Inside
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE LOUISIANA STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION
Vol. 64 • No. 2 Circulation 64,000 to all Registered & Licensed Practical Nurses in Louisiana June 2008
LSNA’s Link to the Legislature Ruston District Nurses Association Remembers Nurses in Iraq Page 11 Welcomes Rebecca M. Patton, ANA President LSNA was fortunate to When “Becky” accepted our invitation to come, she have “Becky” Patton as the told us she would be willing to do anything she could keynote speaker for the April 7, to help—and she did! She came in on Sunday the night 2008 “Link to the Legislature/ before and met with LSNA Board of Directors and District Nurse Day” program. The Presidents. The next day she gave her address and stayed title of her address was “ANA for the entire program—meeting with a group of students and You” and it provided after the program was over. In the evening, she attended much information about the our legislative reception and “visited” with members of current activities of ANA and the House Health and Welfare Committee and LSNA its ongoing efforts to address members. Always, in her quiet and friendly manner health care and workplace spreading the word about nurses and the professional Rebecca M. Patton Baton Rouge District issues from a national organization. She must have been exhausted when it was Nurses Association perspective. over! All of us at LSNA appreciate all she did so much! Page 18 LSNA’s Link to the Legislature On Monday, April 7, 2008, LSNA’s “Link to the Due Dates for Pelican News Legislature” was held at the Lod Cook Conference Center Articles 2008 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Over 200 Registered Nurses and student nurses were in attendance. The title of the July 28 program was “Louisiana—In a State of Change” and it was designed to identify how the changes which are taking October 27 place in Louisiana following the recent elections will impact health care and nursing. Alan Levine, newly appointed Secretary of the LA Dept. of Health and Hospitals spoke about the Department Vacancies on LSBN extended of Health and Hospitals and described proposed changes designed to take health care “out to the community.” Page 6 Senator Willie Mount, Chair of the Senate Health and Nurses Day Presidents: From left to right LSNA Welfare Committee and Tom Willmott, RN and member President, Patricia LaBrosse, LASN President Victoria of the House Health and Welfare Committee spoke about Johnson, and Becky Patton who is the ANA President. their roles as members of the Louisiana Legislature. LANO Update Randall Johnson, Governmental Afffairs Consultant with Page 6 Southern Strategy Group described “Legislative Etiquette” More photos on LSNA’s Link to and identified guidelines for political interactions at the local and state level. The “LSNA Legislative Update” the Legislature/Nurse Day presented by Joyce Miller, LSNA Health Policy Chair, Inside this issue . . . . Barbara Morvant, Executive Director of the Louisiana on page 10 President’s Message ...... 2 State Board of Nursing and Randal Johnson, Governmental Executive Director’s Message ...... 3 Affairs reviewed proposed legislation which could UL Lafayette Foundations Recognizes impact health care and nursing in Louisiana. Presort Standard Professors and Teachers ...... 4 Rebecca Patton, ANA President spoke of Health US Postage Recipient of AANP State Awards for Excellence . . 4 PAID Care Issues from a national perspective and the Permit #14 Whistleblower Protection ...... 5 current legislative activities of the American Nurses Princeton, MN 55371 Meet Your Board Members...... 8 Association. LSNA News ...... 9 She also described several initiatives that ANA LANPAC, Leading Change ...... 11 has developed to improve the work environment Request for Articles ...... 12 for nurses, including a focus on patient and nurse CE News ...... 13 New Trends in Foreign Nurse Recruitment . . . . . 15 safety, actions to prevent needlesticks, mandatory Elder Abuse ...... 16 overtime and safe staffing. She discussed the District News...... 18 nursing shortage and efforts which must be made to make improvements in the work environment. • Page 2 • PelICan neWs june, july, august 2008
Louisiana State LSNA President’s Message Nurses Association Board of Directors President ...... PATRICIA LA BROSSE ANA Position Statements addressing work release during President-Elect ...... DENISE DANNA Vice President ...... MAXINE JOHNSON About Being Prepared disasters including employer guidelines and RN rights and Secretary ...... JONI NICKENS responsibilities; an AJN article on influenza pandemic Treasurer ...... BARBARA MOFFETT “It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark” preparedness; and electronic linkages to other national Chairs of Committees and Councils ~Howard Ruff~ resources including CDC, Department of Homeland Resolutions and Bylaws ...... NORLYN HYDE Health Policy ...... JOYCE MILLER Security, and the Red Cross, to name a few. Membership ...... KEELEY DUPUY Workplace Advocacy ...... GORDON NATAL Colleagues: Once again we are The next section, “Know Your Disaster,” provides Clinical Practice Council ...... RAMONA GUIN facing another hurricane season, information regarding the following categories of disasters: Education Council ...... CYNTHIA PRESTHOLDT Leadership/Management Council ...... MELISSA STEWART and naturally our thoughts Natural/Environmental; Chemical; Biological, including Research/Informatics Council ...... EVELYN WILLS begin to formulate around the Pandemic Influenza; Radiological/Nuclear; and Explosive Immediate Past President ...... MARILYN SULLIVAN question, “What will it be like Incidents. It includes documents and websites giving District Presidents Alexandria ...... JUDY KREIDEWEIS this year?” We’ve managed to detailed explanations of disasters and disaster response Baton Rouge ...... JACKIE HILL dodge some bad weather bullets from such sources as the American Academy of Pediatrics, Bayou ...... KIM BRANNAGAN Feliciana...... JANICE BONNER-DAVIS since Katrina and Rita in 2005, CDC, Department of Health & Human Services, the DHHS Northshore ...... BARBARA HUETE Lafayette ...... MICHELLE CRAIN and there are some predictions Center for Mental Health Services, and the Red Cross. Lake Charles ...... ANETHA CRAFT that are “calling for a very active The section entitled “Know the Law/Ethics of Disaster Monroe ...... EMILY DOUGHTY New Orleans ...... BERNADINE MILTON hurricane season this year, but Patricia La Brosse Response” provides information on ethics, re-employment, Ruston ...... NANCY DARLAND not as active as 2004 and 2005” Shreveport ...... SHIRLEY CASHIO and licensure during disasters along with resources Tangipahoa ...... ANN CARRUTH (Colorado State University Forecast Team, 4/10/08). including ANA Position Statements, Nursing Scope and Executive Director As hurricanes, floods, mudslides, collapsing bridges, Standards of Practice, and the Code of Ethics for Nurses. Dr. Joe Ann Clark wildfires and other types of natural and man-made disasters An important new document found here is the American LSNA Staff CAROL CAIRO, PROGRAM, 225-201-0994, [email protected] become more frequent in local, national and international Nurses Association policy paper entitled Adapting PAIGE ASAY office manager, 225-201-0993 CONTINUING EDUCATION, 225-201-0995, [email protected] settings, the need for appropriate, competent professional Standards of Care under Extreme Conditions: Guidance Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. responders increases. There is so much information for Professionals During Disasters, Pandemics, and 225-201-0993 Fax 225-201-0971 available now regarding personal and professional Other Extreme Emergencies. This document evolved as [email protected] preparedness, but my focus for this message is what we a result of ANA’s first policy conference, “Nursing Care Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement of can access through the American Nurses Association. On in Life, Death and Disaster” in June, 2006. Outcomes approval by the Louisiana State Nurses Association of the products advertised, the advertisers or the claims made. our ANA homepage, www.nursingworld.org there are six from this meeting combined with the efforts of an expert Rejection of an advertisement does not imply that a product drop down menus at the top of the page. Once you select panel workgroup charged with the task of developing the offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the “Health Care Policy” and click on “Disaster Preparedness principles to be considered when professionals are faced product or its use. LSNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences & Response,” there will be six topics on the left side of with scarce or absent resources. resulting from purchase or use of advertisers’ products. that page. From there you can access information on After a face-to-face meeting with the panel, several Advertisements will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for preferred positions. LSNA and publishers reserve the personal and professional preparedness that: provides right to reject any advertising. President’s Message cont. on pg. 3 FOR ALL ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION CONTACT THE ARTHUR L. DAVIS AGENCY, P.O. BOX 216, CEDAR FALLS, IOWA 50613, 319-277-2414. THE LOUISIANA STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION AND THE ARTHUR L. DAVIS AGENCY RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REJECT ADVERTISING. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement. june, july, august 2008 PelICan neWs • Page 3 • President’s Message from pg. 2 Message from the Executive Director conference calls, and multiple editions, the draft document was placed on the ANA website and open for comment My classmates are all very close—we see one another from nurses and other stakeholders. An important piece I Remember When! at reunions every other year and start talking as though of this review process included an opportunity for the we had talked the day before. That is probably due to participants on the LSNA continuing education cruise last Joe Ann Clark, EdD, RN the fact that we all lived in the dormitory and supported November to provide feedback which was incorporated one another through some good and some rather difficult into the final document. It was published by ANA in In May of this year, I will be times. Our clinical experiences as students were different March, 2008 and is now available for use by individual from the way they are today. After our first semester in health professionals. This document is not intended attending a reunion with many of my classmates celebrating nursing school, we were assigned 3-11 or 11-7 shifts and to be prescriptive in nature, but is intended to guide were the nurse in charge! That was a real challenge for an professionals, institutions and policy makers regarding the the 54th anniversary of our graduation! Don’t you know there 18 or 19 year old person who had had only one semester ethics and standards that apply to decision-making during of “Fundamentals of Nursing.” We also had to work week- unusual or extreme circumstances. will be some “remembering” going on then! We were what I ends not every week-end but most. The head nurses on The portion entitled “Be Competent: Education” the units made out our schedules and one of their favorite begins with ANA’s position that disaster preparedness call the “Pre” class: • Pre-plastic, things was to assign students to work on Saturdays and and response is an integral part of nursing practice. Sundays from 7:a.m.