The Nursing Insider: September 2005
Current News Past News

Webcast -- Incontinence: Breaking Through the Myths
10/03/05
Would you believe that it is possible to maintain urinary continence among residents with end-stage dementia?

Most practitioners have mistaken ideas about the inevitability of urinary incontinence as we age. That notion extends to the general public and is reinforced by advertisements for incontinence pads. However, research shows that urinary incontinence is treatable, often without pharmacologic intervention, especially if assessments are routinely made by registered nurses and behavioral interventions implemented.

This program from New Look at the Old series outlines the myths and the science related to urinary incontinence, and steps you can take to assess, improve and maintain continence among your client population. The 60 minute program features interviews with Dr. Specht, nurses working in long-term care settings, a physical therapist, and a resident with urinary incontinence.

To access the webcast, go to www.NursingCenter.com/AJNolderadults.

National Survey Finds Most Hospitals Have Reduced Mercury
9/30/05
Hospitals have significantly reduced the amount of mercury found in facilities and are demonstrating a clear preference for safer alternatives, according to a recent national survey by the American Hospital Association (AHA) and Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E). Mercury is commonly found in blood-pressure monitoring devices, thermometers and other products used in health care. The survey found that most hospitals have inventoried, labeled or replaced all mercury-containing devices, and have adopted policies, plans or programs to reduce overall waste as part of the hospital field’s commitment to a 1998 accord with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Read press release at www.h2e-online.org/pubs/mercuryrelease.pdf.

Nurses and Pharmaceutical Industry Join Forces to Fight Counterfeit Medicines
9/29/05
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) have unveiled a new joint initiative to fight counterfeit medicines. Central to the initiative is the ICN's practical handbook Counterfeits kill: Nurses target counterfeit medicines. "Counterfeit medicines represent a major and growing health risk, and it is poor people in developing countries who are most threatened by it. Healthcare professionals everywhere, including nurses, doctors, dentists and pharmacists, must help draw attention to the dangers posed by fake medicines," said Judith A. Oulton, Chief Executive Officer of the ICN.

Read complete press release at www.icn.ch/PR19_05.htm.

2006 ANA Nomination Period Open Until January 4, 2006
9/28/05
If you have considered becoming a leader in the professional organization that represents over 2 million registered nurses by running for elective office – now is the time to act! Individual ANA/CMA members and members of the IMD may qualify. Check it out for yourself. Peruse the election information and nomination forms, which are located in the Members Only section of NursingWorld.org. Remember the the deadline for submission of all nomination packets is January 4, 2006.

As you decide on how best to serve your profession, consider the elective offices that will be open for election in 2006: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, three directors-at-large and two directors-at-large (staff nurse designated). Three seats on the ANA Nominating Committee will be open as well as 35 seats on the Congress on Nursing Practice and Economics.

Fall Audioconference: Legal Basics for Professional Nursing Practice
9/28/05
The Center for American Nurses, in collaboration with The American Association of Nurse Attorneys, presents their first audioconference on Legal Aspects of Professional Nursing Practice. This topic will be of interest to nurses in all regions of the nation and various practice settings. As the largest group of health care providers, nurses need to be well informed about the many issues surrounding regulation of nursing practice in order to contribute to public policy discussion. More...

Thanks to All Nurses Who Responded to the Katrina Response & Recovery Effort
9/27/05
ANA has recruited 100 psychiatric/mental health or gerontological RNs to work with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the Katrina Response and Recovery effort. ANA/ANCC thanks all of the 185 nurses who submitted on-line applications. We are no longer accepting applications at this time. Any additional information that ANA has about nursing resource needs will be posted. Please continue to monitor the web site for up-to-date information.

ANA Introduces the New Nursing Rewards + Visa Card
9/27/05
This Visa Card, with no annual fee, offers nurses a chance to earn rewards that are unique to the nursing profession, while at the same time featuring a low interest rate. For more information or to apply online, go to https://www.myanavisa.com/start2.htm or call 1-800-918-8496 to apply by phone.

