Register
Registration is open for PSNA’s winter 2021 Legislative Ambassador Program (LAP). The LAP is a grassroots advocacy network of nurses from across Pennsylvania who represent professional nursing’s voice in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Ambassadors are a critical tool in advancing PSNA’s legislative agenda and identifying solutions to nursing issues in our Commonwealth. Through the program, Ambassadors have the opportunity to participate in a broad range of advocacy initiatives with the support of PSNA staff while building relationships with elected officials.
This free education is only open to PSNA members. Members who would like to join the winter 2021 class can contact Noah Logan at [email protected].
Fast Facts
- Ambassador online course opens January 11 and closes March 15.
- Coursework is completed through the PSNA CE Center (ce.psna.org).
- Learners will receive support from PSNA’s Government Affairs team and Ambassador graduates.
- Self-paced education modules focus on state-level politics and professional advocacy.
- Earn contact hours.
I became an Ambassador to learn how to bring my patients’ issues to legislators. The program has opened my eyes to new paths for nurses to be recognized for our dedicated work. Legislators have welcomed my information and opinions. Patricia White, LAP Member, PSNA-PAC Member
Ambassador Roles and Responsibilities
- Be a registered voter
- Participate in Ambassador calls (as needed)
- Send letters to elected officials
- Attend meetings with elected officials
- Communicate with legislators and staff via phone, letter, and email
- Submit letters to the editor and op-eds (as needed)
- Set aside personal political agendas when representing PSNA
- Inform PSNA’s Government Affairs team of your legislative activities
- Respond to and share PSNA action alert emails
- Educate RNs on PSNA’s legislative priorities
Ambassadors Receive
- Advocacy and healthcare updates on a “first-to-know” basis
- PSNA’s Advocacy Academy (online education, awards contact hours)
- Legislative agenda, talking points, policy briefs, and position papers
- Legislative materials to leave with your legislators
- Opportunities to provide testimony
- PSNA Legislative Ambassador business cards
A SANE Approach to Human Trafficking Cases
Human trafficking victims are at risk of serious injury, as well as short- and long-term physical and psychological health consequences. Any response to sex or labor trafficking should ensure victims have meaningful access to health care. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and other medical providers are invaluable collaborative partners in your response to human trafficking. Not only do SANEs provide much-needed medical care to their patients, they are also trained to document injury and collect evidence. Incorporating SANEs in your human trafficking response team benefits both the victim and the investigation.
The co-presenters—a SANE registered nurse and a prosecutor—will demonstrate the value of collaboration in trafficking cases. The presentation will provide basic information about human trafficking and how it presents in Pennsylvania. The SANE will explain the health risks associated with sex and labor trafficking, the content of a medical forensic examination, and documentation of victim statements and demeanor. The prosecutor will provide strategies to improve the investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases by using SANEs as fact and/or expert witnesses and litigating the admissibility of victim statements under hearsay exceptions.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be better able to:
• Support victims by providing meaningful access to health care
• Articulate the role of the SANE in providing medical-forensic exams
• Provide medical evidence and expert testimony at trial
Cost
FREE to PSNA Members
$99 – non-PSNA members
Contact [email protected] for group rates.
Register
Register using the ticket link above.
Registration closes January 14, 2021 at 4 pm.
No refunds will be available for this event.
Registrants will receive a Zoom link at least two days before the event.
About the Speakers
Kim Nash, BSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P has been a registered nurse for 22 years and a forensic nurse for the last 14 years. Dual board certified as a SANE-A and a SANE-P, she is a Forensic Nursing Specialist with the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN), and provides education, training and technical assistance for healthcare professionals, law enforcement, attorneys and advocates. Ms. Nash’s forensic nursing clinical experience includes 12 years as a Forensic Nurse Examiner at University of Colorado Health in Colorado Springs, Colorado where she provided medical forensic care to patients who had experienced violence (sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse, elder abuse, strangulation, human trafficking). She was the Colorado SANE/SAFE Trainer for 3 years providing statewide education for healthcare and multidisciplinary partners, conducting clinical skills labs, and participating in statewide protocol development and legislative work. In addition, Kim worked as a forensic nurse at a child advocacy center for 3 years. Her international experience includes working on projects as a forensic nurse consultant in Swaziland, Egypt and Mexico.
