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The Official Publication of the New Jersey State Nurses Association/Institute for Nursing Volume 50 • Number 3 Quarterly publication direct mailed to approximately 141,000 RNs and LPNs in New Jersey July 2020 Inside... New Jersey Nurse is Going Green! To make sure you receive a copy, please subscribe at https://tinyurl.com/NewJerseyNurse

Mother and Daughter Duo Respond to the Call We are excited to announce that the New Jersey If you are not a member of the New Jersey State Page 8 Nurse is Going Green! Beginning with the October Nurses Association, then this current issue will be 2020 issue, the publication will be available as an your LAST printed copy of the New Jersey Nurse! e-newsletter to any nurse licensed in New Jersey who If you want to continue to receive critical statewide would like to receive it. It will also be distributed in nursing updates from the New Jersey State Nurses electronic form and printed as a member benefit for members of the New Jersey State Nurses Association. Going Green continued on page 14 Ann Marie Mauro Named Dean at Monmouth University School of Nursing and Health Studies Honoring Heroic NJ Nurses in the Pandemic Page 16 Ann Marie P. Mauro, Her clinical expertise is in cardiovascular and PhD, RN, FAAN, has critical care nursing, and her research focuses on been named Dean of the support of cardiovascular patients and educational Marjorie K. Unterberg innovations. School of Nursing "We are very excited to have Dr. Mauro join and Health Studies at us as the new dean of the School of Nursing and Index Monmouth University in Health Studies," said Rekha Datta, PhD, interim West Long Branch, NJ. A provost and senior vice president for academic Membership Application ...... 2 Rutgers University School affairs. "She brings a wealth of experience and President’s Report ...... 3 of Nursing professor, she knowledge about the field of nursing and allied CEO Report ...... 3 has served as founding health areas. With her expertise in diversity and Region News ...... 4 associate dean and leadership in health studies, we hope to enhance LPN Forum ...... 6 director for the Center for Ann Marie P. Mauro, our commitment to healthcare education and PhD, RN, FAAN IFN Report ...... 7 Educational Research and service to the community." Innovation (CERI) since As dean, Mauro will oversee the University's NJCCN Receives a $500,000 Grant for a Statewide 2015. Her appointment as Dean begins on July healthcare program offerings at all levels of Nurse Residency Program...... 9 13, 2020, when she succeeds Janet Mahoney, education and career experience, including Pregnant Women Require Caution with Cannabis Use. . 11 PhD, RN, who served as Dean for 11 years and undergraduate, graduate and doctoral nursing Teaching Nursing Students During COVID-19...... 12 will continue as a professor. programs, health studies; health and physical What Would Florence Do ...... 13 A certified nurse educator and clinical nurse education; and physician assistant programs; Unsung Heroes: LPNs & LVNs Caring for Patients with leader, Mauro offers expertise in advancing as well as post-master's and post-baccalaureate Substance Use Disorders ...... 14 diversity initiatives, creative educational certificates and continuing education programs. strategies, progressive curricular models, novel The school has approximately 37 full-time faculty Academic Leaders Taking the Time - Placing an Emphasis interprofessional education, educational policy, members and 1,000 students. on Interdepartmental Campus Collaboration. . . . . 15 faculty governance, and cardiovascular health. A Crazy Yoga Pants Movement...... 19 Ann Marie Mauro Named Dean...continued on page 2

Non-Profit Org. To every nurse on the frontline of the COVID crisis. May U.S. Postage Paid Princeton, MN God’s protection surround you. May God’s comforting grace Permit No. 14 current resident or enfold you & may the prayers of your nurse colleagues heal your tired and wounded hearts. Thank you. You are the links in the chain of nursing honor & caring. Be safe, stay healthy & know how appreciative your colleagues are for your service. Dr. Ben Evans, DD, DNP, APN, Past President NJSNA Page 2 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter July 2020

New Jersey Nurse Membership Official Publication of the New Jersey State Nurses Association and Institute for Nursing 1479 Pennington Road Trenton, New Jersey 08618 Phone: 609-883-5335 ext 111 Fax: 609-883-5343 Email: [email protected] Webpage: www.njsna.org

NJSNA Mission Statement Advance the practice of professional nursing by fostering quality outcomes in education, practice and research

Institute for Nursing (IFN) Board of Trustees Mary Ellen Levine, Chair, [email protected] Dr. Phyllis Hansell, Vice Chair, [email protected] Dr. Barbara Chamberlain, Treasurer, [email protected] Judy Schmidt, MAL, CEO, [email protected] Dr. Mary E. Fortier, MAL, [email protected] Ray Zarzar, Community Member/Secretary Kristin Buckley, Community Member Donna Cardillo, Community Member Dr. Dely Go, MAL

Executive Committee Kate Gillespie, President, [email protected] Mary Ellen Levine, President-Elect, [email protected] Regina Adams, Vice President, [email protected] Dr. Barbara Chamberlain, Treasurer, [email protected] Linda Gural, Secretary, [email protected]

Board of Directors JoAnne Penn, Director Staff Nurse, [email protected] Dr. Margaret Daingerfield, Director, [email protected] Dr. Ann Tritak, Director, [email protected] Dr. Tara Heagele, Director, [email protected] Dr. Erica Edfort, Chair COPP, [email protected]

Region Presidents Patricia Baxter, Region 1, [email protected] Dr. Mary Genuino, Region 2, [email protected] Norma Rodgers, Region 3, [email protected] Maureen Clark-Gallagher, Region 4, [email protected] Summer Valenti, Region 5, [email protected] Dr. Mary Fortier, Region 6, [email protected]

NJSNA/IFN Staff Judy Schmidt, CEO, [email protected] Debra Harwell, Deputy Director, [email protected] Terri Ivory, Director of RAMP, [email protected] Jennifer Chanti, Exec. Asst./Membership Administrator, [email protected] Tyea Santiago, Education Coordinator, [email protected] Kortnei Jackson, Ed. Adm. Asst., [email protected] Annemarie Edinger, RAMP Comm. Coord., [email protected] Deborah Robles, RAMP Adm. Asst., [email protected] Emily Gannon, RAMP Intake Spec., [email protected] Benita James, RAMP Case Manager, [email protected] Joan Peditto, RAMP Case Manager, [email protected] Ann Marie Mauro Named Dean...continued from page 1 where she remains as an adjunct clinical professor. Etha Westbrook, RAMP Case Manager, [email protected] Andrew Haviland, RAMP Case Manager, [email protected] At NYU, Mauro was a Hartford Institute for "I am excited to join my colleagues at Geriatric Nursing fellow, and project director for Monmouth University and to meet the School of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Nursing and Health Studies faculty, staff, and New Jersey Nurse Staff New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program, Judy Schmidt, Editor students," Mauro said. "The COVID-19 pandemic providing leadership development and mentoring Jennifer Chanti, Managing Editor Dr. Barbara Wright, Executive Editor has clearly accentuated the critical need to for accelerated nursing students from diverse, prepare excellent nurses and health professionals underrepresented, and disadvantaged backgrounds. New Jersey Nurse Copy Submission Guidelines: to meet current and future healthcare workforce Mauro was an assistant professor at Seton Hall All NJSNA members are encouraged to submit material for publication that is of interest to nurses. The New Jersey Nurse also demands. I am eager to build upon the outstanding University, College of Nursing, where she was a reputations of the university and school to further welcomes unsolicited manuscripts. Article submission is preferred leader in university and college governance and in MS Word format, Times New Roman font and can be up to 500 enhance our existing programs and create new key educational initiatives, including the doctorate words. When sending pictures, please remember to label pictures ones that will address complex population health in nursing program, the first entry-level clinical clearly since the editors have no way of knowing who persons in the needs in a dynamic, global environment." photos might be. nurse leader master's degree in New Jersey, and Copy Submissions: Preferred submission is by email to the In her previous role leading CERI at Rutgers implementation of high-fidelity patient simulation. Managing Editor. Only use MS Word for test submission. Please do University, Mauro provided direction for teaching Mauro is a recipient of awards, including not embed photos in Word files, send photos as jpg files. and learning excellence, collaborations in Submit Materials to: New Jersey Nurse, Attention to Jennifer the American Association of Colleges of Chanti, Managing Editor at [email protected] interprofessional education, and advancing nursing Nursing (AACN) Excellence and Innovation in education science. She launched the Center for Teaching Award, the NJ League for Nursing Advertising: for advertising rates and information please contact Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington Street, P.O. Clinical Learning, which provides innovative Nurse Recognition Award, and the March of simulation-based experiences on three campuses Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613 (800-626-4081), sales@aldpub. Dimes Nurses of the Year Academic Educator com. NJSNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve statewide, and transformed the Center for Award, among others. She has led major the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in Professional Development, which offers continuing advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price health professions diversity initiatives, authored of advertisement. education for nurses and health professionals. publications, and consulted nationally. Her A fellow of the American Academy of Nursing work has been funded by the RWJF, the Health Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by (FAAN), the American Heart Association (AHA), Resources and Services Administration, and the New Jersey State Nurses Association of products advertised, the and the New York Academy of Medicine, Mauro is advertisers, or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does others, and has been presented nationally and not imply a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the president of the Eastern Nursing Research Society internationally. manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the and a member of the Council for the Advancement product or its use. NJSNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Mauro earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from of Nursing Science National Advisory Council, the and Master of Science in nursing education at National League for Nursing Board of Governors, purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles appearing in this Seton Hall University/ She was awarded a PhD publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily and the AHA Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of NJSNA or those of in research and theory development at New York the national or local associations. Council Awards Committee. University, and a certificate from the Wharton Previously, Mauro was a clinical associate Nursing Leaders Program at the University of professor of nursing at New York University Pennsylvania. July 2020 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter Page 3

CEO Report President’s Report

Judith E. Schmidt, MSN, DHA(c), RN, CCRN, CEO Kate Gillespie, RN, MBA, NE-BC, NJSNA President

In my April NJ Nurse column, I wrote about nurses and As I sit down to write this report, I realize this will be political power. Just inform you, articles are written three arriving in your mailboxes this summer. My hope for months before the NJ Nurse is distributed. I am writing New Jersey nurses is that you are taking the time to catch this issue’s column at the end of April 2020. your breath, relax and realize that to many, you are the The Covid-19 Pandemic has caused the world to heroes who fight the battle on the front lines and dedicate come to a virtual stop. However, health care and its most yourselves to care for our communities. Nurses are at war important asset, nurses, did not stop. In fact, the intensity fighting a deadly virus and do the best we can in a difficult of nursing care has escalated to a degree that we have time. It is even more important that everyone recognize the never seen in the New Jersey/New York Metropolitan nursing profession in 2020, as the YEAR OF THE NURSE, area. Nurses were asked to risk their health and wellbeing for many reasons! to help combat this pandemic. Nurses and other health Judith Schmidt Since mid-March we found ourselves adhering to social Kathleen Gillespie, care providers were placed in very difficult situations where they had no or very distancing, including our children being home schooled, MBA, RN, NE-BC limited personal protective equipment (PPE) – and they spoke up and used their Zooming with our parents and family to stay connected, and political power to advocate for themselves and their patients both present and trying to adapt to our new norm. Thank goodness for social media! However, there future. Some of those nurses risked not only their jobs, but their careers –and as I were many silver linings popping up on social media that gave us hope and brought stated in my April column the world listened, albeit very slowly, because nurses are smiles to our faces, such as the boy from Canada, who created a plastic strap to help the most trusted and ethical professionals. alleviate the irritation from the masks and shields, made from his 3-D printer. And the elderly veteran who danced on his porch to the song, “Can’t stop that feeling” NJSNA was in the vanguard to help in this crisis: to help us take a moment and smile. Many people and small businesses reached out • We worked with the first RN ever appointed as NJ Commissioner of to bring food to our nurses working on the front lines, to say thank you. The most Health, Judith Persichilli, to recruit nurses and others to volunteer in areas touching stories are those that express love and appreciation for the nurses who of desperate need. Over 1400 actives nurses, 100 retired nurses and 500 stayed at the bedside of the very ill to comfort them when their families could not be nursing students volunteered to help. there. I could go on… but you get the message; we are the superheroes and NJSNA, • The American Nurses Association (ANA) with other nursing organizations along with other nursing organizations, are shouting from the roof tops to make sure lobbied on the national level directly with the President of the United States everyone salutes NJ Nurses. Please take a moment to reflect on all the outpouring of to make him and his cabinet aware of the crisis occurring in health care. compassion and special gestures from your communities; you truly deserve it. NJSNA supported the ANA leadership in their efforts to get the much- This year’s NJSNA conference will be even more special and an opportunity for needed resources to the bedside. all nurses to unite in solidarity and celebrate our profession. Join us at the NJSNA • NJSNA forwarded vendors of PPE to the Covid 19 NJ Department of Conference being held October 14-16, at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City NJ. Health website. Find information on our site, www.njsn.org. • In addition, NJSNA was asked by the Commissioner of Health to be on a On behalf of NJSNA, we hope the weekly President’s messages and resources committee with other leaders in healthcare to strategize on ways to stretch provided on our website have been helpful. NJSNA is here for you! our limited resources not only equipment but human. This was a most REMEMBER to register for the NJSNA conference. You will have an opportunity difficult task, but we were grateful that we were invited to the table (political to celebrate and have fun networking with nurses across the state. power). This work will continue well after the crisis has resolved. Thank you for all you continue to do… • NJSNA was sought out by many media outlets to comment on the work Kate environment for nurses. We referred these requests to our member nurses [email protected] or [email protected] who had experience in direct patient care or who were retired nurses who volunteered. • NJSNA petitioned, in collaboration with the NJ Nurse Anesthetist Association, the Forum of Nurses in Advanced Practice and the Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses, to allow Advanced Practice Nurses (including Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists now called Advanced Practice Nurses in Anesthesia) to practice without a collaboration agreement. This petition went to the leadership in the NJ Legislature, NJ Board of Nursing, NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, Commissioner of Health and Governor Murphy's office. We were successful in achieving this waiver during the public health emergency. • NJSNA also requested the NJ Board of Nursing and the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs to allow nurses to come into NJ to help with this crisis and not have to wait weeks for licensure endorsement. We have the Nursing Licensure Compact Law; we just needed to implement it. Again success! Nurses from other states who hold active licenses may apply to work in NJ to work during this crisis without going through the endorsement process. I believe this also opened the door for other health care professionals to have this same courtesy. • NJSNA has requesed the NJ Board of Nursing and the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, with the support of the NJ Department of Health, to expedite a Graduate Nurse permit to allow new nursing graduates to work as nurses under the supervision of a RN. This is needed since the National Licensing Exam (NCLEX) is on hold and when lifted will have limited schedules for these new graduates to sit for their exam. In addition, there are graduates from December 2019 that had their exam dates cancelled due to the pandemic. It is estimated that this would affect over 3000 new graduates. NJSNA has received a positive indication that this would be done, but as of this date we are still awaiting the official action of the Attorney General.

As you see NJSNA has exercised its political power, many staff nurses have exercised their political power. Have you?

