Princeton, MN 55371current resident or
Index President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 A Calling to Serve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 An Introduction to New SDNA GRC Chair Ashley-Kingdon Reese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2020 SDNA Annual Business Meeting . . . . . . . . . 5 South Dakota Nurses Association Honors 2020 Award Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Mount Marty University Names Stephanie Faulhaber Mother Jerome Schmitt Scholar . . . . . 5
Nurses Day at the Legislature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 District News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 South Dakota Nurses Association Health Policy Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Staying Up to Date/Contacting Your Legislators . . .9 Membership Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Welcome New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 SDNA 2020-2021 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . 11
Vol. 11 • Number 4 NOVEMBER 2020
South Dakota NURSE
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA NURSES ASSOCIATION Quarterly publication distributed to approximately 16,450 Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses in South Dakota
South Dakota Nurses Association Elects New Leadership
The South Dakota Nurses Association elected RN leaders to be a mentor, an advocate, and actively involved in shaping the future of the nursing profession .
The SDNA is excited to announce that the following members have been elected . Election results were announced during the association’s 2020 Business Meeting, held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Secretary
Government Relations Committee Chair
Stacy Eden – District 10
Ashley Kingdon-Reese – District 5
Carol Stewart – District 11
Karin Emery – District 10
Page 2 South Dakota Nurse November, December 2020, January 2021
The SOUTH DAKOTA NURSE is published quarterly every February, May, August and November by the South Dakota Nurses Association (a constituent member of the American Nurses Association) and Arthur L . Davis Publishing Agency, Inc . All rights reserved by copyright . This newspaper or parts there of must not be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publishers .
ADVERTISING For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L . Davis Publishing Agency, Inc ., PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081 . SDNA and the Arthur L . Davis Publishing Agency, Inc . reserve the right to reject any advertisement . Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement .
Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the South Dakota Nurses Association of products advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made . Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its use . SDNA and the Arthur L . Davis Publishing Agency, Inc . shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product . Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of SDNA or those of the national or local associations .
CIRCULATION, ARTICLES, LETTER TO THE EDITOR, ETC . 2020 deadlines for articles submitted to the South Dakota Nurse: January 10 – February issue, April 10 – May issue, July 10 – August issue, and October 9 – November issue .
The South Dakota Nurse accepts and encourages manuscripts or editorials . We will determine which letters and articles are printed by the availability of publication space and appropriateness of the material . We welcome signed letters of 300 words or less, typed and double spaced and articles of 1,500 words or less . All materials should be mailed to: South Dakota Nurses Association, P .O . Box 1015, Pierre, SD 57501 or e-mailed to: contactus@sdnurses . org .
The views expressed in the articles and editorials are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of SDNA .
South Dakota Nurse is the newsletter of the South Dakota Nurses Association . Direct inquiries about SDNA or this
newsletter to:
South Dakota Nurses Association PO Box 1015, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605-945-4265 Fax: 1-888-600-1232
SDNA BoArD of DirectorS
President Term: 2019-2021 Deb Fischer Clemens District 10 deb .fischerclemens@avera .org
Vice President Term: 2019-2021 Kay Foland District 1, 2, 3 Office: 605 .394 .2878 kay .foland@sdstate .edu
Secretary Term: 2020-2022 Dawn R . Warren District 2 Office: 605 .791 .6348 dawn .warren@usd .edu
Treasurer Term: 2019-2021 Christina Plemmons District 1, 2, & 3 Office: 605 .394 .5166 christina .plemmons@sdstate .edu
Government Relations Committee (GRC) Chair Term: 2020-2022 Ashley Kingdon-Reese District 5-7 Huron, SD AshleyK@IndependentHealthSD .com W: 605 .353 .4663
President, District 1-3 Term: 2020-2022 Carla Texel bctexel@msn .com
President, District 4 Term: 2018-2020 Marlys Volzke Cell: 605 .216 .0256 volzke@abe .midco .net
President, District 5-7 Elizabeth Paul Phone: 605 .216 .9154 liz .e .paul@hotmail .com
President, District 8 & 9 Term: 2019-2021 Heidi Pelzel 605 .949 .1528 heidi .pelzel@sdstate .edu
President, District 10 Term 2020-2022 Gala Woitte gwoitte@gmail .com Cell: 605-376-8639
President, District 11 Term: 2019-2021 Kathy Jorgensen Home: 267 .4260 | Cell: 660 .6763 kathy .jorgensen@usd .edu
SDNA Staff Eric Ollila Executive Director PO Box 1015 Pierre SD 57501 Phone: 271 .7708 Fax: 888 .600 .1232 contactus@sdnurses .org
Revised Feb. 2020
PreSiDeNt’S MeSSAge Registered nurses care for
the sick in hospitals, long-term care facilities and communities across South Dakota . Our minds, our hands, and our voices are essential elements of our work . Each day we witness the miracles and the failings of today’s modern healthcare . Because of what we know we are obligated, professionally, morally and ethically to work to improve that which is failing .
The “Code of Nurses” states that “the profession of nursing is represented by associations and their members and is thus responsible for articulating nursing’s values for
Deb Fischer- Clemens
SAVE the DATE! 2021 Nurses Day at the Legislature February 22-23, 2021 South Dakota State Capitol and Ramkota Hotel See page 6 for agenda and registration.
maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice by shaping social policy .” I remind you of this as we are nearing an election . Please take the time to vote!
I recently had surgery, I was so impressed with every nurse I came in contact with . Impressed by their positive attitude while wearing a mask throughout the shift . Impressed with the pride of their profession and the work they were called to do . It was the passion and drive to better the life of someone else that stood out .
