Print PageREGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL 11.13.24
| 2024 Membership Assembly |
 Update on Rescheduled Dates: Due to Hurricane Helene, the FNA Membership Assembly was rescheduled from its original dates in September to November 20-22. Registrations: All registrations have been moved to the new dates. If you previously registered, no action is needed on your part. Your registration has been automatically transferred to the news dates. If you're unable to attend on the rescheduled dates, please contact us at fnaoffice@floridanurse.org for assistance. Hotel: All attendees need to rebook their room at the Marriott Hutchinson Island Resort. Please use the link below to make your reservation. Agenda: We are coordinating with our speakers and partners to finalize the updated agenda. Any changes or updates to the agenda will be communicated to you as soon as possible. 2024 FNA Membership Assembly November 20-22, 2024 Marriott Resort, Hutchinson Island, FL REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL 11.13.24  Safeguarding Nurses: Creating a Path to Healthy Workspaces In today's healthcare landscape, nurses play a pivotal role in providing patient care. Their well-being and safety are crucial to their ability to fulfill this role. The theme of this year’s conference is designed to address the pressing need for healthcare organizations to prioritize the safety, health, and overall well-being of their nursing workforce.
Topics highlighted throughout the conference will include:
 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING Driving the Association Forward Engage in the future of nursing as we convene for our Annual Business Meeting. Participate in discussions about industry trends, organizational updates, and collaborative initiatives. Your voice matters, and together, we'll shape the direction of nursing in Florida.  AWARDS CEREMONY Recognizing Nursing Excellence Prepare to be inspired and uplifted as we shine a spotlight on outstanding individuals in the nursing community. The Awards Ceremony is a momentous occasion where we recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of nurses who have gone above and beyond. Be there to witness the presentation of prestigious awards honoring excellence in practice, leadership, and innovation.  NETWORKING Opportunities to Connect Connect with peers, industry leaders, and award recipients throughout the conference. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections that can lead to collaboration and professional growth.  EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS Advance Your Nursing Career Elevate your knowledge through informative and engaging educational sessions. Our expert speakers will cover a range of topics, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements in nursing practice, education, and advocacy. Thank you to our sponsors!     HOTEL  Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort This year' s conference will be held at the beautiful Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort located at 555 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996. The room block and meeting spaces are located in the Resort Tower which is on the bay side of the island, not in the beachfront tower.
Room Rate: $189 per night Resort Fee: There is a $15 per night resort fee. Please note the fee is listed as $29 on the website but will be adjusted upon check-in at the hotel. Parking: Complimentary Deadline to Reserve: Sunday, October 27 REGISTRATION Registration is Open!$300 Rebate Available for FNA Members About the Region Rebate The FNA Board of Directors has approved a $300 rebate for FNA Members who attend the FNA Membership Assembly and participate in the Business Meeting. The rebate will be provided by your Region as it is vitally important that all Regions have representation at the Assembly. How do I qualify? To qualify for the rebate, you must be an FNA Member, register for the Full Conference, and participate in the Business Meeting on Friday. A sign-in sheet will be provided to verify attendance. Eligible members will receive an email after the conference to claim their rebate. How and when will I receive my rebate? After the conference, staff will process the attendance report to verify your eligibility (you must be present at the Business Meeting to be eligible). You will receive an email with the Rebate Request Form. You will have until December 15 to complete your Request Form. Your rebate check will be mailed to you by mid-January. Can I donate a portion or all of my rebate? Yes! If you would like to donate some or all of your rebate back to either the Foundation or PAC, you may note this on your Rebate Request Form. Registration Rates Full Conference Registration
Full conference registration includes access to all continuing education sessions, all meals and networking events, and the business meeting. Single Day Passes
Single Day Passes include access to sessions, meals, and networking events on the selected day. Single Event / Guest Passes
Single Event / Guest Passes are intended for those who are only attending networking events / meals (e.g., a partner or guest). AGENDA  Full Conference Schedule Click the link below to download the full conference schedule with session descriptions. The agenda for the rescheduled dates is still being perfected, but we much of it in place! Continuing Education This activity has been submitted to Georgia Nurses Association for approval to award contact hours. Georgia Nurses Association is accredited as an approver of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Total Contact Hours Available: 7.5 Agenda at-a-Glance Below is an outline of the conference agenda. All times are subject to change.
