SUNCOAST ORGANIZATION OF NURSE EXECUTIVES

BYLAWS

 

ARTICLE I – NAME

 

The name of this organization is the Suncoast Organization of Nurse Executives, hereinafter referred to as “SCONE”.  SCONE serves as a chapter of the Florida Organization of Nurse Executives, hereinafter referred to as FONE.

 

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the Suncoast Organization of Nurse Executives shall be to promote health care to the surrounding communities and to advance development of effective nursing service administration in health care/nursing education facilities by:

 

1. Promoting communications among Southwest Florida nursing leadership.
   
   
2. Providing and supporting mechanisms for the exchange of health-related information and materials relative to nursing service administrators and other health care leaders.
   
   
3. Promoting communication and effective working relationships between SCONE and other Southwest Florida healthcare and nursing leaders.
   
   
4. Promoting and supporting activities, which will create interest in job opportunities and careers in nursing in our four county areas.
   
   
5. Promoting and maintaining an effective relationship with communities served by membership.
   
   
6. Promoting educational programs and activities to strengthen nursing service administration.
   
   
7. Collaborating with FONE to foster a shared mission, vision and strategic initiatives.

 

For the purpose of these Bylaws, the term health care includes hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, colleges, extended care facilities, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, ambulatory care centers, nonprofit public health agencies, home health agencies, state hospital associates, Florida State Board of Nursing, Joint Commission, and professional nursing/specialty organizations.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

 

SECTION 1 – CLASSIFICATION

1. Active/Full
2. Associates
3. Student
4. Honorary
5. Emeritus

 

SECTION 2 – ELIGIBILITY

 

All classifications of membership are limited to professional nurses currently licensed or whose licensure is pending in the State of Florida or, if employed within a Veteran’s Administration or Armed Services Hospital, currently licensed in any state.  An FONE member in good standing employed in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Charlotte Counties is a member of SCONE.

 

A & B.  Active and Associate Members

Active and Associate members are Registered Nurses holding one of the positions below:

 

1. Nurse Executive holding the highest level nursing management position in a health care institution/system/provider.
   
   
2. Nurse holding line management position with operational responsibility, including patient care management, human resources management, and fiscal and material resource management, in a health care institution/system.
   
   
3. Nurse executive holding the highest level nursing management position or specialized administrative position in the corporate and/or regional structure of health care system providing consultant or staff services to its nurse executives.
   
   
4. Positions within the health care institution/system, with specialized administrative responsibilities for nursing, without responsibility for clinical areas, directly accountable to the highest-level management position in nursing as a health care institution/system.
   
   
5. Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operation Officer.
   
   
6. Faculty of a graduate program in nursing administration, including deans and directors.
   
   
7. Executive Directors of nursing professional organizations or associations that support the practice of nursing, at the discretion of the Board.
   
   
8. Employee of the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations who reside in the State of Florida.

 

C.        Student Members

 

Student membership shall be limited to the professional nurse who is currently enrolled in a graduate program in nursing administration, healthcare administration, or related field.  Individuals eligible for active membership in SCONE/FONE may not be granted student membership.

 

D.        Honorary Members

 

1.                  Past presidents of any chapter of FONE and past chairs of CNMA, regardless of their current work position, if not eligible for full/active membership.

2.                  Former active members of any chapter of FONE who have retired from nursing while still members in good standing.

3.                  Distinguished members of the nursing profession, with approval of the SCONE Board.

 

E.         Emeritus Members

Emeritus membership is extended to those who are retired from the profession and at least 65 years of age.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

A.        Active

1.         Members shall be allowed to:
a.         Vote.
b.         Hold office.
c.         Chair and serve on committees.
d.         Attend all regular and special SCONE/FONE meetings.
e.         At a reduced rate, attend all SCONE and FONE educational meetings.
f.          Receive newsletter if published or sent via email.

 

B.        Associate

 

1.         Members shall be allowed to:
a.         Vote.
b.         Serve on committees.
c.         Attend all regular and special SCONE/FONE meetings.

d.         Receive newsletter if published or sent via email.