Thank you to each of you for the work you do each day, I especially want to extend my thanks and gratitude to each nurse I had the honor to meet .
On a final note the planning for the Christmas at the Capital tree has gone very well . The ornaments are here and a small group of very crafty individuals are making the bows . We are set and I must say the nurse ornaments, the nightingale lamps, the brand face masks and the signage to honor the Year of the Nurse will be stunning . If you feel inclined please send a check to the SDNA, PO Box 1015 Pierre SD 57501 . The state hires the decorators as they have to get on scaffold to decorate a 30 foot tree . A couple of us are taking all the decorations to Pierre on November 17th .
Deb Fischer Clemens SDNA President
A Calling to Serve
Get away place: Boundary Waters Canoe Area (Northern Minnesota)
Tough to: Prioritize myself
Best advice received: We are never given tomorrow, so make the most of today .
M. Claire May, South Dakota Nurses Foundation Community Board Member
“My time spent working with a non- profit organization in Haiti allowed me to see the dramatic difference we can each make in this world . It was these experiences that led me to pursue a career in nursing . I obtained my BSN specifically intending to pursue my certification as a Nurse Practitioner,” remarks Tate Scotting . A 2019 South Dakota Nurses Foundation Rita H . Walsh Scholarship recipient, Scotting graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, May 2020 .
The pathway that led to this degree began at age fourteen, with Scotting’s first trip to Haiti . “Through this experience, I became aware as to how large and diverse the world that we live in is .” After high school, he completed a six- month program at a school of ministry in Toronto, Canada . As a small group outreach leader, Scotting’s worldview expanded further with travel to Finland and Northern Quebec . Upon finishing his one-year ministerial internship, Scotting returned to South Dakota . He worked with the non-profit Mission-Haiti . He transitioned from volunteer to a part-time position to a full-time team member with multiple trips to Haiti .
Since 2015, Scotting became a Certified Nursing Assistant, a Licensed Practical Nurse, a Registered Nurse, and completed the BSN . He works as an RN with Avera McKennan In-Patient Rehabilitation in Sioux Falls, SD .
Scotting explained why becoming a Nurse Practitioner is the next step on his career path . “My uncle, who recently obtained his Nurse Practitioner, has been a great mentor for me as I have pursued a career in nursing . He is tremendously passionate and dedicated to the profession . He has provided me direction and insight into my professional life countless times, and his work ethic has inspired me to continue pushing forward .”
Scotting’s professional philosophy reflects his mentoring uncle’s professional ardor . “I live passionately,
[and am not] afraid of hard work, and [choose to] leave people and places better than I found them .”
Two essential qualities for a nurse are empathy and competence . Scotting remarks, “Empathy allows a nurse to be a true patient advocate and can motive them to provide the best quality of care possible .” Additionally, he asserts that nursing professionals reflect competence in “the holistically care given to patients . Competence includes knowing when to ask questions or seek assistance .”
For Scotting, a successful day in nursing requires that “I leave my patients better than when the shift started . Some days that means solving a problem . Other days it means having a meaningful conversation [with the patient] .” One thing about the nursing practice that never changes is the constant need to change and adapt . “Change is inevitable in nursing, and things just go more smoothly when we learn to embrace that change .”
Scotting’s advice to new nursing students is simple . “Always prioritize your patient, you are their advocate . If you are thinking about it, do it!” His nursing career favorite memories are seeing patients return to the unit
to thank the staff and share their improvements since discharge .
In September 2017, Scotting enlisted in the South Dakota Air National Guard (SDANG) . “Within the SDANG, I serve in Munitions Systems . Although my role with the guard does not currently utilize my nursing background, I have grown tremendously in my leadership abilities .”
Scotting and his wife Amanda live in Sioux Falls, SD . They also have Nova, a yellow lab/English mastiff mix . “We are expecting our first child this November 28 and are very excited to meet our little one .” The couple along with Nova enjoy camping, backpacking, and hiking .
“When possible, I enjoy getting away to the mountains or places of solitude .”
Long-term, Scotting and his wife envision themselves utilizing their gifts and talents to serve others . “I see myself with many service opportunities . I may be serving patients stateside . It could be serving those less fortunate in another country such as Haiti . The Air National Guard opens the door to serve and protect my country .”
For those who seek financial assistance with your educational studies, the SDNF awards scholarships to nurses who reflect the foundation’s purposes of education, research, and service . Scotting offers, “Even if you don’t receive a scholarship, the personal reflection required in completing the application is always valuable . And you might walk away with some extra money!” Find details at https://sdnursesassociation .nursingnetwork .com/ page/72431-south-dakota-nurses-foundation .
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Page 4 South Dakota Nurse November, December 2020, January 2021
An Introduction to New SDNA GRC Chair
Ashley-Kingdon Reese Hello, my fellow Dakota nurses! My name is Ashley
Kingdon-Reese, and I have the distinct honor of being the South Dakota Nurses Association’s newly elected Government Relations Committee Chair (GRC) . I was asked to take a moment to introduce myself and motivation for this role, and it’s truly my pleasure .
First and  foremost, I want to thank Carrie Clausen Hansen, who served as SDNA GRC Chair over the last eight years, for motivating me to seek the role of GRC Chair . Carrie’s efforts and advocacy for all fields of nursing are unparalleled . She worked tirelessly to give a voice to the unheard populations that we as nurses serve . In fact, it was one of her “typical statements” (as she calls it) regarding politics that sparked my interest to run for the GRC Chair . 
Carrie so eloquently stated, “You may not like politics and want someone else to be involved instead of you, but EVERY year, legislators in Pierre and Washington DC, who are not nurses, make decisions that impact nurses, their patients and their workplace . Make sure they have as much information as possible to convince them to make the RIGHT decision . You have a critical voice . Please use it .” It is my honor and privilege to make sure your voice is heard .
