GVNA News & Views - Fall 2023

In the newsletter:

• President's Message
• Cracking the Code on Healthcare
• Follow Us on Social Media!
• Legislative Committee Report: GVNA's 40th Annual Legislative Reception
• GVNA Wants YOU!
  
• Members in the News - Mel Callan
  
• In Memorium - Rosa Wims

President's Message - Alison Simpson

Happy fall! My name is Alison Simpson and I am starting my term as GVNA president. A little background - I am an assistant professor at St. John Fisher University. My background is in women’s health and I have worked as an RN and WHNP in multiple states over the past several years. I am excited to be serving in this new role at GVNA and look forward to working with other GVNA members as well as nurses in the surrounding area to continue to discuss important issues pertaining to the profession.

As published in our website, GVNA was excited to be collaborating with other organizations this fall to offer an exciting educational opportunity. “Cracking the Code on Healthcare” was held on Thursday, October 5th from 7:30-11:30. Nurses were invited to stay for lunch and conversation with Marilyn Dollinger and one of the event speakers, Dr. Pamela Cipriano.

GVNA is always looking to increase membership so please reach out to fellow nurses and encourage them to join. Greater numbers translate to greater impact. Please continue to access the GVNA website as there are always continuing education opportunities, job postings, and announcements.

Hope you have a wonderful fall and enjoy all the season brings. I look forward to meeting many of you in my new role.

- Alison

Cracking the Code on Healthcare

The Northstar Network, a locally based consulting firm whose focus is on partnering with community stakeholders to improve healthcare in our region, presented "Cracking the Code on Healthcare" on October 5.  The morning session "Beyond our Backyard- An International View of Nursing and Healthcare Delivery" featured two speakers.

Kedar Mate, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). Dr. Mate spoke about the work of the IHI to continuously improve healthcare worldwide through an emphasis on equity, safety and effectiveness, and resilience. By viewing healthcare as a service, not a product, Dr. Mate encouraged healthcare professionals to "co-produce" healthcare along with our patients and clients to improve problems at the front line and thus create more "health."

Following Dr. Mate was Pamela Cipriano, PhD, RN, FAAN, President International Council of Nurses (ICN). Dr. Cipriano spoke about the future of nursing and nursing's role in addressing the many global challenges facing health care providers. She stressed that healthcare is a human right and the threats to global health security  are not contained by borders. Nurses, of course, have a crucial role to play as the lynch pin in achieving sustainable health goals for all populations.

The afternoon session featured Dr. Sarah Lackey, the Nursing Excellence and Retention Leader at Cone Health in North Carolina. Dr. Lackey spoke about Cone Health's innovative (and evidence based) project to improve staff satisfaction and nurse retention. Lastly, a panel of local nurse leaders spoke about projects in their workplaces to improve patient care and staff satisfaction.

Each year, CORNO, the Coalition of Registered Nursing Organizations, presents a fall program for nurses and healthcare providers such as "Cracking the Code." But GVNA also strives to present educational programs for nurses throughout the year, so watch our website and social media for upcoming announcements. If you have ideas for future programming, please Contact us.

Follow Us on Social Media!

Did you know that GVNA is on Facebook? You can find (and follow) us here, or through the link at the bottom of the webpage.

Save the Date! GVNA's 40th Annual Legislative Reception

The Genesee Valley Nurses Association’s 40th Annual Legislative Reception will be held on Thursday evening, February 22, 2024.  This is a great opportunity for nurses to interact with local elected officials and/or their staffs. Mark your calendar for this unique opportunity to find out more about different legislators' positions on the challenges facing today's healthcare environment. More information will be posted on the GVNA website and social media.

GVNA Wants YOU! - Become Involved in Your Professional Organization

GVNA has openings on its Board of Directors for nurses who want to make a difference in our profession through our local professional nursing organization. Currently, we are looking for a Secretary and Program Director. The Board meets monthly, September through June. For more information about these opportunities, please contact GVNA here, or through the link at the bottom of the webpage. 

Members in the News - Mel Callan

Mel Callan has been a member of GVNA for almost 50 years. In addition to being a founding member of the Legislative Committee, Mel is a past-president of GVNA and is an active member of ANA-NY. Many of you know her from her work as a nurse practitioner at Highland Family Medicine and/or her many volunteer activities in Monroe County. And now,  Mel is running to serve as a Monroe County Legislator, representing Penfield. More information about Mel and her campaign, can be found on her website https://www.melcallan.com/.

In Memorium - Rosa Wims

GVNA would like to note the passing of Rosa Wims, LPN, a pioneer in Rochester nursing. Ms. Wims died on September 23 at the age of 100. Among her many accomplishments were:

• Becoming one of the first Black LPNs at Rochester General Hospital
• Founding the Faith Community Health Awareness Center (later renamed the Rosa Wims Family Wellness Center)
• Serving on the Board of Directors for Foodlink.

To honor her legacy, in 2022, Rochester Regional Health created The Rosa W. Wims, LPN, Scholarship Fund "...to support the education, training, and certification of nursing students in efforts to promote a diversified and inclusive workforce throughout the Rochester Regional Health System."

More information on the incredible life and legacy of Ms. Wims can be found on the Democratic & Chronicle website.