INSIDE the Responsibility for Advocacy Contribution for Balancing Work and Family Life and That Nurses Have by Virtue Supporting the Profession of Nursing

NURSE REPORTER Quarterly publication direct mailed to approximately 62,000, including all active RNs, LPNs and ARNPs licensed in Iowa IOWA

Volume 2 • Number 2 January, February, March 2019 INA’S PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

With the mid-term elections practice, consider becoming involved in INA. Simply behind us we are reminded of being a member is important, and for some a realistic INSIDE the responsibility for advocacy contribution for balancing work and family life and that nurses have by virtue supporting the profession of nursing. For others there of holding a nursing license. are ways to further contribute to our profession. I Nurses are responding to remember in my early nursing years with work, family, the call for advocacy by the and other obligations I was still able to feel like I was American Nurses Association contributing by paying my membership dues. As time (ANA) with some choosing passed and I transitioned through the stages of my to seek public office. nursing practice and family development, I found Congratulations to the nurses myself looking for ways that I could make a difference in Iowa who ran, including in my profession through INA. I started by attending Jann Ricklefs, RN, Anne Meyer of Fort Dodge for regional meetings and state conferences, then taking MSN, PhD, CNE her successful campaign as the on committee responsibilities, and this gradually newly elected representative in evolved toward INA Board roles. It has been a very the Iowa House of Representatives for District 9. One rewarding journey for me. of the priorities she ran on was ensuring that quality Finally, as the year closes it is time to look toward healthcare is available to all Iowans. 2019. The Iowa Nurses Association (INA) Board held a An established goal of INA is on its members retreat this fall and worked together to establish new American Nurses finding value and relevance with membership. One priorities for the next three years. Topics included way is educating nurses on timely topics of today’s protecting nurses, organizational viability, membership Advocacy Institute healthcare such as violence and opioid crisis. Your work engagement, and professional development for page 2 place may offer educational opportunities for clinical members. It was exciting to be part of the process of skills and knowledge, but it is of equal importance to continuing to strategically build an organization that be knowledgeable on professional issues. Watch for is focused on the needs of its members, as well as all opportunities from INA in the coming months to build nurses in Iowa. and enhance your skills as a professional nurse. Thank you everyone for all you do and for your If you are looking for a way to be involved and be passion and patience in contributing to safe patient part of the solution for issues in healthcare and nursing care.

2018 Conference Highlights pages 5-8 For information on Legislative Day, Agenda, Hotel Information, Registration Form, and Sponsor and Exhibitor Presort Standard US Postage application, see pages 10 & 11 PAID Permit #14 Princeton, MN current resident or 55371 Page 2 • Iowa Nurse Reporter January, February, March 2019 “VOICE” LESSONS FOR NURSE ADVOCATES: The “Iowa Nurse Reporter” is the official The American Nurses Advocacy Institute (ANAI) publication of the Iowa Nurses Foundation and the Iowa Nurses Association, a constituent member of the American Nurses Association, published quarterly every January, April, July and October.

INA Board of Directors Jann Ricklefs, President Lisa Caffery, President-Elect Kim Bergen Jackson, Secretary Anne Cook, Treasurer Vacant, Director-Public Policy Ginny Wangerin, Director-Resolutions Christina Peterson, Director – Staff Nurse at Large Kate Pace, Director-Newly Licensed RN Linda Opheim, Director Northwest Brenda Helmuth, Director Northeast Barb Gano, Director Central Becky Lewis, Director Southeast ANAI Class of 2018 Vacant, Director Southwest

What is the ANAI? Iowa Nurses Foundation Here’s what the American Nurses Association (ANA) Lorinda Inman, Chair says about the ANAI: The purpose of the American Nurses Advocacy Executive Director Institute (ANAI) is to develop nurses into stronger Tobi Lyon Moore political leaders and motivate change from the Phone: 515-225-0495 grassroots of nursing. Since its launch in 2009, ANAI Email: [email protected] has created a well-prepared and connected body of registered nurses who are equipped to influence policy For advertising rates and information, please at local, state, and national levels. contact Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 After the yearlong mentoring program, and with the Washington Street, PO Box 216, Cedar Falls, Iowa continued backing of ANA and their ANAI colleagues, 50613, (800) 626-4081, [email protected]. INF, fellows will be able to use their political competence INA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, to provide support to their constituent/state nurses Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. association (C/SNA). Actions include helping to Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to establish their legislative and regulatory priorities, corrections in the next issue or refund of price of Whether you aspire to be an operatic singer or a recommending strategies to advance policy issues, and advertisement. church choir member, “voice” lessons are necessary for educating members about political realities – as well as Acceptance of advertising does not imply success. Similarly, if you seek to be a nurse advocate, advancing ANA’s political agenda. endorsement or approval by the Iowa Nurses lessons are needed to put your most effective voice The Institute curriculum includes a presentation Foundation or Iowa Nurses Association of forward. ANA offers an annual course to train nurse by a high-powered Washington communications and products advertised, the advertisers, or the advocates through its American Nurses Advocacy marketing company to demonstrate how to talk with claims made. Rejection of an advertisement Institute (ANAI). For the past few years Iowa Nurses the media. This is always one of the most intimidating does not imply a product offered for advertising Association (INA) has sponsored one member each (yet important) aspects of advocacy. Nurses are the is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks year to attend the Institute to build nursing advocacy in experts on the profession and patient care; yet our integrity, or that this association disapproves of Iowa. This is yet another benefit of an INA membership. voices are seldom heard in the media. We are most the product or its use. INF, INA and the Arthur Rebecca DeVine, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, (West trusted, but most silent. We must learn to speak L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be Des Moines) represented INA in the 2018 ANAI class. articulately to teach others. held liable for any consequences resulting from DeVine is an active member on the INA Public Policy Another benefit of attending the Institute and purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Committee. She current works as a mental health nurse meeting all requirements is that 17 Continuing Articles appearing in this publication express the practitioner for Community Health Centers of Southern Education credits are awarded to the Fellows at the end opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily Iowa in Leon, Iowa. of the year. reflect views of the staff, board, or membership of INF, INA or those of the national or local associations.