For the safety of all involved and due to the fact that no one knows the severity of coronavirus or how long the outbreak will last, the Institute for Nursing has decided to postpone the 2020 CARES Award until Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Pines Manor, Edison, New Jersey. For more information contact Debra Harwell, BA, Deputy Director at [email protected]. Page 4 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter July 2020

Region News

psychologist, professor and chair at the College of contact Josie Sanchez [email protected] to Saint Elizabeth was on the call to help nurses find a participate. way to process their grief and cope with the stressors October 4th: American Foundation of Suicide of the Covid-19 crisis. To reduce the stress of the Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk Zoom meeting participants, Sandy Foley, DNP, RN, at Waterloo Village to Prevent Suicide. Please contact lead the group in a Laughter Yoga Session. Sandy is Sandy Foley [email protected] to participate. a Certified Laughter Yoga Instructor and the Region’s Region 1 accepts donations: new socks, disposable Past President and VP to the Institute. Thank you, diapers, non-perishable food and clean, lightly Sandy! used career attire at ALL Region events. County Region 1 rejoices with and commends the following Coordinators distribute items to designated food nurses for their nomination for a 2020 C.A.R.E.S. pantries in Morris, Sussex, Passaic and Warren award: counties, and to Birth Haven and Warren County’s • Sandra Foley, DNP, RN - Education Wardrobe of Hope. Please consider bringing items • Elisa Green, DNP, APN-BC, CME – Clinical to meetings. Tanya Anevski (Passaic), Josie Sanchez Practice and Administration (Morris), Sandy Foley (Sussex), and Lauren Krause • Kem Louie, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, APN, (Warren) coordinate the delivery of donations. CNE, FAAN – Education Call for Speakers To present at our meetings, • Cristen Mackwell, MSN, RN, CMSRN, NPD-BC contact Region 1 President, Patricia Baxter - Education [email protected] or VP Education, Tifanie Sbriscia • Moira Kendra, DNP, APN – Clinical Practice [email protected] In Solidarity, Public Relations & Outreach Patricia Baxter Devene Burke, BSN, RN oversees Region 1’s President Region 1 Facebook page. Currently we have 734 likes/ 792 followers; see https://www.facebook.com/ NJSNARegion1/ Region 1 memorabilia display is rotated to meetings Region 3 and libraries promoting awareness of NJSNA, nurses, and nursing. Lauren Krause, Warren County Coordinator for the Region, organizes and facilitates Norma Rodgers, BSN, RN, CCRA, ACRP-PM the exhibition. Contact your local library and/or President Region 3 [email protected] to be considered as a venue for this informative display. “2020 The Year of the Nurse and mid- Wife” The Year of the Nurse has taken on a whole SAVE the DATE new meaning. In 2019 when the World Health October 1st: Region 1 Annual Dinner Organization declared 2020 The Year of the Nurse Meeting Commemorating 2020 as the Year of and the Midwife no one knew we would be celebrating the Nurse & Midwife and celebrating the 200th amidst a global pandemic of the Novel Coronavirus. Anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth (1820) as On behalf of the Region 3 Board we say THANK Region 1 the focal points of our pinnacle meeting. It will be held YOU to all the frontline nurses working tirelessly at the Rockaway River Country Club, Denville, NJ. during the crisis to ensure that the community is Keynote Speaker will be Barbara Martucci, ACNS – cared for while putting your own lives on the line. BC, MSN, RN. Contact hours pending. Please save The pandemic has changed the way that we practice Morris, Passaic, Sussex, the date and join us for this exciting and informative and will practice in the future. When the crisis slow event! down we will need to look back at best practices Warren October 17th: Hackettstown Medical Center, so that if there is a future pandemic nurses will be Cafeteria Conference Room (Warren County), 11am- better prepared. Be proud of all you have done and Trish Baxter R1 President & 1pm. The educational topic for the meeting is “Search will continue to do for the nursing profession. To Francesca Nordin R1 VP Communications and Rescue.” We are honored to have Michaela the Graduating Class of 2020 we salute you as well Hruskova, BSN, RN as our presenter. Contact hours for completing your program in undergraduate or Accolades/Accomplishments pending. graduate nursing school in the middle of a pandemic. HNHNJ Team held a “Moral Support” Zoom Meeting where New Jersey nurses can discuss their feelings during the emotionally trying time of the Activities and Community Service Region 3 meeting: Region 1 will again provide a The first Region 3 meeting was held at the East pandemic. Thomas C. Barrett, Ph.D., a licensed September 7th: warm meal at Faith Kitchen in Dover, NJ. Please Orange VA Hospital on 17 Feb 2020. A special July 2020 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter Page 5

Region News

thank you to the NJSNA leadership: Mary Ellen Levine, President-Elect, Regina When this column was written in April, in the midst of the most daunting Adams, Vice President and Judy Schmidt, CEO for attending and providing public health crisis of our lifetime, Region 6 members were stepping up in NJSNA updates to the members and students. Thank you to all of the NJSNA primary and long-term care to acute care to rehabilitation and in public health, members, non-members, the students from Kean University and William Paterson school nursing, home care, and academia. Nurses have shown commitment University for making the Region 3 meeting a success. The Covid-19 restrictions and courage in providing and coordinating care while attending to the has impacted how Region 3 can currently host meeting, as a result the April and wellbeing of families, friends, and colleagues. The physical and emotional toll June meetings have been cancelled. The current Region 3 bylaws due not allow of the pandemic may impact many of us for a long time. In the weeks and for electronic meetings. The Annual meeting will now be scheduled for September. months ahead, we hope you’ll continue to rely on NJSNA to advocate for our Date to be determined. Please check the NJSNA Event calendar for updates. profession, and Region 6 to bring Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean, and Monmouth County nurses closer together. Elections and Vacant Positions: It was unclear when this issue of NJ Nurse went to press whether social The following positions are currently vacant. If you are interested in being distancing restrictions would impact the Region’s tentative plan for the Spring. appointed to one of the positions and require additional information contact The Region 6 Annual Meeting was scheduled in June at Captains Inn in Ocean Norma Rodgers, President at [email protected]. Vice President County. E. Renee Cantwell DNP, RN, CPHQ, Clinical Associate Professor, and for Communications, Essex County Member at Large (2 positions) and Jeanann Sousou Coppola, DNP, RN, CNM, CNE, Clinical Assistant Professor Nomination Committee (2 positions). at Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden were scheduled to present their program Region 3 wants you…Call for nomination. Region 3 is currently “Human Trafficking: Educating New Jersey Registered Nurses in Identifying seeking candidates for the following positions: President Elect, Vice Victims to Promote Positive Patient Outcome.” Dr. Cantwell and Dr. Coppola President of Communications, Secretary, Treasurer, two Members will be presenting the program again at the October Region 6 meeting at at Large (1 Union County & 1 Essex County), and three members Monmouth College. for the Nominating Committee. If you are interested in any of the open New graduates of the prelicensure RN programs at Atlantic-Cape May positions or have questions, please contact Shanda Johnson, Nominating Community College, Brookdale Community College, Georgian Court Committee Chair at [email protected]. All nominations must University, Jersey City State University, Ocean County College, and Stockton be submitted by the close of the NJSNA final business meeting at the 2020 University were invited to attend at a discounted rate. The annual Executive Annual Convention in October. Board gift basket auction provides the opportunity for lucky region members If you have news you would like to share with Region 3, please send the and guests to win prizes, and benefits the Beulah Miller Scholarship for information to Norma Rodgers, President at [email protected]. Nursing Education scholarship fund. Call for Nominations: please contact Colleen Nauta at colleennauta@ aol.com to learn more about leadership positions within the region. This year the term of office is expiring for the Region 6 positions of Secretary, Region 4 Vice President Communication, Vice President for the Institute, Nominating Committee, and County Chairpersons. Region 6 members: If you did not receive an email blast from NJSNA Bucks, Hunterdon, Mercer, about the Region’s educational meetings this year, please contact jennifer@ Middlesex, Somerset Counties njsna.org to verify and update your membership information. Maureen Clark-Gallagher MS, RN President

In these unprecedented times, on behalf of the Region 4 Board, thank you for all that you are doing for the patients and the communities that we serve. At a recent Region 4 Board Meeting, we discussed strategies for communication which the Region will use to further support you and provide you with pertinent organizational, regional, and national information. We are grateful for your participation in the recent Survey Monkey questionnaire. In response to your feedback and suggestions, we have made some enhancements to our communication methods. Our current Facebook page and email communications remain active and we added a Twitter account NJSNA Region 4 (@njsna_4 as well as a Linked In Page (NJSNA Region 4). As you are likely being bombarded with COVID-19 resources and other information, we will be sensitive to your time constraints and will only use vetted sources and work in conjunction with NJSNA. We appreciate the weekly updates from Kate Gillespie, President of NJSNA, and encourage you to visit the NJSNA site for additional information. The New Are you an experienced Jersey State Nurses Healthy Nurse initiative has been amazing by offering real- time information and support to our NJ nurses. Special recognition is extended to Margaret (Marge) Drozd, Region 4 Member at Large for Middlesex County, on being a recipient of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s 2020 Certified Nurse Award in the Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist category. What an accomplishment! Region 4 Past President, Beth Knox, spearheaded the NJSNA Marijuana NURSE Task Force. They developed the NJSNA Position Statement as well as a related Fact Sheet. These documents can be found on the NJSNA website. Our annual meeting has been postponed until November 21, 2020. This special event will be held from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Cranbury Inn in Cranbury NJ. Please be sure to save the date! We made the decision to postpone our deadline for the Region 4 Scholarship to September 1, 2020 due to the hectic schedules of our New Jersey nurses. Please see the following link https://njsna.org/scholarship/ LEADER? (scroll down to the bottom of the page). Unfortunately, the scheduled March 11 trip to the United Nations in NYC was cancelled due to COVID-19. We plan to reschedule in the future as we understand that our members were looking forward to this event. Additional programs are in the works for the upcoming months. We will be Be the new CEO of sure to provide you with timely updates as they become available. Please know that the Region 4 Board is here for you. Feel free to reach out to me or any member of the Region 4 Board. Arizona Nurses Region 6 Association Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, Ocean Kathleen Mullen, DNP, MA, RN, CNE Aznurse.org/CEOSearch VP Communications Page 6 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter July 2020 Pathway to Success: Building a Resilient Nurse

Amanda Bodinet, MSN, RN, CPAN Update from the NJSNA LPN Forum Associate Dean of Faculty, Chamberlain College of Nursing By Wendy Britt, LPN, CMCN, NJSNA LPN Forum State. It has been a particularly scary time for many Chairperson of us, with so many unknowns and uncertainties. Sitting down in the classroom, the first-year nursing Thankfully, we have the FLPN page to keep us all student is told, “look to your left, look to your right, I am happy to report in touch and communicating across our great State! chances are that some of these people will not be that over the past three Here is what some LPNs have reported back to us: sitting next to you at graduation.” From the very months, the NJSNA LPN LPNs are being VERY ACTIVELY contacted by beginning of their nursing program, students are Forum (FLPN) membership recruiters for various homecare agencies, LTCs, informed that not only is nursing school difficult, but has more than doubled! pediatrics, and even some hospitals. Some are that many will not successfully make it to the end of At the time of this writing, offering hazard pay and enticing prospectives the program. there are 178 members. We by stating they have a PPE supply, some It is without dispute that nursing curricula is are seeing a surge in new offering $30-40+/hr. rigorous, a strategy to meet those challenges head on members after each issue LPNs are being offered hours from facilities who involves cultivating resilience – a key to the missing of the New Jersey Nurse/ normally wouldn't even consider LPNs prior to puzzle in nursing education. Consider the notion that IFN newsletter as well as the pandemic, or who have previously turned a student nurse is too afraid to ask questions, how will from new members inviting Wendy Britt them down. they learn those unclear concepts or skills? Moreover, their LPN/LPN student One floor LPN reported she was found to be how will this further impact student outcomes? Patient Facebook friends to the page. In turn, there has been COVID+ from work exposure, was sent home outcomes? Nurse educators need to move away from an uptick in page participation from members, which to quarantine/recover and her employer the negative indoctrination of fear toward a space is REALLY GREAT to see! LPNs are sharing topics has been very SUPPORTIVE and called to of building resiliency within their students through like job postings, passing along upcoming CME/CEU check on her often. Thankfully, this nurse is creating positive classroom environments. opportunities, upcoming certifications like IV therapy, recovering and will be returning to work shortly! The educator-student relationship is the genesis sharing information on career-building courses like LPNs working in provider offices, especially ones of the pathway to academic success. Educators becoming a Board-Certified Patient Advocate, and that rely on a high rate of elective or ambulatory who provide positive interpersonal relationships keeping up morale with supportive posts and prayers. surgeries (like orthopedic offices, or ambulatory and learning environments ensure not only student Once you become a member of the page, you can surgery centers) are having their hours greatly academic success, but long-term resilience and life easily "catch up" and find reminders, events, polls, and cut, even furloughed. success (Froneman, du Plessis, & Koen, 2016). The various other tagged/categorized group discussions An LPN reports she was "locking in" at the cultivation of a positive learning environment includes under the heading of POPULAR TOPICS. We are Memory Care facility she works at for 14 days leading by example in professional behavior, civility, currently in the process of establishing volunteers/ in an attempt to keep the facility safe from and dedication (Clark, 2018). A literature review contributors based on the NJSNA Regional Map to exposure. She reports the residents are really conducted by Anderson-DuBois & Zedreck Gonzalez report back any events or happenings from their enjoying the extra-attention, and at this time (2018), purported that professional resilience is built respective areas. Contributors are still needed for the facility remains virus free. through improving communication, forming positive some Regions! A Silver Lining: Some LPNs report that even relationships, developing conflict management skills, In following with our mission of growth and though their hours have been cut, they are and cultivating a positive self-esteem and worldview. development, and enhancing the role of the LPN, enjoying spending more time with their The educational environment is the perfect we are interested in hearing from any LPN (or families, cooking, eating and feeling better, landscape to emulate these requisite relational nursing mentors) who would like to present an 'info- even exercising with their children! skills. It is incumbent that nurse educators practice session' to share insight and factual information mindfulness in their teaching techniques and on your specialized area of nursing expertise and We continue to develop the FLPN! PLEASE JOIN! interactions with students to cultivate professional we are especially interested in learning from nurse Conference calls are being held every few months resiliency. Critical thinking in nursing involves entrepreneurs. LPNs - If you have an idea that you and the next call is currently scheduled for Thursday identifying a problem and developing solutions. When would like to contribute, please reach out! September 10, 2020 at 7pm. (Use call in number building resiliency, one must develop the skill of 866-855-1122, passcode 63415020). The next FLPN identifying professional barriers and work toward the REPORTS FROM THE FIELD to the FLPN: NJ LPNs Meeting will be held at the NJSNA Convention in best solution. and the COVID-19 Pandemic October 2020. PLEASE JOIN THE “New Jersey Jenkins & Germaine (2018) suggested a technique LPNs have found themselves at the near epicenter State Nurses LPN Forum” private Facebook group: for connecting critical thinking and resiliency through of the COVID-19 pandemic here in the Garden https://facebook.com/groups/njLPNurses/?ref=share a solutions-based learning methodology. This technique drives problem solving as well as identifies all aspects of a situation through mutual exploration. This positive learning environment of collaboration positions the student in the center of the learning Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice experience, thus allowing educators to bridge gaps. The role of a nurse educator is to assist students Nurses in identifying unseen issues, process all probable solutions, and develop emotional intelligence through Louise Gabriele, DNP, APN-BC However, because of acute nature of Covid-19 this process. As a result of the intentionality placed patients, many psychiatric patients were turned on professional resiliency, positive educator-student The COVID 19 crisis has brought incredible away from emergency rooms. Other alternatives interaction are established. The challenges that the challenges to all healthcare providers, including and protocols had to be implemented to treat these nursing profession face pertaining to job satisfaction Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses. These patients. and retention, as well as the ever-present nursing Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) have stepped Telepsych was instituted in many agencies. Change shortage, require a resilient workforce with nurse up to the plate to treat and prescribe the life-saving was difficult; it is often more challenging to those educators as an integral component to address the medications used to reduce suicidality and minimize experiencing mental health issues. Many prefer to challenges and advance the nursing profession. substance abuse relapse. The physical and emotional keep things status quo. Although, it is a less personal health of NJ citizens has been paramount during this way to interact with patients and there was a learning References pandemic. One of the biggest challenges has been to Anderson DuBois, C & Zedreck Gonzalez, J.F. (2018). curve for both the patients and the APNs, patients Implementing a Resilience-Promoting Education navigate an acute care system while managing a surge were able to receive services. Program for New Nursing Graduates. Journal for of critically ill patients. New processes for all levels Emotionally, it was quite challenging for Nurses in Professional Development, 34(5), 263-269. of service and patient care activities were initiated to everyone. The healthcare team, including Psychiatric doi:10.1097/NND.0000000000000484 protect patients and staff while also being mindful of APNs worked long hours working in very intense Clark, C.M. (2018, October 17). 10 ways a nurse supplies such as critical PPEs. environments. In hospitals, although fearful of one’s educator can contribute to a civil, productive, Since the Covid-19 crisis, many patients with own health and the potential transmission to family, learning environment. Assessment Technologies anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD and trauma they persisted. In the outpatient setting, APNs thought Institute. https://www.atitesting.com/educator/ related conditions have been seeking treatment with of new ways to communicate with their patients and blog/knowledge/2018/10/17/10-ways-a-nurse- high levels of anxiety. They were extremely fearful of offered continuity of care. The Society of Psychiatric educator-can-contribute-to-a-civil-productive-learning- getting the virus and worried about when and how it environment Advanced Practice Nurses has never felt prouder of Froneman, K., Du Plessis, E., & Koen, M.P. (2016). will end. Those who live by themselves had difficulty our membership, with a mixture of fear and intense Effective educator-student relationships in nursing with lack of social interaction. Many people have lost pride in everyone working together and seeing staff at education to strengthen nursing students’ resilience. their jobs. Several APNs offered probono sessions for all levels with the common goal of protecting patients Curationis, 39(1), 1-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ patients who just have no money. and getting people treated. curationis.v39i1.1595 Treating patients in an outpatient environment https://www.psychapn.org/ Jenkins, C & Germaine, C. (2018). Solution-oriented has always been ideal although not always possible. learning to build resilience in mental health nursing Patients with acute psychosis, patients needing Louise Gabriele, DNP, APN-BC students and recently qualified nurses. Mental Health involuntary commitment, cases of acute delirium Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses Practice, 21(7), 24-27. doi:10.7748/mhp.2018.e1284 and dementia needed to be treated in the hospital. July 2020 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter Page 7 ANA and NJSNA Mentorship IFN Report Program What a Perfect Combination Mary Ellen Levine, RN, Institute for Nursing Chair of the Board of Trustees Keisha Cogdell, DNP, RN “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” Have you been searching for a formal mentoring program only within your Martin Luther King academic setting or health care related institution? Just think about it for a minute- Retrieved from https://bookhaven.stanford.edu/2012/01/ there is no right or wrong answer to this question but New Jersey State Nurses martin-luther-king-on-his-day-only-in-the-darkness-can-you- Association (NJSNA) members can find a mentee or become a mentor or you see-the-stars/ can do both through the American Nurses Association (ANA) Mentorship Cohort Program. It seems the day to day operations of the world as we The NJSNA, which is an affiliate of ANA and the ANA, provides a free 8-month know it, in business, health, and community, have been mentoring program to support, guide and coach new and seasonal nurses in a challenged day to day, and sometimes, minute by minute. structural online environment. ANA program has a designed curriculum for nurses As I write this, we are in the midst of a healthcare crisis. to attend and participate in a pre-program webinar, set achievable and measurable When our health care system has been stretched to limits goals (personal growth or professional development), and communication about not experienced in my lifetime, nurses have continued to diverse topics with other fellow ANA nurses from across the world. Mentees and Mary Ellen Levine inspire. mentors communicate with one another through the use of emails, phone calls, In the Year of the Nurse, the Institute for Nursing will hold the C.A.R.E.S. video calls or face-to-face about work-life-balance, academic goals and career Awards in December. Thank you to all who will be participating and supporting development, just to name a few. this event. Honoring our colleagues who have been chosen to accept a C.A.R.E.S. When the 2019-2020 ANA Mentorship Program opened for enrollment, Keisha Award will elevate us all. The Institute for Nursing will be presenting these awards Cogdell, BSN, RN, a doctoral candidate and philanthropist, applied to become a for excellence in clinical, administration, research, education and service in nursing. mentee, however, Barbara Wright, PhD, RN, FAAN, Former NJ Assemblywoman The IFN’s networking and fundraising event, “Tour, Explore, and More” has did not hesitate to become her mentor. Dr. Wright has provided Keisha with been postponed to September 13th at the Beach Haus in Asbury Park, New Jersey. mentorship, moral support, coaching and insightful knowledge on how Keisha can Now, more than ever, the support of the not-for-profit foundations, including the develop or hone in her advocacy, social justice and health care policy skills for the Institute for Nursing, is so important. The Institute supports nurses by impacting nursing profession as well as the health care system. A mentor is a trusted advisor those who are entering nursing, seek advanced degree, and are in need of financial who can fill in the gaps of any competencies and skillsets of their mentee who has a support to continue toward their educational goals and so much more. Visit NJSNA. dedicated interest in honing in or expanding their knowledge and competences for org and click on the banner event for more information. This information can be personal or professional growth (Bradford, para.3). So, look no further- become a found via email and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NJStateNurses/). mentee, mentor or both through NJSNA and ANA? It is a perfect combination and In closing, on behalf of the Institute for Nursing’s Board of Trustees, I would well worth it to be a member of NJSNA and ANA! like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the nurses, medical staff, respiratory therapists, patient care technicians and nurses’ aides, housekeepers, security and References police, food service, diverse businesses from postal and delivery to supermarkets and American Nurses Association. (n.d.) Professional development resources: ANA mentorship program. Retrieved 3/28/2020 from https://www.nursingworld.org/membership/ pharmacies, and so many others, including the public we serve. A challenging time member-benefits/professional-development-resources/ in our country, it is an honor to serve in the best way we know how, by supporting Bradford, L. (2018). 8 Tips for an amazing mentor relationship. Forbes. Retrieved New Jersey nurses. Thank you. 3/28/2020 from https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurenccebradford/2018/01/31/8- Respectfully, tips-for-an-amazing-mentor-relationship/ Mary Ellen Levine New Jersey State Nurses Association. (2019). Join NJSNA and ANA. Retrieved 3/28/2020 from https://njsna.org/about-us/membership-benefits/ P.S. The Institute for Nursing wish the scholarship awardees continued success. A past scholarship awardee? Do you have a story you would like to share of how NJSNA/IFN has impacted your career here in New Jersey? We’d love to hear from you. Send up to 250 words to [email protected] Page 8 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter July 2020 Mother and Daughter Duo Respond to the Call

