Tennessee Action Coalition Survey Results

TNA’s Annual Convention began with two great pre-convention sessions on Thursday, October 18, 2012 in Franklin, TN. Participants in the session entitled Green Dots for Nurses: Bystander Training Workshop came away very excited about sharing the skills they learned to take effective bystander action and work with others to support Green Dot’s strategies to eliminate violence one green dot at a time. The APRN session entitled Practicing in the Current Regulatory & Political Environment was well attended and very informative. Participants came away with strategies for moving the practice and profession forward, as well as a better understanding of the latest issues that impact the APRN practice and the how to provide comprehensive quality care to patients.

As the official 2012 TNA & TASN Joint Convention, Creating a Culture of Safety Together, began on Friday, October 19, more than 200 nurses and nursing students convened upon the Cool Springs Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Franklin, TN. It was great seeing several cars in the parking lot with TNF’s specialty nurse license plate, Nurses Change Lives. Everyone knew the nurses and nursing students had arrived!

Convention attendees were awarded a total of 7.0 contact hours for attending some of the best sessions TNA has yet to offer. The offerings included:• The Value of the Nurse Case Manager as a

CollaborativeTeamMember• TechnologyAdvancesinPatientCare• Mentoring the Novice Researcher: Peripheral

Phlebitis Point Prevalence Study• Successful High Fidelity Simulation with

FundamentalsStudentsUsingUnfoldingScenarios• Patient and Family-centered Care and Team

Collaboration in a High Risk Obstetric Population:CaseStudieswithChildLifeandNursing

• WorkplaceViolenceintheHospital• TNF’s session entitled Opioid and Benzodiazepine

Dependence:AnAmericanEpidemic

House of DelegatesThe 104th House of Delegates opening on Friday included

a video greeting from Karen Daley, ANA President and greetings from Brittney Conley, President of the Tennessee Association of Student Nurses.

Lena Patterson, TNA President, recognized the members of the TNA Board of Directors in attendance, as well as Past

Volume 75 • Number 4 The Official Publication of the Tennessee Nurses Foundation Winter 2012

current resident or

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage Paid

Princeton, MNPermit No. 14

Quarterly circulation approximately 77,000 to all RNs and Student Nurses in Tennessee.

TNA & TASN Joint Convention Highlights

Members of the 2013 TNA Board of Directors attending the convention, following the installation of the new Board, on Sunday morning during the final House of Delegates session. They are, from left, Beth Smith, TNA Past President; Margie Gale, District 3 President; Linda Foster, District 4 President; Lena Patterson, TNA President; Billie Sills, TNA President Elect; Brad Harrell, District 1 President; Sharon Bailey, TNA Treasurer; Debra Sullivan, District 15 President; Raycene Brewer, TNA Secretary; Kathleen Jones, District 05 President.

Presidents in attendance, including Sharon Adkins, Ginna Betts, Laura Beth Brown, Gary Crotty, Frances Edwards, Wanda Hooper, and Peggy Strong. Recognition was given to participants, or those with family members, serving in the Armed Forces. Tommie Norris, TNA Vice President, delivered the Nightingale Tribute and a moment of silence was given in memory of TNA members who had passed away during the past year. Patterson delivered her President’s Address, followed by the TNA Executive Director’s report and Tennessee Board of Nursing Report, both given by Sharon Adkins, TNA’s Executive Director.

TNA Past Presidents in attendance. From left, Laura Beth Brown, Ginna Betts, Gary Crotty, Peggy Strong and Wanda Hooper. Sharon Adkins and Frances Edwards not pictured.

The Treasurer report was given by Sharon Adkins, followed by a report on the Tennessee Nurses Foundation by Janice Harris, Tennessee Nurses Foundation (TNF) President. Mike Harkreader, Executive Director of the Tennessee Professional Assistance Program (TnPAP), gave a report on TnPAP activities, followed by Katherine Pendleton, Chair of the Tennessee Nurses Political Action Committee (TNPAC), who gave a report on the PAC. A report from Laurie Acred-Natelson, TONE Nursing Collaborative Liaison, presented the TONE report, followed by Chris Clarke’s, Tennessee Hospital Association’s Tennessee Center for Patient Safety Senior Vice President and Chair of the Tennessee Center for Nursing, reports for the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) and the final report for the Tennessee Center for Nursing (TCN).

This is the second year participants have had the pleasure of joining Tom Randles, during TNA’s annual Achievement Awards Luncheon. Randles was our emcee, but in his real job he works as co-anchor for Channel 4’s Evening News, at WSMV in Nashville. Also an accomplished jazz musician, he has now produced four CDs. The Tennessee Nurses

(continued on page 4)

Page 2 The Tennessee Nurse December 2012, January, February 2013

Published by:Arthur L. Davis

Publishing Agency, Inc.

www.tnaonline.org

The Tennessee Nurse is the official publication of the Tennessee Nurses Foundation, 545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405,

Nashville, TN 37228-1296Phone:615/254-0350•Fax:615/254-0303

Email: [email protected] exclusively by the

Tennessee Nurses Foundation and theArthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc.

TNA 2013 Board of Directors, OfficersLena M. Patterson, President;

Billie W. Sills, President Elect;Jill S. Kinch, Vice President;

Beth H. Smith, Past President;Raycene G. Brewer, Secretary;

Sharon P. Bailey, Treasurer

TNA 2013 District PresidentsBrad Harrell, District 1; Billie Phillips, District 2;

Margie N. Gale, District 3; Linda Foster, District 4;Kathleen Jones, District 5; Vacant, District 6;

Amy Holder, District 8; Angel Brewer, District 9;Vacant, District 10; Vacant, District 12;

Debra H. Sullivan, District 15

EDITORIAL TEAMEditorial Board: Fern Richie, Chair;

Jason Carter; Ruth Elliott; Linda Finch; Martha Hall;Amy Hamlin; Kathleen Jones; Betsy Kennedy;

Tommie Norris; Michelle Robertson; Gloria Russell

TNA StaffSharon A. Adkins, MSN, RN, Executive Director

Barbara Martin, Executive AssistantWilhelmina Davis, Manager, Government AffairsKathy Denton, Member Services\IT Administrator

Susan Seager, Ed.D, RN, Education Administrator andNurse Peer Review Leader

The official publication of the Tennessee Nurses Foundation shall be the Tennessee Nurse. The purpose of the publication shall be to support the mission of the Tennessee Nurses Foundation and Tennessee Nurses Association through the communication of nursing issues, continuing education and significant events of interest. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, its Board of Directors, or editors of the Tennessee Nurse.

Article Submissions: The Tennessee Nurses Foundation encourages submissions of articles and photos for publication in the Tennessee Nurse. Any topic related to nursing will be considered for publication. Although authors are not required to be members of the Tennessee Nurses Association, when space is limited, preference will be given to TNA members. Articles and photos should be submitted by email to [email protected] or mailed to Managing Editor, Tennessee Nurses Foundation, 545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 405, Nashville, TN 37228-1296. All articles should be typed in Word. Please include two to three sentences of information about the author at the end of the article and list all references. Preferred article length is 750-1,000 words. Photos are welcomed as hard copies or digital files at a high resolution of 300 DPI. The Tennessee Nurses Foundation assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged articles or photos. TNF is not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts or photographs. Contact the Managing Editor for additional contribution information.

Reprints: Tennessee Nurse allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to Tennessee Nurses Foundation at [email protected].

For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington Street, PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-0481, [email protected]. TNF and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement.

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the Tennessee Nurses Foundation of products advertised, the advertiser, or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this Foundation disapproves of the product or its use. TNF and Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles appearing in this publication express the opinion of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, Board or membership of TNA and TNF or those of the national or local associations.

Copyright©2012 by the Tennessee Nurses Foundation. The Tennessee Nurse is published quarterly in March, June, September and December. Published free for TNA members and registered nurses licensed in Tennessee. Others may request to be added to the Tennessee Nurse mailing list by contacting [email protected].

Enhance the value of your continuing education offering!

Submit it to the Tennessee Nurses Association

for CE approval.

Visit the Continuing Education link at www.tnaonline.org for details

The Tennessee Nurses Association is accredited as an approver of continuing nursingeducation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Join

Now!Application onpage 15 or join

online at www.tnaonline.org

December 2012, January, February 2013 The Tennessee Nurse Page 3

From the President

Priorities by Lena Patterson, MSN, RN, APRN, BC, CCNS

We get it done! Have you ever stopped to wonder how you get it all done with the current demands of living and working in the twenty-first century? What influences do you use when determining what to do on a daily and weekly basis? Do you have an efficient, organized approach to decide or do you arbitrarily take each day as they come? Many, if not all of us, live our lives with competing priorities, pondering ‘if I only had more time.’ Bo Bennett offers, “Avoiding the phrase, ‘I don’t have time,’ will soon help you to realize that you do have the time needed for just about anything you choose to accomplish in life.” Often we determine what takes precedence in our daily routines with the most pressing issues of the day. Hopefully, we do not have too many ‘emergencies’ to offset the delicate balance many of us struggle to maintain. Or, is this delicate balance elusive or even an illusion to many of us?

I was recently challenged to reexamine my own priorities only to discover how out of sync I truly was. What happens when one or more of our priorities requires more of our time than anticipated? What are your priorities; personal time with God, time with family, job, leisure activities, children’s activities, travel, time with colleagues, professional development, and professional activism among others? What motivates you to change your priorities; emergencies, deadlines, peer pressure, fear, motivation to succeed, or personal choice? Quoting Anne Robertson Brown, “Be wise in the use of your time. The question is not how much time do we have? The question is what shall we do with it.”

I have asked you to join us, your state nurses association, Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA). I hope someone else in your local district has had an opportunity to invite you as well. You have been asked to become active in your state nurses association. Maybe neither of these takes precedence in your busy life right now. What if I told you your right to practice in the state, as you always have, has been revoked because the laws had changed? What if I told you your voice would have made all the difference? I am telling you that right now. “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult,” Lucius Annaeus Seneca. Your level of action is still up to you. As for me, I will continue to fight for the rights and privileges that have been afforded to me, first as an RN and second as an APRN, in this state. I am looking to the future of

what can be and I am willing to fight for it. This remains a priority for me. What about you?

