foster the welfare and well being of nurses, promote and advance the nursing profession, thereby enhancing the health of the public. 172

175 Appendix SAVE THE DATE! 2016 GNA Legislative Day Thursday, February 4, 2016 Virtual Learning & Advocacy at the GA State Capitol 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) cordially invites you to attend our 2016 Legislative Day event on Thursday, February 4, 2016, at the State Capitol in downtown Atlanta. GNA s Legislative Day at the Capitol is an annual event that provides GNA members, nursing students and other RNs from across the state the opportunity to meet with and educate their legislators. Attendees will be provided with online self-study tools to complete prior to their visit to the Capitol. Legislative Day group registrants will then head to the Capitol on February 4 to network and mingle with GNA leaders, attend the House/Senate session for the day, meet with their senators and/or representatives and more. BE SURE TO WEAR YOUR WHITE LAB COATS AND NAME TAGS. FOR INFO, VISIT REGISTRATION COMING SOON! Attendees at GNA s 2013 Legislative Day event 173

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