a freshman and sophomore at JP Stevens high school, Edison, New Jersey. Melanie, without any hesitation took up the challenge to sew masks with the supplies that her family provided. These masks were used as part of the effort that AAIN-NJ2 initiated to provide care packages to the community, families and patients discharged from the hospitals and nursing homes. This act of kindness is a simple example of how teenage children currently at home can help contribute towards the COVID-19 pandemic. Other individuals who participated in donating and mobilizing resources for the care package project were Kavita Natarajan, treasurer of AAINJ-NJ2. Kavita continues to collaborate with a Seva organization in Somerset, who have contributed 5,000 homemade masks in Somerset County. Siby Varghese, membership chair and governing board Submitted by Puspha Abraham, MSN, RN, CPNP, member also joined in the efforts. 200 Care packages CCRN; Sandra Emmanuel, MA, RN American were put together by Uma Venugopalan, Secretary Association of Indian Nurses of New Jersey (AAINJ-NJ2) and Sandra Emmanuel (President) along (chapter 2) with other governing board members. These care packages were donated to two nursing homes namely The year 2020 woke up into the dawn of a Care One in Edison and Alaris Health. Care packages new pandemic like never before. A pneumonia of were also made available to members and families in unknown cause was first detected in Wuhan China the community, there was a great need expressed at and reported to the World Health Organization this moment. (WHO) county office on December 31, 2019. Shortly The Executive and governing board members of after the outbreak was declared a Public health AAINJ-NJ2 inspite of their busy schedule met over of the pandemic on their own health and family. The emergency of international concern was declared several meetings to brain storm activities to support one on one conversations helped nurses to connect on January 30, 2020 and on March 11, 2020, the members and communities during this crisis. The and feel cared for. coronavirus was declared a global pandemic (WHO, governing board members reached out through Two nursing homes and one group home in New 2020). COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly affecting personal phone calls inquiring about individual Jersey were supported with Personal Protective communities across the United States. The cumulative member’s challenges, coping skills and needs. equipment, care packages and ipads. A generous total number of COVID-19 cases in the United States Members were directed to attend webinars organized donation received from American Association of from January 12, 2020 to April, 2020, is 704,000 by the National Association of Indian Nurses and Indian Nurses of greater Houston (INAGH), Texas (CDC, 2020). New York and New Jersey account New Jersey State Nurses Association. Nurses were made this community activity in this unprecedented for 13.6% of all global cases and over 44% of all encouraged to make conversations with a friend, time possible. At times such as this we were US cases. Despite the rigorous effort to control the family, clergy to seek solace in these times of grief, overwhelmed to hear how a sister chapter embraced infection, the novel coronavirus continues to emerge loss, anger, depression and burnout. Many nurses us and continued to enhance the work that we were globally, threatening to transmit in the community and were gripped with fear and uncertainty of the effects doing. A shout out to Ms. Acccamma Kallel, MSN, hospitals in the absence of an effective treatment or RN, CCRN, President of INAGH and her team. Your vaccine. acts of kindness from Texas reached the communities Mother and daughter duo responds to the call in New Jersey. The activities of AAINJ-NJ2 continues after CDC recommended use of cloth face coverings to target community and families of patients that to help slow COVID- 19. The mask as per CDC is have been affected by the dreadful virus. Messages recommended to be worn in public settings where and media information in languages best understood social distancing is difficult to maintain. As per CDC by the minority population was a concerted effort by this is a voluntary public health measure that has nurses. Nurses and their families are currently living a been instituted. Merlin Mendonca who served as the new normal, yet every governing board member has secretary of American Association of Indian Nurses, gone above and beyond to join hands to contribute New Jersey chapter (AAIN-NJ2) during the last term and assist the community. We have not seen a and currently the Public relations committee chair, moment like this, however one thing that everyone encouraged her daughter Melanie Mendonca to put has learned from this is, working and caring for each her skills of an elective (fashion designing) she took as other.

Drozd Recipient of 2020 ANCC Certified Nurse Award

Margaret Drozd, MSN, RN, APRN, BC, has been named a recipient of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s 2020 Certified Nurse Award in the Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist category. Drozd was recognized for significant contributions in spearheading a multidisciplinary Opioid Task Force at St Peter’s University Hospital, in New Brunswick. Her leadership efforts raised awareness about opioid addiction and overdose with the education of 8,000 students throughout Middlesex and Somerset counties. The Task Force collaborated with neighboring hospitals, health departments and community partners. A framework was created for identifying and linking Margaret Drozd community assets, expertise, and resources; the synergized efforts led to the attainment of optimal community health in a diverse region in New Jersey. ANCC President Rhonda Anderson commended Drozd's "commitment in the pursuit of excellence in clinical practice towards achieving optimal clinical outcomes for community and population health projects." Due to ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19 virus, ANCC has postponed the celebration of the winners of the 2020 Certified Nurse Awards to a later date. Margaret Drozd is St. Peter's University Hospital Director of Community Services. She has an extensive record of service as an elected public official in Spotswood, NJ, where she served three terms on the governing council, including its President, and three terms on the School Board, also as President. A NJSNA Region 4 Board Member, Drozd is Member at Large - Middlesex County. July 2020 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter Page 9 NJCCN Receives a $500,000 Grant for a Statewide Nurse Residency Program

action to explore the feasibility of a statewide nurse 14. Jefferson Washington Township Hospital, residency program. The Vizient/American Association Washington Township of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Nurse Residency 15. Virtua Marlton Hospital, Marlton Program (NRP) was selected as the program for NJ 16. Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly acute care hospitals. Implementation of the nationally 17. Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Camden acclaimed Vizient/AACN NRP will aid in increasing 18. Virtua Voorhees Hospital, Voorhees nurse retention and enhancing patient safety. 19. Virtua Willingboro Hospital, Willingboro To assist with the cost of the statewide NRP, NJCCN submitted and received a $500,000 grant Transition into practice programs are key to from the New Jersey Department of Labor and recruitment and retention of new nurse graduates Workforce Development (NJDOL). This grant, as they launch their careers. The National Academy Growing Apprenticeship in Non-Traditional Sectors of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) (GAINS), will be used to support 16 of the 19 recommended the implementation of new nurse hospitals participating in the inaugural year of the residencies in its 2011 report, The Future of Nursing, statewide NRP. The 19 hospitals are: Leading Change Advancing Health. Dr. Edna 1. Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, Cadmus, NJCCN Executive Director and Rutgers (Pictured from left to right) Edna Cadmus, PhD, Pennington School of Nursing Clinical Professor said “This RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, NJCCN Executive Director, 2. Capital Health Regional Medical Center, grant will allow us to standardize an approach for Sue Weaver, PhD, RN, CRNI, NEA-BC, and Teri Trenton nurse residency programs in New Jersey, partnering Wurmser, PhD, MPH, RN, NEA-BC, NJCCN Board 3. Chilton (Atlantic Health) Medical Center, with the NJDOL, Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Chairperson Pompton Plains Program, and acute care hospitals in New Jersey.” 4. Cooper University Health, Camden Please contact [email protected] if you Susan H. Weaver, PhD, RN, CRNI, NEA-BC, 5. Englewood Hospital, Englewood would like more information about the NJ statewide NJCCN Nurse Scientist 6. Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck Vizient/AACN nurse residency program. 7. Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing 8. Hunterdon Healthcare System, Flemington References (NJCCN) researchers, Drs. Cadmus and Wurmser, 9. Inspira Medical Center Elmer, Elmer Cadmus, E., & Wurmser, T. (2019). Perceptions of acute 10. Inspira Medical Center Vineland, Vineland care nurse residencies: Perspectives from one state. identified a need for consistency in residency Journal of Nursing Management, 27(6), 1251–1260. programs for new registered nurses, in their qualitative 11. Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill, Mullica Hill 12. Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, Cherry Hill https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12807 study with New Jersey (NJ) nurse educators, nurse NAM (National Academy of Medicine) formerly Institute residents, and chief nursing officers (Cadmus & 13. Jefferson Stratford Hospital, Stratford of Medicine (2011). The Future of Nursing: Leading Wurmser, 2019). Based on this finding, NJCCN took Change, Advancing Health. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