Jane Anderson brings her expertise in prosecuting domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking to her role as an Attorney Advisor with AEquitas. Prior to joining AEquitas, Jane served as a prosecutor in Miami, Florida where she tried many of the state’s first human trafficking cases. In her role as a founding member of the Human Trafficking Unit, Jane developed policies to better identify and provide necessary services to trafficking
victims, while ensuring offender accountability through the use of digital evidence and creative charging decisions. Jane also served as a supervisor in the Domestic Violence Unit, where she trained new attorneys and oversaw the prosecution of domestic violence, stalking, and violations of protection orders. Throughout her career, Jane prosecuted felony-level crimes of all types, including homicide, kidnapping, and sexual assault. Jane graduated cum laude from American University, Washington College of Law and is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
1.5 contact hours can be earned by attending 100% of the activity and completing an evaluation.
No conflict of interest exists for any individual in a position to control the content of the educational activity.
Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on accreditation.
We’d love to see you!
Join PSNA and your nurse colleagues for our February Coffee & Connect! The hour will begin with a presentation by PSNA Director of Professional Development Kelly Stephens. She will share her “5 Tips to Being a Successful Leader.” Feel free to bring questions for Kelly to answer following the presentation! This is also a great time to meet nursing students or new‐to‐practice nurses and broaden your networking circle. Plus, attendees will receive a PSNA swag bag!
Want to get more involved? Register for next month’s Coffee & Connect. Or contact us to learn about joining PSNA’s YNP Advisory Board.
Meet our February Guest Speaker
Kelly Stephens, PSNA Director of Professional Development
Presentation: 5 Tips to Being a Successful Leader
PSNA welcomes PSNA Director of Professional Development Kelly Stephens. Kelly earned an associate’s degree in nursing from HACC, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Elizabethtown College, and a master’s in nursing with a focus on education from the University of Phoenix.
Kelly started her nursing career in orthopedics and neurology. She has over 20 years of experience in psychiatry, including inpatient, outpatient, community, and long-term care. She is an original member of the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT), Dauphin County, where she helped create and implement care for psychiatric consumers in community settings.
Kelly has 18 years of experience in leadership roles. In addition, she was an adjunct professor for York College, teaching the clinical psychiatric rotation for senior nursing students.
Register for this call:
Contact Melissa Dang, Membership Cooridnator, at [email protected].
PSNA will be holding a Nurse Town Hall on Wednesday, February 24 at 8:15 am. This Town Hall will be led by PSNA President Tarik Khan and PSNA Government Affairs Specialist Noah Logan.
If you are unable to attend the 8:15 am Town Hall, we will be holding a second session on February 25 at 8:15 pm.
Use the green ticket button on the upper right to register for this free Zoom event.
PSNA will be holding a Nurse Town Hall on Thursday, February 25 at 8:15 pm. This Town Hall will be led by PSNA President Tarik Khan and PSNA Government Affairs Specialist Noah Logan.
If you are unable to attend the 8:15 pm Town Hall, we will be holding another session on February 24 at 8:15 am.
Members – use the green ticket button in the upper right corner to register for this free event.
Webinar Registration
Open now: https://cvent.me/bOVgKE
Zoom information will be provided in the confirmation email.
Cost: $20.00 • Registration fee is waived for Penn State students & employees.
Who Should Attend?
Nursing faculty, Simulation Coordinators and faculty, and Simulation Operation Specialists
Click here for the event flyer.
Objectives
- Describe 3 reasons that implementation of the INACSL Standards of Best Practice: Simulation is important to effective simulation-based learning experiences
- List at least 4 of the INACSL Standards of Best Practice: Simulation
- Identify 3 ways to integrate INACSL Standards of Best Practice: Simulation into future teachings
Nursing Continuing Professional Development
Penn State College of Nursing is an approved provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
1.5 contact hour for Registered Nurses.
This event is the second installment of the College of Nursing’s Simulation Webinar series.
Questions
Outreach and Professional Development
[email protected]
814-863-2239
We’d love to see you!
Join PSNA and your nurse colleagues for our March Coffee & Connect! The hour will begin with a presentation by Jennifer Ruby, a registered dietitian and diabetes care and education specialist at WellSpan Endocrinology. Jennifer’s presentation “Healthy Snacking for a Healthy Meal Plan” will help attendees answer the following questions:
- Am I really hungry or is it emotions and/or fatigue?
- When do I incorporate a snack into my meal plan? How do I get started?
- Why is water so important?
- How do I choose a healthy snack? What are my options?
Feel free to bring questions for Jennifer to answer following the presentation! This is also a great time to meet nursing students or new‐to‐practice nurses and broaden your networking circle.
Want to get more involved? Register for next month’s Coffee & Connect. Or contact us to learn about joining PSNA’s YNP Advisory Board.
