Summer 2019
Rising to the Challenge: the Optimal Regulatory Board System (ORBS)
Inside this Issue: Nurses from Across the Globe Gather in Singapore / Nursing Regulation in Australia / Alabama Board of Nursing Receives Regulatory Achievement Award Summer
Rising to the Challenge: the Optimal Regulatory Board System (ORBS)
Summer 2019
Managing Editor and Writer
Michael Grossenbacher | [email protected]
Inside this Issue: Nurses from Across the Globe Gather in Singapore / Nursing Regulation in Australia / Alabama Board of Nursing Receives Regulatory Achievement Award In This Issue
Contributing Editor and Writer
Dawn Kappel | [email protected] 6. NCSBN Members Share Their Designer Stories of Involvement
Kalona Owens | [email protected] 8. Nursing and Midwifery Council of New South Wales, Australia
Founded March 15, 1978, as an independent not-for-profit organization, NCSBN was initially created to lessen the burdens of state governments and bring together nursing 12. 2018 PN Practice Analysis regulatory bodies (NRBs) to act and counsel together on Now Available matters of common interest. It has evolved into one of the leading voices of regulation across the world. NCSBN’s membership is comprised of the NRBs in the 50 13. Nurse Licensure Compact Update states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are three exam user members. There are also 25 associate members that are either NRBs or 16. Rising to the Challenge: empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories. the Optimal Regulatory Board
Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research System (ORBS) through collaborative leadership to promote evidence-based regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection. 22. Nurses from Across the Globe The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of Gather in Singapore nursing.
Copyright ©2019 National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 25. A Nursys e-Notify Success Story Inc. (NCSBN) All rights reserved. This document may not be used, reproduced or disseminated to any third party without in Missouri written permission from NCSBN. 27. The Alabama Board of Nursing Address inquiries in writing to NCSBN Permissions, 111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2900, Chicago, IL 60601-4277. Receives NCSBN’s 2019 Regulatory 312.525.3600 | www.ncsbn.org | [email protected] Achievement Award
30. Angels of Sorokdo Korean Nurses Association Seeks to Honor Nurses Who Selflessly Served ______
29. Speed Round 32. News & Notes
2 | In Focus Summer 2019 | 3 TRANSITION TO PRACTICE® PROGRAM
The first year of employment for new graduate nurses can be challenging as they integrate into the new role as practicing nurses. The new Transition to Practice course series from NCSBN puts new nurses on the right track to effectively build vital on-the-job proficiencies:
»» Adopt proven communication strategies that reduce errors »» Empower patients, families and significant others »» Apply critical reasoning through evidence-based practice »» Participate in processes that improve outcomes of care »» Connect technology with caring »» Interact with a preceptor to develop clinical decision making
Based on the results of a comprehensive research study, NCSBN Learning Extension has developed an exciting new e-learning offering - the Transition to Practice® (TTP) program. Consisting of a preceptor course and five courses for new nurses, the program is designed to help new nurses develop more confidence and become more competent nursing professionals.
Course 1: Communication & Teamwork Provide safer and more effective care through situational awareness and positive workplace behaviors. Course 2: Patient- & Family-centered Care Understand how to empower your patients and include them as integral members of the health care team.
Course 3: Evidence-based Practice Engage intellectual curiosity within the context of a health care team in order to achieve improved outcomes.
Course 4: Quality Improvement Embrace change and participate in processes that continuously improve the outcomes of care.
Course 5: Informatics Empower patients with new technologies that allow vital information to flow between the patient and health care team.
Course for Preceptors: Helping New Nurses Transition to Practice Foster the growth of new graduate nurses by embracing the roles of teacher, coach, and protector.
from NCSBN LEARNING EXTENSION ncsbn.org/ttpcourses Your resource for e-learning for the nursing community
4 | In Focus Summer 2019 | 5 Pathways to Leadership
District of Columbia Board of Nursing and later became David E. Saucedo II, board NCSBN Members Share a staff member. Her involvement with NCSBN includes member, Texas Board of being the previous chair of the Resolutions Commit- Nursing tee, previous member of NCSBN’s Medical Marijuana Their Stories of Involvement David E. Saucedo II is a consum- Regulatory Guidelines Committee and a current direc- er member and vice president tor-at-large on the NCSBN Board of Directors. of the Texas Board of Nursing. Borris-Hale is learning something new every day. “It is Day-to-day, he is an accountant February 2019 Leadership The NCSBN Leadership Succession fascinating work and I’m happy to be a part of some- and president of Saucedo Lock Succession Call Committee (LSC) hosts Leadership thing bigger than myself,” she explained. Her work on Company. Saucedo serves as Succession Calls to provide members Sue Petula, PhD, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FRE, the Marijuana Guidelines Committee was one of her founding chair of Empire Builders, a business lead- with opportunities to learn from member board staff, Pennsylvania State most satisfying experiences. “If you’re the smartest ership program. He currently serves on the NCSBN influential NCSBN Leaders. Conducted in Board of Nursing person in your group, you need to get a new group.” Finance Committee. an interview format, the calls provide Sue Petula is nursing education advi- Saucedo explains the importance of members having future, emerging and current leaders sor to the Pennsylvania State Board of an awareness of their skill sets. “You’re never really with an insider’s look into the value of Nursing. She also serves as faculty in April 2019 Leadership ready for an opportunity and your experience only running for office and serving in an the Graduate Nursing Department of Cedar Crest College and Succession Call gets you to the table,” he shared. He offered advice for NCSBN leadership role. During the LSC’s Immaculata University in Scranton, Pa. At the national level, Paula Meyer, MSN, RN, consumer members (non-nurses) who feel they may February and April calls, guest speakers she serves on NCSBN’s Institute of Regulatory Excellence FRE, executive director, lack the necessary knowledge to contribute, saying, shared their stories of involvement. Here Committee. Previously, she chaired the Leadership Succession Washington State Nursing “There are times when all of my nurse colleagues are are summaries of their accomplishments Committee. Care Quality Assurance in agreement, but I don’t agree from a business per- and advice on becoming a leader. spective. It’s hard to read the label when you’re inside When Petula reflects on what she has gained professionally Commission the jar.” from her involvement in NCSBN, she cites two leadership Paula Meyer has served as the executive director of practices: the enhancement of key principals and to be the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance “ Everyone is a leader in and of mission driven. Her advice would be to embrace change and Commission since 1999. She served on the NCSBN learn to grow. “Everyone is a leader in and of themselves, Board of Directors and chaired the Executive Officer themselves, especially nurses. especially nurses. When you get over the hard and scary part Leadership Council. Throughout the years, Meyer has When you get over the hard of it, such as running for office, you build confidence.” contributed her expertise to many NCSBN committees and scary part of it, such as Cathy Borris-Hale, MHA, RN, member including the Leadership Succession Committee. running for office, you build board staff, District of Columbia Board Meyer started her executive officer position in the of Nursing month of June, two months shy of the Executive confidence.” At SHW-Hadley Hospital, Cathy Bor- Officers Meeting at the NCSBN Annual Meeting. She – Sue Petula, PhD, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FRE ris-Hale rose in the ranks to become connected with her mentor, who provided information the second African American woman on NCSBN’s services and encouraged her participation. To listen to full-length recordings of past Leadership appointed CEO of a District of Columbia “One of the keys to leadership is to get involved,” she Succession Calls, visit the Leadership Succession Calls hospital. She was appointed chair of the shared. & Videos page (members only, login required).