Death and Dying during a Pandemic: A Hospice Perspective

By Mary Ellen Levine, RN Americans, and citizens globally, who have heeded the and grief support hospice nurses and the hospice warnings and attempted to keep up with the growing team expect to be a part in providing has become Hospice as a concept has not been around all that and vast amount of information available, the effects on challenging. Through the increased infection control long. Introduced in 1963 by Dame Cicely Saunders, our society are continually in the headlines. There is also measures, facilities are no longer accepting or limiting her work as a nurse, social worker and physician growing evidence of distress-health care providers, front trained hospice volunteers, certified nurse’s aides, is recognized as introducing the idea in the United line workers, and necessary personnel-who risk every social work, chaplaincy, and, yes, nursing as a result States (https://www.nhpco.org/hospice-care- day to be out in the public and potentially exposed to the of personal protective equipment issues and exposure overview/history-of-hospice/). And as a fairly new virus while continuing to serve. The fear of contracting risk reduction. Yet, aren’t hospice nurses better with and culturally diverse country, the United States has the virus, of seeing things many of us at home are not death? Should the hospice be able to navigate grief and made great strides in acknowledging, addressing, and because of the isolation and quarantine restrictions. It is ongoing support of family, facility staff and ourselves? cultivating American’s rights at end of life. Nursing, important to maintain the conditions which keeps the With the stressors felt by our communities and our recognized as embracing all aspects of life through virus from spreading. However, supporting those who acute care and long term care colleagues, hospice nurses death, hospice nurses are educated and skilled as part are dying and at end of life seems to be a challenge as may have felt guilt, frustration, and sadness as their of an interdisciplinary team of professionals to ease we struggle to understand how to best protect ourselves practice has not been the same in light of the pandemic the suffering and providing support to both the dying and do our part to ‘flatten the curve.’ restrictions. Turning to outlets like Facebook private and those closest to them. Hospice is doing its best to adjust. With limited groups and interdisciplinary team meeting conference In the era of this pandemic, the stories of illness, contact with patients, limited visitation to decrease calls, the hospice nurse will continue to adapt to provide recovery, and death from the Coronavirus have shaken exposure of the patient to the outside world, those the palliative care they are so accustomed to providing at communities to their core. Evidenced by the majority of in need of the personal attention, healing touch, end of life and that our communities need. Resilience through Camaraderie – In defiance of COVID-19 Submitted by: Lesli Miller MSN, APN, ACHPN 1. Nurses from various healthcare nursing In the community, there have been: Secretary of the Executive Board of Northern NJ specialties -- out-patient clinics, pre-op, PACU, 1. Clap outs’ in towns to remind us that we are HPNA Provisional Group ambulatory care settings, and radiology are appreciated, valued and not forgotten; deployed to areas in need. They absorb and 2. Food donations and people making masks; Camaraderie - a spirit of friendship and master new nursing skills to care for these 3. Letters of encouragement from school age community between two people or a group of people. patients. They work outside their areas of children; and expertise and fill-in as support staff and 4. Social and physical distancing. We are in uncharted territory. Life as we knew it primary nurses to address the rapid growth of is forever changed. We are healthcare providers and COVID-19 positive patients. At Home, families are sheltering in place: daily we stand strong through adversity. We have 2. We combine med-surg nurses with critical 1. It tests the patience of even the closest family. signed on for this job. We suit up and show up but, care nurses to alleviate staffing problems The family unit and dynamics are put to the our new normal is different. It is like no other and in this process we build connections and ultimate test (please leave me some toilet challenge we have faced! foster best practice in nursing. These forced paper!!) While we have each other to lean on, this health assignments contribute to stronger relationships 2. When we come home exhausted our loved ones crisis has placed a strain on the strongest ties that and camaraderie and encourage each nurse to build us up, listen to our stories, dry our tears, bound us together as a healthcare team. grow their nursing practice. They develop their and support us so we can continue our steadfast Where do we turn for the strength to come back critical thinking skills and utilize their strengths in efforts to continue to care for our patients and and repeat it over and over every day while hundreds teamwork and collaboration. These orchestrated each other while hoping to get to the other side are dying around us? plans/solutions will have a positive impact on our of this devastating healthcare crisis. We turn to each other and we turn within. We nursing profession in years to come. come together as human beings, both inside and 3. Primary physicians work side-by-side with Camaraderie - Humanity has stepped up to fight outside the healthcare setting. critical care intensivists to expand the this fight. Together we will overcome, learn a “new workforce. We need to remember these selfless normal,” and practice new behaviors to safeguard our In the hospital setting: As healthcare providers acts when we reach our breaking point to give future. collaborate we use our flexibility to maximize our us strength and hope. resources Stay safe. Stay well. Stay strong!! Page 10 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter July 2020 Practicing Self-Care Now Where Did We Put that Self-Care Plan? During a Quarantine

Donna L. Castellani, MSN.Ed, RN, CNE

The recent outbreak of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a spike in fear and anxiety in many people. The resulting high level of stress surrounding an infectious disease outbreak can be very overwhelming. However, an important thing to keep in mind is that coping with stress WILL make you, and the people you care about, stronger (CDC, 2020). The first thing to do is to recognize how stress may manifest itself during such an outbreak and who is most likely to have a strong response to this crisis. As per the CDC (2020), manifestations can include: • Fear and worry about our own health and that of loved ones • Changes in sleep or eating patterns • Difficulty concentrating, or sleeping • Worsening of chronic health problems, or of mental health conditions • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

It has been shown being in quarantine for as Back in April I watched two concerts which aimed away the electronic devices and the news. If you little as two weeks can lead to mental health issues to bring people together during the pandemic. Both haven’t been hydrating properly, assess the obstacles which include Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) programs included the song “Smile.” Surely you’ve to this and make an effort to increase your water symptoms, depression, confusion, and anger heard it. It asks you to “Smile…when your heart is intake. (Geisinger, 2020). Keep in mind that everyone aching…smile…even though it’s breaking.” This is Engage in an honest evaluation of your coping responds differently to stressful situations. How you what nurses have been doing for those around them strategies. Have you been misusing or consuming respond is dependent on your family and cultural for months despite the psychological stress and more alcohol than usual? Are you stress eating? Now background, your personality, and your support sometimes grueling physical conditions. Many have is the time to trade healthy for unhealthy habits. If system. People who may have a stronger response been smiling behind masks which left blisters on you find that you are unable to care for yourself, to this crisis include children, teens, those over age their faces. They have taken on more responsibility, your family or your patients the way you used to 62, those with chronic diseases, and of course, those increased stress and have had less energy for before the pandemic, contact your health insurance who are actively involved in providing health care to themselves. Despite all of this, nurses have never and find out what type of mental health services are affected COVID-19 patients (CDC, 2020). forgotten the importance of a smile. And when it available. Open up to a friend. Above all, practice How do we practice self-care during this time? One could not be seen they formed hearts with their self compassion. You are not superhuman; you are suggestion is to keep on a routine (Geisinger, 2020). fingers, drew smiley faces on their PPE and like the susceptible to sad and stressful situations and many Get up at your normal time, shower, get dressed, nurses I worked with at one Covid testing site, they nurses will suffer the signs of post traumatic stress create a workspace, and keep to a schedule. Another wrote “We Care” with hearts on the backs of their disorder before this pandemic is over. Below please suggestion is to keep moving- not just by taking walks hazmat suits. “They can’t see us smile and might be find the link to “Managing Stress and Self-Care outside, but also by simple turning on music and scared,” one said. “Draw some hearts on me too,” During Covid-19: Information for Nurses” from the dancing your heart out! Perhaps just relax and chill, or said another. American Psychiatric Nurses Association. discover a new creative outlet. Finally, spend time with A smile behind a mask is never wasted. When we Take some time to visit the site and share with your your loved ones. Of course, we can’t be physically smile our facial muscles relay messages to our brains, colleagues. together, but technology has allowed us to “Zoom” releasing feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, or “FaceTime” together. If at any time you notice you dopamine and endorphins. These chemicals help to We are smiling at you from our hearts— are experiencing high levels of anxiety or depression, elevate mood and relieve stress. Consider it part of Lisa Ertle, B.A., R.N. and the Healthy Nurse consider asking for professional help. Teletherapy a self care. Healthy New Jersey Team. way to remotely speak with a therapist, and during the Fellow nurses, these past few months have been very difficult. Still, we took the time to encourage one References: pandemic, many insurance companies will likely cover Stevenson, Sarah. (2012, June, 25). There’s Magic in it (Maloney, 2020). another, check in on our friends who were sick or lonely and grieve and cry together. Your Smile. Cutting Edge Leadership. https://www. During this unprecedented health crisis, it is psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership important that we take care of ourselves and each Now we need to refocus on a self care plan. It’s not something for better days. Your life is now and it is American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2020). Managing other. Recognizing the manifestations of anxiety Stress and Self-Care During Covid-19: Information for and stress, and practicing the coping strategy which precious. Prioritize exercise, meditation, or simply Nurses. Retrieved from https://www.apna.org/i4a/ helps manage it, will help. The crisis will eventually taking an uninterrupted nap when you need it. Put pages/index.cfm?pageID=6685&activateFull=true pass, and we will be stronger for the experience. Stay healthy, safe, and strong.

References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), One Voice…a Little Bit Louder Please (2020). Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19. Retrieved April 19, 2020: h t t p://c d c .g o v/ By Mary E. Fortier, EdD, RN, CNL This most appropriate venue – the NJSNA - for us coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing- to raise our voices a little bit louder has not seen an stress-anxiety-html One voice…can you hear me now? I posed this increase in membership. They are out there fighting Geisinger Health, (2020). Make Time for Self-care question in our January 2020 Issue of the New Jersey for your personal safety as well as your professional During a Self-Quarantine. Retrieved April 19, Nurse. I stated that your voice would go unheard safety. Especially today, as the world is looking to re- 2020: http://geisinger.org/health-and-wellness- articles/2020/03/18/17/self-care-during-quarantine without the benefit of our professional organization, image healthcare and public safety. Nurses must and Maloney, Michael, (2020). Social Distancing, Self- The New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA). will be a part of this vision. Nurses will take the lead Quarantine, and Self-Care. Retrieved April 19, I do believe that statement to be true and I will not as we move forward, establish a new normal, and 2020: http://urbanbalance.com/social-distancing-self- rewrite what I had previously written. prepare the world for future disasters. quarantine-and-self-care/ I will point out that much has happened since I implore every professional nurse to go to the January 2020, a major event – Covid-19 Pandemic - website: njsna.org and explore what our Professional that has spotlighted the healthcare profession and in Organization has to offer for you the professional particular the profession of nursing. Now is the time nurse. Take advantage of the Healthy Nurse Healthy GROW YOUR NURSING CAREER WITH US! to speak in one voice…a little bit louder please. New Jersey Initiative (HNHNJ) offerings and those CHHA, CMA, CNA, LPN & RN Opportunities Events to celebrate 2020, the Year of Nurse, have offered by your institutions. You will find that link, as been cancelled, delayed or recreated into virtual well as many other helpful links to help you navigate If you’re driven to make a difference and feel passionate about what you do, you will venues but our spirit cannot be dampened. Sad but this storm of Covid-19, on the home page of NJSNA. thrive at Seabrook, a 98 acre Erickson Continuing Care community, near the Jersey even sadder is the fact that we have not seen a rise in Let us support each other and ourselves. shore. When you join our team of everyday heroes, you gain more than a great job in a booming industry – you get to change lives for the better, by sharing your skills & gifts. our membership. Let us remember: we are the most trusted Cultivate your skills and gifts with us. This is the year of the nurse and you are showing profession and I thank you for all you are doing to We offer over 3,000 Free online courses, Mentorship program, Tuition the world what Professionalism looks like, how keep our patient’s safe – physically, mentally and reimbursement, and Student loan benefits for the entire family, Free intelligence functions, how compassion feels and how spiritually. You are the Nurse! You are Future! Health and Wellness Services plus More! resilient leadership moves mountains! Let us raise our My message is simple: Stay Safe. Be Well. Take Apply today at jobs.ericksonliving.com voices a little bit louder. care of you. Be kind to you. Be a mentor to your co- Seabrook- 3000 Essex Road- Tinton Falls, NJ 07753 | 732-481-6084 worker. We are in this together. Can we say it a little bit louder, please! July 2020 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter Page 11 Pregnant Women Require Caution with Cannabis Use

By Christine Grant, JD, MBA, Former NJ suggests how to broach the subject of cannabis the support by those authorized to update patient Commissioner of Health and Senior Services substance abuse efficiently or effectively leaving education protocols and 3) Exercise vision that this and Beth Knox, DNP, APN, NJSNA Marijuana that task to practitioners. Recommendations include pandemic will fundamentally evolve ambulatory Task Force Chair practitioners’ verbally screening all women for use practices and patient communication through of drugs, including marijuana during prenatal care expanded use of telehealth and patient portals. To address pregnant women’s cannabis use visits and include counseling regarding potential Nurses have been on the front lines of this while the COVID-19 calamity rages is a challenge. side effects as well as resources to encourage pandemic and are dedicated in promoting change More than 90,00 babies are born each year in New cessation, if indicated. Counseling handout to protect and support their patients. Nurses can Jersey, many to first time mothers. It will compound resources are available on ACOG (2017) and CDC make a difference in the safety and outcomes of the virus' tragedy if maternal infant outcomes (2018) websites. pregnant mothers and their unborn child during worsen during this period. Therefore, it is important The precautionary principle “Do no harm” these changing times in healthcare. to encourage health care practitioners to remain should be applied and THC cannabis added to the focused on high quality prenatal and postpartum warning list of other substances to be avoided by References care including cautions against cannabis use. pregnant and breastfeeding mothers (NIH, 2019). ACOG Committee on Obstetric Practice (2017). ACOG Cannabis use remains illegal in New Jersey, We have learned that thalidomide prescribed for committee opinion number 722: Marijuana use except by persons registered at Alternate Treatment morning sickness harmed fetal development; that during pregnancy and lactation. Obstetrics & Centers as medical marijuana patients for an smoking exposure and vaping tobacco are harmful Gynecology 130 (4) e205-209 doi:10.1097/ AOG.0000000000002354ACOG https://journals. approved medical condition (State of New Jersey, to mother and child, and both fetal alcohol and lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2017/10000/ Office of the Governor, 2019). Previous New Jersey crack baby syndromes are tragically real. Research Committee_Opinion_No__722__Marijuana_Use_ proposed legislation to legalize adult recreational shows cannabinoids can cross the placental barrier, During.59.aspx cannabis use did not receive a majority vote. A NJ appear in breast milk, accumulate in fetal and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2018, Constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis for infant’s fat and in the infant’s urine and meconium March 16). Marijuana and public health: What you adults’ personal non-medical use has been proposed (LactMed, 2019). Research concerning possible need to know about marijuana use and pregnancy. for the State's November 3, 2020 general election latent adverse impacts of brain receptor exposure https://www/cdc.gov/marijuana/factsheets/ ballot (NJ Senate Concurrent Resolution 183, to THC during development that result in long- pregnancy.htm 2019). term neurobehavioral outcomes is of concern (CDC, CDC (2017). What you need to know about marijuana Results from the National Surveys on Drug Use 2017; Metz & Borgelt, 2018). In addition, other use and pregnancy: Fast facts. https://www.cdc. gov/marijuana/pdf/marijuana-pregnancy-508.pdf and Health (Volkow et al, 2019) completed between studies suggest that marijuana use during pregnancy Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. 2002 and 2015 revealed self-reported smoking may also be associated with spontaneous preterm Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); marijuana during pregnancy. Data indicated that birth, still birth, neonatal intensive care admission 2006-. Cannabis. [Updated 2019 Feb 7]. Available there was a higher percent of marijuana use and growth restriction (Metz & Borgelt). from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/ during the first trimester of pregnancy across Meanwhile, websites promote cannabis online N B K 501587/ socioeconomic groups routinely acknowledging sales. These usually offer no opportunity for Metz, T.D. & Borgelt, L.M (2018). Marijuana use in regular cannabis use in the self-reported survey. expectant mothers and fathers to ask questions. pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Obstetrics & Many women mistakenly believe smoking, vaping Prospective parents are often isolated from the Gynecology 132 (5), 1198-1210 . DOI: 10.1097/ or eating cannabis is without risk. They often note reassuring trusted advice of family and friends, AOG.0000000000002878 that their healthcare practitioner has not discussed may have unprecedented financial troubles, or NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse (2019). h t t p s:// www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/ nor advised against cannabis use. If an ill high risk suffer tremendous anxiety and easily turn to self- marijuana#ref prenatal patient’s physician recommends use of a medication. Ryan, S.A., Ammerman, S.D., O”Connor, M.E & THC approved product, having discussed the risk Improving routine prenatal protocols during the Committee on substance abuse and prevention, and benefit, that is generally acceptable. COVID -19 pandemic is a challenge. The waiting section on breastfeeding (2018). Marijuana use Many national, and state public health agencies, rooms are empty, patient education materials during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Implications maternal child organizations, and specialty have dwindled, and telehealth visits are increasing. for neonatal and childhood outcomes. Pediatrics societies’ guidelines caution pregnant and However, three initial initiatives may be considered: 142 (3) e20181899 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15442/ breastfeeding women not to use cannabis (ACOG, 1) Acquire paper and electronic link handouts for peds.2018-1889 2017; CDC, 2018). However, guidance may not use to discuss the risks of using cannabis during New Jersey Senate Concurrent Resolution 183 have the force of recommendations and rarely pregnancy and breastfeeding (CDC,2017). 2) Secure (2019). https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2018/Bills/ SCR/183_E1.PDF State of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (2019, July). Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Dramatically Reform New Jersey’s Medical Marijuana Program, Expand Patient Access. https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562019/ Nurse Educators Promoting approved/20190702d.shtml Volkow, N.D., Han, B., Wilson, Compton, W. M., McCance-Katz, E. F. (2019). Self-.medical and non- the Golden Rule medical cannabis use among pregnant women in the United States. JAMA 322(2)167-169. h t t p s:// Dr. Susan Rux, PhD, MSN, RN, PHN, ACNS-BC, A concept analysis from civility experts (Clark & www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6582258/ CHEP, CNE, CPRW, NEA-BC Carnosso, 2008) provides six strategies that nurse Dr. Erica Edfort, DNP, NVRN-BC, RN-BC, FAHA educators can apply to promote a culture of harmony and safety: Nursing is a profession dedicated to nurture and 1. Value every opinion – display objectivity care for others. Incivility, and its related term, bullying, and sincerity when providing and receiving are serious intruders penetrating the very foundational feedback; To access electronic copies of the principles of nursing. According to ANA (2015), 2. Recognize and stop collusion; actions consistent with incivility include intimidation, 3. Listen and share ideas in a nonthreatening New Jersey Nurse, please visit blame, gossip, and sabotage. The nursing profession fashion; http://www.nursingald.com/publications has tolerated incivility due to the perception that 4. Encourage open discussion of ideas and issues; confronting the uncivil behavior can be challenging. 5. Genuinely celebrate and bring joy to the In order for the profession to advance, it is critical successes of others; and that movements to shift the mindset toward feeling 6. Treat others well and expect to be treated well empowered, engaged, and enabled. Addressing the in return. uncivil behavior aims to reset the expectations for professional integrity standards. Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American philosopher, It is incumbent that nurses oblige the ANA Code of who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid- Ethics (2015) and “create an ethical environment and 19th century, provided a quote, which may be utilized culture of civility and kindness, treating colleagues, in supporting civility promotion efforts — “Every co-workers, employees, students, and others with human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station, dignity and respect.” Coaching can proactively assist deserves respect. We must each respect others even the nurse educator in learning how to respond in as we respect ourselves.” a manner that builds healthy communication and professional relationships. References: Tying the phenomenon of incivility to nursing American Nurses Association. (2015a). Position Statement: education starts with understanding that above all, a Incivility, Bullying, and Workplace Violence. nurse educator is a nurse, and is expected to practice Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/ authentically and ethically, in alignment with the DocumentVault/Position-Statements/Practice/ Position-Statementon-Incivility-Bullying-and- Code. Employing emotional intelligence and empathy Workplace-Violence.pdf strategies can guide the nurse educator to display a American Nurses Association. (2015b). Code of Ethics for capacity for kindness and growth. Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Silver Spring, The organizational culture should foster MD: Nursesbooks.org. interdisciplinary collaboration to promote the nurse Clark, C. M., & Carnosso, J. (2008) Civility: A concept educator and student relationships, beyond the analysis. Journal of Theory Construction & Testing, classroom and clinical settings. 12, 11-15. Page 12 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter July 2020 Teaching Nursing Students During COVID-19

