This message comes at a time when we are all celebrating Nurses Month 2025. It gives us an opportunity to recognize each other and celebrate our profession of Nursing. As a nurse, we witness many things that give us a range of emotions. We are there when no one else is, and we see what no other professionals do. I am so grateful to be a Nurse, most of all I must thank all the nurses that have helped guide me to where I am today. Many of you have lifted me up when I needed you the most, when I had a tough patient or after a code. Others have guided me when I thought, this is it and wanted to give up. I am grateful to you all!

As I reflect about the ANA theme for Nurses Month “Power of Nurses” I went around and asked many of you what your Power is? These are some of the answers I got from you:

· Advocating for our patients.

· Being there in the most difficult times.

· Reaching patients in ways that other disciplines cannot.

· Having support from each other.

· Holistic care.

· Healing and calming presence.

We serve our patients daily but there are many other capacities as professionals that we can serve. Nursing represents the largest amount of the healthcare workforce; we bring a point of view that others may not have a full awareness about. Serving on a board helps us to have a voice in the community advocating in a different way than at the bedside. I have served as a member on the Board of Directors for ISNA for several terms and now as the President. I also currently serve on three additional committees- a national women’s health committee, DEIBA for ISNA, and the Federal Reserve Advisory Council. These opportunities have given me insight on how I can make a difference for nursing and our communities.

While participating at the Federal Reserve Advisory Council meeting I learned about farming and agriculture needs in the rural areas, labor needs in construction, supply chain issues with tariffs, how the banks are helping families with mortgages, development of land, and what non-profits organizations are doing to help the communities. All of these topics directly affects our communities we live in from the foods available at grocery stores to the development of housing and neighborhoods and therefore related to healthy outcomes of our patients. We can make a wide impact in our communities by serving as a board or committee member and advocating for their needs.

Nursing care encompasses many duties that overlap with other disciplines, but nursing is always the constant. Our role is beyond the bedside bending and shifting to meet the needs in the ever-changing healthcare environment. We co-lead the care of the patient, advocating while helping other disciplines align with our patient’s needs.

Now I ask you, what is your Power in Nursing? Never underestimate your Power.

While packing up paper files for the ISNA office move, I came across a few files that caught my attention. One file held contents related to historical strategies of ISNA and the other, bylaws, and a third a statewide committee (see the Tri-Council announcement share later in this issue). We all know that history repeats itself, but do we call this repetitive cycle insanity or perseverance? I’ll choose to call it the latter.

One of the topics listed from a 1980 Consortium of Indiana Nursing Associations agenda included Continuing Education for Relicensure which is a constant hot topic in Indiana. The second topic that caught my attention was an element of the 1964 Bylaws concerning a Committee on Economic and General Welfare. ISNA was established in 1903. While it almost feels as though little has changed over the years, we’ve moved mountains, just one rock at a time.

Nursing, one of the oldest and most trusted professions, is rich with themes that echo through the generations—advocacy, compassion, burnout, innovation, marginalization, and resilience. Yet, as we examine the cycles that emerge in our profession—crises followed by temporary solutions, praise followed by policy neglect, workforce shortages followed by recruitment campaigns—we must ask ourselves: is our persistence a mark of professional perseverance, or are we trapped in a cycle that borders on insanity?

This is exactly why organizations like the Indiana State Nurses Association (ISNA) exist. We are not here to admire the problem—we are here to challenge the cyclic themes that drag our profession down. ISNA is built on a legacy of advancing nursing practice, policy, and equity. We provide a collective voice for nurses in Indiana, shaping health policy, promoting nursing leadership, and protecting the profession from being sidelined or silenced.

With each legislative session I look back and ask myself, has ISNA made a difference for Indiana? The answer is always “yes” but what keeps me up at night is could we have done more? Are we going to be revisiting the same topics again next year? The answer is “yes”, we probably will be. And that’s why I continue to show up for ISNA members and Indiana nurses.

I like to call this failing forward. At its core, failing forward means learning from failure in a way that propels growth, innovation, and transformation. It’s not about glorifying mistakes or accepting failure as the end point. Instead, it’s about using failure as a stepping stone, not a stopping point.