Adelphi University Launches Master's Degree Program in Emergency Nursing and Disaster Management
9/26/05
Catastrophic disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina and recent terrorist attacks, have demonstrated the urgent need for healthcare professionals to be prepared, respond quickly, and function under extreme pressure. To address this need, Adelphi University School of Nursing is launching a new master's degree program in emergency nursing and disaster management in spring 2006. The University is the first in New York State to offer a master's degree program in this specialization.

Read complete press release at http://events.adelphi.edu/news/20050922a.php.

American Nurses Credentialing Center Announces New Certification for Pain Management Nurses
9/23/05
September is Pain Awareness Month. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) announced today the inauguration of the first nurse-focused pain management certification available in the United States. The first ANCC Pain Management Nurses will be certified in October 2005. More...

ANA Speaks Out Against Proposed Cuts to Medicaid Budget
9/22/05

U.S. Representative Lois Capps (D-CA), a member of the Health subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and a registered nurse speaks with ANA President Barbara Blakeney, MS, RN

ANA President Barbara Blakeney, MS, RN, voiced ANA’s opposition to proposed cuts to the Medicaid budget during testimony today at a hearing by a subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce on the public health impact of Hurricane Katrina. Congressional leaders want to cut $10 billion from Medicaid, which provides essential health care coverage for an estimated 51 million Americans. Medicaid covers the elderly, blind and persons with disabilities, pregnant women, children, and the parents of many children who are enrolled in the program.

ANA supports actions Congress has taken to support emergency health care for the one million or more victims of Hurricane Katrina, yet is concerned that Congressional leaders are continuing with plans to cut Medicaid funding. In addition, Mississippi Nurses Association Executive Director Ricki Garrett and several members of Congress spoke out against the cuts at an ANA press conference at the U.S. Capitol following the hearing. Press release | Testimony [PDF]

Georgetown Volunteer Nursing Proposal Receives Federal Funding
9/22/05
Last year during an undergraduate nursing class on health care and vulnerable populations, professor Barbara Aranda-Naranjo, Ph.D. challenged her students to ask how they could make a difference in communities that have few basic health care resources.

Their answer? A professional nursing corps called "Nurses for America," which has now received a $20,000 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service: AmeriCorps. Nurses for America is the first nurse-focused AmeriCorps-funded grant. Go to press release at http://gumc.georgetown.edu/communications/releases/release.cfm?ObjectID=5729

JCAHO and National Quality Forum Announce 2005 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award
9/21/05
The National Quality Forum (NQF) and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has announced the 2005 recipients of the annual John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Awards. Honorees were selected in three of the four Award categories. The honorees are: Audrey L. Nelson, Ph.D., R.N., Maryland Patient Safety Center, Meridian Health, and Sentara Healthcare. Read complete press release at www.jcaho.org/news+room/news+release+archives
/05_eisenberg_award_winners.htm.

Still Seeking Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health and Gerontology Nurses for Response to Hurricane Katrina
9/20/05
The American Nurses Association continues to need volunteers to serve in Louisiana and possibly in Mississippi and Texas. Selected registered nurses will be deployed as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, substance abuse counselors, and pastoral counselors. The assignments will be for two weeks and there will be four deployment cycles starting this week with the last two-week deployment cycle starting on November 1, 2005. Expenses related to travel, housing and meals will be covered. Selected participants will also receive a $200 per day honorarium. Applicants must hold a current active RN license; be certified by ANCC in psychiatric/mental health OR gerontological nursing; and have professional liability insurance. In addition, applicants must be able to withstand the rigors of working in a disaster response area for a continuous two week period. Additional information and application is available at http://nursingworld.org/news/disaster/samhsaintro.htm. Please help if you can with this critical request.

Children 18 and Under Displaced by Hurricane Katrina Will Receive Free Vaccinations
9/20/05
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt has announced that all children from birth to 18 years old displaced by Hurricane Katrina are eligible to receive free vaccines through the federally-run Vaccines for Children program (VFC), regardless of whether they are staying at shelters, hotels, or with family and friends and regardless of previous health insurance coverage status. Managed by HHS’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the VFC helps families of children who may not otherwise have access to vaccines by providing free vaccines to doctors who serve them.

