Advocating--Positioning--and Educating New Jersey …...Page 2 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for...

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Princeton, MNPermit No. 14

13 Nurses Honored for Professional Achievement

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NJSNA Awards More Than $13,000 in Scholarships

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The Official Publication of the New Jersey State Nurses Association/Institute for Nursing

Volume 49 • Number 3 Quarterly publication direct mailed to approximately 141,000 RNs and LPNs in New Jersey July 2019

Inside...

Membership Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2President’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 IFN Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Region News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 13 NJ Nurses Honored for Professional Achievement . . . 6Healthy Nurse Healthy New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7New Leadership for AAINA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 A Culture of Compassion is the Healthy Nurse Way! . .9LPN Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) . . . . . . . .12Civilty Training: A New Frontier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Ready To Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Assemblywomen Jasey and Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15INPAC Chair Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Index

Advocating--Positioning--and Educating New Jersey RNsBrought to you by NJSNA’s Dues-Paying Members. JOIN US TODAY!

CEO REpORt

Judith Schmidt

We all make mistakes but when a nurse makes a mistake it often results in loss of income and self-esteem. Nurses who are found with a substance abuse problem or mental illness that contributes to impaired practice can find themselves in this very situation. The New Jersey State Legislature passed a bill in 2005 called

the “Alternative to Discipline” Law. This act gave the New Jersey Board of Nursing the authority to develop a program which would allow the nurse with a substance use issue or other impairment to confidently disclose this issue and enter into a treatment and then recovery and monitoring program.

The Institute for Nursing was awarded a grant from the Division of Consumer Affairs (New Jersey Board of Nursing) to be that Recovery and Monitoring Program. That

program is called RAMP. RAMP has had hundreds of nurses enter the program and be successfully discharged to return to safe nursing practice. In addition, RAMP has participants that are actively working in nursing roles. One such participant is Kevin Leyden.

Kevin Leyden, has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Thomas Edison University. He is also a certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN). In January of 2017 Mr. Leyden worked at Integrity, a treatment facility in Newark, NJ, as a nurse for the BATE Adolescent Program. He then transitioned into the Newark Medical Department in June of 2018. His RAMP facilitator Dr. Phyllis Prekopa states “Kevin demonstrated, in both roles, the responsible management of multidisciplinary treatment plans and crisis intervention while also providing and evaluating resident’s care and organizing client health education sessions.”

As you can see, nurses can recover successfully from substance use and or other impairment issues and continue a successful career in nursing. It just takes a belief in yourself and the support of your peers to be able to accomplish this.

The NJSNA Nominating Committee has called for member suggestions for the 2020 election. Nominations are due before August 10, 2019.

In November 2019, members will be elected for 2020:

Vice PresidentSecretaryDirector 3 Year Term (2)Director 3 Year Term Staff Nurse (1)Nominations (4)Congress on Policy/Practice (2)

NJSNA Regional Ballots will be included with the NJSNA Ballot. Nominations may be submitted at the same time as nominations for NJSNA officers. All nominations are due to NJSNA before October 10, 2019. Individuals can also be nominated at the NJSNA Annual Meeting, October 10, 2019.

Note that both the nominator and nominee for the NJSNA 2019 elections must be NJSNA members in good standing. Call NJSNA at 609-883-5335 if you would like more information on any of these positions.

Please contact Jennifer Chanti at [email protected] or 609-883-5335 ext 111 for a nomination form. Forms may also be obtained at www.njsna.org.

Call for Nominations 2019 Official Call for Suggested NJSNA Bylaw Revisions

Please consider this the official call for any suggested NJSNA bylaw revisions for consideration at the 2019 NJSNA Annual Meeting on October 10, 2019. All proposed revisions must be submitted to NJSNA before October 10, 2019. Please forward to:

NJSNA Bylaws Committee1479 Pennington Road | Trenton, NJ 08618FAX: 609.883.5343Email: [email protected]

Call for ResolutionsAny NJSNA member may research, write and

submit resolutions for consideration by the 2019 NJSNA Annual Meeting. Resolutions should be submitted in form for printing to the Reference Committee through NJSNA at 1479 Pennington Road, Trenton, NJ 08618. Resolutions are due before August 10, 2019.

New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter July 2019

New Jersey NurseOfficial Publication of the

New Jersey State Nurses Association and Institute for Nursing1479 Pennington Road

Trenton, New Jersey 08618Phone: 609-883-5335 ext 111

Fax: 609-883-5343Email: [email protected]: www.njsna.org

NJSNA Mission StatementAdvance the practice of professional nursing by fostering quality

outcomes in education, practice and research

Institute for Nursing (IFN) Board of TrusteesMary Ellen Levine, Chair, [email protected]

Dr. Barbara Chamberlain, Treasurer, [email protected] Brandes-Chu, Secretary, [email protected]

Judy Schmidt, MAL, CEO, [email protected]. Phyllis Hansell, Vice Chair, [email protected]

Dr. Mary E. Fortier, MAL, [email protected] Zarzar, Community Member

Kristin Buckley, Community Member

Executive CommitteeKate Gillespie, President, [email protected]

Mary Ellen Levine, President-Elect, [email protected]. Barbara Chamberlain, Treasurer, [email protected]

Linda Gural, Secretary, [email protected]

Board of DirectorsDr. Ben Evans, Past President, [email protected]

Dr. Susan Weaver, Director, [email protected] Penn, Director Staff Nurse, [email protected]. Brenda Petersen, Director, [email protected]. Tara Heagele, Director, [email protected]

Dr. Erica Edfort, Chair COPP, [email protected]

Region PresidentsSandra Foley, Region 1; [email protected] Sanchez, Region 2; [email protected]

Lynda Arnold, Region 3; [email protected]. Beth Knox, Region 4; [email protected]

Summer Valenti, Region 5, [email protected] Fortier, Region 6, [email protected]

NJSNA/IFN StaffJudy Schmidt, CEO, [email protected]

Debra Harwell, Deputy Director, [email protected] Ivory, Director of RAMP, [email protected]

Jennifer Chanti, Exec. Asst./Membership Administrator, [email protected] Santiago, Education Coordinator, [email protected]

Kortnei Jackson, Ed. Adm. Asst., [email protected] Harwell, Ed. Adm. Asst., [email protected]

Annemarie Edinger, RAMP Comm. Coord., [email protected] Robles, RAMP Adm. Asst., [email protected]

Emily Gannon, RAMP Intake Spec., [email protected] James, RAMP Case Manager, [email protected] Peditto, RAMP Case Manager, [email protected]

Etha Westbrook, RAMP Case Manager, [email protected] Haviland, RAMP Case Manager, [email protected]

New Jersey Nurse StaffJudy Schmidt, Editor

Jennifer Chanti, Managing EditorDr. Barbara Wright, Executive Editor

New Jersey Nurse Copy Submission Guidelines:All NJSNA members are encouraged to submit material for publication that is of interest to nurses. The New Jersey Nurse also welcomes unsolicited manuscripts. Article submission is preferred in MS Word format, Times New Roman font and can be up to 500 words. When sending pictures, please remember to label pictures clearly since the editors have no way of knowing who persons in the photos might be.Copy Submissions: Preferred submission is by email to the Managing Editor. Only use MS Word for test submission. Please do not embed photos in Word files, send photos as jpg files.Submit Materials to: New Jersey Nurse, Attention to Jennifer Chanti, Managing Editor at [email protected]

Advertising: for advertising rates and information please contact Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington Street, P.O. Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613 (800-626-4081), [email protected]. NJSNA 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 New Jersey State Nurses Association of products advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its use. NJSNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of NJSNA or those of the national or local associations.

MEMbERship

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www.lsmnj.org Click on the “Join our team” tab and search Moorestown for all open positions.

Contact Sonya N. Spisak, HR Coordinatorsspisak@lsmnj.org856-813-5811www.lutherancrossings.org

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To access electronic copies of the New Jersey Nurse, please visit

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July 2019 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter

iFN REpORt

Mary Ellen Levine, MSN/Ed RN CHPN, Chair, NJSNA President-Elect

“Let us never consider ourselves finished nurses...we must be learning all of our lives.” – Florence Nightingale (as cited on AZQuotes.com)

The Institute for Nursing celebrated the Divas and Dons Gala on April 6, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton. The accomplishments of a distinguished class of thirteen nursing scholars, educators, administrators, entrepreneurs, and managers were celebrated in grand fashion. As the IFN is a not-for-profit, your generosity financially supports advancing nurses, nursing, and healthcare. It was with great pride that we came together for a wonderful evening of gratitude, networking, dancing, and celebration. Once again, on behalf of the IFN, we were proud to celebrate the awardees and their accomplishments!

On April 9th, the IFN held the Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon. We were joined by colleagues, friends, and family to a wonderful awards celebration. Awarding scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate studies helps provide financial support. It is at the luncheon where we have an opportunity to speak with you, New Jersey nurses and nursing students, and congratulate you on your achievements thus far. The Institute for Nursing wishes the scholarship awardees continued success and, please, do keep in touch. Are you a past scholarship awardee? We’d love to hear from you, too. Feel free to contact me at [email protected].

The Board of Trustees is working diligently to put together an event for the Fall of 2019. Stay tuned and look for more to come. Also, take notice of the opportunity to bequest a donation to the Institute for Nursing. It is our hope to continue to meet the needs of New Jersey nurses and nursing students through our efforts. Thanks, in advance, for your support.

Join in this era of giving to nursing and let us never stop learning!

A Nursing LegacyDonations to the Institute for Nursing are a gift of support to the advancement

of the nursing profession. A bequest, no matter how large or small the amount, forwards the IFN mission to preserve the heritage, principles, values and practices of our healing profession through the support of scholarship, education and research. Donations can be made by mailing to the Institute for Nursing, 1479 Pennington Road, Trenton, NJ 08618 or online at https://njsna.org/institute-for-nursing/donate.

