The Official Publication of the Alaska Professional Nurses Organization Volume 2 • No. 1 Circulation 7,800 to every Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse and Student Nurse in Alaska March 2014 One of Our Own March of Dimes 2013 Nurse of the Year Lahdenpera Inducted into Alaska Awards Women’s Hall of Fame Page 3

by Lynn Hartz and Marianne Schlegelmilch (WSU) when she learned that Dr. Hudson, her 70-year-old advisor, had assigned she and the only On February 28, V. other female student in her class extra and more Kay Lahdenpera, MPH, difficult courses than he had given to the men. Taylor New CEO at RN was inducted into Apparently, as Kay relays it, he was of the mindset Alaska Regional the prestigious Alaska that, “girls shouldn’t be in medicine.” Hospital Women’s Hall of Fame Not, then, one to question authority, Kay Page 5 with the newest Class of dropped out of college as did the other female 2014. Lahdenpera, one of student—a woman who Kay describes as much the three founders of the smarter and more academically accomplished Alaska Professional Nurses than she was at the time. As far as Kay knows, Organization, accepted the other female pre-med student never returned the honor in person at a to a career in medicine and instead dropped out ceremony at the Loussac of WSU. Apparently she, like Kay, did not feel it Spotlight on the Area V.K. Lahdenpera, Library in Anchorage. appropriate to question the obvious attempts of 2014 Health Education The Alaska Women’s their advisor to derail their educational path, Center Hall of Fame was initiated and so she left medicine forever—a move Kay in 2009 spurred by a celebration of Alaska’s fifty recalls as being a sad loss to a promising future in Page 8 years of statehood. The collaborative project by a medicine for all. number of statewide women’s groups is to honor With one door closed, Kay transferred to the in perpetuity, “women whose contributions have University of Washington. She entered the 5-year influenced the direction of Alaska.” Lahdenpera Swedish Hospital, UW nursing program where joins such luminaries as Carol Comeau, she graduated in 1961. Kay left college after her forming the basis for the way she would choose to Chancellor Fran Ulmer, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, 4th year and hitchhiked, touring Europe for a year practice the art of nursing. The difference in work Elizabeth Peratrovich and last year, her own before returning to Washington after her travels to pace and approach between the west coast and the friend and public health nurse mentor, Arne Beltz. complete her 5th-year in the nursing program. east coast was one of her first glances at looking at The honorees are categorized by their area of It is fitting that Kay became an Alaskan nurse. both nursing and life with a broader perspective. achievement. Kay Lahdenpera was recognized Aside from spending the better part of her career At Bellevue, she worked per diem on the psych for her legacy in Public Health Nursing . In a practicing in Alaska, she is an Alaskan by birth. and medical floors. The time was the 1960’s—an telephone interview to the Florida condominium She also comes from a background of pioneering era before computers, care plans, directives, and a where she now resides, Lahdenpera stressed that Alaska medical professionals. Her grandfather time when nurses spent the majority of their time the team approach was central to her success was a practicing dentist in Juneau in 1907. It was with an abundance of patients working directly in her 45 year career in public health, ”Nursing there that he met Kay’s grandmother, a nurse at the bedside. There she covered two floors. She is like clothing styles, it comes in cycles, I was who arrived from Seattle where at the age of emphasizes that there was an atmosphere of real trained in working as part of a team and I do hope 17 she “ran a local hospital in Seattle. “ Thus, collaboration. the team approach returns to nursing.” for granddaughter Kay, some type of career in “The med students, interns—everyone helped medicine seemed almost genetically driven. each other. There was mutual respect. Even the The Early Years As a young nurse, Kay left Seattle, WA for the patients helped.” Juneau born, third generation Alaskan, Kay big city. Not just any big city, but the big city: New From Bellevue, she went on to another very Lahdenpera, started her nursing career in the York, New York. There she worked at Bellevue pivotal job in her career where she worked at St. 1950’s by studying to become a physician—a Hospital in the heart of the city, a career choice surgeon to be exact. She was two years into pre- whose realities came as a shock, but would end up One of Our Own continued on page 2 med studies at Washington State University

Presort Standard US Postage PAID Permit #14 Princeton, MN The Bulletin Board ...... 4 Membership Application ...... 9 current resident or 55371 Nurse Newsmakers ...... 5 Congratulations 2013 Graduates ...... 10 Alaska Respond ...... 6 The Graduate Page ...... 11 Board of Nursing News Flash ...... 6 APN Scope of Practice Update ...... 12 Alaska Nurses Journey Forward Together: Health Facts About Alaska’s Youth ...... 12 Notes from the Road ...... 7 Up and Coming Event & CE Calendar ...... 13 AK Nurses Foundation Announces Are You in the Know? ...... 14-15 Grantees ...... 7 Page 2 • Alaska Nursing Today March 2014 One of Our Own continued from page 1 10’s state family planning clinics. The Colposcopy Project became a training ground for nurse Barnabas House, a temporary shelter run by the practitioners and medical residents in Anchorage Episcopal Diocese and which housed healthy, providing valuable clinical experience as well but abused or neglected wards of the state. The as enabling women with abnormal Pap smears ages of the children were 3-13. Kay calls it “little to be evaluated. The colposcopy clinic is still in internationalville.” existence in the Reproductive Health Clinic at the At St. Barnabas House, she learned the Municipal Health Department and by now, the importance of being fair, helpful, and non- number of women served by the clinic is well past authoritative to her “little assistants,” who came a thousand. to relish their role in helping their nurse. Besides She is quick to deny any suggestion that being working for a physician named Dr. O’Regan, who a manager left her detached from her patients. Contact AKPNO she credits with never making a misdiagnosis, Kay is clear when stating that she was a “working Alaska Professional Nurses Organization and who reportedly trained Dr. Spock and cared manager.” In talking more with her, the work part, 2922 Yale Drive for many famous people, she recalls her 5 years it seems, forms some of her fondest memories. Anchorage, AK 99508 at St. Barnabas House as a true labor of love and To this day, Kay Lahdenpera loves working www.akpno.org one of the most fulfilling jobs in her career. She is with troubled youth. She has taught sex education in high schools, held family planning clinics in equally proud that Dr. O’Regan wanted her to stay, The Alaska Professional Nurses Organization is a but for Kay it was time to move on. churches, developed and worked in programs for statewide nursing society dedicated to improving homeless and runaway youths, and states that the health of all Alaskans through fostering nurse she loves working with low income women and leadership and excellence in nursing practice. teens—especially multi-national clients. She has even assisted other states in implementing family Board of Directors planning public health programs. President Barbara Berner EdD, APRN, In 1998 Kay collaborated with the nonprofit FNP-BC, FAANP Vice President Mary Stackhouse CLNC agency – Alaska Youth and Parent Foundation, Secretary LeMay Hupp MPH Executive Director to establish the Municipality Treasurer Debbie Thompson BSN, CNOR of Anchorage, Department of Health & Human Services, Reproductive Health Clinic satellite Directors at Large clinic in the Downtown Transit Center. In 2007 Pat Dooley BSN, CHPN, MHSA this Clinic received a national award from The Patricia Barker BSN, NCSN National Association of County and City Health Tina DeLapp EdD, RN, FAAN Officials as a creative and unique public health Newsletter Editor: clinic. Lynn Hartz MSN, ANP [email protected] In 2005, while serving on the Board of Directors for the Alaska Youth and Parent Foundation (AYPF), she watched as their shelters Articles Author Guidelines: Lahdenpera in the 1960’s. Program Manager of in Anchorage closed due to lack of funding. She Alaska Nursing Today welcomes original articles Family Planning, Borough Health Department, continued her role as volunteer Executive Director for publication. Preference is given to nursing Anchorage. and health related topics in Alaska. Authors must for 5 years in order to keep the AYPF, POWER identify potential conflicts of interest, whether Program alive. This program was the first teen Her grandfather needed someone to take him financial or of other nature and identify any outreach program run by teens in the state and it commercial affiliation if applicable. Resources, from Seattle to Anchorage, and so she returned was recognized as a national model for runaway including websites should be listed at the end of in 1965, taking a job at the Borough Health homeless and troubled youth to encounter a safe the article. Photos may be sent as a .jpg file and Department as a public health nurse. In 1967 environment, shelter, health and social services. become the property of AKPNO. she became the Program Manager of the Family Famous for her late hours and willingness to Planning and Women’s Health Programs in Editorials/Commentary/ Letters to the Editor call anyone, anywhere at anytime in support Anchorage, a position she kept until 1999 when Letters, comments, questions or opinions about of her patients and profession, Lahdenpera has she retired. Kay then worked for Dr. Effie PY nursing or health care in Alaska are a wonderful served as mentor to successive generations of way to share information and viewpoints with Chow in San Francisco, where she worked two Alaskan nurses and leaves a legacy to be proud colleagues across the state. Send your submission months in the fall as the Congress Secretariat of. In recognition of her efforts she has garnered via email. Letters must be 500 words or less and and Organizer for World Qigong Conferences—a a number of local, state and national awards may be edited for length, clarity and grammar. volunteer position she retained until 2008. Editorials and Commentary do not have a word including; “Legend in Nursing” by the March For someone who has spent the greater part of limit at this time though they are also subject of Dimes in 2009, “Woman of Achievement” her career as a manager, it is noteworthy that Kay to editing. The ANT is published every three from BP and YWCA in 1997, a Long-term service describes herself as a “team player.” During our months so be careful about sending time sensitive Award in recognition of contributions to ALPHA material. talk, she described her reputation as being that of and the ‘health of Alaska’ by the Alaska Public a “stickler for hiring.” She told me that she was Health Association, and a 1999 award from the AKPNO has the right to accept, edit or reject known as a tough interviewer, and one who was Anchorage Municipal Assembly for, “dedication proposed material. Materials may not be considered very selective in her hiring practices. reproduced without written permission of the and service to the people of Anchorage for 35 The result, she explained, was that she was able to Editor. years to improve the public health of Anchorage.” let her team members flourish. In talking with her, it is doubtful that Kay “Everyone would contribute and be a part of the All submissions may be sent to Lahdenpera will ever really retire. Even in her late [email protected] team. I was not a micromanager.” She is clearly 70’s, she remains actively interested and involved proud of the successes of those she managed— in nursing and nursing issues. Her quest for team members whose contributions were a part learning seems insatiable. Publishing Information and Ad rates of the whole, but who were also able to function Alaska Nursing Today is published quarterly independently, often achieving their own great every March, June, September and December. “Retirement” successes. In March of 2013, Lahdenpera moved to An example of her achievements as a manger For advertising rates and information, please Florida so that she could be with her daughter contact Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, is The Colposcopy Project. Through Lahdenpera’s and family more often. Those who know Kay Inc., 517 Washington Street, PO Box 216, Cedar efforts, federal grants and municipal support will not be surprised to know that she is active Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081, sales@aldpub. was provided to initiate and support a multi- in the League of Women Voters in her new home com. AKPNO and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing year Colposcopy Project at the Municipal Health Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any where she serves on a voters’ rights committee Department that served as a model for clinics advertisement. Responsibility for errors in and immigration committee. Through the local of its kind in other states. Research at the clinic advertising is limited to corrections in the next Episcopal church, St. Albans, she is working in resulted in presentations at state and international issue or refund of price of advertisement. an outreach program with teen boys 12-19 and conferences and a paper in the American Journal considering becoming a parish nurse. Acceptance of advertising does not imply of Obstetrics and Gynecology. A Colposcopy Congratulations Kay Lahedenpera on your endorsement or approval by the Alaska Clinic Manual, based on the clinic’s procedures induction into the 2014 Alaska Women’s Hall of Professional Nurses Organization of products and protocols was distributed throughout Region advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. Fame. And with the sincerest felicitations, look Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a out Florida! product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its Looking for the use. AKPNO and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Alaska Professional Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any perfect career? Nurses Organization consequences resulting from purchase or use of Look no further than... www.akpno.org an advertiser’s product. Articles appearing in this nursingALD.com publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, Find the perfect board, or membership of AKPNO or those of the nursing job for you! national or local associations. Published by: Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. March 2014 Alaska Nursing Today • Page 3 March of Dimes 2013 Nurse of the Year Awards

