The Nursing Insider: February 2006
 Current News Past News
"Safe Patient Handling and Movement Principles" Draft Presentation Is Open for Comments to NIOSH
02/28/06
The presentation ”Safe Patient Handling and Movement Principles,” was developed by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and its partners, the American Nurses Association and the Veterans Health Administration's Patient Safety Center, to improve work practices for patient care workers. This presentation is designed for use in training by schools of nursing.
The presentation will remain available for review until May 30, 2006. After that date, NIOSH will consider all the comments submitted, and make appropriate revisions to the presentation before publishing a final version. This presentation will also undergo scientific peer review. The details of this review will be referenced on the NIOSH Web site in the near future.
The presentation is formatted in Flash and includes both audio and video. The draft presentation is available in an online version and a downloadable version at: www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/safe-patient/
CMS Fact Sheet for Prescribers on Part D Transition and Exceptions/Appeals Process
02/27/06
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has assembled a fact sheet for use in prescriber’s offices regarding the new transition policy, as well as the exceptions and appeals process for the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. This resource fact sheet is designed to provide ready-links to tools that will streamline the prescribing process under the new benefit. The CMS continues to work with groups representing physicians, pharmacists, patients and Part D plans to simplify and standardize the information that physicians need to provide to plans. Download Fact Sheet...
The CMS have consolidated most of the resources for prescribers into the provider web site at www.cms.hhs.gov/center/provider.asp where offices can get access to direct phone numbers to the plan’s coverage determination people, as well as copies of model forms that will help speed the process. Information is also available through the CMS Medicare Learning Network at www.cms.hhs.gov/medlearn/drugcoverage.asp.
ANA Urges Budget Committee to Make Nursing Workforce Development Programs an ’07 Priority
02/24/06
Citing the nation’s growing shortage of nurses as well as the need to bolster bioterrorism preparedness and response, ANA has sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives Budget Committee asking the committee to make funding for nursing workforce development programs a priority in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 budget resolution.
In the letter, sent to House Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle (R-IA), ANA Government Affairs Director Rose Gonzalez specifically noted that ANA is asking the committee to increase the Function 550 budget authority to allow for a significant increase in appropriations for programs within Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act.
Currently, ANA is asking for $175 million (a 17 percent increase) in FY 2007 appropriations funding for Title VIII programs. The president’s FY 2007 budget requests $150 million for nursing education programs, neither an increase nor a decrease from the FY 2006 budget.
Read Letter...
Safe Staffing in the 21st Century
02/23/06
This important one day seminar focuses on ways to address this critical healthcare issue in your facility as well as give an update on what is being done across the country today. The seminar is part of the American Nurses Association series, "ANA Coming to You," designed to bring the work of ANA to the local level. The next seminar will be offered in Ft. Collins, CO, April 8, 2006. More information and registration...
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Vanderbilt University - Health Systems Management MSN ONLINE
02/23/06
Announcing the highly ranked Health Systems Management MSN from Vanderbilt, available 100% online. This degree is not for everyone. With high entrance standards & fierce competition from fellow RN’s, this is truly a degree that demands the respect of potential employers. If you are an RN, looking for one of the very best & most rigorous curriculums available, Vanderbilt may be for you. Be the very best you can be, don’t settle for less. Vanderbilt School of Nursing only accepts the very best nurses into this Health Systems Management MSN, therefore the GRE is a standard requirement & must be taken prior to admittance. Do you qualify?
Act now for a May start. Contact the Admissions Committee.
Latest OJIN Topic
02/22/06
The latest OJIN (Online Journal of Issues in Nursing) topic, Infectious Diseases: Challenges and Solutions, features five articles which cover a broad range of infectious disease concerns. More...
Cancer Genetics and Genomics: A Workshop for Oncology Nurses
02/21/06
The NCI's Center for Cancer Research is sponsoring “Cancer Genetics and Genomics: A Workshop for Oncology Nurses” on April 5-6, 2006 at the Lister Hill Center Auditorium of the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, MD. The workshop will provide the oncology nurse with pivotal information on cancer genetics and genomics and the implications for oncology nursing practice. Also included is a comprehensive review of basic genetic and genomic concepts; genetic technology; ethical, legal and social implications of genetic and genomic information and applications to cancer care and oncology nursing practice.
There is no cost for the workshop. Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can registrater at http://www.cancermeetings.org
/Genetics. There will be NO on-site registration.
