WIXLIB

Letter From the PresidentGiving Thanks:Reflection on theYear 2020Martha A. Dawson, DNP, RN, FACHEPresident, National Black Nurses AssociationAs I begin to reflect on what to say, I am reminded of ATale of Two Cities (1859) by Charles Dickens. “It was thebest of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age ofwisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epochof belief, it was epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it wasthe season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winterof despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us ”This reads as though Dickens was envisioning COVID-19. We areapproaching the end of 2020, a distinctive period in the history ofnursing, health care, America, and the world. The nursing professionentered this year with the celebration of 2020 as the Year of theNurse and Nurse Midwife. Little did we know that a pandemic wouldtest not only our commitment to this noble profession, but our faithin humankind.During COVID-19, the National Black Nurses Association’s(NBNA) members, Board, partners, and sponsors are leading andsucceeding by doing more with less. As early adaptors, NBNArelied on our pillars of strength: community engagement, strategicpartnerships, and membership support. Our members continue toplay key roles in support, service, education, and advocacy. NBNA isout front supporting frontline caregivers, disseminating knowledgeto nurses and the public, providing personal protective equipment,and addressing physical and mental health needs of nurses and thepopulations we serve. We give our time, our hearts, and financialresources. We are still giving and doing. Our gratitude encompassesevery aspect of nursing practice from chief nurse executives,bedside care providers, advanced practice nurses, deans, faculty,and student nurses. Compassion fatigue is present from the bedsideto the corporate suite as nurses are placed in positions of alteringthe care they provide to fit the new normal around COVID-19. Both10practice leaders and bedside nurses are working long, exhaustinghours.I will not list the organizations that have long been friends andsupporters of NBNA or the new relationships we are creating forfear that I may overlook someone or an organization. However, Iwant to give a shout-out and say we could not have done it withouteach of you. Your unselfish giving of your time and resourceshas helped us to provide services to frontline workers and ourcommunities.Yes, this is a challenging moment in history; we have witnessed thegood, the bad, and the ugly. We are revisiting the dark, sleepingpast of our nation around social inequities and injustices relativeto systemic and institutional racism. This truth is evidenced by thedisproportionate number of Black and Brown US citizens who aredying from COVID-19 and the economic hardship these populationsare enduring as essential workers while sustaining the US. Withinour larger society, corporate environments must take a new look atdeep-seated policies, procedures, and practices that are designedto impede and disenfranchise a disproportionate number of theirBlack and Brown employees, limiting career advancement andincome growth. The nursing profession needs to have crucialconversations around equality, equity, and inclusivity. We must helporganizational leaders understand this wave of change and thatthe need for change is not about training and academic exercises.It is about changing one’s heart toward humanity through the lensof social justice and fairness. It is time for nursing to address itsown issues as a profession around intentional and unintentionalNBNANBNAWinterFall 2020Issue

Letter From the Presidentdiscrimination relative to the lack of significant increases in theBlack and Brown nursing workforce.There is a lack of diversity and inclusivity in the corporatesuite and in decision-making seats. In reality, the focus on theunderrepresentation of nurses of color has been too long comingand can no longer be hidden under the discussion of socialdeterminants and disadvantages in our larger society. The focusmust be about the lack of a diverse nursing workforce which startsin the schools of nursing. So, what are we going to do about it? Thewicked question is: Are schools of nursing willing to examine theirpractices around selection, enrollment, treatment, matriculation,and graduation of nurses of color? It is time for student treatmentto take center stage and become underscored as a central topicof discussion. If we fail in this arena of social justice, then we fail ascaring human beings, and it does not matter if the world thinks weare the most trusted profession because trust comes from doingthe right thing.If we want a healthy outcome, it is time that we address the issuesaround institutional racism from its roots, and commit to changefrom the inside out. Our future depends on changing and moving11away from “business as usual.” My dear colleagues, it appears thatwe may enter into winter with much despair. However, I believechange is going to come. I hope by spring 2021 there is a glimmerof light that brings measurable solutions by the summer for bothracism and COVID-19. To contain the spread of COVID-19, we mustcontinue to use best practices, science, and human caring. Thissame approach can be used to eliminate systemic and institutionalinjustices. It will take time for a critical mass of the US and worldpopulation to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and solve institutionalissues. Therefore, nurses and other health professionals must rolemodel best practices as public stewards. This is not the time for usto become weary; however, we must practice self-care. History hastaught us, and wisdom demands, both personal and professionalcommitment to a higher call for the survival of mankind.Thank you, thank you. Happy Thanksgiving and a Blessed HolidaySeason.With Love,Dr. Martha A. Dawson, RN, FACHENBNA PresidentNBNA Fall 2020

