April 8, 2026

Contact:

Gabi Nintunze

E: gnintunze@texasnurses.org

Darrick Nicholas

E: dnicholas@texasnurses.org

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New Poll Finds Texas Republican Voters Overwhelmingly Support Protecting Access to Vaccines to Prevent the Spread of Communicable Illnesses

Roughly 85% of Those Surveyed Back Policies Ensuring Safe and Effective Vaccines Remain Widely Available

Austin, TX – As National Infant Immunization Week approaches, the Texas Nurses Association (TNA), the leading statewide association of licensed nurses, today released findings from a new survey examining attitudes toward vaccines among Republican voters in Texas and how the recent statewide measles outbreak may have influenced those views.

The results show that the overwhelming majority of Texas Republican voters recognize the role vaccines play in preventing diseases and expect state policymakers to support policies that protect against disease outbreaks and ensure continued access to safe and effective vaccines.

A 2024 Gallup poll pointed to a decline in vaccination support among national Republicans and Republican-leaning independents. These findings led TNA to probe attitudes among Republican and Republican-leaning independent voters in Texas to better understand the purported shift in Republican voters’ attitudes toward immunizations.

This state-specific data indicates support for immunizations in Texas remains strong, regardless of party affiliation.

“As we see a rise in cases of vaccine-preventable diseases in Texas, it is understandable that the growing call for action is more unified,” TNA CEO Dr. Serena Bumpus said. “We encourage our lawmakers to refer to this study when considering public health measures that match what the public wants.”

Key findings of the survey include:

• Texas Republicans recognize the effectiveness of vaccines. Nearly 9 in 10 Texas Republican primary voters agree vaccines have successfully prevented once-common illnesses — signaling strong public support for policies that maintain access to routine immunizations.

• Voters want lawmakers to protect vaccine access and prevent outbreaks. About 85% of those surveyed say state lawmakers should ensure safe and effective vaccines remain widely available. 75% of those surveyed want lawmakers to prioritize protecting Texans from future measles outbreaks.

• Medical expertise should guide policy decisions. Nearly 85% say state lawmakers should listen to doctors and nurses when shaping vaccine policy.

• Science, not politics, should drive vaccine policy. An overwhelming 93% agree that vaccine decisions should be based on science and medical expertise rather than politics.

“It is important for voters and lawmakers to understand that immunizations in the United States are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy before they are brought to market,” Jack Frazee, TNA’s director of government affairs and general counsel, said. “Thanks to the premarket approval system, we can rest assured that immunizations recommended by health professionals are based on sound science. By ensuring access to these incredible technologies, we can live free of diseases that previously devastated the health and safety of communities across Texas.”

To view the full findings of the survey, click here.

Disclosures: The Texas Nurses Association and its consultants, Rational 360, partnered with Public Opinion Strategies to conduct a statewide survey in Texas among 600 likely GOP primary voters. The survey was fielded between December 3 and December 7, 2025. The survey was conducted over phone and via text-to-web. The margin of error for results +4.0%. This poll was supported by Pfizer.

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About Texas Nurses Association

The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) is a statewide membership-based professional association of licensed nurses. Founded in 1907, TNA is the most inclusive nursing association in Texas and one of the largest state nursing associations in the country.

Our members represent all segments of nursing practice — bedside to administration, consulting to advanced practice, and education to legislation — and all practice settings, including hospital, home and community health, public health, higher education, long-term care, school health and policy. As diverse as they are, TNA members share a common purpose: Advancing excellence in nursing. Visit www.texasnurses.org.

In a time when our country feels deeply divided and emotions run high, this moment calls for pause and reflection. First and foremost, TNA echoes the call for transparency and accountability for all involved. Violence and loss only deepen wounds, and Alex’s loved ones deserve answers.

Alex was a nurse, someone who chose a profession grounded in care, compassion, and service to others. Nurses show up every day to heal, to comfort, and to stand with people in their most vulnerable moments. That commitment deserves to be honored.

This is not a moment for assumptions or division. It is a moment for empathy. For grief. For recognizing our shared humanity and the profound impact of a life cut short.

Our thoughts are with Alex’s family, friends, colleagues, and the nursing community who feel this loss deeply. May we honor his life by choosing care over conflict and remembering that every life has value.

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About the Texas Nurses Association
The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) is a statewide membership-based professional association of licensed nurses. Founded in 1907, TNA is the most inclusive nursing association in Texas and the largest state nursing association in the country.

Our members represent all segments of nursing practice — bedside to administration, consulting to advanced practice, and education to legislation — and all practice settings, including hospital, home and community health, public health, higher education, long-term care, school health and policy. As diverse as they are, TNA members share a common purpose: Advancing excellence in nursing. Visit www.texasnurses.org.

Biennial award recognizes nurses who have made a lasting positive impact on nurses and the nursing profession.

Austin, TX —The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) is pleased to announce the 2026 Leaders & Legends of Texas Nursing. This year’s awardees are:

• Joyce Batcheller, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
• Cindy Diamond, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, PMH-BC
• Margie Dorman O’Donnell, MSN, MBA, RN
• Sarah J. Williams, PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE (r), ANEF, APBCC-HPC

These nurses will be recognized during the Texas Nurses Foundation’s Leaders & Legends Gala on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Gaylord Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. The event takes place during the 2026 TNA Annual Conference. More details can be found here: https://www.texasnurses.org/page/SIU

Presented every other year, the Leaders & Legends of Texas Nursing award recognizes those who have contributed significantly to the association’s mission, vision and purpose. Honorees have a distinguished career that includes a strong commitment to TNA, active involvement in local, state, national or international nursing organizations and other health-related organizations, and exceptional leadership in nursing practice, education, leadership or research that positively impacted the health or social and political history of Texas.

Statement from the Texas Nurses Association

All Deserve Quality Maternal Care in Texas

Over the weekend of November 15th and 16th of 2025, the Texas Nurses Association became aware of a controversy at Dallas Regional Medical Center involving a nurse and a patient that captured public attention. The Association heard concerns from its members and the public about racially inequitable treatment in healthcare and the safety of those involved in the incident. The Association does not comment on individual cases due to the potentially prejudicial nature of such comments; however, we hear your concerns and share a commitment to improving care for patients and eliminating racial inequities in healthcare. 

Racial inequities in healthcare are multifactorial, but we can make material improvements as professionals and members of the public. We do not have to accept these trends as permanent or inevitable. 

Reversing these trends begins with the way we treat one another on an interpersonal and professional level and extends to broader, systematic changes that need to be made. 

All nurses are expected to follow the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics. In fact, its first provision speaks to this point: “The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.” Data continually points to the crisis facing our state. The “Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee and Department of State Health Services Joint Biennial Report 2024” reflects a pattern of racially related outcomes, with non-Hispanic Black women facing the highest maternal death rate as well as the highest rate of severe maternal morbidity.  According to the report, in 2021, the [severe maternal morbidity] rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 134.4 cases per 100,000 delivery hospitalizations, compared to: 

• 82.6 cases per 100,000 delivery hospitalizations for non-Hispanic women of other races; 
• 82.2 cases per 100,000 delivery hospitalizations for Hispanic women; and 
• 72.6 cases per 100,000 delivery hospitalizations for non-Hispanic White women. 

Healthcare systems and professional organizations in Texas must also act to alleviate the systemic barriers in healthcare today. At TNA, our EMPOWER committee in 2024 began studying historical measures that fostered systemic racism within the organization and the nursing profession. To ensure all voices are heard, the committee has spent the past several months developing a survey to better understand how racism appears in our work, and how we can eliminate it across nursing and healthcare delivery. This survey will be disseminated to nurses statewide in 2026. There is no quick fix to breaking down these life-threatening barriers; but we cannot avoid doing the work of dismantling systemic racism because it’s hard to do.   

As nurses, we have a responsibility to treat all patients with the same level of care. As our Code directs, “It is essential to address health disparities by providing culturally concordant care, fostering patient-centered communication, and engaging in allyship to improve patient outcomes.” 

We encourage all Texas nurses to take this opportunity to review their professional ethical standards, and join us in working to alleviate the systemic barriers to create a health system that works for everyone.

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About the Texas Nurses Association
The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) is a statewide membership-based professional association of licensed nurses. Founded in 1907, TNA is the most inclusive nursing association in Texas and the largest state nursing association in the country.