–until 12:00 noon and from 4:00 p.m. Registered nurses are encouraged to take formal training • Pre-air conditioning, • Pre–Acu checks (before until 7:00 p.m. That really made for a fun day! Not much and/or certification classes to keep their skills current. Joe Ann Clark of a social life—so as classmates we were almost family Resource linkages include: The National Nurse Emergency giving insulin, we “cooked” the urine to for one another. Preparedness Initiative (NNEPI) developed by The George The hospital environment was very different. There Washington University Department of Nursing Education determine the amount of sugar in the urine—a smelly process), were no intensive care or recovery units—we took care of and funded by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security; everyone on great big nursing units. You could tell who the competencies developed by the International Nursing • Pre–scrubs (we wore uniforms that were so starched you could stand them in the corner. We had to put very sickest patients were because their beds were close to Coalition for Mass Casualty Education which target the nurses’ station. One advantage of the big open nursing registered nurses responding to mass casualty incidents; the candle wax on the collars or your neck would bleed), • Pre–disposable anything! We washed, packaged and units was that you could see everyone at one glance. AMA National Disaster Life Support Program; National That is called “assessment from a distance”—we had no Incident Management System certification courses; and sterilized everything. Just think of a world with no disposable drainage bags, (we used very large pickle monitors—you did the old “look, listen, touch and smell” an Online Journal of Issues in Nursing article dealing with routine. There were no respiratory therapists, physical “Preparing Nurses Internationally for Emergency Planning jars with cardboard lids over the top and a hole in the lid to run the rubber drainage tub through. You therapists—I think thee was a dietician around somewhere. and Response.” I look forward to seeing my classmates—about 40 of Finally, there is a section that contains information always knew you were getting close to the urology unit by the smell—especially during the summer us graduated—there were 65 when we started. Around 16 regarding volunteer initiatives, their goals, and how nurses will be at the reunion, some have died and some are ill. We can become registered to participate in response efforts. time), • IV tubing (ours were rubber), will miss them and reminisce about all the good times we Once gain, the American Nurses Association has shown had. I am proud of my classmates—when I think of all the itself to take a leadership role in the provision of timely, • IV bags (we had glass bottles—heaven help you if you dropped one), things they have done and contributed. Heck, I am proud factual, information that is critical to the registered nurse of all nurses! population and the practice of our profession. It is my • individually packaged medications, medication carts, prayer that the nursing community in Louisiana will not be no sterile saline—we made our own, and the list goes called upon to address any hurricane disasters this season. on. However, please take some time to consider the needs of your personal and professional arks, and take the needed steps to prepare—just in case. • Page 4 • PelICan neWs june, july, august 2008 Recipient of AANP State UL Lafayette Foundations Recognizes Distinguished Awards for Excellence Professors And Outstanding Teachers At Annual Banquet
Dr. Gail Poirrier, Dean of On April 23, 2008, the University of Louisiana at the College of Nursing and Lafayette Foundation Banquet held its annual banquet Allied Health Professions at which honors the outstanding teachers and researchers in the University of Louisiana at the university community. Dr. Ardith Sudduth, assistant Lafayette, will be the recipient professor of nursing was among the honorees. She was of the prestigious American selected as a Distinguished Professor because of her Academy of Nurse Practitioners excellent skills as a teacher, a clinician, and a nurse (AANP) State Awards for researcher, and is the third nursing faculty to receive the Excellence, and will be award in the past five years. honored at an awards ceremony Ardith Sudduth can’t pinpoint why she became a nurse. But after decades in the profession, she’d have it and reception held during the Dr. Gail Poirrier 23rd National Conference of no other way. “My mother was a great motivator because the 2008 American Academy she insisted my sister and I go to college. She didn’t care of Nurse Practitioners in Washington DC. The beautiful what our choice of major was—just that we went to college new Gaylord National Resort on the Potomac is the site and graduated,” said Sudduth, an assistant professor in of the AANP 2008 National Conference to be held June the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions. At Dr. Ardith Sudduth 26-July 1. the time, most female college students sought degrees in practitioner and her continued involvement in the Lafayette In 1993, the State Award for Nurse Practitioner Advocate teaching or nursing, Sudduth said. Her sister became a Community Health Care Clinic as a volunteer nurse was created to recognize the efforts of individuals, who teacher, while she became a nurse. practitioner make her the ideal role model. Her current and have made a significant contribution toward increasing Sudduth earned a bachelor’s degree, two master’s on-going practice experience makes her uniquely qualified the awareness and acceptance of the nurse practitioner. Dr. degrees and a doctorate. She is a nationally certified as an advanced practice nursing faculty, which requires Gail Poirrier, DNS, Dean of the College of Nursing and family nurse practitioner. In December, she completed a expert knowledge of physical assessment, diagnosis and Allied Health Professions has been an advocate for NPs in certificate program as a geriatric nurse practitioner. prescribing for selected patients. the state of Louisiana for many years. She has supported “Learning is a lifelong adventure, especially in nursing Sudduth excels in research as well as teaching. Most nurse practitioners in education and service as an educator and healthcare, ”Sudduth said. “I want to excite young recently, she and nursing colleague Dr. Sudah Patel, and as a member of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. students about nursing and let them know that nursing is presented their findings from a study on student stressors The AANP was founded in 1985, and it is the oldest a profession that provides caring and competent care to all following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. and largest full-service national professional organization who need it.” “We realized that our students were feeling the effects for nurse practitioners of all specialties. Representing the Dr. Melinda Oberleitner, head of the Nursing of the hurricanes and that we could help alleviate some interests of approximately 120,000 nurse practitioners Department, said Sudduth is popular with students, who of their stressors,” said Sudduth. “We encouraged them to around the country, AANP continually advocates for the describe her as “a clinical expert who is approachable, talk with friends and family and also told them about free active role of nurse practitioners as providers of high- engaging and a great instructor. They often comment resources on campus like counseling. We wanted them to quality, cost-effective health care. For more information on her helpfulness and on her caring for students as take advantage of these offerings so their studies wouldn’t about AANP, visit www.aanp.org. individuals.” suffer.” The two presented their findings at the prestigious Sudduth sometimes incorporates games into her lessons World Psychiatric Association International Congress late to engage her undergraduate students. For instance, she last year. has them participate in a game that helps them learn what Sudduth received the Outstanding Volunteer Award it’s like to age and to be forced to deal with age-related for her work as a nurse practitioner at the Lafayette conditions. “They go through different stages of aging, like Community Health Care Clinic. She also received the walking with a cane or wearing glasses that depict eyesight Col. Jean Migliorino and Lt. Col. Philip Piccione 1951 with macular degeneration. They really get a sense of what Commemorative Endowed Nursing Faculty Award for aging feels like,” she said. Teaching Excellence. She holds the Hamilton Group As a nurse practitioner faculty, Dr. Sudduth has Endowed Professorship in Nursing, and is a former LSNA mentored graduate students as they move toward master’s District 4 Acadiana Celebrates Nursing honoree. degrees and certification as adult health nurse practitioners. Dr. Sudduth’s experience in the clinical arena as a nurse june, july, august 2008 PelICan neWs • Page 5 •
As editor of the LSNA Pelican News, I am constantly looking for information worthy of sharing with the nurses throughout the Whistleblower Protection state. The following is taken from an article by John Boyd which was in the February 11, 2008 Morning Advocate. Diane T. Warlick, RN, JD and (1) Discloses or threatens to disclose a workplace act or Joe Ann Clark Tonia D. Aiken, RN, JD practice that is in violation of state law. (2) Provides information to or testifies before any public Nurse Hero Whistleblower laws protect employees from reprisal body conducting an investigation, hearing, or inquiry into or retaliatory discharge (being fired) when the employee any violation of law. Janet Rami, Dean of reports unlawful activity. Every state has its own (3) Objects to or refuses to participate in an employment Southern University’s School whistleblower law, passed by its state legislature, with act or practice that is in violation of law. of Nursing was named one variations in the language and coverage from other state’s “Reprisal” is defined as: of 10 Nurse Heroes of 2007 law. The language in some laws may be similar enough . . . firing, layoff, loss of benefits, or any discriminatory by Nurseweek, a national however to the law of another state for decisions by the action the court finds was taken as a result of an action by nursing publication, for her highest court in one state to be influential on judges the employee that is protected under Subsection A of this efforts to provide emergency deciding a similar issue in another state. Section; however, nothing in this Section shall prohibit and long-term care for 1,500 The Court of Appeals of the state of Maryland (the an employer from enforcing an established employment Katrina evacuees at FEMA’s state’s highest court), will decide an issue under the policy, procedure, or practice or exempt an employee from Ranaissance Village trailer Maryland whistleblower law this year that could be compliance with such. park. Under her leadership, Janet Rami raised under Louisiana law. Specifically, the Maryland To protect against the issue of non-reporting to an “Southern’s nursing Court will decide whether the Health Care Provider outside agency, we suggest that at the time a report department moved quickly to provide critical care for Whistleblower’s Protection Act protects a health care of unlawful activity is made to the employer, that the evacuees, first mobilizing to the Red Cross staging area worker who reports unlawful activity in the facility to her employee simultaneously notify the employer of the intent at the university’s minidome. The nursing department supervisor but not to any external agency. In Susan Eynon to disclose the unlawful activity to an outside agency, if set up its own clinic on site with the help of several Lark v. Montgomery Hospice, Inc., the lower Maryland no action is taken on the report. Taking both steps at the doctors and other organizations. Nursing students court held that the employer was not liable for wrongful same time should prevent the situation that arose in the administered immunizations, injuries were treated, or retaliatory discharge for firing a health care provider Maryland case form occurring. medications tracked down and surpluses distributed who repeatedly brought matters she believed illegal or The American Nurses Association (ANA) joined with to other needy pop-up shelters. Simultaneously, the unsafe to the attention of her supervisor because she made the Public Justice Center, the American College of Nurse- department rolled out its Jag Mobile, taking it into no disclosures to any outside agency before she was fired. Midwives, and the Maryland Nurses Association, among Renaissance Village. For the next 20 months, the Like Maryland, Louisiana’s Whistleblower Statute others, in filing an amicus brief on Friday, April 11, 2008 Southern nursing department played a major role in a does not specifically say whether the law applies when arguing that the Health Care Worker Whistleblower collective of groups that tended to the daily needs of an unlawful activity has been reported to the employer, Protection Act was intended to protect health care the FEMA park’s 1,500 residents.” but not to an outside agency. The Louisiana law says employees from retaliation when they disclose illegal It is readily apparent from reading the article specifically: activity internally to their employer, and not just when that Dr. Rami and the nursing students at Southern § 967. Employee protection from reprisal; prohibited the employee also makes a subsequent disclosure to an University “stepped up to the plate” to provide care for practices; remedies external agency. hundreds of evacuees when no other care was available. A. An employer shall not take reprisal against an For More Information On Nursing Law Issues, We salute them and thank them for all they did! employee who in good faith, and after advising the Please Go To www.nurselaw.com employer of the violation of law: • Page 6 • PelICan neWs june, july, august 2008 Louisiana Alliance of Nursing Organizations Vacancies on Louisiana State LANO Update Board of Nursing “Together We Can Make A Difference” Call for Nominations/Applications! For the following positions—call has been extended: Marree Saltaformaggio, LANO treasurer has done etc., is needed. LANO members were invited to a LSNA The term of the following member of the Louisiana a wonderful job in getting the process out to potential legislative reception in honor of Becky Patton, ANA State Board of Nursing expired on December 31, 2007: members and in keeping tract of membership. So far, 10 President, and to meet members of the House and Senate • James E. Harper, RN, MSN, CFNP who serves organizations have joined. They are: Health and Welfare Committees. We are