NNA ANNUAL CONVENTION - OCTOBER 1, 2021 NURSES' SELF-CARE: NursingALD.com
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NURSES’ SELF-CARE:
Empowerment and Rebuilding During Challenging Times
NNA ANNUAL
CONVENTION
OCTOBER 1, 2021
OCTOBER 1 – NOVEMBER 14
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
NNA Mission and Core Priorites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
NNA Board of Directors and Committee List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Annual Membership Meeting Agenda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Standing Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Board of Directors Reports
President’s Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Vice Presidents Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Secretary’s Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Treasurer’s Report: 2020 Budget report, 2021 Budget. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Committee Reports
Legislative Advocacy and Representation Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Nursing Professional Development Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Governance, Finance, and Membership Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
2021 NNA Slate of Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Mutual Interest Groups
NNA MIG Region 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
NNA MIG Region 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
NNA MIG Region 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
NNA MIG Region 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Other Reports
Nebraska Nurses Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
ANA Membership Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
NNA-PAC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
NNA State Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
MWMSD CEO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
MWMSD Continuing Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
NNA Affiliate Reports
Nebraska Nurse Practitioners (NNP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Nebraska School Nurses Association (NSNA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Map of NNA Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Proposed By-Law Changes for 2022. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Printed and Published for the Nebraska Nurses Association by Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc.
P.O. Box 216, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, (319) 277-2414
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2 | 2021 NNA Meeting
NNA Mission, Vision, and Core Priorities
Established in 1906, the Nebraska Nurses Association is a membership organization that engages in legislative
advocacy, education, and professional development. Although NNA does not engage in individual workplace
advocacy, NNA works holistically to support the profession of nursing.
Mission
Nebraska Nurses advancing our profession to improve health for all.
Vision
Nebraska Nurses Association will be a proactive voice for nurses and an advocate for health for all.
Core Priorities
C – Collaboration
A – Advocacy
R – Recognition
E – Education
October 1, 2021 | 3
PrEP
U=U
Educating patients about the value of treatment as prevention can help them manage their
HIV. Engaging patients in routine, brief conversations about treatment as prevention can also
help health care providers become more familiar with each patient, including their adherence
and transmission risk.
Tools from CDC can help foster discussions between providers and patients about HIV
Undetectable = Untransmittable treatment, care, and prevention.
Learn more at: dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/HIV-Prevention.aspx| cdc.gov/preventioniscare
Health care providers who treat patients with HIV have an important role in supporting HIV prevention.
Because a patient’s needs may change over time, health care providers should engage patients in brief
conversations at every visit to discuss the prevention steps the patient is taking.
Taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) to achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load enables patients with
HIV to stay healthy. It also helps prevent transmission to others, which is known as treatment as prevention.
Three landmark studies have shown that treatment
prevents sexual transmission of HIV.
Across all three studies, there were no linked HIV transmissions observed between mixed-HIV-status
partners when the partner with HIV was virally suppressed (defined in these studies as having a plasma HIV
RNA viral load less than either 200 or 400 copies/mL).
1. Cohen MS, Chen YQ, McCauley M, et al. Prevention of HIV-1 infection with early antiretroviral therapy. N Engl J Med. Aug 11
2011;365(6):493-505.
2. Cohen MS, Chen YQ, McCauley M, et al. Antiretroviral therapy for the prevention of HIV-1 transmission. N Engl J Med. 2016;375:830-9.
3. Rodger AJ, Cambiano V, Bruun T, et al. Sexual activity without condoms and risk of HIV transmission in serodifferent couples when
the HIV-positive partner is using suppressive antiretroviral therapy. JAMA 2016;316(2):171-81.
4. Bavinton B, Grinsztejh B, Phanuphak N, et al. HIV treatment prevents HIV transmission in male serodiscordant couples in Australia,
Thailand and Brazil. Presented at the 9th IAS Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2017), Paris, France; July 25, 2017.
#TalkUndetectable
2021 NNA Board of Directors and Committee List
Board of Directors Professional Educator - Staff
President Development/Nurse Educator
Kari Wade EdD, MSN, RN, CNE Chandra Anderson MBA, MSN, RN, CNML
Jenna Hohenfeldt RN, CRRN
President-Elect Katie Messner MSN, APRN-NP
Linda Hardy PhD, RN, CNE, CTNA
Legislative Advocacy and
Vice President
Representation Committee (LARC)
Echo Koehler DNP, RN
Region 1
Barb Petersen MSN, APRN
Secretary
Ben Garcia BSN, RN
Brodi Willard BSN, RN-BC
Treasurer Region 2
Cathy Smith MSN, RN, CRRN, CBIS Rachel Zeiger MSN, RN, CNE
Rita Weber MSN, RN
Chair, Legislative Advocacy and
Representation Committee Region 3
Rita Weber MSN, RN Lina Bostwick EdD, RN, CNE, ANAI-F
Libby Lewandowski MSN-E, RN
Chair, Governance Finance and
Membership Committee Region 4
Ashton Gerken MSN, RN, CNRN Angela Parker BSN, RN
Lin Hughes PhD, MS, BSN, RN, CNE
Chair, Nursing Professional
Development Committee At-Large
Stephanie Pelan MSN, RN Linda Jensen RN, MN, PhD
Alison Nelson MSN, BSN, CCRN
MIG Oversight
Jodi Nelson MSN, RN Governance, Finance, and
Membership Committee (GFMC)
NNA Staff Clinical Practice/Staff Nurse
State Director Ashton Gerken MSN, RN, CNRN
Kim Houtwed MBA, BSN, RN Tonja Frank BSN, RN
NNA Lobbyist Nursing Faculty
Don Wesely Margo Minnich DNP, RN
O’Hara Lindsay Government Relations
Nursing Management/Administration
Nursing Professional Development Lisa Cantrell MSN, BA, RN
Committee (NPDC)
Nursing Practice Rural
Ann Lif MSN RN, CWOCN Savannah Henn RN
Wendie Nash BSN, RN, CRRN OPEN
Stephanie Pelan MSN, RN
Urban
Nursing Faculty Jan Tubbs MSN, MS, BS, RN
Michelle Johnson PhD, RN Luanne Lundergard MSN, RN
Marcia Kube EdD, MA, MSN, RN, CNE
Julie Skrabal EdD, RN, CNE Appointed Past NNA Officer
Anna Mackevicius BSN, RN, PMP
October 1, 2021 | 5