Carrie’s  impact and legacy will continue far beyond this generation of nurses . I have formally requested that Carrie become my mentor so that I may gain from her expertise in order to perform my due diligence in this position .
I am excited to learn from the leaders involved with SDNA and the GRC; we are blessed to have such a team with diverse backgrounds and specialties . I welcome conversations and collaboration from all nurses and truly hope to hear from you regularly . 
My nursing experience includes home health, long-term care, occupational medicine, case management, memory care, behavioral health, professional development, entrepreneurial nursing, Telehealth, chronic disease, Legal Nurse consulting, and most recently SANE .
My mission in the GRC is to represent our profession on legislative issues while upholding our SDNA Cultural Covenant . I have witnessed firsthand nurses solve social, economic, political, and global predicaments by applying the nursing process and upholding their oath to care without discrimination . It is crucial we continue to do this, and the future of both our profession and our patients depends on it .
Entrepreneurial Nursing is not limited to business opportunities and economic growth, but rather to our practice as a whole . It is incumbent on us to innovate better care models as we continue to recognize our past, to move through the present, while planning for our future . I am proud to represent our South Dakota nurses so our voices are heard . 
Ashley-Kingdon Reese
Reprinted with permission from South Carolina Nurse June 2020
Travel nurses are in great demand right now, as they are helping to relieve frontline workers during COVID-19 . While health care facilities are doing everything they can to make environments safe, there are still specific risks that travel nurses are dealing with during this pandemic .
Georgia Reiner, Senior Risk Specialist, Nurses Service Organization (NSO), gave us the latest information about what’s happening with travel nurses, what the risks are, and what they can do to protect themselves .
Are hospitals throughout the country calling on travel nurses to relieve frontline workers? Is the main purpose to alleviate burnout of the frontline workers?
Travel nurses are in high-demand across the United States as hospitals work to treat surges of coronavirus (COVID-19) patients . This crisis arrived at a time when nurse staffing was already a concern due to a multitude of factors, including the growing health care demands of an aging population and nurses aging out of the workforce . Therefore, the demand for travel nurses seems to be primarily driven by a need to build up hospital capacity to handle the influx of COVID-19 patients .
Data from different staffing platforms show that throughout the pandemic, travel nurses are in highest demand in areas most impacted by the coronavirus, like New York and Washington State, and certain nursing specialties like ICU/Critical Care, ER/Trauma, and Med/Surg .
Certainly, as the pandemic continues, the sense of burnout among health care workers will intensify, and travel nurses will likely play an important role in helping to alleviate burnout .
This is a different situation for travel nurses. One risk is checking licensing in different states. What can travel nurses do to be sure that their license transfers? If it doesn’t, but frontline workers are still needed, are exceptions being made?
Before deciding to accept a job, nurses need to ensure that their licenses will allow them to practice in that state/jurisdiction . Multi-state licenses are available for nurses who meet the requirements, which include elements like background checks and education criteria . Temporary licenses are also an option—these are generally reserved for travel nurses who have accepted a job in another state and are awaiting their permanent license .
During the nationwide public health emergency due to COVID-19, some statutes and regulations regarding licensure portability may be relaxed or waived, so it is important for nurses to be aware of what the requirements are both during and following the emergency period . The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has compiled information about the nurse licensure compact and emergency action taken by states, which is a great starting place for information .
When travel nurses are thrust into an unknown situation in a hospital/medical center that isn’t familiar to them, and they are working with systems they’re not familiar with, what’s the best way for them to cope? How can they avoid burnout themselves? Please explain.
Working in a new environment is inherently stressful . Getting used to new processes, technologies, hospitals layouts, and new people can be overwhelming under normal circumstances, and can be amplified during a crisis like COVID-19 . Travel nurses should make sure to take time for self-care to preserve their mental health . This is a stressful time for everyone, so don’t be afraid to reach out to colleagues with questions and for support . Failing to make an effort to cope with these rapid changes can have a negative impact on personal wellness and patient care .
What about a nurse’s scope of practice? What can nurses do to make sure that they are acting in the scope of practice? What if the facility allows them to do more than their own state? Does their scope of practice relate to the state they’re in or the one they’re licensed in, or both?
The Risks to Travel Nurses During the Pandemic
As the COVID-19 crisis rapidly evolves, travel nurses may be given patient assignments outside of their typical practice areas and locations . When faced with situations that exceed the scope of practice for the state in which they are practicing, or the skills or knowledge required to care for patients, travel nurses, like all other nurses, should develop and implement proactive strategies to alleviate unsafe patient assignments . Nurses need to advocate for patient safety and for their nursing license by speaking up if an assignment does not fall under their scope of practice .
When the assignment is within a nurse’s scope of practice, but not within their realm of experience or training, saying “no” to the assignment could lead to dismissal . At the same time, if the nurse does not feel they are equipped to handle the assignment, they could potentially put patient safety at risk . In these scenarios, nurses should tell their supervisor that they have very limited experience in that area and should not be left in charge . The nurse should describe the task or assignment they don’t feel equipped to handle, the reason for their feelings, and the training they would need to be more confident and better prepared .
What changes have occurred during COVID-19 regarding travel nurses and the risks they face that you think should be permanent either for the near future or forever?
Currently, there are certain state and federal regulations, declarations, and orders that extend liability immunity in the fight against COVID-19 . What’s not clear at this time is the breadth and scope of these regulations and orders .