SPEAKERS  The Nursing Profession - Circa 2034 Keynote Presentation by Katie Boston-Leary, PhD, MBA, MHA, RN, NEA-BC The Florida Nurses Association (FNA) is thrilled to announce that Dr. Katie Boston-Leary will be the keynote speaker for the 2024 FNA Membership Assembly. Dr. Boston-Leary, a distinguished leader in nursing and healthcare, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this prestigious role. Currently the Director of Nursing Programs at the American Nurses Association, she oversees the Nursing Practice and Work Environment Division and Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation initiatives. Her impressive resume includes co-leading Project Firstline, a CDC-funded initiative for infection prevention and control training, and serving as an adjunct professor at both the University of Maryland School of Nursing and Case Western Reserve University.
In addition to her academic and professional roles, Dr. Boston-Leary is actively involved in various organizations. She co-chairs the DEI committee for the Healthcare Leaders Network Delaware Valley and is a board member of St. John’s University Health Programs, Hippocratic AI, and Ingenovis Health. She also holds editorial advisory positions with Web/MD Medscape and Nursing Management, among others. Her commitment to addressing critical issues in nursing, such as staffing and regulatory burdens, has seen her testify on Capitol Hill and lead national task forces. PLENARY SESSIONS  From the Bedside to the Boardroom and Beyond! Silvia Stradi, RN, MSN Many nurses enter the workforce with goals and aspirations to climb the ladder or to seek specialized areas of Nursing practice. Sometimes the “how to” or “road map” is not always clear. Where do you begin? How do you navigate a course that will lead you to those aspirations? Using stories of her personal journey, coupled with evidence-based leadership principles, Sylvia will inform participants on key skills, concepts and trajectories to explore on their personal career development journey, planning for those professional transitions that are ahead. In addition, she describes the work-life balance that can be achieved in aspiring to grow in a career.  BuR.N. - Navigating the Fires within Nursing Valerie Morrison, DBA, MSM, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, SHRM-SCP More than any time in history, the nursing profession must face the crucible of today's health care environment and use the power of its collective voice to advocate for healthy work environments and policy change. This presentation will reflect on the challenges of nursing, including emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, workload, and staffing shortages. The presenter will then discuss the need for nurses to advocate for their profession, offer self-care techniques, address the organization's role in preventing burnout, and inspire nurses to rediscover the joy of the profession.  Sharing Best Practices to Improve Florida NCLEX Pass Rates Ruby Alvarez, PhD, MSN, RN Patricia Gagliano, PhD, RN Marsha Hartline, DNP, RN, CNML, CNE Melissa Radecki, PhD, RN, PCCN-K, CNE The National Academy of Medicine 2021 Consensus Study, The Future of Nursing 2020-2030, Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity, established a request for state action coalitions to establish pathways for collaboration with organizations in the state to strengthen nursing education. The Nursing Action Coalition of Florida (Team #7) has been developing a statewide action plan to address the NCLEX passing rates. In 2022 Team #7 reported identified barriers and successes to passing the NCLEX, such as the use of simulation percentage, student language/cultural barriers, and the quality of nursing programs impact in the NCLEX White Paper produced with the Quality and Unity in Nursing Council. Unfortunately, there has been little improvement in the NCLEX rates over the past two years. BREAKOUT SESSIONS  Engaging Nursing Leaders through the Art of Job Crafting Bryce Catarelli, DNP, APRN, FNP-C Nurse leader retention is a significant concern for the nursing workforce. Given escalating job demands and work-related stressors, innovative strategies are vital to promoting the well-being of nurse leaders. Job crafting offers an evidence-based approach to accomplish this important goal. It involves active participation in job redesign to improve alignment with the role and personal characteristics and goals. A nurse-driven, sustainable workshop series was designed and implemented by nursing leaders and faculty within an academic health center during Spring 2024, with 37 front-line nursing leaders (including nurse managers and clinical leaders) completing the three-part workshop. Following the series completion, overall levels of job crafting, intent to stay employed, job satisfaction, and work engagement increased.  Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Building a Holistic Environment for a Healthy Workspace Glenda Appolon, BSN, RN, PCCN Susan Fowler, PhD, RN, CRRN, NE-BC, FCNS A healthy workspace should be built using a holistic approach to support biopsychosocial and spiritual health. Physical health is reflective of space, lighting, and supplies. Psychological health includes psychological safety, positivity, and joy. Social health focuses on people, a sense of belonging, and relationships. A healthy workspace that is spiritually strong resonates a sense of comfort and peace including a belief and trust of co-workers. In this interactive session participants will be engaged in a creative exercise to craft a healthy workspace. By following the yellow brick road to a healthy workspace nurses can be on the road to happiness.  Navigating the Transition into Academia Sabrina L. Dickey, PhD, MSN, RN