Leaving the voice of nursing up to a few is not sufficient. Every one of the 86,492 registered nurses, which includes the 9,107 APRNs, and the 30,293 licensed practical nurses in the state of Tennessee need their voice heard. How can you make activism for your profession a priority? First, and at the very least, every registered nurses should be a member of TNA in order for membership to truly be representative of the nurses in the state, and therefore the organization becomes increasingly credible with legislators when presented with our concerns; second, we need you to cultivate a personal relationship with your individual legislators. They need to know their nursing constituents. They need to hear about healthcare related issues affecting nursing from nurses; third, we need your donations to TNPAC. These are political donations to support nurse friendly candidates, or those we hope will become so. Whatever you can give is helpful, especially if everyone would give just a little back; and lastly, we can use your time to make the organization stronger. What’s your specialty? Maybe you can only commit your time for a short period of time. That’s great. Nursing in Tennessee will continue to meet the progressive needs of the populations we serve, by assuring our scope of practice remains progressive and our nurse practice act remains intact, allowing us as a profession to continue to grow and serve the public optimally. That is our priority.

Lena Patterson

Memphis, Tennessee

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To be considered an applicant, please apply now on our website at http://workforum.memphis.edu (click on the “Faculty” link).

The University of Memphis, a Tennessee Board of Regents Institution, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We urge all qualified applicants to apply for this position. Appointment will be based on qualifications as they relate to position requirements without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or

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TNA & TASN Joint Convention Highlights

Association honored eight individuals and organizations during the luncheon. To those of which were honored, we give a special thanks for the contributions you have made to the nursing profession and to your professional organization, the Tennessee Nurses Association. Photos of the 2012 TNA Achievement Awards are included in this issue.

TNA’s Keynote speaker, Sorrel King, followed the Awards Luncheon. King delivered a thought provoking message entitled Josie’s Story: Family-CenteredApproaches to Patient Safety. As founder of the Josie King Foundation, Sorrel is a leading advocate for improving patient safety. Together, with her husband Tony, they have embarked on this journey due to the death of their daughter, Josie, who died as a result of medical errors.

House of Delegates ActionsThe House of Delegates opened early Saturday morning

and immediately got to work on TNA business. Below is a list of actions taken, followed by a copy of Resolution 2012-01—Support for the Expansion of MedicaidProgram.

Reaffirmation:• Resolution #97-01—In support of PeriOperative

Registered Nurses• Resolution #97-02—In Support of theAssociation

of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Statement onRNFirstAssistants

• Resolution #02-02—In Support of TennesseeAssociationofStudentNurses

• Resolution #2007-01—In Support of CulturalDiversity

• Resolution #2007-07—In Support of ProactiveConsumer Education and Protection

• Resolution #2007-08—In Support of IntegrativeMentalHealthServices—asamended

Sunset:• Resolution#2007-03—InSupportofResolvingthe

Crisis in Nursing Education Through AdditionalFunding for Both Public and Private Schools ofNursing

• Resolution #2007-04—Improving the Lives ofSmall Childrenwith FoodAllergies inDayCaresin the State of Tennessee

• Resolution #2007-05—In Support of ContinualHealthInsuranceCoverageforUninsuredChildrenin Tennessee

Adopted:• Resolution#2012-01—SupportfortheExpansionof

Medicaid Program• Resolution #2012-02—Reducing Obesity in

Tennessee, as amended• Resolution #2012-03—Advanced Care Planning

Initiative, as amended

The Tennessee Nurses Foundation (TNF)The Tennessee Nurses Foundation held their Seventh

Annual Silent Auction during the TNA Convention. A special thank you goes out to the Tennessee Nurses Foundation Board of Trustees for all you did to make the auction a huge success. The amount raised from the Silent Auction and convention contributions and pledges was over $6,000. TNF’s Sunday morning general session entitled Opioid and Benzodiazepine Dependence: AnAmericanEpidemicwas very informative.

(Continued from page 1)

TN Legislators held panel discussions during TNA Convention. From left, Rep. JoAnne Favors, Rep. Glen Casada, Rep. Charles Sargent and Rep. John DeBerry.

The Tennessee Nurses Political Action Committee (TNPAC)

TNPAC’s general session on Saturday morning featured a Legislative Panel Discussion. During convention, the Tennessee Nurses Political Action Committee (TNPAC) received $6,100 from donations and pledges.

TNA Elections and Installation of the2013 Board of Directors

Election results were announced. Frances, “Billie”, Sills, of Johnson City, was elected President-Elect; Jill Kinch, of Nashville, was elected Vice President; Sharon Bailey, of Maryville, was elected Treasurer. Bethany Andrews, of Hermitage, and Kay Bone, of Kingsport, were elected to the Nominating Committee.

Officers of the 2013-2014 Board of Directors include Lena Patterson, President; Beth Smith, Past President; Francis, “Billie”, Sills, President Elect; Jill Kinch, Vice President; Raycene Brewer, Secretary; Sharon Bailey, Treasurer.

The TNA 2013-2014 Board of Directors also includes the following District Presidents: Brad Harrell, District 1; Billie Phillips, District 2; Margie Gale, District 3; Linda Foster, District 4; Kathleen Jones, District 5; Vacant, District 06; Amy Holder, District 08; Angel Brewer, District 9; Vacant, District 10; Vacant, District 12; Debra Sullivan, District 15

Nursing Students pictured with Sorrel King, TNA’s Keynote speaker

Tennessee Association of Student Nurses (TASN)TNA staff and TNA Convention attendees enjoyed

having the students join us!

Tennessee Nurses AssociationResolution

Support for the Expansion of Medicaid ProgramResolution # 2012-01

Adopted: October 20, 2012

WHEREAS, on June 28, 2012, the United States Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, but also ruled that state expansion of the Medicaid Program should be at the option of the state, and

WHEREAS, TennCare is the State of Tennessee’s Medicaid program which operates under a Section 1115 waiver from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) within the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and

WHEREAS, The Bureau of TennCare within the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration is the agency charged with responsibility for administering the TennCare program, and

WHEREAS, approximately 330,000 currently uninsured Tennesseans would be eligible for the Tennessee Medicaid program (TennCare) if the state chooses to expand eligibility to individuals with incomes below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level, and

WHEREAS, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Federal government will bear 100% of the cost of covering people made newly eligible for Medicaid (2014-2016), nearly 93% of the costs of expansion over its first nine years (2014-2022), and assume no less than 90% on a more permanent basis, and

WHEREAS, the reduction of the number of people without health insurance will result in the reduction of state and local costs of hospital, primary care, and mental health services, and

WHEREAS, a decision NOT to expand Medicaid (given changes in the disproportionate share hospital payments formula) will most likely result in many hospitals closing

(particularly in rural areas), will increase the burden on Tennesseans requiring acute emergency, or specialty care and eliminate thousands of health care related jobs, and

WHEREAS, as frontline health care providers, registered nurses (RNs) are acutely aware of the adverse consequences on the lives of people who do not have access to or cannot afford quality health care, and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Nurses Association, representing RNs across Tennessee who are dedicated to providing quality, accessible care to all its citizens because it is the JUST and RIGHT thing to do, therefore be it

RESOLVED, the TNA House of Delegates and the TNA Board of Directors reaffirm their commitment to continue to advocate and support the full implementation of the Medicaid expansion program in Tennessee, and be it

RESOLVED, the TNA House of Delegates, TNA Board of Directors, TNA District Leadership, and TNA members actively engage in educating their colleagues in nursing and the public through strategic use of the media and other resources about the merits and importance of the potential impact of Medicaid expansion on the health of Tennesseans, and be it further

RESOLVED, the Tennessee Nurses Association actively participate in activities to enroll eligible Tennesseans in Medicaid and support the health ”Navigator” function in the Tennessee Health Insurance Exchange to assist in removing barriers to access to health care in Tennessee, and be it further

RESOLVED, upon adoption, copies of this resolution shall be presented to Governor Bill Haslam, Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, members of the 108th House of Representatives and Senate, collaborative health care partners, and media representatives.

Submitted by the TNA Board of DirectorsOctober 2012

House of Delegates (HOD) session

Beth Smith and Lena Patterson discussing a resolution during HOD session.


TNA Outstanding Legislator Award

The Outstanding Legislator Award recognizes an outstanding legislator who has demonstrated support of the TNA legislative agenda and the nursing profession, and who has promoted legislation which enhances adequate and safe nursing care and healthcare for the people of Tennessee. This year TNA presented its 2012 Outstanding Legislator of the Year award to two legislators, Representative Matthew Hill, of Jonesborough, representing House District 7 as well as State Senator Tim Barnes, of Clarksville, representing Senate District 2. Sharon Adkins, TNA’s Executive Director, and Dr. Carole Myers, TNPAC’s Advocacy Award recipient, join Senator Barnes as he is presented the award.

TNA’s Tennessee Nurse Political Action Committee (TNPAC) presented two new awards this year. The awards are presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to supporting and advocating on behalf of the nursing profession in Tennessee.

TNPAC Advocacy Award

TNPAC Chair, Katherine Pendleton, DNP, RN presented Carole R. Myers, Ph.D, RN, of Townsend, with the TNPAC Advocacy Award.

The Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) honored eight individuals and organizations during its 2012 TNA Annual Convention. Congratulations and thank you for your contributions to the practice of nursing in Tennessee.

TNA Special Lifetime Achievement Award

Letha Lehman, MS, RN, of Knoxville, received the TNA Special Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes a retired TNA member who has demonstrated excellence or outstanding contributions to nursing and TNA, continued participation in TNA and nursing, and achieved state and/or national recognition by the profession. This award is given by the TNA Board of Directors.

TNA Professional Promise Award

Sandra D. Wells, RN of Greeneville, received the TNA Professional Promise Award. This annual award recognizes a recent graduate (within first year) and new member of TNA who demonstrates qualities of “professional promise” in the areas of consistent attendance and contributions at the District level; commitment to excellence in nursing practice; and collegial and mentoring relationships.

