Washington Nurses - Fall 2010

The Washington Nurse NFN Election Gulf Oil Spill Fall Voter's Guide

A Publication of the Washington State Nurses Association

Volume 40, No 3 Fall 2010

This fall, the stakes are as high as ever.

Find out who and what to vote for on page 36.

Volume 40, No 3 Fall 2010

W S N A B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s & S t aff

president Julia A. Weinberg, RN, Bow

Washington State Nurses Association

Vice President Tim Davis, MN, RN, Mt. Vernon

206.575.7979 • 206.575.1908 fax • wsna@wsna.org

575 Andover Park West, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98188

Secretary / Treasurer Verlee Sutherlin, MEd, MSN, RN, Nine Mile Falls

Directors-at-Large Jeanne Avey, RN, Longview Ed Dolle, RN, Port Orchard Jennifer Graves, RN, MS, ARNP, Seattle Judi M. Lyons, RN, Ellensburg Pam Pasquale, MN, RN, BC, CNE, Wenatchee

Chair, Cabinet on Economic & General Welfare Martha Avey, RN, CCRN, Spokane Chair, Professional Nursing & Health Care Council Sharon Bradley, MSN, RN, Spokane Chair, Legislative & Health Policy CounciL Susan E. Jacobson, RN, CCRN, Yakima

Executive Director Judith A. Huntington, MN, RN Special Projects Manager Darlene Delgado, RN

Assistant Executive Director, Nursing Practice, Education & research Sally Watkins, PhD, MS, RN

Executive Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director Barbara Bergeron

Nursing Practice & Education SPECIALIST Karen A. Benson, Ph.D., MS, MN, RN

Bookkeeper Mary Reed

EDUCATION SPECIALIST Hilke Faber, MN, RN, FAAN

Assistant Executive Director, Governmental Affairs and operations Anne Tan Piazza

Occupational & Environmental Health Specialist Karen R. Bowman, MN, RN, COHN-S

Contract lobbyist Tamara Warnke Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor Sofia Aragon, JD, BSN, RN Communications Specialist Lillie Cridland WEB & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Ben Tilden

Assistant Executive Director, Labor Relations Christine Himmelsbach, MN, RN Senior Labor Consultant Barbara E. Frye, BSN, RN Assistant Director, Labor Relations Margaret Conley, RN, ARNP General / Corporate Counsel Timothy Sears

Operations / Systems Administrator Duncan Taylor

General Counsel Laura Anderson Michael Sanderson

Membership Coordinator Mary Peterson

Paralegal Maria Pettit

Membership Processors Patrick McGraw Louise Hohbach

Nurse Representatives Debra Bessmer, BSN, RN Sara Frey, JD, BSN, RN Barbara Friesen, BSN, RN Carmen Garrison BSN, RN Kathi Landon, RN Judy Marken, BSN, RN Pat McClure, RN Jaclyn Perkins, BSN, RN Michele Rose, BSN, RN Hanna Welander, BSN, RN Heather Worbets, BSN, RN Ed Zercher, BSN, RN

Membership Processor / Clerical Support Kelly King Membership Processor / Administrative Assistant, Labor Relations Shastie Parker Administrative Assistant, Programs & Operations Hue Tran Communications Processor Kathryn MacLeod Receptionist / Mail Clerk Irene Mueller

2 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

Nurse Organizers Jan Bussert, BSN, RN Tara Goode, BA, BSN, RN Mara Kieval, BSN, RN

www.wsna.org The Washington Nurse (ISSN# 0734-5666) newsmagazine is published quarterly by the Washington State Nurses Association. It is distributed as a benefit of membership to all WSNA members. A member rate of $10 per year is included in WSNA membership dues.

Institutional subscription rate is $30 per year (Canada/ Mexico: US $36 per year; Foreign: US $49 per year).

The information in this newsmagazine is for the benefit of WSNA members. WSNA is a multi-purpose, multifaceted organization. The Washington Nurse provides a forum for members of all specialties and interests to express their opinions. Opinions expressed are the responsibilities of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the officers or membership of WSNA, unless so stated. Copyright 2010, WSNA. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.

Advertising Information on advertising rates may be obtained on the WSNA website (www.wsna.org) or by contacting the WSNA Business Agent at 206.575.7979. Advertising deadlines are: March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. Advertising will be accepted on a first come, first served basis for preferred positions, pending space availability. WSNA reserves the right to reject advertising. Paid advertisements in The Washington Nurse do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the WSNA Members, Staff or Organization.

Contributor Guidelines Article ideas and unsolicited manuscripts are welcome from WSNA members (300 word maximum).

Please submit a typed copy and digital copy (Word 97/2003/2007), and include identified relevant photos, a biographical statement, your name, address and credentials. It is not the policy of WSNA to pay for articles or artwork.

A RTI C LE SUB M ISSION DE A DLINES Spring .......................................................................... February 15 Summer................................................................................. May 15 Fall .................................................................................... August 15 Winter...................................................................... November 15

Designed, edited & printed in the USA

Contents

– Fall 2010 –

U p Fro nt

L a b o r R e l at i o n s

N u r s i n g P r a ct i c e

L e g i s l at i v e A f fa i r s

5 You Were Represented

18 Special NFN Election & Consent to Serve Form

24

Continuing

36 2010 Voter's Guide

5 Calendar 6 In Focus: President's Letter 8 Member Voices 9 News Briefs 12 ANA News 14 District News 16 In Memoriam 17 NFN News

18 Safe Patient Handling L&I Issues Fine & Citation to Good Samaritan Hospital 20 Rest Breaks WSNA Succesfully Fights for Uninterrupted Breaks 22 Photos from the 2010 Leadership Conference

Competency New Rules Take Effect in 2011

Member News

26 Influenza Season

40 2011 Dues Rates

28 Licensure Fees

42 The New Members List

29 Gulf Oil Spill Aftermath

43 Membership Update

30 Commission or Association?

C o n t i n u i n g E d u c at i o n

32 Nursing's Future Read the IOM Report

44 News

34 Health Care Reform 35 Advance Practice What is the Impact of Health Care Reform?

45 Calendar 47 Choosing a Course

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 3

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You Were Represented

Upcoming Events

■ The WSNA staff and elected and appointed leaders represent your interests in a wide variety of meetings, coalitions, conferences and work groups throughout the year, anticipating and responding to the issues the membership has identified as priorities. In addition to many meetings with legislators, regulators, policy makers, other health care and nursing organizations and unions, the following represents a partial listing of the many places and meetings where you were represented during the months of August through October 2010.

• Alliance of Nurses for Health Environments (ANHE) Policy/Advocacy Committee • American Nurses Association (ANA) Board of Directors meeting • ANA Constituent Member Association Annual Lobbyists conference • ANA Congress on Nursing Practice and Economics • ANA Dues Evaluation Task Force • ANA Nursing Practice Network conference calls • Ballot Initiative Network steering committee • Collaborative on a Healthy Environment (CHE-WA) • Department of Health (DOH) Patient Safety Adverse Events Advisory Committee • DOH Board of Pharmacy Pain Management Rules Workshops • Faculty Compensation workgroup for Master Plan for Education, WCN • Friends of Basic Health Coalition • Governor’s Joint Select Committee on Health Reform Workforce Advisory Group • Health Care Assistant/Medical Assistant Scope of Practice Coalition • Health Care Access Coalition (to maintain access to medications) • Health Care for America Now (HCAN) • Health Coalition for Children and Youth • Healthy Washington Coalition • Wednesday Night Study Group (health professions lobby annual conference) • Legislative Joint Select Committee on Health Reform Implementation health insurance exchange committees • Office of the Insurance Commissioner Health Reform Realization Committee • Meetings with the Department of Labor and Industries (now called the Dept of Safety and Health) • National Federation of Nurses (NFN) Policy Committee • NFN National Executive Board meetings & National Advisory Board meetings • Northwest Organization of Nurse Executives (NWONE) Nursing Education & Practice Commission • NWONE Fall Conference & Business Meeting

• Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission Meetings (NCQAC) • NCQAC Continuing Competency rules hearing • NCQAC Continuing Competency Subcommittee • Nursing Students of Washington State (NSWS) Board meeting • Pierce County Health Careers Council • Primary Care Coalition • Public Health Funding Roundtable • Revenue Coalition • Ruckelshaus Education Advisory Committee • Ruckelshaus Safe Staffing Steering Committee Meetings • Washington Center for Nursing (WCN) Board Meetings • WCN "Nurse of the Future" meetings • WCN Faculty Compensation workgroup for Master Plan for Education • WCN Master Plan Transition to Practice workgroup • Washington Chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility • Washington Health Foundation Board Meeting • Washington Patient Safety Steering Committee and Medication Safety initiative • WA State Labor Council Convention • WA State Labor Council Legislative Committee • WA State Labor Council Worker’s Compensation Caucus • Washington State Public Health Association • Washington Toxics Coalition • Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) Safe Table Learning Collaborative Advisory Committee • WSNA Board of Directors • WSNA Dues Structure Task Force • WSNA CEARP Committee • WSNA E&GW Cabinet & E&GW Leadership Conference at Lake Chelan • WSNA Legislative Council • WSNA Political Action Committee • WSNA PNHCC, OEHSC, and Disaster/ Emergency Preparedness meetings • WSNA Fatigue Workshops in Seattle, Bellingham, Spokane, Vancouver WA, Bellevue • Washington State Nurses Foundation Board of Trustees meeting

– October–

25

Continuing Competency Workshop – Talaris Conference Center, Seattle

26 Continuing Competency Workshop – Davenport Hotel, Spokane 29 Second Annual CEARP Provider Update – Cedarbrook 29 Nominations for WSNA Elected Offices, Proposed Bylaws Amendments and Proposed Nonemergency Resolutions Due 29 Legislative and Health Policy Council 30 Nursing Students of Washington State Board Meeting

– November – 6 – 7

ANA Virtual Constituent Assembly

10 Continuing Competency Workshop – Good Shepherd Conference Ctr, Seattle 11 – 12

NFN Board of Directors – Chicago

15 Legislative Advocacy Camp – Cedarbrook 19

WSNA Board of Directors

25 – 26

WSNA Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holidays

– December –

1

Dues Structure Task Force Conference Call

4 Nominating Search Committees (tentative) 7 Washington Center for Nursing Board of Directors 10 WSNA Headquarters Closed – WSNA Staff Retreat 14 Ruckelshaus – WSNA 24 – 31

WSNA Office Closed for Winter Holidays

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 5

In Focus ByJulia Weinberg, RN WSNA President

Where did this summer go? Fall and election season are already upon us. No more summer days spent hiking on a beautiful mountain trail, swimming in a lake, boating, or maybe just enjoying the lazy warmth of a sunny afternoon.

I know there were many of us who spent at least one of our summer days learning about the latest nursing issues, either at one of the six WSNA fatigue workshops across the state or at the E&GW Leadership Conference in Chelan. As WSNA President, I appreciate these opportunities to see nurses all over Washington, share information with you, and most importantly, listen to what you’re experiencing on issues from fatigue, to budget cuts, to rest and meal breaks.

Personally, I really enjoyed the summertime travel around our beautiful state for these workshops, in particular taking the train for the first time since I was a small child. Taking Amtrak from Mt. Vernon to Vancouver, Washington I was able to relax as we passed by sea shore scenes and watched the wildlife out the window. With the theme of this year’s Leadership Conference being ‘Inner Peace, Baby’, it seemed very appropriate that in the midst of crisscrossing the state for workshops, I was able to find moments to reflect and recharge.

The Leadership Conference was again a great event this year, bringing in national nursing leaders including ANA CEO Marla Westin and our NFN President Barbara Crane. Marla shared the strategic plan for ANA and emphasized how important it is that nurses be a vital part of the implementation of the new health care reform law. Barbara also presented at Leadership, describing the history of how WSNA and other member states created the NFN and what the NFN is doing today on national nursing issues, labor issues, policy and other activities.

The six fatigue workshops held across the state were fun and informative, providing information about one of WSNA’s top priorities this year: ensuring full, uninterrupted rest and meal breaks for all nurses in Washington. I was joined by Sally Watkins, Assistant Executive Director of Nursing Practice, Education

6 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

and Research and Sofia Aragon, Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor in presenting this information.

During the workshops, we were able to share our preliminary rest break survey results to which over 500 nurses replied in just a few weeks. This survey was a follow-up to WSNA’s rest break survey last year. Sadly, the numbers haven’t changed much and results show that nurses are still having just as much difficulty getting their rest and meal breaks. Sally stressed how important it is for nurses to receive their breaks and prevent fatigue so that we can be alert and vigilant in preventing errors.

There is one very important action we all need to take before legislative session and that is to vote in the November 2nd election for candidates who support nursing priorities.

At each workshop, nurses shared with us the challenges they continue to experience and also their ideas for future efforts. I want to thank those nurses who brought their energy and thoughtfulness to these workshops as well as all of the WSNA nurses who took part in some way in our fight in the Legislature last year.

Through your efforts – in person on Nurse Legislative Day, in testimony in Olympia, through advocacy emails – we educated our legislators in Olympia and many in the general public. In partnership with a coalition of unions, we were able to launch an important public awareness campaign including television ads and a new website to help inform and educate the public of why this issue is such a concern for patient and nurse safety.

I want to express to all of you how much I appreciate everyone’s engagement on this issue, both before and during the legislative session. WSNA NURSES ROCK!

islation. With strong voter turnout from nurses, we can elect candidates committed to dealing with patient care and nursing practice issues.

We were able to move the bill through the House and almost to the Senate floor. In the end, time ran out for us during the 2010 legislative session. But it’s not too early to start looking at the 2011 Legislative Session and working towards passage of a rest breaks bill. We can get this done by working together, staying focused, and delivering a united message loud and clear.

Join me in pledging to vote this November 2, 2010 (or earlier if you vote by mail).

You can get information about all of the statewide initiatives and WSNA endorsed candidates in this issue or online at www. wsna.org/PAC/Endorsements. I would also urge each of us to consider helping out a campaign or candidate in some way, such as doing doorbelling, phone banking, inviting a candidate to meet with other nurses, giving a donation, or attending a candidate forum such as the one planned

One great way to start getting involved or to step up your advocacy efforts is to join WSNA for the first-ever Legislative Advocacy Camp for nurses on November 15, 2010. If you want to learn more about being a legislative advocate, how Olympia works, what the big issues are this year, and how to deliver a strong message to legislators, this is the program for you.

Visit www.wsna.org for more information and registration.

There is one very important action we all need to take before legislative session and that is to vote in the November 2nd election for candidates who support nursing priorities. As we get closer to the election, the buzz gets louder and louder on the airwaves. I’m sure you’re already seeing the television ads. The potential impacts of the election are huge, both in our state and our nation’s capital with health reform, health funding, rest breaks legislation and much more at stake.

As the largest block of healthcare workers in this country, what would happen if every single registered nurse voted? We know, better than anyone, what health care looks like on the frontlines and how our patients are affected by potential leg-

by the Inland Empire Nurses Association in October (www.spokanenurses.org).

Lastly, I ask that you take time to educate your colleagues, friends, family and your neighbors about the importance of this election and the issues at stake for health, health care and nursing. As a nurse, you have a powerful voice. Help others separate the facts from the myths so they can make informed decisions at the polls.

Being an informed voter is power. Commit today to using the power you have.

Together, we can have a huge impact on the November 2nd election! ■

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Editor's Note: The media recently reported on several incidents at Seattle Children's Hospital that resulted in infant deaths and serious injuries. Our hearts and condolences go out to the patients’ families. Seattle Children’s Hospital has an excellent nursing staff who are dedicated to providing safe and quality care to the children they see every day. Here is one nurse’s perspective. The author has asked to remain anonymous.

I

know a lot has been in the press about Children's Hospital recently – a place I take great pride in working at, a place that treats and saves hundreds of sick kids a day, a place that spends millions of dollars on helping kids and doesn't get any compensation in return, a place where I've truly seen miracles happen.

It absolutely kills me to read the newspapers and people's comments on-line.

Every nurse fears making a medication or medical error that harms a patient. It is a tragedy for the patient, their family, and the nurse.

Nurses are human beings, we make mistakes. Sometimes a stroke of luck is the only thing preventing a tragedy when a mistake occurs. Because nurses are the frontline, we are the 'do-ers', we are the final check. Sometimes I wish that we did just what some of the public perceives, that is take blood pressures, bring patients water, and smile politely while doctors order us around....but we don't.

We work in a world of constant distractions.

We not only take care of severely, critically, ill children (not just the cute little sick ones they show on the news), but we also take care of their moms, dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings. We are constantly asked questions, constantly explaining what we are doing and why, constantly being scrutinized. I understand because I cannot imagine a

8 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

Member Voices greater fear than giving up care of your own child to a stranger.

We are constantly getting phone calls from radiology, from EEG techs, from Ultrasound techs, from pharmacists, from the lab, from the blood bank, from primary care providers, from social workers, and from families. We are constantly coordinating everything for every service.