also beginning in a position dedicated to Advanced Practice area work on establish a LANO website. So LANO is a very of nursing practice as set forth in La. R.S. 7:914(C) Organization # of members busy group. (1)(a). Mr. Harper is eligible for reappointment to a Louisiana Association of Nurse A group which represents over 3,224 nurses and when second term. Practitioners (LANP) >451 added together with the current membership of LSNA, and Louisiana Public Health Association, which is 1128, comes to a total of 4328 nurses joined Due to the resignation of Gerald W. Bryant, MSN, Inc. (LPHA) 166 together. RN whose term on the Louisiana State Board of Association of Womens Health Obstetric “Together we can make a difference” Nursing would expire on December 31, 2009 the and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) 387 If your group is interested in joining LANO, please following position is open: Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) >451 let us know. Contact Joe Ann Clark, LANO Vice • Nursing Service Administrator as set forth in LA. Louisiana Association of Occupational President, at [email protected] for more information. R.S.7:914(C)(1)(a).. Health (LAOHN) 90 Fees are based on the number of members—and are: Louisiana Revised Statute 37:914 (C) (1) (b) requires Louisiana School Nurses’ Organization (LSNO) 350 the Louisiana State Nurses Association to submit names Psi Phi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. (XHO) 12 Number of Members Fee of qualified applicants for each Louisiana State Board of Louisiana Association of Nurse Anesthetists 0–50 $50.00 Nursing vacancy. The Governor then selects one person for (LANA) 800 51–100 $100.00 appointment. American Nephrology Association: Acadiana 101–150 $150.00 Louisiana Revised Statute 37:916 A (1-4) state the Chapter 66 151–200 $200.00 qualifications for each member of the LSBN: Association of Perioperative Association >451 201–250 $250.00 1) Be a citizen of the United States and a resident We are keeping the members informed about proposed 251–300 $300.00 of Louisiana for one year immediately prior to legislation and activities at the Legislature. Each of 301–350 $350.00 appointment. the organizations then shares the information with 351–400 $400.00 2) Hold a current, unencumbered, unrestricted their members and lets them know when action from 401–450 $450.00 Louisiana license to practice as a Registered Nurse. individual nurses, emails or telephone calls to legislators, > 451 $500.00 3) Have had three years experience in respective field of practice (nursing service administration for Nursing Administrator position, nursing education for Nursing Educator position, Licensed and practicing as an advanced practice nurse for the Advanced Practice position, or other areas of nursing practice for Other Areas of Nursing Practice position). 4) Be actively engaged in the practice of nursing as a Registered Nurse at time of appointment. For a nominee to be considered, all required documents must be received in the LSNA office by July 10, 2008. All applicants will be interviewed by the Louisiana State Nurses Association Board of Directors at a time to be determined. Applications/consent to serve forms are available on the LSNA website www.lsna.org or from the LSNA office. june, july, august 2008 PELICAN NEWS • Page 7 • • Page 8 • PelICan neWs june, july, august 2008 Meet Your Board Members
Maxine Johnson would be such an overwhelming force in the nation that Reserve, she retired at the rank of Colonel. She was a LSNA Vice President we could accomplish everything we desire for nursing and charter member of the Advisory Council to the Chief, health care at the state, the nation and the world!” Army Nurse Corps, on Reserve Affairs and is a member Maxine was elected as Maxine earned a master’s degree in nursing from the of the Order of Military Medical Merit. Her decorations LSNA’s Vice President in University of Maryland In Baltimore. Subsequently, she include the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf 2006, following eight years of began a long career as a nurse educator at Northwestern. Clusters and the Legion of Merit. service as Health Policy Chair. She currently serves as Director of Grants and Planning in As Vice President and chair of the Program Committee, Maxine’s participation in LSNA the College of Nursing. She is a charter member of Beta it is my desire to foster membership participation in goes back to the early 1960’s, Chi, Northwestern’s Sigma Theta Tau chapter. In 2005, she the activities of the Association by planning programs shortly after she graduated from was inducted into Northwestern’s Hall of Distinction, the for registered nurses in Louisiana that provide updated the baccalaureate program at Maxine Johnson Long Purple Line. knowledge of nursing and stimulate a greater interest in Northwestern State University. Following many years of active participation in active participation in our organization. At Northwestern, she was an active member of the Student LSNA and nursing activities throughout the State, she Becoming a registered nurse has been one of the most Nurse Association and the Louisiana Association of was inducted into LSNA’s Hall of Fame in 2005. She rewarding and fulfilling decisions I have made in my Student Nurses (LASN). “It became evident to me very also served for nine years on the Louisiana State Board lifetime! This profession has opened doors for me that far early on, that participation in the professional organization of Nursing, during which time she served as Education exceeded any of my expectations. I am so grateful for the was integral to advancing the profession of nursing and Committee Chair, Vice President and President. In opportunities to have served my profession in Louisiana improving the health care available to our citizens. I addition, she currently serves as Treasurer of the and the United States! believe that, through greater numbers participating in Shreveport District Nurses Association. A top priority in Maxine’s life is her husband of ANA, LSNA and districts, our professional organization Having served for 28 years in the United States Army 38 years, Gene (Smokey) Johnson, their two children and their granddaughter. Without their support and the supportive employers at Northwestern, none of the above accomplishments could have been possible. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading and traveling.
Lisa Deaton, BSN, RN LSNA-Health Policy Chair
I have been a nurse for 32 years. I received my BSN from Southeastern University in May 1976. I graduated on a Saturday and went to work at Earl K. Long Memorial Hospital located in Baton Rouge on Monday morning. I started my career as a staff nurse on a 35 bed medical unit. Over the next 12 years I held several different positions: Lisa Deaton staff nurse, Head Nurse of a medical unit, Medical Supervisor (MICU, 2 Medical Units and a 3 station dialysis unit), Nursing Education staff position, House Supervisor. In 1988, I transferred from Earl K. Long to a surveyor position with Department of Health and Hospitals —Health Standards. I continued with Health Standards until my recent retirement, September 2008. This agency is responsible for state licensing surveys and federal certification surveys, which is required for participation in Medicare and Medicaid. In addition, this agency investigates complaints received relative to the care and services provided in these providers. I held the position of Director for the last 9 years prior to my retirement. As the director, I was responsible for managing 208 employees in 7 offices (6 field offices and state headquarters) and had over-sight of 4,000 providers (i.e., hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, rural health clinics, home and community services, etc) It has always been very important to me to be involved in my professional organization. I have been a member of LSNA since I graduated in 1975. Up until the time I took a management position within Health Standards, I was very active in both the District and State associations, serving on various committees and as a member of the House of Delegates. One of my goals upon retirement was to once again become actively involved in the BRDNA and LSNA. Never did I imagine it would be as the Health Policy Chairman of LSNA. As the Director of Health Standards, I gained a great deal of experience in the legislative process and promulgation of state regulations. I am confident this experience will be beneficial in fulfilling my responsibilities as Health Policy Chairman. I look forward to working with the other committee members over the next three years. june, july, august 2008 PelICan neWs • Page 9 • LSNA Appoints LANPAC Representative
Ms. Peggy B. Bourgeois, APRN, MN, CNS, CDE, Baton Rouge, has been appointed by the LSNA Board of Directors to represent the Association on the LANPAC Board of LOUISIANA STATE NURSES Directors. She was actively involved in LANPAC since its inception, and has continued to ASSOCIATION maintain her membership. Her role includes acting as liaison Peggy Bourgeois THE LSNA WANTS YOU TO BECOME A MEMBER! NURSES MAKE A between the two organizations, DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY AND THE LSNA IS WORKING FOR YOU! as well as serving on the LANPAC By-laws Committee. Ms. Bourgeois is currently serving as Chair of the LSNA Nominations Committee and represents LSNA on Join today! It costs about the same as one soft drink per day... the Louisiana Dietetics and Nutrition Board of Directors. Go to www.lsna.org for membership details! Peggy is a member of the Health Care Centers in School Board of Directors, serves on the Louisiana Diabetes What do you get with membership to lsna? Initiative Council and is Secretary, Juvenile Diabetes ** A Voice to advocate for protection of your professional practice Research Foundation Board of Directors. Peggy currently serves as President of the Southeast ** Access to information and resources related to workplace issues Louisiana Association of Diabetes Educators (Se'LADE) ** Subscription to American Nurse Today, Pelican News, and LSNA Insider Chapter of the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). She is the State Legislative Liaison ** Discounts on certifications available through American Nurse Credentialing Center to AADE where she also served on the Public Affairs/ ** Offers Insurance Programs: professional liability insurance, medical insurance, dental, and even auto insurance Advocacy Committees. She has been presented with the AADE Distinguished Service Award, LSUHSC Graduate ** Reduced room rates from several hotel chains Nursing Entrepreneurial Award, Louisiana State Nurses Nightingale Hall of Fame and the LSUHSC School of Nursing Alumnus of the Year Awards. Peggy served two terms on the AADE Board of Directors and a term on the AADE Education and Research Foundation Board of Trustees. Following transition (retirement) from the Baton Rouge Louisiana RN License Plates General Medical Center as Director, Diabetes Center she formed her own company. PBB Associates, LLC, where she is a Clinical Consultant for professional and patient Are Here!! diabetes education programs, conducts clinical research studies around the state, and lectures/consults on diabetes reimbursement issues across the country.
LSNA Thanks Joyce Miller
The Board of Directors of LSNA, on behalf of the Association, wish to thank Ms Joyce Miller for her year of service as our Health Policy Chair. Her resignation was tendered after careful consideration of the additional responsibilities she has incurred with her admission to graduate school. Joyce is pursuing her Master's in Nursing at Southern University in Baton Rouge, with an ultimate goal of becoming a geriatric nurse practitioner. The countless volunteer hours she spent in her state role over the last year are deeply appreciated. While her LSNA activities have been reduced, she still serves as Health Policy Chairperson for LSNA District 4. Good luck, Joyce. We're all cheering for your success! SHOW PRIDE IN YOUR PROFESSION and SUPPORT THE LOUISIANA NURSES FOUNDATION
Yes, finally after 4 long years…..the plates are ready! You can purchase your plate on-line or by phone. The web address is www.expresslane.org. Go to Specialty Plates. To view the plate go to ‘View Plates’ and we are listed under special interest—Louisiana Nurses Foundation. By phone call (225) 925-6371. If you are in Baton Rouge you can go directly to the Department of Motor Vehicles on Public Safety Road just off Independence Blvd. The cost of the plate is $50.00 above the normal renewal fee for your vehicle. This is for a two year period. All monies collected from the plates will go the Louisiana Nurses Foundation to support nursing interests and continuing education. Update! Sales of the LSNA License Plates have resulted in $6352.09 for the Louisiana Nurses Foundation. Thanks to Carol Cairo for her efforts to get this effort finalized! • Page 10 • PelICan neWs june, july, august 2008 Link to the Legislature/ NURSE DAY 2008 Program
Left to Right: Barbara Morvant, Joyce Miller, Randal Johnson. Becky Patton with the Louisiana District Presidents.
Left to Right: Joyce Miller, Willie Mount, Gordon Natal.