TNA Awards for Nursing ExcellenceThis annual award recognizes outstanding performance in multiple areas of nursing practice. Nominees may be selected from the areas of Direct Care, Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, and Advanced Practice Nursing.

Selection criteria is specific to the major area of practice, but reflects outstanding performance in these areas: promoting and maintaining excellence in professional practice; commitment to the nursing profession and TNA; contribution to professional development of other nurses (publications, presentations, research); leadership which improves the quality of nursing care (education, administration, etc.); and professional and community service.

Award for Nursing Excellence inAdvanced Practice

Jean B. Blackburn, MSN, APN, PMHCNS-BC, of Chattanooga, received the TNA Award for Nursing Excellence in Advanced Practice.

TNA Outstanding Employer Award

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, received the Employer of the Year Award. This award recognizes a health care agency, school of nursing or other employer demonstrating commitment to nurses and nursing excellence. Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Executive Chief Nursing Officer, Marilyn A. Dubree, MSN, RN, NE-BC, accepted the award on behalf of the medical center.

2012 TNA & Achievement AwardsTNPAC Outstanding Contributor for 2012

John Michael Briley, DNP, APRN, BC, of Jackson, received the TNPAC Outstanding Contributor for 2012 Award.

John W. Runyan Jr. Community Service Award

Marye S. Bernard, DNP, FNP, MSN, RN, of Arlington, received the John William Runyan Jr. Community Nursing Award, given annually by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Nursing. The award is presented each year to a nurse who makes outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of health in the community. This award is not a TNA award, but TNA offers the UT Health Science Center the opportunity to present the award during the TNA Awards Luncheon.

All TNA Achievement Awards Luncheon photos were taken by Katie Williams, TNA Intern. Williams works for TNA creating graphic design projects, including logos and brochures.

Lehman stated, “As you can see, I am proud to be a nurse.”

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TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF NURSING COLLEGE OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA The College of Nursing & Allied Health at the University of North Alabama (http://www.una.edu/nursing/) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Nursing to begin in January of 2013. A master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution is required; a doctoral degree is preferred.

To apply for this position, please submit application materials via the University of North Alabama Online Employment System at http://jobs.una.edu. Applications will require the following: cover letter, CV, graduate and undergraduate transcripts (official transcripts will be required before an offer of employment is made), and a reference list. For questions, please email [email protected] or call the Office of Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 256.765.4291. The University of North Alabama is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving excellence and strength through diversity. UNA seeks a wide range of applicants for this position so that one of our core values, ethnic and cultural diversity, will be affirmed.


Tennessee Action Coalition Survey ResultsCarole R. Myers, PhD, RN; Kelly Carlson, MSN, RN;

Mary Gunther, PhD, RN; andKenneth D. Phillips, PhD, RN

During the month of July over 500 nurses and other interested individuals participated in a survey distributed by the Tennessee Action Coalition to: identify individuals and organizations interested in being part of the coalition’s efforts and to determine where Tennessee is in relationship to each of the recommendations included in the Future of Nursing report from the Institute of Medicine (see Table 1). Chairman of the board of directors of the Tennessee Action Coalition, Dr. Victoria Niederhauser, recently said, “We are grateful to the nurses and others from across the state who participated in the survey. Because of their efforts, we have necessary information to help us in strategic planning and meeting our goal of growing the coalition so we can begin the important work of facilitating important changes in Tennessee. These changes will help us improve the health of Tennesseans through improved health care”.

Of the 504 respondents, 90% were nurses. The mean age of respondents was 51 years and the mean years in nursing practice was 24 years. The majority (89%) practice full-time in nursing (6% part-time, 2% nursing students, 3% not working). Geographic distribution of respondents was: 37% East, 32% Middle, and 28% West. The profile of survey respondents differs from the profile of all licensed registered nurses in the state in several significant ways: a higher percentage of APRNs, educators, and administrators and those with advanced degrees participated in the survey.

Survey respondents were asked to rate the importance (not important, less important, somewhat important, very important, and most important) of the eight recommendations from the Institute of Medicine, as well as rate the ease to implement (noteasy,lesseasy,somewhateasy,veryeasy,andmosteasy) the recommendation. As shown inTable 2 recommendations related to scopeof practice (Recommendation#1),increasedleadershipopportunities(#2),andlifelonglearning(#6)wereratedhighest inimportance. Survey respondents rated doubling the number of nurses with doctorates by 2020(#5),addressingscopeofpractice(#1),andincreasingtheproportionofnurseswitha baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020 (#4) as the least easy to implement. Survey

Table 1: Future of Nursing Recommendations

The eight IOM recommendations are:

1. Assure that nurses are able to practice to the full extent of their education and training,

2. Increase opportunities for nurses to collaborate and lead efforts to improve health of Tennessee residents,

3. Provide nurse residency programs for new nurses and nurses entering a new practice area,

4. Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate to 80% by 2020 by improving access to both RN to BSN and pre-licensure BSN programs,

5. Double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020,

6. Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning,

7. Prepare and enable nurses to lead change in all environments to advance health, and

8. Build a mechanism for the collection and analysis of inter-professional healthcare workforce data.

Table 2: Selected Survey Results

IOM Recommendation Importance of Ease to Implement: Recommendation: Not Easy or Very Important Less Easy orImportant (#ofrespondents) (#ofrespondents)

1. Scope of practice 499 278

2. Increased leadership opportunities 491 227

3. Residency programs 427 217

4. 80% BSN by 2020 386 287

5. Double number of nurses with 240 369 doctorates

6. Lifelong learning 473 97

7. Prepare and enable nurses to lead 461 205

8. Workforce data 373 221

The Tennessee Action Coalition is coordinated by AARP Tennessee and The University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Nursing. The Tennessee Action Coalition has been convened to advance the Future of Nursing: CampaignforAction, organized by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in collaboration with AARP and the AARP Foundation.

Carole Myers

respondents were overwhelmingly interested in being involved with the Tennessee Action Coalition.

Survey results are instrumental in the development of a strategic plan for the Tennessee Action Coalition and ongoing work. The coalition board of directors has elected to create Education, Leadership, and Practice Work Groups. These work groups will be commissioned in early 2013 to facilitate Tennessee-specific initiatives to advance priority IOM recommendations. The Tennessee Action Coalition will serve as a convener, coordinator, and communicator and work to garner necessary resources and build an infrastructure for successful implementation. Success depends on the engagement of a broad group of stakeholders, including nursing organizations and nurses from across the state.

Questions about the survey or the Tennessee Action Coalition and requests foradditional surveyresults shouldbedirected toCaroleR.Myers,NursingLead for theTennesseeActionCoalition([email protected]).


GOVERNMENT AFFAIRSby Wilhelmina Davis, Manager, TNA Government Affairs

Now that the November elections are over, it’s time to take a closer look at who will be representing the citizens of Tennessee. Newly elected state legislators as well as incumbent legislators will converge on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, for the convening of the 108th Tennessee General Assembly.

The General Assembly will consist of a 70 Republican majority in the House of Representative with 28 Democrats as the minority and 1 Independent and in the Senate, 26 Republicans and 7 Democrats. These numbers make for a historical event in the Tennessee legislature, a supermajority in both Houses. These legislators will have an arsenal of agendas and legislative priorities, whether personal or constituent based. TNA’s duty, as the voice and advocate of the nursing professional, is to educate and inform elected officials of the issues of concern to 86,000 plus registered nurses across the state. As we meet with legislators, it is our responsibility to articulate concerns; not just those of the nursing profession, but those issues having direct impact on the health and well being of the citizens of Tennessee.

We’ve already begun working with legislators to inform and make ready any information deemed necessary to help them better understand TNA’s position and health policy agenda. Although TNA is the voice for nurses across the state, legislators also rely on constituents for information. We continue to express to the membership to be prepared and ready to reach out to legislators from respected districts. In an effort to inform and to keep legislators knowledgeable of healthcare issues, our goal during this legislative session is for each legislator to have a nurse constituent as a point of contact when expert advice is needed.

To stay abreast of legislative action, we will continue to inform members via TNAWeekly Legislative Reports and when necessary Legislative Alerts. By visiting TNA’s website at www.tnaonline.org, these reports and other pertinent information will be posted throughout the legislative session. Another means of staying informed is by watching the political process in real time; as House and Senate meetings are video streamed live via the General Assembly’s website at www.capitol.tn.gov. Also by visiting the General Assembly’s website you will find more detailed information on bills introduced, scheduled committee meetings, as well as individual legislator biographical information.

While we are gearing up for a busy legislative session, we also are busy planning for the 2013 TNA Legislative Summit and Nurses Day on the Hill, scheduled for April 9, 2013, at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville. This event will allow students and nurses the opportunity to visit with legislators while in session and to experience on site and firsthand the legislative process. Please mark your calendars and make plans to attend. Additional information on the summit is available on TNA’s website at www.tnaonline.org.