We are searching for our patients’ charts, calling doctors, updating flow sheets, and assessing, always assessing. We know that from hour to hour, even from minute to minute, a patient can deteriorate in the blink of an eye.

We are constantly checking orders from physicians, making sure we have orders we need, making sure we get orders we don't have, and making sure all of these orders are safe for the patient. We are giving medications, checking and double checking, checking to make sure the 8, 9 and/or 10 continuous medications that are running in with each other are even compatible, checking to make sure some medications don't run out because that could be life threatening, making sure doses are correct, and making sure they are being given to the patient they are intended for.

We are also hunting down parents to sign consents, updating parents as their child is in surgery, and holding parents when they see their baby in absolute dire straits.

We are constantly 'doing'. We wear 30 different hats. We are the coordinators, the educators, the advocates, the comforters, the realists, the 'last check', the shoulders to cry on, the hands to hold, and the ones remembered. We do all of this in 12 hours, because eight hours simply wouldn't do.

We do all of this with a smile on our face, because we love what we do.

Every single person I work with absolutely, without a doubt, loves what they do. We work hard, we don't take breaks, we get lunch when we can, we trust each other implicitly, and we rarely complain.

We want to be in the thick of it all, and we are always one step ahead. No matter what happens, we are prepared. We are the eyes and the ears.

And then we go home. And we act like nothing happened. We don't talk about the 9 day-old that we did chest compressions on for over an hour and the father that was screaming in the corner. We don't talk about the mom that finally got to hold her baby, for the first time ever, only to watch him take his last breath.

And we don't talk about the mother we quietly sat with as their child lay in the operating room having limbs amputated due to some serious bacteria that somehow affected their perfectly normal child only two days ago.

We just go home, maybe say work was a little busy. Really, nobody else could ever understand what we see and do. We kiss our own kiddos on the head as they sleep, and know how truly, truly lucky we are to have them safe and sound in their beds, eat some dinner, and pack our lunch for the next 12 hour day. We do this 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, weekends and holidays...and we do it with a smile. Because when it comes down to it, none of us could ever imagine doing anything else in the world. ■

News Briefs

HHS Awards $159.1 Million to Support Health Care Workforce Training Funds will Support Programs to Train Nurses, Geriatric Specialists and Improve the Performance and Recruitment of Underrepresented Minority Students

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced recently $159.1 million in grants to health care workforce training programs. These grants build on the multimillion dollar investments made under the Affordable Care Act and Recovery Act to strengthen and grow our primary care workforce. The grants will target three types of programs: Nursing Workforce Development programs; interdisciplinary geriatric education and training programs; and Centers of Excellence programs for underrepresented minority students.

The Health Resources and Services Administration is part of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA is the primary federal agency responsible for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. For more information about HRSA and its programs, visit www.hrsa.gov.

Nursing Workforce Development programs will receive $106 million in grants to support all levels of nursing education including: Advanced Education Nursing ($42 million) supports 153 infrastructure grants to increase advanced education to train nurses as primary care providers and/or nursing faculty.

Advanced Education Nursing Traineeship ($16 million) supports 351 schools of nursing and individuals preparing for careers as nurse specialists, requiring advanced education.

Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship ($1.3 million) funds 83 nurse anesthetist training programs to provide traineeships that pay tuition, books, fees, and a living stipend for registered nurses who have completed at least 12 months in a master’s or doctoral nurse anesthesia program.

Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention ($29.9 million) supports 108 infrastructure grants to expand the capacity of the nursing pipeline, promote career mobility for individuals in nursing, prepare more nurses at the baccalaureate level, and provide continuing education training to enhance the quality of patient care.

Nursing Workforce Diversity ($14.3 million) supports 44 grants that increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented among registered nurses.

Faculty Development: Integrated Technology into Nursing Education and Practice Initiative ($2.5 million) supports nine grants for faculty development projects in information and other technologies to expand the capacity of collegiate schools of nursing to educate students for 21st century health care practice.

■ State by state charts of the grant awards are available at www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/08/state_charts.html and information on HRSA’s health professions programs can be found at http://bhpr.hrsa.gov

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Seeks Executive Nurses for Three-Year Fellowship The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Executive Nurse Fellows program provides a three year, world-class leadership development experience to enhance the effectiveness of nurse leaders who have already exhibited exceptional leadership skills but who want to improve the impact they have on the U.S. health care system. Each year, 20 nurses who aspire to lead and shape health care locally and

— Key Dates —

November 5, 2010 (3 p.m. ET) Informational Web conference for prospective applicants. Registration information at www.executivenursefellows.org.

January 18, 2011 (3 p.m. ET) Deadline for receipt of applications.

Apply online at www.rwjf.org/cfp/enf.

nationally are chosen to strengthen their leadership capacity and improve their abilities to lead teams and organizations in improving health and health care.

For more information about the program, selection criteria, eligibility, and how to apply visit the RWJF Executive Nurse Fellows Web site at www.executivenursefellows.org. All qualified nurses are encouraged to apply.

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 9

News Briefs UW's Betty Bekemeier Among RWJ Foundation ‘Nurse Faculty Scholars’ The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) recently announced the selection of 12 outstanding nursing faculty from across the country to participate in its prestigious Nurse Faculty Scholars program, which is strengthening the academic productivity and overall excellence of nursing schools by developing the next generation of leaders in academic nursing.

The program is providing $28 million over five years to outstanding junior nursing faculty to promote their academic careers and reduce the national nurse and nurse faculty shortages. This is the third cohort of Nurse Faculty Scholars.

provide care, and for faculty to educate those skilled nurses. The program provides talented junior faculty with salary and research support as well as the chance to participate in institutional and national mentoring activities, leadership training, and networking events with colleagues in nursing and other fields, while continuing to teach and provide institutional, professional and community service in their universities.

Participate in the Nurses’ Health Study The Nurses’ Health Studies are among the largest and longest running investigations of factors that influence women’s health.

Started in 1976 and still running, the information provided by the thousands of dedicated nurse participants has led to many new insights on health and disease. The studies have produced landmark data on cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and the effects of such lifestyle factors as diet and physical activity.

Each Nurse Faculty Scholar receives a three-year $350,000 grant to pursue research, as well as mentoring from senior faculty at his or her institution. The award is given to junior faculty who show outstanding promise as future leaders in academic nursing. The Scholars chosen this year are investigating a range of health The Nurses’ Health Study is still growing, issues, from a legacy-making intervenand is currently recruiting nurses from tion to reduce suffering of children with across the United States for this third cancer, to body temperature and periphstudy. The study is conducted entirely eral blood flow in preterm infants, to over the Internet, and is completely conthe spread of sexually fidential. transmitted infections in young adults.

ANA encourages members and other nurses to consider participating in this Betty Bekemeier, PhD, long-term study. Your contribution RN, from the University can help identify important nutritional, of Washington, is one lifestyle and biological factors which of the 12 outstanding can influence women’s health. Visit nurses selected for the Nurses’ Health Study 3 website at her research proposal www.nhs3.org for more information. on Creating A System For Monitoring How Changes to Public Health Services Impact the Health of Vulnerable Populations.

10th Anniversary of RWJF’s Nurse Faculty Scholars program is helping to curb the shortage by helping more junior faculty succeed in, and commit to, academic careers. As the number of patients increases, there will be greater demand for skilled nurses to 10 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

safety in practice, to raise awareness and educate nurses about this issue.

ANA, with grass-roots support from state nursing organizations and individual members, played a major role in advancing the legislation and in particular, ANA President Karen Daley’s personal activism was instrumental to its speedy passage by Congress. Although the federal legislation was a major milestone in efforts to prevent needlestick injuries, additional work is needed for compliance, training, education, reporting and data collection to protect nurses from this occupational risk.

It is estimated a thousand health care professionals are injured each day as the result of hospital accidents involving needles or other sharp objects, according to the Center of Disease Control (CDC).

This is a hazard to nurses, who are then susceptible to blood-borne diseases, as well as the patients in their care. Injury prevention in healthcare settings is a top priority and needs to be addressed as part of any effort to establish a safer working environment ­— Save the Date — 10 Years after Legislation Was Enacted, How Safe are Health Care Professionals from Sharps?

Nov. 4th, 2010, 9:00 am – 10:30 am (EST) This event will be webcast to allow for wide participation. Check www.needlestick.org for updates and registration information.

Please join the American Nurses Association (ANA) for a critical discussion on the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, 10 years after it was enacted. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from new ANA President Karen Daley, PhD, MPH, Needlestick Safety Act RN, FAAN, who was instrumental in the Act’s passage. Panelists will discuss curNovember 6, 2010, marks the 10th annirent trends in sharps injuries and what versary of the signing of the Needlestick needs to be done to protect nurses and Safety & Prevention Act. The 10th anniother health care professionals from this versary provides ANA with a platform workplace hazard. to focus attention on the status of sharps

WA S H I N GTO N S TAT E N U R S E S A S S O C IATI O N

CALL FOR POSTERS Share your reSearch / projectS with your colleagueS! Have you made a practice change that you believe has implications for the future of nursing?

— Have you implemented a practice change that is showing improved patient and / or nursing outcomes?

— Have you completed a nursing research project either as a student or practicing nurse that you believe others need to know about?

—

we woulD liKe to hear FroM you!

Please reserve your space by submitting a brief summary outlining the proposed contents of your poster to: swatkins@wsna.org

Deadline: April 1, 2011 Posters will be accepted on a space available basis.

— Washington State Nurses Association 2011 Biennial Convention • April 28 - 29, 2011 Hilton Seattle Airport Hotel & Conference Center 17620 International Blvd., Seattle WA 98188

www.wsna.org

ANA

First Lady Michelle Obama Holds Conference Call with Nurses ANA was proud to be among the participants in a nurse-only health care reform conference call with First Lady Michelle Obama and Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN, FAAN, the administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). More than 5,000 nurses from across the country participated in the call which focused on how nurses can educate their patients about the new protections and benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Groups of nurses and nursing students held listening parties in sites around the country.

system” and the work of nurses across the country, remarking, “all the things you do, everyday” to improve the health of patients. Mrs. Obama urged nurses to

educate their communities as well as their patients about the protections available under the Affordable Care Act. Other topics covered in the call included the Medicare provisions in the ACA as well as the administration’s efforts to combat the pending nursing shortage and nurse faculty shortage with new investments in nursing education.

ANA member Jillian Roth, a labor and delivery nurse from Virginia, also spoke about the importance of primary and preventive care services.

Michelle Obama began the discussion with a message of thanks for the “crucial role nurses play in the health care

AACN and ANA Host the Inaugural Senate Nursing Caucus Event to Release the Results of the 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses In September, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and ANA hosted the inaugural briefing of the Senate Nursing Caucus to announce release of the final results from the 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN).

Titled “A Snapshot of America’s Nursing Workforce: Preparing for the Future Demand,” the event featured an address by Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN, FAAN, Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Prepared every four years by HRSA, the NSSRN compiles the most comprehensive data available on the registered nurse (RN) workforce in the U.S., including information on education, diversity, employment setting, career satisfaction, and factors related to the future supply of RNs. Held at the Capitol Visitors Center in Washington, DC, the event was well attended by Congressional staff, nursing leaders, and organizational representatives, and demonstrated the importance that quality data has to creating policies that will help build a robust nursing workforce.

12 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

Formed on March 25, 2010, the Caucus is co-chaired by Senator Merkley, Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE), Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), and Senator Snowe. Since that time, nine additional Senators have joined the Caucus to help advance nursing policy.

For more information about the Senate Nursing Caucus see: www.aacn.nche.edu/Government/SenNursingCaucus.htm and www.nursingworld.org/SenateNursingCaucus.aspx For more information about the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses see: http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/rnsurvey For more information about AACN and ANA see: www.aacn.nche.edu and www.nursingworld.org

ANA New ANA Video Promotes Safe Patient Handling to Protect Nurses’ Health The American Nurses Association places a high priority on improving workplace safety by eliminating manual patient handling. ANA continues to demonstrate its commitment to protect nurses from debilitating injury through advocacy on Capitol Hill, the ANA Handle with Care® campaign (2003), and, more recently, the 2009 establishment of the ANA Handle with Care Recognition Program™. The program acknowledges hospitals that have established safe patient handling programs consistent with ANA’s comprehensive criteria.

handling program has had a positive impact on their jobs, their health, patient safety and the entire organization. ANA thanks Franklin Square Hospital Center in Baltimore, MD, for assistance in producing this video: http://www.nursingworld.org/SPH-video For more information on the ANA Handle with Care Recognition Program™ and application materials, please visit: http://www.ANAHandleWithCare.org

In this video, “ANA Safe Patient Handling,” hospital staff nurses and managers describe how the implementation of a safe patient

ANA Highlights How Health Care Law Benefits Consumers New Provisions Effective September 23rd Starting September 23rd, several more provisions of the new health care law went into effect. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has been a staunch supporter of health care reform. ANA affirms that this law greatly increases access to care for millions of people, and believes it will strengthen and improve the health care system for generations to come. The law also includes provisions that will help transform our nation’s health care system from one that focuses on ‘sick’ care to one focused on prevention, primary care and disease management. ANA encourages nurses to explain these new benefits to their patients in order for them to access both insurance coverage and health care services. The benefits in the new law will help consumers optimize their health and protect their financial security.

Benefits Now in Effect for Consumers 1.

People cannot lose their insurance coverage when they get sick; insurance companies are prohibited from dropping coverage.

2.

3.

Individuals with pre-existing health problems will be able to access insurance. Children with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage by insurance companies. Adults with pre-existing conditions can enroll in the Pre-existing Insurance Plan.

Consumers will not be at risk of losing benefits due to costly treatments; lifetime caps on insurance coverage are banned; annual caps on coverage are restricted.

4.

Children up to age 26 can be covered on their parents’ insurance plans.

5.

Consumers will not have to share the costs for preventive services.

Individuals who join new plans will have greater access to preventive care services such as breast cancer screenings, immunizations and colonoscopies; co-pays for these services will be eliminated.

a primary care provider’s; primary care providers include doctors, nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives.

7.

Consumers will have greater access to emergency services; insurers must provide covered emergency services regardless of whether the provider is in-network.

8.

Patients will have a greater choice of primary care providers including nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives. New plans will allow patients the choice of any primary care provider available.

9.

Consumers will have stronger rights to appeal insurers’ decisions they feel are unfair or discriminatory.

10. Seniors who reach the ‘donut hole’ gap in their Medicare prescription drug coverage benefit will receive a $250 rebate check.

6. Women may receive obstetric or gynecological care from any provider and insurance companies will treat their authorizations the same as

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 13

Districts

King County Nurses Association D istrict 2 Join King County Nurses Association for two continuing nursing opportunities in November: Effective PowerPoint Presentations for Beginners Saturday, November 6 8:30–11:30 a.m.

Seattle Pacific University 2.5 continuing nursing education credits Are you feeling behind the curve on technology? If so, you will appreciate this hands-on approach to preparing presentations using PowerPoint. The seminar will offer a chance to practice beginning skills under the tutelage of an experienced and patient instructor.

At the end of the workshop, participants will: identify keys to effective presentations; and create a PowerPoint to support a presentation.

Presenter Christine Henshaw, EdD, RN, CNE, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Nursing at Seattle Pacific University, has used technology for more than 15 years in preparing and presenting course materials. She has experience with multiple presentation platforms and has presented workshops on beginning skills for technology users.

The fee for the workshop is $30/KCNA member, $40 per nonmember and $25 per student. Included in the cost are continental breakfast, handouts and materials.

To register, go to www.kcnurses.org by October 29.

So You Want to Renew Your RN License?

Wednesday, November 10 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Good Shepherd Center (Wallingford) 2.0 continuing nursing education credits A continuing competency program for nurses promotes patient safety and public protection, and enhances the nursing profession. The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission will have new rules going into effect January 2011 regarding continuing competency for RNs. This workshop is designed to provide the latest information and review the individual nurse’s responsibilities in compliance.

The objectives of the workshop are to: • • •

describe the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission Continuing Competency Program, identify the individual nurse’s responsibility for ensuring compliance, and review current WSNA strategies to help nurses comply with NCQAC’s Continuing Competency Program.

Presenter Sally Watkins, PhD, RN is the Assistant Executive Director Nursing Practice, Education and Research for WSNA. She actively participates in meeting with the NCQAC, the Department of Health and numerous other forums where nursing practice issues are discussed and there is a potential impact on the professional practice of nurses.

This event is free. To register, visit www.kcnurses.org by November 3.

Inland Empire Nurses Association D istrict 4 IENA Elections were held in July for the IENA Board of Directors – We have new faces joining us this month, Bobbi Woodward, Kimberly Parkey, Kimberly Ward, and Lynette Vehrs.

We have open positions available so please contact our office if you are interested in being involved with your local district.

Your professional experience is invaluable in promoting the nursing profession and advocating for health and safety in our community. Please contact Administrative Secretary JoAnn Kaiser at iena@aimcomm.net.