Our members represent all segments of nursing practice — bedside to administration, consulting to advanced practice, and education to legislation — and all practice settings, including hospital, home and community health, public health, higher education, long-term care, school health and policy. As diverse as they are, TNA members share a common purpose: Advancing excellence in nursing. Visit www.texasnurses.org.

Sept. 10, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Kate McDuffie
National Association of School Nurses
kmcduffie@nasn.org

Darrick Nicholas
Director of Communications
Texas Nurses Association
dnicholas@texasnurses.org   

Texas School Nurses and Health Leaders Call for Urgent Clarification of SB 12 Implementation

SILVER SPRING, MD — Texas school nurses are committed to protecting the health and safety of every student in our care. The recent implementation of Senate Bill 12 (SB 12), requiring written parental consent for all health-related services provided in schools, has created significant and immediate challenges for districts, families, and school health professionals.

SB 12 requires schools to notify parents of each health-related service offered at their child’s school and obtain written parental consent before providing any health services, administering medication, or conducting a medical procedure. The law also directs school districts to take disciplinary action against any school staff member who provides health-related services without that written consent.

We believe parents have a right to know what is happening at their child’s school, and consent is a cornerstone of healthcare in all settings. Our advocacy efforts support parental consent and parental involvement in student health. However, the language in SB 12 is excessively restrictive and unclear. It prohibits school nurses from providing care without parental consent, except in cases of emergency. That prohibition is paired with the threat of disciplinary action. For parents who are confused by these changes, it is important to know that school nurses are obligated to follow this strict prohibition or they risk discipline at the district-level as well as the professional licensing level with the Texas Board of Nursing. Nurses do not have the authority to change the laws imposed on them even in situations where they are clearly impractical.

Unfortunately, this strict prohibition’s implementation has added to the difficulty that school nurses and parents are facing. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) issued its initial guidance on August 28 with an effective September 1 date, leaving schools only one business day, before a holiday weekend, to implement the directive. For many school districts and families this was not adequate time to prepare or respond. It did not provide adequate notice to parents to process the changes and provide consent for services they would expect to be provided. Further complicating the situation, TEA revised its guidance on September 8. It would not be surprising if there are additional changes in implementation. TEA published a draft rule, which must go through a public notice and comment period before it is finalized. Based on the public’s feedback, the rule may change before it is adopted. This is a standard process under the Texas Administrative Procedures Act, however rule making is rarely caught up in situations that are this disruptive to parents’ lives. We want to provide clarity for the public and caution that we are aware of inaccurate information circulating on social media. School nurses are legally accountable to follow the law as written in SB 12 until official directives are finalized. Each district then has to implement the directives. Even the implementation process is limited in its legal authority. It must establish rules and guidance within the parameters of the law written by the Texas Legislature.

The uncertainty created by this law’s passage and implementation has left school nurses in the difficult position of being legally restricted from providing even the most basic first aid without signed parental consent. SB 12 provides no clear exemption for routine first aid or urgent but non-life-threatening situations, such as a playground injury, a bloody nose, or a sudden migraine. Parents reasonably expect immediate help in these circumstances, but without a signed form on file, that help may be delayed—through no fault of the nurse.

School nurses are allies to parents, guardians, and communities. We respect and honor parental rights, and we also know from decades of experience that students’ health needs are immediate, unpredictable, and sometimes life-threatening. The implementation of these new consent requirements has created unnecessary delays and significant risks for Texas students. Given this legal backdrop, it is important for parents to be aware of the limitations that have been placed on school nurses in the absence of parental consent.

We urge state leaders to work with educators, families, and health professionals to clarify this law and ensure that its application does not compromise timely student care in schools. Children should never be placed at risk because of procedural barriers or shifting guidance.

We call on policymakers to:

• Provide clear exemptions for emergency care and routine first aid.
• Ensure districts and families have reasonable timelines and tools for compliance.
• Engage with school nurses and healthcare professionals in shaping final guidance.

Our shared goal is safe, healthy, and ready-to-learn students. We remain committed to working with state leaders and families to uphold both parental rights and student well-being.

Signed:

Texas School Nurses Organization (TSNO)

Texas Nurses Association (TNA)

National Association of School Nurses (NASN)





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About NASN

The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) is a nonprofit specialty nursing organization, organized in 1968 and incorporated in 1977, representing school nurses exclusively. NASN has more than 18,000 members. The mission of NASN is to optimize student health and learning by advancing the practice of school nursing. To learn more about NASN, please visit us on the Web at www.nasn.org or call 866-627-6767.



About the Texas Nurses Association

The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) is a statewide membership-based professional association of licensed nurses. Founded in 1907, TNA is the most inclusive nursing association in Texas and the largest state nursing association in the country.

Our members represent all segments of nursing practice — bedside to administration, consulting to advanced practice, and education to legislation — and all practice settings, including hospital, home and community health, public health, higher education, long-term care, school health and policy. As diverse as they are, TNA members share a common purpose: Advancing excellence in nursing. Visit www.texasnurses.org.


About the Texas School Nurses Organization

The Texas School Nurses Organization is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional association and a state affiliate of the National Association of School Nurses. As the only professional group in Texas solely representing school nurses, it serves as a unified voice for the specialty practice of school nursing in the state. TSNO partners with other organizations of similar focus to further advance its mission to enhance whole student wellness and learning by strengthening school nursing practice.

The EBP Fellowship Program will allow nurses to explore cutting-edge research in their practice areas.

Austin, TX — The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) has launched the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Fellowship Program. This unique program is an intensive fellowship for practicing nurses that is designed to improve patient care through evidence-based practice. This 6-month fellowship brings together nurses across the state with diverse experiences, practice settings, and license types to learn, innovate, and implement EBP in their practice areas.

Nationally, there are a limited number of EBP programs offering experiential learning offerings like the TNA EBP Program. EBP is the basis for decision making in nursing practice and is a core competency for graduates of all nursing programs in Texas, including vocational nursing. Nurses do not always have the skills necessary to conduct EBP projects and navigate EBP implementation challenges. Furthermore, there is limited EBP support and access to EBP mentors in resource-limited settings, such as rural and critical access hospitals which are prevalent in Texas. 

“The Texas Nurses EBP Fellowship Program will bring nurses from across the state together who are leading local initiatives in diverse practice settings, and will allow them to be part of the association’s efforts to invest in their success is truly inspiring,” says program faculty Amber Wood MSN, RN, CNOR, CIC, EBP-C, FAPIC. 

The EBP Fellowship program is designed to enhance the readiness of nurses to implement EBP in their work settings to lead the way in advancing the profession of nursing. Throughout the program, fellows will actively engage in a variety of activities aimed at supporting them as they implement projects in their work settings. 

The hybrid program will be delivered synchronously over six months through a mix of virtual and in-person sessions at the Texas Nurses Association office in Austin, Texas. Experts will offer mentorship throughout the program, and support from on-site nurse champions to guide the fellows will be a pivotal component of program success. 

The first cohort of participants consists of 23 nurses affiliated with 18 different health systems and work settings across Texas.
• Janna Berg, BSN, RN, CPN – (Children’s Health - Dallas)
• Sherl y Billones, MSN, RNC-MNN – (Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital)
• Tasha D. Bryant, MSN, CCRN, FNP-BC, CPNP-AC – (Texas Children’s Hospital)
• Adelaine Cunningham, DNP, RN, HACP-CMS, CLSSGB – (UT Southwestern Medical Center)
• Emily Francia, RN – (Memorial Hermann)
• Ebony Gebrehawariat, BSN, RN – (AccentCare)
• Laurna Guidry, LVN – (Department of Veterans Affairs)
• Juliana Ibekwe, BSN, RN, CMSRN – (Texas Health Resources, Presbyterian Plano)
• Lauren James, MSN, RN, CPN – (Texas Children’s)
• Juliann Kuykendall, BSN, RN, AE-C – (Dallas VA)
• Lindsey Leija, BSN, RN – (Covenant Medical Center / South Plains College)
• Maryum Martin, MSN, APRN, AGAC-NP – (Methodist Health System - Celina)
• Michael McAllister, DNP, RN, CNL, LSSYB – (Texas Health Resources)
• Edtrina Moss, PhD, RN, MBA, NE-BC, AMB-BC, CPHQ, CLSSGB – (Harris Health)
• Nancy Ornelas, LVN – (Midland Health)
• Madison Patten, BSN, RN – (The Hospital at Westlake Medical Center)
• Klade Rodriguez, MHA-SM, BSN, RN, BS-AEP – (Doctor Alliance)
• Vanessa Rodriguez, BSN, RN, CMCN, CMGT-BC – (Houston Methodist)
• Tomika Rogers, RN, BSN, MHA – (VA North Texas HCS)
• Ashley Shafer, BSN, RN, CNML – (Texoma Medical Center)
• Tammy Straps, MSN, RN-BC – (Harris Health LBJ)
• Alanda White, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC – (San Antonio Northwest Health Care Center)
• Kirsten Williams, BSN – (Veterans Affairs Hospital)

“We are thrilled to welcome the inaugural class of Evidence-Based Practice Fellows," says Serena Bumpus, Chief Executive Officer of TNA. “These individuals are trailblazers in the nursing profession who will turn knowledge into action and set a new standard for excellence in care.” 

