THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NURSES ASSOCIATION

VOL. 48 • NO. 4 NOVEMBER 2011-JANUARY 2012

Quarterly circulation approximately 18,000 to all RNs, LPNs, and Student Nurses in Montana. See inside for upcoming CE Events Executive Director’s Report

Lori Chovanak RN, BAN and Dues Taskforce who is evaluating and making October 2011 recommendations at the national level. It is reassuring that as MNA moves towards creating a I am truly excited and more defined and accurate system, the national level honored to be the Executive is guiding a movement to refine a membership and Director of the Montana dues system that is consistent and will be equitably Nurses Association. My implemented among all state associations. primary goal is to lead The work of the Center to Advance Health the organization with the of Montana through Nursing (CAHN) is another MNA 99th Convention highest respect for the priority focus. CAHN is being formed through the Photos members and volunteers collaborative efforts of nurse professionals across that guide our direction. the state. Those involved include staff nurses from Pages 6 & 7 I will reinforce this all professional work settings, nurse educators, philosophy with MNA staff nurse administrators, and nurse champions who as we work collaboratively Lori Chovanak come from outside the nursing profession but utilizing each other’s unique wish to contribute to transforming the profession. abilities. This is an important movement which MNA is In my short time as MNA Executive Director intimately involved in. All members should consider I have evaluated systems and explored the contributing to this work by participating in one of intricacies of many aspects of the organization. the four CAHN councils. These include the Council From this analysis, I am developing an outline for on Education, Council on Leadership, Council on the priorities that will guide my focus and energy. Transition to Practice, and the Council on Workforce I had the opportunity to attend the 99th Annual Data. Convention during my first month in this position. MNA staff has a full workload and is eager to Many ideas, questions, opinions and concerns were achieve the necessary accomplishments that are Research Funding Opportunity brought forward by our members. The conversations exclusively member-driven. Each staff position were welcomed and appreciated as the board of has a defined role, staff members know that being Page 11 directors and I move forward. There are congruent cohesive, supportive, and flexible are required and consistent priorities among the members, MNA characteristics for efficiently accomplishing the leadership, and staff members. I am reassured work of MNA. While the individual passion of each that we have common goals and desires for the employee includes personal commitment to the accomplishments we hope to achieve. organization, all MNA employees understand the An initial priority will be an assessment of balance of personal direction and the direction that the MNA membership tracking, dues collection, addresses the goals of the members that move the and dues distribution system. MNA is forming a organization forward. taskforce to contribute to this endeavor. We will Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Visit us online begin working in concert with the ANA Membership Association in the Executive Director capacity. anytime... anywhere... Happy Holidays mtnurses.org From the Montana Nurses Association Presort Standard US Postage PAID Permit #14 Princeton, MN current resident or 55371 Page 2 Montana Nurses Association Pulse November, December 2011, January 2012 2011 EGW Achievement Award Winners Susanne Murphy, Angel Davis, Betsy Saylor, Sue Clymons, Lori Lyons, Aleta Lewis and Norma Severson were the recipients of the 2011 E&GW Outstanding Achievement Award. These seven nurses were nominated by their Official Publication of the peers and were recognized for their outstanding Montana Nurses Association leadership in the collective bargaining arena. They led Local Unit #35 though successful contract CONTACT MNA negotiations at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. Montana Nurses Association Nothing about the bargaining process was easy but 20 Old Montana State Highway, Montana City, MT 59634 they persevered and remained united in the face of Phone (406) 442-6710 Email: [email protected] adversity. We should take a lesson from the courage Website: www.mtnurses.org and leadership they demonstrated. Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Because of these seven registered nurses, their Monday through Friday bargaining unit now has a “real union contract”, one with a third party dispute resolution mechanism. VOICE OF NURSES IN MONTANA They achieved many wins at the bargaining table, MNA is a non-profit, membership organization that advocates for nurse not the least of which was expanded Professional competency, scope of practice, patient safety, continuing education, and improved healthcare delivery and access. MNA members serve on the Conference Committee language. Unit #35 is on a Susanne Murphy R.N. accepting the EGW award following Councils and other committees to achieve our mission: journey with goals of enhanced communication and on behalf of Local Unit #35 bargaining team • Council on Practice & Government Affairs (CPGA) collaboration with the hospital and administration. • Council on Economic & General Welfare (E&GW) • Council on Contining Education (CCE) • Council on Advanced Practice (CAP) MISSION STATEMENT The Montana Nurses Association promotes professional nursing practice, www.mtnurses.org standards and education; represents professional nurses; and provides Western Region nursing leadership in promoting high quality health care. CONTINUING EDUCATION Labor Relations The Montana Nurses Association is accredited as an approver of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Montana Nurses Association (OH242 12/01/2011) is an Published by: Update approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Ohio Nurses Arthur L. Davis Association (OBN-001-91), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Publishing Agency, Inc. Bill Smith Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. MNA Negotiations and contract Board of Directors disputes continue to dominate Executive Committee: my existence in the western President Kim Powell, APRN, ACNP-BC part of the state. President-Elect Pauline Flotkoetter, MSN, RN Contracts have successfully Secretary Brenda Donaldson Treasurer Ida Wilson, BSN,RN been settled at Anaconda Community Hospital, Northern Representatives of MNA Councils: E&GW ...... Vicky Rae Byrd, BAN, RN Rockies Medical Hospital Advanced Practice ...... Barb Prescott, APRN, DNP, FNP-BC in Cutbank as well as the CE Representative ...... Gwyn Palchak, BSN, RN Medical Case Manager Missoula City/County Health Practice & Government Affairs . . . .LaDonna Maxwell, APRN, FNP-BC We need your medical expertise and strong clinical background! Qualifications: MT licensed RNs with experience in one or more of Department. Directors at Large: the following areas: Case Management, Occupational Health, Rehab, Negotiations continue with Butte/Silver Bow Melissa Cobb, BAN, RN, OCN Mary Pappas, EdD, RN Orthopedics and/or Workers Compensation. Excellent skills in County and St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula. We Linda Ries, BSN, RN Dianne Velasquez, BSN, RN customer service, problem-solving, communication and writing as well are certain to reach an agreement with them soon. Daylyn Struble, BAN, RN-BC (Collective Bargaining) as good computer skills. Due to the complaints filed by MPEA and MEA/ Editor: ...... Barb Prescott, APRN, DNP, FNP-BC Responsibilities: Attending medical appointments with injured MFT the State contracts are still on hold. The Editorial Board: workers, developing a medical management strategy, managing complaint to the National Labor Board stems from Chair–Barbara Prescott, APRN, DNP, FNP-BC ongoing treatment and return-to-work planning for the injured worker. Mary Pappas, EdD, RN Also directing care and working with providers to suggest cost effective the failure of the state to fund raises that were Kim Powell, APRN, ACNP-BC treatment alternatives. negotiated in good faith. A. Kate Eby, MN, APRN, FNP-BC With 2012 just around the corner, I am certain Email resume to [email protected] or MNA Staff: fax to 406.442.6975 there will be several more negotiations to be held. Lori Chovanak, RN, BAN, Executive Director As we say goodbye to 2011, I would like to wish Bill Smith, Labor Specialist—Western Division you all a safe and Happy Holiday. Amy Hauschild, BSN, RN, Labor Specialist—Eastern Division Juanita Kazmierowski, Administrative Assistant Kathy Schaefer, Administrative Assistant Questions about your nursing license? Contact the Montana What are you waiting for? Board of Nursing at: www.nurse.mt.gov

