This May, as we celebrate Nurses Week 2025 (May 6-12, 2025), I invite every nurse in Massachusetts to reflect on the incredible power we hold---individually and collectively. This year's national theme from the American Nurses Association, "The Power of Nurses", could not be more fitting. It's a bold acknowledgment of the strength, expertise, compassion, and leadership nurses bring to every setting where care, healing, and advocacy are needed.

At ANAMASS, we see that power in action every day.

At our Annual Business Meeting this spring, I had the privilege of delivering the President's Report, reflecting on the extraordinary impact we've made together over the past year:

- We amplified nurses' voices at the State House and on Capitol Hill, supporting legislation to improve nurse staffing, reduce faculty shortages, expand access to nurse-led care, and protect nurses from both physical and psychological workplace violence.

- We led the charge to advance the Nurse Licensure Compact, providing written and verbal testimony, building coalitions, and advocating in the media to ensure Massachusetts nurses can work across state lines and meet the needs of today's mobile healthcare environment.

- We stood in solidarity with nurses during the Steward Health crisis, offering support and resources in a time of financial uncertainty.

- We strengthened our own organization---through legislative action, inclusive programming, and partnerships that amplify our voice.

This Nurses Week, let's also celebrate how we take care of each other. Whether it's through our self-care webinars, our professional development events, or our moments of joy and community---like our Red Sox Nurses Night or our fall conference---ANAMASS is here to support every nurse's personal and professional journey. We have exciting opportunities ahead to stay engaged, informed, and inspired:

A compelling keynote by Dr. Oriana Beaudet, ANA Vice President of Innovation, exploring the tangible value nurses bring to healthcare systems and society.

June 11, 4--5:30 PM (Virtual) -- Developing and Managing Your Personal Brand
This dynamic session, led by Greg Durkin from Boston Children's Hospital, will help you strategically build and express your unique professional identity.

September 30 (In-Person) -- ANAMASS Lobby Day at the Massachusetts State House
Mark your calendars! Faculty and students are especially encouraged to attend this powerful advocacy day. Come connect, learn, and raise your voice for nursing policy priorities.

As we move forward in 2025, our priorities remain clear: building a sustainable workforce pipeline, protecting our practice, and empowering nurses to lead at every level.

If you haven't joined ANAMASS yet, we welcome you.

Membership in ANAMASS and ANA means:

- Access to tools and resources that advance your career

- Discounts on certification, continuing education, and professional development

- A seat at the table in shaping policies that impact your practice

- A network of nurses who uplift, support, and inspire

The power of nurses is real. Let's use it - together.

In solidarity and service,

Silda Melo, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CCM

President, ANAMASS

National Nurses Week 2025 is just around the corner, and this year, the American Nurses Association Massachusetts will be shining a light on The Power of Nurses™. The Zakim bridge was lit RED on May 7th to join other landmarks across the country in celebration of National Nurses Week. Lighting up the sky is a beautiful way to honor nurses, drive awareness among the wider community, create press opportunities, and encourage social sharing. #ThePowerOfNurses and #NursesLightUpTheSky

1. Advocacy and Voice

• Our power lies in our capacity to advocate for our patients. This advocacy involves more than just voicing concerns; it includes employing our knowledge and compassion to influence care decisions, ensure patient safety, and advocate for those who may lack a voice. We are patient advocates, ensuring that patients' voices are heard.

1. A Sense of Purpose

• For many of us, nursing is more than just a profession; it is a calling. The ability to make a meaningful difference in individuals' lives, particularly during their most vulnerable moments, provides a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. The emotional and moral rewards of impacting someone's life, whether through saving a life, offering solace, or enhancing the workplace for our profession, are significant.

1. Leadership and Impact

• Nurses assume leadership roles within healthcare environments, guiding teams, implementing policies, and shaping patient care protocols. Our influence extends beyond direct patient care, as we participate in institutional and policy-level healthcare decisions. We advocate for systemic changes that enhance patient outcomes and promote a healthier society, wielding the power to impact decision-making.

1. Collective Strength

• The power of nurses also emphasizes unity and solidarity within the profession. We derive strength from belonging to a global community of caregivers. Our shared experiences, values, and dedication to improving health outcomes foster a sense of collective empowerment. When nurses unite for our rights, our patients' welfare, or systemic reforms, our collective voice becomes stronger and more influential.