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Recognized Outgoing Board Member

During the annual meeting INA recognized outgoing board member Carol Chesterman, MSN, RN for her past two years as Public Policy Chair.

Thank you Carol!

NOW HIRING! Full-Time Nurse position Northern Mahaska SHELL ROCK SENIOR LIVING $5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE!!! Specialty Care 920 N. Cherry Street | Shell Rock, IA 50670 | 319-885-4341 Mid-Step Services is a non-profit organization serving the needs of children and adults who have developmental disabilities. We have opportunities for We are hiring! RNs and LPNs Hours: 9:30pm – 5:30am, 1:30pm – 9:30pm RNs, LPNs and CNAs 2nd Shift, full and part-time Position offers JOB SECURITY and OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH. Apply Online: www.careinitiatives.org/careers For more information, contact Offers paid days off, medical, dental and life insurance, Suzette Eveland, Director of Nursing Services, educational assistance, and a 401K retirement plan. Mid-Step Services [email protected] or Christina Hubka, Pre-Employment Drug test required. EOE - m/f/d/v 4303 Stone Avenue Executive Director, [email protected] Apply at our Main Office between 7:30am and 4:30pm Sioux City, IA 51106. 2401 Crestview Dr., Oskaloosa, IA 52577 or online at www.midstepservices.com (712)274-2252 phone: 641-673-3000 | email: [email protected] Apply online at www.twsl.com Page 4 • Iowa Nurse Reporter January, February, March 2019 ANA-PAC Endorsed Congressman Dave Loebsack and State House Representative Abby Finkenauer

ANA-PAC works to ensure that nursing’s perspective is considered in policy decisions made on Capitol Hill. Endorsement decisions are based on several criteria including, but not limited to, candidate interviews, communication with ANA’s constituent and states nurses’ associations, campaign information, and the candidate’s voting record on ANA’s priority issues. Iowa Nurses Association members Dawn Bowke, Darcy Koehn and Colleen Brems represented ANA- PAC on Sunday, September 23rd in Iowa City for “Loebsack Brews and BBQ” fundraising event. Thank you to Representative Loebsack for all his work and support he has provided on important issues such as Title VIII nurse workforce issues, mental Pictured Left to Right is Colleen Brems, Pictured is Iowa member Susan Whitty, health, home healthcare, and telehealth. Representative Loebsack and Dawn Bowke Representative Elect Finkbeiner and Iowa Iowa State House Representative Abby Finkenauer member Carol Chesterman at a Fundraiser defeated Republican incumbent Rep. Rod Blum in the representing ANA and INA on October 24th race for Iowa’s first U.S. congressional district. one of two women elected to represent Iowa as a Finkenauer is now one of the youngest women member of the U.S. House of Representatives. ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and Finkenauer is also the first Democrat to hold the it from 2007-2015. She is only the third Democrat to first district seat since former Rep. Bruce Braley held hold the seat since 1973.

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This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. AHNA approval #1384, Expiration date 11/30/2020

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SBIRT: Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment FREE ONLINE TRAINING at https://uiowa.edu/sbirt/

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The University of Iowa College of Nursing With funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) January, February, March 2019 Iowa Nurse Reporter • Page 5 2018 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

