Georgia Nursing November, December 2013, January 2014 President’S Message Continued from Page 1 Follow the Care and Will Bring Changes

“Nurses shaping the future of professional nursing and advocating for quality health care.”

The official publication of the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) Brought to you by the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA), whose dues-paying members make it possible to advocate for nurses and nursing at the state and federal level.

Volume 73 • No. 4 November, December 2013, January 2014 Quarterly circulation approximately 108,000 to all RNs and Student Nurses in Georgia. Legislative Update: Continued Competency President’s Message Requirements become effective in 2016

Since the 2013 session of the Georgia General meet the new state requirements (namely employer Be Part of the Georgia Assembly ended, GNA has fielded many inquiries verification or certification by national certifying from nurses and employers seeking information bodies), not just classroom/online CE credits. Nurses Team regarding the passage of House Bill 315, which Here are the five ways licensees can meet the enacted both continuing competency requirements requirements of the new law: By Rebecca M. Wheeler, RN, MA, PhD and mandatory reporting in the state of Georgia. • Completion of 30 continuing education hours Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 315 into law in May, by a Board-approved provider It is with eagerness and and it took effect July 1, 2013. • Maintenance of certification or recertification excitement that I assume HB 315 was sponsored by Rep. Sharon Cooper by a national certifying body the position of President of (R-Marietta) who sought GNA’s input during the • Completion of an accredited academic program GNA. We are approaching legislative process about best practices and to of study in nursing or a related field, as a critical juncture, not ensure the new law’s requirements would give recognized by the Board just in nursing, but in multiple options for an RN to demonstrate continued • Verification of competency by a health care health care overall, as the competency. The continuing competency requirements facility, physician’s office that is part of a health implementation of many set forth by HB 315 will begin with license renewal system, or other licensed entity (under Chapter important aspects of the in January 2016 and each year after that. Applicants 31 of GA Code) and at least 500 hours practiced Affordable Care Act take for initial RN licensure will not be required to prove as evidenced by employer certification on a effect in 2014. No matter competency. form approved by the Board what anyone personally Rebecca M. Wheeler There are five ways RN licensees applying for • Other activities as prescribed and approved by believes about the Act, it renewal can meet the requirements of the new law. the Board that show competency in the nursing is undeniable that it has spurred real conversations The answer is not as simple as “30 hours every two field. about our health care system and how we provide years,” because GNA advocacy efforts in 2012 and President’s Message continued on page 2 2013 successfully resulted in a continuing competency This summer, the GBON assembled a task force law that offers a variety of avenues for nurses to to lay the necessary groundwork for implementation of the new continuing competency requirements as required by Georgia law. GNA member Kim Sharkey CEO Corner Legislative Update continued on page 11 Grow, Inspire, Lead, Succeed By Deborah Hackman, CAE This year’s event featured the theme Grow, Inspire, Lead, Succeed, which we knew was a My thoughts related theme that the professional nurse can relate to on to the value of face- many levels. With the health care environment in to-face meetings were a state of constant change, nurses are accepting Want to join GNA for again validated during new challenges and taking the lead, and that was GNA’s 2013 Professional a major focus of this year’s Conference. The new only $17 a month? Development Conference event format, which was updated in 2011, continues and Membership Assembly to attract increased attendance when compared to in Augusta. The warm previous formats. I have no doubt that the attendees Become a STATE- hugs between colleagues, this year left feeling enormously enriched (growth). the interactions between The information, differing viewpoints and the ONLY member today! CE presenters and their personalities demonstrated with the Halloween audience, the buzz in the Deborah Hackman costumes and during Karaoke were a real treat for hallways, and the sharing me – and for that I am personally thankful to all who See page 15 for the of community over meals are simply not available participated. with high tech online or teleconference gatherings. The new economy continues to present a need to details. For me, the Conference was like a professional family prioritize resources on a personal and professional Thanksgiving celebration. We are thankful for our members indeed. You continue to inspire me. CEO Corner continued on page 4

Presort Standard US Postage PAID INDEX Permit #14 Princeton, MN Names, Faces, Places ...... 3 History ...... 10 55371 current resident or Get Your GNF License Plate ...... 4 Legislative/Public Policy ...... 11 Nursing Practice...... 5-8 Finance Matters ...... 12 2013 GNA Conference ...... 9 Membership ...... 12-15

Visit us online at www.georgianurses.org Page 2 • Georgia Nursing November, December 2013, January 2014 President’s Message continued from page 1 Follow the care and will bring changes. Of course, since nurses GEORGIA NURSING are the largest part of the health care workforce, we Volume 73, Number 4 are a lynchpin in the implementation of any health Georgia Nurses Editor: Debbie Hackman, CAE care reform efforts. However, this does not mean we Managing Editor: Jeremy Arieh Association are automatically a lynchpin in the discussions about what needs to happen – but we must be. on Facebook today! At Press Time Nursing has an exceptional opportunity to take a GNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS leadership role in the future of health care provision, Officers: but we have to have leaders there to assume this Sheila Warren, President Just go to responsibility. The image that comes to my mind, Rebecca Wheeler, President-Elect although overly simplistic, is that occasion when Wanda Jones, Secretary www.facebook.com/ganurses you are waiting in a long check-out line in a store Jill Williams, Treasurer and suddenly someone opens up a new register near Directors and “LIKE” our page. you. Were you aware enough to jump into the new Aimee Manion, Leadership Development line and get ahead? Or did you realize too late to Melanie Cassity, Membership Development improve your position, so just remained where you Judy Malachowski, Legislation/Public Policy were? Both those scenarios have probably happened Carol Dean Baker, Nursing Practice Vacant, Staff Nurse Director to all of us, but in the new check-out lines that will Vacant, Workforce Advocacy come with changes to the provision of health care, GNA must be aware and ready to jump into the line Regional Coordinators: that will improve the future for our nurses and our Central: Gwendolyn Johnson East Central: Melanie Cassity patients. North: Cindy Balkstra The awareness and ability to jump requires North Central: Debbie Davis teamwork. We cannot do it without the help of all of Southeast: Kathleen Koon our members, who support GNA with their expertise, Southwest: Kimberly Gordon Join GNA Today! leadership and dues. Membership is key because ADMINISTRATION we need to work together to ensure we are aware Debbie Hackman, CAE, Chief Executive Officer and have a plan, so we can make the jump when the Donna Heavener, CAE, Vice President of Operations opportunity arises. No one person can possibly do it Jeremy Arieh, Director of Marketing & Communications For info, visit alone – it is a team effort! Courtney Stancil, Governance & Membership Manager The 2013-2015 GNA Board of Directors is a Shanquilla Haugabrook, Program Coordinator www.georgianurses.org passionate, knowledgeable and skillful group ready Stephanie Scott, Scheduling Coordinator to work with the membership to help improve Marcia Noble, CE Consultant Wendi Clifton, Staff Lobbyist nursing and patient care in Georgia. We want to Cindy Shepherd, Staff Lobbyist know your concerns for the future and where you think GNA should be involved, so that nursing’s For advertising rates and information, please contact Arthur voice is heard. We need your help to take positions L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington Street, on issues that resonate with Georgia nurses. And we PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613, (800) 626-4081. GNA need more of you so nursing’s voice rings loud and and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors strong and becomes a force that cannot be ignored. in advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or Isn’t one of the things that defines us the fact that refund of price of advertisement. we are patient advocates? How can we be patient advocates if we are not at the table when important Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or Become a Phoebe nurse and discussions about health care are being held? Your approval by the Georgia Nurses Association of products support and involvement as members allows us to do advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. Rejection that. I am looking forward to leading Georgia nurses of an advertisement does not imply a product offered for work in one of America’s fastest- advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks with my leadership team as major changes to health integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product growing not-for-profit care are enacted. Will you join us? or its use. GNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting healthcare systems. Rebecca Wheeler was sworn in as the 45th GNA from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles president in October 2013. appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of GNA or those of the national or local associations. Explore our careers page and Georgia Nursing is published quarterly every February, May, apply online at August and November for the Georgia Nurses Association, a constituent member of the American Nurses Association. www.phoebeputney.com Georgia Southern University – School of Nursing Georgia Southern University’s School of Nursing invites applications for GNA or contact our three tenure-track faculty positions, two Assistant Professors (Search 3032 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30329 67148) and one Open Rank (Assistant, Associate or Full Professor [Search www.georgianurses.org, [email protected] Recruitment team at 67156]) in Nursing. The positions require teaching, service and research responsibilities as well as a terminal degree. The full text advertisement, (404) 325-5536 [email protected] including information about the School, faculty and the complete position announcement with all qualifications and application instructions is or available at http://chhs.georgiasouthern.edu/employment/. Screening of applications begins 10/15/2013, and continues until the positions are filled. 1-877-376-4396 Individuals who need reasonable accommodations under the ADA to participate in the search process should contact the Associate Provost. Georgia is an Open Records state and an AA/EO institution.