1. Adaptability

• Nurses frequently operate in high-pressure environments such as emergency rooms, ICUs, or disaster zones, where we showcase remarkable resilience, critical thinking, and the ability to remain composed under stress. We know how to adapt and maintain resilience in the face of adversity, whether it's responding to a global pandemic, managing demanding patient loads, or navigating complex emotional situations. Our strength lies in our capacity to triage, manage crises, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances no matter the setting.

1. Emotional and Relational Power

• Nurses offer emotional support and stability during some of life's most challenging moments. Whether it's conveying difficult news, comforting families, or providing support through lengthy recovery processes, our emotional intelligence and empathy create a powerful presence. For many of us, this relational power --- being a trusted confidant for our patients, colleagues, and communities --- is central to our nursing role.

1. Personal and Professional Growth

• The power of nurses is about empowerment through knowledge and skills. Nursing is a profession that demands lifelong learning, and many of us take pride in our continuous growth and development. From obtaining advanced certifications to pursuing higher education, we are empowered by our capacity to evolve and progress in our field. We play a vital role in educating patients about their health conditions, treatment options, and care management, empowering them to take charge of their health and fostering better outcomes and self-confidence.

1. Advocating for Our Profession

• Nurses increasingly advocate for our profession, actively seeking recognition for the critical role we play in healthcare and communities. We are aware of our collective power as a profession and view our efforts as part of a broader movement to improve the healthcare system, for both our patients and ourselves. We advocate for improved working conditions, fair compensation, appropriate staffing levels, and professional respect.

1. Social Justice and Health Equity

• Many nurses are motivated by a commitment to social justice and health equity. We recognize that health is influenced by factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and access to care. We utilize our position as the most trusted profession to advocate for vulnerable populations, working to mitigate disparities and improve healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized groups.

1. Impact on Public Health

• Nursing has always been engaged in public health initiatives, promoting preventive care, vaccination campaigns, health education, and community health interventions. Our broader influence on public health enables us to impact not just individual patients but entire communities and populations. Our work serves as a form of personal activism, especially when we advocate for changes in our workplaces, patient care protocols, healthcare systems, and the communities in which we serve. Our individual contributions facilitate larger systemic transformations, strengthening the country.

The Power of Nurses TM signifies recognizing the immense influence we hold as a collective, not only in individual patient care, but in shaping healthcare systems, policies, and communities. It embodies empowerment through knowledge, compassion, leadership, and resilience, intricately linked to a sense of purpose that propels us to advocate for improved care, better working conditions, and enhanced health outcomes. We represent a unique combination of strength, empathy, and expertise which allows us have an extraordinary impact at both individual and societal levels.

Signs of spring are all around us: the blossoms erupt on the trees and in the gardens, "Play Ball" can be heard along with "Sweet Caroline" at Fenway, the Boston Marathon has come and gone, and once again, hospitals across the state celebrate National Nurses Week.  Last month, I spoke with a representative of the Nightingale Museum from London, England. Learning about Florence and seeing some memorabilia they are so proud to hold was a pleasure. I decided to make this month's food for thought a Florence Nightingale quote and include an article submitted by the Nightingale Museum in England. I wish that all who read this take a moment to consider the value of all they contribute through their nursing; no matter how big or small, it is the reality that we may never know the impact we have had in the world. 

Nurses in Massachusetts and around the world are influenced not only by what is said to them or about them but also by how they feel and the historical context in which they find themselves. The human side of nursing was important to Florence Nightingale, who often spoke of the societal, political, and financial pressures of her time. Like her, we are influenced by the uncertainty of society, making it easy to overlook the impact of each moment on our experiences. This issue shines a spotlight on the many varied experiences of our members. We are focusing not only on the gala and the awards and scholarships presented but also on some of the more personal stories that highlight the human struggles faced in day-to-day life.  It is the sum of these experiences that seeds the internal spring. .  

May the seeds of spring grow in the gardens and our hearts as we offer kindness, empathy, and compassion to the world around us. May the harvest come fall, be rich and nourishing. Warm Regards. Judy 

Submitted by Hannah Amos, Nightingale Museum, London, England

Hidden in the basement of St Thomas' Hospital, London, the Florence Nightingale Museum opened in 1989. Florence Nightingale is often considered the mother of modern nursing but in the museum, we explore the many sides of Nightingale, as she was so much more.

The museum has its origins in the Nightingale Training School for Nurses. The school was set up by Florence Nightingale in 1860 and was based at St Thomas' Hospital until the 1990s.

Florence Nightingale loved learning from an early age and by her late teens had realised that God was calling her to a specific path in life. Through many years of studying, Nightingale came to realise that nursing and healthcare was what she wanted to do.