Being an educator is an inherent aspect of nursing, however a career as a nurse educator in an academic setting requires a new set of skills and prowess to be effective and successful. The presentation provides insight and strategies for nurses who are interested in transitioning into academia or new to working in an academic institution regardless of your professional credentials. The highlights of the presentation will focus on three aspects of working in academia:
 Managing Stress and Mitigating Burnout Shelly Belsito, MBA, BSN, RN, NE-BC By 2022, CDC reported that 46% of healthcare workers reported feeling burned out, and 44% intended to start looking for a new profession. These findings are costly on many levels, including personal dissatisfaction and depression, and increases in employer expenses incurred due to higher turnover rates and employees working while less than“at their best". While employers and leaders can try to help individuals cope by supporting days off and attempting to change staffing models, for example, individuals can also help themselves. “Managing Stress and Mitigating Burnout" will provide learners the tools they need to both cope in the moment and also to develop long-term habits focused on tackling the top 5 stressors affecting healthcare, today.
 The Caring Dance: A Synergistic Embrace Between Faculty, Staff, and Students in Co-creating Healthy Learning Spaces Michelle Ferguson, DNP, PCPNP-BC, APRN Jacquie Marshall PhD, MSN-Ed, MPH, RN, CNE Nurturing the next generation of nurses requires a holistic approach to innovative nursing education. The landscape of the nursing profession has evolved into one that relies on nursing leadership and ingenuity across healthcare settings as nurses lead the charge on many important hospital initiatives, organizations, and workflows. Educational preparation to foster impactful leadership and impart tools for regulating self-care, resilience, and well-being are now necessary components of nursing curricula. From the design of our building to our philosophy steeped in caring, our faculty prides itself on addressing these needs to support the future nursing workforce by creating healthy learning spaces.
 Amplifying the Voice of Nursing Through Membership in Nursing Professional Organizations Karen Kolega, DNP, MSN-CNL, RNC-OB, C-EFM, C-ONQS There are an estimated 4.2 million registered nurses in the United States, only approximately 70,000 are members of a professional nursing organization. A project was conducted to identify elements that motivate membership in nursing professional organizations and then utilize social media to inform and influence, to improve the likelihood of membership. If nurses unite in larger numbers through professional nursing organizations, the ability and leverage to shape healthcare policy, influence the health and wellbeing of nurses, communities, and the nation can be greatly strengthened.  Creating a Healthy Workspace: JEDI Dialogue Susan Fowler, PhD, RN, CRRN, NE-BC, FCNS Marc Gayol, EdD, MSN, MPH, RN, CNE, CPH Deirdre Shoemake, DNP, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC The environment that fosters Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI) and belonging positively impacts biopsychosocial health as well as employee retention. These concepts, including psychological safety, need to be defined, understood, and strategized for implementation in the workplace for a healthy workspace to exist. A panel of diverse nurse leaders will utilize case studies from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) DEI and Belonging Toolkit to reflect on present practices and future actions needed to respond to DEI and belonging challenges in the workplace. Participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences and suggestions for a safe, equitable work environment. The JEDI Special Interest Group will disseminate a summary of suggested strategies through FNA resources. AWARDS  FNA Icon Awards Submission window is now closed The FNA honors excellence in professional nursing by recognizing individuals and groups who are recommended and selected by their peers for formal recognition. Nurses who are nominated excel, lead, and innovate through their exemplary courage, community service, advocacy, research and innovation, and years of commitment to the profession. Receiving a peer award is one of the highest honors accorded a professional nurse. For that reason, the awards program of the FNA shall be conducted fairly, impartially, and shall endeavor always to honor representative candidates worthy of the awards.
