AMSN S Priority Agenda

Priority Agenda

Introduction

As part of the 2010 strategic planning process, the AMSN Priority Agenda was developed. The priority agenda is a concise way of identifying what AMSN stands for. It identifies the key issues that AMSN cares most about. The priority agenda states the AMSN position on each issue, why it holds that position, and the actions AMSN will take based on the agenda. This document addresses those cutting edge issues that are at the heart of what AMSN stands for, what our members believe, and what is in the interest of excellent patient care.

The priority agenda is the framework for accountability and provides focus for the allocation of resources (e.g., staff, volunteers, Volunteer Units, fiscal, programs and initiatives). From the priority agenda, the board can determine which strategic alliances will further the agenda, which meetings leaders should be attending or presenting at, and other decisions about our strategic direction.

The AMSN Priority Agenda is used by the board, volunteer leaders, and staff who represent AMSN. It may also be used by members to articulate what AMSN is focusing on for the specialty of medical-surgical nursing. AMSN Priority Agenda

AMSN is the professional nursing organization of over 8,500 members dedicated to the specialty of medical-surgical nursing. The AMSN mission is to promote excellence in medical-surgical nursing. There are approximately 600,000 medical- surgical nurses in the US, the largest number of specialty nurses working in both the hospital and nonhospital settings (HRSA, 2008). As professional nurses, medical- surgical nurses belong to the most trusted professions in America (Gallup, 2010).

A majority of medical-surgical nurses practice in the inpatient setting. They specialize in caring for patients with acute illness, major surgery and chronic diseases or conditions. Medical-surgical nurses also specialize in caring for patients in settings such as home health agencies, community health clinics, private practices, hospices and schools of nursing.

Medical-surgical nurses manage care needs of patients admitted from the surgical recovery area and emergency department, or transferred directly from the health care provider’s office, the intensive care unit or from a long-term care facility. They simultaneously coordinate care for several patients on a designated medical- surgical nursing unit, who are in stable condition, are at high risk for a rapid deterioration in health status, and who are not ready to return home or transfer to a long-term care setting. Medical-surgical nurses teach patients and/or families how to best care for themselves and when to seek medical and nursing care upon discharge.

AMSN Agenda

Professional Development:

AMSN believes that medical-surgical nurses can better lead health care teams, coordinate care for patients, grow professionally, and advance the art and science of medical-surgical nursing when they engage in education, certification, mentoring, and other opportunities to enhance their nursing and leadership skills. The ultimate purpose of professional development is to enable nurses to provide compassionate, high quality patient-centered care. AMSN is committed to providing state of the art, accessible, and relevant education, professional growth, mentoring, and certification opportunities. Examples of initiatives to address this priority include the following:

Current Initiatives: Annual convention; Online Library with an array of continuing nursing education articles, recordings, and courses; Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) certification program through the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB) along with many AMSN study resources; and volunteer leadership opportunities

Planned Initiatives: Increase online learning opportunities and clinical resources, and develop clinical and volunteer leadership development programs Practice:

AMSN believes the medical-surgical patient receives better care in an environment that integrates evidence-based care, and determines staffing reflective of the intensity of patient care needs rather than predetermining staffing or using fixed staffing ratios. AMSN is committed to helping assure these conditions become the standard of care for all medical-surgical patients. An evidence-based practice environment is directed toward quality and improved patient care. Examples of initiatives to address this priority include the following:

Current Initiatives: Publications such as the Scope and Standards for Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice, Core Curriculum for Medical-Surgical Nursing and MEDSURG Nursing journal; Evidence-based and research grants; Position statements on clinical practice issues affecting the workplace

Planned Initiatives: Online resources; create resources for sharing work environment challenges and solutions; create an award to recognize exemplary medical-surgical nursing units.

Collaboration:

AMSN believes the unified voice of professional nurses strengthens when medical- surgical nurses strategically collaborate with others. AMSN is committed to connecting with other organizations that share our patient care issues, values, and priorities. Examples of initiatives to address this priority include the following:

Current Initiatives: Collaborations with the American Nurses Association (ANA), National Quality Forum (NQF), Nursing Organizations Alliance (The Alliance); Nursing Community, and the Americans for Nursing Shortage Relief (ANSR) coalition

Planned Initiatives: Evaluate current and potential collaborators that further the issues, values, and priorities of AMSN: Explore collaboration with the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN) on care coordination and transitional care

Gallup. (2010). Honesty/Ethics in professions. Retrieved August 1, 2011 from http://www.gallup.com/poll/1654/Honesty-Ethics-Professions.aspx

US Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). (2008). National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved August 1, 2011 from http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/msurveys/rnsurveyfinal.pdf

D:\Docs\2018-01-01\02b647d6d4c0d8e132fae161d77e5de8.doc