Massachusetts Report on Nursing
Table of Contents
President's Message Nurturing Gratitude Food for Thought
From the Editor Winter Approaching
Member Spotlight Meet Alex Butler
Health Policy Massachusetts Nurses go to the State House - FNAMA Advocacy in Action/ANAMASS Lobby Day 2025
CE Corner Pharmacotherapeutics Contact Hours: ANCC criteria
Book Review Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World
Continuing Education ANAMASS Approver Unit Calendar of Workshops, Symposiums & Webinars Vital Signs of Change: From GLP-1s to AI - Redefining Wellness and Career Growth in Nursing
Upcoming Events Nurses Day at the Movies: Wicked For Good 2026 ANAMASS Awards & FNAMA Scholarship Gala
News From the Foundation FNAMA Launches New Grant to Advance Nursing Science in Massachusetts Giving Tuesday
Nursing News ANAMASS Accredited Approver Unit Fall Symposium - Keeping Up With The Standards Supporting the Supporters: Investing in Nurse Preceptors and Clinical Faculty Nursing Apprenticeships: Building Pathways to a Sustainable Workforce ONL Foundation: Proceeds from Massachusetts RN License Plates Support The nursing Profession
Other Nursing News 2026 Sarah B. Pasternack Nursing Student Essay Contest. The Growing Role of Foreign-Educated Nurses in U.S. Hospitals and Implications of Visa Restrictions Joining the St. Elizabeth's Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association
Membership ANA Dues Increase
Sep, Oct, Nov 2025

ANA Massachusetts is the premier organization representing the interests of the Commonwealth's more than 130,000 registered nurses.  We are the largest voluntary professional nursing organization in the state, with members who practice in settings ranging from acute care to community health, from the bedside to the boardroom.  Since 1896, ANAMASS members have helped define, regulate, and improve nursing to the benefit of nurses and patients in Massachusetts.  

President's Message
Nurturing Gratitude
Patricia Crispi, PhD, RN, NPD-BC

As we enter the month of November, a month of gratitude, I would like to reflect on how grateful I am for the remarkable contributions of active ANA Massachusetts (ANAMASS) members. As president of ANA Massachusetts, I am humbled and grateful to work alongside all of you, the dedicated professionals who form the heart and soul of our organization. The benefits of active involvement in ANAMASS are mutually beneficial as members have a profound opportunity to be a voice for our profession and to advance nursing practice across our commonwealth.

When you actively participate in ANA Massachusetts—whether through volunteering, attending events, engaging in committees, or leading initiatives—you embark on a journey of growth that extends far beyond personal achievement. Your involvement strengthens the collective voice of nursing, shapes professional standards of care, and helps chart the course for the future of healthcare in our state. It is through active engagement that we foster innovation, elevate our practice, and make lasting contributions to both our colleagues and our patients. This was never more apparent on September 30th when over 130 RNs and future RNs made their voices heard during ANAMASS Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House where they lobbied state legislators for safety from the harmful effects of surgical smoke, the creation of a codified Nursing Workforce Center and for the addition of a Registered Nurse on every acute care hospital Board of Directors/Trustees. ANAMASS members spoke and our legislators listened!

Active involvement also offers each of us the chance to build lasting relationships with fellow nurses, to exchange knowledge, and to support one another through challenges and triumphs. The connections we forge within ANA Massachusetts energize our professional lives, inspire us to pursue excellence, and remind us that together, we are capable of remarkable things. This is truly the Power of Nurses at its core.

Central to our work—and to the fabric of our organization—is gratitude. Gratitude is not only an expression of thanks, but a guiding value that enriches our daily practice. It motivates us to recognize the unique strengths and contributions of every member, to celebrate our shared achievements, and to support one another with empathy and kindness. In a profession that often asks so much of us, gratitude sustains our spirit and deepens our appreciation for the work we do and the lives we touch. The ANAMASS Awards and Scholarship Gala is where we celebrate the accomplishments of many gifted nurses and support those on an educational journey to begin or advance their nursing career.

To those who actively participated in Advocacy Day, nominated peers for scholarships and awards or those who serve on ANAMASS committees, I am deeply grateful for your enthusiasm, your commitment, and your willingness to give your time and talents. Thank you for elevating the nursing profession through your leadership, your advocacy, and your compassion. Your energy and engagement make ANAMASS a dynamic and resilient community, and that is evident whether in the halls of the State House or your places of work. It is through your continued involvement that we will keep advancing the art and science of nursing for generations to come. In this season of giving, please consider the power to make a difference and become more involved. If you are interested in learning more about ANAMASS committees, please visit ANAMASS.org or reach out to me directly via president@anamass.org.