LEAD6 | In Focus ERSHIP Summer 2019 | 7 A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Nursing and Midwifery Council of New South Wales, Australia
About the Nursing and Midwifery Council The Nursing and Midwifery Council of New South Wales (NSW) regulates approximately 110,000 registered nurses, enrolled nurses and midwives in the state, who provide health services to 7.9 million people -- 64% of whom live in the capital city, Sydney. The Council consists of up to 15 members appointed by the state governor. The staff who support the Council, including myself, work for the Health Professional Councils Authority. By Margaret Australia has recently implemented a new model for the registration and accredita- Cooke, PhD, RN, Executive Officer tion of health practitioners. The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law was established in 2010 and replaced more than 180 pieces of legislation across all Australian states and territories. The National Law aims to ensure that only practi- tioners with the qualifications to provide safe care are registered to practice. This model delivers many benefits, including national standards for registration and accreditation, annual professional development requirements (CPD) and an online register of practitioners where employers and the public can verify the status of a health professional’s registration. The National Law applies to all regulated health professions including nursing and midwifery. However, the law is implemented differently in our state. The state government amended the National Law when adopting it to allow for co-regulation. The reasons for this are multifaceted and complex, but largely pertain to the complaint handling process. Our state has realised benefits from both the National Law and co-regulation; however, it does mean that we work within a more complex regulatory framework than other states and territories. This requires us to closely collaborate with a number of regulatory bodies to manage complaints. Our co-regulatory jurisdiction means that all notifications about registered health practitioners are dealt with by our 15 professional Councils (supported by the Health Professional Councils Authority (HPCA)) and by a separate entity, the Health Care Complaints Commis- sion (HCCC). After initial assessment and consultation with the HCCC, approximately 70% of cases about nurses and midwives are referred to our Council to manage in the health, performance and conduct pathways. About 5% of the most serious com- plaints are referred to the HCCC to conduct an investigation independent of the
Sydney Opera House
8 | In Focus Summer 2019 | 9 Council, and if necessary to account a range of The above remedial pathways vary from the disci- Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prosecute before a public variables which can plinary process, which is conducted by our Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM) to improve Council tribunal. The remainder are influence the level co-regulator the HCCC. The HCCC must prove the members’ understanding of cultural safety for Austra- discontinued because they of risk. These particulars of the complaint and demonstrate to a lia’s Indigenous peoples within health services. We don’t meet the regulatory include: the com- Tribunal that it meets the threshold for unsatisfactory have also introduced person-centred case manage- threshold. plaint issues; professional conduct. A Tribunal may impose condi- ment to improve our regulatory processes. tions on practice, reprimand practitioners and suspend A national body, the Nursing assessments of the Research and quality improvement are essential for or cancel registration. and Midwifery Board of the practitioner’s good regulatory practice. We recently completed Australia (NMBA), establishes practice; their work Promoting Professional Standards and original research about the regulatory process, looking the professional standards, environment; their Safe Cultures at the risk-related variables and the impact they have response to the accredits courses, registers Although we act when necessary to minimise harm on decision outcomes. Last year we collaborated with incident; and other practitioners, and manages and prevent unsafe practice, we also recognise that Professor Mary Chiarella AM to look at what a practi- relevant risk factors, complaints in states other patient safety is a shared responsibility. Outcomes are tioner’s level of insight about their professional such as their health. than NSW. They are support- better for patients and for practitioners when safety performance can tell us about their future risk. ed by the Australian Health Our assessments and workplace culture issues are identified early. We would like to enhance our data collection, analysis, Practitioner Regulation Sydney Harbour Bridge are future-focused, linkage and intelligence sharing with our regulation Agency (AHPRA), who admin- i.e., whether the We also believe that a greater awareness and under- partners. Our organisation, HPCA, is developing new ister and maintain the national register. practitioner is currently able to work within acceptable standing of the broader principles of the National complaints management and business improvement safe standards and is fit to practise. Public interest is Board’s professional practice framework is essential. Our Goals systems to help with this and to improve interactions also taken into account. Adhering to these standards can help practitioners with all stakeholders. We hope in the future to conduct Like other health regulators, our primary purpose is to develop safe, just and resilient health services by research which will allow us to better measure risk and protect the health and safety of the public in our state. Notifications Received by Year setting clear expectations, raising concerns early, evaluate the outcomes of the actions and interventions We do this by: facilitating unit safety checks, evaluating and improving quality, planning continuing professional development, we use. Minimising risks -- managing complaints about and managing performance. It’s particularly important We are conscious of the limits of the Council’s role and nurses, midwives and students to prevent recur- that practitioners follow the mandatory notification resources, nevertheless the Council aims to be pro- rence; guidelines by reporting to the regulator any health gressive to ensure that we are as effective as possible. Promoting and upholding professional standards for concerns, reckless behaviour or pattern of behaviour We strive to collaborate with our co-regulatory part- safe practice; and that has the potential to cause patient harm or ners and to inform, influence, encourage and, where decrease trust in the profession. Being an agent of influence for safe cultures within possible, magnify the work that they do to improve health services. We use a range of strategies to educate nurses and patient safety. The Council may identify trends, but midwives across the state about their obligations many organisations including the Council may be Managing Complaints under the law and their individual responsibility to involved in identifying the risks and solutions. Further- To remediate complaint issues, we may encourage The number of notifications and complaints that we uphold the professional standards. We aim to empower more, risk can be better recognised through the practitioner reflection and professional development, receive has steadily increased since 2010. This year, we them to discuss and deal with safety concerns in the linkage of information held by different organisations offer professional performance and counselling inter- received 840 notifications. The majority of complaints workplace. We inform them how they can navigate the that are part of or support the health system views, and conduct assessments of the practitioner’s are about performance (46%) or conduct incidents regulation system, when they need to make a notifica- performance or health. If we find deficits, the practi- Our Impact (32%), followed by health impairments (22%) such as tion, and what happens to nurses and midwives who tioner could be referred to a panel which may impose mental health or alcohol and other drug misuse. have a notification made about them. Only 0.5% of the nursing and midwifery workforce are conditions on the practitioner’s registration. Conditions involved in notifications each year. The vast majority of We are continually looking to refine our processes and allow us to monitor the practitioner’s health or perfor- Building Capability and Capacity nurses and midwives are performing to very high find efficiencies whilst maintaining effectiveness by mance for improvement. Although restrictions are We also undertake continuous improvement initiatives standards of professional practice. We are proud of our acting in a timely fashion, particularly where com- applied in a proportionate manner, and often allow the to build capacity and capability, and to reinforce the role in upholding and supporting those standards, and plaints are identified as high risk. We operate within a practitioner to safely continue working, public safety is public’s trust in us. Staff and Council decision-makers maintaining the public’s trust in these professions. We protective jurisdiction. The focus is on minimising risks always the primary consideration and any practice are required to complete online learning about regula- are privileged to work in a space that can make a real to public safety rather than punishing a practitioner. conditions that we impose are published. When neces- tion early in their appointment. We also provide difference to the quality of life in our state, by protect- Our Council decision makers assess the practitioner’s sary, suspension of the practitioner’s registration is stakeholders with learning activities throughout the ing the public and supporting safe work cultures in current performance, conduct and health, taking into used. year on priority topics. Recently we worked with the health care. 10 | In Focus Summer 2019 | 11 Nurse Licensure Compact Update