C.        Student

1.         Members shall be allowed to:
a.         Serve on committees.
b.         Attend all regular and special SCONE/FONE meetings.
c.         Attend all SCONE and FONE educational meetings.

d.         Receive newsletter if published or sent via email.

 

D.        Honorary

 

1.         Members shall be allowed to:
a.         Serve on committees.
b.         Attend all regular and special SCONE/FONE meetings.
c.         Attend all SCONE and FONE educational meetings.
d.         Receive newsletter if published or sent via email.
e.         Privileges at regional level as determined by chapter.

 

SECTION 3 – APPLICATION

 

An individual who has completed a formal application, met the criteria for membership, and paid the initial membership dues shall, upon approval by a majority vote of the FONE Board of Directors, become a member of SCONE/FONE.

 

SECTION 4 – CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

 

A.                 Should a member change place of employment in the same capacity to a healthcare institution/system within the State of Florida, a notice of change of address shall be submitted to the Secretary of the FONE.

B.                 Membership to the SCONE/FONE is not transferable to another person.

C.                 Should a change of employment result in a member becoming ineligible for active membership, active status shall be continued for two (2) additional years.

D.                 Should an officer’s membership status change during the term of office and should that officer continue to reside within Southwest Florida, that officer shall have the right to remain on the Board of Directors until the end of the current term in order to provide continuity and stability to the SCONE.  The Board of Directors shall, however, have the option of requiring a resignation based on any extenuating circumstances which would be in the best interest of SCONE.

 

SECTION 5 – TERMINATION AND MEMBERSHIP

 

A.                 A member in good standing may resign by sending a letter of resignation to the Secretary of FONE.

B.                 Membership shall be forfeited if annual dues are not received by March 1^st.

 

SECTION 6 – REINSTATEMENT

 

A former member of SCONE/FONE shall apply for reinstatement as a new member.

 

SECTION 7 – MEMBERSHIP DUES

 

A.                 Annual dues are payable on January 1^st.  If dues are not paid by March 1^st, the membership shall be forfeited.  Reinstatement shall require full dues for renewal of membership at any time for the remainder of the calendar year.

B.                 Changes in the dues structure shall, upon recommendation of the Board of Directors, be submitted to the members at any scheduled business meeting for approval, which shall be by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those members.

C.                 Eligible to vote present.  Notice of such recommendation shall be sent to each member with the call to the meeting.

D.                 New members may be admitted at any time during the year and shall pay full dues.  Dues paid in October, November or December shall be considered as payment of the next year’s dues.

E.                 No portion of the dues paid by any member shall be refundable due to termination of membership for any reason.

F.                  Membership cards shall be available upon receipt of dues.  The Membership Chairman will disperse at a SCONE meeting.

G.                The fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

H.                 Annual dues for the FONE shall be:
a.   Active membership: One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00).  Twenty-five dollars ($25) shall go back to the regional chapter.
b.   Associate (student) membership: Sixty Dollars ($60).
c.   Honorary membership: Sixty Dollars ($60).
d.   Affiliate membership: One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00).

 

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

 

SECTION 1 – CLASSIFICATION

The officers of SCONE shall be the President, Immediate Past-President, Vice President/President-Elect, Secretary/Historian, Treasurer, one or two directors from Sarasota/Manatee, one or two directors from DeSoto/Charlotte Counties, and Academic Liaison.  In addition, the President of SCONE shall sit on the FONE Board as a voting member.

 

NOTE:  As membership from member counties increases (to at least 10% of the total membership), the number and distribution of director positions serving on the board may be amended.

 

SECTION 2 – TERM OF OFFICE

A.         Eligibility

The eligibility requirement is active membership for at least one year immediately                         prior to nomination.  Exceptions may be made by Board approval.

 

B.         Term of Office:

The offices shall be elected by email ballot and shall be for a term of:

 

1.                  One (1) year each for President and Vice President/President-Elect. At the end of the President’s term, he/she will serve one year as Immediate-Past President.

2.                  Two (2) years for Secretary, Treasurer and Directors.

3.                  The officers shall serve until their successors are elected and assume office.

4.                  The term of office shall begin on January 1^st.

5.                  No officer shall be eligible to serve more than two (2) consecutive terms.

6.                  An officer who has served more than half a term shall be considered to have served a term in that office.

