Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ - Champion Spotlight Series - Re-Imagining Nursing Innovation: A Deep Dive into TNA's 2023 Conference
Published
Authors: Ashley Carter MSN, RN, AMB-BC – Tennessee Nurses Association – District 3 President and
William Hall DNP, MSN-Ed., RN, PMH-BC, CDP, PLNC – Tennessee Nurses Association- District 3 Director
Hey there, fellow nursing enthusiasts!
I'm excited to share some incredible insights from the recent Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) Annual Conference in Chattanooga, held from October 26-28. Trust me, it was an event brimming with knowledge, community, and an unwavering commitment to elevating the nursing profession.
This year's theme, "Re-Imagine Nursing Innovation," wasn't just a tagline—it encapsulated workplace innovations and strategies for personal well-being. Our discussions zeroed in on managing aggressive patient situations, coping with moral distress, and promoting nurses' well-being—cornerstones for a healthier nursing environment.
We explored techniques for addressing aggressive patient encounters, enhancing workplace safety, and boosting nurses' quality of life. Managing stress and confrontational scenarios isn't just about safety; it's about creating a stress-free workplace for happier, more fulfilled nursing professionals. The conference dedicated time to resilience and coping strategies, directly impacting work satisfaction, and creating a supportive environment conducive to well-being.
The significance of these discussions can't be overstated. They directly affect workplace behaviors and emotional well-being, which, in turn, indirectly impact our ability to stay physically active, well-rested, and maintain good nutrition. Small changes in practices can lead to huge positive impacts on mental health and safety for us nurses.
Reimagining healthier work environments is a direct path to better quality of life and safety. It's a domino effect—reducing stress, resolving conflicts, and ultimately promoting well-being. Imagine a workplace that encourages not only professional growth but also active lifestyles, better rest, and healthier eating habits. It's a game-changer!
Beyond education, the TNA conference offered valuable networking opportunities for nurses across the state. Recognizing the crucial role, we play in advocacy and improving nursing practice, we explored avenues to assess and enhance our profession's heartbeat. Self-care emerged as a vital yet often overlooked factor that can significantly improve outcomes for patients and our profession.
Let's talk about the fuel that kept us going—the food! The conference organizers really outdid themselves with a spread that wasn't just delicious but also packed with the goodness we need to power through our busy nurse lives. From fresh fruits to unprocessed proteins and veggies, they had us covered. And yes, there was a bit of dessert because we deserve a sweet treat too, right?
Now, drumroll, please—the money raised for the Tennessee Nurses Foundation (TNF). This year, our annual auction went digital, and guess what? We collectively raised a jaw-dropping $4,209.36! That's no small change. With this cash, the TNF can keep doing its incredible work, promoting our professional image, supporting education, fostering leadership, encouraging research, and backing our health and wellness initiatives.
And speaking of teamwork, we also welcomed new faces to our Board of Directors. A big shoutout to those who stepped up to be our new secretary, director of government affairs, president, director of operations, and director of practice. With this powerhouse team, we're set to make waves and advocate for all Tennessee nurses.
(Left to Right: Julie Steed- Chair, Nominating Committee, Cindy McCoy-Nominating Committee, T. Ray Coe- President, Kendrea Todt- Nominating Committee, Mark Miller-Director of Government Affairs; Center Stage (Kirk Lawson CEO) Christie Manasco- Director of Education, Marilyn Smith- Director of Operations, Loretta Bond-Vice President, and Juile Hamm-Immediate Past President).
But wait, there's more—awards galore! Our TNA Leadership Awards were a highlight. We took a moment to celebrate our outstanding colleagues, mentors, and peers who've gone above and beyond. From the Nurse Excellence Award to the Professional Promise Award, each recognition showcased the incredible talents within our nursing community. A special shoutout to our district for bagging the President’s Membership Recognition—way to go, team! This recognition is given to the president of the TNA District Association achieving the largest number of new members and the District with the largest percentage of growth.
Want to keep up with us? Follow TNAD3MusicCityDistrict on Facebook and check out TNA District 3 for virtual events. This conference was a beacon of hope—a collective commitment to reimagining, reinventing, and reaffirming the well-being of every nurse. A true testament to the strength, dedication, and excellence within our nursing community. We're already counting down the days until the next one!
As we reflect on the conference, let's acknowledge our role in this ongoing narrative. Every nurse, practitioner, and advocate contribute to positive change. By integrating the lessons from this conference into our daily lives, we become catalysts for a healthier, more sustainable future for nursing.
In conclusion, the 2023 TNA Annual Conference wasn't just an event; it was a rallying point. It beckoned us to reimagine, reinvent, and reaffirm our commitment to the well-being of our fellow nurses. So, let's carry this momentum forward, inspiring a culture of well-being, advocacy, and innovation within the nursing community.
What does your organization do to promote nurse wellness? Share with us in our discussion.
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Champion Spotlight
11/27/2023 8:12am CST
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