The Breakthrough to Nursing (BTN) Project monthly award is to encourage students to participate in service projects in their school, state and in the community. These awards are in addition to the traditional BTN Awards presented at the Annual Convention. The BTN Committee goal is to increase BTN involvement as well as to increase social media to promote BTN.

Monthly awards are from September 2024 to March 2025 in the amount of $100 each will be made to the winning school or state chapter. Please provide a proposal, project or EBP essay. You may submit a photo and social media project addressing the following themes:

 Monthly Themes for 2024-2025 

September: Enhancing Belonging and Inclusion for Hispanic Nurses in Healthcare Settings

• Representation and Recruitment: Discuss the current statistics of Hispanic nurses in the workforce and strategies to increase their numbers.
• Cultural Competency Training: Highlight the importance of cultural competency in nursing education and ongoing professional development.
• Support Systems and Mentorship: Explore the role of mentorship programs and support networks in fostering a sense of belonging among Hispanic nurses.
• Barriers to Advancement: Identify common barriers Hispanic nurses face in career advancement and propose solutions to overcome these challenges.
• Impact on Patient Care: Examine how increasing diversity and inclusion among nursing staff can improve patient outcomes, particularly in Hispanic communities.

Deadline October 15th

October: Implementing Comprehensive Support Systems for Nurses with Chronic Illnesses in the Workplace

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Discuss the importance of flexible scheduling, remote work options, and part-time opportunities to accommodate nurses’ health needs.
• Workplace Accommodations: Explore necessary adjustments such as ergonomic equipment, modified duties, and accessible facilities.
• Mental Health Support: Highlight the significance of providing mental health resources, counseling services, and stress management programs.
• Health and Wellness Programs: Examine the role of wellness initiatives, including chronic disease management programs, fitness incentives, and nutritional guidance.

Deadline November 15th

November: Enhancing Belonging and Inclusion for Native American Nurses in Healthcare Settings

• Cultural Competency in Nursing: Discuss the importance of cultural competency in nursing and how understanding Native American traditions and values can improve patient care.
  Historical Perspectives: Write about the historical challenges Native Americans have faced in accessing healthcare and how these challenges have shaped their current health outcomes.
  Representation in Nursing: Explore the significance of increasing Native American representation in the nursing profession and the impact it can have on healthcare delivery in Native communities.
  Traditional Healing Practices: Compare and contrast traditional Native American healing practices with modern medical practices. How can nurses integrate these practices into patient care?
  Community Outreach: Write about the role of nurses in community outreach programs aimed at improving health outcomes in Native American populations.
  Education and Training: Discuss the importance of including Native American history and cultural practices in nursing education and training programs.

These prompts can help highlight the unique contributions and challenges of Native Americans in the nursing field, fostering a more inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare environment. 

Deadline December 15th

December: If you had one wish…

With the holidays upon us, I want to look back at part of the platform on which I ran for the BTN Director position. At “Meet the Candidates” night before elections were held, I asked those who stopped by my table to tell me what they would like to see from the BTN Director as it relates to DEIBA activities and education. For the month of December, I am asking for prepared responses to the below:

• What are your hopes or wishes for our DEIBA initiatives as part of NSNA or your local SNA Chapter?
• How do you envision NSNA or your local SNA Chapter DEIBA efforts making a difference?
• What specific actions would you like to see NSNA take to improve diversity and inclusion?
• Do you have any suggestions for how NSNA can enhance our DEIBA efforts?
• What are some ways we can ensure NSNA DEIBA initiatives are effective and meaningful?

Deadline January 15th

January: Enhancing Belonging and Inclusion for Neurodivergent Nurses in Healthcare Settings

Cultural Competency in Nursing: Discuss the importance of cultural competency in nursing and how understanding neurodivergent traits and needs can improve patient care. Highlight strategies for creating an inclusive environment that respects and values neurodiversity.

Representation in Nursing: Explore the significance of increasing neurodivergent representation in the nursing profession and the impact it can have on healthcare delivery. Discuss how neurodivergent nurses can bring unique perspectives and skills to patient care.

Integrating Neurodivergent Strengths: Compare and contrast the strengths and challenges of neurodivergent nurses with those of their neurotypical peers. How can healthcare settings leverage the unique problem-solving abilities and perspectives of neurodivergent nurses to enhance patient care?

Community Outreach: Write about the role of neurodivergent nurses in community outreach programs aimed at improving health outcomes for neurodivergent populations. Discuss how these nurses can serve as advocates and role models within their communities.

Education and Training: Discuss the importance of including neurodiversity awareness and accommodations in nursing education and training programs. Highlight how such inclusion can prepare future nurses to work effectively with neurodivergent colleagues and patients.

Deadline February 15th

February: Addressing Racism in Nursing: Creating a More Inclusive and Equitable Healthcare Environment

Education and Training: Many nursing organizations are implementing comprehensive training programs to educate staff about the roots of racism and how to combat it effectively. How has your school implemented training/education about the roots of racism and how to combat it effectively?

Policy Changes: Institutions are revising policies to ensure they promote diversity and inclusion. This includes evaluating hiring practices, promotion criteria, and workplace culture. What changes in policy have been made at your institution to address racism in hiring practices, promotions and workplace culture?

Support Systems: Establishing support networks for nurses who experience racism can provide a safe space for them to share their experiences and seek help. Discuss a personal experience you have had and what support systems were available to you.

Research and Data Collection: Conducting surveys and research to understand the extent of racism in nursing helps in creating targeted interventions. Do you believe surveys are effective ways to obtain information regarding racism in nursing?

Deadline March 15th

March: As the conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) continues to evolve, it remains crucial for us to stand united in supporting these values within our profession

Please identify how your local/state chapter will continue advancing the following:

 ·        Advocate for DEI Initiatives

·         Educate and Raise Awareness

·         Support your Peers

·         Engage in Community Outreach

·         Collaborate and Share Ideas

Deadline March 28th