Pictured are the Class of 2013, March of Dimes, Nurse of the Year honorees.

Last November 22 was the 10th Anniversary of the March of Dimes Erika Grant Leadership Nurse of the Year Awards Banquet in Alaska. Congratulations to the Joanne Spears Maternal Child Health following honorees, who are listed along with the category in which Donna Woodkey-Dinsmore Mentoring they were awarded, and Happy Nurses Day to you! Tracie Wright Patient & Family Centered Care Nathan Randall Rising Star Jane Noonan Advanced Practice Millie Ressler Rural Nurse Brittany Andrew Direct Care Mary Berliner Rural Nurse Rita Kalistook Distinguished Nurse of the Year Teresa Zimmer Spirit of Nursing Jodi Tansky Education Sherry Hammock Federal Military Category Those who are interested in getting nomination forms for next Kirsten Nelson Friend of Nursing year’s event can contact Janie Odgers, State Director, March of Dimes, Nakia Halcom Improving & Innovating 907-246-4111 or [email protected].

OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION COULD YOU MAKE THIS MISTAKE— We all make mistakes. But as a nurse, one mistake AND BE SUED? can lead to disaster. Consider this real-life example.

A 48-year-old woman with sleep apnea had surgery at a hospital for a detached retina. The surgery went well, and the patient was admitted overnight for observation. That evening, the nurse gave the patient Demerol for pain as prescribed. When the patient vomited shortly thereafter, the nurse assumed the medication had been expelled and gave the patient another dose. Later, the patient complained of inadequate pain control. The nurse alerted the physician, who ordered another pain medication. By 1:15 a.m., the patient coded. The team could not resuscitate her. The patient’s daughter filed a lawsuit. The case was settled for more than $1 million, split evenly among the nurse and two physicians.1

It’s because of cases like this that the American Nurses Association (ANA) offers the Nurses Professional Liability Program. It protects nurses from the potentially devastating impact of malpractice lawsuits.

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65671 (4/14) Copyright 2014 Mercer LLC. All rights reserved. Underwritten by Liberty Insurance Underwriters Inc., a member company of Liberty Mutual Insurance. 55 Water Street • New York, New York 10041 Administered by: Mercer Consumer, a service of Mercer Health & Benefits Administration LLC In CA d/b/a Mercer Health & Benefits Insurance Services LLC AR Ins. Lic. #303439 | CA Ins. Lic. #0G39709 Page 4 • Alaska Nursing Today March 2014 The Bulletin Board

This issue of Alaska Nursing Many CE notices come to the ANT between issues. For up to the Today brought to you by minute CE go to akpno.org or AKPNO. Happy Nurses Week from send your email address to AKPNO! We are dedicated to improving the health [email protected] with CNE on Are you a member? the subject line to receive a of all Alaskans through fostering nurse leadership and excellence in nursing weekly notice. Go to page 9 for a membership application or practice. Thanks to all of you who work to download an application at www.akpno.org. make that a reality every day

Support the mission! Support the newsletter!

Caduceus 12 step Recovery Meeting Alaska Nursing Today (open only to health care professionals) Thursday evenings, 5:45-6:45pm Alaska Nurse Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, Corner of Practitioner Meeting O’Malley and Elmore, Anchorage Third Wed. of the month 6:15pm 3701 East Tudor, Suite 208 https://anpa.enpnetwork.com/ “the mighty ANT” AKPNO membership A small newsletter with meeting To post a recurring meeting on the Bulletin big aspirations. First Wed. of the month, 6pm Board contact the Editor, Read. Enjoy. BP Energy Center, 900 E. Benson [email protected] Join the conversation.

Norton Sound Health Corporation NSRH is a Joint Commission accredited facility with 18 acute care beds, 18 LTC beds serving the people of the Seward Peninsula and Bering Straits Region of Northwest Alaska. New hospital now open!

View all openings & apply online at http://www.cabinetpeaks.org Contact  RNs Contact Erin Leighty in Human Resources at (406) 283-7168 or e-mail [email protected] Rhonda Schneider EOE Human Resources • ER [email protected] 877-538-3142 • OB www.nortonsoundhealth.org March 2014 Alaska Nursing Today • Page 5 Nurse Newsmakers

Taylor New CEO at Alaska Elizabeth Johnson, RN, has joined Mountain-Pacific Quality Health as quality improvement specialist and will lead efforts Regional Hospital to reduce health-care acquired conditions in nursing homes across the state of Alaska. by Heidi Bohi, Northwest Strategies CEO of West Valley Medical Center. (Both Johnson has worked as a registered nurse hospitals are part of the MountainStar at North Star Hospital since 2011. She Healthcare division of HCA Healthcare, which brings consultant and quality improvement has 162 hospitals nationwide.) Her nursing experience with her. She previously worked background, combined with a master’s degree at Providence Alaska Medical Center as a in business administration, means she has an quality improvement specialist; there she appreciation for the inherent challenges within was responsible for training the staff and the healthcare system on both the patient and departments on quality improvement methods family sides, and from the healthcare providers’ and tools. [ADN, Fall 2013] perspectives. “As a result, I am better positioned not only to problem solve, but also to identify [The ANT welcomes items for Nurse opportunities for improvement and create Newsmakers. Please email submissions to synergies that bring the best outcome for all,” [email protected]. Photos are always nice too!] Taylor says.