WRITER’S GUIDELINES: Assistant Professor Nursing, Tenure-track MNA welcomes the submission of articles and editorials related to nursing or about Montana nurses for publication in The PULSE. Please limit word size between 250-300 words and provide resources and references. MNA SALARY AND RANK: Commensurate with credentials and experience has the right to accept, edit or reject proposed material. Please send BARGAINING UNIT: MEA-MFT articles to: [email protected]. BENEFITS: MUS System DATE AVAILABLE: January 1, 2012 RESPONSIBILITIES: Teach nursing courses in the associate degree and RN to BSN PUBLISHER INFORMATION & AD RATES (online) nursing programs as well as provide clinical instruction in the labor, delivery Glasgow: and recovery, or pediatric areas. Will teach approximately 24 semester credit hours Circulation 18,000 to every Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse & of classes per year. For more information about the program and MSU-Northern, go nursing students and employers in Montana. The Pulse is published quarterly to www.msun.edu. Effective teaching is the primary mission of this position and MSU ★ Nurse Practitioner every February, May, August and November by the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Northern. Agency, Inc. for the Montana Nurses Association, 20 Old Montana State QUALIFICATIONS: Required: Highway, Montana City, MT 59634, a constituent member of the American • Master’s degree in Nursing Nurses Association. • Licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Montana. Miles City: For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur L. Davis • Recent clinical experience in maternal/child nursing. Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Street, PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Preferred: Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081, [email protected]. MNA and the Arthur L. • Doctorate ★ Nurse Manager • Experience in distance education and web-based course delivery. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next APPLICATION: Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the Community Living issue or refund of price of advertisement. position is filled. Applicants must include a letter stating professional and academic career goals, interest in the position, a resume, and the names, addresses, and phone Center Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the numbers of three professional references to: Montana Nurses Association of products advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product Kathy Jaynes, Human Resources Director Generous Benefit Package offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks Montana State University-Northern integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its use. P.O. Box 7751, Havre, MT 59501 MNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable 406-265-4147 For more information, please go to: for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s Montana State University is an ADA/AA/EEO/Vets Preference Employer. product. Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of USAJOBS.GOV the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of MNA or those of the national or local associations. [email protected] EOE November, December 2011, January 2012 Montana Nurses Association Pulse Page 3 ADO Forms—Not a Blame Game Amy Hauschild RN, BSN National Labor Relations Act. All nurses represented ensues between the parties. In some facilities, the for collective bargaining have the legal right to nurse who completed the form will be invited to Many of you are familiar document when they feel an assignment is unsafe. the joint committee to present and discuss their with assignment despite Some supervisors attempt to dissuade nurses in ADO. In other facilities, the Conference Committee objection (ADO) forms. their units from completing ADOs feeling it reflects reviews the form on their own. The situation which This is a document which badly on them. This is counterproductive; it is a resulted in the ADO is examined in-depth. In some a nurse completes when shared responsibility for nurses and administration cases, the committee evaluates the circumstances s/he has been given an to partner together for better, safer patient care on and the group reaches consensus and determines assignment they feel is each and every shift. nothing different should have or could have been unsafe for some reason. What happens to an ADO once completed? done. In other situations, perhaps the group would The nurse is accepting In most facilities, three copies are disseminated. recommend a different problem-solving measure the assignment, though One copy goes to the Union President; one copy be employed. In either case, there is no score card objecting to it. At times, in to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or immediate for rights and wrongs. This process is all about the beginning of a shift, all supervisor, and the nurse completing the form providing safe patient care and learning from past is seemingly well and then keeps the original. The supervisor or CNO generally experiences. some part of the dynamic Amy Hauschild investigates the incident evaluating the staffing changes and everything plan, unforeseen circumstances, and the problem- falls apart—especially on night shifts when there solving that took place at the time in an attempt to are less overall resources available. This is often the make the situation safer. The investigation is usually point when an ADO form is generated by a nurse. documented by a member of the management team Completion of the ADO form should go hand-in- depending on the structure of the facility. hand with telling the supervisor that you feel the Then what? In most facilities where the nurses assignment is unsafe and asking for assistance. are represented for collective bargaining, there At times, there is really nothing more that can be is a structure or mechanism for facility leadership done to rectify the situation, i.e., the supervisor has and union leadership to formally collaborate on a already called everyone on the list and there are, regular basis. In some facilities, this is known as a plain and simple, no nurses available to come in Labor-Management Committee or the Professional and help (though perhaps a nurse from another unit Conference Committee. In either case, a discussion can be pulled to come and assist even for a short period of time.) When a nurse completes an ADO form, s/he is not blaming the supervisor or the healthcare facility; s/he is simply documenting a problem and/ or an unsafe situation. Even in the aforementioned situation, an ADO should still be completed, even though the parties know measures were employed in an effort to fix the problem. This action protects both the facility and the nurse in case of an FREE INFORMATION PACKAGE Call or email Jim Cox untoward event. Senior Consultant Submitting an ADO is a form of concerted 800-304-3095 ext 101 or activity and is a protected activity under the Email: [email protected]

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©2008. paid for by the Army. All rights reserved. Page 4 Montana Nurses Association Pulse November, December 2011, January 2012 Dr. Barbara Prescott Welcome MNA MNA Welcomes Named Most Local #33 New Administrative Valuable Professor Fresenius Medical Care Assistant MNA Board of Directors in Missoula Kathryn Schaefer is a member, Barb Prescott, graduate of the University of has been named MSU’s Please extend a warm welcome to the RNs at , her work experience Most Valuable Professor for MNA’s newest local unit in Missoula. Nurses at includes, school, city and Parent Family Weekend, Fresenius Medical Care in Missoula organized private business settings. October 14-16, 2011. Barb and were recognized by the employer following Most recently she has been was featured in a radio the transfer of the dialysis unit from Providence the Administrative Director of spot which was broadcast St. Patrick Hospital to Fresenius Medical Care. All a non-profit arts organization. statewide during the MSU/ of the former St. Pats dialysis nurses were hired Kathryn’s experience and Northern Arizona football by the new employer at the time of the transfer. responsibilities have involved game. The purpose of the MNA and the Local #33 bargaining team are at event planning, fundraising MVP radio spots is to highlight faculty excellence, the negotiations table bargaining a first contract. and coordinating volunteers. She looks forward to the programs and outcomes at Montana State University. Welcome to the MNA Local #33 RNs! challenges and opportunities of working for MNA. Congratulations Barb! MSU Responds to Critical Need for Nurse Mental Health Primary Care Providers Dixie McLaughlin BSN, RN, mental healthcare providers in rural areas is Family Graduate Student Recruiter MSU-CON Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (FPMHNP). HRSA supports an Advanced Education In 1982 Health Resources and Services Nursing Grant Program to encourage schools of nursing Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. to offer this advanced nursing specialty degree. HRSA Department of Health and Human Services, was also offers incentives such as loan repayment, tuition created to meet the growing needs of healthcare assistance and relocation bonuses to nurses who are services in rural areas. The mission of HRSA is to willing to commit to work in a designated HPSA area improve health and achieve health equity through upon certification. In Montana, the Montana Healthcare access to quality services, a skilled health workforce Workforce Advisory Committee (2007) identified and innovative programs (HRSA, 2011). Demographics mental health professionals as one of the top areas of Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital’s employees are committed to of the United States are changing dramatically. There need in the state and identified the development of quality, accessible, personalized healthcare. This great place to is an aging population and increasing demands on a program to prepare psychiatric and mental health work has the following opportunities: the healthcare delivery system. HRSA data has shown nurse practitioners as a priority for the state. In NURSING OPENINGS: steady increases in the number of patients who used response to this need, Montana State University College RN–: Part time mental health services in Health Professional Shortage of Nursing applied for and was awarded a training RN MED SURG: Full time and Per Diem Areas (HPSA). As the number of patients seeking grant in 2009 to develop a FPMHNP graduate option RN–CDU: Part time and Per Diem mental health services increases, the number of [Grant D09HP15006: $814,021]. This primarily distance RN–ED: Per Diem providers in rural areas has decreased (HRSA, 2011). learning degree can be earned in either a two-year RN–ICU: Per Diem A viable solution to the shortage of psychiatric or three-year program of study. May 2011 marked the RN–HOME HEALTH/HOSPICE: Per Diem graduation of the first two students of the FPMHNP RN–OB: Full Time option. They are now eligible to take the certification HOME HEALTH/HOSPICE: exam from the American Nurses Credentialing Center HOSPICE RN: Part time and are eligible for licensure as an Advanced Practice HOME HEALTH/HOSPICE RN: Per Diem As a tribute to the Nursing community, Registered Nurse. Contact: Investment Advisor Representative For more information about the Family Psychiatric Human Resources Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at MSU, visit 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840 http://www.montana.edu/nursing/academic/fpmhnp.htm, 1-406-375-4407 will be leading a workshop on personal finance. or contact Dixie McLaughlin, FPMHNP Graduate Student [email protected] Recruiter, at [email protected], 406-243- 2102 or Lynn Taylor, Graduate Program Administrative Missoula Missoula Assistant at [email protected], 406-994-3500. Apply online: mdmh.org Public Library, Public Library, Missoula Missoula Applications for admission to the College of Nursing Workshop time is at 1:00pm for each date. graduate programs are due each year by February 15.