 

SECTION 3 – VACANCIES

 

A.                 If the office of President becomes vacant, the Vice President/President-Elect shall succeed to the office of President.  The Board of Directors shall appoint from the membership of the Board of Directors a Vice President pro tempore.  The Nominations Committee shall be directed to prepare a slate of eligible candidates and declare a special election.

B.                 If the office of Vice President becomes vacant, the Board of Directors shall appoint from the membership of the Board of Directors a Vice President pro tempore.  The Nominating Committee shall be directed to prepare a slate of eligible candidates and shall declare a special election.

C.                 If the office of Secretary or Treasurer shall become vacant, the Board of Directors shall appoint an eligible member of SCONE for the unexpired term.

D.                 If there is a vacancy among the elected (county) directors, the Board of Directors shall appoint an eligible member of SCONE for the unexpired term.

E.                 In the event of a vacancy in an elected office during the first six (6) months of a one-year term, the Committee on Nominations shall conduct a special election to fill that vacancy.  A slate of eligible candidates shall be presented within twenty-one (21) days from the date of vacancy of the office.  If a special meeting is required, the ballots shall be emailed with the call to the meeting as stated in ARTICLE VI, SECTION 2.

F.                  If the vacancy in an elected office occurs within the final six months of a one or two-year term, the Board of Directors shall designate an officer pro tempore during the remainder of the term and conduct a regular election.

 

SECTION 4 – DUTIES OF OFFICERS

 

The duties shall be such as are implied by their respective titles, except as otherwise stated in these Bylaws and, more specifically, shall include the following:

 

A.         The President shall:
1.         Serve as the official representative of SCONE.
2.         Appoint a Parliamentarian if deemed necessary.
3.         Appoint, with approval of the Board of Directors, Committee Chairs; with                                       the exception of the Program, Membership and Nominating Committees.

4.         Appoint special committees as directed by the Board of Directors of                                               SCONE.

5.         Appoint, with approval of the Board of Directors, an Academic Liaison.

6.         Preside at all meetings.

7.         Prepare an agenda for each meeting.

8.         Is a member of the FONE Board of Directors.

 

B.         The Vice President/President-Elect shall:
1.         Shall have been a member of the Board for the last six (6) months.
2.         Assume the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the                                              President.

3.         Forward all applications and dues to FONE.

4.         Maintains communications with FONE Administrative Assistant regarding                                      change in status of current members.  Secretary and President should                                           have current membership file.

5.         Chair the Legislation Committee.

 

C.        The Secretary/Historian shall:
1.         Send notification of all meetings.

2.         Record and preserve minutes of all meetings.

3.         Distribute copies of minutes to all Board members at least one week prior                                      to the scheduled meeting.

4.         Maintain attendance records of all meetings.

5.         Keep records of all communications of SCONE.

6.         Maintains a current list of members.

7.         File all ballots for a period of one year and consents to serve for term of                                         office.

8.         Serves as Historian.

9.         Maintains pictorial records of programs and events and maintains                                                   archives of the history of the organization.

10.       Solicits membership for information of awards and recognition achieved                                        by membership for acknowledgement through SCONE/FONE                                                       publications and for incorporation in the archives of the organization.

11.       Maintains current listing of charter members and contact addresses for                                          retirees.

12.       Prepares annual historian report summarizing activities of the                                                          organization, which is then presented at the annual meeting.

13.       Updates the web page.

 

E.         The Treasurer shall:
1.         Receive dues and all funds of SCONE; deposit such funds in the bank                                           designated by the Board of Directors; and pay such bills as have been                                           approved by the President or the Board of Directors.

2.         Keep an itemized account of all receipts and disbursements and give a                                          written report at regular meetings of the Board of Directors of SCONE.

3.         Submit all books of account for audit at the end of the Treasurer’s elected                          term and at the request of the Board.

4.         Prepare a budget to be reviewed by the Board for presentation to SCONE                                     at the annual meeting.