2018 Conference Highlights #BedsideAndBeyond…Taking Action was the theme for this year’s be aware of what to look for when treating patients that may be at risk. Members conference, held at Courtyard by Marriott in Ankeny, Iowa on October 18-19. and attendees were also treated to a break for chair yoga with Mary McCarthy as Members and attendees were invited to participate in a celebration of leadership. well as lunch and breaks with the exhibitors. The afternoon wrapped up with our To kick off the conference Thursday evening, we held a networking dinner and a panel presenters, discussing in further detail and taking questions on the three showing of the movie, “Defining Hope,” about nurses’ unique perspective on what topics of focus at the conference. Thank you to Kate Pace, Michele Catellier, Brenda makes life worth living and how to cope with a serious illness. Nurses experience the Dobson, and Michele Tilotta; we were thrilled to have their expertise! most intense extremes of our existence and yet, they continue to devote their lives Friday finished with the INA Annual Business Meeting. The board of directors to providing dignity to anyone in need of care. A Q&A followed with great feedback reported on the progress report of the strategic plan and membership, and they and stories to share. recognized outgoing board members, Carol Chesterman, who served two years as Friday morning, we started the day with the Awards Breakfast and Foundation Scholarship Presentation. INA honored Lynn Boes for her dedication to the Conference Highlights continued on page 6 Association and the nursing profession by presenting her with the INA Hall of Fame Award! Thank you and congratulations Lynn! Iowa Nurses Foundation presented a total of $8500 in scholarships. The Mike Anderson Scholarship Award Recipients were Allie Brown and Jesalyn Castro, both at Grand View University and McKenna Kephart, at the University of Iowa. The Clair Hammond Dierks Scholarship recipient was Miranda Gebhart, she is currently pursuing a post masters certificate program as a family nurse practitioner at Concordia University. Congratulations to all our scholarship recipients! The day continued with keynote presentations from John Hale, Peggy Huppert and Lenchen Raeside. John Hale, founder and owner of The Hale Group, spoke on advocacy and taking action, he challenged each attendee to be advocates for their profession, and for the Iowans they serve. Peggy Huppert, executive director at NAMI in Iowa, spoke on Mental Health in Iowa. She covered the top mental health issues and how NAMI Iowa is addressing them and how individuals can become engaged and be proactive now. Lenchen Raeside, co-founder of Chains Interrupted, spoke on human trafficking in the state of Iowa and how the medical profession can Page 6 • Iowa Nurse Reporter January, February, March 2019 2018 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Conference Highlights continued from page 5 the Public Policy Chair. They also recognized incoming board members; Kim Bergen Jackson, Secretary, Anne Cook, Treasurer, Dawn Boettcher, Public Policy Chair, Virginia Wangerin, Resolutions Chair, Dr. Mary Tarbox, Nominations Committee, as well as INF board members Christina Peterson, Lorinda Inman and Kim Bergen Jackson. Thank you to the planning committee, Virginia Wangerin, Christina Peterson and Kate Pace. Your dedication is much appreciated! A big thank you to the sponsors and exhibitors, without whom we could not put on a conference of this magnitude. Their generosity is greatly appreciated, and we thank them for helping to make our event a huge success! Most of all, thanks to all the INA members and friends who attended the conference. Doing so demonstrates your willingness to improve your skills and knowledge as well as your dedication to celebrating nursing in Iowa!

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AV & WIFI SPONSOR EXHIBITORS

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Conference Highlights continued on page 8

NURSES: SIGN-ON BONUS, GREAT ENVIRONMENT … Worth Your Time to Take a Look!

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AWARD WINNER

Judith R. “Lynn” Boes, RN, BSN, JD was presented with the 2018 Iowa Nurses Association Hall of Fame Award January, February, March 2019 Iowa Nurse Reporter • Page 9 WELCOME NEW INA MEMBERS!