From left to right is Maxine Johnson, Juliet Burgess, Emily Doughty, and Jan Corder. Patricia LaBrosse and Randal Johnson june, july, august 2008 PelICan neWs • Page 11 • LANPAC, Leading Change Ruston District Nurse Association At the 2008 Nurses Link to Remembers Nurses in Iraq During Legislature, LANPAC held its annual luncheon. At this year’s Professional Nurses Week luncheon, new officers were elected and a new board of Norlyn Hyde directors put into place. I am very honored to Again this year, the Ruston announce that I was elected District Nurses Association chairperson of LANPAC, and has sent supplies to a unit of our vice-chair will be Melissa Army Nurses serving in Iraq. Stewart, secretary is Jackie Shelly Hebert Through an organization called Hunt, treasurer is Karen Operation Enduring Support Loden. The new board volunteers include for a two year from San Antonio, Texas the period of service, Tanya Aiken, Diane Warlick and Jenny District adopted this group Sheridan, and for a one year service period, Lisa Deaton of 25 nurses. They are about and Jackie Hill. half male and half female. In We have been busy working starting the very week of recognition of Professional Norlyn Hyde the elections. Karen Loden began all of the tedious work Nurses Week in 2007, the of organizing the financials and helping the new officers district sent over 300 pounds align to begin forming committees. of toiletries, snacks, paperback books, Gideon New We have lots of bylaws to revamp and update, and we Testaments, and a large banner printed with the Nurse hope once this task is initiated, we will be able to move Week logo. The banner was signed by many area nurses. on to the primary purpose of LANPAC which is focusing Prior to Christmas 2007, the District; with help from on raising funds to make contributions to candidates who community groups, Sunday School classes, and student have demonstrated responsible awareness of nursing and nurses: sent Christmas goodies and what the nurses needed the health needs of people. to decorate their unit. The Ruston Wal-Mart donated a 7 LANPAC is always here to encourage nurses to foot Christmas tree. After hearing of the activities of the become a part of the political process. We seek to endorse Ruston District, a group of emergency nurses from south candidates and health care legislation. We encourage Louisiana sent Mardi Gras supplies to the group. The unit nurses to seek elected office, to assist nurses in organizing is getting close to completing their 15 month assignment in to become a powerful political force. We always seek, in Iraq, so the shipment for the Nurse Day was much smaller accordance with our purposes, to disseminate unbiased (114 pounds), but just as important. It contained the same information on current issues and on candidates for elected type of items and of course, a huge banner with the Nurse office, their voting records, backgrounds and platforms. Week logo signed by area nurses and students. We are LANPAC is politically non-partisan and should always praying for their safe return in June. operate in conformity with the bylaws, policies, and If your group would like to adopt a unit of nurses platforms of the Louisiana State Nurses Association. serving abroad, you can contact the director of While LANPAC always works in conjunction with Operation Enduring Support, John Roure at john@ LSNA, it is made up of contributors which are defined ourfreedomisnotfree.org . as anyone interested in issues involving nursing and the health needs of people and make an annual minimum contribution of $25. Contributors have full voting rights for their year of contribution. While that broadens our perspective donors, LANPAC is governed under the Louisiana Campaign Finance Disclosure Act. All monies that we raise are reportable to the State Ethics Board, and we work within the confines of the state laws. We must be a registered Political Action Committee in this state. So, with ethics and new ethics laws being at the top of the priority list for our new governor, Bobby Jindal, it is important for LANPAC to have an executive board that is willing to become familiar with these laws and stay educated as changes are made. I have full faith that our new executive committee are willing to do this so that nurses will remain and increase as a political force in this state. • Page 12 • PELICAN NEWS june, july, august 2008 Request for Articles! Louisiana Wants You! I want your stories about New web-site to help the state recruit and manage emergency volunteers. www.lava.dhh.louisiana.gov nursing! Louisiana is looking for a few good men and women. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office My name is Sue Heacock and I am a Registered Nurse of Public Health has recently launched an online volunteer from the State of Florida. I am in the process of writing a registry—Louisiana Volunteers in Action (LAVA). LAVA book about our very special profession—nursing and would serves as a state-based registry of volunteers (medical appreciate your assistance! and non-medical) to assist during emergencies and day to My goal in writing this book is to remind nurses about day activities by providing additional staff to meet health/ why nurses are so special, to increase retention of nurses, medical surge needs. LAVA also provides web-based and to attract quality people to the profession. I need training opportunities at no cost to the volunteer. stories from nurses about nursing. The following are the Louisiana learned the value of volunteers during requirements: stories should be 5 paragraphs or less, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Office of Public Health- humorous and/or inspirational and exhibit the heart of Center for Community Preparedness Director Doris nursing. The author must include his/her name, practicing Brown says more than 8,500 volunteers helped DHH in city/state, and an email address for future contact. All shelters and clinics across the state. “These volunteers stories can be mailed to me directly at imsueh@yahoo. helped supplement the medical work force. We could not com. I will review all stories received and select the best to have gotten through those times without their help.” Right include in the book. Nurses submitting stories chosen for now the program has 2,831 volunteers on file. Interested publication will be contacted individually for consent. volunteers can sign up at www.lava.dhh.louisiana.gov. The federal government requires states to have volunteer recruitment programs. LAVA is part of the federal program known as Emergency Systems for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP). The web-site was purchased through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Grant, and is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Cooperative Agreement. For more information please contact Mardrah Starks-Robinson, program manager at 225-763-3965. june, july, august 2008 PelICan neWs • Page 13 •
CE News News From the LSNA Continuing Education Committee CE Opportunity The Continuing Education Committee is LSNA’s Each application is reviewed to assure it meets the ANCC “unsung hero.” The members of this committee work criteria—this takes a lot of time. Paige Asay, in the LSNA Upcoming course tirelessly all year long on behalf of LSNA. It is their office is responsible for see that the applications are sent to "Becoming and Expert in Patient Education" responsibility to: the reviewers in a timely manner and she stays on “top of 16.7 CEs • Establish or recommend standards, policies, and the process.” Lane Regional Medical Center procedures for approval of continuing education In 2007, 8 Providers Applications and 32 Single Activity May 28-30th, 2008 offerings and institution/agency total programs Applications were reviewed and the income collected Hurry—Limited spaces available • Implement an approval process for continuing for LSNA from the Continuing Education Committee’s For information contact: education offerings using the American Nurses activities for the year 2007 was $ 14,868.50. Melissa Stewart Credentialing Center’s (ANCC’s) standards, policies, Our thanks to the members of the Committee. They are: 225-301-5504 and procedures Provider Unit Reviewers Single Activities Reviewers [email protected] • Establish procedures for evaluating the effectiveness Nancy Darland, Chair Richard LeBlanc, Chair of the LSNA continuing education approval system. Peggy Belk Barbara Phillips Quite a job! In other words, when an organization Beth Fife Dale Eppling NSU Nursing CE has the following wishes to have a single activity program or to become Demetrius Porche Elaine Hinojosa Continuing Education Programs a provider Unit, they must pay a fee and fill out an Patsy Trahan application which is sent to the LSNA Continuing Lynn McCrae scheduled for 2008 Education Committee. Single Activity applications are Carol Owens sent to two reviewers (members of the committee) and Marie Billings 1. Train the Trainer—July TBA Provider Unit applications are sent to three reviewers. 2. August 8–25th Annual Oncology Workshop co- sponsored with the American Cancer Society 3. August 23—Cardiovascular Conference—co- sponsored with LSUHSC-Shreveport CONTINUING NURSING EDUCATION 4. August TBA—Faculty Development: Academic Incivility O Submitted by Nancy Darland name. John Smith, RN was financially compensated 5 5. October 4—Neuroscience Conference—co- RNC, MSN, CNS years ago by the Astra Zeneca company for educational sponsored with LSUHSC-Shreveport LSNA CE Committee seminars concerning Diabetes Management and Patient 6. October TBA—Train the Trainer R Co-Chair for Provider Applications Education. This will in no way influence the information 6. November 7—Pediatric Workshop co-sponsored presented at the Diabetes Update CNE activity to be held with Shriners Hospital In an effort to clarify ANCC-COA/LSNA in December 2007.” A reference for this information 7. Nov TBA—Graham-Price-Strain—co-sponsored N Criteria for Continuing Nursing Education, this can be found at www.accme.org in the frequently asked with Beta Chi Chapter of SSTI column will feature frequently asked questions questions section of the web site. In addition, the Shreveport District Nurses Association posed to the LSNA CE committee. I would like to remind all LSNA approved providers meetings include 1 contact hour when our meetings include E 1. As the administratively responsible person that unless you are submitting an application for a CE program. for a continuing nursing education provider, I continuation of your provider status in 2007, you will need There is no charge for these programs, as a community would like to know if the nurse planner is required to submit one complete CNE activity to LSNA for review service of NSU Nursing CE. R to hold a Louisiana nursing license. prior to December 31, 2007. The LSNA CE committee felt Dorothy Hubbard, PhD, RN Every designated nurse planner must be a registered that this was the best way for providers to demonstrate that Associate Professor, RN to BSN Program nurse who holds at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing. their CNE activities have incorporated the 2006 revisions Coordinator of Nursing Continuing Education The criteria do not require the nurse to be licensed in a of the ANCC-COA/LSNA criteria and guidelines. For your Northwestern State University College of Nursing particular state. The planning committee for the continuing reference, the criteria can be found on the LSNA website. 1800 Line Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101 education offering should include at least one representative 318-677-3100 for each of the following areas: relevant content expertise, member of the target audience, and/or an individual who is responsible for adherence to ANCC-COA accreditation criteria. 2. I reviewed the new CNE guidelines and need some clarification on the biographical data form regarding conflict of interest resolution. What would you expect to see for an answer to question #3 on how conflict is resolved? We would expect to see a sample of text on handouts, power point slide, or text planned as a verbal presentation during the CNE activity that addressed a potential or actual conflict of interest. We would expect a description of plans to disclose relationships or for resolution of conflict of interest whether by presenters or by the planning committee. For example, “John Smith is a member of the planning committee for the Diabetes Update continuing nursing education activity. His spouse is employed as a product representative for the Astra Zeneca company. There will be no information presented during the activity that gives preference to Astra Zeneca products by brand • Page 14 • PELICAN NEWS june, july, august 2008 june, july, august 2008 PELICAN NEWS • Page 15 • New Trends in Foreign Nurse Recruitment