Read press release at www.hhs.gov/news/press/2005pres/20050916.html.

ANA Introduces the First Credit Card Designed for the Personal and Professional Needs of Nurses
9/19/05
The American Nurses Association (ANA) announces the introduction of a new affinity credit card that features a unique rewards program for nurses. ANA Nursing Rewards +, is the new rewards Visa credit card designed especially for nurses. More...

Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health and Gerontology Registered Nurses Needed for Katrina Response and Recovery Effort
9/16/05
In response to a request from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) are recruiting approximately 100 certified psychiatric and mental health and gerontology nurses to work in Louisiana. Selected registered nurses will be deployed as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, substance abuse counselors, and pastoral counselors. The assignments will be for two weeks and there will be four deployment cycles starting on September 18 with the last two-week deployment cycle starting on November 1, 2005. Expenses related to travel, housing and meals will be covered. Selected participants will also receive a $200 per day honorarium. Applicants must hold a current active RN license; be certified by ANCC in psychiatric/mental health OR gerontological nursing; and have professional liability insurance. In addition, applicants must be able to withstand the rigors of working in a disaster response area for a continuous two week period. Additional information and application is available at: http://www.nursingworld.org/news/disaster/samhsaintro.htm

Now is Not the Time to Cut the Health Care Safety Net
9/15/05
In a letter to the United States Congress, ANA President Barbara Blakeney speaks out against proposed Medicaid cuts.
Read the Letter

SAMHSA Awards $600,000 in Emergency Grants to Aid Katrina Victims
9/15/05
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded $600,000 in emergency grants to Louisiana, Alabama, Texas and Mississippi to ensure that mental health assessment and crisis counseling are available in areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

Read complete press release at www.samhsa.gov/news/newsreleases/050913_hhs.htm.

Commonwealth Fund Harvard University Fellowship in Minority Health Policy
9/14/05
Supported by The Commonwealth Fund, administered by the Minority Faculty Development Program at Harvard Medical School, this innovative fellowship is designed to prepare physicians, particularly minority physicians, for leadership roles in formulating and implementing public health policy and practice on a national, state, or community level. Five one-year, degree-granting fellowships will be awarded per year. Fellows will complete academic work leading to a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at the Harvard School of Public Health, and, through additional program activities, gain experience in and understanding of major health issues facing minority, disadvantaged, and underserved populations. CFHUF also offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at John F. Kennedy School of Government to physicians possessing an MPH. It is expected that CFHUF will support the development of a cadre of leaders in minority health, well-trained academically and professionally in public health, health policy, health management, and clinical medicine, as well as actively committed to careers in public service.

For application materials, information, and other training opportunities, please contact the CFHUF Program Coordinator by telephone at (617) 432-2922 or by e-mail at mfdp_cfhuf@hms.harvard.edu.

Update on Influenza Vaccine Supply and Recommendations for Prioritization
9/13/05
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published an article in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) which updates the influenza vaccine supply and recommendations for prioritization during the current influenza season. Four manufacturers (Sanofi Pasteur, Chiron Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline, and MedImmune Vaccines) now expect to provide influenza vaccine to the U.S. population during the 2005-2006 influenza season. However, because of the uncertainties regarding production of influenza vaccine, the exact number of available doses and timing of vaccine distribution for the 2005-2006 influenza season remain unknown.

The CDC recommends that the following priority groups receive TIV until October 24, 2005:

• persons aged >65 years with comorbid conditions
• residents of long-term--care facilities
• persons aged 2--64 years with comorbid conditions
• persons aged >65 years without comorbid conditions
• children aged 6--23 months
• pregnant women
• health-care personnel who provide direct patient care
• household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children aged <6 months

Nurses from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama Seeking Employment
9/12/05
Message from the Texas Nurses Association...
The Texas Nurses Association welcomes you to your new and perhaps temporary home in Texas. We understand over 300 of you have secured license as a nurse in Texas. Texas Nurses and Texas Employers of Nurses wish to assist you in your new directions. Can we assist you with finding employment as a nurse in Texas? Please use this link to view our efforts: http://texasnurses.org/rtn/rtn.htm

Food-Safe Schools Action Guide Debuts
9/12/05
The National Coalition for Food-Safe Schools (NCFSS) will introduce the Food-Safe Schools Action Guide at a press event on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 12 noon in the Tidewater Room of the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, VA. More...