Mary Ann Siciliano McLaughlin EdD, MSN, RN, behavior. It is imperative that faculty decisions are Failing to maintain rigor could potentially impact all Tyshaneka Saffold PhD(c), MSN, RN, & Shelley A. consistent to guarantee fairness to students. These stakeholders: Johnson, EdD, MSN, MBA, RN, NE-BC, CNE decisions, such as allowances we make for students, 1. Students would not be able to be successful in should be guided by ethical principles and executed their licensure examinations, resulting in loss In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape across the board. of employment eligibility, loss of wage-earning of nursing education is changing and evolving on a Regional and programmatic accreditors and state potential, and high risk of loan default. daily basis. On-ground nursing programs have been regulators require that nursing education programs 2. The educational program could see low pass converted into an online format overnight. This maintain quality and rigor. Academic rigor refers rates resulting in potential loss of accreditation change is a tall order, not just for nursing faculty, but to the result of having a curriculum that challenges and the right to have highly regulated for nursing students as well. So how, in this time of students to grow in thought, knowledge, and skills. programs, pre-licensure programs and some a pandemic, do nursing faculty promote ethics and Program administrators and educators work from clinical graduate programs. integrity in students, while maintaining quality, and agreed-upon academic standards and pre-determined 3. The nursing program’s reputation could be rigor in nursing programs to ensure student learning learning outcomes, by student level, for the protection damaged, leading to lower enrollments. and adequate preparation for a future career in of the general public and the institutions that 4. Faculty violate personal and professional nursing? graduates will serve. standards and values. Furthermore, they Ethics is valued in nursing. All nursing students During healthcare crises, it is imperative that nurse damage their credibility and brand. need to understand the concepts of ethics and educators uphold standards of excellence and hold integrity. This understanding encompasses the students to meeting set, achievement benchmarks. Everyone is impacted by COVID-19. Faculty must possibility of serving as the foundation upon which Faculty spend countless hours designing evidence- make every effort to support students during this time care can be based in the hospital setting. To be based syllabi. Assignments are carefully chosen to to ensure student success. Faculty must do so while a nurse possessing integrity, one must be able to objectively measure learning outcomes. Extraneous, maintaining the ethical foundation, quality, and rigor synthesize skill while engaging in practice. This non-graded or low weight learning activities and of nursing programs. All stakeholders benefit from pandemic has presented many ethical challenges assignments can be removed, but major formative graduating well-prepared healthcare professionals, forcing faculty to make hard decisions and question assessments and signature assignments must remain. who meet the institution’s standards of excellence and their values. Educators must always model ethical are able to provide safe, competent care. Nursing Profession Mourns the Loss of a Great Leader

Robert V. Piemonte, a The major focus of his professional career was nursing Association, he said, “I saw the need for the pre- highly esteemed professional organizations. He served as the Executive Director of professional organization to prepare its members leader and former Executive the New Jersey State Nurses Association; American for leadership roles in the professional nursing Director of the National Nurses Association as Director, Nursing Services organizations.”1 His cousin, Phyllis Yezzo, DNP, RN, Student Nurses Association, Department; and as Director of House, Board and in thanking colleagues for their condolences, said, succumbed to the coronavirus Cabinet Affairs. In 1985 Dr. Piemonte was appointed “He was the anchor of the family and a champion on April 21, 2020. Dr. as Executive Director of the National Student Nurses for the Nursing family.”2 Countless colleagues credit Piemonte, born in 1934, Association, a position from which he retired in 1996. him with advancing their careers and professional graduated from Pilgrim State Dr. Piemonte’s commitment to excellence in development. He will be sorely missed but his legacy Hospital School of Nursing the profession and tireless, pervasive professional of extraordinary leadership will continue to advance and earned the Bachelor leadership were recognized in such awards as: the his beloved profession. of Science Degree at Long Teachers College Nursing Education R. Louise The Foundation of the National Student Nurses Island University and Master Robert V. Piemonte McManus Medal; the National Student Nurses Association has established the Dr. Robert V. of Arts, Master of Education Association Honorary Member; the New York State Piemonte Memorial Scholarship for donations to and Doctorate of Education degrees from Teachers Nurses Association Honorary Recognition Award; honor him. Donations may be mailed to Foundation College, Columbia University. the Foundation of New York Nurses Driscoll Award; of NSNA, 45 Main St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 or made He held numerous elected leadership positions in and the Nurses House Dolphin Award. In 2008, Dr. via the FNSNA website professional organizations including the presidency Piemonte received the designation as a Living Legend of: American Nurses Foundation, New York Society by the American Academy of Nursing and, in 2014, 1 ”Spotlight on Robert V. Piemonte,” NEAA Courier, of Association Executives, Nurses Association of he was inducted into the American Nurses Association Spring, 2009, #97, pg.2. the Counties of Long Island (District 14), the New Hall of Fame, the highest honor in the nursing 2 “Email Re: Sad News: Robert Piemonte,” April 22. 2020 York State Nurses Association; and Nurses House. profession. He served as Assistant Director of Nursing at NYU Dr. Piemonte was devoted to mentoring and Source: Cathryne A. Welch, EdD, RN, Foundation of New York State Nurses, Retired. Medical Center, Director of Nursing, Gouveneur encouraging nursing colleagues and students. As the Hospital and Chief Nurse, US Army 8th Medical Unit. Executive Director of the National Student Nurses

Suicide

Reprinted with permission from disinclined to confront their own issues with mental suicide attempt, leaving a suicide note and physical Mississippi RN, March 2020 health because they are trained to help others, not health problems than the general population” themselves” (Davidson et al., 2018, p.5). Nurses are (Davidson et al., 2019, p.17-18). How do we address Carl Mangum, PhD, PMHNP the caregivers and many of them believe they should this? Nurses must check on each other. If caring is be able to handle all of the pressure and difficulties a true cornerstone of the profession, let it start with Webster defines suicide as “the act or an instance that come their way. Nursing is the most trusted each of us! We must eliminate the stigma of mental of taking one's own life voluntarily and intentionally” profession and nurses do not have higher than illness and create an environment within the nursing (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ average societal issues. “Nurses were significantly less profession where people feel free and empowered to suicide). Suicide is a very scary word, especially for likely to have a recent criminal problem or alcohol seek treatment and ask for help. Mental illness is not nurses. As nurses, we face many difficult situations problem than the general population” (Davidson et al., a weakness, one cannot just suck it up and feel better. and issues, with suicide of our patients being one of 2019, p.18). Nurses put others before themselves most of the time. the most difficult ones. Nursing is a caring profession When it comes to suicide completion, the We need to educate nurses that there are times when and it is difficult to separate ourselves from the research shows that nurses are different from “self” must come first, so others can be helped later. plight of our patients and their families. Numerous other professions. “Nurses completed suicide more Nurse suicide is not a new problem. “Nurse suicide nurses struggle with many issues in the workplace commonly by poisoning using pharmaceuticals has been a hidden phenomenon in the profession and today. Short staffing, increased acuity, increased and other substances, followed closely by firearms, has not been adequately measured or studied within documentation, and budgetary issues are just some where all others completed suicide most commonly the United States” (Davidson et al., 2018, p.8). More of the challenges nurses face daily. “In today’s by firearms” (Davidson et al., 2019, p.18). When you research is definitely needed in this area. The question complex health care environment, nurses have more consider that nurses have easy access to, and an in- each of us must ask is … how will I make a difference? responsibility and accountability” (Davidson et al., depth understanding of many medications, the use 2018, p.5). Nurses also face the challenges of being of pharmaceuticals can be better understood. “The References mothers, fathers, students, financial providers, and substances identified as cause of death in nurse suicide Davidson, J., Mendis, J., Stuck, A., DeMichele, G., & more to their families, friends, and communities. contain a combination of medications used only in the Zisook, S., (2018). Nurse suicide: Breaking the silence. Nurses increasingly are having trouble coping hospital setting (e.g.: succinylcholine, phenobarbital) NAM Persceptives. Discussion Paper, National with these stressors and are choosing suicide. as well as those commonly found in the home (e.g.: Academy of Medicine. https://nam.edu/nurse-suicide- breaking-the-silence. Unfortunately, research is showing this. “Nurses are oxycodone, ibuprofen)” (Davidson et al., 2019, p.18). Davidson, J., Proudfoot, J., Lee, K., & Zisook, S., (2019). at a higher risk than the age and gender matched The opioid crisis appears to also be a factor in the Nurse suicide in the United States: Analysis of the controls to complete suicide” (Davidson et al., 2019, nurse suicide increase. Center for Disease Control 2014 National Violent p.20). “Nurses were statistically significantly more likely Death Reporting System dataset. Archives of “Nurses may too often hold themselves to a to have reported mental health problems, history Psychiatric Nursing, 33 (2019), 16-21. h t t p s://d o i. higher standard, and they might feel shameful or of a treatment of mental illness, history of previous org/10.1016/j.apnu.2019.04.006. July 2020 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter Page 13 WWFD: What Would Florence Do in the COVID-19 Pandemic?