The Institute for Nursing is a 501-C3 not for profit foundation.

Kathleen Gillespie, MBA, RN, NE-BC

Kate Gillespie, RN MBA NE-BC, NJSNA President

“No person was ever honored for what they received. Honor has been the reward for what they gave.”

- Calvin Coolidge

As I continue my journey as President of NJSNA, this quote above rings so true. In April, the Institute for Nursing (IFN) held their annual Divas and Dons Awards Gala. The IFN had the privilege to HONOR great nurses for all they have and continue to do for the nursing profession from bedside to academia. It was inspiring for all those in attendance. Don’t miss this event next year. It provides a great opportunity to network and celebrate the awesome nurses we have in New Jersey.

Over the past few months, our board has actively worked on our strategic plan for 2019-2020. We have spent a lot of time focusing on “why” a nurse should join NJSNA. Our board is actively involved and energized with clear objectives on engaging our current members and attracting new members. One example is creating a welcome packet and personally welcoming each new member to NJSNA. This will provide new members not only a connection to their local region but also provide us an opportunity to understand what new members want from their NJSNA membership. NJSNA has an amazing board and I am so excited to see all that we can accomplish together.

Over the next few months, NJSNA will continue to meet with legislators, and collaborate with other professional organizations to ensure they are informed on key nursing legislation. One such legislation is the Consumer Access to Health Care bill which provides NJ families increased access to medical and mental health care by giving APNs full practice authority and removing the physician collaborating agreement. NJSNA will continue to keep our nurses informed and reach out to the nursing community when we need your support to raise our voices and be heard.

Thank you again, for choosing to support NJSNA.

pREsidENt’s REpORt

Carol GermainCarol Hanley Germain EdD, RN, FAAN, Associate

Professor Emeritus, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing and distinguished nurse ethnographic researcher, educator and author died on May 10, 2019.

For several decades, Germain was a faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, retiring in 2001 as Associate Professor. Among the first nurses in the US who was awarded a doctoral degree, Germain has taught generations of nursing students at the pre-licensure to the doctoral level.

Germain was a lifelong nurse leader who participated in the American Nurses Association and NJ State Nurses Association throughout her professional career. In remembering Germain, Jean Marshall, RN, MSN, FAAN, NJSNA Past President said, “My remembrance of Dr. Germain will always be as a giving, compassionate nurse who advocated for me when I became President of NJSNA. She always shared what and how I could improve in a kind and gentle manner. We have lost a quiet giant who commanded our trust and respect while advancing the profession of nursing. Rest In Peace, Carol.”

According to Joanne Robinson, RN, PhD, FAAN, Rutgers University-Camden, School of Nursing, former professor and founding Dean, “Trailblazing has permeated every aspect of Dr. German’s distinguished career in nursing.” Germain served as Rutgers-Camden, Director of Nursing Program Development following her retirement from the University of Pennsylvania, retiring five years ago.

Germain has been internationally recognized for her contributions to nursing science, as a qualitative researcher, who focused on ethnography, grounded theory, and phenomenology. She served on the American Nurses Association Cabinet on Nursing Research and on the Sigma Theta Tau, international honor society, Research Committee. She conducted the first institutional ethnography study, “The Cancer Unit: An Ethnography.” Her extensive publication record includes research reports in journals and books which relate to research methods, ethics, and cultural concepts, for example. She consulted both nationally and internationally.

Germain’s awards and honors include: American Academy of Nursing Fellow (FAAN); American Heart Association Outstanding Contribution to Cardiovascular Nursing; Seton Hall University, College of Nursing, Distinguished Alumna Hall of Honor; and NJSNA Roll of Honor.

Germain is a graduate of St. Clare’s Hospital School of Nursing, NY, and was awarded a BSN, at Seton Hall University, MS at St. John’s University, and EdD at Rutgers University, Graduate School of Education.

Predeceased recently by her husband, Charles, Germain is survived by her son, Charles “Chip” (Linda), her grandson, Maximillian, step-daughter, Tiffany, and sister, Catherine Hanley, who also is a nurse.

Donations may be made to the St. John of God Community Services, 1145 Delsea Drive Westville, NJ 08043.

In Memoriam...

http://montclair.edu/nursing


REgiON NEws

Region 1

Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren

Sandy Foley, DNP, MSN, RNPresident

Greetings from Region 1: www.facebook.com/NJSNARegion 1/

AccoladesDr. Vivek Agnihotri, DNP, APN received a Don

Award 4/4/19 at Institute for Nursing Annual Diva and Don Gala. This honor was bestowed on him based on his long-standing achievement as

a constructive influence on nurses and nursing practice. Vivek is an APN Hospitalist for Vital Medical Forces and a Professor of Nursing at William Paterson University and County College of Morris. Furthermore, he has generously donated monies creating Region 1’s Education Scholarship!

Congratulations:Nancy Toth, RN, awarded 3/30/19 as National

Champion of Quality Care by American Center for Home Care/National Center for Assisted Living Association for her work as Resident Care Director at Sunrise Assisted Living, Madison, NJ.

Accomplishments:Congratulations to our post BSN Graduates of

2019: Jackie Galante, Master’s in Nursing Education from Drexel University and Sandra Foley, with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from William Paterson University. These nurses are worthy of our honor as we all can recall the rigor of nursing school and the tenacity one must demonstrate to graduate. If you are graduating with a post RN degree, please contact Francesca Nordin [email protected] so we can celebrate with you.

Scholarship Recipient:The Dr. and Mrs. Agnihotri Scholarship was

awarded to Lorrie Murdock at the IFN Scholarship Luncheon 4/7/19. Lorrie is attending Ramapo College studying nursing. Check in Fall 2019 for deadlines to apply in 2020.

Events/Meetings:We were honored to have CEO of NJSNA, Judy

Schmidt, MSN, DHA(c), CCRN, as our Guest Speaker for our Annual Dinner Meeting/CEU event on 5/9/19. She addressed Legislation and Nursing. This is the pinnacle event for NJSNA Region 1 and was well attended.

Dr. Sandy Foley provided the educational program Laughter Yoga for Region 1 on 6/15/19 at Newton Hospital. What a great time of relaxed merriment we enjoyed!

Mark Your Calendars: 10/1/19: Guardians of the Ribbon Northern NJ Chapter, Autism Speaks: Union and Morris County Walk, Nomahegan Park10/6/19: American Foundation of Suicide Prevention WALK Waterloo Village Stanhope 10/26/19: General Business Meeting 11 AM- 1PM Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, Cafeteria Conference Room

Community Service: • NJSNA President Elect Mary Ellen Levine

spoke at NJ Nursing Students, Inc giving the opening discourse for their annual event.

• Region 1 President Sandy Foley spoke at New Jersey Student Nurses Association annual meeting about her doctoral nursing research.

• Thank you to Morris County Coordinator Josie Sanchez for connecting Region 1 with the Faith Kitchen in Dover, NJ. On 4/1/19 nurses had opportunity to prepare and serve a meal for 90. The next opening for Region 1 to serve is Monday 9/2/19. To participate please contact Josie (973)979-2727.

• Sussex/Warren County Coordinator, VP Membership Lauren Krause created a display of NJSNA Region 1 history for an exhibit at the Wantage Library.

Call for Nominations:Join Region 1 2020 Leadership Team. Contact

Sue Weaver [email protected] for more information. Open Board Positions: President-Elect, Vice President for Membership, Vice President for the Institute of Nursing, Vice President to the Congress on Policy and Practice, Morris County and Sussex County Coordinator (one for each county) and two members for Nominations Committee.

Would you like to present some new research or project for professional advancement? Contact Region 1 President, Sandy Foley [email protected] or VP Education, Tifanie Sbriscia [email protected].

Respectfully submitted,Francesca Nordin, MSN, APN, PNP-CRegion 1 VP Communications/COPP Committee Member

Region 2

Bergen, HudsonFatima Sanchez MSN, RN, President

Region 2 is springing off to a great start. We have scheduled one zoom meeting and our second educational meeting. A meeting was held on April 3, 2019, entitled “Aristada into a long acting injection for Schizophrenia.” Our thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting our region and especially to Maureen Connors for providing this educational opportunity. The Region will continue to use zoom to reach the greatest amount of the Region’s nurses to provide important communications about upcoming meetings, community service events and briefings on other events. At the last zoom meeting held on April 15, 2019, we discussed providing scholarships for two nursing students who are NJSNA members; the details are under review.

We understand the challenges of nurses and are reviewing ways to support second degree nurses who have work place challenges. Google Wall is a sounding board to review past meetings and nurses can write their concerns that can be answered within one week by one of our Region nurses. We also explored contact hours for nurses to enable them to meet the NJ Board of Nursing requirements for mandatory continuing education. We will continue to explore and provide these educational opportunities for the Region’s nurses. These methods of communication ideally will continue to foster the professional growth of the Region. Please join in and download the free app and use the code NJSNA; you can use the video mode to see everyone, or just the talk mode. Please reach out to me if you need help with the app.

Region 2 membership has increased by 83 new members so far this year which is fantastic; I welcome all new nurses to reach out to me, and Erma Moore at [email protected]. New members should be receiving my information on a welcome card, please use this and contact me with any concerns you may have.

Congratulations to Nicole Wrobel, who is the Recipient of the $1,000 Region 2 scholarship. Nicole Wrobel is a nursing student enrolled at Felician College. This recognition is reserved for the most advanced nursing students in NJ who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability and potential for leadership.