There are 33 states that have enact- webinars to learn about latest Margaret Cooke, PhD, RN, is ed the Nurse Licensure Compact NLC developments and get your registered nurse and a midwife (NLC). Soon, that number will grow pressing questions answered. to 34. With its growing success and who has practised clinically in 2018 PN Practice Analysis Finally, the NLC is excited to increase in size, there is an increased these professions in Australia and announce new “NLC Tip of the Week” demand for educational tools and resourc- the U.K. for more than 15 years. Now Available emails. Anyone who would like to stay es — more NLC in-person presentations, more She worked as an academic whilst current on the latest NLC news and receive NCSBN is responsible to its members, the nursing regulatory bodies webinars, more informational handouts, more videos undertaking her PhD, combining weekly facts can subscribe to these tips online. education with research (and some in the U.S. and its member board territories, for the preparation of and more social media content. psychometrically sound and legally defensible licensure examina- These are just a few of the newer NLC developments. clinical) for 15 years after this. To better meet the growing needs, an NLC Toolkit tions. The periodic performance of practice analysis (i.e., job analysis) Based on continued feedback and reported needs Research areas of interest were webpage was created to host a wealth of NLC fact studies assists NCSBN in evaluating the validity of the test plan that of members, stakeholder organizations, employers, midwifery practice, smoking sheets and resources. The goal is for the NLC toolkit to guides content distribution of the licensure examinations. Because students and nurses in general, additional resources cessation, evaluating outcomes of become recognized as a first stop to obtain any infor- the health care industry is rapidly changing, practice analysis studies will continue to be developed. They will all live on the change management, and mation about the compact. NLC Toolkit page, so stay tuned! translation of research into policy are traditionally conducted by NCSBN on a three-year cycle. In addition to the Toolkit page, new NLC educational and practice. More recently, A number of steps are necessary to perform a practice analysis of videos were developed. Currently, there are three evaluation and research to inform newly licensed licensed practical nurse/vocational nurse (LPN/VN) videos available and they address common questions Kansas and Louisiana Implement NLC evidence based regulation has practice. received from students, employers, and the general been her priority. Toward the end On July 1, 2019, Kansas and Louisiana became the 30th A panel of subject matter experts was assembled. public. It is anticipated that two additional brief educa- of this period, she was fortunate to and 31st states to implement the NLC. tional videos for employers as well as nurses and the work with academic colleagues in A list of LPN/VN activities was created and incorporated into Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) Executive public will debut in the fall. Additionally, NLC Director Central Kalimantan (Borneo), a survey that was sent to a randomly drawn sample of newly Administrator Carol Moreland, MSN, RN, said, “The Jim Puente, MS, MJ, CAE, hosts monthly live webinars Indonesia. During this time she licensed LPN/VNs. KSBN is extremely excited to announce the implemen- for nurses and employers. You can sign up for the free co-authored a review of the Data was collected and analyzed. tation of the NLC in Kansas. Indonesian curriculum for nurses The implementation of the NLC The 2018 PN Practice Analysis used several methods to describe the and introduced problem-based legislation, allows the citizens practice of newly licensed LPN/VNs in the U.S.: learning. Cooke has been the of Kansas to have increased executive officer of the Nursing and Document reviews access to care while maintain- Midwifery Council of New South ing public protection at the Daily logs of newly licensed LPN/VNs Wales since it was established in state level. KSBN is committed July 2010. In 2013, she was Subject matter experts’ knowledge to remaining at the forefront of awarded a Churchill Fellowship to A large scale survey reducing the regulatory burden undertake research which explored to our licensees, while creating The 2018 PN Practice Analysis is now available on the NCSBN web- the management of health and better access to care for those site. The report contains an analysis of entry-level LPN/VN practice conduct notifications by eight we serve.” regulators in five countries in the U.S. Respondents to the practice analysis found the activities (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New listed in the survey to be representative of the work they performed in their practice settings. Overall, the findings reflect the continued Zealand U.K. and U.S.). Kansas State Board of congruency of entry-level nursing practice in the U.S. and support the Nursing staff preparing for use of the NCLEX for licensure/registration decisions in the U.S. the big day.
12 | In Focus Summer 2019 | 13 NCSBN’s Global Regulatory Atlas Charts the Nursing Regulatory Landscape
This comprehensive online compendium of nursing regulation worldwide was created with the assistance of health care regulators across the globe. The atlas currently holds information from more than 300 jurisdictions representing more than 20 million nurses, and new jurisdictions are continually being added.
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing’s implementation theme was “We’re in the Compact … what’s your superpower?”
Louisiana State Board of Nursing Chief Exec- utive Officer Karen C. Lyon, PhD, MBA, APRN, NEA, said, “The Louisiana State Board of Nursing enthusiastically joined 30 other states on July 1, 2019, as a member of the NLC. Any nurse who needs to practice in a variety of states benefits significantly from a multistate license. These nurses include military spous- es, telehealth nurses, case managers, nurse executives, nurses living on borders, nurses engaged in remote patient monitoring, school nurses, travel nurses, call center nurses, online nursing faculty, home health nurses and nurses doing follow up care. Joining the NLC is one large step toward advancing professional nursing practice in Louisiana and surrounding states and we are pleased to be partnering in the effort.” For more information, contact Jim Puente, director, NLC, at [email protected].
Kansas State Board of Nursing staff and guests from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Alabama Board of Nursing, the Maryland Board of Nursing and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing received NLC training in Topeka in May. regulatoryatlas.com
14 | In Focus Summer 2019 | 15 hen nurse regulators com- management systems and databases. municate more effectively with one another, and make “At the time, many NRBs were in a predica- information more readily ment,” says NCSBN Chief Information Officer availableW to nurses and the public, they Nur Rajwany, MS. “They were having a tough improve patient safety and public protection, time because their licensing system vendors a component of NCSBN’s core mission. had gone bankrupt on them, or they were no longer receiving updates or effective support We live in a time of rapid change. What was from their vendors. These systems can form once inconceivable is now possible due to the operational heart and soul of an NRB. advances in technology that have enhanced Rising to the Challenge: Without one, an NRB cannot operate effi- the way we store and share information. ciently. They didn’t know what to do.” These transformative advances are unmis- the Optimal Regulatory takably evident in the arena of nursing regulation. Now more than ever, nurses have “These boards really stepped up the ability to migrate to locations that offer and worked with us hand in hand, Board System (ORBS) the greatest need or job availability, providing patients with improved access to care, and taking a chance with us on moving increased patient safety during a disaster. forward with implementation.” With NCSBN’s increasingly adopted Nursys® – NCSBN Chief Information Officer Nur Rajwany — the only national database for verification of nurse licensure, discipline and prac- tice privileges for registered nurses (RNs), In 2009, the NCSBN Board of Directors (BOD) licensed practical nurses/vocational nurses