News Journal Archives

A National Standard for Precepting

Mary G. Harper, PhD, RN, NPDA-BC, FAAN Preceptors are integral to the orientation of newly licensed nurses and experienced nurses transitioning to a new patient care specialty or a new organization. Preceptors also work with nursing students, particularly near the…

A Strategic Future for FNF

Jayne Willis, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP The Florida Nurses Foundation (FNF) has long been a champion for advancing nursing and healthcare across the state of Florida. In 2025, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees has taken bold steps to reimagine and…

AI and Nursing: Advancing Innovation, Equity, and Patient Care

President’s Message Marie O. Etienne, DNP, APRN, FNP, PNP, D. Min. (h.c.), PLNC, FADNL On my way to a workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI), at my academic institution, someone stopped me by the elevator asking about my position as President…

Celebrating Nurses Week in West Central Florida

In May 2024, the Sarasota and Pasco County Boards of County Commissioners proudly recognized the invaluable contributions of nurses during Nurses Week. Both Pasco and Sarasota County held a special White Coat Assembly on May 7, 2024, where nurses gathered…

Diversity in Nursing: Building an Inclusive Future

As the population in the United States continues to change, the nursing workforce must adapt to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. According to Smiley et al. (2023), the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey categorically showed that 80%…

Equity, Equality, and Health Care

The terms “equity” and “equality” both stem from the constitutional provision of “equal protection under the law”, as well as laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race and/or gender.1 Contemporary distinctions between the two terms describe equity…

First Year(s) Transition to Practice

Anthony, a distinguished nurse, has dreams of becoming an esteemed writer. He is a former Bostonian living in Southwest Florida. A lifelong love for nursing, and a knack for teaching, will bring his vivid transparency to his writing–a perfect recipe…

FNA Legislative Report: 2025 Session

During the 2025 Florida Legislative Session, the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) focused its advocacy on two major priorities: the Protection from Surgical Smoke Bill and the 2025 Education Bill, both addressing critical issues of workplace safety and nursing education quality.…

FNA Northeast Region

We are excited to share the latest updates and achievements from our vibrant nursing community in the Northeast Region. Here is a recap of recent highlights: Nurses Day Proclamations: We are proud to announce that our efforts have resulted in…

FNA Southwest Region

Hello from the Southwest Region! We are starting to engage more as a group, but more is needed. As we all know it is election season and that means we are seeing more adversity and sometimes chaos within the political…

FNA Welcomes new East Central Region Director Melba Jamison

Melba Jamison, BSN, RNFNA is happy to introduce Melba Jamison, BSN, RN as the new East Central Region Director of the Florida Nurses Association. Melba is a passionate member of FNA and a dedicated nurse currently working in the Oncology…

FNPAC Makes Candidate Endorsements in the 2024 Florida Primary Election

FLORIDA NURSES ASSOCIATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE The Florida Nurses Political Action Committee (FNPAC) recently held interviews to endorse candidates for the 2024 election, focusing on their alignment with the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) Legislative Agenda. This agenda emphasizes issues such…

Food Insecurity Among Nursing Students: What Can Be Done?

Food insecurity is defined as “a condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food” (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2024). Food insecurity in nursing students has been reported to be higher than both the college student population and the general…

Gratitude for Service to the Foundation: George Byron Peraza-Smith

Focus on Foundation George Byron Peraza-Smith George Peraza-Smith has served many roles in his tenure with the Florida Nurses Association including President and most recently Treasurer. George has served as President of the Foundation for a second time and will…

Help Us Build Power for 2026: Support the PAC Today!

Thanks to the support of our members, the Florida Nurses PAC made a powerful impact in the last election, endorsing 9 Senators and 26 Representatives who were successfully elected and now serve in the Florida Legislature. These victories mean more…

Nurses as Advocates for Reproductive Justice

Deborah Hogan, MPH, BSN, RN The rates of maternal and infant mortality in the United States are extremely high. In a Commonwealth Fund report, the maternal mortality rate for in the United States is higher than any of the fourteen…

Seasonal Plans? Include Vaccine Protection!

We all look forward to the holiday season. Unfortunately, because the weather is colder and we are coming together inside with friends and family, there is also the possibility of exposure to contagious diseases like Flu and COVID-19. We know…

The Novice and the “Magical Nurses”

The first years of work as a nurse are critical to the development of clinical skills and expert nursing judgment. These early years serve as a foundation for building the competency, confidence, and decision-making abilities required to deliver safe and…

The Power of Kindness: A Bedside Nurse’s Role in Healing

In the whirlwind of hospital alarms, rapid responses, and medical procedures, it is easy to forget that healing is not just about science, it is also about human connection. As bedside nurses, we are more than caregivers. It is our…

Time to Say Goodbye – For Now!

Even after decertification, FNA remains committed to supporting you. John BerryDirector of Labor RelationsAt the end of the 2023 Florida Legislative Session, Governor DeSantis signed into law SB 256 and HB 1445, the “Employee Organizations Representing Public Employees” bill. These…

Unflinching Pride in Nursing while Fighting for Change

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR In this dynamic healthcare landscape, it is important to highlight the enduring contributions of the nursing profession while demonstrating a fierce pride for who we are. As a central pillar of our healthcare system, nurses…

Updates from the Florida Center for Nursing

The Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) is established to research challenges facing Florida’s nurses and develop solutions to meet those challenges. National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers Conference The Florida Center for Nursing offered several presentations at the National…