As we look ahead, let us continue to nurture a spirit of gratitude—toward our colleagues, our patients, and ourselves. Together, we are greater than the sum of our parts and will achieve far more than any of us could accomplish alone.

With heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes for a healthy & happy holiday season,

Patricia Crispi PhD, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC

President, ANA Massachusetts

Food for Thought

"We cling to our own point of view, as though everything depended on it. Yet our opinions have no permanence; like autumn and winter, they gradually pass away."

                       -Zhuangzi.                                     

From the Editor
Winter Approaching
Judy L Sheehan, MSN, RN, NCPD-BC

Winter's approaching brings mixed feelings—nostalgia for past seasons and excitement for what lies ahead. That's the idea, at least. However, the dark days of winter also prompt personal reflection, a longing for comfort, and a desire for camaraderie.

According to the Cambridge dictionary, camaraderie is "the feeling of friendship between people who live or work together, especially in a difficult situation." But where are these companions we seek? They can be found at the hospital, in the community, at a nursing school, at the state house during "Lobby Day," or at the ANA Massachusetts Approver Unit Symposium. You can find them at any ANA Massachusetts event, in the newsletter online, or at town meetings discussing politics.

Winter is the time to settle in by the fireplace, at the dinner table, or on Zoom. It's a time to come together simply to enjoy each other's company and feel the warmth of comradeship. Warm winter regards - Judy

Member Spotlight
Meet Alex Butler
RN and Published Author

Alex Butler is an Advanced Clinician RN at MGH, where he works in the operating rooms. He specializes in trauma/ general surgery. He is an avid reader and loves to write in his free time. Alex has been a staff writer for the ANAMASS newsletter since 2022.

Join us in congratulating Alex on his success. Immured: Poems is on sale now at Amazon.

Alex Butler, RN with a copy of his book "Immured: Poems"

Immured: Poems
By Alex Butler, RN
Published October 15, 2025

Health Policy
Massachusetts Nurses go to the State House - FNAMA Advocacy in Action/ANAMASS Lobby Day 2025
Myra F Cacace, GNP, ADM-BC

On Tuesday, September 30th nurses from across the Commonwealth hit the Great Hall of Flags at the Massachusetts State House for the biannual FNAMA Advocacy in Action educational program and ANAMASS Lobby Day. More than 150 nurses, nursing students, educators and legislators gathered to discuss important legislative efforts initiated by the largest voluntary professional nursing organization in the Commonwealth. 

After a warm welcome from Senator Cindy Friedman encouraging participants to engage with their legislators, ANAMASS President Patricia Crispi, PhD, RN, NE-BC introduced the keynote speaker from Washington DC, Bob Brown American Nurses Association State Government Affairs Coordinator. Bob led a discussion about the need for effective lobbying and provided attendees with practical and important tips in addition to the materials sent to participants in advance to help them prepare.

After a quick lunch and huddle, teams led by members of the ANAMASS Health Policy Committee, Board of Directors, and many other experienced nurses, visited 100 legislators to inform and advocate for three priority workforce initiatives:

Senator Cindy Friedman with ANAMASS

S1572/H766 An act relative to acute hospital and nursing home governance [one-pager]

Myra F Cacace, RN, Retired NP Certified Retired and co-chair of the ANAMASS Health Policy Committee, provided attendees information about the need for a law that would mandate that a registered Nurse be a voting member of the managing Board of Directors for every Massachusetts acute care and long-term care facility. 

S1543/H239 An Act establish a nursing workforce center [one-pager]

Jay Prosser, PhD, RN and Executive Director of the Nursing Council for Workforce Stability (NCWS) reviewed the current work of the Council for and the need for this work to be codified in legislation and continue to receive with state funding. 

S1482/H2442 A Act protecting patients and healthcare workers from exposure to surgical smoke [one-pager]

Representative Christopher Worrell with ANAMASS

Andrea Dyer, MSN, RN, CNOR presented a passionate case supporting the need to mandate the use of surgical smoke evacuation equipment. She shared results of an April survey that 99% of respondents indicated that the equipment was already available for us in Massachusetts operating rooms, but that it is up to the surgeon's preference to determine whether or not to utilize the equipment, leaving patients and nurses without a voice in protecting their own airways.

FNAMA and ANAMASS also coordinated the demonstrations of surgical smoke evacuation equipment with the assistance of Stryker, ConMed, and Medtronic. It was crucial to demonstrate to the legislators and staff who came, the smoke plume caused by the use of electrocautery devices and how the use of the evacuation devices efficiently and effectively removes the toxic chemicals and fragments of tissue, blood, viruses, etc. that nurses otherwise are breathing in.