From left, Sean Murphy, RN, CFRN, Jeremy Brumfield RN, CFRN, Julie Taylor, Alaska Regional CEO, and Dennis Geise, LifeFlight Pilot. Serving our community for over 30 years, Fairbanks Memorial As a registered nurse—she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, as well as Hospital in Fairbanks provides you with an experienced and caring an MBA—multi-tasking is second nature to Julie Taylor, the new CEO of Alaska Regional medical team close to home. Hospital. While she directs the two-year, $50 million facility facelift that is already underway, she is also finding ways to partner with the Anchorage We are proud to be a resource for health services in the Fairbanks business community, learning how the hospital can best work with healthcare providers, and community and strive to be a resource for health information. continuing to refine the patients-first experience that is fundamental to the hospital’s mission statement. “Healthcare nationally is at a crossroads Employees experience this commitment through the many where change needs to take place,” Taylor says. “As providers, we need to focus more on health opportunities and rewards that Banner provides. They in turn and wellness strategies and being a resource to patients in helping them make good decisions, commit to provide and support excellent patient care. while at the same time being a trusted provider of high quality comprehensive health care.” The renovation will help the physical facilities catch up with the medical technology Journey is the commitment that Banner is making to each and every that has positioned Alaska Regional as the state’s leading provider in several departments employee, stated as: “We’ll help make a difference in your life and including orthopedics and spine surgery, she says. Departments slated for the first career so that you can make a difference in the lives of others.” phase of updates are the family birth center, cardiovascular services unit, critical care unit, and progressive care unit. Taylor, her husband of 25 years Mike and their 11-year-old daughter Lauren, arrived from Caldwell, Idaho, where she was the

Fairbanks Memorial Hospital & Denali Center 1650 Cowles St., Fairbanks, AK 99701 www.BannerHealth.com/careers Page 6 • Alaska Nursing Today March 2014

Board of Nursing News Flash Alaska State Board of Nursing Update

by Beth Farnstrom, RN, Board Chair

HAPPY NURSE’S Day from the Board of Nursing! Thanks for promoting and protecting the health of the citizens of Alaska by safely Alaska Shield: practicing nursing as defined by Alaskan law. Good News Hale Borealis 2014 The Board of Nursing is pleased to announce that license and renewal fees have decreased $120 to $100 for certified nurse aides (CNAs), LeMay Hupp, R.N., Coordinator, and from $175 to $165 for LPNs and RNs. Not ALASKA RESPOND a great deal of money saved, but it’s a decrease. The new fees became effective on February 20, By the time this paper goes to print, ALASKA 2014. Some of the staff and Board Members of the RESPOND will have been one of the more Alaska State Board of Nursing. From left, than 550 agencies participating in 2014 Alaska SB 166 Introduced Nancy Sanders, PhD, Executive Administrator, Shield! This statewide, and national, exercise At the January meeting, the Board approved Beth Farnstrom, RN, Chair, Tom Hendrix, was based on the 50th anniversary of the March statute changes which meant that, unlike PhD, RN, and retiring public member Kevin 27, 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake. regulations, the changes would have to go Dougherty. We had numerous trainings on various before the legislature. The bill, SB 166, was aspects of activation and mobilization. introduced on February 7, 2014 on behalf of Deployment, with Just-In-Time training, took the Board of Nursing by Senator Cathy Giessel. Reminder: all CNAs, LPNs, RNs, ANPs place in the Alaska Medical Station (AMS) Many of these statute changes have been in and CRNAs are due to renew in 2014. placed at the Palmer state fairgrounds. This 250 the making for 10 years. By the time you are For the exact dates please visit the Alaska bed, low acuity alternate care site will be set reading this article, the legislative session will State Board of Nursing website (www.nursing. up at anytime, anywhere in the state to assist nearly be over. The Board is hopeful that these alaska.gov). Plan to renew online! While you are in hospital surge capacity. This was the first statute changes, that are predominately updated on the website, please join the list serve. The list time it had been fully deployed and operated wording, will be passed. One new proposed serve is a way to learn of communications from since the state took ownership! AK Respond statute change is the addition of a Retired Nurse the Board. Please start looking now for contact volunteers were also “patients” and evaluators Status. The details of what a retired nurse hours. The Board will be sending reminders during an intra-state “Forward Patient status means will be addressed in regulations that it is time to renew to your last address with Movement” exercise. and conveyed in a future article. For updated the Board. It is each licensee’s responsibility to “After action reports,” created in part by AK information on the exact wording and status notify the Board of Nursing when you have a Respond volunteers, will be invaluable to help of SB166, go to www.legis.state.ak.us/basis and change of address. assess procedures and processes for the AMS search for SB166, or just Google State of Alaska and patient movement out of state. Thank you Legislature Basis and search for SB 166. Continuing Education for Relicensure to everyone who participated in AK SHIELD If you choose to use contact hours as one 2014 in whatever community and capacity. We Board Member Update way to meet your continuing competency couldn’t have done it without you! January 2014 was the last meeting for Kevin requirements when you renew, a marked box on Other projects planned for 2014 will be the Dougherty, (on the right in the picture) one of your renewal form means you have completed publishing of a quick reference “Volunteer the Board’s public members, ended his term the number of contact hours needed to renew Pocket Guide.” There will also be many at the end of February 2014. The Board thanks your license. You are responsible, not your opportunities for continuing education and /or Kevin for his numerous contributions over the employer, for maintaining a record of your CE volunteer hours in the coming year. last 4 years. Erin Evans, RN was reappointed courses. If you are audited and do not have the If you are interested in learning more about for another 4 year term. New members, Carrie contact hours, you have committed a fraudulent any of these projects, or working with other Miller, LPN from Juneau and Mary Grimwood, act and this is a crime. The Board has set licensed health care providers to develop plans public member from Cordova, were appointed to “hefty” fines and reprimands for audit issues. and meet the disaster response needs in Alaska, the Board of Nursing and will attend their first And, you cannot work without renewing your please go to: www.akrespond.alaska.gov. meeting in April. license! The regulations regarding continuing education and continued competency can be found at www.nursing.alaska.gov under the heading: Board of Nursing Links.

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Monday-Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm Alaska Neurology Center has a neuropsychologist on staff and all of our neurologists 1100 E Dimond Blvd pursue ongoing training in the newest research and techniques . Our emphasis on Please visit www.acmhs.com to learn more Anchorage, AK 99515 evolving treatments combined with our unrivalled concentration of experience makes about our mission, our people, it possible for Alaskans to get the care they need right here at home . Phone 907 .565 .6000 and employment opportunities in Fax 907 .565 6001. Anchorage or Fairbanks. www.aknc.com / [email protected] www.acmhs.com March 2014 Alaska Nursing Today • Page 7 Alaska Nurses Alaska Nurses Journey Forward Foundation Together: Notes from the Road Announces Grantees Pat Dooley, BSN, CHPN, MHSA Co-lead ANAC Creating a diverse nursing leadership by Tina DeLapp, EdD, RN, FAAN cohort means looking at our current nursing The Alaska Nursing Action Coalition (ANAC) demographics and planning for the future. Lindy Ferguson and Colleen McNulty are continues to move forward, now with a renewed Encouraging both women and men to pursue recipients of 2013 grants from the Alaska Nurses sense of purpose – working to use the Robert advanced degrees, recruiting younger nurses into Foundation. Ms. Ferguson, a PHN working in Juneau, Wood Johnson Foundation “State Implementation entry level leadership positions, opening more will use her $3,780 grant to implement the Healthy Program” or SIP grant awarded in November 2013 opportunities for minority nurses to advance Food, Health Kids project. This community based to advance the goals of the grant. The Coalition their education and to seek and attain leadership clinical project will occur in three Juneau day care envisions Alaskans able to enjoy healthy lives positions - these strategies may be all part of this centers and seeks to increase the knowledge of and supported by nurses as the essential leaders in effort. access to healthy food options through educational this effort, creating partnerships in all Alaskan Do YOU have an interest, perhaps a passion and edible gardens. Working with the University communities with both nursing and non- to see this sort of initiative blossom in our state? of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension and nursing groups and individuals passionate about Would you be interested in hosting a “Diversity the SE Master Gardener Association, the project advancing this same goal. Although the SIP grant Fair” in your community? Write an opinion piece will result in the creation of gardens at the three encompasses the work of two years, Alaska nurses about this topic in your local newspaper? Do you day care centers; children and center staff will must be ready to carry the work forward beyond have ideas and enthusiasm to share? Come join us participate in the gardening project, receiving 2015. on the road! Contact Pat Dooley at 907-360-4887 or healthy eating information along the way. The [email protected]. project will culminate in Fall 2014 with a harvest and community meal shared by day care center staff Step Up and Lead: Influencing the Present and and kids with their parents. Future Health of All Alaskans The $4,500 grant received by Colleen McNulty If nurses want to guide health system change, will help to defray speaker expenses at the 2014 then nurses must be prepared to serve in Alaska Public Health Nursing Conference. Change, leadership positions, including governing boards. Diversity, Ingenuity, Passion: Public Health Nursing If you work in a health care organization, do you will be the theme of the conference which will know who serves on that organization’s board? be held at the Captain Cook Hotel from April 15- Are nurses serving on that board? What might it 17, 2014. While planning for the conference is still take to make that happen? Where would you start? underway, currently in progress, some exciting The Future of Nursing “Campaign for Action” speakers have already been announced. One is Dr. is working to position nurses as valued partners Linda Chamberlain, an internationally acclaimed and as clearly identified leaders for health system speaker and champion for health issues related to and policy changes and ANAC is committed to domestic violence, children exposed to violence, working with the Campaign to move this initiative and the adolescent brain; Dr. Chamberlain is the forward in Alaska. We will be identifying boards founder of the Alaska Family Violence Prevention that would benefit from having access to the voice Project. Another speaker is Ken Meter, one of the of nursing and nursing leaders. We are working to most experiences food system analysts in the U.S.; identify nurses that are interested in serving in Mr. Meter is the president of Crossroads Resource this capacity, with the goal of providing training Center, a non-profit organization that works with and support as they expand their board leadership communities to foster democracy and local self- Pat Dooley speaking about the Alaska Nursing knowledge and skills. ANAC plans to assist with determination. Action Coalition at the Advanced Practice Nurses getting nurses “in the room and at the table” Readers should note that the Alaska Nurses conference in Anchorage in January. so that the unique and valuable perspective of Foundation is an independent non-profit nursing can be heard. organization that funds educational and clinical Expanding Diversity in Nursing Leadership Do YOU have an interest, perhaps a passion projects for and by Alaska nurses. Completely One of the key initiatives identified by the to see Alaskan nurses taking their place on the dependent on membership dues and contributions Alaska Coalition is finding ways to be inclusive, boards that influence policies and health care and the earnings of a small investment account, to invite all nurses to join us on this exciting and delivery in this state? Do you have ideas, or the Foundation was only able to fund 2013 grants challenging journey. What might that look like? expertise to share? Come join us on challenging up to 90% of their requests. If you are interested How can we most effectively reach out to nurses road! Contact Pat Dooley at 907-360-4887 or in furthering the work of the Foundation, you can and ignite that passion to lead? How can we [email protected]. become a regular member ($20) or sustaining member identify and support the nurses already on this ($50) by sending your name, address, phone number, road? One strategy of the SIP Grant in Alaska is Those interested in being put on the Alaska e-mail address and dues to the Alaska Nurses the development of “Diversity Fairs.” The Alaska Nursing Action Coalition listserv for upcoming Foundation, P. O. Box 244471, Anchorage, AK 99524- Center for Nursing Excellence (ACONE) work meetings and updates can send an email to 4471. Memberships and dues are fully tax deductible. group is hard at work developing this concept. [email protected].