ISNA isn’t just a membership organization—it’s a mobilization force and we are growing. We advocate for safe staffing, professional autonomy, full practice authority, and workplace protections not just when the headlines demand it— but every single day, every legislative session, every meeting and so on. Our purpose is to break these cycles.

In a profession rooted in evidence-based practice, failing forward is about embracing the iterative process of improvement. We pilot. We adjust. We listen. We try again—better informed.

For ISNA and me, failing forward also means modeling transparency and humility. It means saying, “We tried. We learned. And we’re not giving up.”

Perhaps the answer is both. Nurses persevere—because we care deeply, lead bravely, and believe in the possibility of change. We must stop settling for temporary applause and start demanding permanent progress. The real work happens in the less-visible spaces: boardrooms, policy hearings, education pipelines, and grassroots mobilization. That’s where ISNA is—and that’s where you as a nurse leader need to be.

Leadership requires us to break the cycle. We must disrupt old patterns, challenge complacency, and demand sustainable change—not just for nurses today, but for those yet to come.

The future of nursing doesn’t have to echo the past. But only if we stop mistaking endurance for progress. It’s time to stop waiting for the next crisis to force reform. Together, through organized leadership and bold advocacy, we can create a profession—and a healthcare system—where nursing thrives by design, not just by grit.

If it takes one piece of sand, one rock at a time to move the mountain, I’m here for it.

Reflections on My Faculty Internship with the Indiana State Nurses Association

As an assistant clinical professor and a licensed adult nurse practitioner in Indiana, I’ve always believed in the power of nursing beyond the bedside. This year, I had the privilege of serving as a faculty intern with the Indiana State Nurses Association (ISNA)—an experience that profoundly shaped my understanding of policy, advocacy, and leadership in nursing.

Prior to this internship, I had a foundational understanding of state government processes, but I sought a more immersive, hands-on experience to truly grasp the nuances of policy and advocacy work. I approached this opportunity with a clear set of goals: to deepen my understanding of the Indiana State Government and legislative processes, to grow both personally and professionally as a leader, to become more attuned to the pressing issues facing our profession, and to bring this knowledge back into the classroom to enrich the education of future nurses.

Admittedly, I started this journey feeling uncertain—vulnerable, even. I lacked confidence in navigating the policy landscape and questioned whether I had the knowledge to contribute meaningfully. What I discovered, however, was transformative.

Through this internship, I gained not only confidence but also a real-world, behind-the-scenes perspective on the grassroots efforts that drive change. I came to deeply appreciate the sustained commitment of our professional nursing organization and the camaraderie that emerges from working together toward a common good. I observed testimony, contributed insights to shape advocacy efforts, and stood alongside colleagues to champion policies that benefit nurses, patients, and families across Indiana.

A particularly enriching part of this experience was participating in policy and advocacy educational sessions sponsored by ISNA. One standout opportunity was the “Healing Politics” workshop, led by Dr. Lisa Summers and Dr. Kim Gordon. Their guidance and expertise illuminated the path for nurses to become more politically active and empowered, and it was a privilege to learn from such passionate leaders.

I was also fortunate to serve alongside an exceptional, fearless Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) student from the Indiana University School of Nursing. His depth of knowledge, unwavering passion to make a difference, and relentless motivation to dig deeper were truly inspiring. His presence reminded me of the power of mentorship, collaboration, and the next generation of nurse leaders.

This experience has also directly enhanced my teaching. I was able to integrate current policy issues into the RN-BSN Health Policy Consortium course discussions and incorporate advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) topics into my Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) graduate-level classes. These real-time, relevant discussions helped meet outlined course competencies while inspiring students to see themselves as future advocates and leaders.

Importantly, my advocacy work does not end with the completion of this internship. I have been invited to join the ISNA Advocacy Council, where I will continue to contribute to policy efforts and help embolden nursing’s collective voice in the State of Indiana. I am honored to carry this work forward and remain committed to advancing our profession through informed, strategic advocacy.