The Inland Empire Nurses Association hosted our Annual Legislative Reception on Tuesday, October 19, at Mukogawa Commons in Spokane. It was a great opportunity for legislators, nurses, advance practice nurses, and nurse educators to 14 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

discuss the critical issues we face today and potential changes in the future of healthcare. If you would like to be notified of upcoming events please send us your email address at iena@ aimcomm.net or submit your email address via the link on our webpage at www.spokanenurses.org.

In January we will host the Local Unit Chair “Dinner on Us”.

This is IENA’s opportunity to strengthen our connection with your WSNA LUC’s and discover opportunities to support the wonderful nurses in our community.

February 14th is Nurse Legislative Day in Olympia. IENA will again be sponsoring a bus to Olympia. More details will be available in January on our website at www.spokanenurses.org.

Districts

District 16 Nurses Association D istrict 16 The current District 16 Nurses Association Board members are: President: Sarah (Sally) Herman, RN Treasurer: Alison Zak, RN Members: Kathy Brown, RN and Sharon Hooey, RN District 16 Nurses Association, formally known as the Skagit, Island and San Juan County Nurses Association is an affiliate of Washington State Nurses’ Association. The District 16 organization and its board of directors represents and supports its RN members in a variety of ways and its District 16 meetings are open to any district nurse member who wishes to attend. Meeting times and agenda can be obtained from Sarah Herman. Any RN living in Skagit, Island or San Juan County who is currently a member of WSNA is also a member of its affiliated district nurse association.

The District 16 Nurses Association has committed to a yearly scholarship award to one or more nurses who are pursuing their initial or advanced degrees in registered nursing. These scholarships are open to anyone who is living within the District 16, i.e. Skagit, Island or San Jaun Counties, and applications maybe obtained by contacting Sarah Herman. Applications are reviewed by all board members. Scholarships are awarded directly to selected students who meet the application criteria. We are very pleased to announce that a 2010 scholarship of $1000.00 was recently awarded to Nellie Strong who is pursuing her Associate degree in nursing at Skagit Valley Community College. Congratulations, Nellie!

Applications for the 2011-2012 scholarship will soon be available on-line, but until they are, applications or anyone interested in pursuing a nursing scholarship, are encouraged to contact Sarah Herman.

■ Contact Sarah Herman by email at s_aherman@hotmail.com

Other District 16 Nurses Association News: For the past 18 months, District 16 President Sarah Herman has been an active participant on the steering committee for the Skagit County Alliance for Health Care Access project. The purpose of SCAHA committee is to facilitate processes that enable Skagit County residents to access appropriate and effective health care services. Following and in-depth Skagit County Community health care assessment which included interviews of over 100 individuals currently active in providing services for Skagit County residents, a community assessment report was completed in April, 2010 and presented to the SCAHA committee meeting. In June, 2010, the committee developed and action

plan to pursue the following recommendations for improving health care access to the residents of Skagit.

1.

Development of a Resource Guide and a public awareness campaign to assist caregivers and community in locating and securing health care access / services 2. Development of strategies/policies for improved pharmaceutical access 3. Development of and initiation of community-wide cultural competence training interventions 4. Promotion of “after hours” care programs and expanded services 5. Development/promotion of strategies to optimize the role of Sea Mar in providing health care services to Skagit County residents 6. Development of strategies to promote Oral Health services optimization 7. Development of processes that will improve access to specialty Physicians 8. Promotion of expanded high quality mental health services with improved access 9. Initiation of an eastern Skagit County health care access planning process Provision of access to effective, affordable and timely health care from qualified health care providers is a core value of registered nurses in general and of their professional nursing organizations, WSNA, ANA (American Nurses Association). This health-care access project, endorsed by many service providers and stakeholders within Skagit County, is an excellent example of the type of community action the District 16 Nurses Association and its members can readily support and become involved in. To that end, the District 16 Board of Directors approved a motion at their last board meeting in August, following a presentation by Peter Browning, Director, Skagit County Health Department, to allocate $5,000 per year for a total of three years in support of this endeavor. The SCAHA committee is in the process of raising approximately $65,000 to secure an Executive Director to assist in the coordination of this project and who will work closely with community members and “stakeholders” alike. Progress toward the goal of improved health care access and services for Skagit County residents, and the aforementioned recommendations, will be reassessed at the end of three years. If you have an interest in this project or are interested in participating in the first round of task forces forming you may contact Sarah Herman.

The first round of task forces forming, include: 1) Information, referral, and navigation, 2) Prescription drug access, 3) Cultural competence, and 4) After hours care.

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 15

In Memoriam Ildaura Murillo-Rohde, PhD, RN, FAAN

Betty Jean Williams, RN

1 920 – 20 10

1 922 – 2 01 0

The American Nurses Association (ANA) joins the nursing community in mourning the passing of Ildaura Murillo-Rohde, PhD, RN, FAAN, founder of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). Dr. Murillo-Rohde, who was named a “Living Legend” by the American Academy of Nursing in 1994, passed away in her native country of Panama on September 5, a day shy of her 90th birthday.

Betty Jean Williams passed away September 27, 2010 at Caroline Kline Galland Home in Seattle. Born in Spokane WA on March 14, 1922, she graduated from Tacoma’s Lincoln High School, attended Pacific Lutheran, graduated from Tacoma General Hospital School of Nursing in 1944. She then joined the Army Nurse Corps, receiving many decorations and leaving the service in 1946 as a 1st Lieutenant.

She founded Washington, D.C.-based NAHN in 1975, after a Hispanic Nurses Caucus was formed at the ANA convention in 1974. NAHN provides a forum for nurses to evaluate the health care needs of the Hispanic community, and to assess the quality of health care services and barriers to delivery of health care.

Betty was a plastic surgery nurse for 35 years with Dr. Walter Scott Brown and was instrumental in establishing the first outpatient clinic of its kind in the world. Betty was a founding (and eventually honorary) member of the American Society of Plastic Reconstructive Surgical Nurses.

Dr. Murillo-Rohde was the first Hispanic nurse to receive a B.S. and M.A. degree in psychiatric nursing at Columbia University under Hildegard Peplau, a pioneer in psychiatric nursing.

Dr. Murillo-Rohde received the ANA award for outstanding achievement in psychiatric nursing, named after her mentor Hildegard Peplau, in 1992.

Betty’s love of classical music began at an early age. She played and later gave flute lessons and later attended symphony, opera, and ballet performances. As an avid sports enthusiast, she particularly supported U. Of W. Football and girls basketball, including the Seattle Storm. Betty had a wide circle of friends and was never happier than when she was entertaining in her lovely home or at the summer beach cabin near Olympia.

Dr. Murillo-Rohde served as dean and professor of the College of Nursing for the State University of New York-Brooklyn, where she helped create the graduate nursing program. Before her SUNY-Brooklyn tenure, she worked in nursing education and program director positions at the University of Washington, City University of New York and New York University.

She was an active member of WSNA in the early 1970's when she was on the faculty at the University of Washington. She served on the WSNA Cabinet on Human Rights, the Minority Affairs Committee and numerous other WSNA committees Dr. Murillo-Rohde began her career as a staff nurse at Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital in New York in 1950. She helped implement psychiatric units and served as chief nurse of the psychiatric divisions of two other New York hospitals – Elmhurst General and Metropolitan Hospital-New York Medical Center.

She was a member of ANA’s Affirmative Action Task Force, Commission on Human Rights, and Cabinet on Human Rights, and the organizer of the ANA Council on Cultural Diversity.

For more information, contact the National Association of Hispanic Nurses at 202.387.2477 or by e-mail at info@thehispanicnurses.org. The organization’s website address is: www.thehispanicnurses.org.

16 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

Predeceased by her parents, Charles H. And Ellen Hedren Williams, she is survived by her companion of 54 years, Beverly Deckelmann. A few thoughts by Betty’s friends: “A Wonderful Lady,” “Dearly loved,” “wicked humor as well as a ‘can do approach’ to life’s challenges,” “smartest in her nursing class,” “So glad this world has had such a bright star.”

Interment will be in the family plot at Mountain View in Lakewood, WA.

NFN NFN President Barbara Crane Returns from Global Forum on Violence National Federation of Nurses President Barbara Crane, RN, returned from the International Council of Nurses Workforce Forum in Japan where she and other national nurse leaders discussed the problem of violence against nurses, particularly horizontal violence.

NFN Published in the Times Union Today, the Times Union in Albany, NY published a letter (view on the Times Union website at http://bit.ly/aNSKND) from NFN President Barbara Crane, RN, urging Governor Paterson to include the perspective of nurses in his Health Care Reform Advisory Committee, which will help the state implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

the industry as a new type of union led entirely by nurses and centered on collaboration, self-governance and transparency.

Her inclusion among nine other nurses is also a strong sentiment to the growing understanding in Washington and across the nation of nurses’ importance in our next generation health care system.

NFN is a key player behind this effort and continues its successful promotion of the nursing profession as absolutely essential to successful health care delivery in the United States.

The problem of violence overall is increasing in the U.S. Just this month, the Emer- As Barbara conveyed in the letter, nurses gency Nurses Association released a are absolutely essential to the next generanew study that found that every week, tion health care system if we are to lower between eight and 13 percent of emer- costs and improve patient care. President ANA was also pleased to announce that past Presigency department nurses are victims of Obama knows this well, calling nurses dent Rebecca M. Patton, physical violence. “the beating heart of our medical system” and inviting Barbara to stand with him as MSN, RN, CNOR, made Canadian Nurses Association President he delivered his monumental health care this year’s list of 100 Ms. Isabelle St-Pierre, had just completed reform speech to Congress.

Most Powerful Peoher doctoral dissertation on horizontal ple in Healthcare. violence (or nurse-to-nurse interper- Raising awareness about the critical role The listing demonstrates the American sonal aggression) and revealed the mag- of nurses in the development of health Nurses Association’s continued influnitude of the problem. Because much of policy and delivery system reform is a core ence in shaping discussions on health it goes unreported, horizontal violence element of all of NFN’s advocacy work. care policy. has become a devastating and engrained One way NFN does this is to support aspect of the culture at many health care member associations in their efforts to Patton and Crane are two of nine nurses settings. ensure nurses’ perspectives are included on the list, including Catholic Health when implementing the rules and regula- Association President Sister Carol Keehan, Identifying a solution—whether it’s at tions of the health reform legislation.

SSM Healthcare President Sister Mary the administrative or unit level—is not Jean Ryan, Health Resources and Sereasy, and the Forum’s participants have vices Administration’s Mary Wakefield, promised to continue researching and NFN’s Barbara Crane National League for Nursing CEO Beverly working to solve the problem. The issue and ANA’S Rebecca Malone, American Organization of Nurse of violence against nurses—both physi- Patton Recognized in Executives CEO Pamela Thompson, cal and horizontal—is one of NFN’s two Modern Healthcare’s Director of University of Pennsylvania’s policy priorities.

100 Most Powerful Center for Health Outcomes and Policy People in Health Care In attendance were the leaders of many Research Linda Aiken, and American national nurses organizations. RepreIn August, Modern Health- Association of Colleges of Nursing CEO senting nurses in the United States were care named NFN Presi- Geraldine “Polly” Bednash.

Karen Daley, Cheryl Peterson and Bardent Barbara Crane, RN, More than 25,000 people were nominated bara Crane, RN. Ireland, Canada, Sweden, one of the top 100 most

by Modern Healthcare readers initially; the Australia, Japan and Korea were similarly powerful people in top 100 was decided by on-line voters over health care. Rankrepresented. several weeks. Nurses make a difference ing number 48 on an every day in the lives of the patients and The ICN Workforce Forum will be held impressive list of key decision-makers in communities they serve. in Sweden in 2011. health care including President Obama, Crane’s inclusion represents a growing awareness of NFN’s value to nurses and

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 17

Labor Relations

NFN Election  Patient Safety

Special Election to be held for WSNA Delegates to the 2011 NFN National Federation Assembly The National Federation of Nurses (NFN) will hold its first meeting of the National Federation Assembly (NFA) on May 15-17, 2011 in Chicago, IL. The purposes of the NFA are to elect the national NFN officers, consider resolutions consistent with the NFN purposes and goals, and to consider any proposed changes to the NFN Constitution. Based on membership, WSNA is entitled to six delegates to the 2011 NFA. Because of the timing, a special mailed ballot election is being held for WSNA delegates and alternates to the 2011 NFN National Federation Assembly. Six WSNA delegates will be elected and alternates will also be determined in order of votes received.

Only WSNA members who are currently members of a WSNA Bargaining Unit may run for office and only WSNA members who are members of a WSNA bargaining unit shall vote for

delegates. To serve as an NFN delegate, a person shall hold current membership in the WSNA and be represented for collective bargaining by WSNA. If you are interested in running please compete the special NFN Delegate Consent-to-Serve form which is available at www.wsna.org/Labor/NFN/Consent-to-Serve/ or by calling the WSNA office and requesting one.

To have your name placed on the printed ballot, all consent-toserve forms must be submitted to WSNA by December 1, 2010.

The ballot will be mailed out in January 2011 and ballots will counted in February, 2011. Write-in votes for eligible members will be accepted. Following the 2011 NFA meeting, the NFA will meet every two years and WSNA delegates to the 2013 NFN National Federation Assembly will be elected at the same time as other WSNA elections.

Major Win for Nurse Safety Good Samaritan Hospital Cited and Fined by L&I on Safe Patient Handling Issues It is a hospital’s responsibility to make The citation specifically states: available Safe Patient Handling (SPH) Good Samaritan Hospital did not establish, policy and procedures, have patient supervise, and enforce its Accident Prevenhandling devices accessible for use and tion Program in a manner that is effective to instruct nurses on the proper use of in practice as required by this standard. patient handling devices. Several nurses Although a Safe Patient Handling (SPH) at Good Samaritan have reported lifting policy exists, employees were not following it injuries and other failings of the SPH poland supervisors did not enforce it. icy at the hospital. WSNA was instrumental in bringing these violations forward to There is a lack of supervision and enforcement the Department of Labor and Industries on the use of SPH devices. The policy states for investigation. L&I found that Good that manual lifting of patients will be elimiSamaritan Hospital had committed a seri- nate unless it will compromise the well being ous violation for not adequately protecting of the patient, but the use of SPH devices is nurse safety. not supervised or enforced. The use of manual methods instead of SPH devices has resulted in employee injuries.

18 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

Good Samaritan Hospital must take corrective actions immediately and pay a $2,000 fine. The hospital will have to send a written description to L&I detailing the actions they’ve taken to fix the problem.

They are also required to post the citation in a public area where employees can easily read it. Safe patient handling is essential!

SPECIAL CONSENT TO SERVE FORM

WSNA Delegates & Alternates to the 2011 NFN National Federation Assembly

Must be submitted to WSNA no later than December 1, 2010 A special mailed ballot election is being held for WSNA delegates and alternates to the 2011 National Federation of Nurses (NFN) National Federation Assembly to be held in Chicago, IL, May 15-17, 2011. Six delegates will be elected and alternates will be determined in order of votes received. Consent-to-serve forms must be submitted to WSNA by December 1, 2010. The ballot will be mailed in January 2011 and ballots will be counted in February 2011. Write-in votes for eligible members will be accepted. Only WSNA members who are currently members of a WSNA Bargaining Unit may run for office and only WSNA members who are members of a WSNA bargaining unit shall vote for delegates. To serve as an NFN delegate, a person shall hold current membership in the WSNA and be represented for collective bargaining by WSNA. CONSENT TO SERVE AS A WSNA DELEGATE TO 2011 NFN NATIONAL FEDERATION ASSEMBLY

Please return the completed form to WSNA, 575 Andover Park West, Suite 101, Seattle WA 98188.

Name:__________________________________________________ Credentials_________________ Local Unit Member of _______________________(name of facility) Position___________________ Home Street Address:________________________________________________________________ City:_________________________________________________Sate:________ Zip:___________________ Home Telephone:____/_____-______, Cell Phone:_____/_____-_______Work Telephone:____/_____-_____, E-mail Address:_____________________________I have been a WSNA member since (year) _______.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Present Offices

WSNA Office:____________________________________________________ Term:___________________ Local Unit Office:__________________________________________________ Term:___________________ District Office:_____________________________________________________Term:___________________ National Office:____________________________________________________ Term:__________________

Previous Offices

WSNA Office:______________________________________________________ Term:_________________ Local Unit Office:___________________________________________________ Term:_________________ District Office:_____________________________________________________ Term:__________________ National Office:____________________________________________________ Term:__________________ Print your name as it should appear on the ballot:_____________________________________________

I consent to have my name considered for nomination as a WSNA Delegate to the 2011 NFN National Federation Assembly. If elected, I understand that it is my obligation to attend the 2011 NFN National Labor Assembly meetings May 15, 16 and 17, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. If for some reason, I am unable to fulfill this commitment, I will resign and notify WSNA immediately, so that an alternate may be appointed in my place.