Advance your healthcare career. Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration: • 14 month program • Offered fully online • Degree Completion program that requires associate degree in an allied health field • Classes enroll year round • Financial aid available for those that qualify

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at: CharterCollege.edu 888.873.4431 | chartercollege.edu Page 8 • Alaska Nursing Today March 2014 Spotlight on the Area Health Education Center

by Pat Sammartino with the support of the Alaska VA and the Western Region VA-Office of Rural Health will become part of a new regional Healing our Heroes Program. Plans Maintaining continuing education and accessing professional development in are under way for events to be held this year in Ketchikan, Soldotna and Bethel. Alaska, especially in remote rural communities, is a challenge, which, in turn, Another fast growing population is our Geriatric patient. The ACRH-AHEC can jeopardize professional licensure. This rings true across health professions coordinates with the University of Washington to provide the NW Geriatric and especially for nurses with such a broad scope of education and training Education webinar series in the state of Alaska. Each series consists of ten 1.5 needs. Your Alaska AHEC (Area Health Education Center) is working to meet hour sessions broadcast weekly to over 30 host sites around the state. With the this challenge. growing interest UW added a second series in 2013. The Winter series runs from The AHEC Program exists to enhance access to quality health care, January to March and the Spring series from April to June. Topics change for particularly primary and preventive care, by improving the supply and each series and session and may include Dementia, Nutrition, Alzheimer’s or distribution of healthcare professionals through community - academic Depression, or specific medical conditions such as UTI, Osteoporosis or Vision educational partnerships. Funding for AHEC is provided by the Health Loss. Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and from the University of In collaboration with the Alaska Clinical Educators (ACE) nursing group the Alaska Anchorage and myriad healthcare partners. The Alaska AHEC program ACRH-AHEC developed a Clinical Coaching Course for Safe and Effective Care. consists of a program office at the University of Alaska Anchorage –Alaska Since many of Alaska’s providers become managers and preceptors very quickly Center for Rural Health (ACRH-AHEC), and five regional centers across the state or by default this course will provide them the tools they need to become great – South Central AHEC (SC AHEC) at Providence Health and Services Alaska coaches and mentors. The course consists of 8 self-paced online modules and in Anchorage, Interior AHEC (INT AHEC) at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in one 4 hour webinar and is based on a Vermont Nurses Association (VNA) Nurse Fairbanks, Yukon Kuskokwim AHEC (YK-AHEC) at Yukon Kuskokwim Health Preceptor course. With the ACE group and VNA’s assistance it was modified to Corporation in Bethel, Southeast AHEC (SE AHEC) at PeaceHealth Ketchikan be distance delivered and applicable to any Health Profession. Medical Center in Ketchikan, and Northwest AHEC (NW AHEC) at Ilisagvik College in Barrow. The Alaska AHECs work with other organizations to identify and develop trainings to meet the needs of health professionals and facilities. In 2013 we supported over 8000 hours of education for 973 health providers across the state. Each regional AHEC center assesses and provides the individual training needs for their population, such as fall prevention, CNA workshops, Leadership development, Diabetes and Lactation Care. Several programs were also developed to support training on a statewide level. In 2013 the ACRH-AHEC and the SCAHEC coordinated with the state on their Rural Veterans Health Access Program (RVHAP). With over 77,000 Veterans and few VA facilities many rely on care from their private providers who have limited experience with treating the Invisible Wounds of War. With the cooperation of the Alaska VA, 3 full day trainings were conducted for private providers and health professionals on recognizing and caring for our growing population of veterans and military personnel. The training program was based on a national AHEC Veterans Behavioral Health initiative and was expanded and modified to meet the needs of Alaska. Training sessions included Military Culture, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Suicide Prevention and Military Sexual Trauma. They were well received and in 2014

Many organizations conduct trainings in Alaska and most advertise through word of mouth, individual websites, flyers or e-mail list serves. This can make it difficult to keep up with what is being offered or to find events when you have time to attend one. To provide a better option the ACRH-AHEC has developed a Clearinghouse for Alaska’s Continuing Health Education (Alaska CACHE) www. akcache.org. The Alaska CACHE website provides a resource for any CE Provider to post notifications of their trainings or manage them with online registration, reports, and payment options. Individual Health Professionals can search for trainings any time or they can join the site for additional options. They can elect to receive a weekly notification of any new training that has been posted for their Health Profession or utilize an e-portfolio to maintain a record of their individual trainings that can be printed out for their employer or license renewal. In the future they will be able to share their record directly with their employers if they choose and it will be transferrable from one employer to another. The Brigadier General Leon Bridges of the Alaska Army National Guard at the Alaska CACHE is also developing Healthcare Facility functions that will allow Fairbanks RVHAP training discussing challenges faced by Guard members organizations to track and manage their employees training and development. and Veterans returning to remote communities after service. The Alaska AHECs are always developing new trainings to meet the needs of Alaska nurses. In 2014 with the assistance of local providers we are developing Palliative Care training to support health professionals working with end-of- life patients. In the fall we are collaborating with the UAA Inter-professional Simulation Lab to conduct a Simulation Workshop focused on scenario development, debriefing, standardized patients and manikin use. Recent developments and partnerships will also increase the number of trainings that will be applied for ANCC continuing education credits providing for greater learning opportunities. Information about the trainings in this article can be found at the Alaska CACHE www.akcache.org or Alaska AHEC http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/acrh- ahec/. For additional information on the Alaska CACHE or if you have ideas for Looking for highly motivated new training development contact Pat Sammartino, Education Network Manager, RNs and CNAs UAA Alaska Center for Rural Health-Alaska’s AHEC [email protected]. to become part of our Behavioral Health Team. edu 907-786-6589.