Katrina Nurses Fund
9/09/05
While many organizations such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army are collecting funds to assist the Hurricane Katrina evacuees, we have learned that a large number of nurses have also been impacted by Katrina. In response to many requests for a way "for nurses to take care of their own" the American Nurses Foundation has created the Katrina Nurses Fund. 100% of all funds donated to the American Nurses Foundation for this fund will be contributed to assist nurses in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Additionally funds will be provided to assist nurses opening their homes for families or evacuee nurses.

Contributions can be made to the Katrina Nurses Fund, by making your tax-deductible donation to the "Katrina Nurse Fund" c/o The American Nurse Foundation, 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Online contributions can be made VISA, MasterCard or American Express at www.anfonline.org/anf/katrina.htm.

Effecting Positive Change in Patient Safety/Advocacy Web site Launched
9/09/05
The American Nurses Association is working as a strategic partner with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in the Saving 100,000 Lives Campaign, which aims to educate nurses and others on ways to enhance patient safety in the hospital setting. This breakthrough campaign provides a unique opportunity for nurses to make an impact in effecting positive change in patient safety/advocacy at individual hospitals and across the nation.

Over 2500 hospitals throughout all 50 states and the District of Columbia have already signed on. Nursing involvement directly supports ANA's Patient Safety/Advocacy strategic imperative. By effecting positive change around issues that are so critical to nursing and its future, ANA is advancing its ultimate goal, patient safety and quality nursing care.

ANA has developed educational materials to help nurses get hospitals involved in the campaign. Visit to the Patient Safety/Advocacy Web site to learn more...

CDC Posts Interim Immunization Recommendations for Persons Displaced by Hurricane Katrina
9/08/05
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site has posted interim immunization recommendations for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The purpose of these recommendations is to ensure that children, adolescents, and adults are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases in accordance with current recommendations and to reduce the likelihood of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in large crowded group settings. View recommendations at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/katrina/vaccrecdisplaced.asp.

Stay updated on Hurricane Katrina and recovery efforts by visiting www.nursingworld.org/news/disaster/katrina.htm.

Sharps Injury Prevention Award
9/08/05
ISIPS, the International Sharps Injury Prevention Society and Managing Infection Control Magazine have joined together to award the Sharps Injury Prevention Award to individuals that have made a difference in reducing needlestick and other sharps injuries. The deadline is September 30, 2005. Nomination form is available at www.isips.org/nominate.php.

Norwich University MSN in Nursing Administration Online
9/08/05
Do you aspire to nursing leadership? Nationally ranked Norwich University specifically created this online MSN program for professional nurses like you. This MSN will provide unlimited career options upon graduation, fast tracking your career to an executive position. With the core of an MSN & a focus on Nursing Administration, graduates of Norwich report higher earnings & increased opportunities for advancement in numerous healthcare delivery organizations. Finish coursework in 18 months & secure a great job with more pay & more responsibility. Don't compromise with unaccredited degrees; Norwich is NLN, AACN, NEASC, & CCNE accredited. December start available.

Ready to find out more? Go to www.msn.norwich.edu/ana.

CDC Issues Emergency Wound Management for Healthcare Professionals
9/07/05
The risk for injury during and after a natural disaster is high. Tetanus is a potential health threat for persons who sustain wound injuries. Tetanus is a serious, often fatal, toxic condition, but is virtually 100% preventable with vaccination. Any wound or rash has the potential for becoming infected and should be assessed by a health-care provider as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted guidelines on wound management for healthcare professionals dealing with Hurricane Katrina response on its Web site.

Download entire document at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/pdf/emergwoundhcp.pdf.