References: Mission: My job as a financial planner is to help people live Health Resources Service Administration (2011). Find shortage their version of a life extraordinary that’s within their means. areas: HPSA by state and county. Retrieved from http://www.hrsa.gov Montana Mental Health Study (2007). Retrieved from http://leg. This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Such an offer can be made only by the prospectus of that specific security. mt.gov/content/committees/administration/2007_2008/leg_council/ Securities & advisory services offered through KMS Financial Services, Inc. staff_reports/MHSTUDY_2.pdf

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From the Thank you to all of Registration Table the Vendors/Sponsors —a Look at Convention 2011 who supported this Warm-blooded Nurses! Juanita Kazmierowski, Administrative Assistant II years MNA Annual Spend this winter in warm & sunny Tucson, Arizona! As a new MNA employee, Convention: Tucson’s largest regional hospital is looking for 2011 was my first MNA experienced nurses for 13, 26 and 39-week programs. Annual Convention. From Uniforms Plus Benefits available for 26 and 39-week contracts. “day one” I heard about it, saw books about it, and Debs Dancewear was instructed to “prepare” Anderson Zurmuehlen & Co. Check out all of our available for it. They weren’t kidding! Lincare positions at jobs.tmcaz.com There is a lot of work that Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. goes into this event. The Arbonne entire MNA staff stepped •Top 50 Cardiac up to do their part. My Montana Marketing, Inc. Hospital first five months were a Northwest Miniature Bullriding Finals •Neuroscience whirlwind of mailings, MT. Tech of The Center of Excellence forms, books, hotels, applications, vendors, speakers, Feel the Knead •AHA Stroke by-laws, procedures, delegates and more. Gold Plus Award Then all of the sudden it was here—October 5th, The Pampered Chef 2011—the first day of the Convention. If I had to CAE Healthcare/ METI choose one word to describe it, it would be “amazing.” MSU College of Nursing People came from near and far. They all knew where to Gideons International 5301 E. Grant Rd. go and what to do. For three days, people moved about Tucson, AZ 85712 the hotel from session to session with ease. There Cornerstone Wellness Center (800) 526-5353 ext. 42775 were 106 registered attendees plus Board Members Thirty One EOE Tobacco-Free Workplace Choose Well and MNA staff that attended all three days. As for the 18 speakers presenting this year, I heard nothing but great reviews. When a session was completed, I’d hear things such as “wonderful,” “very informative,” “great speaker,” “excellent topic” and “I really enjoyed that.” Nurses were given the opportunity to obtain up to 16.5 CE credits. Delegates came to represent their district and the We’ve set ourselves apart . . . Now set yourself apart! House of Delegates ran smoothly and efficiently as “Answers for Living When Life is Limited” the days rolled by. District 5 did an outstanding job of November is National Hospice & Palliative Care Month MONIDA SHARED STAFFING presenting this year’s event. The baskets for the door www.rockymountainhospice.com offers travel and permanent placement positions in prizes were admired by everyone at the convention. Montana and many surrounding states! If you need extra income or scheduling flexibility, it is time to contact us! From the warm fall baskets to those hot pink tool Billings Bozeman Butte Helena 294-0785 556-0640 494-6114 442-2214 SIGN ON, REFERRAL & CONTRACT END boxes, the winners were pleased. Thursday nights BONUSES AVAILABLE! “Minute to Win It” hosted by Sheri Smith was loads of laughs. It was impressive to see so many mild- Seeking Nurses in the following areas: mannered nurses and board members join in to move a ER, OR, OB, NICU, PICU, Cath Lab, and Telemetry. cookie from their forehead to their mouth while sitting Simplify your nursing research... Call us at 406-829-2381; Fax: 406-829-2390 on a commode or wrap up a co-worker in toilet paper. Email: [email protected] A lot of work was accomplished as well. Awards with access to over www.monida.com were given out for the Student Scholarship as well 10 years of nursing as the 2011 EG&W Outstanding Achievement award publications at your which was presented to seven nurses from Local Unit fingertips. #35. The vendor/exhibitor aspect of the convention received good reviews from everyone. The sales from RNs and MNA merchandise was above average—maybe the cold nursingALD.com rainy weather helped the vest sales a little. Simply click on the Newsletter tab on the LPNs Over all, I believe this convention was a great far right and enter your search term. success. I would like to personally thank all the Board Members, guests, speakers and especially the Seeking quality full time and part time MNA staff for being so helpful and making my first RNs and LPNs: convention such a wonderful experience. I cannot Prairie Travelers wait until next year when MNA celebrates its 100th • Hospice/Home Care The Premier Healthcare Staffing Solution Anniversary. • Community Health Center Clinic • Corrections Facilities http://www.riverstonehealth.org ATTENTION View positions and apply online today! MONTANA & RNs, LPNs, Certified Medication Aides 123 S. 27th Street • Billings, MT • 406.247.3200 and Certified Nurse Aides! EEO Are you interested in an exciting career as a traveling nurse professional? Prairie Travelers is an agency specializing in the Assistant temporary placement of nurses, medication aides and Professor of certified nursing assistants. We offer competitive wages Nursing and flexible work assignments in hospital, , correctional and mental health facilities throughout Primary responsibilities of the selected candidate include Montana and North Dakota! classroom and clinical teaching, student advising, curriculum Excellent wages and multiple bonus opportunities! development and outcomes evaluation. A Master's Degree (doctorate preferred) in Nursing is required as well as an For an application or more information, unencumbered Montana Registered Nurse license. We are Please call 406-228-9541 or visit us online at seeking a colleague to teach in the areas of medical/surgical nursing (with a focus on illness across the life-span) and www.prairietravelers.com evidence-based practice research methods. Advanced practice certification is preferred.

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The complete position announcement can be found at www.carroll.edu/employment. Page 6 Montana Nurses Association Pulse November, December 2011, January 2012 MNA 99th Annual Convention Convention Speakers

Casey Blumenthal, RN, MHSA & Cynthia Gustafson, PhD, RN “RWJF & IOM Future of Nursing Montana Initiative”

Bonnie Barnard, MPH, CIC “Preventing Health Care Associated Infections” Lori Chovanak, BAN, RN Julia Aucoin, DNS, RN-BC, CNE “Nurse Residency Program in Montana” & “Future “What’s the Evidence in your Practice?” of Nursing Education & Assimilation of New “Professional Practice of Nursing” Graduates in the Workplace” “Beyond Bloom’s Taxonomy” “Evidence-Based Nursing Education” & “Future of Nursing Education & Assimilation of New Graduates in the Workplace”

N. Kathleen McGuire, BSN, RN & Kellie Blankenstein, BAN, RN “HPV: Know Your Risk/Know Your Options”

Amy Hauschild, BSN, RN Rita Lopez, MSN, APRN-BC “Bully in our Midst: Lateral Violence Among “Chronic Pain Management” & “Blood Borne Nurses” Pathogen Recognition & Treatment”

Annie Goodwin, RN, JD “Nursing Law-Nuts & Bolts of Your Practice”

Sharon Welsh “Single Ventricles: The Perils of Imperfect Plumbing” Cat Otway, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P “Forensic Interview-Assessing for Strangulation” Celeste Milton, MPH, BSN, RN “Performance Measurements in Healthcare” & “Performance Measurement in Psych/Mental Health & Maternal Child Nursing” Kelly McLean, RN “Violence in the Workplace”