The relationship between the clinician and the www.georgianurses.org patient is at the heart of everything we do. So you are not part of a system. You’re part of a family. Published by: Registered Nurses Arthur L. Davis • One-on-one patient care Publishing Agency, Inc. • Specialized training I believe in working for a • Competitive benefits package company that’s Georgia Highlands College built around its Call us today at 1.866.GENTIVA clinicians. RN-BSN Online Program Visit us at gentiva.com/careers Email [email protected] Complete online nursing courses full-time in three semesters. Application deadline is March 31st, 2014 For more information on the program or to apply, Apply online at www.gentiva.com/careers visit our website AA/EOE M/F/D/V encouraged to apply http://www.highlands.edu/site/bsn or call 706-204-2290 November, December 2013, January 2014 Georgia Nursing • Page 3

Offering specialized treatment ames aces laces for NURSES N , F , P with Substance Use Disorders or Psychiatric Issues. Wheeler named GNLC • Laura Caramanica, PhD, RN, CENP, FACHE – Program Coordinator WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center We understand the needs of the nurse, the importance The Georgia Nursing • Elizabeth J. Corwin, PhD, RN – Emory of your license and the value of being in treatment with Leadership Coalition University other nurses – your peer group. (GNLC) has named Rebecca Wheeler, RN, MA, PhD, as GNA member appointed to its program coordinator. TAN Editorial Board In this new role, Wheeler GNA member Polly H. Willis, MSN, RN-BC, PCCN will provide support has been appointed to the new Editorial Advisory Call today for a confidential to the GNLC and will Board of The American Nurse. More than 50 nurses assessment. oversee the development expressed interest in serving on the editorial board. 770-434-4567 or and implementation of Rebecca M. Wheeler Nurses who applied will still be able to share their 1-800-329-9775 the Georgia Nursing ideas for content in The American Nurse through www.ridgeviewinstitute.com Workforce Center. Dr. Wheeler was also sworn in as an online forum that is currently being developed. Georgia Nurses Association president at GNA’s 2013 Congratulations Polly! Professional Development Conference & Membership in October. 2014 GANE Conference set for Led by GNA and the Georgia Hospital Association, February 20-22 GNLC is working to increase the number of nurses Mark your calendars for the Georgia Association with baccalaureate degrees to 80 percent by 2020; for Nursing Education (GANE) Conference, which double the number of nurses with doctoral degrees will take place February 20-22, 2014 at the Lake NURSE FACULTY OPENINGS by 2020; and build an infrastructure for the Lanier Island Resort in North Georgia. The 2014 The Division of Nursing at Berry College is collection and analysis of nursing work force data. Conference theme is “Excellence and Innovation seeking full-time faculty for tenure-track or Rebecca previously served as president of the in Nursing Education.” For more information, visit clinical track positions to teach in the newly National Student Nurses Association, in which she www.georgiaassociationfornursingeducation.com. represented more than 45,000 students. established BSN program . Georgia student elected For additional information: GNA members recently inducted as to NSNA Board of http://www.berry.edu/business/hr/jobopps.aspx AAN Fellows Directors 2277 Martha Berry Hwy NW In October, four members of the Georgia Nurses Kennesaw State Association were inducted as fellows of the American University nursing student Mount Berry, GA 30149 Academy of Nurses (AAN) during its 40th annual Christine Shuffield has (706) 368-6397 meeting and conference in Washington, DC. been elected to serve on We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the NSA Board of Directors the inductees on this marvelous professional as Secretary/Treasurer for achievement and for their significant contributions to the 2013-2014 term. The nursing and health care. announcement was made Christine Shuffield • Barbara Blake, PhD, RN, ACRN – Kennesaw at this spring’s National State University Student Nurses Association (NSNA) Convention in • Marilyn A. Bowcutt, MSN, RN – University Charlotte, NC. Health Care System

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Chamberlain College of Nursing | Atlanta Campus | 5775 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd., NE, #A100 | Atlanta, GA 30342 | 404.250.8500 | chamberlain.edu Chamberlain College of Nursing, National Management Ofﬁ ces, 3005 Highland Parkway, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Chamberlain College of Nursing is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, ncahlc.org. HLC is one of the six regional agencies that accredit U.S. colleges and universities at the institutional level. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program and the Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Chamberlain College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202.887.6791). Program/program option availability varies by state/location. Comprehensive consumer information is available at chamberlain.edu/studentconsumerinfo. ©2013 Chamberlain College of Nursing, LLC. All rights reserved. Page 4 • Georgia Nursing November, December 2013, January 2014 CEO Corner continued from page 1 outcomes! However, this new knowledge will not only benefit me and my patients, it will also benefit level for all of us. It was particularly encouraging my colleagues and their patients as I share with to see how well employers supported their staff them the nuggets of knowledge that I carried away to attend the Conference this year. Our 2013 from the conference lectures!” keynote speaker Doug Krug, nationally recognized Thursday night when we put on our Halloween management consultant and author of The Missing costumes (the more outrageous the better – we can Piece in Leadership, gave an excellent session on ALWAYS count on our members for that), and we How to Create the Future You Want. In addition, enjoyed an unforgettable meal that was sponsored GNA again offered a very solid and impressive roster by the Georgia Beef Board. GNA members really of faculty for this event (most all of whom are GNA enjoyed socializing with old friends and new, and members). The only “complaint” I heard was that then had a fun time belting out those Karoake tunes it was too hard to choose among the concurrent for everyone’s enjoyment. For the comfort of those sessions. They were all valuable. Thank you again to present however, don’t worry – What happens at the all of our content experts for focusing on strategies party stays at the party! GET YOUR for success. A very special thank you is in order for our local We received some really nice thank you notes CRSA Chapter hosts who did a great job with the NURSE LICENSE and messages from the attendees, including this new GNA Café feature and for the incredible event one: “This was my first experience at the GNA sponsors this year – Georgia Beef Board, Arthur PLATE TODAY! Conference and I truly enjoyed myself on Thursday! Davis Publishing, Georgia Regents University College I saw old friends that I hadn’t seen in YEARS, and of Nursing, One Lender for Life, Cancer Treatment The Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) special made so many new connections that will benefit me Centers of America, University Health Care System nurse license plate is now available at Georgia tag and my patients today and in the future! I gleaned and Gentiva. They helped us put the cherry on top of offices. Each nurse plate sold results in revenue such a vast amount of new knowledge that will a very ambitious program. generated for GNF, which will be used for allow me to provide even better care of my patients If you missed this fun, professional development nursing scholarships and workforce planning and in the future from the guest speakers that I was event, ask someone who was there how much they development to meet future needs. Show your privileged to be able to sit in on, as they lectured us were inspired by it all so you can make sure the next support for the nursing profession by purchasing on new and innovative concepts for optimal patient GNA Professional Development Conference is where a special nurses license plate today! Get details at you will be! We missed you! http://1.usa.gov/21zNg. November, December 2013, January 2014 Georgia Nursing • Page 5 Nursing Practice GNA & the Georgia Alliance for Health Literacy Testing Your Understanding of Health Literacy

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), many Q3. Health literacy refers only to the ability to read and understand written factors affect a person’s health literacy including his/her literary, numeracy and information. verbal communication skills, as well as the complexity of printed and spoken a. True health messages. b. False Nurses have been taught many ways to evaluate a patient’s ability to understand clinical instructions. But what do you know about health literacy? A3. The correct answer is “b.” Health literacy is broader than general literacy; it Georgia Nurses Association requested and received permission to reprint includes the ability to process numbers (numeracy) and navigate the health the following quiz, which will allow our readers to self test their individual care system. understanding of health literacy as it applies to clinicians. The more we all understand health literacy, the better we will practice to keep our patients “Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion.” Institute of Medicine of the healthy and safe. National Academies, April 2004. Pfizer encourages other Health Care Organizations to use this Quiz and ______Provider Checklist on Health Literacy. If your organization is interested in using this Quiz, please submit a request for permission to: http://www. pfizerhealthliteracy.com/physicians-providers/PolicyQuiz.aspx Q4. What percentage of patients forgets what the doctor told them as soon as they leave the office? Q1. Which of the following is the strongest predictor of a person’s health status? a. 80 percent a. Age b. 50 percent b. Income c. 10 percent c. Literacy skills d. Less than 10 percent d. Employment status e. Education level A4. The correct answer is “a.” Up to 80 percent of patients forget what their f. Racial or ethnic group doctor tells them as soon as they leave the office. And nearly 50 percent of what they do remember is recalled incorrectly. A1. The correct answer is “c.” Although low health literacy can affect everyone regardless of background or educational level, studies on the issue show that “Patients’ memory for medical information.” Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine limited literacy skills are a stronger predictor of an individual’s health status 2003:96:219-222. than age, income, employment status, education level, and racial or ethnic ______group.