For example, it is not clear if these orders and declarations extend to all providers in all areas of service or if such immunity will be limited and specific to certain types of health care providers . Since there is lack of clarity in terms of immunity, it is prudent for nurses to not presume they have any immunity .
Further, plaintiff’s counsel can file a lawsuit, immunity or no immunity, if the plaintiff’s counsel believes the client was injured and that injury was the direct result of the nurse or other health care professional providing or failing to provide professional services . In the best-case scenario, the suit brought against the nurse will be deemed baseless and their malpractice insurer will work to get the suit dropped/dismissed .
Is there any other information that is important for our readers to know? The COVID-19 pandemic is still evolving, and there is much we still do not know
about the virus . All nurses should continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for updates and guidance to help prevent the spread of the virus and protect themselves and their patients .
This risk management information was provided by Nurses Service Organization (NSO), the nation's largest provider of nurses’ professional liability insurance coverage for over 550,000 nurses since 1976 . SCNA endorses the individual professional liability insurance policy administered through NSO and underwritten by American Casualty Company of Reading, Pennsylvania, a CNA company . Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited . For questions, send an e-mail to service@nso .com or call 1-800-247-1500 . www .nso .com .
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November, December 2020, January 2021 South Dakota Nurse Page 5
South Dakota Nurses Association Honors 2020
Award Winners The South Dakota Nurses Association recognized
nurses from across the state at its 2020 Annual Business Meeting, held virtually on Sunday, Oct . 4 . The year 2020 marked the 104th anniversary of the SDNA . The following nurses were evaluated and recognized for their exceptional service, dedication, and contributions to the nursing profession:
Rookie of the Year Award – Danielle Currier, Brookings
Distinguished Service Award – Lois Tschetter, Brookings
Joy of Nursing Award – Kay Foland, Rapid City
Pioneer in Nursing Award – Ashley Kingdon-Reese, Huron
Nurse Educator Award – Megan Hullinger, Mitchell
Nursing Practice Award – Marlys Volzke, Aberdeen
Several SDNA districts also honored a nurse from their membership for contributions to the SDNA and to the nursing profession and named them District Nurse of the Year .
District 1, 2, 3 – Jeri Culbertson, Rapid City
District 4 – Sandy Mayou
District 11 – Joanne Tieman, Yankton
Mount Marty University Names Stephanie Faulhaber Mother Jerome Schmitt Scholar
Mount Marty University announced that Stephanie Faulhaber was selected as the 2020-2021 Mother Jerome Schmitt Presidential Scholar . A nursing major from Wessington Springs, SD, Faulhaber was selected for this prestigious scholarship by demonstrating academic excellence and active participation in the Mount Marty community .
“It was uplifting in this time of negativity and doubt,” said Faulhaber on her win . “I know Shiann (Hansen) who had won this award last year . I got to hear her speak at the Presidential Banquet, and she did an outstanding job . I was thinking to myself what an honor it would be to win that scholarship and now here we are!”
Faulhaber went above and beyond during the application process, actively seeking information on Mother Jerome Schmitt, the scholarship’s namesake, before submitting her application .
“She was a person of passion and perseverance and she continued to build the chapel during the time of the Great Depression,” described Faulhaber . “I felt like I related to that by working in the healthcare field . I work in the ICU taking care of unconfirmed COVID-19 patients . That’s where I feel like I am called to be compassionate and help others in their time of need .”
Beyond working in the ICU and as a patient care technician for Avera, Faulhaber has made her mark through active participation to various programs, including track (she holds the team record for 60m hurdles), theatre, choir, student orientation, and the ambassador program . She credits her ability to balance her commitments around campus with the heavy workload of the nursing program to the support she receives from the Mount Marty community .
“What is great is that we all support each other,” she said . “No matter what sport you are in, no matter what class you are in . . . we are all rooting each other on so we can be the best version of ourselves . No matter what I do, there is no variation in the amount of support that each individual group receives .”
Now on the verge of her senior year, Faulhaber looks forward to the future - an internship at Avera McKennan hospital, prospects for her preceptorship, and her final year as a Lancer track athlete .
“The Mount Marty community is different from anything I’ve experienced before,” said Faulhaber . “You hear people say that Mounty Marty is their home away from home and it couldn’t be more true . Everybody at Mount Marty, whether they are faculty or running the register at Benny’s, is there for us and sometimes they
want us to succeed more than we want to see ourselves succeed . It’s an amazing environment to be a part of .”
The Mother Jerome Schmitt Presidential Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship granted annually to one senior student and is named after Mother Jerome, who assisted in the opening of Mounty Marty Academy in 1922 and Mount Marty Junior College in 1936 . She served as Mount Marty College’s first president from 1936-1957 and the elected prioress of Sacred Heart from 1932-1961 .
This story originally ran in the Yankton County Observer
2020 SDNA Annual Business Meeting Held Virtually
Eric Ollila, SDNA Executive Director
The severe and enduring COVID-19 pandemic we’ve battled since February 2020 led to the cancellation of our 2020 convention in Rapid City . But we still had yearly association work to do, work that could be done virtually .
It was important to recap our activities since October 2019, to certify election results, to announce annual award winners, to talk about the effects of the pandemic on the association, and to plan for the future . So we held our first virtual annual business meeting .
The meeting started pretty much on time, at 3 pm Central on Sunday, Oct . 4 . We used the Zoom platform . We had some meeting-security concerns, but Zoom put in place some security features on Sept . 27 that made us feel
more secure . In the end, we had no security issues, and nobody attended who shouldn’t have .
The largest item we tackled in the Business Meeting were some changes to our bylaws . The changes were of three kinds: 1) Changes requested by the American Nurses Association . 2) Changes requested by our Education Committee to mesh with accrediting requirements . 3) Changes requested by SDNA PAC to spell out PAC appointments . The changes were all published in South Dakota Nurse prior to the meeting for all members to review . That changes were accepted by 100% of the Business Meeting attendees .