One of her many achievements was the Nightingale Training School for Nurses. Opening its doors in 1860, the school provided women training in nursing and helped to professionalise the occupation. The women who trained at the school in the early days were sent to hospitals across the world and in turn, set up their own training schools.

By the 1920s, the school had trained hundreds of women. At this time, the Matron was Dame Alicia Lloyd Still, who introduced the famous Nightingale Badge, awarded to all who completed their training at the school, and founded the Nightingale Fellowship.

Alongside this, Dame Alicia also started to collect objects that had once belonged to Nightingale. This small collection was used for teaching at the school and for exhibitions that commemorated key events. By the 1970s, it was decided that a museum should be created in honour of Florence Nightingale. Following years of campaigning to create the museum and extend the collection, our doors opened in 1989.

Since then, the museum has gone from strength to strength, starting as an organisation that was run by dedicated staff and volunteers from St Thomas' Hospital to a fully professional and accredited museum.

In 2020, the museum celebrated the centenary of Nightingale's birth. Unfortunately, the events for the year were severely limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the museum remained shut for two years.

While we are on the mend, things are still not as they were prior to the pandemic, but we have reinstated our exhibition programme, our schools programme is exceeding pre-pandemic levels, and the future is looking bright.

We continue to tell Nightingale's story and promote her legacy, inspiring thousands every year.

Visit our website to find out more about our work, Florence Nightingale and how you can support us. We have a web shop that ships internationally, as well as our Book of Honour and Wall of Honour schemes.

Watch our new ANAMASS Power of Nurses Video 

Watch On YouTube HERE

The ANA Health Policy Committee proudly welcomes Alisha Leung (Tran), MBA, RN, as a new co-chair. Alisha will be following in the footsteps of current Co-Chairs, Christine Schrauf and Myra Cacace during the 2025-26 legislative session, taking the opportunity to learn firsthand about the intricacies of the legislative process. With a deep commitment to nursing and health policy, Alisha brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role and the organization.

Her dedication to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment led to her founding LHMC's Nursing DEI Council in 2023, where she currently serves as the Chair. She leads initiatives focused on anti-racism, community building, and ongoing education. Under her leadership, council members have engaged in programs such as LinkedIn Learning courses on unconscious bias and are preparing to attend the National DEI Training Week hosted virtually by the National Diversity Conference.

One of Alisha's defining leadership qualities is her ability to engage colleagues and encourage collaborative change. She works to understand the needs of her team and actively seeks solutions that improve both patient care and the workplace culture. Alisha's desire to lead and mentor also extends to her clinical role, where she has served as both a charge nurse and preceptor. In her current position at LHMC, she leads clinical policy reviews, coordinates patient safety initiatives, and ensures that practices align with both regulatory standards and best practices. Through these efforts, she continues to positively impact patient safety and quality care on a large scale. In recognition of her dedication to nursing and the community, Alisha was recently honored with the Excellence in Nursing Practice Award at the Annual ANAMASS Award and Scholarship Gala.

As a promoter for increasing nursing representation in health policy, Alisha is especially focused on fostering a healthy workplace culture and advancing health equity. Her work with the ANAMASS Health Policy Committee has allowed her to actively engage with legislators and their staff, including participation in the 2024 Advocacy in Action Day at the State House and the American Nurses Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C. Alisha remains dedicated to researching and discussing current legislation that impacts nurses in Massachusetts, aiming to drive positive change in both healthcare policy and practice.

Alisha is also committed to giving back to the community. Since 2016, she has volunteered in the Boston Marathon Medical Tent, providing clinical care to participants, volunteers, and bystanders. This hands-on volunteer work reflects her desire to leverage her clinical skills and experience outside of the hospital setting.

When she's not immersed in her nursing role, Alisha enjoys a variety of activities that allow her to unwind and recharge. She enjoys traveling, trying new foods, rock climbing, skiing, and building community with her husband, Nate, and their 5-year-old dog, Maya. These hobbies keep her balanced and provide her with the energy and perspective she brings to her professional roles. ANAMASS is fortunate to have her as a member, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact she will make.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as Alisha embarks on her journey as co-chair of the ANA Health Policy Committee!

As a member of the American Nurses Association Massachusetts (ANAMASS) Health Policy Committee, I am grateful for the many opportunities to advocate for policies that directly impact nurses and the patients we serve. These opportunities allow me to engage meaningfully in healthcare advocacy and contribute to ongoing efforts that improve the nursing profession.