by Diane E. Scott, RN, MSN from all other sources. In addition, over half of the foreign- think through situations. The face-to-face interviews are Reprinted with permission from the educated nurses were estimated to have baccalaureate or also very helpful in determining the extent of her English Center for American Nurses* higher degrees speaking skills as well. The Center: What are the advantages of hiring a The Center: How can a FEN be best oriented after Last year, the Health Resources and Services foreign-educated nurse? she arrives to the United States? Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Ms. Fritz: Many (FENs) are highly motivated to be Ms. Fritz: The greatest challenge for a foreign-educated Health and Human Services, released the 2004 National a nurse in the U.S. and usually have dedicated from 2 to nurse is clarity of speech. While all are required to pass an Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, which collected 4 years of their lives to reach this goal. In addition, the English exam, accent reduction is also sometimes needed. data on the actively licensed Registered Nurse population nurse usually has already demonstrated persistence and Recruiters and hospitals assist the foreign-educated nurse as of March 2004. This most recent edition of the survey adaptability in navigating the immigration and licensure by coaching her to listen to talk radio and audio books. revealed that over 100,791 (3.5 percent) of the Registered processes. Preceptors and colleagues can also help by monitoring Nurses (RNs) practicing in the United States received As U.S. hospitals care for an increasingly diverse patient phone calls or having the foreign-educated nurse take their basic nursing education outside of the U.S. While population, the foreign-educated nurse is also an asset as formal accent reduction courses. this percentage reflected only a slight increase since 2000, we work to be culturally competent and provide culturally As for clinical competencies, it is important to choose foreign-educated nurses are now licensed in all 50 States appropriate care. Finally, the foreign-educated nurse can be a recruitment company that assesses and validates and the District of Columbia. a more permanent solution than temporary staffing options competency of the individual foreign-educated nurse prior According to the American Hospital Association, 17% since many want to integrate permanently into a hospital to their arrival to the United States, including clinical of hospitals recruit from abroad to fill nursing vacancies. and community, resulting in retention rates as high as 85%. skills, equipment familiarly, and U.S. cultural practice. While the percentage of hospitals looking toward The Center: How would a prospective employer The Center: What about orientation to the employing foreign-educated nurses (FENs) as part of the approach the recruitment of foreign-educated nurses? community? solution for the nursing shortage is increasing, questions Ms. Fritz: When choosing a recruitment partner, Ms. Fritz: The orientation to the community is still arise over the best means to recruit and orient this choose carefully. In the past, there were only about 30 or important and should include, at minimum, securing and unique nursing population. 40 companies recruiting nurses from overseas, now there settling in a safe, appropriate, and furnished apartment; To address some of these issues, the Center for are over 200. The Joint Commission has implemented a organizing transportation; teaching shopping, taxes, and American Nurses interviewed Wanano “Winnie” certification process which is helping to address some of banking; and processing payroll and benefits documents. Fritz, RN, MS, the Chief Nursing Officer and Director the quality issues in selecting a reliable recruiting partner, An experienced recruitment company will provide this as of International Operations of HCCA International, so I highly recommend making sure the recruitment well teaching U.S. culture, laws, and manners. a company which specializes in international nurse company is certified. The recruitment and integration of the foreign-educated recruitment and hospital management. It behooves a healthcare organization to know how long nurse can truly be a win-win situation for all concerned if Ms. Fritz’s experiences, both domestic and international, the agency has recruited internationally and learn how the above elements are considered. Foreign-educated nurses have given her a wealth of cultural and clinical expertise many nurses they have brought to work in the U.S. It is benefit from their professional “dreams being fulfilled” in nursing and management roles in the United States, just as important to learn the satisfaction rate of their client and their families receiving funds to improve their lives in Thailand, Germany, Russia, and Vietnam. Notably, she was hospitals as well as their ethics in their practices. I also the home countries. Our diverse patient populations benefit employed for nearly 17 years by King Hussein of Jordan as believe it is important for a recruiting organization to “give by the culturally diverse nurse population. And healthcare both the Dean of a School of Nursing and a Health Systems back” to the countries of origin organizations gain permanent staff members who remain Planner before joining HCCA in 2005. Some large health care systems recruit directly; but as flexible, confident, and competent nurses. The Center: Are there ethical issues involved with most use third-party recruiters because of the complexity *The Center for American Nurses is committed to recruiting foreign educated nurses? of the credentialing, education, licensure, and immigration helping nurses develop both professionally and personally. Ms. Fritz: The answer is yes, there can be ethical processes. The Center offers solid evidence-based solutions-powerful concerns for both the nurse and the nursing profession. The Center: What are the types of FEN recruiters? tools-to navigate workplace challenges, optimize patient Professional nursing organizations appropriately caution us Ms. Fritz: With either model, the commitment period outcomes, and maximize career benefits. Whether it’s to not deplete resources in specific countries where there for the nurse typically ranges from 2 to 3 years. When learning how to handle conflict, gaining continuing are already serious shortages. For example, in the U.S., choosing a recruiter, there are two general models: education credits, knowing your legal rights, or skillfully we have 8-10 RNs per 1000 population. In South African (1.) Direct Placement: 55-60% of recruiters pay up front managing your money, The Center’s resources add traction, nations, there are only 1 to 1000. But as a general position, for recruitment and immigration fees to fill a specific moving you toward the best life a career in nursing can the International Council for Nursing states: “Nurses have “order” in terms of quantity and specialty. The hospital offer. a right to migrate and denounces unethical recruitment.” employs the nurse immediately and assumes the risk of In addition many of the foreign-educated nurses genuinely hiring them without previously working with them. want to work in the United States. (2.) Lease to Hire: 40-45% of recruiters pay no upfront The Center: What are the reasons that foreign costs to the recruiting agency; instead, they pay an hourly educated nurses want to come work in the United rate for nurses’ shifts worked for the contract period. The States? hospital then hires the nurse after having experienced the Ms. Fritz: With the increased accessibility to the quality of their work in the hospital for several months. internet and other media from the United States, foreign- The Center: What are keys to success in working educated nurses are much more exposed to the potential with these nurses? personal and financial benefits and mechanisms to become Ms. Fritz: One of the most important components of a a nurse in the United States. Many of the foreign-educated successful long-term placement of a foreign-educated nurse nurses obtain a U.S. nursing license to fulfill multiple is the extent to which the recruiting company chooses professional and personal goals. Numerous foreign- and prepares the candidates. A simple phone interview educated nurses desire the opportunity to work in clean, and skills check list is not enough to ensure success and safe high-tech hospitals. recruiters should meet potential candidates face-to-face in The economic advantage for nurses working in the their country of origin. United States usually goes beyond their personal financial The interviewing and preparation phase of the gain; it carries through to their extended families back in placement should be done with extreme caution and their home country. It has been my experience that most by using various tools to determine the level of critical foreign educated nurses will send up to 33% of their thinking and decision making. Each nurse that I place in salary back to their home country to support their parents, the United States completes a survey tool to determine siblings, and other family members. The governments how she makes decisions. I want to find out how she will of the foreign countries welcome the influx of financial accommodate unconventional and unique patient situations, assistance and are often very accommodating in assisting physician interactions, and peer relations, and having a well the nurses who are seeking to enhance their careers in the designed tool can help predict how they may react when United States. encountering real patient situations in this culture. The Center: Where do most of the foreign-educated While all foreign-educated nurses must also take the nurses come from? NCLEX exam for licensure, simply passing the test does Ms. Fritz: According to the U.S. Department of Health not always determine critical thinking skills. My team uses and Human Services, 50% come from the Philippines, 20% patient vignettes in our verbal interviews with the nurses to from Canada and 8% from the United Kingdom. 22% come get a much deeper assessment of their ability to critically • Page 16 • PELICAN NEWS june, july, august 2008 Elder Abuse, Exploitation, and Neglect: It’s Not Just Nursing Homes Anymore
by Georgia A. Martin, RN, MSN, JD, PhD about to be abused, neglected, or exploited; one does not Can You Recognize Elder Abusers? have to be positive that abuse has actually occurred. For In 2003, fifty-four percent of alleged perpetrators were The appalling abuse of elders in example, it is reasonable to suspect elder abuse when an the elder’s own children or other intimate family member nursing homes and institutions is elder smells like feces or urine, has numerous bruises, and eleven percent were spouses or intimate partners. common; however, the incidences and the caretaker or elder is evasive, defensiveness, or Seventy-seven percent of abusers are white, forty-seven of blatant exploitation, abuse and inconsistent when providing information regarding the percent are female, and sixty-six percent are less than neglect of elders by their children, incident. To immune oneself from civil and criminal 60 years of age. Abusers may be uncooperative, and act family members and caregivers are liability, whistle-blowers must report suspected abuse cases indifferent, domineering, aggressive, or angry toward escalating. In 1986, there were 117,000 in “good faith” and be prepared to support their suspicions elders. They may display inappropriate affection or over reported cases; by 1996, the number with good documentation and witnesses when possible. protectiveness and may not give elders an opportunity had increased to 293,000 cases. In to speak. They may blame elders and describe them as 2000, the total number of reports was 472,813, and two in five What Is Elder Abuse Anyway? "accident prone" or "clumsy." They may show an undue victims are age 80 or older. The actual number of unreported Elder abuse refers to cruel, inhumane treatment, and concern for medical costs, provide excessively detailed incidence believed to be much higher and will continue to malicious acts such as physical, mental, psychological, accounts of injuries, and show evidence of or have a history escalate as the population over 65 years increases. or sexual injuries perpetrated against an adult, 18 years of mental illness, alcohol or drug use, or abuse of others. and older, who lacks the physical or mental capacity to Additionally, abusers may provide little or no assistance to Must You Report Suspected Cases? provide for their daily needs and is unable to remove self the elder, be socially isolated from friends or other family Much like child abuse, elder abuse is a reportable crime from dangerous situations. The term also refers to the members, provide contradicting versions of the incident, in every state, and professionals may be held responsible for infringement of an elder's constitutional rights to dignity, demonstrate inappropriate or unwarranted defensiveness, failure to report suspected cases. Although the individual freedom of choice, life, and privacy. Neglect refers to and show evidence of excessive dependence on the elder provisions of state laws vary, health and mental health care the willful deprivation of a vulnerable adult of adequate for financial support. providers of all types, social workers, day care providers, food, clothing, essential medical or habilitation treatment, nursing home administrators, and law enforcement shelter, or supervision, while exploitation refers to any What Can You Do? personnel have a legal duty to report suspected cases to action which involves the misuse of a vulnerable adult’s Without proper training, detection of elder abuse is both state and federal adult protective services. property, funds or person. extremely difficult. Professionals who have a legal duty The legal standard for mandatory reporting is a to report must educate themselves in all aspects of elder “reasonable belief” that an elder person has been or is abuse. Additionally, they must be knowledgeable regarding
Elder Abuse cont. on pg. 17 june, july, august 2008 PELICAN NEWS • Page 17 •