Albert Olszewski, MD & Sandy Sacry, MSN, RN Margaret Bortko, “Generational Considerations in Nursing Education & Practice” & FNP, EMT-P “Future of Nursing Education & “Haiti & Other Disasters” Assimilation of New Graduates in the Workplace” November, December 2011, January 2012 Montana Nurses Association Pulse Page 7 MNA 99th Annual Convention Fun & Games On the 2nd night MNA hosted “Minute to Win It” Game Night

Baskets of Prizes

Sheri Smith Laughter is the Best Medicine

Fun & Games

Winner Rita Lopez, Keven Comer & Susanne Murphy “Paparazzi Bill” Getting the scoop at the Convention Daylyn Struble AKA - Bill Smith, Labor Relations Specialist, Western Region

Elizabeth Kinion Glenda Nielson & Bonnie Hash Jerry Carpenter & John Honsky

Keven Comer & Pam Windmueller The Role of President Page 8 Montana Nurses Association Pulse November, December 2011, January 2012 2011 Candidate Profiles Montana Nurses Association members will receive a legislation. I have served in several offices (ANA Linda Ries, RN, BSN– Education ballot in the mail and it’s important members vote. If delegate, MNA BOD, CCE & District President) is how I stay up to date in the you have changed your address, please let us know as gaining valuable experience and wisdom and I look nursing profession. As nurses we soon as possible. If you have not received a ballot by forward to using this wisdom to advance our goals need to have and keep quality the end of November, please notify the MNA office. and represent this organization. education available to other Exercise your member rights by voting! nurses. I would like to be a part (If you decide to run for an office, after the close Daylyn Struble, RN-BC – I of keeping that trend. of nominations at the House of Delegates, you may believe that in order to help submit a Consent to Serve form and run as a write-in.) our profession move forward we need to have a voice on the Nominating Committee Don’t Forget to Vote! local, state and national level. I Three (3) will be elected for a one-year term ~ respect he traditions of nursing Jan 2012 - Dec 2012 Nominee receiving highest Directions as well as welcome changes that number of votes shall be chairperson 1. Fill out ballot. will help us care for our patients 2. Place ballot in small envelope marked “secret better. I will represent Montana Nurses both novice Barbara Moser, RN – Being a member of MNA I ballot” and seal. and experienced, with respect and knowledge by continue to work to have more people join MNA 3. Print your name and return address legibly on listening and advocate for both our profession and and work to make this a stronger nursing union. the larger mailing envelope. those that we care for. 4. Sign your name (legal signature) below the Anne Burrell, RN, MSN – Continue professional return address on the outside of the larger Karen Schledewitz, RN – I growth and development. mailing envelope. would like the opportunity to 5. Place small secret ballot envelope into the invest in my future and other Brenda Donaldson, RN – I mailing envelope and return to MNA by the nurses by gaining further have served on the nominations post-mark date indicated on the instructions. knowledge of the MAN and committee for two years, and feel provide input on healthcare issues that I have experience to assist New Process for 2011 affecting nurses and the public. and facilitate this process. In order to be in compliance with Department of Labor standards for elections, MNA is required to validate each voter’s eligibility status Board of Directors – Director-at-Large before their secret ballot may be tallied. Collective Bargaining You will receive a “voter signature card” in One (1) will be elected for a two-year term ~ Board of Directors - Council on Continuing Education the envelope along with the 2011 MNA Election Jan 2012 - Dec 2013 Six (6) will be elected for a two-year term ~ materials. Please complete the signature card Jan 2012 – Dec 2013 and return it in the small envelope marked Brent Certain, RN – I look forward to working “signature card” to MNA along with your sealed with the board and learning about these new roles. Sandy Sacry, MSN, RN – secret ballot envelope. The signature cards will I have been involved in collective bargaining for 25 I believe in the continued be kept on file at MNA and used to verify the years and enjoy the process. education, career mobility, and voter’s eligibility. professional development of nurses. As an appointed leader, I GENERAL MEMBERSHIP Board of Directors - Representative of will strive to represent all nurses Council on Continuing Education to enhance their ability to become BALLOT One (1) will be elected for a two-year term ~ live-long learners. Jan 2012 – Dec 2013 Board of Directors – President-Elect Kallie Kujawa, RN, BA – One (1) will be elected for a two-year term ~ Sue Noem, RN, BSN – I have With growing emphasis on the Jan 2012 - Dec 2013 enjoyed learning the varying importance of continuing education, Assumes Presidency in January 2014 aspects of the CE approval/ it is important to ensure quality provide council. I would love educational offerings. Contributing to continue to work for this to the Council on Continuing council and to serve the nurses in Education is more important than Melissa Cobb, RN, OCN Montana in this capacity. ever today.