Being an active member of a professional organization representing nurses has been valuable on multiple levels. It provides an opportunity to network with colleagues from across the country, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and unique experiences, united by a shared passion for advocacy and continued improvement. Additionally, attending events such as Advocacy in Action Day at the State House has been instrumental in helping me build my understanding of the legislative process. Watching democracy at work and especially lobbying Senators has honed skills crucial for navigating the intersection of healthcare and politics.

While we vote every year for the elected officials who support our interests, one's voice can also be amplified through joining organizations that share our interests. They give us a communal platform alongside others who share our values. Organizing and speaking as one unit can more effectively grab the attention of our representatives and support our vision by influencing the legislative process.

This past fall, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 American Nurses Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C. This immersive three-day program was followed by the American Nurses Association (ANA) Lobbyist Meeting, a two-day event that brought together ANA leaders, lobbyists, and members from across the country to engage in discussions around healthcare policy, and advocacy. The program is designed to empower nurses by providing the skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities needed to become effective advocates for healthcare reform and understand the role of lobbying in shaping the legislative process at both the state and national levels.

The American Nurses Advocacy Institute (ANAI) has a clear mission: to equip nurses with the tools necessary to advocate effectively for healthcare policies that positively impact our profession and our patients. In parallel, the ANA Lobbyist Meeting offers an opportunity for attendees to discuss issues of mutual concern, share political strategies, and review available resources for influencing legislative action. Some highlights from the program include learning about regulatory advocacy, federal advocacy, political action committee insights, fundamentals of grassroots campaigning, and creating and delivering testimony.

I especially appreciated the guest speakers, former Congressman the Honorable Alan Wheat and former Wisconsin State Senator Leah Vukmir. While I can only summarize a few ideas that I took from their talks, the impression that they left on me will be lasting. Wheat discussed his inspirational journey to become his state's first Black Congressman and emphasized the importance of doing what is right for your district and people. Vukmir shared that she was the second Nurse Practitioner to become licensed in her state. She outlined the many ways that nurses make natural advocates and great politicians: we are great translators of complex concepts, we work well under pressure, we are good at conversing with people with different opinions, and we have learned to be tough advocates for our patients. Hearing about their lived experiences and the lessons they learned made the world of policy and legislation feel tangible.

ANAI allowed me to engage directly with Health Policy Committee leaders from their respective state nurses associations, learn from experienced activists, and network with fellow nurses nationwide. I connected with talented individuals from all parts of the country, including Georgia, Hawaii, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, and many more. It was a valuable chance to deepen my understanding of healthcare policy while discussing critical issues, particularly those about which I am passionate.

Among the issues that resonated the most with me are the need for greater representation of marginalized populations within nursing, advocating for policies that promote health equity, and addressing the nurse staffing crisis. This is why advocacy, especially at the local level, is crucial. An analogy between politics and healthcare that jumped out at me is that most legislators can be compared to general practitioners in that they have broad knowledge of many subjects. However, they may lack the specific knowledge necessary to make informed decisions, especially in complex cases. As nurses, we have the expertise and duty to inform health policy in a way that benefits patients and clinicians, so when presenting our cases to legislators through lobbying or testimony, it is vital to convey the relevant facts and implications. Even more importantly, we have to relay that in a manner that is easy for them to understand and assist in influencing other "general practitioners."

These programs are unique in their ability to inspire action, provoke curiosity, and foster collaboration, and I'm glad to bring that knowledge and those discussions home to you.

On Sunday, May 4th a group of ANAMASS Nurses joined the Walk for Hunger, supporting Project Bread at Boston Common & Public Garden.  This annual walk is held the first Sunday in May each year.

Since the new guidelines will arrive later this summer, we have postponed our annual spring symposium to the fall. The new criteria will align continuing education with professional standards and competencies, streamline the planning process, and modify the documentation flow. To educate and guide our continuing education community, I will host webinars over the next 18 months. These webinars will enhance the information offered in the fall and are not intended to replace the symposium. Given that the changes are expected to be significant, it is highly recommended that each provider send at least one representative. The times and locations have been tentatively set, and additional information, including registration, location, and pricing details, will be forthcoming.

Workshops, symposiums & webinars preliminary schedule (may change)

Oct. 24, 2025 All-day Fall Symposium: (8:00 -- 3:00) In-depth exploration of new criteria and implications for educational activity planning, provider unit self-studies, guidelines, and documentation tools.

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

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

Feb 11, 2026 Coffee Break Webinar: (10:00--11:00) Samples and examples, best practices

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

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

June 5, 2026 Spring Symposium FINAL Runway to changes: summary, discussion, and review of key concepts. Lessons learned and case assessment and practice.