Signature:_________________________________________Date______________

J:\convention 2011\nominations\special NFN 2011 consentfrm .wpd - 10/08/10

Labor Relations

Rest Breaks

Victories on Rest Breaks!

WSNA has won two landmark decisions for patient safety on the issue of missed breaks for registered nurses. Cases decided in Seattle and Spokane both affirm the employer’s responsibility to provide uninterrupted rest breaks to nurses.

WSNA has been working for several years to ensure that nurses receive full, uninterrupted breaks because that dedicated time to rest is critical in preventing fatigue and fatigue-related errors. Research confirms that nurses working long hours have decreased alertness and vigilance which can lead to an increase in medical errors and compromised patient care.

Registered nurses are constantly managing critical life and death situations. Nurses need time completely away from work to regain focus and alertness. Uninterrupted rest breaks are about nurse and patient safety, and now we have both a judge and arbitrator agreeing that this needs to be a priority. Both the decisions also definitively state that these so-called intermittent breaks really mean no breaks at all for nurses.

In 2007, WSNA filed suit against Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane because nurses were being forced to work through their breaks and were not being compensated for this extra work, essentially providing a financial incentive for the hospital to have nurses work through their breaks. On August 20, 2010, the Spokane County Superior Court finalized its order stating that Sacred Heart Medical Center had violated the Washington Minimum Wage Act. Highlights of the decision include: •

•

•

The hospital must pay nurses overtime for missed rest breaks resulting in overtime hours. This ruling eliminates the hospital’s financial gain and incentive to work nurses though breaks, paving the road to a safer workplace.

A break must be uninterrupted time away from work duties and the hospital cannot implement intermittent breaks.

Sacred Heart committed this violation willfully and therefore the hospital was ordered to pay double damages, interest and all attorney fees for the multiyear legal battle.

At the University of Washington Medical Center, WSNA filed a grievance when nurses were reporting that they were regularly working through their breaks. Highlights of the arbitration decision released on August 9, 2010 include: •

Rest breaks must be uninterrupted and intermittent breaks are not to be counted as a nurse’s rest break.

20 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

•

•

It is the hospital’s responsibility to ensure that nurses are receiving these breaks and not the responsibility of individual nurses.

The hospital must set up a system to track missed rest breaks which will count breaks as missed unless the nurse acknowledges receiving the break.

These decisions are a clear victory for patients and nurses throughout the state. The Spokane Court's decision puts every hospital in the state on notice that they cannot work nurses through their rest breaks without consequences. WSNA is committed to ensuring that every nurse in Washington receives their full breaks and we will fight in the workplace, in the courts, and in the legislature.

WSNA files lawsuits against four more hospitals around the state for failing to provide nurses with rest and meal breaks.

We had two great victories on rest breaks and now we’re taking the fight to four more employers, but the real goal is to cause a fundamental shift in how hospitals in this state prioritize breaks and safety. These four new lawsuits continue WSNA’s effort to ensure nurses receive rest breaks.

By imposing a financial penalty for failing to provide uninterrupted breaks, we hope these lawsuits will ensure that hospitals make breaks a priority.

At Tacoma General, Good Samaritan and Evergreen Hospital, WSNA is alleging that the employer is not paying its registered nurses the wages required by the Minimum Wage Act when a missed rest break pushes a nurse into overtime hours. Each lawsuit also seeks back pay owed to the nurses and also to improve Good Samaritan’s record keeping practices for missed rest breaks. A fourth lawsuit at Holy Family alleges that the employer fails to keep adequate records of missed rest breaks, and by doing so, fails to comply with a State Supreme Court decision requiring employers to treat missed rest breaks as time worked. Nurses at Holy Family do not always receive the wages they are owed when they are worked through a rest break, including when the rest break pushes a nurse into overtime hours.

These lawsuits should put every hospital in the state on notice that they cannot work nurses through their breaks without consequences. We are fighting in the workplace, in the courts, and in the legislature to protect nurse and patient safety.

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2010 E & GW L eaders h i p C o nference September 25 – 28, 2010

Age of Aquarius F

lower power and nurse power collided this year at the WSNA Economic & General Welfare Leadership Conference in Chelan, WA. The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Age of Aquarius’ and throughout the 3-day retreat, the focus was on finding inner peace through stress management, empowerment, conflict management and much more. Yoga, meditation and knitting classes were held between education sessions to give attendees time to relax and reflect amidst all the activity of the conference.

The conference began on Sunday with the Local Unit Council meeting during which each Local Unit gave an update on recent successes and challenges. As always, it was a time to celebrate our achievements but also to support each other and offer encouragement. The Conference officially kicked off on Monday morning with Beth Boynton, RN, MS giving a key note address entitled ‘Confident Voices’ about the importance and power of nurses voices in problem solving.

Attendees then participated in a two part training called ‘Crucial Confrontations’ that developed conflict management skills with practical step-by-step solutions to resolving conflicts and defusing tense situations. In that afternoon, participants chose from a variety of breakout sessions about topics including organizing, political advocacy, grievance resolution, labor law and compassion fatigue.

After a full day of education sessions, everyone was ready to have fun at the annual E&GW Local Unit Awards Banquet. The ‘Age of Aquarius’ theme brought out a variety of groovy costumes, and attendees danced to 60s and 70s classics on the veranda before heading inside for dinner and awards.

On Tuesday, the conference wrapped up with a plenary session in the morning with Marla Weston, CEO of ANA. She talked about ANA’s plans this year and how important nurses will be in implementing and shaping health care reform. After another set of breakout sessions, the conference wrapped up with a look at our state’s labor scene with Rick Bender, President of the Washington State Labor Council. Barbara Crane, RN, President of the National Federation of Nurses, followed by giving an update on the national efforts of WSNA and NFN. Beth Boynton closed the conference, sending attendees back out across the state with new problem solving techniques and a resolve to contribute to positive change in our workplaces and our lives.

22 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

— 2010 Local UnitAward Winners — Sponsors

Vendors

King County Nurses Association, co-sponsoring the Monday morning break

Aaron M. Anderson Kaplan University Bonnie L. Blachly, RN University of WA-Bothell Jennifer R. Carlsen Medical Staffing Network Flossie Crowther Wieland Healthcare Martha Davis, Ph.D. The Psychology Shop Adrienne Herom AFLAC Melissa King Craze Carrie Magnuson Bright Now ! Dental Mike Meyer Northwest Lions Eye Bank Kerry S. Morrison, RN Arbonne International Cindy Parsons Grapevine Hats Katie Sevenants SeneGence International Cynthia Tracey Walden University

Frank Doolittle Company, creating and donating pocket calendars Service Printing, cash donation & printing Seattle Children’s Hospital Local Unit, co-sponsoring Sunday afternoon break Brunni-Colbath, co-sponsoring Sunday afternoon break Charles Drew University, co-sponsoring Monday morning break Sound Community Bank, co-sponsoring Awards Dinner Schwerin Campbell Barnard Iglitzin & Lavitt LLC, co-sponsoring Awards Dinner; donation of Macy’s and Barnes & Noble gift cards

O u t stan d i n g C h a i r p e r son

R i s i n g Sta r

Sally Baque RN Tacoma General Hospital

Karen Tranholt RN Tacoma General Hospital

O u t stan d i n g G r i e vanc e Officer

A dv e r s i t y Awa r d

Deb Corning RN Yakima Regional Hospital M e m b e r s h i p Awa r d Renee Richardson RN Southwest Medical Center

Marcie Turpin RN Tacoma General Hospital O u t stan d i n g N e g ot i at i on T e am Tacoma General Hospital Yakima General Hospital

L e a d e r Em e r i t u s Vicki Wornath RN Southwest Medical Center

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 23

Nursing Practice Nursing Commission Adopts Continuing Competency Rules During the September 2010 Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission meeting, the final rules related to continuing competency requirements were adopted. These rules will go into effect on January 1st, 2011. Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses will be required to begin maintaining documentation/ verification of compliance illustrating at least 531 hours of active practice and 45 hours of continuing education every three years.

The three year period begins with the nurse’s 2011 birthday date.

Audits for compliance will begin in 2014. At this time, licensure renewals will continue to be on an annual basis; however, nurses will be expected to sign an attestation every three years to reflect that they are compliant with the requirements for both practice and continuing education hours.

The Commission defines “active practice” as engagement in paid, unpaid, or volunteer activity performing acts requiring a nursing license as described in RCW 18.79.040. Active nursing practice may include working as a nursing administrator, nursing quality manager, nursing policy officer, public health nurse, parish nurse, home health nurse, nursing educator, nursing consultant, nursing regulator or any practice requiring nursing knowledge and a nursing license. In other words, active practice is not limited to the provision of direct patient care. The Commission recognizes that nurses use their nursing knowledge in a variety of positions and roles.

“Unpaid practice” is defined as providing uncompensated services considered within the scope and domain of the nursing profession.

Examples of unpaid practice include: A nurse volunteering time to a church such as a parish nurse, or a nurse volunteering nursing services at a community clinic. There is a wide range of opportunities within the nursing profession to participate in unpaid service to the community.

Verification of compliance with the active practice hours requirements may include such evidence as: •

Pay stubs showing hours worked;

•

A statement including description of the practice setting, a description of duties and responsibilities and the signature of a supervisor;

•

A log book documenting active nursing practice and the signature of a supervisor/primary health care practitioner verifying the hours;

24 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

•

Verification from an appropriate health care provider documenting the number of hours of home care for a friend or family member.

The Commission defines “continuing nursing education” as: Systematic professional learning experiences obtained after initial licensure designed to augment the knowledge, skills, and judgment of nurses and enrich nurses' contributions to quality health care and their pursuit of professional career goals. The education hours should relate to the nurse's area of professional practice or areas identified through reflection and self-assessment for professional growth and development.

If the nurse is audited, questions may arise requiring the nurse to explain how the selected continuing education activity is relevant to their practice or desired professional growth and development.

Evidence of compliance with the continuing education hours requirements may include the following: •

Certificates of satisfactory course completion;

•

A current certificate from a nationally recognized certifying body;

•

Meeting minutes or meeting attendance rosters documenting participation in professional nursing organizations or employer sponsored committees;

•

A final transcript or transcript of classes documenting current progress towards an advanced degree in a field related to nursing practice;

•

Documentation of completion of a nursing research project as the principal investigator, co-investigator, or project director, such as summary of findings, thesis, dissertation, abstract, or granting agency summary;

•

Publication or submission for publication a health care related article, book chapter, or other scholarly work;

•

Presentations on a health care or health care system related topic with documentation such as a program brochure, agenda, course syllabi or a letter from the offering provider identifying the nurse's participation;

•

Documentation of independent study.

Continuing Competency

More materials and tools to facilitate documentation of compli- ings to help nurses better understand these new requirements. ance are under development such as log sheets for recording Additionally, both the Nursing Commission and WSNA web practice hours, tracking tools to keep records of continuing edu- pages will have information for quick reference. If you have specation participation, and a Frequently Asked Questions refer- cific questions, please contact WSNA via swatkins@wsna.org. ence. WSNA will also be providing a series of educational offer-

U p c o ming C o urse :

So You Want to Renew Your License Speaker Sally Watkins, PhD, RN Assistant Executive Director, Nursing Practice, Education, and Research Washington State Nurses Association Objectives • • •

Describe the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission Continuing Competency Program Identify the individual nurse’s responsibility for ensuring compliance Review current WSNA strategies to help nurses comply with NCQAC’s Continuing Competency Program

2.0 contact hours Each session takes place from 5:30pm – 8:30pm and is free. Dinner and free parking will be provided.

Seattle October 25th Talaris Conference Center 4000 Northeast 41st Street Seattle, WA 98105

Spokane October 26th The Davenport Hotel 10 South Post Street Spokane, WA 99201

Seattle November 10th Good Shepherd Center 4649 Sunnyside Ave N Seattle, WA 98103

Vancouver November 9th The Heathman Lodge 7801 NE Greenwood Dr Vancouver, WA 98662

Call 206.575.7979, ext. 0 to register November 10th workshop sponsored by the King County Nurses Association The Washington State Nurses Association Continuing Education Provider Program (OH-231, 9-1-2012) is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Ohio Nurses Association (OBN-001-91), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 25

Flu Vaccine

Nursing Practice

Protect yourself, protect your patients – get vaccinated!

■ Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website ‘Influenza Vaccination Information for Health Care Workers’ at http://www.cdc. gov/flu/HealthcareWorkers.htm

The role that you and other health care workers play in helping prevent influenza-related illness and death — especially in high-risk patients — is invaluable. By setting a good example and spreading flu facts (instead of the flu itself) among your colleagues and patients, you have the opportunity to save even more lives.

Health Care Workers and Influenza Vaccination •

CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend that all health care workers get an annual flu vaccine.

•

Fewer than half of health care workers report getting an annual flu vaccine.

•

As a health care worker, by getting vaccinated, you can help protect your family at home as well as your patients at work from getting sick.

•

Influenza outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities have been attributed to low vaccination rates among health care professionals.

•

Studies have shown that higher vaccination rates among health care workers can reduce influenza-like illness, and even deaths, in settings like nursing homes.

•

•

Health care workers play an important role in protecting public health, and your co-workers need you to be healthy and able to cover your shift.

Getting a yearly flu vaccine can help ensure your time off is spent doing what you want to do, not staying at home sick.

26 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

•

•

•

The 2010-11 flu vaccine provides protection against the three main viruses that research indicates will cause the most illness this season.

The 2010-11 flu vaccine will protect against an influenza A (H3N2) virus, an influenza B virus, and the 2009 H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season.

•

Flu vaccines CANNOT cause the flu. The viruses in flu vaccines are either killed (the flu shot) or weakened (the nasal-spray vaccine).

The flu vaccines work by priming your body's defenses in case you are exposed to an actual flu virus.

•

Flu vaccines are safe. Serious problems from the flu vaccine are very rare. The most common side effect that a person is likely to experience is soreness where the injection was given. This is generally mild and usually goes away after a day or two.

Health care workers have a special role in the fight against influenza.

1.

By getting vaccinated themselves, health care workers can protect their health, their families health and the health of their patients.

2.

Encouraging vaccination of vulnerable patients can protect them from the flu.

3.

High rates of vaccination among nurses and health care workers have been linked to improved patient outcomes and reduced absenteeism and influenza infection among staff.

Did You Know?

•

Flu Vaccine Facts

Annual vaccination is important because influenza is unpredictable and flu viruses are constantly changing. Even if you've been vaccinated before, the flu vaccine from a previous season may not protect against current flu viruses.

Health care workers who should be vaccinated include physicians, nurses, other workers in hospital and outpatient-care settings, and medical emergency-response workers (e.g., paramedics and emergency medical technicians). It is also important for employees of nursing homes and long-term-care facilities who have contact with patients or residents, and students of these professions who will have contact with patients to all be vaccinated.

Which Vaccine Should You Get? There are two types of flu vaccine: (1) the "flu shot" – a vaccine with killed virus given by needle injection and (2) the nasalspray vaccine (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine or LAIV) – a vaccine with weakened live viruses.

•

The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.

•

The nasal-spray vaccine (LAIV) is approved for use in healthy people 2 to 49 years of age. Nearly all

healthy, non-pregnant health care workers, may receive LAIV if eligible, including those who come in contact with newborn infants (e.g., persons working in the neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU), pregnant women, persons with a solid organ transplant, persons receiving chemotherapy, and persons with HIV/AIDS.

2.

Employers must ensure that influenza vaccines are available and offered to every health care worker annually at convenient times and locations.

3.

Employers must ensure that appropriate protection and safety measures are in place to provide a safe workplace environment for nurses and health care workers including following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requirements for influenza prevention and hierarchy of controls.

Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Your Patients by Getting a Flu Vaccine For more information about flu information, updates, and access to free materials to assist with educating staff and patients about the impact of influenza and the benefits of vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/ flu and www.flu.gov, or call the National Immunization Hotline at 800.232.2522 (English), 800.232.0233 (español), or 800.243.7889 (TTY).

WSNA’s Efforts WSNA sent a letter to the CEOs and CNOs of all the WSNA represented hospitals urging them to adopt an approach that adheres to the comprehensive, proven, and reliable flu prevention protocol recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) in order to protect both the public and health care workers.

WSNA offered to partner with the hospitals to achieve optimal levels of health and safety for both patients and health care workers.

Consistent with interim CDC Influenza Guidelines and recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), WSNA strongly recommended that all nurses and other health care providers be vaccinated against all influenza viruses. However, a voluntary vaccination program is only one component of a comprehensive influenza prevention policy. To be consistent with the updated CDC guidelines, an influenza prevention program must include a

WSNA President Julia Weinberg getting her flu shot

comprehensive approach – any influenza prevention program that relies solely on vaccinations (mandatory or voluntary) is inadequate.

4. Masking policies must follow CDC guidelines for all workers, not just those unvaccinated (currently required when within 6 feet of patients) and not be used as a retaliation or punishment for unvaccinated workers.

5.