To nominate someone for an FNA ICON Award:
Awards Categories Registered Nurse Practice Award
Advanced Practice Nursing Icon Award
Nursing Administration Icon Award
Undine Sams Award
Communications Media Award FNA Phoenix Award In honor of the extraordinary work and sacrifices of the nurses in Florida, the FNA Phoenix Award was created with the specific purpose of honoring nurses who work at the bedside. Created during the Covid-19 pandemic, this award recognizes nurses who rise to the occasion during very challenging circumstances. This award will recognize two categories of registered nurses: Seasoned Nurses and Recent Graduate Nurses. Mary Cash Award
Heather Scaglione Award
Special Recognition Award
Promoting Environment for Excellence in Nursing Practice Icon Award
Nurse Educator Icon Award
Nursing Research Icon Award
Community Action Icon Award
Education and Advocacy Icon Award
The Florida Nurses Association Hall of Fame Nursing Innovation and Creativity Icon Award
FNA Continuous Membership Awards Special Award Category for 2024: FNA Safe Spaces Award Honors an individual nurse, nursing facility/organization, or group for actions leading to creating a positive work environment for nurses. This would include special activities, alterations in the work environment, nurse inclusion in decision-making, special rewards and benefits or other efforts that support nurses in their daily work. BUSINESS MEETING  ABOUT THE BUSINESS MEETING The Annual Business Meeting is where the Florida Nurses Association conducts the official business of the association. It is an opportunity for members to hear and vote on proposed bylaws amendments, reference proposals, and other important aspects of the association. During election years, it is the place where the newly elected Board of Directors is sworn in.
It should be emphasized that the highest voice of authority of the Association is the Membership Assembly which consists of members in good standing in attendance in accordance with FNA Bylaws. Membership of attendees will be validated at registration and onsite for a quorum to be established.
The order of business of the House will include reports from the Board of Directors, staff, and structural units; amendments to the Bylaws; and adoption of official positions (reference proposals). On the odd number years, elections are held with the results announced during the Membership Assembly. All members in good standing (in accordance with FNA bylaws) and Board of Directors have the privilege of voting. All members have the right to submit proposals to the Reference Committee for consideration by Membership Assembly for official action.  Reference Proposals: What Issues Matter to You? Constituent groups as well as individual members of FNA have the opportunity to voice their concerns or express their thoughts on matters of significance to nursing, nurses, and health needs of the public through the formation of Reference Proposals.
What starts out as one member’s idea or concern may become an official position of the Florida Nurses Association. Reference Proposals help drive future activities of the association. For example, a proposal submitted in 2022 led to an FNA-supported bill in the Florida Legislature for the requirement of surgical smoke evacuation devices in surgical centers/facilities.
The Reference Committee will be accepting proposals for the 2024 Membership Assembly soon. All proposals are due by August 1, 2024. 2024 Reference Proposals to be Reviewed at Membership Assembly
 Bylaws Changes The FNA Bylaws committee has reviewed proposed changes to the FNA Bylaws and made their recommendations. Members will receive an emailed copy of the proposed changes and will be able to access a copy below. Please note: Once the files have been made available, you must be logged in to your FNA Member Profile to see/access the files. Proposed bylaws changes can be submitted to the Bylaws Review Committee by emailing Willa Fuller, Executive Director at wfuller@floridanurse.org STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM  FNA Student Ambassador Program at Membership Assembly The Florida Nurses Association invites undergraduate nursing students to attend the FNA Membership Assembly to serve as ambassadors for their schools.
Participation: Schools may send four (4) pre-licensure student ambassadors to participate.
What’s Included: Student ambassadors will receive a ribbon to wear on their name badge and a certificate of attendance. Students may participate in all educational sessions, space permitting. Meals and networking events are not included but may be purchased separately.
Event Details: The FNA Membership Assembly will take place November 20-22, 2024 at the Marriott Hutchinson Island Resort, Hutchinson Island, FL.
SPONSORS & EXIBITORS Connect & Engage with Florida Nurses!Sponsorship Opportunities Connect with Florida’s nursing professionals when you participate in the FNA Annual Membership Assembly as a sponsor. We have multiple opportunities to meet your budget and help you reach your target audience of nurses. Exhibitor Packages $500 (Discount provided for returning exhibitors) Showcase your products or services to attendees with an exhibitor booth. Includes exhibit space, company listing in event materials, and opportunity to engage with attendees.
Included in Your Exhibitor Package:
Exhibit Hall Hours: Wednesday, November 20 | 12:00pm - 5:30pm Thursday, November 21 | 7:00am - 2:30pm For questions about sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities, please contact Kaitlin Jordan at kjordan@floridanurse.org. |
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