Hopefully this was our first and last 100% virtual annual business meeting . We set our 2021 Convention for Oct . 3-4 in the Black Hills, location TBA . See you there!
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2021 Nurses Day at the Legislature Agenda Monday, February 22, 2021
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Registration Ramkota Hotel River Centre
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM Luncheon Ramkota Hotel River Centre
Welcome Overview of SDNA Political Agenda / Orientation and Advocacy Ashley Kingdon-Reese, SDNA Government Relations Chair Jennifer Stalley, SDNA Lobbyist Deb Fischer Clemens, SDNA President and GRC member   Federal Legislation and Nurses Strategic Action Team Committee (N-STAT) Update Deb Fischer-Clemens, SDNA President and GRC member
12:15 PM – 1:45 PM TBD
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM South Dakota Department of Health Update South Dakota Department of Social Services Update Ramkota Hotel River Centre
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM House and Senate Floor (all attendees) South Dakota State Capitol
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM 2021 Legislative Update Ramkota Hotel River Centre Carrie Clausen Hansen, SDNA Government Relations Chair Brittany Novotny, SDNA Lobbyist
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM Evaluations and Wrap-up
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Chili Supper with South Dakota Legislators Ramkota Hotel River Centre
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
7:45 AM – 12:00 PM (noon) Committee Hearings South Dakota State Capitol
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM Picture on the Capitol Stairs (all attendees) South Dakota State Capitol
2021 Nurses Day at the Legislature Tentative Agenda February 22-23, 2021
South Dakota State Capitol and Ramkota Hotel | Pierre, South Dakota (Virtual Attendance Option Likely)
NURSES DAY at the LEGISLATURE
Register Now! To qualify for early rates, this form below must be filled out for each attendee and
mailed by February 1.
Student/Retiree
Postmarked after February 1, 2021 Full NDL
Registration $105 .00 $128 .00 $72 .00
- Full refunds less a $25 .00 processing fee, allowed in case of major personal emergency when notice is given at least 96 hours prior to the start of the event .
- SDNA cannot be held responsible for weather-related problems . - Due to the expenses that are incurred during the planning of this event, there will be
no refunds issued if the event is cancelled for any reason including, but not limited to, bad weather, natural disaster, or acts of terrorism .
- Fees include education programs and materials, refreshments and meals as noted on the agenda .
A block of rooms will be held at the Ramkota. Telephone: (605) 224-6877
Please make your check payable to SDNA and mail to the SDNA Office with this registration form:
Name, Credentials _________________________________________________________ (Please print your name as you would like it to appear on the nametag)
Email ___________________________________________________________________
Are you a Registered Nurse? Yes No (Please circle Yes or No)
Address _________________________________________________________________
South Dakota Nurses Foundation (SDNF) is a charitable organization affiliated with SDNA to support nursing in South Dakota through education, research, and
service. Please consider supporting SDNF by “Adding Up” to your registration fee.
Registration Fee $ _________________
Total Submitted $ _________________
South Dakota Nurses Association | PO Box 1015, Pierre, SD 57501 Phone: (605) 945-4265 | Fax: (888) 600-1232
www .sdnursesassociation .org | contactus@sdnurses .org
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DiStrict NewS District 1, 2, 3 Report
Greetings from the Black Hills!
I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and in good mental health as we navigate the unknowns of COVID-19 . As you know, the 2020 SDNA Convention was cancelled but we are ramping up for the 2021 Convention, which is planned for October 3-4 next year here in the Black Hills area . More information to come as we finalize the theme, location, and speakers . Now more than ever, we want to host an event that can bring the nurses of our state together in a manner that is safe and allows for meaningful connection . It is an honor to be a nurse during this time, and I am grateful for what we bring to our patients and communities .
Respectfully, Jeri Culbertson, BSN, RN Districts 1, 2, 3 President
District 4 Report We were so excited hear the main tree in the Capitol
rotunda would be featuring “The Year of the Nurse .” District 4 will take part in decorating a “Year of the Nurse” tree for the local Christmas Tree Lane at the Dakotah Prairie Museum .
COVID has kept us from regular meetings and participating in Welcome to the Profession events .
Congratulations to those who received the 2020 Awards . A special shout out goes to Sandy Mayou, District 4 Nurse of the Year! Congratulations to Sandy for being a wonderful RN and nursing role model .
Respectfully submitted, Marlys Volzke District 4 President
District 5-7 Report As COVID continues to increase in our rural
communities, we have been unable to meet or hold meetings . Our Facebook page remains active as we post many articles and insights about healthcare today . We continue to pray for everyone affected by the pandemic, including those on the frontlines . Take care of yourself and take care of each other .
District 5-7 board members
District 8&9 Report District 8/9 continues to hold monthly meetings in
a respectfully social-distant manner . District 8/9 had
members receive awards during the annual SDNA meeting . Those receiving awards were recognized digitally . Congratulations to Danielle Currier (Rookie of the Year), Lois Tschetter (Distinguished Service), Paula Carson (District Nurse of the Year) .
The District 8/9 members continue to recruit new members . This is an activity all districts actively participate in . We acknowledge that nurses are an important voice in healthcare . As more of our nurses and advocates age, we need to encourage new membership to grow the impact of nursing across our state and region . Our online format of meeting delivery has opened up lots of opportunity for participation . Please do not hesitate meeting invites to your non-member nurse-friends and spark their interest!
