News > Past News > May 2004
5/28/04
The report, "The Health Consequences of Smoking: A Report of the Surgeon General, 2004", is available at www.cdc.gov/tobacco/sgr/sgr_2004/index.htm.
5/27/04
5/26/04
5/25/04
5/25/04
5/24/04
Read more on Senate Bill 1190 at www.minurses.org/spc/index.shtml
5/21/04
5/20/04
5/19/04
5/18/04
The study, "Trends in Blood Pressure Among Children and Adolescents", appears in the May 5, 2004 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Read the abstract at
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/291/17/2107
5/17/04 The study appears in the May, 2004 issue of the Journal of American Geriatrics Society. Read complete press release at www.nih.gov/news/pr/may2004/ninr-12.htm
5/14/04
Read the report "Research in Action: Hospital Nurse Staffing and Quality of Care," at www.ahrq.gov/research/nursestaffing/nursestaff.htm.
5/14/04
5/13/04
5/12/04 5/12/04
"Poverty is the greatest misery we face today. As nurses, everyday we encounter people that are
unable to meet their basic needs due to poverty and we see how this makes them more susceptible to disease and early death", stated Christine Hancock, President of the International
Council of Nurses.
Read complete press release at www.icn.ch/PR05_04.htm 5/11/04 5/11/04 5/10/04 5/10/04 5/10/04 5/10/04
To commemorate National Nurses Week on May 6th, nursesbooks.org is offering free shipping on all orders placed during this week. Also SAVE 33% on the list price of ANA's Foundation of Nursing Package (#03FNDN Sale Price $29.95) and the New Bookmark: Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (#04SSBK Sale Price $9.95). These special offers will expire on May 12.
Order online at www.nursesbooks.org or call 1-800-637-0323
Free Online CE from May 6-12
Go to http://nursingworld.org/ce/cecatalog.cfm
KaBloom's Nightingale Bouquet
Remember someone wonderful with KaBloom's Nightingale Bouquet at the special ANA low price of $34.99 (usually $39.99). This bouquet's bold red and purple colors remind us of the bold and caring example of Florence Nightingale, and of all nurses. Visit www.KaBloom.com/ANA. 5/10/04
Nearly 44 million Americans, mostly from working families, are without health care coverage. Cover the Uninsured Week is the nation's largest coordinated effort to promote the goal of affordable health coverage for all Americans. During the week, nearly 1,500 public events will take place in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to raise awareness of the problem, to help uninsured individuals get services and to provide information to small business owners struggling to provide health insurance for their employees.
ANA is a founding National Partner of Cover the Uninsured Week, which is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The California Endowment, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and other groups. For more information, go to: www.covertheuninsured.org. 5/7/04 5/7/04 5/7/04
Read complete press release at www.hhs.gov/news/press/2004pres/20040429a.html 5/7/04 5/6/04
Your original signature on each form is required. Do NOT fax or e-mail your packet.
All nomination and election-related information, including Candidate Profiles, are accessible through www.nursingworld.org/about/election/.
Contact Person: Edna C. Amador, eamador@ana.org.
5/6/04 5/5/04 In a significant blow to the Bush administration, the Senate adopted two successive measures aimed at preventing the new Labor Department proposal from denying overtime to any category of worker that currently receives it. The first amendment, introduced by Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Judd Gregg (R-NH), passed by a 99-0 vote while the second, a more comprehensive amendment by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), passed by 52-47.
However, the latest Senate defeat does not guarantee that the new overtime rules, set to take effect in August, will be overturned -- mainly because the overtime amendment is attached to the controversial corporate tax bill, which is considered unlikely to pass.
In a response to the Senate's action, ANA characterized the amendments as "another step in the right direction for protecting the pay for nurses," many of whom are now forced to work overtime because of staffing inadequacies brought on by the nation's growing nursing shortage.
ANA's main worry has been that "the new regulations create a degree of legal ambiguity that employers may try to exploit, said ANA General Counsel Alice Bodley. "For example, ANA is concerned that employers may try to claim that more RNs are salaried. Creating doubt about registered nurses' right to overtime pay threatens ongoing efforts to retain and recruit nurses -- particularly in a time when mandatory overtime is a common practice and RNs are in short supply."
Five Republicans -- Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (CO), Lincoln Chafee (RI), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Olympia Snowe (ME) and Arlen Specter (PA) -- broke ranks to pass the Harkin amendment, which would ensure that no category of worker now qualified to receive overtime pay will be denied it.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Stevens (R-AK) had initially voted "yes" but then switched his vote to "no." He had voted with the group last fall, when the first Harkin amendment was passed as part of the omnibus spending bill. That effort was killed by the White House late last year.