directed the NCSBN Information Technology (LPN/VNs) and advanced practice registered (IT) department to identify the level of effort nurses (APRNs) licensed in participating needed to create a solution that addressed jurisdictions, comprised of data obtained these challenges. “It was extremely import- directly from the licensure systems of U.S. ant for the BOD to offer NCSBN members nurse regulatory bodies (NRBs) — nurses tools to help them embrace this rapid and employers can instantly access secure change,” says Rajwany. “Otherwise, they and up-to-date license status information wouldn’t be able to fully focus on their mis- and verify licensure. Technology has changed sion of public protection, and would continue the way we interact, reducing redundancies to get more and more bogged down with the and providing lightning-fast efficiency. effort of keeping their perfunctory opera- tional processes running.” When it comes to technology, staying ahead of the curve can be a challenge. In 2008, NCSBN’s IT department produced a feasibility in response to membership requests to study offering three approaches – (1) part- address licensure data technology needs, a nering with a vendor, (2) purchasing code and study was commissioned that focused on developing a special version of it for NRBs, or identifying member needs for a licensure (3) developing a program from scratch. The management system to improve efficiency, BOD would eventually give the approval to availability, security and provide for adequate proceed with the third option -- a proposed disaster recovery. NCSBN strives to reduce licensure management system developed burdens on government. Many members in-house. The seeds for the Optimal Regu- faced challenges due to a variety of factors, latory Board System (ORBS) were planted. including limited staff resources and out- At that point, NCSBN’s IT department began dated or insufficient third-party licensing developing a system that would fit U.S. NRBs
16 | In Focus Summer 2019 | 17 like a glove, empowering them to be self-sufficient and such as Nursys and NCLEX® administration, and can Practical Nurses (WVPN), the could potentially fail anytime, ORBS Implementation Timeline: also integrate with other service providers like online Idaho Board of Nursing (IBN) and with no back-up system or efficient. “It was unheard of that a membership orga- 2015 nization would take such a challenge, but the BOD had payment processors and document management and the Louisiana State Board plan, ORBS was viewed as highly faith in the NCSBN’s IT department staff to pull it off.” tools. It also offers improved end-to-end data integrity, of Nursing (LSBN) – in a pilot desirable option.” • The ORBS team deploys the meaning a member board’s data in ORBS can match endeavor to help with the renewal module to West Virginia Rajwany recalls. In 2019 the Wyoming State Board with member board data in Nursys. product development. “This was State Board of Examiners for ORBS is a turnkey solution for independent NCSBN of Nursing (WSBN) completed a partnership,” says Rajwany. Licensed Practical Nurses, the members in the U.S. that can assist them with license ORBS also features enhanced communication chan- implementation of ORBS. WSBN “These boards really stepped Idaho Board of Nursing and the nels. NRB staff can set up automatic notifications and Executive Director Cynthia management and discipline enforcement across the up and worked with us hand in Louisiana State Board of Nursing reminders to nurses as well as reminders or alerts LaBonde, MN, RN, explains, “In lifespan of a nurse. It provides modules for licens- hand, taking a chance with us on as a pilot program. for board staff. Applicants and nurses can manage 2012 I accepted a position as ing, discipline and education program management moving forward with implemen- their initial and renewal application online, submit the WSBN executive director 2016 functions. ORBS is a private and secure cloud-based tation.” and attended the annual new system. NCSBN absorbs the cost for licensing, hosted requests electronically, view their license status and • West Virginia PN and Idaho The Arizona Board of Nursing executive officer orientation at infrastructure, professional services for deployment, see alerts and reminders. Supporting modules deliver go live with an initial version (AZBN) implemented ORBS in the NCSBN office in Chicago the maintenance, upgrades and ongoing support. Among user management, document management, sched- of ORBS 1.x and Louisiana uling, configuration, account reconciliation, reporting 2018. AZBN Associate Director following year. During the orien- its many advantages, ORBS digitizes paper processes, continues with the renewal and automation of applicable current member board of IT & Fiscal Services, Robert tation, Nur provided information reduces the manual input of data, and provides com- module for their renewals. processes. Users of ORBS have the guarantee of a Ellis, MBA, MPM, recalls, “The about ORBS,” she says. “Knowing prehensive system disaster recovery implementation. • The ORBS team continues complete backup of all license, enforcement and AZBN had been in discussions the power of a database built enhancing the system and Unlike Nursys, which has its own brand, the ORBS management data. with NCSBN when the concept specifically to handle nursing worked on an ORBS 2.0 version. “brand” is an internal one, only really known to NCSBN for ORBS first evolved, approx- licensure and disciplinary info, After the initial charge from the BOD, in 2012 the and NRBs. Visit the website of an NRB using ORBS imately 10 years ago. We had a I was smitten, and immediately 2018 ORBS team began visiting NCSBN members to gather and you will see that NRB’s branding on the different database developed by AZBN signed WSBN up. We limped requirements and documentation for product devel- • The Nevada State Board of modules. in 1997 and the developer was along with our current licensure opment. NCSBN initially partnered with three NRBs Nursing, the New Mexico Board no longer interested in sup- database for five-plus years, ORBS integrates seamlessly with NCSBN systems – West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed of Nursing, Louisiana and the porting the software program. knowing the ORBS light was Arizona State Board of Nursing With a 20-year-old system that in our future, and here we are ORBS Back Office Features go live with ORBS 2.x versions. today.” 2019 “ORBS has dramatically reduced Profile Licensure Module Discipline Module Alternative to Fees and Correspondence Message Center Other Applications Discipline Payments Log the volume of paper that we • The Wyoming State Board of receive and process,” says Nursing, the West Virginia Board View Nurse WSBN Licensing Supervisor Lisa of Examiners for Registered Pro- Profile License Complaint Record Secure Configurable Programs Portal management Management management Communications Communication Applications Hastings. “It has also helped to fessional Nurses, the Arkansas Payments decrease license processing State Board of Nursing and the Louisiana State Board of Practi- Work Queues License Track Message Nurse Portal Electronic time and cut down on postage for tasks Application Investigation Events Assess Fees Center users and Application costs. We send very few items cal Nurse Examiners go live with management processing Communications Board Processing through the mail now.” ORBS 2.x versions. Paperless 2020 Letter License Record Record delivery of Wyoming received a timeline generation Issuance Discipline Payments letters from the ORBS team and dis- • The Texas Board of Nursing is cussed each step of the process scheduled to go live with ORBS Nurse Portal Restrict Alert staff of Invoices & with the team. “This helped to Account Renewal or Monitoring responses Receipts 2020–2021 management Reinstatement lay out what needed to be done, and when,” explains Hastings. • The ORBS team is working on Notes and “I believe we actively worked ORBS 3.0 version and sched- Hearing Documents on this implementation for uled to upgrade all participating a good 10 months. WSBN is boards. smaller board with limited staff, continued on page 14 Settlement continued on page 20