Future meetings for District 8/9 will be November 9th and December 14th . Times for these meetings have been adjusted to 7pm since we are not sharing a mealtime . During the December meeting, an election of officers (President, Vice President, Secretary) for the upcoming year will occur . Officers serve a two-year term . If you are interested in a position as officer or for more information regarding meetings, please contact: Heidi Pelzel, District President @ heidi .pelzel@sdstate .edu .
Wishing you continued health and wellness this YEAR OF THE NURSE 2020 .
Heidi Pelzel, President
District 11 Report District 11 has been staying safe in this pandemic
and not having meetings or educational offerings . (I, for one, miss people—and especially nursing people!) With that, we have limited activity to describe in this report .
Several nurses that I have talked to in our district continue to make masks for clinics, hospitals, schools, etc . This has been described as helping the “cause” at this unprecedented time .
At this time, nurses and their dedication to patients are in our news every day, and we need to acknowledge their hard work, generous spirit and bravery . South Dakota nurses have had to overcome fears of the unknown when they come to work every day! They have been held in highest esteem many times but never to the extent that they are now!
Stay safe and remember that you are loved (as a person and for your profession)!
Respectfully submitted, Kathy Jorgensen, RN, MA, MSN SDNA District 11 President
South Dakota Nurses Foundation Seeks Volunteers for New Board Positions
The South Dakota Nurses Foundation is expanding its board membership to keep up with growth in its fundraising efforts . The SDNF Board of Directors recently voted to create two new volunteer board positions with duties designated to assist
with activities related to SDNF’s 20th anniversary fundraising efforts .
The positions are open to SDNA members as well as non-nurse public consumers who wish to contribute in advancing SDNF’s charitable mission .
Please contact SDNF president Tom Stenvig (thomas .stenvig@sdstate .edu) if there are questions or if you are interested in serving .
Volunteers Needed! What is SERV SD? A database of pre-registered health care professionals who are ready to volunteer in the event of an emergency.
Who should volunteer? Everyone! All skill levels and experience needed.
When registering with SERV SD, you can join preparedness groups in your community.
isit us online today: SERV.SD.gov
Page 8 South Dakota Nurse November, December 2020, January 2021
South Dakota Nurses Association Health Policy Agenda This agenda reflects SDNA’s commitment to the assurance of an optimum level of
health for all citizens of South Dakota. Professional Nursing Practice
SDNA supports legislation or administrative action that:
• Establishes the South Dakota Board of Nursing as the sole regulatory authority for professional nursing practice;
• Implements SDNA’s position on education for nursing practice;
• Protects nurses from discrimination in the workplace due to age, color, creed, disability, gender, health status, lifestyle, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation;
• Protects the economic and employment rights of nurses, including their right to advocate for patients;
• Provides direct third-party reimbursement for services provided by nurses, including advanced practice nurses;
• Provides for rehabilitation of impaired health care workers;
• Places professional nurses on boards, commissions and other entities which have responsibility for health care planning and policy making;
• Provides funding for nursing education and research at basic and advanced levels;
• Facilitates recruitment and retention of an adequate and culturally diverse registered nurse workforce .
Access to Quality and Affordable Health Care
SDNA supports legislation or administrative action that:
• Provides access to quality, cost-effective health care for all South Dakotans, especially vulnerable
populations, such as children, pregnant women, older adults, impoverished persons, minorities, homeless persons, the chronically mentally ill, residents of correctional facilities, and those who lack health insurance;
• Provides access to alternative models of quality, cost-effective health care, such as community nursing centers, hospice, home care, and adult day care;
• Assures access to nursing care services and recognizes advanced practice nurses as qualified providers of primary health care services;
• Improves the coordination of healthcare delivery systems to enhance continuity of care;
• Promotes public accountability for positive health outcomes through use of appropriate quality indicators;
• Provides incentives for cost containment in health care without compromising quality or access .
Public Health
• Assures public health and safety
• Strengthens the public health infrastructure;
• Sustains and promotes access to effective public health services (e .g ., school health centers, sexually transmitted infection clinics, and community mental health providers);
• Assures availability of essential health services for all South Dakota citizens;
• Provides for resources to promote a healthy society;
• Provides adequate funding for programs aimed at health promotion and prevention of disease/disability for people in all stages of life;
• Assures adequate prevention, preparedness and response to natural, biological and chemical disasters and to acts of terrorism;
• Initiates measures to reduce or eliminate violent crimes .
Occupational and Environmental Health
• Assures workplace safety;
• Protects employees, including those in health professions, from health hazards encountered in employment settings, including the establishment of ergonomic standards
• Sets and enforces standards for the protection of the environment
Human Rights
SDNA supports legislation or administrative action that:
• Supports the basic rights of all people for equity under the law regardless of race, creed, color, gender, age, disability, lifestyle, religion, health status, nationality, or sexual orientation;
• Protects the privacy rights of patients in all health settings;
• Assures provision of health care information to consumers to facilitate informed choice in health care .
Revised: 10/2005
Adopted by the Board of Directors, 10/2007
To access electronic copies of the South Dakota Nurse,
please visit
http://www.nursingald.com/ publications
November, December 2020, January 2021 South Dakota Nurse Page 9
SDNA PAC Makes 2020 Legislative Candidate
Financial Commitments The South Dakota Nurses Association Political
Action Committee is pleased to announce their financial support of the following 2020 South Dakota Legislative candidates . All financially supported candidates are nurses:
Rep . Jean Hunhoff
Candidate Taylor Rehfeldt
Candidate Erin Tobin
Candidate Sydney Davis
Internet South Dakota’s legislative session has its own website,
House and Senate sessions are broadcast live, and all committee hearings are broadcast via Internet .