The Gregg amendment, which was largely viewed as a token gesture aimed at drawing votes away from the stronger Harkin measure, would preserve overtime protection for 55 categories of workers.
ANA has been analyzing the ambiguous new rules, which are complicated and confusing for employers and workers alike, and will continue to monitor the situation closely. 5/5/04
The Nightingale commemorative service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 9, 2004. (Guests are requested to be seated by 3:30 p.m.) Included in the service procession will be representatives from national influential nursing organizations. ANA will be represented by ANA First Vice President Dr. Patricia Yoder-Wise, RN, EdD, CNAA, FAAN. For event details, see the Washington National Cathedral web site, located at http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/index.shtml. 5/4/04
Shop for Mother's Day and support the American Nurses Foundation. Go to www.ANFonline.org. 5/4/04
The newly formed group, Health Professional Students for Substance Abuse Training (HPSSAT), has created the website as a tool for empowering students to advocate for more substance abuse training at their schools and increasing students' access to educational resources. The site
serves as a one-stop shop for information about curriculum development, state and national news, and educational opportunities in the field of substance abuse.
Read more information on the initiative at http://www.hpssat.org 5/3/04
In her remarks, ANA President Barbara A. Blakeney, MS, APRN,BC, ANP, underscored the important role that nurses play in informing, educating and motivating patients to set, achieve and maintain a healthy blood pressure goal and pledged the association's commitment to the goals of the new initiative.
Today, one in every four adults - that's 60 million individuals-has high blood pressure and the vast majority -70 percent -does not have it under control.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure has significant consequences including the potential for long-term damage, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and the ongoing damage to blood vessels that lead to major organs in the body. The risk of heart attack or stroke doubles for every 20 points the top blood pressure number is above 115 and every 10 points the bottom number is above 75.
With the support of an educational grant from Novartis, ANA will develop a national program to educate registered nurses and the public as part of "Take Action for Healthy Blood Pressure" campaign.
ANA will launch this program at its annual convention in Minneapolis, June 26-29, where it will offer a continuing education (CE) session on controlling high blood pressure. Following the convention, the educational materials will be available online and in other formats. These materials will be shared with constituent member organizations (CMAs) and CMAs will be encouraged to offer CE on this topic.
In addition, ANA will work with CMAs to help inform and motivate the public to address this important health issue by conducting free blood pressure screenings in 10 major cities and by developing an educational brochure.
For more information on the "Take Action for a Healthy Blood Pressure" initiative go to:
www.pharma.us.novartis.com/newsroom/pressReleases/releaseDetail.jsp?PRID=1183
Surgeon General Reports Nine More Illnesses and Conditions Linked to Smoking
The latest federal report on smoking and health by the U.S. Surgeon General concludes that smoking causes diseases in nearly every organ of the body. The report expands the list of illnesses and conditions linked to smoking to include cataracts, pneumonia, acute myeloid leukemia, abdominal aortic aneurysm, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer, kidney cancer, and periodontitis. It adds that quitting smoking at any age has immediate and long-term health benefits, and that smoking cigarettes with lower tar and nicotine provides no clear benefit to health.
National Depression Screening Day Highlights Physical Symptoms
of Depression
This year's National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) offers great resources on anxiety disorders while also highlighting depression's impact on the body. NDSD, sponsored in part by American Nurses Association and held October 7, has developed a multi-faceted approach in an effort to find solutions and improve outcomes for the 54 million Americans, and their communities, that suffer from
mental health disorders. More...Guidance Offered on Propofol Administration
The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and the American Society of Anesthesiologists have developed a joint statement on the administration of propofol for sedation. The statement is available at www.aana.com/news/2004/news050504_joint.asp.Connecticut is 10th State to Limit Mandatory Overtime
Legislation was signed into law on May 19 that will place limits on overtime in hospitals for nurses and require the Commissioner of Public Health to adopt regulations establishing minimum nurse-to-patient ratios. More...Nominations Due June 1 for Outstanding Pennsylvania Nurses
Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania is soliciting nominations in several categories as part of its program to recognize the best nurses in the state. To nominate someone, go to www.nightingaleawards.org/docs/2004_awards_application.pdf Safe Patient Care Legislation Introduced in Michigan
On May 6, 2004, Senator Bruce Patterson (R-Canton; 7th Senate District) introduced Senate Bill 1190 to ensure that patients in Michigan hospitals receive safe patient care. S.B. 1190 will improve the quality of patient care in Michigan by amending the public health code to establish minimum Registered Nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, as well as prohibiting the use of mandatory overtime as a nurse staffing mechanism.