 As Senator Friedman said in her remarks, when she actually participated in the demonstration and experienced the sight and smell, "of course we have to do this [pass the legislation] right away"

Special thanks to ANAMASS and FNAMA's Office Admistrator, Lisa Presutti and Executive Director Cammie Daniello, DNP, MS/MBA, RN, as well as ANAMASS Lobbyist Ben Fierro, both the FNAMA and ANAMASS Boards, and members of the ANAMASS Health Policy Committee/Team Leaders for an action packed and informative day!

Senator Jo Comerford with ANAMASS

Senator James Eldridge with ANAMASS

Senator Pavel Payano with ANAMASS

Senate President, Senator Karen Spilka

The assembly was also honored by visits from Senator Bill Driscoll, Joint Committee on Public Health Co- Chair, who reminded the participants to be sure to tell their own stories, because that is what the legislators and their staff will remember.  

Senate President Senator Karen Spilka graciously gave her time to tell us that she was thrilled to be present with nurses who are powerful and trusted advocates..."Your voice matters!" [Link to state house news article]

At the end of the day, every legislator was left with a packet of information including the entire 2025-2026 ANAMASS legislative agenda and detailed information on each of the three bills.

CE Corner
Pharmacotherapeutics Contact Hours: ANCC criteria
Judy L Sheehan, MSN, RN, NCPD-BC

Standardized guidelines for calculating and awarding ANCC contact hours apply to educational content that meets specific criteria related to pharmacotherapy, ensuring the safe and effective use of medications in patient care.

  • Eligible content includes an overview of diseases requiring medication, scientific evidence supporting medication use, and guidelines for safe prescribing and administration.

  • It encompasses monitoring medication therapy, understanding potential side effects, and addressing special considerations in pharmacotherapy.

  • Additionally, it includes information on adjunct therapies that may complement medication treatment.

The only ANCC pharmacotherapeutic hour requirement is that the content needs to address pharmacotherapeutics.

Pharmacotherapeutic content may include, but is not limited to, drug-specific information, safe prescribing practices, safe medication administration, prescribing methodologies, new regulations, or similar content.

Presenters don't have to be nurses - just content experts in their presentation topic.

When designing an activity, it's a good idea for the organization to call out the number of pharmacotherapeutic contact hours so learners know what to expect. On the certificate, the organization can delineate the number of pharmacotherapeutic contact hours the activity provides.

The learner may need to provide evidence (i.e. an agenda) to support the number of pharmacotherapeutic hours when they apply for re-licensure/re-certification.

Book Review
Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World
by Sarah DiGregorio
Megan Nolan, MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, NEA-BC

Sarah DiGregorio's Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World is both a history and a call to action. It challenges the narrow way nursing has been remembered and too often minimized, especially when its story is told through the lens of physicians or reduced to the singular figure of Florence Nightingale. While Nightingale's work is undeniable, DiGregorio reminds us that focusing only on her erases the countless other nurses, many of them women of color and community healers, whose contributions built the very foundation of modern care.

The book traces how nursing has always existed wherever people cared for one another, long before medicine organized itself into a formal profession. Yet in the late 1700s, when male dominated medical schools established themselves at the top of a new healthcare hierarchy, community based care was pushed aside. Traditional healing, the essence of early nursing, was dismissed as unscientific. This created a physician centric model that persists today, where nurses still fight for full practice authority and the right to use their expertise without restrictive oversight.

DiGregorio draws attention to figures whose impact was minimized by this hierarchy. Mary Seacole, a Jamaican British nurse and businesswoman, risked her life on Crimean battlefields while also building the British Hotel to serve recovering soldiers. Her autobiography, the first written by a Black woman in Britain, recorded both her medical skill and her resilience against racism and exclusion. Yet her story was largely forgotten for a century.

Similarly, Lillian Wald pioneered public health nursing in New York City's Lower East Side, coining the very term public health nurse and founding the Henry Street Settlement. Wald's vision brought healthcare to impoverished immigrant communities, advanced women's rights, supported labor protections, and insisted on racial integration at a time when segregation was the norm. Still, her story too often fades behind the larger shadow cast by physicians.

DiGregorio reminds us that this erasure is not accidental but structural. By prioritizing the physician's voice and diminishing the nurse's, society has ignored the radical truth that nursing is not subordinate, it is essential. Nurses have been healers, teachers, advocates, and leaders. From ancient caregiving practices that enabled entire communities to survive, to union efforts that secured safe staffing ratios, nursing has always been about protecting life and advancing justice.