THE NBNA COLLABORATIVE MENTORSHIPPROGRAM WANTS YOU !Chapter Mentor Ambassadors (CMA) are mentors who commit toadvancing the NBNACMP purpose of supporting growth anddevelopment of nurses as they transition in professional practice.What is needed?Become NBNACMP mentorRecruit mentors and mentees for NBNACMPServe as liaison between the NBNACMP and chapterIf you are interested in becoming a CMA, send your name, phonenumber, email address, and chapter to: nbnacmpmail@gmail.comFor more information about the NBNACMP, go towww.NBNAcollaborativmentorship.com

By all of us working together, we can helpend the HIV epidemic.This is what inspires us to discoverscientific advancements, with a goal ofhelping those affected by HIV live longer,healthier lives.But it will take more than just medicine.It takes all of us in the community doingour part to clear up the facts, correctmisunderstandings, and erase the stigmathat stands in the way of getting tested,knowing our status, and getting the carewe need.Working hand in hand, we can put HIVand its impact in the past.So that someday HIV is no more.GILEAD IS A PROUD SPONSOR OFNBNA CONFERENCE 2020.GileadHIV.comWHAT WE LIVE FOR, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC7739 09/20

First CoastBlack NursesAssociationGet Out theVote CampaignJacqueline Lee isa Retired ClinicalCoordinator at FloridaState College atJacksonville. She is the2nd Vice President ofFirst Coast BNA.Jacqueline Lee, MSN, RNCarol J. Neil, PhD, RNThe First Coast Black Nurses Association (FCBNA)participated in the violence reduction campaign with thefollowing topic as follows: the census, voter registrationand police reform. During food drive distribution memberswere able to not only distributed PPE but educate the participantson our 3 topics. We served over 100 participants for each fooddistribution event on August 18, September 22, and October 20th.As people from the low-income community of Bentwood woulddrive up to get their food we were able to educate them on varioustopics and distributed PPE. We not only informed them of theimportance of the census but we were able to get them to fill outthe paperwork.Several members visited senior centers to educate them onthe importance of voting. We determined if a census report wascompleted and if they were registered voters. Those in need ofassistance of completion of the census report, voter registrationor a mail-in ballot was provided. We were able to get seniors tocomplete the paperwork to request an absentee ballot and wepersonally took their ballots to the supervisor of election offices.We were well received by the seniors living in the senior centers.We decided to take on the initiative to do more educationalprograming with this vulnerable population.Through texting and phone banking, 975 contacts to voters werecompleted. We surpassed our goal of 700 contacts. The chapter's14Dr. Carol J. Neil is aProfessor of Nursing inthe RN to BSN Program,Florida State College atJacksonville. She is thePresident of First CoastBNA.partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs was not successful dueto Duval County's School Board policy regarding after schoolprograms due to COVID 19. Plans are underway with a newpartnership with the Police Athletic League (PAL) and Jacksonville'sSheriff Office. During this partnership we will be able to addresspolice reform with students ages 12 to 17 years old. Our plansfor this educational endeavor will be an interactive stimulatingdiscussion about the topic of police reform. We are grateful for thecommittee members serving to aid in dissemination of informationon the National Initiative on Violence Reduction.NBNA Fall 2020