ANA Commends House Patient Safety Bill Aimed at Open Access to
Information On Nurse Staffing Practices
The American Nurses Association (ANA) applauded Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) who re-introduced legislation on May 17 that offers patients greater assurances of receiving safe, quality nursing care while also offering nurses whistleblower and staffing-related workload protections. More...HHS and WebMD Pilot Project on Consumer Health Information
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced the launch of a 9-month pilot project with WebMD Health to make Department of Health and Human Services consumer health information more widely and more rapidly available to the public on a new HHS "channel" on WebMD. The partnership will also accelerate the ability of HHS to disseminate life-saving information to the public in the event of a major public health emergency. The new HHS channel on WebMD is available at http://hhs.webmd.com. 5th US-Russian Nursing Conference Cruise on the Russian Waterways
The 5th US Russian Nursing Conference, August 1-16, 2005, will cruise the Russian waterways while US and Russian nurses learn about nursing education, practice and health care systems in their respective countries and dialogue on ways to improve care for patients and their families. More...Average Blood Pressure Levels on Rise Among American Children/Teenagers
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels for children and teenagers have risen substantially since 1988, according to a new study supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The study links part of the rise to an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Specialized Nursing Care Improves the Health of Elderly with Heart Failure
A new study funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research shows that when elderly heart-failure patients receive specialized nursing care throughout their hospital stay and at home following hospital discharge, the patients have a better quality of life and have fewer hospital readmissions. Instead of costing more money for this specialized care, the study showed that the care resulted in a nearly 38% savings in Medicare costs. Studies Show Lower Nurse Staffing Levels Contribute to Poor Patient Outcomes
Hospitals with low nurse staffing levels tend to have higher rates of poor patient outcomes such as pneumonia, shock, cardiac arrest, and urinary tract infections, according to research funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and others. Key findings indicate that there is a significant correlation between lower nurse staffing levels and higher rates
of pneumonia; the 30-day mortality rate and the likelihood of failure to rescue are higher when nurse staffing levels are lower; and that increasing nurse staffing levels does not significantly decrease a hospital's profits.
50 State Study on Women's Health Finds Small Gains, Key Setbacks
More than one-quarter of American women have high blood pressure and nearly one-fifth lack health insurance, according to a study by the National Women's Law Center and the Oregon Health and Science University that says federal and state governments fail to meet women's health needs. The country meets just two of 27 health measures established by the federal government, the report found. Those two measures are the percentage of women who receive mammograms and see a dentist annually. Read more on report at www.nwlc.org/details.cfm?id=1863§ion=newsroom.International Journal of Nursing in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
A new on-line journal, International Journal of Nursing in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, was recently launched at the Annual Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA) Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. The journal addresses issues across the life span of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in diverse practice settings worldwide. It provides cost effective, convenient and up to date information to enhance the nursing services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their family members, support staff and professionals who are part of community interdisciplinary teams. To access the journal, go to http://journal.hsmc.org/ijnidd.Honoring Nurses and Raising Awareness During National Nurses
At every important stage of our lives, it seems that nurses are present. Instructing, comforting, listening, and healing, nurses are there when we arrive as newborns, when we begin our own families, and when the challenges of serious illness and old age emerge. More...Nurses Take Aim at Poverty and the Link with Poor Health
On the occasion of International Nurses Day, nurses worldwide are drawing attention to the links between poverty and health and calling for multi-sectoral action to reduce poverty and improve health.