Reading Taking Care is both inspiring and unsettling. Inspiring, because it affirms the power of nursing as a force for health and equity. Unsettling, because it shows how often that power has been stripped away or written out of history. But DiGregorio's message is clear: the story of nursing is not over, and it is ours to claim.

Now it is our responsibility to carry this legacy forward with courage and conviction. We must reclaim our story from those who have minimized it, assert our rightful authority in every setting where health is shaped, and refuse to be silenced or diminished. Nursing has always been about justice, compassion, and the radical belief that every life matters. To honor those who came before us, we must use the full power of our knowledge, our advocacy, and our practice to transform care for our patients and communities. This is not only our right, it is our duty.

Continuing Education
NOTE: If you are experiencing difficulties registering for an event using your mobile device, please use QR code or access registration from a computer.
ANAMASS Approver Unit Calendar of Workshops, Symposiums & Webinars
Various Dates · Register Now!

December 12, 2025 Lunchtime Webinar: (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm)
Linking education to professional standards, documentation requirements and challenges.
Register Here

January 16, 2026 Lunchtime Webinar: (11:30 am - 12:30 pm)
Ensuring content integrity; clinical versus non-clinical; reviewing materials for best practices, independence from ineligible organizations and bias.
Register Here 

February 11, 2026 Coffee Break Webinar: (10:00 am - 11:00 am)
Samples and examples, best practices.
Register Here

March 27, 2026 Evening Webinar: (6:30 pm - 7:30 pm)
Key concepts going forward.
Register Here

April 24, 2026 Lunchtime Webinar: (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm)
small group coaching, discussion and problem-solving.
Register Here


June 5, 2026 Spring Symposium FINAL Runway to changes (all day in person program)
summary, discussion and review of key concepts. Lessons learned and case assessment and practice.
Registration Opening soon!

Vital Signs of Change: From GLP-1s to AI - Redefining Wellness and Career Growth in Nursing
NEW DATE: March 6, 2026 | Newton, MA

Register Here

Upcoming Events
Nurses Day at the Movies: Wicked For Good
December 2, 2025 | Dedham, MA

2026 ANAMASS Awards & FNAMA Scholarship Gala
April 10, 2026 | Burlington, MA

News From the Foundation
FNAMA Launches New Grant to Advance Nursing Science in Massachusetts

Boston, MA — The Foundation for Nursing Advancement in Massachusetts (FNAMA) has announced the establishment of the Brian M. French, PhD, RN Advancing Nursing Science Grant, a new initiative supporting registered nurses pursuing doctoral research and careers as nurse scientists.

Each year, the program will award one $1,500 grant to support a nurse’s dissertation research aimed at advancing nursing science, developing nursing knowledge, and improving outcomes for patients, families, and nurses. FNAMA strongly encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to equity and inclusion in nursing research.

The French Grant was made possible through the generosity of Brian M. French, PhD, RN, who dedicated almost 40 years of his career to Massachusetts General Hospital and retired in 2024 as Director of the Maxwell and Eleanor Blum Patient & Family Learning Center, the Knight Simulation Program and the Norman Knight Nursing Center for Clinical & Professional Development.

Brian M. French, PhD, RN

“The number of nurses entering PhD programs is decreasing as is funding for dissertation research studies. I benefited from the financial support of many nursing, non-nursing, and educational institutions throughout my educational journey,” said Dr. French. “Establishing this grant is my way of paying it forward to support others in their own doctoral education journey.”

Throughout his career, Dr. French demonstrated a deep commitment to lifelong learning and is recognized as an expert in nursing professional development, patient/family education, clinical simulation and the creation of interprofessional and nursing policies and procedures including those that support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In 2021, he was honored by the American Nurses Association Massachusetts (ANAMASS) with the Excellence in Nursing Education Award.

Founded in 2020 as the charitable, professional, and scholarly affiliate of ANAMASS, FNAMA advances the nursing profession by raising funds for research, education, and clinical innovation that strengthen the entire health care system.

“This grant reflects the very essence of what FNAMA stands for — investing in nurses who are creating the knowledge and evidence that move our profession forward,” said Carmela Daniello, DNP, MS/MBA, RN, Executive Director of FNAMA. “We are deeply grateful to Dr. French for his vision and generosity.”

FNAMA relies on the support of individuals, corporations, and private foundations to expand its mission and impact. To donate to the French Grant or other FNAMA initiatives, please visit www.fnama.org.