5.         Deliver to the newly elected Treasurer all books and bank accounts after                                       audit.

6.         Chair the Bylaws Committee.

F.         Each Director shall serve as chair or member of a standing committee.  Standing committees are:  Membership, Program, and Scholarship.

 

G.        FONE Region II representative shall be the President who:
1.         Acts as the liaison between SCONE and FONE in all matters pertaining to             both organizations.  As the conduit between organizations, this    representative provides a report to both Boards and SCONE general membership.
2.         Serves for a one-year period.

H.        The Academic Liaison:
1.         Is appointed by the President.
2.         Facilities communications with the Academic community and assumes      responsibility for the scholarship/scholarly endeavors program.

 

I.         The Immediate-Past President will serve in a capacity as advisor to the President

and President-Elect, and on committees as he/she is able.

 

ARTICLE V – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1 – COMPOSITION

 

The Board of Directors shall consist of:

A.                 President

B.                 Immediate Past-President

C.                 Vice President/President-Elect

D.                 Secretary/Historian

E.                 Treasurer

F.                  County Directors (2-4)

G.                Academic Liaison

 

SECTION 2 – DUTIES

A.         The Board of Directors shall:

1.         Have the authority to make policy decisions for SCONE between meetings.

2.         Establish rules and procedures for the Board of Directors.

3.         Review the annual budget, approve all quarterly operating statements, and                                    approve all expenses related to the organization’s business.

4.         Fill all vacancies as directed in the Bylaws.

5.         Approve all official forms.

6.         Report to SCONE at each regular meeting.

7.         Transact business by mail, email or telephone when necessary.

8.         Approve members appointed to the Nominating Committee.

9.         Review proposed amendments to Bylaws prior to written presentation to                                        membership.

10.       Reviews, approves and evaluates all educational programs.

11.       Reviews, approves and evaluates all contracted services and proof of service.

12.       Communicates with membership by newsletter and/or email.

13.       Directors (or officers) shall chair standing committees.

 

SECTION 3 – MEETINGS

 

A.                 The Board shall meet not less than four (4) times per year.  The time and place shall be determined by the Board.

B.                 Additional meetings may be called by the President or at the request of three (3) Board members.

C.                 A quorum shall consist of four (4) members of the Board of Directors.

D.                 If any member of the Board of Directors fails to attend three (3) consecutive meetings, he/she will be asked to resign from the Board.  Positions will be filled according to Article IV, Section 3, F & G.

 

ARTICLE VI – NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

 

SECTION 1 – NOMINATING COMMITTEE

A.         Composition

1.         An appointed Director shall be chair of the Nominating Committee.  The Nominating Committee will be convened yearly on an ad hoc basis. The Committee shall consist of the Chairman and four (4) members from the SCONE region.  The Chair shall appoint members on the Committee with the approval of the Board.

 

B.         Duties

The Committee shall:

1.         Prepare the election ballot containing at least one candidate for each office.
a.         In even number years:
1.         Vice President/President-Elect

2.         Treasurer

3.         One or Two Directors (DeSoto/Charlotte)

4.         One or Two Directors (Sarasota/Manatee)

b.         In odd numbered years:

1.         President-Elect

2.         Secretary

3.         One or Two Directors (Sarasota/Manatee)

4.         One or Two Directors (DeSoto/Charlotte)

c.         Nominees for President-Elect will have previously served on the Board of                                      Directors.

 

2.         The Nominating Committee shall submit a slate of candidates to the Board of                                Directors for their approval by the September Board Meeting at the latest.

 

3.         Send a call for nominations to each active member, which shall include:

a.         List of offices to be filled in the next election.

b.         Instructions as to procedure and deadline for filing names for                                                          nominations.

c.         Email confirmation of willingness to serve.

 

SECTION 2 – METHOD OF ELECTION

 

A.                 All elections shall be held by email or electronic survey balloting.

 

 

B.                 The ballot listing the name of the candidates proposed by the committee, together with their resumes, shall be emailed to each member of SCONE not less than thirty (30) days prior to their annual meeting.