This faculty internship with the Indiana State Nurses Association has been a pivotal chapter in my professional journey. It has reaffirmed my belief that nurses are not only caregivers but also powerful advocates for change. By stepping into the policy arena, I’ve grown in confidence, expanded my professional network, and enriched my teaching with real-world relevance.

To my fellow nurse educators and clinicians: your voice is needed. Your expertise matters. I encourage you to step into these spaces of influence—whether through internships, advocacy, or policy engagement. Together, we can shape a future where nursing continues to lead, innovate, and advocate for the health and well-being of our communities.

The strength of an organization lies on its transformative mechanism to promote justice and equity to its community and constituents. In this matter, the power to push for reforms is vital in ensuring a sustainable future. Recently, we have been in the forefront of lobbying for legislative changes that will create an impact on how nurses can practice here in the state of Indiana. Fueled by passion and perseverance for the common good of those who chase their dream to become a nurse here in the US, we felt in our hearts the need to move and reach out and get involved in the dynamism of political justice and legislation.

I. Intro:

 In 2024, Public Law 17 (SEA 132) streamlined the RN licensure of internationally educated nurses (IENs) in the State of Indiana. It expanded pathways for RN licensure by examination or endorsement. However, another barrier was recognized. Social Security Number (SSN) is a). required to apply to test (ATT) for NCLEX-RN exam and b). to apply to get an RN license after passing the NCLEX-RN exam in the State of Indiana.

II. Background:

 This prompted Mattie Upano, President, PNA Indiana (PNA-IN) to collaborate with Blayne Miley, Director of Programs and Advocacy & Dr. Katie Feley, Chief Executive Officer of the Indiana State Nurses Association (ISNA) and Nick Goodwin, Director of Government Affairs, Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA) to lay the groundwork of addressing the SSN issue; The requests to PLA submitted by Mr. Goodwin were: For PLA:

1. To no longer require a SSN for applicants who do not have a SSN and are seeking to an ATT to take NCLEX.
2. To provide a temporary license to IENs who meet all other requirements for licensure except SSN, so, they can get their visa to work in the US/Indiana as a RN/LPN. SSN could be provided to PLA after applicant receives it from SSA once inside the United States; and
3. Confirm the legal authority that PLA has to require a SSN as a part of the license application process. Example of how states like Kentucky or other states’ processes in how ATTs are issued to individuals who meet the educational requirements to test, regardless of having a SSN was provided to PLA.

 An online meeting on May 8, 2024 with Evan Bartel, Deputy General Counsel, Professional Licensing Agency (PLA), Nick Hart, Director, Indiana State Board of Nursing (board), Nick Goodwin, IHCA, Katie Feley, ISNA, and Mattie Upano, PNA-IN followed wherein options were discussed. The board agreed to waive the SSN requirement for ATT for NCLEX; The board stated that they needed a few months to train their staff as well as to program the application processes to accommodate the no SSN requirement to test for NCLEX. This process was finally implemented towards the end of 2024.

III. Action:

 As a byproduct of a follow up SSN meeting with Nick Goodwin, Mattie Upano, Nick Hart and other stakeholders on March 19, 2025, the following amendment was offered for inclusion in Senate Bill 473, which was authored by State Senator Liz Brown.:

IC 25-23-1-12

(j) An individual who does not have a social security number and is applying for a license by examination from a jurisdiction outside of the United States to practice as a licensed practical nurse under subsection (f) may not be required to submit a social security number as a condition of applying for and being granted a license. The individual shall provide their social security number to the agency no later than thirty (30) days after the social security number is issued from the United States Social Security Administration as a condition of their federally authorized work visa else the individual’s licensure shall be suspended by the board.”

 IC 25-23-1-11

(k) An individual who does not have a social security number and is applying for a license by examination from a jurisdiction outside of the United States to practice as a registered nurse under subsection (g) may not be required to submit a social security number as a condition of applying for and being granted a license. The individual shall provide their social security number to the agency after the social security number is issued from the United States Social Security Administration as a condition of their federally authorized work visa else the individual’s license shall be suspended by the board.”