New 16 bed facility Residential Detoxification We salute all nurses during Care Coordination Psychiatric Referrals National Nurses Week and Facilitating Positive Initiative a Must appreciate their dedicated service Behavior Change Salary DOE

For more information contact FNA Human Resources at 452-1648 ext 6246 www.fairbanksnative.org March 2014 Alaska Nursing Today • Page 9 Membership Magnet AKPNO February 2014 Alaska Professional Nurses Organization Welcome Meeting Membership Application

and Upcoming May Membership is available to individuals and is nontransferable. Conference Term of membership: January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014 - Join or Renew Now! MEMBER INFORMATION Tina DeLapp, Emerita Professor of Nursing at Name:______UAA, gave a talk on the Title:______League of Women Voters (LWV) that somehow Organization/Employer:______managed to work in Lady GaGa’s ‘Bad Romance’ Preferred Address:______parody with a description City:______State:______Zip:______of LWV activities in Anchorage at the February Phone: Mobile______Home______Work______Fax______membership meeting of Email Please Print Clearly______AKPNO. Members and Sally Coburn, guests enjoyed visiting Email (secondary)______FNP won the as well as discussing Alaska Airlines gift professional issues at the certificate at the DUES and PAYMENT INFORMATION Wednesday evening event. Member Dues: $100 AKPNO meeting in A variety of door prizes February. were awarded with the Please return application and check made out to: AKPNO, 2922 Yale Drive, Anchorage, Alaska, 99508 grand prize of an Alaska *Alaska Professional Nurses Organization is a non-profit organization. Airlines gift certificate going to Sally Coburn, IMPORTANT ANP. The gift certificate was sponsored by the * Your membership information will be included in AKPNO’s secure online Membership Directory unless the following is checked. ANT’s publisher, Arthur L. Davis Publishing  I do not want to be included in the secure online Membership Directory. Agency. • I understand that I will receive AKPNO emails as a primary form of communication. The next big event for AKPNO members and • Note: you can go to www.akpno.org to download an application guests will be the May 10 conference. More Alaska Airlines certificates and a weekend at a Homer B&B owned by Mo Hillstrand, DNP have been generously donated as door prizes for lucky participants at the upcoming “Alaska Nursing Today” conference. The all day CE conference at the BP Energy Center in Anchorage will feature contemporary topics affecting Alaska Nurses. Those interested in helping to organize the event can email LeMay Hupp at [email protected]. The meeting is open to all nurses and registration information is available at www.akpno.org. No Campus Visits Liberal Credit Transfers Competitive Tuition Start your future here! Classes That Fit Your Schedule Consider a Career at Find the perfect nursing job that meets your needs at Saint Alphonsus Health System Saint Alphonsus Health System is a four- nursingALD.com hospital regional, faith-based Catholic ministry serving southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon. Saint Alphonsus Health System is anchored by the only Level II Trauma Center Screening Saves Lives in the region, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, providing the highest quality, • most experienced care to critically ill and injured patients. • You can make a meaningful difference • in these positions:

Will you help Alaskan women by reminding • Intensive Care • Med-Surg them to get their regular breast cancer • Coronary Care • Rehab screening? • Emergency • OB/NICU The Seattle STD/HIV Prevention Training Center Department • Main OR presents • Clinical Support Team • Nursing STD Update (Float Pool) Professionals with Optional Clinical Practicum We offer competitive compensation and a May 28-29, 2014 in Anchorage, AK Encourage your patients to call today comprehensive benefit package. REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 1-800-410-MAMM (6266) Continuing Education Available with in person and NEW web streaming options. This course is designed for clinicians in Alaska who diagnose and treat patients with sexually transmitted infections and provides To learn more and to apply, please visit participants with training in the most recent advancements in the epidemiology, diagnosis, www.saintalphonsus.org/careers and management of viral and bacterial STDs. Visit us online or call for more details: Or call Roxanne Ohlund 208-367-3032 www.seattlestdhivptc.org or Rick Diaz 208-367-3118 (206) 685-9850 • [email protected] Page 10 • Alaska Nursing Today March 2014 Congratulations 2013 Graduates

[Yes ANT readers. 2013. Sometimes deadlines Renee Kochuten Nicole Mothershead and graduation dates are not in sync, and Julia Koval Christina Axmaker publication of graduate lists is lamentably delayed Teresa Laager Amy Henderson from the actual date of graduation! Nevertheless, Londa Larson Erin Mulkey we are pleased to present to you the UAA School of Kathryn Lewis Amber Long Nursing graduating class from December 2013.] Pauline Mead Melanie O’Brien Ketchikan The University of Alaska conferred degrees Michelle Pagsolingan Marylee Scudero upon the following students in December. Katie Shaw Jeremy Wills Along with sincere congratulations, the Alaska Andrea Thompson Jared Cohen Professional Nurses Organization welcomes you to You ngson Tracy Lily Schroeder our profession. May you have long and rewarding Jamel Verdadero Jonathan Thornton careers. Rachel Weight Laura Giron Kerston Welsh Melinda Rodgers Special honors were bestowed upon these Altaira Wilhelm graduates: Michelle Wilson Kotzebue Director’s Award: (BS) Richard Joshua Boyd, Sarah Wood Shelly Nordlum (AAS, Mat-Su) Tammy R. Heimerl ______Kiel Couch Peer Award: (BS) Maureen Crumley, (AAS ______Anch) Andrea Thompson, (AAS MatSu) Maia MatSu Singhmore Hannah Armstrong Masters Degree Program Anchorage Spirit of Nursing Award: (BS) Maureen Abbey Cook Lisa An, RN Crumley, (AAS, Mat-Su) Norman Knaak Tammy Heimerl Track: Family Nurse Practitioner Evidenced Based Practice Award: (MS) Karen Norman Knaak Chair: Dr. Barbara Berner Fell, (BS) Rosalind Arango, (AAS, Mat-Su) Tammy Kymberly Miller Title: Community-Based Providers’ Views of Heimerl Curtis Norris Precepting Nurse Practitioner Students Brandi Rolston Baccalaureate Degree Program Anchorage Maia Singhmor Arika Benjamin, RN Jacquelyn Aguilar Track: Family Nurse Practitioner Rosalind Arango Fairbanks Chair: Dr. Thomas Hendrix Anna Armendariz Andrea Urbach Title: Effects of Vibration Therapy in Pediatric Bernadette Baluyut Ariana Graf-Estesen Immunizations Joshua Boyd Sandra Zirnheld Kara Broksle Molly Shipka Jenny Brady, RN Brandy Carpenter Kristen Arens Track: Family Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth Cassell Alexandra Faris Chair: Dr. Jill Janke Thomas Colley Emily Atchison Title: A Study of Nurse Practitioner Job Anneliese Cornejo Ellen Trainor Satisfaction in Alaska Jessica Cowgill Chelsea Beaucage Maureen Crumley Virginia Day Amy Downing, RN Dolly Eskilida Bozena Derek-Glover Track: Family Nurse Practitioner Heldimar Fernandez Elizabeth Anderson Chair: Dr. Bethany Buchanan Angela Frascati Justine Klein Title: University Students’ Knowledge and Margaret Gaines Jacquelyn Ballard Attitudes toward Cassaundra Goerdt Tamarra Moore Emergency Contraception Pills Alfred Kangogo Ruth Keino Homer Karen Fell, RN Miriam Kipng’Eno Daisy Richmond Track: Family Nurse Practitioner Abby Lindsay Melisa Miller Chair: Dr. Elizabeth Predeger Mary Manalansan Carol Standaert Title: Health Information Technology in an Aging Jennifer McKissick Christine Kulcheski Population Emily Miner Torrina Logan Deanna Moore Halee Bradshaw Lois Platt, RN Kelly Moore Lynette Lowe Track: Nursing Education Jessica Musgrove Chair: Dr. Maureen O’Malley Rachael Oie Juneau Title: A Study to Compare Nursing Students’ Lara Olsen William Metcalf Perceptions of Faculty Caring at One School of Stacey Park John Lamantia Nursing Related to Method of Program Delivery Rebecca Rathbun Mary Reynolds Megan Schmid Stacey Sweeten Hayley Torres Jessica-Ann Ulofoshio Renee Vingoe Maura Walsh Rebecca Warton Halena White

Associate of Applied Science Nursing Program (AAS) Anchorage Dustin Atwood Jessica Beckham Kallie Brown Colleen Carhart Quincey Causa Ashley Clark Dayllen Clifton Amelie Cummings Rhina Divina Amy Gatrost Helen Hale Jessica Heinz Camille Johnson Pictured is the Juneau cohort of the UAA School of Nursing December graduating class. March 2014 Alaska Nursing Today • Page 11 The Graduate Page

Top Reasons New Alaska Regional Nurses Recommend the RN Residency Program

by Heidi Bohi, Northwest Strategies care, which only benefits the patient-nurse relationship.”