“Health Literacy: Report of the Council on Scientific Affairs.” JAMA 1999:281:552- GNA & The Georgia Alliance continued on page 6 557. ______

Q2. Who is NOT at risk for low health literacy? a. Elderly b. Ethnic minorities c. Those with low income and education levels d. Those with high income and education e. None of the above

A2. The correct answer is “e.” Everyone in the United States is susceptible regardless of age, race, education or income.

“Health Literacy and the Prescription Drug Experience: The Frontline Perspective from Patients, Physicians and Pharmacists.” Roper ASW, September 2002. Center for Health Care Strategies, Fact Sheet: “Who Suffers from Poor Health Literacy?” ______Page 6 • Georgia Nursing November, December 2013, January 2014

GNA & The Georgia Alliance continued from page 5 c. They remain in the hospital nearly two days longer than adults with higher health literacy. d. Often require additional care that results in annual health care costs that are four times higher than for those with higher literacy skills. Q5. How many adult Americans have difficulty reading and understanding e. None of the above. health information? a. 9 million A7. The correct answer is “e.” All of the statements are true. Low health literacy b. 90 million negatively impacts compliance, clinical outcomes and healthcare costs. c. 150 million d. Fewer than one million “20 Common Problems in Primary Care.” Barry D. Weiss, MD, editor. McGraw-Hill, A5. The correct answer is “b.” According to the Institute of Medicine, nearly half 1999. of all American adults – 90 million people – have difficulty understanding and using health information. “Health Literacy and the Risk of Hospital Admission.” David Baker, MD, MPH, Ruth Parker, MD, et al. J Gen Intern Med1998:13:791-798. “Adult Literacy in America.” National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Center on an Aging Society, Institute for Health Care Research and policy Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement (NCES 1993-275), April (Georgetown University): Health Literacy Fact Sheet. March 2003. 2002. ______Q8. Health literacy is an issue only for those providers treating ethnic Q6. Which of the following are coping mechanisms used by patients with low minorities. health literacy? a. True a. Say they forgot their eyeglasses to avoid filling out forms or b. False questionnaires. b. Laugh about being forgetful when asked about their medical condition A8. The correct answer is “b.” Although ethnic minority groups are or treatments. disproportionately affected by low literacy, the majority of those with low c. Nod politely when the doctor speaks and don’t ask any questions. literacy skills in the United States are white, native-born Americans. d. All of the above.

A6. The correct answer is “d.” People with low health literacy are often Center for Health Care Strategies, Fact Sheet: “Who Suffers from Poor Health embarrassed or ashamed to admit they have difficulty understanding health Literacy?” ______information and instructions. They use well-practiced coping mechanisms that effectively mask their problem. Q9. The average adult reading level in the United States is: a. 10th grade or above “20 Common Problems in Primary Care,” Barry D. Weiss, MD, editor. McGraw-Hill, b. 8th-9th grade 1999. c. 6th-7th grade ______d. 3rd-4th grade Q7. Which of these statements about people with low health literacy is FALSE? A9. The correct answer is “b.” The average adult American reading level is 8th to a. They are often less likely to comply with prescribed treatment and self- 9th grade. However, nearly one in five adults read at or below the 5th grade care regimens. level; and nearly two out of five older Americans and minorities read at or b. They fail to seek preventive care and are at higher (more than double) below that level. risk for hospitalization. “Adult Literacy in America (NALS)” National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement (NCES 1993-275), April 2002. ______

Q10. Encouraging patients to ask more questions during the exam will increase Leading the way to a new model of healthcare in Alaska! the length of their visit. Southcentral Foundation (SCF) is an Alaska Native owned, a. True nonprofit healthcare organization located on the Alaska Native b. False Health Campus. SCF is seeking dynamic Registered Nurses to act as Case Managers in Primary Care Clinics. • 401 K retirement plan • 12 paid holidays • Much Much More! A10. The correct answer is “b.” Fearing lengthy appointments, most doctors If you are interested in becoming part of the nationally allow patients to talk for an average of 22 seconds before taking the lead. recognized Anchorage Facility, please visit our website and apply at www.scf.cc or contact Tess Johnson at 907-729-5011/ Research shows, however, that if allowed to speak freely, the average patient email [email protected] would initially speak for less than two minutes. Encouraging questions during the initial visit may require a short-term time investment; however, the long-term payoff may include more accurate compliance, less follow- $10,000 Sign On Bonus & up visits and shorter, more focused interactions as the patient proceeds Relocation Assistance! through his/her condition.

British Medical Journal, vol. 325, p.682-683, September 2002.

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www.thomasu.edu November, December 2013, January 2014 Georgia Nursing • Page 7 Nursing Practice Average Staff Nurse Wages Increase but Below the Rate of Inflation

By Peter McMenamin, Senior Policy Fellow in inflation-adjusted wages emerged in December requires hospitalization at twice the rate of the non- American Nurses Association 2008 when the increase in nominal wages slowed. elderly. The Affordable Care Act subsidized and This is depicted with the red line on the wage graph. newly insured will likely seek primary care more When the Bureau of Labor Statistics released The new trend is an average annual decrease in real so than hospital care, but they will also tend to statistics on the final calendar year 2012 average wages of 0.77 percent. augment hospital demand. However, as the economy wages for hospital staff nurses, there were some 2013 has also seen a slowdown in national hospital recovers, many mature RNs who have deferred their reasons to be optimistic. Although the post-recession hiring aggregated across all job categories. At the end retirements will finally retire. Hospitals should be quarters exhibited some losses in inflation-adjusted of 2012 and in the initial months of 2013, hospitals continuing to hire some new grad RNs to maintain average wages, the recession quarters were above the increased employment (compared to the same stability into the next few years. It is possible that trend going back to 2002. If those inflation-adjusted month in the prior year) by more than one percent average RN wages – both nominal and inflation- wages were only stable, it was clear that the value of each month. However, this year’s growth in hospital adjusted – will appear to decline as the mix of RN fringe benefits for staff nurses seemed to continue to jobs decelerated almost every month dropping and vintages changes to a new, younger equilibrium. As increase. Inflation-adjusted wages beat inflation by remaining below one percent beginning in July. the retirements become effective for the one million half of one percent. Not fantastic, but solid. We can only hope that hospitals steer carefully RNs who entered the profession during the late 1970s The first and second quarter data from 2013 through this period. The recovery from the and early 1980s, hospitals will have to become more doused cold water on those hopes. Using 2012 as recession has been anemic, but there remains a aggressive in hiring new RNs. a baseline for inflation-adjusted dollars, average slowly increasing pulse in the economy at large. annual staff RN wages in private hospitals have Baby Boomers will continue to age into Medicare This article appeared on ANA NurseSpace (www. dropped from $73,580 in the last quarter of 2008 (at the rate of 2-3 million new eligibles every year ananursespace.org) in September 2013. to $70,765 in the second quarter of 2013. Inflation- through the rest of the century), a population that adjusted annual fringe benefits also declined over that time frame, dropping from $33,485 to $32,662. Further, while the ratio of fringes to wages had increased from 29 percent to 31 percent from March 2002 to December 2008, that ratio peaked in September 2012 and appears headed downward as real wages also head downward. On average, paychecks continue to rise in money wages. However, the trend line in nominal wages flattened just before the official recession ended in June 2009. The graph below brings all of those trends onto a single image. The light blue line represents nominal wages, the money that shows up in paychecks (before taxes). With only a few hesitations those money wages have continued to climb from March 2002 through June 2013. However, the curve heels over right around December 2008. Up to that quarter, the trend of average money wages was increasing at 3.6 percent per year. As the economy moved into 2009 and beyond, the trend dropped to a 1.5 percent annual increase. The dark blue curve in the graph represents inflation-adjusted annual wages. Tracking from 2012 onward, one can observe a positive slope (much assisted during late 2008 when the Consumer Price Index actually fell during the last quarter of the year). Inflation-adjusted wages last exceeded the trend in December 2011. Incorporating data from the 2013 quarters to date just makes the inflation- adjusted wage picture darker. Through 2012, the trend slope was 0.51 percent; through June 2013 that trend drops to 0.38 percent. In fact, a new trend