A virus mostly eradicated since the 1990’s has resurfaced in Texas in unprecedented numbers since the last recorded highest case count in 2019 (23 cases). There is currently an outbreak of the measles virus which is known to have been first recorded in Gaines County, Texas. As of February 28, 2025, there have been 146 cases between Dallam, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Terry, and Yoakum counties with suspected or growing cases in the San Marcos, San Antonio, and Central Texas regions. There has been one death reported and multiple hospitalizations. The majority of those hospitalized have been unvaccinated individuals.  

Background 

Measles is a highly contagious virus that if one person has been infected, it is likely that 90% of unprotected people will also become infected (DSHS, 2025). The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is known to provide long-lasting protection from the virus. Typically, individuals are immunized in childhood at 12 to 15 months with a second dose between the ages of 4 and 6 years of age. This vaccine is highly effective and contributes to 93% effectiveness with the first dose and up to 97% effectiveness after the second dose. In rare situations (less than 3% of cases), individuals do not achieve immunity and can be given an additional series. Immunity can be suspected after receiving both doses or confirmed through a lab blood test via titer. 

Assessment 

Nurses should remain alert to signs and symptoms of measles: 

• Begins with mild to moderate fever 
• Cough 
• Runny nose 
• Red eyes
• Sore throat 

2-3 days after symptoms

• Tiny blue-white spots, known as Koplik spots inside of mouth 

3-5 days after symptoms 

• Red or reddish-brown rash, typically beginning on face, neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet 

• Fever up to or greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide an image gallery to review various recorded rashes. This is essential to review if you have not been recently educated on Measles assessment or have never seen measles in your practice.  

This illness is highly contagious. In fact, the virus can stay contagious in a room for up to two hours after the infected individual leaves the room. This is considered an airborne illness.  

Recommendation 

Nurses need to be prepared to recognize, treat, triage, and manage the care of infected individuals. Ensure adequate supplies such as N-95 respirators, surgical masks, gloves, gowns, tissues, and disinfectants are available. It is recommended to begin screening patients for signs and symptoms and utilize airborne infection isolation rooms for confirmed or suspected cases, if possible.  

• According to DSHS, for healthcare personnel with known or suspected measles, exclude from work for 4 days after the rash appears. 
• For immunocompromised healthcare personnel with known or suspected measles, exclude from work for the duration of their illness. 
• During an outbreak of measles, health-care facilities should recommend 2 doses of MMR vaccine at the appropriate interval for unvaccinated health-care personnel (HCP) regardless of birth year who lack laboratory evidence of measles immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease. 

• For asymptomatic healthcare personnel with presumptive evidence of immunity to measles who have an exposure to measles: 
  • Implement daily monitoring for signs and symptoms of measles from the 5th day after their first exposure through the 21st day after their last exposure. 
• For asymptomatic healthcare personnel without presumptive evidence of immunity to measles who have an exposure to measles: 
  • Two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days. 
  • Exclude from work from the 5th day after their first exposure through the 21st day after their last exposure, regardless of receipt of PEP. 
• Work restrictions are not necessary for healthcare personnel who received the first dose of MMR vaccine prior to exposure: 
  • They should receive their second dose of MMR vaccine as soon as possible (at least 28 days after their first dose). 
  • Implement daily monitoring for signs and symptoms of measles from the 5th day after their first exposure through the 21st day after their last exposure.  
    

All of this information is subject to change through DSHS or CDC recommendations. We are committed to providing regular updates. 

Please review the Department of State Health Services website for the latest information regarding the measles outbreak. If you have any nursing practice-related questions, please contact the TNA Practice hotline at 1.800.862.2022, ext.132. 

REFERENCES

CDC 

DSHS 

TNA Receives Funding from American Nurses Association to Advance Antiracism in Texas

Austin, TX —  The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) has received antiracism funding from the American Nurses Association (ANA) to explore organizational diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). Earlier this spring, ANA called for a request for proposals (RFPs) to its 52 Constituent/State Nurses Associations (C/SNAs), and TNA answered the call.

TNA will have a two-pronged approach addressing racism in nursing. In the first phase of its organizational racial reckoning, TNA's recently formed DEIB Task Force will conduct critical analyses of the association's internal practices, both present day and historical. In the second phase, the task force will use data collected to develop and disseminate a statewide study that offers guidance on how to recognize and eradicate instances of racism in the nursing profession in Texas.

“Congratulations to TNA for advancing this important work in the state of Texas,” said American Nurses Association President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “The journey towards an antiracist profession requires collaboration and dedication, and ANA is inspired by the commitment of our state organizations to establish their own strong antiracism initiatives. We are excited to see the transformative effects that lie ahead!”

TNA CEO Serena Bumpus said, “As nurses are dedicated to delivering care to anyone who needs it, we all have the responsibility to ensure that all nurses are treated fairly and have the same opportunities for advancement and inclusivity. Policies and procedures anchored in racial biases cannot be allowed to exist.”

To learn more about TNA’s efforts, visit www.texasnurses.org.

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About the Texas Nurses Association
The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) is a statewide membership-based professional association of licensed nurses. Founded in 1907, TNA is the most inclusive nursing association in Texas and the largest state nursing association in the country. Our members represent all segments of nursing practice — bedside to administration, consulting to advanced practice, and education to legislation — and all practice settings, including hospital, home and community health, public health, higher education, long-term care, school health and policy. As diverse as they are, TNA members share a common purpose: Advancing excellence in nursing. Visit www.texasnurses.org for more information.

About the American Nurses Association
### The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's more than 5 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org. ###

Would you like to share photos or videos you took at last weekend's conference? Send them over to editor@texasnurses.org or post them online using the hashtags #TXNurses2024 #GainingTraction! 

The Texas Nurses Association annual conference "Gaining Traction, Nurses Driving Change," was held May 31 and June 1st in San Antonio, TX, where nurses from various backgrounds gathered for networking, learning, and robust discussions on the future of nursing. The event featured esteemed keynote speakers and moderators Rebecca Love, Sarah DiGregorio, Kim Carpenter, Kellie Bryant and RaDonda Vaught. Each speaker delivered insightful presentations that underscored the vital role of nurses in healthcare innovation, trust-building, advocacy, and combating discrimination. Additionally, several Texas nurses were chosen to share their innovative work via a poster or podium presentation after going through the abstract submission process.

Nurse Innovation: A Forgotten History that will Lead the Future of Nursing - Rebecca Love

Rebecca Love, MSN, BS, RN, FIEL, kicked off the conference with a compelling keynote on "Nurse Innovation: A Forgotten History that will Lead the Future of Nursing." Love emphasized the often-overlooked history of nurses as natural innovators and urged the audience to reignite this spirit. She highlighted the importance of supporting nurse-led innovation and called for all nurses to engage in ways to seek additional funding opportunities, such as by joining the Commission for Nurse Reimbursement. Love passionately argued for recognizing nursing as a STEM field, underscoring the necessity for nurses to reclaim their power and challenge the status quo. Her message was clear: the future of healthcare depends on the innovative spirit of nurses.

The Neuroscience of Trust - Kim Carpenter

Kim Carpenter’s presentation, "The Neuroscience of Trust," delved into the essential role of trust in nursing. Carpenter explained how trust is foundational to effective healthcare, emphasizing the need for nurses to trust each other to foster a collaborative environment. She discussed the concept of the amygdala hijack, where fear can override rational thinking, and provided strategies for recognizing and mitigating this response. Carpenter urged nurses to identify and label their fears as constructs rather than reality, promoting a more resilient and trusting healthcare community.

