Shannon House, RN, ACHRN
BNA 2nd Qtr Article
 Gus Gustavson and Monica Skarban
Looking Ahead It is never too early to begin planning for next year's Annual Scientific Meeting. The 2027 UHMS/AsMA Annual Scientific Meeting will be held in Dallas, Texas, from May 23–27, 2027. We hope to see many of our BNA members there as we continue to learn, grow, and advance the profession together. More information can be found on the UHMS website. |
This spring, the 2026 Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) and Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) Annual Scientific Meeting in Denver, Colorado, brought together many of our BNA members along with experts from around the globe. It was an exceptional conference that provided opportunities to share knowledge, explore advances in our field, and strengthen professional connections. Held May 17–21, 2026, the joint UHMS and AsMA Annual Scientific Meeting continues to be one of the premier educational and networking events for professionals involved in aerospace, undersea, and hyperbaric medicine. The meeting's mission is to share and disseminate scientific information across the pressure spectrum—from sea to air to space—while providing attendees with access to the latest research, clinical developments, and educational opportunities. As always, the Annual Scientific Meeting featured an outstanding lineup of educational sessions and presentations. We were especially proud to see two of our own BNA members, Gus Gustavson and Monica Skarban, share their expertise. Their presentations addressed Moral Injury in Healthcare Workers and The Role of the Nurse in Hyperbaric Medicine, respectively. Their contributions highlighted the knowledge, experience, and leadership that hyperbaric nurses bring to our specialty every day. One of the most valuable aspects of the Annual Scientific Meeting is the opportunity to network with colleagues from around the world. The BNA Luncheon continues to be one of the best venues for building these professional connections. This year, 26 members attended the luncheon and membership meeting, where we also had the pleasure of announcing the 2026 BNA Award Winners. The Annual Scientific Meeting remains an exceptional opportunity for education, collaboration, and professional growth. Whether you are new to hyperbaric nursing or a seasoned professional, the relationships built and knowledge gained at Annual Scientific Meeting are invaluable. I encourage all members to consider attending future meetings and taking advantage of the many educational opportunities offered. |
2026 BNA Award Winners
Circle of Excellence Award 2026
Jeff Mize, BS, RRT, CHT,
CWCA, UHMSADS
The Baromedical Nurses Association (BNA) developed a new award in 2017 in honor of the UHMS 50th anniversary. The Circle of Excellence award honors a nominee who is not a member of the BNA. The recipient is an individual who exemplifies extraordinary mentoring and/or professional support to promote the mission and vision of hyperbaric nursing, including but not limited to research, education or safety.
Jeff has exemplified extraordinary mentorship and professional support for hyperbaric nursing for more than 30 years through education, safety, accreditation, and scholarly contributions. He has authored publications that advance nursing practice, serves on UHMS and NFPA safety committees, and has helped countless nurses and technicians improve clinical practice through accreditation and continuing education initiatives, including WoundReference. His lifelong commitment to excellence, education, and safety has significantly advanced the mission and vision of hyperbaric nursing.
The Baromedical Nurses Association (BNA) developed a new award in 2017 in honor of the UHMS 50th anniversary. The Circle of Excellence award honors a nominee who is not a member of the BNA. The recipient is an individual who exemplifies extraordinary mentoring and/or professional support to promote the mission and vision of hyperbaric nursing, including but not limited to research, education or safety.
Jeff has exemplified extraordinary mentorship and professional support for hyperbaric nursing for more than 30 years through education, safety, accreditation, and scholarly contributions. He has authored publications that advance nursing practice, serves on UHMS and NFPA safety committees, and has helped countless nurses and technicians improve clinical practice through accreditation and continuing education initiatives, including WoundReference. His lifelong commitment to excellence, education, and safety has significantly advanced the mission and vision of hyperbaric nursing.
Rising Star 2026
Sarah Swistak, BSN,
RN-Med Surg-BC
The Rising Star Award honors a nominee who is a member of the BNA, has worked in the field of hyperbaric nursing for less than five years, and has demonstrated a commitment for growth and leadership in hyperbaric nursing.
In less than two years in hyperbaric nursing, Sarah has demonstrated exceptional commitment to professional growth, leadership, and patient-centered care. Beyond completing required training, she actively pursued additional education and is preparing for hyperbaric nursing certification. She stepped into a key coordination role to improve patient and staff scheduling, strengthening continuity of care and operational efficiency. Through her involvement in performance improvement initiatives, adaptability, and proactive problem-solving, she has made a significant impact on her program and exemplifies the promise and leadership potential recognized by the Rising Star Award.
Diane Norkool 2026
Dana Winn, MHA, BSN,
RN, ACHRN
The Diane Norkool Award was created in honor of Diane Norkool and the advancements that she made in the profession of nursing through her leadership, research contributions and educational efforts. Diane was instrumental in developing hyperbaric nursing standards of care, hyperbaric nursing certification and the Baromedical Nurse’s Association. Diane passed away in 1995.
As a hyperbaric nurse leader and manager for more than a decade, Dana has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication to safety, and commitment to advancing hyperbaric nursing. She has served on the BNA Board, contributed to the development of BNA guidelines that promote high standards of safety and patient care, and played a key role in achieving multiple UHMS accreditation surveys with distinction. Through her educational outreach, conference participation, mentorship of nurses and technicians, and oversight of nursing practice at a Level 1 critical care capable hyperbaric center, she has fostered professional growth and excellence within the specialty. Her compassionate leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and patient care embody the legacy of Diane Norkool.
Laura Josefsen Lifetime Achievement Award 2026
Tiffany Hamm, BSN, RN, CWS, ACHRN, UHMSADS
This award is presented to a member of the BNA for outstanding contributions, time, and support for our organization.
For more than 30 years, Tiffany has provided extraordinary service and support to the Baromedical Nurses Association and the hyperbaric medicine community as a leader, educator, mentor, researcher, surveyor, and advocate. Through her leadership roles with UHMS, founding contributions to Midwest Hyperbaric and Wound Reference, and extensive work in hyperbaric safety, accreditation, education, and consulting, she has advanced the practice of hyperbaric medicine and supported professionals across the field. As an author, speaker, and recipient of numerous national awards, her dedication, expertise, and tireless commitment have had a lasting impact on our specialty and exemplify the outstanding contributions recognized by this award.