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A look back: 2010 Biennial Conference, Oct. 20 - 22
The first full day of the Biennial Conference began with a specialty networking breakfast for conference members that provided discussion and networking opportunities for nurses with similar interests. Following the breakfast, attendees joined in the first series of concurrent track sessions, focusing on clinical innovations, current issues and legislative advocacy. The morning concluded with meetings for NYSNA's five Practice Focus Groups, where issues of concern were discussed, and elections for officers and directors held.
Conference attendees enjoyed a keynote luncheon featuring Judith Briles’ “Stabotage!®,” a presentation that offered techniques on dealing with conflicts and destructive behavior in the workplace. Following the luncheon, the conference's first Voting Body session provided welcoming remarks from RN and Mohegan Tribal Chief Lynn Malbera, and reports and presentations from NYSNA President Karen A. Ballard and CEO Tina Gerardi. Executive Secretary for the State Board for Nursing Barbara Zittel presented her annual report. A Board of Directors forum addressing scheduled bylaws amendments followed, and the day concluded with a moving presentation by former board member Sister Mary Finnick on the devastation and recovery efforts in Haiti.
Friday, the final conference day, featured a gathering of all five Practice Focus Groups where issues of concern addressed during their earlier meetings were shared. A final Voting Body session was held, where four amendments to NYSNA's bylaws were the focus. Following a lively discussion and review where one amendment was indefinitely postponed, a paper ballot vote was held resulting in two amendments being defeated and one, creating a new Council of Retired Nurses, passed. Results of the 2010 Association wide election were announced, including:
Board of Directors
- Vice President: Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez
- Scretary: Mary J. Finnin
- Director at Large: Anne Bove
- Director at Large: Sam Caquias
- Director at Large: Shirley Hunter
- Director at Large: Elizabeth Mahoney
Nominating Committee
- Elizabeth Burderi-Anderson, Chair
- Margaret Chase
- Phyllis Collins
- Patricia Leo Holloman
- Frederick H. Osborne
The conference concluded with a final series of concurrent track sessions for attendees, who were encouraged and invited to join the Association for 2011's annual convention, to be held September 22 - 25 in Niagara Falls, NY.
Images: 2010 Biennial Conference
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Photography: Mark Genovese, Robin Wood
Highlights: Wednesday, Oct. 20
Sessions for members of NYSNA collective bargaining units comprised “Labor Day,” the first day of the 2010 Biennial Conference, including meetings for the Congress of Bargaining Unit Leaders and Delegate Assembly, and a plenary speaker who shared new ways to think about managing change.
- The Congress of Bargaining Unit Leaders, which includes the chairs or presidents of each of NYSNA’s local bargaining units, conducted an early morning business meeting, followed by a discussion on participatory democracy from speaker Patricia Moccia. Elections were held and Susan Casadone, RN, was re-elected as president, with Virginia Meyers, RN, elected vice president.
- The Labor Day Unity Brunch was an opportunity for LBU members to network and reconnect with colleagues. Veronica Richardson, RNC, received the Delegate Assembly Award, and the gathering enjoyed a presentation from Denise Danna, president of Louisiana State Nurses Association, focusing on lessons learned in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
- During its afternoon meeting, the Delegate Assembly heard a presentation from Michael Loughran and Robin Burroughs on managing professional liability risks.
- At the Conference's opening plenary session, an appreciative audience enjoyed author Kathy Dempsey's address on the concept of “shedding” to embrace change in the healthcare environment.
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.