New Look at the Old Series -- Behaviors Associated with Dementia
9/07/05
Are you ready to leave biases and preconceived notions about dementia behind? Do you know what you and your colleagues can do to create an environment of care that provides cognitively impaired older adults with a sense of comfort and dignity rather than prompting challenging behaviors?

In the article, "Behaviors Associated with Dementia", Buckwalter and Smith distinguish common types of dementia, as well as explain underlying messages in a range of behavioral symptoms seen among this population. The authors also explain principles of care and nursing care models that can be applied across care settings. Follow this link to the seventh article in a continuing American Journal of Nursing (AJN) series called A New Look at the Old: www.NursingCenter.com/AJNolderadults.

Project HOPE -- Volunteering for Hurricane Katrina Relief
9/06/05
Project HOPE is preparing a comprehensive effort to provide medical aid to survivors in the Gulf state region impacted by the toll of Hurricane Katrina. More...

ANA President Sends Letter to HHS Secretary Leavitt
9/06/05
During this time of need, the American Nurses Association (ANA) wishes to offer our assistance in helping to respond to the call for assistance from our colleagues and fellow citizens in the states affected by Hurricane Katrina. ANA, its nursing organizational affiliates and its constituent member associations across the country are willing and ABLE to assist in recruiting nursing assets for deployment. More...

Katrina Update: HHS - KATRINA RECOVERY EFFORT
9/06/05
The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness (OPHEP) is in the process of identifying and mobilizing healthcare professionals and relief personnel to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. As our nation and the global community is now aware, the healthcare needs resulting from Katrina has reached an extremely critical nature. More...

2007 Convention Survey -- We Want Your Input
9/06/05
As you may have heard, ANA is moving its convention to a quadrennial model beginning in 2007. The new ANA convention will be held every 4 years and focus on a specific policy issue. And yes, it will still have the quality educational sessions, exhibits and special events you have come to expect. With this new format, we want to ensure that the convention is held during a time of year that works for the majority of nurses and in a location they are interested in. We need your help to make this work!! Please take a moment to fill out a very brief survey and tell us where you want to go and when you want to go there. Take the survey...

Abstracts Now Due September 30, 2005 for NI2006
9/02/05
The abstract deadline has been extended for NI2006, the 9th International Congress on Nursing Informatics, to be held in Seoul, Korea, on 11-14 June 2006, with tutorials on 9-10 June. The NI Congresses only happen every three years and are held under the auspices of IMIA-NI, the global body for nursing informatics (www.imia.org/ni/index.html). Please consider submitting your work for this important international event. Full details are on the website - www.ni2006.org - where you can both make your submissions and also register as a reviewer.
**Remember: Deadline for Submission is now September 30, 2005**

Katrina Update: Additional Resources from FEMA, CDC, and OSHA
9/01/05
View updated resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on hurricane recovery, donation information from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) web site, and worker safety resources from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Keep informed by going to NursingWorld's Hurricane Katrina section...

Support and Solidarity: Messages from Around the World in the Wake of Katrina's Aftermath
9/01/05
The American Nurses Association has received messages from around the world in response to Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Read messages...

National Symposium Seeks Strategies to Transform Health Professional Education
9/01/05
To advance improvements in professional education and practice that will enhance the safety and quality of health care, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has appointed an expert roundtable panel--comprising representatives from health care administration, medicine, nursing and pharmacy--to frame the issues and formulate recommendations. The conference, "Transforming Health Professional Education: Core Competencies, Microsystems and New Training Venues", offers an opportunity to voice opinions about recommendations for change, and to partner with other organizations to begin transforming health care. The conference takes place at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois on September 14-15, 2005. The American Nurses Association is one of the supporting organizations of this symposium.

For more on program and registration information, go to www.jcrinc.com/education.asp?durki=8901&site=5&return=8386.

BACK TO TOP

Search	Contact ANA	Join/Renew Membership	Members Only	Online CE
NursingInsiderSpecial Offersnursesbooks.org © 2008 The American Nurses Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved Copyright Policy | Privacy Statement