If a declination form is required for vaccination, the employee must be able to sign the form confidentially; that is, the health care worker must not be required to divulge personal health information or declare the reason(s) for refusal of a vaccine.

The employer must not discriminate against or discipline a nurse or health care worker for opting out.

6.

The employer must not discriminate against or discipline nurses or health care workers for the appropriate use of sick time due to influenza. ■

We are committed to the health and safety of the nurses, health care workers, patients and the communities they serve.

Because of this commitment, we strongly recommend that all nurses, health care providers and other hospital personnel be vaccinated against all influenza viruses and support voluntary efforts that aim for 100% vaccination rates.

We also believe that any vaccination policy is only one component of a comprehensive influenza prevention policy. Here are the core components of a comprehensive influenza policy that we believe must be included in any influenza policy adopted by hospitals in Washington State: 1.

Voluntary efforts that aim for 100% vaccination rates, including annual education and implementation of comprehensive influenza vaccination programs for all health care providers.

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 27

Nursing Practice

Licensure Fees  Disaster Preparedness Survey W e N eed Yo ur I n p ut:

Disaster Response & Emergency Preparedness The Washington State Nurses Association Professional Nursing and Health Care Council convened a new committee a year ago to identify and focus on the many issues surrounding disaster response and emergency preparedness. In an effort to understand the level of awareness and needs of nurses, WSNA would like your participation in the following survey.

Your answers will help to guide the Disaster & Emergency Preparedness Committee in their work.

Visit http://bit.ly/disastersurvey to take the survey.

New Licensure Fees Effective October 15, 2010

W

ashington law (RCW 43.70.250) requires that each health profession is self-supporting and directs the department to collect fees to pay the costs to regulate each profession.

The costs to regulate and administer health care professions continue to increase. The fee increases are critical to promote patient safety, maintain the current levels of service for the public and licensees, and meet the costs of conducting business.

Credentialing, background checks, complaint intake, the call center, investigations, and disciplinary activities would decrease to a level that could place patients at risk and create barriers to receiving health care.

In 2010, the legislature authorized fee increases for 17 professions the Department of Health regulates. On September 16, 2010 the department filed and adopted rules to increase fees for the following professions: Acupuncturist (East Asian Medicine Practitioner), Dentist, Dental Assistant, Denturist, Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker, Midwife, Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Technologist, Nursing Assistant, Optometrist, Radiologic Technologist, X-ray Technician, Recreational Therapist, and Respiratory Care Practitioner.

The new fees are effective October 15, 2010 for applications received on or after this date and for renewals that occur on or after this date.

Some renewal notices for credentials that expire in October may arrive later than in past years. Typically, renewal cards are sent

28 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

60 days before a license is set to expire. This temporary delay affects the profession listed above. It is due to changes in fees.

If your credential is set to expire soon, please renew immediately, even if you have not received a renewal card. The courtesy card is not required. If you have a renewal card, please use it.

This is the most efficient and accurate way to renew. For more information, visit http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/ Nursing/default.htm.

The adopted rules and fee information is also available on the fee increase web page at http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/FeeInformation/. Any questions regarding this rule adoption may be directed to Dianna Staley, P. O. Box 47860, Olympia, WA, 98504-7860, or email at dianna.staley@doh.wa.gov; or by phone at 360.236.4997.

General fee information questions may be directed to the customer service office at 360.236.4700, or email at hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov.

Here is a summary of just the nursing fees: RN renewal – effective October 15: $76 Renewal $20 UW Heal WA $5 Nursing Center Surcharge Total: $101 ARNP renewal – effective October 15: $96 Renewal

Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Dispersing the Evidence

By Lydia Robertshaw RN, BSN

Between April 22nd to July 15th, 2010 approximately 205.8 million gallons of oil spilled into the waters of the gulf1. Toxicity of the spilled oil, dispersant used to control the oil, or the combination of both became evident by the effects the chemicals had on cleanup workers. Reported symptoms have included headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, skin irritation, respiratory problems, coughing, chest pain, concentration and memory problems3,4. The proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, were not supplied for many cleanup workers. Respirators specifically were not commonly worn by cleanup workers due to concerns about heatstroke, stated claims that the toxic fumes from the oil had already burned off6, and unfortunately even BP’s initial concerns about the public seeing workers wear respirators3.

Crews worked very hard to restore the beach and water of the gulf, but the long term effects have yet to be realized. Some of the participants of the 1989 Exxon Valdez cleanup crew have come forward to share the long term health effects they have struggled with over the past 21 years. Future concerns for the physical health of cleanup workers and civilians who may have been exposed to the toxic chemicals include lung disease, neurological disorders, heart disease and high blood pressure5. Vulnerable popu-

LONG-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS FOR CLEAN-UP PERSONEL ARE NOT YET COMPLETELY KNOWN, BUT INCLUDE LUNG DISEASE, NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, HEART DISEASE AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

lations such as pregnant women could experience low birth weight babies, premature babies and miscarriages5. Those already struggling with illness or disease might experience an exacerbation of their health problems. Mental health issues have included depression, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There has also been an increase in domestic violence, as well as alcohol and substance abuse7. One 55 year-old captain of a fishing boat in the gulf committed suicide and his depression was attributed to the devastating effects the oil spill was having on the communities most impacted by the disaster7.

Ecologically, it is difficult to predict the effects the oil and dispersants will have on marine life. A team from the University of Georgia are concerned that 70-79% of the oil still “remains a threat to the ecosystem,” while researchers from the University of South Florida express concern about the toxic levels to marine life2. There is ongoing concern about how seafood from the gulf waters should be regulated for safe consumption2. It remains unclear on how the consequences from this catastrophe will unfold for decades to come, but the disastrous cost of the gulf oil spill has already been devastating.

References 1. CNN Wire Staff. (2010, August 26). Final kill of Gulf oil well on hold as crews fish for drill pipe. CNN.com Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/08/26/gulf.oil.disaster/index.html?hpt=Sbin

4.Beyerstein, L. (2010, May 27). Oil spill cleanup wokers: We’re getting sick from lack of protective gear. In These Times. Retrieved from http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/6041/oil_spill_cleanup_workers_lack_ppe_fall_ill/

2. CNN Wire Staff. (2010, August, 17). Calls for better seafood testing as Gulf fishing begins anew. Retrived from http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/08/17/gulf.oil.disaster/ index.html?iref=obinsite

5. Nursing Schools Net. (2010, June 16). 10 Biggest health dangers behind the oil spill. Retrieved from

3. Goodman, A. (2010, July 7). BP oil spill cleanup workers getting sick, Exxon Valdez survivor warns of long-term health effects. Retrieved from http://www.democracynow. org/2010/7/7/bp_oil_spill_cleanup_workers_getting

6. Beyerstein, L. (2010, June 24). How do we keep the BP spill cleanup workers safe? In These Times. Retrieved from http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/6140/ how_do_we_keep_the_cleanup_workers_safe/

7. Hedgpeth, D & Fahrenthold, D. (2010, June 24).

Apparent suicide by fishing boat captain underlines oil spill’s emotional toll. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ article/2010/06/23/AR201.006.2305361.html

http://www.nursingschools.net/blog/2010/06/10-biggesthealth-dangers-behind-the-oil-spill/

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 29

Commission or Association?

Nursing Practice

What’s the difference between the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) and the Washington State Nurses Association?

NCQAC and WSNA are two Washington State organizations that play a critical role for the career of every nurse.

Although these organizations frequently share common agendas and agree on

Structure

Mission

similar policy issues, the role and function of each organization is very different.

Frequently there is a great deal of confusion about the differences between the two organizations, and nurses contact

one organization when they really need to make contact with the other. The following is intended to assist Washington State nurses by providing some clarifying information about each organization.

Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC)

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA)

Phone: (360) 236-4700 Fax: (360) 236-4738 Website: www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/professions/nursing

Phone: (206) 575-7979 Fax: (206) 575-1908 Website: www.wsna.org

Legally constituted State of Washington regulatory agency within the Department of Health

Professional association for all Registered Nurses; a constituent member of the American Nurses Association

Section 18.79.010 of the Revised Code of Washington Revised Code of Washington describes the purpose of NCQAC as: to regulate the competency and quality of professional health care providers under its jurisdiction by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms, and discipline. Rules, policies, and procedures developed by the commission must promote the delivery of quality health care to the residents of the state of Washington.

WSNA’s mission statement: The Washington State Nurses Association provides leadership for Registered Nurses and the nursing profession and promotes quality health care for consumers through education, advocacy, and influencing state health care policy in the State of Washington.

WSNA’s vision statement: The Washington State Nurses Association is the collective and leading voice, authority, and advocate for the nursing profession in the State of Washington. (Approved 03/07)

Leadership

Members of the Commission are appointed by the Governor up to four year terms. Membership consists of fifteen members including: 7 RNs, 2 ARNPs, 3 LPNs, and 3 public members.

Members of the Board are elected by current members of WSNA through a democratice voting process.

Membership

Mandatory licensure to practice as an RN, LPN, or ARNP (original education, examination, renewals, and endorsements).

Voluntary membership through application and dues; mandatory membership through various collective bargaining contract agreements.

30 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

NCQAC

WSNA

Role

Protects the public health, safety and welfare from unqualified or unsafe practitioners.

Informs nurses in WA State about issues and trends that affect their professional practice.

Promotes the professional development and advances the economic and general welfare of all nurses.

Policy

Adopts rules and regulations to implement its functions; issues interpretations on practice related issues as relevant to statute, rules and regulations.

Adopts position statements and resolutions that advance the profession and the organization’s mission.

Practice Standards

Establishes minimum standards for nursing education and practice.

Promotes ANA standards of nursing practice; works to ensure adherence to ANA’s Code of Ethics for Nurses

Education

Develops reasonable and uniform standards for nursing practice and education. Approves and renews approval for nursing education programs that meet the Washington Administrative Code requirements.

Develops, promotes and approves continuing nursing education as authorized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Workforce Advocacy

Investigates complaints regarding nurses; issues discipline and monitors disciplinary actions (Discipline may include stipulations, revocations, suspensions, denial of license or limitations on scope of nursing or nursing related practice activities.)

Promotes occupational safety for nurses. Provides workforce advocacy program for nurses including addressing workplace issues, e.g., staffing, safe lifting, hazardous exposure, work-place violence.

Government Affairs

Administers Nurse Practice Act and adopts rules and regulations for its implementation.

Acts and speaks for nursing profession related to legislation, governmental programs, and health policy. Reviews all bills introduced in the Washington State Legislature for impact on nurses, nursing and the health care of the public.

Revenue

Establishes and collects licensure fees pursuant to legislative rules.

Membership dues established by members.

Percentage may go to ANA.

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 31

Nursing Practice

IOM Report on Nursing's Future

The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health A Report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on the Future of Nursing Initiative at the Institute Of Medicine

The Institute of Medicine in October released its report, "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health." The report is the culmination of two years of work and is 500+ pages long. It focuses a much needed spotlight on longstanding issues impacting nurses and the care they provide.

WSNA and ANA are gratified to find that many of the elements and recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Report on the Future of Nursing are reflected in our ongoing work to advance the nursing profession. We are in complete agreement with the four “key messages” of the report.

We are pleased to see the IOM report acknowledge the importance of education in preparing the nursing workforce for the future. It is vital for the delivery of quality health care that nurses are equipped to deal with an increasingly complex health care work environment. The culture of lifelong learning is something WSNA and ANA has encouraged and supported throughout their histories.

ANA and WSNA have engaged in a wide range of activities over time that support the evidence-based recommendations of the IOM. We acknowledge that in order to affect these changes, it’s important to build consensus within the nursing profession and with key stakeholders such as the government, providers, and insurers. With the adoption of health care reform, this is a tremendous opportunity to work toward creating a new collaborative culture that transforms health care delivery.

K E Y M E S S AG E S From the IOM Report on the Future of Nursing As a result of its deliberations, the IOM committee formulated four key messages that structure the discussion and recommendations presented in this report: 1.

Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training.

2.

Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression.

3.

Nurses should be full partners, with physicians and other health professionals, in redesigning health care in the United States.

4. Effective workforce planning and policy making require better data collection and an improved information infrastructure.

R E C O M M E N DAT I O N S From the IOM Report on the Future of Nursing IOM Recommendation 1: Remove scope-of-practice barriers.

Advanced practice registered nurses should be able to practice to the full extent of their education and training.

IOM Recommendation 2: Expand opportunities for nurses to lead and diffuse collaborative improvement efforts. Private and public funders, health care organizations, nursing education programs, and nursing associations should expand opportunities for nurses to lead and manage collaborative efforts with physicians and other members of the health care team to conduct research and to redesign and improve practice environments and health systems. These entities should also provide opportunities for nurses to diffuse successful practices.

IOM Recommendation 3: Implement nurse residency programs. State boards of nursing, accrediting bodies, the federal government, and health care organizations should take actions to support nurses’ completion of a transition-to-practice program (nurse residency) after they have completed a prelicensure or advanced practice degree program or when they are transitioning into new clinical practice areas.

IOM Recommendation 4: Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80 percent by 2020. Academic nurse leaders across all schools of nursing should work together to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree from 50 to 80 percent by 2020. These leaders should partner with education accrediting bodies, private and public funders, and employers to ensure funding, monitor progress, and increase the diversity of students to create a workforce prepared to meet the demands of diverse populations across the lifespan.

IOM Recommendation 5: Double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020. Schools of nursing, with support from

32 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

WA S H I N GTO N STATE N U R S E S A S SOCIATIO N

private and public funders, academic administrators and university trustees, and accrediting bodies, should double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020 to add to the cadre of nurse faculty and researchers, with attention to increasing diversity.

IOM Recommendation 6: Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning. Accrediting bodies, schools of nursing, health care organizations, and continuing competency educators from multiple health professions should collaborate to ensure that nurses and nursing students and faculty continue their education and engage in lifelong learning to gain the competencies needed to provide care for diverse populations across the lifespan.

IOM Recommendation 7: Prepare and enable nurses to lead change to advance health. Nurses, nursing education programs, and nursing associations should prepare the nursing workforce to assume leadership positions across all levels, while public, private, and governmental health care decision makers should ensure that leadership positions are available to and filled by nurses.

IOM Recommendation 8: Build an infrastructure for the collection and analysis of interprofessional health care workforce data. The National Health Care Workforce Commission, with oversight from the Government Accountability Office and the Health Resources and Services Administration, should lead a collaborative effort to improve research and the collection and analysis of data on health care workforce requirements. The Workforce Commission and the Health Resources and Services Administration should collaborate with state licensing boards, state nursing workforce centers, and the Department of Labor in this effort to ensure that the data are timely and publicly accessible. ■

W H AT ’ S N E X T F O R N U R S I N G ?

F I N D O U T.

Fall 2010 Washington Nurse was going to press. Future issues of the Washington

April 27 - 29, 2011

Nurse will provide more detail on how WSNA and ANA are working to support

Hilton Seattle Airport Hotel & Conference Center

Editor’s Note: The IOM report on the Future of Nursing was released just as the

implementation of each of the recommendations as well as taking a strong role in working with IOM, RWJF, and others in focusing efforts on the serious issues impacting nurses’ working environments: safe staffing, safe patient handling, protecting nurses from workplace hazards, eliminating workplace violence and a host of other issues to improve patient safety and nurse recruitment and retention.

M O R E I N FO AT

wsna.org The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 33

Nursing Practice

Health Care Reform

By Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN

The Affordable Care Act, which President Obama signed into law in March, is a historic victory for the nursing profession and for the millions of patients that we care for each year. The law embodies the values rooted in our profession – it emphasizes prevention, a strategy nurses learn to value from their earliest days in nursing school. It invests in building the health care workforce, including Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, so that Americans have the opportunity to access quality health care, regardless of their financial status or geographic location. Equally important, it extends security to our patients, our neighbors, our children and even ourselves, by putting an end to the worst insurance practices that have kept health care out of reach — often for the very people who need it the most.

President Obama has long emphasized a more prominent role for nurses, and implementing the Affordable Care Act effectively depends on our expanded role. When the President selected me – a nurse from North Dakota – as the administrator of a $7.5 billion health-care agency, he recognized the expertise that the nursing profession could bring to health policy and reform.

The same can be said of the administration’s decision to appoint Marilyn Tavenner, also a nurse, to the number two position in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

For decades, nurses have watched as gaps in access and quality have compromised our nation’s health and health care system.

We’ve seen insurance companies refuse to pay for life-saving treatments, and we’ve seen patients with advanced chronic diseases that could have been prevented or controlled with screenings and regular check-ups. We’ve seen heart-breaking inequities in our health care system. President Obama saw these challenges too and was determined to address them as soon as he was sworn into office.

The Affordable Care Act invests in what is working in the American health care system. It invests $1.5 billion in the National Health Service Corps program over five years, which builds on the $300 million investment in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Combined, these funds are expected to result in an increase of more than 12,000 additional NHSC clinicians including nurse practitioners, primary care physicians and physician assistants by 2016. The law also creates a new Prevention and Public Health Fund, designed to create the necessary

34 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

infrastructure to prevent disease and manage conditions before they become severe.