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By Jennifer Larson year span was linked with an overall quality of care HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment increase between five and 20 percent. of Healthcare Providers and Systems ) Any health care organization that wants to NDNQI data also showed that the nurses’ intent to survey, found that “the same characteristics consistently achieve high-quality patient outcomes stay increased by 29 percent over the two years, that of hospitals that lead to high nurse-staffing should take a good hard look at their nursing staff. injury falls rate decreased by 17 percent in four years, levels may be associated with better If the nurses feel engaged, empowered and satisfied hospital-acquired pressure ulcer rate decreased experiences for patients.” with their working environment, their patients are by 24-59 percent in two years, and infection rates more likely to do well, too. decreased by 87 percent in two years. The ranges are ANA’s Weston notes that NDNQI and other data In fact, at least 30 years’ worth of research has reflective of the differences among nursing units. studies are not just an opportunity for leadership to consistently demonstrated a link between nurse In the last few years, there have been several make some improvements; this information gives job satisfaction and patient outcomes, noted Marla major studies and articles highlighting the individual nurses the chance to do the same. J. Weston, PhD, RN, chief executive officer of the correlation between nurses’ satisfaction with their “It gives nurses the data to start the conversation,” American Nurses Association (ANA). jobs or working conditions and patient outcomes, said Weston, adding, “I absolutely believe that including patient satisfaction: individual nurses, working together with other The proof is in the data • A 2011 study in Health Affairs by a team of individual nurses, have the power.” One way that hospitals can keep their finger researchers led by Matthew McHugh, PhD, Nurses can also remind themselves that the link on the pulse of workplace satisfaction and RN, at the University of Pennsylvania, found between satisfaction and outcomes exists when they outcomes is with data, like that collected by ANA’s that patient satisfaction was also linked with are tempted to downplay the importance of their National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators nurses’ job satisfaction. The researchers own needs. That’s a message ANA has been working (NDNQI). The program collects information from found that the percentage of patients who to get across with efforts such as its Healthy Nurse approximately one-third of U.S. hospitals, allowing would “definitely recommend” a hospital to Initiative, which included a conference last year hospitals to compare unit-by-unit statistics and their loved ones decreased two percent for that specifically addressed the importance of nurses enabling them to figure out where they can make every 10 percent of the nurses who expressed caring for their own health and needs. improvements. dissatisfaction with their jobs. Weston said that nurses should view investing NDNQI tracks up to 18 nursing-sensitive quality • A 2009 FORUM white paper titled “The in their own well-being as worthwhile. “Where it measures, which ANA defines as, “Indicators that Relationship Between Employee Satisfaction may feel selfish, in reality, it is not,” she said. “Being are strongly influenced by the care that nurses and Hospital Patient Experience,” found that a healthy nurse and working in a healthy work provide or directly measure nursing as reflected by organizations that made the effort to improve environment is also good for our patients.” the structure, process and outcomes of nursing care.” employee satisfaction experienced improved Among other trends, this information continues to patient outcomes, including increased patient Work environment tied to depression risk provide evidence of the link between nurses’ job satisfaction and improved care quality. Nurses aren’t the only employees who find the satisfaction and the quality of outcomes for the • A 2008 study titled “Patients’ Perception value in a positive work environment. patients they serve. of Hospital Care in the United States” A new study published in the September issue of For example, researchers recently noted that a 25 that was published in the New England the Journal of Occupational and Environmental percent increase in nurse job enjoyment over a two- Journal of Medicine, using data from the Medicine analyzed 15 years’ worth of data from nearly 1,900 adult workers and found that those with adverse working conditions had higher scores for depression. The results suggested that making improvements to the work environment could diminish the risk of depression in working-age adults. What burden do employers therefore bear to make certain improvements to their work environments? It’s complicated, said study author Sarah Burgard, PhD, and it can vary by industry, size of the organization and so on. “But it is worthwhile to explore which of these employers can exercise some control over, and which workers find most important in managing their needs and ability to do their jobs well,” she said. For example, she said, employers could focus on the quality of their organization’s work and try to create a functional atmosphere for employees. That might include policies that address work-life balance or improvement to communications, or even “something else entirely,” she said. The road ahead Despite the large and growing body of evidence that patients benefit when nurses have positive working conditions, there is still room for more research – and more efforts to implement improvements based on the evidence. After all, some organizations are still engaging in practices that are shown to diminish morale and job satisfaction among nurses, such as mandatory overtime. “Great progress has been made,” Weston said. “But I still think that there is a distance for us to go.” Weston recommended that organizations take cues from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program or its Pathway to Excellence Program for recommendations on proven ways to improve the working environments for nurses. The Magnet program is a rigorous program that recognizes a commitment to excellence in nursing practice and quality patient outcomes, and the Pathway to Excellence program requires that organizations meet 12 standards that are shown to foster an “ideal nursing practice environment.”

At press time, GNA members were preparing to head to beautiful Augusta, GA for the 2013 GNA Thanks to our 2013 Professional Development Professional Development Conference & Membership Conference Exhibitors! Assembly. Look to the February, March, April 2014 issue of Georgia Nursing for highlights of the 2013 event, including: GNA would like to thank the Georgia Beef Board • Photos & Highlights exhibitors at this year’s Professional Georgia Nurses Association Intervention Program • GNA Award Winners Development Conference. Your GNA Metro Atlanta Chapter • Approved Bylaw Changes Georgia Nurses Political Action Committee • 2014 GNA Legislative Platform participation and support has Georgia Regents University College of Nursing • And more! provided our attendees a valuable, Grand Canyon University energizing experience! HCA North & West Florida This year’s Conference Krames Staywell Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service featured nationally recognized Exhibitors as of October 10, 2013: Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia management consultant and Aegis Sciences Corporation PSA Healthcare leadership speaker, Doug Krug, AMGP GA Managed Care Company Richardson Technology Systems who led the timely, insightful Athens Regional Medical Center Sanofi Pasteur session How to Create the Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine UHS-Pruitt Inc. Future You Want. The CAE Healthcare University Health Care System 2013 Conference also included Calmoseptine University of West Georgia great CE sessions, a Thursday Cancer Treatment Centers of America Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Banquet sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control Vein Clinics of America Georgia Beef Board, the new Doug Krug Chamberlain College of Nursing Vocera Communications GNA Café and more. Columbus Regional Healthcare System Western Governors University CoMass Group Your Patient Boards.com Convergint Technologies 2013 GNA Professional Emory University School of Nursing Development Conference & Employee Benefit Services Membership Assembly Sponsors EZ Way, Inc. Floyd Medical Center Gaumard Scientific Co., Inc. The Georgia Nurses Association would like to Gentiva Home Health thank the sponsors of our 2013 Conference for their Georgia Association of Nurse Educators generosity and commitment to the nursing profession!

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History Enduring Echoes Early Public Health Nursing in Georgia