2012 ELECTION RESULTS TENNESSEE STATE SENATE WINNERS

Districts2 Doug Overby (R)4 Ron Ramsey (R)6 Becky Duncan Massey (R)8 Frank Niceley (R)10 Todd Gardenhire (R)12 Ken Yager (R)14 Jim Tracy (R)16 Janice Bowling (R)

18 Ferrell Haile (R)20 Steve Dickerson (R)22 Mark E. Green (R)24 John Stevens (R)26 Dolores Gresham (R)28 Joey Hensley (R)30 Jim Kyle (D)32 Mark Norris (R)

2012 ELECTION RESULTSTENNESSEE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WINNERS

Districts1 Jon Lundberg (R)2 Tony Shipley (R)3 Timothy Hill (R)4 Kent Williams (I)5 David Hawk (R)6 James (Micah) Van Huss (R)7 Matthew Hill (R)8 Art Swann (R)9 Mike Harrison (R)10 Tilman Goins (R)11 Jeremy Faison (R)12 Dale Carr (R)13 Gloria Johnson (D)14 Ryan Haynes (R)15 Joe Armstrong (D)16 Bill Dunn (R)17 Andrew Farmer (R)18 Steve Hall (R)19 Harry Brooks (R)20 Bob Ramsey (R)21 Jimmy Matlock (R)22 Eric Watson (R)23 John Forgety (R)24 Kevin Brooks (R)25 Cameron Sexton (R)26 Gerald McGormick (R)27 Richard Floyd (R)28 JoAnne Favors (D)29 Mike Carter (R)30 Vince Dean (R)31 Ron Travis (R)32 Kent Calfee (R)33 John D. Ragan (R)34 Rick Womick (R)35 Dennis “Coach” Roach (R)36 Dennis Powers (R)37 Dawn White (R)38 Kelly T. Keisling (R)39 David Alexander (R)40 Terri Lynn Weaver (R)41 John Mark Windle (D)42 Ryan Williams (R)43 Charles Curtiss (D)44 William Lamberth (R)45 Courtney Rodgers (R)46 Mark Pody (R)47 Judd Matheny (R)48 Joe Carr (R)49 Mike Sparks (R)50 Bo Mitchell (R)

51 Michael Turner (R)52 Michael Stewart (D)53 Jason Powell (D)54 Brenda Gilmore (D)55 Gary Odom (D)56 Beth Harwell (R)57 Susan Lynn (R)58 Harold Love (D)59 Sherry Jones (D)60 Darren Jernigan (D)61 Charles Sargent (R)62 Pat Marsh (R)63 Glen Casada (R)64 Shelia Butt (R)65 Jeremy Durham (R)66 Joshua Evans (R)67 Joe Pitts (D)68 Curtis Johnson (R)69 David Shepard (D)70 Barry Doss (R)71 Vance Dennis (R)72 Steve McDaniel (R)73 Jimmy Eldridge (R)74 John Tidwell (D)75 Tim Wirgau (R)76 Andy Holt (R)77 Bill Sanderson (R)78 Mary Littleton (R)79 Curtis Halford (R)80 Johnny Shaw (D)81 Debra Moody (R)82 Craig Fitzhugh (D)83 Mark White (R)84 Joe Towns (D)85 Johnnie R. Turner (D)86 Barbara Cooper (D)87 Karen Camper (D)88 Larry Miller (D)89 Roger Kane (R)90 John DeBerry (D)91 Lois DeBerry (D)92 Billy Spivey (R)93 G.A. Hardaway (D)94 Barrett Rich (R)95 Curry Todd (R)96 Steve McManus (R)97 Jim Coley (R)98 Antonio Parkinson (D)99 Ron Lollar (R)


NASHVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) officially announced its plans to offer discount drug cards to nurses and their patients through the United Networks of America (UNA) Free Drug Card Program. The program is free to all residents and provides savings of up to 75% on prescription drugs at over 56,000 regional and national pharmacies. There are no restrictions to membership, no income requirements, no age limitations and no applications to fill out.

The goal of the new program is to provide additional card distribution channels and create awareness so that all Tennessee nurses and their patients will have access to this prescription assistance program. As the largest segment of the healthcare workforce, nurses are in the best position to

Tennessee Nurses Association Launches Free Drug Card Program to Provide Prescription Assistance to

Nurses and Patients

LPN Connect – Online Service Especially for LPNsThe Tennessee Nurses Association’s special online

subscription service LPNConnect continues to grow! This product for Tennessee’s Licensed Practical Nurses includes online services to help LPNs stay informed on issues related to their nursing practice and network with other LPNs across the state.

LPNConnect offers subscribers the following benefits and services:

• Access to an LPN only passwordprotected area on the TNA website at www.tnaonline.org that contains articles and other information of interest.

• An LPN Listserv exclusively foruse by LPNConnect subscribers to communicate with other LPN subscribers by email. Topics of discussion on the LPNConnect Listserv may include questions on nursing practice, the announcement of meetings and events of interest to LPNs.

• A monthly LPNConnect enewsletter containing nursing related news.

• Webpageswithin the protected LPN area filledwithother information of interest to LPNs in Tennessee, including important legislative information and updates on health policy development.

Subscriptions to LPNConnect are available for only $25 per year and are open to any LPN with a current Tennessee nursing license.

To subscribe, visit www.tnaonline.org and click the LPNConnect link on the left on the home page. You will purchase your subscription and pay online with a credit or debit card through a secure form. When your payment is processed, you will receive an

email with instructions on registering for your account login and password.

We need your suggestions for additional content to include in the LPNConnect area! Please send your suggestions and feedback to [email protected].

distribute this benefit to the residents of Tennessee. Thus, supporting part of TNAs mission of assuring a healthier Tennessee.

The TNA prescription assistance program was launched to the help uninsured and underinsured afford their prescription medications. The program, however, can also be used by people who have health insurance coverage with no prescription benefits, which is common in many health savings accounts (HSA) and high deductible health plans. Additionally, people who have prescription coverage can use this program for non-covered drugs.

Residents can download a free card, locate a participating pharmacy and search drug pricing at multiple pharmacies for an even greater savings at www.tnaonline.org.

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A Special Thank You to TNA’s Advanced Practice Registered Nurse MembersAt our annual convention meeting, the APRN Committee of the Tennessee Nurses Association discussed at great length the tremendous importance of 100% membership in TNA

by Tennessee’s advanced practice registered nurses in order to achieve our common objectives of securing nursing’s preferred future of respect, visibility, and policy successes for our practice environments.

Thus, the TNA APRN committee would like to recognize and thank those APRNs who are supporting the Tennessee Nurses Association and our professional practice by their membership in TNA.

This list is current as of October 31, 2012

Mary L. AbbottNikki L. AdamsSusan M. Adams Leslie N. AkinsAlicia M. AlexanderJudith D. AmmonsBethany M. Andrews Susan M. AndrewsNancy A. ApplingKay AskinsPatsy H. AuneNell M. AutryChristopher A. BachussPatricia W. BaderLaurie L. BagwellKeela L. BaileySharon P. BaileyDiana C. BakerKarie L. BarberDouglas M. BarcroftValerie L. BarfieldLinda J. BargerCarey L. BarrLaurie Ann BartonMaureen BartonSandy D. BatemanRoxelyn G. BaumgartnerAngela M. BeckerMary W. BedwellDaphne B. BeechDonald M. BellBobby B. BellflowerEarl Dan BembryHarvey BennettMarye E. BernardJennifer B. BettsJean C. BiggerDenise F. BillingsleyJewel M. BirdwellBonnie K. BlackCheryl C. BlackJean B. BlackburnChriste’ BlackshearRosie King BlakemoreTamara B. BlandAnita M. BlatnikChristy BlountKathleen M. BockholdKimberly S. BoltonMelissa L. BoltonCarol G. BompartIna K. BonePatricia R. BooherRuth E. BoyntonRoberta B. BradleyJanice O. BransonAudrey A. BrantleyMarie C. BredyMelody W. BreedenAndrea BreedingJeri S. BrehmRaycene G. BrewerMeike A. BridgemanMichael BrileyBarbara A. BrockAndrea Farley BrooksAmanda G. BrownErin Marie BrownMary Lynn BrownAmy M. BryantTheresa M. BuckAmy W. BullMatthew R. BumbaloughJacqueline L. BurchumRenee Carol BurkPat J. BurksLeanne C. BusbyHolly BushartKathy Diane ButlerBeverly B. ByramChristine F. ByrerDiane M. CampbellJoyce L. CampbellKelly CarlsonGwen C. CarltonSyble A. CarterGregory A. CasalenuovoAnn K. CashionElizabeth CecelicLinda W. Childers

Donna Kaye ChipmanFlora A. ClaybrookDonna P. ClementGail W. CliftMartha L. ClintonThomas Ray CoeScott B. CoffeyMelissa R. CogdillKathy E. CohenJudy G. ColeLinda J. ColeShannon E. ColeShirley Ann CollierMisty P. CollinsPamela A CollinsVivian L. ColontKatherine Marie ComptonCheryl L. ConradColleen Conway-WelchLu Ann CookIvalane H. CookeJudy J. CorfmanMelinda CorneliusPatty J. CornwellWilliam J. CoteBeverly H. CoulterCharlotte M. CovingtonAmy L. CoxChristine CrabtreeBrad Franklin CreekmorePatsy E. CrihfieldAnn L. CrimAshley Danielle CrookeGary D. CrottyPatricia U. CrottyRose H. CummingsPatricia D. CunninghamAndra L. Cureton-HutchinsKimberly A. CurrierLinda V. CurryAmy Gebhart CurtisLaura A. CutlerJane B. DaddarioCarol S. DalglishLucretia F. DanielKaren D’ApolitoMary W. DardenYoshie DarnallDoris S. DavenportMary W. DavenportAnna C. DavisDarel L. DavisGretchen Y. DavisJennifer Dawn DavisSharon K. DavisTeresa W. DeBuskMargaret A. DehartJames W. DeLaneyTraci J. DelkCynthia R. DemonbreunPamela Lynn DenleySherri E. DePriestJill S. Detty OswaksAnna K. DicksonLynn E. DicusMargaret Y. DisheroonElizabeth H. DobbinsMary E. DonovanCathy J. DorrisBelinda D. DouglasAudrey O. DresselKermit Lee DuggerCaroline V. DuleyPhyllis Mac Donald DumontVirginia K. DuncanJohn T. DunlapLeslie DurhamLinda H. DwyerDesiree Belle U. DyCynthia A. EarlyKen W. EdmissonAnthony C. EdwardsFrances J. EdwardsJoellen B. EdwardsMarcia EdwardsMary F. EdwardsLucie S. ElfervigLaurie L. ElliottLizanne M. ElliottLeslie L. El-SayadVeronica F. EngleTracy H. EppsKelly A. Ernst