Giving Tuesday
December 2, 2025

Discover Ways to Donate Here

Nursing News
ANAMASS Accredited Approver Unit Fall Symposium - Keeping Up With The Standards
October 24, 2025 | Boston Children's Waltham

From the attendees:

  • “As always adding to my current knowledge base”
  • “Love Judy’s presenting style“
  • “This was an excellent way to blend theory into how to implement in real time“
  • “I have a much better understanding of the overall process”
  • “Very informative! “
  • “Excellent class Judy. I had a limited knowledge base on this topic prior to this conference, yet I was able to follow along easily. Thank you! “
  • “I loved having the opportunity to meet and discuss in person“
  • “I look forward to the webinars as well“
  • “I (was) able to walk away with a better grasp of the overall process“
  • “As a new educator, I learned many things. This was very informative,
  • “Greater clarity”
  • “I will attend the upcoming sessions“
Supporting the Supporters: Investing in Nurse Preceptors and Clinical Faculty
Rachael Salguero, PhD, RN-BC, CNEcl
Lisa Cross, PHD RN CNE CRRN CHPN

Preceptors and clinical faculty are a critical link between didactic nursing and clinical practice. Many nurses have precepted a new graduate nurse or stepped into the clinical faculty role with students. Often, these responsibilities come without formal training or preparation. Instead, clinical faculty may rely on what they know best, “teaching the way they were taught.” This highlights the importance of providing mentorship, resources, and support for clinical faculty and preceptors. Supporting the supporters not only helps preceptors and clinical faculty build confidence in their teaching, it also ensures they have the resources needed to create a safe and meaningful learning experience for their students.

Teaching the Teachers

While much attention is given to supporting new graduate nurses and prelicensure students, equal importance is needed for supporting preceptors and clinical faculty who guide novices through the complexities of clinical nursing practice. They bridge theory to practice, translating classroom knowledge into safe, compassionate, and competent patient care. However, their needs are often overlooked. To thrive in their roles, they also need mentorship and support as they develop and become confident in their own teaching expertise (Blakeman et al., 2025).

Benner’s (1984) framework reminds educators that expert nurses starting preceptor or clinical faculty roles frequently return to the novice stage; however, this occurs in the context of teaching. While they bring invaluable nursing expertise, they frequently lack the pedagogical knowledge and experience needed to feel confident in guiding new graduate nurses and students. Just as clinical skills evolve through mentorship, reflection, and progressive practice, so too does the art of teaching. With intentional support and structured development, clinical faculty and preceptors can grow from novice educators into proficient, expert mentors who are equipped to shape the future of nursing. 

Strategies to Support our Supporters

Strategies below outline some practical support.

  • Formal Preparation: Offering preceptor workshops, faculty development programs, and continuing education equips nurses with evidence-based strategies for teaching, coaching, and evaluation. 
    • The University of Massachusetts Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, through a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), created the New England Nursing Clinical Faculty and Preceptor Academy. This free resource includes webinars, toolkits, and other materials to support preceptors and clinical faculty. More information can be found here: https://www.umassmed.edu/gsn/preceptor-portal-two/welcome/. 
    • The New England League for Nurse Educators (NELNE) offers two conferences per year to support nurse educators in advancing their teaching practices. More information can be found here: https://nelne.nursingnetwork.com/. 
  • Recognition and Appreciation: Celebrating preceptors and faculty through awards, public acknowledgment, and gestures of gratitude reinforces their value to the profession. 
    • Nurses may consider nominating a preceptor or clinical faculty member for recognition, such as the Boston Globe’s Salute to Nurses or one of the many awards offered by the American Nurses Association (ANA) of Massachusetts. 
    • Many institutions offer internal awards to recognize preceptors and clinical instructors. 
    • The DAISY Award is another widely recognized and meaningful way to honor contributions.
  • Peer Support and Mentoring: Creating practice communities where preceptors and clinical instructors can share experiences, challenges, and best practices reduces isolation and fosters resilience. 
    • Experienced nurses may consider mentoring new clinical faculty, even informally through a “curbside” conversation, which further strengthens these connections. In many nurse residency programs, experienced preceptors are teamed up to support each other and exchange ideas for success.

Call to Action

The responsibility to support preceptors and clinical faculty does not rest solely with schools of nursing or healthcare organizations. The ANA Code of Ethics underscores nurses’ collective obligation to advance the profession through mentoring and fostering the next generation’s development (American Nurses Association, 2025). This duty extends to creating environments that sustain preceptors and clinical educators in their roles.