Summer 2019 | 19 18 | In Focus so we used a third party Knowing the power of a database built helpful,” she explains. “We Although ORBS is free, it does require a considerable longer for staff to learn. Call volume increases were vendor who created the specifically to handle nursing licensure discovered the lessons investment. NCSBN generally recommends (1) a project expected, but the reality of high call volumes continued current database to help and disciplinary info, I was smitten, and learned from different manager to manage and coordinate tasks and time- for several months.” with migration and data states and what their suc- lines; (2) a data migration specialist to migrate the data “I think the investment is worth it,” says Hastings. elements. The early part of immediately signed WSBN up. We cesses were. It was a very from the NRB’s current system to ORBS; (3) a reports “ORBS has helped streamline the licensing process, the process was to get the limped along with our current licensure valuable experience.” developer; (4) an ORBS administrator to manage appli- created standardized tasks, and delineated responsi- mapping done between our cation administration, who should be available when database for five-plus years, knowing Arkansas decided to imple- bility and accountability which in the end has better current database and ORBS, an NRB requires changes to the board-administrated ment ORBS for reasons served our licensees.” and during this process we the ORBS light was in our future, and similar to other NRBs. “Our configuration; (5) subject matter experts to work with relied heavily on the vendor. With the crucial assistance and eager involvement of here we are today. license database was not the ORBS team to configure the ORBS application; (6) a Once the mapping was members, NCSBN has built a solution for license man- – Wyoming State Board of Nursing Executive meeting our needs,” says trainer; and finally (7) custom- complete, most of the tasks agement and discipline Director Cynthia LaBonde Tedford. “The ORBS system er service support. were completed by the enforcement that sup- fulfilled those needs that Tedford explains how Arkan- Being new, we’re still working through project manager and licens- ports the mission of public were not being met.” For sas recently went live. “Being ing supervisor with monthly the transition -- half is in paper and half safety and protection and Arkansas the implementa- new, we’re still working updates to the whole staff.” is electronic -- so that’s a challenge, aligns with member NRB tion process represented through the transition — half needs and best practices. Wyoming licensing spe- a considerable investment is in paper and half is elec- but as we move more and more paper- In 2020, the NCSBN IT cialists ran through test in time and energy. Tedford tronic — so that’s a challenge, less, the staff are really liking it. … It department anticipates applications and provided recalls putting together a but as we move more and was a lot of work getting to where we completing its initial feedback on what need- core team that worked on more paperless, the staff are charge. What transpires ed to be changed, added the project for several years. really liking it. They say that it’s are, but I’d do it over in a heartbeat. beyond 2020 will require or deleted. “This started “It was intense work -- three so much faster, and that they Absolutely. the same forward-thinking familiarizing them with of us spent many, many can use it from anywhere. We – Arkansas State Board of Nursing Executive planning and willingness the system and the pro- hours, seven days a week, had a mock disaster training Director Sue Tedford to adapt to change that cess,” says Hastings. “The working on getting it set up, yesterday and we remarked helped conceive ORBS. licensing staff embraced and working out processes on how we no longer have the change and was ready and training. It was very to even come into a central “Years ago, the NCSBN on implementation day. It was crucial to have the staff labor-intensive. Boards doing it need to realize it’s not a location for that. We realized, if we wanted to, we could BOD envisioned that we needed to provide these kinds working hands-on with the system, so that on the day walk in the park.” continue our functions from our living rooms. It was a of cutting edge services to our membership, in order to we went live they were able to process applications lessen their burden and help them be efficient in their “Once an NRB has decided on implementation, it all lot of work getting to where we are, but I’d do it over in and answer questions.” operations,” explains Rajwany. “Where we are now was depends on the staff and their openness to change,” a heartbeat. Absolutely.” unknown to them at the time. The fact that 10 years “Implementation of ORBS might have been more chal- says Saraswati. “Some may want to see advanced “Prepare staff for the biggest challenge, which is to ago they were thinking about this is a credit not only to lenging in the beginning, but now, any new NRB has the features and functionality, while others may be used to ‘unlearn’ the rules that governed the prior software management, but also to staff’s support and expertise advantage of seeing the program in action,” explains a way of doing things. It’s always a challenge for staff system, and to be open to experiencing a ‘new normal’ — at NCSBN and at the NRBs. One influences the other. NCSBN ORBS Program Manager Narender Saraswati, to move from the current system they know to a new that will take months to adapt,” says AZBN Executive The BOD was very forward-thinking, but they could MBA. “Staff can visit a board and see how ORBS works system, but they find that they get more efficiency and Director Joey Ridenour, MN, RN, FAAN. “The old data- be because they had capable staff at all levels who and ask questions. They can see the features in action ease of use with the system.” base was very familiar and the new database took empowered them to think big.” and compare it to their current system and business “Any board that’s going to implement ORBS should processes.” assess their resources -- personnel and fiscal -- to When reflecting on her board’s experience, Arkansas make sure they have the resources they need,” advises If you have questions or would like to learn more about the Optimal State Board of Nursing Executive Director Sue Tedford, Tedford. “It’s about more than the money, and you can’t Regulatory Board System, contact the NCSBN ORBS team at [email protected] MNSc, APRN, agrees. “We spent some time talking with do this as a big-picture person. You have to have key other boards of nursing and I thought that was very people who are detail-oriented.”
20 | In Focus Summer 2019 | 21 The 2019 International Council of Nurses Congress Nurses from Across the Globe Gather in Singapore
ingapore, a modern metropolis to health, not only providing health care but also my professional career. It was amazing to witness of cultural diversity that is unique addressing the social determinants of health, such as the universality of the nursing profession. The ICN in Southeast Asia, served as the education, gender equality and poverty. Additionally, Congress showcased the leaders in nursing and health backdrop for International Council of the Congress provided opportunities for nurses to build care on a world stage. Attendees had the opportunity NursesS (ICN) 2019 Congress “Beyond Health- relationships and to disseminate nursing and health-re- to hear from world leaders such as Elizabeth Iro, chief care to Health” from June 27 – July 1. lated knowledge nurse of the World Health Organization WHO) and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the ICN is a federation of more than 130 national NCSBN Board of Directors President-elect, Jim Cleg- WHO. He announced that the WHO has declared 2020 nurses associations (NNAs), representing horn, MA, executive director, Georgia Board of Nursing, as the ‘Year of the Nurse’ which coincides with the the over 20 million nurses worldwide. Cele- commented, “The 2019 ICN Congress was an exciting 200th Anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. brating its 120th anniversary this year, ICN and eye opening experience. I was impressed with I was impressed that nursing practice, regulation and was founded in 1899. Operated by nurses the intense desire for knowledge and information that education were represented throughout the congress. and leading nurses internationally, ICN works many of the attendees displayed. Each of the pre- I was especially proud of the NCSBN staff who present- to ensure quality nursing care for all, sound senters and participants were excited to share their ed important regulatory research and a plenary session health policies globally, the advancement of expertise with hopes of making improvements to our presented by NCSBN CEO, David Benton, a world lead- nursing knowledge, and the presence world- global health care system. The cultures, languages er in nursing regulation. I would encourage any nurse and backgrounds varied but all had a common goal of wide of a respected nursing profession and a that has the opportunity to attend an ICN Congress advancing nursing worldwide.” competent and satisfied nursing workforce. to do so,” noted NCSBN Board of Directors Treasurer, Every two years, ICN brings together nurses The Congress provided a forum for a diverse group Gloria Damgaard, MS, RN, FRE, executive director, South from across the globe and the Singapore of speakers and presentations. Cindy McCain, Amer- Dakota Board of Nursing. ican businesswoman, philanthropist, educator and Nurses Association welcomed more WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreye- humanitarian, (widow of Sen. John McCain) spoke on than 5,000 delegates to this internation- sus made a surprise visit to the Congress fresh from “Providing Compassionate Care to Victims and Sur- al gathering. A former British colony, the G20 Summit and received a “rock star” style welcome vivors of Human Trafficking.” Former Prime Minister island-city-state Republic of Singapore has from attendees. He called on nurses to be a force in of Republic of Korea Kim Hwang-sik emphasized the been independent since 1965. Singapore is bringing about change in the world, asserting, “This is a importance of political leadership and health and how a vibrant island with more than 5.6 million force