Northwest Region—Region 1 Lace Sindt, Griswold Sierra Ray, Indianola Julie McIntosh, Cedar Rapids Michele Clark, Fort Dodge Laura Stofferson, Shenandoah Julie Reed, Des Moines Eva Means, North Liberty Kimberly Collum, Emmetsburg Mary Sturdy-Martin, Fontanelle Kirby Rood, Ankeny Traci Meyertholen, Fort Madison Ellen Dejong-Pedersen, Sioux Center Kristina Vang, Glenwood Tessa Sklenar, Ames Meggan Montgomery, Marion Erica Estochen, Sioux City Dallas Stephens, Winterset Marcelle Murray, Keosauqua Amber Huisman, Rock Rapids Central Region—Region 4 Sarah Treybal, Des Moines Sarah Neustrom, Marion Jackie Kuchta, Sioux City Stella-Khan Bodelaire, West Des Moines Susan Weyers, Des Moines Alexis Peters, DeWitt Lisa McConnell, Armstrong Ashlynn Balmer, Hartford Kamryn Wilson, Knoxville Luke Peterson, Iowa City Carol Belloma, Centerville Lisa Woiwood, West Des Moines Donna Pohl, Bettendorf Northeast Region—Region 2 Rachel Brown, West Des Moines Jen Rosen, Iowa City Noel Ancheta, Cedar Falls Heather Cashwell, Grinnell Southeast Region—Region 5 Haily Sams, Charlotte Nicole Dupree, Cedar Falls Deborah Cipale, Des Moines Nsikak Abang-Ntuen, North Liberty Tanya Simmons, Iowa City Sheridan Eick, Waverly Ndene Derick Salle, Urbandale Madelyn Argo, Davenport Maurita Soukup, Cedar Rapids Alisha Engel, Clarksville Jeannette Forrest, Des Moines Jaspreet Arora, Bettendorf Marie Spieler, Cedar Rapids Ally Fisher, Cedar Falls Catherine Homard, Des Moines Krystle Bragg, Mount Vernon Shanna Spies, DeWitt Aimee Getter, New Albin Peter Joo, Des Moines Katelyn Burns-Thompson, Marion Kali Sweers, Le Claire Michelle Lilienthal, Parkersburg Kelly Kane, McCallsburg Rochelle Collins, Eldridge Toni Tripp-Reimer, Iowa City Melissa Luchtenburg, Allison Jennifer Koch, Story City Erin Cullen, Iowa City Kaitlyn Troge, North Liberty Abigail Moreno, Mason City Stephanie Koger, Ankeny Kari Daly, Iowa City Nancy Upmeyer, Solon Gina Tenge, Waterloo Carl Markley, Ames Allyssa Davison, Bettendorf Laura Van Winkle, Stockport Crystal Mauch, Ankeny Jessica Grant, Davenport Michael Vanderhorst, Ottumwa Southwest Region—Region 3 Mary McGraw, Waukee Ashley Groh, Iowa City Jackline Wangui-Verry, Coralville Sandra Davis, Pacific Junction Heather McLean, Pella Teresa Hanson, Springville Veronica Wieland, North Liberty Rachael Gard, Lenox Whitney Neville, Altoona Lindsey Jergens, Marengo Jaime Wilson, Coralville Brittney Hill, Clarinda Krista Pearl, West Des Moines Leslie Johnston, Cedar Rapids Erica Murphy, Jefferson Cindy Peeler, Perry Emily Kaufman, Iowa City Dana Neeman, Denison Sonja Ranck, Baxter Meghan McGonigal-Kenney, Iowa City

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Election INA and ANA are empowering nurses with resources, programs, and standards that help Ann Meyer narrowly you advance your career and your profession. defeated Megan Srinivas to win a seat in the Iowa ANA NURSING KNOWLEDGE CENTER House of Representatives. • Hundreds of discounted online independent Meyer, of Fort Dodge, study modules for every career need. will replace state Rep. Helen Miller, D-Fort • Earn contact hours at significant savings Dodge, who is retiring • Independent Study Modules formats include after 16 years in the articles, audio, multimedia, slides and video. Legislature. She will represent House District NAVIGATE NURSING WEBINARS 9. Meyer has also been appointed as Vice Chair for the House Human • Attend monthly Navigate Nursing webinars Resources Committee. for FREE! She received 5,600 votes, or 51.74 percent, • Option to earn contact hours with most according to unofficial election results posted by webinars Webster County Auditor Doreen Pliner. New Lower Dues – • Archives of past webinars available on NursingWorld.org Only $15/month or $174/year! Joint members in the Iowa Nurses Association ANCC CERTIFICATION DISCOUNTS (INA) and the American Nurses Association • Save $125 on ANCC initial certification and up (ANA) is now just $15 a month – less than the to $150 on ANCC certification renewal price of a specialty coffee per week! You owe it to yourself and to your career to CAREER CENTER join the largest and most inclusive group of • Both ANA and INA have a career center that registered nurses in your state and country. can help you find your dream job. Join today at www.JoinANA.org! Support ANA and state Advocacy efforts, which help protect your job, your safety and your rights Now is the perfect time for you to as a nurse. The voice of nursing grows stronger when INA and ANA together speak out on join ANA and INA today’s crucial issues. www.joinana.org

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INF President's Report Harvest season is upon us to assist a student at the time of enrollment in a course One year ago, the Iowa Nurses Association and with all its beautiful colors and of study. The money can be used to offset the cost of the Iowa Nurses Foundation approached the Board of activities. When this newsletter tuition and textbooks. It helps at the time of greatest Nursing to request that a portion of licensee fees be reaches you, we will be well need. And it helps reduce the build up of student used to fund loans, scholarships, or loan forgiveness. into winter, a time to rest and debt. The college debt for Iowa college graduates It would be a new concept in Iowa as no other regroup. The Iowa Nurses is $37,000. Iowa ranks 8th highest in the nation for licensing board sets aside funds to aid students in Foundation (INF) calendar college graduate debt load. And depending on how that profession. There are examples in other states of mirrors the seasons of the year. the repayment is arranged the monthly cost following boards of nursing providing funding to either students We have just completed the graduation can equal or exceed a mortgage payment. or nursing education programs. The Iowa community Annual Conference in which we Repayment may last ten or more years. Scholarships colleges and baccalaureate and higher nursing were able to award scholarships help to ease the burden while the student is enrolled. education programs support the concept. The Board of to nursing students. It is a Four scholarships were awarded by INF at the Nursing continues to study it. special time of year as we read Lorinda Inman October INA/INF Conference. We have started our Watch the Board of Nursing website www.nursing. the applications and see the RN, MSN, FRE fund drive to “Raise the Thermometer for Nursing iowa.gov for updates. students’ plans for a career in Scholarships.” It is our goal to award more scholarships nursing. See excerpts from these applications in this in the future. This requires fundraising and we are in newsletter. the process of doing just that. The INF awards scholarships directly to the student enrolled in a nursing education program. It is more common today to assist the student after the coursework/semester is completed, or to provide loans/ loan repayment. The value and intent of a scholarship is