(Reprinted with Permission, Nursology.net) cleanliness was the first defense in preventing 5. Variety – We may be at home for another 1-2 disease. When she came to field hospitals months, so Nightingale’s advice on creating By Marlaine Smith, RN, PhD FAAN, Professor, in the Crimea her first action was to start variety in the environment is especially relevant. Helen K. Perrson Eminent Scholar, and Former cleaning the space. We know that the novel She said, “…the nerves of the sick suffer from Dean, Florida Atlantic University coronavirus that is causing COVID-19 is highly seeing the same walls, the same ceiling, the infectious. Because it spreads mainly through same surroundings during a long confinement On May 12th we respiratory droplets keeping surfaces clean to one or two rooms” (p. 58). She suggested celebrate Florence and washing hands after touching anything bringing beauty, color and interesting objects Nightingale’s 200th that could be touched by others, like doorbells, into a confined space. How can we bring birthday in the midst elevator buttons, mailboxes, etc. is important. variety into our lives when our space is limited? of a global pandemic. Having water to wash hands, clothes, and One way is intentionally creating a daily Nightingale, the surfaces is essential, but we know that those schedule that includes new and interesting acknowledged founder who are homeless and those whose water has activities. It might be creating art, journaling, of modern nursing, been turned off need our advocacy to turn the working on a home project, learning a new skill was no stranger to water on and to have hand sanitizer available like a language, touring museums using online the unfettered spread for those without homes. I diffuse antimicrobial apps, reading books, or binging on a Netflix of communicable essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree and series. Some are caring for and home schooling diseases. During cajeput in my bedroom and family room to children, working from home, or continuing her service in the cleanse the air. their essential work in the community. Variety Crimean War ten 3. Petty management is about the holistic is already built-in to their lives. times more soldiers coordination or management of care through 6. Food – Nightingale focuses on providing food died from dysentery, environmental scanning, information and that is nutritious and supportive for healing. cholera, typhoid planning. I found one passage particularly The science of nutrition has come a long way fever, and typhus Florence Nightingale circa relevant to our experience with COVID-19. since Nightingale. During this pandemic we than the wounds 1860. Retrieved from “Apprehension, uncertainty, waiting, want to eat food that supports our immune of war. Nightingale https://en.wikipedia.org/ expectation, fear of surprise, do a patient systems, lots of fruits and vegetables if understood how the wiki/Florence_Nightingale more harm than any exertion. Remember possible. Take a multi-vitamin with minerals or human-environment he is face-to-face with his enemy all the time, supplements with Vitamin C, D (especially if relationship influenced health and healing. According internally wrestling with him, having long you are not exposed to much sunlight), A, E, to Nightingale, nursing was about putting the person imaginary conversations with him…Rid him of selenium, magnesium and zinc. Shopping and in the best condition for Nature to act (Nightingale, his adversary quickly” (Nightingale, 1859/1969, getting groceries or prepared food delivered can 1859/1969). In other words, the focus of nursing p. 38). This is a stressful time in our lives and be challenging and anxiety-producing. Some is on nurturing and supporting the process of many are living with fear and anxiety. Receiving may have a tendency to overeat for comfort, healing. Nightingale was a social reformer, justice clear and consistent messages is important in a boredom, or just having constant access. With activist, humanitarian, liberally-educated scholar, and crisis. Providing honest information to those we the loss of jobs, food insecurity is a concern. bioinformatician, driven to service and care for others encounter about the transmission of the virus, We need to support food banks more than ever from a deep spirituality (Dunphy, 2020). incubation period, ways to protect self from in this crisis. In her book, Notes on Nursing: What it is and what infection, and what to do when experiencing 7. Bed and bedding – The message here from it is not (1860/1969), Nightingale offers guidance symptoms may relieve anxiety and help them Nightingale is to keep bedding fresh and aired about creating an environment that can prevent to plan and gather resources. I find myself out, changing the sheets frequently and airing disease or support healing. While she is focused on providing information to family and friends out the bed with a window open if possible care of “sick” persons in the home, her concepts are who call with questions. Nurses are trusted before making it. While she is referring to applicable beyond this. Here are ten practical tips and approachable sources of knowledge for the caring for people bedridden, this is still a useful from Florence Nightingale as we live with COVID-19 public. There is so much information on the message to consider. pandemic: internet, and we can help to refer people to the 8. Light – Nightingale asserts that the need for 1. Ventilation. Nightingale said that “keeping most reliable sources. Listening and providing sunlight is second only to the need for fresh the air he (sic) breathes as pure as the support to others can be helpful as well as air. (p. 84). She stated that sunlight not only external air without chilling him (sic)” is the caring for self through those activities that work lifts the spirit, but “has real and tangible effects very first canon of nursing. (p. 12). While we for you such a meditation, exercise, watching a upon the human body…a purifying effect” (p. are sheltered-in-place it is important to get funny movie, journaling, etc. 85). She suggested either letting the sunlight fresh air. Make an effort to spend some time 4. Noise – In this section, Nightingale calls into the room or better yet, getting out into outdoors by sitting outside, going on a walk or attention to the sound environment and its the sunlight. We know that sunlight is indeed run while maintaining a social distance, or just potential effect on promoting rest and well- important for health, that ultraviolet light has opening windows. Those with mild to moderate being. With most of us sheltered at home we antiviral properties, and that viral infections symptoms of the disease will be managing can cultivate greater awareness of how sounds tend to decrease when days are longer. When symptoms at home, staying indoors away from affect us. For example, it may be tempting there is sunlight take an opportunity to get others. Even with these restrictions promoting to have the television or internet news on; some exposure to it. the flow of some fresh air in the home is however, the constant information about the 9. Cleanliness – Here we go again! In this possible, opening windows even a few minutes pandemic may cause us to become more section, Nightingale is focused on actually every few hours. We can advocate for those in tense and anxious. Turning on music that is scrubbing walls, floors, dusting and cleaning the community who are not able to have a safe comforting, relaxing, joyful or inspirational, or carpets or anything else harboring dirt. I guess place to be outside or depend on others to get tuning into sounds from nature from apps, or this is another activity to keep us busy. In her some fresh air. actually being outdoors are ways to promote section on personal cleanliness she emphasizes 2. Health of houses (pure air, water, efficient serenity. how vitality is restored by washing the skin drainage, cleanliness). Nightingale believed that and clothes. “Poisoning by the skin is no less certain than poisoning by the mouth—only it is slower in its operation” (p. 93). People feel better after a bath or shower, and she even suggests skin brushing (she calls it “rubbing” the skin). Washing ourselves and our clothes more Ruth Mandel Pioneer for Women in frequently especially if there are chances of exposure to the virus is important. Politics Dies 10. Chattering hopes and advices – In this section Nightingale warns against offering Ruth Mandel, a founder not come from a political party, but from her family unsubstantiated hopeful predictions and giving of the Center for American experience when they escaped the Holocaust, prior advice without any foundation to it. She says Women in Politics (CAWP) in to her first birthday, and were able to disembark to “leave off the practice of attempting to 1971, and its Director until from their ship in England, after being turned away ‘cheer’…by making light of danger”…(p. 96). 1984, at Rutgers University, by Cuba, America and Canada in 1939. They came I believe she is telling us that during times of Eagleton Institute of Politics, to the US in 1947. Current CAWP Director, Debbie human suffering authentic presence through died of ovarian cancer at Walsh has described Mandel as a leader who built a being with, listening, and following the persons’ age 81 on April 11, 2020, national community of elected women officials. lead is essential. Many are suffering during this at her home in Princeton. NJSNA nurses benefited from the long standing time. Nurses can be with others by listening and A Professor of Politics and program offered by CAWP, "Ready to Run." being present with them during this suffering Senior Scholar at CAWP, in This educational conference provides prospective without simplistic platitudes. 2018 Mandel completed 24 candidates, as well as those interested in running years as the Eagleton Institute Ruth Mandel campaigns, training by experts in the field. Sources of Politics Director. Mandel's work at the Institute was informed by Nightingale, F. (1860/1969). Notes on Nursing: What It Is Mandel was the author of one of the first books government appointments at the federal and state and What It Is Not. New York: Dover Publications. on women candidates in the US, In the Running: level. She was appointed by Presidents George Dunphy, L.M.H. (2020). Florence Nightingale’s conceptualizations of nursing. In Nursing Theories The New Woman Candidate (1983), as the feminist H.W. Bush and William Clinton to the US Memorial and Nursing Practice (5th edition). M. Smith (Ed.). movement was shifting its focus to politics. She has Holocaust Council,, serving from 1991-2005, and Philadelphia: F.A. Davis, (pp. 35-54). been quoted as saying that her interest in politics did including service as vice chair. Page 14 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter July 2020 Therapeutic Use of Medicinal Unsung Heroes: LPNs & Marijuana and Nursing LVNs Caring for Patients with NJSNA Position Statement and Substance Use Disorders

FAQ’s Update Rosemary Smentkowski, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, CARN Toni Primas, MSN, RN, CARN Beth Knox DNP, APN Marijuana Task Force Chair Every area of our health care system has felt the impact of the opiate crisis and other substance use disorders. From hospital emergency departments to the Task Force Members: Beth Knox, chair, Terri Ivory, Linda Gural, Mary ambulatory care setting, every area of healthcare is being taxed by SUD and their Fortier, Sue Weaver, Pat Fonder, Keith Hovey, Hilda Aluko, Maria Chornobroff connection to other health co-morbidities. Screening, Brief Intervention, and (Maureen Clark-Gallagher, 2019) Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is a public health concept used to identify, reduce, In January 2019, the NJSNA Board established the Marijuana Task Force and prevent problematic use, abuse, and dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs (MTF) to address the needs of nurses as it relates to safe nursing practice and that has been adapted for implementation in ambulatory clinics. The LPN role the use of therapeutic medical marijuana in New Jersey. The team performed in the ambulatory care setting is an example of one area within the healthcare an exhaustive search of the literature and examined the existing policies and system in which the LPN certificate-trained nurse could make an impact. guidelines available from states who have legalized therapeutic and recreational LPN/LVN’s have a significant role in the healthcare environment and more so marijuana through January 2020. in the field of substance use disorder treatment. In May 2019, the Task Force attended a New Jersey Board of Nursing meeting Nurses working across all levels of care have been thrown into the trenches to address concerns related to how to define “ impaired nurse” as it relates to fighting consequences of substance use without benefit of formal evidence-based medical marijuana use, accurate means for testing for “ acute impairment,” and nursing content. None have been more left out of this equation than the licensed/ nursing liabilities related to exposure to patient medical marijuana and/or personal vocational nurses! As nurses working in agencies and facilities treating substance use of medicinal medical marijuana. We discussed how the ANA code of ethics using patients, we can attest to the frontline work of LPN’s and LVN’s in our 3.4-3.6 offer guidance in ethical responsibilities of nurses as it relates to use and agencies and facilities. exposure to medical marijuana. The Marijuana Task Force team presented information about therapeutic Statistics medical marijuana and safe nursing care upon request to Region 1 and 6 meetings It is estimated that as of December 2017, the total number of active LPN/LVN in October 2019 and February 2020. Attendees were verbally surveyed for their licenses held was 920,743. (Smiley, 2018) More than three-quarters of LPN/LVNs knowledge of employer policies related to the use of medical marijuana. Limited did not pursue a higher level of nursing education. An estimated (31.7%) of LPN/ few identified knowledge of practice policies or guidelines associated with use LVNs identified Nursing home/extended care as the most common work setting, of medical marijuana and expected care of patients who might be registered as followed by home health settings (14.0%), and hospitals (9.6%). (Smiley, 2018) medical marijuana patients. Findings were reported back to the Marijuana Task The median pay for an LPN/LVN as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is Force. $45,030. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018) In February 2020, the Task Force met and determined that a NJSNA position statement and FAQ sheet should be written, similar to that written by other Criteria for LPN/LVN. states who are currently approved for medical marijuana use. The Task Force Licensing a nurse presumes a level of professionalism, knowledge, and collaboratively developed the documents and they were presented to and approved competency that may be lacking in an NA or other non-licensed caregiver. by the NJSNA Board on March 24, 2020. The documents were posted on the Practical nurse education and preparation for successfully passing the National NJSNA website in April, 2020 under the tab Policy and Advocacy, drop down Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) can be tab Medical Marijuana. Although you should have received an email directing completed in approximately 1 year. Licensure regulates the nurse's practice and you to the documents for review, under the current focus on meeting the needs promotes better outcomes for patients and other recipients of health care. Well- of our Covid-19 patients, you may not have been given the opportunity to read educated practical nurses can be added to the team and help bridge the gap left by the email, thus the need to offer you a second opportunity to review the position the decreasing number of RNs. (Garner, 2017) statement and FAQs about nursing responsibilities and safe nursing practice associated with the use of medical marijuana in the state of New Jersey. The link Evidence-based SUD education for LPN/LVN. to the document is https://njsna.org/policy-and-advocacy/medical-marijuana/ Over the past decade there has been enormous funding dedicated to educating Special thanks to all of the Marijuana Task Force members who worked a variety of disciplines. In most instances, nursing’s unique art and science has diligently to develop the position statement and FAQs for all nurses in New Jersey. not been included in these offerings. One organization dedicated specifically Should you have any questions related to the position statement or FAQs, please to addiction nursing, offers an annual educational conference, however the contact Beth Knox, Chair, at [email protected]. attendance to this conference is not conducive to the needs of LPN/LVN nurses work in clinics and offices building rapport with patients across all specialties. A recommended curriculum would assist in providing these nurses with guidance to gain evidence-based knowledge and skills to assist in screening brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) within their role. Educators should be encouraged to integrate addiction content into nursing education. This will give nurses the tools to identify and intervene earlier in the disease progress. The disease of addiction spans our nursing spectrum of care, commissioning us all as addiction nurses.

References Save the Date: Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 2). Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bureauoflaborstatistics.gov Garner, C. B. (2017). The case for bringing the licensed practical nurse back to the NJSNA/IFN 2020 CONVENTION hospital. Nursing Administration Quarterly, Vol. 41 Issue 4. Smiley, R. L. (2018). The 2017 National Nursing Workforce Survey. Journal of Nursing Surviving to Thriving: Put Your Oxygen Mask on First Regulation, 50-62. “Promoting Resilience in Nursing” Going Green continued from page 1 October 14-16, 2020 Association and the Institute for Nursing, you have three options: Harrah’s Casino and Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey 1) Subscribe your email address online at https://tinyurl.com/NewJerseyNurse to receive a FREE digital edition. 2) Request a physical subscription to continue receiving a paper copy of the newsletters. Subscriptions are FREE and are available by emailing sales@ aldpub.com or calling our publisher at 800-626-4081. 3) Become a member of NJSNA and receive BOTH a digital AND a print version as part of your membership benefits!

THIS IS YOUR LAST ISSUE UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION - make sure you take action to continue receiving information that is vital to your nursing practice. We encourage every nurse in New Jersey to register to receive the New Jersey Nurse electronically. Whether you want to go green, or just like reading news electronically, signing up for the online version of the New Jersey Nurse is simple. If you have any questions or comments about the New Jersey Nurse, please contact New Jersey Nurses Association CEO Judith Schmit at [email protected] or by phone 609-883-5335. You can join NJSNA at https://www.njsna.org/join. Join us today! July 2020 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter Page 15 Academic Leaders Taking the Time – Placing an Emphasis on Interdepartmental Campus Collaboration

Dr. Susan Rux, PhD, MSN, RN, PHN, ACNS-BC, and the winner of the Take the Time Collaboration Initiative, is quick to provide CHEP, CNE, CPRW, NEA-BC; Ms. Sejal Patel, MPH, BA exceptional IT assistance to all campus colleagues and is crucial to the operational success of the campus. In efforts to encourage collaboration, Helen Keller once stated, “Alone we The purpose of the Take the Time Collaboration Initiative was to demonstrate can do so little; together we can do so much”. This is the exact approach that to campus colleagues the achievements that are founded by solidarity and Chamberlain’s North Brunswick campus utilized to promote interdepartmental collaboration. At Chamberlain, students are admitted by the Admissions team collaboration during the November session’s Take the Time Collaboration and then directed to the Student Services team who oversees student financial Initiative, which was led by the Academic Leadership team (pictured below). accounts, course registration and withdrawal, and academic appeals. After students are registered for courses, faculty and student learning specialists provide them with academic resources for success. However, student success is not based solely on the resources provided by one team. Multiple factors come together to determine student success. Admitted students must meet or exceed admissions criteria to ensure that they will succeed. In addition, they must be advised against registering for certain difficult courses concurrently. Finally, resources for success should be available to students. Each department must do its part to ensure positive student outcomes and campus success. Without this balance, some departments may face a heavier burden to guarantee student success. The Take the Time Collaboration Initiative at the North Brunswick campus serves as a model and a reminder to all campuses that there is no limit to the success that can be achieved with teamwork. Remember, collaborative campus colleagues create successful students and distinguished Chamberlain nurses that will ultimately impact nursing outcomes; it all begins and ends with Chamberlain.

Reference Kezar, A. J. (2006). Redesigning for Collaboration in Learning Initiatives: An Examination of Four Highly Collaborative Campuses. The Journal of Higher Education, 77(5), 804–838. doi: 10.1353/jhe.2006.0043

Pictured from Left to Right: Dr. Susan Rux, Dean of Academic Affairs; Dr. Sandra Hampton, Dean of General Education; Dean Jamila Joshua, Associate Dean of Student Learning; Dean Katie Isaacson, Assistant Dean of Student Learning; Ms. Sejal Patel, Academic Administrative Coordinator II In this initiative, campus colleagues that demonstrated collaboration were rewarded with a token of appreciation in the form of a miniature clock to be added to their ribbon necklace. Collaboration consisted of any action that placed intention on taking the time whether it meant seeking to understand another’s perspective, escorting a lost student or visitor to their destination, working together to solve a problem, or smiling at someone. Throughout the course of the session, the academic leadership team sent out several emails recognizing individual campus colleagues and their collaborative efforts. At the end of the session, campus colleagues that received the most clock tokens were rewarded. The first-place winner received an Apple watch, while the second and third place winners received large edible novelty chocolate watches. Ultimately, the Take the Time Collaboration Initiative united various campus departments in collaborating with and recognizing one another—both of which are essential not only to organizational success but also to nursing student success. In fact, interdepartmental campus collaboration is the key to presenting an aligned partnership to students and promoting student success. Several studies have demonstrated that collaboration amongst academic and student affairs can https://redbooth.com/blog/14-collaboration-quotes-to-kick-off-the-new-year improve student-learning outcomes in the form of higher grade-point averages, and improved problem solving and interpersonal skills. Chamberlain’s North Brunswick campus has done an extraordinary job in promoting collaborative efforts amongst the Student Services, Admissions, Information Technology, and Academics departments. A perfect example of interdepartmental collaboration at the North Brunswick campus was when Kelsey Herjo, a Student Services Advisor, Took the Time to reach out to the Center of Academic Success (CAS) on behalf of an online student that needed campus support. If Kelsey did not reach out to CAS, this student may not have gained access to the resources necessary for success. Interdepartmental campus collaboration also occurs daily in the IT department. William ‘Billy’ Buckley, one of North Brunswick’s best IT specialists

William ‘Billy’ Buckley, IT Specialist and 1st Place Winner of the Take the Time Collaboration Initiative Page 16 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter July 2020 The Year of the Nurse 2020: Honoring Heroic NJ Nurses in the Pandemic

