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October 14, 2020 | XXIV, Issue Number 19
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In late September, Mike Kristek, senior deputy chief operating officer and the NLN staff member who oversees our Summits, wrote a note to the entire NLN staff thanking everyone for their part in our first-ever Virtual Summit. The first time Mike managed an NLN Summit 12 years ago he had a brand new baby at home. This time – well, let me quote Mike directly:
“I remember chatting with Bev back in early March about Summit, thinking to ourselves that September was so far away, the country will certainly be in better shape by then – nothing to worry about! Well, April rolled around and I was nothing but worry… From there things just went uphill … and then downhill … May came around and set nearly everything back to square one.” But, as Mike said, “In the end, we pulled it off. Attendees seemed very pleased, and that’s what matters.”
And pull it off we did, thanks to Mike and to so many staff members who worked from their homes with flawless professionalism. I am also grateful to modern technology. This Summit was full of substantive presentations, with three days of concurrent sessions worth continuing education credits that are still available for attendees. In addition, general sessions are now available on the NLN YouTube channel.
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Summit Highlights
Please take the time to visit (or revisit) the Keynote Address by Rear Admiral Susan Orsega, director of Commissioned Corps Headquarters of the US Public Health Service. Beginning with lessons learned from the Spanish influenza of 1918, when there was already a shortage of nurses due to the World War, RADM Orsega spoke about nursing during the current pandemic, emphasizing that this is the optimal time to attract future nurses and argue for practice authority. “We are global assets,” she told us, “and we must raise our voices strategically.” Make sure your students view her talk – it is certain to make them proud of their chosen profession and enable them to see nurses as change agents “whose role could not be more important.” |
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Then view the annual lecture sponsored by Laerdal Medical in memory of Dr. Debra L. Spunt, a pioneer in the use of simulation in nursing education. Colette Foisy-Doll of MacEwan University in Canada took us on a journey, “from oil lamps to laser beams with love,” as she introduced virtual education, artificial intelligence, and avatars as a way to coach faculty to engage in critical conversations, all while cautioning us about ethical implications. Fascinating and inspiring! And don’t forget Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, at our National Faculty Meeting. He answered question after question about COVID-19 and how to manage dis(mis)information and “the epidemic of fear.”
Coalitions and Collaboration
Colleagues, let me tell you about one unique and historic session at this Virtual Summit. For the very first time we convened the CEOs of the member organizations that belong to the Tri-Council of Nursing. Our purpose was to share how we are strengthening coalition-building and collaboration during the pandemic and how we are exploring our role for the future. This unique session was moderated by our leader, President Pat Yoder Wise. She spoke of the history of the Tri-Council and the false starts before it became fully operational, with the guiding principle that we all must agree on any issue for it to become supported by the Tri-Council. Then, Deborah Trautman of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) spoke about lessons that led to the formation of the Tri-Council; specifically, the importance of nurses speaking with a unified voice to policymakers on Capitol Hill. Debbie Hatmaker noted that policymakers will often approach her organization, the American Nurses Association (ANA), about issues affecting nursing, and she will reach out to colleagues at the appropriate organizations whom she knows well through the Tri-Council. For example, when questions arose about enlisting nursing students to work in hospitals struggling with staffing, input was required from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) as well as the NLN and AACN. |
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Robyn Begley told of the importance of the recent name change of her organization, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), and how AONL works with other Tri-Council members in developing leadership opportunities for nurses. And representing NCSBN, David Benton spoke of the international reach of American nurses, our influence beyond our borders and the importance of synergy in a time of unprecedented systemic change.
Representing the NLN, I spoke last, emphasizing as I often do the importance of our core values – caring, diversity, integrity, and excellence – and how they permeate our collaboration. I also introduced a new concept, that of retractable bridges, bridges that we roll out when we work together, knowing that we can roll them back as needed. I am happy to report that the Tri-Council will convene its first Virtual Summit on December 3, casting a wide net to review the experiences of the pandemic and the interaction of education, practice, and regulation and to determine how some of the changes we have implemented together can be sustained. |
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Taking Care of Ourselves
As many have said, the pandemic has brought with it many silver linings, such as greater collaboration among the members of the Tri-Council, and, as with the NLN Summit, amazing creativity and ingenuity with the use of technology. On the whole, though, dealing with COVID-19 continues to be difficult for so many of those we serve. It also remains deadly, in particular to those of black and brown color.
Last week, the first week of October, was Mental Health Awareness Week. As a psychiatric nurse, let me emphasize that mental health awareness must be ongoing. According to the World Health Organization, the pandemic has disrupted services for mentally ill and substance abuse patients worldwide and is expected to cause further distress for many. It has challenged the well-being of everyone, from providers to those requiring care. We are all aware of problems, often in our own families, social groups, and educational settings. Let us hope that we will soon see the beginning of the end of COVID-19 and work together for our collective well-being.
I have one immediate suggestion. Visit the NLN website, specifically the area devoted to the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, where you will find the NLN Leadership Pledge. Read it over carefully – I think you will find it uplifting and inspiring – and with your colleagues join the NLN in our celebration of nurse educators. And colleagues – a final message. If you have not already done so, now is the time to plan your vote, including how and when you will vote.
Wear your mask; keep washing your hands, and follow the rules of social distancing.
Special thoughts to those in Louisiana and to the states who have experienced a series of wicked hurricanes this season, to the states where the residue of the fires can still be smelled in the air. And to all – stay safe and be well. |
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