Mentoring new graduate nurses and teaching students in clinical are acts of professional stewardship. When nurses support the supporters, preceptors and clinical faculty, the nursing workforce is strengthened, patient outcomes are improved, and professional values such as compassion, competence, and community are upheld. Support is not limited to active mentoring, rather includes recognition, encouragement, and advocacy for nurse preceptors and clinical faculty. As members of ANA Massachusetts, nurses can commit to elevating those who guide others, by recognizing outstanding mentors, offering support to those new to teaching, and advocating for organizational resources, so that the next generation of nurses enters practice well-prepared, resilient, and ready to carry the profession forward.

Article references 

American Nurses Association. (2025). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements (2nd ed.). https://codeofethics.ana.org/home

Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert. Prentice Hall. 

Blakeman, J. R., Baur, K., Nielsen, S., LoVerde, J., Carls, C., & Cross, R. (2025). Addressing the nurse educator shortage: Transitioning bedside nurses to clinical faculty by demystifying roles and responsibilities. Journal of Professional Nursing, 59, 61–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2025.04.012  

Nursing Apprenticeships: Building Pathways to a Sustainable Workforce
Jay Prosser, DNP, RN, CCRN-K, NE-BC

The state of the nursing workforce is at a crossroads. While some regions of the country report progress in closing nursing gaps, national data paints a more troubling picture. Enrollment in higher education is declining, the demographic "cliff" is approaching, and the nursing profession is feeling the impact.

Consider these realities:

  • Nearly 1 in 5 new nurses (18%) leave the profession within their first year.

  • Almost half of practicing nurses (45%) are considering leaving their current roles---through retirement, job changes, or career shifts---within five years.

  • The average experience level on a nursing shift has fallen from eight years to just over two.

At the same time, the supply of "traditional" nursing students is not enough to fill the gap. Growth is coming from non-traditional learners---adult students, second-career individuals, and those moving up from supportive healthcare roles. These students bring fresh talent, but they often face significant social and financial barriers that make success harder to achieve.

Unfortunately, these challenges are compounded by health systems reducing investment in staff development and new graduate onboarding. This short-sighted model is not sustainable. Without innovative approaches, the pipeline of new nurses will fall further behind demand.

Apprenticeships: A Proven Solution

The Nursing Council on Workforce Sustainability (NCWS) has been leading the way in developing nursing apprenticeships as a long-term sustainable solution to the nursing crisis. Apprenticeships are not new---they have been part of the American workforce for more than 250 years in fields such as construction and the trades. Now, this model is being applied to healthcare, with marked results.

Other states that have adopted nursing apprenticeships report:

  • Retention rates above 93%

  • Increases in NCLEX pass rates

  • A sustainable, homegrown pipeline of nursing talent

Nursing apprenticeships allow students to earn while they learn. Apprentices are paid for a 40-hour work week while attending school, ensuring they do not have to sacrifice income to pursue a nursing career. Their work experiences are carefully aligned with their academic training, and each apprentice is paired with a journey worker who provides guidance and support. Apprentices gain hands-on practice within a defined scope, while still completing required didactic and clinical education.

Strong Outcomes, Stronger Nurses

The early data is clear: nurse apprentices succeed. They are more likely to complete their education, overcome social barriers, and stay in the profession. Apprenticeships not only strengthen the pipeline but also improve the transition into practice---helping new nurses feel confident and supported as they begin their careers.

The NCWS is actively spearheading apprenticeship pathways for Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses. These programs expand access, support workforce diversity, and ultimately improve patient care outcomes.

Be Part of the Solution

Nursing apprenticeships represent a sustainable way forward in the face of today's workforce crisis. By investing in this model, Massachusetts can ensure that future generations of nurses are well prepared, well supported, and ready to serve.

If you would like to learn more or become involved in this work, please contact us at NursingCouncil@umassmed.edu.

ONL Foundation: Proceeds from Massachusetts RN License Plates Support The nursing Profession

On any given day, Massachusetts roadways feature a variety of specialty license plates supporting causes close to our communities---the Red Sox Foundation, the Jimmy Fund, and even efforts to protect Right whales. Among them is a plate dedicated to a profession that touches every corner of health care: nursing.

The Massachusetts RN License Plate is more than just a symbol of pride in the profession. Proceeds from plate fees directly support the ONL Foundation, a 501(c)(3) affiliate of the Organization of Nurse Leaders -- New England. The Foundation is dedicated to empowering and developing nursing professionals through education, leadership development, research, and scholarships for continuing education. Each RN plate purchased raises both awareness of the nursing profession and financial support for these vital initiatives.

Available for all non-commercial vehicles (both owned and leased) registered in Massachusetts, the RN License Plate costs $40, and the full fee is tax deductible. Ordering is quick and convenient through the Massachusetts RMV website, and new plates typically arrive by mail within 10 business days. Applicants only need a driver's license and current registration details to complete the process.

