ANA Office Holiday Schedule
12/23/05
The ANA offices will be closed for the holiday beginning 3pm on December 23 and re-opening 9am on January 2, 2006. Happy Holidays...
Health Care Industry to Celebrate Decade of Environmental Successes at CleanMed 2006
12/23/05
Health care decision makers from across the United States will meet at CleanMed 2006 to discuss trends and celebrate successes in the growing movement to reduce pollution in the health care industry. Event partners and sponsors include Catholic Health Initiatives, Consorta, Kaiser Permanente, Premier Inc., Consorta and Health Care Without Harm. Read press release...
Final Week for Nursing Schools to Save on ANA's Foundation of Nursing Package for Spring 06 Semester
12/23/05
2004 and 2005 saw a dramatic rise in course adoption for ANA's Foundation of Nursing Package. This three-book set containing three of ANA's perennial best sellers; Nursing Scope & Standards of Practice, ANA's Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements and Nursing's Social Policy Statement define contemporary nursing practice and every nursing student and practicing nurse should have it!
Now through December 31, nursing schools ordering 15 or more Packages will save 20% and pay no shipping charges. Instructors receive one free desk copy. More...
ANA Speaks Out at Senate Press Conference on Flu Vaccine Protections
12/22/05
Nancy Hughes, MS, RN, the Director of Occupational Health and Safety at ANA participates in a Senate press conference on December 21, 2005, to oppose the inclusion of liability protections for pandemic flu vaccine manufacturers on the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. The press conference included Senators Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Chris Dodd (D-CT). ANA opposes this flu measure because it provides inadequate protections for health care workers and the general public.
Read ANA Press Releases...
U.S. Nursing Colleges Turn Away More Than 30,000 Qualified Applicants in 2005
12/21/05
Nursing colleges and universities denied 32,617 qualified applicants due primarily to a shortage of nurse educators according to preliminary survey data released by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The survey also reveals that enrollment in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs increased by 13.0 percent from 2004 to 2005.
According to AACN, this is the fifth consecutive year of enrollment increases with 14.1, 16.6, 8.1, and 3.7 percent increases in 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. Prior to the five-year upswing, baccalaureate nursing programs experienced six years of declining enrollments from 1995 through 2000. Last year, the U.S. Department of Labor identified Registered Nursing as the top occupation in terms of job growth through the year 2012. According to the latest projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one million new and replacement nurses will be needed by 2012.
For more information, visit the AACN Web site at www.aacn.nche.edu
ANA Now Offers the Nursing Rewards + Visa Card
12/21/05
It offers the first and only rewards program where nurses can choose from both personal and professional rewards in addition to having a low interest rate and no annual fee. For more information...
Nursing Population Grows to Nearly 3 Million RNs in the United States
12/20/05
A new survey released this month reveals that the number of licensed RNs living and working in the United States increased nearly 8 percent since 2000 to 2,909,467. The statistics are part of the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN), the nation’s most extensive and comprehensive source of statistics on RNs released every four years by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
The survey can be found at: this link
Other findings from the Survey include:
- Of the total number of RN population in March 2004, 83.2 percent, (an estimated 2,421,461) were employed in nursing in 2004 and 16.8 percent were not employed in nursing in 2004.
- Of the total estimated population of nurses in 2004, 58.3 percent (1,696,916) were working full-time, almost 25 percent (724,544) were working part-time in 2004, and 16.8 percent were not employed in nursing.
- The trend toward more RNs in older age groups continued, as demonstrated by the changes across surveys. The average age in each survey since 1980 has increased. In March 2004, the average age of the RN population was estimated to be 46.8 years of age, more than a year older than the average age of 45.2 years in estimated in 2000; and more than 4 years greater than in 1996 when the average age was 42.3 years.
- Continuing the history of nursing, relatively few men are licensed as RNs, with a slight, insignificant increase estimated for 2004 from 5.4 percent in 2000 to 5.7 percent in 2004.
- The actual average annual earnings of RNs employed full-time in 2004 were $56,784 which appears to be an increase from average earnings in 2000 ($46,782).
