Florida Nurses Association

We’re thrilled to share that many of the candidates endorsed by the Florida Nurses Political Action Committee (FNPAC) have WON their primary elections!

These victories are a huge step forward for the nursing community, ensuring our voices are heard where it matters most. A big congratulations to our endorsed candidates—we’re excited to see the impact you’ll make!

Thank you to all our members for your support. Together, we’re shaping the future of healthcare in Florida!

Congratulations to Dr. Barbara Sharief, MSN, APRN, DNP!

The Florida Nurses Association proudly celebrates FNA Member Dr. Barbara Sharief on her victory in the Florida State Senate Primary for Senate District 35!

Having a dedicated nurse like Dr. Sharief in the State Senate ensures that the voices of nurses are heard and represented. We look forward to her continued advocacy and leadership in advancing healthcare in our state.

We are thrilled to unveil the speaker lineup for the 2024 Florida Nurses Association Membership Assembly! 🌟 This year's event promises to be one of our best yet, featuring an incredible array of thought leaders and industry experts.

We are honored to have Katie Boston- Leary, PHD, MBA, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, a nationally recognized nurse leader and advocate, delivering our keynote address. Dr. Boston-Leary brings a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to our community, and we can't wait to hear her insights!

We're also looking forward to enlightening and inspiring plenary sessions by:

🔹 Dr. Valerie Morrison, DBA, MSM, BSN, RN

🔹 Silvia Stradi, RN, MSN

🔹 Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN
..along with a panel presentation of nurse leaders:

🔹 Jayne Willis, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP

🔹 Dr. Ruby Alvarez PhD, MSN, RN, Patricia Gagliano, PhD, RN

🔹 Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN

🔹 Melissa Radecki, PhD, RN, PCCN-K, CNE
..and 8+ Breakout Sessions by members of the Florida Nurses Association!

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the event. Mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired, educated, and connected!

📅 Date: September 25-27, 2024

📍 Location: Marriott Hutchinson Island Resort, Stuart, FL

📝 Registration & More Details: https://www.floridanurse.org/page/MembershipAssembly-2024

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with fellow nursing professionals. See you there! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️💙

🌟 This is the LAST CALL for Nominations: Florida Nurses Association Icon Awards! Don't miss your opportunity to recognize that special colleague! 🌟

Do you know an extraordinary nurse who has made a significant impact in healthcare? It's time to celebrate their dedication and excellence! The Florida Nurses Association is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Icon Awards.

We want to honor the nurses who go above and beyond, demonstrating exceptional care, leadership, and commitment to the nursing profession. If you have a colleague or know someone who embodies these qualities, nominate them today!

🔹 Categories:
There are more than 15 award categories recognizing the diverse areas of practice and contributions made by nurses throughout our state. Learn about each of the categories in our guidelines at https://www.floridanurse.org/page/MembershipAssembly-2024 .

🔹 How to Nominate:
1. Visit our website to download the guidelines (link below).
2. Fill out the nomination form including two letters of reference.
3. Submit your nomination by June 30, 2024.

Let’s recognize and celebrate the heroes of healthcare! Together, we can highlight the incredible contributions of Florida's nurses. 🌟

👉 Link to Nomination Form and Guidelines: https://www.floridanurse.org/page/MembershipAssembly-2024

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which stated that all persons held as slaves in rebellious states shall be set free.

Juneteenth marks the day all enslaved people were made aware of their liberation. FNA recognizes this day and we understand as much as it celebrates freedom, it's also a chance to celebrate African-American culture and traditions while also reflecting on our path forward.

As we enjoy this day with our loved ones, let's take a moment to honor those who can't be with theirs. Today, we remember the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price to protect our nation.

🌟 Call for Nominations: Florida Nurses Association Icon Awards! 🌟

Do you know an extraordinary nurse who has made a significant impact in healthcare? It's time to celebrate their dedication and excellence! The Florida Nurses Association is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Icon Awards.

We want to honor the nurses who go above and beyond, demonstrating exceptional care, leadership, and commitment to the nursing profession. If you have a colleague or know someone who embodies these qualities, nominate them today!

🔹 Categories:

There are more than 15 award categories recognizing the diverse areas of practice and contributions made by nurses throughout our state. Learn about each of the categories in our guidelines at www.floridanurse.org/IconAwards-2024.