Donna M. EsmondAmber M. EvansBetty J. EvansPatricia M. EvansJennifer C. FainLaura L. FarhatFrancisca J. FarrarJacqueline D. FarrisLesa FergusonJoann A. FerlandBecky L. FieldsLinda C. FinchDonna C. Finto-BurksBelinda D. FlemingToni L. FlemingJana FlynnBarbara K. FolsomCathy D. ForbesZaida Denise A. ForesterLinda L. FosterSara L. FoxZenaida S. FoxDiedra L. FreemanWilliam T. FryarJoan FurmanMargie N. GaleHollye R. GallionLinda H. GarrettNan GaylordJoan Kay GentryLen N. GetzPatrice GibsonMichele R. Gibson-O’GradyAnne B. GielisseMargaret B. GilchristEmily V. GillespieLaura E. GillespieHolly J. GillonMarie C. GlaserRoger N. GoggansMichael D. GoochEllen B. GoodnerJerlena T. GordonLori Ann GrabnerBarbara J. GrahamBernadine R. GrahamKathryn L. GrantNancy Sue GraySherrill A. GreenJudith A. GreeneDebra L. GreenspanCaitlin GreenwoodMary B. GriffithLauren GrizzardVicky N. GroceMarni L. GrovesGwen Anne GuegoldStephen L. HaileCevette M. HallRachel M. HallJulie A. HammCathy M. HammonsKathy E. HanlineJulie A. HarbisonKelly A. HardenKimberly J. HardenburghKelly M. HareBradley Ray HarrellMarilyn W. HarrisRena P. HarrisTammara T. HarrisMelody G. HarrisonMargaret Thorman HartigMelanie Smith HartleyMelody P. HatfieldDayna Alyse HawkCarol HaynesShari L. HeathcottKathryn M. HeidornJean Croce HemphillDebra A. HendrenTara N. HendrixRichard P. HenighanAshley Miller HenryCristina C. HenryAnne C. HensleyLinda H. HensleyMerle A. HensonNicole R. HerndonCheryl Ann HessSandra Elliott HickmanKimberley X. HickokLeslie J. Higgins

Angela Gail Garrett HightowerMarion C. HildenbrandCathy M. HillTheresa H. HillBelinda L. HilliardJacqueline M. HinshawPamela K. HirstJanie L. HiseroteDerenda HodgeBrenda D. HollisLinda L. HoltonLeslie C. HopkinsSusan M. HosslerTammy W. HowardCheryl Lynn HowellPatricia F. HudginsAngela R. HudsonAmy L. HuffBeth Colvin HuffDavid B. HughesKate HumeRhonda L. HuntWanda C. HuntJennifer J. HurlowNettie S. HurstNancy M. HurtJames A. HutchesonJack D. HydrickCatherine H. IvoryAlice Marie JacksonNorma J. JacksonThomas E. JacksonAlma JamesJennifer Erin JayaramTerry M. JepsonJohanna C. JirikovecJanet M. JohnsonLinda S. JohnsonElizabeth L. JonesJudy L. JonesSandra N. JonesVickie L. JonesEvelyn Jones-TalleyIrma L. JordanPatricia W. JordanMelissa G. JusticeAudrey A. KalbachPatti Donnoe KamykowskiApril N. KapuKathleen A. KayeBillie J. KennettJennifer L. KimJacquelyn D. KimballJill S. KinchAlice L. KingJoan Eileen KingKristy R. KingTeena M. KingElaine S. KirkTharon M. KirkCarla S. KirklandLeslie M. KleinMiriam T. KnightLucy J. KniseleyMary F. KollarRita KoonCindy H. Kovacs-WhaleyEmily P. Kyzer BrowneJoyce H. LabenEmily R. LairdAnthony LakeAshlea B. LamberthPamela LaneAlyce Ferguson LangleyDouglas S. LarnerLinda L. LaughlinThresa D. LawsonTrena R. LawsonMarcile H. LeafLeslie LeeNorma J. LesterMary E. LevyConnie M. LewisHolly R. LewisShaunda L. LewisMelissa D. Lewis-BeelerJan Abby LiffFrances E. LikisDeAnna LindseyAileene E. LoveClaudia LovelandAlice J. LoweCarol J. Lowrance

Marjorie G. LunsfordMelanie LutenbacherAnn Patterson LutherTracy M. LutherCindy K. LybargerJanice M. LynnKaren E. LynnSusan K. MacArthurJenny Lee MaffettMelissa J. MagnessRoma G. MagtotoLisa S. MahoneyJennifer Turner ManakerGinger T. ManleyLisa P. MarburyJo-Ann MarrsHerman J. MartiJudy C. MartinRobert M. MartinTeresa A. MartinClara A. MasonLeilani Mason-SmiejaBeverly W. MatthewsLaurie MaxwellSharon K. McAnearLinda M. McBrideBeverly McCannBernard C. McCartyKaren R. McCartyCarrie R. McCoyKathleen T. McCoyMargaret Ann McGillSandra E. McGrathSandra L. McGuireJean A. McIvorSusanne S. McKineyPamelia A. McKinneyEllen C. McPhersonKatharine M. McReynoldsLynne MedleyLisa K. MedlinLinda C. MeffordAnne R. MeltonLinda E. MeltonJanice R. MeyersLezlie M. MileyPaula L. MillerCarol Ann MitchellAlvashtia MooreCarol D. MooreDebbie MooreJoyce M. MooreMarla J. MooreRoyanne A. MooreSherry M. MooreVirginia A. MooreJames Olin MorrisLinda McFarland MosbyLisa MulherinKay P. MurphySherry L. MurrayCarole R. MyersSarah L. MynattRenea L. Nagel-TerrellRobertson NashAllyson M. NealPenelope Lynn NealDiana C. NelsonYvette Elke NewcombDawn R. NormanTeresa J. NorwoodRachandra Nicole OggsJan E. Olson-ZeringueJane S. OwenDiane T. PaceMeleney A. PaffordSharon P. PageVicki S. ParisLinda S. ParisiTanci Chariesse ParkerJanie E. ParmleyAndrea V. ParodiYvette L. ParsleyTonya D. ParsonElizabeth PatonElizabeth F. PattersonLena M. PattersonTina M. PaulRamsey PaulkJerita L. PayneKaren J. PeaseNancy B. PechacekDiane K. Peters

Samantha R. PettyMelinda L. Phillips-FreemanErnest E. PickettClara D. PiehMargaret S. PierceSue A. PillerJudy L. PinsonCarolyn H. PittmanMary O. PleasPhyllis J. PollardJennifer Pollice-MeservyPatricia W. PooleKeevia Yvette PorterVerna M. PorthK. Caroline Portis-JenkinsJames R. PostLeigh PowersChaundel L. PresleyPamela M. PrestonMelissa D. PrevatteJacquelynne PrinceKatherine M. PropstRina M. ProsserLisa M. PullenNancy Marie QuigleyMichael J. RadykoChristina G. RamanMichael A. RawdonAntionette C. RawlsSusan L. ReedGeri C. ReevesMelissa M. ReevesSusan M. ReevesCatherine E. ReisenbergSuzette M. RenfrowConnie M. ReynoldsJanne S. ReynoldsDelia G. RhinehartLaurel A. RhyneMary E. RiceMary RichieArdyce J. RidolfoTyroma D. RigsbyKathleen A. RobertsLillian T. RobertsonJane A.G. RobisonKaren P. RodenErin K. RodgersJulie E. Rosof-WilliamsSue R. RossAnnita J. RowlandAmelia S. RuleBedelia H. RussellCynthia K. RussellMary E. RutherfordMary Ann SadlerJeannie R. SamuelZoila Vichot SanchezDeborah R. SandersSherry D. SandersKaren M. SarnoskyJohn A. SavageRamona P. ScarboroughSusan K. SchnuererChad C. ScottCindy J. ScottDonna C. ScottPatricia A. ScottJennifer A. ScroggieMichelle L. ScrogginsDonna A. SeelySandra S. SeidelKimberly M. SetserJessica Lynn SextonLoretta Lambert ShamleyElizabeth T. ShellerMegan P. SheppardCheryl A. SherrillDava H. ShoffnerLouis A. ShoneSheila E. ShopeGail L. ShuttTena A. SimmonsLinda Catherine SimpsonMartha SimpsonKay Ellen SimsAngela F. Sims EvansDonna P. SinclairCarl W. SiscoAnne M. SitzVictoria E. SlaterCharlotte W. SmalleyBarbara J. Smith

(continued on page 10)


Brenda G. SmithChristine B. SmithDiane L. SmithHelen Lynne SmithLois A. SmithMaria A. SmithMelverdine B. Young SmithPatricia L. SmithPhyllis C. SmithSadie N. SmithSheila K. SmithSean E. SmitheyBrett SnodgrassMartha L. SnowMary Kathryn SpadaPaula S. SparkmanLynn P. SpawShirley E. SpearsPatricia M. SpeckLana S. SpenceHelen Catherine SpencerNancy S. SprouseHeather L. StanfieldBrad S. StansberryTracey T. StansberryBrenda K. Stanton-DeenerHarriet R. StarkeyKaren L. StarrPeggy T. StatonJocelyn H. StaufferGail W. StearmanCheryl C. StegbauerChante’ S. StewardApril L. StidhamJacquelyn F. Stinnes

Erica L. StoneDiana V. StoreyLaura Brawley StraderGenae D. StrongAndrea L. StupkaClare D. SullivanMelissa B. SwineaElizabeth A. SwopeRichard D. SykesJean E. SzoradyDeborah M. TaberPhillip B. TatumDon E. TaylorJohn C. TaylorBrandon D. TeeftallerMichelle K. TerrellCynthia S. TerryBrenda S. ThomasKim M. ThomasBetty J. ThompsonCarol L. ThompsonChristy C. ThompsonGlenda M. ThompsonLinda L. ThompsonMitzi B ThompsonClare J. Thomson-SmithTracy J. TidwellBeth G. TobeyAngela M. TolesJulia B. TomlinsonLisa J. TrabuccoEddie Jean TrueloveCharlotte M. TunnellLoretta R. TurbevilleDrew S. Turner

Special Thank You to APRN Members(Continuedfrompage9)