The Morningside College experience cultivates a passion for lifelong learning and a dedication to ethical leadership and civic responsibility For more information contact Dr. Jackie Barber at 712-274-5297 or [email protected] Page 14 • Iowa Nurse Reporter January, February, March 2019 IOWA NURSES FOUNDATION NEWS Iowa Nurses Foundation Presents Scholarships

“I developed a passion for surgery and anesthesiology when I underwent an elbow surgery in high school and I became amazed at how I had no recollection of the surgery after the anesthesiologist told me to begin counting backwards from ten. It led me to become interested in becoming a nurse, particularly a nurse anesthetist. I am in my junior year of nursing school at Grand View University where I enjoy being challenged each day to learn new information and new ways of thinking that will mold me into a skilled nurse. I aim to become a nurse anesthetist because in addition to my interest in Miranda Gebhart, McKenna Kephart, Alli Brown and Jesalyn Castro the field, I know that it will further challenge me. I plan to stay in Iowa and potentially work in a rural area where anesthesiology providers may be more difficult to access. Iowa Nurses Foundation presented a total of $8,500 in scholarships. The Mike Through my interactions with everyday people, as well as working with the Anderson Scholarship Award Recipients were Alli Brown and Jesalyn Castro, both residents at my care center, I have developed a passion for helping people, especially at Grand View University and McKenna Kephart, at the University of Iowa. The those who cannot help themselves. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and Clair Hammond Dierks Scholarship recipient was Miranda Gebhart, she is currently I am looking forward to my nursing career to help care for and give back to people. pursuing a post masters certificate program as a family nurse practitioner at Thank you to the Iowa Nurses Foundation for awarding me with this scholarship. Concordia University. Congratulations to all our scholarship recipients! It will greatly assist me with my desire to challenge myself and become an exceptional nurse.” -Alli Brown

“It is with great honor that I have received a Mike Anderson Scholarship Award from the Iowa Foundation Board. I understand that this board does so much for health care and the Nurses in our great state, and so it is very humbling to receive this award from such an outstanding group, that I hope to one day be a part of. Because of your generosity, you have made a way for me to purchase books for this coming spring semester, as well as pay for the remainder of my spring tuition. The rest will go to my student loans. Having received this scholarship has provided a way for me to continue my education at Grand View University without the fear of where the funding will come from. You have lightened my load and I am grateful for that. Thank you for seeing the need to assist students as they persevere in their education to be Nurses just like yourselves. This scholarship will help me to ultimately achieve my career goal of becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse. You January, February, March 2019 Iowa Nurse Reporter • Page 15 IOWA NURSES FOUNDATION NEWS Iowa Nurses Foundation Presents Scholarships have made it possible for me to keep going and helped to give me peace of mind my work as a certified nurse aide at a skilled nursing facility. As a result, I am also that this goal of becoming a Nurse, is possible. Thank you again to all of the board earning a certificate in aging studies. I have already completed three aging courses, members, and to all those who made this scholarship possible for myself and other which have confirmed my interest and passion for this field. deserving students.” -Jesalyn Castro As of now, I intend to become an adult/gerontology nurse practitioner. A minority of nurse practitioners specialize in older adult care, and as the senior “I want to extend my population in the United States is steadily increasing, there will continue to sincere gratitude to the Iowa be a growing need for professionals in this field. There is substantial room for Nurses Foundation Board and improvement in the care of older adults, especially now that the life expectancy of the sponsors for making it Americans is increasing. I am very passionate about researching how to improve the possible for me to receive the social networks and overall mental health of the elderly and combating the negative Mike Anderson Scholarship stereotypes many people hold regarding aging. Award. This award will assist However, as I proceed through my nursing program, I will have the opportunity me in attaining my goals of to explore many specialties. My interests may change, but my desire to make becoming a BSN and a nurse advancements in the healthcare field will remain constant. In attending the award practitioner. I am currently a ceremony, I was deeply touched and inspired by the advocacy, progress, and level sophomore at the University of care that the members of the Iowa Nurses Association have made possible. I can of Iowa in the early admission only hope to follow in their footsteps. “ -McKenna Kephart nursing program. I will begin my nursing courses next fall. I plan to gain experience through employment as a nurse for a few years following completion of my Bachelor of Science in nursing before I apply to a masters or doctorate program. I am currently considering a specialty in geriatrics due to my interest in the field and