MaximizingMentorshipKim J. Scott, MSN, MBA, RNWhen it comes to maximizing the mentorshiprelationship, NBNA Collaborative MentorshipProgram chair, Kim Scott, and her mentee,Keamiyah Walker have perfected the synergy.The mentor/mentee relationship is called a dyad. Kim has a passionfor mentorship and has mentored for over twenty years. This yearan opportunity was presented to the mentorship chair to educateparents who have had their children taken out of the home into fostercare. Initially the ask was to have nurses conduct the educationwith the parents, but Kim felt the request would be best to utilizeher mentees and nursing students to provide the education to theparents. The mentees also helped Kim to develop the curriculumthat included topics such as social determinants of health, adversechildhood events (ACE), and parenting skills. While the team wouldvolunteer to do this work, Kim pays the four mentees she hired asalary, and promoted Keamiyah to a supervisor.The relationship of a dyad is reciprocal. As the mentor guides andhelps the mentee, the mentor can also learn from the mentee. KimHow My Mentor HasSupported MeKim J. Scott is theService Unit ManagerChronic ConditionsManagement, KaiserPermanente East Bay–North California. She isthe NBNA CollaborativeMentorship ProgramChair.If you cannot see where you are going,ask someone who has been there before.J Loren Norrishas learned from Keamiyah. She was in foster care, and helped Kimlearn about the unique circumstances of the foster care population.This unique population of patients is one not covered in mostnursing school curriculum. It falls under the category of gramKeamiyah WalkerKeamiyah Walker, BS, MSN (c)My mentor-mentee relationship with Kim J. Scott hasbeen one of mutual respect and support. Since beingpaired with Kim, I have gained confidence in settingprofessional priorities and achieving all endeavors Iwish to accomplish. Kim has supported me in developing my goalsof improving communications and building a professional networkof Black nurses. She has introduced me to her professional circlesof longtime friends and colleagues. I am excited to continue ourmentorship relationship.15NBNA Fall 2020

The First CoastBlack NursesAssociationPartners withthe Annie RuthFoundationSummerInternshipProgramWendy H. Jackson, BS, BSN, MSN, MBAAdam O. Smith, FNPThe First Coast Black Nurses Association partnered withthe Annie Ruth Foundation. The Annie Ruth Foundation’sSummer Internship Program, is a rigorous, one-year,points-based program that focuses on personal,academic and career development. Over the course of the year,students are required to complete an application process, writea 1,000-word essay focused on their career aspiration, complete30 hours of classroom instruction and complete a professionalinterview. In addition, students are required to participate in acommunity service project. Ultimately, award recipients are placedin a safe, professional environment that directly aligns with theircareer aspiration. The students receive hands-on experience intheir desired career field and earn money for hours worked fromthe Annie Ruth Foundation. In 2020, 25 students were selectedas award recipients. This number included 10 aspiring medicalprofessionals. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the16internship experience for the class of 2020 was postponed untilthe summer of 2021.According to the Executive Director, Dee Wilcox, The AnnieRuth Foundation was so grateful to the First Coast Black NursesAssociation for developing a 30- hour virtual learning experiencefor aspiring medical professionals. Under the leadership of nursesWendy Jackson and Adam Smith, aspiring medical professionalsattended a 1½ hour lecture series each Thursday for 6 consecutiveweeks. Additionally, the students were broken into three smallgroups and given one of three focus topics: Diabetes Mellitus,Hypertension and Mental Health. Based on the groups assignedtopic, each group was required to work 4 hours per week toproduce a 10-page research paper and develop a PowerPointpresentation. The experience also required the students to createa vision board of which they shared with the large group.All of our activities took place over a 6-week period during themonths of June to July. We mentored ten high school studentswith the same criteria of having a desire to pursue a career asa healthcare professional. Weekly lessons on topics such aschoosing a career based on their personality, setting goals, makinga vision board, creating a resume, and how to manage financeswere implemented. Our weekly guest speakers included nurses,a nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioners, a nursing administrator, anentrepreneur, and a former high school counselor who discussedhow to apply for scholarships for college. Students were given agroup project on a chronic disease and applied the nursing processto create an evidenced-based research paper and PowerPointpresentation from journals and clinical guidelines. Students wererequired to present the information to the group. The First CoastBlack Nurses will continue to partner annually with the Annie RuthFoundation mentorship program every summer. Students statedthis exposed them to the diverse roles nursing offered and werepleased with program results.Under normal circumstances, the students would have beenplaced in physician offices and medical centers to complete theirinternship experience. However, The First Coast Black Nurseswas able to afford the students this opportunity using weeklyvirtual experience meetings with guest speakers from differentbackgrounds in the medical field. The virtual experience enabledthe students to 1) understand, first-hand, what it’s like to work invarious fields of nursing, 2) develop their knowledge of commondiseases that are well-known in the African American race and 3)NBNA Fall 2020