- The average age at graduation for recent RN graduates appears to be slightly lower than in 2000. The average age at graduation for RNs during the 5 years prior to the survey was 29.6 years for the 2004 survey compared to 30.5 years in the 2000 survey; however, RNs who graduated between 1995 and 1999 in the 2004 survey were 30.9 years of age at graduation.
- Advanced practice nurses (APN) include clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. In March 2004, the number of RNs prepared in at least one advanced practice role was estimated to be 240,461, or 8.3 percent of the total RN population, compared to an estimated 196,000, or 7.3 percent estimated in from the 2000 survey.
Public Health Groups Sue US Government for Fair & Democratic Representation
12/19/05
ANA joined a number of public health organizations in filing a lawsuit (12/14/05) demanding that corporate interests be balanced with public interest representation on US Industry Trade Advisory Committees (ITACs) that advise the US Trade Representative (USTR) on trade policies affecting public health. Non-profit and public interest organizations have been systematically denied posts on industry-dominated trade advisory committees that impact the health of millions of people around the world.
The suit was filed in US District Court in San Francisco by Earthjustice on behalf of a coalition of public health organizations including: the Center for Policy Analysis on Trade and Health (CPATH), California Public Health Association-North, the Chinese Progressive Association, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the American Nurses Association. The coalition claims that the current makeup of advisory committees used by the Bush administration to establish trade policy favors corporate interests and illegally excludes public health advocates.
The full press release is available at: www.earthjustice.org/news/display.html?ID=1090. ANA Senior Policy Fellow Cheryl Peterson, cheryl.peterson@ana.org is the content expert.
ANA Hails U.S. House Democrats' Pandemic Influenza Plan
12/16/05
The American Nurses Association (ANA) commends Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives for their unveiling (12/14/05) of a comprehensive strategy for combating a possible avian influenza pandemic.
The proposed House bill will take a multi-pronged approach to fighting a potential influenza pandemic by increasing international surveillance, boosting domestic supplies of vaccines and anti-viral medications, and allocating more funding to state and local public health infrastructures. more...
December 31 Deadline for Nursing Schools to Save on ANA's Foundation of Nursing Package for Spring 06 Semester
12/16/05
2004 and 2005 saw a dramatic rise in course adoption for ANA's Foundation of Nursing Package. This three-book set containing three of ANA's perennial best sellers; Nursing Scope & Standards of Practice, ANA's Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements and Nursing's Social Policy Statement define contemporary nursing practice and every nursing student and practicing nurse should have it!
Now through December 31, nursing schools ordering 15 or more Packages will save 20% and pay no shipping charges. Instructors receive one free desk copy. More...
ANA Introduces New Principles for Practice Package for RNs and Nursing Students
12/15/05
This valuable package economically priced at under $10.00 includes three easy to read resource guides containing practical information for education and professional practice and development in the areas of staffing, delegation and documentation. Each guidebook covers the essential principles of practice in its subject area, and contains policy statements, recommendations, and references. www.nursesbooks.org
From The ANA Hall of Fame - Annie Damer
1858-1915
12/14/05
A a member of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), Annie Damer was an outstanding nursing leader at the turn of the century -- a critical time in nursing history. More...
Partners Investing In Nursing's Future
12/13/05
Partners Investing in Nursing's Future (PIN) is a collaborative initiative between Northwest Health Foundation (NWHF) and The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) that will address nursing issues at the local level through funding partnerships with community and regional foundations.
PIN will provide two-year grants of up to $250,000. These funds are intended to support the capacity, involvement and leadership of local foundations to advance nursing workforce solutions in their own communities.
Optional program orientation teleconference calls for potential applicants will be held at 3:30 pm EST on January 9 and January 23. Details and pre-registration information are posted at www.PartnersInNursing.org. Applicants will have an opportunity to ask questions during the teleconference calls. Initial proposals are due by February 16, 2006
Hurricane Mental Health Awareness Campaign
12/12/05
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today (12/07/05) launched a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to encourage people who may be experiencing psychological distress following the recent hurricanes to consider seeking mental health services. The PSAs, the result of a partnership between HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Ad Council, will be distributed to 12,000 media outlets nationwide.