Nursing Makes Us Human: The Enduring Power of Nursing to Bend the World Toward Justice - Sarah DiGregorio

Sarah DiGregorio’s " Nursing Makes Us Human: The Enduring Power of Nursing to Bend the World Toward Justice," explored the profound impact of the nurse-patient relationship. DiGregorio highlighted the unique and critical nature of this bond, stressing that nurses, with their deep understanding of their communities, are in a unique position to drive radical transformation in healthcare. She encouraged nurses to share their stories and experiences, underscoring that these narratives are powerful tools for advocacy and change. DiGregorio’s presentation was a moving reminder of the humanity and justice inherent in the nursing profession.

Voices for Change: Overcoming Discrimination in Nursing - Kellie Bryant, DNP, WHNP, CHSE, FSSH, FAAN

The conference continued with Dr. Kellie Bryant’s impactful panel discussion, "Voices for Change: Overcoming Discrimination in Nursing." Bryant addressed the pervasive issues of racism and bias in nursing, citing personal anecdotes and research. She explained the various forms of microaggressions, including microinsults and micro assaults, and their detrimental effects on patient care. Bryant highlighted the importance of a diverse healthcare workforce to reflect the diversity of the patient population. She provided practical steps for becoming health equity advocates and allies, urging organizations to implement strategies to address bias and racism. Bryant’s call to action resonated deeply, emphasizing the need for nurses to engage in social justice issues beyond the bedside.

Navigating Tragedy: The Criminalization of Medical Errors - A Conversation with RaDonda Vaught

The conference ended with TNA’s CEO having a conversation with RaDonda Vaught, a former nurse, who discussed her personal experience with a medical error and its profound impact on her career. She emphasized the importance of vigilance in nursing processes and raising awareness of systemic safety issues. Vaught highlighted the necessity of having legal representation, as nurses, despite being the most trusted professionals, can be unfairly blamed for systemic failures. Her presentation underscored the need for nurses to support each other through difficult times and advocate for systemic reform to prevent future tragedies. While we may never intend to make an error, we must understand their consequences and where to go for resources if ever impacted by such errors.

Concurrent Sessions

Poster presentations and concurrent podium presentations were offered during the conference to present innovative work, resulting in a remarkable showcase of talent and creativity. The conference featured 49 poster presentations and 16 podium presentations during the concurrent sessions, highlighting a diverse array of groundbreaking research and practical innovations. These presentations featured the ingenuity and dedication of Texas nurses, fostering an environment of knowledge sharing and professional growth that enriched the overall success of the event.

General Atmosphere

With over 400 attendees and 70 exhibitors, the atmosphere was electric with renewed enthusiasm and a palpable sense of camaraderie. Trust was rebuilt as nurses from diverse backgrounds and specialties connected over shared experiences and challenges. The dynamic presentations and interactive sessions inspired many to become more actively involved in shaping the future of healthcare. Attendees were particularly excited about the new ideas on nurse innovation, with many eager to bring these concepts back to their employers to foster a culture of creativity and progress within their own organizations.

The conference ignited a fresh excitement for the nursing profession, as participants left with a wealth of new tools, resources, and connections to support their professional development. The involvement of nursing students and early career nurses added an invigorating energy, as they brought fresh perspectives and a hunger for learning. This intergenerational exchange further enriched the conference experience, highlighting the enduring power and potential of the nursing community. Nurses departed feeling empowered and equipped to drive meaningful change in their practices and advocate for the recognition and support they deserve.

Conclusion

The 2024 annual conference was a resounding success, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies for the nursing community. Rebecca Love’s call for innovation, Kim Carpenter’s insights on trust, Sarah DiGregorio’s focus on the nurse-patient relationship, Dr. Kellie Bryant’s advocacy for overcoming discrimination, and RaDonda Vaught’s personal experience with medical errors, all contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the current and future landscape of nursing. The Texas Nurses Association successfully highlighted the indispensable role of nurses in driving change, advocating for justice, and innovating within the healthcare system. As the conference concluded, it was clear that the nurses in attendance were inspired and equipped to take meaningful action in their practices and communities.

Explore the hashtags #TXNurses2024 and #GainingTraction on your favorite social media platforms and see more from attendees! 

April 17, 2024

Contact: Darrick Nicholas
Director of Communications
Texas Nurses Association
E: media@texasnurses.org

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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Correction - the press release has been updated to reflect an employment change: Beth Stewart, RN, BSN, CEN, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hurst-Euless-Bedford.

Texas Nurses Association Names Outstanding 25 Texas Nurses for 2024

AUSTIN – The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) has announced this year’s Outstanding 25.

The annual award recognizes the contributions of nurses who “create a culture of care, support healing, health, and wellness, innovate improvements, and contribute to their communities.” Nominations can be made by their peers, community members, friends, family or employers.

The recipients will be recognized during TNA’s Annual Conference, taking place May 31-April 1 in San Antonio. Please visit our website to learn more about these extraordinary nurses.

2024 Outstanding 25 Honorees

AUSTIN

• Nico Steel Osier, PhD, BSN, BS, RN, The University of Texas School of Nursing

• Gayle Timmerman, PhD, APRN-CNS, FNAP, FAAN, The University of Texas School of Nursing

BROWNSVILLE

• Arturo Rodriguez, DNP, City of Brownsville

BURNET

• Lorrie Kirby, MSN, RN, CMSRN, Ascension Seton Highland Lakes

• Nora Leadbetter, BSN, RN, RN-BC, Ascension Seton Highland Lakes

DALLAS (Metropolitan Area)

• Ruben Castillo, DNP, RN, CCRN, NE-BC, UTSW Clements Hospital

• Katie Choy, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano

• Misty Daugherty, BSN, RN, CPHQ, Children's Health Dallas

• Amy Davis, BSN, RN, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney

• Kim Godawa, MSN, RN, CCRN, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano

• Nicole Hodges, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney

• Charissa "Megan" Jackson, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney

• Cornelius Metili, BSN, RN, PMHN-BC, Children's Health Dallas

• Beth Stewart, RN, BSN, CEN, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hurst-Euless-Bedford

GALVESTON

• Amber High, DNP, APRN, CRNA, NC-BC, The University of Texas Medical Branch

HOUSTON (Metropolitan Area)

• Mary Carmen Villareal Baker, RN, Memorial Hermann Southwest

• Elizabeth Barnett, MSN, RNCOB, NABC, Houston Methodist The Woodlands

• Lemone Brady, MBA, MSN- L, CVRN-BC, Memorial Hermann Hospital Sugarland

• Laura Griffin, DNP, APRN, CPHQ, ACNP-BC, HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division

• Sharon Staton, MS-SSEM, BSN, RN, CPHON, Texas Children's Hospital Houston

LUBBOCK

• Sherron Franks-Meeks, PhD, BSN, MPA, BA, RN, CNE-cl, CNE, Texas Tech University HSC School of Nursing

SAN ANTONIO

• Genevieve Aloro, RN, CMSRN, Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital

• Leticia Flores Canchola, PhD-ED, RN, PMHN-BC, University Health San Antonio

• Golda Manalili, DNP, RNC, PNAP, University Health

• Maria E. Sanchez, MSN, BSN, South Texas Veterans Health Care System

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About Texas Nurses Association
The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) is a statewide membership-based professional association of registered nurses. Our vision is to empower Texas Nurses to advance the profession. Founded in 1907, TNA is the longest established and largest nursing association in Texas.

Contact us at tna@texasnurses.org. Follow TNA: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

For Immediate Release

February 12, 2023

Contact: Julia Menegay
Texas Nurses Association
jmenegay@texasnurses.org

512.452.0648 x 124

 Texas Nurses Association Announces 2024 Leaders & Legends of Texas Nursing Honorees

 Contact us at tna@texasnurses.org. Follow TNA on Facebook  and Twitter for updates.

As nurses, we mourn the loss of a woman who paved the way for Nurses in Politics as Johnson became the first registered nurse elected to Congress in 1992. She was the first Black chief psychiatric nurse at Dallas’ Veterans Affair hospital where she served as a chief nurse for 16 years before entering into her nearly 50-year tenure as a politician. Congresswoman Johnson was the first black woman to chair the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and to lead the Congressional Black Caucus. Today, we reflect and celebrate the many accomplishments she had as well as the pathway she started for women and for nurses in politics.