Jane F. TysonKaren Bryant ValkPatricia M. VanhookPeggy Ingram VeeserDeborah R. VerBeekCrescentia S. VinsonWendy H. VogelSonya D. WadeDeborah WageLois J. WagnerRebecca L. WaldonAlice Jeanette WaldropMary Lynne WalkerMary J. WalkerChristopher Brian WallsJennie L. WallsRose Marie WaltersMary Louise WardLinda E. WareAlice U. WarrenPatricia W. WarrenGeorgita T. WashingtonAlisa G. WatersKenneth E. WatfordCheryl L. WathenTara Denise Watson-PostSylvia D. WattPamela Waynick-RogersLynda C. WeatherlyEmily T. WebbRobbie L. WebbJessica T. WeinbergerKaren L. WelchMelissa E. WeldenRaven D. Wentworth

Pamela L. WestLeslie D. West-SandsJudy C. WhedbeeCarolyn V. WhitakerSherry R. WhitbyMartha R. WhiteRandee B. WhiteConnie S. WhitesellJohnenne E. WhitmorePhilisie Marie WilcoxCarolyn C. WilliamsLindsey WillifordKatherine B. WilsonKathy WilsonMargery Ann WilsonNorma Jean WilsonAngela Wilson-LivermanLaura S. WinslowSarah E. WisemanBarbara J. WitherspoonJulie S. WoodMary Helen WoodMyrian B. WorksJulie A. WorleyMitzi Louise WrightPaula J. WuescherKaren M. WyattJan YoungJanice R. YoungMark A. YoungElizabeth A. YoungbloodCynthia E. ZacharyAlvinia C. Ziegenfuss

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EOE

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

The University of Tennessee at Martin, located in Northwest Tennessee, is seeking to fill the Chair of the Department of Nursing and a Lecturer of Nursing position for an NLNAC accredited BSN program.

Position: Chair position is a full-time, 12 month tenure-track position. Applicants must have a master’s degree in nursing and an earned doctorate in nursing or related field, with teaching and administrative experience in a baccalaureate nursing program.

Lecturer of nursing position is a full-time, 9 month non-tenure-track term appointment to teach Medical-Surgical Nursing. Applicants must have a master’s degree in nursing with preferred teaching experience in a baccalaureate nursing program.

Qualifications: Please see full position statement at www.utm.edu/nursing

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Regulation of APRN Scope of Practice in Tennessee:The Need for Change

Carole R. Myers, PhD, RNChairman of Government Affairs Committee

The first of the eight recommendations in the FutureofNursing report developed by the Institute of Medicine is: Assure that nurses are able to practice to the full extent of their education and training. The authority to regulate the practice of health professionals primarily rests with the states. This authority is derived from the responsibility to protect the public from harm.

Like most states, Tennessee is challenged to address competing priorities and maintain a balanced budget. Faced with a persistent recession, a shortage of needed primary care providers, and major challenges related to health and health care, we must be resourceful and creative in addressing the serious and growing problems we face. Consistent with the message of the Future ofNursing report, we must contemplate how nurses can be better utilized to improve access to high-quality, patient-centered care. In Tennessee, a priority is removing barriers that prevent Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), from practicing to the full extent of their education, training, and experiences, as APRNs do in other states effectively and efficiently.

BackgroundPractice is regulated in accordance with state statutes

and interpreted by administrative rules. The primary aim of the regulation of APRNs and other health professionals is the protection of the public. This protection is achieved by assuring basic qualifications to perform the duties of the particular profession. This assurance is evidenced by a professional license. Licensure demonstrates the minimal safety and competency of the licensee.

Tennessee statutes are laws enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly (also referred to as the Legislature). The Tennessee Board of Nursing, following specific notice requirements and hearings, is the entity charged with adopting and enforcing the rules associated with statutes pertaining to the practice of nursing. The statute that governs all nursing practice is commonly referred to as the Tennessee Nurse Practice Act. The Tennessee Nurse Practice Act and the Board of Nursing rules can be accessed via the TNA website at: www.tnaonline.org.

In Tennessee, consistent with a recommendation of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), APRNs are required to possess two separate licenses, one for RN practice and a separate one for advanced practice. Anyone performing APRN activities and using the title must be licensed as an APRN.

Tennessee is Increasingly an OutlierTennessee APRNs are prevented from practicing to the

full extent of their education, training, and experiences because of restrictive supervisory requirements. Across the country the trend is to allow APRNs to practice commensurate with their educational preparation, training, and experiences rather than thwart legitimate practice. Barriers to full practice, related to the level of physician supervision required and who has authority to govern practice, are increasingly being removed. Physician supervision, in any mandated form, should not be a state requirement. State Boards of Nursing should have sole authority for all RNs, APRNs included. Several states have recently passed legislation that allow APRNs to practice commensurate with their preparation and the years of evidence supporting the safety, quality, and acceptability of care delivered by APRNs. Legislative efforts are planned for many other states.

In Tennessee, nurse practitioners are required to have written guidelines/protocols/formularies for prescribing and these must be approved and signed by the supervising physician. The state requires that physicians “supervise, control, and be responsible” for nurse practitioners’ prescriptions and physicians must sign the charts of all patients prescribed a controlled drug by a nurse practitioner. Tennessee is increasingly an outlier, as is the case with other Southern states. According to the 24th legislative update published in the Nurse Practitioner journal in 2012, 25 states and the District of Columbia have no statutory or regulatory requirements for any physician collaboration, delegation, direction or supervision. Collaboration, a less restrictive form of oversight than supervision, but unwarranted nevertheless, is a requirement in 19 states. Three states, including

Tennessee require physician supervision. There are three states that require supervision, like Tennessee, and have the added burden of the Board of Nursing not being the sole authority regulating nursing practice. In these states authority is shared with the Board of Medicine. The ongoing opposition to modernizing scope of practice provisions and new efforts to further restrict practice in Tennessee are contrary to the evidence and experiences in other states, and misdirected given the challenges in Tennessee relate to health and health care. It is concerning that Tennessee rules and regulations are exacerbating deficiencies in access to care which ultimately impacts health status. In a resource-constrained state such as Tennessee, where citizens are relatively poor and the state ranks 39th out of 51 (the 50 states and the District of Columbia) according to America’s Health Rankings,it makes no sense to leave a resource such as APRNs underutilized.

We have a shortage of primary care providers in Tennessee, particularly those delivering care to underserved populations in both rural and urban settings. This shortage will worsen when approximately 650,000 Tennesseans will be newly eligible for health care coverage January 1, 2014, either through the Medicaid expansion (including approximately 300,000 Tennesseans if the state opts to participate in the Medicaid expansion) and health insurance exchanges (approximately 350,000 Tennesseans are estimated to be eligible). However in Tennessee, outdated regulations prevent APRNs from practicing to the full extent of their education, training, and experiences as they do in most other states and have done safely and effectively for years.

APRNs have a compelling track record of providing quality, safe, and cost-effective care. Reviews of studies of patients cared for by MDs and NPs have demonstrated comparable outcomes and higher satisfaction among patients cared for by NPs. No study has established a basisforrequiringMDsupervisionofAPRNs. Numerous studies have demonstrated cost-savings associated with care delivered by NPs. These savings are a result of both lower reimbursement rates and practice patterns. NPs have a rich legacy of providing care to vulnerable and underserved populations.

Challenging the Status QuoThe absence of demonstrated risks or harm to the

public negates the need to regulate the scope of practice as it is done in Tennessee. In the case of the unnecessary and unsupported restrictive regulation of APRN practice in Tennessee and attempts to further extend restrictions, motives and consequences must be scrutinized and appropriately challenged. The current rules and regulations pertaining to physician supervision of APRNs appear to be less about protecting the public’s health than preserving a competitive advantage for physicians. Supervision is an anti-competitive tactic that has untoward consequences. These include decreased access, delays in care, duplication of services and added expenses. Each of these can lead to poorer health outcomes and increased costs.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has an important role in deliberations related to APRN scope of practice. The FTC is an independent, bipartisan agency that reports directly to Congress. The mission of the FTC is to preserve competition as a means to foster consumer options and protect consumers. The FTC typically gets involved in proposed legislation related to the regulation of health professionals practice upon a request from a state legislator in the state where a bill is pending.

The basis of an FTC review is tied to competition, not the competitor (e.g., the APRN). This is an important distinction. Licensure regulations deal with individuals whereas the FTC is concerned with preserving and, when appropriate, expanding choices for consumers in a competitive marketplace. The FTC advocates for consumers by considering options available especially to consumers who face access and cost challenges, emphasizing quality of care, and relying heavily on empirical data.

The Tennessee Nurse Practice Act needs to be updated to allow APRNs to practice independent of legislated supervision or collaboration. APRNs need full prescriptive authority so they can write needed scripts for all their patients. However dealing with state legal and regulatory practices pertaining to scope of practice will not solve all the problems. Scope of practice is also impacted by federal and institutional policy. One example of another significant problem is the practices of private insurance companies concerning credentialing and reimbursement

practices as they pertain to APRNs. These concerns also need to be addressed.

Being Mindful of Language and IntentThe possibility of expanding scope of practice and the

specter of independent APRN practice raises red flags among certain constituencies. APRNs are not looking to gain new privileges. Instead they are looking to claim what is legitimately theirs based on their professional qualifications and proven record in providing high-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered and acceptable care, often to those neglected by other providers.

Independent practice simply refers to an absence of unwarranted oversight. In no way does it contradict the need for an inter-disciplinary, collaborative approach for the delivery of services that are patient-centered and of high value. These practices cannot be legislated. Instead they must be cultivated and based on mutual respect, as well as a priority of solving the serious problems our state faces related to health and heath care.

ConclusionIt is incumbent upon all nurses, not just APRNs,

as patient advocates and citizens, to help focus and participate in inclusive discussions across the state to reach consensus on how we can best work together to improve our state’s health care delivery system. All parties need to set aside self-interests, and do what nurses do so well, put patients’ interests first. I stand on the shoulders of giants. I owe a debt of

gratitude to Sharon Adkins-Executive Director of TNAandWilhelmina Davis-the TNA Lobbyist, Lisa Summer-Senior Policy Fellow from ANA, and Virginia Trotter-Betts-Professor at the University of Tennessee HealthSciences Center College of Nursing and acknowledgethat they have influenced and contributed to my thinking on the challengeswe face inTennessee regardingAPRNscope of practice. Many of their contributions arereflected in this article.