Wendy H. Jackson is anadjunct professor for severalcolleges in the Jacksonville,Florida area. She is currentlypursuing her DNP at heralma mater, JacksonvilleUniversity. Wendy also hasa great love for helpingchildren and the indigentand in her spare time, sheis a free-lance writer for apublishing company.strengthen their communication skills. The knowledge and skillsthe students received via this experience were invaluable! Weare looking forward to partnering with the Annie Ruth Foundationso that this virtual experience can be offered to future AwardRecipients who aspire to become medical professionals.17Florida. He also seespatients in clinic on anoutpatient basis.Mr. Adam O. Smith is a certifiedFamily Nurse Practitioner and bringswith him over 7 years of experienceworking within the medicalprofession. He currently worksat Northeast Florida Endocrine &Diabetes Associates as a midlevelprovider on the endocrinologyservice. Mr. Smith sees patients atmany area hospitals in Jacksonville,Mr. Smith is a Jacksonville,Florida native andcompleted undergraduatestudies at Florida A & MUniversity in Tallahassee,FL. He then moved toBirmingham Alabamawhere his nursing careerbegan and also completedgraduate school earningMaster’s of Science innursing to practice as aFamily Nurse Practitioner.Mr. Smith’s philosophy ofhealthcare is that patientsare at the center of thehealthcare team and play anintegral role in their medicalcare.17NBNA.org

The GiftThat Keepson GivingMarsha D. Thomas, RN, BASeveral years ago, I went to Tanzania, East Africa withteachers and students from The University of CincinnatiSchool of Medicine and School of Nursing. This was notmy first trip to Africa, but it would become one of my mostmemorable. A few days before I left, my mother sent an envelopeto me with specific instructions. “Help someone in Africa.”We flew to Tanzania and held clinic in three obscure villages. AsMultiple Sclerosis has already taken its toll on my mobility, I was thetriage nurse in one village with the help of a translator. On our lastday of clinic, I interviewed a father who brought in his 1-year-olddaughter, or so I thought. But through the translator, I learned thechild in the bonnet was in fact his son, who had been burned over75% of his head the previous year.Once I saw the extent of the injury, I immediately took him to ourhead doctor. I never saw the man and his son again. Every eveningwe would discuss the cases we had seen and our head doctornaturally discussed this very tragic case. The little boy had tumbledhead first into a cooking fire almost a year before we saw him. Thegeneral consensus was that we couldn’t do anything for the toddleras he would need numerous surgeries, which just weren’t availablein the “bush” of Africa.Finally it was the night before we were due to leave for Americaand as I was packing, I discovered I still had my mother’s money.Earlier that day, we had toured a hospital that was about a mileaway. The director showed us the pediatric wing as she gave usa tour. I decided to donate the money to that hospital before I leftthat country.So, I started walking by myself about 9:00 pm, in the dark. I feltcompelled by an unseen force to do exactly as my mother hadasked me to do. I was terribly afraid. I finally arrived at the hospitaland our team leaders were meeting with the administrators. Theywere very surprised to see me. I explained my reason for trekkingalone, in the dark on another continent. I told them about mymother’s wishes. I also told them to write my m

Reserve University. As a faculty member at Mount St Mary's College, she became the first Black woman in California to teach in a baccalaureate program. She earned a doctorate in public health and joined the faculty at UCLA, serving as the first Black assistant dean of Student Affairs and assistant dean of Academic Affairs. Dr.