AHRQ will Resume a Paid Summer Internship Program
02/17/06
The program will run between May 1 and September 30, 2006. The Vacancy Announcement # HHS-AHRQ-2006-0011 is now posted on the AHRQ web site under Job Vacancies and on http://jobsearch.usajobs.
opm.gov/a9hhs.asp. Applications will be accepted online only using QuickHire (https://jobs.quickhire.com/scripts/hhs-rhrc.exe). The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, March 10, 2006.
FDA Announces Recall of Drug Used in Certain Surgical Procedures
02/16/06
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today asked the manufacturer to recall a drug used to irrigate a patient's eyes, ears, nose and/or throat during certain surgical procedures, saying product lots were found to have elevated levels of a substance that can cause a wide range of serious reactions.
The agency said it asked Cytosol Laboratories Inc. of Braintree, MA, to recall all brands and sizes of the Balanced Salt Solution and immediately retrieve all inventories of the product, including any existing stock at physician offices and hospitals. An estimated one million units of BSS products were distributed between December 2003 and 2005, under three labels. The FDA is instructing hospitals, physicians and consumers to immediately stop using the products, to quarantine any remaining product and destroy it if no return instructions are received from Cytosol. Any adverse reactions should be reported to the FDA MedWatch program.
Read FDA Statement.
CMS Releases Fact Sheet Outlining Implementation Plans for Immediately Affected Provisions in the Deficit Reduction Act
02/15/06
On Friday February 10, 2006 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a fact sheet outlining the Agency’s plans to implement provisions included in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) signed by the President on February 8th, that have January 1, 2006 effective dates. The fact sheet provides a general overview of the provisions immediately affected in the DRA and describes what the Medicare program will do to implement these changes retroactively.
The Fact Sheet is available at www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/release.asp?Counter=1779.
Outstanding State School Nurse Consultant Achievement Award Established
02/14/06
The National Association of State School Nurse Consultants, Inc. (NASSNC, Inc.) in collaboration with Bayer Corporation has established the Outstanding State School Nurse Consultant Achievement Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize the contribution of state school nurse consultants by honoring one consultant annually who has demonstrated excellence in the role.
The award will be presented each year at the annual conference of the National Association of School Nurses in conjunction with the other awards that Bayer makes. The Awards Committee of NASSNC requests your assistance in soliciting nominations for the award to be made this year in New York, NY. Please note the March 27, 2006 deadline for submitting the nomination packet to the Awards Committee.
For further information, award guidelines, criteria, and a nomination form contact Victoria Jackson by phone (217)-785-5368, or email victoria.jackson@dhs.state.il.us.
CDC Urges Health Care Facilities to Vaccinate Employees Against Influenza
02/13/06
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta (CDC) on Thursday, February 9th, recommended that all health care personnel be vaccinated and that employees who refuse to be immunized sign an acknowledgment and declination form. In addition, the CDC recommended that health care employers make influenza vaccinations available to their employees at all hours. The stronger recommendations, part of a comprehensive push by the CDC to vaccinate more health care workers annually against influenza, appeared in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. For details regarding the new guidelines, read the CDC Press Release and the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (02/09/06) [PDF]
ANA applauded the CDC's recommendations, which further substantiate the association's efforts at improving low annual influenza vaccination rates among health care workers. In November, ANA launched its "Everyone Deserves a Shot at Fighting the Flu" campaign with the goal of encouraging more nurses and other health care workers to get vaccinated against influenza every year. More...
Nurse Education Loan Repayment Program Applications Available--deadline March 30
02/10/06
The Fiscal Year 2006 application for the Nurse Education Loan Repayment Program has been posted on the Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA/HHS) Web site. This program repays up to 85% of an RN's outstanding student loans in return for full-time employment in a facility determined to have a critical nursing shortage. Such facilities include nursing homes, hospitals, departments of public health, etc. Apply by March 30.
Please note: The nursing scholarship program application will not be available until spring. Details will be posted on Nursingworld.
For details or to download an application, see http://answers.hrsa.gov/cgi-bin/hrsa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=222&p_created=1100550076.
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) - Annual Conference
02/09/06
It will take place March 15 – 18, 2006 at the Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown in Salt Lake City, Utah. Opening keynote speaker Gladys Campbell, MSN, RN will focus on the value and importance of the CNS role. Closing keynoter Pat Quigley, PhD, ARNP, CCRN will challenge CNSs to use evidence to transform healthcare. 30 concurrent sessions and 32 posters provide rich educational content. Two general sessions address outcomes of CNS practice and the future of CNS education.