Please put these dates in your calendar, and as always, I welcome questions and comments.

Regards,

Judy L. Sheehan MSN, RN, NCPD-BC

Program Director

American Nurses Association Massachusetts Accredited Approver Unit

Power Failure: A Nurse’s Story by: Terri Arthur, RN, BS, MS published by Henschel Haus, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2022)
Reviewed by: Susan LaRocco, PhD, MBA, RN, FNAP

The food that was expected did not arrive, and no provision had been made to use the school’s food. Her patients were only offered plain bagels. One patient was gluten-free and another was diabetic. Then the power went out. This should not be a problem in an emergency shelter because they are equipped with a generator. But the generator worked only intermittently. Now she was faced with a man with COPD who could not use his concentrator and another one with an oxygen tank running dangerously low. As the facility got colder and the oxygen ran lower, Terri advocated for the transfer of her patients, but all her suggestions were vetoed by the shelter manager, a person with no emergency shelter management training and no medical background.

While this is a story of one nurse’s experience in the moment, it is also a story of silencing a nurse’s voice. After the storm was over, Terri first raised her concerns at a Red Cross meeting and was encouraged to let it drop, and subsequently was not invited to a Coalition of Emergency Services meeting where debriefing occurred. Her questioning of the shelter manager’s decision-making and her lack of experience was discouraged. It was only after repeated inquiries that she discovered why. The manager was politically appointed, not selected on her qualifications.

Power Failure: A Nurse’s Story provides insight into the importance of teamwork and preparation for safe emergency shelter management, and the role that nurses can and should play in keeping their communities safe.

SL = Susan LaRocco                                                    TA = Terri Arthur

SL: Why did you decide to write the book about your shelter experience during this particular
storm?
TA: I struggled with wanting to write this book, but considered that doing so might cause some worrisome implications. Would it cause people to be afraid to come to a shelter in times of a disaster? Would it make the Red Cross look weak and unprepared for situations like this? Were there legalities that might come out of this that I would have to deal with? I had gone through every avenue that I knew to have someone who was in charge of the shelter system address my concerns about this shelter failure. Yes, the head of the Emergency Medical Services forced the shelter manager to comply with my wishes to remove my patients to a safer place at that time, but still, I was told she would be back as a shelter manager for the following year. Eight years later, what happened at this incident still bothered me. The fact that I removed myself from any further run-ins with this manager didn’t sway my conscience. Other nurses would still have to deal with this inept shelter manager. Eight years later, we were in the throes of the COVID-19 epidemic that shut everything down. I was bored and itching to write. So, I wrote this book.

SL: Were you concerned that you might face repercussions for your comments on the problems with the shelter manager?
TA: Very much so. And those concerns increased when everyone I spoke to about this situation refused to address it. So, I sought legal advice and was told that if I changed the names of the place and people and put a disclaimer statement in the book, I would be covered.

SL: In the book, you mention that you were leaving the Red Cross to join the Medical Reserve Corps. Are you still volunteering with them? 

TA: I volunteered for the Red Cross Disaster Team for eight years. I expected them to back me up in this situation, and they didn’t. If it weren’t for the Nursing Director of the Medical Reserve Corps, I don’t know what I could have done. She knew who to call, and it made the difference in how this was eventually handled. I quit the Red Cross after this. That summer, there was a Medical Reserve Corps recruiting station at the local agricultural fair. I had already thought this over and told them that I would like to join their nursing team. When they saw my age on the application form, they told me I was too old. They didn’t accept anyone over 60. I think I was about 64 at the time.

SL: Would you encourage other nurses to join the Medical Reserve Corps?
TA: I would definitely encourage nurses to join the MRC and the Red Cross. It would give them a chance to use their abilities to help serve the communities in which they live. And, if they choose, they could be deployed to many other places during times of disasters and work with other nurses in other challenging situations.

SL: Do you think that the Cape is better prepared now to handle a similar storm?

TA: Ah, now that’s the beauty of all of this. Just as the book was about to be published (remember this was eight years after the storm), an article was published in the Cape Cod Times. The headline read “Shelter Chiefs Weather Storm.” They referred to the 2013 storm and this shelter and listed all the changes that had been made since then. Here are some of those changes:

• Officials are looking for an alternative to using this shelter for future storms.
• Sheltering our citizens will no longer be the responsibility of the Red Cross or the
  Medical Reserve Corps. It is now the responsibility of the Coalition of Emergency
  Services (CES).
• In the future, all shelter managers will be required to attend a training program and
  understand all protocols. They will need the approval of the CES.
• Each shelter must have a functioning generator and a ham radio.
  