Elder Abuse from pg. 16 of the abusers. Ascertain when, where, and how all injuries occurred. Ask about the reasons for any delays in treatment. Look for inconsistencies between the story Table 1 and the physical evidence. Ask about the use of multiple Elder Abuse Indicators physicians or hospitals for the treatment of past illnesses Abuse Types Abuse Indicators and injuries. Physical Bruises, cigarette, iron, rope, and immersion burns, wounds, welts, black and blue marks, cuts, Complete a detailed physical examination and mental lacerations, unusual imprint and pattern injuries or injuries in unusual locations such as the neck or assessment of the elder using an abuse assessment tool, genitalia, injury incompatible with history, untreated or improperly treated medical conditions, skin care flow sheet, or the indicators listed in Table 1. weight loss, undernourishment or dehydration, clothes or bed linen soiled with urine or feces, poor Keep in mind that bruises in and of them is not necessarily hygiene, unshaven, malodorous, absence of hair, unreasonable physical restraints, doctor and a symptom of abuse because the fragile, thin skin of elderly hospital hopping, multiple emergency room visits patients bruises easily. Document in great detail the size, shape, location, Social Isolation from outside friends and family members, violence, drug abuse, family with personal and appearance of all burns (cigarette, iron, rope, and problems, unable to speak freely immersion), bruises, lacerations, and injuries. Assess for unusual injuries such as pattern and parallel injuries, and Sexual Nonconsensual symptoms of sexual assault such as bruising of the genitalia, mouth, and anus for injuries in unusual locations like the genitalia and neck. Obtain photographs and diagnostic studies such as Neglect Abandonment, inappropriate or inadequate housing, shelter, supervision and monitoring, food or x-rays and autopsies to evaluate the extent of all injuries water, hygiene or bathing, assistance with eating or drinking, clothing for the weather, denial or and to supplement the patient's record. delay of medical care rashes, presence of sores, rashes or lice. Conclusion Self Neglect Inability to manage personal finances and daily living, suicidal acts, wanderings, refusing medical Elder abuse is an escalating problem which is a crime attention, substance abuse, dehydrated, malnourished, changes in intellectual functioning that is punishable and must be reported in every state. Federal and state regulations require certain professionals Behavioral & Confusion, forgetfulness, shame, helplessness, fear, withdrawal, anger, implausible stories, and institutions to report suspected case, and they may be Psychological depression, hesitation to talk openly, denial, agitation, confusion held responsible for failure to report suspected cases. If an elder is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police Financial Change in spending habits, unusual bank account activity, signature on checks do not match, power for immediate help. If abuse, neglect, or exploitation is of attorney given, recent changes in will, unpaid bills, lack of amenities, missing personal suspected, call the National Center on Elder Abuse hotline belongings at 1-800-677-1116, or visit their website at http://www.ncea. aoa.gov/NCEAroot/Main_Site/Find_Help/Help_Hotline. Violation of Dignity, freedom of choice, life, or privacy, especially matters concerning health care and living aspx. Rights arrangements Detection of elder abuse is extremely difficult. However, with proper training and by using the strategies outlined in this article, professionals who have a legal duty to report adult protective and support services, shelters, other Use good listening and communication techniques. will be able to recognize, intervene, and report abusive community resources, and toll-free hotline numbers. With Ask open-ended questions, and keep questions simple and situations sooner. The scope of this article is limited, proper training and by using the strategies outlined in this direct. It is ok to ask, “Have you been physically injured by however, a plethora of related educational and useful article, professionals will be better able to recognize, to anyone in your family?" information can be found on the Internet simply by using intervene, and to report abusive situations. Good documentation is essential. It must be accurate, Google to research the term “elder abuse.” detailed, nonjudgmental, and objective. Use quotes when However self education is not enough. The community Nursing Assessment Strategies possible, and describe physical cuts, burns, abrasions, and at large, elder patients, family members, and potential Maintain a non-threatening and nonjudgmental attitude bruises in great detail to include size, shape, appearance, abusers should be informed that elder abuse is a reportable toward both the elders and suspected abusers. Never accuse and location. crime. Additionally, they must be educated in every aspect suspected abusers because they will never admit to any Obtain a detailed history of all current and previous of elder abuse and be knowledgeable regarding adult type of abusive relationship. injuries and illnesses. Keep in mind that several types protective and support services, shelters, other community Always conduct interviews and assessments in private of abuse can occur simultaneously, and that most elders resources, and state and federal toll-free hotline numbers. solely with the elder person so that the elder’s version of will not readily admit or discuss abusive relationships events isn't influenced by others. because they are either ashamed of the abuse or afraid • Page 18 • PelICan neWs june, july, august 2008
Leah Cullins Employment: Southern University School of Nursing Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Family Health District News Nursing/7 years Nominated by: Sandra Brown Leah has made great contributions to the community, nursing and health while encouraging the professional development of nurses. Having a passion for reducing Baton Rouge District Nurses health disparities, especially those related to increased mortality rates associated with breast cancer among Association African American women, she has transformed her passion into a mission and is well on the way to establishing her program of research. Leah completed a stellar research study, Cancer Fatalism and Breast Cancer Screening in African American Women, and has published her research in a peer-reviewed nursing journal. Certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Leah serves as a mentor to graduate Heart Association and for Hands on Baton Rouge. She nursing students. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing President’s Message is also a Stroke Screening Specialist. Dr. Anderson Science Degree, she has been accepted by the National projects the image of a competent professional nurse Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Jackie Hill, PhD, RN who is interested in the health of society and is willing to Health, Located in Bethesda, Maryland, to further study contribute to that effort. She has also co-authored a grant breast cancer genes and will be attending the Summer On May 5, 2008, the BRDNA to obtain teaching materials for age-related interactive Genetics Institute. In addition to having served as PI held its 19th Annual Celebrate learning experiences. for the Louisiana Tobacco Free Living Grant, Leah is a Nursing Banquet at Boudreaux’s member of STTI and serves as an Advisor for Chi Eta Phi, Dr. Sandra C. Brown restaurant. Honored were 23 a professional nursing sorority. of the professions finest. Also Employment: Southern University School of Nursing recognized were Dr. Betty Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Nursing Education/ Keeley Dupuy Fomby-White for the Helen Family Health/27 years Employment: Our Lady of the Lake College Johnson Cremeens Excellence Nominated by: Jackie Hill Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Nursing Education/ in Teaching Award and Tina Recently honored by the National Nurses Foundation Med-Surg/15 Stallings for the Edith LoBue and the Louisiana Nurses Association as “Advanced Nominated by: Carol Cairo and Joe Ann Clark Memorial Scholarship. The Jackie Hill Practice Nurse of the Year,” Dr. Brown encourages the Keeley is dedicated to both her own professional list of honorees and their professional development of nurses by serving as an development and the professional development of nurses. accomplishments are listed below: exemplary role model. She inspires both students and She also serves as an excellent role model to students colleagues to continually develop in their respective whom she encourages to continue their education and Dr. Staci T. Anderson roles and functions. As coordinator of the Family Nurse professional development. Having completed the Master Employment: Southeastern Louisiana University School Practitioner Program, Dr. Brown interfaces with students of Science Degree in Nursing in 2004, she focused on the of Nursing in the classroom and through her faculty practice role in “educator” role and is dedicated to “nursing education and Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Nursing Education/ the University’s Student Health Center. Having served the nurses of our future.” Keeley plans to begin work on 12 years as Chair of the University’s Institutional Review Board a doctorate in nursing or an allied field. As a member of Nominated by: Joyce Maynor (IRB), she is also a member of Woman’s Hospital IRB, Sigma Theta Tau, Rho Zeta Chapter, she has served as Well respected by others, Dr. Anderson is an outstanding Pennington’s IRB, and serves as chair of Tau Pi chapter Vice President and Program Committee Chair. Keeley example of excellence in nursing practice. Having worked of STTI, research committee. Dr. Brown mentors and has also chaired a Faculty Development Committee at as a staff nurse, charge nurse, case manager, and a grant encourages colleagues and students in the development of OLOL College of Nursing and as served as advisor to the project director, she has achieved competencies needed research proposals, abstracts and presentations. In addition OLOL Student Nurses Association where she encourages to care for a wide variety of patients across diverse to presenting at international, national and state-wide students to continue professional growth through their settings. As a nurse educator since 2002, she shares her research conferences, she serves as Ambassador for the activities as a member of professional. As an active knowledge and skills with students to facilitate their U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau member of the Louisiana State Nurses Association, Keeley development and growth into a professional nursing role. of Health Professionals National Health Service Corps. has served on the Program Committee where she assumed Dr. Anderson actively supports programs that contribute She holds memberships in numerous professional nursing responsibilities related to planning and implementation to the improvement of health care through research. As organizations and encourages her students to become of program offerings, especially the 2006 convention and a member of Sigma Theta Tau and the Southern Nursing active in nursing Nurse Day at the Legislature. Research Society, she participates in programs aimed at disseminating knowledge to help nurses improve their Deborah Charnley Nicole Fox practice. Dr. Anderson is a volunteer for the American Employment: Baton Rouge General Medical Center Employment: Woman’s Hospital Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Critical Care, Area of Practice/Years of Practice: NICU/17 years Nursing Administration/37 years Nominated by: Angela Hammett Nominated by: Wanda Hughes “Always striving for the best way to do a task, tackle Leading by example, Deborah is enrolled in a PhD a project and achieve her goals, Nicole’s enthusiasm is program and has encouraged the entire nursing leadership contagious.” In addition to having a passion for education team in scholarly endeavors. She completed the rigorous and the care of her patients, she is also passionate about Wharton Fellows Nursing Executive Program in 2007 the professional development of other nurses. Continuing and serves as a mentor for the nursing leadership team. To to learn and grow through participation in professional enhance the facility’s pursuit of the Jean Watson’s Theory organizations, Nicole is very active in AWHONN and has of Caring professional practice model, Deborah facilitated served on the local committee for programs/meetings held bringing Dr. Watson to the hospital to educate the nursing several times a year in Baton Rouge. In addition to being and allied health staff on the caring model first hand. She certified through the NCC as a Maternal-Infant RN, she Igniting the Spirit of also hosted a nursing education event “ is certified as a breast feeding educator and is preparing Inquiry, ” bringing to the community two world renowned for IBCLC certification. Nicole is also certified through keynote speakers to focus on evidence-based practice in the American Heart Association as a CPR instructor and the clinical setting. Among numerous accomplishments, teaches NICU parents CPR. She has started a La Leche Deborah was instrumental in bringing the Advisory Board league group at a local non-profit facility primarily serving Frontline Nursing Leadership Academy to her facility a WIC and Medicaid population in our community. and has worked to establish nursing councils, such as Nicole is also completing the La Leche League leadership the Clinical Ladder Council. She is a member of several training. She also volunteers as the Breastfeeding Seminar professional organizations including STTI, where she speaker for the Baby Grand event held at Woman’s served as President-Elect of a chapter in South Carolina. Hospital. Under Deborah’s leadership, her facility has made tremendous strides toward Magnet distinction. Baton Rouge District cont. on pg. 19 june, july, august 2008 PELICAN NEWS • Page 19 •