Since completing the first two classes of Alaska Regional Hospital’s RN SARAH MASCO, RN Residency Program last year, several new nurses reflect on their experience “The residency starts out with a few basic tasks and slowly adds on and how this education is transferring to what they do while actually additional tasks, making learning much less stressful. With stress removed working on the floor. Delivered in partnership with Versant—an education from the equation, I was able to focus on learning the building blocks of floor and training system that transitions recent nursing graduates from students nursing.” to professional practitioners—this program is the state’s first and only “The preceptors helped integrate me within the nursing staff, making me partnership like this and one way Alaska Regional is working to grow and feel like a part of the team, not like I was an outsider. Working with different retain nurses to help meet Alaska’s nursing shortfall and the rising demand preceptors also helped round out my education, by showing me different for nursing care. styles and perspectives among nurses.” Participants achieve the same competence and self-assurance as a nurse “My favorite aspect of the program was working with the preceptors. Most who has been practicing for 12 to 18 months. “They learn to be the nurses people learn by doing, and what better way to learn than to do it right along they are going to be for the rest of their careers,” Rebecca Unwin, RN side another nurse who is there to demonstrate and act as a resource? Most Residency Program Manager says. The program is 18 weeks and is offered of what we do as nurses is very specific to our unit and facility. This kind of twice a year with 15 participants in each cohort. To apply, contact Rebecca learning can’t be done in a classroom.” Unwin at [email protected] or 264-1011. “Just knowing that the other residents are experiencing the same challenges, frustrations, and triumphs made the experience that much richer, WENDY LEWIS, RN and that much more enjoyable. Being a new nurse can make you feel really “My favorite part of undervalued, unintelligent, and needy, because all of the other nurses seem the program was having to know more, work faster and better, and handle situations more effectively. an extra support system Seeing other residents experience the same frustrations and feelings of available. Each Versant inadequacy, while also knowing they are bright, intelligent, driven nurses, resident has a cohort, a puts everything into perspective.” program leader, mentor and debriefing leaders, [Editors note: Readers may remember Sarah who was kind enough to share as well as preceptors her thoughts in the Graduate Page shortly after her graduation in May of on the floor. Everyone 2013. She was the Student Speaker for her BS program in May of 2013 and was willing to answer was given the Director’s Award for the highest GPA in her class.] questions, give advice, and teach invaluable lessons and techniques.” “I loved having a cohort. Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital It was nice going through the same things at the same time with others Barrow, Alaska and knowing that if I had questions or had a rough time of something, visit us: www.arcticslope.org someone else in my From left, Wendy Lewis and Laura Turner. cohort might also have Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital (SSMH) is a facility unlike had the same questions most others; it is located in the northernmost city of the United or issues and might have the answers or advice that could help with the States and serves a population that spans across a region larger situation.” than the state of Washington. Serving the North Slope, a region that is colored by rich cultural diversity and beauty of the Inupiat people, LAURA TURNER, RN “Having a structured, multi-level support system in place relieved a lot of Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital works to preserve the health the anxiety that came with being a brand new nurse.” of the region as well as the culture. “Going through the program with a cohort of new nurses provided invaluable support and comfort. Knowing that others were having similar By joining SSMH, you’ll be embarking on an adventurous journey as experiences helped alleviate the worry that what I was feeling and enriching as it is rewarding. Here you’ll have the unique opportunity experiencing was not normal.” to provide healthcare to a vibrant community ready to share its “Having RN residents visit other units, as well as involving staff from all culture and heritage. More than a once in a lifetime opportunity, over the hospital to teach classes, created a friendly environment where I felt you’ll provide care in a small community environment, partner with a like I knew someone no matter where I was. This made me feel welcome as a familial, professional staff, and truly touch—and be touched by—the new nurse rather than intimidated.” Inupiat people. It’s an experience you won’t forget. So join us today! HANNAH DOMPIER, RN “The mentoring sessions help me maintain a focus We are recruiting for the following Nursing positions: on career development and moving forward. The LDRP/OB, Emergency, Inpatient Med/Surg resources I’ve encountered, including different nurses with different backgrounds, have very applicable RN Case Managers, RN Phone Advice suggestions about the future based on where they’ve come from and what they’ve done.” “Real life situations can’t be taught in the classroom—how you deal with a suicidal patient, someone who is dying and scared, or with family members. While working beside experienced nurses in the program, I saw examples of what to do when I am Hannah Dompier on my own and how to dissipate situations.” Contact Us: “The preceptors’ and educator’s encouragement email: hr@arcticslope org. really helped solidify my ability. If I started as a new grad without a program like this, I would not have the confidence and comfort that I enjoy now.” phone: (907) 852-9204 “This program facilitated the feeling of connection. I know the names of fax: (907) 852-3365 people in almost every department. Part of that is the culture of the hospital, mailing: P O. . Box 29, Barrow, AK 99723 and part of that is because of the RN Residency Program.” “This program decreases some of the fear that can be very real in difficult Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital is an eligible IHS loan repayment site. situations, and with less fear and more confidence, the patient receives better For more information, visit www .ihs gov. Page 12 • Alaska Nursing Today March 2014 Advanced Practice Nurses Health Facts About Scope of Practice Update Alaska’s Youth CE Conference Combines APRN and 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Facts Pharmacology Update and Figures

The 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey asked a random sample of high school students in schools across Alaska to report on certain risky behaviors. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. The following findings reflect responses from high school students attending traditional high schools.

The 2013 survey reports a statistically significant decrease in alcohol and drug use among Alaska youth during the past 10 years. Statistically significant means a change is unlikely to be due to chance. In 2013: • 22.5 percent of high school students had consumed alcohol within the past 30 days; ¡ Compared to 28.6* percent in 2011; 39.7* percent in 2007 and 38.7* percent in 2003. • 19.7 percent of high school students reported using marijuana in the past 30 days; Wendy Wright, MS, APRN, FAANP, Chair of the 2014 National Conference ¡ Compared to 21.2 percent in 2011; 20.5 percent in 2007 and 23.9* Committee for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, was the percent in 2003. national speaker featured in the pharmacology section of the afternoon conference. Some indicators of violence have decreased during the past 10 years, but suicide remains a serious concern. In 2013: The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Alliance held its first • 22.7 percent of high school students had been in a physical fight during continuing education conference in January. The program was equally weighted the past year; between a review of the issues that the Alliance has been dealing with in their ¡ Compared to 23.7 percent in 2011; 29.2* percent in 2007 and 27.1* monthly meetings as well as a drug update during the second half of the session. percent in 2003. Four statewide advanced practice nursing groups comprise the Alliance; the • 9.1 percent of those who had dated or gone out with someone during the Alaska Nurse Practitioner Association, the Alaska Clinical Nurse Specialists previous year had been physically hurt on purpose by someone they were Association, the Alaska Affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives and dating in the past year; the Alaska Association of Nurse Anesthetists. The mission of the APRN Alliance ¡ The wording for this question changed between the 2011 and 2013 is to provide expert advice, make recommendations and support adaptation and surveys, which prevents a comparison across years. implementation of the APRN Consensus guidelines into Alaska statutes and • 20.7 percent reported having been bullied on school property in the past regulations while protecting current and evolving scopes of practice that CNPs/ 12 months. CRNAs/CNMs/CNSs currently enjoy. As part of that mission, getting information ¡ Compared to 23.0 percent in 2011. This question was first asked in out to APRNs and getting feedback from them is important. The mid-winter 2009. conference was designed to work toward that objective. • 8.4 percent reported attempting suicide in the past 12 months; In addition to 50 onsite participants, 5 attendees from outside Anchorage were ¡ Compared to 8.7 percent in 2011; 10.7 percent in 2007 and 8.1 percent able to participate by utilizing the internet. in 2003. The conference was funded partially by the Alaska Nursing Action Coalition. It was co-sponsored by the Alaska Nurses Association. The survey also reported on other behaviors that increase the risk of health problems. Obesity remains a public health concern among Alaska youth. In 2013: • 26.2 percent were overweight or obese; ¡ Compared to 25.9 percent in 2011; 27.3 percent in 2007 and 25.5 Assisted Living percent in 2003. • 38.6 percent of high school students have ever had sexual intercourse; for your patients ¡ Compared to 38.3 percent in 2011; 45.1* percent in 2007 and 39.6 percent in 2003.

We Offer Notes a statistically significant difference that is unlikely to be due to Apartment style living with 24 hour awake care staff and a RN chance. on-call to triage residents’ needs. Accepting residents 55 and older. Certified for Medicaid CHOICE Waiver and qualifies for most long [Source: Press Release Fact Sheet from the Alaska Department of Health term care insurances. and Social Services, 10/14/2013] Assisted Living offering Privacy, Dignity and Individualized Care 2030 Muldoon Road, Anchorage, AK 99504 Phone (907) 338-8708 www.marlowmanor.com

SouthEast Alaska Health Consortium (SEARHC) has amazing opportunity for RN’s in beautiful Southeast Alaska. A great work environment, excellent salaries and a comprehensive employee friendly benefit package. Contact us today to discuss working in an environment where our focus is on quality, where employees find both relaxing and adventurous opportunities and where you can make a difference in rural Alaska and Tribal health care. RN openings at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital in Sitka, Alaska: • RN/Labor & Delivery LookLook aheadahead ...... • RN/Operating Room • RN/PACU • RN/Surgery Clinic • RN/ER - Critical Care Your future begins here . . . • Quality Assurance Registered Nurse • Mt. Edgecumbe High School Student RN-BS Program—Completely Online! Clinic Registered Nurse We have been educating Alaska’s nurses for more than 40 years! For additional information, visit our website @ www.searhc.org and contact our recruitment staff. We are happy to set up informal discussions with unit managers/ recruitment staff to answer questions you have prior to applying. Call today! 907-786-4550 Contact our Professional Recruiter, Kathy Miller via email to To learn more visit www.uaa.alaska.edu/school of nursing [email protected] or at 907-966-8658.