WOLFE EYE CLINIC- Better Vision, for a better life! Registered Nurse Full/Part Time Daytime (M-F) Positions Come be a part of an Eye Care Center of Excellence! Wolfe Eye Clinic has been providing a higher standard of care for patients since 1919 and will be celebrating its 100th year in 2019. “Recognized nationally by the American Nurses Credentialing Center We are looking to add full and part-time traveling Registered Nurse positions. These (ANCC) as a leader in quality patient care, nursing excellence and positions will be based out of Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and innovations in professional nursing practice.” Oskaloosa. Nurses will work out of their base location in addition to traveling with our Retina Teams to other clinic locations to deliver excellent care to our patients. Employees receive great wages, paid travel time and mileage, along with a competitive benefit package. We are looking for motivated candidates that desire to learn in a fast-paced setting and have the ability to positively interact and help patients while providing patient education and instructions. Candidates should be detail orientated, able to provide excellent patient service, and work as a constructive team member. www.unitypoint.org/cedarrapids/proud-to-be-a-magnet-hospital.aspx Duties for this position include rooming patients, assisting physicians with retina treatments and exams, triaging phone calls, responding to tasks, scribing for physicians, working with insurance companies, and performing other clinic duties as assigned. If you are interested in being part of a quality driven organization that has a low turnover rate, please apply online at www.wolfeeyeclinic.com/careers. EOE

Adjunct Clinical Nursing Instructor Iowa Western Community College is accepting applications for an Adjunct Clinical Nursing Instructor. This position will be responsible for working with nursing students in a clinical and/or laboratory sites. Organize lab and/or clinical experiences under the direct supervision of the lead instructor for the nursing course, and utilize the lab/ clinical objectives to guide instructional planning. Qualified candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing plus two years of medical/surgical nursing practice experience or the equivalent of same and current, unencumbered nursing licensure in Iowa and/or Nebraska. Master’s degree in Nursing; familiarity with state and national nursing education standards preferred.

Adjunct CNA Instructor Iowa Western Community College is accepting applications for an Adjunct CNA Instructor. This position will be responsible for delivering Certified Nursing Assistant classes for credit and coordinating with other faculty at multiple sites. Qualified candidates must be a Registered Nurse with a minimum of one year experience in a long-term care facility and one year hospital/clinical experience. Previous teaching experience in health-related content is preferred.

More information about these positions, visit: https://www.iwcc.edu/about/administration/human_resources/index.asp Page 16 • Iowa Nurse Reporter January, February, March 2019 Career Sphere 8 steps for making effective nurse-patient assignments By Stephanie B. Allen, PhD, RN, NE-BC What you need to know

Reprinted from American Nurse Today Before you make decisions about • Admissions, discharges, Care coordination nurse-patient assignments, you need transfers • Consultations Successful assignments require attention to the as much information as possible about • Blood products • Diagnostic tests needs of both nurses and patients. your unit, nurses, and patients. • Chemotherapy • Orders • Drains • Physician visit Common patient decision factors • Dressing changes YOUR MANAGER wants you to learn how to make Demographics • End-of-life care Common nurse decision factors nurse patient assignments. What? Already? When did you • Age • I.V. therapy Demographics became a senior nurse on your floor? But you’re up to the • Cultural background • Lines • Culture/race challenge and ready to learn the process. • Gender • Medications • Gender • Language • Phototherapy • Generation/age Nurse-patient assignments help coordinate daily unit • Treatments • Personality activities, matching nurses with patients to meet unit Acuity • Activities of daily living and patient needs for a specific length of time. If you are • Chief complaint • Bowel incontinence Preference new to this challenge, try these eight tips as a guide for • Code status • Feedings • Request to be assigned/not making nurse-patient assignments. • Cognitive status • Total care assigned to a patient • Comorbidities • Condition Safety measures Competence Find a mentor • Diagnosis • Airway • Certification Most nurses learn to make nurse-patient • History • Contact precautions • Education assignments from a colleague. Consider asking • Lab work • Dermatologic precautions • Efficiency if you can observe your charge nurse make • Procedures • Fall precautions • Experience • Type of surgery • Restraints • Knowledge/knowledge deficit assignments. Ask questions to learn what • Vital signs • Surveillance • Licensure factors are taken into consideration for each assignment. • Weight • Orienting Nurses who make assignments are aware of their Psychosocial support • Skills importance and are serious in their efforts to consider Workload • Emotional needs • Speed every piece of information when making them. By asking • Nursing interventions • Familial support • Status (float, travel) • Intellectual needs questions, you’ll better understand how priorities are set and the thought that’s given to each assignment. Making nurse-patient assignments is challenging, but with your mentor’s help, you’ll move from novice to competent in you have everything you need before you begin making most admissions and discharges occur or the timing of no time. assignments. Missing and unknown information is certain daily activities? And do other nursing duties need dangerous and may jeopardize patient and staff safety. to be covered (rapid response, on call to another unit)? Gather your supplies (knowledge) The unit and its environment will set the foundation Review your unit’s policy and procedures manual for unit Before completing any nursing task, you for your assignments. The environment (unit physical staffing and assignment guidelines. The American Nurses need to gather your supplies. In this case, that layout, average patient length of stay [LOS]) defines your Association’s ANA‘s Principles for Nurse Staffing 2nd means knowledge. You’ll need information process and assignment configuration (nurse-to-patient edition also is an excellent resource. about the unit, the nurses, and the patients. (See What ratios). You’re probably familiar with your unit’s layout Review the assignment sheet or whiteboard used you need to know.) Some of this information you already and patient flow, but do you know the average LOS or on your unit. It has clues to the information you need. know, and some you’ll need to gather. But make sure nurse-to-patient ratios? Do you know what time of day It provides the framework for the assignment-making process, including staff constraints, additional duties that must be covered, and patient factors most important on your unit. Use the electronic health record (EHR) to generate various useful pieces of patient information. You also can use the census sheet, patient acuity list, or other documents of nursing activity, such as a generic hospital 8 steps continued on page 18