 The House Public Health Committee accepted the amendment during a committee meeting on Senate Bill (SB) 473: Various Health Matters.

 Following addition, discussion with PLA, ISNA, IHCA and other stakeholders, the language was amended again on 2nd Reading in the House to create a provisional license for international nurse applicants.

Through the sponsorship of Rep. Brad Barrett, the SSN amendment passed. SEA 473 was signed by Governor Mike Braun on May 1, 2025 and it became Public Law # 143. It states:

SECTION 47. IC 25-23-1-12.6 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 12.6. (a) An individual who:

(1) is seeking:

(A) a federally authorized work visa;

(B) licensure by examination as a:

(i) registered nurse under section 11(g); or

(ii) licensed practical nurse under section 12(f); of this chapter;

(2) does not have a Social Security number; and

(3) meets all applicable requirements of this chapter; may not be required to provide a Social Security number as a condition of applying for or being issued a provisional license.

 (b) An individual described in subsection (a) shall provide to the board the following:

(1) The individual's alien identification number.

(2) A signed affidavit affirming that the individual is seeking a federally

 authorized work visa.

(3) Documentation of an offer of employment to provide registered nursing or

practical nursing services in Indiana that is a condition of the federally authorized

work visa.

The individual must affirm under the penalties of perjury that the information provided to the board under this subsection is true and accurate.

(c) Upon verification of the individual's lawful status through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the board shall grant a provisional license to an individual who meets the requirements of subsections (a) and (b).

(d) A provisional license issued under this section is valid for not more than one hundred eighty (180) days. The fee for a provisional license under this section is ten dollars ($10).

(e) After being issued a Social Security number as a condition of a federally authorized work visa, an individual described in this section who is issued a provisional license shall provide to the board the individual's Social Security number. After receiving the individual's Social Security number, the board shall issue to the individual a license under section 11(g) or 12(f) of this chapter.

(f) If an individual fails to provide the individual's Social Security number as required under subsection (e), the individual's provisional license lapses.”

IV. Impact/Significance

Long-term care providers in Indiana continue to lead the nation when it comes to quality outcomes for residents. This national distinction would not be possible without a diverse and talented nursing workforce,” stated Nick Goodwin, Director of Government Affairs for the Indiana Health Care Association. “We know that the demand for nursing services is only going to increase as more Baby Boomers retire and our population ages, making our partnership with the Philippine Nurses Association of Indiana and Indiana State Nurses Association all the more important. Due to unwavering leadership from State Senator Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) and State Representative Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) and with the support from our coalition, Senate Enrolled Act 473 passed last session, which makes important statutory changes to nurse licensure requirements for international applicants and others who are starting their nursing careers. These changes will streamline government processes and enable more individuals to become nurses in Indiana, a win-win for Indiana and Hoosier caregivers.”

As an organization, we are committed above all to the welfare of our members, the community and in the name of the Nursing profession.

PNA Indiana continues its’ legislative advocacy for internationally educated nurses (IENs) in the State of Indiana, streamlining RN licensure requirements.  Thus, resulting in a significant impact in the early entry of qualified professional nurses in the state to care for our beloved Hoosiers.

PNA IN promotes the welfare and well-being of Filipino American nurses in Indiana. We amplify their unified voices, by advocating on behalf of their interests, and providing resources to facilitate their empowerment and promote their professional growth. We promote health and continue our life’s work by providing health education and health care services to the community. Members have the opportunity to learn the latest research and best practices, participate in professional development, engage in nursing policy, philanthropic activities, network, lead, and volunteer.

As we move forward to the next challenges in legislation, we reflect as leaders on how we can be an instrument of change and it begins with our purpose. It is not an easy task to push for reforms but when you see the impact it creates on the lives of many nurses seeking a way to make their journey to a better life, we take pause and remember that once in our life we were also in the same shoes and that in return of goodwill it is our turn to help. Let us be the help that answers the prayer of good intentions. Let us get involved in meaningful change thru advocacy and legislation.