Linda Ries, RN, BSN– Education Council on Practice & Government Affairs is how I stay up to date in the Two (2) will be elected for a two-year term ~ nursing profession. As nurses we Jan 2012 – Dec 2013 need to have and keep quality Board of Directors –Secretary education available to other One (1) will be elected for a two-year term ~ Donna Hartelius, RN, MSN – Successful nurses. I would like to be a part Jan 2012 - Dec 2013 representation of nursing in Montana and nationally. of keeping that trend. I will represent the profession of nursing with an Brenda Donaldson, RN – I attitude of progression with guidance of MNA and Susan Porrovecchio, BSN, RN – I have enjoyed have served two years as MNA its members. the challenges and opportunities as a member of Secretary in the past. I feel I have the council on CE and the networking that comes the knowledge and experience to Brenda Doherty, RN, BSN, CMSRN – I believe in with this service. It would be a pleasure and honor be an asset to the association in each human beings personal accountability for their to continue in this position if re-elected. Thank you. this position. actions. Each of us will impact this world for better or worse. There should be strong laws in place in Theresa (Polly) Troutman, MSN, RN – I feel it’s our country so that the safety and well-being of each extremely important as a nurse leader to advance person is ensured. Being an advocate for justice is our knowledge and expertise in the practice of Board of Directors –Treasurer extremely important to me. I am passionate about nursing as it coincides with our goals to provide One (1) will be elected for a one-year term ~ affecting positive change. excellent care and improve patient outcomes. We Jan 2012 - Dec 2012 need to utilize evidence based practice, research and Linda Henderson, MN, RN- education to improve professionalism in nursing. Linda Larsen, RN-BC – I want to maintain MNA BC – Health policy has always as a friendly viable organization with transparency, been of interest to me and I Bonnie Hash, BSN, RNC, RN – as we approach our 100 year anniversary as a have previously served on this I’m interested in helping Montana organization. MNA represents every nurse in our Council. Our current health care Nurses get good Continuing state and we all have a voice. environment is a ripe time of Education to fulfill their career change and nurses have a great choice. opportunity to be members at the Board of Directors – Director-at-Large table. I see opportunities for MNA to have key seats Two (2) will be elected for a two-year term ~ in the policy arena as we transform nursing gin the Jan 2012 - Dec 2013 next few years. I would welcome the opportunity to Sue Noem, RN, BSN – I have participate once again at this level of the association enjoyed learning the varying Gwyn Palchak, RNC, BSN – My to move nursing’s agenda forward in the policy aspects of the CE approval/ goal is to support and advance arena. provide council. I would love this professional association to continue to work for this and its members as we strive to council and to serve the nurses in increase membership negotiate Montana in this capacity. upcoming contracts and influence November, December 2011, January 2012 Montana Nurses Association Pulse Page 9 ANA DELEGATES Linda Henderson, MN, RN-BC – Arlys Williams, APRN – Nursing is the foundation (AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION) I served as an ANA delegate and of healthcare globally. Nurses need to be proactive Ten (10) delegates will be elected for a two-year attended the 2010 ANA House and use their leadership skills to ensure that the term ~ Jan 2012 – Dec 2013 of Delegates. It was an exciting healthcare reform measures implemented improve The ten (10) candidates who receive the highest time to witness the extent that health outcomes for all clients. The first step in number of votes will be the elected convention nursing has been elevated to a the process is for each nurse to educate herself/ delegates. key player in the national level himself about the issues and facilitate the sharing All elected delegates must be available to attend the of politics. There continue to of information among fellow colleagues by whatever June 12-16, 2012 House of Delegates in Washington be opportunities for MT nurses to be heard at the means available. DC. national level that will have significant impact on All candidates not elected as delegates will be our association and individual nurses. I believe I CAP Secretary: considered alternates ranking in order by the have a strong knowledge of the issues facing our One (1) will be elected for a two-year term ~ number of ballots received. membership through my service on the Bylaws and Jan 2012 – Dec 2013 Finance Committees of MNA. I would welcome the Sue Noem, RN, BSN – I have opportunity to serve our membership as an ANA Barbara Prescott, DNP, FNP- enjoyed learning the varying delegate for the 2012 ANA House of Delegates. BC – I believe that nurses are aspects of the CE approval/ the glue that holds the health provide council. I would love Amy Hauschild, BSN, RN – I care system together creating and to continue to work for this have been an ANA Delegate in the environment of collaboration to council and to serve the nurses in past and it would be my honor secure an optimal outcome. Montana in this capacity. and privilege to represent MNA nurses at our National Affiliate- the American Nurses Association Kim Powell, APRN, ACNP- ANA House of delegates. The BC - The ANA House of voices of Montana Nurses deserve COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Delegates affords an outstanding to be heard loud and clear at the national level. I Members opportunity to represent have in the past and will continue to represent your Montana nurses in a productive, interests diligently at the Ana House of Delegates. contemporary manner. Serving Council on E&GW on the Board of Directors of Two (2) will be elected for a two-year term ~ MNA has provided me many Jan 2012 – Dec 2013 opportunities to evaluate the state of nursing in Montana—with this information, if selected as Melissa Cobb, RN, OCN Delayne Gall, RN, OCN – I believe strongly in a Delegate, I will strive to represent MNA and being a voice for our profession and a representative Montana’s nursing communities as we seek to for our nursing colleagues. strengthen the practice of nursing for those we serve. Brent Certain, RN – I look forward to working with the board and learning about these new roles. Daylyn Struble, RN-BC – I Gwyn Palchak, RNC, BSN – My I have been involved in collective bargaining for 25 believe that in order to help goal is to support and advance years and enjoy the process. our profession move forward this professional association we need to have a voice on the and its members as we strive to NFN Executive Board local, state and national level. I increase membership negotiate One (1) will be elected for a four-year term ~ respect he traditions of nursing upcoming contracts and influence Jan 2012 – Dec 2015 as well as welcome changes that legislation. I have served in will help us care for our patients several offices (ANA delegate, Daylyn Struble, RN-BC – I better. I will represent Montana Nurses both novice MNA BOD, CCE & District President) gaining believe that in order to help and experienced, with respect and knowledge by valuable experience and wisdom and I look forward our profession move forward listening and advocate for both our profession and to using this wisdom to advance our goals and we need to have a voice on the those that we care for. represent this organization. local, state and national level. I respect the traditions of nursing Linda Reis, RN, BSN – To learn as well as welcome changes that more about the association at APRN Members Only will help us care for our patients both the state and the national better. I will represent Montana Nurses both novice level. I would like to bring back and experienced, with respect and knowledge by things I learn to the local level Representative to the Board of Directors: listening and advocate for both our profession and and continue to get more people Council on Advanced Practice (CAP) those that we care for. involved not only in our local unit One (1) will be elected for a two-year term ~ but on a higher level. To learn Jan 2012 ~ Dec 2013 more about changing the attitudes of people about the MNA that it is not just part of the union and more of what the MNA and ANA does for us.

Making our community healthier Pauline Flotkoetter EXCELLENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN

OB Director ICU Registered Nurses Montana Is Calling You!!! Vicky Rae Byrd, RN, OCN – I continue to support nurses at Med/Surg Registered Nurses all levels and am excited that Full-time positions for experienced RNs who believe in being part through collective bargaining at of the team. Wyoming license obtainable within local, state and national levels 2 weeks, experience required. $5,000 RN recruitment bonus; nurses can work together to $6,000 Manager recruitment bonus; $2/mile relocation and improve healthcare legislation, Currently hotel accommodations while house hunting available. improve nurse safety, and most recruiting for Glacier National Park, mountains, lakes, importantly improve patient care. Contact Human Resources the following ski resorts, golf, fresh air, friendly people, Riverton Memorial Hospital positions: and excellent schools all accompany this LaDonna Maxwell, APRN, MS – rapidly progressing 2100 W. Sunset, Riverton, WY 82501 I am interested in empowering 303-bed hospital. • RN Critical Care nurses at levels to make local, (307) 857-3465 or (307) 857-3408 state and national differences in FAX (307) 857-3586 Educator Laurie O’Leary, Human Resources healthcare legislation. Website: www.riverton-hospital.com • Emergency 310 Sunnyview Lane, E-mail: [email protected] Room RNs Kalispell, MT 59901 • Cardiovascular 406-752-1760 • Fax 406-751-4123 Join our healthcare team of over 200 employees who have chosen OR RNs [email protected] RMH. We offer medical, dental, vision, Life, AD&D, STD, LTD, www.krmc.org EAP, 401(k), PTO, EIB, a competitive salary, and a great working • LPNs for the environment. EEO Employer Drug Free • EOE N2170951 Brendan House Page 10 Montana Nurses Association Pulse November, December 2011, January 2012

SAVE THE DATE Friday, March 2, 2012 7:00 am

A special presentation, sponsored by the Montana Affiliate of Susan G. Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center since 1997. A two-time breast Komen for the Cure, will be available via telemedicine sites for Montana cancer survivor, Lillie has worked tirelessly to improve the care of healthcare providers. Speaker Lillie Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, CBCN, breast cancer patients around the world. Lillie is a published author and CBPN-C will examine the “Cancer Paradigm Shift:” fewer healthcare nationally recognized public speaker on the subject of breast cancer. She providers to handle an increasing volume of cancer patients/survivors; has written 13 books and more than 200 articles on breast cancer topics. treatment across the continuum of oncology care and medical economy; In 2008, the Johns Hopkins Board of Trustees appointed her to a chair as and the role of nurse navigators and family practice healthcare providers. a University Distinguished Service Assistant Professor of Breast Cancer. CE credits will be available. For more information about this and the related Breast Cancer Survivor Lillie Shockney has been the administrative director of the Johns Conference, visit www.komenmontana.org.

With a graduate degree in nursing, you can make a difference in your community—and build a career that will make a difference in your life. PHOTO BY DOUG LONEMAN Master of NursiN g PrograM at MoN taN a s tate uNiversity

Graduate Degree Options CO-OP: Native American Nurses Caring For Our Own • Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) (IHS) Scholarships available for eligible students • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in the FNP and FPMHNP graduate options. • Family Psychiatric Mental Health • Tuition, fees, books provided Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP) • Monthly living stipend Deadline • Must be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe Certificates to apply is • Must maintain full-time status • Nursing Education Feb. 15 • Scholarship recipients have a service pay-back obligation at an IHS facility • Post-Master’s FNP A Reservation/ • Post-Master’s FPMHNP University Partnership For more information please contact: CO-OP Graduate Recruiter For more information please contact: (406) 994-7684 College of Nursing (406) 994-3783 www.montana.edu/nanurse www.montana.edu/nursing/academic/mn.php Why wait? Apply Today! November, December 2011, January 2012 Montana Nurses Association Pulse Page 11 Research Funding Opportunity Join MNA Today Anytime . . .