Meet Our Guest Speaker
Jennifer Ruby RD, LDN, CDCES
Presentation: Healthy Snacking for a Healthy Meal Plan
Jennifer Ruby is a registered dietitian and diabetes care and education specialist at WellSpan Endocrinology, previously Summit Health Endocrinology. She completed her Bachelor of Science in 2005 from Marywood University. She began her career in 2006 as a clinical dietitian at Menno Haven Skilled Nursing, Chambersburg. Next, she moved to the VA Medical Center in West Virginia, working in a weight management program for veterans. This position led her to pursue a certified personal trainer certificate from the World Instructor Training Schools, Hagerstown Community College.
In 2016, Jennifer took the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators examination to obtain credentials as a certified diabetes educator (diabetes care and education specialist). She is able to help patients with diabetes create a meal plan to control their blood sugar control, educate them on medication training, and provide tools to use technology like glucose meters and continuous glucose monitors.
Jennifer is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and holds dietitian-nutritionist licensure with the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing. In addition, she attained her registered dietitian credentials with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Register for this call:
Contact Melissa Dang, Membership Coordinator, at [email protected].
Legislative Day is going virtual this year!
Join the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) for our Virtual Legislative Day on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 8:30 am – 12 pm. Presentations include nurse legislators, PSNA’s legislative partners, policy experts, and more. This is a valuable opportunity for you to hear from those directly involved in the legislative process — and you’ll learn more about how you can get involved. Cost is: PSNA Members (Free); Non-Licensed Nursing Students ($5); and Non-Members ($15).
Purchase tickets here or in the ticket box above. Thank you!
Agenda
8:30 am
Welcome & Legislative Overview
by PSNA President Tarik Khan
9:00 am
“Finding Opportunity Amidst the Chaos”
by Janet Habler, MSN, RN
Senior Associate Director, Policy & State Government Affairs
American Nurses Association
10 am
“The Patient Safety Act”
by Senator Maria Collett, RN
10:30 am
PSNA-PAC Update
11 am
“Nurse Licensure Compact”
by Jim Puente, MS, MJ, CAE, Director, Nurse Licensure Compact
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
by Rebecca Fotsch, JD
Director, State Advocacy & Legislative Affairs
National Council of the State Boards of Nursing
12 pm
Closing & Group Screenshot
We’d love to see you!
Join PSNA and your nurse colleagues for our April Coffee & Connect! The hour will begin with a presentation by Katy Rush, MEd, MA — a member of the talent acquisition team at Penn State Health. Katy’s presentation “Resume Writing for Nurses” will cover:
- Why resume writing matters in your nursing job search
- How to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking System
- Do’s & Don’ts of Resume Layouts
- Content Nuances
- Keyword Musts
- Self-Review Resume Checklist, Sample Resumes, & Templates
Feel free to bring questions for Katy to answer following the presentation! This is also a great time to meet nursing students or new‐to‐practice nurses and broaden your networking circle.
Want to get more involved? Register for next month’s Coffee & Connect. Or contact us to learn about joining PSNA’s YNP Advisory Board.
Meet Our Guest Speaker
Katy Rush, MEd, MA
Presentation: Resume Writing for Nurses
Katy is passionate about helping others discover their path and providing them with skills to succeed. She recently joined the Talent Acquisition team at Penn State Health as a recruiter. She brings 10 years of career counseling experience to the position, which she believes helps her better align interests and talents. Most recently, she served as the associate director of career services at Penn State Harrisburg. She previously worked in career services at Kutztown University and Cedar Crest College. Katy’s love of writing and editing cover letters and resumes first began in 2008 when she taught writing at Penn State Lehigh Valley and Northampton Community College. She also believes in building a strategic network and teaching others how to articulate their story in a meaningful way. Her master’s degrees are in higher education administration and English. She also has experience managing in the banking and restaurant industries. Katy’s motto is: Do what you love. Love what you do!
Register for this call:
Contact Melissa Dang, Membership Coordinator, at [email protected].
Registration Open for Translating Research to Innovations in Practice 2021
Register here.
Keynote
The glaring racial disparities and impact on the social determinants of health unearthed by the COVID-19 pandemic support the development of anti-racist research approaches to address these issues. The persistent presence of healthcare disparities in our nation, our racist past, and the lack of diversity in the nursing profession are increasingly evident. Dr. Fields’ presentation will address these issues and the need to improve recruitment of diverse and inclusive human subject samples in research studies.
Dr. Fields is Research Professor and Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion at the Penn State College of Nursing. He is a well-known and respected HIV/AIDS prevention research scientist with a focus on young men of color. He is a lifetime member of the National Black Nurses Association, Inc. He is also founder and CEO of “The S.D.F Group, LLC”, which is a health innovation consultant company. He has 29 years of experience in the health sector as an educator, researcher, clinician, administrator, consultant, health policy specialist, and entrepreneur/business owner.
PSNA is a proud sponsor of this event.