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ANA Membership Representative Staff
Linda Stones MS, BSN, RN, CRRN Chief Executive Officer
Anna Mackevicius BSN, RN, PMP Jill Kliethermes, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Midwest Multi-State Division Communications and Graphic Design
Board of Directors Travis Gallup, Manager
President
Terry Reece, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Finance
Karen Harris, Director
Vice President
Stephen Pennington MBA, MSN, RN, CENP, NEA-BC, Administrative Coordinator
NE-BC, CCRN-K Becky Kniest
Secretary/Treasurer Continuing Education Staff
Michelle Harp MSN, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC Sara Fry, BS
Director of Professional Development
Judi Dunn, MS, CPP, RN-BC
Nurse Peer Review Leader
Carol Walker, BSN, RN
Nurse Planner & Nurse Peer Reviewer
October 1, 2021 | 7
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8 | 2021 NNA MeetingAnnual Membership Meeting Agenda
Friday, October 1, 2021
Introductions
Presentation of Agenda
Proposed Standing Rules
Announcements
Board of Directors’ Reports
• President’s Address
• Vice President Report
• Secretary Report
• Treasurer’s Report
Committee Reports
• Legislative Advocacy and Representation Committee (LARC)
Committee Report
Legislative Platform
• Nursing Professional Development Committee (NPDC)
Committee Report
• Governance, Finance, and Membership Committee (GFMC)
Committee Report
2021 NNA Slate of Candidates
Proposed By-Law Changes
• MIG Reports
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Other Reports
• Nebraska Nurses Foundation
• ANA Membership Assembly
• NNA-PAC
• State Director
• Multi-State Division - CEO Report
• Multi-State Division – CE Approver Unit
Organizational Affiliates
• Nebraska Nurse Practitioners
• Nebraska School Nurses
• Nebraska Emergency Nurses
Discussion/Action Items
• Candidate Forum - each candidate will have 3 minutes
Vice President
Secretary
Closing Remarks
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402.999.7900Proposed Standing Rules
Rule 1
All NNA members and guests will be admitted to the Annual Membership Meeting. Each member will be identified
with a name badge ribbon (NNA Member).
Rule 2
To speak a NNA member or guest will rise, address the chair (President), giving name, and upon recognition may
speak.
Rule 3
NNA members will have two (2) minutes to speak on each topic and may not speak in debate more than twice on
the same question or topic on the same day or longer than three (3) minutes. Guests will have one (1) minute to
speak on each topic and may not speak more than once on the same question or topic on the same day or longer
than one minute.
Rule 4
Suggested amendments to presented ballot items will be in writing and shall be sent to the Chair immediately
following presentation of the amendment.
Rule 5
Business interrupted by a recess of the meeting shall be resumed at the next meeting at the point where it was
interrupted.
Rule 6
Consensus on amendments to ballot items will be reached through a voice vote of members in attendance. Guests
may not vote on consensus polls.
Rule 7
Additional self-nominations for NNA Board Officers, ANA Representative, and/or Committees must be received
before 5:00pm on the day preceding the Annual Membership Meeting (Thursday, September 30, 2021) and must
include a Leadership Profile.
Rule 8
Voters unable to rise will be provided with a voting card consistent with the ADA.
NNA Bylaws reference regarding the Standing Rules:
Article XIV - STANDING RULES
Standing Rules may be amended at the Annual Membership Meeting by a majority vote by those present and voting
without previous notice.
October 1, 2021 | 1112 | 2021 NNA Meeting
DIRECTORS REPORTS
President’s Report
Kari Wade EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
The past year as President of NNA has been unprecedented as our profession has faced incredible challenges. Nursing
has been placed at the forefront of the public eye while our world navigated through the global pandemic. Nebraska
nurses have worked tirelessly at the bedside, in their community, and within their specialty areas to promote positive
outcomes to their patients, students, families and community members. Over the past year, nurses have been given a
voice and listened to more than ever. Such dedication to a profession of giving and being in the public eye, however,
can take a toll on oneself. That is why this year the 2021 Annual NNA Conference turned the focus back onto the
Nurse. Our presenters will be speaking on concepts such as resilience, empowerment, self-care, finding your voice,
leadership, and personal wellness. We hope this professional development opportunity will ignite and refuel a sense
of strength and empowerment to Nebraska nurses. We are so pleased you are joining us and have a wonderful
virtual conference!
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors met in December, February, and May. A quorum was established with every meeting. During
meetings, the BOD reviewed business items such as NNA budget, proposed events, and new initiatives. A working
group was created within the BOD to develop Covid vaccine promotion initiatives on behalf of NNA.
Committees
Legislative, Advocacy, and Representation Committee
The LARC committee reviewed each of the 2021 legislative bills and provided positions on the topics affecting the
nurses of Nebraska. Thank you to committee chair Rita Weber and the rest of the committee for all the hard work!
Also, a very special thank you to Don Wesley. NNA’s advocacy involvement excels due to his expertise and guidance,
and he keeps us updated on continuous legislative happenings and progress.
Nursing Professional Development Committee
NPDC upheld the professional development of Nebraska nurses with event proposals, scholarship applications, award
nominations, and hall of fame inductees. Thank you to committee chair Stephanie Vodicka and the rest of the
committee for keeping the professional state of Nebraska nurses active!
Governance, Finance, and Membership Committee
The GFMC has once again pulled together an outstanding slate of candidates for this year’s annual ballot. The GFMC
works diligently to keep NNA on a forward journey with membership recruitment and retention while also keeping a
focused eye on our financial requirements. Thank you to committee chair Ashton Gerken and all committee members
for their continued work for the organization!
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14 | 2021 NNA MeetingDIRECTORS REPORTS
Vice President’s Report
Echo Koehler DNP, RN
As the NNA Vice President, it is my duty and honor to support the President and Board of Directors of the
Nebraska Nurses Association. Nebraska Nurses Association has been actively identifying challenges and successes
in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the leading voice for both the profession of nursing and as advocates
for the populations we serve, Nebraska Nurses Association has engaged in media campaigns to promote COVID-19
vaccinations and the important role nurses serve during the pandemic. One such example is a billboard campaign just
off interstate 80 by the Omaha Zoo promoting COVID-19 vaccinations, running through the month of August 2021.