The Zeta Upsilon-at- Large Chapter announces a attending the Fall 2012 www.mtnurses.org funding opportunity for Honor Society members. Induction Ceremony This year the chapter has a total of $4000 to be where the recipient(s) awarded to support one or more research projects, will be recognized scholarly inquiries, or evidence-based practice (EBP) and honored and projects. briefly present the REWARDING CAREER Submit a two-page narrative description of work underway. In IN CORRECTIONAL NURSING the proposed project including the background, addition, recipients Would you enjoy working in a clinic-like setting purpose, methods, sample and recruitment strategy will provide a brief with a set schedule and a competitive salary? (if applicable), and an analysis plan. EBP projects formal presentation of should include a summary of the applicable clinical the project outcomes Immediate Opportunities Available question being explored, plan for review and at the Spring 2013 Full-Time/PRN LPNs appraisal of evidence, and plan for practice change, Annual Meeting and if indicated. New research applicants are encouraged Program. LPN starting wage: $16.00+DOE to work with a mentor to assist with developing the 660-bed facility, located 30 miles proposal and conducting the study. Submit applications by 5 pm (Mountain Time) South of Canada, close to Majestic In addition to the two-page narrative description, January 13, 2012 to: Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park in Shelby, the following must be included: budget and Susan Raph, President Montana. budget justification, plan for human subjects STTI Zeta Upsilon-at-large Chapter approval, and a time line (not to exceed one year). [email protected] “The Last Best Place” Include a cover letter with the investigator’s name, MSU College of Nursing – Great Falls Campus address, telephone number, and e-mail address; 400 15th Ave South, Suite 106 a brief statement about the investigator’s research Great Falls, MT 59405 experience/preparation; how this project contributes to the investigator’s career goals; a succinct For additional information or research assistance plan for how this seed funding will lead to the please contact a member of the Zeta Upsilon acquisition of larger grant funding, and the name/ Research Taskforce: Dr. Sandra Kuntz, skuntz@ Great Benefits: contact information of the mentor, if appropriate. montana.edu; Dr. Dale Mayer, dmayer@montana. • Paid Holiday and PTO • 401K Investigators will be notified by March 31, 2012 edu; Katie Worth, [email protected]; Dr. Jean • Flex Plan • College Funds regarding the funding decision. The grant funding Shreffler-Grant, [email protected]; Dr. Susan • Health, Dental and Eye Insurance period is from May 1, 2012 to August 30, 2013. Luparell, [email protected]; Maria Brosnan, Recipients must be active members of Sigma [email protected]; Dr. Clarann Weinert, Contact Personnel: 406-434-7055 x47411 Theta Tau International. Recipients of Zeta Upsilon [email protected] Chapter research funding accept the responsibility of Apply Online at: www.ccajob.com EEO/M/F/Vet/HP / CCA is a drug-free workplace

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of Veteran’s health care. Chris, VA Nurse Follow VA Careers

Work/Life Balance, Nurturing Environment, Exceptional Patient Care… www.montana.edu/nursing 406-994-3783 West Park Hospital has the following openings for experienced Offering: compassionate registered nurses: Undergraduate degree options • Home Health/Hospice Director • A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree • House Supervisor • An accelerated BSN degree for post-baccalaureate students • Women’s Health Graduate degree options • Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) • Emergency Department • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) • Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP) We offer a competitive salary, generous benefits, and moving Plus allowance. If you are looking for an • Certificate in Nursing Education, Post-master’s FNP and opportunity to provide exceptional FPMHNP patient care in a nurturing • Doctorate of Nursing Practice anticipated Fall 2012 environment while focusing on • Support for American Indian nursing students through the work/life balance, please visit our Caring for Our Own Program website at www.westparkhospital. org to review the job descriptions and to complete an application. BUILD A CAREER - MAKE A DIFFERENCE Successful candidates will be required to complete a post-offer drug screen. EOE See our current vacancy announcements at www.montana.edu/nursing www.westparkhospital.org Celebrating 75 years of Nursing Education in 2012 Page 12 Montana Nurses Association Pulse November, December 2011, January 2012 Divide, Confuse and Conquer Don’t be fooled by a union raid

Update on New York Nurses Association NNU to provide support, advice, and campaign and a number of NYSNA key staff members were fired coordination for the SSS Slate; and replaced by NNU operatives. The New York Nurses Association (NYSNA) has a – evidence of additional financial support provided To some degree, this destructive behavior is not new. very serious problem. The purpose of this article is to to the SSS Slate by the NNU in the form of services In recent years, CNA and the NNU have been involved update and inform you about the situation and also to from the law firm of Cohen, Weiss and Simon in a number of other state nursing association conflicts- provide you with some guidance. LLP and partner Susan Davis (an attorney for specifically in Massachusetts, and Hawaii. As some of you may be aware, our colleagues at the NNU); Some of these states and others have withdrawn (NYSNA) have been involved in a serious dispute – Read the full report of the NYSNA their membership in ANA. As you can see, effects over the legitimacy of their recent Board of Directors Elections Committee by visiting: http:// can be far reaching. You can read some background elections. NYSNA is one of the founding member www.nysna.org/images/pdfs/executive/ and history on CNA and the NNU’s interactions with states of the National Federation of Nurses (NFN) elecCommFinalRpt_101411.pdf other state nurses associations at allnurses.com, http:// and a constituent member of the American Nurses As a result of these serious violations, the NYSNA allnurses.com/collective-bargaining-nursing/rn-super- Association (ANA). Elections Committee ordered an immediate rerun unions-472760.html At question in the elections are serious objections election (as required by NYSNA bylaws). Since that Montana Nurses Association (MNA) does not give or raised by NYSNA members over alleged interference in time, NYSNA has been involved in a series of legal sell membership lists to other organizations or entities. the elections by the California Nurses Association (CNA) battles in order to nullify the results of the election and If you find that you are receiving communications from and National Nurses United (NNU). The allegations of hold a new election free from interferences. However, other unions or groups please consider this a red flag interference involve inappropriate support of an anti- before that new election could take place, the SSS and contact MNA as soon as possible. Please be aware, NFN slate of candidates known as the SSS Slate by CNA Slate and their lawyer Susan Davis sued NYSNA and raids by other unions are by definition, insidious and NNU operatives. This situation can be likened to a an NY Circuit Court Judge ordered NYSNA to seat the and often begin with seemingly innocent mailings or raid by a competing union. election winners from the SSS Slate independent of any discussions in the workplace. Sometimes this comes in According to the official findings of the NYSNA Department of Labor challenge to the election. the form of a new employee- a “plant” or by written Elections Committee, “The Election Committee has The SSS Slate of candidates were seated on the communication which may come to your home. The determined that there were serious violations” of Board of NYSNA and immediately suspended Tina standard operating procedure of a raid by a competing NYSNA’s elections policies “that prevented a fair, Gerardi as CEO and placed Julie Pinkam, the Executive union is one which divides, confuses and eventually honest and open election…” Among those serious Director of the Massachusetts Nurses Association and conquers. Keep your eyes and ears open for suspicious violations were: a major leader in the NNU, as the transitional CEO of activity. Help us to safeguard your working conditions – services provided by a labor representative of the NYSNA. In addition, Susan Davis of Cohen, Weiss and and the viability of MNA, NFN and ANA by monitoring Simon LLP was appointed NYSNA’s new legal counsel and reporting unusual happenings or communications. RECOGNIZING MONTANA’S NURSE LEADERS: WHERE ARE THEY? Future of Nursing Key Message #3: Nurses should be full partners, with physicians and other health professionals, in redesigning health care in the United States.