Caroline Mullins BSN, RN, CEN CCRN

MSN Intern

As the student intern with Indiana State Nurses Association since last fall and nearing completion of my MSN this August, I’ve gained valuable insights into the organizations mission. My internship has provided me with practical experience, and I’m keen to apply my academic background and learnings into my new professional role as the Magnet Program Director at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Since the infancy of my internship, I have become the Chair of the ISNA Social Media Committee and hope to effectively share ISNA’s crucial work and foster greater engagement across our digital platforms. This summer, I am particularly focused on deepening the connections I’ve made and strategically building new relationships within the organizations. I am eager to actively participate in ISNA events, seek out mentorship, and offer my assistance to other initiatives that further support our Indiana nursing community.  

Ashley Hums, MSN, RN

DNP Intern

Hello, my name is Ashley Hums and I am a DNP student in my last semester at Indiana University Indianapolis. I am from Granger, Indiana. In addition to my service as an Indiana Nurses Foundation board member, I currently work as a Peri-Operative Services nurse manager at Saint Joseph Health System in Mishawaka, IN. I am married to my husband Kyle and we have 3 children Bo 14, Raelynn 12, and Grant 8. In my spare time I enjoy watching my kids play sports and reading. 

Nurses care with everything they have—it's more than a job, it's a calling. We’re turning that care into action.

Join us for a bold and heartfelt fundraising campaign where compassion meets confidence.

We're calling on our community to step up, give back, and show that supporting nurses is the ultimate flex...for your favorite INF Board Member!

Why It Matters:

Funds raised will power:
🩺 Scholarships for LPN & RN nurses headed back to school
📣 Leadership Development to strengthen the voice of nursing through professional development like certification
🔬 Research and Quality Improvement Grants to advance nursing science and practice, improving care for Hoosiers
🤝 The Nurses in Need Fund to support nurses facing personal or financial hardship
🌟 Nurse Recognition Programs to celebrate excellence, compassion, and leadership in nursing

Whether you're a nurse, a healthcare ally, or someone who's ever been touched by a nurse’s care—this is your moment to flex your support.

How to Get Involved:

💙 Donate and help us hit our goal 
💙 Honor a nurse with your gift
💙 Share the campaign with your circle of nurses and friends—because generosity is contagious

Let’s show that giving back isn’t just kind—it’s powerful. It’s personal. And yeah, it’s a flex. 

Angie Morris, MSN, RN, CEN, SANE-A, SANE-P, EMT, is employed by the University of Southern Indiana’s College of Nursing and Health Professions where she works as the Project Coordinator of the Indiana SANE Training Project (“Project”).  The Project provides medical forensic education to healthcare providers throughout the state of Indiana and works closely with stakeholders to improve medical and legal outcomes of those who experience violence and abuse.  Angie’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in the concentration of social & behavioral science with minors in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Indiana University, a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Marian University and a Master of Science in nursing from the University of Southern Indiana. 

Angie has been in the field of forensic nursing for more than ten years and has experience as forensic nurse examiner in the Emergency Department of a metropolitan level I trauma center and holds three board certifications; Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A), Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric (SANE-P) and Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN).  She has provided medical forensic training, mentoring and support to thousands of healthcare providers and multidisciplinary team members across the United States since the inception of the Indiana SANE Training Project in late 2018.  

Prior to becoming a nurse, Angie worked for more than a decade in various roles within the criminal justice and legal field with experience in prevention, leadership, and serving both local and state government.  

Angie was awarded distinguished membership to the Academy of Forensic Nursing in 2021, and is a member of the International Association of Forensic Nurses and American Nurses Association.  In 2019, she was appointed by Governor Eric Holcomb to serve on the Indiana State Board of Nursing and continues to serve that board as Secretary.  Angie also holds a seat on the Indiana Statewide Sexual Assault Response Team and serves on the Board of Directors for A Healthier Hamilton County Systems of Care and the FBI Indianapolis Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association.    

Angie is a lifelong Hoosier and resides in Fishers with her husband and two children. 