I attended the NJSNA Board Meeting on March 26 via phone. At the Divas and Dons Gala, Region 2 sponsored two nurses to attend the dinner. Thank you to Cindy Sonzogni for being a COPP board member; she will assist our Region to review nursing bills and legislative policies that need our voice. Congratulations to Myla Passporte in a new nursing role at Hackensack Hospital. Our region will continue to collect socks, hats, gloves, for the winter homeless

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REgiON NEws

drive to “keep our neighbors warm.” The date for the next Region 2 meeting TBA via NJSNA emails, and Facebook.

Region 4

Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset,

Lower BucksBeth Knox, DNP, APN, President

Region 4 Meetings/Programs for 2019

Annual Meeting:The annual meeting was held on Saturday, May

4th at the historic Cranbury Inn in Cranbury, NJ. Donna Cardillo, RN, FAAN, a nationally known nurse speaker shared her thoughts about “ Nurse Power” to more than 60 nurses and their guests. In addition, we celebrated all nurses for their contribution to our nursing profession.

A Day at the New Jersey State House in Trenton:The day at the Statehouse was held on June

24, 2019. President Kate Gillespie, President-elect Mary Ellen Levine, and Judy Schmidt, CEO reported on the NJSNA legislative agenda. This has been an interesting year of legislative activities that have and will affect nursing practice. The Region 4 Board encourages each of our members to engage in dialogue and correspondence with your state Senate and Assembly representatives. as well as keeping abreast of the activities of INPAC and COPP throughout the remainder of the year (see the NJSNA website for ongoing information). Region 4 members Keith Hovey, INPAC chair, and Erica Edfort, COPP chair continue to provide strong leadership for these NJSNA units.

Stay Connected: We continue to encourage Region 4 members to

contact your Region 4 County Member-at-Large to promote any programs, nursing activities in your county that other Region 4 members may wish to join/attend. In addition, we welcome members to share any honors that you have received (pictures included) We will post the information on the Region 4 website. Contacts:

Hunterdon: Yvette Shangold [email protected]: Robin King [email protected]: Marge Drozd [email protected]: Megan Allen [email protected] Communication: Susan Rux [email protected] (Facebook and NJ Nurse posts)

Scholarship:The first annual Region 4 Educational Scholarship

for $1,000 was awarded to Hilda Aluka, APN, on May 4. NJSNA Region 4 member, Hilda Aluka is currently enrolled at Rutgers University, School of Nursing, DNP program. Congratulations and continued success in your studies! A special thank you goes to Barbara Wright, Marge Drozd, Yvette Shangold and the three Region 4 Expert Nurses who conducted a blind review of the applications for working on this inaugural scholarship project.

Fall 2019 Election: The following Region 4 Board of Directors’

positions will be on the ballot in the fall of 2019: President-elect, Treasurer, VP for Policy and Practice, VP for Membership, VP for Nominations and Elections, and Member-at-Large for Somerset and Hunterdon counties. The nomination of a VP for Education is under discussion. Please submit your resume and inquiry regarding any of these opportunities to serve on the Region 4 Board to Barbara Wright [email protected], VP for Nominations and Elecions. (See NJSNA Region 4 Facebook page for a list of current Board members and contact information).

Region 5

Burlington, Camden, Cumberland,

Gloucester, SalemSummer Valenti, BSN, RN-BC President

NJSNA Region 5 supported The Institute for Nursing (IFN) by purchasing a table at the 2019 Divas and Dons Institute for Nursing Awards and Scholarship Gala. Ten NJSNA Region 5 members enjoyed attending the event which recognized nurses and community members for leadership, excellence in nursing and community impact on April 4, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Princeton.

At the time of this writing, NJSNA Region 5 is planning an event at Rowan College at Burlington County in Mount Laurel on Wednesday, June 12, 2019. NJSNA Region 5 Burlington County Coordinator, Martin Manno, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC, will be presenting on the topic: The Role Transition Characteristics of New Registered Nurses: A Study of Work Environment Influences and Individual Traits. The presentation will follow refreshments and a board meeting. As the event will have already occurred by the time of publishing, please look on our social media for information for upcoming events.

The NJSNA Region 5 board is looking for opportunities to engage with members. Do you want to be more involved? We currently have a vacancy in the position of Director of Education and are hoping an interested candidate will make him or herself known. The nurse who fills this role must have a BSN or greater. If you are a candidate, please email [email protected].

We are looking forward to a busy year of activity and we hope to see you at our events. Please connect with us on social media via Facebook and Twitter @NJSNARegon5. If you are not receiving emails from NJSNA Region 5, please log into your account on the NJSNA home page and ensure that the correct email address is listed. Also, check your spam folders for messages from [email protected] since these might be blast emails from NJSNA or NJSNA Region 5.

Region 6

Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, Ocean

Kathleen Mullen, DNP, MA, RN, CNE, VP Communications

The Region’s Facebook page continues to gain likes and followers! Each week several posts about nursing or healthcare in varied practice settings are shared, and our educational meetings are posted as events. It’s a great way to stay connected to the Region. Find us at New Jersey State Nurses Association Region 6. Follow our page, like and share our posts!

This year the Region’s education programming is focused on increasing political advocacy by nurses with local politicians and within the state legislature. NJ legislation impacts nursing practice and the

provision of patient care across the healthcare industry across the state. Nursing professionals need to become conversant in legislative processes and grassroots activism to influence legislation. To that end an education program titled, “Political Advocacy and You, the Nurse” was presented at AtlantiCare in Atlantic City in April and at the Annual Meeting at Captain’s Inn in Ocean Cty in June by Anne Ugrovics MSN, RN and Kathy Mullen, DNP, RN. The program featured a role-play between Anne and Judy Schmidt as a legislator learning about the Nurse “Title” bill.

New graduates of the prelicensure RN programs at Atlantic-Cape May Community College, Brookdale Community College, Georgian Court University, Jersey City State University, Ocean County College, and Stockton University, were invited to attend the Annual Meeting at a discounted rate. Lucky region members and guests won prizes from the annual Executive Board gift basket auction which benefits the scholarship fund. The recipients of the annual Beulah Miller Scholarship for Nursing Education were announced:

Maryann Martirano attaining an AAS at Ocean County College. Caitlin Opirhory, attending Villanova University RN to BSN programCall for Nominations: please contact Colleen

Nauta at [email protected] to learn more about leadership positions within the region. This year the term of office is expiring for the Region 6 positions of Treasurer, Vice President Membership, Vice President for the Institute, Nominating Committee, and Chairperson for Atlantic and for Cape May counties.

Region 6 members:If you did not receive an email blast from NJSNA

about the Region’s educational meetings this year, please contact [email protected] to verify and update your membership information. Emails will come from [email protected].

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The New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) honored 13 nurses for outstanding professional career accomplishments at its Divas and Dons Gala on Thursday, April 4, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Princeton Hotel in Princeton, N.J.

Through its Divas and Dons in Nursing celebration, the Institute for Nursing, the foundation of NJSNA, calls attention to the outstanding achievements of accomplished New Jersey nurses. Proceeds from the event fund scholarships for nursing students and nurses who are advancing their education. The Institute also provides quality continuing education programs and grants for nurses involved in research.

“The mission of the Institute for Nursing is to preserve the heritage, principles, values and practices of our health profession through the support of scholarships, education and research,” said Mary Ellen Levine, MSN/Ed RN CPHN, chair of the Institute for Nursing, the foundation of NJSNA. “Our goals include raising money to expand scholarship and research programs. We want to bring more nurses into the profession and continue to develop quality educational programs to keep nurses current on major advances in health care. This effort is vital to improving the quality of patient care in New Jersey.”

13 N.J. Nurses Honored for Professional Achievement, Contributions to Profession

The 2019 honorees are: From Left to Right

Diana Tocko, MSN, RN-BC, NE-BCDirector of Quality, Clinical Practice and Education,

Deborah Heart and Lung Center

Alana Cueto, MSN, RN, CNL-CPresident-elect, National Association of Hispanic

Nurses, Nurse Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine

William Holzemer, Ph.D., RN, FAANDean & Distinguished Professor, School of Nursing,

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Nicholas Blanck, MSN, CRNA, APN-AnesthesiaExecutive Director, Legislative Affairs, New Jersey

Association of Nurse Anesthetists

Lori Herndon, MBA, BSN, RNPresident and Chief Executive Officer, AtlantiCare

Health System

Vivek Agnihotri, DNP, RN, APN, CCRNAssociate Professor, County College of Morris,

William Paterson University, Hospitalist/Advanced Practice Nurse, St. Clare’s Health System

Robert Atkins, Ph.D., RN, FAANAssociate Professor, Rutgers School of Nursing-

Camden, National Program Director, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Jersey Health Initiatives

Program

Mary Ellen Levine, MSN/Ed, RN, CPHNChair, Institute for Nursing, the foundation of NJSNA

Dely Go, DNP, RN, LNHAPresident & Owner, Nursing Network Institute, LLC,

Adjunct Faculty, William Paterson University

Rebecca Graboso, DNP, MBA, RN, APN, CNRN, CCRN

Vice President of Nursing/Chief Nursing Officer, Hackensack-Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center

Marie Foley, Ph.D., RNDean & Professor, Seton Hall University College of

Nursing

Norma Rodgers, BSN, RN, CCRAPast President, NJSNA, Senior Clinical Research

Associate II, Clinical Solutions, Syneos Health

Mary Pat Sullivan, MSN, RN, CNSChief Nursing Officer, Atlantic Health System’s

Overlook Medical Center

Judy Colorado, MSN, MA, RN, NE-BCChief Nursing Officer & Vice President, Patient Care Services, RWJ Barnabas Health Monmouth Medical

Center Southern Campus

About NJSNAThe New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA)

represents the interests of 125,000 registered nurses and advanced practice nurses as an advocate for the nursing profession. NJSNA, which was established in 1901, is a constituent member of the American Nurses Association. NJSNA’s lobbying arm continues to protect the nursing profession through legislative victories. Its nonprofit foundation, Institute for Nursing, helps nurses further their careers by providing continuing education, scholarships and research grants in addition to invaluable networking opportunities. For more information, nurses can visit www.njsna.org or contact NJSNA at [email protected] or (609) 883-5335.