If you have a passion for advocacy and ideas for public awareness campaigns or policy opportunities, please contact
me to collaborate. Thank you for this opportunity to serve!
Secretary’s Report
Brodi Willard BSN, RN-BC
As the NNA Secretary, it is my duty to take accurate and precise minutes for all the Board of Directors meetings. It
is important that the minutes maintain an exact record of what has occurred and what the board has voted on to
because it affects all NNA members.
The NNA Board met the required four times during the year and is comprised of: President Kari Wade, President-Elect
Linda Hardy Vice-President Echo Koehler, Secretary Brodi Willard, Treasurer Cathy Smith, LARC Chair Rita Weber,
GFMC Chair Ashton Gerken, NPDC Chair Stephanie Pelan and MIG Oversight Chair Jodi Nelson.
Being on the Nebraska Nurse Association board has opened a whole new side of nurse networking for me. I have met
so many wonderful people! I have learned so much on the importance of legislation activities that concern nursing and
have encouraged others to become actively involved. Nursing has changed so much since my career began.
As nurses, we are part of something amazing that only we can understand. As my term draws to a close, I want to
thank everyone who has supported me throughout the years, and I look forward to where my nursing career will
take me. As my journey as a Nebraska nurse is ending and my Massachusetts nursing career is beginning, I will always
cherish the nursing experiences and lessons I have learned and use them to enhance my professional development.
October 1, 2021 | 15DIRECTORS REPORTS
Treasurer’s Report
16 | 2021 NNA MeetingDIRECTORS REPORTS
October 1, 2021 | 17DIRECTORS REPORTS 18 | 2021 NNA Meeting
DIRECTORS REPORTS
October 1, 2021 | 19DIRECTORS REPORTS 20 | 2021 NNA Meeting
DIRECTORS REPORTS
October 1, 2021 | 21DIRECTORS REPORTS 22 | 2021 NNA Meeting
DIRECTORS REPORTS
October 1, 2021 | 23DIRECTORS REPORTS 24 | 2021 NNA Meeting
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Legislative, Advocacy, and Representation Committee
(LARC) Annual Report
Rita Weber MSN, RN
LARC Members:
Ben Garcia (Region 1) Barb Petersen Co-Chair (Region 1)
Rachel Zeiger (Region 2) Lin Hughes (Region 4)
Rita Weber Co-Chair (Region 2) Angela Parker (Region 4)
Lina Bostwick (Region 3) Alison Nelson (At-Large)
Libby Lewandowski (Region 3) Linda Jensen (At Large)
Nurses have a responsibility to educate the public and legislators on issues that impact the health of Nebraskans
and our communities. The NNA has an established legislative platform to support registered nurses, RN and APRN
scopes of practice, the future of nursing, and health care access. Based on these priorities, the 2021 NNA Legislative,
Advocacy, and Representation Committee prioritized the following bills during the 107th Nebraska Unicameral
Legislature Session. Special thanks are given to Don Wesely and O’Hara Lindsay Government Relations, NNA President
Kari Wade, and NNA State Director Kim Houtwed for their support, advice, and action during the 2021 session. The
following is a compilation of the prioritized bills and bills we will continue to monitor during the 107th session:
Hearing
Bill Position Indtroducer Topic Description/Activity
Date/Status
LB30 Support Wayne 3/1/21 Insulin Cost Limit the amount an insured pays for
Bank/Insure Letter of prescription insulin drug.
Support Held in Committee
LB87 SUPPORT Morfeld 3/2/21 Mental Health Provide for mental health first aid training for
Letter of training school districts and change provisions relating
Education Support to the use of lottery funds.
Indefinitely postponed
LB185 SUPPORT Brewer 2/25/21 Funding for tribally Appropriate funds to the Department of Health
owned federally and Human Services for public health aid
qualified health center General file – AM706
Appropriations Letter of State Tribal Relations Priority Bill
Support PASSED
LB281 SUPPORT Albrecht 2/23/21 Child sexual abuse Require child sexual abuse prevention instructional
PRIORITY Letter of prevention training programs for school students and staff
support sent Select File
Education
LB400 SUPPORT Arch 2/5/21 Telehealth coverage Change requirements related to coverage of
PRIORITY Letter of G.F. – AM200 TO E&R telehealth by insurers and Medicaid
HHS support Approved PASSED
Select File
LB447 SUPPORT M. Cavanaugh 2/4/21 Immunization Change provisions relating to immunization
HHS Letter of requirements opt outs under the Child Care Licensing Act
support HELD IN COMMITTEE
LB487 SUPPORT Arch 2/1/21 Telehealth coverage Change insurance coverage provisions for
B/I PRIORITY Letter of for mental health mental health conditions and serious mental
Bank/Insure support G.F. AM160 illness
PASSED
October 1, 2021 | 25COMMITTEE REPORTS
LB581 Oppose B. Hansen 2/2/21 Remove helmet Change motorcycle, moped, and autocycle
Letter of requirement helmet provisions
Tr/Tc opposition HELD IN COMMITTEE
LB52 MONITOR Lathrop 2/18/21 Provide for immunity for injury or death
Judiciary resulting from COVID-19 exposure
HELD IN COMMITTEE
LB53 MONITOR Lathrop 2/18/21 Provide immunity for health care providers
acting in conformance with the crisis standard
Judiciary of care during a COVID-19 state of emergency
HELD IN COMMITTEE
LB86 MONITOR Bostelman 2/10/21 G.F. - AM212 Require registration for the prescription drug
HHS monitoring system GENERAL FILE
LB119 MONITOR M. Cavanaugh 2/11/21 Change provisions of the Healthy Pregnancies
Judiciary for Incarcerated Women Act
HELD IN COMMITTEE
LB129 MONITOR McCollister 2/18/21 Change provisions relating to eligibility for
HHS services under the Medical Assistance Act
HELD IN COMMITTEE
LB139 MONITOR Breese 2/18/21 Slama Priority Adopt the COVID-19 Liability Protection Act
Judiciary
PASSED
LB183 MONITOR Hunt 2/19/21 AM163 Adopt the Sexual Assault Emergency Care Act
HHS AM491 and provide for discipline against a hospital’s
license
HELD IN COMMITTEE
LB207 MONITOR McDonnell 3/1/21 Change provisions relating to the date when
compensation begins under the Nebraska
B&L Workers’ Compensation Act
HELD IN COMMITTEE