May 6th, 2025 

After 24 years as a nurse, through military service, clinics, classrooms, and leadership roles, I have always known my life’s purpose is rooted in service. Nursing gave me a voice, a platform, and a mission. It shaped my identity, taught me resilience, and allowed me to care for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

But recently, something unexpected stirred within me: a pull toward the fire service. A new call to serve.

I’ve officially begun my journey as a probationary volunteer firefighter.

At first glance, it might seem like a dramatic shift. I’ve had peers ask, “Why would you do this now?” Others are more curious: “Why are you so committed, even to the small stuff, like washing the rigs or rolling hose?” And the answer is simple, because it all has meaning.

Every task, no matter how menial it may seem, has purpose. Washing the apparatus isn’t just about keeping a truck clean. It’s about respect. It’s about accountability. It’s about preparing to serve. The firehouse teaches you that pride isn’t found in being above the basics, it’s found in showing up, doing the work, and earning your place, one action at a time.

As a probationary member, I’m learning a whole new world of skills, terminology, teamwork, and culture. It’s humbling, and it’s invigorating. I don’t pretend to know everything, far from it, but I come willing. Willing to learn. Willing to sweat. Willing to start at the beginning again.

And yet, it doesn’t feel like I’m starting over.

It feels like I’m expanding my purpose.

The fire service reawakened something visceral in me. It’s a world of urgency, grit, and brotherhood. It’s hands-on. It's chaos met with calm. It’s showing up at someone’s worst moment and saying, I’ve got you. And isn’t that also what nursing is?

Nursing laid the foundation. Firefighting is illuminating the rest.

Through this new lens, I’ve gained deeper insight into the very populations I’ve committed my career to serving, men, first responders, veterans, and others who often carry silent burdens. I see now, more than ever, how layered masculine identity can be, how service can heal the server, and how community can thrive when built on trust, humility, and shared sacrifice.

In the firehouse, I find a new kind of clarity. I understand the men I’ve been trying to reach in my research. I understand why so many first responders don’t seek care, because I am becoming one of them. I now understand what vulnerability really looks like: not weakness, but the courage to serve through the pain, to carry burdens quietly, and sometimes too quietly.

This isn’t a departure from my calling, it’s a continuation. A new chapter in a life already dedicated to caring for others.

Sometimes, purpose isn’t found in a single profession, it’s revealed in layers over time.

Together, they’ve begun to provide a fuller picture of what it means to heal, to protect, and to serve.

So to those wondering if it’s too late to explore something new, or if you’ve missed your calling: it’s never too late to answer a deeper part of who you are. Sometimes the journey doesn’t make perfect sense until you’re in the middle of it. And then you realize, it was never about choosing one path over another. It was about being open to more.

This journey is just beginning. And I’ve never felt more certain of my purpose.

Reprinted with permission from Dr. Julian Gallegos.

Follow Dr. Gallegos on LinkedIn for similar content and to him on his new journey.

We are proud to announce that Union Health, Goshen Hospital and Indiana University Health Bloomington have achieved Magnet® redesignation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)—a prestigious recognition of nursing excellence, patient care quality, and innovation in professional nursing practice.

The Magnet Recognition Program® is the gold standard for nursing excellence and a reflection of the dedication, skill, and compassion our nurses bring to every patient interaction. This achievement signals to our Hoosier communities and to the nation that these Indiana hospitals are a place where nurses thrive, leadership is visionary, and patients receive the highest quality of care.

Redesignation is especially meaningful—it demonstrates that we don’t just meet the standards once but continue to grow, improve, and lead in nursing practice year after year.

To every nurse, nurse leader, and interprofessional partner who made this possible: thank you. Your commitment to excellence, shared governance, continuous learning, and patient advocacy is what makes Indiana nursing truly exceptional.

Let’s celebrate this milestone together—and keep pushing the boundaries of what nursing can achieve.

SILVER SPRING, MD – The American Nurses Enterprise, which includes the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the American Nurses Foundation, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bradley (Brad) Goettl, DNP, DHA, RN, FNP-C, FAAN as its new Chief Nursing Officer. Dr. Goettl will join the organization on April 21, 2025.