In his speech to the American Nurses Association in June, President Obama described key provisions of the Affordable Care Act and emphasized that “we’re seeking to elevate and value the work that you do, because throughout our history, nurses have done more than provide care and comfort to those in need.

Often with little power or sway on their own, nurses — mostly women, historically — have been a force of will and a sense of common decency, and paved the way towards better care and a more compassionate society — from Clara Barton’s treatment of wounded soldiers at Antietam, to the advocacy of Dorothea Dix on behalf of people with mental disabilities, to the countless nurses whose names we’ll never know.”

The ANA and its membership have seen this country through critical periods of transition in our health care system. The ANA was one of the only major health care organizations that supported the creation of Medicare from the beginning. Without Medicare today, a program strengthened by the Affordable Care Act, where would our nation’s elders be? Nurses were essential to making Medicare a success and delivering care to millions of older Americans. Now, as we work to transform the American health care system through the Affordable Care Act, our profession’s role will only continue to grow in importance. Nurses are on the front lines of change, and together, we will provide coverage to more Americans and improve the nation’s health.

■ Mary Wakefield, PhD, RN, is the administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Advanced Practice

Health Care Reform

How the health care reform law affects APRNs

By Lisa Summers, DrPH, CNM

Now that the health care reform bill has been signed into law, it is a good time to review ANA’s advocacy for health system reform and take a look at how advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) were recognized in and incorporated into the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (PPACA).

PPACA was the culmination of many years of policy and advocacy work on the part of ANA and its members. Prior to the 2008 elections, ANA published a Health System Reform Agenda that updated principles first disseminated in the early 1990s, calling for guaranteed access to high-quality, affordable health care for everyone. In addition, ANA worked in concert with the nursing community to develop Commitment to Quality Healthcare Reform: A Consensus Statement from the Nursing Community, which included many recommendations specific to APRNs. ANA members held elected officials to their promise of universal health coverage by joining ANA’s health reform team and contacting members of Congress, testifying at hearings, sharing personal stories, and attending rallies and events.

And in the process, APRNs educated members of Congress and their staffs about the value of APRNs. There are many important provisions of interest to APRNs in the new law relating to education, new models for patient care delivery, and reimbursement. Some of the highlights include the following: •

$50 million a year to establish graduate nurse education (GNE), including programs for each of the four APRN roles.

•

A mandatory funding stream for Title VIII programs, which include advanced nursing education grants that prepare nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).

•

A demonstration grant to create a one-year residency program for NPs in federally qualified health centers and nurse managed health centers (NMHCs).

•

$50 million in grants for NMHCs.

•

A grant program for school-based health centers.

•

The recognition of NPs and CNSs as “Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Professionals.”

•

A 10 percent bonus payment under Medicare for primary care practitioners, including NPs and CNSs.

ANA joins with our newest organizational affiliate, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, in its celebration of success in a longfought battle for payment equity. Since the original recognition of CNMs under Medicare in 1988, CNMs were reimbursed at 65 percent of the rate paid a physician for the same services. Effective January 2011, the reimbursement rate for CNMs for covered services will be 100 percent, increasing access to midwifery care for disabled and senior women in need of reproductive health services and maternity care.

Many important details are not spelled out in the legislation, but will be left to the regulatory process, during which various agencies will be responsible for issuing rules. Some of those details, such as the formulation of the interdisciplinary team in the medical home and requirements for ordering durable medical equipment, are particularly important to APRNs. This “rule making” is a complicated and often a long process (typically as long as 18 months), although the administration is moving forward quickly. ANA is following the process closely and will provide updates to members. Likewise, we are following the formulation of various commissions and will work to ensure that the interests of nursing are represented.

While there is much to be celebrated, not all our legislative priorities for APRNs were addressed in PPACA, notably the certification of home health services and Medicaid reimbursement.

For more information, refer to the Health Care Reform Toolkit on www.nursingworld.org, which includes summaries and detailed coverage of PPACA, a timeline for implementation, and the key provisions related to nursing, including APRNs. If you have questions relating to ANA’s work on behalf of APRNs, contact Lisa Summers, DrPH, CNM, senior policy fellow, department of Nursing Practice and Policy, at lisa.summers@ana.org.

■ Lisa Summers is a senior policy fellow, Department of Nursing Practice and Policy at ANA.

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 35

36 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

2010 Voter's Guide

November Ballot Initiatives Ballot initiatives establish law in Washington State under the state constitution.

Most will have significant impacts on funding for public services. Washington is already facing a severe budget shortfall in 2011 and Governor Gregoire recently announced across-the-board cuts of 6.3% for most state departments. The Department of Social and Health Services is facing some of the deepest cuts, putting our most vulnerable citizens at greater risk. Several of these initiatives provide or maintain funding for critical health programs.

The WSNA Board has reviewed each measure and established a position based on the impacts to health, health care and nurses in Washington. In doing so, we hope that WSNA members take the time to understand the impact of these measures and vote in November. Please visit www.wsna.org/PAC/Endorsements/ for more information.

VOTE NO on Initiative 1107 Repeals tax increases on candy, soda, and bottled water The legislature established these revenue sources last year, providing more than $300 million to support important health and human services programs such as public health, maternity support services and the Basic Health Program. Increasing taxes on candy and soda also has the benefit of changing behavior, making it less likely to people to consume these foods that contribute to the growing obesity epidemic.

VOTE NO on Initiative 1082

VOTE NO on Initiatives 1100 and 1105

Privatizing Worker’s Compensation

Privatizing liquor sales in Washington

Worker’s compensation is a no-fault insurance program that pays medical costs and partially reimburses the lost wages of workers who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. Privatizing worker’s compensation runs the risk of escalating premiums to consumers and decreasing access to prompt and appropriate care for injured workers.

Currently, only the State of Washington can sell hard liquor through state run retail outlets. State run stores are an important part of liquor regulation. With this system, Washington has one of the highest compliance rates in keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors. State run stores also bring in about $850 million in revenues, which helps fund health, safety, and education programs.

VOTE NO on Initiative 1053 Requires 67% approval vote of the legislature to raise taxes and create new taxes This initiative would require a two-thirds vote of the legislature to either raise revenue sources or create new ones. Two years ago, Tim Eyman successfully passed an earlier version of I-1053, but no one understood the negative impacts of a two-thirds vote requirement until the recession devastated our state’s budget. If the Washington State Legislature had not suspended I-960 last year, they would not have been able to create new funding sources that saved critical health programs facing complete elimination such as the Basic Health Plan, Maternity Support Services, and other health and human services programs. A two-thirds majority vote also creates an incentive to raise revenues through fees, such as health professions licensure fees.

VOTE YES on Initiative I098 An income tax on the top 1.2% of taxpayers in Washington to support health and education programs I-1098 establishes an income tax only on the top 1.2% of taxpayers — couples making more than $400,000 per year ($200,000 for individuals). Most of this revenue is dedicated to vital health programs such as the Basic Health Program, public health, and long-term care services.

I-1098 results in more fair taxation and WSNA has a long standing history of supporting fair and equitable sources of revenue.

VOTE YES on Referendum 52 Referendum 52 allows the state to sell bonds for to fund energy saving retrofits to schools across the state. More than 45% of school spaces in Washington were built or last remodeled prior to 1969. These buildings are old, unsafe, and potentially putting our students at risk. In addition, this referendum would create 30,000 new construction jobs across the state.

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 37

2010 Voter's Guide

WSNA-PAC Endorsements Washington State Nurses Association Political Action Committee (WSNA-PAC) has completed its 2010 Candidate Evaluation Process. Candidate evaluations were based on their support of key nursing and health care issues such as safe breaks, nurse staffing, & funding for key programs such as nursing education, public health and the Basic Health Plan.

WSNA-PAC prides itself on using its limited resources efficiently and wisely to assist candidates who have demonstrated strong support for WSNA's legislative issues and those who are prominent leaders on health care issues. WSNA-PAC is committed to its mission as a non-partisan organization representing the interests of nurses concerned with promoting quality patient care through the political process.

In order to be considered for an endorsement, candidates or incumbents must first complete a WSNA legislative questionnaire and be interviewed by members of the WSNA PAC. If you are interested in volunteering on the PAC, please contact WSNA Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor Sofia Aragon at saragon@wsna.org.

Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 2nd!

If your legislative district is in Pierce County, you will vote at the polls on November 2nd. We urge your support in re-electing nurse legislators Dawn Morrell, RN and Tami Green, RN. Success of our priority issues depends on reelecting nurse legislators. Both Rep. Morrell and Rep. Green are working staff nurses and members of WSNA. They have been strong champions of nursing and patient safety issues in Olympia and without their dedication and hard work we could not have achieved our recent successes on important issues like safe patient handling and nurse staffing laws.

No WSNA dues monies are used to support candidates.

Contributions to the WSNA-PAC are voluntary and are made in compliance with the Washington State campaign finance law in Title 42 RCW.

Dist

Position

Party

Marr, Christopher

6

Senator

D

Driscoll, John

6

Representative

D

Haler, Lawrence

8

Representative

R

Hudgins, Zachary

11

Representative

D D

Hasegawa, Robert

11

Representative

Probst, Timothy

17

Representative

D

Stonier, Monica

17

Representative

D

Takko, Dean

19

Representative

D

Blake, Brian

19

Representative

D

Shin, Paull

21

Senator

D

Roberts, Mary Helen

21

Representative

D

Liias, Marko

21

Representative

D

Hunt, Samuel

22

Representative

D

Appleton, Sherry

23

Representative

D

Rolfes, Christine

23

Representative

D

Van De Wege, Kevin

24

Representative

D

Dawn Morrell, RN

25

Representative

D

Kilmer, Derek

26

Senator

D

Schoenike, Sumner

26

Representative

D

Darneille, Jeannie

27

Representative

D

Jinkins, Laurie

27

Representative

D

Kelley, Troy

28

Representative

D

Tami Green, RN

28

Representative

D

Conway, Steven

29

Senator

D

Kirby, Steven

29

Representative

D

Miloscia, Mark

30

Representative

D

Bunk, Raymond

31

Senator

D

Chase, Maralyn

32

Representative

D

Kagi, Ruth Lecocq

32

Representative

D

Ryu, Cindy

32

Representative

D

Keiser, Karen

33

Senator

D

Orwall, Tina

33

Representative

D

Upthegrove, David

33

Representative

D

Nelson, Sharon

34

Senator

D

Eileen Cody, RN

34

Representative

D

Finn, Frederick

35

Representative

D

Haigh, Kathryn

35

Representative

D

Kohl-Welles, Jeanne

36

Senator

D

Carlyle, Reuven

36

Representative

D

Dickerson, Mary Lou

36

Representative

D

Dist

Position

Party

Stanford, Derek

1

Representative

D

Kline, Daniel Adam

37

Senator

D

Campbell, Thomas

2

Representative

R

Santos, Sharon

37

Representative

D

Ormsby, Timm

3

Representative

D

Pettigrew, Eric

37

Representative

D

Crouse, Larry

4

Representative

R

Mccoy, John

38

Representative

D

38 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

2010 Voter's Guide

Dist

Position

Party

Sells, Michael

38

Representative

D

Morris, Jeffrey

40

Representative

D

Kristine, Lytton

40

Representative

D

Gordon, Randolph

41

Senator

D

Maxwell, Marcie

41

Representative

D

Judith Clibborn, RN

41

Representative

D

Linville, Kelli

42

Representative

D

Murray, Edward

43

Senator

D

Pedersen, Jamie

43

Representative

D

Chopp, Frank

43

Representative

D

Dunshee, Hans

44

Representative

D

Goodman, Roger

45

Representative

D

Springer, Lawrence

45

Representative

D

White, Scott

46

Senator

D

Frockt, David

46

Representative

D

Kenney, Phyllis

46

Representative

D

Kauffman, Claudia

47

Senator

D

Simpson, Geoffrey

47

Representative

D

Sullivan, Patrick

47

Representative

D

Hunter, Ross

48

Representative

D

Eddy, Deborah

48

Representative

D

Moeller, James

49

Representative

D

How to Use This Guide WSNA-PAC endorsements are listed by district. Find your legislative district by visiting http://capwiz.com/wanurses. Simply scroll down to ‘My Elected Officials’ and enter your home address. Your current elected officials will be displayed and your district will be listed after your State Senator and Representatives names.

Not every district will have an endorsed candidate(s) as WSNA-PAC will only endorse a candidate if they have completed the endorsement process and shown a commitment to nursing’s priorities. WSNA-PAC has only endorsed State Representative and State Senator candidates this year, so you will not see county or city races or initiatives on this list.

ANA-PAC Endorsements Senator Patty Murray (D-WA-Senate) Congressman Jay Inslee (D-WA-01) Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA-02) Denny Heck (D-WA-03) Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA-07) Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA-08) Each election cycle, ANA-PAC endorses candidates who have demonstrated strong support for nursing and healthcare issues.

Federal candidates under consideration for endorsement are judged using concrete endorsement criteria, which is set forth by the ANA-PAC Board.

In choosing endorsements, ANA assesses WSNA’s support of the candidate and gathers information on the campaign by communicating with WSNA, conducting candidate interviews, distributing ANA’s candidate questionnaire to non-incumbents, assessing incumbent’s legislative records on ANA’s priority issues, reviewing campaign polling and fundraising information, and tracking races in trade publications and newspapers.

All ANA-PAC candidate endorsements are approved by WSNA. For more information about ANA-PAC endorsements, please visit www.rnaction.org/election_center The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 39

2011 Dues Chart Introduction to 2011 Dues Chart

Monday, November 15, 2010 10:00am – 4:00pm Cedarbrook Lodge (18525 36th Ave. S. Seattle, 98188) Learn the skills to be an effective advocate in Olympia Hear the latest on WSNA legislative priorities: • • • •

rest breaks health reform implementation protecting nursing practice public health funding

Special guest speakers include State Legislators who are key health care leaders in Olympia 4.25 continuing nursing education contact hours will be awarded for this event Free to WSNA members, lunch provided, free parking on site.

Space is limited.

Please RSVP to Irene at WSNA by phone 206-575-7979 x. 0 or e-mail wsna@wsna.org

wsna.org The Washington State Nurses Association Continuing Education Provider Program (OH-231, 9-12012) is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Ohio Nurses Association (OBN-001-91), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

40 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

WSNA dues are adjusted annually on January 1st each year based on a formula approved by the membership in 1991 and revised in 2003. The formula is based on the statewide average of the 5th-step wage rate for RNs in WSNA represented bargaining units. This calculation is made from existing contracts in effect on July 1st each year. The average 5th step monthly salary is then multiplied by a dues adjustment factor of 1.00% and again by 12 to determine the amount for the annual WSNA portion of the dues and is applied in January the following year. The amount of the dues increase for 2011 for the WSNA portion of the dues will be 2.69% ($1.41per month) for members in our highest dues-paying category. ANA dues are adjusted every two years based on the Consumer Price Index (this increase is capped at a maximum of 2%). The total amount of the ANA dues increase for 2011 is $4.00 per year (33 cents per month) The total amount of WSNA member dues includes WSNA, ANA and District dues where applicable. Members who work less than 80 hours per month, are retired or not represented for collective bargaining may qualify for one of the reduced dues categories. On the facing page is the updated WSNA dues rate schedule, effective January 1, 2011.

If you are currently a member and have had a change in your employment situation, please complete a Change of Information Card or email your changes to membership@wsna.org. The Change of Information Card is available on the WSNA website under “Membership”, or you can contact the WSNA Membership Department at 800.231.8482 or 206.575.7979 to request one.

Please note: It is the member’s responsibility to notify WSNA in writing of any changes in address, employer, FTE status, layoff or leave of absence. Write to: Membership – Washington State Nurses Association, 575 Andover Park West, Suite 101, Seattle, WA, 98188.

WSNA Dues: The amount of dues you pay includes the ANA, WSNA and the District Nurses Association dues portions. This combined amount is based on the following information 1) the District you are employed in, 2) the total hours you are scheduled to work per month (FTE), and 3) whether you are covered by a WSNA collective bargaining contract or not. Eight percent (8%) of the WSNA portion of the dues of WSNA collective bargaining members are returned to the WSNA Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare (4%) and to the members local unit (4%) for their use.

WSNA Districts: The District’s portion of your dues are determined by the county’s geographic boundaries where you work. If your county is not listed, you are included in District 98.

WSNA Categories:

Whatcom King Pierce Spokane / Adams / Lincoln / Pend Oreille 05 Walla Walla / Columbia 06 Yakima City / North Yakima

01 02 03 04

A - Employed in a WSNA represented bargaining unit and working an average of 80 or more hours per month.

B -

Employed in a WSNA represented bargaining unit and working an average 40 hours or more and less than 80 hours per month.