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We think it is fair to assume that no one’s quintessential images of summer include the workplace. However, summer is finally here, and we can fortify our minds, bodies and spirits by getting the most out of the season–whether it’s a workday or a day off, we ought to try to spend some of that day outdoors. If you are able, why not get up a wee bit earlier to enjoy your morning beverage outdoors? Before the cicadas start humming and the neighbors start their cars, take a few minutes to center yourself. Sit quietly and focus on the sounds of the birds communicating. Feel the warmth of the early morning sun on your face. Remind yourself that each day is an opportunity to show compassion towards others and to your self. If you are working the night shift, make some time before work for some late afternoon sun, a natural source of vitamin D. Enhance your sleep experience with a little lavender on your linens and a

soft sleep mask to block out natural light and get that pineal gland to produce more melatonin. Make good, uninterrupted sleep a priority. You deserve it!

Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. We are in the Garden State, and there’s nothing like sweet Jersey corn added to a salad or some juicy melon and cool and crispy cucumbers to nourish and hydrate your body. Bring enough healthy snacks for your entire shift and a little something for the way home. You don’t have to eat everything in your “lunch box” but having the right foods available can save you from making some unhealthy choices. The oils of citrus fruits can awaken our senses and peeling an orange for snack can be a lovely aromatherapeutic experience. Also, don’t forget to keep hydrated at work. Remind yourself and your colleagues to drink water throughout the shift. If

The Healthy Nurse Healthy New Jersey Team Invites NJ Nurses to Enjoy the Season!

you are a coffee or tea drinker, be sure to follow any caffeinated beverage with a glass of water.

Don’t underestimate the power of a day off. No one is going to tell you to schedule time for yourself—especially when units are short staffed, and some people are going on vacation. It doesn’t matter whether you take days here and there to organize your life or to sit in a hammock with your feet in a kiddie pool, whatever brings you peace is what you should be doing in that “me time.”

The Healthy Nurse Healthy New Jersey Team invites you to enjoy the season, so you can nurture your mind, body, and spirit. To learn more about ways to nourish your health and wellness, join us at NJSNA’s website: https://njsna.org/healthy-nurse/. You can also find Healthy Nurses on Facebook and Pinterest – New Jersey State Nurses Healthy Nurse. We hope to see you there!

http://capitalhealth.org


Submitted by: Puspha Abraham, MSN, CPNP, RN, CCRN, AAINJ2, Editorial chair

The American Association of Indian Nurses of New Jersey Chapter-2 installation ceremony took place on February 10, 2019. The event hosted at RWJ Barnabas Health-Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, was facilitated by Dr. Munira Wells, PhD, RN, outgoing Vice President of the Association.

During a somber ritual, outgoing President Dr. Soffy Vilson handed over the charge to incoming President, Sandra Emmanuel, MA, RN-BC, an Education Specialist at Hackensack University Medical Center. The officers were sworn in by past president, Dr. Rachel Koshy.

The motivational speaker was Sheri Cleaves, MSN, RN, Administrative Director of Professional Development at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus. Cleaves demonstrated the Nightingale Honor Guard of New Jersey, explained its significance, and shared the chapter’s history. The audience was left in a state of awe and admiration at the thought honoring all nurses who had dedicated their lives to the profession of nursing.

In attendance at this event were the friends and families of AAIN-NJ2, including Norma Rodgers, NJSNA past President and Judy Schmidt, NJSNA CEO. It was an honor to have them as the organization’s biggest supporters.

In her address, President Emannuel highlighted the importance of networking, teamwork, and collaboration with nursing organizations such as NJSNA, Black Nurses Association, Filipino Nurses Association, and the Hispanic Nurses Association. She also emphasized the joint efforts that these minority associations are willing to undertake to improve population health through participation in health fairs, education and preventative services in communities which are most affected in New Jersey.

The incoming board members are as follows:• Vice President, Molly Jacob, MSN, APN, CCRN• Secretary, Uma Sunil, MSN, RN • Treasurer, Kavita Natarajan, BSN, RN• APN Forum Chair, Rashmi Aggarwal, MSN,

APN, RN• Education Chair, Maya Joseph, MSN, RN,

CCRN• Membership Chair Siby Varghese, MSN, RN• Cultural Chair Niti Patel, BSN, RN• Website Chair, Felce Cabral, MSN, RN, CCRN• Newsletter Chair, Puspha Abraham, MSN, RN,

CPNP, CCRN • Awards and Scholarship Chair, Vivek

Aghnihotri, DNP, APN• Public Relations Chair, Merlin Mendonca, BSN,

RN

New Leadership for American Association of Indian Nurses of America

Incoming Board members American Association of Indian Nurses of America, Left to right Merlin Mendonca, BSN, RN, Pushpa Abraham, PNP, RN Felce Cabral, MSN, RN, CCRN

Sandra Emmanuel, MA, RN-BC, Shiby Varghese, MSN, RN, Maya Joseph, MSN, RN, CCRN, Rashmi Agarwal, MSN, APN, RN

Susan H. Weaver, PhD, RN, CRNI®, NEA-BC

Dr. Amanda Hessels, NJSNA Region 6 member and Assistant Professor of Nursing at Columbia University, School of Nursing jointly appointed as a Nurse Scientist at Hackensack Meridian Health, Ann May Center, is Principal Investigator of a new grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a unit of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This innovative five year R18 Research Demonstration and Dissemination grant, funded for $1.86 million, is entitled “Simulation to Improve Infection Prevention and Patient Safety: The SIPPS Trial.”

The study will test a simulation intervention designed to improve provider performance of standard precautions and prevent health care associated infections (HAIs) and occupational blood-borne pathogen exposures and will be conducted in two hospitals in two states. Dr. Hessels has assembled a diverse interdisciplinary investigative team including experts in infection prevention and epidemiology and quantitative and qualitative research methods (Drs. Hessels and E. Larson); academic simulation design and implementation (Dr. K. Bryant and Ms. N. Spear Owen); clinical simulation design and implementation (Drs. C. Hader and K. Monia); patient safety (Dr. Hessels); industrial engineering and operations (Dr. D. Yao); and biostatistics (Dr. H. Jia). They are supported by an External Advisory Board with expertise in occupational and safety research epidemiology (Dr. R. Gershon), occupational nursing health and policy (Dr. B. Rogers), and communication and team science (Dr. M. Manojlovich). Here in New Jersey, Jersey Shore University Medical Center was selected as a subcontract site and Dr. Hader and Dr. Monia will serve as site PI and Co-I.

“Despite well-established guidelines and training, standard precautions are not reliably practiced, with self-reported adherence among nurses, who have the most direct patient contact in acute care, at less than 50 percent,” Hessels explains. “HAIs are a substantial public health problem affecting approximately two million patients annually, and every year one in 25 registered nurses are exposed to blood-borne pathogens. We think simulation training may improve standard precaution adherence and ultimately improve health care quality and safety for patients and providers.”

Hessels earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rochester, Master of Science in Community Health Nursing and Master of Public Health from the City University of New York, Hunter College, and her Doctorate in Nursing from Rutgers University, College of Nursing, then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University, School of Nursing in the Training in Interdisciplinary Research to Prevent Infections (T32) program led by Dr. Elaine Larson. Among other service and leadership contributions, Dr. Hessels is an invited member of the ANA sponsored Sharps Injury Prevention Stakeholders Workgroup, serves in developing The National Occupational Research Agenda for the Healthcare and Social Assistance industry sector (NIOSH/CDC), as a Research Council member for the Association for Professionals in Infection Control, and as a member of the Editorial Board and Section Editor of the American Journal of Infection Control. Hessels has an emerging portfolio of peer reviewed publications and has presented her research to numerous audiences locally and nationally and is earning recognition as a pacesetter in the field.

Hessels receives $1.86 million AHRQ Grant

Amanda Hessels


Renee Pevour

The Institute of Medicine 2010 report challenged nursing to alter nursing educational programs to better meet the changing realities of healthcare. One model to effect these changes is to provide student learning on a specific hospital unit which is dedicated to quality patient care and enhanced student learning. This model is known as the Dedicated Education Unit (DEU). NJSNA member, Kim Dimino, DNP, RN, CCRN, took the challenge to explore this model in her Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Project.

Nursing leaders from William Paterson University and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center collaborated in 2011. Plans were formulated to outline a clinical teaching process that would address the medical center’s commitment for excellence in patient care and afford a new and more realistic experience for the senior nursing students. A partnership began.

The first nursing unit provided enough positive experiences for patients, staff and students that expansion to a second unit was implemented. This next unit would be a pediatric unit. Dr. Dimino was the clinical faculty for the pediatric unit and began exploring the best ways to change the traditional clinical teaching model to a dedicated educational unit format. The initial steps were to identify roles and responsibilities of the academic course coordinator, nurse manager, staff RN’s who would be now called clinical instructors (CI’s), other clinical and non-clinical staff and students. The institutional CI’s role in precepting and evaluating nursing students learning was a new role, so, a standardized evaluation process was formulated.

William Paterson University BSN students were selected. The criteria consisted of needing a GPA of at least 3.0 and must include a faculty recommendation. The orientation day on the unit was an eight hour day. After that the students accompanied the CI’s during their twelve hour shift. All staff were invited to “coach upward.” This philosophy highlights the significance that all members of the health care team have a direct impact on the quality of learning and are expected to contribute to the students learning.