Notes: 1) Nurse practitioners comprise 70% of the almost 9,000 APRNs in Tennessee, followed by CRNAs(26%), and CNMs and CNSs (2% each). In some cases,information presented pertains specifically to NPs and notnecessarilytheentiregroupofAPRNs.2)APRNisthepreferred term consistentwith theConsensusModel; theolder term APN is still in use in some publications andconversations.

Go W

est

The BesT and BrighTesT go wesT.

The University of West Georgia School of Nursinginvites applications for Fall 2013 for the 100% online EdD in Nursing Education Program

· Joint curriculum taught by both School of Nursing faculty and College of Education faculty

· 60 semester hours including 12 dissertation credit hours

· Mandatory three-day, on-site orientation

· Classroom instruction delivered primarily through asynchronous communication

· Opportunity for structured mentoring

· Curriculum reflects core competencies of Nurse Educators (National League for Nursing, 2005)

Please contact Alyicia Richards at [email protected] 678-839-5115 or visit our website for more information.

westga.edu/eddnurse


The Tennessee Nurses Foundation is sponsoring a scholarly writing contest for TNA members. A $1,000 award will be presented to the winner as part of the celebration of Nurses Week 2013.

Criteria:1. Registered Nurse2. Contest applicant must have been a continuous

member of TNA for at least one year prior to entering the contest

3. Paper is publishable as submitted.

Manuscript requirements:1) Introduction: will provide adequate foundation for

the body of the paper and will include a purpose statement for the paper

2) Body of the Paper: will address one of the following• Nursing research – how to use research in

daily practice supported by an example and explanation of how you have used research in your daily practice.

• The use of leadership in daily practicesupported by an example and explanation of how you have either used or experienced a particular leadership style in your daily practice

TNF Reportby Janice Harris, EdS, MSN, RN

WOW! That is probably the best word to describe this year’s convention. The 2012 TNF Silent Auction was one of the best ever. Between the Silent Auction and personal donations, participants contributed more than $6,000 dollars to the support of the various programs offered by the Foundation.

Our thanks go to Mike Harkreader, MS, RN, CARN and Jason Carter, PharmD, for their presentation, OpioidandBenzodiazepineDependence:AnAmericanEpidemic,offered during TNF’s general session. Being both informative and thought provoking, this topic is a major issue in today’s healthcare dilemma. Many of the points made during the presentation, touch each of us as nurses in our various communities.

As we move into the winter months and opportunities present themselves, think of the Tennessee Nurses Foundation. Purchase a specialty license plate, HonorA Nurse, make a donation, then; enter the Scholarly Writing Contest, apply for a research grant, look at all the opportunities available to you through the Foundation as a member of the Tennessee Nurses Association. Go to www.tnaonline.org to explore TNF’s program initiatives and if you haven’t joined TNA yet; you can do that securely on the TNA site as well.

As the President of the Tennessee Nurses Foundation, I wish each and every nurse and their families a happy and safe holiday season.

Tennessee Nurses Foundation Announces

New Scholarship ProgramRN to BSN/MSN Scholarship

General Information

The TNF RN to BSN/MSN Scholarship is an educational scholarship for eligible Registered Nurses in the State of Tennessee who are continuing their education to attain a BSN or first MSN and have had continuous membership in the Tennessee Nurses Association for at least one year prior to the grant application. This scholarship is provided through TNF’s fundraising programs. The scholarship is awarded once a year in the amount of $1,000.

All requests for scholarships shall be made to the Tennessee Nurses Foundation Scholarship Program. Application forms are available from the Tennessee Nurses Foundation, or you can download the forms as a PDF file from the BSN/MSN program application link at TNA’s website, www.tnaonline.org. Click TennesseeNursesFoundation on the home page from the list on the left and then click TNF Initiatives.Approval for granting scholarships shall rest with the Tennessee Nurses Foundation Board of Trustees. Applicants must complete the application, have satisfactory references and agree to the terms of this scholarship request. The number of scholarships will be determined by the estimated need /qualifications of the individual applicants and the amount of funds available. A personal interview with the applicant may be requested by the Tennessee Nurses Foundation Board of Trustees.

The TNF RN to BSN/MSN Scholarship is given once each year in the amount of $1,000 and is intended to support further nursing academic achievement for nurses in an accredited BSN/MSN program in the State of Tennessee.

Applications are reviewed once each year. The submission deadline date is November 1, 2012.

“Nurses Leading to the Future”2013 TNF Scholarly Writing Contest

• How you have used or influenced the use ofevidence based practice in your daily practice.

• Identify mentoring strategies for use withnew nurses and/or strategies to retain the experienced nurse.

3) Conclusion: will summarize the main points of the body of the paper with implications for nursing practice.

4) References: will be adequately and appropriately referenced in the body of the paper and will be from contemporary peer reviewed resources.

5) Must not have been previously published.6) Maximum of 10 pages (inclusive of references)7) Double spaced, 10 – 12 point font.

A completed application must include:1) All applicant contact information including email

and TNA identification number.2) Two (2) copies of the manuscript.

Deadline for submission: March 31, 2013. Submissions must be postmarked by this date. Fax submissions are not accepted. Entries will be judged by blind review by selected nursing experts. The winner will be notified by certified mail.

Please mail submissions to:TNF Scholarly Writing Contest • 545 Mainstream

Drive,Suite405•Nashville,TN37228-1296

NursiNg FacultyWestern Kentucky University (WKU), School of Nursing, is seeking candidates for full- time (9-month) faculty appointments which will be available Fall 2013 in the ADN (3 positions), BSN (7 positions), and DNP (2 positions) programs.

Requirements:Licensure as a RN in Kentucky or a compact state is required for nursing faculty members. A minimum of a MSN degree is required for faculty teaching in clinical courses; a minimum of a Master’s Degree in a related field is required for teaching non-clinical courses. A Doctorate or Doctoral candidacy with APRN in family practice required for appointment in the DNP program. Tenure track placement for all positions requires a Doctorate or ABD status.

A letter of interest, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references including email and phone numbers should be sent electronically to:

Dr. Donna Blackburn,[email protected]

Chairperson, School of Nursing Search Committee

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled.

Western Kentucky University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or marital status in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify The Office of Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services at (270) 745- 5121, a minimum of five working days in advance.

South College School of Nursing Announces New RN/BSN Online Nursing Program

Applications are currently being accepted for the RN/BSN online nursing program at South College, Knoxville, TN. Classes will require students to be on site twice during each quarter. Time for completion of the program will depend on the academic history of each applicant. Nursing major courses may be completed in one year. Challenge opportunities are available for selected courses. Additional general education or other courses are required depending on courses previously taken. For more information please contact the South College Admissions Office at 865-251-1830. Classes are scheduled to begin in January 2013 pending enrollment.


Honor A NurseNursing is a calling, a way of life. Nurses rely on each

other for the synergistic effect of teamwork in our efforts of care giving. It is appropriate that we honor those colleagues that have made an impact in our lives and the lives of others.

We honor you…Judy Hines, RN

A graduate since 1961, Judy has been involved in all phases of nursing but mostly, since 1999, as a medical missionary to Ecuador, South America. Judy is a Charter Member of the Florida College Health Nurses Association and in 2009 she became an Honored Woman of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Tennessee. Honored by Charles RandallHines.

Arleen M. Palmer, RNArleen M. Palmer is a retired

Registered Nurse who served patients in hospitals and clinics for the first two decades of her career. She then served high school students, and their families, as a school nurse/teacher for the second two decades of her career. At 89 years old, Mrs. Palmer continues to advocate for affordable, quality health care for people of all ages. HonoredbyShelleyMoore,MSN,RN,PhD(c)

Visit TNF at www.tnaonline.org for complete information on the Honorees and the Honor A Nurse program.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Nursing

Academic Programs to Build or Enhance Your Nursing Career

The University of Tennessee Knoxville, College of Nursing offers unique opportunities for undergraduate and graduate education in nursing. As the state’s flagship, research–intensive university, students have access to state-of-the-art academic resources, research opportunities, and a variety of clinical practice sites. The BSN and MSN programs are fully approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Online offerings increase accessibility of selected degree programs.

Traditional BSN • Twoyearsoflowerdivisionprerequisitescienceandhumanitiescourses• Twoyearsofupperdivisionnursingmajorcourses

Accelerated BSN for Students with a College Degree in Another Field• Twelvemonthfull-timeprogram(3semesters) • Minimalprerequisites

RN-BSN Completion Program Offered Primarily Online• Onlineprogramwithlimitedon-siteactivities • Canbecompletedinonecalendaryear

MSN Program Specialties• FamilyNursePractitioner • PediatricNursePractitionerorClinical• MentalHealthNursePractitioneror NurseSpecialist ClinicalNurseSpecialist • NurseAnesthesia• NursingAdministration • GlobalDisasterNursing

Doctoral Programs Offered Primarily Online• Onlineprogramwithlimitedon-siteactivities• DoctorofPhilosophyinNursing(PhD)• DoctorofNursingPractice(DNP)

For more information visit The University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Nursing website at http://www.nursing.utk.edu/ or contact the Student Services office at (865) 974-7606.The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services.

Loewenberg School of NursingPreparing leaders. Promoting health.

You, To a Higher Degree.The Online RN to BSN Degree

The University of Memphis Loewenberg School of Nursing offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree for Registered Nurses. Advance your career while working closely with faculty, nurses and patients — at times and locations that are most convenient for you.

All students are eligible for in-state tuition. To apply and learn more about one of the nation’s top nursing programs, log on tomemphis.edu/rntobsn.

[email protected]

RNswith one year long term care experience needed to administer the TN Nurse Aide

state test in Chattanooga, Memphis, Mountain City/Johnson City

and Western TN.Please email your resume to

[email protected] Fax to 419-422-7395 ATTN: KELLY.