By Dr. Rose B. Cannon the effort to inspect, identify, treat and control Social Security, the U.S. Public Health Service and hookworm. Ninety-nine counties out of 159 in the Children’s Bureau (Abercrombie 1953). New Deal The regional and historical factors influencing Georgia contributed money to fight hookworm, but programs created by the Roosevelt administration how public health nursing developed during the first when the Rockefeller Foundation withdrew their brought opportunities for nurses to work in many half of the 20th century in Georgia is the subject of financial support, the programs essentially died. public programs. Caroline Tillinghast (1937) this column. The prevailing view of U.S. public health The Public Health Service joined in the fight against Chairman of the Works Progress Administration nursing is that it developed in the 1890s in response pellagra in 1909, but it wasn’t until 1937 that the (WPA) Committee for the Georgia State Nurses to industrialization and immigration. A distinct set cause of the disease, a lack of nicotinic acid (niacin), Association reported that: of historical circumstances and ideologies within was identified (Etheridge 1972). When Social Security funds became available the South, however; determined a uniquely sectional Two major deterrents to early 20th century to the State Department of Health on April 15, response to the development of public health in public health work in Georgia were the absence of a 1936, new opportunities were opened to nurses Georgia. Among these reasons were rurality, post- program to collect vital statistics by which to track for permanent employment in the public health Civil War poverty, severely limited resources for births, deaths and disease; and a lack of funds to field in this State. Of the 180 nurses who served social services, northern philanthropy for southern develop county health work. A vital statistics law and at various times on the Statewide FERA and disease eradication, race and class issues, the creation of a county health department network were WPA projects, 62 now hold permanent positions construction of gender, white upper- and middle- enacted in 1914, but it wasn’t until 1928 that Georgia as public health nurses. Forty-three of these class attitudes toward blacks and “poor whites” as was able to get all counties to consistently record nurses were given special training before being inferior and unworthy, a high value placed on home both births and deaths. In addition county health appointed (49). care for the sick by family, friends or servants, a work lagged due to budgetary problems, and too few reluctance for institution building, especially for poor doctors trained in public health work (Schissel 1979). At first, 90 counties were served by just 20 nurses. and blacks; and states’ rights political philosophies Nurses working in public health in Georgia during Each nurse had from four to six counties, each with that opposed Federal government intrusion. the first three decades of the 20th century were about 50,000 people under her care. Duties included Public health services grudgingly given and sparsely scattered in visiting nurse organizations, organizing tuberculosis clinics, supervising active slowly developed may have also been linked to the fledgling city departments and assorted cases of tuberculosis, and selecting and supervising viewpoint that assumed that, “Black people were philanthropic organizations. Federal programs such additional county nurses. By 1939, Social Security savage and bound for dissolution,” and therefore did as the Children’s Bureau formed in 1912, and the funds were available to send nurses for post-graduate not need health care. Competing with this attitude enactment of the Sheppard-Towner Act signed in public health training in approved university was an underlying fear that if left unchecked their 1921, brought additional attention to the need for programs (Carter 1939). diseases might spread to the “better” classes (Hewitt public health services. In 1920, the Georgia General In 1940, Georgia had 19 cities with populations 1982, Williamson 1984). In a fictional account of Assembly created the Maternal and Child Division greater than 10,000, and an overall population of social services for the poor in an Atlanta slum, the in the State Health Department to address Georgia’s over three million. During 1939-1942, 62 counties persistent negative and ambivalent attitudes of the high infant and maternal mortality rates, increasing employed public health nurses, and by the end of white power structure toward free health services for the demand for public health nurses to work in the 1942, 121 counties had some type of full-time public the poor were explored (Dern 1959). area of maternal and child services (Schissel 1979). health service, leaving 38 counties without full- The State Board of Health in Georgia was The earliest well-organized effort in public time services. Diseases controlled by immunizations established in 1875 and almost immediately health nursing in Georgia began in Savannah rapidly declined with these programs in place, but dissolved in 1876, then again revived in 1903 by vote when the Savannah Health Center was organized problems that required medical facilities such as of the General Assembly (Abercrombie 1953). Since in 1920 and incorporated in 1931. This Center tuberculosis, maternal and infant problems and tuberculosis was a major public health problem served a large biracial population with urban syphilis, were not as easily remedied. By the end of in Georgia at the turn of the century, the General and coastal health problems, and employed both 1947, a total of 408 public health nurses were active Assembly in 1904 also created the State Commission black and white nurses. As early as 1904, blacks in in Georgia. on Tuberculosis. This organization along with the Savannah outnumbered whites 36,000 to 31,000, Nurse professional organizations played a large Georgia Tuberculosis Association focused energy but hospital care for blacks was limited to only two part in the personal development of practicing public on controlling this fear-provoking transmittable small hospitals, the Georgia Infirmary and Charity health nurses, as did the additional education sought disease. Because general hospitals would not admit Hospital (Hewitt 1982). This lack of medical care by many of these nurses. These two issues will be patients with tuberculosis, services were offered forced the African-American population to rely more discussed in this column in the next issue of Georgia through clinics and home visiting. In 1908 the heavily on public health and home visiting services. Nursing. fledgling Georgia State Nurses Association pledged The Mary Maclean Milk Depot and Visiting Nurses [This information is excerpted from Cannon, R.B. money to support district nursing for tuberculosis Association, established in Savannah in 1905, hired a (1995) “Georgia’s Twentieth Century Public Health patients through the Visiting Nurses Association. nurse to make house calls to indigent patients. Mary Nurses: A Social History of Racial Relations,” Emory From 1909 to 1916, the Association investigated Maclean was later incorporated in the Savannah University, Atlanta, GA. Unpublished dissertation.] conditions in state almshouses, and suggested that Health Center, and both merged with the Health trained nurses would be crucial in stemming the Department in 1925 (McCarty 1984). References: tide of tuberculosis within these institutions. One By 1928, there were only 106 public health nurses Abercrombie, T.F. (1953). History of Public Health example of a nurse being hired in this capacity spread across 159 counties in Georgia working in Georgia, 1733-1950. Atlanta: Georgia Department of occurred in Savannah in 1904. She was hired by the under the following categories: 34 were connected Public Health. Margaret Bottome Circle of King’s Daughters to work to health departments, 19 worked as industrial Carter, C.B. (1939). “A personnel study of Georgia’s with tubercular patients (Parsons 1985, Schissel nurses, two were in schools, 15 were in tuberculosis Department of Public Health and Department of 1979). work, and the remainder worked for the Red Cross, Agriculture,” M.A. thesis, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. In 1909, funding from the Rockefeller the Metropolitan Insurance Company and other Dern, P.G. (1959). Settlement Nurse, New York: Prestige Foundation’s Sanitary Commission assisted in organizations (Schissel 1979). Books. The hardships of the Great Depression facilitated Etheridge, E.W. (1972). The Butterfly Caste: A Social the establishment of permanent health services in History of Pellagra in the South. Westport, Conn: most of Georgia’s counties with appropriations from Greenwood Press. Hewitt, Mrs. G. (1982). “Black Savannah: Struggle for Social Progress, 1890-1960.” Unpublished manuscript. Photocopied. McCarty, M.J. (1984). “‘Visiting Nurse’ Name Revived.” Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Savannah-Morning News. 26 July. In personal papers of Augusta, GA Geraldine Beasley. Parsons, M.K. (1985). “White Plague and Double-barred Experienced RNs NEEDED Cross in Atlanta.” Ph.D. dissertation, Emory University, ICU, Mental Health, Med Surg, Geriatric, Rehab & ED Atlanta, GA BSN Preferred Schissel, C. (1979). “The State Nurses’ Association in a Georgia Context, 1907-1946.” Ph.D. dissertation, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. • Nurse Manager - Telemetry 24 bed unit • BSN required with at least 2 years management Williamson, J. (1984). The Crucible of Race: experience Black-White Relations in the American South since • Relocation/Recruitment incentive is negotiable for Emancipation. New York: Oxford University Press. the highly qualified candidate Submit your application and resume to USAJobs.gov, Beverly Scarlett, Nurse Recruiter at (706) 733-0188 ext 2440, [email protected] November, December 2013, January 2014 Georgia Nursing • Page 11

Legislative/Public Policy

Legislative Update continued from page 1 Other Recent GNA Legislative Work As we prepare for the 2014 Legislative Session, represented GNA on this task force. Questions other lobbying work GNA has been doing on behalf of 2014 GNA Legislative Day you may have related to the new requirements and the nursing profession includes: procedure should be directed to the Board of Nursing • Alerted state officials that Georgia APRNs Thursday, January 30, 2014 at (478) 207-2440. Any further information we learn were not being recognized as providers in about the new licensure requirement will be provided the state’s new Prescription Drug Monitoring Mark your calendars for the 2013 GNA to GNA members as it becomes available (a service to Program and should be. Legislative Day event at the State Capitol, our members). • Hosted a meeting of Interdisciplinary Health which will take place Thursday, January 30, Care Associations at GNA Headquarters in 2014. GNA members, nursing students and GNA testifies before House Professional October to discuss ways of working together on educators and Georgia registered nurses Licensing Boards Study Committee legislative issues. Attendees included: Medical are once again encouraged to participate Readers will recall in the 2013 Legislative Session, Association of Georgia, Georgia Dental in this virtual learning and nurse advocacy GNA members urged their lawmakers to direct all fees Association, Licensed Professional Counselors opportunity. Last year, 1000 nurses and Association, Physicians Assistants Association, collected for RN licensure to the Board of Nursing, as nursing students attend this popular event. these fees are vital for efficient, responsive operation CAPRN of GA, Marriage & Family Therapists of the Board. In September, at the request of House Association and others. Study Committee Chairman Ed Rynders (R-Albany), • Meeting at the request of lobbyists from other REGISTRATION COMING SOON! GNA testified before the Professional Licensing health professions to discuss their potential Boards Study Committee on the critical need for the legislation. full allocation and utilization of nurse licensure fees • Responded/advised School Nurses on in the state budget. GNA provided examples of how questions related to a new law allowing two redirecting licensure fees places patients at risk. trained school personnel to administer insulin During her testimony, GNA CEO Debbie Hackman in emergency situations. said, “A pilot focused on bottleneck identification and • Raised the visibility of the nursing profession elimination could eventually inform other smaller by attending post-session political events; boards and leverage system-wide improvement.” responding to multiple media inquiries on “Absent sufficient appropriations, we will continue nurse-related issues; participating in a Carroll to voice concern about the need to process nurse County League of Women Voters event; disciplinary cases more efficiently to protect the and sharing information with the Deans & public.” Directors group about GNA’s potential 2014 GNA appreciates the opportunity to have shared Legislative Priorities. the profession’s priorities with the Study Committee. • Set a date for the 2014 GNA Legislative Day – The PLB Study Committee will announce its findings January 30, 2014 at the State Capitol. and any recommendations later this year.