To register for this exciting and important event visit the NACNS website at www.nacns.org
National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics
02/08/06
The Fourth National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics will be held in Santa Barbara, CA on April 6-8, 2006. This conference will present state of the art cannabis research with faculty from the US, England, Canada, Spain, Israel, and the Netherlands. Areas to be discussed include the use of cannabis for pain management, multiple sclerosis, mental health problems, cancer, glaucoma; use during pregnancy; an overview of the endogenous cannabinoids and their role in the human body; harm reduction measures and policy updates. Providing Patients Safe Access to Therapeutic Marijuana/Cannabis, which encourages the education of registered nurses regarding current, evidence-based therapeutic use of marijuana/cannabis.
In 2003 the ANA House of Delegates passed a resolution, Providing Patients Safe Access to Therapeutic Marijuana/Cannabis, which encourages the education of registered nurses regarding current, evidence-based therapeutic use of marijuana/cannabis.
More information on the conference agenda, faculty, registration, and how to obtain Continuing Education credits is available at www.medicalcannabis.com.
Secretary Leavitt Issues One-month Progress Report on the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit
02/07/06
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt released a one-month progress report, last week, on the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit that takes a hard look at what is working and what needs to improve. The report details action steps HHS and health plans are taking, such as extending transition coverage for a beneficiary's current drugs to 90 days and reducing call wait times. The report also includes new estimates showing the costs of the Medicare drug benefit are significantly less than expected.
"While the new prescription drug benefit has worked for the vast majority of participants, the first trip to the pharmacy has been frustrating for some, particularly for certain people with Medicare and Medicaid. We make no excuses. These are our problems to solve and this report shows that we are making progress," Secretary Leavitt said.
"We are working around the clock to help everyone use their coverage," said Dr. Mark McClellan, CMS Administrator. "As we improve our data exchanges with plans, provide new support for pharmacists, work with states, and help beneficiaries who call 1-800-MEDICARE resolve any problems, many more beneficiaries are using their new coverage every day."
The full report is available at: www.hhs.gov/medicare.pdf
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid: www.cms.hhs.gov/
New Web site on Standardized Nursing Terminologies
02/06/06
Nursing Practice Information Infrastructure (NPII) - Nursing documentation has always been important to nursing, but too often its sole purpose has been to record what nurses do, not the thinking behind their actions. Standardized nursing terminologies or languages have been developed to support nursing practice and the substantive critical thinking components reflected in the nursing process, most often categorized as diagnoses, interventions, outcomes and goals.
Please take a look at ANA’s newest Web site for information on standardized nursing languages and the nursing practice information infrastructure. Be sure to bookmark the location to check back regularly for new references, resources, papers, and other pertinent content. Note that each page includes a link for your e-mail communications to the Committee for Nursing Practice Information Infrastructure (CNPII), the ANA committee responsible for the standardized nursing language recognition program and other informatics initiatives. Go to the site: www.nursingworld.org/npii/
Protecting and Advancing the Health of Women
02/03/06
February 3, 2006, is National Wear Red Day! - National Wear Red Day is a day when Americans nationwide will wear red to show their support for women's heart disease awareness. The Heart Truth—a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease—launched the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in February 2003. More...
Tobacco Free Nurses Survey
02/02/06
The American Nurses Foundation, in partnership with the UCLA School of Nursing and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is participating in the first national program focused on helping nurses to stop smoking. PLEASE TAKE THE SURVEY which is designed to improve strategies for helping nurses and their patients quit smoking.
ANA Protests Narrow Focus of Bush's Health Care Proposals, Calls for Comprehensive Health Care Reform
02/01/06
Responding to President Bush’s remarks regarding health care during his State of the Union address last night, ANA President Barbara Blakeney, MS, RN, noted that while the administration should be commended for refocusing on the issue, the president’s proposals place too much emphasis on the concerns of employers, small businesses in particular, and not enough on protecting consumers from undue risk and financial burden. Read press release...
ANA participated in a press conference Wednesday morning (02/01/06) with House and Senate Democratic leaders and other health care groups calling for real health care reform. ANA was the only organization to speak at the press conference in addition to the Members of Congress. Members included Sen. Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA).
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Norwich University - MSN in Nursing Administration ONLINE
02/01/06
Introducing an online MSN designed for working nurses like you. You’ve done research on online MSN programs, & found them too expensive & too time-consuming with unreasonable admission standards. Norwich University is different. They understand your needs & have designed an online MSN program to fit your specific needs. In 18 months, you could be completing your coursework for an MSN in Nursing Administration. Most students do not need to take the GRE to gain admittance into this MSN program. Graduates of Norwich report higher earnings & increased opportunities. Secure an executive or management position in many aspects of the health care industry. June start available. Find out more...
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