Her most notable impact on the nursing profession was her sponsorship of the National Nurse Act of 2011 which amended the Public Health Service Act to establish a position of National Nurse for Public Health within the Office of the Surgeon General. The duties of this position provided leadership and coordination of Public Health Service nursing professional affairs for the Office of the Surgeon General and other agencies of the Public Health Services. The National Nurse for Public Health was responsible for the identification of national health priorities, encouraging volunteerism of nurses and strengthen the relationship between government agencies and health-related organizations and promote the dissemination of evidence-based practice in educating the public on health and health promotion and disease prevention activities. Her support of this legislation supported and validated the need for public health nurses.

Among her successful work as a civil rights activist, U.S. Rep Johnson sponsored over 300 new laws during her tenure and supported thousands of pieces of legislation. Arguably one of the most iconic pieces of legislation sponsored by Johnson was H.R.1396 — 116th Congress (2019-2020), also known as the recognition of Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson to honor all of the women who contributed to the success of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration during the Race to Space. Additionally, it is clear based on sponsored, cosponsored, and supported legislation Johnson maintained significant support for legislation in focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields and ensured appropriate recognition for those who contributed to education advancement and military service.

The Texas Nurses Association sends our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and constituents of Retired Rep Eddie Bernice Johnson as well as our gratitude for the years hard work and dedication poured into the people of Texas.

For more information about Nurses in Politics, visit us at https://www.texasnurses.org/page/nursesinoffice.

The 2023 ANCC Magnet Conference was held this year in Chicago, Illinois and was attended by over 13,000 nurses. TNA’s new Directors of Professional Development and Nursing Practice had the opportunity to attend the conference, connecting with nurses from all over the world.

Back in 2002, TNA's Committee on Practice Issues and TNA's Practice Department began a new focus on workplace advocacy. This idea developed into the Nurse Friendly™ Hospital Criteria, which again expanded in 2004 and led to hospital designations of a Nurse Friendly™ Hospital. In 2007 the program transitioned to ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) and evolved into the National Pathway to Excellence® program.

As we reflect on this year’s conference, we honor the past contributions of nurses from Texas and our greater impact on the profession and the practice of nurses around the world.

According to Dr. Jamie Roney-Hernandez, DNP, MSN-Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CCRN-K, TNA’s Director of Professional Development, “The ANCC Pathways and Magnet Conference always brings an energy and enthusiasm to nurses that is centered around excellence and recognition, and around nurses being key to any hospital’s success.”

While walking through McCormick Place, it was not uncommon to see large groups of nurses in matching shirts or jackets walking together, often led by their CNO. Kit Bredimus, DNP, RN, CNML, NE-BC, CENP, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAONL, FNAP, TNA Board Member and CNO at Midland Memorial Hospital shared his perspective of this huge event. “I look forward to this conference every year. It’s great to see nurses from across the globe share best practices and lessons learned. It’s also a celebration of all the great work nurses are doing in all areas of practice.”

Front-line nurses were actively engaged in the many educational offerings. There were specialty specific offerings as well as educational sessions generalized to all nurses. Two nurses from Children’s Health had several takeaways.

“As a pediatric organization, we spend so much time caring for children and their families and advocating for them to ensure they are receiving safe quality care. Advocacy is at the heart of every nurse, yet we rarely advocate for ourselves and our practice. Nurses have a powerful voice but for that voice to be heard, nurses need to understand advocacy.

“What I really took away from my experience is that we need to share the great things we are doing with each other and across the country,” said Latieia Key, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, CPPS, Program Director of Children’s Health.

Many nurses were looking forward to taking what they learned at the conference and applying it to their current practice. Kirbe Cross, BSN, RN, CPN, CPPS, CPHQ, described one learning event as a presentation that, “Really resonated with me as a night shift nurse and recent team leader. We had heard from our tenured staff that they were feeling burned out from precepting every shift when we had multiple new hires and new graduates start in a short time frame. I believe our unit, and other units in our organization, would have benefited from a dedicated clinical education facilitator during the overnight hours. They would help empower the new graduate nurses and support tenured nurses by collaborating with the teams to focus on the areas that needed the most resources. There are so many resources available to nurses during the day but having a dedicated group at night to lend that same level of support would be invaluable.” Perhaps this learning will spark new initiatives for nurses around Texas.

There are many projects and initiatives happening in healthcare organizations around Texas. In many ways, we are the leaders of our practice and it’s important that we continue to step up, engage, and spread the findings of our work.

What are best practices in your areas of expertise? Who have you shared your work with? Consider connecting with TNA and engaging in discussion in how we can help you disseminate your research. Don’t forget to take time for your own professional growth and development. Start by bringing a friend with you to the TNA Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas this spring!

R.Á.P.I.D.O. was developed and researched over the past two years by Beauchamp, her team, and faculty from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, who are members of UTHealth Houston’s Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases.

“The nurse-driven initiative to develop R.Á.P.I.D.O. aligns with the challenges nurse scientists often undertake to advance evidence-based and person-centered health care. The need to increase stroke literacy does not end with addressing Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latino communities. These efforts need to be extended to address persistent racial and ethnic disparities across the continuum of stroke care, especially among those with limited English-speaking proficiency,” said Beauchamp, an associate professor at Cizik School of Nursing and an ASA volunteer expert.

R.Á.P.I.D.O. was developed and researched over the past two years by Beauchamp, her team, and faculty from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, who are members of UTHealth Houston’s Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases. The original team of creators included Alejandra Castro, BSN, RN; Andrea Ancer Leah, DNP, RN; and Tahani Casameni, BBA.

R.Á.P.I.D.O. stands for:

R - Rostro caído (face drooping)

Á - Álteración del equilibrio (loss of balance, or lack of coordination)

P - Pérdida de fuerza en el brazo (arm weakness)

I - Impedimento visual repentino (sudden vision difficulty)

D - Dificultad para hablar (slurred or strange speech)

O - Obtén ayuda, llama al 911 (get help, call 911)

Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the country, but the fourth-leading cause of death for Hispanic men and the third for Hispanic women, according to the ASA, which is a division of the American Heart Association. Hispanic adults are at a higher risk for the disease because of limited access to health care, unmanaged health risk factors, lower health literacy rates, cultural barriers, and socioeconomic determinants of health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hispanic stroke patients also have longer delay times to hospital arrival than non-Hispanic stroke patients, and poorer outcomes following stroke, according to a study co-authored by UTHealth Houston researchers that was published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases.

While English-speaking people have F.A.S.T. (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time), there was no clear acronym for Spanish-language speakers until R.Á.P.I.D.O. An ASA stroke survey revealed that only 39% of Hispanic-Latino consumers said they were familiar with F.A.S.T., and only 42% could correctly name two stroke warning signs unaided.

The idea for the acronym was born in 2021 when Beauchamp’s nursing students and a staff member of her research team were trying to create Spanish subtitles for an English stroke education video. They realized BE-FAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, and Time), an adaption of FAST, did not translate well into Spanish.

After researching different meanings of the words in BE-FAST, the team settled on a translation from English to Central American Spanish dialects because of the large number of Mexican Americans and Central Americans that make up the Hispanic population in the Greater Houston area.

“The research to identify a Spanish acronym for the Hispanic community was critical because the acronym reminds people what to look for and to ‘act fast’ when they are having a stroke or see someone having one. These symptoms are sudden and must be recognized quickly for the person to receive the appropriate treatment as soon as possible,” said Beauchamp, the Nancy B. Willerson Distinguished Professor in Nursing at the school.

The result was a virtual video presentation that highlighted R.Á.P.I.D.O. as part of the translated English stroke education video, a collaboration among Cizik School of Nursing, McGovern Medical School, and the UTHealth Houston Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, and was published by the American Heart Association’s International Stroke Conference. R.Á.P.I.D.O. was presented and won first place as a poster at the International Neuroscience Nursing Research Symposium.

R.Á.P.I.D.O. is part of the ASA’s Juntos Contra el Derrame Cerebral, launched to increase awareness of R.Á.P.I.D.O., address health disparities, and improve stroke outcomes in the Hispanic-Latino community. For more information about R.Á.P.I.D.O. and stroke awareness, visit www.stroke.org/rapido. For more about UTHealth Houston’s history of R.Á.P.I.D.O., visit https://www.uth.edu/stroke-institute/resources/rapido-resources.