Susan H. Weaver, PhD, RN, CRNI, NEA-BC, a patient from the Stepdown Unit whose COVID-19 The day I received the call Nurse Scientist had progressed. He had to be intubated and needed with the test result, vasopressors to maintain his blood pressure. After I was relieved because it confirmed what I knew In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, SARS- caring for this patient all day, Melissa was not sure when the first ice cold chill ran down my spine so CoV-2 or COVID-19, was identified as the causative that he would be alive when she returned in the many days ago, agent of an outbreak of viral pneumonia in Wuhan, morning. When Melissa arrived in the morning she I have COVID 19 Hubei, China. On January 21, 2020, the first case was surprised to find he would be her patient again. of the 2019 novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) was After receiving report, Melissa made it her first Behind the door, announced in the U.S. On March 11, 2020, the priority to contact his family. She reached his wife, I was still a mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, World Health Organization declared the outbreak a informed her that she had a hospital iPhone and Nurse, colleague pandemic and on March 13, 2020, U.S. President asked if she wanted to FaceTime. Melissa learned Once the door finally opened, Donald Trump declared a national emergency. that the patient’s wife and his daughter both also had I became a COVID 19 survivor!!! The first patient in New Jersey (NJ) was diagnosed COVID-19 and thus his son was living elsewhere. So Forever grateful and appreciative with COVID-19 on March 5, 2020 according to after making sure the iPhone was fully charged and Of health, life and love... NJ Department of Health Commissioner Judith the family was available, Melissa put on her PPE and Persichilli. As COVID-19 began to spread throughout went into the patient’s room. She tried to make this Suzette Silverio- Sequeira, BSN, RNC NJ, all nurses took action to help combat COVID-19. intubated husband/father look presentable and after NJSNA Region 3 member Nurses are being recognized nationally and explaining to the family what they would expect Clark, NJ globally for their heroic efforts during the COVID-19 to see, she put the phone on a tabletop tripod and pandemic. It now seems visionary that 2020 was started the FaceTime. Melissa said, “It broke my designated by the American Nurses Association heart seeing the family. I think it breaks my heart The NICU as The Year of the Nurse and by the World Health every single day this is happening to people you don't Organization as the International Year of the Nurse expect it to happen to. People who are normally Since the development of COVID-19, normal is and Midwife in honor of the 200th anniversary of the healthy and young. They are dying. I broke down in no longer a word used in North Jersey hospitals, birth of Florence Nightingale. During NJ Governor the room and cried and cried like I never cried in my especially in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units Murphy’s daily press conference on May 4, 2020, whole career. I don't think I was ever, ever, ever in (NICUs). Every delivery is considered a possible Commissioner of Health Judith Persichilli reminded my life prepared for something like this. I just felt so COVID-19 exposure. We now don and doff our everyone about National Nurses Week, stating, defeated in that moment that I couldn't help them, I personal protective equipment and even watch each It's time to pay tribute and thank New Jersey's couldn't help him.” During the FaceTime call his wife others’ technique. We take the baby from the delivery 170,000 nurses for the work that they do every asked Melissa to promise, “Please be with him, hold room and give the baby to a second receiving team. day to protect and save lives. They are caring his hand and tell him I love him.” Of course Melissa That team then places the baby in a negative pressure for COVID-19 patients in our hospitals, our promised. After the FaceTime call, the family talked to room to keep the baby’s exposure low, as well as critical care units, our field medical stations and the physician about terminally extubating him because protecting the staff. Parents are no longer allowed to our alternative care sites. They are assisting the they did not want him to suffer anymore. Melissa was come together to see their infants in the NICU for residents of our state psychiatric hospitals or there when they extubated him and held his hand. As fear of exposing our staff and their newborn baby to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They Melissa held Bob’s hand, she prayed the Our Father COVID-19. Grandparents, family and friends are no are working at our testing sites and they are and then noticed that the patient’s iPhone was nearby. longer allowed to visit due to the threat of spreading helping our local health departments. The work So she took a picture of her hand holding his hand, in the virus. FaceTime has become the new in person they've been performing has been challenging, to hopes that they family would see it. communication tool used by many. This happy time say the least. As a nurse, I do know that it's one When Melissa was on her way home she received has evolved into a new normal of masking, limiting of the hardest jobs and their bravery and services a text message from another nurse in the ICU. The visitors, along with the fear of the unknown. What during this time has demonstrated that there is iPhone that Melissa used to FaceTime with the family turns our frowns into smiles is when our babies test nothing that will hold them back from saving lives came back from Sterile Processing with a text from negative and we are able to discharge them after in New Jersey. They run into the fire, not away the patient’s son. The text stated, “Hi this is Bob’s being sequestered in the NICU alone with us. from it. This year's theme of National Nurses Week son. I hope this is Melissa. I just needed to tell you is compassion, expertise and trust. People just trust that you being with my father when he passed gave Joanne Pasinski, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNL, NJNSA nurses. They are a part of the heart and soul of our us such relief. We were scared he would be alone and Region 2 member and Kathy Cohen, RN, CCRN, healthcare system. So, when you see a nurse, do if you knew my father you would know that family HNBC me a favor, do them a favor, and say thank you. is the world to him. So you doing that for us means Charge Nurses, NICU more than you can imagine. I can’t express in words Hackensack University Medical Center In honor of NJ nurses in this Year of the Nurse, the gratitude we have for you guys. The way you were the New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) is upset for us was just everything and more to us and proud to present stories from NJ nurses about their we know our Dad felt our love through you. So from experiences during the pandemic. These stories the absolute bottom of our hearts we thank you for “Feed the Fight” campaign capture the challenges and rewards of practicing all that you and the rest of the heroes are doing.” during this unprecedented pandemic and represent We thank Melissa for being an angel for Bob and his the many nurses who took care of COVID-19 patients, family. nurses who became sick with this novel coronavirus, nurses who sheltered in place, nurses in specialty areas, Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) and other The door nurse leaders, nurses in academia, nursing students, and nurses from throughout the six NJSNA regions. The coughing, nausea and chills Came in waves of severity, Didn’t know what to expect next An Angel Behind the door, As a Post Anesthesia I assured my family I was okay Care Unit (PACU) nurse I wasn’t... at CentraState Medical Feeling scared and exhausted Patricia Turner delivering food to Center with many years of healthcare heroes. ICU experience, Melissa The headaches, body aches, cough Patricia Turner, BSN, RN, CWOCN, CWS, a Plastino, RN-BC returned And abdominal pain wound ostomy nurse, wanted to do more to help her to the ICU to help care Were never ending, colleagues during the pandemic. Patty, who lives in for the many COVID-19 I hoped the social distancing I did at home before the Roxbury and is a NJSNA Region 1 member, started patients. One morning during symptoms started the “Feed the Fight” campaign. This campaign began in the early weeks of the Melissa Plastino was enough to keep my family safe because Patty and other wound ostomy nurses felt pandemic, Melissa received Hoping the door was enough of a barrier now so helpless working from home, while they saw what their colleagues on the frontline were going through. A knock on the door, In an attempt to help the healthcare heroes and At first, it was just fluids I could tolerate and Tylenol support small businesses, they started their efforts As the COVID 19 virus worked its way through my with sending sandwich trays from a local deli to Saint body, Clare’s Denville Hospital. It was a huge success! A knock on the door Using their funds and collecting donations from Was my meals and homemade cookies family, friends and her women’s church group, Patty has been able to send meals to the nursing heroes at The door, Saint Clare’s Dover Hospital, Chilton Medical Center, Became my solace, Morristown Medical Center, Homestead Nursing Protecting the family I love Home, NJ Firemen’s Home, and many more are I am sure our pet dog didn’t planned. Thank you Patty for helping NJ nurses. quite understand why I stayed behind the door July 2020 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter Page 17

Nursing Students ventilator for 11 days. JoAnn explains, “It was a huge Susan Sutphen, BSN, With years of tradition behind the Pinning boost to all of us. Then days later we went downstairs RN-BC, NJSNA Region 4 Ceremony for nursing students the pandemic to cheer as this patient was being discharged.” nurse, is the epitome of a threatened this tradition with a cancellation. Nasim caring nurse. She has been Bibi, a senior nursing student at William Paterson a nurse for 28 years and, University (WPU) and the President of the WPU An APN’s Experience despite extensive nursing Student Nurses Association, had the goal to ensure Rachel Koshy DNP, experience, her life and the WPU BSN 2020 graduating class had a Pinning ANP, NP-C, RN, NJSNA career have changed with Ceremony. Nasim has been in discussion with the Region 1 member, is the COVID-19 pandemic. Department of Nursing to ensure there would be a a Supervisory APN in Susan was excited to advance Pinning Ceremony, even if it is at a later date such as the Observation Unit at her education by starting August. University Hospital of New graduate school at Thomas Additionally, Nasim and Roxie Kloss, another Jersey in Newark. As the Edison State University on Susan Sutphen senior nursing student, put together a video montage number of observation Monday, March 30. The next to show appreciation to WPU nursing alumni during patients decreased, Rachel day, she returned to work as a RN at the same day the pandemic. The video was a collaboration between and the other APN’s were cardiac catheterization lab at her Magnet hospital. By nursing students and representatives from the WPU relocated to Fast Track ED or that afternoon, she was activated to work in intensive Office of Development and Alumni Relations. The the pandemic tent. According care units to care for COVID-19 patients. collaborative video montage is a wonderful tribute to Rachel, the Emergency Rachel Koshy As Susan is a team player, manifested by her to alumni who are on the frontline saving lives Department at University willingness to chair her hospital’s Nurse Practice while putting their own lives at risk daily. Here’s Hospital does not look familiar. With increasing Committee, she volunteered to work the 7 pm - 7 am the link: https://www.facebook.com/WPNursing/ patients with upper respiratory infections coming to shift. She found this to be an opportunity to challenge videos/210309250264905/ the ED, a pandemic clinic was started in the main ED. herself and learn new skills while moving out of her Every patient that comes to the tent or the ED is sad, comfort zone. Evidence-based practice and team with a heavy heart, some with their eyes filled with work are an important component of her job and From an ICU Clinical Director tears until they are proven negative. demonstrated in the work of her and six others in the Using the PPE appropriately is particularly “proning” of a patient. important to prevent the COVID-19 illness. Initially, nurses experienced “shell shock” at the As staff have become sick with COVID-19, there horrific circumstances. However, “COVID World” was a lot of confusion, fear and sadness among the became the norm. Nurses reached out beyond employees as well as the patients. Rachel’s family is themselves and, in addition to physical care, provided scared to death when she leaves for work. She tries emotional support to patients and their families. to comfort her family telling them, “We wear PPE Susan stated she is humbled by the number of and we are the safest people in the hospital.” Rachel friends, family, and church members who have explains how she finds comfort, “I go to the hospital reached out to her. She will continue to work in this praying to help me do my job to the fullest, to help me environment as long as there is need. She feels it is to be compassionate to the needs of others, and help privilege to be a nurse as she loves what she does. my family, my fellow nurses, all healthcare workers to Susan was my student in her pre-licensure program get through this disaster without compromising any as well as in her BSN program. She is my hero. Our more lives.” gratitude is extended to her and all the nurses who unselfishly give of themselves, in the true sense of the word, to others. A Clinical Nurse Educator’s view

A Chief Nursing Officer’s (CNOs) perspective

JoAnn Wolfson, center, with Monmouth Medical Center ICU staff As an ICU Clinical Director at Monmouth Medical Center during the pandemic the priority for JoAnn Wolfson, DNP, RN, CCRN, NJSNA Region 4 member, was to keep the ICU staff safe by ensuring a safe ICU environment and providing moral support. To minimize exposure JoAnn worked with the facilities department to put additional electrical outlets outside each ICU room and portals in the wall so that the IV pumps and ventilators could be managed outside the room. JoAnn explained, “In some of our rooms we could even do CVVH [hemodialysis] through the portal if there was enough distance.” When the first COVID-19 patient arrived, JoAnn Sarajane Campbell with Jersey Shore University Ellen Angelo, third from right, with Jersey Shore worked with the ICU staff in setting up the room Medical Center Mehandru 5 staff University Medical Center MICU team with the equipment outside. “When the night staff came in and saw the transformation, one of the As a Clinical Nurse Educator and NJSNA Region Ellen Angelo, DNP, RN, NJSNA Region 6 nurses just started to cry because she was so happy 6 member, Sarajane Campbell DNP, RN-BC, member and Chief Nursing Officer at Jersey Shore they could get this done in a few days to minimize CHN, has developed a real connection to the nurses University Medical Center (JSUMC) affirms that this their exposure,” stated JoAnn. To help care for the she practices with. Sarajane explains “Many of them pandemic has been an extremely challenging time. onslaught of COVID-19 patients, the ICU staff were are close in age to my own children so I feel I relate Ellen believes that because of this experience we are supported with PACU, OR and SDS nurses. OR techs well to them. They are wonderful, caring, kind human going to be even stronger as a team. “I have seen a and social workers were also employed as spotters beings.” Sarajane worries about their safety, and she lot of silos broken down. Our respiratory therapist and to ensure nurses and physicians were donning and spends much of her day supporting and reassuring nurses are now collaborating more than ever before doffing properly to help maintain their safety and them. With ever changing rules regarding Personal working together proning patients,” explains Ellen. minimize exposure. In order to provide moral support Protective Equipment (PPE), she strives to provide The pandemic transformed JSUMC with for the ICU staff, Zoom virtual seminars were held them with the most accurate information. The redesigned hospital units, creation of new teams, and with a therapist to allow the staff an opportunity to process today for use of PPE is ever changing based nurses acting as family to patients. For the critically talk. To inspire the staff and keep morale up every on the availability of supplies. Sarajane states, “We ill COVID-19 patients, to supplement the medical time a patient is discharged a snippet of the “Fight are in a constant push and pull with getting the PPE ICU more than 50 Medical ICU beds were added by Song” by Rachel Platten was played throughout supplies for the nurses when we need it. Nurses are converting units such as a telemetry/medical-surgical the hospital with an announcement that this song is simply trying to provide the best care to the patients. unit into yet another medical ICU. The facilities dedicated to a patient, that was COVID-19 positive, Bundling is not always possible. Tasks can be put on department worked on creating negative pressure who is going home! Additionally one night starting a timer, but patients’ needs cannot be. Many of our rooms and more electrical outlets outside the rooms, at 6:45 PM, during the peak of the pandemic, all patients are scared and alone and simply want the along with creating vision panels in patient doors hospital leaders lined up in the main lobby to cheer nurse to come into their room and assure them that that had no windows so patients could be seen. To and clap for the staff while the “Fight Song” was they are safe and cared about.” decrease exposure to team members, the Chair of played. JoAnn stated, “It was a great moment, some Anesthesia created an intubation team. On some days staff cried which made us cry, and the staff felt it was this team intubated more than 20 patients. Because so nice to see the CEO and CNO cheering for them.” there were no visitors allowed in the hospital during The staff also were given lawn signs which stated, Spotlight on Region 4 Nurse the pandemic, nurses took on another role acting as “A hero lives here” to put on their lawns to let their family for patients, holding their hands and providing community know about their work. The COVID-19 by NJSNA Region 4 President comfort and encouraging words. Nurses assisted pandemic was truly a challenging and rewarding time. Maureen Clark-Gallagher, MS, RN patients in communicating with their family via This was exemplified when the ICU was filled with FaceTime on hospital iPads. COVID-19 patients, and they were able to extubate their first COVID-19 patient who had been on the The Year of the Nurse 2020...continued on page 18 Page 18 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter July 2020