"The Massachusetts RN License Plate is a terrific way to celebrate the nursing profession, demonstrate pride in being a nurse, and show support for nurses," says Jennifer Thiesen DNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, NEA-BC, who serves as board chair of the ONL Foundation and as Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Professional Practice at Cambridge Health Alliance.

Since its launch, more than 1,500 RN license plates have been purchased by nurses and non-nurses alike, and that number continues to grow.

To learn more or order the Massachusetts RN License plate, please visit www.onlfoundation.org/license-plate. To learn more about the ONL Foundation, visit www.onlfoundation.org.

Other Nursing News
2026 Sarah B. Pasternack Nursing Student Essay Contest.
Presented by The Nursing Archives Associates of the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at Boston University

Sarah Pasternack, MA, RN served as the President of the Nursing Archives Associates for more than 20 years. She received the Living Legend Award from the ANA Massachusetts in 2014. Sarah was an Assistant Professor at Boston University School of Nursing and a Nursing Patient Services Director and an Advanced Practice Nurse in Patient Safety and Quality at Boston Children’s Hospital.


Essay Title: Inspired to Become a Nurse

What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing and how does your inspiration relate to a significant historical figure or event?

Any references and citations must be in APA (7th edition) format.

  • Essays should not exceed 1000 words, exclusive of title and references.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) may not be used in creating the essay.
  • To be considered, essays must be received by February 2, 2026.

Two winning essays will be selected – one written by an undergraduate nursing student and one written by a graduate nursing student (masters, post-masters, or doctoral).

Authors of the winning essays will each receive a $500 prize. They will be invited to read their essay on a zoom meeting of the Nursing Archives Associates. Send two copies of your essay to nursing@bu.edu with ‘Nursing Archives Essay Contest’ in the subject line. One copy must include your name, degree in progress, expected year of graduation, name of school, and email address. The second copy should not include any identifying information.

The winners will be notified by April 15, 2026.

The Growing Role of Foreign-Educated Nurses in U.S. Hospitals and Implications of Visa Restrictions
Drishti Pillai, PhD, MPH, BS
Matthew Rae, MPA, MPH
Samantha Artiga, MPH

Registered Nurses (RNs) play a key role in the health care workforce and contribute to the health and well-being of millions of Americans, working in hospitals, nursing homes, physician's offices, and home health services. The profession has been experiencing shortages, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and are predicted to continue over the next decade as the 65 and older population in the U.S. grows, increasing health care needs. Demand for nurses will also likely increase to meet new requirements for nurse staffing levels in nursing facilities.

Full article: https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/the-growing-role-of-foreign-educated-nurses-in-u-s-hospitals-and-implications-of-visa-restrictions/

Joining the St. Elizabeth's Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association

St Elizabeth's Hospital school of Nursing was founded in 1895 and closed in 2000.

We bring you an Alumni Association webpage to visit, a place for our graduates to connect with other alumni, learn more about upcoming events, and explore resources available to you.

Joining the Saint Elizabeth's Alumni Association offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with former classmates, stay informed about events, and initiatives shaping the alma mater's legacy. Please contact Association President Susanne Hegarty Johnson at susanne7214@gmail.com.

Susanne H. Johnson MSN, RN President St Elizabeth's Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association

Membership
ANA Dues Increase

Background: In 2020, ANAMASS members voted to participate in the Standard Membership option, offering new members the opportunity to join at just $15/month ($174/year) and grandfathering all current members as “Premier” at $22.25/month ($261/year). Those long-time joint ANA/ANAMASS members who met criteria for “Special Premier” or “Reduced Premier” kept those discounts as long as they maintained their joint membership. New members were unable to access Premier Member benefits or join at the Premier rate. In the Standard Membership model, joint ANA/Constituent State Nurses Association standard member dues and benefits were standardized at one low price across the country, creating efficiencies of scale, and splitting dues evenly between the ANA and the Constituent/State Nurses Association (ANAMASS).

Click here to access ALL joint ANA/ANAMASS member benefits.

There has not been a joint ANA/ANAMASS Member dues increase in 11 years!

At the 2024 Membership Assembly (governing body of ANA), ANA membership assembly representatives voted to support the automatic dues increase passed in 2020, resulting in an across-the-board dues increase of 5.1%. In 2020, the average cost of a gallon of milk was $3.32. In 2024, the average cost was $4.39. That’s an increase in four years of over 32%!!!