Baton Rouge District from pg. 18 Kimberly LeBlanc hospital and maintains composure in the most difficult of Employment: Woman’s Hospital situations. She attends educational offerings throughout Kimberly Hendricks Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Labor and Delivery/ the year to enhance her leadership and communication Employment: Baton Rouge General Medical Center 10years skills. Kahne has a strong knowledge base of policies and Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Invasive Nominated by: Jann Fried procedures and is always willing to share her knowledge Cardiology/15 years Kimberly encourages the professional development of with the clinical staff. Her peers easily recognize her Nominated by: Wanda Hughes registered nurse orientees on the labor and delivery (L&D) commitment to nursing and to Woman’s Hospital. In the Prior to being promoted to manage the Invasive unit by setting a professional example as a preceptor and words of her staff, Kahne is a “dependable leader, able to Cardiology Program, Kimberly was a nurse educator. as an instructor using Noelle, the birth simulator in classes. problem solve and supports nurses on a daily basis, is a Described as having a passion for staff development, In addition to developing simulations to be utilized at team member, and a positive role model for all nurses.” Kimberly was Instrumental in developing a review skills lab for the nurses in L&D, Antepartum and the course for staff nurses to obtain their Progressive Care Assessment Center, she has also developed and presented Juan Michelle Lewis Certification (PCS). She has worked collaboratively simulations on post-partal hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia Employment: Earl K. Long Medical Center with the Cardiologists, the Telemetry Manager and the and precipitous delivery. Kimberly has diligently worked Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Labor and Education Department to develop a Cardiac Education to maintain her status on the highest level of Woman’s Delivery/7years Plan for nurses working on Telemetry to enhance their Hospital Clinical Ladder. She encourages others to apply Nominated by: Mary Ann Pevey knowledge and competencies. Kimberly also played an and gives suggestions to them on how to achieve the Juan began her nursing career at Earl K. Long Medical active role in bringing Dr. Jean Watson to the community points needed to apply for the Career Ladder. Kimberly is center in May of 2001 and is described as an outstanding to teach the nursing staff on how to implement the caring an active member of the Association of Women’s Health, nurse with strong clinical skills and desire to learn every model and has become a member of the Dr. Jean Watson Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). Always aspect of the profession. Juan’s greatest strengths lie in International Caritas Consortium of which she has displaying a compassionate and caring attitude towards her her internal motivation, her love of nursing and a personal attended the last two years. Kimberly is credited for having patients and other team members, Kimberly maintains a commitment to continued professional growth. She has founded the Baton Rouge Chapter of AHNA (American positive influence on the professional development of new attained one aspect of that commitment by obtaining Holistic Nursing Association). She has been invited to orientees as well as seasoned nurses. certification as an Inpatient Obstetric Nurse through the author a chapter to be published by the consortium to National Certification Corporation. Juan routinely and help organizations put the caring theory into practice. The Kahne Lee willingly serves as a preceptor and mentor for the unit’s chapter is entitled Wellness retreats and wellness rooms: A Employment: Woman’s Hospital new registered nurses and area nursing students during practical approach for organizations. Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Nursing their clinical rotations to labor and delivery. Never satisfied Administration/30+ years with the status quo, she is at the forefront of suggesting Laurie Hood Nominated by: Lori Denstel workflow efficiency and promotion of employee and Employment: Baton Rouge General Medical Center Kahne began her nursing career at Woman’s Hospital patient safety. While exhibiting genuine concern, caring Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Wound Ostomy over twenty years ago after receiving her Bachelor of and compassion, Juan regularly promotes excellence in Continence (WOC)/16 years Science in Nursing. She encourages the professional patient care, education and service. She is described as Nominated by: Wanda Hughes development of nurses by serving as a role model. Because an outstanding nurse with extremely high personal and Laurie is described as having a passion for wound of her outstanding knowledge and experience as a staff professional standards. prevention and as being a natural teacher. She is nurse, she is an excellent sounding board to other nurses. Baton Rouge District cont. on pg. 20 instrumental in the education of nurses at her facility and In her current position as Administrative Supervisor, encourages the professional development of nursing staff Kahne collaborates well with staff from all areas of the by her positive role modeling. Laurie is one of the most popular preceptors of student nurses throughout the year. In addition to mentoring student nurses, she gives in- services at the individual, department and organization- wide level. This year alone, Laurie has coordinated two major educational sessions for the healthcare team on wound care. Certified in WOC, she attends regional and national conferences. Laurie also served on the 2007 planning committee for the WOC regional conference. Serving as the facility wide liaison / spokesperson from the WOC department, she is eager to research and make recommendations when consulted by others. Laurie collaborates and exchanges ideas with colleagues from around the country through her participation in an on-line national WOC Nursing forum.
Erica Joseph Employment: Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Critical Care/10 LOUISIANA STATE NURSES years Nominated by: Millie Pixley Ericka is described as the epitome of the professional ASSOCIATION nurse. She supports the professional development of nurses through role modeling and encouragement. Having THE LSNA WANTS YOU TO BECOME A MEMBER! NURSES MAKE A a desire to excel, she is enrolled in a graduate nursing DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY AND THE LSNA IS WORKING FOR YOU! program pursuing a MSN in Family Health Specialty with the Family Nurse Practitioner role. Erica will graduate in Join today! It costs about the same as one soft drink per day... May, 2008. While in school, she has been engaged in full- time nursing practice at OLOL. Because of her outstanding Go to www.lsna.org for membership details! knowledge in critical care nursing and her commitment What do you get with membership to LSNA? to practice high standards of care and practice, Erica is often seen assisting other team members to help them ** A Voice to advocate for protection of your professional practice achieve excellent patient care. She frequently serves as a ** Access to information and resources related to workplace issues resource to other nurses through her flex pool position. In addition to critical care units, Erica shares her expertise ** Subscription to American Nurse Today, Pelican News, and LSNA Insider with others when she floats to the emergency room, the ** Discounts on certifications available through American Nurse Credentialing Center post anesthesia care unit and the cardiology units. Based on her positive interactions and professional demeanor and ** Offers Insurance Programs: professional liability insurance, medical insurance, dental, and even auto insurance encouragement, other flex pool nurses have opted to enter ** Reduced room rates from several hotel chains graduate school also. • Page 20 • PELICAN NEWS june, july, august 2008
Baton Rouge District from pg. 19 her peers, and serving as a champion for changes and Anyadie U. Onu improvements in her organization. Amy earned a bachelor’s Employment: Southern University School of Nursing degree in nursing and continues to build on her education. Last Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Community Health; Aimee Marks year alone, she earned 110 continuing education hours and has Pediatrics/33 years Employment: Woman’s Hospital achieved RNIII status in her hospital’s career ladder program. Nominated by: Sharon Bator Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Maternal Child/14 Through Amy’s role as a preceptor and mentor, she encourages Anyadie has spent 20 years of her nursing career years her nurse colleagues to join professional organizations, become as a nurse educator. With two master’s degrees, one in Nominated by: Sharon Odenwald involved in departmental an organizational projects and to medical surgical nursing, one in public health, as well as Aimee encourages the professional development of participate in her hospital’s Career Ladder Program. Amy is international nursing responsibilities through the Nigerian nurses primarily by being an excellent role model in also a member of the AWHONN. According to her peers, Amy Red Cross and UNICEF, she has brought a unique the Assessment Center at Woman’s Hospital. She has has “positively impacted the lives of our patients and staff, both perspective as she diligently encourages the professional encouraged nurses to be engaged in the development of professionally and personally, and continues to contribute to development of nurses. Anyadie has an expanded the unit and to positively affect change. Aimee was one the community and the nursing profession through her work.” knowledge base in cultural diversity and exemplifies of the few nurses selected to help design the electronic cultural competence. Given the cultural diversity of documentation system utilized in the Assessment Center, Sherry Noel the United States, Anyadie has taught students in their the first department to implement electronic documentation Employment: Woman’s Hospital professional development to remember that nurses must at Woman’s. Demonstrating great leadership and Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Oncology/44 years accommodate to different cultural behaviors. Serving commitment, Aimee helped build the system, using her Nominated by: Mary Ann Smith as a resource to students, faculty and other nurses, knowledge base and skills to make the documentation Sherry has been employed at Woman’s Hospital for 32 years as she emphasizes the importance of the client’s cultural system applicable and user friendly for the staff. Since a staff nurse, supervisor, and 17 years in her most recent position background and how that strongly influences attitudes implementation of the electronic documentation system of Oncology Data Manager. Sharing her knowledge and offering and beliefs about health. Anyadie is also a contributor to a over 2 years ago, she continues to work with others to words of encouragement, Sherry encourages the professional nursing textbook, Nursing now! Today’s issues, tomorrow’s revise the system as needed to keep it compatible with development of nurses by serving as a mentor to new nurses. She trends scheduled to be released in 2009. other hospital systems and changing patient needs. Aimee is a valuable resource for chemotherapy treatment protocols and is said to go beyond what many would consider standard keeps the nurses informed of specific treatment considerations for Christine Podnar as she educates patients and families, provides support and individual patients. A member of the Society of Gynecological Employment: Woman’s Hospital encouragement and handles emergency situations. Nurse Oncologist, Sherry attends annual meetings of the Area of Practice/Years of Practice: PACU and Critical Gynecological Oncology Group, a research cooperative funded Care/23 years Amy W. McCurdy by the National Cancer Institute and brings information back to Nominated by: Staff of AICU/PACU Employment: Woman’s Hospital her fellow nurses on latest protocols and treatments. Sherry is Chris is described by her peers as being a skillful Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Maternal/Newborn/ knowledgeable on clinical trials and has presented educational clinician, excellent role model, and teacher. She is 9years programs on the nurses’ role in clinical trials and the significance credentialed for the highest functioning registered nurse Nominated by: Karrie Delise, Wendy Singleton, Leah of clinical trails in advancing the knowledge in cancer care level on the Professional Development Council’s Career Terrell and Dana Vidrine and treatment. Sherry is described as being an excellent patient ladder. In addition to being an advanced care provider in Amy is described as an exemplary nurse, leader, and peer. advocate and teacher to her oncology patients and their family Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced She continuously encourages the professional development members. of nurses through precepting new employees, mentoring Baton Rouge District cont. on pg. 21 june, july, august 2008 PelICan neWs • Page 21 •
Baton Rouge District from pg. 20
Life Support, Chris is an instructor for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support. According to the nurses who nominated her, the work schedule is critical to a nurses’ ability to combine a professional nursing career with home life. Through her skill and commitment to provide flexible work scheduling in two of the most critical patient care areas of PACU and ICU, nursing staff have adequate resources to meet the critical needs of their patients. Additionally, many of the nurses working in these areas have been afforded the opportunity and support to advance their education in nursing and attain advanced practice and specialty nursing certifications. Certified through the American Nurses Association Credentialing Center in Med Surg Nursing for over a decade, Chris encourages all nurses to achieve and maintain specialty certifications.