So, yes, they are better prepared now.

SL: Thank you, Terri. Your persistence certainly made a difference.

March is a long month. I notice people always complain about January, but March just drags. It always does. Save St. Patrick's day, there's no real holiday to look forward to. If you live in New England, there's still loads of snow and icy weather to trudge through with everyone's festive holiday spirit long gone. I've never looked forward to the month and we were nearly done with it when disaster struck our family.

My wife Allison and I were clearing the kitchen after having a taco dinner. We have two children, Isla at two and a half, Louis at ten months, and they were in bed by the time we loaded the dishwasher and prepped leftovers. Allison turned to me, looking queasy.

"I'm so nauseous," she said, snapping the lid on a Tupperware, "And my chest kind of hurts."

It was as simple as that. The first signs of a Sudden Coronary Artery Dissection, or SCAD. This is when there is a tear in a coronary artery. It happens quickly, as its name implies, and affects females with no previous heart issues. The tear grows until blood starts to clot and then ischemia hits. Of course, I wouldn't know any of this until much later, when I was face to face with a radiologist in the cardiac waiting space at South Shore Hospital.

I remember it happening in stages, and symptoms were coupled with my own actions. Allison sat down on the couch. As her nausea grew and now included a racing heartbeat, I texted my sister to see if she was available to come over. When the pain reached her chin and shoulder blades, I remember checking with her - if she really, really wanted me to call 9-11. By the time the ambulance arrived, her arms were tingling, and she was convinced she was going to throw up.

It felt so unnatural watching the paramedics in our living room. They were cartoonishly big and out of place standing next to Allison, sticking the EKG pads on her body. A fireman walked into the other room, the kitchen, then paced the hallway.

There was a silence as the EKG monitor read out the results. A paramedic in a blue uniform shirt walked out of the room as his partner asked, "Have you ever had a heart attack?"

"No," my wife replied.

"Well, you're having one right now."

I don't remember the blue-uniformed paramedic returning, but there he was, putting Allison in a seating stretcher.

"What do you mean, she had a heart attack?" I said to the paramedic, "She's sitting there talking with you."

The paramedic looked at me as he packed his bag and followed the stretcher outside, "You're not understanding. She didn't have a heart attack. She's having a heart attack right now."

It felt unreal. My 37-year-old, healthy wife was out there, sitting out in the ambulance in the front of the house. My best friend.

The next days were spent in the cardiac units of South Shore Hospital, taking everything at a slower pace. We learned that she would not be able to lift over 30 pounds... not an easy thing for an active mother of two with a full-time job. Extreme temperature changes had to be avoided... no more hot yoga or cold splashes (not that we did much of that anyway.) And rollercoasters, for some reason, were out of the picture. This last one couldn't be explained by the cardiologist and SCAD specialist whom we began to see shortly after the hospital stay. But that's fine. No rollercoasters, it is.

With every passing day, Allison was feeling better. But it felt slow. We couldn't go for more than a few minutes before we started talking or thinking about the event again. Our phones' online search history can attest to that. Allison told me at one point she had to 're-learn to trust her own body' -- an obstacle few people have to think about. And for our older daughter, it was hard not being in Mom's arms again. Isla told us she understood that Mom's heart was hurt and she couldn't carry her. But obviously that's not how it works with toddlers. Even today, Isla gets frustrated when Mom can't lift her up.

But fast forward four weeks, Allison continues to make a tremendous recovery. Soon, she'll enroll in cardiac rehab where she'll learn to trust her body again.

"If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb." The phrase originates from the 1700s, referring to the rough winter season coming to an end. Our March lion was a fierce one, but it had nothing to do with the climate. This rare cardiac event humbled our family to the core. But with the support of friends and family we are on our way to a better future.

Just give me any other month of the year. Take March. It's all yours.

Nurses play a critical role in overcoming these barriers by advocating for equitable healthcare policies, providing culturally responsive care, and addressing ethical concerns that arise in clinical practice.

UIs often delay or avoid seeking medical care due to financial concerns and fear of exposure to immigration authorities. This delay frequently results in the progression of preventable and manageable conditions to severe and life-threatening illnesses by the time care is sought (Kisa & Kisa, 2024). Furthermore, UIs experience significant occupational health risks due to employment in physically demanding jobs with little workplace protection. These challenges are compounded by the lack of health insurance, language barriers, and an overall mistrust of the healthcare system.