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Experienced Staff RNs are needed in a variety of areas including Acquired Brain Injury, ICU, Med/Surg, Post-Acute Brain Injury, and Spinal Cord Injury. We also have FLOAT TEAM opportunities – one campus/higher base/full-time benefits! Several schedules/shifts are available and for a limited time we are offering: WEEKEND/+1 OPTIONS/Premium Weekend Rates! Enjoy professional growth and development opportunities with the flexibility of a weekends/+1 schedule and higher pay rates. Call 404.350.7340 or apply online at: shepherd.org EOE Page 12 • Georgia Nursing November, December 2013, January 2014 Membership Welcoming New & Returning Members

June 2013 Penny Booth, Tifton, GA Jamila Cruz, Albany, GA Carolyn Robinson, Lake Spivey, GA Amanda Rusch, Gainesville, GA Pervell Dunbar, Lawrenceville, GA Janet Alexander, Rome, GA Cheri Lipscomb, Flowery Branch, GA Amelia Adkins, Rockmart, GA Portia Thomas, Atlanta, GA Jessica Gilbert, Buford, GA Cherise Carpenter, Atlanta, GA Angela Addison, Thomasville, GA Princess Clark, Douglasville, GA Jessica Scott, Duluth, GA Cheryl McRae-Bergeron, Atlanta, GA Ann Gomes, Lexington, GA Regina Taylor, Lawrenceville, GA Joylove Felder, Grovetown, GA Christine Gisness, Roswell, GA Betty Jo Songer, Plains, GA Ronald Keen, Atlanta, GA Karen Jones, Brunswick, GA Christine Lang, Snellville, GA Brenda Brown, Cleveland, GA Rosalind Browder, Tucker, GA Karen Waddell, Fayetteville, GA Clara Glover, Mc Donough, GA Charlene Reynolds, Thomasville, GA Ruby Williams, Hagan, GA Karrie Shell, Decatur, GA Cynthia Chernecky, Alpharetta, GA Charmaine Thomas, Cedartown, GA Sandra Copeland, Juliette, GA Kathy Ferebee, Saint Marys, GA Dawn Eldred, Brunswick, GA Chiquita Wilkes, Atlanta, GA Sara Corley, Guyton, GA Kendis Isreal, Atlanta, GA Fabiola Romain-Lapeine, Evans, GA Cleveland Sasser, Atlanta, GA Sarah Snapp, Snellville, GA Kunjumole Abraham, Evans, GA Genevieve Lyons, Decatur, GA Cody Reece, Atlanta, GA Shaini Moonjeli, Lilburn, GA Laura Rampley, Villa Rica, GA Heather Henderson, Carrollton, GA Cynthia Epps, Sharpsburg, GA Sharon Vanairsdale, Austell, GA Lauren Robbins, Lithonia, GA Hope Khan, Atlanta, GA Darlene Mathis, Sandersville, GA Sondra Hollis, Athens, GA Laurie Davis, Martinez, GA Isabella Scott, Covington, GA Deborah Sauls, Lake Park, GA Sonia Varghese, Grayson, GA Lawrence Scahill, New Haven, CT Jamie Stufflebeam, Marietta, GA Deborah Saylor, Columbus, GA Susan Andrews, Martinez, GA Leila McKinney, Atlanta, GA Jessica Eckman, Mableton, GA Della Lertpenmaeta, Douglasville, GA Thea Sullivan, Marietta, GA Leslie Wittenberg, Johns Creek, GA Joanne Butler, Fairburn, GA Dionne Phillips, Columbus, GA Theresa Buchanan, Griffin, GA Lovie Mansfield, Atlanta, GA Josephine Gosa, West Point, GA Donita Bowman, Duluth, GA Vera Blumthal, Sugar Hill, GA Margaret Oglesby, Statesboro, GA Kanika White, Phenix City, AL Earline Scott-Douglas, Decatur, GA Vicki Karnes, Decatur, GA Maricia Parker, Athens, GA Karen Bowser, Lake Park, GA Elizziebeth Smith, Loganville, GA Zena Osakwe, Stone Mountain, GA Marjorie Johnson, Tennille, GA Kathryn Murphy, McDonough, GA Erica Merrell, Tennille, GA Mary Hayslett, Johns Creek, GA Kathy Hammond, Sharpsburg, GA Eva Watkins, Augusta, GA July 2013 Mary Millikan, Smyrna, GA Latoshia Evans, Grayson, GA Gladys Sone, Cartersville, GA Alene Jean-Louis, Conyers, GA Norma L Poindexter, Marietta, GA Latoya Buford, Douglasville, GA Gregory Hayden, Dalton, GA Alice Kigaa, Dallas, GA Rhonda Wilkins, Covington, GA Lisa Geddings, Guyton, GA Greta Gilson Agnew, Johns Creek, GA Althea Otuata, Lilburn, GA Salena Moorer, Snellville, GA Maja Rountree, Jackson, GA Ida Smith, Jonesboro, GA Amy Allen, Phenix City, AL Sammie Sheard, Albany, GA Marva Thomas, Lebanon, CT Ikemeia Lord, Augusta, GA Andrienne Higgins, Tucker, GA Sara Curry, Augusta, GA Michele Simpson, Macon, GA Imani Diop, Atlanta, GA Angela Carswell, Irwinton, GA Shannon Dancer-Edwards, Morrow, GA Ming Lee, Smyrna, GA Janet Smith, Powder Springs, GA Ann Sencer, Atlanta, GA Shannon Whitten, Sandersville, GA Paige Cummings, Athens, GA Jennifer Burkholder, Atlanta, GA Barbara Austin, Jonesboro, GA Shelbie Gerken, Birmingham, AL Patrick Bradford, Watkinsville, GA Jennifer Shugart, Hoschton, GA Barbara McLean, Atlanta, GA Shirley Thomas, Union City, GA Rena Brown, Savannah, GA Jill Ray, Lawrenceville, GA Brandon Brooks, Atlanta, GA Sonja Neidinger, Columbus, GA Roberta Kaplow, Atlanta, GA Julie Zadinsky, Augusta, GA Cara Hutchison, Atlanta, GA Steffanie Mack, Savannah, GA Robin Aaron, Warner Robins, GA June Moree, Tucker, GA Cathy Bacon, Ball Ground, GA Susan Brooks, Albany, GA Samantha Bragg, Dallas, GA Karen Orridge, Augusta, GA Chantal Vona, Douglasville, GA T’Lene Carter, Swainsboro, GA Sarah Jones, Ellijay, GA Kate Yeager, Atlanta, GA Christine Marok, Douglasville, GA Udeme Efik, Austell, GA Sherry Moore, Bonaire, GA Kathryn Gregory, Loganville, GA Collette Ngante, Columbus, GA Vanessa Richardson, Clermont, GA Sherry Pye, Savannah, GA Kimberly Michael, Woodstock, GA Connie Marie Barbour, Dallas, GA Wanda Golden, Tifton, GA Stephanie Gale, Covington, GA Krystal Canady, Montrose, GA Dana Roessler, Glennville, GA Zina Floyd, Riverdale, GA Stephanie Mason, Jefferson, GA Krysti Davis, Kennesaw, GA David Choi, Sandy Springs, GA Susan Grant, Atlanta, GA Linda Phegley-Payne, Forsyth, GA Dawn Cole, Barnesville, GA August 2013 Susan Irick, Cleveland, GA Lindsey Dollar, Gainesville, GA Deborah Reagan, Valdosta, GA Alisha Gelder, Acworth, GA Sylvia Fields, Savannah, GA Love Thomson, Lawrenceville, GA Delphine Brady, Marietta, GA Allison Welch, Haddock, GA Tahira Jackson, Acworth, GA Lydia Watkins, Brunswick, GA Elena Mway, Lilburn, GA Amy Lightsey, Powder Springs, GA Teresa Davila, Columbus, GA Lynn Copenhaver, Roswell, GA Elizabeth Fowler, Guyton, GA Andi Ogude, Powder Springs, GA Teresa Sonia Holt McDonald, Marcia Stevens, Macon, GA Emily Kilburg, Fayetteville, GA Andrea Haynes, Lithonia, GA Oceanside, CA Margaret McIlwain, Senoia, GA Evelyn Murphy, Dawsonville, GA Angela Toles, Lithonia, GA Traci Gosier-Payton, Lithonia, GA Mary Booher, Marietta, GA Francis Stilp, Metter, GA Anita Elliott, Leesburg, GA Yolanda Kimani, Atlanta, GA Michelle Linder, Grovetown, GA Germika Brandon, Waco, GA Carol Thompson, Smyrna, GA Panda Tollett, Chatsworth, GA Harriett Ogbodo, Lawrenceville, GA Carolyn Bryan, Stockbridge, GA