Alaska RN license required - All prerequisites may or may not be online Alaska Native/American Indian preference given under PL 93-638. March 2014 Alaska Nursing Today • Page 13 Up and Coming Event & CE Calendar

Events Second Annual AKPNO Conference 25th International Nursing Research Alaska State Board of Nursing “Alaska Nursing Today” Congress Upcoming Meetings Hong Kong July 24-25, 2014 May 10, 2014 Sigma Theta Tau International April 2-4, 2014 Juneau BP Energy Center, Anchorage www.nursingsociety.org -agenda deadline March 10, 2014 a day of contemporary topics including- ______“Climate Change in Rural Alaska: Impact on July 9-11, 2014 Anchorage Human Health” Alaska Nurse Practitioner Association -agenda deadline June 18, 2014 presented by Jim Berner, MD, Senior Dir. for Science, Division of Community Health, ANTHC Annual Conference October 22-24, 2014 Fairbanks CNE will be available September 18-20, 2014 -agenda deadline Oct., 1, 2014 Anchorage, AK go to www.akpno.org for information and to Check website for up-to-date information at Jan. 21-23, 2015 Anchorage download registration www.alaskanp.org -agenda deadline Dec. 30, 2014 ______

The Alaska Board of Nursing has a list-serve Reproductive Health 2014 that is used to send out the latest information September 18-20 about upcoming meetings, agenda items, Charlotte, NC regulations being considered, and other topics of Association of Reproductive Health Professionals interest to nurses, employers and the public. To www.arhp.org/RH14 sign up for this free service, go to www.nursing. ______alaska.gov Choose the “Subscribe to listserv” hyperlink on the homepage below the Board of ______U.S. Psychiatric & Mental Health Congress Nursing Listserv Heading. September 20-23, 2014 Inquiries regarding meetings and appearing on STD Update with Optional Clinical Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel the agenda can be directed to: Practicum Orlando, Florida May 28-29, 2014 www.psychcongress.com Nancy Sanders, PhD RN, Executive Administrator ______Alaska State Board of Nursing Anchorage 550 West 7th Ave, Ste 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501 Ph: 907-269-8161, fax 907-269-8196 This 2-day didactic course provides participants Transcending Adversity Email: [email protected] with training in the most recent advancements in 2014 Alaska Child maltreatment Conference the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of November 17-19, 2014 To attend by audio conference call 907-269-8161 viral and bacterial STDs. Hilton Hotel, Anchorage, AK for access number. www.akcholdrensalliance.com sponsored by the Seattle STD/HIV Prevention Training Center Continuing Education Contact us: [email protected] or 206-685-9850

-For up to the minute continuing education Register online for all classes: http://www. opportunities go to akpno.org or join the ANT seattlestdhivptc.org CNE email blast list by sending your email ______address to [email protected]. Be sure to say it is for the CNE list. AANP 2014 National Conference ______Nashville, TN June 17-22, 2014 2014 Geriatric Spring Series American Association of Nurse Practitioners www.aanp.org April 1-Elder Mistreatment, Maggie Baker, PhD, ______RN

April 8-Preventive Care, William R. Phillips, MD, MPH Learn more about our April 15-Osteoporosis, Susan Ott, MD current statewide career opportunities at April 22-Medication Use, Peggy Odegard, CDE, workplace.alaska.gov FASCP

April 29-Vision Loss, Tiffany Hollenbeck, OD

May 6-GLBT Health Issues, Erik Janson

May 13-Thyroid, Alvin Matsumoto, MD DISCOVER BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY May 20-Parkinson’s Disease, Ali Samii, MD At Boise State you will find an academic community that values diversity and prepares students to become leaders in nursing. For over 55 years, the School May 27-Shingles-StevnPergam, MD, MPH of Nursing has been recognized as the largest Nursing program in Idaho promoting excellence in teaching, research, and service. June 2-POLST, Wayne C. McCormick, MD, MPH A variety of courses and program options are for more information and registration contact available to fit your needs: Geri Heiner at AHEC, 907-786-6591 or glheiner@ • A student-friendly RN-BS program. uaa.alaksa.edu ______• Masters program taught entirely online. • AGNP: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Alaska School Nurses Association program. Annual Spring Conference • DNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

April 25-27, 2014 We invite you to contact us to Alyeska Prince Hotel, Girdwood determine if Boise State’s School of for information go to www.alaskasna.org Nursing is the right fit for you. ______Becky White, Student Recruiter 208-426-4632 [email protected] Page 14 • Alaska Nursing Today March 2014 Are You in the Know?

Alaska Jonas Scholarship for Frontier) and she can [note: go to the online version of the ANT for the provide you with more information, as well as hyperlink to these downloads if you do not feel like Scholarships/Funding direct you to a point of contact at Frontier. [anpa doing all that typing. go to www.akpno.org] website] ______DIXIE ORSINI NURSING SCHOLARSHIP Funds are now available for scholarships for HepCRedefined.com Fairbanks area residents enrolled in a 4-year National HepCRedefined.com is an online portal college program or graduate study in Nursing in developed to help improve the lives of those living an accredited university, and with individual Guidelines/Resources/Websites with the hepatitis C virus through education, consideration, continuing education in nursing information and understanding. The website offerings. Applicants who are enrolled in other U.S. group released headache diagnosis and aims to redefine the HCV journey by providing programs will be considered on an individual treatment guidelines downloadable and shareable resources to basis. The American Headache Society issued new health care providers, advocates, caregivers and Scholarships in amounts from $500 guidelines discouraging providers from routinely patients. With specific content for NPs, www. (“Encouragement Grants” for beginning students) ordering brain scans for patients with stable hepcredefined.com/aanp offers tips and tools such to $2000 have been awarded every year since 1990. headaches that meet the criteria for migraine. as: Previous awardees are now employed in nursing The group also discouraged the long-term or 5. A video series for healthcare providers in Fairbanks and elsewhere. frequent use of over-the-counter pain medications offering tips on support sources, clinic The fund is named for Dixie Orsini, who for headaches, and urged providers to avoid program highlights and patient diaries. was an active member of the Fairbanks Nurses prescribing opioid painkillers and drugs that 6. A comprehensive and interactive checklist Association whose family and friends established contain the barbiturate butalbital for patients who tool to help patients manage considerations of the scholarship fund after her death in 1984. get headaches often because of serious long-term being in care and getting ready for treatment. The scholarship board gives special risks. The guidelines, part of the Choosing Wisely 7. A frequently asked questions section about consideration to applicants who have received campaign, appear in the journal Headache.[AANP the spread of HCV. scholarships in the past, and those who may Smartbrief 11/22/13] 8. A key facts page about HCV mortality. not meet criteria for other nursing scholarship ______9. A page featuring multiple at-a-glance programs. information cards covering topics about For more information contact Ruth Benson RN Consensus Meeting Report: Using New patients and the disease itself designed to at (907) 479-6912 or email [email protected]. Guidelines to Improve Cervical Cancer help debunk myths surrounding HCV. ______Prevention 10. A community “C Pledge” where health care The Association of Reproductive Health providers, patients and caregivers can take Jonas Scholarship for AK Midwife seeking DNP Professionals has published a consensus report an oath to redefine the patient journey and Attention all ANPA members of a Midwifery detailing the following: the way HCV is perceived. [AANP Smartbrief background! Frontier Nursing University is happy 1. The impact of the ACA on access to screening 12/3/14] to announce the receipt of a Jonas Scholarship for services ______a Midwife who is aspiring for her DNP. 2. Clinical education and training for primary The applicant must be currently licensed as a care providers on the latest prevention Guidelines cover vaccination of Midwife in Alaska. recommendations immunocompromised patients The applicant must apply and be accepted for 3. The standards for determining appropriate The Infectious Diseases Society of America has admission to Frontier Nursing University’s DNP screening tool(s) issued new guidelines that emphasize the benefits program with the Summer start of May 19th OR a 4. Implementation of screening services of vaccination for people whose immune systems Fall start of August 19th (preferable). across clinical settings, including safety net are compromised. The guidelines, published in Please contact Tracey Wiese at 907-727-4239 or providers the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, include [email protected] (recipient of the previous evidence supporting vaccinations and treatment The pdf report can be downloaded at www. guidelines for patients who have received arhp.org/uploaddocs/2013_HPV_Consensus_Rpt. transplants of stem cells or organs, as well as pdf people with HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, congenital ARHP also provides a free quick reference immune deficiencies, cancer and other conditions. guide for sexually transmitted infections that can [AANP Smartbrief, 12/11/13] be downloaded at www.arhp.org/Publications- ______and-Resources/Quick-Reference-Guide-for- Clinicians/Sexually-Transmitted-Infections-and- Associated-Conditions Are You in the Know continued on page 15

At Central Peninsula Hospital, If you are looking for a you can have the job of your dreams AND ARE YOU READY... enjoy an active lifestyle! Great job in a Spectacular Place... TO We invite you to learn more about our organization at www.cpgh.org. Some of the highlights are: RESPOND?