UIs are excluded from most federal and state assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies (Lee, 2024). As a result, UIs often rely on emergency departments or community health clinics for urgent medical needs, leading to fragmented care and poorer health outcomes (Kisa & Kisa, 2024). Many UIs lack access to transportation, further hindering their ability to attend medical appointments, obtain necessary medications, or adhere to follow-up appointments and recommendations.

Nurses are uniquely positioned to bridge these gaps in care by advocating for policies and practices that promote health equity. The American Nurses Association (2015) upholds that nurses must provide care based on human dignity, social justice, and ethical responsibility, ensuring that all patients receive safe and effective treatment. In caring for UIs, nurses should implement the following strategies:

• Cultural Humility Practice: Recognizing and respecting cultural beliefs and health traditions is vital in building trust with UIs. Nurses should engage in cultural humility, using professional medical interpreters to facilitate effective communication. Reliance on family members or making assumptions about cultural beliefs may misconstrue care efforts.

• Advocacy and Resource Connection: Nurses should collaborate with case managers, social workers, and community organizations to connect UIs with available health resources. This includes access to free or low-cost clinics, food assistance programs, and legal aid services. The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition website (https://miracoalition.org/resources/) is a valuable resource that can be shared with UIs in Massachusetts.

• Ethical Considerations and Professional Responsibility: Nurses must navigate the ethical complexities of caring for UIs with professionalism and compassion. Using respectful language, such as "undocumented" rather than stigmatizing terms such as "illegal" fosters an inclusive and supportive environment.

• Discharge Planning and Continuity of Care: Given that many UIs lack access to follow-up care, nurses should ensure that discharge plans are practical and sustainable. This includes providing education in the patient's preferred language, identifying community health resources, and discussing medication affordability and access.

• Professional Development: Nurse administrators, managers and nurses have an obligation to seek and attend training that enhances care, communication, and transitions for vulnerable populations, including UIs.

• Peer Support: The challenges of providing care to UIs can result in moral distress for nurses who feel unable to meet the ethical standards of their profession due to systemic constraints. Addressing this distress through peer support, reflective practice, and organizational advocacy is essential to maintaining staff well-being and ensuring equitable patient care.

Ensuring just and accessible healthcare for UIs is both a professional obligation and a moral imperative for nurses. By fostering trust, advocating for accessible care, and addressing systemic barriers, nurses play a pivotal role in improving health outcomes for UIs. Through continued education, collaboration, and policy engagement, nurses can lead efforts to create a more equitable healthcare system that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of immigration status.

Think of malpractice insurance like car or health insurance – it's important for helping protect what matters most: your career, license and reputation.

Remember, you may have some protection through your employer’s insurance, but it’s a mistake to rely entirely on that coverage as it can have serious gaps in protection.

Learn more, courtesy of our partner @Nurses Service Organization. https://bit.ly/3WJC47d

UMove to Improve Mobility Program
Nominated by: Karen Uttaro
(UMASS Memorial Medical Center)

There is a direct correlation between increased length of stay and immobility in the hospital setting. Recognizing that capacity constraints at UMass Memorial Medical Center were becoming more challenging, improving patient mobility quickly became a quality and safety FY24 goal. The vision was to design a realistic and sustainable mobility program which would reduce both length-of-stay AND the deconditioning which increases the need for rehabilitation stay post-discharge.

A group was recruited to review the literature, evaluate best practices, and design a curriculum that would support this new intervention. Two of our passionate nurse educators (Lauren Nielsen and Ashleigh Dow) were asked to lead this group. They developed a multi-modal curriculum which included an e-learning module and a psychomotor return demonstration. Bringing their curriculum from concept to reality was no small effort, as it meant executing comprehensive skills sessions with a standardized approach across two campuses. This dedication to preparation and training fostered confidence in the staff to participate wholly in the pilot phase. Also, training staff on both campuses was a great primer prior to the larger rollout of the program.

Once a pilot unit was identified, Lauren and Ashleigh expanded their team and worked with unit nurse educators Sujatha Varadarajan and Robin Ricker, and the Nurse Manager Susan McAlpine, to implement the curriculum and plan. The team recognized that end-user feedback was critical, so they engaged frontline staff to obtain regular feedback. The program was showcased to the entire medical center during Patient Safety Awareness Week. Mobility is an interdisciplinary opportunity, so engaging providers, physical therapists, front-line staff, and the entire care team was a critical step in the journey.