Finance Matters

A Confusing Situation

The BesT and By Jim Williams through the years President, Southern Highlands Mortgage with less restrictive BrighTesT go wesT. credit guidelines than Have you applied for conventional loans. The a mortgage in the past maximum single family couple of years? Many FHA loan amount in 100% Asynchronous online consumers would say it can rural areas of Georgia is AccelerAte your cAreer with A grAduAte be a “confusing situation.” $271,050 and $346,250 degree in one of the following AreAs: Indeed, loan programs have for the Atlanta metro changed significantly since area. A gift for the Doctoral Program 2009, so it is important to entire down payment is also permissible under the FHA EdD in Nursing Education understand your mortgage program. Master of Science in Nursing Program options and program Nurses living in rural Georgia can benefit from USDA Health Systems Leadership, Leader Manager guidelines. mortgages. The Rural Development program provides Health Systems Leadership, Clinical Nurse Leader The majority of fixed 100 percent loans for qualified borrowers. Since a down Nursing Education rate loans are sold in the Jim Williams payment can be the biggest hurdle for many prospective Accepting applications for Fall 2014. secondary market, so purchasers, the program is a real winner for first-time Choose Health Systems Leadership to oversee lenders have a tendency homebuyers. Rural Development loans have household patient groups as a clinical nurse leader or prepare to follow the criteria of the agency purchasing the loan. income limits of $74,750 for a one to four person family for a variety of nursing management/leadership Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have a dominant share and $98,650 for a five or more member family. positions within the ever-revolving healthcare arena. of the conventional loan market with a maximum loan VA loans are well-deserved benefit for veterans of the Select Nursing Education at the MSN or Doctoral level to develop expertise in health education, amount $417,000 for single family homes in Georgia. armed services. The program offers 100 percent financing patient education, higher education, or professional Their credit standards are more restrictive than for a home purchase to qualified veterans in possession of

development. Go West government-insured loans and require a minimum a VA Certificate of Eligibility. down payment of five percent for an owner occupied Purchasing a home is an exciting opportunity for For more information, contact Embry Ice at property. Second homes and investor properties can also Americans and doesn’t have to be such a “Confusing [email protected] or 678-839-5115. be financed with Fannie and Freddie, but a larger down Situation.” There are many options available to payment is required. homebuyers, but is important to determine which FHA loans are very popular for first time homebuyers programs may best meet your needs. For more http://nursing.westga.edu since the minimum down payment is only 3.5 percent information, please contact One Lender for Life via email of the home purchase price. The Housing and Urban at [email protected] or call 888-213-4602. Development (H.U.D.) program has been very successful November, December 2013, January 2014 Georgia Nursing • Page 13 Membership

GEORGIA NURSES FOUNDATION GN-PAC DONATION FORM ANA Dues Inflation HONOR A NURSE The Georgia Nurses Association Political Action Committee (GN-PAC) actively and carefully reviews candidates for local, state Adjustment effective and federal office. This includes their record We all know a special nurse who makes a difference! Honor a nurse who on nursing issues and value as an advocate for has touched your life as a friend, a caregiver, a mentor, an exemplary nursing. GN-PAC promotes the improvement January 1, 2014 clinician, or an outstanding teacher. Now is your opportunity to tell of the health care of the citizens of Georgia them “thank you.” by raising funds from within the nursing community and friends of nursing and contributing to the support of worthy candidates for State As reported in the August, September, October 2013 The Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) has the perfect thank you with office who believe, and have demonstrated their belief, in the legislative issue of Georgia Nursing, ANA will implement a dues its “Honor a Nurse” program which tells the honorees that they are objectives of the Georgia Nurses Association. appreciated for their quality of care, knowledge, and contributions to the adjustment based on the automatic dues escalator. profession. Your contribution to GN-PAC today will help GNA continue to protect This change will take effect on January 1, 2014. The your ability to practice and earn a living in Georgia. Your contribution dues adjustment is implemented every three years, Your contribution of at least $35.00 will honor your special nurse will also support candidates for office who are strong advocates on through the support of programs and services of the Georgia Nurses behalf of nursing. By contributing $50 or more, you’ll also becoe an based on the ANA House of Delegates policy passed in Foundation. Your honoree will receive a special acknowledgement official member of GN-PAC. To contribute, complete the form below June 2004 implementing this automatic escalator and letter in addition to a public acknowledgement through our quarterly and return it to: modified in June 2010 to remove the sunset clause. publication, Georgia Nursing, which is distributed to more than The last change to the ANA Assessment factor occurred 100,000 registered nurses and nursing students throughout Georgia. GN-PAC The acknowledgement will state the name of the donor and the honoree’s 3032 Briarcliff Road, NE January 1, 2011. accomplishment, but will not include the amount of the donation. Atlanta, Georgia 30329 PH: (404) 245-9475 FAX: (404) 325-0407 Effective January 1, 2014: Let someone know they make a difference by completing the form [email protected] below and returning it to the following address: State-only GNA membership rate will be $185/year Georgia Nurses Foundation Please make all checks payable to GN-PAC (new lower rate for state members!) 3032 Briarcliff Road, NE Full ANA/GNA membership rate will be $325/year. Atlanta, GA 30329 From: ANA/GNA Student Discount rate will be $162.50/ FAX: (404) 325-0407 Name: [email protected] year (new graduate, first year of membership) (Please make checks payable to Georgia Nurses Foundation.) Address: ______Licensed RN Student rate will be $85/year (currently enrolled, actively pursuing BSN, Masters or I would like to Honor a Nurse: City/State: ______PhD). Honoree: Zip Code:______Email: ______ANA/GNA Senior Discount (employed) rate will be Name: ______Phone: ______$162.50/year. Email: ______ANA/GNA Senior Discount (retired) rate will be $81.25/year. Address: ______Employer:______

State/City: ______Zip: ______Amount contributed: ______Members who join prior to January 1, 2014 and pay in full will be able to join at the 2013 rate. If the MasterCard/Visa #:______Exp. Date: ______From: member chooses to pay by month, the monthly rate Donor: ______Name as it appears on Credit Card: ______will increase on January 1, 2014. Another inflation Email:______adjustment in dues will not take effect until January 1, 2017. Address: ______

State/City: ______Zip: ______

Amount of Gift:______Atlanta Medical Center

MasterCard/Visa #: ______Exp Date:______Main and South campus Opportunities Name on Card:______Experienced Nurses Only

My company will match my gift? _____ YES Behavioral Health, Case Manager, (Please list employer and address below.) Cath Lab, ER, ICU, Interventional _____ NO Radiology, L/D, Med/Surg, Med/Surg www.atlantamedcenter.com Tele Oncology, Mother/Baby, Neuroscience Employer: ______ICU, Neuroscience Med/Surg, Outpatient To apply online Surgery, OR, PACU, PCU, Surgical, Tele, Address: ______Wound Care-Enterostomal Orthopedic www.atlantamedcenter.com 404-265-4227 The Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) is the charitable and Additional opportunities include: philanthropic arm of GNA supporting GNA and its works • Manager, ER $10,000 Student Loan Repayment to foster the welfare and well being of nurses, promote and • Bariatric Coordinator (RN) or $2,000 Sign on Bonus advance the nursing profession, thereby enhancing the health • Manager, OR and Up to $2,500 Relocation of the public. if applicable

Volunteer to Assist with Georgia’s Disaster Recovery

SERVGA is a statewide Hospice Advantage is currently growing and we are secure database of pre- looking to fill: credentialed healthcare professionals and other Full Time & Per Diem RN Case Manager volunteers who want to positions help in case of a public Hospice Experience Preferred health emergency . Offices in: Registering at Athens • Atlanta • Blue Ridge • Columbus www.servga.gov is Fayetteville • Kennesaw • Macon • Savannah quick and easy and can Statesboro • Wrightsville be done within minutes . Work in the community you live in! To register online for SERVGA, go to: Come and Join a Great Team!! www.servga.gov. At Hospice Advantage, we believe our employees are our Greatest Asset! We offer: • 401k w/match - ALL employees eligible! REGISTER TODAY . . . • Mileage Reimbursement – $0.51 per mile! READY FOR TOMORROW • Flexible schedules! • Paid weekly! For additional information e-mail • Benefit package & paid days off for FT! the SERVGA system coordinator at If interested in joining this great team, please visit [email protected] our website at www.hospiceadvantage.net & click on the “Careers” tab at the top to search & apply for the appropriate office. Page 14 • Georgia Nursing November, December 2013, January 2014 Membership Georgia Nurses Association Regions and Chapters Central Region Gwendolyn Johnson, Regional Coordinator [email protected] Columbus Chapter of GNA VACANT VACANT Old Capital Chapter of GNA Patrice Pierce, Chair [email protected]

