BNA Column - 3rd Quarter 2024

The Baromedical Nurses Association held its general meeting at the UHMS Annual Scientific Meeting in New Orleans in June 2024. The BNA luncheon was well attended, and many joined virtually. Shannon Holland, vice president; Toia Whitacker Picket Jr., director at large; and Tyler Kennet, BNACB, were announced as new members of the BNA board and BNACB (Baromedical Nurses Association Certification Board).

 
The BNA presidential gavel was passed from Dana Winn to Heather Wheaton.

The BNA accepts nominations for its four awards throughout the year, and the winners are announced during the general meeting. The Rising Star Award is presented to a nurse in hyperbaric nursing for less than five years and demonstrates leadership qualities and problem-solving. This year, Susan Baker, APRN at Nebraska Medicine, received the Rising Star Award. Susan is an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner. She consistently goes the extra mile for patients, such as coming in on a day off to help a concerned patient with his first treatment. She provides excellent, compassionate orientation for patients. She is always helpful in meeting the department's needs by working extra and helping the staff with the day-to-day tasks to ensure smooth operations.

Susan Baker received the Rising Star Award from Dana Winn, BNA President at ASM.

The Circle of Excellence Award is provided to a non-nurse who exemplifies extraordinary mentoring and/or professional support to promote the mission and vision of hyperbaric nursing. Tonya Manning of Duke received the Circle of Excellence Award. She is the administrative assistant at Duke Hyperbarics and is responsible for scheduling patients, medical students, and visiting physicians in HBO. She is knowledgeable and experienced in maintaining superior relationships with all the patients and staff. She is an extraordinary mentor and supporter of promoting the vision and mission of HBO nursing at Duke. She is always available to answer questions, even after hours or on vacation.

The Diane Norkool Award was created to honor Diane Norkool and her advancements in nursing through her leadership, research contributions, and educational efforts. Individuals eligible for this award must currently serve in hyperbaric nursing or significantly contribute to the field. They must have been a member of the BNA for at least two years.  Kevin Kraft (previous BNA President and Past President) of Duke received the Diane Norkool Award. Kevin is the nurse manager at Duke Hyperbarics and serves on the UHMS Safety Committee. He is involved in HBO research at Duke and has been a presenter for BNA webinars, UHMS meetings, and local events.  Kevin has also served as the BNA President and Past President.

The Laura Josefsen Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who has been a member of the BNA for at least ten years, has served on the BNA Board or Committee, and maintains a hyperbaric nursing certification.

This year’s winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award is Annette Gwilliam. She served on the BNA board for many years as President and Sponsorship Chair. She is an extraordinary leader who made the BNA a prosperous and stable entity. She is a frequent presenter at UHMS meetings and Hyperbaric Nurses Day. She is a mentor and encourages nurses to be involved in professional organizations. As the BNA president, she developed programs and ideas to promote HBO nursing recruitment and retention.