LB211 MONITOR Murman 1/27/21 General File – AM562 Adopt the Reflexologist Registration Act
HHS
LB247 MONITOR Pansing -Brooks 2/24/21 Create the Mental Health Crisis Hotline Task
Force
PASSED
LB258 MONITOR Vargas 2/8/21 GENERAL FILE Adopt the Healthy and Safe Families and
B&L M Hansen Priority Workplaces Act
LB263 MONITOR Briese 2/3/21 Require occupational boards to issue certain
credentials based on credentials or work
Gov/Mil/Vet experience in another jurisdiction
HELD IN COMMITTEE
LB388 MONITOR Friesen 2/8/21 Hilgers PRIORITY Adopt the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act
Tr/Tc PASSED
LB390 MONITOR Murman 2/11/21 AM447 LB390 - Provide for credentials based on
HHS reciprocity and change requirements for
PRIORITY credentials under the Uniform Credentialing Act
PASSED
LB416 MONITOR M.Cavanaugh 1/28/21 HELD IN COMMITTEE Require implicit bias training under the
Uniform Credentialing Act and provide for
HHS duties and funding relating to postpartum care
and maternal health
LB441 MONITOR M. Hansen 3/1/21 HELD IN COMMITTEE Change provisions relating to compensation
for individuals affected by COVID-19 under the
B&L Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act
26 | 2021 NNA MeetingCOMMITTEE REPORTS
LB456 MONITOR Friesen 2/8/21 AMENDED INTO Adopt the Nebraska Enhancing Broadband Act
Tr/Tc LB388 PASSED
LB583 MONITOR Murman 2/5/21 AM116 Require electronic prescriptions for controlled
HHS Speaker Priority substances PASSED
LB626 MONITOR Vargas 2/19/21 GENERAL FILE Change provisions of the Child and Maternal
HHS Death
LB637 MONITOR Vargas 2/19/21 Change provisions relating to the control of
HHS contagious or infectious disease
HELD IN COMMITTEE
LB639 MONITOR Day 3/1/21 Adopt the seizure safe schools act.
PASSED
LB643 MONITOR B. Hansen 2/4/21 Protect an individual liberty right to accept or
HHS decline a vaccination under a mandatory directive
HELD IN COMMITTEE
LB661 MONITOR McDonnell 2/24/21 General File – AM612 Prohibit assault on a public transportation
driver and clarify provisions relating to assault
Judiciary on officers, emergency responders, certain
employees, and health care professionals
LB663 MONITOR Geist 2/3/21 Require the Nebraska Commission on Law
Enforcement and Criminal Justice to create a
mental health indicator in a criminal justice
Judiciary information system to alert emergency
dispatch operators
HELD IN COMMITTEE
LB667 MONITOR Halloran 3/1/21 HELD IN COMMITTEE Provide for confidentiality of and access to
Bus & Labor certain injury reports under the Nebraska
Workers’ Compensation Act
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October 1, 2021 | 27COMMITTEE REPORTS
Nursing Professional Development Committee (NPDC)
Stephanie Pelan, MSN RN (Nursing Practice)
NPDC Chair
Committee Members:
Katie Messner – Professional Educator
Jenna Hohenfeldt – Professor Educator
Chandra Anderson – Professional Educator
Ann Lif (Secretary) – Nursing Practice
Wendie Nash – Nursing Practice
Michelle Johnson (Past Chair) - Nursing Faculty
Julie Skrabal – Nursing Faculty
Marcia Kube - Professional Faculty
The core priorities of the NNA are Collaboration, Advocacy, Recognition, and Education. Together they form the
acronym C.A.R.E. This year the NPDC members have been upholding the core priorities and demonstrating C.A.R.E.
as a way to advocate for Nebraska nurses and recognize their accomplishments. One way the NPDC is an advocate
for Nebraska nurses’ voices to be heard is through the peer-review process of articles submitted to the Nebraska
Nurse magazine. Additionally, the NPDC reviewed the applications for the 2020 NNA awards and scholarships that
were announced at the annual NNA/NNP Joint Conference held virtually. I have enjoyed working with this dynamic
group of Nebraska nurses! I wish to thank you all for your time and collaboration in completing this year’s work.
Awards:
The NPDC was honored to award one recipient with the following 2020 award as recognition of her contribution to
the nursing profession.
Extraordinary Achievement in Nursing: Victoria Vinton, MSN RN
Scholarships:
NNA and the NPDC wishes to thank the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. and Jacy Henk and her family for
their generous donations to support Nebraska nurses and student nurses pursuing their educational achievements.
In 2020, the NPDC was honored to award the following scholarships.
Arthur L. Davis Publishing: Dalia Roman & Brittney DeWald
NNA Education Scholarship: Kerri Kreifels
Events:
Unfortunately, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, many of the events originally planned for the year were
cancelled. The Lincoln MIG had their annual “Celebrate Nursing” virtual event March 29, 2021, with a live webinar
and evidence-based poster presentations. The Omaha MIG is hosting a virtual 5k run/walk September 11, 2021.
2021 Nurses Day at the Legislature: Q & A session with Senators held on demand February 25, 2021. Virtual on
demand program available February 25 through March 31, 2021.
Upcoming:
The annual NNA Conference will be held virtually due to COVID-19 during October 1 - November 14, 2021. There
will be a live virtual business meeting and awards presentation held October 1, 2021, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
28 | 2021 NNA MeetingCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Governance, Finance and Membership Committee (GFMC)
Ashton Gerken MSN, RN – Chair of GFMC
Governance, Finance and Membership Committee: Ashton Gerken MSN, RN, CNRN, GFMC Chair (Nursing Practice
Staff Nurse), Margo Minnich, DNP, RN, GFMC Co-Chair (Nursing Faculty)
Committee Members: Cathy Smith MSN, RN, CRRN, CBIS (Treasurer), Tonja Frank BSN, RN (Nursing Practice Staff
Nurse), Lisa Cantrell MSN, BA, RN (Nursing Manager/Administrator), Savannah Henn RN (Rural), Jan Tubbs MSN, MS,
BS, RN (Urban), Luanne Lundergard MSN, RN(Urban), Past NNA Officer Anna Mackevicus (President Ex-Officio), Kari
Wade EdD, MSN, RN, CNE (President), Kim Houtwed MBA, BSN, RN (State Director), Rural (Open)
Membership Recruitment and Retention Strategies
• We did see an increase last year as of August 30, 2020, with our highest membership of the year at 1288.