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Interested applicants can apply on-line at www.mercydesmoines.org or call (515) 247-3100. Page 18 • Iowa Nurse Reporter January, February, March 2019 8 steps continued from page 16 isolation)? Which patients require higher surveillance or Make the assignments monitoring? Grab your writing instrument and pencil in patient summary or a unit-specific patient report that Finally, always talk to the clinical nurses caring for the that first nurse’s name. This first match should includes important patient factors. patients. Patient conditions change faster than they can satisfy your highest priority. For example, if Depending on your unit, the shift, and the patient be documented in the EHR, so rely on the clinical nurses nurse and any other returning nurses are reassigned to population, you’ll need to consider different factors when to confirm each patient’s acuity and individual nurses’ the patients they had on their previous shift. If, however, making assignments. Ask yourself these questions: What workloads. Nurses want to be asked for input about their you have a complex patient with a higher-than-average patient information is important for my unit? Does my patients’ condition, and they’re your best resource. acuity, you just assigned your best nurse to this patient. unit generate a patient acuity or workload factor? What Now ask yourself: How well do I know the other After you’ve satisfied your highest priority, move to your are the time-consuming tasks on my unit (medications, nurses on my unit? This knowledge is the last piece of next highest priority and match nurses with unassigned dressing changes, psychosocial support, total care, information you need before you can make assignments. patients and areas. The names of the nurses assigned to the shift can be Sounds easy, right? Frequently, though, you’ll be found on the unit schedule or a staffing list from a faced with competing priorities that aren’t easy to rate, centralized staffing office. If you know the nurses and and completing the assignments may take a few tries. have worked with them, you’ll be able to determine who You want to satisfy as many of your priorities as you has the most and least experience, who’s been on the can while also delivering safe, quality nursing care to floor the longest, and who has specialty certifications. patients. You’ll shuffle, move, and change assignments You’ll also want to keep in mind who the newest nurses many times before you’re satisfied that you’ve maximized are and who’s still on orientation. your priorities and the potential for positive outcomes. Congratulate yourself–the nurse-patient assignments are Decide on the process finally made. Now that you’ve gathered the information you need, you’re ready to develop your plan Adjust the assignments for assigning nurses. This step usually combines You just made the assignments, so why do the unit layout with your patient flow. Nurses you need to adjust them? The nurse-patient typically use one of three processes–area, direct, or assignment list is a living, breathing document. group–to make assignments. (See Choose your process.) It involves people who are constantly changing– their conditions improve and deteriorate, they’re admitted Set priorities for the shift and discharged, and their nursing needs can change in The purpose of nurse-patient assignments is an instant. The assignment process requires constant to provide the best and safest care to patients, evaluation and reevaluation of information and priorities. but other goals will compete for consideration And that’s why the assignments are usually written in and priority. This is where making assignments gets pencil on paper or in marker on a dry-erase board. difficult. You’ll need to consider continuity of care, new As the charge nurse, you must communicate with nurse orientation, patient requests and satisfaction, staff patients and staff throughout the shift and react to well-being, fairness, equal distribution of the workload, changing needs by updating assignments. Your goal is to Looking for a nurse development, and workload completion. ensure patients receive the best care possible; how that’s positive career accomplished can change from minute to minute. Evaluate success What’s the best way to evaluate the success change FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER of your nurse-patient assignments? Think Nursing Opportunities ? back to your priorities and goals. Did all the ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA Nursing is a rewarding career. Mercy - North Iowa patients receive safe, quality care? Did you maintain continuity of care? Did the new nurse get the offers special benefits unique even to the health best orientation experience? Were the assignments fair? care field! Registered Nurses, NPs, PAs, and NAs Measure success based on patient and nurse outcomes. At Mercy - North Iowa, we recognize that Check in with the nurses and patients to get their nurses are the backbone of a great health care feedback. Ask how the assignment went. Did everyone organization. Nurses account for 30 percent of our We also have openings for Physicians, get his or her work done? Were all the patients’ needs workforce, and we value their talents and their time. Psychiatrists, and Psychologists. met? What could have been done better? Get specifics. Mercy offers: Competitive wages, including weekend and The scope and complexity of patient care needs night differentials range from medical/surgical and psychiatric evaluation to acute or chronic care and/or end of life care. Incentive pay for BSNs and other educational Hansen, McClintock & Riley advancement Optional early retirement ATTORNEYS AT LAW Nursing for all specialties - Clinic/Hospice/ (any age with 25 years service or at age 50 with at Home Care settings least 20 years of service) PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE & ETHICS Educational assistance, including a loan Pre-tax retirement savings w/matching government COUNSEL AND REPRESENTATION repayment program contributions up to 5% of base pay Success Sharing - a bonus when the Licensing Board Inquiries • Professional Discipline • organization meets its goals 10 paid holidays, 104 hours of paid vacation Ethics • Proactive Negotiation with Federal and State We offer the Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency and 104 hours of paid sick leave/year Agencies and Administrative Boards • Errors and Program™, the nation’s top nurse residency 12 hour shifts Omissions Insurance • Coverage • Conflicts of Interest curriculum trusted by more than 300 health Excellent health and life insurance options. care facilities. Contact: David L. Brown, The Federal Bureau of Prisons is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Chester C. Woodburn, III or Alexander E. Wonio 5th Floor, U.S. Bank Building Apply online at www.usajobs.gov 520 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 EEO Employer F/M/Veteran/Disabled or email [email protected] www.mercynorthiowa.com/nurse-opportunities (515) 244-2141 • www.HMRLAWFIRM.com