State of South Dakota Home Page: http://sd .gov Legislative Research Council: http://legis .state .
sd .us – Has all the legislators, full bill lists and reports, committee hearings, committee hearing minutes, email to your legislators, bill status, lobbyist, and hearing dates in committees or debate on the floor .
Email (Fastest way to reach them: All legislators have their
own laptop computer .) Go to: http://legis .state .sd .us . Click on Legislators . Find
your legislator(s) . Click on email legislator .
• Make reference to the number of the bill HB or SB ### and its title .
• Ask for support or opposition to the bill .
• Provide brief and specific information to your reason .
• Include your name, RN, phone number and email address.
Letters • First sentence of the letter: Bill number HB or SB
###, title and request for support or opposition .
• Keep your supporting information brief and concise .
• Avoid the use of form letters .
• If you have printed material that may assist in making your point, mail it with the letter .
• Always include your name, RN, address and phone number.
• Letters and postcards may be sent to the legislator’s home .
• The mailing addresses of legislators in Pierre are:
The Honorable [Representative’s name] 500 East Capitol Pierre, SD 5750
or
The Honorable [Senator’s name] 500 East Capitol Pierre, SD 5750
Phone Calls
• Legislators are best reached when they are home for the weekend . Do not worry about disturbing their “off” time . It’s their job to listen to you and they expect calls .
• Identify yourself and the bill you are supporting and opposing .
• If you sent a letter or a postcard, ask if they received it and if there are any questions .
• Ask if you can count on their support . Do not let them hedge .
• ALWAYS thank them for listening to your opinion .
• If you are unable to call them at home, you can call them at the Capitol Building and leave a message asking them to support/oppose HB or SB ### . The
Senate Lobby number is 605-773-3821 and the House Lobby number is 605-773-3851 . A page will take the information and deliver the message to your legislator .
Cracker Barrel Sessions • Local cracker barrel sessions are an effective way to
receive and provide information to your Legislators . Check your local newspapers for dates, times and locations .
• Legislators listen to their constituents .
Visit nursingALD.com today!
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Page 10 South Dakota Nurse November, December 2020, January 2021
PO Box 1015, Pierre, SD 57501 | P: 605.945.4265 | F: 888.600.1232 | E: contactus@sdnurses.org
*last name / first name / middle initial credentials
*street or po box # basic school of nursing home phone/
*city / state / zip graduation: month / year work phone/1jh21
employer name *r. n. license # fax/
employer address / city / state / zip e-mail
title / position major clinical, practice, or teaching area recruited by
Membership Categories please check one
FULL ANA/SDNA MEMBERSHIP RN employed full or part time
REDUCED TO 75% OF FULL ANA/SDNA MEMBERSHIP DUES (STUDENT) RN enrolled in baccalaureate, masters or doctoral program, at least nine (9) credit hours per calendar year
REDUCED TO 50% OF FULL ANA/SDNA MEMBERSHIP DUES (NEW GRADS GET A 2-YEAR RATE) RN who is unemployed - or - over 62 years of age & earning less than maximum allowed receiving Social Security benefits - or - enrolled in baccalaureate, masters or doctoral program, at least 20 credit hours per year - or - RN FIRST YEAR, WITHIN SIX (6) MONTHS AFTER GRADUATION (RECEIVES RATE FOR 2 YEARS)
REDUCED TO 25% OF FULL ANA/SDNA MEMBERSHIP DUES (RETIRED) RN who is over 62 years of age and unemployed - or - who is totally disabled
SDNA ONLY MEMBERSHIP RN employed full or part time
According to Federal tax law, you may claim 50% of your annual SDNA/ANA dues as a tax deduction. The other 50% are used in lobbying activities and are not tax deductible.
MEMBERSHIP TYPE MONTHLY (EDPP) ANNUAL FULL ANA/SDNA MEMBERSHIP $23.59 $277.00 STUDENT ANA/SDNA MEMBERSHIP $17.82 $207.75 NEW GRADS ANA/SDNA MEMBERSHIP $12.04 $138.50 RETIRED ANA/SDNA MEMBERSHIP $6.27 $69.25 SDNA ONLY MEMBERSHIP $16.04 $186.50
Payment Options FULL ANNUAL PAYMENT BY CHECK
PAY BY ELECTRONIC DUES PAYMENT PLAN (EDPP) Read, sign the authorization, and enclose a check for the first month’s payment (amount shown in bold above); one-twelfth (1/12) of your annual dues will be withdrawn from that checking account monthly, in addition to an annual $6.00 (50¢ per month) service fee (total is amount above). AUTHORIZATION: This authorizes ANA to withdraw 1/12 of my annual dues and any additional service fees from the checking account designated by the enclosed check for the first month’s payment. ANA is authorized to change the amount by giving the undersigned 30 days written notice. The undersigned may cancel this authorization upon receipt by ANA of written confirmation of termination 20 days prior to the deduction date as designated above. ANA will charge a $5.00 fee for return drafts. SIGNATURE FOR EDPP AUTHORIZATION:
PAY BY CREDIT CARD ____ Full annual payment—automatic annual credit card payment (automatic renewal) ___ _ Monthly payment from credit card ____ Full annual payment---one year only
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Visa/MasterCard _______ Expiration date
Reprinted with permission from Louisiana State Nurses Association Pelican News July 2020 Issue
The need to provide healthcare during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has placed nurses on the frontlines to care for those who have been diagnosed with this illness . Due to the need to mitigate the spread of the virus, nurses on the frontlines have faced unprecedented measures as it pertains to providing care . Nurses are known to wear many hats, but this pandemic has shined the light into numerous situations and conditions that extended this even further . The stressful stories and interviews of nurses showing extreme courage at the bedside of their patients with COVID-19 have been witnessed by all . It is no secret that in addition to their role of staff nurse, other roles have included standing in for families who couldn’t be at the bedside with loved ones, praying for patients, holding their hands during the scariest of times and being with them during the end-of life . In addition, nurses had to watch their nursing colleagues become ill due to this virus . Nursing care during the pandemic has led to a need to focus on the emotional well-being and mental health of all nurses who have experienced trauma during this time . The focus on emotional support and building resiliency will help nurses to work through such uncertain times .