However, with the unforeseen events of the pandemic which were consistent with the uncertainty of the
times, we are currently at 1265 members as of June 30, 2021.
• The GFMC committee is in the process of developing a three-year membership recruitment and retention
plan, per the NNA bylaws. It has been agreed that GFMC will review the Nebraska Hospital Associations
initiatives and make recommendations regarding Nebraska Nurse Association involvement and support.
• Continued efforts for recruiting nursing students and hospital nurse residency candidates by attending a
meeting and providing an educational/recruitment PowerPoint that highlights the benefits of NNA. This
transitioned to zoom meetings due to the unforeseen events from the pandemic.
• Candidates for NNA positions were recruited and validated as eligible to be placed on the ballot. From
July through September 1, 2021, we will work to fill these open positions. The committee will send out an
updated email for open positions/needs to the board. During the annual membership meeting we will give
an update, watch for the Letter from the State Director for openings.
Openings on slate are as follows:
• Board needs:
o Vice President
o Secretary
• Legislative, Advocacy and Representation Committee (LARC) needs:
o LARC Region 1
o LARC Region 2
o LARC Region 3
o LARC Region 4
o LARC At-Large
• Nursing Professional Development Committee (NPDC) needs
o Nursing Practice Member
o Nursing Practice Member
o Nursing Faculty Member
o Nursing Professional Educator
• Governance, Finance, and Membership Committee
o Nursing Practice Staff Nurse
o Nursing Manager/Administrator
o Rural
o Rural
o Urban
October 1, 2021 | 29COMMITTEE REPORTS
Bylaw Revisions and Proposals
• Proposed changes, approved by the Board of Directors to appear on the ballot. These bylaw proposals will be
voted on by the NNA membership and be effective for the 2022 NNA Bylaws.
o Article 7, Section 2b - “A quorum for elections and voting shall be 10 percent a majority of the current
voting members in good standing on January 1 preceding the election.” Updating to say, “Elections and
voting will be determined by the majority of current members. Striking the current sentence.
o Article 8, Section 10, c “Develop the annual budget for the association in collaboration with the state
director.” Striking the word Develop and change to “Review”
o Article 12, Section 1 - Update to wording from “These bylaws may be amended at any by a two-
thirds vote of the members voting provided that a quorum is established and provided previous 45-day
notice has been given of the voting. Update to align with Article 7 change to say, “These bylaws may
be amended at any time by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members voting provided that a quorum is
established; and provided previous 45-day notice has been given of the voting.”
Finance/Budget
• Reviewed drafted 2021 budget
• Reviewed the Financial report Profit & loss Budget for trends related to membership
30 | 2021 NNA Meeting2021 Nebraska Nurses Association Slate of Candidates
Terms of Office: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2023
Board of Directors
Vice President
Secretary
Legislative Advocacy and Representation Committee
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
At-Large
Nursing Professional Development Committee
Nursing Practice x 2
Nursing Faculty
Professional Educator
Governance, Finance, and Membership Committee
Nursing Practice Staff Nurse
Nursing Manager/Administrator
Rural x 2
Urban
October 1, 2021 | 31MUTUAL INTEREST GROUPS REPORTS
Omaha Metro Area Mutual Interest Group Annual Report
Anna Mackevicius, BSN RN PMP
Omaha Metro Area Mutual Interest Group
The on-going effects of the COVID-19 virus has, of course, changed the events planned by Omaha Metro Area
Nurses Mutual Interest Group of the Nebraska Nurses Association again this year. Most of our events were virtual or
a similar format.
Student Leaders Recognition
Members of the NNA Omaha Metro Area Mutual Interest Group and current faculty recognized 37 student nurse
leaders via a virtual event on March 20. Creighton University College of Nursing, University of Nebraska College of
Nursing, Clarkson College, Midland College, Nebraska Methodist College, College of Saint Mary, and Metropolitan
Community College recognized their local student nurses who are leaders of their campus’ Student Nurses Association.
Elisabeth Collins, a Metropolitan Community College alum, spoke to the group on Nursing Leadership. Ms. Collins,
originally from Nebraska, is a Nurse Practitioner and the Stroke Coordinator for Guam Regional Medical Center.
Virtual breakout rooms were utilized to facilitate networking and idea-sharing by students from the different schools
including discussing ideas for future group events, as well what was learned at the annual Nebraska State Student
Nurses Association convention held in February.
The planning members for this event, led by Beth Flott, Assistant Professor - Creighton University College of Nursing;
Beth was assisted by staff from the Omaha MIG area including Margo Minnich, another active planning member of
the Omaha MIG. Thank you Beth and Margo for planning and executing a great event.
Celebrate Nursing! and Positive Image of Nursing Breakfast
The format for this event was the same as 2020 MIG; we received information on 96 honorees from the local
healthcare systems and a few first-time nominators. A presentation of the honorees was posted to the NNA website
in May. Certificates and letters of nomination for each honoree were sent to their facility for distribution. Each
Honoree had a unique story that tugged at your heart strings! Also, each facility was sent slides for their honorees,
allowing each facility to hold their own event. A decision about the 2022 event is pending. We are not under contract
with a venue at this time. The MIG will carry the tradition forward – it might look a bit different.
Nurses Political Reception
The next Nurses Political Reception will be held on August 23, 2022, at the Thompson Alumni -Center. Mark your
calendars!
Planning members: Anna Mackevicius and Susie Ward
Omaha Metro Area Nurses MIG Fun Run/Walk
The annual Omaha Metro Area Nurses MIG Fun Run/Walk was held on September 11. The Fun Run/Walk was held
as a virtual format for 2021. Registration cost was $5 for adults (11 and up) and free for children 10 and younger.