• State-of-the-art equipment Our purpose is to identify and mobilize South Peninsula Hospital is seeking a: • Education & professional support licensed Alaska healthcare professionals * Registered Nurse – Utilization Review Case • Excellent pay with benefits to serve as volunteers in a disaster or Manager Best Practices • Outstanding lifestyle – work balance public health emergency. * Registered Nurse – Labor & Delivery How will you make a difference to join our dedicated nursing team whose professionalism has Click on “Careers” for more this year? helped us earn a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital rating for the last information and application or contact two years. National Volunteer Week, April 20-26, 2014 Debi Honer, Director of Human Resources Located in beautiful Homer, South Peninsula Hospital is a modern at [email protected] For more information on how you can volunteer facility with 22 acute care beds and a 28-bed skilled nursing home. and to register online, visit us today. Central Peninsula Hospital The Alaskan lifestyle you want. Whether you’re looking for adventure, 250 Hospital Place culture, solitude or scenery, you’ll find it here. Homer combines a small-town feel with all the services, activities and amenities you Soldotna, Alaska 99669 want. (907) 714-4770 – (907) 714-4674 Fax Highly competitive wages and benefits. We offer health/life insurance, Drug screening is required prior to employment. pension, wellness, student loan forgiveness, generous paid leave Equal Opportunity Employer of Protected Veterans and and a Sign-on Bonus. Individuals with Disabilities. Learn More Visit www.sphosp.org or www.cpgh.org www.akrespond.alaska.gov Call Jessie Cashman at (907) 235-0800 March 2014 Alaska Nursing Today • Page 15 Are You in the Know?

Are You in the Know continued from page 14 Alaska Adult Fall Prevention website: www.dhss. than the Medicare 800 number for help. They are alaska.gov/dph/Chronic/Pages/InjuryPrevention/ the Medicare experts and will gladly help you Falls navigate the system. USPSTF issues recommendations on BRCA ______Jeanne and other certified Medicare counselors screening and testing can be reached at 269-3680 in Anchorage or 800- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has Help with Medicare Questions 478-6065 outside of Anchorage. recommended that women with a positive family Jeanne Larson is the health program associate ______history of breast or ovarian cancer undergo testing for the State Medicare Office in Anchorage. She for BRCA gene mutations. The recommendation and the Medicare Information Office team are Register for Alaska Public Health Alerts at applies only to women with a family history more than happy to have people with Medicare www.epi.alaska.gov/ of those types of cancer and is not supported questions or problems call their office, rather in men and women without a family history related to the gene mutation, the group says. The recommendation appears in the Annals of Internal Medicine. [AANP Smartbrief 12/26/13] ______

ADA releases diabetes care standards for 2014 Health Information Exchange (HIE) The American Diabetes Association has issued its Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes for 2014, The rapid growth of EHRs has placed a their own health record and to authorize their which emphasize an individualized approach demand on our technologies to produce health care providers to exchange electronic to managing the disease. The recommendations, more data and higher quality data. The medical data for treatment and billing. Today published in Diabetes Care, feature current criteria for diabetes diagnosis and diabetes expectations from physicians continue to over 350 organizations across Alaska are screening for children and asymptomatic patients. increase and the Meaningful Use incentive using AeHN to securely exchange protected The guidelines also encourage clinicians to look payments have expedited that demand. health information. at various options when prescribing neuropathy The power of data and timely access have treatments and to retain one-step gestational never been more critical to healthcare AeHN can assist your organization or diabetes screening. [AANP Smartbrief, 1/2/14] practice with improving the quality and ______organizations. efficiency of care, meeting regulatory CDC Releases new HBV vaccination guidelines for Providers want to share data securely and requirements, simplifying data exchange, health personnel more efficiently. However, moving data in meeting public health reporting requirements The CDC’s Advisory Committee on and out of EHRs can be daunting. Alaska for Meaningful Use Stage 2, and creating Immunization Practices has updated its guidelines eHealth Network (AeHN) is a carefully care management solutions across multiple on hepatitis B vaccination for health care workers. The panel urged all unvaccinated or incompletely planned solution to better communicate organizations. Join our growing health vaccinated health care personnel who expect vital information securely and automatically. information exchange to begin exchanging exposure to body fluids such as blood to get the AeHN is a non-profit organization operating critical patient data today. hepatitis B vaccine and undergo serologic testing a secure statewide, standards-based to assess for antibody against the virus. [AANP electronic health information exchange Call or write: [email protected] Smartbrief 1/3/14] (907) 347-9534 ______which allows individual Alaskans to access

USPSTF recommends gestational diabetes screening for pregnant women The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all pregnant women who have Your time is precious... not been diagnosed with diabetes should undergo screening for gestational diabetes after 24 weeks of pregnancy to reduce the odds of complications. The recommendations were published in the and so is your Annals of Internal Medicine. [ANA Smartbrief 1/14/14] ______patients’ health. OSHA website promotes hospital worker safety The Occupational Safety and Health Administration introduced on Thursday an online resource aimed at helping hospitals lower Imagine! No more faxing and rates of work-related injuries. The Worker Safety in Hospitals: Caring for our Caregivers website phoning to get the information features educational materials about workplace safety needs and how to avoid injuries. “The you need when you need it . heart of these new materials are real life lessons from high-performing hospitals [that] have Maximize your time and improve patient safety implemented best practices to reduce workplace with Health Information Exchange. With injuries while also improving patient safety,” AeHN’s Health Information Exchange (HIE) OSHA’s Dr. David Michaels said. [ ANA Smartbrief services, you can securely and quickly access 1/17/14] and exchange history, radiology, labs and meds statewide! Alaska • A secure entry point to a connected health information exchange Guidelines/Resources/Websites • A shared view of the patient record to providers even if they don’t have an electronic medical Alaska Health Care News record (EHR) system This website includes articles, features, • Enabling the exchange of clinical information statistics and job listings for healthcare between organizations executives. www.akhcnews.com • Integrate with different systems used across Adult Fall Prevention Website Falls can cause moderate to severe injuries, multiple EHRs with a single view of the patient such as hip fractures and head traumas and can in real-time with the utmost accuracy MAILING: increase the risk of early death. Fall risk screening 2440 East Tudor Road PMB 1143 | Anchorage, AK 99507 and education materials are available from the Call to find out more today: PHYSICAL: 4000 Old Seward Hwy, Suite 203 | (907) 770-2626 907-770-2626 or 866-966-9030. www .ak-ehealth org. Page 16 • Alaska Nursing Today March 2014 Bartlett Regional Hospital

Quality Healthcare • Quality Lifestyle

We’re committed to being the best community hospital in ALASKA. A history of service. A supportive community. We provide quality Experience a new model of healthcare health care and health promotion for the people of JUNEAU and communities of Northern Southcentral Foundation (SCF) is an Alaska Native owned, nonprofit healthcare organization located on the Alaska Native Health Campus. Southeast ALASKA. SCF is seeking dynamic Registered Nurses for Case Management positions in We have openings available in many our OB/GYN, Pediatrics and Primary Care clinics. Experience the opportunity areas: to practice in a customer centered case management role, within the award winning “NUKA” system of care, a designated medical home. RN Case managers work as part of an integrated care team, caring for a panel of customer owners, • Nursing Administration combining their knowledge of preventative and disease processes, with passion • Surgical Services for our customer owners care. SCF welcomes Public Health Service and Commission Corps Service • Obstetrics - Bartlett Beginnings candidates.

• Critical Care Unit SCF full time Registered Nurse positions offer competitive salaries, including a $10,000 sign on bonus, relocation assistance, excellent benefits package, 401K • Medical and Surgical retirement plan with a generous company match, professional development time off and stipend, license fee reimbursement, and much more!

Please visit our website and apply at www.southcentralfoundation.com or call Tess Johnson at (907) 729-5011 or email at [email protected].

For complete job descriptions, and to apply online go to: www.bartletthospital.org or call Human Resources at: 907-796-8418 or 888-668-9962

Kootenai Health is a Magnet designated 254-bed hospital offering complete clinical services.

Employee Benefi ts: • Tuition Reimbursement • On-site Day Care • Fully paid medical, dental and vision insurance • Generous compensation and benefi t package • Extensive on-site professional development opportunities

To review full job descriptions visit: kootenaihealth.org/careers

Human Resources | 208.625.4620 2003 Kootenai Health Way | Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814