East Central Region Melanie Cassity, Regional Coordinator [email protected] Athens Area Chapter VACANT VACANT Central Savannah River Area Chapter Sandy Turner, Chair [email protected]

North Region Cindy Balkstra, Regional Coordinator [email protected] Consauga Chapter Cindy Gilbert, Chair [email protected] Northwest GNA RNs VACANT VACANT

North Central Region Debbie Davis, Regional Coordinator [email protected] Atlanta VA Nurses Chapter of GNA Sandra Dukes, Chair [email protected] Metro Atlanta Chapter of GNA Karen Rawls, Chair [email protected] Northwest Metro Chapter Catherine Futch, Chair [email protected] Southern Crescent Chapter of GNA Betty Lane, Chair [email protected] West Georgia Chapter of GNA Cheryl Lynn Moore, Chair [email protected]

Southeast Region Kathleen Koon, Regional Coordinator [email protected] First City Chapter Cherie McCann, Chair [email protected] Professional Nurses’ Network Chapter Kathleen Koon, Chair [email protected] Southeastern TLC’ers VACANT VACANT Southern Coast Chapter Deborah Wright, Chair [email protected]

Southwest Region Kimberly Gordon, Regional Coordinator [email protected] Nursing Collaborative of South Georgia Stacy Branch, Chair [email protected] Southwest Georgia Chapter of GNA VACANT VACANT

Shared Interest Chapters GNA Informatics Chapter Roy Simpson, Chair [email protected] GNA Informatics Chapter Kaye Dawson, Co-chair [email protected] Nursing’s Future Leaders Chapter VACANT VACANT Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Chapter Monica Tennant, Chair [email protected] I want to get involved: Creating a Chapter

Are you interested in nursing informatics? The steps you should follow to create a NEW GNA 6. Decide on chapter name. Palliative Care? Pediatric oncology? chapter are below. If you have any questions, contact 7. Submit information for application to become Whatever your nursing passion may be, Georgia GNA headquarters; more information may be found a chapter to GNA Headquarters. Information Nurses Association (GNA) can help you connect with at www.georgianurses.org. to be submitted includes the following: your peers locally and across the state. Becoming • Chapter chair name and chapter contact involved in your professional association is the first 1. Obtain a copy of GNA bylaws, policies and information including an email, step towards creating personal career satisfaction procedures from www.georgianurses.org. • Chapter name, and connecting with peers. Now, GNA has made it 2. Gather together a minimum of 10 GNA • Chapter purpose, and easy for you to become involved according to your members who share similar interests. • Chapter roster. own preferences. 3. Select a chapter chair. 8. The application will then go to the Through GNA’s member-driven chapter structure, 4. Chapter chair forms a roster to verify roster Membership Development Committee who you can create your own chapter based on shared as current GNA members. This is done by will forward it to the Board of Directors. The interests where you can reap the benefits of contacting headquarters at (404) 325-5536. Board will approve or decline the application energizing experiences, empowering insight 5. Identify and agree upon chapter purpose. and notify the applicant of its decision. and essential resources.

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University, the oldest accredited nursing program in the state, offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Mercer’s DNP program prepares nurses with advanced nursing skills for leadership roles in health care delivery and proposes solutions for improvement in health care outcomes for individuals and society. Four Great Reasons to Choose Mercer’s DNP • Scholarships available • Six semester curriculum • Interprofessional collaboration • Saturday and evening classes available ApplicAtions now being Accepted. Thec ollege of nursing Also offers:BSN Pre-Licensure Track • RN-BSN Completion Track (for licensed nurses) • MSN Program with Nursing Education, Clinical Nurse Specialist or The Family Nurse Practitioner Focus • PhD in Nursing

(678) 547-6700 • nursing.mercer.edu 3001 Mercer University Dr., Atlanta, GA 30341 November, December 2013, January 2014 Georgia Nursing • Page 15 Membership GNA/ANA Benefit Brief

Some of the many great services, Journals & publications – Free subscription New leadership opportunities – Get involved discounts and opportunities you’ll access as to The American Nurse – a $20 value – and free with GNA! Statewide recognition and professional a member of GNA/ANA: subscription to The American Nurse Today, an development. Become a chapter chair, participate in $18.95 value. Free online access to OJIN: The a task force or committee or run for elected office. The LARGEST Discount on initial ANCC Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. Members also Certification – GNA/ANA members save $120 on have the first opportunity to access OJIN & TAN GNA Career Center – Find a new initial certification. content online! Free quarterly GNA newsletter – opportunity on GNA’s online career center, www. Georgia Nursing. georgianurses.org. The LARGEST available discount on ANCC re-certification – $150 for GNA/ANA members. Access to ANA’s www.nursingworld.org – GNA web site – 24/7 access to information on Become a member, you’ll gain immediate access to our web site, www.georgianurses.org. The ONLY discount on ANCC Review/ the members-only areas of ANA’s web site www. Resource Manuals – GNA/ANA members only. nursingworld.org! NursingWorld features a ANA SmartBrief – GNA/ANA members receive plethora of resources for nurses, including position ANA’s SmartBrief electronic newsletter via email GNA Members-Only E-News and statements, press releases, white papers and more. on a weekly basis. SmartBrief provides members Legislative Updates – Members gain access This includes ANA NurseSpace, the online with up-to-date nursing news and information in a to informative GNA and ANA E-news messages, networking site for nursing professionals. convenient format. including timely updates during the legislative session, national news & policy updates and vital Free Webinars & CE opportunities – GNA/ Connect with Peers in the nursing information for all nurses. ANA members can now access frequent educational profession – GNA/ANA members will find webinar offerings from ANA. Members will also numerous opportunities to connect with peers Member Discounts on GNA Conference be the first to hear about free and low-cost CE through special events, chapter involvement, the Registration– GNA members receive special opportunities being offered both virtually and face- GNA web site and other services. discounts on all GNA events, including the 2013 GNA to-face. Professional Development Conference & Membership Annual Legislative Day event at the State Assembly! Capitol – Our successful annual event with legislators at the State Capitol is FREE for members and students.

Shared-interest and local chapters – Get involved with GNA at the chapter level and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with nursing professionals who have the same interests/specialty as you!

Dedicated professional staff & lobbyists – By joining GNA, you’ll gain access to a staff of dedicated professionals and skilled lobbyists, who advocate for you at the state and federal level.

Melvin M. Goldstein, P.C. AT TORNEY AT L AW

248 Roswell Street Marietta,• Georgia 30060 Telephone: 770/427-7004 Fax: 770/426-9584 www.melvinmgoldstein.com

 Private practitioner with an emphasis on representing healthcare professionals in administrative cases as well as other legal matters  Former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Georgia and Counsel for professional licensing boards including the Georgia Board of Nursing  Former Administrative Law Judge for the Office of State Administrative Hearings Page 16 • Georgia Nursing November, December 2013, January 2014

Discover what the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga School of Nursing has to offer!

Undergraduate Programs

• Traditional Admission Option Graduate• Gateway Programs RN to BSN Option

• MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Program • MSN Nurse Anesthesia Program • Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

High Fidelity Simulation Learning • Major Clinical Partners • High Initial Licensure and Certification Pass Rates • Engaged Metropolitan University

www.utc.edu/nursing. For more information, visit our website at

UTC is an EEO/AA/Titles VI & IX/ADA/ADEA/Section 504 institution.

Georgia Association for Nursing Education 2014 Annual Conference February 20-22, 2014 Lake Lanier Island Resorts Legacy Lodge & Conference Center · Buford, GA

Excellence and Innovation We put125 YEARS of excellence in Nursing Education INTO EVERY NURSING GRADUATE. Join us in our efforts to provide all nursing educators in Georgia with opportunities to influence and improve Interactive online programs nursing education, impact practice and improve health care for the citizens of Georgia, promote Doctor of Nursing Practice nursing research, and collaborate with other health Master of Science in Nursing/FNP care disciplines and organizations. RN to BSN Accepting applications now for all programs. For conference registration information please visit the GANE official website georgiaassociationfornursingeducation.com and click on the Annual Conference link.

gcsu.edu/nursing

For more information about your eligibility for the For more information about your eligibility Summer 2014 DNP and FNP Cohorts for admission to the RN to BSN program, please contact Dr. Debby MacMillan: please contact Dr. Debbie Greene: [email protected] or 478-747-0986 [email protected] or 478-445-5152.