C

D

07 Chelan / Douglas / Grant 08 Grays Harbor 09 Snohomish 10 Wahkiakum/Cowlitz 11 Clark/Skamania 12 Clallam/Jefferson 13 Thurston

14 Whitman 15 Benton / Franklin 16 Skagit / Island / San Juan 17 Kitsap 18 Kittitas 98 All others not listed

– Employed in a WSNA represented bargaining unit and working an average of less than 40 hours per month.

- Employed in a WSNA represented bargaining unit and working as a new graduate nurse who joins within 6 months of passing the NCLEX exam (reduced for the 1st year of membership only).

F - Employed an average of 80 hours or more per month and not covered by WSNA collective bargaining contract.

E - 62 years of age and not employed or totally disabled.

M - Employed, not covered by a WSNA collective bargaining unit working less than 80 hours per month or employed, not covered by a WSNA collective bargaining unit working as a new graduate nurse who joins within 6 months of passing NCLEX (for 1st year of membership only) or unemployed.

2010 toDues Chart Dues Rate Schedule Effective Jan 1, 2011 – Dec 31, 2011 Subject change with proper notice

* Installment payments include a handling fee of $3.99 per year.

Members Covered by a Bargaining Unit CATEGORY A DISTRICTS

1,6,8,17,18 2 3 4 5,15 7 12 10,13 11 9,14,98 16

Annual

823.68 876.96 832.32 839.76 818.64 824.16 831.12 821.28 833.76 813.84 828.72

*Installment

275.89 293.65 278.77 281.25 274.21 276.05 278.37 275.09 279.25 272.61 277.57

CATEGORY B **Monthly

68.64 73.08 69.36 69.98 68.22 68.68 69.26 68.44 69.48 67.82 69.06

Annual

625.20 665.28 631.68 637.20 621.60 625.68 630.96 623.52 632.88 617.76 629.04

*Installment

209.73 223.09 211.89 213.73 208.53 209.89 211.65 209.17 212.29 207.25 211.01

CATEGORY C / D **Monthly

52.10 55.44 52.64 53.10 51.80 52.14 52.58 51.96 52.74 51.48 52.42

Annual

426.96 453.60 431.04 434.88 424.32 427.20 430.56 425.52 431.76 421.92 429.36

*Installment

143.65 152.53 145.01 146.29 142.77 143.73 144.85 143.17 145.25 141.97 144.45

**Monthly

35.58 37.80 35.92 36.24 35.36 35.60 35.88 35.46 35.98 35.16 35.78

** Only payroll deduct or EFT payers may use the monthly payments schedule.

Members Not Covered by a Bargaining Unit

CATEGORY F DISTRICTS

1,6,8,17,18 2 3 4 5,15 7 12 10,13 11 9,14,98 16

Annual

580.56 633.84 589.20 596.64 575.52 581.04 588.24 578.16 590.64 570.72 585.60

*Installment

194.85 212.61 197.73 200.21 193.17 195.01 197.41 194.05 198.21 191.57 196.53

CATEGORY M **Monthly

48.38 52.82 49.10 49.72 47.96 48.42 49.02 48.18 49.22 47.56 48.80

Annual

396.96 423.60 401.04 404.88 394.32 397.20 400.56 395.52 401.76 391.92 399.36

*Installment

133.65 142.53 135.01 136.29 132.77 133.73 134.85 133.17 135.25 131.97 134.45

CATEGORY E **Monthly

33.08 35.30 33.42 33.74 32.86 33.10 33.38 32.96 33.48 32.66 33.28

Annual

198.48 211.68 200.64 202.32 197.28 198.48 200.40 197.76 200.88 195.84 199.68

*Installment

67.49 71.89 68.21 68.77 67.09 67.49 68.13 67.25 68.29 66.61 67.89

**Monthly

16.54 17.64 16.72 16.86 16.44 16.54 16.70 16.48 16.74 16.32 16.64

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 41

New Members Whatcom County Carol H. Church, RN Caroline K. Peterson, RN Ashlie K. Mattingley, RN Michelle C. Sadouskas, RN Stacey A. Sutton, RN Elisabeth N. Lockman, RN Heidi M. Polinder, RN Crystal S. Bohm, RN Alexandria L. Dunton, RN Joseph B. Conway, RN King County Kelly L. Dempsey, RN Madaline N. Deaconson, RN Susan Y. Lim, RN Barbara K. Gall-Holden, RN Rachel C. Fay, RN Courtney M. Sedlacek, RN Leigh A. Collins, RN Jennifer A. Davidson-Feliu, RN Sunshine W. Rockom, RN Crystal R. Chandler, RN Dianne K. Staloch, RN Courtney A. Steed, RN Rodolfo A. Baylon, RN Andrea P. Hernandez, RN Mikaela R. Federspiel, RN Allison R. Williams, RN Sylvia S. Loh, RN Shireen S. Shahrivar, RN Tiffany A. Roof, RN Alicyn M. Davis, RN Jean K. Salmon, RN Lindsay M. Macomber, RN Heather C. Roesler, RN CCRN Chloe T. Rahmun, RN Jennifer M. Lo, RN Melissa E. Jorquera, RN Sheila S. Croft, RN Sara L. Mc Neill, RN Teresa Wilson, RN Barbara L. Israel, RN Laura J. Hagel, RN Emily Grob, RN Betony L. Dunaway, RN Jennifer R. Brown, RN Angelina Monaco, RN Jeffrey Y. Lee, RN Julie CH Zoellner, RN Erica L. Hall, RN Angela M. Mathis, ARNP Britta K. Jepsen, RN Dede K. Brockman, RN

Catherine C. Todd-Horner, RN Katharine S. Lux, RN Audrey J. Nichols, RN Samantha L. Ware, RN Addalee J. Baker, RN Alena J. Lowery, RN Timothy D. Richardson, RN Allison L. Paisker, RN Douglas J. Harper, RN Theresa L. Reed, RN Kyle J. Petrick, RN Faith E. Jongerius, RN Janine C. Hurn, RN Rebecca A. MacMillan, RN Darlene M. Joseph, RN Radostina Decheva, RN Rebekah L. Root, RN Heidi A. Richmon, RN Alyssa M. Plemmons, RN Katherine D. Hawley, RN Marlyse J. Rappoport, RN Michelle R. Warren, RN Donna J. Bowen, RN Clare S. Kaseter, RN Trisha Taylor, RN Stacy L. Crampton, RN Whitney S. Eastvold, RN Catherine L. Ripley, RN Emily G. Jordan, RN Gwendolyn G. Pope, RN Emily R. Higgins, RN Sharie L. Pope, RN Daniel G. Kaiser, RN Carol J. Fricke, RN Jana N. Jasperson, RN Paul D. Twibell, RN Jennifer A. Kromholtz, RN Michelle A. Jack, RN I-Fan Lin, RN Kristina M. Leonard, RN Ian E. Hartsock, RN Jana G. Uhlig, RN Lisa M. Petti, RN Mary K. Richey, RN Veronika Nagy, RN Rajitha Mathew, RN Ellyn D. Saunders, RN Nina A. Chandler, RN Catherine A. Knauerhase, RN Barry K. Fey, RN Grace M. McCarthy, RN Rachel C. Wang, RN

42 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

Pierce County Kristen N. Mulhern, RN Waleska E. Rios Gonzalez, RN Joseph C. Ramirez, RN Jeanne N. Garin, RN Cynthia A. Hamilton, RN Lacey B. Volk, RN Melissa D. Boos, RN Megan J. Stice, RN Jessica M Reetz, RN Amy E. Whitney, RN Joann P. Ucol, RN Lorie A. Coyne, RN Jilann J. Hauge, RN Catherine D. Abuy, RN Gwendolyn Bolar, RN Linda K. Collins, RN Anna V. Zinchenko, RN Adrienne A. Berg, RN Kathleen E. Weller, RN Amrit P. Kaur, RN Tracy E. Maier, RN Patricia G. Konecny, RN Cathy L. Welde, RN Danielle L. Hayes, RN Valerie L. Halili, RN Lana M. Boteler, RN Sara C. White, RN Veronica M. Ebio, RN Octaliza P. Reyes, RN Bishnu Thapa, RN Saadia R. Jones, RN Alycia M. French, RN Elizabeth V. Haberkorn, RN Jennifer K. Vaughan, RN Amber M. Carlson, RN Kari A. Ciolli, RN Georgina N. Maingi, RN Kimberly J. Applebee, RN Haley J. Wahl, RN Caroline E. Alden, RN Stephanie J. Axtman, RN Gibril K. Kargbo, RN Aleece N. White, RN Susan A. McDaniel, RN Katherine M. Hutchison, RN Heather A. Buxman, RN JoAnne M. Kendziora, RN Erin E. Arkin, RN James D Stein, RN Debra A. DiPietro, RN Celeste D. Gregory, RN Amanda G. Lehman, RN Marina V. Chapkin, RN Sarah J. Morgan, RN

Amber D. Roaden, RN Lindsey J. Jones, RN Maribeth T. Magbulos, RN Cynthia A. Varney, RN Andrea K. Barry, RN Tyree C. Johnson, RN Oksana Y. Kozubenko, RN Vincent T. Mosley, RN Fatima David, RN Molly S. Larson, RN Tracy L. Rank, RN Heather M. Dolan, RN David M. Bright, RN Ma Ana L. Razo, RN Rebecca R. Miller, RN Princy P. Samuel, RN Jennifer J. Healy, RN Amanda S. Ibisate, RN Terri L. Villanueva, RN Jamie M. Sharp, RN John M. Richeson, RN Jevahly Coates, RN Mimi E. Johnson, RN Susan M. Combs, RN Casandra Faith A. Capon, RN Tilliesa A. Banks, RN Erick V. Balais, RN Brian C. Lancaster, RN Melinda Burns, RN Melissa A. Sobraski, RN Eunchong Y. Krum, RN Stacy L. Smith, RN Numukunda Darboe, RN Janine R. Strash, RN Lyndie M. Carboni, RN Sojheath Kong, RN Jessica N. Bond, RN Melissa M. Yaklin, RN Truc N. Tran, RN Amanda M. Brown, RN Rowena V. Steffan, RN Jennifer L. Weekley, RN Tiara L. Benson, RN Allison M. Miles, RN Heather A. Callicoat, RN Yelena D. Kocherga, RN Mickey L. Smith, RN Meagan E. Gallegly, RN Amber L. Gauthier, RN Rebecca L. Austin, RN Mark S. Jackson, RN Marian K. Bolton, RN Arlowen S. Jordan Raygor, RN Leah K. Winter, RN Sarbjeet Kaur, RN

Katherine R. Fenske, RN Tonya C. Crabtree, RN Christina A. Snyder, RN Erica A. Wright-Ruiz, RN Kathleen T. Olivo, RN Kellie A. Robinson, RN Marjorie L. Hall, RN Andrea J. Schmidt, RN Jenna R. Gilbert, RN Richard L. Wedgeworth, RN Randall D. Dupuy, RN Troy J. Fagan, RN Kaila J. Noble, RN Jessica A. Stark, RN Lisa T. Webster Younghee Hendershot, RN Laura C. Sealock, RN Heather L. Tasker, RN Molly R. Malcolm, RN Kari S. Lahoe, RN Spokane / Adams / Lincoln / Pend Oreille Melissa A. Collier, RN Heidi L. Roark, RN Haylee R. Goode, RN Natalie B. Filter, RN Carolyn A. Light, RN Diana G. Gigler, RN Kim J. Ward, RN Diana L. Blott, RN Melinda L. Bishop, RN Anna Marie Curtis, RN Janell D. Underwood, RN Kathy I. Martin, RN Shannon A. Laux, RN Robert A. Gutierrez, RN Vitaliy S. Matsyplyuk, RN Rick Darcy, RN Brienne M. Burt, RN Amy K. Cade, RN Meghan R. Dickinson, RN Rebecca L. Foreman, RN Allison A. McKeirnan, RN Michelle A. Rettenmier, RN Phillip W. Entel, RN Stephanie J. Wiegand, RN Jennifer L. Burns, RN Michelle M. Guyette, RN Stephanie L. Trautman, RN Leah D. Davis, RN Candace M Smith, RN Beth Ehring, RN Kara M. Hodgins, RN Michelle E. White, RN

Membership Update Kimberlee A. Buechner, RN Jessica J. Carroll, RN

Danielle R. Kurz, RN Mary C. Hubbell, RN Stacy L. Freel, RN

Yakima City / N. Yakima Danielle P. Cooper, RN Lori K. George, RN Kerri L. Sutton, RN Mary A. Verhey, RN Amanda A. Baughman, RN Alaina K. Linden, RN Chelan / Douglas / Grant Molly L. Robbins, RN Marianne Lynn, RN Jackie P. Lamb, RN Cora L. Herbert, RN Grays Harbor Wanda M Benson, RN Ranay M. Leslie, RN Snohomish

Skagit / Island / San Juan Terrence E. Casey, RN BSN CNOR Laura A. Black, RN Kristyn M. Irving, RN Sara A. Jacobson, RN Patricia A. Wolfe, RN Linda J. Brownsberger, RN Lynbert J. Balagot, RN Tammy C. Downes, RN Leif, RN Nadia B. Slavik, RN Laurie A. Mansour, RN Lara L. Morris, RN BSN Abbi S. Heater, RN Marlene F. Pangelinan, RN Alicia M. Hawkins, RN Erin A. O'Regan, RN Elizabeth A. Weston, RN Lauren K. Johnson, RN

Kimberly S. Stearns, RN Kitsap County Wahkiakum / Cowlitz Jackie D. Laes, RN Melissa S. Conrad, RN Gloria Krahn, RN Makenzie B. Harris, RN Tanya J. Neely, RN Kathleen E. Schoene, RN Christina L. Sears, RN Victoria R. Synoground Lori J. Farmer, RN Christine J. Hattenhauer, RN BSN Clark / Skamania Elizabeth K. Britt, RN Lyubov P. MeLnychuk, RN Misty N. Clark, RN Kevin E. Neet, RN Jessica L. Lawson, RN Whitman Amanda N. Guzman, RN Randy A. Hartig, RN Benton / Franklin Narda M. Leeming, RN Kaylyn M. Wyatt, RN Crystal J. Taylor, RN Toni A. Ledridge, RN

Sally S. Shunn Kittitas County Cathy M. Dyk, RN Lynda C. Nicoulin, RN All Other Counties Gail A. Reynolds, RN Eric R. Guyor, RN Diane L. Cantu, RN Colleen K. Jacobs, RN Jennifer N. Montoure, RN Jami L. Greenfield, RN

Are you starting a second job in a WSNA bargaining unit?

Have you accepted a new position that is not covered under collective bargaining?

Has there been a recent increase or decrease to your FTE? These questions are examples of changes in employment status that may or may not result in a modification in the amount of membership dues and the method by which dues are paid.

A recent question posed to the WSNA membership department was in regard to payroll deduction of membership dues and holding two separate WSNA bargaining unit positions. The question was whether dues would be deducted from the paycheck at each job.

The answer is that dues will only be deducted from the paycheck received from the primary employer as indicated on the membership application. A member must submit an application for any position that is held in a WSNA bargaining unit. The member will hold membership in both local units (though the dues are collected from only one facility) and have all the rights and responsibilities of membership for both facilities.

Another recent question for the membership department was if WSNA membership could be maintained after a member has left a bargaining unit. The answer is yes! All registered nurses are welcome as members of WSNA. Even when working in a position that is not covered under collective bargaining, it is possible to maintain your membership in your professional association. Please be sure to contact the WSNA membership department if moving from a bargaining unit position to a non bargaining unit position as there will be a difference in your dues rate and payroll deduction may no longer be an option for payment of dues.

A change in your FTE may or may not result in a change in the amount of membership dues. Members who work .5 FTE and above would pay the Category I dues rate. Members who work between a .25 FTE and .45 FTE would pay the Category II dues rate. Members who work .1 FTE to .4FTE or work per diem would pay the Category IV dues rate. A detailed listing of the amount of membership dues is available on the membership application, located on the WSNA Web site.

Please feel free to contact the membership department for any questions related to dues amounts or dues payment by phone at 206.575.7979, by fax at 206.838.3099 or by email at membership@wsna.org.

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 43

Continuing Education

WSNA Offers Free Online Continuing Nursing Education Courses!