Participants could walk or leisurely jog, or competitively run, and chose their routes. Look for an update in the
November issue of the Nebraska Nurse.
32 | 2021 NNA MeetingMUTUAL INTEREST GROUPS REPORTS
Planning members: Alice Kindschuh
Helping hands: Kim Houtwed and Travis Gallup (MSD)
Annual Dinner
Decision pending at this time. A member of the Omaha MIG will provide an update at the Annual NNA Membership
meeting.
Planning member: Jodi Kempnich
Feel free to contact me at annamackevicius@gmail.com if you have any questions about the Omaha Metro MIG
events or membership to NNA.
Lincoln Area MIG Chair Report
Jodi A. Nelson, MSN, RN
The Lincoln Area MIG, with the support of NNA, works diligently to uphold the organization’s mission, vision, and
core priorities of collaboration, advocacy, recognition, and education.
The MIG held one event this year, Celebrate Nursing. The event was delivered in a virtual format on March 29, 2021.
Twenty-five people registered for the event, nine people attended the presentation, and eight people viewed the
online poster presentation. The speaker, Anne Boatright, MSN, RN, State Forensic Nursing Coordinator, presented
“Human Trafficking: What Nurses Will See, What Resources Are Available & Where Do We Go From Here?”
Respectfully submitted,
Jodi A Nelson, MSN, RN
Tri-City MIG Report
Douglass Haas, DNP, APRN-NP, FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC
The Tri-City MIG has spent 2021 like much of the other NNA MIGS and health care professionals across the state –
in survival mode. The rigors of the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the NNA members of Central Nebraska, and
we have done our best to provide support through whatever virtual or in person means we had available. Current
Tri-City MIG members have volunteered at vaccine clinics, shared important health information on social media, and
have shared kind words and positive affirmations to all who needed them. We will continue to focus as many efforts
as possible on Central Nebraska and hope for a brighter 2022 outlook.
October 1, 2021 | 33MUTUAL INTEREST GROUPS REPORTS
Region 1 Panhandle MIG
Wendy Wells, BS, BSN, MSN, RN
Region 1 NNA MIG activities were put on hold from March 2020-May 2021 when in collaboration with the local
Scottsbluff Campus Student Nurses Association (SNA) and the Nebraska Panhandle Area Health Education Center
(NP-AHEC), an end of year picnic was held for UNMC CON West Nebraska (BSN) and Western Nebraska Community
College (WNCC) (ADN) nursing students on Nurses Day May 6, 2021. It was well attended by the Region 1 members,
retirees and the students. Door prizes were provided by NP- AHEC, the MIG and individual nurse members.
The “Student Nurse of the Year” awardees were acknowledged by a certificate and nursing tote bag provided by
the Region 1 MIG. Devin Beaver with UNMC CON West Nebraska Division-Scottsbluff and Norma Rojas-Trujillo with
WNCC were chosen by a faculty vote for this honor. “Congratulation” ink pens were distributed to the graduating
BSN and ADN students. An invitation to join NNA/ANA was extended.
The Region 1 NNA MIG will plan to return to their regular activities in the fall including quarterly meetings and
support of nurses and student nurses to attend conventions.
34 | 2021 NNA MeetingOTHER REPORTS
Nebraska Nurses Foundation
Teresa L. Anderson, EdD, MSN, RN, NE-BC
NNF Board of Directors
Teresa@tlandersonconsulting.com
The Nebraska Nurses Foundation continues to work to address our annual goals around fundraising, marketing, and
our project grants for NNA members.
2020 Goals
The following brief summary provides a status report on the 2020 Goals:
• Webpage Maintenance – ongoing
• Silent Auction Planning and Growth – with the NNA Convention virtual, the Silent Auction was again deferred,
and plans are to resume in 2022 with virtual and in-person options.
• Celebrate A Nurse/Proud to Be a Nebraska Nurse Pins – these fundraisers are continuing and $145.00 was
contributed this past year.
• $1000 project grant – was not awarded, applications did not meet criteria; criteria revised for 2022 to enhance
the understanding of expectations for applicants.
• Explore Applicable Grants to expand the reach and benefits of the NNF – deferred due to manpower issues
and Covid-19.
$3401.41 Donation from Raising Cane’s
The final amount donated by Raising Canes restaurants in the Lincoln area and west was $3401.01. Despite numerous
calls for stories from nurses, the Covid-19 book project has been transitioned to published stories in the Nebraska
Nurse. A portion of the funds was used to design templates that are being utilized for the quarterly stories.
Kadogo (Share Your Change Pilot)
Kadogo helps individuals turn everyday purchases into charitable donations and makes it simple for everyone to
donate their spare change, cashback rewards, stock, assets, and more with ease to nonprofits, of their choice,
through their Card Linking as a Service (CLaaS) platform. The NNF was offered the opportunity to join the corporate
pilot for free in 2021. After evaluating the program, the Board voted to accept this offer and move forward into
digital fundraising. This pilot will be initiated in fall of 2021.
New 2021 Goals:
• Participate in Kadogo pilot and consider continuing the service if successful.
• Prepare for virtual and in-person Silent Auction to resume in 2022.
Ongoing Projects:
Honor a Nurse in Passing with the Nightingale Tribute
Celebrate a Nurse
NNF Project Grants
Scholarships
October 1, 2021 | 35OTHER REPORTS
These activities will be reactivated in 2021 – 2022 pending the status of the pandemic.
Board Activities:
No meeting was held in September 2020 due to a lack of business to discuss.
The Executive Board met in December to discuss the project grant applications. Based on that discussion the
application and scoring processes were revised to improve applicant chances of success meeting required criteria.
April 2021 Meeting was held with a quorum to accept the resignations of Cathy Parker and Joanie Nelson. A call for
new Board members was disseminated via the NNA Newsletter. To date, one applicant for two positions has been
received. Any NNA member in good standing is encouraged to contact Teresa@tlandersonconsulting.com for more
information and application materials. The Board hopes to approve two new members by the end of 2021 to finish
those two open positions. Additional positions may also be available at the end of the 2019 – 2021 terms for existing
members who may not wish to return.
Meetings are scheduled in September and December 2021.