August 25, 1949 - June 4, 2023

Elizabeth Sjoberg was one of three in-house attorneys at the Texas Hospital Association (THA). Her specific areas of expertise spanned nurse licensure, practice and education; data collection; advance directives and end-of-life care; children’s and women’s issues; EMS/trauma care; health information technology; and public health promotion and wellness. Following every legislative session, Elizabeth was tasked with updating THA’s New Health Care Law manual, so hospital leaders could develop appropriate policies to effectively implement new statutory requirements.

Elizabeth was the consummate advocate for nurses working in hospitals – whether in a tertiary urban medical center or a small urban critical access hospital, whether a clinician at the bedside or a chief nursing officer, and whether a seasoned practitioner or a new graduate. She worked to create and safeguard a positive practice environment for nurses which would provide the highest quality and safety of patient care. The voice of nursing within THA, Elizabeth effectively articulated the important role of nursing and ensured nurses were front of mind within the association.

From the onset of her role at THA, Elizabeth forged a strong working relationship with the Texas Nurses Association and other stakeholders – a relationship that very well may be unique across the country. Largely due to Elizabeth’s efforts, THA and TNA have enjoyed a productive, collaborative relationship, partnering on many legislative efforts.

Elizabeth’s efforts to partner with TNA on workplace advocacy efforts didn’t stop with legislative sessions…. She cared that nurses were informed and had the tools they needed to succeed. She traveled across Texas with TNA staff multiple times presenting workshops to ensure nurses, especially nurse leaders, were fully aware of the nursing peer review laws and how to implement them. She presented during the Legislative and Policy Update at every TNA Nursing Leadership Conference throughout her tenure at THA.

Elizabeth’s contributions to nursing extended beyond TNA. She was an active participant on multiple state agency committees including the Board of Nursing’s Advisory Committees and task forces, the Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, and others. She championed support for the 2010 IOM Future of Nursing report by serving on the executive, practice, leadership, and education committees of the Texas Team Action Coalition.

Elizabeth graciously gave of her time and expertise whenever TNA called. The Texas Nurses Association sends our appreciation, gratitude as well as our condolences to all of those impacted by the loss of Elizabeth. As a dedicated nurse, she made an impact on nursing practice that will continuously positively impact nursing practice for years to come.

• Sustainability – TNA’s ability to continue existing and thriving as an organization
• Membership –  Ensuring that TNA’s most important asset, its members, are receiving the most value possible from their membership
• Policy – Creating laws and rules at the state level which optimize the nurse’s ability to provide the best possible care for Texans
• Profession – Uplifting and supporting the profession of nursing in Texas

Within each pillar are focus areas, outlined in the included graphic, of the specific ways in which TNA hopes to achieve each objective.

Achieving our goals over the next five years is critical in order to grow the organization, achieve a balanced budget and most importantly, support the profession. It will take the vision of our board, the dedication of our staff and engagement of our members to accomplish what we have set out to do. We have never been more ready to take on this challenge.

Please review the objectives and goals to understand what the next five years will look like. Let us know what you think and what you are excited about! We look forward to working with you all to create a brighter future for Texas nurses.

Excitement, energy, enthusiasm, engagement, inspiration, and hope: all words I would use to describe TNA’s sold-out crowd at the Annual Conference in Houston last week. With more than 250 nurses in attendance, you could feel all of this when you entered the room. If you weren’t there, you missed out!

"Evolving Environments: Building supportive structures for nursing’s new normal" was the theme of this year’s event. When choosing speakers, we wanted individuals who were making an impact in nursing, and shifting the culture of the profession towards innovation and the regaining of a sense of purpose and belonging. The poster presentations represented the conference topics and were representative of the great work happening right here in Texas.

Lynda Benton, Senior Director of Global Community Impact Strategy Initiatives at Johnson & Johnson Nursing, kicked off Friday morning highlighting the work of nurses and their innovation. She started by sharing how Johnson & Johnson has supported nurses for more 125 years and has created avenues to promote the profession and allow nurses to innovate.

Benton’s message to the audience was simple; it is nurses who have the power to change the landscape of healthcare, and now more than ever it's our time to take the reins and leverage the tools to evolve and to improve the way we deliver care. (Take a look at the great resources offered to nurses by Johnson & Johnson.)

The breakout sessions…oh the breakout sessions! I heard laughter, I witnessed tears, I saw curiosity, and felt a genuine desire to forge ahead and address these very real issues in the profession. Our breakout speakers gave us so much to think about, and the tools to help make change, across the topics of virtual nursing, staffing, racism, and purpose.

Dr. Rumay Alexander helped us "Make Sense out of the Nonsense" and gave us things to think about as we approach how to address racism in the profession. She defined culture after the “great philosophers" The Temptations: it’s “the way we do the things we do.”

She led us through uncomfortable discussions to help us begin thinking about how we have personally experienced and witnessed racism in nursing. Resources such as the Foundational Report on Racism in Nursing were shared to raise awareness on the work being led by the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing .  One of the biggest takeaways of this session was a lesson from Dr. Alexander’s mother: “You can’t talk your way out of what you’ve behaved yourself into.” This statement resonated with many when put into the perspective of racism.

Dr. Katie Boston-Leary shared The Nurse Staffing Think Tank: Priority Topics and Recommendations . The Think Tank was created in response to the looming staffing crisis and the need to develop a framework for organizations to assess where their challenges lie. Organizations can leverage the Think Tank’s Gap Analysis tool to determine where they are with implementing the priority topics and recommendations. Another resource provided is the work that formed following the Think Tank: the Nurse Staffing Task Force . You can read more about their recommendations here .

Dr. Ashley VonNida discussed the growing trend of virtual nursing. She stated that this growing specialty is not going away anytime soon and that it is designed to supplement the growing shortage and lack of experience at the bedside. Virtual nursing can be used as a retention tactic to hold onto experienced nurses. When preparing to implement a virtual nursing model, organizations must have a clear and concise plan including what the role of the virtual nurse will be and how they will support the frontline nurse.

Tena Brown and Dr. Andrea Coyle’s "Compassion and Purpose Reimagined" was a popular session with multiple requests for the speakers to return next year. They highlighted the need for us to find gratitude in everything we do. Gratitude is good 'brain food.' It helps releases neurochemicals in the body to help have a positive impact on health. Attendees were encouraged to be kind to everyone and find ways to have meaningful moments. Meaningful moments matter.

The general session which prompted the most questions was our Workplace Violence Panel. The panel was moderated by George Gooch and included experts from the healthcare security industry; Kim Ogg, the Harris County District Attorney; Pete Camacho, a hospital security specialist; and Lisa Weatherwax, a nurse leader working in health IT trying to put prevention mechanisms in place. The clear message from all panelists was that workplace violence is not part of the job. We must report every incident as it occurs and not take no for an answer if told not to report it.

We also had an exciting legislative session wrap up report outlining the successes TNA experienced during the 88^th session from Director of Government Affairs, Jack Frazee; an update on Operation Nightingale from Kathy Thomas of the Board of Nursing; and a research report on nursing malpractice claims from Brenna Youngs.

Dr. Cynda Rushton closed out the two-day event bringing us all back to why we became nurses. She led us through letting go of negative emotions and reconnecting with our purpose. Attendees were asked to write down what they wanted to see restored, preserved, and released in nursing and she suggested creating a “letting go” jar. At the end, she reminded us that we can change things and move the profession of nursing forward. “We are the ones we have been waiting for.”  Overall, the 2023 Annual Conference was one that will go down in history. It was one of the best!

Don’t miss out on next year’s conference in San Antonio, May 30 – June 1. You have our commitment that next year will be twice as big. Twice as many attendees, twice as many posters, and twice as many vendors. We will also add podium presentations to the mix. Registration will open soon and the call for abstracts will go out this fall.

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The Texas Nurses Association Applauds the Texas Legislature for Prioritizing Nursing in the 88th Session

Bills supporting nursing education, workplace violence prevention, and school nurse authority passed this session.

Austin, TX — The Texas Nurses Association is pleased to share that the Texas Legislature acted decisively during the 88th regular session to address the nursing shortage through historic investments in nursing education; to create comprehensive protections from workplace violence against nurses and other health professionals; and to expand the authority of school nurses to better care for Texas students. Each of these policies were of high priority for TNA and our members.

The Legislature also took important steps to invest in mental health services in Texas, expand post-partum coverage for new mothers on Medicaid from two to twelve months, and enacted several other policies that will protect the health of Texans. These policies will have positive effects that ripple throughout the state.