New/Reinstated MembersDistrict 1

Bobby B. Bellflower, Mary Ann Berlin, Sophia Ann Bibbs-Jarrett, Vicki Chandler, Enid B. Collie, Toni L. Fleming, Prem S. Fredericks, Amy Dawn Graves, Michael E. Hans, D. Katrina King, Kimberly Rochelle Malone, Leigh Ann Manfre-Stone, Charletta Renee’ Mathis, LaNitra Y. Matthews, Melanie Morehead, Carol A. Pahde, Jane Slattery, Judith Morse, Rebecca Smith Nenon, Eric Palmer, Charlene K. Phillips, Heather Polmonari, Lisa A. Smith, Carolyn I. Speros, Jessica Elizabeth Watson, Meghan L. Wetterer, Jamie L. Wise, Lynn W. Wynn

District 2Nancy J. Bunch, Linda J. Cole, Katherine Marie

Compton, Ann Dedrick, Linda S. Foley, Amy R. Greene, Linda Marie Hedges, Kellye Hudson, Dawn Pauletta Jeffers, Cynthia LeMaster, Carrie R. McCoy, Donna V. McGaha, David Lee Moore, Monica Nelson, Doris Ann Owens, Heidi R. Perkins, Olivia S. Spears, Lisa Stamm, Patricia R. Standifer, Daniel S. Vickery, Susan Myers Wall

District 3Tono Arcega Ma. Rosella, Roderic L. Armstrong,

Mary Elizabeth Bacigalupo, Nikki G. Baldi, Letizia L. Baxter, Holly Elizabeth Bechard, Katherine D. Berry, Shelley L. Bledsoe, Leanne Boehm, Ellen Branham, Rebecca Brewster, Lisa A. Bromfield, Gina Bullington, Holly Bushart, Sonya Carter, Lori Denmark, Erica L. Dennis, Effie Lou Edmondson, Jane Dee Englebright, Jackie Estill, Nhouphaphanh A. Filson, Tashia Ford, Kimberly E. Hackney, Rebecca D. Hale, Christine Marie Hallman, Meghan Hayes, Kimberley A. Hogin, Katherine E. Isaacson, Stacy Jervis, April N. Kapu, Rebecca R. Keck, Anne N. Koetz, Kymberly B. Kuhns, Jodi Kushner, Rebecca L. Leath, Katherine Marie Letzler, Jacqueline C. Lewis, Melinda M. McGee, Tricia Mensah-Amankwah, Chasity Mullins, Meredith Murray, John C. Mutter, Pinky A. Noble-Britton, Lauren Palmore, Brittany E. Powell, Mary E. Rice, Tracey L. Robinson, Sandra Rosedale, Beverly F. Scruggs, K. Melissa Smith, Lisa Smith, Susan Oliver Sobel, Megan P. Sheppard, Helen Catherine Spencer, Nancy Stoughton Brookshire, Emily J. Stubbs, Eric Sullivan, Christy Thomas, Emily J. Tidwell, Randy L. Tidwell, Anna Tomasulo, Arin Abigail Turnham, Jamie Webb, Adrienne D. Wilk, Chelsie D. Worrell, Terry Zimmer

District 4Mareesha C. Banks, Janice T. Clemens, Mary Ruth J.

Gilbert, Tammy R. Hibbs, Kathryn Howe-Pesce, Brenda B. Jones, Kelsey G. Kent, Fran Lombardo, Melissa Marie Mann, Carol Marrs, Amber Martin, Erin McCraw, Sydnie Nickell, Julia Denise Smith, Sherry Wallmarker, Corey Weldon, Sherrie L. Wheeler

District 5Janet Elaine Abbott Echhart, Barbara Acker Brock,

Sandra Noell Campbell, Rhonda S. Coffman, Penny S. Collins, Kermit Lee Dugger, Kimberly Ferguson, Debbie Sue Fernando, James K. Fisher, Jamie Ford, Brandy N. Humphries, Lynda M. Morelli, Cynthia L. Rowland, Christina Seals, Sheila K. Smith, Tara D. Spurling, Melanie Steagall Stanton, Sandra D. Wells

District 6Michelle D. Baldwin, Robert F. Callery, Megan

Callicoatt, Anna Carroll, Rebecca K. Fisher, Anne Marie Griffin, Brittany Hart , Enja Holand, Kenneth S. Jackson, Leslie Lee, Ginny Elizabeth Merritt, Charity Reasons, Linda Faye Turner, Sherry R. Whitby, Molly Wright, April Yearwood

District 8Beverly Gail Blair-Hill, Karen E. Dunlap-Gillies, Jan

Miller Freeman

District 9Andrea Farley Brooks, Yolanda Palmer

District 10Jacqueline L. Burchum, Gayle H. Ellegood

District 12Lauren Elizabeth Dharamsy, Ashley Gullett, Linda

Helton Parimore, Elizabeth L. Simmons, Mary B. Tucker, Mary S. Williams, Alicia A. Wilson

District 15Sarah E. Burton, Stacy Diane Kelley, Christina R.

Lull, Karla McAteer, Kathryn D. McDearman, Diane E. Thorup, Paul Williamson

District NewsDistrict 5 News: Zaida Denise Forester, Ph.D, RN, CNS was given the District 5 Outstanding Member Award for her dedication to, and enthusiasm for nursing. She was presented her award at the October 23, 2012 District 5 meeting by TNA’s President-Elect, Billie Sills.

Member NewsTami Wyatt, PhD, RN,

CNE, Associate Professor in the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee has been named an Academy of Nursing Education Fellow, part of the National League of Nursing’s Academy of Nursing Education. Wyatt was one of 32 nursing educators to be selected this year. She is the first of the University of TN at Knoxville, College of Nursing’s professors to be named a fellow.

Norma J. Lester, MSN, RN, CDDN, CLNC, of Memphis appointed to state Registry of Election Finance. Governor Bill Haslam appointed Norma J. Lester of Memphis, a retired nurse and Democratic member of the Shelby County Election Commission, to the state board that administers Tennessee campaign finance and ethics laws. She fills a seat on the six-member Registry of Election Finance that has been vacant since April 2011, for a term that runs through 2016.

ADVANCE YOUR NURSING CAREER TO A HIGHER DEGREE.

DNP (Post Master’s)Offered in a hybrid format combining online study with on-campus

classes one Friday evening/Saturday per month

MSN for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)Full-time or part-time on campus for RN’s with a BSN

RN-to-BSNNew for Fall 2013 - Complete your bachelor’s degree in as little as

16 months with most courses online

WWW.BELMONT.EDU/GRADNURSING

BELMONT UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSINGEDUCATING NURSES FOR OVER 40 YEARS


American Nurses Association/Tennessee Nurses Association Membership—It’s Your Privilege!

Do you work at the VA?Join TNA today for only $10.70 a pay period.Check Payroll Deduction on the lower right-hand side of the TNA Membership application. A TNA staff member will send you the form you need to take to the VA Payroll Department to setup your payroll deduction dues plan. It’s that simple. You will never miss $10.70 from your paycheck and you will have gained so much in return. If you have any questions, call 615-254-0350.

TNA also has Payroll Deduction Duesplans set up at the:Regional Medical Center – Memphis @ $11.59 per pay period

TNA Credit CardAir travel? Check. Cash back? Check. Cool Merchandise? Check. Request the credit card that lets you earn points on your purchases and choose your rewards. The Tennessee Nurses Association Platinum Plus® Visa® card with WorldPoints® rewards provides you with many rewards options. Plus, a contribution is made to TNA with each newly opened and activated account.

For information about rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of this credit card, or to apply, call (800) 932-2775 and mention priority code VABB75. Or, visit www.tnaonline.org, click on Join TNA, and then Member Benefits and look for the Bank of America information and click the link to apply online. This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A.

Part Of Your ANA/TNA Dues Are Tax Deductible!You are allowed to deduct, as a professional/business expense, the percentage of dues that are NOT

used by ANA or by TNA for political activities such as lobbying at the legislature. In 2012, the non-deductible percentage for ANA’s portion of the dues is 22.26%. The non-deductible percentage for TNA’s portion of the dues is 22.8%.

Deductible AmountsFull ANA/TNA: $278 @ 54.94%--deduction $152.73Reduced ANA/TNA: $139 @ 54.94%--deduction $76.36State-Only: $190 @ 77.2%--deduction $146.68


Looking for an exciting career in nursing?Discover what the UTC School of Nursing has to offer.

Bachelor of Science in NursingTraditional and Freshman Admission options available plus a RN to BSN Program.Contact April Anderson at (423) 425-4670 or [email protected] for more information.

Master of Science in NursingConcentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner with flexible scheduling and in Nurse Anesthesia with distance learning available.Contact Sarah Blackburn at (423) 425-4750 or [email protected] for more information.

Doctor of Nursing PracticeCompletely online program offering a Post Master DNP and a Post Baccalaureate option.Contact Sarah Blackburn at (423) 425-4750 or [email protected] for more information.

www.utc.edu/NursingUTC is an EEO/AA/Titles VI & IX/ADA/ADEA/Section 504 institution.

BE AN ETSU

NURSE!

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)Accelerated BSN for Second Degree Students

RN to BSN (online)ADN to BSN Dual Degree (online)

LPN to BSNMaster of Science in Nursing (RODP-online)

Clinical Nurse Leader (online)Post-Masters Certificate Program (RODP-online)

PhD in Nursing (online with 3 intensives)Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP & MSN

to DNP options) (online with 3 intensives/yr.)Professional Development Programs

To learn more about ETSU College of Nursing programs, please visit our informative website

http://www.etsu.edu/nursing or call 1-888-37-NURSE

Earn a Credential That’s in Demand Nationwide• “Top 15” ranked nursing school• Practice specialties for all interests• State-of-the-art nursing informatics

and facilities• Community of scholars with broad

faculty expertise• Distance learning opportunities• New BSN to DNP option

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

PhD in Nursing Scienceclinical interventions, health services research

Learn more. Apply today.www.nursing.vanderbilt.edu

Vanderbilt is an equal opportunity affirmative action university.

nursingALD.com

Access to over 10 years of nursing publications at

your fingertips.

Make your nursing research easy...Stay Tuned - NEW Nursing ALD

Website Coming Soon!

Documents

Tennessee Action Coalition Survey Results