Dr. Dimino continues with active involvement as the Clinical Faculty Coordinator to assess and monitor success of these students. She found in her DNP project that the DEU students transitioned to the role of professional nurse quicker than other graduate nurses. Currently two former DEU students have become unit CI’s themselves.

The impetus for changing the method of clinical nursing education came from the IOM report; although the work of that change was initiated by previous academic clinical and practice nurse leaders. Currently, the ongoing promotion and assessment is carried on by nursing leaders such as Dr. Kim Dimino. She quotes a nursing leader in describing her faculty role, “Innovation never occurs in isolation or by a single individual - it requires a team of dedicated individuals passionately committed to making a difference.” The cooperation of academia and practice leaders have come together to make a difference. Dr. Kim Dimino is one of those nurses passionate about this process of learning.

More information about Dr. Kim Dimino’s work in helping to shape this new nursing education model, can be found in the American Nurse Today, September 2018 edition.

Innovation in Professional Nursing

Education: Kim DiminoKiki Magno MSN, RN-BC, Nurse Manager

Hackensack Meridian Health,Hackensack University Medical Center,

NJSNA Region 2 Member and Healthy Nurse Healthy New Jersey team co-lead

The Healthy Nurse Healthy New Jersey (HNHNJ) initiative aims to promote health and wellness for all New Jersey Nurses. As HNHNJ’s team co-lead, my ideals as a Healthy Nurse foster health and wellness in my organization.

My workplace is committed to creating a culture that brings people together to enhance the patient experience. Our teams collaborate daily with one another to provide a continuum of care that is truly innovative. As a nurse manager in my organization, I helped to focus our first quarter on compassion in the workplace.

We integrate compassion in our work every day as we strive to make people healthier. By showing kindness and empathy we create memorable, personal connections. The 30-day Compassion Challenge

A Culture of Compassion is the Healthy Nurse Way!

allowed all team members to show various expressions of kindness and compassion throughout the month. Each team member was encouraged to write someone a kind note, show their appreciation to a colleague and give a smile sticker to a person who made them smile. Notepads bearing an inspirational quote were distributed to team members. Uplifting messages were written on them and posted in the break room as a display of mutual kindness.

During daily huddles, this peer-to-peer challenge raised awareness and acknowledged team members’ strengths and positive attributes. These positive messages reminded us that we were blessed with the tools to get us through our most challenging shifts. Being an example of compassion inspired others and created a strong team support system.

Compassion Champions partnered together and displayed a monthly calendar onto which daily acts of kindness were written and displayed for all to see.

Our month-long Compassion Challenge concluded with a Cafeteria Compassion event. The Presidents of our organization visited the event and wrote their interpretations of “compassion” on the newly created notepads. Their messages were shared with the teams.

Aligning with Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, I have created a Wellness Wall on 3pe to benefit all team members. The Wellness Wall displays various healthcare tips for skin and sun safety, information on breast cancer awareness and cardiovascular health, as well as various other self-care strategies to inspire the team to take healthy action steps. My passion for wellness and self-care in every team member has inspired me to create visual awareness within the organization. Having the Wellness Wall encourages every team member to adapt healthy habits that lead to a healthy work-life balance. Consequently, being engaged this way with my colleagues has helped to raise awareness of the importance of self-care. It is also helping me to reach my goal of designing a future of wellness for all healthcare organizations.

A culture of compassion is the Healthy Nurse way! Are you a Healthy Nurse? Let HNHNJ help you make health and wellness a priority. You can find support for your Healthy Nurse journey on NJSNA’s website: https://njsna.org/healthy-nurse/. You can also find Healthy Nurses on Facebook and Pinterest – New Jersey State Nurses Healthy Nurse.

Reference: https://www.watsoncaringscience.org/jean-bio/caring-

science-theory/

Kim Domino

2019-2020 Certified School Nurse Vacancy

To Apply, visit ecocharterschool.org/join-us/

856.963.2627

http://hofstra.edu/gradnursing


Edna Cadmus, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN and Susan H. Weaver, PhD, RN, CRNI, NEA-BC

Do we have enough nurses in New Jersey? The New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN) Annual Data Report (2019) answers this question with detailed information on the supply (educational capacity and workforce data) as well as demand data across settings.

Nurses Entering the WorkforceNew Jersey (NJ) nursing

schools provide information to NJCCN about their nursing programs, students, graduates and faculty. The Nursing Graduation table shows the trend over the four-year period in pre-licensure graduates with a 22.5% decline in LPN graduates and a 1.5% increase in RN graduates.

However, the biggest concern for NJ is having adequate faculty to prepare nurses. There has been a 29.4% increase in full-time faculty vacancies from 2014 and 2017. With 50% of nurse faculty over the age of 56, the nursing faculty shortages will continue to trend upward. Aging faculty and the increasing risk of retirement impacts the ability to train a more highly educated nursing workforce.

Nurses Leaving the WorkforceNJCCN receives information about the current nursing workforce from the NJ

Board of Nursing licensure renewal data. Nurses are eligible for retirement at age 62, so nurses age 56 and older will be eligible for retirement in 2025. A projection of the rates of retirement for nurses from now through 2025 creates the following expectations: a 22% decline in the RN workforce, an 11% decline in APN workforce, and a 15% in the LPN workforce. In order to maintain an adequate supply of nurses in the workforce, the number of new graduates must be equal to or greater than the number of retirees each year. As shown in the Projected Trend of the Nursing Workforce table, if the number of graduates continues at the current rate, it is expected that there will be a deficit in RNs (-3%) and in APNs (-1%) by 2025. For LPNs, sustaining current rates of graduation may lead to an excess of LPNs. Additionally, certain settings including Academia, School Health, Correctional Facilities, Occupational Health and Home Health may have an increased need for nurses because these settings have the greatest number of retirement age nurses.

Thus, the NJCCN data shows that the scales are currently in balance with an adequate supply of nurses in NJ. For this balance in the supply and demand of nurses to continue through 2025 the nursing schools must continue to produce their current number of graduates or greater through 2025 and the healthcare needs remain the same or improve.

ReferencesNew Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN). (2019). New Jersey annual nursing

data report 2017. Newark, NJ: NJCCN. http://www.njccn.org

Kathleen Pinto PhD, RNNJSNA LPN Forum Committee Member

The New Jersey State Nurses’ Association (NJSNA) is exploring the re-initiation of the Licensed Practical Nurses’ (LPN) Forum. Recognition of LPNs as an integral part of the healthcare team and the crucial role they play in the delivery of quality patient care has inspired the idea for recreating the forum. A needs assessment survey conducted by NJSNA in 2018 received a total of 983 responses from LPNs working in New Jersey. Results of the survey reported that LPNs desire an organization that provides support, networking, educational updates, and social gatherings that are specific to LPNs. If you are an LPN or healthcare provider interested in more information about the re-initiation of the LPN Forum, please email [email protected].

Balancing the Scales: Graduation and Retirement of

New Jersey Nurses

(Left to right): Dr. Lolita Jacob, Dr. Susan Weaver and Dr. Rosemarie Rosales discuss the NJCCN poster data at the Philippine Nurses

Association of NJ conference

Exploring the re-initiation of the NJSNA LPN Forum

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mailto:christina.roberts%40doh.nj.gov?subject=

mailto:melissa.bolmer%40doh.nj.gov?subject=

mailto:robin.mcguigan%40doh.nj.gov?subject=


Angela Brathovde, DNP, RN, BC, HNB-BC

Behavioral health nurses working in the emergency psychiatric setting identified knowledge deficits in caring for diabetic patients, e.g. removal of non-locking insulin pumps to prevent intentional overdosing and instability of diabetes symptoms from switching to insulin coverage; carbohydrate counting; and perceived nurse efficacy with diabetic protocol. Evidence suggests that behavioral health nurses are not comfortable with caring for diabetic psychiatric patients (McBain, et al, 2017). Infrequent admissions of diabetic psychiatric patients instigated a quality improvement project designed to improve diabetes literacy for behavioral health nurses (Hemingway, S., Trotter, F., Stephenson, J., & Holdich, P. 2013).

Participation in structured diabetes management topics, such as care of the behavioral health patient, insulin pump education, and peer to peer education through sharing of resources obtained from a diabetes symposium during the project time frame was completed. The nurses participated and pre- and post-diabetes education survey measuring behavioral health nurses attitudes towards competence and efficacy with care of psychiatric patients with diabetes (McBain, et al, 2017). The assessment tool measured healthcare professional’s level of comfort and competence in providing care to patients with serious mental illness and diabetes. The pre- and post-diabetes education survey identified that the nurses continued to have concern about their knowledge of diabetic guidelines, and concern for patients with severe mental illness and the patient’s ability to self-manage their diabetes due to the complications and disease progression.

Although this survey tool measured behavioral health professional’s comfort and competence caring for patients with serious mental illness and diabetes, it might not have been generalizable to the acute psychiatric emergency setting. Patients are seen in the psychiatric emergency department for psychiatric crises, stabilized, and referred to either inpatient hospitalization or a behavioral health outpatient setting; however, there are opportunities for treatment planning for medical issues associated with patients with diabetes. In the psychiatric emergency setting, nursing assessment of the patient’s ability to self-manage their diabetes that might not have been considered in this particular setting previously,

Improving Behavioral Health Nurse Diabetes Literacy in Acute Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS)

including integrating stabilizing and evaluating the immediate psychiatric crisis while supporting the patient’s own self-care management of their psychiatric illness and diabetes (De Hert, et al, 2011).