Since May 1, 2017, many nurses accepted the challenge of the national movement, Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation, (HNHN) through the American Nurses Association (ANA) with a focus on transforming the health of the nation by improving the health of the nurses . HNHN focused on improving the health of nurses through the focus on five areas which included physical activity, sleep, nutrition, quality of life and safety (ANA, 2017) . As we move through this pandemic, the importance of mental health and emotional well-being of nurses is imperative and is important to continue with the HNHN national campaign . Swarbrick (2012), described the eight dimensions of wellness in recovery of mental health to include emotional, physical, occupational, financial, social, environmental, spiritual, and intellectual . Emotional well-being is described as the ability to express feelings, enjoy life, adjust to challenges, respond, cope with stress and traumatic life experiences (Swarbrick, 2012) . Therefore, as it stands there is no physical health without mental health such that complete wellness and optimal health must include addressing emotional well-being .
In response to this global pandemic, the Well- Being Initiative was created as a resource to support the mental health and resiliency of nurses . American Nurses Association (ANA), American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), American Nurses Foundation, American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) and the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) have partnered to create a virtual platform for nurses to support nurses . In addition to virtual support systems, this initiative includes resources and tool kits to address situations that involve working through COVID-19 .
Nurses Together Connecting Through Conversations is a virtual platform of the Well-Being Initiative, that
Focusing on the Mental Health of
Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic
allows for peer-to-peer conversations to share, ask questions and obtain support through Zoom meetings . This resource is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week . Nurses interested in emotional support can register for sessions through Sign Up Genius and join the virtual conversation at https://www .signupgenius .com/go/nursestogether
Nurses with an interest in volunteering as a facilitator or co-facilitator can register through Sign-Up Genius at https://www .signupgenius .com/go/nursestogethervolunteers
Another resource is the Happy App Warm Lines, a virtual support system, that offers an outlet for nurses in need of speaking with someone in confidence after a challenging shift .
Nurses can download the smart phone app for 24/7 use to speak with a Support Giver team member who is trained to help nurses through stressful thoughts and rebuild resilience .
The app to access Happy, can be downloaded at https://gethappy .app .link/ANA or visit the website https://gethappy .app .link/happyANA . Nurses have access to their first call at no cost through a grant from American Nurses Foundation . As these valuable resources have become available to nurses, let’s continue to do our part here in Louisiana by checking on our nursing colleagues often and offering emotional support when needed .
References American Nurses Association (ANA) . Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation . Retrieved May 30, 2020, from
https://www .nursingworld .org/practice-policy/hnhn/ American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) . Well-Being Initiative . Retrieved May 21, 2020,
from https://www .apna .org/i4a/pages/index .cfm?pageid=6696 Swarbrick, M . (2012) . A wellness approach to mental health recovery . In Recovery of People with
Mental Illness: Philosophical and Related Perspectives . Abraham Rudnick,(ed) . Oxford Press .
welcoMe New Members
District 1, 2 & 3 Allyson Stromer Tina Belisle Clay Schweitzer Susie Venohr John Fernau Kate Schmidt
District 4 Ella Richards
District 5-7 Ashleigh Arens
Blake Barton Kathy Knitig
District 10 Bryan Wermers Tyler Parmley Ashley Feltman Nicole Huwe Rebecca Baird Shannon Machmiller Heather Murray Carrie Anderson Elaine Ensz Jenna Blake Beth Carlson
SDNF Donors A special “Thank you!” to the following individuals
who have donated to the South Dakota Nurses Foundation since January 1, 2020. The great
support is appreciated!
Joseph & Mary Edelen
Cynthia Elverson MaryClaire May
Tim & Bonnie Bjork
Dr . Kay Foland
RITA H. WALSH SCHOLARSHIP FUND Dennis & Sherry Smith
SDNA 2020-2021 Calendar of Events If you have events that you want posted on the SDNA Calendar of Events,
please contact the SDNA Office at (605) 945-4265 or by email at contactus@sdnurses .org .
DECEMBER 2020 December 1 District Leadership Reporting Form Due to SDNA Office
JANUARY, 2021 January 11 SD Nurse Article Submission Deadline
January 12 96th South Dakota Legislative Session begins
FEBRUARY, 2021 February 22-23 Nurses Day at the Legislature (NDL)
February 23 SDNA Board of Directors Meeting
MARCH 2021 March 11 Last day of the 96th South Dakota Legislative Session
APRIL 2021 April 12 SD Nurse Article Submission Deadline
MAY 2021 All Month - National Nurses Month
JUNE 2021 June 18-19 2021 ANA Membership Assembly
JULY 2021 July 1 SDNA Consent to Serve Forms Due
July 12 SD Nurse Article Submission Deadline
AUGUST 2021 August 1 Awards Nominations Due
SEPTEMBER 2021 TBD ANA Lobbyist Meeting
OCTOBER 2021 October 3 SDNA Board of Directors Meeting (Rapid City)
October 3-4 SDNA Annual Convention (Rapid City)
October 11 SD Nurse Article Submission Deadline
DECEMBER 2021 December 1 District Leadership Reporting Form Due to SDNA Office
South Dakota Nurses Association