The program quickly moved from being called a “mobility program” to being branded “UMove to Improve” after staff voting. As a result of this team’s dedication, nearly 10 months later, all of the acute care units have integrated the UMove to Improve program into practice. The educator team has incorporated UMove to Improve education into new hire training and annual education. Tracking of patient mobility has shown amazing growth and progress in assessing patient mobility and increasing patient mobilization.

Through their steadfast commitment and unwavering support, Patricia Lynch and Benjamin Fierro have championed nursing in Massachusetts by advocating for policy changes, promoting a
positive image of the profession, and collaborating closely with ANAMASS to address pressing legislative and policy priorities. Their contributions have ensured that legislative proposals advance in ways that are impactful, practical, and aligned with the values and priorities of Massachusetts nurses. This has included Chapter 155 legislation relative to quality measures applicable to staffing in hospital intensive care units, the achievement of full practice authority for APRN’s, ensuring that there is nursing representation on the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, and recent passage of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which will allow Massachusetts nurses greater mobility across state lines to meet diverse healthcare needs.

Patricia and Ben have also been committed advocates for improving the workplace environment for all nurses and have elevated the presence of ANAMASS within policy discussions at multiple legislative, regulatory and administrative levels. Their contributions have enhanced the work of the ANAMASS Health Policy Committee (HPC), ensuring that legislative proposals advance in ways that are impactful, practical, and aligned with the values and priorities of Massachusetts nurses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they were tireless advocates and facilitated access to essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This responsiveness underscored their dedication to safeguarding the health of both nurses AND patients.

Lynch & Fierro’s have supported the HPC’s work on workplace violence prevention, focusing not only on physical violence but also on psychological threats, including racial discrimination, bullying, and verbal abuse. Their advocacy helped ensure that this critical issue was elevated within policy discussions and received the attention it deserved. In a similar fashion, they have backed efforts to advance safe patient handling and mobility, demonstrating their understanding of the physical demands nurses face and their commitment to creating safer work environments. Ben has continued the firm’s enthusiastic support for S1572/H766, which, if enacted, would require that a nurse serve on the board of every acute care hospital and nursing home in Massachusetts - a vital step toward embedding nursing perspectives within healthcare governance.

Patricia’s untimely passing in July 2024 marked a tremendous loss, yet her legacy of collaboration, advocacy, and support for nursing lives on. She and Ben have created lasting, positive impacts through their commitment to nursing advocacy and their partnership with ANAMASS. In honoring them with the Friend of Nursing Award, we recognize their extraordinary contributions to advancing the profession and supporting nurses across the Commonwealth.

The Nursing Archives Associates Announces

The 2025 Sarah Pasternack Student Essay Recipients

The Nursing Archives Associates of the Howard Gottleib Archival Research Center at Boston University is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of the Sarah B. Pasternack Student Essay Contest. The graduate student winner is Kylie Ackerman, MSN-Ed, MS-NI, RN, CNEn is a faculty member at Excelsior University. Passionate about student and programmatic success and an expert in nursing education and informatics she employs innovative, data driven teaching strategies to enhance student persistence. She anticipates completing her Doctor of Education in Nursing Education from Southern Connecticut University in August of 2027. The undergraduate recipient is Ava Dugan, a sophomore at Simmons University who dances with the Colleges of the Fenway Dance Company and volunteers at the Brigham and Women's Hospital Birth Registry. Expected to graduate in May of 2027, Ava's career aspirations include travel nursing and the NICU at Boston's Children's Hospital.

With Nurses Week, May 6th - May 12th, we invite you to celebrate all nurses by continuing to advance nursing by donating to the Foundation for Nursing Advancement in Massachusetts (FNAMA) today. The purpose of this foundation is to advance the nursing profession through philanthropic activities that promote scholarship, nursing research, and innovation.

You can accomplish all of this by making a tax-deductible donation to FNAMA to celebrate that special nurse or another person in your life. Your donation will not only be a special gift that recognizes and celebrates the recipient, it will be used to support the mission of the FNAMA.

FNAMA is the charitable, professional, and scholarly arm of the American Nurses Association Massachusetts, Inc. (ANAMASS). Established in 2020, for more information, please visit https://www.fnama.org. FNAMA is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization. Your gift is tax-deductible for charitable purposes to the full extent allowed by law. Please contact FNAMA at 617-990-2856 or by email at info@fnama.org with any questions.

More Ways to Give, https://cdn.ymaws.com/.../More_Ways_to_Give__FNAMA_1_.pdf