RNs • LPNs • CNA/CMAs $3,000 RN & $2,000 LPN Sign on Bonus • New more competitive wage scale • Full benefits package • Flexible schedule • Fun and friendly workplace! To apply, send resume and cover letter to [email protected] or call Anthony at 712-423-2510 for more information. January, February, March 2019 Iowa Nurse Reporter • Page 19 Choose your process Transparency is key here. Explain your rationale for each Allen SB. Assignments matter: Results of a nurse-patient assignment (including your focus on patient safety) and assignment survey. MEDSURG Nurs [in press]. keep in mind that you have more information than the American Nurses Association (ANA). ANA‘s Principles for Nurse Your nurse-patient assignment process may be Staffing. 2nd ed. Silver Spring, MD: ANA; 2012. dictated by unit layout, patient census, or nurse- nurses. You’re directing activity across the entire unit, so to-patient ratio. Most nurses use one of three you see the big picture. Your colleagues will be much assignment processes. more understanding when you share your perspective. Healthcare Staffing Division When you speak with patients, ask about their Area assignment experiences and if all their needs were met. This process involves assigning nurses and patients to areas. If you work in the emergency Keep practicing department (ED) or postanesthesia care unit (PACU), Nurse-patient assignments never lose their you likely make nurse-patient assignments this way. complexity, but you’ll get better at recognizing RN, LPN and CNA A nurse is assigned to an area, such as triage in the potential pitfalls and maximizing patient and Opportunities Available ED or Beds 1 and 2 in the PACU, and then patients nurse outcomes. Keep practicing and remember that Includes PRN, part and are assigned to each area throughout the shift. good assignments contribute to nurses’ overall job satisfaction. full time positions Direct assignment The second option is to assign each nurse directly Stephanie B. Allen is an assistant professor at Pace We staff Hospitals, Home to a patient. This process works best on units with a University in Pleasantville, New York. lower patient census and nurse-to-patient ratio. For Care, Nursing Facilities, example, on a higher-acuity unit, such as an intensive Selected references Hospice, and more! care unit, the nurse is matched with one or two Allen SB. The nurse-patient assignment process: What clinical patients, so a direct assignment is made. nurses and patients think. MEDSURG Nurs. 2018;27(2):77-82. Allen SB. The nurse-patient assignment: Purposes and decision www.A-1CAREERS.com or call 1(800) 365-8241 Group assignment factors. J Nurs Adm. 2015;45(12):628-35. With the third option, you assign patients to groups and then assign the nurse to a group. Bigger units have higher censuses and nurse-to- patient ratios (1:5 or 1:6). They also can have unique physical features or layouts that direct how assign ments are made. A unit might be separated by hallways, divided into pods, or just too large for one nurse to safely provide care to patients in rooms at opposite ends of the unit. So, grouping patients together based on unit geography and other acuity/ workload factors may be the safest and most effective way to make assignments. You also can combine processes. For example, in a labor and delivery unit, you can assign one nurse to the triage area (area process) while another nurse is assigned to one or two specific patients (direct process). Unit characteristics direct your process for making assignments. Your process will remain the same unless your unit’s geography or patient characteristics (length of stay, nurse-patient ratio) change. 100% ONLINE

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