Financial Statement 2020
Account Balances – December 31, 2020
General Checking - $23,123.96
Shirley Dooling Memorial - $1,196.15
Scholarship Endowment - $19,283.69
NNA Scholarship Fund - $10,916.27
January – December 2020 Donation Revenues = $3681.41
January – December 2020 Expenses = $4234.54
Advertising/Office Expenses = 2894.97
Computer/Internet = 534.17
Gail Graham Scholarship = $0.00
MSD Services = $421.65
Audit = $150.00
Credit Card Charges = $136.68
Financial Statement 2021 YTD
Account Balances – June 30, 2021
General Checking - $23,027.07
Shirley Dooling Memorial - $1,196.15
Scholarship Endowment - $19,283.69
NNA Scholarship Fund - $10,916.27
Gail Graham Higher Education Fund - $4500.00
January – June 2021 Donation Revenues = $45.00
January – June 2021 Expenses = $141.89
Service/Credit Card Charges = $61.89
MSD Services = $80.00
Please consider committing to a donation to the NNF, perhaps in honor or memory of a nurse colleague or family
member or help us launch the Kadogo pilot by agreeing to be a Champion!
Watch the NNA Newsletter and Nebraska Nurse for more information.
36 | 2021 NNA MeetingOTHER REPORTS
2021 American Nurses Association Membership Assembly
Linda Stones, MS, BSN, RN, CRRN
The 2021 Membership Assembly of the American Nurses Association was very unique again this year. It was again held
virtually but this year it was spread over several dates. Due to the multiple time zones of attendees, the meeting started at 5
pm CST, allowing our colleagues in California and Hawaii to attend at a reasonable hour. While we are all getting accustomed
to virtual meetings, holding a virtual meeting with over 400 attendees is nothing short of a miracle. I felt that the ANA staff
did a great job of identifying the opportunities from 2020, and making new accommodations for 2021. The platform that
they used this year and the format was significantly better.
This year there were four (4) topics discussed in Dialogue Forum. The first was submitted by the ANA Board of Directors and
focused on Health Care Delivery Systems that Fully Incorporate Nursing Services. The second was presented by four nurses across
multiple states and was related to Prevision Health and Genomics. The third dialogue forum was submitted by Marilyn Rantz and
Lori Popejoy of the Missouri Nurses Association on the topic of APRN Full Practice in Nursing Homes. The final topic was prepared
by the Professional Policy Committee on the Topic of Lessons Learned: COVID 19 Pandemic Crisis Standards of Care. As you can
see by the topics, all very relevant topics that prompted rich discussion. Let me highlight the recommendations of each.
Health Care Delivery Systems that Fully Incorporate Nursing Services: This dialogue forum was set out to talk about the
1999 House of Delegates approved policy endorsing a single –payer system. The ANA Board of Directors brought forth this topic,
as the 1999 position on a single payer system, limits ANA’s involvement in discussions that involve a variety of payers. Basically,
regardless of how the system is financed, ANA needs to be at the table advocating for the equitable payment of nursing services
and to allow nurses to practice to the fullest extent of their training, while also advocating for patient access and quality care.
The final recommendation was to endorse universal health care coverage that assures equitable access to comprehensive nursing
services, incorporating appropriate reimbursement of all needed services and full practice authority for all nurses in the healthcare
delivery system. Therefore rescinding the 1999 House of Delegates approved policy of endorsing a single payer system.
Precision Health and Genomics: This group of nurses spoke about the use of genetics to help optimize care specific to the
individual. They shared the value of Genomics by way of sharing case reviews of how this information can assist the delivery
of individualized care that can produce better outcomes. This was a relatively new topic and many delegates were educated
about the topic for the first time. The final recommendation was related to launching a strategic initiative to integrate precision
and genomics into basic and advanced nursing practice. This includes education and training, and developing competencies.
APRN Full Practice in Nursing Homes: This group presented on the challenges of providing care in nursing homes. The
group highlighted the benefits and the barriers to APRNs working in nursing homes. The recommendation is to have ANA
advocate for changes that would allow APRNs to directly bill for services provided in skilled and long term care facilities.
Lessons Learned: COVID 19 Pandemic Crisis Standards of Care: This dialogue forum discussed the greatest challenge of
the COVID 19 pandemic was the lack of crisis standards of care when there were not sufficient resources, Human or material,
to meet patient care needs. The group encouraged self-reflection and dialogue to record the challenges and bring together
individuals to attempt to mitigate the challenges in future situations. The recommendations from this proposal include a
report back to the 2022 Membership assembly on the development of crisis standards of care and preparation of nurses and
the profession to respond to future disasters. The second recommendation was to encourage the different nursing groups to
share innovations and best practices and lessons learned and report back to Membership Assembly in 2022.
As you can see the topics were diverse, timely and forward thinking. It was a pleasure to represent the great nurses in the
State of Nebraska at this virtual membership assembly. It is also an honor to participate in the governing organization of
our profession. Additional information on these topics is available on the ANA website. Questions or comments can also be
directed to me, lstonesrn@gmail.com. Again, thank you for electing me to serve in this role.
October 1, 2021 | 37OTHER REPORTS
Nebraska Nurses Association – Political Action Committee
Since 2021 is not an election year, the NNA PAC has primarily focused on options for additional fundraising. Long
term goals of the PAC are to start working with nurses to create an interest in a nurse running for a state legislative
position. Nebraska does not have a nurse elected to the Unicameral. If there are nurses interested in running for a
state seat, we encourage you to reach out to the NNA PAC. We will do what we can to support nurse
The Nebraska Nurses Association Political Action Committee (NNA-PAC) has been working on nurses’ behalf to elect
and re-elect champions for nurses to public office. It’s critically important, now more than ever, to make sure
nurses have a seat at the table.
NNA-PAC’s sole source of funding comes from members’ voluntary contributions and works to elect leaders who
will be steadfast in their support for nurses and their patients. None of NNA’s members’ contributions are allocated
toward the administration of the PAC. The PAC is the only way NNA can support state candidates, regardless of
party, for office.
Nurses advocate every day for patients. But who is advocating for nurses? NNA-PAC works hard to
ensure nurses have a voice in the Unicameral, and your PAC membership makes the difference in electing
champions for nurses to the Nebraska Unicameral.
Please, consider contributing.