“It is a humbling and exciting opportunity to be the next Chief Nursing Officer and a member of the American Nurses Enterprise’s executive team, advancing nursing professional practice standards for more than 5 million nurses,” notes Dr. Goettl.

Most recently, Dr. Goettl served as the interim Co-Executive Director and Chief Clinical Officer of the Emergency Nurses Association. He has also contributed as the Director of Advanced Practice Provider Fellowships Programs at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.

Brad holds a wide-range of specialty certifications reflecting his commitment to ongoing professional development and formal credentialing as an emergency nurse (CPEN) and emergency nurse practitioner (ENP-C), adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP-BC), certified flight registered nurse (CFRN), and as an emergency medical technician – paramedic (EMT-P). He is also an appointed fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP), Academy of Emergency Nursing (FAEN), American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), and the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN).

Earlier this year, he was appointed Nurse Executive in Residence at Georgetown University School of Nursing as part of a nationally recognized senior nurse leader advisory team to contribute to the school’s Executive Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health System Leadership and Policy.

“Brad has an impressive professional nursing background, grounded through his career journey from EMT, RN and APRN, serving in progressive operational, association, policy advocacy and academic roles as a nationally recognized executive nurse leader,” says American Nurses Association’s President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN.

“Serving as an appointed commissioner for the Commission on Accreditation in Nursing Continuing Professional Development with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has positioned Brad to shape a wide range of future standards. I look forward to partnering with him in his new role as Chief Nursing Officer,” shares ANCC President Laura J. Wood, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN.

“Brad’s forward-looking perspectives, unwavering passion, his contributions within membership associations and professional development programs, and his national and international perspectives make him a perfect fit for this strategic executive leadership role,” said American Nurses Enterprise Chief Executive Officer Angela Beddoe. “The Chief Nursing Officer amplifies the shared priorities and advocates for unified solutions for all nurses.”

Volunteering is a great way for nursing professionals, including registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice nurses (APRNs), to get involved in their communities and to support causes that are important to them. However, there are some operational and legal considerations that nurses should investigate before agreeing to take on a volunteer position. This article will review some questions nurses should ask prior to taking on a volunteer position. It will also review some of the legal protections for nurses who are volunteering, and when those legal protections generally do and don’t apply.

Usual venues that request medical volunteers include community fairs, concerts, sporting competitions, water sports, and foot races such as 5Ks, marathons, triathlons, and adventure races. However, a measure of caution is necessary: Know the expectations of medical volunteers in advance. There can be a mismatch or even a misunderstanding in what the organizers may expect of you, their level of support, and the realities of your scope of practice, skill set and capabilities. It’s crucial to ask questions up front to clarify their expectations and yours so that you can make an informed decision regarding your participation, as well as consider any personal risks and professional liability risks. Several questions can be helpful to you as you evaluate opportunities to serve as a medical volunteer.
 

What are the organizer’s overall expectations of the volunteer(s) providing on-site medical coverage?

When considering becoming a medical volunteer for an event, it’s a good idea to contact the organizer in advance to ask clarifying questions. Will you work by yourself, or will you be part of a medical team? Is there any pre-event training available? Do they expect you to hand out ice packs, take vital signs, and provide basic first aid? Will you have to respond to people in need anywhere within the event venue, or will other event staff bring ill or injured persons to you? Do they assume that you, an RN, will administer medications to participants without pre-existing orders or independent practice authority? When you speak to the organizer directly, you have the opportunity to be clear about your scope of practice and the applicable limits of your licensure and capabilities.
 

Is the type of event aligned with your nursing license, experience, and knowledge?

Are you practicing in a state for which you hold a valid nursing license at the level you intend to practice (such as RN, APRN, or licensed practical/licensed vocational nurse)? Do you have any type of first aid, emergency care, or wilderness medicine training? Are you up to date on CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) certification? These events are often held in outdoor locations as well as large, indoor event venues. The care you are being asked to provide is based on prehospital care principles. If other nurses and care providers who have experience in this venue will be available to mentor you onsite, there can be a much greater comfort level with volunteering. However, if you will be the lone nurse without backup except by calling the local EMS squad, then it’s important to take stock of your own knowledge and skills before signing up.
 