to be reckoned with and I can see the energy and to influence strategic decision making. Kim Hwang-sik residents with diverse backgrounds and vibe! That vibe or energy is very important to realize is currently chair of a multi-national committee that is ethnicities of which more than 35 percent health for all. The role of nurses is very important, and nominating two Austrian nurses for the Nobel Peace are foreign nationals. The city ranks highly that’s why I am saying ‘force, force,’ and more than Prize (see story on page 28 for more details). on many world’s best lists and is also highly 50% of the workforce is nurses and midwives. You placed in key social indicators of health care, Development, innovation, advanced practice and have a huge contribution and impact and that’s why education, life expectancy and safety. leadership in nursing were some of the main themes for any country to recognize nurses and midwives as South Dakota Board of Nursing Executive addressed during panel discussions and keynote key members of the health workforce that can help Director Gloria Damgaard, Cindy McCain In this progressive and exciting setting, the speeches. to realize the dream of any country in terms of better and Tennessee State Board of Nursing Congress explored the many ways in which Executive Director Elizabeth Lund quality of scale is something that really you don’t need nurses work to achieve universal access “Attending the 2019 ICN Congress was a highlight of Photos courtesy of Dawn Kappel and Elizabeth Lund
2222 | |In In Focus Focus Summer 2019 | 23 to debate. That’s why I’m here. You Each one brings new experiences are a force to reckon with and a that enrich my understanding and ® force that can help in realizing appreciation of nursing regulation at A Nursys e-Notify Success Story in Missouri universal health care and the the international level. I was espe- By Lori Scheidt, MBA-HCM honor is mine. I am so pleased to cially proud that NCSBN had such Executive Director, Missouri State Board of Nursing be here.” a large number of presentations, which were all well received.” The Missouri State Board of Nursing recently exceed- NCSBN served as one of the ed our goal of having at least 85% of active licensees major sponsors and its special The 2021 Congress will be held in enrolled in Nursys e-Notify®, with 87% enrolled. This giveaway logo bags proved to be Abu Dhabi, hosted by the Emirates accomplishment took a number of steps over the very popular and well utilized by Nursing and Midwifery Council and course of several years, and we are very pleased with attendees. NCSBN also offered an supported by Abu Dhabi Convention the results thus far. exhibit booth where attendees Bureau. The 2023 Congress will be nurses. In addition to this outreach to employers, we could explore the Global Regu- held in Montreal, Canada. NCSBN First, a bit of background. Missouri licenses expire on a also updated our licensee communications to inform latory Access website and learn plans on continuing its strong sup- set date every two years; April 30th in odd-numbered them to enroll in Nursys e-Notify. more about regulatory activities port of the ICN Congress and to years for registered nurses (RNs), and May 31st in in the U.S. advance its global outreach and even-numbered years for licensed practical nurses Until recently, Missouri did not have reliable data NCSBN Chief Officer, Nursing networking by its ongoing participa- (LPNs). There is an uneven distribution of licensees about practice characteristics of health professionals Regulation, Maryann Alexander and NCSBN’s scholarly works and Senior Research Scientist Brendan tion in future conferences. with about 83% RNs and 17% LPNs. Missouri has sup- practicing in the state. We realized that having better research were also well-represented Martin with NCSBN Board President plied data to Nursys® since May 19, 1999. information would allow the state and stakeholders to Julia George at the conference with Maryann NCSBN Board of Directors, Director- make better decisions that address the actual needs Alexander, PhD, RN, FAAN, chief at-Large, Elizabeth J. Lund, MSN, RN, When I chaired the NCSBN Fraud Detection Committee, NCSBN Presentations: of Missourians and the health care professionals who officer, Nursing Regulation, and Bren- executive director, Tennessee State one of the best practices the committee identified treat them. Our licensure system didn’t provide us with • Guidelines for Nursing dan Martin, PhD, Research Scientist Board of Nursing, summed up ICN was the full use of Nursys. The committee arrived at Regulators: Complaints a mechanism to collect that information, so beginning II, who gave nine presentations over by concluding, “What an amazing this guidance because license cards can be subject to Involving a Licensee and in 2017 we started using the Nursys e-Notify portal to Cannabis. the course of the Congress (see experience it was to join 5300 ICN fraud, loss and theft. Although there is an assumption collect nursing workforce information. that a card carrier’s license status is current, informa- • Regulation 2030 sidebar) that were enthusiastically Congress participants from across received by their audiences. the world to share knowledge that tion could be up to two years old. Implementation of Workforce questions that licensees could answer on • Quality Indicators, Warning informs policy and bridges health the Nurse Licensure Compact --whether a licensee has self-enrollment were added to the portal. We revised Signs and Outcomes of Nursing NCSBN CEO David Benton, PhD, RGN, Education Programs: A Delphi care to health. Highlights include an a multistate or single-state license -- added another our online renewal system to require our system to FFNF, FRCN, FAAN, made two pre- Study opportunity to have a conversation dimension. Relying on a license card puts the public at do a call-out to Nursys using their application program sentations and served on an expert • Using Predictive Analytics to with speaker Cindy McCain following risk and puts employers at risk for civil penalties and interface (API) to see if the nurse was self-enrolled panel where he gave an overview of Improve Nursing Education her moving call to action for nurs- other sanctions. Missouri eliminated issuing license in Nursys e-Notify. If the nurse was not, then we Programs the state of nursing regulation and es to combat human trafficking in cards for license renewals Jan. 1, 2010 and for initial strongly encouraged self-enrollment. At the end of the need for evidence, he stated, • The Global Regulatory Atlas of view of nurse-patient relationships licenses on June 1, 2015. the 2018 LPN renewal period, 47% of nurses were Nursing “Health professions have not been that position nurses to identify and self-enrolled. These results were not surprising, since particularly proactive in providing One of the first steps we took was removing nursing • Diversity, Education, and respond to victims seeking health enrollment was voluntary. As a next step, we then Nursing Shortages: Results from evidence, but the evidence is out licenses from Missouri’s portal and redirecting users care. I was heartened by the enthu- changed our official license renewal rule to require a the 2017 U.S. Nursing Workforce there. When you ask the question, to Nursys to verify licenses. All license verifications Survey siastic response to the NCSBN booth nurse to provide information related to their practice who has written the most: joint first to other nursing regulatory bodies and public license as thousands of eager attendees and demographics. NCSBN’s Information Technology • Reducing Barriers to Adverse is the legal profession and nursing, verification were completed using Nursys. Event Reporting sought literature and conversation and Customer Experience teams helped us bring the but if you look at the research base, We initially focused on prompting employers in our with NCSBN members and staff. plan to action, hosting a webinar with our staff to • Strategies for Increasing Health nursing comes first and we should state to create Nursys e-Notify institution accounts. Care Access in the U.S. Booth attendees particularly delight- demonstrate the new process. A loop was created as be proud of that!” We leveraged existing partnerships to get promote ed in accessing their country’s data depicted in the graph below. • Prelicensure Nursing Student NCSBN Board of Directors President NCSBN-hosted webinars geared toward employers. Errors/Near Misses on the large screen Global Regula- The results of our efforts have been fantastic. We Julia George, MSN, RN, FRE, execu- Anytime a member of our team spoke at an event, we tory Atlas. It was a joy to experience mailed out renewal postcards in late January, and by Poster: tive director, North Carolina Board of made sure to include a segment on Nursys. This has the unity of participants coming Feb. 16, 64.9% had self-enrolled. By the time renewals When and Why Nursing Errors Nursing, noted, “This was the third paid off, with the establishment of 1,205 institution together to advance nursing knowl- concluded on May 1, 120,296 (88.7%) had self-enrolled. Occur: A Review of Nursing Practice ICN conference that I have attended. accounts, representing 102,336 (79%) of Missouri’s Error Cases in the U.S. edge and world health.”