🔹 How to Nominate:

1. Visit our website to download the guidelines (link below).

2. Fill out the nomination form including two letters of reference.

3. Submit your nomination by June 30, 2024.

Let’s recognize and celebrate the heroes of healthcare! Together, we can highlight the incredible contributions of Florida's nurses. 🌟

👉 Link to Nomination Form and Guidelines: www.floridanurse.org/IconAwards-2024

🎓 Florida Nursing Grads! 🎓 Join the Florida Nurses Association & Dr. Lois Marshall for a FREE 8-hour virtual NCLEX Review on May 29, 2024, from 9am-4pm ET. Open to all first-time and repeat test takers.

Register now: https://www.floridanurse.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1859896&group=



📅 Save the date and share with friends!

Florida Nurses Association Dr. Marshall’s unique approach to test taking and test strategies have assisted NCLEX test takers from around the world be successful. Through her copyrighted test strategies and approach to strategies to using the depth and breadth of your nursing education, she has developed a comprehensive nurs...

Attention South Florida Nurses!! 🏆 The Call for Awards Nominations recognizing exemplary nurses in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties has been EXTENDED!

We are accepting additional nominations until Friday, April 26. Don't miss this chance to uplift and inspire by nominating your nursing colleagues.

The Awards Ceremony will take place during Nurses Week on May 11, 2024 at the Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, FL. The nomination forms and event details are posted on the FNA website at www.floridanurse.org/SouthSymposium2024

In one week, the FNA Membership Committee will be hosting a New Member Welcome and Orientation on Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT). This webinar is free and open to ALL FNA members. We hope you can join us and get acquainted with your FNA/ANA membership.

Click here to register: https://www.floridanurse.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1843546&group=

Get the facts on student loan forgiveness from a GradFin specialist. FNA members can get a free student loan consultation with an expert guide.

Schedule your consultation here: https://www.laurelroad.com/partnerships/fna/

Curious to know how this Legislative Session impacted nursing? Join us on April 4 at 6pm ET for an End of Session Recap presented by Erin Ballas, Vice President of Public Affairs Consultants.

Register for free at the link below 👇

https://www.floridanurse.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1846769&group=

The FNA South Region is currently accepting award nominations honoring nurses who reside or work in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties.

Nominees and winners will be recognized at the 14th Annual FNA South Region Symposium and Awards Ceremony on May 11, 2024 at Gulfstream Theatre, Hallandale Beach, FL.

To learn more about the awards nomination process and the event, go to www.floridanurse.org/SouthSymposium2024.

The FNA Membership Committee will be hosting a New Member Welcome and Orientation on Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00pm ET (6:00pm CT).

This will be a great opportunity for new (and future!) members to learn how to get involved in the association, make the most of their membership, and take advantage of all the benefits offered by FNA and ANA.

Register today at https://www.floridanurse.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1843546&group=

Have you taken advantage of our February/March Membership Special yet? Join FNA today using promo code NURSELOVE and you'll be entered into a raffle for a FREE Full Conference Registration to the 2024 FNA Membership in Hutchinson Island, FL. www.floridanurse.org/join

How can YOU strengthen the voice of nursing? By supporting the Florida Nurses Political Action Committee this election year!

A well-funded PAC has the ability to:
☑ Influence Legislation
☑ Foster Grassroots Advocacy Efforts
☑ Strengthen Nurses’ Voices

Learn more and make a contribution today at https://www.floridanurse.org/page/FNPAC.

Announcing the 2024 FNA Membership Assembly theme! Safeguarding Nurses: Creating a Path to Healthy Workspaces.

The committee is hard at work planning an exciting and engaging event! This year we're laser-focused on SOLUTIONS for creating workspaces that support the health and well-being of nurses. From prioritizing safety and supporting team collaboration
to encouraging work-life balance and nurturing the next generation of nurses, we'll be presenting thoughtful and inspirational messages to promote a healthy nursing workforce.

BE SURE TO SAVE THE DATE! REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 1!

Learn all about the Membership Assembly at https://www.floridanurse.org/page/MembershipAssembly-2024

Florida Nurses Association would like welcome our new North Central Region Director, LeeAnn Barfield!

LeeAnn is a dedicated and passionate Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and Educator at Florida State University. She has a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities facing nurses in Florida and is particularly motivated to contribute to the FNA's mission of promoting excellence in nursing practice, education, and leadership throughout the state.