Is the team composition appropriate to the anticipated medical needs at the event as well as the number of participants?

Events such as large-scale marathons with 5,000 or more runners, adventure races, or big concerts typically call for larger medical teams with numerous physicians, advanced practice clinicians (APCs) such as APRNs and physician assistants, nurses, and EMS personnel. These types of events tend to be very well planned and organized. If the event will require personnel with specialized rescue skills such as those of a lifeguard, a rock climber, or ski patrol, ensure that people with these competencies and credentials are part of the team and positioned in areas where their skills are most likely to be used. You should never be expected to perform rescue skills for which you have no experience or training.
 

What internal and external resources will be available at the event?

Internal resources include medical station structures such as tents, water stations, gators for transporting participants to the medical team, police or security, roving bike patrols, food, bathroom facilities, water, and electricity. Communication devices such as portable radios for contact with both race organizers and other medical team members are often essential, as cell phones may have limited connectivity in some venues. External resources generally encompass local EMS responders in ambulances, helicopters, watercraft, rescue apparatus, and divers. Local and regional healthcare facilities also are considered external resources as well as their capacity so the team can make well-reasoned decisions.
 

What types of equipment and supplies will be on hand?

Will the event organizer provide the medical supplies and equipment, or do they expect the medical team to bring whatever they determine is necessary? If provided by the organizer, is the equipment fully functional? Are the supplies usable (not damaged or expired) and in sufficient quantity? Are AEDs available? The team needs to carefully decide whether a basic life support level of care will be provided or an advanced life support level. If physicians and APCs are available, then consideration of an advanced life support level might be reasonable. This decision will dictate supply and equipment needs as well as team competency and skill needs.

Are there well-coordinated plans, including an orientation?

Have the organizers held an event such as this in the past? Do they work closely with those on the medical team to ensure that planning is well coordinated and that the medical team has the necessary access to resources and decision-making? Do they offer an orientation to the event, including the layout and location of key resources, areas of greatest injury risk, points of entry and egress for emergency vehicles, and criteria for cancelling or ending the event before it’s scheduled to be over (for example, lightning storm, excessive heat or cold)? Who is the lead medical volunteer and does this individual offer an orientation to being part of the medical team?

What are documentation and quality management expectations?

How will medical encounters be documented? Is there a patient contact log or a formal care record? In the event of a complex or serious case involving the medical team, is there any type of post-event follow-up with the team or quality management plan to inform future event coverage? What type of follow-up does the event organizer expect after serious medical encounters and what can the medical volunteer legally provide without violating patient confidentiality? How are media inquiries handled?

Is this coverage volunteer or is there compensation?

Consider the implications of Good Samaritan laws. Good Samaritan laws vary from state to state and are intended to cover healthcare professionals who volunteer to help people experiencing a medical emergency. Sometimes even receiving a t-shirt, food voucher, or swag from the event can be viewed as compensation. Being compensated with monetary payment and, potentially, giveaway items can nullify Good Samaritan protections. Review the Good Samaritan Law in the state where you plan to volunteer, especially if you intend to rely on Good Samaritan protections.

What liability coverage exists?

Seek clarification from the event organizer regarding whether they have liability insurance coverage for their event. If so, does it provide any liability coverage for medical volunteers? What are the provisions of that liability coverage if medical volunteers are covered? If there is no liability coverage as part of the event organizer’s policy, do you have your own professional liability policy that offers the appropriate coverage? Knowing that you are protected provides essential peace of mind. It also is a good idea to know if the organizer’s policy covers you for any injuries you may sustain as part of your duties as a medical volunteer.

A rewarding opportunity

Being an event medical volunteer is personally and professionally rewarding. It expands your healthcare horizons and offers the opportunity to learn new skills. As in any type of practice setting, always ensure your decision-making and actions are based on a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Never hesitate to ask questions, seek clarification, learn as much as possible with capable teachers and mentors, and enjoy the journey.