Dr. Enrica Kinchen Singleton Employment: Southern University School of Nursing Area of Practice/Yrs. Practice: Community Health/ Nursing Administration/52yrs Nominated by: Jackie Hill and Karen Loden As a scholar in nursing for over 50 years, Dr. Singleton has touched, encouraged, and inspired many nurses and students. Her journey in nursing began upon receiving a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Dillard University. Recognizing the importance of continuing her education, has worked diligently to encourage the professional As a wife and mother, Bonnie’s ultimate goal is to she later attended Tulane University and acquired a development of nurses on the Antepartum Unit at provide nursing care that would be worthy of any of her Masters in Public Health, a Masters of Science in Nursing Woman’s by serving as the unit informatics representative. family members. Throughout her nursing career, she has Service Administration from the University of Southern She committed both her time and talent to a challenging chosen many opportunities to encourage the professional Mississippi, a Masters in Business Administration from project that enhances patient safety and improves clinical development of nurses. Bonnie is a PALS instructor and Florida Institute of Technology and a Doctorate of Public outcomes. After building the initial clinical documentation is an educator for the Certified Pediatric Nurse review Health from Tulane University. As a nurse educator, she screens, Trivinia trained her peers to use the new course. She has developed study aids for use by the has worked at Dillard University, LSU Medical Center, documentation tools. Her expertise in caring for high risk nursing staff for the Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse and Southern University. Dr. Singleton currently holds the obstetrical patients was crucial in the development of a exam. Enthusiastically, she accepts opportunities to share rank of Professor at SU School of Nursing. She is a Dean nursing documentation system. She serves as an excellent her knowledge and expertise in pediatric oncology and Emeritus of Dillard University School of Nursing and resource to the staff offering on-going encouragement hematology with students at area schools of nursing. In Professor Emeritus of Louisiana State University Medical as they struggle to make the transition from paper to addition to serving as a mentor for students and new nurses Center. She not only serves as a great role model, but has electronic documentation. With a calm demeanor, attention on Peds 3, she has taken on the role of educator for the contributed tremendously to the development of nurses to detail and unlimited patience, Trivinia continues to pediatric hematology/oncology nurses providing them with across the nation. In addition to having chaired and served make changes as needed based on recommendations from specific updated clinical information. Certified in pediatric on numerous theses and dissertations committees, Dr. staff or changes in standards of care. According to the oncology nursing, she is also a member of the Association Singleton has published extensively and presented through words of Ms. Saltaformaggio, “Trivinia is energized by of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Nurses Association and numerous research venues. challenges in technology, committed to patient advocacy attends the annual National APOHN conferences, eager to and devoted to the profession of nursing.” collaborate and network with fellow hematology/oncology Dr. Susan Steele nurses across the nation in the care of her special patient Employment: Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Phyllis Turnage population. Center Employment: Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Oncology, Center Julie Whitaker Academia, Research/26 years Area of Practice/Yrs. of Practice: ER, Trauma Nursing; Employment: Baton Rouge General Medical Center Nominated by: Debbie Ford Patient Safety/25 years Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Critical Care/28 In her 26 years of nursing, Dr. Steele has occupied Nominated by: Tracie Major years varied roles, from oncology nurse to educator to nurse Dedicated to excellence in care, Phyllis is described as Nominated by: Wanda Hughes researcher. Leading by example as a doctoral-prepared a role model for nurses. She holds a national certification Described as a natural mentor, Julie is a dynamic and nurse, a member of the Oncology Society of Nursing, in emergency room nursing and is recognized by her co- motivational leader of 3 extremely busy, full-service Sigma Theta Tau and the American Nurses Association, workers and patients for her superb clinical skills and intensive care units in a two hospital system. Certified she serves as an outstanding mentor to nursing leaders, positive attitude. In her current position of Patient Safety as a PCCN and CCRN, she facilitated an innovative advanced practice nurses, and bedside nurses in conducting Nurse, she maintains a strong presence as patient advocate 2 day didactic course serving as a study guide for the evidenced-based practice projects and research studies that and as a mentor to the organization’s professional nursing CCRN examination followed by weekly structured expand nursing knowledge, not only within her facility, but staff. In addition to diligently leading workgroups that study groups. 100% of the nurses who completed these the overall nursing community. Dr. Steele facilitates and focus on patient safety, Phyllis has established a routine sessions successfully passed their AACN certification encourages nurses’ participation as presenters in regional pattern of rounding on clinical units, where she assists examinations! Julie is also credited with developing a research symposiums and teaches newly hired nurses caregivers with education. She provides support and career path program for new grads to progress from the importance of advancing their education, obtaining encouragement to the nursing leadership and nursing staff telemetry to intensive care. Under Julie’s leadership, the national certification and participation in professional in providing safer care to their patients. She has played a telemetry unit was chosen by the Jackson Organization nursing organizations. Credited with developing her major role in the establishment of innovative and creative as number one in patient satisfaction in the nation, organization’s first Nursing Research Council (NRC), educational programs for staff on the National Patient benchmarked against other surveyed hospitals. In addition she has taught members of the NRC how to engage in Safety Goals while serving as a tremendous resource to mentoring staff to ensure their high competence, she the research process while fostering collaboration and in this area. In addition to sharing her knowledge and recently completed a BSN in nursing, graduating magna partnership among nurses in academia and practice and experience with classes of nursing students at area schools cum laude and has plans to return for a master’s degree increasing nursing research visibility in her organization. of nursing, Phyllis is an active participant in all of the in nursing. Julie is often consulted by other managers to organization’s orientation classes. speak with patients and families regarding her diagnosis, Trivinia Toussant survival and recovery following her diagnosis of breast Employment: Woman’s Hospital Bonnie Whatley cancer several years ago. Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Antepartum/7years Employment: Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital As usual, we welcome your participation and comments Nominated by: Marree Saltaformaggio Area of Practice/Years of Practice: Pediatric in making BRDNA a better organization. You can begin by Described as an excellent role model for nurses in Hematology/Oncology/10 years joining us. The website is www.lsna.org or you can contact the community and a cheerleader for her peers, Trivinia Nominated by: Jennifer Morgan me at [email protected] for additional information. • Page 22 • PELICAN NEWS june, july, august 2008
District News
Shreveport District Bayou District Tangipahoa District Nurses’Association Holds Annual The Bayou District Nursing Association (BDNA) and The Tangipahoa District Nurses Association has been Legislative Breakfast Nicholls Nursing Students will assist the LSU Ag Center very busy this spring. Since the last Pelican News was which is hosting the "Body Walk" activity for schools in published our district has held two dinner meetings with SDNA held its annual Legislative Breakfast on March Lafourche Parish. The Body Walk program will be held guest speakers. In January we had two guests from Baton 24 at the University Club in downtown Shreveport. The on May 12-14, 2008 at St. Luke’s Community Center in Rouge, Dr. Lucia Agosta, APRN, and Sue Bernie from purpose of the breakfast is to allow local area legislators Thibodaux, LA. The Body Walk introduces students to the BR parish DA office present “Legal issues affecting and nurses the opportunity to know one another on a physiology of the human body as they "travel" through Domestic Partner Violence and Abuse” at Murphy’s personal level and to share ideas related to health issues the body maze. Narrators (nurses, nursing students, and restaurant. Megan Lougue, APRN from the OPH affecting nursing and the citizens of the state of Louisiana. volunteers) describe each organ and its functions as the presented “Premature Ovarian Failure and STD Update” SDNA President Shirley Cashio acted as Mistress of students visit each area. for our March dinner meeting at Trey Yuen. Southeastern Ceremonies for the program. BDNA raffled two $50 gift cards to new LSNA nursing students, learning about the professional role, are Fifty-four individuals attended this year’s breakfast enrollees from the Nicholls Association of Student Nurses. in attendance as well. We had several members attend the . . . nursing educators, nursing administrators, nursing The two winners and new LSNA-BDNA members are LSNA Link to the Legislature. From our district were: students, nurse practitioners, and staff nurses. Invited Fallon Falgout and Lance Walker. Congratulations and Barbara Moffett (LSNA Treasurer), Doris Lockerby and legislators in attendance included Representatives Richard welcome to ALL new members! Jackie Hunt. Burford, Henry Burns, Roy Burrell, and Susan Waddell, An early fall meeting (September-date to be determined) This month we are celebrating National Nurses Week representing her husband Wayne Waddell.; Senators is planned to discuss BDNA’s involvement in the Bayou with a banquet on May 13th at 6:30pm. Our LSNA included Robert Adley, Sherri Smith Cheek, and B.L. Region Race for the Cure, the collaborative CEU meeting President, Patricia La Brosse will be our speaker. To “Buddy” Shaw. Additional guests Joyce Miller, LSNA scheduled for November, and other upcoming activities. A celebrate we will be recognizing nurses who make Health Policy Chair as well as Randal Johnson and Marke joint CEU meeting with Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor a difference everyday. Nurses in attendance will be Pierre from Southern Group joined us. Society and Nicholls Association of Student Nurses will be recognized with a special token and will be given a token Maxine Johnson, SDNA Treasurer, presented an held on November 6, 2008 at 6:30 pm in Raceland at the to share with a special nurse in their lives. We have invited overview of the status of nursing in the state, using Cajun Country Event Center (2639 Hwy 182). The CEU graduating seniors from the area to attend as our guest. a power point presentation that provided a wealth of meeting will involve a dinner-educational program format. Our business community show their support for nurses information. Several of the legislators in attendance For more information or to register to attend, call Kim at by generously donating door prizes. Each participant will requested copies of her presentation to use for resource 985.493-2603 or email [email protected]. receive up to 2 gifts this year. We also attend ecumenical purposes. Each legislator in attendance spoke briefly to BDNA has two (2) officer positions open—both service together as group to ask local churches to recognize the group and encouraged all in attendance to contact them secretary positions—recording and correspondence. If nurses in their congregation. This year we attended First for information or to provide input on the many bills that you are interested in serving in either of these positions, Baptist Church of Ponchatoula. And in memory of Shirley will be filed during this legislative session. Joyce Miller or if you would like further information on any of the Perkins, our long time member and friend, flowers were delineated her role as Health Policy Chair and reiterated aforementioned events, please contact Kim Brannagan, placed at the Baptist Church in Amite this past Sunday. that all nurses need to be involved to some degree in the President, at [email protected] or Kim Webre, Thanks to our officers and board members who help make political arena, and Randall Johnson discussed the role of Treasurer, at [email protected] each TDNA activity special. LSNA’s lobbyist. Kim B. Brannagan, PhD, MBA, RN, MSN This is one of the most highly successful activities [email protected] TDNA Officers sponsored by SDNA on an annual basis. Thanks to all who Assistant Professor of Nursing President: Ann Carruth: [email protected] attended . . . we’ll see you again next year! Loyola University New Orleans Past President Barbara Moffett: [email protected] 6363 St. Charles Avenue, Campus Box 42 Vice-President: Carol Hennis: [email protected] New Orleans, LA 70118 Secretary Cathy Cormier: [email protected] Campus Office: 504.865.3092 Treasurer De Lilia Lodge: [email protected] Campus Fax: 504.865.3254 CE coordinator: Marie Billings Remote Office: 985.446.8588 Northshore District Nurse Association
June 18, 2008 at Italian Pie in Slidell, LA 6 pm August 20, 2008 at Abita Brew in Abita, LA 6pm October 22, 2008 at Italian Pie in Slidell, LA 6 pm December 10, 2008 - location to be announced. For more information contact Barbara Huete 985 847 0224