TNA would like to thank our many partners in these efforts. Notably, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who designated Senate Bill 25 a priority item, and Speaker Dade Phelan for their leadership of the chambers; Senators Kolkhorst, Campbell, and Johnson for their leadership on Senate legislation; Representatives Klick and Howard for their leadership on House legislation; and our many coalition partners, including the Texas Hospital Association, Texas Medical Association, Texas Association of Health Plans, Texas Health Care Association, Texas Woman’s University System, LeadingAge Texas, the Memorial Hermann Health System, and the many Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition members, Texas Women’s Healthcare Coalition members, and Texas Public Health Coalition members, as well as The Immunization Partnership. Texas nurses can rest assured that numerous elected officials and healthcare leaders are working to represent them well in state policymaking.

Most importantly, we thank the hundreds of Texas nurses who advocated for these policies, made their voices heard, and took part in enacting change. These changes will expand the number of nursing professionals throughout the state; give nurses a greater role in setting workplace violence prevention policies for their facilities and offer better support services; save students’ lives; and lead to a safer, healthier state for all Texans. We look forward to providing detailed information on each of these policy changes in the coming months.

May 9, 2023

Contact: Lisa Maxwell
Texas Nurses Association
lmaxwell@texasnurses.org
512.452.0648 x 130

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Texas Nurses Association Announces 25 Outstanding Texas Nurses for 2023

Annual award recognizes nurses who excelled, innovated or went above and beyond in the previous year.

The annual award recognizes the contributions of 25 outstanding Texas registered nurses.  Nurses who have made a difference can be nominated by their peers, community, friends, family or employers for a variety of reasons.  Honorees are nurses who create a culture of care, nurses who play a vital role in supporting health and wellness, nurse innovators, community contributors, and frontline heroes.

Award Recipients

• Aaron Salinas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, NRP UT Health Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg
• Allison Wojcik, BSN, RN, AMB-BC Baylor Scott & White, Round Rock
• Amanda Williams, BSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG Baylor Scott & White, Round Rock
• Amy Boothe, DNP, RN, CHSE Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Lubbock
• Autumn McNiel, MSN, RN, NEA-BC Baylor Scott & White, Marble Falls
• Elisabeth Frost, RN-BSN, IBCLC Baylor Scott & White, Round Rock
• Hollis Franco, Ph.D., RN, MEDSURG-BC Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Lubbock
• Janna Berg, BSN, RN, CPN Children’s Health, Children’s Medical Center, Dallas
• Jill Sarro, MSN, RN, CPHON Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
• Keira Brown, RN, BSN, RN-BC Baylor Scott & White, Irving
• Kelly C. Mullis, MBA, BSN, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC Baylor Scott & White, Marble Falls
• Krystal Rae McClung, BSN, RN Baylor Scott & White, Round Rock
• Linda Venzke, MSN, RN UTMB, Galveston
• Lori Spies, Ph.D., APRN, FNP-C, FAANP Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Dallas
• Madalyn Penland, BSN, RN Baylor Scott & White, Round Rock
• Marie Kelly Lindley, Ph.D., RN, CNE Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Dallas
• Meaghen Pleasants, MSN-Ed, RN, CMSRN Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas
• Melonie Ankerholz, RN, MSN-MHA Baylor Scott & White, Marble Falls
• Michelle Rhea, RN, MS, NE-BC Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, Houston
• Rhonda Manor-Coombes, BSN, RN, TCRN Baylor Scott & White, Lakeway
• Sally A. Gillam, DNP, MAHS, RN, NEA-BC Baylor Scott & White, Hutto
• Scott M. Williams, DNP, RN, NE-BC Baylor Scott & White, Irving
• TaCharra Laury, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, AOCNP University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
• Tera Holland, BSN, RN, CPN Children’s Health, Children’s Medical Center, Dallas
• Yasmin La-arni S. Horlador, RN, BSN Baylor Scott & White, Marble Falls

In addition to the awardees, TNA is also recognizing an additional 51 nurses whose contributions raise them to the level of honorable mention. Please visit our website to learn more about these extraordinary nurses.

Nurses are the nation’s largest group of health care professionals and the most trusted profession. They serve a critical role within America’s health care infrastructure. “In the wake of the pandemic, nurses have been faced with numerous challenges including being short staffed and having to find new ways to provide care,” said Serena Bumpus, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CEO of TNA. “Shining a light on their accomplishments is one small way we can thank them.”

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About Texas Nurses Association
The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) is a statewide membership-based professional association of registered nurses. Our vision is to empower Texas Nurses to advance the profession. Founded in 1907, TNA is the longest established and largest nursing association in Texas.

Contact us at tna@texasnurses.org. Follow TNA on Facebook  and Twitter for updates.

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27 Organizations Join to Announce Nursing Shortage Reduction Coalition

Austin, TX - Today, 27 organizations representing large segments of the healthcare continuum in Texas are announcing their joint effort to address Texas’ nursing shortage crisis.

Texas is facing an acute shortage of nurses. The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies (the “Center”) reported a shortage of over 27,000 Registered Nurses (RNs) in 2018 and projected a shortage of approximately 57,000 RNs by 2032.^[1] The Center also projected a shortage of Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) will emerge this decade and projected a shortage of approximately 12,500 LVNs by 2032. Notably, the Center conducted this study prior to the impacts of COVID-19.

The Nursing Shortage Reduction Coalition firmly believes Texas is well-positioned to increase the supply of nurses within the state. The Center recently released data showing over 15,000 qualified nursing school applications were not offered admission in 2021.^[2] This follows a historic trend: on average Texas turns away more than 10,000 qualified applications each year from its nursing programs.

Three noteworthy programs already in existence offer paths forward to addressing Texas’ nursing workforce crisis:

• The Nursing Shortage Reduction Program (NSRP): Increases the number of students admitted and nursing schools’ capacity to train and graduate students by making capital investments in nursing schools, faculty, and preceptors.
• The Nursing Faculty Loan Repayment Assistance Program (NFLRP): Increases the number of faculty available to teach students by repaying faculty members’ student loans, creating financial incentive for nurses to serve as faculty.
• The Nursing Innovation Grant Program (NIGP): Promotes innovation in the education, recruitment, and retention of nursing students and qualified faculty through grants, clearing out a potential bottleneck in the nursing education pipeline.

We appreciate the leadership and attention of legislators already recognizing the challenge we face and rising to meet the challenge:

• Governor Greg Abbott spoke to the need for nursing education funding and the educator bottleneck during his February 2 press conference on workforce.
• Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick identified nursing education as a top priority for the legislative session during his November 30 press conference, and designated SB 25, creating new scholarships for registered nurses, as a priority bill for this session.
  
  
• Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst, Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, filed SB 244 to increase the utility of the NFLRP and extend the NIGP. She is joined by Senators Blanco, Campbell, Hall, and Perry as Joint Authors.
  
  
• Representative Stephanie Klick, Chair of the House Public Health Committee, filed HB 901 , which is the companion bill to SB 244.

The Nursing Shortage Reduction Coalition is encouraged that the Senate and House base budgets include funding for the NSRP and the NFLRP. However, the Legislature could appropriate significantly more funding for the NSRP and continue to see meaningful returns on  investment. Given the significant workforce shortages across Texas, the Coalition encourages lawmakers to consider additional funding for this vital program.

Texas must solve the nursing shortage or members of the public will see the quality of their care deteriorate as Texas health institutions struggle to provide medically necessary services. A lack of nurses will impact the quality of care provided and will ripple throughout the health care system.

Finally, it is important for Texas nurses to know that their sacrifices during the pandemic are appreciated, their need for support is recognized, and the members of this coalition will work together to get nurses the support they need to recover and thrive.

To learn more about the coalition and its efforts, or to speak with a specific coalition member, please reach out to Cara Gustafson at the information above or Jack Frazee, Director of Government Affairs and General Counsel at the Texas Nurses Association, at jfrazee@texasnurses.org.

The Nursing Shortage Reduction Coalition

Texas Nurses Association Responds to Fraudulent Nursing Diploma Arrests 

Austin, TX — In the wake of the recent announcement that federal law enforcement has arrested and charged more than two dozen individuals in a nationwide fraudulent nursing school diploma and credentialing scheme, the Texas Nurses Association (TNA) seeks to assure Texans that professional nurses must adhere to the Nursing Code of Ethics and are committed to providing high-quality, professional care. 