Barriers and facilitators to patient self-management identified in the psychiatric emergency setting can be communicated to ensure that the patient is supported by behavioral health nurses in the nursing care plan (American Diabetes Association, 2018). Improving communication among professionals at different levels of behavioral health care can integrate reinforcement of diabetes self-management education and monitoring into the treatment plan. Finally, in this quality improvement project, behavioral health nurses identified their own learning deficits and sought out learning resources to bridge the knowledge gap to improve their professional nursing practice (Hemingway, Trotter, Stephenson, & Holdich, 2013). Collaboration with experts in the field of diabetes, seeking evidence based resources increasing competence and confidence in diabetes care, partnership with behavioral health nurses in different behavioral health settings to address and support the challenges that patients with severe mental illness and co-morbid diabetes face improves efficacy and literacy at all care levels.

ReferencesAmerican Diabetes Association. (2018). Comprehensive

medical evaluation and assessment of comorbidities: Standards of medical care in diabetes – 2018. Diabetes Care, 41(Suppl. 1): S28-S37.

De Hert, M. et al. (2011). Physical illness in patients with severe mental disorders. II Barriers to care, monitoring and treatment guidelines, plus recommendations at the system and individual level. World Psychiatry, 10(2), 138-151. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2011.tb00036.x

Hemingway, S., Trotter, F., Stephenson, J., Holdich, P. (2013). Diabetes: increasing the knowledge base of mental health nurses. British Journal of Nursing, 22(17), 991-996. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2013.22.17.991

McBain, H., Lamontagne-Godwin, F., Haddad, M., Simpson, A., Chapman, J., Jones, J., Flood, C., Mulligan, K. (2017). Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in people with severe mental illness: an online cross-sectional survey of healthcare professionals. BMJ Open, 8:e019400. Doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019400.

Cynthia A. Miller, MSN, MSHSA, RN-BC, Past President

Linda Janelli, EdD, Chair Newsletter CommitteeSigma Theta Tau, Theta Chapter

In today’s environment, it is difficult to recruit and then retain actively engaged nurses into organizations. It seems that there are always a small group of nurses who keep an organization in motion by their endeavors. The Theta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing was formed at Stockton University over 30 years ago. Theta Sigma is a small chapter of 135 members. Like other nursing organizations it suffers the same issue of how to motivate members to become connected.

Theta Sigma has used the motto, “It’s hard by the yard, but a cinch by the inch” to maintain a viable organization. We attempt to work on membership concerns in small steps. Five years ago, the chapter began the Annual June Dinner in order for members to network, enjoy a good meal, and raise money for nursing scholarship. In addition, we try to have a speaker present on global or research topics. In June 2018 Theta Sigma awarded an educational scholarship.

The chapter celebrated its 30th anniversary in June 2016. Dr. Cheryle Eisle gave an historical presentation of Theta Sigma which included the chapter’s contribution to the nursing community. Graduates of our nursing program, Erica Einstein and Melissa Ehrke (class of 2015) developed a pictorial slide show of the chapter’s history.

In 2017, Dr. Mark Adulung presented a slide show and video on his medical mission to Haiti; supported by the chapter. In 2018 Theta Sigma also supported Dr. Mary Padden Denmead’s research on “The Lived Experience of Parenting the NICU Infant Post Perinatal Loss.”

Another small step the chapter has taken is to encourage mentoring of new members by having them work alongside “seasoned” members with fundraising efforts and producing the quarterly newsletter. The quarterly newsletter attempts to include all members even if they are unable to attend meetings and chapter events. The newsletter spotlights a member, discusses accomplishments of members, and gives information on chapter activities. Maria Caccavo (class of 2016) discussed her thoughts on what it means to be a member of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Lastly, the chapter has asked that members bring non-perishable items to each of our monthly meetings. The items are donated to the food pantry at Stockton University for students who are experiencing food insecurity. At our yearly ice cream social, which is designed to orient new members to the mission of Sigma Theta Tau International, our new members are asked to bring socks, diapers, and personal care items to be donated to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. These are small steps that help members feel connected to the local community without making a big dent in their wallet.

The next chapter event is our Induction Ceremony October 2019.

If you are interested in any further information about our chapter and/or joining as a Nurse Leader member, please contact Paula Gruccio at [email protected].

Each year we strive to do better, it is not easy, but we keep reminding ourselves, “It is a cinch by the inch, but hard by the yard.”

It’s a Cinch by the Inch

Rosemary Smentkowski MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, CARN, Vice President, Addiction Nursing

Certification Board

Throughout history women have cared for soldiers on battlefields, uninvited. A review of US and nursing history recounts the Civil War when women cared for loved ones and strangers on battlefields, determined to prove their worth. Present day nurses at home and abroad bear witness to the demand for nurses as valued members of US armed services. The US is currently engaged in domestic warfare with illicit drug use which is threatening the life and wellbeing of US and New Jersey residents daily. New Jersey overdose deaths totaled 3,163 in 2018; more than the number of deaths incurred by flu, homicides, motor vehicle accidents and suicides in 2016 (Stirling, 2019). This devastation is witnessed in loss of jobs, dissolution of families, incarceration, as well as a plethora of medical consequences.

Nurses working across all levels of care have been thrown into the trenches fighting consequences of substance use without benefit of formal evidence-based nursing content. This has resulted in nurse focus on consequences of addiction rather than acquiring knowledge in screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBRIT), providing early intervention of this chronic, progressive, often fatal disease.

The New Jersey State Board of Nursing recently endorsed addiction contact hours for nurses renewing licenses in our state. This is a progressive move in the right direction. Drawing on nursing as the most trusted profession, while embracing nursing’s distinctive “art and science” nursing is poised to care for patients and families affected by this bio/psycho/social/spiritual disease.

Over the past decade there has been enormous professional funding designated for treating substance use disorders. Most programs have neglected to

Every Nurse is an Addiction Nurse!

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include nursing’s unique role in the treatment of addiction. This is painfully evident by the lack of specific nursing approved continuing education units available on substance use content.

Nurses, as the largest group of health care professionals given evidence-based training specific to our scope and practice, are poised to make a difference in this disease. I implore New Jersey’s nursing educators, to recognize substance use disorders as an emergent public health crisis and begin to integrate addiction content into nursing education. This will give nurses tools to identify and intervene earlier in disease progression rather than our current function, treating consequences of addiction in the form of HIV, HCV, neonatal abstinence syndrome, and consoling loved ones after overdose and death.

The disease of addiction spans our nursing spectrum of care, commissioning us all as addiction nurses. All nurses working with addiction whether in substance treatment facilities, caring for acute care or outpatients, consider certification as Certified Addiction Registered Nurses (CARN) and Certified Addiction Registered Nurses-Advanced Practice (CARN-AP).

Advanced Practice nurses with prescriptive authority, adding medication assisted treatment by applying for DATA 2000 waiver will facilitate a “no wrong door” approach to substance use treatment of patients who are dependent on opioids.

To my nursing education colleagues, advocate for integration of substance use in nursing content.

History has shown, when nurses engage in battle change happens.

Stirling, S (2019). Drug deaths in N.J. break record for 4th straight year. Why is this happening? https://www.nj.com/data/2019/01/drug-deaths-in-nj-break-record- for-4th-straight-year-why-is-this-happening.html


Vikki Hurley-Schubert, public relations and media manager

Ten New Jersey nurses were recently awarded more than $13,000 in educational scholarships from the Institute for Nursing (IFN), the foundation of the New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA).

“The mission of the Institute for Nursing is to preserve the heritage, principles, values and practices of nursing through the support of scholarships, education and research,” said Mary Ellen Levine, MSN/Ed RN CPHN, chair of the IFN, at a luncheon held at the New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) headquarters in Ewing on April 7, 2019. “We want to bring more nurses into the profession and inspire nurses to continue their education with

N.J. State Nurses Association Awards More Than $13,000 in Scholarships

Dr. Erica Edfort, Dr. Susan Rux

Nursing is at the vanguard of the health care system, with a significant role in the delivery of safe patient care. Quality nursing care has been demonstrated to improve overall patient safety and decrease the risk of error. Uncivil behaviors amongst nurses have a damaging impact on the delivery of safe patient care (Longo, 2010). Patient safety literature has well documented that the provision of safe patient care occurs in high-quality nursing environments (Institute of Medicine (IOM), 2003; 2004; 2011). The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics and Interpretive Statements (2015) described a provision related to the nurse’s relationship with colleagues and others to include a responsibility to preserve integrity and safety.

In July 2008, The Joint Commission (TJC) issued a Sentinel Event Alert identifying disruptive and intimidating behaviors as widespread in health care. TJC urged all health care organizations to take immediate action to manage incivility in their organizations as uncivil behaviors were believed to result in poor patient outcomes, increased medical costs, and a loss of qualified health care providers. Almost one decade later, the organization responsible for accrediting health care facilities, has issued a new Sentinel Event Alert to provide hospitals and other health care settings with recommendations to improve communication between caregivers (TJC, 2017).

Clark (2019) identified that harm from disrespect is the next frontier in patient safety efforts. Detrimental effects on individuals, teams, organizations, and patients, to include life-threatening mistakes and preventable complications, occur due to uncivil behaviors in healthcare settings. Evidence-based strategies to promote a culture of civility and respect in healthcare are needed to break the incivility continuum. The impact of incivility on the patient care environment yields ethical, legal, regulatory, and educational implications. Incivility between peer registered nurses has negative sequelae on the delivery of patient care. Nurses, working in a collaborative manner, are hindered due to incivility thus, negatively impacting patient safety. Rosenstein and O’Daniel (2006) affirmed that within a culture of safety, communication and teamwork are vital.

Positive social change for the nurses through promoting evidence-based civility training has the potential to positively influence the health care delivery at the practicum site. A nurse skilled in addressing and managing an uncivil peer to peer encounter in the workplace will benefit from increased job satisfaction found in high-quality nursing environments, as well as the ability to deliver safe patient care to his/her patients (Institute of Medicine (IOM), 2003; 2004; 2011).

References:American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for

nurses with interpretive statements. Silver Spring, MD: Nursesbooks.org.