24 | In Focus Summer 2019 | 25 The Alabama Board of Nursing Receives Our customer satisfaction survey revealed a 95.7% Enter License No. and PIN in satisfaction rate with the online renewal process. PR Renewal Portal A third of the 4.2% who said they were unsatisfied NCSBN’s 2019 Regulatory cited the requirement to enroll in Nursys e-Notify as the reason. To put that in perspective, less than Achievement Award 2% of our 90,688 respondents were dissatisfied Registration in Nursys On May 7, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey filed a signed Nurse Licensure Compact with the requirement. e-Notify (Using API) bill with the Secretary of State’s office, making Alabama the 32nd state We are hopeful that nurses will come to rely on YES NO to enact the interstate compact. While this was a big day for Alabama the Nursys system. Many have already realized nurses and the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN), it wasn’t the only good the value of enrollment as evidenced by positive news. It was also the day that the ABN learned they would receive the feedback on email notifications. In addition to the Record Directed to Register 2019 NCSBN Regulatory Achievement Award. “We were notified that we’d value of fraud detection and prevention, Nursys updated received the award on the same day … I thought that was special,” says increases our transparency because all data that is <1 year ABN Executive Officer Peggy Benson, MSN, MSHA, RN, NE-BC. “I couldn’t in our board system is automatically transferred to wait to tell the board. I just wanted them to realize that we were making a Nursys on a daily basis. YES NO difference, and that it was being recognized.” Executive Officer Peggy Benson At the upcoming NCSBN 2019 Annual Meeting in Chicago, the ABN will accept the Regulatory Achievement Award at the annual NCSBN Awards Directed to Renew License Dinner. This distinction recognizes a member board or associate member Update Record that has made an identifiable, significant contribution to the mission and vision of NCSBN in promoting public policy related to the safe and effec- tive practice of nursing in the interest of public welfare. The NCSBN Awards Program recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of members. Award recipients are selected through a blind review process based on the strength of the nomination with respect to To enhance Nursys e-Notify® use in your jurisdiction, consider the award criteria, a process overseen annually by the Awards Commit- the following: tee. • Website – Provide a www.nursys.com link and encourage More than 100,000 people are licensed to practice nursing in Alabama, nurses and employers to go there and find out more. Links making nurses the largest group of professionals in the state who are work best when appearing on the board of nursing home regulated by a single licensing board. Under Benson’s leadership, the ABN page and the portion of the site where employers and nurses has endeavored to fulfill its mandate of protecting the public. “We were go to verify license status. excited and honored by the recognition,” says Benson. “We aspire to lead • Newsletters and other communication – feature articles on the nation in regulatory excellence and public protection, and felt strongly e-Notify in your newsletter and in social media. that that we achieved real progress over the past several years and that it • Presentations to large nurse employers and coordination warranted national recognition.” with NCSBN – Many states include a brief presentation of Award candidates must send the Awards Committee a narrative that e-Notify information during meetings with the local state highlights their accomplishments. One criteria for selection includes the nursing association and/or with hospital systems, as appro- nominee’s active participation in NCSBN activities. In this area, Alabama priate. They also mention that NCSBN can provide a webinar has gone above and beyond in encouraging board members and staff with a live demonstration of e-Notify in action. to participate. Benson serves as a member of the NCSBN Model Act and If you would like samples or further information of any of the Rules Committee and has worked to maintain a focus on patient safety above areas, let us know. We have a consultant that can work and public protection. She and her staff also mentor colleagues around one-on-one with you to increase e-Notify utilization in your juris- the country, with the understanding that public protection extends diction. Contact [email protected] for assistance. beyond state borders. ABN board officers and staff have served in a
Summer 2019 | 27 variety of roles with NCSBN, that provides public education, ABN also advocated for, including as members of “We embraced a as well as resources to licens- designed, and implement- several committees. Board staff paradigm shift in ees, within the state, nationally, ed a Loan Repayment have also delivered policy and and internationally. The ABN Program for Advanced communication-related presen- regulatory protection has become one of Alabama’s Practice Nursing, which tations at NCSBN functions. “We and implemented most credible advocates for the Alabama Legislature are committed to engagement public policy among the vari- enacted in 2016. This and participation with NCSBN at a new direction ous regulatory boards, and we program offers up to an unprecedented level for our in 2015, centered are roundly regarded as a key $15,000.00 per year in state,” notes Benson. contributor to the process and loans to CRNA, CRNP, and around collaboration, CNM students, repayable During its centennial year, the a vital resource for policymak- communication and in-kind through a con- ABN examined its strategic ers in state government.” The Speed Round tractual commitment to initiatives and where it want- engagement with ABN is also currently working to Get to know NCSBN staff: working in a rural area ed to be. “We embraced a establish a Nursing Leadership licensees … I feel that of the state for no fewer paradigm shift in regulatory Institute in order to develop Jeff Kendall than 18 months for each protection and implemented a this award honors our and cultivate strong leaders Director, Customer Experience and Operations year of loans accepted. new direction in 2015, centered who will have a positive impact board in recognition What do you do? What are the best and most around collaboration, commu- on patient care settings to At this year’s Annual of the tremendous I am responsible for the Customer challenging aspects of your nication and engagement with promote a thriving health care Meeting, NCSBN President Experience and Operations team in job? licensees,” explains Benson. strides we have made environment. Julia L. George, MSN, RN, the Information Resources The best part of my job is the “It included education and FRE, will host the awards in the last four years.” The ABN has also worked to department. I ensure we deliver diversity of work and the people awareness, as well as increas- ceremony followed by advance the NCSBN mission exceptional service to our members, I work with. I enjoy working with ing opportunities. As the new – Alabama Executive Officer dinner and entertainment. to provide education, service employees, institutions, nurses and so many talented people across direction evolved, we examined Peggy Benson It will be a time for and research through collab- the public. Products we support the organization, on the Board how we reach out to our licens- celebration, and it will no orative leadership to promote include Learning Extension of Directors and the members. ees and the public. I feel that doubt be a highlight for evidence-based regulatory (Members and Public), ORBS, Supporting multiple products and a this award honors our board in Benson, who is clearly excellence for patient safety and public protection. Nursys.org and Nursys.com (e-Notify, large customer base makes the job recognition of the tremendous strides we have made proud of what the ABN “We have proactively addressed each of the three QuickConfirm, License Verification for interesting and challenging. Each in the last four years.” has achieved. “This board facets of this mission with a collaborative spirit,” says Endorsement). day is a learning experience and an has done a lot to reduce The results of this new direction are evident across all Benson. “The ABN has been a leader in Alabama’s opportunity to solve a new problem. regulatory barriers and areas of the ABN’s focus, including its leadership in inaugural effort to develop tri-regulator collaboration In addition to the support we offer, advance practice within the development, implementation and maintenance of with the boards of medicine and pharmacy. The three we also provide training for members The most challenging aspect of my our statutory framework,” licensing and regulatory policies, another criteria for boards have developed close relationships, strength- and host a quarterly Information job is ensuring we respond to our she says. “I would not the Regulatory Achievement Award. The ABN led the ened by communication and information-sharing. Technology – Operations Conference customer inquiries with accurate suggest we are perfect, effort to expand scope of practice and ease regulatory This has helped to expand both nursing practice and calls every odd-numbered year and information in a timely manner. but we have made burdens for nursing and advanced practice nursing advanced practice, while continuing to advance patient an annual Information Technology – tremendous progress, and throughout the state, maximizing health care access Operations Conference every If you weren’t working at safety and public protection.” I think my board and staff for Alabama patients. “In recent years, we streamlined even-numbered year. NCSBN, what would your The ABN also advances the shared missions of Ala- have a right to be proud protocols for certified registered nurse practitioners dream job be? bama and NCSBN in the realm of nursing education, of their hard work -- and (CRNPs) to align to the Consensus Model, to ensure As the former board chair for TPAN recognizing that patients benefit when nurses are of themselves.” that scope of practice for APRNs appropriately reflects (www.tpan.com), my dream job informed about current trends in health care. To that education, certification, and population focus,” says would be the CEO of a nonprofit end, the ABN is committed to ensuring that nurses Benson. “We also developed a nursing resource center organization that provides lifesaving have access to high-quality continuing education. The services to those in need.
28 | In Focus Summer 2019 | 29 Left, Marianne is holding a baby of a Hansen’s disease patient in her arms. Right, Margaritha is Angels of Sorokdo giving a cup of milk to a Hansen ’s disease Korean Nurses Association Seeks to patient. It was Mari- anne and Margaritha’s Honor Nurses Who Selflessly Served daily morning routine to provide a cup of warm milk to each patient. All photos courtesy of Marianne & Margaret Association.