Lastly, I want to thank Don Wesely, Government Relations contractor and mentor to all of us, as well as the NNA PAC
board members for their service.
NNA PAC Board Members are:
Melissa Florell, Treasurer
Lin Hughes, Secretary
Carol Lanouf
Alice Kindschuh
Linda Stones
Jean Phelan
Erica Parrish
Kari Wade
Respectfully Submitted,
Rita Weber, Chair
38 | 2021 NNA MeetingOTHER REPORTS
State Directors Report
Kim Houtwed, MBA, BSN, RN
Nebraska Nurses have faced another unprecedented year of COVID, social distancing and vaccine hesitancy. What
a remarkably resilient membership we have. With so many competing choices, you made a great decision to join or
renew your membership with the Nebraska Nurses Association!
With 2021 being the second consecutive Year of the Nurse and Midwife, we were proud to be recognized during
Nurses Month by Governor Ricketts with a Proclamation that acknowledges that:
• Nurses are everywhere we live, work, play, learn, and worship, and in every health care setting providing care
to millions of people. In fact, about 1 in every 100 Americans is a registered nurse.
• Every day nurses excel, lead, and innovate in our communities, clinics, hospitals, and health care systems,
making them vital to transforming the future of health care.
• Nurses foster leadership, promote innovation, and empower nurses, we improve health and the quality of
health services for all.
• Nurses are closest to patients, providing care from birth to the end of life, and practicing in settings that
include hospitals, schools, home care, private practices and clinics, long term care facilities, hospice, and
many others.
• Nurses make an incredible difference in the quality of care by educating communities, advocating for patients’
rights, offering emotional support, and helping change lives.
• Through sheer numbers and wide-ranging roles, nurses have an unmatched perspective on prevention,
wellness, and delivery of health care services.
• Nurses show strength, resilience and determination while navigating an ever-changing and complex health
care landscape reinforces how nurses make a difference.
• Nurses make a difference as trusted advocates who ensure individuals, families, groups, communities, and
populations receive quality patient care and services.
• For 19 consecutive years, the American public has ranked nurses the professionals with the highest honesty
and ethical standards. These results underscore the deep trust the public has in nurses.
Highlights of the Last Year
Membership
• In 2021 we experienced a minimal drop in membership numbers yet maintained over 1260 members in the
last two years.
October 1, 2021 | 39OTHER REPORTS
• We were awarded a $5,000 grant in April 2021 from the ANA Nurses Foundation for the Nebraska RN
Connect project, a free and open to all nurses, opt-in text messaging system. Messages included links to
associated resources and topics focused on building resilience, such as decompression, self-care, making
connections, being present, and gratitude. 156 Nebraska nurses participated after texting the word “RN
connect” to a designated sign-up number, participants then received 16 messages over a 12-week period.
• A membership survey was conducted in January 2021. We received a total of 89 responses with the themes
of additional education opportunities and legislative advocacy as he most requested.
• As part of the ANA benefit offerings, NNA adopted new benefits for members only this year including the
Prudential Financial Wellness program, switched professional liability from Mercer to NSO, switched student
loan refinancing from Common Bond to Laurel Road, and added two new benefit programs: Liberty Mutual
Auto & Home and Prudential/AON Life and AD&D Insurance.
Collaboration
• NNA worked with the APRN Coalition thru the 407 Review process for an APRN Consensus Model and
planning for future work.
• NNA partnered with the NAC- Nebraska Action Coalition to assist them in planning for their 2021 conference.
Due to extenuating circumstances, the NAC was unable to hold their conference and has officially dissolved
their organization.
• NNA participated in the Community Organizations Group that included dozens of Healthcare Associations
across Nebraska, that provided unified messages and editorials on COVID and the COVID Vaccine in press
releases and on social media.
Technology
• Added a Career Center to the Nursing Network platform, where job openings in Nebraska can be listed by
employers.
• NNA provided a free webinar on the COVID vaccine that was available to members.
• Continued to utilize Facebook ads to promote events- reaching both members and non-members.
• Designed a billboard encouraging the public to get their COVID vaccine. The billboard is located near the
Omaha Zoo.
• Held our two biggest events virtually this year: Annual Convention provided on demand education to 80
registered participants and Nurses Day at the Legislature, which was attended by almost 500 nurses and
student nurses, as well as Nebraska Senators.
40 | 2021 NNA MeetingOTHER REPORTS
Midwest Multi-State Division (MW MSD)
Chief Executive Officer Update
Jill Kliethermes MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Chief Executive Officer
Midwest Multistate Division
The MW MSD has now been fully implemented and operationally for five years. Utilizing shared resources has shown
to increase membership and strengthen the imprint of state nurse’s associations (SNAs) on nursing practice and
public policy within the states.
The MW MSD board of directors have had four meetings this year and due to COVID-19 our annual in-person board
meeting on August 20th was also held virtually. We continue to be open to discussions with other state nurse’s
associations (SNA) who may benefit from joining an MSD. We have also implemented several member benefits
programs for members in each state.
The current MW MSD board members are Terry Reese (MO), President, Stephen Pennington (AR), Vice-President,
Michelle Harp (AR), Secretary/Treasurer, Adam Tebben (KS), Linda Wendling-Adams (KS), Kari Wade (NE), Douglass
Haas (NE), and Caryl Goodyear (MO). Each member SNA is allotted two board seats.
NNA continues to have independent, incorporated, and fiduciary Board of Directors at the state level to
manage strategic and financial decisions, events, local advocacy, and legislative actions. Bylaws, elections,
reference proposals, membership and budgetary planning remain the responsibility of the NNA.
The MW MSD Board of Directors believe that the economy of scale created by the joint operations has enhanced
member value (responsiveness, technology support, additional education, and expert consultation) and reduce
expenses, while reducing the burden on volunteer leaders. The MW MSD Chief Executive Officer assists NNA as
needed and maintains operations in the absence of a state director.
The Nebraska Nurses Association participated fully in the development of the MW MSD as a corporation and continue
their dedication to make it a successful and self-sustaining model for association operations. Kari Wade, President,
and Douglass Haas, Past President are currently serving as the Nebraska representatives on the MW MSD board.
Should you have any questions regarding the MW MSD feel free to contact your NNA board representatives or
myself.
October 1, 2021 | 41You can also read