Clark, C. M. (2019). Fostering a culture of civility and respect in nursing. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10, 44-52. doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(19)30082-1

Institute of Medicine. (2003). Keeping patients safe: Transforming the work environment of nurses. Washington, D.C: The National Academies Press.

Institute of Medicine. (2004). Keeping patients safe: Transforming the work environment of nurses. Washington DC: National Academies Press.

Institute of Medicine. (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. Retrieved from http://www.nap.edu/catalog/12956/the-future-of-nursing-leadingchange-advancing-health

The Joint Commission. (2008). Behaviors that undermine a culture of safety. Sentinel Event Alert, Issue 40. Retrieved from http://www.jointcommission.org/sentinel_event_aler t_ issue_40_behaviors_that_undermine_a_culture_of_safety

Longo, J. (2010). Combating disruptive behaviors: Strategies to promote a healthy work environment. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 15. doi: 10.3912/OJIN.Vol15No01Man05

Rosenstein, A. H., & O’Daniel, M. (2006). Impact and implications of disruptive behavior in the perioperative arena. Journal of American College of Surgeons, 203, 96-105. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2006.03.027

Civility Training: A New Frontier

From left to right:Megan Allen, a Bridgewater resident working on her Doctor of Nursing practice degree at Loyola University, was presented with the Dr. Anna Gallagher Scholarship.

Lorrie Murdoc, a Randolph resident earning her Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree at Ramapo College, was presented with the Dr. & Mrs. Agnihotri/New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute Scholarship.

Erin Angstadt, a Haddonfield High School senior who plans to attend Clemson University to study nursing, was presented with the Valerie E. Yahn Scholarship.

Peter Toscak, a Linden resident earning his Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree at Caldwell University, was presented with the Newark City Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association Scholarship.

Amy Quartararo, a Hopatcong resident is a certified nursing assistant working on her Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree at Rutgers University School of Nursing was presented the Centennial Scholarship.

Krauss Jordan, a Lawrence resident earning her associate degree in nursing at Mercer County Community College, is presented with the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency Scholarship.

Sara Jurado, an Annadale resident working on her Doctor of Nursing practice degree at Rutgers University School of Nursing was presented the Dr. Anna Gallagher Scholarship.

Jillian Fasulo, a West Orange resident earning her Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree at New Jersey City University to become a registered nurse, is presented with the General Scholarship.

Not Pictured:Shani-Qua Martin, an East Orange resident working on her Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree at Bloomfield University, was awarded the Sylvia C. Edge Endowment Scholarship.

Nicole Wrobel, a Wallington resident and RN working towards her master’s degree at Felician University. She was awarded the Region 2 Memorial Scholarship.

advanced degrees. This effort is vital to improving the quality of patient care in New Jersey and the practice of nursing.”

The IFN complements the work of NJSNA, the largest nursing organization in the state, by raising funds and developing and managing grants to support advances in research, education and clinical practice. It provides tuition assistance for students enrolled in entry-level nursing, career mobility and advanced nurse research in both clinical and academic settings. Since 1989, the IFN has awarded more than a half million dollars in scholarships to individuals who are looking to become Registered Nurses (RNs) and RN’s seeking to acquire their bachelor, masters or doctoral degrees in nursing.

Learn more about the IFN: https://njsna.org/institute-for-nursing/.

Megan Allen, MSN, RN-BC, CCM, CCDS

In recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), the Palliative Care Committee led a massive effort at RWJUH Somerset to champion the importance of advance healthcare planning. NHDD is a national effort to promote conversations about healthcare decisions before tragedy occurs, and the person's wishes are unknown leaving loved ones to guess about the care they may have wanted. The theme, "See one, Do one, Teach one" highlighted our efforts for the week in offering employees and providers the opportunity to identify their wishes and complete their advance directive. As healthcare providers, we ask every patient about their advance care plans when they enter our organizations but how well are we prepared? This past week's celebration provided employees the opportunity to lead by example, to educate themselves to understand

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD)advance care planning by extending the opportunity to identify their wishes and address "the elephant in the room." An exhibit about NHDD displayed outside of the cafeteria along with a representation of members of the Palliative Care Committee, and the Palliative Care Team provided information about advance care planning and importance of having the conversation with loved ones. Without a solid understanding of what is involved in completing an advance directive, how can we as healthcare providers advocate for our patients to complete it? Tackling our discomfort with advance care planning is essential as healthcare providers in order to engage in meaningful conversations with our patient before it is too late. Discussion around advanced care planning belongs outside of the hospital with people we love before it is too late. Lead by example, understand and make advance care planning a priority in 2019. www.nhdd.org.


Eleanor Withington-Dietrich, BSN, MA

Recently at a meeting of the Directors of Membership for each region of NJSNA we discussed the challenges of membership engagement. Regardless of the area of the state, all of us recognized that membership engagement is a challenge. What can we do to promote our members to become active in our respective region’s activities?

In terms of numbers, NJSNA is generally well represented by New Jersey professional nurses. The recent dues reduction has encouraged more nurses to join the organization. This is a good thing, of course. No argument on that point. But what happens when a nurse pays their dues, for perhaps the first time? What expectations does that new member have?

According to the Why Join NJSNA brochure, there are five main benefits:

EDUCATION: Examples of programs presented at various region meetings- Donna Cardella-The Inspirational Nurse; Political Advocacy and You; Legislation and Nursing; Transforming the Technology Dependent Adult from Hospital to Home. Additionally, the Foundation of NJSNA awards scholarships, research grants and has a career center.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT: Examples: NJSNA is lobbying for legislation for protection of the title of Nurse; Board of Nursing Compact; staffing to be determined by Nursing. In addition, studying the proposed legislation on End of Life and legalization of marijuana and how these bills would affect nurses and nursing.

LEADERSHIP: Mentoring relationships for nurses who aspire to leadership and for new members to the organization in order to assist them in maximizing the benefits of belonging.

PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION: NJSNA staff attend various professional and other health care association programs to keep nurses and nursing in the forefront.

WORKPLACE ADVOCACY: Members and staff of NJSNA network with other nursing associations to advocate healthy workplace environments. Meetings are also held with legislators to keep them informed of nursing concerns. Staff and the President of NJSNA also have been interviewed for TV and for newspapers.

But let’s face it, these benefits will not be realized if the individual members do not engage themselves.

So then, what efforts can be made in each region to draw our members in helping them to see that their participation will enhance what they each get out of their membership?

Possible approaches to increasing engagement, retaining members and recruiting new members:

1. Send a welcome card, letter and/or email to each new member. Include contact information for the Region Board members and list Region meeting dates.

2. Develop a Region newsletter to be sent by each County Coordinator to members in their respective county. Topics for this newsletter could be Region news, member accomplishments, upcoming Region and NJSNA events along with contact information for the County coordinator.

3. For any member who may hesitate to become involved, there are resources and mentoring efforts to assist members as they step into new roles by those with experience.

4. Comments, concerns, suggestions or the need for further information may be sent to the membership committee at [email protected]

Thank you to all NJSNA members for their hard work and anticipated participation in these efforts to engage our members.

Rachel Koshy, DNP, ANP, NP-C, RN

On March 15 and 16, I was sponsored by NJSNA’s Interested Nurses Political Action Committee (INPAC) to attend READY to RUN, a two day conference presented by the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. CAWP is located at Rutgers’ Eagleton Institute of Politics. I serve as an INPAC Region 1 member.

The conference was phenomenal. I met with many women leaders interested in politics and ready to run this year and next year. Nationally recognized leaders shared their best and varied knowledge about how to

raise funds, attract voters and what it is like to be a woman in politics. Women are so powerful, unbelievable, unimaginable and unthinkable.

On the first day, our New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver was the welcome and keynote speaker. She was filled with rigor and enthusiasm and motivated us in taking a stand in politics. She stated that “we should always show up.” I think if she can do it, we all could.

Also, a diversity initiative program was held which aimed at increasing the participation of women of color in NJ politics. There were three sessions offered:

1. Rising Stars: Educating Asian American Women in Politics. 2. Run Sister Run: Women of the African Diaspora Changing the Political

Landscape.3. Eleccion Latina

Tara Dowdell, founder of Tara Dowdell group, presented a plenary session which included digital strategies for candidates, campaigns and advocates. She gave us varied ideas for creating your brand, creating an online campaign, a website, fundraising tools and much more information.

Cate Gormley, Vice President of Lake Research Partners, conducted a session on “What Women Candidates Need to Know.” Surprisingly, she pointed out that in their research they found a strong tie between being qualified and being likeable. Voters will vote for the man they think is qualified and don’t like, but not for a woman. So, women need to be qualified and likeable.

Two optional tracks were offered: Track 1: Launching Your Campaign, by Eva Pusateri, President and Founder of

Expert Communication and Training, Inc. This session provided the key elements of a campaign including assessing and establishing oneself as a candidate, developing a campaign plan, structuring a campaign organization and voter contact.

Track 2: Finding your Political Voice and Influence was a panel discussion, designed for those who were not yet ready to run, but want to have some impact on certain key issues. The session offered the nuts and bolts of government and political parties in the state, basically getting active with the political party.

Through this experience, I attained a wealth of knowledge about the different aspects of running for a political position; it isn’t easy and requires lot of money. The money could be generated slowly but steadily. Always remember where there is a will, there is a way. If someone has the desire or determination to do something, she/he will definitely find a method to achieve it.

YOU JOINED NJSNA! NOW WHAT?

Ready to Run

http://felician.edu

http://caldwell.edu/visit


Kathleen Prendergast APN, PMHNP

Assemblywoman Mila Jasey was interviewed by this writer and Mary Cullen-Drill APN in October 2012 for the NJ Nurse. It’s been six years since that interview and Asw Jasey is still championing education and health issues for New Jersey residents.