“The reports that some of the indicted individuals are in the state of Texas is deeply disturbing. This egregious act is not reflective of the nursing code of ethics nor the values of professional Texas nurses who put patients first every day,” said Serena Bumpus, DPN, RN, NEA-BC, CEO of TNA. “A degree in nursing is one of the most difficult to obtain due to the rigorous coursework and skills required. Our education prepares us to provide safe patient care. The fact that a group of individuals chose to disregard the importance of this training is shocking, especially since nurses have been the most trusted profession for more than two decades. This undermines the integrity of our profession.” Investigations are ongoing and confidential, however, to date TNA has not learned of any patient harm caused by these individuals. 

“This disturbing news of a coordinated conspiracy allowing individuals to circumvent necessary coursework and clinical experiences as well as critical steps in the nursing licensure and credentialing process, is extremely unsettling,” said American Nurses Association President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN. “Nursing is without a doubt a highly specialized and ethical profession requiring rigorous and life-long education and training to acquire unmatched clinical expertise. You don’t achieve this overnight. There are no shortcuts in nursing – our patients and clients depend on us. It is both a demanding and rewarding profession that requires individuals to be adaptive to the evolving and complex health care landscape to ensure the delivery of safe and quality patient care.” 

Just two weeks ago, Kit Bredimus, DNP, RN, CEN, shared practice tips about personal safety gleaned from years of working in the emergency department and pointed out that violence against nurses is rising. Sadly, over the weekend a patient’s family member shot and killed two healthcare workers at Methodist Hospital in Dallas, adding urgency to TNA’s efforts to combat this disturbing trend of violence against nurses. TNA extends its condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and to their work colleagues who have to return to work in the very same place that saw such senseless violence while the investigation was ongoing.

The lasting trauma created by such situations negatively impact nurse well-being, leading to burnout and mental health struggles like PTSD. As we mourn the loss of our colleagues, we are also thinking about what we can do to prevent these incidents from happening in the future.

TNA has been advocating for the Texas Legislature to establish uniform safety requirements in healthcare facilities in Texas for the past several sessions. Unfortunately, the Legislature has failed to pass proposed bills into law. Most recently, in the 87th session, the Legislature considered HB 326, which would have required healthcare facilities to adopt workplace violence prevention plans, protected nurses’ rights to report violent incidents to management and to law enforcement, and ensured that healthcare workers subjected to violence receive proper care after the incident. It is critical that this legislation pass in the coming session.

TNA’s government affairs team has been working with a coalition of nursing specialty organizations and the Texas Hospital Association to present a unified front on the issue of preventing workplace violence. Saturday’s event has only heightened the urgency we feel around this. We have already been in contact with coalition partners and legislative offices to discuss the importance of this legislation in the coming session.

As we move toward the opening of the 88th session, TNA, in conjunction with the Nursing Legislative Action Coalition (NLAC) and other healthcare organizations, will raise this issue with legislators as a top priority. We will need the support and activism of constituents like you to ensure that our legislators take action to pass the bill.

The loss of Katie Flowers and Jacqueline Pokuaa over the weekend bring immense sadness to the nursing community. We ask that you join TNA in educating lawmakers about the need to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future by passing responsive legislation. The legislative session begins in January of 2023, and we expect multiple opportunities for nurses to attend committee hearings, speak with legislators, and share their experiences with representative and senators. Your experiences are important and your stories will help lawmakers understand the significance of this issue. By working together, we may be able to provide better protection to nurses and other healthcare workers.

For Immediate Release

October 22, 2022

Contact: Lisa Maxwell
Texas Nurses Association
lmaxwell@texasnurses.org
512.452.0648 x 130

Texas Nurses Association Responds to Methodist Hospital shooting.

“Our hearts are broken,” said Dr. Serena Bumpus, RN, CEO of the Texas Nurses Association. “These are our colleagues and friends. The entire TNA family grieves this loss and we extend our condolences to the families and coworkers of the victims.”

“This is unacceptable,” said Bumpus. “No person should fear for their life for merely going to work, especially a nurse or healthcare worker whose passion is to help others heal. We hope our legislators understand that we need to protect our healthcare workers.”

TNA, in coalition with other nursing and healthcare organizations have made curtailing workplace violence a priority in previous legislative sessions with little success. It has already been established as a top priority for the approaching 88^th legislative session.

Incidents of workplace violence have been steadily increasing since before the pandemic, and the rate 12.7 violent events per 10,000 full-time workers is about three times greater for RNs than all other professions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A recent Press Ganey report showed that, on average, two nurses were assaulted every hour in the second quarter of 2022. That translates to about 57 assaults per day across the U.S.

“As the Dallas Police Department and Methodist Hospital investigate this incident we stand in unity with the victims and all those affected by this tragedy and ask that the community come together in support of our nurses at this time,” said Bumpus.

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About Texas Nurses Association
The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) is a statewide membership-based professional association of registered nurses whose mission is to empower Texas Nurses to advance the profession. Founded in 1907, TNA was the first nursing association in Texas, representing more nurses than any other association.

Clair Beth Jordan, MSN, RN was originally hired at the Texas Nurses Association in 1973 as Director of Project GAIN, TNA’s federally funded project and research grant for advancement of minorities in nursing. In 1975, she was named Assistant Director in charge of TNA’s practice programs. When TNA’s Executive Director left in 1977, she stepped in as Interim Executive Director, and in 1978 began the longest tenure of a TNA executive director, serving until 2012.

Jordan not only served as the Executive Director of TNA, but also of the Texas Nurses Foundation, and was responsible for the administration of the RN/APN PAC. 

She was also the lead lobbyist for the association and in that capacity, TNA emerged as a player in the legislative arena. Jordan was part of a women’s lobbyist group who frequently met with Representative Billy Clayton, Speaker of the House. On one occasion, when he invited a group of male lobbyists to go pheasant hunting, she insisted the women also be invited. She attended and shot a pheasant that Speaker Clayton later had taxidermized for her. It sat in the TNA office for years.

With her leadership, TNA accomplished significant, and in some cases first-in-the-nation legislation. This included patient advocacy protection for nurses, safe harbor, nursing peer review, safe patient handling, and funding for nursing education. She and TNA were instrumental in ensuring APRNs were recognized and regulated by the Board of Nursing, including  passing legislation for APRNs to have prescriptive authority.

In 1988, Jordan led efforts to establish the NACES Plus Foundation, which grew to provide nurse aide testing in over 14 states throughout the country and provided a strong financial base for TNA.

She believed that not only nurses could benefit from TNA, but also the greater health care system. Her forward thinking led to the pursuit of various grants, which led to the creation of the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN), the Nurse Oncology Education Program (NOEP), and Texas Health Steps.

Jordan served as member on various nursing, health, and women’s organizations as well as  state level committees of the Texas Department of Health, the Governor’s Task on Homeland Security, and Texas Society of Association Executives. She was active nationally, serving as a member of the American Nurses Association’s Congress of Nursing Economics, the Committee on Workplace Advocacy, and as a chair of ANA’s Commission on Workplace Advocacy.

Jordan was a guest speaker at numerous events, presenting on a broad spectrum of nursing, women, and health care issues.  She also contributed many articles, textbook chapters, and white papers on a variety of nursing issues.

She was professionally well-regarded for her knowledge and vision of bringing nursing education, practice, workplaces, and businesses together to improve the health care of Texans. She partnered with stakeholders to  remove education barriers that hindered nurses’ ability to smoothly articulate to higher learning; advocated for non-punitive cultures in the workplace so nurses could identify and learn from errors; and provided avenues for nurses to protect themselves and their patients. 

She was well versed in the nursing shortage and worked with various nursing and non-nursing organizations to identify ways to keep nurses in the profession and provide funding for nursing faculty so that more individuals could pursue a nursing degree

In 2015, Clair Jordan was one of the inaugural recipients of the Leaders and Legends of Texas Nursing award, an acknowledgement bestowed by TNA to honor those whose leadership greatly impacted the profession of nursing in Texas. For 35 years, Jordan impacted every part of TNA, expanding the core organization and creating new affiliate companies. 

A visionary with an analytical mind, she was able to quickly assess where nursing was headed and took advantage of opportunities for the benefit of TNA. Her keen leadership and the ability to work with other groups, including the Texas Hospital Association and Texas Medical Association, made it easier to negotiate legislative solutions with many successes.

Many of you knew Clair, and those who didn’t are aware of the work she did for Texas nurses. If you’d like to share your thoughts or memories, please leave them in the comments below.

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