Search for Center for American Nurses ED
The Center for American Nurses, Washington, DC seeks an Executive Director. Masters degree in nursing, health policy, healthcare administration, public policy or similar degree required. More...Celebrating NNW -- "Going the Extra Mile for Nursing" in Michigan
Join with other nurses from across Michigan by "Going the Extra Mile for Nursing" in creating greater awareness of nursing as a career, encouraging future nurses, and helping to support the new Michigan Center for Nursing in addressing the nursing shortage. More...ANA to Join Sen. Kerry for Health Policy Speech Today
ANA President Barbara Blakeney and Pennsylvania State Nurses Association member Susan Carnes will join Sen. John Kerry today at an event at Edinboro University in Erie, Pennsylvania, where Sen. Kerry will highlight his plan to provide affordable health care coverage for Americans. This event kicks off a week of events focused on health care issues. Nurses Week After Work Extravaganza at Bricktown 54 Dance Club in Clearwater, FL
I work at Bricktown 54 in Clearwater, Florida. We are a 70's and 80's music dance club. For nurses week this year we are hosting a Nurses Week After Work Extravaganza on Friday, May 7th from 5-8pm. More...A Message from ANA President Barbara Blakeney
Greetings! As we celebrate National Nurses Week 2004 (NNW), May 6-12, ANA and its constituent member associations (CMAs) are saluting nurses across the country with the theme
Nurses: Your Voice, Your Health, Your Life. More...Celebrating National Nurses Week -- Specials and Gifts for Nurses
Free Shipping and Extra Savings on Selected Titles from nursesbooks.org
"ER" Star Noah Wyle Helps Kick Off Cover the Uninsured Week
Noah Wyle, the actor who plays Dr. John Carter on the hit TV show "ER," helped kick off Cover the Uninsured Week, May 10-16, at a press conference held Wednesday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
ANA President Blakeney Interviewed on Medscape for National Nurses Week
In recognition of National Nurses Week, May 6-12, ANA President Barbara A. Blakeney, MS, APRN,BC, ANP, was interviewed for Medscape Nurses, from WebMD, by Susan B. Yox, EdD, RN. To read the wide-ranging interview, go to: www.medscape.com/viewarticle/474867. [registration required]Delegation of Nurses from Thailand to Celebrate in Southern Illinois
The Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market is celebrating Nurse Week by sponsoring a delegation of nurses from the Thailand Ministry of Public Health to come to Southern Illinois and share in our consortium approach to allied health. More...HHS Issues "Blueprint For Action" to Build Healthier Nation
Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced a "Blueprint for Action" to reduce and prevent chronic diseases, outlining steps that individuals, groups, communities and other organizations can take to help improve the overall health of Americans. Chronic diseases and conditions account for at least 7 of every 10 deaths in the United States and for more than 60 percent of medical care expenditures. In 2000, poor diet and physical inactivity, which contribute to obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, accounted for 400,000 actual deaths in the U.S., according to research at HHS' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Miss BMT Contest in Vancouver, British Columbia
I am a nursing unit co-ordinator on the Leukemia Bone Marrow transplant unit at Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia. Each year nurses at week we hold the Miss BMT contest where nurses and allied staff compete for the title. More...Self-Declare Your Candidacy Now
You still have time to self-declare your candidacy for an ANA elective position and be included in the Candidate Profiles Booklet. By close of business June 1, 2004, your complete packet must be received at the ANA headquarters. Mail your packet to:
ATTN: ANA Secretary
c/o Leadership and Library Services
American Nurses Association
600 Maryland Avenue, SW
Suite 100 W
Washington, DC 20024Humor Day, Happy Hour, Massages and Bagel Breaks in Albany, NY
The Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany NY is celebrating Nurses Week by daily activities which include; Humor day, Blessing of the Hands, Happy Hour, Massage Day, Ice Cream Day, & Bagel Break. More...Amendment in Congress Aimed at Blocking Controversial New Rules on Overtime Pay Passes; ANA Vows Vigilance on Issue
The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to block controversial new overtime regulations that would cause millions of workers, including some nurses, to lose their eligibility to be paid for working extra hours.
Florence Nightingale Commemorative Service Set for May 9
A commemorative service will be held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, during National Nurses Week (May 6-12) to honor Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and nurses everywhere as they continue Nightingale's mission of caring and healing.
Mother's Day Specials
Just for Mom, KaBloom is offering their exclusive Thanks Mom Bouquet plus a glass vase, all at the special low price of $37.99 (Compare at $49.99). Other Mothers Day Bouquets starting at 27.99.
Visit www.KaBloom.com/ANA.
Nation's Health Professional Students Launch Major Advocacy Initiative on Substance Abuse Training
A group of medical, nursing and physician assistant students at schools across the country have launched a student-run, student-created website, www.hpssat.org, as part of an advocacy effort
to improve substance abuse training on their campuses.
ANA Partners in Healthy Blood Pressure Campaign
On April 27, ANA joined Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., the American Society of Hypertension, the Department of Health & Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention in launching a national initiative to address the growing crisis of uncontrolled high blood pressure.
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