Assemblywoman Mila Jasey was first elected to the New Jersey General Assembly on November 6th, 2007. She is serving her 6th term representing District 27 which includes 14 towns in Morris and Essex Counties. Prior to serving in the New Jersey Assembly, Asw. Jasey served as a member of the South Orange/Maplewood Board of Education for three terms, including two years as President.

Educational and professional practice experiences which prepared Asw. Jasey for her role in the legislature started as a history major at Barnard College. She then went to Pace University for her master’s degree in Nursing. Her interest in nursing was spurred by a summer study program in West Africa where she was influenced by a public health nurse. She worked in rehabilitative nursing at Montefiore hospital in the Bronx and the Rusk Institute for Rehabilitative Medicine at New York Hospital in Manhattan. Asw. Jasey was also a lactation specialist at both Newark Beth Israel and Orange Memorial Hospital and was a La Leche League Leader in Essex county for over twenty years.

Asw. Jasey supports New Jersey’s First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ statewide awareness campaign which is trying to reduce infant and maternal mortality. The campaign seeks to ensure equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities. The First Lady is championing the coverage for doula care services to expectant mothers receiving Medicaid. Doula services refer to the physical and emotional support for a mother before, during and after childbirth provided by a trained individual. More information about doulas can be found at https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula/. Another important healthcare issue Asw. Jasey has addressed is with her sponsorship of a bill to eliminate the vaccination exemption which can help prevent outbreaks of serious transmittable diseases.

In addition, Asw Jasey is focused on ensuring affordable housing for New Jersey residents. She is keenly aware of the state’s housing needs, particularly those of the mentally ill and the disabled. Reducing the stigma of mental illness and making sure services are available for those who need them is also a priority. In contrast to posting armed guards in the school systems, she is supporting more mental health care within schools to identify students who need help. She is in support of Pre-K education for all. Her nursing background has contributed to her awareness of the importance of early childhood intervention and how it promotes long range success. “Why wait to have children fail?” Asw. Jasey is also a sponsor of A854 which is the "Consumer Access to Health Care Act." This bill eliminates the requirement of a joint protocol with a physician for advanced practice nurses to prescribe medication. A list of all of the bills she has sponsored or co-sponsored in these is available at https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/bio.asp?Leg=284.

Mila Jasey is one of 37 women in the 2018 New Jersey Legislature. There is a total of 120 seats; women serve in 27 of the 80 seats in the Assembly and 10 of the 40 seats in the Senate. She and Asw. Nancy F. Munoz are the only nurses. Women only make up approximately a quarter of the total seats. Asw. Jasey encourages all women to get more involved in the political process since she believes women bring an additional perspective to the table. She recommends that they get support from organizations that help promote women in politics. One of the most notable national organizations happens to be in New Jersey at the Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics -Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP). More information is available at: https://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/.

Assemblywoman Jasey: A Nurse Champion in the State House

Mila Jasey

The Committee on the Future of Nursing 2020-2030 is holding three regional meetings to hear from you.

The committee is interested in your insights on how to advance the profession of nursing to help our nation create a culture of health, reduce health disparities, and improve the health and well-being of the U.S. population in the 21st century.

Each meeting will feature panel discussions around a specific topic, followed by time for public comments.

We hope you can join us in person!Can’t attend? The events will be webcast, and select online comments will be

read aloud.To learn more about the study, watch the video of the first public meeting, and

register, please visit nam.edu/FutureofNursing2030.

Register to attend online or in personMeeting Locations:ChicagoTheme: Education, Research and PracticeFriday, June 78:30–12:30 pm CDTMalcolm X CollegeRegister to attend or watch onlinePhiladelphia Theme: Vulnerable Populations and Paying for CareWednesday, July 248:30 am–12:30 pm EDTUPenn School of NursingRegister to attend or watch online

SeattleTheme: High Tech, High TouchWednesday, August 78:30 am–12:30 pm PDTUniversity of WashingtonRegister to attend or watch online

Learn about regional town hall meetings, coming this summer, at nam.edu/FutureofNursing2030.

Join us!Future of Nursing 2020-2030

Town Hall Meetings

Save the Date!!NJSNA and the Institute for Nursing

Professional SummitThursday, October 10, 2019

The Cranbury Inn, Cranbury, NJTheme: “It’s Your License: Do You Know How to

Influence Legislative Decision-Makers?”

http://saintpeters.edu/nursing


Suzanne Drake, PhD, APRN, BC

Background NJ Assemblywoman Nancy

F. Munoz RN, MSN, CNS, was sworn into office on May 21, 2009, filling the unexpired term of her late husband, Assemblyman Eric Munoz, MD. On November 3, 2009, she was elected to a two-year term representing the 21st legislative District, re-elected to four subsequent terms and in the Assembly leadership, she serves as Republican Whip. She serves on five committees including Health and Senior Services and Women and Children.

SMDA graduate of Skidmore, and earning your MSN

at Hunter College, CUNY, you worked at Yale New Haven, Mass General and Sloan Kettering Hospitals. How did you, a former ICU nurse become a lawmaker and a leader in New Jersey Politics?

ASW MUNOZ:My life changed when Eric died suddenly on March

30, 2009, from a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Eric and I had five kids at home. One day about two years before he died, we were talking about my nursing career direction. Out of the blue he said, "In case something happens to me, you should run for Assembly."

SMD: What is it about being a nurse that has uniquely prepared you for the legislature?

ASW MUNOZ: Nothing could have prepared me more for the legislature than my nursing background. I loved taking care of patients and now I love taking care of the people of NJ. I also loved being part of a team working toward the same goal, an asset in the Assembly as I am really good at working in a bipartisan fashion. Nursing is the most trusted profession and I know I have the trust of my colleagues and constituents as a legislator.

SMD: You have sponsored bills involving emergency medical services, healthcare and protecting women and children from violence and abuse. What other issues are you passionate about?

ASW MUNOZ: Definitely protecting women and children, but I have always wanted to make a difference in healthcare and nursing. The Institute of Medicine Report on the Future of Nursing was an important document. I am convinced that the joint protocol that mandates a written collaborative agreement between a physician and an APN is outdated and needs to be removed. After 40 years of documented safety, a joint protocol is not needed. Professional health care practitioners all use evidence- based practice, basing care on scientific research of best practices.

As primary sponsor of A879/S391, Consumer Access to Healthcare Act, I am committed to improving access to healthcare by removing barriers for nurses to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training...not beyond, mind you, but to practice fully within our scope of practice. I am working with NJSNA and nurse leaders throughout the state to do so.

SMD: How does having a nurse in the legislature improve nursing, health care and access to care for New Jersey Residents?

ASW MUNOZ: I am a most important voice in Trenton because I'm one of nursing’s biggest advocates in the State House. I am not anti-physician! However, nurses are critical to the delivery of healthcare and we need to be part of the policy decisions to improve delivery and access to care in NJ.

SMD: What is your main concern with the nursing profession today, and do you think you will continue to be able to make inroads from your position in the statehouse?

Assemblywoman Munoz: A Nurse Champion in the Legislature

ASW MUNOZ: Academic progression for one; there is an increasing impetus for the BSN to be a minimal level of entry into our profession. Rapidly expanding technology and practices place greater demands on nursing competencies. The Institute of Medicine has recommended that 80 percent of the nursing workforce have a bachelor’s degree by 2020. Creating a more highly educated nursing workforce will help address the increasing complexity in our healthcare system.

SMD: There is a rumor that you are against Safe Staffing because you voted against it. Can you explain your position on that?

ASW MUNOZ: Nothing could be farther from the truth. I am NOT against Safe Staffing! I am against the way the bill stated nurse to patient ratios and safe staffing should be based on the need of the patient, not about a specific number. SMD: What can New Jersey nurses do to make a difference in the current healthcare conundrum?

ASW MUNOZ: We are the largest number of professionals in healthcare in the US. That’s a powerful force! Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare delivery system. Nurses must be at the decision making table or others will make the decisions. Get involved in public policy. Nurses need to understand how important it is to be involved politically. You are the people on the front lines dealing with health issues. Legislators need to hear from you. I want to hear from you!

SMD: Although tragic circumstances brought you to the Statehouse, you discovered that you have been prepared for this role and are now in a pivotal position to truly create change. Your personal loss has been profound, and yet your ability to be open to the rich possibilities inherent in the present moment bears evidence of your exceptional resiliency. Thank you so much for your inspiration.

Nancy F. Munoz

Keith Hovey, RN, ESQ.

Nurses understand that to provide quality care for their patients, they must act as patient-advocates. Just as patients need their nurse advocates in the health care setting, nurses need legislators to be their advocates in the legislative setting. Bills affecting nurses and health care are presently being debated at the Statehouse. Currently, the NJ legislature is considering bills such as protecting the title of nurse; the use of medical and recreational marijuana; removing restrictions from joint protocols for advanced nurse practitioners; and staffing ratios to name a few.

In a show of true bipartisanship, nurses in NJ are fortunate to have two advocates in NJ Assembly that are also professional nurses. These two Assemblywomen, Mila Jasey, a Democrat and Nancy Munoz, a Republican, are among the entire 80 Assembly members who are running for election on November 4. As nurse legislators, their success in becoming reelected is crucial to ensuring that nurses continue to have advocates in the Assembly who understand that NJ nurses make a major contribution to the delivery of health care in the State. (See NJ Nurse features on pages 14 and 15 on Asw. Jasey and Asw. Munoz).

INPAC CHAIR Message

Keith Hovey

http://shu.edu/setonpeds

http://nursing.camden.rutgers.edu

http://proliability.com/88575

http://tesu.edu/nursingdegree

http://www.esc.edu/ananj

http://nursing.rutgers.edu/careers

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