Kim Powell, APRN, ACNP-BC Name Location Board Board Board Administration Members Members Members RNs Identified Across Montana, representatives of healthcare- Total MD RN (Identified) related entities are examining the Robert Wood Johnson Deaconess Billings Billings 12 3 0 No Foundation’s “Initiative on the Future of Nursing” report. St. Vincent Hospital Billings 13 3 0 Yes (CNO, RN) The document invites parties, both those within and Bozeman Deaconess Bozeman 10 1 0 No those outside nursing, to carefully examine the “future St. James Hospital Butte 14 1 0 No of nursing” and in particular calls for attention to the *Sisters of Charity 14 2 0 N/A concept and implementation of nurse leadership roles: Board of Authority “Public, private, and governmental health care decision Barrett Memorial Dillon 5 0 0 Yes (2) (RN- Interim Chief makers at every level should include representation from Clinical Officer) nursing on boards, on executive management teams, and (RN - Quality Director) in other key leadership positions.” Glendive Medical Center Glendive 10 2 0 No Like our physician colleagues, nurses occupy a unique Frances Mahon Deaconess Glasgow 9 0 0 Not listed space in the healthcare provider fabric: one of broad, Hospital wholistic applicability. Nurses can be found in virtually *Benefis Hospital Systems Great Falls 13 3 0 N/A all healthcare settings, treating persons from across the Benefis Hospital Great Falls 14 4 1 No wide spectrums of age, socio-economic status, and the Marcus Daly Hamilton 13 5 0 Yes (DON, RN) health/illness continuum. Therefore, finding nurse Northern Montana Hospital Havre 12 4 0 No listing leaders should be easy! Nurse leaders should be readily St. Peter’s Hospital Helena 15 3 0 No recognizable by way of their title-protected designation Kalispell Regional Kalispell N/A Yes (CNO, RN) (APRN, RN, LPN) and should be a consistent presence St John’s Lutheran Libby 11 1 1 (“retired” RN) No on Boards and Advisory Councils of healthcare-related Holy Rosary Healthcare Miles City 12 1 0 No listing institutions and businesses, correct? Community Medical Center Missoula 13 3 0 No In this, my final “MNA President” article for the Pulse, I St. Patrick Hospital Missoula 11 3 0 Yes (CNO, RN) chose to look further into this important element of nurse Clark Fork Valley Hospital Plains 9 2 0 No leadership in Montana. As workgroups seek to respond to St. Joseph Hospital Polson 10 2 0 No the RWJ challenges on the necessity of nurse-leadership, St. Luke’s Hospital Ronan 11 2 0 No listing we first must evaluate its current state. This article is not Sidney Health Center Sidney 10 2 0 No an exhaustive examination of nurse leadership positions. North Valley Hospital Whitefish 12 3 1 (“retired” RN) No listing My methodology was simple: review readily accessible (to nurses and members of the public) information (websites) There is little good news here. In fact, there are many more questions than answers. Utilizing online to answer some pertinent leadership questions: listings of Board of Directors on hospital websites (20 reviewed), only one hospital identified a currently licensed RN as a member of its Board of Directors. Two others included RNs who were noted as “retired” 1. How many RNs are members of the Board of nurses. It’s possible that there were other Board members who are in fact RNs but no information was Directors at Montana hospitals? included to identify them as such. And while every hospital facility noted a “chief nursing officer” or a 2. How many RNs are members of the “Leadership Team” in hospitals? If so, are they identified by “patient care director”, the vast majority was not identified as RNs. their licensure status (RN)? As with many operational dilemmas, a root-cause analysis must be done. Are nurses not trained to assume leadership roles outside that of direct-patient care? Are nurses not recognized as leaders capable of representing not only the nursing profession but the wholistic needs of patient populations? What factors Laurel Health encourage or prevent nurses from exercising leadership skills from the “bedside to the boardroom”? Why do & Rehab nurses or hospital managers fail to identify RNs by their license category? Why do others fail to recognize 100% Employee Owned the leadership potential and training of RNs? This brief, informal review provides a reason to pause and consider the necessary responses concerning Seeking LPNs & RNs nurse leadership in Montana. If Montana plans to meet the standards as defined by the Future of Nursing Full-Time Days 12 hour shifts 6am–6pm Report, we will need to take strong steps to decrease the invisibility of nurse-leaders in decision and policy- Must be IV Certified making boardrooms; address the failure of nurses themselves, their employers, and managers to proudly Contact: display the basic credential of “RN”; and to disseminate processes for how Montana nurse-leaders, at the Jackie Myers, DNS behest of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Institute of Medicine try to change the status quo 820 3rd Ave. Phone: 406-628-8251 that nurses operate under. Laurel, MT 59044 Fax: 406-628-8253 There is much work to be done. November, December 2011, January 2012 Montana Nurses Association Pulse Page 13

Montana Nurses Association – MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 20 Old Montana State Highway  Montana City, MT 59634  406-442-6710  www.mtnurses.org

Date

Last Name / First Name / Middle Initial Home Phone Number Basic School of Nursing

Home Address Cell Phone Number Graduation Date

City / State / Zip Code Position Shift Credentials

Employer Name Work Phone Number RN License Number / State

Employer Address E-mail Address (Please print clearly)

Employer City / State / Zip Code Hire Date Social Security Number Date of Birth

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY (Check One) METHOD OF PAYMENT (Choose One) M = Full Membership Dues 1. E-PAY - MONTHLY 2. CREDIT CARD PAYMENT MONTHLY OR ANNUALLY Employed – Full-time ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT) Monthly Amount to Charge:

Employed – Part-time Checking Account Annual $ .

R = Reduced Membership Dues This is to authorize monthly Account #: electronic payments to American Not Employed Nurses Association, Inc. (ANA). By signing on the line, I authorize my Full-time Student (Basic Degree) Constituent Member Association (CMA/ANA) to withdraw 1/12 of my New Graduate (From basic nursing annual dues and any additional education program, within six months after Expiration Date: / graduation – first membership year only.) service fees from my account.

This is to authorize credit card payments to American Nurses 62-years-of-age or over and not earning Association, Inc. (ANA). By signing on the line, I authorize more than Social Security allows. CMA/ANA to charge the credit card listed in the credit card information for the monthly dues on the 1st day of the month S = Special Membership Dues per month or when annual renewal is due. 62-years of age or over - not employed  Monthly Electronic Deduction  Totally Disabled Authorization Signature

MT State Only Membership Dues Credit Card Payment Authorization Signature Please enclose a check payable to Annual Dues $208...12 (Payable to MNA) for the first month’s payment; (Members covered under Collective ANA the account designated by the Bargaining agreement are not enclosed check will be drawn on or 3. PAYROLL DEDUCTION - MONTHLY th eligible for this type membership.) after the 15 of each month.) This monthly payment plan is available only where there is an agreement between your By signing the Electronic Deduction employer and the association to make such Please Note: Authorization, or the Automatic Credit deduction. Card Payment Authorization, you are $5.42 of member dues is for the subscriptions to The authorizing ANA to change the amount by  giving the above-signed thirty (30) days American Nurse. $20 is for the subscription to the Payroll Deduction Authorization Signature American Nurse Today. written notice. Above-signed may cancel this authorization upon receipt by ANA of written notification of termination twenty (20) days prior to deduction date 4. ANNUAL PAYMENT IN FULL State nurses association dues are not deductible as designated above. Membership will charitable contributions for tax purposes, but may be continue unless this notification is deductible as a business expense. However, that received. ANA will charge a $5 fee for any Enclose check payable to MNA for annual percentage of dues used for lobbying by MNA is not returned draft or chargeback. amount. deductible as a business expense. Please check with MNA for the correct amount. TO BE COMPLETED BY MNA: EMPLOYER CODE SPONSOR (IF APPLICABLE) ENTERED BY STATE DISTRICT REGION SNA MEMBERSHIP NUMBER DATE PROCESSED

EXPIRATION MONTH MEMBER PAYMENT DATE AMOUNT DATE TYPE TYPE APPLICATION CHECK NUMBER RECEIVED YEAR (IF APPLICABLE)

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I’m proud and in charge of my nursing career. And I trust ANCC certification to help me maintain and validate the professional skills I need to remain a confident and accomplished nurse for years to come.