ALL current members will see the 5.1% dues increase implemented during their renewal month. Standard Joint Membership will go from $174 per year ($15 per month) to $183 per year ($15.75 per month). Standard Membership dues are split evenly between ANA and ANAMASS, so ANAMASS will see an increase of $3.50/year per Standard Member (not even enough for a gallon of milk!). Grandfathered/Current Premier Membership will increase from $261 per year ($22.25/month) to $268 ($22.83/month). Of this $268, $115 goes to ANAMASS (no change!) and the ANA portion increases from $146 to $153/year). ANAMASS sees no increase in dues revenue, and ANA gets $7/year – not even enough for two gallons of milk!

How can current grandfathered Premier Members best support their state nurses association (ANAMASS)?

If you are currently a grandfathered Premier Member (had to have been a member prior to 2020 and maintained Premier Membership status), you can still upgrade to the NEW PREMIER member option (costing you just $27/year or $2.17/month additional). When you do that, ANAMASS will receive an additional $32.50/year from your dues, a net addition of $5.50 to the ANAMASS bottom line! Contact member services at memberinfo@ana.org or call 1-800-284-2378 to upgrade!

Dues increase FAQ.

Why is ANA increasing dues?

  • ANA is committed to providing our members with the benefits, services, and support they need to thrive in today’s challenging health care environment. This is our first dues increase in 11 years, and this 5.1% increase will allow us to improve and expand our membership benefits and to strengthen our advocacy and nursing programs on the issues that matter to nurses.

When will the dues increase take effect?

  • Members who pay annually will see the new rate reflected on their first renewal notice in 2025.
  • For members who pay with automatic recurring payments (monthly or annually), the dues increase will take effect on the anniversary of their joining ANA. You will receive an email reminder 30 days before their first automatic payment at the new dues rate.
  • New members who join ANA on or after January 1, 2025, will pay the new rate.

How much will the dues increase?

  • Dues will increase by 5.1% for the ANA portion of Joint membership. ANAMASS has NOT elected to increase their portion of Joint membership dues in their states.

When was this decision made?

  • To avoid the scenario of falling behind increases in inflation and requiring a large dues adjustment, ANA, like many associations, developed our first automatic scheduled dues escalation process in 2002 and implemented smaller dues increases every three years from 2005 to 2014.
  • Reflecting the concern about the economic struggle of nurses, the Membership Assembly voted to not implement the automatic scheduled dues increases between 2015 and 2020. In 2020, the Membership Assembly revised ANA’s dues structure, lowered the amount of the dues escalation to 1% annually and changed the automatic scheduled dues process to occur every five years, with the first cycle starting in 2020. Therefore, the dues increase went into effect on January 1, 2025, with renewing members seeing the increase on the anniversary date of their join.

Which membership types are affected, and what are the new rates?

  • Standard Joint Membership will go from $174 per year ($15 per month) to $183 per year ($15.75 per month).
  • Grandfathered/Current Premier Membership will increase from $261 per year ($22.25/month) to $268 per year ($22.83/month). Only available to those with continuous Premier Membership since 2020.
  • NEW Premier Membership will be offered at $25/month or $294/year.

Will members still be able to pay annually or monthly?

  • Yes, members will still be able to pay dues every month or once a year, depending upon their preference.

Will members be notified of this change?

  • Yes. Emails were sent on 11/22/2024 by ANA to all current members impacted by the dues increase, notifying them of this change. Also, the November 22nd issue of the Member News e-newsletter published this information.
  • Pricing was updated in the Renewal mail notifications for members scheduled to renew in January 2025 or later.
  • The rate to join ANA posted on ANA’s website was updated 1/1/2025.

Should members expect dues to increase every year?

  • No. As noted above, this is the first time in 11 years that the price of membership dues has increased. The current ANA dues policy includes a scheduled 5.1% dues increase every 5 years, but it is not implemented until after a review by the ANA Board of Directors and a vote at Membership Assembly by your state representatives.
    Who do I contact if a member has questions that aren’t answered on this page?
  • Please contact memberupdate@ana.org.This email address will make sure that the question is directed to the appropriate Membership staff representative.
Advertise in This Newsletter

Thank you for your interest in sponsoring & supporting our association. For advertising rates and information, please contact Nursing Network at advertising@nursingnetwork.com 

The American Nurses Association Massachusetts (ANAMASS) is the premier organization representing the interests of every registered nurse within the state. They are the largest voluntary professional nursing organization in the state, with members who practice in settings ranging from acute care to community health, from the bedside to the boardroom.

Get in touch
Connect With Us
Facebook Instagram YouTube
Terms and Conditions Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Contact Us