Kentucky Nurses News & Updates
Table of Contents
Conference and Gala Wrap Up Inaugural Legacy and Leadership Gala 2024 Annual Conference
 KNA vs. KBN: Who Does What, and Why
Advocacy 2025 Advocacy Priorities More About HB 194 - Workplace Violence
Upcoming Events
Learning Library Continuing Education Medical Cannabis for APRN/RN Soft Skills for Student Nurses "Advocacy" Soft Skills for Student Nurses "Lifelong Learning"
Join KNA Why Belong to KNA as an LPN Being a KNA Student Member is FREE Join KNA Now at the LOW 2024 Rates
November 2024
Monthly News & Updates

Established in 1906, the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA) is the only full-service professional organization for the state's entire nurse population. In addition to its role to promote the essential role of the registered nurse in health care delivery, the Association serves as an advocate for quality patient care in all settings. From the halls of Frankfort and state agencies to boardrooms, hospitals and other health care facilities, the KNA is the strong voice for the nursing profession in Kentucky.

Conference and Gala Wrap Up
Inaugural Legacy and Leadership Gala
Kristen Butler

Nurses from across Kentucky gathered at Turfway Park in Northern Kentucky for the KNA's Inaugural Legacy and Leadership Gala on November 7th.  There was a silent auction to benefit the KNA, a delicious dinner, and great fellowship.

We also got a chance to honor some incredible nurse leaders, have some laughs, and dance the night away to an incredible band. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, or otherwise contributed.

A huge shout out to Terry Foster, RN, our incredible Emcee for the Gala! Terry had the whole room in stitches with his humor, wit, and infectious energy. 

All of our award winners are listed below along with a brief description of what makes them outstanding.
Pictured left to right: Karen Pennington, BSN, RN-ACM, Shirley Kron, BSN, COHN-S, Mayor Linda Gorton, BSN, Loretta Elder, DNP, RN, CNE, CHSE, Jean Edward, PhD, RN, CHPE

After the awards, the energy soared as we danced the night away, creating joyful memories and sharing laughter on the dance floor. It was a truly magical night, bringing together our Kentucky nurses to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future!

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At the Gala the KNA was able to honor the tremendous work of KNA Immediate Past President Dolores White.

Dolores was honored as a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor that can be awarded to a Kentuckian which is bestowed by the Governor and is a lifetime appointment.   Governor Andy Beshear even contributed to a video thanking Dolores for her work.  Congratulations again Dolores and thank you for your leadership and support of nurses!

Pictured left to right: Dr. Marsha Woodall, Dr. Dolores White, Dr. Janie Heath and KNA CEO, Delanor Manson, MA, BSN, RN, FADNL.

A huge congratulations to all honored at the Gala.  The KNA is grateful for your leadership and presence.

Throughout the year as you see nursing excellence, or those who work fervently to support nurses and the nursing profession consider nominating them for future award cycles.  Nomination forms can be found on our website at kentucky-nurses.org

2024 Annual Conference
Inspiring Action, Transforming Care: Nurses Lead the Way
Kristen Butler

An incredible speaker lineup at our Annual Conference lead to a great day of learning and networking. Those who attended either virtually or in person learned about:

  • artificial intelligence in nursing
  • how a vision for the future of healthcare can be translated into daily achievable action
  • the continued importance of health record documentation as a skill
  • how podcasting and other forms of influencing can be applied to patient education
  • unique ways to prevent burnout
  • approaches to healthcare equity
  • other current and innovative nursing strategies

In addition to the speakers, there was lively conversation and discussion around these topics. If you attended and did not complete all sessions, or if you're interested in viewing the conference as a whole and earning Continuing Education credit, the conference in it's entirety will be posted on our Continuing Education Portal before the end of the month.

Scholarship Winners

Four Scholarships were awarded at the Conference.

Those Awarded Scholarships Are Listed Below

 KNA vs. KBN: Who Does What, and Why
The roles of boards and associations in Kentucky Nursing
Abby Bullock, BA

Curious about the difference between the KNA and the KBN? Check this out to learn how each organization supports the nursing profession in Kentucky!

The Kentucky Board of Nursing is in charge of licensing and taking disciplinary action against nurses.

The Kentucky Nurses Association is a professional organization whose focus is supporting our members and advocating for all 90,000 nurses in Kentucky regardless of licensure type, specialty, or membership. 

Scroll through the slide show below to learn more about the roles each organization plays in the success of nursing across Kentucky.

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Advocacy
2025 Advocacy Priorities

Since the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA) was founded in 1906, one of its primary purposes has been representing and supporting all segments of nursing by working with the state legislature and stakeholders.

KNA’s four Advocacy Priorities for 2025 are SANE nurses, workforce support (safe staffing), support for school nurses, and actively advancing the brand image of nursing.