We look forward to her continuing the growth and success of North Central Region and the Florida Nurses Association.

The February Edition of The Florida Nurse is available online now! Read the full edition at https://www.healthecareers.com/nurse-resources/nursing-publications/florida/the-florida-nurse-february-2024

March 8th is International Women's Day and FNA is proud to spotlight and uplift women in the nursing profession and all others. Every individual should be valued and gender equality is important. When women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Recruiting and developing diverse talent, supporting women in leadership and helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health are just some of the actions we can take to inspire each other and make our world better.

Did you know that the Florida Nurses Foundation awards over 30 scholarships every year to nursing students? The application window is currently open for 2024! Learn more at www.floridanurse.org/ScholarshipsGrants

The Florida Nurses Association is currently accepting abstracts for poster and podium presentations at the 10th Annual Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Conference on July 27, 2024 in Orlando, FL.

This is a great opportunity for disseminating your research, networking, and collaborating with nurse researchers from across Florida. Download the abstract submission form at www.floridanurse.org/page/RC24.

Check out what's happening this month at FNA! We always want to keep our members engaged and informed and are adding more events all the time. Please visit www.floridanurse.org/events to get more information and see all upcoming events.

In light of recent reports of Measles cases in Florida, it is important that we review information on this vaccine preventable disease. Measles is a serious contagious disease, but it can be prevented.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus spread through the air when a person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 9-10 people around them will become infected if they are not protected.

Symptoms appear 7-14 days after exposure with a fever (up to 104 degrees) followed by a cough (lasting 10 days), runny nose and red eyes. The rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms and can last for a week.

How serious is Measles? It is very serious both with illness symptoms and possible health complications of pneumonia, encephalitis and even death!

The good news is that there is a safe and effective vaccine (MMR) given to children at age 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years. Teenagers and adults who show no evidence of immunity to measles can get 2 doses separated by 28 days.

For more information, talk with your health care provider, or contact the Center of Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/measles and https://www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/signs-symptoms.html

MEMBERS ONLY OPPORTUNITY! We are now accepting Speaker Proposals for the 2024 FNA Membership Assembly scheduled for September 25-27, 2024 at Marriott Hutchinson Island. Learn more at www.floridanurse.org/page/MA24 under the Speakers tab.

The FNA supports policy change requiring hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers statewide to implement a policy to evacuate surgical smoke.

Proposed HB 63, sponsored by Hollywood Democrat Rep. Marie Paule Woodson and Co- Sponsored by Miami Republican Rep. Alina Garcia and others, would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to use a smoke evacuation system during procedures likely to generate surgical smoke by Jan. 1, 2025.

An identical Senate companion measure (SB 410) is sponsored by Miami Republican Sen. Ileana Garcia and Co-Sponsored by Broward Democrat Senator Rosalind Osgood.

Currently, 15 states have enacted similar legislation mandating the use of surgical smoke evacuation systems.

The South Region Symposium and Awards Ceremony is one of FNA's largest annual events at which 200+ nurses gather annually to network, learn, and support their profession. This year will be the 14th Annual Symposium. At this special celebration, you can look forward to:

🌟 Inspiring Presentations
🖥 Electronic Poster Displays
🏆 Awards & Scholarship Recognition
🤝 Networking & Collegiality

Learn more about all opportunities to get involved in this event at www.floridanurse.org/page/SouthSymposium2024

We're still feeling the love this month! Join FNA today using promo code NURSELOVE and you'll be entered into a raffle for a FREE Full Conference Registration to the 2024 FNA Membership in Hutchinson Island, FL. www.floridanurse.org/join

❤️ Show yourself some love this Valentine's Day by investing in your professional journey! ❤️ Become a member of the only association that represents ALL nurses in the state of Florida!

☑️ Improve your Practice with free and discounted CE courses
☑️ Advance your Career through leadership opportunities
☑️ Stay up to Date with exclusive publications through FNA and ANA
☑️ Belong to Community of nurses from across the state

Combine your love of the profession with a community of support at FNA. Join today at www.joinfna.org! Use promo code NURSELOVE when you join to be entered into a raffle for a Full Conference Pass to the FNA Membership Assembly, September 25-27 in Hutchinson Island, FL!