The Year of the Nurse 2020...continued from page 17 online academic model going to look like? How were that this patient was discharged home to be with his the nursing students going to experience clinical rounds family who he had not seen in weeks due to visitor Ellen shared a story about a young mother, without a physical building? Which platform should restrictions. “He walked from the wheel chair to the COVID-19 positive, who was 29 weeks pregnant. we use to hold virtual classes? How will faculty quickly car, with supporting cheers from the health care Because she was decompensating, the physicians took change their physical classroom to a virtual one, while workers that participated in his care,” described Sean. her to the OR and delivered her baby. Both the mom ensuring students remain engaged? These are just a The challenges, for Sean, are that working so much and baby were intubated and on ventilators. Every day, few of the questions that needed to be dealt with. in the ICU during the pandemic, there is no time Ellen went to visit the mom in ICU and the baby in Perhaps their biggest concern was the BSN senior or energy left to go to the store to restock on food. the NICU. Ellen, who really became the family for class who were set to graduate in May. Exams, Additionally, he hasn’t seen family or friends in weeks this Mom and baby, put a photo of the baby in the med/surg and pediatric clinicals, traditional classes, because of fear he will transmit the virus to his loved Mom’s room to remind her of why it was so important PowerPoint presentations, and more must go on. ones. Sean frankly describes the greatest challenge, “We to continue to fight. Eventually Mom and baby were What would the pinning ceremony look like? Senior are feeling defeated by the virus. Feeling like we let our extubated, with Mom being discharged to home with year for nursing students is normally filled with so patients down because, some of them, just don’t seem to her husband. After more than a month, Mom and Dad much fanfare. Graduation will look different this year, improve no matter what we try. It’s disheartening.” were finally able to come to visit her baby for the first but we are committed to creating as much fanfare The great amount of support from the community time. The staff decorated the NICU with streamers, as possible. During the week of spring break, as the has been the reward. Cheers, praise, along with balloons, and a sign “Welcome Mommy and Daddy.” students were told not to travel due to the spread of donations of food and PPE are just a few things that Ellen is proud of all the courage and collaboration the coronavirus, the nursing faculty pooled together lift the spirits of Sean and his colleagues. Sean also of the JSUMC staff and grateful to have the support their resources to ensure all online classes would meet states, “Our hospital is working around the clock of the entire Hackensack Meridian Health Network. CCNE standards. Still, the senior graduating students to ensure we have the PPE, staff, and support that When asked what kept her awake at night, Ellen were rightfully concerned about the fulfillment of their we need to do our job in these times of uncertainty. responded, “In the beginning it was the fear of this clinical hours to ensure graduation. We had a plan for Nothing like this has ever happened in our lifetime unknown novel coronavirus, then the national personal that too. By the end of that week and the first day of and it’s new for all of us in healthcare at every level.” protective equipment shortage, and now what are the classes had rolled around, faculty were ready to begin long term effects on the nurses.” Ellen concludes by online classes. With time, students and faculty alike wondering what our new normal will be in the future. began to adjust to the new online classroom. A new nurse’s view Elizabeth Platenyk, RN, NJSNA Region 6 member, has been a nurse at Ocean Medical Center Outlook from a psychiatric APN since October of 2019. Prior to being a nurse, she From a COVID-19 ICU As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Deborra was a Cat Scan Technologist. When Liz transitioned During this pandemic Nancy Homa, BSN, RN, Torres, MPA, MSN, PMHNP, BC, NJSNA Region to her RN role, a Radiologist told her, “…remember CCRN, ICU Assistant Nurse Manager at Newton 5 member, recognizes the critical need of the mental where you came from and wherever you go, make an Medical Center, juggles working at the bedside and health population during this pandemic. Deborra impact, have people understand and maybe eventually working administratively with leadership. With 32 explains, “In addition to patient's usual issues with we will remember to work as a team again.” She didn’t years of nursing experience in the ICU setting, Nancy their mental health diagnoses, they are dealing with think that we needed a pandemic to get us to all work shares the challenges and rewards of this pandemic. some insurmountable issues which cause added stress together. Liz has noticed that during this time no one Challenges include taking time to put on personal and anxiety such as the loss of family members and can do their job by themselves. From her co-workers in protective equipment (PPE) and no family visitation, inability to be there to say appropriate goodbyes, central distribution making sure they have the correct while rewards are better relationships with coworkers, having to homeschool children for the first time with supplies, especially proper PPE, to the mechanical community support, and discharges. no internet connections and/or knowledge how to engineers converting the rooms into negative pressure Nancy found that the challenge was not the lack use the technology to facilitate learning, and loss of rooms and doing rounds testing the rooms for negative of PPE but rather the additional time to don and doff income as many work under the table and may not be pressure to make sure they are constantly working, and PPE prior to rushing in to help a patient. ICU nurses eligible for unemployment benefits.” the housekeeping staff who work continuously making are wired to react quickly, and this runs counter to The greatest challenge for Deborra has been sure rooms, hallways, doorknobs, literally everything their normal way of working. Due to the necessary having to work remotely in her role as Psychiatric is disinfected. Her co-workers in dietary and nutrition visitor restrictions designed to keep patients and their APN for Preferred Behavioral Health in Lakewood. make sure patients are getting proper nutrition to heal, families safe, and prevent further spread of the virus, Learning new technology in order to implement and the transporters who are taking patients to different patients have been separated from their loved ones telehealth procedures with minimal to no training areas of the hospital for their exams. Of course Liz in the course of care. Patients that were terminally (both staff and patients), changing the way we do recognizes the challenges with this pandemic, however extubated and transitioned to comfort care were only EVERYTHING from insurance medication appeals, having everyone involved as a team and striving for the able to have their family stand outside the window and getting patients sample drugs, transitioning patients same common goal makes it easier. Liz finds the words look in to have some semblance of a goodbye. Nancy on injectable medication, helping patients connect by Ryunosuke Satoro especially meaningful, “Individually explains, “We have been able to have FaceTime and with additional resources if needed, and assisting we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” During phone calls, but it certainly does not ‘feel’ like enough. people with the grieving process in addition to their this pandemic, no one can do their jobs by themselves, We cry for the patients who pass without their loved many other issues. For all, days are much longer than sometimes we need the whole ocean. Liz concludes, ones at their side, and hold their hands tightly to let usual due to the incredible need of our patients and “I have never been so proud to be part of such a great them know they are not alone.” the extra steps necessary just to get the job done on profession. I love being a nurse and I have the best co- The ICU staff has come together as a team like a remote basis. Deborra is grateful for her coworkers: workers that I am happy to call my family.” never before. Relationships are stronger amongst the therapists, case managers, nurses and other support ICU staff and with the many nurses who have floated staff, because together, they make it all happen. to their unit to be “buddies.” For many of these nurses, The rewards in her practice are really feeling like the idea of working in an ICU, far out of their usual you made a difference. Deborra describes, “Patients element, was unsettling enough, let alone supporting are so much more needy right now and loneliness the care of some of our sickest patients. But the reward is as much of a pandemic as the virus. Developing is that after leaving a 12-hour shift, most came back closer therapeutic alliances with the patients is also asking to return again. Our community support has occurring and they are so appreciative.” been an unbelievable and heartwarming reward. Every day donations are pouring from food and baskets of goodies to homemade masks and shoes. And of course Practicing in the ICU during the Pandemic discharging patients has been the greatest reward. Nancy states, “While there has certainly been much tragedy, we have also witnessed incredible instances of hope, like when patients go home after being on the ventilator for more than 20 days. It is wonderful to Chilton Strong is the report from Barbara attend the “clap out” for a patient being discharged, so Martucci, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC and Rose Marie the tears in your eyes are from happiness, not sorrow, Jones, MSN, RN, CEN. Before the pandemic, and you regain the inspiration to face tomorrow.” Chilton Medical Center welcomed the Joint Commission surveyors in January and then hosted the ANCC Magnet site visit in early An Academic Journey of Resiliency During March. They met the invisible enemy head Quarantine on with educational sessions to prepare the NJSNA Region 1 members, Sandy Foley, DNP, Chilton soldiers to march into battle against RN and Kim Dimino, DNP, RN, CCRN report the coronavirus. They are proud of the Chilton Sean Smith (third from right) on how the nursing faculty and students at William champions as they seek ways to connect critical with his ICU colleagues Paterson University demonstrated perseverance and patients with their loved ones and continue to resiliency as they pivoted to online classes during the Sean J. Smith, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CCRN- provide compassionate care. height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During spring CMC, ICU staff nurse at Inspira Medical Center and break, the administration informed faculty at William NJSNA Region 6 member reported, “It seemed like Paterson University and all Colleges that classes needed overnight the incredibly ill patients with COVID-19 Nursing Notes from across NJSNA Regions to be transferred to online. The Department of Nursing poured into the ICU. Patients had to be proned up sprang into action once this message was relayed to six times, way longer than traditional prone times, because it’s no small feat for all nursing classes to meet simply because they were doing much better in that While continuing to teach at William Patterson remotely. Dr. Leo Jurado, the chair of the Department position.” Sean recalls the first positive patient who, University, Sandy Foley, DNP, RN, NJSNA Region 1 of Nursing, along with the nursing faculty knew they one of the sickest patients in the ICU, spent four member, has been busy during the pandemic facilitating had to act quickly and make decisions they never weeks in the Medical ICU. Days after transferring the Healthy Nurse Healthy New Jersey (HNHNJ) weekly thought they would have to make. What was this new to a lower level of care, Sean is happy to report Zoom meetings, delivering food to ED nurses, and July 2020 New Jersey Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter Page 19 making coronavirus masks. Sandy has used her skills excellent care to our patients, knowing exactly what recently had some happy moments. Hanna stated, as a certified laughter yoga instructor to facilitate the the cost could be. Joanie concludes, “In these uncertain “Just the other day, I did FaceTime with the wife of my weekly, well attended, HNHNJ moral support Zoom times with more questions than answers we are relying elderly patient. The look of love on this patient's face meetings. As a thank you to Saint Clare’s Dover Hospital on each other more than ever before. It's like throwing was priceless. They were both incredibly thankful. If Emergency Department healthcare workers, Sandy a puzzle in the air and all the pieces fall on the floor. they only knew how happy this made me. I was glad delivered lunch and individually wrapped Easter candy. I'm certain we will be able to put the puzzle back I was able to help this patient feel better as that was The nurses in the ED have always been her heroes. together, but the pieces will not go back together in the my purpose. I drove home that day feeling optimistic Before the pandemic they had been the participants in same way and it will never look the same again.” and excited.” Hanna is grateful to work with so many her doctoral thesis “The Effect of Laughter Yoga and amazing nurses during this pandemic. Reducing the Stress of Emergency Department Nurses, Mixed Method Study.” Sandy indicated that they deserve Ginnette Watkins-Keller, MSN, RN, NJSNA more than what she could give them for all that they Region 4 member and Associate Director of Clinical NJSNA Region 6 member, Erica Olson, BSN, have contributed to her life and the lives of their patients. Trials Administration at Rutgers Cancer Institute of RN works as rehabilitation nurse caring for patients Sandy further explains, “You see, I had been previously New Jersey, has been part of a clinical research study recovering from COVID-19. Erica explains, “Most of employed at the Saint Clare’s Hospital ED and know too for newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients. The research our patients have significant problems with cognition well what these nurses have always meant to the Dover study is examining the drugs hydroxychloroquine (FDA and activities of daily living. Our skilled team of doctors, community.” Sandy also volunteered her time and joined approved for the treatment of malaria and auto-immune nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists Dr. Anna Patras, a former labor and delivery nurse, in disease) and the antibiotic azithromycin. The purpose of provide intense therapy, clinical care and emotional making masks, fitted with a filter which were donated the research is to determine if the combined drugs work support to rehabilitate these patients for discharge back to the frontline medical workers at. Morristown Medical better than hydroxychloroquine alone when treating into the community.” Erica recognizes that the limited Center. COVID-19 positive patients. Ginnette’s role in this amount of PPE is a known challenge for every hospital study has been in working with a team of individuals in during this crisis. At her rehabilitation hospital, they have the creation of electronic consent and electronic study had to make adjustments over time to ensure that they As a NJSNA Region 1 member, Tifanie Sbriscia, materials that would be used for eligible COVID-19 have enough PPE in the hospital. For example, now they RN, MSN, CWOCN, explains that her job as a home positive participants. While Ginnette usually is working are operating as an isolation unit to limit the amount care wound and ostomy nurse has been providing on cutting edge oncology studies working on this study of gowns used daily. The appreciation and support ongoing support to the field staff and recommending has allowed her to be part of the fight against the from administration, co-workers and families has been best practice treatments. As more patients with coronavirus in determining the best treatment options rewarding and heartwarming. Erica states, “There are COVID-19 are being discharged from the hospital for COVID-19 positive patients. The study is still open no words to describe watching our patients during the they require continued care and monitoring at home. to enrollment. For newly diagnosed COVID-19 patients recovery process.” As a nurse Erica recognizes that we She is able to assist the staff with virtual consults interested in participating, you can contact Rutgers have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and providing wound care recommendations and patient Cancer Institute’s Office of Human Research Services at body of our patients and their families and they may education, comforting caregivers, and communicating 732-235-7356 or email [email protected]. forget our name, but as Maya Angelou stated “people with physicians and wound centers on the patients’ edu to see if you are eligible. will never forget how you made them feel." plan of care. Her greatest challenge for wound care patients during the pandemic has been getting the appropriate supplies to the home. Supplies have been Hanna Gerke, BSN, RN, CEN, NJSNA Region Like many other NJ nurses, Ann Ugrovics, MSN, slow to get delivered to the homes for the nurses 6 member, has been a nurse for 11 years, with most RN, at 75 years of age, is feeling guilty sheltering at and a lot of brainstorming and ‘MacGyvering’ has to of those years spent in the ER. Although she loves home and not being able to help her fellow citizens occur. One of the greatest traits of a home care nurse the ER, recently she has been part of the float pool during the pandemic. Ann, a NJSNA Region 6 and is the ability to be creative with new and complicated at her hospital. Being an ER nurse, she thought she INPAC member, teaches Population Health at New situations. We are working together every day to keep had experienced everything from patients being born Jersey City University. Living alone and missing in our patients safe at home and out of the hospital. to patients dying. However, Hanna explains, “I never person conversation, Ann has been praying daily for thought that patients sick with COVID-19 would have all her peers. such an impact on me. I have been floated to the ICUs Joanie Zanotti, MSN, BS, RN, CEN, EMT-NJ, and have taken care of patients who have been on NJSNA Region 2 member, reports that she has been ventilators for a long period of time without improving Cecilia West, APN, RN, NJSNA Region 6 working 50 plus hours a week in the ED and Incident and eventually passing. It seemed like every day member is retired and felt sad to not be able to Command Center at her hospital. Sadly, they lost one someone died. It made me feel so helpless and sad. contribute to the pandemic work. So, Cecilia taught of their ED nurses after she had been intubated for two Talking to families over the phone made it even more herself how to make face masks and so far she has weeks. She leaves behind two teenage sons. Joanie difficult, as they couldn't be there for their loved ones. made 80 masks which she distributed to the older is so proud of the ED crew who continue to provide I would cry on the way home.” Fortunately, Hanna residents of her community.

A Crazy Yoga Pants Movement

Megan Allen, MSN, RN-BC, CCM heavy fire. Challenging the traditional motivating methods, Dr. Marc Milano offered a personal What do brightly patterned yoga pants, an challenge to the staff as he carried the box out of the Emergency Department (ED), frontline health care department. workers, and a physician have in common? Typically, True to his word, every single day since then, not a single thing, but now, they have everything in he wears the crazy yoga pants and will continue to common. Thanks to the generosity of a community do so until the end of COVID-19. According to Dr. member, their donated box of yoga pants are Milano, when asked about the impact, "By far the changing the world one pair at a time. wildest, most unorthodox thing I've ever done as a With the increase in COVID-19 patients, the physician. But times like this call for getting out of Emergency Department Chair, Dr. Marc Milano, your comfort zone, and doing whatever it takes to recognized that with rising stress, morale was taking bolster your team." On April 17th, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset hosted a spirit day in unity Visit nursingALD.com today! in their fight against COVID-19. The pictures Search job listings are available to view on Facebook at Robert in all 50 states, and filter by location and Wood Johnson University credentials. Hospital Somerset. The COVID-19 pandemic is Browse our online database offering an opportunity, of articles and content. unlike anything ever experienced in a lifetime, Find events to insight lasting change for nursing professionals in your area. and work together to build each other up. As a team, we are stronger Your always-on resource for nursing jobs, together. research, and events.