C.                 The ballot shall be valid when the electronic vote is submitted.

 

D.                 The ballots shall be tabulated by a committee.  The committee shall count the electronic ballots and present the results to the general membership at the annual meeting.

E.                 In the event that a newly elected officer or board member announces their inability to serve prior to their installation, the runner-up shall be duly elected.  If there are no other candidates on the ballot, the Nominating Committee will be directed to prepare a slate of eligible candidates within twenty-one (21) days of the announcement of inability to serve.  The ballot shall then be emailed to each member and returned to the chair of the Nominating Committee within twenty-one (21) days of emailing.  The results shall then be communicated to the membership by mail or email.

F.                  If the vacancy in an elected office occurs within the final six (6) months of a one or two-year term, the Board of Directors shall designate an officer pro tempore during the remainder of the term and conduct a regular election.

 

ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS

SECTION 1 – REGULAR MEETINGS

Regular meetings shall be held at least four (4) times per year.  These will include one (1) meeting to include the installation of new officers, two (2) evening meetings with CE credit (one with legislative information).  The November meeting shall be designated as the annual meeting.  The Board of Directors shall determine the time and place for each meeting.

 

SECTION 2 – SPECIAL MEETINGS

Special meetings may be called by the President upon the approval of the majority of the Board of Directors or at the request of at least ten (10) members of SCONE.  Such meetings shall be limited to the consideration of subjects listed in the official call.

 

SECTION 3 – NOTICE OF MEETINGS

The Secretary shall notify the membership by mail or e-mail of all meetings no less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting.

 

SECTION 4 – QUORUM

A quorum shall consist of ten (10) active members present at the meeting, one of whom shall be an officer.

 

ARTICLE VIII – COMMITTEES

SECTION 1 – STANDING COMMITTEES

A.         There shall be the following standing committees which shall be chaired as                                    designated in these by-laws or otherwise by Presidential appointment.

1.         Membership

2.        Bylaws

3.         Program

4.         Nominating/Auditing

B.         The Committee Chairs shall recruit their members from the membership during                            the annual installation dinner meeting or anytime thereafter.

C.        Each committee shall consist of at least three (3) members, one of whom shall                             be a member of the Board.

D.        The President shall be a member, ex-officio, of all committees except the                                      Nominating Committee.

 

E.         All standing committees shall submit written annual reports and such interim                                  reports as necessary.

 

SECTION 2 – DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEES

A.         Nominating/Auditing Committee:
1.         See Article VI, Section 1, NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS.
2.         Audits the records of the Treasurer at the end of the Treasurer’s elected                                         term and submits a report at the respective annual meeting.
3.         The Treasurer shall not be a member of this committee.

4.         Audits the records of the Treasurer at the request of the Board.

B.                     Bylaws Committee:
1.         Review the Bylaws on a regular basis.

2.         Recommend changes necessary to meet the objectives of SCONE.

 

C.        Membership Committee:

1.         Develop programs to recruit and maintain SCONE members.

2.         Explore Benefits for the members

 

D.        Program Committee:

1.         Develop programs and activities that promote the objectives of SCONE.

2.         Submit recommendations for future programs.

 

SECTION 3 – SPECIAL COMMITTEES

A.         Special committees may be appointed by the President as authorized by the                                 Board of Directors of SCONE

 

B.         Special committees shall submit interim written reports of their activities to the                               board, if requested, and upon completion of the project shall present a final                                    written report with conclusions and recommendations.

 

 

ARTICLE IX – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

 

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the SCONE in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are consistent with these Bylaws.

 

ARTICLE X – DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION

The Sun Coast Organization of Nurse Executives is organized exclusively as a not-for-profit association.  It shall be conducted so that no part of its income or earnings will inure to the benefit of any member, director, or other individual.  Upon dissolution, the assets shall be distributed to an organization enjoying exempt status under 501 C of the Internal Revenue Code or Successor Statutory Authority.

 

ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the eligible members present and voting at any regular business meeting, provided the amendment has been reviewed by the Board of Directors and has been sent in writing to the Secretary.  A copy of the proposed amendment shall be included with the call to the meeting at which time it is to be voted.

 

 

Written 5/08

Revised 8/10