According to SAMHSA, past research on the mental health consequences of major floods and hurricanes suggests that the psychological impacts of the recent hurricanes could be extensive. SAMHSA estimates that -- in those areas that have been significantly impacted by the hurricanes -- 25 percent to 30 percent of the population may experience clinically significant mental health needs and an additional 10 percent to 20 percent may show sub-clinical, but not trivial, needs. Up to 500,000 people may be in need of assistance.
Hurricane Mental Health Awareness Campaign/PSA: www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/disasterrelief/psa.aspx
Press Release: www.samhsa.gov/news/newsreleases/051207_hurricane.htm
SAMHSA Disaster Relief Information: www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/disasterrelief/
Announcement: 2005 Nurses Workgroup Mini-Grant RFP, Round Three
12/09/05
Health Care Without Harm is announcing round three of the 2005-2006 Nurses Workgroup Mini-Grant Program. The Mini-Grant program is designed to support innovative efforts to expand and deepen the involvement of nurses in environmental health issues, to promote advocacy activities and to encourage those initiatives that showcase collaborative efforts between nurses and environmental organizations. The HCWH Mini- Grant program welcomes all applications for funding from nurses who are members of the HCWH Nurse’s Workgroup, participants of “RN No Harm” workshops, participants of the Commonweal 2004 Initiative, ANA Constituent Member Associations, Specialty Nursing Organizations, Nursing Unions, and HCWH Workgroups that wish to develop or expand their relationships with nurses. The awards will range from $500 to $3,000 and will be for one-year only.
The proposal is due January 31, 2006. The proposal may not exceed five pages. Applicants of accepted proposals will be notified by February 28, 2006. We strongly encourage applicants to apply by E-mail to Brenda Afzal at bafzal@son.umaryland.edu. If you have questions regarding the RFP, or your eligibility to apply, please contact Brenda Afzal by email or at 410-706-1778; or contact Joli Patterson Rosst at jprosst@hcwh.org.
Nurses Top List in Honesty and Ethics Again in Gallup Poll
12/08/05
The Gallup Organization's 2005 annual poll on professional honesty and ethical standards ranked nurses number one. The poll asked Americans to rate the honesty and ethical standards of members of professions on a five-point scale that ranges from "very high" to "very low." Of the 21 professions tested this year, 6 have majority "high ethical" ratings -- nurses (82%), pharmacists (67%), medical doctors (65%), high school teachers (64%), policemen (61%), and clergy (54%).
"The rating of nurses by the public again as number one in 'honesty and ethics' reveals just how much trust the public places in the nursing profession," said ANA President Barbara Blakeney, MS, RN. "It is my hope that this continuing affirmation of the public's respect and trust will prompt Congress and the health care industry to support nursing education and improve the work environment for nurses. What we need, in short, is the public's support on such issues, along with policy makers' readiness and willingness to act."
In general, the latest poll shows Americans continue to give high ratings to professionals in public service and public protection, including members of the healthcare professions.
Nurses have been the highest rated profession since first being included in Gallup’s “Honesty and Integrity” survey in 1999, except in 2001, when firefighters outranked them in wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (Firefighters were not included in this year’s poll.) http://poll.gallup.com/
CDC Presents via Satellite Broadcast, "Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases"
12/07/05
On Dec. 8th (12:00-3:30 PM ET), the Public Health Training Network Satellite Broadcast and Webcast Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is broadcasting "Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases."
This course is designed to provide information on case investigation, outbreak control, and disease reporting for vaccine-preventable diseases. Continuing Education (CE) Credits will be provided. For additional information and registration go to: www.phppo.cdc.gov/PHTN/VPD-05.
Self-Study Programs
This program will be edited and made available for self-study in DVD and web-on-demand formats 4 to 6 weeks after the broadcasts. The program will not be available as a videotape. To order the DVD, use the online order form at www.cdc.gov/nip/publications. After December 8, view the web-on-demand: www.phppo.cdc.gov/PHTN/webcast/VPD-05/default.asp
Interactive Medicaid Tools from the Kaiser Family Foundation
12/06/05
The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured presents the State Medicaid Fact Sheets and the Medicaid Benefits Online Database, two interactive tools featuring the latest key data, information and services provided for each state’s Medicaid program. Both tools allow for easy access to the data which can then be printed, saved and emailed.