1.  SANE  Nurses

Provide training funding for nurses to become SANE licensed.  SANE stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.  There are currently less than 400 SANE certified nurses in the state of Kentucky.

2.  Workforce Support (Safe Staffing)

Currently there is a 36% nursing shortfall in Kentucky over the 2014 number of 16,000 (reported in the 2012-2024 Kentucky Occupational Outlook). Nurse-led staffing committees would provide a mechanism for collaboration to meet patient needs, establish minimum staffing guidelines, provide a healthy work environment and recognize evidence-based standards.

3.  School Nurse Initiative

Healthy children learn better. School nurses make it happen. A nurse in every Kentucky school, all day, every day is vital to provide acute and emergency care, treat and assess behavioral health concerns, connect student families with community resources and create care plans for students with chronic conditions.

4.  Brand Image of Nurses and Nursing

KNA advocates on an ongoing basis to elevate the image of nurses and the nursing profession. Nurses are leaders in practice, education and research. To achieve the desired brand image of nursing in Kentucky, a central brand position must be threaded throughout all corners of the nursing profession and consistently communicated on a broad scale over time. (Godsey et al., 2023)

More About HB 194 - Workplace Violence
Abby Bullock, BA

Did you know Kentucky’s HB-194 is making workplaces safer for healthcare workers, social workers, teachers, and more? This game-changing law extends protections to those who keep us safe and care for us every day! Swipe through the slideshow below to learn how this bill is making a big impact on jobs across the state. Let’s support our everyday heroes!

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Learning Library

Available FREE On You Tube:

Soft Skills for Student Nurses "Why Join" and "Stress Management"

Part of our Soft Skills for Student Nurses series, these programs discuss the benefits of participating in professional organizations, and how to set yourself up for career longevity by keeping stress low and avoiding burnout.

Visit our KNA YouTube Channel and Subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest videos and news. KNA YouTube Channel

A reminder that the Kentucky Nurses Association offers a variety of ON-DEMAND Continuing Education courses that you can access at your leisure through the Learning Portal on our website.

Some are FREE for all, some are FREE for KNA Members only, and some can be accessed at a cost.  The hope is that this makes accessing learning as convenient and accessible as possible.  The KNA team is constantly working with our partners to expand these offerings, so check back often.

Access the On Demand Library HERE

Kentucky Medical Cannabis for APRN/RN: Kentucky Board of Nursing Requirements for APRN Authorization

Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 9:00am ET
Webinar/Online
Quick registration
6.0 CE credits available
Description

This course fulfills the CE requirements set forth by the Kentucky Board of Nursing in accordance with the Kentucky General Assembly in which APRNS will be granted authorization to recommend Medical Cannabis to patients.

Soft Skills for Student Nurses "Advocacy"

Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 4:00pm ET
Webinar/Online
Quick Registration
Description

Join us for our "Soft Skills for Nursing Students" series—a unique opportunity to develop essential skills that go beyond the classroom. Learn how to communicate effectively, manage stress, and navigate the challenges of nursing with confidence.

Soft Skills for Student Nurses "Lifelong Learning"

Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 4:30pm ET
Webinar/Online
Quick Registration
Description

Join us for our "Soft Skills for Nursing Students" series—a unique opportunity to develop essential skills that go beyond the classroom. Learn how to communicate effectively, manage stress, and navigate the challenges of nursing with confidence.

Join KNA
Why Belong to KNA as an LPN

As an LPN, joining your Professional Nursing Organization offers countless benefits that will enhance your career and personal growth. By becoming a KNA member, you gain access to valuable opportunities for mentoring and advocacy, ensuring your voice is heard in shaping the future of nursing. You'll also have the chance to step into leadership roles. Take advantage of FREE Continuing Education through KNA Chapters, along with exclusive discounts on OnDemand Learning and events to advance your skills and knowledge. Plus, for just $250, you’ll receive a Will & Trust, giving you peace of mind. Stay informed with the Kentucky Nurse Newsletter and eNews, keeping you updated on the latest news and opportunities in nursing. Don't miss out on these incredible resources and more—join today and invest in your future! Visit LPN Application

Being a KNA Student Member is FREE

There is infinite upsides to being a KNA Student Member.  Get involved with leaders in the nursing profession, get access to exclusive benefits and opportunities and it is all TOTALLY FREE.  Scroll through the slide show for a full view of all the benefits.  

**student membership is available to those who are pre-licensure and do not have a current nursing license

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Join KNA Now at the LOW 2024 Rates
Rates Increase in 2025

Act now before prices go up!  Dues are increasing slightly in 2025.  All dues increases were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, but doing great work to support nurses requires a budget.  Dues for your combined membership to ANA & KNA will increase slightly on January 1st, 2025 to $183 per year.  If you join or renew between now and December 31st you can get locked in at the LOW 2024 rate of $174 per year.  

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