Find out how to be the best at www.nursecredentialing.org/Certification

© 2011 American Nurses Credentialing Center. All Rights Reserved. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA). Page 14 Montana Nurses Association Pulse November, December 2011, January 2012 Herva Simpson MNA Contact Information Milly Gutkoski, MN, RN Bozeman, MT

Lori Chovanak, Executive Director, 406-442-6714 Herva Fiske Simpson, an MNA member for many years and an MNA past-president, died June 15, Kathy Schaefer, Administrative Assistant, 406-442-6710 2011 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During the Bill Smith, Labor Specialist 406-422-1054 (Western Division - District 1-4, 6 and 7) past six years, her health required the assistance Amy Hauschild, Labor Specialist 406-431-0508 (Eastern Division - District 5 and 8) of family making the move to Colorado a necessity. Juanita Kazmierowski, Admin. Assistant/Membership 406-442-6710 Her memorial service was held in Bozeman, MT on August 27, 2011. Herva earned one of the first Master’s in Nursing degrees from MSU, then called Montana THE REASON YOU BECOME A NURSE IN THE FIRST PLACE State College. She was employed for many years at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. I first met Herva in DISTRICT , Long Term Care’s fastest growing industry recognizes that hands-on resident care and interaction is still the most important the late 1960s when I was a diploma RN student element. We recognize that nurses can make the difference working on my BSN from Montana State University. between average and outstanding. She was responsible for the clinical portion of CONTACTS The Springs at Whitefish and The Springs at Missoula seeks persons the upper-division nursing courses, holding a District 1 with vision, leadership, and commitment to quality care. If you want to Geni Weber, RN - Missoula finally be part of a company with high ideals, positive spirits and firm joint contract between MSU and the old Bozeman commitment to “doing it right,” give us a call. Deaconess Hospital. Home: 406-728-4100 Email: [email protected] 1001 River Lakes Parkway 3710 American Way Herva was an outstanding volunteer in the Whitefish, MT 59937 Missoula, MT 59808 Bozeman area for many years, including working 406.862.6322 406.273.0101 District 2 406.862.6328 Fax 406.273.0202 Fax with the Red Cross, Eastern Star and many other Assisted Living and www.thespringsliving.com www.thespringsliving.com Currently Vacant Memory Care nonprofit organizations. She was a familiar sight in area nursing homes where she played her harmonica for residents. She was the MNA President District 3 from 1968 to 1970, having also served on a number Keven Comer, FNP-BC, President – Bozeman of committees. She was treasurer for District #3 for Home: 406-587-4989 many years. To share a quote from a fellow MNA Email: [email protected] member, Mary Munger, Herva was “a very dedicated MNA member and a major contributor to the 1993 publication Nursing in Montana – the Recent Past.” District 4 Survivors include three children: James, Jean Lynne Maierle, RN - Helena (Rashkin), and Don; two brothers: John Fiske Home: 406-442-6128 and Sam Fiske; two sisters Elizabeth Pittman Work: 406-444-2397 and Gail Pool; seven grandchildren, seven great- Email: [email protected] grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Her husband, Jim, died in 1987. District 5 At Ms. Simpson’s memorial, a friend stated that Keri Cross, BSN, RN - Billings “she was a woman who did it all—family, nurse, Home: 406-855-2210 volunteer work, hunting, fishing, piano, and of Work: 406-657-4000 course, harmonica.” [email protected] District 6 Sue Swan, RN - Great Falls Long Term Care Pharmacy Home: 406-265-5703 Same day delivery Email: [email protected] Monday-Friday District 7 24 hour on call service Co-Presidents: Gwyn Palchak, BSN, RN-C - Kalispell Seasons Dave Rushing RPh Home: 406-453-2913 Pharmacy Director Work: 406-751-4181 Greetings Email: [email protected] 625 Central Ave W Ste 105 Karen Skonord, RN - Kalispell Great Falls, MT 59404 Home: 406-270-8132 406-452-3713 Work: 406-756-6554 Email: [email protected]

District 8 Co-Chairs – Sidney Linda Ries, BSN, RN Home: 406-798-3646 Email: [email protected] Rebecca Buxcel, RN Home: 406-776-2303 Email: [email protected] Take steps today to be ready for tomorrow. September is National Preparedness Month. RN or LPN We currently have a position for a Registered or Licensed Practical Nurse Full-Time or Part-Time hours 6 am-6 pm • Pay depends on Experience • Nursing scholarships • $2,500 sign on bonus • Relocation expense • $10,000 Tuition reimbursement

If interested contact the Director of Nursing at (406) 228-2461 or visit our website at: Find the perfect nursing www.valleyview1.net job where you can work

smarter, not harder on http://MontanaMHMAS.mt.gov nursingALD.com Valley View Home A “Caring” Home Registration is free, fast, confidential and easy! You will receive an e-mail 1225 Perry Lane • Glasgow, MT 59230 when a new job posting matches Tel: 406-228-2461 • Fax: 406-228-4831 your job search. E-mail: [email protected] • www.valleyview1.net November, December 2011, January 2012 Montana Nurses Association Pulse Page 15

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

Enjoy the best of both worlds! Working at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare will provide a rewarding career and an opportunity to live in the “Recreation Paradise” of Southwestern Montana

Barrett Hospital & HealthCare (BHH) is a critical access hospital located in Dillon, Montana. Licensed for 20 beds, BHH has been providing quality healthcare services to residents and visitors throughout the Southwestern region of Montana since 1923. The nearly 250 dedicated employees, volunteers and physicians at BHH are special. These friends and neighbors have made it their combined goal to provide the highest quality and most compassionate healthcare and support services anytime of the day or night. Our team is proud to be moving into a new hospital facility in Spring 2012.

BHH has career opportunities for nursing professionals at all stages of their careers. If you have strong leadership skills, a passion for excellence and commitment to individual and team success, these current openings at BHH will be of interest.

OPERATING ROOM MANAGER (Perioperative Services Manager)

This job administers, supervises and coordinates perioperative services including, operating room, PACU, , anesthesia and sterile processing, and develops, implements and evaluates nursing practices to maintain BHH’s high standard of care.

ACUTE CARE SERVICES MANAGER

This job directs, coordinates and evaluates 24-hour operation of direct patient care units of Medical/Surgical, ICU, Emergency Services, Pediatrics, Labor and Delivery, Nursery, and Obstetrics, directs/coordinates Nursing Education and evaluates nursing practices to maintain BHH’s high standard of care.

Go to our website at www.barretthospital.org and take the first step toward living your dreams!

At Banner Health, an award winning hospital system, we don’t take Committed to patient care. Committed to you. everyday activities for granted. We give you all the resources you need to be successful with your patients, career and life, and we strongly believe in making a difference in our employees’ lives so they can make a difference in the lives of others. We are committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities, leading-edge technology, and engaging environment and comprehensive benefits.

Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is located in the Golden Heart of Alaska in the second largest city in Alaska – the perfect jumping off point for exploring the state. We at Fairbanks put the patients first and remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the highest quality healthcare to our friends and family.

Opportunities available for Nurses!

For full-time, part-time and per diem opportunities available call 1-888-303-5402, or visit:

Registered Nurses Patients come to Benefis for our full spectrum www.BannerHealth.com/careers of state-of-the-art care. Nurses come for the support and benefits offered by Montana’s largest health system. Please reference keyword “Alaska Careers” when applying. Our health system includes a cancer institute, heart institute, orthopedic institute, extended care center, home health provider, clinic offices, a health and wellness facility and much more. For today’s health care professional, it means the chance to grow and advance in a wide array of service areas and specialties. Here you’ll find the industry’s most generous benefits, like relocation assistance, sign-on bonuses and flexible scheduling. Take advantage of continuing education programs. The opportunities for growth and advancement are limitless. If you’re committed to caring for people, we’re committed to you. Call 406.455.5179 or 800.648.6620 to learn more. Or apply online at benefis.org/RNjob Benefis Health System is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital

Live well. benefis.org/RNjob Page 16 Montana Nurses Association Pulse November, December 2011, January 2012

Take the leap. Pursue those three big letters that come after your name. BSN and MSN

As a RN, you can advance your education online and work towards advancing your career. Online options include: RN to BSN Option, RN-BSN to MSN Option and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Program.

Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a proven model with advanced degree program options to take you to the next step. Keep moving forward.

Now enrolling for spring, summer and fall semesters

chamberlain.edu

Comprehensive consumer information is available at: chamberlain.edu/studentconsumerinfo

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