MEDICAID FACT SHEETS
www.kff.org/mfs/index.jsp
This new interactive online tool provides the latest key data for each state’s Medicaid program and the population it serves, allowing for easy comparisons of one state to any other state or to the nation as a whole, on a selection of important indicators. Utilizing the latest Medicaid data from the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured and drawn directly from Kaiser's continuously updated site for state health data, statehealthfacts.org www.statehealthfacts.org, this tool provides figures and tables that can be easily printed as customized fact sheets, emailed or saved.
View the custom Medicaid Fact Sheet for California www.kff.org/mfs/medicaid.jsp?r1=CA&r2=US.
Link to your state's Medicaid Fact Sheet from your Web site, www.kff.org/medicaid/mfs_link.cfm.
MEDICAID BENEFITS ONLINE DATABASE
www.kff.org/medicaid/benefits
This interactive tool provides easy access to information on services provided by each state's Medicaid program. The database contains Medicaid benefits survey data from 2003 and 2004 with information about benefits covered, limits, co-payments and reimbursement methodologies for the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Territories. The tool allows for searches by state or service and permits comparisons between 2003 and 2004 information. Customized searches and the options of printing, emailing or saving search results are also available.
Link to information about your state's Medicaid benefits from your Web site, www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaidbenefitsdb_link.cfm.
For more information:
Statehealthfacts.org www.statehealthfacts.org/cgi-bin/healthfacts.cgi?action=methodology
Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured www.kff.org/about/kcmu.cfm
Nursing Schools Save 20% and Free Shipping on ANA's Foundation of Nursing Package for Spring 06 Semester through December 31
12/05/05
2004 and 2005 saw a dramatic rise in course adoption for ANA's Foundation of Nursing Package. This three-book set containing three of ANA's perennial best sellers; Nursing Scope & Standards of Practice, ANA's Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements and Nursing's Social Policy Statement define contemporary nursing practice and every nursing student and practicing nurse should have it!
Now through December 31, nursing schools ordering 15 or more Packages will save 20% and pay no shipping charges. Instructors receive one free desk copy. More...
Public Health Foundation Pink Book Announcement
12/02/05
The Public Health Foundation is pleased to announce the February 2006 release of the 9th edition of "Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases" (The Pink Book). The Pink Book is developed and published by the National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Pink Book provides physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other public health and healthcare professionals with comprehensive vaccine information and recommendations, such as: general recommendations on immunizations including timing and spacing of vaccines, screening for contraindications and precautions like pregnancy and HIV infection; specific strategies to achieve high vaccine coverage; and vaccine safety.
New recommendations for the 9th edition include:
- Pertussis (licensure of Tdap and recommendations for its use) -Meningococcal (licensure of conjugate vaccine and recommendations for its use)
- Hepatitis A (universal recommendation for children 12-23 months and reduction of minimum age from 2 years to 12 months).
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella and the licensure of MMRV
The Public Health Foundation is now taking prepublication orders at a discounted price of $25.00 per copy plus shipping fees until January 9, 2006. Orders of 250 or more copies will receive a 25% bulk discount. To order today at the best possible rates, please go online to http://bookstore.phf.org/prod463.htm . You may also order by calling their toll free line at (877) 252-1200.
WHO "Mercury in Health Care" Policy Declares Mercury Should Be Banned!
12/01/05
The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a policy paper entitled "Mercury in Health Care". In it, WHO resolves to "support a ban for use of mercury containing devices and effectively promote the use of mercury free alternatives." The two page document also addresses: the health care sector contribution to mercury pollution, mercury as an occupational hazard, the use of alternatives. This policy and it's language may be useful to organizations in the effort to rid health care of this dangerous neurotoxin!
Health Care Without Harm played an integral role and provided valuable input for the development of the WHO policy. Several of the Health Care Without Harm participants were nurses!! The WHO Mercury in Health Care policy may be found at the global Health Care Without Harm mercury-free health care site: www.mercuryfreehealthcare.org/
Press Releases