Available Now: Quality of Care, Nurses’ Work Schedules and Fatigue by Janice Ellis, PhD, RN, ANEF

Keep watching for the next two courses: Continuing Competency by Louise Kaplan, PhD, ARNP, FAANP Grassroots Political and Legislative Action by Louise Kaplan, PhD, ARNP, FAANP

“Running on Empty?” Workshops a Success The WSNA Summer Education Series “Running on Empty?” depression, impaired performance, and increased illness. Injuwas held in Seattle, Bellevue, Spokane, Tacoma, Mt. Vernon, and ries experienced by nurses included increased musculo-skeletal Vancouver, with approximately 175 in attendance total. Each injuries (back, shoulder, neck), needle sticks, and an increase session opened with President Julia Weinberg, RN, sharing in motor vehicle accidents. These issues were also seen to be the current results of WSNA’s survey on rest and meal breaks. of further concern with an aging workforce. Fatigue counterResponses illustrated that only approximately fifty percent of measures were also discussed including some of the research staff nurses regularly receive their rest and meal breaks. Unin- related to the benefits of napping during a break. terrupted rest and meal breaks occurred less often. Almost sixty In closing, Sofia Aragon, JD, RN, WSNA’s Senior Governmental percent of the respondents shared that they had either made or Affairs Advisor, reviewed HB 3024, last year’s rest and meal almost made a mistake during a shift where they did not receive break bill that was approved by the House of Representatives, a break – a concerning statistic for a profession priding itself but was not voted upon by the Senate due to time constraints. for holding patient advocacy a priority. Almost twenty percent She shared the myths vs. the facts of the bill given testimony shared that they had personally been injured on the job when was provided from both support and non-support perspectives. working without a break – another concerning statistic regardWSNA’s ongoing coalition efforts, educational approaches, and ing safety for nurses themselves. One of the most concerning collective bargaining strategies were also reviewed illustrating findings, however, was that less than fifty percent of the staff the depth and breadth of the association’s work to address these nurses who miss a break report such to their supervisor. Over issues on many fronts. Given the intent to pursue legislation thirty-five percent reported that they feared discipline/retaliain this regard continues, the role of nurses in political advocacy tion if they reported a missed break. was emphasized resulting in many nurses in attendance stepNext, Sally Watkins, PhD, RN, WSNA’s Assistant Execu- ping forward to identify themselves as willing participants for tive Director for Nursing Practice, Education, and Research, further legislative efforts. reviewed and summarized the research that has been done WSNA would like to thank all of those who attended these sesrelated to issues of fatigue and patient/nurse safety. Length of sions and who worked to promote these sessions. Additional shifts, shift work (non-day shift work hours), overtime, lack of educational events will be explored as we move into this next rest and meal breaks, and the pace of work were identified as Legislative session. contributing factors to errors in patient care as well as nurse injuries. Tools were shared that nurses can use to assess fatigue and quality of their sleep (these can be found on WSNA’s website at http://www.wsna.org/Topics/Fatigue/). Symptoms of fatigue were reviewed including, but not limited to decreased vigilance,

44 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

Continuing Education Calendar october Update in Medical-Surgical Nursing 2010 – University of Washington School of Nursing; October 28-29, 2010, – Fee: $345/325 – Contact Hours: 13.5; Contact: C

November 2010 PUP-C Consensus Meeting – Pressure Ulcer Prevention Coalition; November 5-6, 2010; Contact Hours: 8.0; Fee: Various; Contact: Martie Hawkins at 208.484.8176 Effective PowerPoint Presentations – King County Nurses Association (WSNA District 2); November 6, 2010, 8:30–11:30 am; Contact Hours: 2.5; Fee: $30/member, $40/non-member, $25/student; Contact: www.kcnurses.org School Nurse Leadership – Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing, Saturday, November 6, 2010, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm – Fee: $99.00 – Contact Hours: 5.5; Contact: A Immediate Response – University of Washington School of Nursing; November 9, 2010; Fee: $265/$245*; Contact Hours: 7.0; Contact: C

So You Want to Renew your RN License? – King County Nurses Association (WSNA District 2); November 10, 2010, 5:30–8:30; Contact Hours: 2.0; Fee: – 0 – ; Contact: www.kcnurses.org or 206.545.0603 Certification Review Course for the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN) Exam – Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing, Wednesdays, November 10, December 1, 15, 2010 and January 5, 2011, 6 – 7 pm online via PLU Sakai – Fee: $219.00 – Contact Hours: 12.5; Contact: A Intravenous Therapy Education Course – St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center; November 11, 2010, Fee: – 0 – – Contact Hours: 3.4; Contact: Renae Dougal at 208.367.6480 Communication Skills for Nurses in Long-Term Care – Christian Health Care Center; November 12, 2010, Fee: – 0 – – Contact Hours: 3.5; Contact: Connie Davis at cld@ conniedavis.ca or 604.991.4563 Implementing Nurse Delegation – Washington State Dept of Social & Health Services (Olympia); November 15, 2010, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Fee: – 0 – – Contact Hours: 5.5; Contact: http://www. aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Professional/ND/ orientation.htm

Annual Update in Wound Management 2010 – University of Washington School of Nursing; November 18-19, 2010; Fee: $345/325*; Contact Hours: 14.4; Contact: C

December Intravenous Therapy Education Course – St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center; December 8, 2010, Fee: – 0 – – Contact Hours: 3.4; Contact: Renae Dougal at 208.367.6480 ACLS Provider Course – Kootenai Medical Center, CDA, Idaho; Dec. 15 & 16, 2010; Contact Hours: 9.0; Fee: $185.00 +$60.00 Manual and AHA Card (No charge to KMC or NIRHC employees) Contact: Carla Grant at 208.666.2075 ACLS Recertification Course – Kootenai Medical Center, CDA, Idaho; Dec. 16, 2010; Contact Hours: 5.0; Fee: $125.00 +$60.00 Manual and AHA Card (No charge to KMC or NIRHC employees) Contact: Carla Grant at 208.666.2075

January Chronic Illness: Mitigating the Impact – Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing, Friday, January 28, 2011, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm – Fee: $129.00 – Contact Hours: 6.25; Contact: A

February Medication Management for Chronic Illness – Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing, Friday, February 4, 2011, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm – Fee: $129.00 – Contact Hours: 6.25; Contact: A Pharmacotherapeutics for ARNPs – Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing, Friday, February 4, 2011, 8:15 am – 4:45 pm – Fee: $169.00 – Contact Hours: 7.5; Contact: A

April Falls and the Older Adult: A Holistic Approach to Identifying and Managing Risks and Consequences – Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing, Friday, April 8, 2011, 8:00 am – 12:00 Noon – Fee: $ 69.00 – Contact Hours: 3.8; Contact: A Monitoring for and Managing Delirium: Mandate for Patient Safety – Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing, Friday, April 8, 2011, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Fee: $ 69.00 – Contact Hours: 3.8; Contact: A Preceptor and Mentor Development Program – Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center; April 14, 2011, Fee: $-0-/$50; Contact Hours: 3.5; Contact: Marie Ritchie at 208.529.6706

— Contact Directory — A.

B.

Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing Continuing Nursing Education Terry Bennett, Program Specialis Tacoma, WA 98447 253.535.7683 or bennettl@plu.edu Fax: 253.535.7590 www.plu.edu/~ccnl/ Bellevue Community College Continuing Nursing Education Health Sciences Education & Wellness Institute 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 425.564.2012 www.bcc.ctc.edu

C.

D.

University of Washington School of Nursing Continuing Nursing Education Box 359440 Seattle, WA 98195-9440 206.543.1047 206.543.6953 fax cne@u.washington.edu www.uwcne.org Intercollegiate College of Nursing Washington State University College of Nursing Professional Development 2917 W. Fort George Wright Drive Spokane, WA 99224-5291 509.324.7321 or 800.281.2589 www.icne.wsu.edu

E.

AdvanceMed Educational Services 2777 Yulupa Ave., #213 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 www.advancemed.com

F.

Virginia Mason Medical Center Clinical Education Department Barb Vancislo, CNE Coordinato Continuing Nursing Education 1100 Ninth Avenue – G2-EDU Seattle, WA 98101 206.583.6567 206.625.7279 fax cne@vmmc.org www.virginiamason.org/cne

G.

American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) Heather Lush 731 S. Hwy 101, Suite 16 Solano Beach, CA 92075 858.345.1138 HLush@aahfn.org

H.

Behavioral Tech, LLC Laura Desai 2133 3rd Ave., Suite 205 Seattle, WA 98121 206.675.8588 info@behavioraltech.org www.behavioraltech.org

Note to Continuing Nursing Education Providers: The Washington State Nurses Association is accredited as an approver of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. If you wish to attain WSNA approval for an educational activity which you are providing to nurses, please go online to www.wsna.org/education/cearp

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 45

Continuing Education Calendar INDEPENDENT SELF STUDY COURSES AIDS: Essential Information for the Health Care Professional; Contact Hours: 7.0; Fees: $55; Contact: D. Assessing Lung Sounds; Contact Hours: 2.0; Fee $10; Contact: E Asthma Management; Contact Hours: 8.0; Fee: $30; Contact: E

High Cholesterol Pt. 1: Western Medicine; Contact Hours: 7; Fee: $50.00; Contact: www.healthcmi.com

Prescribe, Deny or Refer?

Honing Your Skills in Prescribing Scheduled Drugs: Contact Hours: 10.4; Fee: $155/140*; Contact C

University of Washington Continuing Nursing Education; Offers over 30 self-study courses; Contact C

High Cholesterol Pt. 2: Chinese Medicine Theory; Contact Hours: 4; Fee: $50.00; Contact: www.healthcmi.com

Pulmonary Hygiene Techniques: Contact Hours: 6.0; Fee: $25; Contact E

Washington State: HIV/AIDS With the KNOW Curriculum: Contact Hours: 7; Fee 65.00; Contact: Wild Iris Medical Education

High Cholesterol Pt. 3: Chinese Medicine Dietetics; Fee: $50.00; Contact Hours: 12; Contact: www.healthcmi.com

RN Refresher Course; Fees: Theory: $500; Health Assessment and Skills Review: $500; Clinical Placement for Precept Clinical Experience: $400; Contact: D.

HIV/AIDS – Contact Hours: 7.0; Fee: $95/$85; Contact C

Sleep Disorders: Contact Hours: 8.0; Fee: $30; Contact E

Clinical Assessment Pulmonary Patient: Contact Hours: 4.0; Fee: $20; Contact: E

IMPACT: Web-Based Training in Evidence Based Depression Care Management; Contact Hours: 12.4; Contact C

Smoking Cessation: Contact Hours: 12.0; Fee $35; Contact E

Clinical Pharmacology Series: Contact Hours: 7-8.0; Fee: $195/175*; Contact: C

Legal Issues & Trends in Telephone Triage; Contact Hours. 1.2; Contact: Carol M. Stock & Associates

Congestive Heart FailureDiagnosis & Treatment: Contact Hours: 6.0; Fee: $25; Contact: E

Legal Issues in Nursing; Contact Hours: 4.0; Fees: $120; Contact: D.

Breaking the Cycle of Depression: Contact Hours: 14.0; Contact C Central Venous Catheter Infections: The Link Between Practice and Infection Rates; Contact Hours: 1.0; Fee: $10; Contact: C

Culture & End-of-Life Web-based Educational Modules: Contact Hours: 3.0; Fee: None; Contact: Mary Shelkey at 206.713.5637 Domestic Violence; Contact Hours: 2.0; Fee: $20Contact: C Ethics as a Compass: A Model for Dealing with Complex Issues in Patient Care; Contact Hours: 7.4; Fees: $195; Contact: C Ethics Related to Nursing Practice; Contact Hours: 9; Fees: $200; Contact: D. Everyday Encounters: Communication Skills for Successful Triage; Contact Hours. 1.4; Contact: Carol M. Stock & Associates Geriatric Health Promotion Lecture Series: Contact Hours: 63 Fee: $395; 1.5 Fee: $30; Contact C Hepatitis Case Studies; Contact Hours: .5; Contact C Hepatitis Web Studies; Contact Hours: .5; Contact C Health Assessment and Documentation: Contact Hours: 20: Fees: $150; Contact: D

Legal Risks of Remote Triage; Contact Hours. 1.0; Contact: Carol M. Stock & Associates Lung Volume Reduction Surgery: Contact Hours: 2.0; Fee: $10; Contact E Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Contact Hours: 1.5; Contact: www. nphealthcarefoundation.org Management of Persistent Pain: Contact Hours: 1.8; Fee: No Fee; Contact: www. nphealthcarefoundation.org Medical/Surgical Nursing 2008: Review Course for Practice & Certification: Contact Hours: 50; Contact C Medical/Surgical Review and Update – Autumn 2010 “Enhance Medical Surgical Nursing Practice”: Contact Hours: 50; Contact C Metered Dose Inhaler Use: Contact Hours: 3.0; Fee: $15; Contact E New Telehealth Technology: Legal Risks & Call Center Benefits; Contact Hours. 1.2; Contact: Carol M. Stock & Associates Nurse Grand Rounds; Contact: C OTC Advisor: Advancing Patient Self-Care: Contact Hours: 17.0; Contact: www. nphealthcarefoundation.org

46 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010

Telephone Triage: Contact Hours: 3; Fee: 24.00; Contact Wild Iris Medical Education

Women’s Health Drug Therapy – 2010; Fee: $195; Contact Hours: 8.5; Contact C Wound Academy-Course 1 Wound Assessment & Preparation for Healing; Fee: $40; Contact Hours: 4.3; Contact C Wound Academy-Course 2 Lower Extremities and Pressure for Ulcers; Fee: $60; Contact Hours: 6.8; Contact C

Telephone Triage Trivia; Contact Hours. 1.0; Contact: Carol M. Stock & Associates

Wound Academy-Course 3 Dressing Selection & Infection Tuition; Fee: $30; Contact Hours: 2.5; Contact C

The Pain Management Dilemma: Contact Hours: 1.5; Contact: www. nphealthcarefoundation.org

Wound Assessment and Documentation; Fee: $60; Contact Hours: 2.0; Contact C

Tubes & Drains Techniques, Tips & Troubleshooting; Contact Hours: 2.0; Contact: C

Wound & Ostomy; Fee: $60; Contact Hours: 2.0; Contact C

Additional Independent Study course offerings: Wild Iris Medical Education Ann Johnson, CEO PO Box 257 Comptche, CA 95427 707.937.0518 ann@WildIrismedical.com http://www.nursingceu.com/courses/218/index_nceu.html Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation 2647 134th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98005 360.297.1274 fiona@nphealthcarefoundation.org Carol M. Stock & Associates Carol M. Stock, JD, MN, RN PO Box 31114 Seattle, WA 98103 206.789.0909 Healthcare Medicine Institute Adam White, L.Ac, Dipl.Ac., M.T.C.M. 4895 Capitola Road Capitola, CA 95010 831.359.9129 director@healthcmi.com http://www.healthcmi.com

Continuing Education

What is a Quality Continuing Nursing Education Program?

By Hilke Faber, MSN, RN, FAAN

T

here are many continuing nursing education programs (CNE) available to nurses. The question often posed is: How does one know if this is a quality program that will meet my needs? What are the characteristics or elements of a quality CNE program? How do I decide which one to select? What should I look for in deciding which workshop I should attend or which online program I should select?

9.

Is there full disclosure of any conflict of interest or lack thereof by presenters?

Note: CNE providers are required to tell you if there is a conflict of interest; is it noted in the advertising, program schedule or on a disclosure form?

10. Is the CNE activity free of commercial influence?

The following are some tips on choosing the CNE program you are looking for:

11. Are you assured that the content will be presented in an unbiased way, or if biased, that participants are informed of such before the presentation?

Decide the topic or subject matter you are interested in learning about. Is it a need for improving your skills, or more knowledge about the subject, or both?

12. Is there opportunity to evaluate and provide feedback to the CNE provider?

Sources you can turn to for information about CNE activities being offered in your area include: CNE Calendars of universities, colleges, nurses associations, specialty nurses associations, State Nursing Commissions, professional nursing magazines, etc.

When selecting a CNE activity, ask the following: 1.

Is the purpose of the activity clearly delineated?

2.

Does it meet your needs?

3.

Who is the sponsoring agency or individual coordinating the CNE activity?

•

Is it a credible entity such as a professional organization, academic institution, or other known provider of CNE?

•

Is it accredited or approved to provide contact hours to participants upon completion of the activity?

13. Will you receive a written certificate of completion of the activity indicating the number of contact hours/ credit received?

14. What am I going to do with the content I learned?

How will this improve my nursing practice?

Be aware that if you are seeking re-licensure or initial or recertification, a certain number (or percentage) of contact hours must be earned through the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC-COA) – approved offerings. These may be approved by the ANCC-COA directly or by an ANCC-COA accredited approver, like WSNA. If uncertain, go to www.nursecredentialing.org. Other certification organizations may require something else.

Note that an offering that has been approved, using the ANCCCOA/WSNA standards assure that the criteria above will be met (although appropriateness of the cost is not evaluated). ■

4. Are the objectives for the activity clearly described?

Do they reflect your needs.

5.

Are the presenters/faculty clearly qualified to help you learn the content/develop your skills?

6.

Is the target audience identified? Would you fit in that group?

7.

What is the cost? Is it affordable? Is it worth it?

8.

Are the criteria for successful completion of the CNE noted in the advertising?

The Washington Nurse | Fall 2010 | 47

Washington State Nurses Association 575 Andover Park West, Suite 101 Seattle, WA 98188

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Seattle, Washington Permit No. 1282

Nurse Legislative Day

Olympia  February 14, 2011

Make the Voice of Nurses Heard in Olympia.