he tranquil beauty of Sorokdo Island off the mainland of Failing health caused the sisters to return to Austria in 2005, as South Korea belies its tragic history. Established in 1916 they did not wish to be a burden to those for whom they had as a “concentration camp” for those with Hansen’s served. Now, Margaritha, 84, has Alzheimer’s disease and lives disease (also known as leprosy, see sidebar) by the Jap- in a nursing home. Although her recent memories are faint and anese Imperial Government during its colonial rule of Korea from fading, memories of her time spent in Korea remain vivid, she T1910 to 1945, Sorokdo was a place of enforced labor, isolation, recalls, “I miss them, I loved them all. We were happy and every From the CDC and medical sterilization and experimentation. Unfortunately, even day was full of joy.” Marianne, 85, who lives with family and has Hansen’s disease (also known as when Korea was liberated from Japan in 1945, the new Korean Top left, survived several bouts of cancer, was able to return to Korea on leprosy) is an infection caused Marianne and government kept Japan’s harsh “leper law” (it This campaign is an acknowledgement of the the 100th Anniversary of the Sorokdo National Hospital in 2016. by slow-growing bacteria called Margaritha on Sorok Island remained in the books until 1991) and contin- four decades that Marianne and Margaritha At that time, she and Margaritha who was not able to attend the Mycobacterium leprae. It can affect then and ued to banish patients there. For those exiled, tirelessly worked without pay to improve living commemoration, were publicly thanked and praised for their the nerves, skin, eyes and lining present day. the brutal conditions did not improve and in conditions for patients on the island, providing many decades of work on the island. of the nose (nasal mucosa). With All photos many ways worsened. them food, medication and financial support early diagnosis and treatment, the courtesy of A nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize honors their decades through personal funding initiatives in their Marianne And yet into this place of darkness, despair and of sacrifice, dedication and advocacy. Additionally, it is import- disease can be cured. People with & Margaret native Austria. Over time they helped build discrimination, came two of the most unlikely ant to note that in the Nobel Peace Prize’s 118 year history, no Hansen’s disease can continue to Association. facilities for the patients, including a physical and unassuming heroes, Marianne Stöger nurse has ever won. Recognition of these nurses at this level work and lead an active life during therapy center, psychiatric ward and a daycare and Margaritha Pissarek, Austrian nurses and lifts the recognition of the nursing profession worldwide. Nota- and after treatment. center for the children of the island. Catholic nuns who devoted themselves to the ble supporters of this campaign include the secretary general Feared since biblical times as care of the patients for more than 40 years. Foreign to patients in looks and demeanor of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom a highly contagious and devas- At the time of their arrival, there were almost when they first arrived in the early 1960s, the Ghebreyesus, former South Korean Prime Minister Kim Hwang- tating disease, it is now known 6,000 patients on the island, including 200 way they cared for patients changed the man- sik, the International Council of Nurses, the Japanese Nurses that it doesn’t spread easily and children who were isolated from their parents. ner by which treatment was provided. They Association and the Spanish General Council of Nursing. NCSBN treatment is very effective. In fact, Today, the island is home to only 539 remaining restored the patients’ dignity and their style of is also lending its support to this effort. more than 95% of people have patients. care influenced the way that the other nurses The goal of the campaign is to submit the petition to the Nor- natural immunity to the disease. If and physicians treated patients from that point There is a new movement to recognize the rev- wegian Nobel Committee next year, on the 200th anniversary of left untreated, however, the nerve forward. They were beloved by patients and olutionary work of the “Angels of Sorokdo” by the birth of Florence Nightingale. Currently, the number of signa- damage can result in deformities staff on the island. As Marianne noted recent- the Korean Nurses Association who, with the tures stands at 750,000 so the campaign is 75% of the way to its of hands and feet, paralysis, and ly, “There was not even a ray of hope on the support of the South Korean government, has goal. Add your name in support of Marianne and Margaritha and blindness. island. What I had in mind is that we should launched the One Million Signatures Campaign the Korean Nurses Association’s effort to recognize their gener- give them hope and encourage them to live to nominate them for the Nobel Peace Prize. osity to the people of Sorokdo Island. their lives with hope, faith and unconditional love.”
30 | In Focus Summer 2019 | 31 George Receives Bermuda’s News&Notes 2019 Nurse of the Year Award Janice George RN, MPH, chair of the Bermuda Nursing and Midwifery Council, received Bermuda’s 2019 Nurse of the Sharpnack Inducted as a Year Award on May 5th. Fellow in the American George has been a registered nurse for 13 years and is Academy of Nursing currently employed by the Bermuda Hospitals Board as Ohio Board of Nursing President Patricia the clinical resource nurse for the recovery room. George Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, was Klenke is also a Bermuda Nurses Association board member. She George; Image credit Bernews selected to be inducted as a Fellow in the Klenke Named Citizen is passionate about delivering quality nursing care. She is American Academy of Nursing in October 2019. of the Year also an author and recently published My Mama is a Nurse, a children’s book that promotes nursing as a key profession Sharpnack, Dean and Strawbridge Associate In February, Lisa Klenke, MBA, RN, and captures some of the day-to-day activities of nurses from Professor of The Breen School of Nursing at board member and past president varied ethnic backgrounds. Ursuline College, was inducted as a Fellow in of the Ohio Board of Nursing, was Sharpnack Texas Board of Nursing, Celebrating 110 Years of Service: 1909-2019 named the Celina-Mercer County the Academy of Nurse Educators in 2014. She Texas Board of Nursing staff outside Austin’s LongLong Center Center, Austin,for Performing Texas Arts George is also the founder and president of Vitals Foundation, serves as a board trustee for a university health Chamber of Commerce 2018 Citi- a charity that promotes collaboration among health care system, on the board of directors for a medical zen of the Year. workers and aids in building community health awareness center, as a nursing advisory board member of and education. The executive director of the cham- a large public university, and as a board mem- Texas Board of Nursing Celebrates 110 Years ber stated, “Lisa’s commitment to ber for a regional center for health affairs. She On April 26, the Texas Board of Nursing celebrated 110 years of dedi- Nova Scotia College of Nursing Established as Official quality nursing care is obvious but is a frequent consultant, presenter, publisher, cated work and contributions made by nurses toward the protection of Regulatory Body for Nursing Professionals throughout her unwavering dedication to local, researcher and award winner. Her awards in- public health. Board members and staff gathered outside the Long Cen- the Province quality health care is unmatched. clude the International QSEN Linda Cronenwett ter for Performing Arts in downtown Austin to mark the occasion. June 4, 2019, was a historic day for Nova Scotians and the nursing community in the It is Lisa’s vision and efforts that Leadership Award and the MNRS Outstanding Canadian province, with the establishment of one new nursing regulator, the Nova The first meeting of the Texas Board of Nursing took place on have secured local, quality health Academic-Practice Partnership Award. Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN). In 2016, the Board of the College of Licensed Practical July 20, 1909, at the Driskill Hotel in Austin. The new board approved care for future generations … Nurses of Nova Scotia (CLPNNS) and the Council of the College of Registered Nurses 222 nurse licenses that year. Today in Texas, there are more than Lisa’s career has been dedicated A board member since 2014, Sharpnack of Nova Scotia (CRNNS) voted to create one nursing regulator in the province. This 435,000 Texas nurses including: 106,568 licensed vocational nurses, to the service of others and I feel currently serves as the board president and landmark decision resulted in the dissolution of the two existing Colleges and cleared 329,147 registered nurses, and 31,990 advanced practice registered you would be hard pressed to find chair of the the path for one organization to oversee the regulation of licensed practical nurses nurses. someone in our community that Advisory Group on (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) in Nova Scotia. Nursing Education. “This year we celebrate 110 years of regulatory excellence and reflect has had more impact on more lives The Ohio Board on our long history of excellence in nursing regulation,” said Texas than Lisa Klenke.” “We are so pleased to bring these two mature regulators together to make the Nova of Nursing Board of Nursing Executive Director Kathy Thomas, MN, RN, FAAN. “In Scotia College of Nursing a reality in our province,” said NSCN CEO and Registrar Sue Klenke has been the chief exec- congratulates 2017, the Sunset Commission found that ‘the Texas Board of Nursing is Smith, RN, BN, MAOL. “This was really a matter of wanting to enhance the work we do utive officer of the Mercer Health Sharpnack a shining example of a health licensing agency with experienced, on behalf of Nova Scotians by having one strong nurs- System since 2013. Prior to that, on being capable staff that perform well’. In the coming decade, we are ing presence and voice. By coming together and collab- she was the vice president of recognized for prepared for the changing public policy environment that will impact orating, we strengthen our commitment to supporting Patient Care Services and chief her outstanding regulation and we will continue to embrace our commitment to public nurses to deliver safe, competent, ethical and compas- nursing officer. She is serving her leadership in nursing. protection, testing innovations and collaborating with partners to sionate care to the public, which is why we exist.” Sharpnack fourth term on the Ohio Board of further our mission.” Nursing. The board congratulates Lisa on being recognized for her ex- Have news to share? ceptional contributions to nursing Send your News & Notes submissions via email. and health care.
32 | In Focus Spring 2019 | 33 2019 NCSBN ANNUAL MEETING · CHICAGO · AUG. 21–23, 2019